Mauricio Lara lost the World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight belt after failing to make weight on Friday. However, the Mexican will step into the ring to face Leigh Wood this Saturday but only the Brit will have the option to win the crown.

As the WBA rules dictate in their section “rules about the official weigh-in”, number 6 “If the champion does not make the limit weight of the division after the two (2) additional hours granted, he/she will lose the title. If the challenger makes the weight and wins the bout, he shall be declared champion. If the champion who did not make the weight is the winner of the bout, the title will be declared vacant.”

In this case, Lara weighed in at 129.8 lbs on the scales, considerably above the 126 weight regulations. Wood weighed in at 125.9 lbs and will be the only one with the option to fight for the championship. 

Lara and Wood fought in February of this year and the bout ended with a great knockout by the former. Now they will step into the ring for a rematch that promises to be full of excitement.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Welcome to Manchester ahead of a huge night of World Championship boxing this Saturday at Manchester Arena, live and exclusive in DAZN. The rematch for the WBA Featherweight Championship of the World between the champion Mauricio Lara and now the challenger Leigh Wood. We saw a tremendous fight earlier this year in Nottingham full on drama. Leigh Wood winning that fight, to then get stopped and to see Mauricio Lara become World Champion. We sat in the office and we talked about what was next – we talked about maybe waiting. There was no waiting from Leigh Wood. He believed he can win this fight. He wanted the immediate rematch and he’s got it, this time in Manchester with his fans travelling from Nottingham.”

Mauricio Lara:

“First and foremost I want to say hi to everyone. As you say, last time was a calm performance but I’m really confident in my training camp and what we have done and I want to almost back-up and cement that victory, and I want to do it in quicker fashion. I’ll be looking for that knockout from the very first round. Big things are to come but first I have to, as I have said, cement that victory. Leigh Wood isn’t just any boxer, it will be a difficult fight but it is about continuing and cementing that victory and making history in this sport.”

Alejandro Brito:

“First and foremost, we have to thank you for the opportunity. This is Mauricio’s fourth time in this country. On his third time he managed to win that World Title on a fantastic night. It was a dream that he had for a long time. I said it the first time we had the opportunity, that we would give the opportunity back to Leigh Wood if we managed to win, and it’s great that we can go on to have another great fight here. The last one was a war but we are totally focused and believing in Mauricio’s possibility in creating a legacy in the sport.”

Leigh Wood:

“There was never even a thought in my mind that anything different was going to happen. I know you tried to persuade me otherwise. It was just so frustrating how the fight finished. Like you say, it is a fast turnaround, but it is one that benefits me. If you said to me when I won the World Title, ‘right, in 13 weeks’ time you’re back out, you need to get back in the gym’, I’d have been like, ‘woah Eddie come on, let me celebrate’. That’s why I believe it is one that favours me. I was straight back in training, I had a little time with my kids. I’m ready to get this belt back and look good doing it. No doubts at all, that’s not me saying it’s going to be an easy fight, because it could be far from an easy fight, but I’m prepared for anything that he brings. The first time round was hard because we didn’t have his style against my style to look at, now we’ve got that information and we know what he does when I do certain things. I’ve been preparing for him for nearly a year in September. I know him inside out, I’m just going to go out there and prove that I’m the better fighter. It’s a must-win fight; there’s a lot of pressure. I love it, I thrive on it. Whatever is takes on Saturday night I’m coming away with a win. This is what gets me up for it, I can’t lose. I can’t afford to lose. That could be the end of the road for me. It’s a long road to come back from. That’s why I’m not thinking about losing, I’ve done everything I can do to win. I’m confident in winning. I know what I need to do to win. I know what I can’t afford to do.”

Ben Davison, trainer of Wood:

“It was a scenario and a situation where there was no guarantees to the outcome. I can’t sit here and say that the fight wouldn’t have carried on going and Leigh wouldn’t have been victorious, and I can’t say vice-versa. It was a decision that I made in the moment, but with the understanding that we have this opportunity here. Leigh had this rematch clause. He’s got the opportunity to get his title back and I believe that he will do so. Leigh is forever in the gym, looks after himself, he doesn’t balloon up in between fights, he’s very disciplined in his life and his approach. It’s a career for him and a full-time job for him. He’s so disciplined when it comes to approaching fights and going into game plans that to actually take him away from a certain style match-up, to then bring him back to it would have actually been more difficult than it will be to go into a quick turnaround. I think he (Lara) was actually more respectful of Leigh’s power than we anticipated. He was a lot less reckless in the fight than we had anticipated being honest. I think the fact that he did eventually get the shot that he was looking for, the fight might play out a little bit more like the way we anticipated the first one to. Some adjustments, and I’m sure Mauricio and his team will have some adjustments. Leigh knows what he has to do and we are confident in the execution of that game plan.”

Alfie Sharman, Vice President Marketing – DAZN:

“I found myself on Sunday morning thinking, ‘how can you better Katie Taylor’s homecoming in Dublin in an amazing fight?’. Congratulations Chantelle. The answer was quick, it is back here in Manchester, an amazing fight city with two absolute warriors ready to put it on the line. We’ve had an incredible few weeks on DAZN with top tier fighters on both sides of the Atlantic fighting on our platform, and it doesn’t stop there. We’ve got plenty of headline fights coming up – Claressa Shields, Jaime Munguia, Vergil Ortiz Jr, Dalton Smith, Regis Prograis and Edgar Berlanga to name a few. It’s a really great time for us. Looking to Saturday, everyone in here saw the first fight. In my opinion predictions go out of the window for this one on Saturday. It’s a completely new fight, a new beast. Both men are in great shape and are ready to go. Leigh is very much looking to get that belt back and Mauricio looks like he’s not willing to let it go. We wish them both the best of luck and make sure you tune in on Saturday live on DAZN.”

INDIO, CA (May 25, 2023) In the lead up to his NABO Welterweight Title defense, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (22-1, 14 KOs) and his opponent Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs) hosted a press conference at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino ahead of their scheduled 12-round fight on Saturday, May 27. Fighters from the DAZN undercard and the Golden Boy Fight Night: Rocha vs. Young Prelims, which are streamed live on YouTube, also participated.

In addition, the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation made a $30K donation to the Lee Espinoza Coachella Valley Boxing Club. The donation was accepted by club owner and legendary trainer Librado “Lee” Espinoza who has been recognized not only by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. for his work with boxers in the valley but has been inducted into the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame and the California Boxing Hall of Fame.

Doors to the Special Events Center will open at 4:00 p.m., the Golden Boy YouTube Channel stream begins at 4:00 p.m. PT/ 7:00 p.m. ET, and the DAZN broadcast begins at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Here is what today’s participants had to say:
ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA – NABO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
?”I am not much of a trash talker either. My respects to him. Whatever his thoughts are, that’s good for him. I am confident in my ability. I am confident in myself. You’ll find out about who I am on Saturday night. I hope he brings this same kind of energy into the ring on Saturday.”

ANTHONY “JUICE” YOUNG – WELTERWEIGHT FIGHTER:
?”I looked at the odds again, and they’re kind of disrespectful – they got me 8-1 underdog. The last time they did that, we shocked the world. I plan to do that again. I didn’t come here to lose; I am not with the script. They built him up good: 22 wins, a couple of tough fights, one step-up fight didn’t go too well. I am going to win on Saturday.”

MELVIN “GRINGO” JERUSALEM, WBO MINIMUMWEIGHT CHAMPION:
?”Good afternoon everyone. I am very grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for this fight. I am excited to see my opponent today. We will see you all on Saturday night.”
OSCAR “EL PUPILO” COLLAZO, MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE CONTENDER:
?”Thank you everyone for coming. Thank you to Oscar, Golden Boy Promotions, and Miguel Cotto Promotions for making this fight happen. Thank you for this opportunity to make history, history for Puerto Rico, the opportunity to become one of the fastest to become a world champion. We’re feeling very good about this. I earned this, and you’re going to see it this Saturday.”

OSCAR DUARTE, LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHTER:
?”I am very happy, I am very excited for this fight, for this opportunity. I am ready for this Saturday. I will win. Thank you, everybody.”

JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, SUPER FLYWEIGHT FIGHTER:
?”You already know, get your popcorn ready. I am not here to take part, I am here to take over. Some people feel some type of way by the way I move but I am just a man on a mission. Saturday Night I am going to make a statement, mark my words.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:
“I have known Lee for many years; his son, Ruben Espinoza, would beat me up all the time in the amateurs. On behalf of the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation, I would like to present this $30,000 check to the Coachella Valley Boxing Club. To the young fighters here from his gym, the fighters who sit at the dais started their love for the sport of boxing through the local gym like the one Lee has given his life to.”

