Quotes: Jared Anderson Announces Toledo Homecoming Battle against Zhan Kossobutskiy at Huntington Center LIVE on ESPN
TOLEDO, Ohio (May 2, 2023) — Toledo’s knockout king is set to take center stage in front of a hometown crowd.
Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will fight Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event Saturday, July 1, at Toledo’s Huntington Center.
In the 10-round co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori.
Anderson formally announced his upcoming fight today at the Glass City Pavilion in Toledo. He was joined by Hall of Fame Promoter/Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Toledo-born first responder DeAndre Ware, who will see action on the undercard.
Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Makhmudov-Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
At the press conference, this is what Anderson, Arum, Ware and Mayor Kapszukiewiczhad to say.
Jared Anderson
“I’m happy to be here. I’m feeling so loved and embraced here. It means everything to me. I plan to put on a great show. I plan to show the kids and the city that we are still fighting and are one of the biggest small cities in the nation. The world will know us.”
“I’ve been in the gym going crazy. As you can see, my body shows it. My fights show it. My power shows it. I’m going to keep pushing and stay on track so that this train keeps going.”
“I’m super excited. I’m happy to see all the familiar faces and all the friends and family. The cameras are good and all, but I’m doing this for the city. I’m doing this for the people that are here. I’m doing this for the people that don’t have phones in their hand and are out there in the world right now fighting to survive. I’ve been fighting to survive for a long time. Now that I don’t have to do that, I want to show you all that hopefully you won’t have to do that, too. Just keep fighting. Keep striving to be better and you will get there for sure.”
Bob Arum
“I’m happy to be here because this is Jared Anderson’s hometown. We told him that one day he would fight his first main event here in Toledo. Jared is here. And just because he’s here doesn’t mean that he gets a piece of cake. He is fighting a very, very tough competitor because we believe that Jared will be the future heavyweight champion of the world. But to do that, he’s got to fight really tough guys. And we’ve gotten him an opponent from Kazakhstan who is 19-0 with 18 knockouts.”
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz
“This is beyond exciting. It builds upon an underrated boxing history in Toledo. Right across the river, maybe a quarter of a mile down, Jack Dempsey won his heavyweight crown. Here in Toledo, the golden age of boxing began on July 4, 1919. Muhammad Ali fought here. George Foreman fought here. We’ve got a proud boxing tradition, but there is nothing more special that rallying behind one of our own. Toledo backs its own. And we can’t wait for Jared to fight.”
DeAndre Ware
“I remember boxing at the PAL. Back then, you were a little guy. We used to get on you all the time. Then you got older and started sparring. I used to put my mouthpiece out there and say, ‘you can’t knock it out my mouth.’ I can’t do that anymore. I’m proud of you, Jared. I thank you for this opportunity. I’m thankful for fighting here in front of my friends, fans and family. I’m happy.”
Toledo’s Knockout King is BACK: Undefeated Heavyweight Sensation Jared Anderson Headlines Homecoming Battle against Zhan Kossobutskiy at Huntington Center LIVE on ESPN
TOLEDO, Ohio (May 2, 2023) — Early fireworks await this Fourth of July weekend as Toledo’s knockout king heads home to headline an action-packed heavyweight doubleheader featuring a quartet of the division’s hardest-hitting punchers.
Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson will collide against Kazakhstan’s Zhan Kossobutskiy in a 10-round main event Saturday, July 1, at Toledo’s Huntington Center. Anderson will fight for the first time as a pro in his hometown, just a few days shy of the 104th anniversary of Jack Dempsey’s historic win over Jess Willard on July 4, 1919, at Toledo’s Bay View Park. Dempsey’s triumph heralded a new era in his illustrious career, and Anderson expects to do the same in his first headlining attraction.
In the 10-round heavyweight co-feature, Montreal-based wrecking ball Arslanbek Makhmudov takes on Nigeria’s Raphael Akpejiori. The Makhmudov-Akpejiori showdown rounds out a doubleheader featuring four undefeated knockout artists with a combined record of 64 wins and 61 stoppages. Anderson-Kossobutskiy and Makhmudov-Akpejiori will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Universum Boxing, tickets go on sale TODAY, May 2, at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
“Jared Anderson is a proud son of Toledo, and we are thrilled to bring Top Rank and ESPN to the ‘Glass City’,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Ever since Jared turned pro, we have set our sights on Toledo as a fight destination. He is now the best young heavyweight in the world, and the time was right to bring ‘The Real Big Baby’ home. Zhan Kossobutskiy is a ferocious puncher in his own right, and I expect an action-packed fight in front of a raucous, sold-out Huntington Center crowd.”
Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) debuted in the paid ranks in 2019 and has developed into a top contender. He has never gone beyond the sixth round, as he has stopped five of his opponents in the first round and another five in the second round. In 2020, he garnered global attention as Tyson Fury’s primary sparring partner, but he is now carving his own path. In his last fight, he knocked out then-undefeated George Arias in the third round, the second unbeaten fighter to have fallen victim to Anderson’s punching power. Ranked at No. 7 by the WBO and No. 11 by both the WBC and WBA, the 23-year-old now turns his attention to the division’s top dogs.
Anderson said, “To my family, friends, and fans in Toledo, I cannot wait to come home. This is a dream come true. Trust me, I am going to put on a show for you all. The support of my city has pushed me my entire career, and I know everyone will be in my corner on July 1.”
Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a 10-round unanimous decision win over Kamil Sokolowski in August 2020. He has not gone passed the sixth round since. In 2021, he went 3-0 with three knockouts, stopping once-beaten Nigerian Onorede Ehwareme, iron-chinned Philadelphian Joey Dawejko, and then-undefeated Dominican Alexis Garcia. In 2022, he dispatched former world title challenger Johann Duhaupas in the fifth round and is coming off a third-round knockout over previously unbeaten contender Hussein Muhamed in November.
Kossobutskiy said, “The fact that this fight will take place in the United States, in my opponent’s hometown, will make this fight interesting. I like to box strong opponents. Such fights are needed in the heavyweight division. I haven’t watched his fights. They say that he is good, but we will analyze him in the process of my fight preparation.”
Makhmudov (16-0, 15 KOs) made his professional debut in December 2017 by knocking out Jaime Barajas in the first round. He secured five additional first-round stoppages in his first seven fights, and in 2019, he became the first fighter to knock out tough-as-nails veteran Jonnie Rice. Later that year, he knocked out former world champion Samuel Peter in the first round, starting a series of four consecutive first-round knockouts. In September 2022, Makhmudov went the distance for the first time against former world title challenger Carlos Takam. In his most recent bout, he stopped Michael Wallisch in only one round in December. The 6’5, 265-pound powerhouse is set to face the tallest opponent of his career.
Makhmudov said, “Fighting for the first time in the United States, the Mecca of boxing, represents a major opportunity for me, not only because it will give me a chance to showcase my talent on the world stage, but also because it brings me one step closer to my dream of becoming a world champion. I’ve been dedicating my life to boxing, putting all the hard work and sacrifices for this moment. I’m ready. I want to fight the best, and I’m ready to give a great show to the boxing fans all over the world.”
At 6’8′ and 260 pounds, Akpejiori (15-0, 14 KOs) casts an intimidating presence. A former collegiate basketball and football player for the University of Miami, he is a fistic natural, having stopped ten of his opponents in the first round and another four in the second round. In June 2022, the 32-year-old went the eight-round distance for the first time in his career against veteran Terrell Jamal Woods. In his most recent fight, Akpejiori scored a first-round knockout against Dell Long in January. Akpejiori will have a nearly three-inch height advantage over his opponent.
Akpejiori said, “I do not expect this to be an easy fight, but I have prepared for this moment for a long time. I’m used to the hard work. I’m used to the adversity, the obstacles, and the pain. This is just another chapter, and I am more than ready for it. This is an opportunity to represent the African continent on a global scale, and I do not intend to disappoint.”
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will feature Toledo-born first responder DeAndre Ware and a pair of Cleveland’s sterling undefeated talents: Tiger Johnson and Dante Benjamin Jr.
Ware (15-4-2, 9 KOs) will return in a six-round super middleweight fight. He is a local firefighter who saved the life of Top Rank coordinator Pete Susens after performing CPR before a weigh-in inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble in 2020. Nearly three years later, Ware returns on a Top Rank show seeking to rebound from a defeat to unbeaten contender Christian Mbilli last September.
Rising U.S. Olympian Johnson (8-0, 5 KOs) will see action in an eight-round junior welterweight clash. Following a 2022 in which he went 5-0 with three knockouts, Johnson kicked off 2023 with an eight-round unanimous decision win in April over Alfonso Olvera
Light heavyweight prospect Benjamin (6-0, 4 KOs) will make his third appearance of 2023 in a six-round bout. Benjamin began the year with a first-round knockout over then-unbeaten prospect Emmanueal Austin in January and is coming off a second-round destruction of Jasper McCargo in April.
Husam Al Mashhadi (6-0, 5 KOs), the fighting pride of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, will participate in a six-round junior middleweight fight. The explosive southpaw prospect, who has packed venues in his hometown, is coming off a six-round decision over Gabriel Smith in March.
