Denis Radovan and Andrei Mikhailovich collide in a final eliminator for the IBF world middleweight title, live on DAZN next month. 

The two highest ranked contenders in the 160lbs division clash on Saturday, December 16 in Sunderland, on the undercard of Josh Kelly’s major homecoming fight with Roarke Knapp. 

Delivered by Wasserman Boxing, Radovan and Mikhailovich put their unbeaten records on the line at the Beacon of Light, in the hope of earning the right to challenge fearsome champion Janibek Alimkhanuly. 

This world title eliminator acts as the co-main event to Kelly’s match-up against the highly ranked Knapp, with the Sunderland hero daring to risk his own title ambitions against the big-punching South African. 

Kelly will be boxing in his hometown for the first time as a professional and an expected sell-out crowd will provide noisy support for the 29-year-old, in the biggest fight of his career. 

North East talents Dan Toward, Ben Marksby and Travis Waters are also on the show, along with Harvey Lambert, plus many more fighters who will be announced in the coming days. 

But today’s announcement confirms the addition of a high-level international scrap between Germany’s Radovan and New Zealand-based Russian, Mikhailovich, live on DAZN. 

Denis Radovan said: “I don’t waste time yapping like him and his crew.  

“December 16th, my statement hits – not through the media, but right on his chin.” 

Andrei Mikhailovich said: “I am extremely excited for the opportunity to fight Denis.  

“To be fighting for a world title eliminator is a dream come true. 

“Only one man will be left in my way after this victory. 

“In the Wild West of Auckland, we are training hard to show everyone who I am. 

December 16th, I can’t wait.” 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “Radovan vs Mikhailovich is a brilliant fight to add to this massive show in Sunderland. 

“Whether you’re sitting at ringside, or watching at home on DAZN, you will love this one, and it will get the adrenaline pumping for the main event. 

“Radovan and Mikhailovich are both unbeaten, both extremely confident and both laser-focused on winning a shot at the prestigious IBF world middleweight title.  

“Those ingredients together can mean only one thing – a great fight for the fans.” 

LONG BEACH, CA (November 20, 2023) – The third edition of CBN Promotions’ “New Blood” boxing series is scheduled for December 9, 2023, at Infinite Reality Studios in Long Beach, California, formerly known as Thunder Studios.

The 10-round main event will feature a featherweight all-action clash between WBO / NABO featherweight champion Brandon “Leon” Benitez (20-2, 8 KOs) of Queretaro, Mexico, vs. Rigoberto Hermosillo (14-4-1, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA. Also on the card will be WBC super flyweight Interim world champion Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (14-0-1) of Los Angeles, CA, against an opponent to be named shortly. Rounding out the stellar event, super featherweight George “El Yuyu” Acosta (16-1, 3 KOs) of Whittier, CA, will battle Texan Richard “El Castigo” Medina (15-1, 8 KOs) from San Antonio in an 8-round clash.

Televised fights will broadcast live in Spanish on FOX Deportes, and the entire card will stream live on, www.FightStars.Network?. In addition, fans will be able to see the fights tape delayed on Estrella TV.

Doors open at 5:00 pm PT with the first fight starting at 6:00 pm PT. Televised fights on FOX Deportes will start at 7:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling 800-283-8699, by text at 702-591-1638, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com. Infinite Reality Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810.

“We want to close the year with a fantastic card and give the fans a night to remember,” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions. “We are building something special in Long Beach and we want to continue the momentum we’ve gained in our prior two shows. I’d like to encourage everyone to come out and enjoy a great night of boxing!”

“Everyone at our studio is thrilled to host the third installment of the ‘New Blood’ series, ending the 2023 year with a bang,” said Rolando Nichols, President of Infinite Reality Studios. “We plan on putting together another fantastic production for the fans. Everyone can expect a dynamic atmosphere of action-packed live boxing.”

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Bantamweight Mario Hernandez (10-4-1, 3 KOs) from Santa Ana, CA, will face Adrian Alvarado (8-1-1, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA. (6-rounds).

Lightweight Adrian Corona (9-1-2, 2 KOs) of Rialto, CA, will battle Francisco Duque (2-3, 1 KO) from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. (6-rounds).

Opening the card will be super welterweight Nelson Guerrero (Pro Debut) from Coachella, CA, facing Arturo Herrera, of Killeen, TX. (0-1). (4-rounds).

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

MIAMI, FL (Nov. 20, 2023)—Adrien “The Problem” Broner suffered an injury to his right-hand and won’t be able to participate in Don King’s People’s Championship boxing card on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Casino Miami Jai Alai.

Broner, who was disappointed he won’t be able to take on Chris Howard in a tune-up fight on his road to the championship, said he will be ready to go by late February. “The hell with tune-up fights,” said Broner. I’m ready to take on any of the champions in the 140- and 147-pound division. I’m ready to fight the big guys. Everything they think I don’t have, I still got. I’m ready to fight Ryan Garcia or, Rolando Romero or the winner of the Regis Prograis—Devin Haney fight.”

“Adrien hurt his hand in the June 9^th fight against William Hutchinson,” said trainer Kevin Cunningham. “He returned to camp for six weeks for this fight and reinjured it sparring. He took a couple cortisone shots and went back to work. He hurt it again in training and the doctor said he needs to take time off.”

“We’ll continue to stay in shape and get back to work. I personally guarantee to Don King that we will be in tip top shape for a championship opportunity in late February.”

“Adrien is ready for the big time,” said King. “He’s a four-time World Champion and he’s going to win four more titles under my promotion. We’ll still hold the People’s Championship card on Dec. 2^nd with six title fights up for grabs.”

The super sensation fan favorite and WBA Continental America’s middleweight champion, Ian Green (17-2, 11 KOs) from Haledon, NJ will be featured in the main event against St. Louis’ Vaughn Alexander (18-7-1, 11 KOs) for the WBA Continental North American Middleweight title.

Tre’Sean Wiggins (15-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, NY will defend his NABA Welterweight championship against an opponent to be named.

King also will announce four other title fights to make it a night of six championships.

Tickets, priced from $50, are on sale and can be purchased at www.playcasinomiami.com for the Dec. 2^nd card.  Ringside tables are $2,500. ringside seats $300, floor seats $150 and side seats are $75. General Admission tickets at $50.

The People’s Championship night of boxing also will be available on DonKing.com, FITE.TV AND ITUBE247.com.