“It is an honor and pleasure to be here at Fantasy Springs. We’ve had a lot of successful fights here, and we thank you for your hospitality.”

“I firmly believe that this Saturday’s fight card will leave a mark in boxing. From top to bottom, we have historic world championship matchups, world title contenders and newly signed Golden Boy Prospects that I believe are going to shake up their respective divisions.”
LIBRADO “LEE” ESPINOZA, FOUNDER OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY BOXING CLUB:
Thank you, Oscar and Thank you to your organization for the support. Thanks to Golden Boy for supporting Coachella Valley boxing.

#

Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round NABO Welterweight Fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The fight is sponsored by Betonline, “BetOnline, Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and Autozone, “Get in the Zone, AutoZone.” The fight night will take place on Saturday, May 27, live from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

Tickets for Rocha vs. Young are on-sale now and are priced at $95, $75, $55, $45 and $35 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

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

About The Oscar De La Hoya Foundation
Founded in 1995, the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation annually hosts a golf tournament, a boxing gym equipment donation, Thanksgiving dinner giveaway and holiday toy giveaway in addition to supporting the Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School, the Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center and the Oscar De La Hoya Labor and Delivery Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (both located at White Memorial Hospital in East Los Angeles). Today, with the help of many partners, the foundation serves thousands of people annually.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a marquee matchup in the middleweight division, as No. 3 ranked contender Marvin Vettori collides with No. 4 Jared Cannonier. Also on the card, No. 8 ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan battles Brazilian finisher Joaquim Silva.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VETTORI vs. CANNONIER will take place Saturday, June 17 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card airs on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (English and Spanish) starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The prelims will be available on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Vettori (19-6-1, fighting out of Mezzocorona, Italy) looks to build another win streak and earn his way back into the title conversation. Among the toughest matchups at middleweight, he holds victories over Paulo Costa, Roman Dolidze and Jack Hermansson. Vettori now aims to defend his spot in the rankings by becoming the first middleweight to stop Cannonier.

Former heavyweight and light heavyweight Cannonier (16-6, fighting out of Anchorage, Alaska) plans to start his 2023 campaign with another statement performance. Known for his knockout power, Cannonier climbed to the Top 5 with notable finishes of Anderson Silva, Derek Brunson and Jack Hermansson. He now seeks to cement his place in line for the belt by taking out Vettori in dominant fashion.

Tsarukyan (19-3, fighting out of Yerevan, Armenia) returns to action determined to prove why he is considered a top contender in the lightweight division. After bursting onto the UFC scene with an impressive performance against Islam Makhachev, Tsarukyan earned wins over Damir Ismagulov, Joel Alvarez and Christos Giagos. He now intends to earn a quick victory over Silva and turn his attention to the top of the division.

Silva (12-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) has his sights set on making the most of the biggest opportunity of his MMA career. A well-rounded finisher, he has delivered highlight reel stoppages against Jared Gordon, Jesse Ronson and Andrew Holbrook. Silva now looks to shock the world and break into the rankings for the first time.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• An exciting middleweight bout sees Armen Petrosyan (8-2, fighting out of Yerevan, Armenia) match up against Christian Leroy Duncan (8-0, fighting out of Gloucester, England)
• Raoni Barcelos (17-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) meets Miles Johns (13-2, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) in an intriguing bantamweight bout
• Manuel Torres (13-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) battles Nikolas Motta (13-4, fighting out of Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil ) at lightweight
• Pat Sabatini (17-4, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) looks to secure another signature submission against Lucas Almeida (14-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazl) at featherweight
• The Ultimate Fighter season 30 finalist Zac Pauga (7-1, fighting out of Lakewood, Colo.) and Modestas Bukauskas (14-5, fighting out of London, England by way of Klaipeda, Lithuania) compete in a light heavyweight tilt
• Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-8, fighting out of Aktobe, Kazakhstan) aims to spoil the UFC debut of Felipe Bunes (13-6, fighting out of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil)
• Flyweights Jimmy Flick (16-6, fighting out of Tulsa, Ok.) and Alessandro Costa (12-3, fighting out of Puebla, Mexico) plan to steal the show
• Welterweight strikers collide as Nicolas Dalby (21-4-1 2NC, fighting out of Copenhagen, Denmark) faces Muslim Salikhov (19-3, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia)
• Carlos Hernandez (8-2, fighting out of Cicero, Ill.) locks horns with Denys Bondar (16-4, fighting out of Kharkiv, Ukraine) at flyweight
• A tough bantamweight contest sees Dan Argueta (9-1, fighting out of Orland Park, Ill.) take on Ronnie Lawrence (8-2, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
• Kyung Ho Kang (18-9 1NC, fighting out of Busan, South Korea) and Cristian Quinonez (18-3, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) meet at bantamweight
• Tereza Bleda (6-1, fighting out of Prague, Czech Republic) and Gabriella Fernandes (8-2, fighting out of Natal, Brazil) vie for their first UFC wins at flyweight

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.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).   

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.

Top Rank on ESPN: Lopez vs. Conlan will be live this Saturday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The event takes place at SSE Arena Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (27-2, 15 KOs) will make the first defense of his IBF featherweight world title against Belfast’s own Michael “Mick” Conlan (18-1, 9 KOs).

Lopez, from Mexicali, Mexico, thrilled American fight fans with his July 2020 split decision victory over Andy Vences inside the MGM Grand Bubble. Fourteen months later, he dominated then-unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. Lopez then moved down to featherweight and stopped another undefeated foe, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two stay-busy wins, Lopez received his shot at the title, defeating Josh Warrington in enemy territory in Leeds, England. He now intends to defend it in Belfast.

Conlan turned pro in 2017 after a decorated Irish amateur career that included an Olympic bronze medal, and gold medals at the World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Last March, he nearly captured the WBA featherweight crown from Leigh Wood in Wood’s hometown of Nottingham, England. Conlan, ahead on all three scorecards, was knocked out in the 12th round of ESPN’s Fight of the Year. The Wood disappointment did not linger as Conlan came back later that year with victories over Miguel Marriaga and Karim Guerfi at the SSE Arena, the same venue where he intends to seize his championship moment.

ESPN.com

Thursday: Michael Conlan won’t let a knockout loss deter his goal of becoming a world champion by Nick Parkinson.

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

• Top Rank: Real TimeGo all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night
• Boxing
• Top Rank
• State of Boxing

• Max on BoxingMax Kellerman hosts a 30-minute series weighing in on key boxing news and providing insights on the sport’s top fighters and upcoming events
• Who Do U Fight 4?Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

Follow @ESPNRingside: Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

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

About ESPN+  

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 25.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).   

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Miami, FL – May 25, 2023 – A slew of Hall of Famers and former World Champions, and a former All-American and Al-Pro gridiron star, comprise the broadcast team that will call the action when four-division world champion Adrian “The Problem” Broner returns to the ring on Friday, June 9. Upset minded Bill Hutchinson, who has not lost a fight in seven years, will challenge Broner in a 10-round welterweight bout in the main event of Don King’s “RETURN TO GLORY” pay-per-view extravaganza from The Casino Miami in Miami, Florida. 

Calling the blow-by-blow will be Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Bob Alexander. He will be joined at ringside by former Unified Lightweight World Champion and Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Nate Campbell and former lightweight world champion, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini.

Alexander, the Vice President of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, is a longtime Ring Announcer and fight announcer. Campbell became the Unified Lightweight World Champion after he defeated Juan Diaz on March 8^th, 2008, winning the IBF, WBA and WBO titles. Mancini was one of boxing’s most popular fighters in the 80’s and won the WBA Lightweight World title by knocking out Art Frias in the first round on May 8, 1982. Mancini went on to make four title defenses.

Heading the broadcast from the host panel position will be former NFL All-Pro Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth and longtime boxing analyst Marc Abrams. Several boxing dignitaries will join them throughout.

Abrams is enshrined in the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame as he has a 21-year career working inside the world of boxing and is the owner of the acclaimed and award-winning website www.15rounds.com.

After an All-American career at The University of Tennessee, Haynesworth was selected in the first round (15^th overall) by The Tennessee Titans in the 2002 NFL Draft. Haynesworth was one of the most feared Defensive Tackles in the NFL as he was a First Team All Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2007 and 2008. A lifelong fight fan, Haynesworth recently has worked as an analyst for the very successful CountryBox: Where Music Meets Boxing monthly series in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Pay-Per-View Broadcast, priced at $24.99, will be available on Fite.tv, DonKing.com and Itube247.com

The Friday, June 9, show will begin at 6:50 pm ET / 3:50 pm PT and the first fight walks at 7:03 pm ET / 4:03 pm PT.

Tickets, priced from $50, are on sale and can be purchased at www.playcasinomiami.com. Ringside tables are $3500. next level tables $2500, ringside seats $750 and side seats are $200 and $150. General Admission tickets at $50.