Junior middleweight standout Jahi Tucker (10-0, 5 KOs) hopes to follow-up April’s action-packed decision victory over Nikoloz Sekhniashvili in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named.
Riakporhe signs new BOXXER deal, commits long-term future
LONDON, ENGLAND – May 2, 2023 – Richard Riakporhe has signed a new contract extension with BOXXER and Sky Sports – and has now set his sights on becoming a world champion.
Ranked No.2 by the WBO and IBF, whilst rated at No.4 by the WBC, London fighter Riakporhe (16-0, 12 KOs) is on the cusp of greatness with huge fights on the horizon.
‘The Midnight Train’ will have a close eye on the upcoming Bank Holiday boxing bonanza in Bournemouth when his arch-rival Lawrence Okolie defends the WBO title against hometown hero Chris Billam-Smith in front of a sold-out Vitality Stadium – in BOXXER’s first-ever UK stadium show on May 27.
But the 33-year-old harbours high hopes and ambitions of having his own hand raised in victory and his shoulders draped in championship gold before the year is over after committing his future to Ben Shalom’s BOXXER.
Speaking exclusively to BOXXER.com before officially putting pen to paper on his new deal live on Sky Sports News today, Riakporhe said: “I was the first to sign with BOXXER after they signed their deal with Sky Sports and my journey so far has been excellent.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing my journey at BOXXER and capturing world honours in the very near future. So keep your eyes on the one and only ‘Midnight Train’”.
BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said he was ‘thrilled’ to cement the immediate future of one the brand’s leading fighters – and is determined to ensure Riakporhe realises his world title dreams under his leadership.
Shalom said: “‘Richard Riakporhe was one of our first signings at BOXXER, so we’re delighted to announce an extension with him for the business end of his career.
“The cruiserweight division in British boxing and around the world is flying and Richard is in the thick of it all. His progression over the past 18 months has been frightening and he is ready to win a world title.”
Standing at a menacing 6ft 5in, Riakporhe looked sensational in January when he destroyed former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki inside four devastating rounds.
Riakporhe started late in boxing when he discovered the sport at 19-years-old – just four years after he survived a terrible incident when he was cruelly stabbed in the chest outside a house party at 15, requiring emergency surgery to drain his lungs of blood.
Remarkably Riakporhe recovered and has never looked back since in a magnificent career both inside and outside of the ring.
Having accomplished a degree in marketing communications and advertising in 2015 from Kingston University, Riakporhe is also now a brand ambassador for global fashion leaders Burberry alongside sports giants adidas.
Since turning pro in 2016, Riakporhe has never lost in his professional career with victories over the likes of Chris Billam-Smith, Tommy McCarthy and Jack Massey proudly on his impressive resume.
Now the quest continues for an elusive world title – with big fight news expected for Riakporhe in due course.
For all the latest news, updates and exclusive content, follow @boxxer and head to BOXXER.com.
WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (May 1, 2023)–Weight’s for Tuesday night’s Jimmy Adams Promotions card at The Troubadour Nashville.
Elijah Williams 143 – Marko Bailey 142.4
Deion Pruitt 173 – Marcell Sims Jr. 179.8
Eric Arellano 232 – Martez Poe 201.6
Kevin Torian 201.4 – Daquanti Johnson 201
Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions
Venue: Troubadour Nashville
1st Bell: 7 PM CT (8 PM ET)
Free Stream: countrybox247.com / FITE.TV (Marc Abrams & Former NFL All-Pro Albert Haynesworth on the call)
Weights from Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (May 1, 2023) — Weights for Tuesday night’s King’s Promotions Card at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Joey Dawejko 262.1 – Colby Madison 252.4
Brendan O’Callaghan 155.4 – Roudly Lolo 154.3
Tyler Zwicarowsi 156.3 – Vincent Floyd 162.1
Christopher Burgos 140.8 – Tyree Arnold 143
Darin Holiday 123.1 – Emanuel Moreno 118.8
Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
1st Bell: 7:00 PM
Stream: BXNGTV.com
Tickets are $75 and $125 and can be purchased online now at AXS.com
May 13: Featherweight Prospect Amado Fernando Vargas Joins Undercard of Janibek-Butler & Moloney-Astrolabio World Championship Doubleheader at Stockton Arena
STOCKTON, Calif. (May 1, 2023) — Undefeated featherweight prospect Amado Fernando Vargas is set to return in a four-rounder on the May 13 undercard of the world championship doubleheader featuring undefeated Kazakh phenom Janikbek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly defending his WBO middleweight world title in the main event against Canadian contender Steven Butler at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California.