LAS VEGAS – November 20, 2023 – WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García will square off against top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach in the telecast opener of a stacked SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

“I’ve had an amazing training camp in Las Vegas, training and sparring with the best in the world,” said García. “I’m in tremendous shape and everything has come together for me during this training camp. My weight is right on point and I’m feeling strong.

“This is going to be a great fight for the fans because we both have something to prove, and we are going to do whatever it takes to be victorious. Lamont Roach is very skilled in a lot of areas. He’s a technical fighter with a high ring IQ. I’ve been working extremely hard to be prepared for his style. He’s coming into this fight very hungry to become a world champion, but I’m not giving up my title. I’m going to leave everything in the ring on fight night!”

García captured his world title with a one-sided unanimous decision over Roger Gutiérrez in August 2022.

“Fighting at super featherweight is where I’m most dangerous,” continued García. “I captured the WBA title by beating the best in the division. Now, I’m ready to defend my title against the number one ranked fighter in the WBA. I’m going to show the world that I’m the best fighter at 130 pounds.”

After a tremendous 2022 in which García handed the then unbeaten Chris Colbert his first professional loss and then won his title over Gutiérrez, García will look to bounce back from his only professional loss, which came in January of this year when he was stopped by Gervonta Davis in their lightweight showdown.

“A victory on November 25 will solidify my status as one of the best fighters in the world,” concluded García. “My goal is to fight the biggest names in boxing. A win against Roach will open up a tremendous amount of opportunities for me and my team.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing, are on sale now and available at AXS.com.

#         #         #

ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. ANDRADE

Benavidez vs. Andrade will see undefeated two-time super middleweight world champion David “El Monstruo” Benavídez defend his Interim WBC Super Middleweight Title against unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade headlining a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, November 25 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. 

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo against exciting contender José Benavídez Jr. in a 10-round non-title WBC special event in the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting IBF 140-pound world champion Subriel Matías faces unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev and WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Héctor García duels top-rated mandatory challenger Lamont Roach in the telecast opener. Also Live on PPV.com

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

NEW YORK (November 20 , 2023) – As undefeated rising Irish welterweight star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) prepares to fight for his first title as a professional this Saturday against Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs), former world middleweight champion and fellow Irishman, Andy Lee, has become Donovan’s invaluable chief second.

Donovan vs. Ball is being showcased on a DAZN PPV card presented by Matchroom Boxing, headlined by the rematch between undisputed world super lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0) and Katie Taylor (21-1), streaming live from 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, in a 10-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Championship.

The 24-year-old Donovan was a celebrated Irish amateur boxer who compiled a sterling 161-6 record, captured 13 national titles, in addition to a silver medal at the prestigious AIBA World Junior Championships. The Limerick fighter, who was born in Ennis, Ireland, trains with Lee in Dublin and the connection has been awe inspiring to date.

Ireland has had numerous world champions, but few in the welterweight division, aside from Hall of Famer Jimmy McLarin and Eamonn Loughran. Donovan embraces the rich Irish boxing history, confident of becoming special before he hangs up his gloves and, perhaps, joining their exclusive club.

“I am a welterweight and don’t have problems making weight,” Donovan said. “I feel brilliant, strong and I believe I’ll be world champion. Right now, I’m the biggest prospect in Ireland.

“It’s amazing how Irish fighters are such big attractions. Fans love the style of Irish boxing. We’re known as sluggers, but it’s starting to change into a more boxer-puncher style today, because we have some great amateur coaches in Ireland.”

Lee (35-3-1, 24 KOs), whose cousin is unbeaten lineal and reigning World Boxing Council (WBA) World Heavyweight Champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs), not only trains Paddy, he also co-manages him along with New York-based attorney Keith Sullivan. Lee is well traveled having also been a 2004 Olympian, later trained by Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward and Adam Booth.

Not only does Lee believe Paddy is the top boxing prospect in Ireland, but he also feels that Donovan is one of the top boxing prospects in the entire world.

“I first met Paddy when he was a really young kid,” Lee remembered. “The first time I saw him was in the gym when my brother, Roger, told me about Paddy and his younger brother Eddie. Fast forward to the next time I saw Paddy; I was blown away with what I was seeing, but I wasn’t involved then as a trainer. I thought, if I was ever to get involved as a coach, this is the kid I want to do it with. He’s so talented and I see that every day I train him. He’s confident and something very special. He is one of the most talented boxers in the world.

“It’s not essential that he’s working with a world champion, but it definitely helps. I try to instill in my boxers what I learned from Emanuel Steward at the Kronk Gym, and the wealth of experience I have as a fighter going from London to Ireland, European and then Olympic competitions, and then working with Adam Booth. I’m finding a way to blend it all together.”

Presently, Lee is working in the Dublin gym with Paddy, as well as former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs), of New Zealand, for his fight next month against Deontay Wilder, and Scottish heavyweight Nick Campbell (6-1, 5 KOs).

“No disrespect, “ Lee added, “because there are a lot of good fighters coming up in Ireland, but I believe Paddy is one of the best prospects in the world. It’s only a matter of time. We need to bring him along at the right pace, getting him experience in the gym. He has all the ingredients to be world champion, he just needs to cook a little more. He’s tough, works hard and is the hardest hitting welterweight. He’s taking the right steps to do what he’s capable of doing in boxing.”

Donovan has dedicated his fight to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. Lee and Sullivan have also felt the pain of suicide by close relations. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

“I’ve spent countless hours crying for my family members,” Donovan stated powerfully. “We need to speak about this, and Pieta is there to help. If I can get somebody to call that number and change their life, I think my deed is done on this earth.” 

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

QUINCY, Mass. (November 20, 2023) – Four-time New England Golden Gloves Champion Keno Luna will make his long anticipated professional debut at home on Saturday night, December 9, fighting on the “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), in a four-round bout against Moises Riveira.

All of the action will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com from the famed Palladium in Luna’s hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.. GCP has partnered with Project New Hope, a Worcester-based charity that supports veterans and their families.

In addition to winning four N.E. Golden Gloves titles, Luna (67-18 amateur record) is a five-time Silver Mittens champion, who also reached the semi-finals of the 2019 and 2023 National Golden Gloves Tournament. He is trained by Chico Lopez at Ken Ball’s Camp Right Boxing Gym in Worcester.

“I wanted to make it to the Olympic Qualifiers this year, but I fell short,” Luna explained why he’s turning pro now. “I felt robbed and everybody else did too. I didn’t want to wait four more years to try and make the (2028) Olympics.