“Return to Glory” will take place at the legendary Casino Miami Jai Alai Fronton and is brought you exclusively by Don King Productions, Inc. 

Former teammates turned world title rivals Lawrence Okolie and Chris Billam-Smith faced off in Bournemouth today ahead of this Saturday’s WBO World Cruiserweight Championship showdown at the Vitality Stadium, home of Bournemouth boy Billam-Smith’s beloved AFC Bournemouth.

A crowd of 15,000 fans – the largest-ever attendance for a non-football event at the Vitality Stadium – is expected on Saturday night when the two face off for Okolie’s belt, live and exclusively on Sky Sports, as BOXXER’s promoter Ben Shalom brings the biggest boxing event in South Coast history to Bournemouth.

<CLICK HERE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD PHOTOS> 

Credit to BOXXER / Lawrence Lustig

Below are some final comments from the main event fighters.

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LAWRENCE OKOLIE, WBO World Cruiserweight Champion

“I’m coming to make an extremely big statement. I’m my own man on my own journey and there’s stuff that I want and need and I’m ready to fight for it.”

“I’ve shown time and time again I’m ready to take the risk and do what needs to be done. I can say I’m in amazing shape and I’m coming to do a job.”

“The way Chris fights, he’s always all action. He comes to throw a lot of punches, put a lot of pressure on where he’s the home fighter, he’s going to have 15,000 people screaming for him, hoping that he can dethrone me. So I’m going to have to be devastating and he’s going to make it very easy for me.”

CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH, Challenger

“Lawrence is obviously a very big one-punch puncher, but if you look at my last fight it shows that I can punch.

“He might think this is just me saying it. But he’s also not used to getting hit so it’s almost like a double effect. Once you get hit and you know how to deal with that, panic doesn’t set in. I think for him panic will set in on Saturday night.

“Any fight against Lawrence is dangerous because he can punch and he’s got long levers so you have to take educated risks and you’ve got to really work hard to get the shots off you need to do. That’s what we’ve been doing the whole time.”

“I don’t expect him to stand there and trade with me. He knows he can’t do that. I imagine he’s going to be trying to keep it long and move his feet. The hard thing with Lawrence is getting in position. So we know what we’ve got to do.”

“I’ve got to stay concentrated. It’s not just going in there, just going hell for leather. That’s not how this game works at the top level. It’s got to be concentration the whole time and focus. That’s how the job will get done.”

“It’s got all the ingredients to be a really special night. Everything from it being two Brits for a world title, for me being in the stadium. But also being old gym-mates, old trainer etc. There’s a real story to it for me and I just thrive off of that and let that fuel me,” he said.

May 25, 2023, Deerfield Beach, FL – Adrien “The Problem” Broner, Four-time World Champion in four weight divisions, and one of the most riveting boxers of his era, returns to the ring against William “Hutch” Hutchinson in a ten-round welterweight bout in the main event on Friday, June 9 at Casino Miami.

The event, promoted by Hall of Fame Promoter Don “Only in America” King, will be available live on pay per view, for $24.99. The live stream will be available on Fite.tv, DonKing.com and itube247.com. The show will begin at 6:50 pm ET and the first bell will be at 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT.

Tickets, priced from $50, are on sale and can be purchased at www.playcasinomiami.com. Ringside tables are $3500. next level tables $2500, ringside seats $750 and side seats are $200 and $150. General Admission tickets at $50.

“This is a great card from top to bottom, headlined by “The Problem” fighter Adrien Broner,” said King. “I am the promoter of the people, for the people and we are giving the people what they want, and that is great fights.”

In the co-featured bout, headlining the stacked undercard, will be a light heavyweight title fight for the World Boxing Association NABA and World Boxing Council NABF Light Heavyweight belts between NABA champion Ahmed ElBali and Rodolfo Gomez. 

Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (21-3, 14 KOs) from Cuba, now residing in Miami, will fight in a ten-round bantamweight bout against former WBO Latino and Argentinean Super Bantamweight Champion Julian Evaristo Aristule (35-17-1, 18 KOs). Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and two-division world champion, had become one of the most avoided boxers in the world and eventually had to move up multiple weight classes to get big fights made.

Neslan “Pitbull” Machado (19-0, 8 KOs) from Miami via Cuba, is a former WBC Latino Bantamweight Champion, will fight in a ten-round featherweight bout.

Someone’s ‘0’ will have to go in an eight-round super featherweight battle of undefeateds Raynel Maderos and Antonio Perez. The twenty-six-year-old Maderos (8-0, 2 KOs) made his pro debut at 22 years old, was born in Cuba and lives in Miami. The twenty-one-year-old Perez (7-0, 5 KOs), from Harrisburg, PA, is less than two years into his professional career.

In a ten-round bout for the WBA Fecarbox lightweight title, local undefeated boxer, Antonio “Bang” Williams (15-0-1, 6 KOs), from Fort Lauderdale, FL, will battle Dominican Braulio Rodriguez (20-6, 17 KOs). This will not only be William’s first ten round fight, but Rodriguez will be his toughest opponent to date.

Dorian Bostic (13-0, 12 KOs) from Dundalk, Maryland, will fight in a six-round lightweight bout against David Boria. This will be Dorian’s first fight in the USA in over two years as five of his last six fights were staged in Colombia. His last fight, in August, was his first that went the distance, breaking his twelve-fight knockout win streak. It was a shutout however.

Opening the show will be undefeated southpaw welterweight Adlay Rodriguez (4-0, 4 KOs). Adlay made his pro debut last June and is from Cuba now living in Miami. Also, twenty-seven-year-old Cubano Alex Espnda, who made his successful pro debut in January with a first round knockout, will fight in a ten-round super welterweight bout.

Adrien “The Problem” Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs), born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, made his pro debut 2008 at nineteen years old. In 2011, Broner won WBC, WBO and WBC regional titles in back-to-back-to-back fights. Immediately following, on November 26, 2011, he won his first world title, becoming WBO World Super Featherweight Champion. He defended that title three times then oved up in weight and won the WBC World Lightweight title on November 17, 2012. Broner defended that title once then fought for and became the WBA World Welterweight Champion by beating Paul Malignaggi. He won his fourth world title in a fourth weight division, becoming WBA Super Lightweight World Champion in 2015.

Bill “Hutch” Hutchinson (20-2-4, 9 KOs) was born, raised and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “Hutch” and has not lost a fight in seven years. The thirty-four-year-old began boxing at thirteen. After a few quick wins by knockout, it was difficult to find opponents, so he was in and out of the gym through his teen years, focusing on football. Because of his limited amateur career, he had a rough start to his pro career, losing his debut at 22 and drawing twice in his first six fights. He then strung wins, while gaining a huge following in his region, calling comparisons to Arturo Gatti for his style and states he has never been in a boring fight I his life. Quite the intellect, Hutch began taking college courses at fifteen, has his law degree and has law offices in both Pittsburgh and Naples, Florida. “For those that don’t know me, they will after I beat Broner.”

WBA NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed “The American Pharaoh” Elbiali (22-1, 18 KOs) was born in Cairo, Egyp and now resides in Miami, Florida. He won the title in his most recent bout, on June 11 at Casino Miami. Prior to that bout, he had one five fights in a row via knockout. As an amateur, Elbial was two-time Florida State Golden Gloves Champion. He also holds the unique experience of sparring against both Jake Paul and Tommy Fury. 

Rodolfo “Cobrita” Gomez (14-6-3, 10 KOs) was born in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and now lives in Laredo, Texas. In 2021, Gomez recently went 10 tough rounds and lost decision versus KO artist and undefeated Diego Pacheco and in 2018 knocked out former world champion Ricardo Mayorga.

DETROIT – May 25, 2023 – Boxing superstar and two-division undisputed world champion Claressa Shields has raised the stakes substantially and will now face no. 1 ranked middleweight contender Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo in the main event of action on Saturday, June 3 from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and streamed live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada. Hanna Gabriels was originally slated to rematch Shields. However, based on the results of a May 2, 2023 VADA test done as part of the WBC Clean Boxer Program, promoter Salita Promotions made the change.

Boxing’s G.W.O.A.T. and Michigan’s own Shields will live up to her promise to bring big-time boxing back to Detroit by stepping up to face the WBC, WBO and IBF no. 1 ranked contender Cornejo in the first-ever boxing event at Little Caesars Arena. The two highly-competitive combatants had strong statements about their June 3 showdown.

“I told my team to get me the best,’ said Undisputed Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields. “Cornejo is a tall, tough Mexican full of pride who’s in great shape and wants to beat me. She’s ranked number one. That’s exactly what I want for my Detroit homecoming and for my fans around the world. I’m looking forward to a great performance on June 3.” 