In the co-feature, Australian fan-favorite Jason “Mayhem” Moloney will face big-punching Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio for the vacant WBO bantamweight world title.
Janibek-Butler and Moloney-Astrolabio will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Vargas’ bout will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of the Tiger, tickets starting at $25 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Vargas (6-0, 2 KOs) is a 22-year-old prospect who made his pro debut in 2021 with a first-round knockout against Hector Montijo Molina in Mexico. In 2022, he made his U.S. debut by defeating Anel Mudo via four-round unanimous decision in May and ended the year with a points victory against Osmar Olmos Hernandez in November. In his last fight, Vargas decisioned Printice Canada over four rounds in April. Trained by his father, former world champion Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, he is one of three boxing brothers, along with older sibling Fernando Jr. and younger brother and Top Rank-signed lightweight Emiliano.
Wilson Mascarenhas – A Warrior’s Resurrection
Promising welterweight prospect Wilson “Ill Will” Mascarenhas is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring against New Jersey’s Danny Murray on May 20th at the Historic Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island. The contest is part of a stacked card promoted by CES Boxing.
The bout will be the first for the 28-year-old Portugal native in 14 months. The last time Mascarenhas was in the ring was in March 2022, when he shut out undefeated prospect Abraham Perez over six rounds.
It was his second win in a promising year where Mascarenhas expected to fight 2 to 3 more times. Instead, the New Bedford resident spent the next year recovering from multiple stab wounds suffered at his post-fight party – a serious attack that could have taken his life.
“That night I went from experiencing the highest moment of my life to the worst moment of my life within a few hours,” states Mascarenhas.
The traumatic incident occurred in his hometown of New Bedford, just hours after the team drove back from his bout in Warwick, RI.
“We went back to New Bedford to celebrate,” explains Mascarenhas of the fateful night. “I wanted to be around all my people. So, we were celebrating and suddenly, I was being stabbed in the back. I didn’t see it coming. I felt the pokes, but I didn’t realize that I was being stabbed because my adrenaline was running. Next thing I knew, my friends were grabbing me and telling me that I was bleeding.”
Wilson’s friends were able to limit the bleeding by putting pressure on the wounds long enough for the ambulance to take him to the hospital, where he would spend the next few days.
At the hospital, the fighter learned that he had been stabbed 4 times. He had a broken scapula (shoulder blade) and suffered wounds to the back, neck, shoulder and head.
While doctors told Wilson that he was lucky to be alive, they were pessimistic about his chances of ever lacing up a pair of boxing gloves again.
“I saw myself falling into dark places, especially when doctors told me that they didn’t think I would be able to fight again,” recalls Mascarenhas. “I tried not to focus on negativity, because it would almost take over me.”
Instead, the fighter found solace in his team, his family, and certain friends who kept his spirits up. One of his main sources of motivation was the upcoming birth of his daughter.
“Doctors told me that if the knife hit a major artery one centimeter away, I could’ve been paralyzed or dead,” states Mascarenhas. “I looked at it like, God gave me another chance to move my fingers and to live. My lady was pregnant, and my daughter would be born 4 months later, so I wanted to be fully recovered physically to be able to hold my daughter but also mentally and spiritually as a father.”
Wilson used that inspiration to recover at an astonishing rate. He left the hospital within 3 days and became active at home over the next few weeks. Within a month, he was jogging and working out. A few months later, he returned to the gym.
“I was in a lot of pain when I returned to the gym, but I kept pushing myself to the limit,” says Macarenhas. “I tried to go against the grain to prove to myself that I could. My mindset was: people are looking up to me and I can’t let them down. I had to listen to myself and believe in my ability. By the time I went to therapy, I was already able to do a lot of the movements they wanted me to work on”.
Therapy consisted of hour-long sessions twice a week for a year that helped Wilson recover his range of motion and remove the tingling sensation he often felt in his fingertips.
“The hospital and the doctors went above and beyond to help me get back in the ring, because that’s what I was stressing about,” laughs Wilson. “They referred me to different specialists to make sure that I fully recovered. I’m back today and I’m happy and excited to put on a show on May 20th.”
May 20 is a hugely important day for New Bedford’s Mascarenhas. Ill Will wants a tough test and he believes that he will get one from Murray, who has almost double the amount of fights and has shared the ring with the likes of Elvis Rodriguez and several other undefeated prospects.
“I’m excited and ready to go,” states the rejuvenated fighter. “CES reached out to me with an opponent. He’s had some tough opposition, so I know he’s coming to fight. That’s what I wanted for my comeback, a tough test. I owe it to myself.”