“I’m only going to be better as a pro, because my style is better suited for it than the amateurs, where it’s all about punching for points. I like to take my time and pick spots. I’m a southpaw who people in the gym have been calling mini-Pacquiao. I’m a speedy southpaw who started going to the gym when I was 10. I didn’t really know much about Manny Pacquiao, but once I started watching his fights, I realized why they were calling me mini-Pacquiao.”

Fighting at home as one of the leaders of the new wave of Worcester boxers means a lot to the 21-year-old Luna. He is aware of his hometown’s rich tradition of producing elite fighters for the past century, including top 10-rated lightweight contender Jamaine Ortiz.

“Fighting my pro debut at home is like a dream come true for me,” Luna said. I can’t wait. I’m happy and excited about this opportunity. I’ve trained with sparred Jamaine and it’s meant so much to me. He’s been my inspiration and look where he is today.”

Two other Worcester fighters are on the card as well, light heavyweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (21-1-3, 12 KOs), and junior middleweight Khiary “Too Sharp” Gray (17-6, 13 KOs). Ball will be fighting for his third title when he faces Heber Rondon (20-5,13 KOs), of Venezuela, in an eight-round match for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Light Heavyweight Championship. Gray fights for the first time in two years, squaring off with veteran Jimmy “The Quiet Storm” Williams (18-13-2, 6 KOs) in a six-round bout match that could steal the show.

“We are honored to have Keno’s first professional bout on a Granite Chin event,” GCP president Chris Traietti remarked. “All the chatter about him has been enthusiastic and optimistic that he has the goods to go somewhere in boxing. It all just adds to the quality of the card being put on December 9th. Granite Chin is displaying the immediate and relatively soon future of Massachusetts boxing.”

The stacked “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2,” card also has International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas Super Middleweight and Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Champion Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs) fighting an opponent to soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.?

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

X (Twitter): @Granite_Chin

Legendary boxing journalist and blow-by-blow announcer Jim Lampley returns to the ring

this week.  Jim will once again be joining PPV.COM to exclusively co-host, with Lance Pugmire, the service’s David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade live viewer chat that complements its live stream of the fight, Saturday, November 25, from the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.  He will also provide on-site commentary and reports from Las Vegas, generating original video content for PPV.COM‘s website and social media platforms.

What are Jim’s thoughts on this rumble between these two undefeated super middleweight warriors?  Glad you asked.

“This is a MUST matchup for the continuation of a logical narrative in both the 168 lb. weight class and the pound for pound sweepstakes in the sport.  As logical opponents for Canelo Álvarez going forward, both Benavidez and Andrade figure into both those narratives.  The winner looks forward toward large horizons, the loser can argue he is not eliminated from the picture, but rather has accepted a setback by taking on a particularly difficult style matchup for him and his specific skill set.

“To win, Benavidez must go forward aggressively and impose his advantages in size and power, while Andrade must make Benavidez miss and then make him pay, employing superior elusiveness and counterpunching.  Their styles are made for each other. 

“Benavidez is a young, confident, charismatic destroyer with unusual straight-ahead power and aggressive fighting instincts.  Andrade is a superbly conditioned, athletically gifted southpaw counterpuncher with guile, craft and experience.  

“In sum, the winner becomes a logical opponent for Canelo Álvarez at 168 lbs., as both Benavidez and Andrade have been circling Canelo and hunting this opportunity for the past couple of years.” 

JIM LAMPLEY

Jim is a recipient of the Boxing Writers Association of America’s (BWAA) Sam Taub Award for Excellence in Broadcasting Journalism and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in its 2015 class. He served as anchor and commentator for “HBO World Championship Boxing” for 30 years and has covered numerous Olympic Games during his long and distinguished career in sports broadcasting.  He began his broadcasting career with ABC Sports, as television’s first football sideline reporter.        

PPV.COM
PPV.COM will be live-streaming Benavidez vs. Andrade in the U.S. and Canada on Saturday, November 25, beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, for $74.99 PPV.COM | Benavidez vs. Andrade.  No subscription is required.  The audio feed will be available in both English and Spanish.  iNDEMAND, the parent company of PPV.COM, will also be carrying the event through its network of cable and telco operators in the U.S. and Canada via providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Optimum, Fios, Rogers, Bell, SaskTel, and TELUS among others.

Diego Pacheco stopped Marcelo Coceres in round nine of their 12-round super middlleweight bout at The Youtube Theater in Inglewood, Californi.

Pacheco battered a gritty Coceres in several rounds. In round nine, Pacheco landed a booming right and a nasty right uppercut that put Coceres down for the 10-count at 2:53.

Pacheco, 167 lbs of Los Angeles is 20-0 with 17 knockouts. Coceres, 167 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG is 32-6-1.

Erika Cruz Decisions Rivas to win Super Bantamweight Title

Erika Cruz won the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round majority decision over Mayerlin Rivas.

In round four, Rivas was cut below her right eye.

Cruz landed 70 of 425 punches. Rivas was 71 of 168.

Cruz, 122 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 98-92, 9703 and 95-95 to become a two-division world champion at 17-2. Rivas, 121.8 lbs of Maracaibo, VEN is 17-5-3.

Jonathan Rodriguez stops Yafai in First-Round

Jonathan Rodriguez scored the biggest and most emphatic win of his career as he stopped former world champion Kal Yafai in the opening round of their 10-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Rodriguez landed a huge overhand right that put Yafai on the canvas. Rodriguez out Yafai down again with another right hand. Rodriguez had Yafai in trouble and landed a big shot that stumbled Yafai and then landed four more punches and the fight was stopped at 2:17

Rodriguez, 118 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is now 17-1-1 with seven knockouts. Yafai, 117.4 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is now 27-2.

Marc Castro Stops Fuenzalida in 7

Marc Castro remained undefeated with a seventh round stoppage over Gonzalo Fuenzalida in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

Castro dominated the brawl and almost had the stoppage earlier in round seven until Castro leveled Fuenzalida with a should block. Seconds later, Castro landed a huge flurry that forced a referee stoppage at 2:31.

Castro, 131.4 lbs of Fresno, CA is 11-0 with eight knockouts. Fuenzalida, 132 lbs of Santiago de CHL is 12-3.

Jalan Walker stopped Jorge Alberto Villegas in round two of their eight-round super featherweight.