“When Shields faced a Mexican in the cage, she lost. Now she will lose to a Mexican in the boxing ring,” said Cornejo. “I just finished an amazing fight camp and am in the best, strongest physical and mental shape of my life. My team in Vegas has sharpened me like a knife for this moment. On June 3, I will become Undisputed Champion!” 

A two-time Olympic gold medalist throughout her storied amateur career, the 28-year-old Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) avenged her only amateur defeat last October when she traveled to the U.K. to win the WBO Middleweight Title from Savannah Marshall via unanimous decision. The Flint-native’s last fight in her home state of Michigan came in March 2021 as she bested Marie Eve Dicaire to become undisputed super welterweight world champion, her second undisputed distinction after originally unifying all the middleweight titles with a 2019 victory over then unbeaten Christina Hammer.

A native of Washington who now trains in Las Vegas under the tutelage of renowned trainer Ismael Salas, Cornejo (16-5, 6 KOs) enters this fight having won three-straight contests. She most recently fought in March as she stopped Sheila Cunha in the first round. The 36-year-old has previously challenged for world titles at middleweight and super middleweight, including a pair of close decision losses to undisputed super middleweight champion Franchon Crews Dezurn in 2018 and 2019. Cornejo’s first world title opportunity came in just her sixth professional outing, as she dropped a razor thin split-decision to Kali Reis in April 2016.

“Claressa’s goal has always been to fight the best, and we left no stone unturned in making sure we deliver the highest available contender in the undisputed multi organization no. 1 world-rated middleweight Marcelo Cornejo,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Fans watching the fight live on DAZN and those present for the comeback of big-time boxing in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena will witness the highest level of professional boxing between two hungry fighters fighting for the Undisputed Middleweight World Crown.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through 313Presents.com, Ticketmaster.com and the XFINITY Box Office at Little Caesars Arena. The event is promoted by Salita Promotions and 313 Presents.

THE LEADING CHARACTERS in Saturday night’s World Championship show at the SSE Arena in Belfast faced the media today in a final press conference ahead of Michael Conlan challenging Luis Alberto Lopez for the IBF world featherweight title, live on BT Sport.

Below are the key quotes from this media event that also featured promoters Bob Arum and Jamie Conlan and undercard fighters including Queensberry champions Nick Ball, Anthony Cacace and Pierce O’Leary.

Michael Conlan
I’m just excited, really excited about Saturday night. I thank Luis for coming to Belfast, I appreciate it, but on Saturday night I will be champion. I have experienced a lot of atmospheres throughout my career now, very mad, crazy atmospheres and Saturday night will be no different. I know how to handle it now. He plans to end it quickly, but I know he has changed trainers a few times during this training camp and there are probably things going on with him. I don’t think he truly believes that, he is saying it for the cameras and that is ok, no problem. I respect him as a fighter, I respect his opinion, but on Saturday night I will be champion. I am expecting the best Luis Alberto, he is going to bring everything and try and come in and knock me out. I am prepared for everything he is going to do, I have ticked every box I need to tick and I am very confident going into this fight. It is a pleasure to have this in Belfast, but I know it doesn’t mean too much because Luis travels well. I believe on Saturday night it will be ‘and the new’.

Luis Alberto Lopez
I have already beaten up all the prospects and fighters Top Rank have given to me so, on this Saturday night, I want to prove to everyone that I am a true champion and, after beating Michael Conlan, I will go for the next world champs. I am used to this type of environment, I am used to travelling and this is my third time here in the UK. Everybody wants to see me lose but, don’t forget, I am the world champion. Every time they tell me that I am going to lose, that I am going to be knocked out, but when I jump into the ring there are two of us and I am used to it. I am going to be taking the victory.

Jamie Conlan
It is fantastic and we are delighted to bring it to Belfast. A fantastic champion like Luis Alberto Lopez, risking everything and prepared to put it on the line in Belfast is a credit to him. I truly believe this is a special night, a special moment in Irish boxing history, that Ireland will have its first male amateur world champion becoming a first male professional world champion. I believe Michael is the man to do it. This is the best fight on Saturday, the most intriguing fight in the division between two unpredictable fighters who can adapt and adjust. It is not to be missed.

Bob Arum
I’ve been there from the start of Mick’s professional career and people ask what attracted you to Mick? Go back and remember that Olympiad where he got cheated out of a decision win and he knew exactly who to blame. Remember Mick? We gave the finger to Putin and we continue to give the finger to Putin! It has been a great run with Mick, he is a terrific young man, a really good fighter who is stepping to the plate, as we say in the United States in a baseball term, against a really tough, tough opponent and world champion in Luis Lopez, who doesn’t hesitate to go into his opponents home town and perform spectacularly. It may end up being the fight of the year.

Anthony Cacace
This has been eight years in the making, the last time I fought here was in 2015. I am just excited to fight in front of my home city and show what I can do. I am delighted to be on a show stacked with talent and Mick fighting for a world title. It means a lot to be fighting in front of my family and friends, who don’t have to fly and follow me around the UK. I don’t know too much about Damian Wrzesinski, I’ve watched a bit of tape and he hasn’t fought much out of Poland. I don’t really care about Damian, I just want to do what I know I can do and, if I do that, I should win pretty handy.

Nick Ball
I am just trying to stay focused. All he says sounds good but I have heard it all before and it is nothing new to me. Let’s see what he is saying when he gets punched in the face on Saturday. I am looking forward to it. It is a massive show and I appreciate everyone who got me on it. There is a world title fight at my weight and it is a good chance to show what I am about. I can’t lose focus, I’ve got another man who is coming to win and, if you think I underestimate him, you clearly don’t know me. I’ve got my business to handle first, then we will think about world title belts.

Ludumo Lamati
Firstly I want to thank Nick Ball’s team of Queensberry. If it is the toughest fight, I don’t know, I will find out on the 27th. I am looking forward to this and excited that I have finally got a shot that I think will take me to the world title. I think he is strong, he is a threat and experience-wise, I don’t know, we will find out. I will give him a fight and we will see how he will handle a fight. I’ve been in fights, I’ve been pushed and pushed back. He is strong, comes forward and if he is going to bully me I will deserve that in the ring. I have everything to beat him. 22 guys have tried to beat me and failed all over the world.

Pierce O’Leary
I want to thank Top Rank, Conlan Boxing and, most of all, my manager Francis, George, Frank and Queensberry for getting me on this card. It is a massive card for Irish boxing itself. It is great to be home, it is not Dublin, but I am going to carry a lot of Dubs up and it is going to be loud. They call me Big Bang, so I want to go out and I want to destroy people. I’ve told you before, I don’t bang everything!

NB: DUE TO THE CLASH OF THREE MAIN EVENTS ON SATURDAY, LOPEZ-CONLAN RINGWALKS WILL BE AT 9PM, LIVE ON BT SPORT.

QUEBEC CITY, Canada (May 25, 2023) — King Artur and his three world titles are coming home to Canada.
 
Montreal resident Artur Beterbiev, the unified WBC/WBO/IBF light heavyweight world champion, will defend his belts against WBC No. 1 contender Callum “Mundo” Smith on Saturday, Aug. 19 at Videotron Centre in Québec City, Canada.
 
Promoted by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, Beterbiev-Smith and a co-feature will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The card will air live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
 
The August 19 event will be particularly significant for Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio. He has not fought in Québec City since he defended his IBF North American belt in 2015 against Gabriel Campillo.
 
“This is a momentous event for us, as we’re continually striving to bring major fights back to the province. We’re thrilled to be able to make this happen with the best boxer in the history of Québec, Artur Beterbiev, who will share the limelight with other EOTTM fighters. We hope that boxing fans will attend in droves, and that the evening will mark the beginning of a new era of boxing in Québec,” said Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan.
 
“The legend of the sport’s most fearsome puncher, Artur Beterbiev, continues August 19 in beautiful Québec City for a fight that can’t help but be a light heavyweight championship classic,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Callum Smith is a deserving mandatory challenger who won’t be intimidated fighting on Artur’s home turf.”
 
“Québec is my second home, so I’m very happy to finally defend my titles on home turf,” Beterbiev said. “When you are world champion, everyone wants the opportunity to take your belt, and that’s especially true in my case, with three titles at stake. I’ve already started my training camp, and I’ll be ready to not only defend my belts, but to also put on an impressive show August 19.”
 
Smith said,“I’m excited to finally get my opportunity to become a two-weight world champion. I’m no stranger to fighting on away soil, having boxed in Saudi Arabia twice, across America, and now heading to Canada on August 19. There was no hesitation from me going to Canada to fight Artur Beterbiev, and I will be returning to Liverpool as a world champion once more.”
 