While doctors, boxing fans and pundits may have doubts about how the incident may affect Mascarenhas in the ring, Ill Will speaks with conviction about how he will respond to adversity on fight night.
“I don’t question myself anymore,” explains Mascarenhas. “I lost my very first fight, I took a knee, and I came back with 6 straight wins. I overcame this injury, that could’ve killed or paralyzed me. Who would’ve thought that I’d be back to fight a year later?”
Indeed, surviving and thriving after the near fatal assault has revealed more to Wilson about his character than any fight ever could.
“I feel like I won two fights that night, so that shows you the warrior that I am,” says Mascarenhas. “I look at my life like, the worst has already happened, so I can accomplish anything. Boxing is just me and another individual. I know that I have the warrior mentality. Now the question is, does my opponent?
On May 20th, the world will find out.
Tickets for the May 20th event featuring Wilson Mascarenhas, Robert Duran Jr. and James Hagler Jr. at the Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island are on sale now and can be purchased online at cesfights.com or thepark.com.For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.
INFORMATION
CANELO ALVAREZ PROMOTIONS’ TOP PROSPECTS FIGHT WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, IN GUADALAJARA
May 1, 2023, Guadalajara, MX – As the boxing world descends upon Guadalajara, México for Canelo-Ryder fight week, Canelo Alvarez Promotions will show off three of their young undefeated boxers, in the boxing ring, on Wednesday, May 3.
The three Canelo fighters on the stream will be Fernando “Ferros” Molina (8-0-1, 3 KOs) from Guadalajara, México, Lazaro Lorenzana (10-0, 8 KOs) from San Diego, CA, and Jonathan Lopez (10-0, 7 KOs) from Orlando, Florida.
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The fight card, promoted by Canelo Alvarez Promotions, Close Y Talento Boxeo and No Boxing No Life, will be streamed live world-wide on ProBox TV beginning at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT.
In the main event, Molina will battle Kevin Piedrahita (6-1, 6 KOs) from Celaya, Guanajuato, México, in a ten-round lightweight bout. In the co-featured bout, Lorenzana and Alexis Rios (4-2-1, 1 KO) from Zapopan, Jalisco, México will face off in a six-round super welterweight bout. Opening the stream will be Lopez in a ten-round super featherweight bout.
How to Watch Wednesday’s Show:
1. ProBoxTV.com
2. The ProBoxTV app available on all app stores
3. Available on Roku TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV
Calling the fights on the ProBox TV produced event, on the English side, will be blow-by-blow commentator Mike “Goldy” Goldberg with the expert duo of former world champions Paul “Magic Man” Malignaggi and Chris “The Fighting Collegian” Algieri as color commentators. On the Spanish side will be Ricardo Celis calling blow-by-blow and Eight-Time World Champion Juan Manuel Marquez adding his expertise.
Chris Algieri notes: “Of course the eyes of the boxing world are all going to be on Canelo in his return to Guadalajara against John Ryder. This a massive event and deserves the attention it is getting. That being said, it doesn’t mean the boxing world stops. ProBox will have its regularly scheduled Wednesday night fight series right in the middle of Canelo-Ryder fight week. ProBox isn’t here to compete with Canelo Alvarez, it’s here to find the next Canelo Alvarez. Young fighters shouldn’t have to put their careers on hold because of a big fight. In fact, it’s a great opportunity for the champions of the future to soak up some of that superstar buzz that surrounds a big fight week.”
Paulie Malignaggie adds: Canelo is always front and center and is the name that resonates most with todays fight fans out of all the fighters of this generation. He is always the one under the most powerful microscope because literally everything about him can be and is discussed on his fight weeks. And ProBox is grateful to be part of the discussion.”
About ProBoxTV: ProBox TV is a digital subscription service which gives fans exclusive access to ProBox TV Content including live streaming of fights and on-demand videos. You can also watch daily talk shows with Juan Manuel Marquez, Paulie Malignaggi, Chris Algieri and our host Claudia Trejos. ProBox TV can be accessed using your favorite streaming devices, including mobile devices, or any personal computer. ProBox TV is a global product and available in all countries.
Upcoming WEDNESDAY Live Boxing on ProBox TV:
May 17 – Plant City, FL;_______May 31 – México City
June 14 – Plant City, FL;______June 28 – México
July 12 – Plant City, FL:_______July 26 – México City, MX
August 9 – Plant City, FL;______August 23 – México
September 6 – Plant City, FL;___September 20 – México City, MX
Follow ProBox TV at https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV
For more ProBox TV info click here https://proboxtv.com/what-is-probox-tv/en
TICKETS NOW ON-SALE! HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS: CALLUM WALSH VS. CARSON JONES FRIDAY, JUNE 9 AT COMMERCE CASINO
Los Angeles, CA (May 1, 2023) Tickets are Now On-Sale for the next highly anticipated ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ event on Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles.