In round two, Walker landed a huge flurry of about 20 flurries and the bout was stopped at 2:55.

Walker, 131.2 lbs of Los Angeles is now 12-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Villegas, 131.6 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 14-2.

Criztec Bazaldua stopped Pedro Cruz in the fourth and final round of their lightweight bout.

In round four, Cruz was cut around the right eye. Bazaldula battered Cruz until the bout was stopped at 46 seconds.

Bazaldua, 136.6 lbs of Los Angeles is now 3-0 with one knockout. Cruz, 138.8 lbs of San Jose, CA is 3-4.

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 17, 2023) – Undefeated super featherweight, Andres “Savage” Cortes (20-0, 11 KOs), based in Las Vegas and promoted by Top Rank Inc., has boldly thrown down the gauntlet, expressing his desire to face Mexico’s WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs), and WBC champ O’Shaquie Foster (21-2, 12 KOs). Cortes’ call for a high-stakes showdown comes in the wake of Navarrete’s recent draw against Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last night.

“I believe I could have stopped Conceicao if I were given the chance,” said Cortes. “Navarrete is not invincible. He showed last night that he can be beaten. My style, power, and hunger make me a significant threat in this division. I’m ready for any challenge and with my recent victories, I’ve earned the right to face him.”

The determined young fighter is convinced that he is the most avoided fighter in the super featherweight division. He vows to continue working his way up the rankings to garner a world title opportunity. Cortes believes a fight with O’Shaquie Foster can be made easily being that he just signed with his promoter Top Rank.

“My record speaks for itself. I’ve consistently proven myself in the ring, yet I’m continuously avoided by other fighters in the division,” Cortes stated. “Navarrete is the champion, and I respect that, but I’m here to prove that I am the best and to claim what’s rightfully mine. Foster just signed with Top Rank so that fight can be made with ease. I want both of these champions. I’ve earned it.”

Cortes has positioned himself as a force in the super featherweight ranks. His call-out of Navarrete and Foster aims to assert his dominance and position himself for a title shot against the world champions.

“One thing I know I can guarantee is a lot of action when I step in the ring,” concluded Cortes. “What we saw in the main event last night was unacceptable for boxing fans. Whenever I fight, you can count on me throwing a lot of punches and going for the knockout. No boring ass fights in me.”

oston Boxing Promotions returns this Wednesday, November 22nd for the 6th Annual Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular live on www.CombatSportsNow.com.

The annual event, which will be sold out for the 6th straight year, has become one of the most anticipated nights of club boxing in the entire country, a bonafide holiday tradition for hardcore fight fans who watch the action online from around the world.

This year’s main event features one of the most beloved fighters in New England, Greg Vendetti (23-5-1) who will be taking on veteran spoiler, Geronimo Sacco (10-7-1). ‘The Villain’ will be making his first hometown area appearance since he went the distance in a Rocky worthy performance against WBA Super Welterweight Champion, Erislandy Lara in 2020.

Vendetti who took a year off from his professional career to join the National Guard as an infantryman in addition to creating and running a free after school boxing program for Boston area youth, returns to Boston Boxing Promotions, the same company he made his professional debut with a decade ago.

“I’m excited to be fighting locally. It’s been too long. This is a good opportunity for my supporters to see me live. It’s going to be a lot of fun for me to fight in front of my friends and family again.”, said Vendetti.

“I’ve attended Boston Boxing Promotions’ Thanksgiving Eve event in the past and the atmosphere is incredible. I look forward to putting on a show in front of a sold out hometown crowd and then go for a major opportunity early next year.”

In the co-main event, two of Boston Boxing Promotions’ most popular young fighters will go toe to toe when Haverhill, Massachusetts’ Nicky Tejada (6-0) puts his perfect record on the line against Tygnsboro, Massachusett’s Nate Balakin (6-3) in a 6 round welterweight contest. With their mutually rabid fanbases, Tejada vs. Balakin has created a massive local buzz.

In a special attraction, undefeated Ukrainian sensation, Andrii Novytskyi (6-0) will have the toughest test of his young career when he takes on former world title challenger, Santander Gelez (32-16) in a 6 round heavyweight bout.

The supporting card has all the unique hallmarks, from rematches to international heavyweights to retirement bouts, that boxing fans have come to love about the Thanksgiving Boxing Spectacular including:

Massachusetts’ Leesh Pike will take on Rhode Island’s Karen Dulin in a 6 round women’s bout that is a rematch of their back and forth battle last year.

Two young undefeated heavyweight sluggers Serhii Sheludko (1-0) and Steven Dunn (2-0), who both train out of Hollywood, California will see action separate fights.

Undefeated fighters Austin Keller (1-0) from Massachusetts and Mario Christopher Ramirez (3-0) from Simi Valley, California will be representing their 3,000 miles apart hometowns of Middletown, Massachusetts and Simi Valley, California in separate bouts.

Last but not least, Chris Jay (1-0) best known as the frontman of the band, Army of Freshmen, actor/writer of the indie comedy film, The Bet and frequent member of Boston Boxing Promotion’s commentating team will be returning to the ring for his second and final professional fight.

In keeping with the event’s popularity with boxing fans who watch the annual broadcast as well as discuss it in real time online, this year fans are encouraged to follow BoxRec’s Grey Johnson @boxrecgrey and club boxing icon, Tim Boxeo @timoboxeo on Twitter. The two outspoken and very funny experts will be live tweeting and running an online commentary throughout the night which fans can participate in.

“What started out as an ode to the days of professional wrestling promoters running on major holidays has turned into our biggest and most anticipated night of the year. We’re looking at our 6th straight sell out and the interest from press, both local and national, has been phenomenal for a regional promotion.” says, Boston Boxing President, Peter Czymbor.

‘We’re honored that it’s become a tradition for many boxing fans. We invite everyone to join us online and be part of the energy and excitement that comes with the Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular. We truly believe it’s the most entertaining club boxing show of the year.”

The Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular takes place this Wednesday, November 22 at The Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Limited tickets are available and the entire event will stream live on www.CombatSportsNow.com

ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. In 2020, Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic. The event led to a popular series of empty venue shows broadcast live and for free on YouTube watched by thousands of fans around the world. Their annual Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular has become a tradition for hardcore boxing fans with 6 consecutive sellouts including this year’s 2023 edition which is receiving extensive news coverage on television and in print.

Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!