Beterbiev, a two-time Olympian, has lived in Montreal since turning pro a decade ago. He has made seven world title defenses since toppling Enrico Koelling for the vacant IBF title in November 2017. Beterbiev picked up the WBC strap with a stirring 2019 knockout over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, then added the WBO title to his collection with last year’s second-round drubbing of Joe Smith Jr. He’s only fought once in Canada as world champion, a ninth-round TKO over Marcus Browne in December 2021. Beterbiev followed up the Smith triumph with January’s thrilling eighth-round stoppage over Anthony Yarde in Yarde’s hometown of London.
 
Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) is a former WBA super middleweight world champion who holds victories over George Groves, Hassan N’Dam and John Ryder. His championship run came to an end in December 2019, when he lost a one-sided decision to pound-for-pound great Canelo Alvarez in a title unification tilt. Smith moved up to light heavyweight following the Canelo defeat and notched knockout victories over Gilbert Castillo Rivera and Mathieu Bauderlique.
 
The full card for the Beterbiev-Smith event, which will also feature undefeated super middleweight Christian Mbilli (24-0, 20 KOs) and heavyweight puncher Simon Kean (23-1, 22 KOs), will be announced shortly. Local talents Wilkens Mathieu (2-0, 1 KOs), Leïla Beaudoin (9-1, 1 KO) and Clovis Drolet (13-1, 9 KOs) will also fight in front of their hometown supporters.
 
Tickets for the August 19 event at the Videotron Centre go on sale tomorrow, May 26 at 12 p.m. ET via www.ticketmaster.ca.

NEW YORK, NY – May 25, 2023 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that Adam Kipenga (11-3-1, 7 KOs) will now take on Ashton H2O Sylve in Most Valuable Prospects’ headlining bout for its inaugural event. Kipenga will replace Angel Rebollar who was forced to pull out of the event due to an eye injury. Created to highlight the next generation of the sport’s best male and female athletes, Most Valuable Prospects’ inaugural event will take place this Friday, May 26 live from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. DAZN will air Most Valuable Prospects across its platforms as a part of its subscription package and tickets are on sale now at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/22005E9AD958CFC5.

Kipenga, the southpaw out of Tanzania, began boxing at the age of 13 following in the footsteps of his two older brothers. He has had 40 amateur fights under his belt and holds the title of Tanzania National Champion. The 24-year old lightweight is signed to Reyes Boxing Promotions and is fighting out of Boston, MA. Sylve will go face to face with Kipenga for the first time at the official weigh-ins taking place this Thursday, May 25 at 5pm ET at the Caribe Royale Resort. The faceoff will be streamed live on DAZN Boxing’s YouTube. 

May 26th’s full card includes Kevin Brown vs. Julian Smith as the Co-Main Event fighting for the WBA Super Lightweight Continental Americas Title and a heavyweight battle between two undefeated fighters, Lorenzo Medina and former Cuban National Boxing Team member, Angel Y. Napoles (1-0, 1 KO) who will be replacing Andrey Mangushev. Mangushev had to pull out of the fight due to a hand injury. Napoles is from Miami by way of Camaguey, Cuba and has won gold medals at the Pan-Am Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games. Undefeated two-time national amateur champion Jamar Pemberton will also take on fellow undefeated fighter Bryce Henry in an action-packed four-round middleweight matchup.

YouTube boxing commentator Wade Plemons and Jomboy Media personality Dan Canobbio will be co-commentators for Friday night, while hard-hitting analysis will be provided by retired two-weight-class world champion Paul Malignaggi. Sibley Scoles will serve as the ringside reporter and YouTube boxing and Esports MC Akinola Verissimo will serve as the in-ring announcer. 

The “Most Valuable Prospects” card is produced by Most Valuable Promotions, with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter. The Caribe Royale Resort will be the series’ official title sponsor and host for each event, while DAZN will air Most Valuable Prospects across its platforms as a part of its subscription package. MVP’s co-founder Jake Paul and world-renowned undisputed featherweight world champion Amanda Serrano will be in attendance for the inaugural event. 

For more information, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @MostVPromotions, @DAZNBoxing, @Boxlab_AP, and @cariberoyale or on Instagram via @JakePaul, @MostValuablePromotions, @DAZNBoxing, and @cariberoyaleorlando.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) 

Dedicated to brand building, content creation, promotion, and strategic advisory, 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. Already making a name for itself in the sport of boxing and the overall industry, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. The promotion company has co-produced and co-promoted all of Paul’s latest matches including both fights against Tyron Woodley and his most recent fight against Anderson Silva, which included a co-headlining bout with MVP’s youngest signed talent, Ashton Sylve. 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. 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 DAZN

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US, and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? 

DAZN is the NFL’s global partner and, from the 2023 season, will be the only place for fans around the world to watch every NFL match through the NFL Game Pass International add-on subscription. DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.? DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.?

DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialize, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.?

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs, and game consoles, ensuring that fans have access to ground-breaking rights catalog and slate of incredible content. In the UK and globally, DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including PlayStation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV and can find the app on their iPhone, iPad, and android mobile devices. DAZN is available as an Amazon Channel on Amazon Prime TV and can be viewed on Channel 429 on Sky in the UK and Ireland.

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.??

About Caribe Royale Orlando Resort

Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando. A TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale is emerging from a $140 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. Being privately-owned, Caribe Royale offers meeting planners faster approval cycles and more flexibility to create stand-out events. To learn more or to book a visit, event or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow the all-suite convention hotel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@cariberoyale), LinkedIn and Pinterest. #cariberoyaleorlando 

Wasserman Boxing is thrilled to announce that Josh Kelly has signed a new multi-year deal with the company. 

Kelly is set to become the next British boxer to break onto the world stage and Wasserman Boxing, one of the sport’s leading promoters, will be in his corner as his career goes to the new levels. 

The ‘Pretty Boy’, ranked No2 in the world, is preparing for his June 24 showdown with Argentinean hardman Gabriel Corzo at the Vertu Motors Arena, in Newcastle, live and exclusive worldwide on DAZN. 

And today it can be confirmed that Kelly and Wasserman Boxing have extended their partnership, which began last year and has quickly seen the 29-year-old re-establish himself as one of Britain’s premier talents. 

Josh Kelly said: “I am really happy to have signed a multi-year deal with Wasserman Boxing. 

“I have loved working with Kalle, Nisse and the whole team and know that, with them in my corner, my career will continue to go from strength to strength. 

“Winning the British title against Troy Williamson, at a packed-out arena last year, is a moment that I will never forget, but now we are ready to take on the world, starting on June 24 in Newcastle.  Let’s go!”  

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Wasserman Boxing, said: “Josh Kelly is one of the hottest properties in the sport and there are so many massive domestic and international fights to be made for him, so we are thrilled he has put pen to paper on a new multi-year deal with Wasserman Boxing.

“Promoting Josh has been a dream but make no mistake, we are only just getting started with this man.  

“In Newcastle on June 24, we start to take Pretty Boy to the next level.” 

Kelly vs Corzo headlines a great night of boxing in Newcastle on June 24, with Liam Dillon and Qais Ashfaq battling it out for the vacant British super featherweight title, in the co-main event. 

Local heavyweight Steve Robinson trades punches with Franklin Ignatius in a not-to-be-missed eight round collision. 

Chloe Watson continues her journey to the top of the flyweight division, when she takes on Argentina’s Belen Valdebenito, stepping up to eight rounds for the first time. 

Codie Smith, one of the most exciting additions to the professional ranks in years, will bring a noisy army of fans from Yorkshire with him for his latest bout. 

Darlington’s Ben Marksby plans on making a statement about his super lightweight ambitions, while the Mikkel Kessler-trained Oliver Zaren boxes in front of a UK audience for a second successive time. 

North East fighters Luke Cope, Travis Waters and Joe Laws are also set to draw in the crowds, on a huge night of action in Newcastle. 

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (May 24th, 2023) – Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) is on track to land a record-setting 1-2 this summer as she follows October’s sell-out of The O2 London – the UK’s largest arena – by headlining a sold-out show at the AO Arena Manchester – the UK’s second-largest arena – on Saturday, July 1st.

The undisputed World Super-Middleweight Championship will be on the line when Marshall walks out to challenge defending champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) and becomes the first female boxer ever to headline the UK’s two largest arenas in back-to-back events.

Previously set to occupy the co-headline slot, the undisputed world championship bout now takes main event status as Liam Smith postpones his rematch with bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr to recover from a minor but nagging injury which has dogged his training camp.

The two antagonists set a pay-per-view record for their weight class when they fought in January, a bout Smith won by fourth-round stoppage, and a stellar support card was put in place for their highly-anticipated rematch, which was also set to air as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event.