Headlined by The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing, ‘King’ Callum Walsh vs. Perennial Contender Carson Jones, tickets priced at $200, $150, $100, $80 and $60 can be purchased online at www.360 Promotions.US. The Commerce Casino, ‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’, is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. For more information and directions visit their website. The event will also be broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.
The 10-round super welterweight main event celebrates the triumphant Los Angeles return of Walsh, (6-0, 5 KOs), of Cork, Ireland, trained by Hall of Boxer Freddie Roach. Fighting in front of a huge, loud and passionate Boston Irish boxing crowd on the Eve of St. Patrick’s Day, the 22-year-old southpaw knocked out Wesley Tucker in the second round at the Agganis Arena. A staple of UFC FIGHT PASS which broadcasts his fights internationally, Walsh has become a can’t miss attraction for combat sports fans since turning professional in December 2021.
Riding a three-fight winning streak, the upset minded Jones, (43-15-3, 31 KOs), of Oklahoma City, OK hits the ring against Walsh following a dominant victory over Dedrick Bell on March 18, 2023. Among the world champions and top contenders the heavy-handed Oklahoma native has faced include Kell Brook (twice), Antonio Margarito, Steven Butler, Jesus Soto Karass and Ricardo Williams Jr.
More information on this sensational night of professional boxing will be announced shortly.
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UNDEFEATED, HARD HITTING SOUTHPAW, FERNANDO “EL FEROZ” VARGAS JR. HEADLINES THE MARVNATION CARD FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2023 LIVE FROM THE PECHANGA RESORT AND CASINO
Los Angeles – April 28, 2023–Undefeated super welterweight prospect Fernando “ElFeroz” Vargas Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) looks to continue to make his mark on the division and keep his unblemished record alive as he headlines the MARVNATION card in association with Ringside Ticket Inc, on Friday June 2, 2023 live from the Pechanga Resort and Casino. The heavy-handed 26 year-old southpaw Vargas Jr. has quickly risen through the ranks, impressing boxing fans since turning professional two years ago, scoring knockout victories in each of his eight professional bouts, all of which have come in the first three rounds. In his last bout Vargas Jr. made quick work of Geronimo Sacco dropping him twice en route to a second-round knockout victory this past February at the Derby Room in Pomona.
In the Co-Main Event of the evening the WBC Interim WorldSuper Flyweight Champion, Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (13-0-1, 7 KOs) will also be back in action defending her title for the second time since capturing it last September with her victory over Sonia Osorio in Costa Rica. This past March, Ruiz came away with a quick first round knockout of Maria Diaz and will now have the opportunity not only to defend her title in Southern California but to get one step closer to becoming the full WBC Champion.
Fans in attendance will also have the opportunity the to enjoy an evening of fights with two “Living Legends” as the first ever five division world champion and two time Ring Magazine “Fighter of the Year” Tommy “The Hitman” Hearn along with the three division Lineal and five division world champion “Sugar” Ray Leonard will be in attendance to meet the fans.
Doors for the event open at 5:00PM with the first fight starting at 6:00PM. The Pechanga Resort and Casino is Located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula California, 92592
Ticket prices start at $29 and can be purchased at www.marvnation.com or at www.pechanga.com
AUDIO: Undefeated Flyweight Sensation LeAnna Cruz after her win over Simone Da Silva
VIDEO: Undefeated Flyweight Sensation LeAnna Cruz after her win over Simone Da Silva
LeAnna Cruz Impressive in Unanimous Decision Victory over Da Silva in Philadelphia
NEW YORK (May 1, 2023)-LeAnna Cruz remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision victory over former five-time world title challenger Simone Da Silva in a bantamweight contest which was the main event at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Cruz was very aggressive from the outset and dropped Da Silva in the opening round with a body shot.
Cruz did not take her foot off the gas pedal and continued to pressure Da Silva in domination fashion. Cruz showed crisp combination punching and had Da Silva in trouble several more times.
Cruz of Allentown, PA won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and is now 5-0. Da Silva of Brazil is 17-24.
Cruz is managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Brian Cohen, and promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions.