Heavyweight contender Nathan Gorman goes straight back in at the deep end when he faces Ukrainian Bohdan Myronets on December 1, live and free-to-air on Channel 5. 

Gorman returns to the ring for the first time since last year’s three-round shoot-out for the British title with Fabio Wardley, after a training injury to Lee McGregor has forced his clash with Isaac Lowe to be rearranged. 

The highly anticipated WBO European title showdown between McGregor and Lowe will now take place, early in the New Year.  

But the bumper Wasserman Boxing show in Bolton, delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment, goes on – and now with a heavyweight humdinger on the card as Gorman and Byronets collide. 

And Roman Fury, fresh from his brutal stoppage win in Brighton live on Channel 5 last week, is also in action at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Friday, December 1. 

The European flyweight title fight between the ferocious Chloe Watson and Justine Lallemand headlines this pre-Christmas cracker, with the big-punching match-up between Gorman and Myronets also showcased live on free-to-air television. 

Myronets stunned Kash Ali in Edinburgh in the summer and now he wants to add Gorman to his list of UK scalps. 

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman Boxing, said: “We’re so disappointed for Lee because he was looking in great shape ahead of this cracker of a fight with Lowe. 

“But the contest will still go ahead, early in the New Year, when Lee is fit and firing again, and it will be worth the wait I can guarantee you that. 

“In its place for our December 1 show in Bolton, live on Channel 5, comes the return of Nathan Gorman, who goes into a tough, tough fight with Bohdan Myronets. 

“This a heavy-duty, big-punching match-up that will not be for the faint-hearted, so make sure you tune-in. 

“And it supports a brilliant showdown for the European flyweight title as the future of women’s boxing, Chloe Watson, takes on Justine Lallemand. 

“We’ve also got Roman Fury, Dan Toward, Codie Smith and many more on a bumper show in Bolton!” 

Brilliant amateur Toward makes his professional debut in Bolton, the electric Smith looks to finish his first year as a pro in style, while James Moorcroft meets Matthew Rennie in a fight that is guaranteed to deliver. 

The massive card is also packed with an array of talent, including Adbul Khan, the cousin of British boxing great Amir, Nelson Birchall,Ted Jackson and Immad Naseeb.  

For any fans looking for ticket refunds, please contact your point of purchase

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND (November 17, 2023) – All the fighters made weight today ahead of tomorrow’s sold-out BOXXER: WOLVES AT THE DOOR event at The Halls in Wolverhampton featuring a European Title double header as Adam Azim challenges Franck Petitjean for the EBU European Super Lightweight Title and Tyler Denny attempts to capture the EBU European Middleweight Title from defending champion Matteo Signani, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

WBO #1 cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe returns to action against Dylan Bregeon with a victory needed to remain on course for a World Title challenge, while rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards steps up to face former British and Commonwealth Champion Brad Foster in a mouth-watering featherweight clash, and local talent Nyall Berry, Tion Gibbs, Dylan Cheema and Gully Powar have their chance to shine on the big stage.

Official Weights:

12×3 mins – EBU European Super Lightweight Championship @ 10st

FRANCK PETITJEAN [France] – 10st

ADAM AZIM [Slough] – 9st 13lbs 5oz

12×3 mins – EBU European Middleweight Championship @ 11st 6lbs

MATTEO SIGNANI [Italy] – 11st 4lbs 5oz

TYLER DENNY [Rowley Regis] – 11st 5lbs 5oz

8×3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest @ 14st 8lbs

RICHARD RIAKPORHE [Walworth] – 14st 6lbs 5oz

DYLAN BREGEON [France] – 14st 7lbs 5oz

10×3 mins – Featherweight Contest @ 9st 1lb

RHYS EDWARDS [Penygraig] – 9st 1lb

BRAD FOSTER [Walsall] – 9st

6×3 mins – Featherweight Contest @ 9st

NYALL BERRY [Chelmsley Wood] – 8st 11lbs 5oz

DARWING MARTINEZ [Nicaragua] – 8st 13lbs 5oz

6×3 mins – Super Lightweight Contest @ 10st

TION GIBBS [Birmingham] – 9st 13lbs 5oz

EFSTATHIOS ANTONAS [Greece] – 9st 13lbs 5oz

6×3 mins – Super Lightweight Contest @ 10st

DYLAN CHEEMA [Coventry] – 9st 11lbs

ROBIN ZAMORA [Nicaragua] – 9st 13lbs

6×3 mins – Super Featherweight Contest @ 9st 5lbs

GULLY POWAR [Wolverhampton] – 9st 1lbs 5oz

ENGEL GOMEZ [Nicaragua] – 9st 5lbs

BOXXER: WOLVES AT THE DOOR takes place Saturday, November 18th at The Halls in Wolverhampton. Watch live on Sky Sports Main Event in the UK and Irelandfrom 7pm (GMT) with undercard action also available on the Sky Sports Boxing YouTube channel, and on Peacock in the USA from 3pm (ET). 

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Criztec Bazaldua (136.6lbs)        vs.    Pedro Angel Cruz (138.8lbs)
 
Los Angeles, California                          San Jose, California
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Jalan Walker (131.2lbs)              vs.              Jorge Alberto Villegas (131.6lbs)
 
Los Angeles, California                                   Los Mochis, Mexico
 
LIVE ON DAZN FROM 5PM PT
 
10 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Marc Castro (131.4lbs)               vs.              Gonzalo Fuenzalida (132.8lbs)
 
Fresno, California                                            Santiago de Chile, Chile
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Bantamweight title
 
Kal Yafai (117.6lbs)            vs.              Jonathan Rodriguez (118lbs)
 
Birmingham, England                             Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
 
Followed by
 
10 x 2 mins WBA World Super-Bantamweight title 
 
Mayerlin Rivas (121.8lbs)           vs.              Erika Cruz (122lbs)
 
Maracaibo, Venezuela                                     Mexico City, Mexico
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBO International and USWBC Super-Bantamweight titles
 
Diego Pacheco (167.8lbs)           vs.              Marcelo Coceres (167lbs)
 
Los Angeles, California                                    Buenos Aires, Argentina

Follow all the action as Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos fight for the vacant WBC Lightweight Championship. The action begins at 10:30 PM ET with The WBO Junior Lightweight Title bout between Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceicao.

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY. NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Short left from Stevenson..Left to body..