With two world title fights – Liverpool’s Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) is set to defend her unified world light-middleweight championship at the event – plus a guaranteed-fireworks British super-middleweight title fight pitting Manchester man Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs), that stacked undercard now becomes a stacked event which will air live on the Sky Sports network.

And BOXXER has today also announced that every fan entering the AO Arena on Saturday, July 1 will be issued with a £10 or £20 food and beverage voucher (depending on value of ticket held), courtesy of BOXXER, plus priority access to tickets for the new Smith vs Eubank II date when announced and a 10% discount code to use in their priority access window. 

Also confirmed for the card is once-in-a-lifetime talent Ben ‘The Surgeon’ Whittaker (3-0, 2 KO’s), who became one of the most talked-about athletes in the country earlier this month when his outrageous showboating at BOXXER’s Birmingham event went viral online and had him trending at #1 on UK twitter for the night of May 6th.

Another prospect heavily-tipped by boxing insiders is Callum Simpson (11-0, 9 KO’s), who journeys from his native Yorkshire on July 1st to make his second BOXXER appearance following his stunning third-round stoppage in the same venue in March.

“I’m gutted and sorry to all the fans about the postponement. I’ve always said a fully fit Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every time. I tried training through because I was desperate not to let anyone down but I’ve had to withdraw from the bout in July following the latest medical assessment this week. I’ll heal up now and then be fully fit for later in the summer,” said Liam Smith. 

“I wanted BOXXER to put a big card together and they more than delivered, so I’m honestly delighted that BOXXER is keeping the card on without the pay-per-view, which doesn’t always happen. I would encourage all the fans to get behind Tasha Jonas and Savannah Marshall in their world title fights, and the other fighters in a brilliant card.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, saluted Smith’s courageous efforts to stay on the card and looks forward to another record-setting night in Manchester.

“Nobody is more disappointed than Liam Smith, he’s the ultimate professional but he had no choice but to postpone the bout. We’re working on a new date for the fight and hope to announce that in a week or so. In the meantime we’ve got a huge night taking place in Manchester on July 1st,” he said.

“Savannah Marshall headlining the UK’s two biggest arenas in back to back fights is a first for a female fighter and shows the strength of the women’s sport today. She’s fighting for the undisputed world super-middleweight championship against the USA’s Franchon Crews-Dezurn – a fight which could headline any arena in the world. 

“Manchester’s own Mark Heffron defending his British title against Zak Chelli, Natasha Jonas laying her own world titles on the line, plus a once-in-a-generation talent like Ben Whittaker and the outstanding Callum Simpson takes on Boris Crighton – this is a card stacked with great fights and we are very excited for it.

“We understand a lot of fans will be disappointed to hear the Smith-Eubank rematch is being postponed, so we’ve arranged a free voucher for every fan in the venue to have a drink on us on fight night, plus they will receive priority access to Smith vs Eubank II tickets for the new date when it’s announced, and a discount on those tickets.”

Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing said a new date for the Smtih vs Eubank rematch will will be announced imminently. “We have been informed that Liam Smith is not fit to fight on July 1st. We are awaiting further medical reports before we announce the new date shortly.”

A new date for the rescheduled Smith vs Eubank II bout – which follows Smith’s stunning stoppage of Eubank in January – will be announced in the near future.

ANTHONY CACACE MIGHT just be a big name in Poland having enjoyed the distinction of being called out live on national television.

The man doing the calling, IBO International super featherweight champion Damian Wrzesinski, gets to have his wish come true this weekend when he challenges the full IBO champion Cacace for his belt, live on BT Sport, on the undercard of the IBF world featherweight title collision between Luis Alberto Lopez and local Belfast favourite Michael Conlan.

Cacace and his Polish challenger had actually been quietly stalking each other online for some time now.

“I’ve followed him for a while now and he’s followed me, before I even won the IBO,” revealed the man known as ‘The Apache’. “Polish TV tagged me in something and it was him calling me out live on his national TV.

“Then I was supposed to go to Poland and that never happened and here we are now. Damian is 35 and wanting an opportunity. I am more than happy to give it to him.”

Saturday night at the SSE Arena represents a homecoming for the 34-year-old southpaw, who last fought at the venue back in early 2015, some 10 fights ago. Not that he minds as he is happy to take his show on the road.

“Yes it is great,” he considered. “I’ve got an IBO and I would love an IBF or a WBC. I have been fighting a long time professionally and I feel I have got to the stage in my career where it is all beginning to pay off. I’m just happy.

“With me, I don’t mind where I am fighting, whether it is in England, Scotland, Wales, Belfast, it doesn’t matter. It is obviously a big bonus for my family and everyone who comes out to watch me. I have sold a lot of tickets for this, so it is going to be special.

“Belfast is special for boxing, it is a great city, they appreciate their boxing and they know what they are watching.”

Despite their ongoing connection, Cacace admits that he remains largely in the dark when it comes to assessing the threat posed by the Pole, who is currently being trained out of Southampton by respected trainer Wayne Batten.

“I don’t know too much about Damian. I watched an interview with him and he seems like a pleasant fella. I have watched him a few times and he is what he is. I’m sure he’s going to be buzzing to get this opportunity and he is going to come over wanting to fight. That’s what I want and I don’t think Damian has ever been hit the way I’m going to hit him.

“We’re going to have to just see what happens on the night. They are all fit and strong but, as soon as you hit them, they don’t seem to want to come forward as much and they think a little bit more. With Damian, I’m going to add a bit more pain and punishment for him. I’m coming to take him out, forget about the boxing aspect, I am coming to get him.

“Also how big I am, I think Damian may be in for a surprise.”

Anthony Cacace defends his IBO World super-featherweight championship against Damian Wrzesinski on the undercard of the Luis Alberto Lopez vs Michael Conlan on Saturday at the SSE Arena, Belfast. 

NB: DUE TO THE CLASH OF THREE MAIN EVENTS ON SATURDAY, LOPEZ-CONLAN RINGWALKS WILL BE AT 9PM, LIVE ON BT SPORT.

NEW YORK (May 23, 2023) —Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas (15-0, 10 KOs) will have an extra source of motivation for his upcoming fight.

The 20-year-old standout will fight Ronald “Diablo” Cruz (18-2-1, 12 KOs) on Saturday, June 10 for the second annual Miguel Cotto Award, which is presented by Top Rank and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. The Miguel Cotto Award celebrates the remarkable career of the legendary four-division world champion and upholds the tradition of hosting a major fight card during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. Cotto, who achieved notable wins against Muhammad Abdullaev, Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Sergio Martinez and Daniel Geale during this festive weekend, will present the award at The Theater at Madison Square Garden following the June 10 bout.

Zayas-Cruz will be the co-feature to the junior welterweight showdown between WBO and Ring Magazine world champion Josh Taylor and former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez.

Taylor-Lopez and Zayas-Cruz will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 

Cotto said, “For me, it’s a great honor and a great pleasure that Madison Square Garden and Top Rank have an award with my name to continue the tradition of fight cards during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend. This award will motivate future generations to deliver their best in each fight.”

“Miguel Cotto has made an immeasurable mark on boxing at ‘The Mecca’ – Madison Square Garden,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events and Operations, Madison Square Garden Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Cotto’s warrior legacy during the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend with the presentation of the second annual award to the winner of the Xander Zayas v. Ronald Cruz fight on Saturday, June 10.”

Zayas said, “I’ve always said that in the world of boxing, Miguel Cotto is my favorite fighter. He is the reason I decided to become a fighter. It’s a total honor and a dream come true to have the opportunity to fight for an award that has his name. This confirms for me that we are on the right path, and it motivates me to keep working hard to continue accomplishing my dreams. I want to unite my Island and all of the Puerto Ricans in the United States in the same way that Miguel did. That is my biggest dream, and I will achieve it.”

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

Los Angeles, CA (May 23, 2023) Undefeated rising star, Daniel ‘Chucky’ Barrera, (2-0-1, 2 KOs), returns to battle in a six-round super flyweight contest on Saturday, July 22 at Hollywood Fight Nights from Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, CA and broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.  

Tickets for Hollywood Fight Nights presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, starting at $55 for the evening of world class professional boxing can be purchased online at Chumash Casino Resort. The Chumash Casino Resort is located at 3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:00 p.m. PT with the first bell at 6:00 p.m. PT.

The 21-year-old Barrera, fighting out of Riverside, CA quickly turned heads as a professional with a sensational third round knockout of Jesus Godinez in his debut on July 28, 2022. The former amateur standout most recently scored a show-stopping first round knockout of Victor Hernandez Martin on January 27, 2023. The highly touted Barrera is managed by Ray Chaparro and trained by Al Franco.

“I’m thrilled to fight on this tremendous card at the Chumash Casino Resort on Saturday, July 22,” said Barrera. “We’ve been working very hard in the gym since my last fight and I’m looking forward to putting on another great show.”