NEXT GENERATION OF MICHIGAN BOXING STARS HIGHLIGHT SHIELDS VS. GABRIELS 2 UNDERCARD SATURDAY JUNE 3 FROM LITTLE CAESARS ARENA IN DETROIT
DETROIT – May 1, 2023 – Four of Michigan’s top prospects will highlight undercard action as big-time boxing returns to Detroit on Saturday, June 3 headlined by the rematch between Undisputed Middleweight World Champion and Michigan’s own Claressa Shields and four-division world champion Hanna Gabriels live from Little Caesars Arena and streamed on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.
The lineup will see Dearborn’s Da’Velle Smith take on fellow unbeaten Kahydlian Woods in a six-round middleweight showdown, Grand Rapids’ Joshua Pagan battling the undefeated Ronnell Burnett in a six-round super lightweight attraction, Grand Rapids’ Joseph Hicks Jr. in an eight-round middleweight bout, and Dearborn’s Gheith Karim in a cross-town matchup against Detroit’s Marlon Harrington scheduled for eight rounds in the super welterweight division.
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.
“Saturday, June 3 will be a night to remember from the opening bell, all the way until the world championship main event,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “The card will feature local talent with world class potential fighting in their most significant fights live on DAZN from Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit. Detroit legends like Tommy Hearns and Hilmer Kenty will be looking on at ringside as these contenders will be fighting their most challenging opponents and hoping to prove that they are next in line to continue the elite pedigree of this legendary boxing city.”
The 22-year-old Smith (5-0, 4 KOs) made his pro debut in September 2021, winning the WBC’s inaugural Big Belt Championship by knocking out Ricky Evans in the first round. Smith would follow that triumph with a pair of knockouts in November 2021 and May 2022, before winning a unanimous decision over Devontae McDonald last August. The Kronk Gym-trained prospect most recently stopped Gyorgy Mizsei in February. He will be opposed by the 27-year-old Woods (4-0, 3 KOs). Originally from California and now fighting out of Indianapolis, Woods turned pro last year and scored three-straight knockouts before a split-decision triumph over then unbeaten Ezekiel Scruggs in February.
Pagan (5-0, 2 KOs) won the 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Championship with a unanimous decision over Keon Davis, completing a big step on his boxing journey that began as a teenager with his father and trainer Tony. The 23-year-old followed that up by turning pro in January 2022 and earning four victories that year. Most recently, Pagan won back-to-back decisions in Detroit to kick off 2023 as he bested Istvan Bela Orban in February and Wesley Rivers in April. He faces Kansas City, Missouri’s Burnett (9-0, 5 KOs), a 32-year-old who has fought professionally since 2017. Burnett earned three wins in 2022, including knockouts of Lantz Nave and dan Abram.
The 29-year-old Hicks (6-0, 5 KOs) started boxing at 19 and became a standout amateur before entering the pro rank. He was set to captain the U.S. Olympic Team at the 2020 summer games, before the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the proceedings. By the time the games were back on, the IOC’s formula for picking fighters in his weight class left him on the outside looking in. Undeterred, Hicks has shined as a pro, including already scoring two wins this year with triumphs over Bilal Quintyne in February and Noah Kidd in April.
Originally from Iraq and now residing in Dearborn, Michigan, Karim (9-0, 3 KOs) is trained by Jonathan Banks out of the world-renowned Kronk Gym in Detroit. The 25-year-old returned from a nearly three-year layoff last June and has won three-straight fights since then, most recently besting Ramses Agaton in March. He takes on Detroit’s own Harrington (8-1, 7 KOs), who trains in the same city as Karim, at Detroit’s World’s Best Boxing Gym. Harrington will be returning to the ring following his first career defeat, which came via decision against Marquis Taylor last October.
Split-T Management Undefeated Fighters LeAnna Cruz and Joshafat Ortiz in Action TONIGHT in Piladelphia
NEW YORK (April 29, 2023)–Split-T Management undefeated fighters, LeAnna Cruz and Joshafat Ortiz will be in action TONIGHT at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Cruz will take on former five-time world title challenger Simone da Silva in a eight-round bantamweight fight, while Ortiz will take on Carlos Rosario in a six-round super featherweight contest.
Cruz of Bethlehem, PA is 4-0. The 25 year-old is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Deavany Cuevas Torres on March 11th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Cruz is under the guidance of Brian Cohen.
Da Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil is 17-23 with six knockouts.
The 18 year capable veteran has wins over Paola Herrera (13-1-2), Paulina Cardona (9-2-3), Ikram Kerwat (9-1).
Ortiz of Reading, PA is a recent signee to Split-T Management is 11-0 with five knockouts has wins over Javier Oquendo (3-0), Eickson Rudecinfo (4-1), and is coming off a win six-round unanimous decision Mario Ezequiel Sayal Loza on September 16, 2022 in Philadelphia.