ROUND 2 Jab from Stevenson..De Los santos lands a body shot…

ROUND 3 2 Jabs from Stevenson…

ROUND 4 Triple Jab from Stevenson..Jab to body from De Los Santos..Left to body from Stevenson

ROUND 5 Body shot from De Los Santos..

ROUND 6 De Los Santos lands a double jab to the body…

ROUND 7 Jab from Stevenson

ROUND 8 Good jab from De Los Santos..Good Jab from Stevenson..

ROUND 9 Nice right from Stevenson..Good exchange…Right Hook from Stevenson

ROUND 10 Right hook from Stevenson..Right hook..Another right hook…

ROUND 11 Double right hook from Stevenson..

ROUND 12  1-2 from Stevenson..Right from De Los Santos…

116-112 TWICE AND 115-113 FOR STEVENSON

Round 1 Conceicao lands a combination…Body shot

ROUND 2 Right to body from Navarrete..Right from Conceicao..4 punch combination from Navarrete

ROUND 3 Navarrete has small cut on bridge of nose..3 Punch combination from Navarrete..Counter from Conceicao..

ROUND 4 Right to body from Navarrete..Short right and LEFT UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES CONCEICAO..Right drives Conceicao off balance

ROUND 5 Short right and sweeping left from Navarrete…Combination…Left to body from Conceicao..

ROUND 6 Counter right from Conceicao..RightCombination from Navarrete..1-2..Good hook..Conceicao cut on the bridge of his nose.

ROUND 7 BIG RIGHT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES CONCEICAO

ROUND 8 Right from Conceicao.  Blood from mouth of Conceicao…Left hook hurts Conceicao…

ROUND 9  Doctor checks Conceicao before round…1-2 from Conceicao…Right to body from Navarrete…Body shot..Another..

ROUND 11 Right from Conceicao..Combination from Navarrete

ROUND 12 1-2 from Conceicao..Short right…

114-112 NAVARRETE…113-113 ON 2 CARDS…DRAW

In a fight that was void of action, Shakur Stevenson became a three-division world champion as he captured the WBC Lightweight Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Edwin De Los Santos at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Not much happened in the fight as neither guy pushed forward. Stevenson was able to jab more effectively, while the handful of times that De Los Santos tried to press, he was ineffective as the elusive Stevenson was never in range.

Stevenson landed 65 of 209 punches. De Los Santos was 40 of 316.

Stevenson picked it up over the final six-rounds and won by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 twice.

Stevenson, 133.8 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 21-0. De Los Santos, 134.3 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 16-2.

Stevenson said, “I had a bad performance tonight. That’s all I’m really focused on. I wasn’t feeling too good, so I’ll live with it. It’s okay. I came here and got the victory, and that’s all I wanted to do.

“I just didn’t feel good. I didn’t feel good before the fight. Honestly, I had already told myself that if I feel like this in the ring and if it’s not going well, I’m going to make sure that I box and get the victory.”

De Los Santos said, “We all know what happened. He came for a track meet. He didn’t come to fight. I showed that I am on a higher level because he never stood and fought like he does with other fighters.

“I did my job. He came to survive. That’s what he did. They gifted him the title, but I’m the people’s champion.”

Navarrete and Conceicao Fight to Draw

Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceicao fought to a 12-round majority draw in a bout for Navarrete’s WBO Junior Lightweight title.

In round two, Navarrete had a small cut on the bridge of the nose. In round four, Navarrete dropped Conceicao with a left uppercut. In round six, Cinceicao was cut on the bridge of his nose.

In round nose, Navarrete landed a perfect right to the body that put Conceicao down.

Navarrete landed 116 of 47 punches. Conceicao was 213 of 852.

Navarrete, 130 lbs of San Juan, MEX won by a 114-112 score, while two cards were even at 113-113.

Navarrete is 38-1-1. Conceicao, 129.3 lbs of Bahia, BRA is 17-2-1.

Navarrete said, “The decision is well-deserved. Robson is a great fighter. He left his heart in the ring. There were some details with regard to technique, but we accomplished what we said we would do. We gave a great show for the fans. And, at least, I am very happy to come away with the title.
 
“He deserves the rematch, but that decision doesn’t depend 100 percent on me. But, if it does happen, I would train even better. He knows how I fight, and I know how he fights, so it would make for an excellent fight.”
 
Conceição said, “It was a hard fight. He is very strong. It was a difficult. But I know what I did tonight.
 
“It was a good fight. It deserves a rematch. If we do get the rematch, we will both train harder and will give an even better fight.”

Brian Norman Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Quinton Randall in a battle of undefeated welterweights.

In round four, Norman was cut over his right eye.

Norman landed 74 of 281 punches. Randall was 71 of 299.

Norman, 146.4 lbs of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93 and is now 25-0. Randall, 145.3 lbs of Houston is 13-1-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated with an eight-round split decision over Max Ornelas in a bantamweight bout.

In round two, Diaz dropped Ornelas with a leaping and wide left hook. In round three, it was a jab that put Ornelas on the canvas.

In round five, Diaz began to swell over his right eye.

Diaz, 117.7 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 78-72, 77-73 and Ornelas took a card by a 76-74. score.

Diaz is now 10-0. Ornelas, 117.9 lbs of Las Vegas is 15-2-1.

Troy Isley won an eight-round unanimous decision over upset-specialist Vladimir Hernandez in a middleweight bout.

Isley, 159.7 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 77-75 on all cards and is now 11-0. Hernandez, 156.8 lbs of Ciudad, MEX is 14-6.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Brandon Mendoza in round two of their six-round lightweight bout.

Vargas, 135.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Mendoza, 134.9 lbs of Los Angeles is 6-3.

In round one, Vargas dropped Mendoza with a left hook that was followed by a right Hand. A second knockdown was ruled after the round when a right hand made the right glove of Mendoza touch the canvas. In round two, Vargas landed a double right over the top that put Mendoza down and the fight was stopped at 57 seconds.

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Jackson Murray won a six-round unanimous decision over Steven Torres.

In round three, Murray dropped Torres with a right hook to the side of the head.

Murray, 230.7 lbs of Sydney, AUS won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 6-0. Torres, 240.7 lbs of Reading, PA is 6-1-1.

Abdullah Mason stopped Jose Cardenas in round two of their six-round lightweight fight.

In round one, Mason dropped Cardenas with a double left. In round two, Mason dumped Cardenas with a perfect one-two and the fight was stopped at 1:55.

Mason, 134.4 lbs of Cleveland is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Cardenas, 134.6 lbs of Laredo, TX is 7-2.