“We’re very pleased with ‘Chucky’s’ progression as a professional,” said Ray Chaparro. “He learned from sparring with ‘Chocolatito’ in the ring but also how to prepare for fights outside the ring. July 22 is another opportunity for Chucky to shine under the bright lights.”

Stated Tom Loeffler, “This is our first event at Chumash Casino Resort and we’re very excited to have ‘Chucky’ on the card. His all-action style has made him a fan favorite for Southern California boxing fans in the last year and we look forward to another memorable performance from him.”

Hollywood Fight Nights is headlined by a highly anticipated ten-round clash between WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Champion Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (22-1 22 KOs) defending his title against Former World Title Challenger, Patrick Allotey, (42-4, 32 KO’s).

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Liam Dillon and Qais Ashfaq are to clash for the vacant super featherweight crown at the Vertu Motors Arena, on Saturday June 24 as part of the bumper show headlined by world champion-in-the-making Josh Kelly. 

Live and exclusive around the world on DAZN, North East hero Kelly puts his world title dream on the line against the highly ranked Argentinean Gabriel Corzo, who has already cranked up the tension by promising a “war”. 

And now the Wasserman Boxing event has become even bigger with the addition of Dillon vs Ashfaq, in a scrap which has all the ingredients to be a show stealer. 

Dillon is the unbeaten and dangerous Londonder who is coming off a career-best win over Joshua Wahab and the 27-year-old plans on upsetting the odds again, but this time against former Olympian Ashfaq. 

Leeds favourite Ashfaq is the former Team GB stand-out, who won medals at major international tournaments, boxed at Rio 2016 and is back in form after suffering a shock defeat in 2020. 

Dillon (12-0-1) said: “Qais Ashfaq is a mountain for me to climb but I was the big underdog in my last fight and people had written me off, but I caused a big upset. 

“After my last win I was still the English champion and so I asked my team if we could push for the British. The British title is one I have always wanted but I didn’t ever know if I had the ability or know-how to win it. But after my last fight, I know I am ready.”  

Ashfaq (12-1) said: “Liam is a very tough kid and while he may not have my technical ability, he will be in my face for the whole fight. 

“But he can’t out-box me and this can be a very straight-forward fight for me, but it is also for me to lose. 

“But I believe this is the reboot of my career and winning the British title will lead to many more big nights, and I genuinely believe I will still become a world champion.” 

Wasserman Boxing can also confirm that the future of women’s boxing in this country, Chloe Watson, will step up to eight rounds for the first time, with victory edging her closer to title contention. 

Watson, the unbeaten former international amateur star who is trained by Ricky Hatton, tackles Belen Valdebenito in Newcastle and plans on making yet another statement in her second contest of the year. 

Hometown heavyweight Steve Robinson locks horns with Franklin Ignatius in a thunderous collision of big punchers that nobody is expecting will go the eight-round distance. 

Codie Smith, one of the most exciting young British boxers to turn professional in recent years, has the second contest of his career and will be backed by a noisy army of fans making the trip from Yorkshire. 

Darlington’s hugely popular Ben Marksby has his eyes fixed on climbing the super lightweight ladder this year and plans on making his first fight of 2023 one to remember, in front of the DAZN cameras. 

Big local support is also expected for Luke Cope, Travis Waters and Joe Laws on June 24, while the Mikkel Kessler-trained Oliver Zaren fights on UK soil for the second time as part of a not-to-be-missed event. 

NICK BALL IS bidding to stake a claim for a place at the top table of the featherweight division this weekend and is hoping to issue an invitation to the winner of the world title clash between Luis Alberto Lopez and Michael Conlan in Belfast, live on BT Sport.

Scouser Ball takes his place on the Belfast bill with a precarious defence of his WBC Silver title against the unbeaten South African Ludlum Lamati with the express intention of placing his name right in the frame to fight whoever emerges as IBF world champion next.

To do this, the 26-year-old knows he needs to make a splash in the city that built the Titanic.

“That is the place I am going, the level I am going, which is world level,” said the 17-0 Ball on the prospect of taking on either Lopez or Conlan. “If I get the opportunity to fight the winner I will take it with both hands.

“I’m made up, it is a good card to be on, with it being a world title at my weight. Although obviously I am concentrating on my fight, putting a good performance in and trying to steal the show.”

On what will be something of a defining night for the featherweight division, it is also one that will see WBA king Mauricio Lara rematch against Leigh Wood in Manchester.

WATCH DEV SAHNI’S FULL INTERVIEW WITH NICK BALL BY CLICKING HERE

Ball is confident that his swashbuckling approach to fights contains all the right ingredients to demand the attention of the watching public and establish his world title credentials.

“Definitely, that’s what boxing is. We go out there to entertain people and I always want to look good doing it. I feel like my style does that and people would rather watch a style like mine over an average boxer, if that’s what you want to call it.”

And as for opponent Lamati, all Ball knows for sure is that, as normal, he will be up against a tall order.

“I don’t really know anything about him, just that he’s tall, but they all are until they get in the ring with me and I bring them down to my size!”

NB: DUE TO THE CLASH OF THREE MAIN EVENTS ON SATURDAY, LOPEZ-CONLAN RINGWALKS WILL BE AT 9PM, LIVE ON BT SPORT.

LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2023) – Fast rising, undefeated super flyweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (11-0, 8 KOs), boxing’s 115-pound version of a Human Highlight Film, returns to action this Saturday night against Fernando “Leoncito” Diaz (12-3-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round match to open the DAZN stream, starting at 9 pm. ET / 6 p.m. PT, live from Fantasy Spring Resort Casino in Indio, California.

The 26-year-old Ramirez, fighting out of South-Central Los Angeles, will make his first World Boxing Continental title defense Saturday on the Alexis Rocha vs. Anthony Young-headlined card, presented by Golden Boy Promotions.

In his last action, “Scrappy” convincingly won a 10-round unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 99-91) over Luis Villa Padilla (15-3-2) this past February for the then vacant WBC Continental crown. Ramirez captured the NABA crown a year ago, registering a 2022 Knockout of the Year-caliber performance against Jan Salvatierra (8-1), who lasted only 2:25 in the opening round, punched through the ropes and literally out of the ring. His NABA title is not on the line versus Diaz.

“Scrappy” was arguably the most active fighter during the COVID-19 pandemic and he enjoys being on the fast track. “I like fighting often because the more fights for me,” promotional free agent Ramirez said, “I’m only getting better. I’ve been learning more knowledge about boxing and gaining experience. I’m improving overall in this game, learning whatever I can to gain knowledge and experience. I ask questions all the time. I speak to ‘Zurdo’ (former world super middleweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez) on a daily basis at Brickhouse (Boxing Club in North Hollywood, CA). Deontay Wilder and Regis Prograis when they are training there, too. And BHOP (Bernard Hopkins) and Oscar (de la Hoya).

“After my last two fights, I’ve gone to training camps on the East Coast. I went to camp in the Pennsylvania woods to help get (Junto) Nakatani ready for his title fight (vacant World Boxing Organization World  Super Flyweight) against (Andrew) Maloney). I was out there chopping wood and staying in top condition. I really worked on movement. I like working with fighters who have different mechanics to pick up and add to my toolbox. I sparred at a higher level for this fight and really learned a lot from Nakatani.” (Nakatani (25-0, 19 KOs) brutally stopped Maloney (25-3, 16 KOs) in the 12^th round.)

Rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), Scrappy” accepted an offer five months ago to face veteran Thai boxer Sirichai Thaiyen (64-4, 42 KOs), rated No, 3 (the No. 1 spot is open), in a WBA Title Eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for WBA Super Flyweight World Champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco (18-1-3, 8 KOs). There hasn’t been any movement yet to secure this fight.

“That’s out of my control,” Ramirez noted. “My job is to stay ready and be prepared for when the eliminator happens. Until then I’ll keep learning and improving.”

Diaz, 23, won his World Boxing Council (WBC) USA Flyweight title on February 5, 2022, when he took a 10-round unanimous decision from previously undefeated Lorenzo Smith (10-0). Representing Riverside, California, Diaz also knocked out (6^th round) another unbeaten challenger, Salvatierra (7-0), who is the only common opponent for Diaz and Ramirez.

“I don’t think he (Diaz) is on my level,” Ramirez claimed, “but this kid is looking for his opportunity. He’s lost three fights because he’s taken big fights. He thinks I’m his opportunity. He is in between my mission and goals. I’m going to take him out! I learned a lot in my last fight by going 10 rounds. I need to be patient. I’m an entertainer who is always looking to get an opportunity to take out my opponent, but early in my last fight I was looking for a knockout and got away from the game plan. If the knockout comes, it comes, but I need to be more patient. I want to impose my will but be patient. I’m going to follow the process to be patient.