Hugo Micallef stopped Sergio Odabai after round four of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

Micallef, 142.7 lbs of Monte Carlo, MON is 9-0 with two knockouts. Odabai, 141.7 lbs of Vienna, AUS 6-2-1.

Giovanni Sarchioto remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Lucas de Abreu in a six-round super middleweight fight.

Sarchioto dropped de Abreu twice in round three. The first coming from a series of right hands. Sarchioto finisehed off de Abreu with a hard right that put his backside and the fight was stopped at 2:06.

Sarchioto, 167 lbs of Atazio, ITA is now 9-0 with eight knockouts. de Abreu, 166.3 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA 14-5.

LONDON (Nov. 16, 2023) – WBC and Lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury and WBO/IBF/WBA unified champ Oleksandr Usyk will collide in a historic undisputed heavyweight showdown on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The winner will become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Britain’s Lennox Lewis claimed that honor 24 years ago, but this time, four belts are on the line.

Ahead of the blockbuster ‘Ring of Fire’ fight, Fury and Usyk came face-to-face at a press conference Thursday in London.

 This is what the heavyweight champions had to say.

Tyson Fury

“I’ve been in many heavyweight title fights before. And now is the most important one. We’re both undefeated. He’s a champion; I’m a champion. And it’s going to be one of the fights for the ages.”

“It’s been 24 years since we’ve last had an undisputed heavyweight world champion. And we know that the Klitschkos were champions for about 10 years. So there’s been another 14 years where other heavyweights couldn’t stop it. So we’ve been chosen. And I believe we’re both destined to be here. And there’s only one winner: I’m destined to become undisputed champion.”

“We’re not here to talk. It’s not a talking contest. It’s a boxing match. On February 17, all the talking goes out the window. It doesn’t matter what he or what I said. It comes down to who wins the fight. He thinks he’s going to win. I know I’m going to win. There’s not much more to be said.”

Oleksandr Usyk

“I’m very happy to be here. Thank you to everyone. I will speak more in the ring.”

“I want to tell a story that looks very similar to our story with Tyson, about David and Goliath. When the Lord gives me Tyson in my hands, I will do my job.”

# # #

About Riyadh Season
 
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events.

Diego Pacheco headlines for the third straight fight on Saturday night – but this time the stakes are raised for the Super-Middleweight stud as he welcomes Marcelo Coceres to his Los Angeles hometown as they clash at YouTube Theater, live worldwide on DAZN.

Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) is looking to cap a brilliant 2023 with a third KO win as a bill topper, and this time in front of his hometown fans. The LA talent pummeled Jack Cullen into submission in four rounds in Liverpool, England, in April, and was at his scintillating best in his last outing in July where he blitzed the dangerous Manuel Gallegos inside four rounds in Monterrey, Mexico – ending matters with a vicious attack after flooring Gallegos in the fourth with a trademark body shot and became the first man to stop the Mexican later in the round.

The 22 year old steps up once again against the Argentine Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs) who has previously tested Billy Joe Saunders and Edgar Berlanga. Pacheco is ready to dazzle on his doorstep and the latter is in his sights for next year.

“It’s so special to have a homecoming show,” said Pacheco. “It’s the most important fight of my career so far, it’s time for me to headline at home. I’ve headlined in the UK and in Mexico, so to be bringing everyone out to LA is surreal, I dreamt of this as a little kid and now I can’t wait to perform on Saturday and begin a while new chapter in my career. If Eddie told me I’m fighting Canelo, I feel I would give him a good fight. I want Edgar Berlanga next after this fight. I think I knock him out, cold.

“To be doing this at 22 is cool. I thought maybe I would headline in a World title fight when I was 24 or 25. This weekend it’s the YouTube Theater, hopefully down the line it will be the SoFi Stadium. It’s a five-minute drive from my mom’s house, so it’s perfect to be having my first headline show there. 

“It’s been a great year for me. I unexpectedly became the main event in the UK in March, and I rose to the occasion and put on a great performance. The experience was great, fighting Cullen, he was a long fighter, but he didn’t have too much that fazed me or worried me at all, I just knew that I had to keep to the game plan, stick to my jab, stay sharp and the KO would come, and it did. I hit him with a few right hands that made him forget about the body, I went downstairs and got him out of there.

“I grew up in South Central LA. I always feel I owe this to my parents. They sacrificed a lot and believed in me before anyone else. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am. I come from a low-income family so for my dad to get me to all the amateur tournaments meant a lot and made me think ‘how I am not going to give my all when they have sacrificed so much for me?’”

Pacheco’s clash with Coceres tops a stacked bill in LA where Mayerlin Rivas defends her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Erika Cruz. 

Former World ruler Kal Yafai returns to action and faces Jonathan Rodriguez for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental Bantamweight title and Marc Castro will kick off the main card live on DAZN as he fights over ten rounds for the first time against Gonzalo Fuenzalida. 

Criztec Bazaldua steps through the ropes for the third time in his career when he takes on Pedro Angel Cruz over four rounds at Lightweight and Jalan Walker faces Jorge Alberto Villegas over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (November 16, 2023) – Boxing’s two heavyweight world champions will finally meet to crown the one and only undisputed champion of the world.

WBC and Lineal Champion Tyson ‘The Gypsy King’ Fury will fight WBO/IBF/WBA unified champ Oleksandr Usyk in a history-making showdown on Saturday, February 17, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The winner will become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion since Britain’s Lennox Lewis claimed that honor 24 years ago, but this time four belts are on the line for the first time in history.

 ‘Ring of Fire’, the biggest fight in world boxing, will take place as part of Riyadh Season, one of the world’s largest winter entertainment events, and will be presented to fans worldwide. Fury kicked off Riyadh Season on Saturday, October 28, when he defeated lineal MMA heavyweight world champion Francis Ngannou by split decision.

Ahead of the blockbuster ‘Ring of Fire’ fight, Fury and Usyk came face-to-face at a press conference held in London on Thursday, November 16.

“Usyk, you can run, but The Gypsy King is coming to get you. This is my era, and your time is up. Your undefeated record AND your belts, they will be mine!” Fury said. “Thank you to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for bringing this undisputed title fight to the beautiful Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I had an amazing time here when I fought Ngannou, and I am ready to do it again. This time, The Gypsy King will return to England as the undisputed heavyweight king.”