“It’s good to be fighting on DAZN again. It’s not my first rodeo, though. This will be my third straight fight on DAZN. I’m a little upset I’m not in the main event like in my last fight; I’m taking it personal, nothing against the promoters. I understand but now I’m always aiming to be in the main event. I know that I have to earn my stripes, and that this fight is another chance for me to showcase my skills. I appreciate fighting on DAZN and my fan base has really grown fast because of the exposure I’ve had fighting on DAZN.”

“Scrappy” Ramirez is working with 3 Point Management (3 PM), a growing company based in Los Angeles that has a growing stable of gifted boxers including former world super middleweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs), light heavyweight Kareem Hackett (10-0, 5 KOs), super middleweight Cem “Champ” Kilic (17-1, 11 KOs), and heavyweights Darius “DFG “ Fulghum (4-0, 4 KOs) and Zach Spiller (3-0, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /JohnRamirez

Instagram: @Scrappyboxing

Regis Prograis will defend his WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Danielito Zorrilla on Saturday June 17 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS FOR PROGRAIS VS. ZORILLA ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM
Prograis (28-1 24 KOs) became a two-time World king at 140lbs by dismantling and knocking out Jose Zepeda in 11 rounds at the feted ‘War Grounds’ of the Dignity Health in California in November.

The New Orleans native previously held the WBA title at Super-Lightweight, winning the belt against Kiryl Relikh via sixth round stoppage at the University of Louisiana in April 2019 in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series, before meeting Josh Taylor in the final at The O2 in London in October in a barnstorming battle edged by the Scot.

The 34 year old returned to winning ways against Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna to lead to his win over Zepeda, and ‘Rougarou’ is looking to shine in his first fight at home since October 2018 as he aims to land the unification fights he craves in the second half of 2023, with undisputed on his mind in 2024.

Zorrilla (17-1 13 KOs) will be out to spoil those plans, and the Puerto Rican promoted by the legendary Miguel Cotto, lands a golden opportunity to win his first World title on June 17, replacing the injured Liam Paro. The 29 year old held the WBO NABO title at 140lbs, highlighted by a destructive second round KO over Pablo Cesar Cano, and pushed highly rated Californian Arnold Barbosa Jr all the way in their clash in July.

“I’m glad that Zorrilla has taken the fight,” said Prograis. “Nothing changes for me; I am still working hard to go out there and prove that I am the best fighter in the world at 140lbs. I will go out, do my thing, show out for my city and defend my title with pride.

“I’m sad for Liam but we have a great replacement, and I am going to make every proud. Everyone in the city is stopping me in the street and asking me about the fight, so I cannot wait to get in there and put on a show, it’s going to be a fire fight.”

“We have waited for this opportunity for a long time in my career and it has finally arrived,” said Zorrilla. “I am ready to be a world champion, I am grateful to Prograis for giving me the opportunity but on June 17, there will be a new World champion.

“I’ve been watching Prograis for a long time and I know his style, I know I have the talent and ability to win by any means. The world will know who Zorro is.”

“Zorrilla has worked hard for this opportunity and without a doubt the time has come to fight for the World championship,” said Cotto. “Prograis is a great champion but on June 17 he will have a complete boxer in front of him, hungry and ready to be World champion.”

INDIO, CA (May 22, 2023) – The pride of the Coachella Valley, Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores (15-0, 11 KOs), will headline his first-ever Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN card on Thursday, June 8 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. He will face Phoenix, Arizona’s Walter Santibanes (11-2, 2 KOs) in a 10-round bantamweight fight. Doors to the Special Events Center open at 5:00 p.m. PT, the first fight will begin at approximately 5:05 p.m. PT, and the worldwide DAZN broadcast begins at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET. 

In the co-main event, female boxing veteran and former two-division world champion Jelena Mrdjenovich (41-12-4, 19 KOs) of Hay River, Canada will return to the ring after a valiant WBA World Championship rematch against Erika Cruz in September 2022. Mrdjenovich will face former world title contender of Santiago, Colombia, Calista “Cali” Silgado (21-16-4, 16 KOs). The two will fight in a 10-round featherweight fight. 

Information on the complete undercard will be announced soon. 

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Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Tickets for the June 8 show go on-sale today at 12:00 p.m. PT and are priced at $65, $55, $45, $35 and $25 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. 

Media interested in a credential can apply at: https://bit.ly/6_8GBFN. Credential applications are due June 5, 2023. 

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

QUINCY, Mass. (May 22, 2023) – Heavyweight Kevin Nagle (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Scituate (MA), has certainly taken a circuitous route to professional boxing.

The 39-year-old Nagle will be in action Saturday night, June 10^th, in a four-round match against Reinaldo Souza (0-1) on the “Fight Night at the Vets Club” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions’ (GCP), at the Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Nagle, who started boxing when he was 10, made his professional debut this past February in Melrose (MA), stopping Aquilla Prote in the second round.

Boxing was put to the side by Nagle when he played high school football at South Shore Regional Vocational Technical, and then while he played rugby after he graduated from high school, prior to him joining the National Guard at 20 and going to boot camp.

He wanted to pick up boxing again upon his return home from camp and reconnected with some of his coaches from his early days at the Pembroke Boxing Club, after which he started training at the famed Petronelli Gym in Brockton. Kevin had a brief amateur boxing career, highlighted by him reaching the semifinals of the New England Golden Gloves.

In 2006, he was deployed to Kosovo and then he volunteered for a six-months stint in Iraq when his company was deployed there. Once his National Guard commitment was fulfilled, he joined Local 223 as a laborer.

Later, he took CNA classes and Kevin was responsible for dementia care at the Veterans Administration (VA). He attended nursing school and has been a psychiatric nurse for the past eight years at the Brockton VA.

Nagle wanted to box again and after local boxer/trainer Mark DeLuca hooked him up in 2014 with Steve Vukosa (14-1-1, 5 KOs), a former New England Heavyweight Champion, and Kevin has been Steve’s primary sparring partner ever since.

But why did it take so long for Nagle to join pro boxing’s ranks?

“I had kids, and my wife didn’t let me fight,” Nagle explained. “When we separated, my first call was to Steve, not a lawyer, and I told him it was time to get back into boxing and I needed to get into shape. Steve introduced me to (promoter) Chris Traietti, who I had watched fight, and he said he’d get me one fight. Boxing has helped me be focused with all I’m going through.

“My goal with Steve was for me to go pro. I wanted to accomplish that for my kids and accomplished it. Anything that happens now in boxing is like having a cherry on top. I wanted to show my kids that I didn’t give up on my dream. I wanted to be a soldier and did that, too. My overall goal is to work my way up to a competitive fight. I’m just a crazy, old guy working in the gym with Steve and Martin Grealish. This experience is keeping me centered, I’m not trying to take over the boxing world.”

“When Steve Vukosa first approached me about Kevin turning pro,” Traietti added, “I didn’t really take it overly serious at first, but I knew Kevin. I sincerely liked him on a personal level, so I gave him a call and we chatted. Once he told me about his current situation, I knew he was serious, and this was important to him. He is 39 years old and doesn’t have any aspirations of some long career, but he wants an opportunity to get on a big card and get the experience of fighting on a national stage. Fortunately, for him, that is exactly what I can do for my guys. The plan is to keep him active in 2023 with a handful of fights and get him the big experience he is looking for in 2024.”

Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs), of Woburn (MA), and New Hampshire’s Ryan Thomas Clark (2-3. 1 KO) throw-down in the six-round main event for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) middleweight title.

Also slated to fight on the “Fight Night at the Vets Club” are former New England Welterweight Champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (17-2, 9 KOs), of Holbrook (MA), vs. William Parra Smith (4-14-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round bout; unbeaten Lynn (MA).super middleweight James “Pitbull” Perkins (11-0-1, 8 KOs) vs. TBA in a six-rounder; and Boston lightweight Arika Skoog (1-0-1, 1 KO), the 2020 USA Boxing Elite National and multiple New England Golden Gloves champion, vs. Sarah “Switch Kick” Click (1-4-1).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $60.00 (floor seats), $40.00 (standing room only), and $400.00 for ringside tables of 4 are available for purchase at https://granite-chin-

promotions.ticketleap.com.

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

NEW YORK (May 22, 2023)-Split-T Management junior middleweight Marques Valle remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Demarcus Layton six-round junior middleweight fight in a bout that took place this past Wednesday night at The Pro Box Event Center in Plant City, Florida.

Valle came out aggressive from the opening bell and battered Layton all over the ring with power shots until the fight was stopped at 2:30.

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida is now 9-0 with seven knockouts. Layton of Little Rock, Arkansas is 8-5-1.

Valle is promoted by Pro Box Promotions.