“I have no goal,” said Usyk. “Only the way. And my way is ‘The Undisputed.’ That is why this was the only fight for me. When that bell rings, I will bring the fire.”

“Since our first Riyadh Season in 2019, the Season has developed a reputation for hosting the biggest events and they do not come much bigger than the undisputed heavyweight title fight,” said His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. “This is history in the making, a fight the world has waited for. Now it is a reality, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is excited to be hosting this era-defining fight. This will be a global spectacle and we will do everything to ensure that everyone has an experience that matches an event of this magnitude.”

“The relationship between Riyadh Season and the sport of boxing will reach unparalleled new levels on February 17, when it stages the first undisputed heavyweight fight for 24 years” said Frank Warren of Queensberry. “Tyson Fury taking on Oleksandr Usyk is simply the biggest fight that can be made in boxing and is what the world wants to see. And we take this opportunity to thank His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for his blessed vision which is achieving great accomplishments. We also thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season for making it happen.”

“Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are the best heavyweights of their era, and this undisputed battle in the beautiful city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises to be a sensational fight and a history-making event,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Fury is an all-time great heavyweight champion, but you can never count out Usyk, a former Olympic champion who has already conquered two weight divisions.”

“The world has finally got it!” Usyk’s manager Alex Krassyuk said. “Proud of Usyk, respect to Tyson. Let the best man win and we celebrate Usyk’s second undisputed!”

Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) has been the reigning heavyweight champion since November 2015. Taking a break from boxing due to personal challenges, Fury made an impressive comeback by defeating Deontay Wilder to claim the WBC world title in their rematch and sealing their trilogy with a knockout victory in 2021.

Ukraine’s Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs), an Olympic gold medalist, decided to move up from the cruiserweight division to the heavyweight division after establishing his dominance there. He caused an upset by defeating Anthony Joshua and becoming the unified heavyweight champion. Usyk successfully defended his titles against Joshua in a rematch. Now, he sets his sights on becoming only the second cruiserweight champion ever to achieve undisputed status in the heavyweight division.

##The End##

About Riyadh Season 
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. 

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND (November 16, 2023) – Young wolf Adam Azim came face-to-face with champion Franck Petitjean at today’s final pre-fight press conference ahead of his EBU European Super Lightweight Title challenge on Saturday night at The Halls in Wolverhampton, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Local hero Tyler Denny also had the opportunity to size up his opponent as he attempts to wrestle the EBU European Middleweight Title from the Italian champion Matteo Signani in front of a sold-out crowd in the Black Country.

WBO #1 cruiserweight contender Richard Riakporhe returns to action against Dylan Bregeon with a victory needed to remain on course for a World Title challenge, while rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards steps up to face former British and Commonwealth Champion Brad Foster in a mouth-watering featherweight clash.

Adam Azim:

“I’m taking that European title. If I break my hand, if I get a cut, I don’t care. I’m taking it with both hands. I’m not here to joke about. My last performance, I had a tough opponent but I’m a different fighter now. I’ve had great sparring, great nutrition, everything has gone so well. I’m taking that European title back to Slough. I want to make a massive statement. I don’t want to be going out of the ring having just won it, I want to win by knockout!”

Franck Petitjean:

“I know he (Adam Azim) is a good boxer. He has had big career in the amateurs. He’s fast. That’s all I know. I’ve never seen him boxing. I don’t look at videos. I leave that to my trainer. I stay focused on my preparation. I’ve had a lot of fights. I’ve gone to Denmark, to Turkey, Amsterdam, Belgium. I don’t care where I am. I am the outsider. I am the champion but I’m the outsider. It’s not a problem for me because I know what it is and I’m ready. I have a lot of experience. He’s very fast but it’s not track and field, it’s boxing.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and Founder:

“For me Adam Azim doesn’t get enough credit. To not only be the fastest to challenge for a European title but to do it at 21 years old and to have already fought the guys he’s fought shows his level. The reason he fought Santos Reyes, the reason he fought Aram Faniian, guys that have boxed at European and World level, is to make sure he’s ready for moments like this and this is a huge one on Saturday. This is the start of a massive journey for Adam Azim, a superstar journey. He will be fighting for world titles soon, but he mustn’t overlook Petitjean on Saturday. He’s pulled off upsets before and Adam is going to have to be switched on from round one.”

Tyler Denny:

“I’m still smiling now. This opportunity, the set up – it’s mad. As a fighter, all you want is opportunities. Thanks to Ben (Shalom), BOXXER and Sky Sports – I’ve got one now in Wolverhampton. Tickets are sold out. I’m so excited, like a little kid, but on Saturday I’ll be switched on. I’ve done all of the hard work so I’m able to get excited. If I knew I’d cut corners and stuff, I’d be sat here more doom and gloom – so bring it on, I’m ready. I’ve put so much into it and I’m confident I’ll become European Champion on Saturday.”

Matteo Signani:

“We respect Denny. But I’ve trained very hard, and I am the Champion. It’ll be an awesome atmosphere. Everyone will be rooting for him. But inside the ring, it’s just me and him so all the people outside do not matter. I’ve always been a successful underdog, and I am here to win.”

Richard Riakporhe:

“I’m completely focused on Dylan Bregeon. I’ve trained for him. I’ve took him very seriously to say the least. We don’t want to look past Dylan because in boxing you might have a pathway in mind and things can change in the last minute, so we’re just focused on Dylan and we’re here to do a job. I’m number one for the WBO. There are big opportunities out there for me, big fights that can happen next year and we need to get past Dylan to realise them.”

Rhys Edwards:

“I’m very grateful to be on this show. I know I’ve not got an easy night ahead on Saturday. I’m facing a very good fighter in Brad Foster, but myself and my team are more than sure that I get the job done. It’s going to be a great fight. He’s a very good fighter. Former British and Commonwealth Champion. Arguably should’ve been European Champion, but we’ll see on Saturday what I have to do. I’m looking forward to it.”

Brad Foster:

“I took this opportunity with both hands. This is where I want to be, on the big stage. I deserve it. This is where I can show my skills. I’m buzzing. I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m ready to go. He’s going to come forward. It could be the fight of the night. We both want to win so it is going to be a great fight, and the winner stays on. Experience plays a part. He’s trained his hardest, but I’ve been there and done it. Now I’m where I’ve always wanted to be and I can’t wait.”

BOXXER: WOLVES AT THE DOOR takes place Saturday, November 18th at The Halls, Wolverhampton and airs live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.