Rosario of Winter Haven, Florida is 5-1 with three knockouts. The 27 year-old Rosario is coming off his first defeat when he dropped a decision to undefeated Ezequiel Bprrero on November 4, 2022 in Plant City, Florida.
Ortiz is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.
AUDIO: The Abrams Boxing Show: Ep 44–Fallout from Davis – Garcia
VIDEO: ZEPEDA VS. ARBOLEDA CEREMONIAL WEIGH-IN
VIDEO: The Abrams Boxing Show: Ep 44–Fallout from Davis – Garcia
AUDIO: Gervonta Davis Ryan Garcia Post Fight Press Conference
VIDEO: Gervonta Davis Ryan Garcia Post Fight Press Conference
AUDIO: Broner vs Hutchinson Press Conference (Broner does not show up)
VIDEO: Broner vs Hutchinson Press Conference (Broner does not show up)
SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION®RETURNS TO HALL OF FAME WEEKEND FEATURING FIVE UNDEFEATED FIGHTERS IN EXCITING TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, JUNE 9
NEW YORK – April 28, 2023 – Blue-chip prospect and top-10 ranked light heavyweight Ali Izmailov (10-0, 7 KOs) faces his toughest test to date when he takes on fellow unbeaten and highly decorated amateur Charles Foster (22-0, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event as SHOBOX: The New Generation returns to Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y., during Hall of Fame Weekend on Friday, June 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME. This marks the second straight year SHOBOX® will be a part of the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities.
The exciting tripleheader features two undefeated matchups and includes fighters with a combined record of 99-2-2 and 56 knockouts. In the co-feature, college graduate Richard Vansiclen (13-0-1, 6 KOs) from Seattle, Wash., takes on fellow unbeaten and hard-hitting Colombian Juan Carrillo (10-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight matchup. In the telecast opener, former SHOBOX main-event winner and rising super lightweight prospect Mykquan Williams (19-0-1, 8 KOs) will face battletested Ryan Martin (25-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
This marks the fourth time since 2013 that a SHOBOX card has taken place in conjunction with Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, which will occur June 8-11. SHOBOX has visited Turning Stone Resort Casino a total of seven times previously during its 21-year history. The three-fight telecast on June 9 is promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Salita Promotions.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Turning Stone Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.
“It’s great to be back at Turning Stone Resort Casino for Hall of Fame Weekend,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Our three fight card features 50-50 matchups with the winner of the main event clearly establishing themselves as a top contender in the light heavyweight division. Each of these fighters aspires to be inducted into the Hall of Fame one day, much as former SHOBOX fighters and Class of 2023 Hall of Famers Tim Bradley and Carl Froch once did. On behalf of all of us at SHOWTIME, congratulations to all the inductees!”
Added Salita, “Six fighters, five undefeated, will put it all on the line in by far the most significant fights of their careers. There is no better proving ground than SHOBOX and no better celebration of boxing than Hall of Fame Weekend. The boxing world will be watching. I’m honored to promote such an event.”
Here is more on each of the three bouts:
Izmailov vs. Foster – 10-Round Light Heavyweight Main Event
Ranked No. 7 by the IBF and No. 8 by the WBO after just 10 fights, the John David Jackson-trained Izmailov is a fast-rising force in the light heavyweight division. A former amateur standout having won multiple elite international tournaments, Izmailov, economical and efficient in the ring, has been matched tough throughout his professional career. In his second fight, he cruised to a six-round unanimous decision over 30-fight veteran Dmitry Sukhotskiy and followed that with a dominant performance against once-beaten Sergei Ekimov. Since making his U.S. debut in October 2021, Izmailov is 5-0 with four KOs. Before his first-round knockout over Marcelo Ruben Molina in his last bout in March, Izmailov had back-to-back wins over undefeated opponents, including a unanimous decision over Eric Murguia in August. Originally from Malgobek, Russia, the 30-year-old Izmailov currently resides in Detroit when he’s not training in Florida with top trainer Jackson.
“I want to fight the very best to show the boxing world who I am,” Izmailov said. “I look forward to a great training camp with my trainer John David Jackson in Florida and a statement-making performance on June 9.”
Fighting out of New Haven, Conn., the southpaw SHOBOX alum Foster is coming off three straight knockouts, including his last in December against Rafael Fernandez Sosa in the Dominican Republic via a sixth-round stoppage. Prior to that, Foster was part of Hall of Fame Weekend last year as he took out Bo Gibbs, Jr., in Verona with a fourth-round TKO. In May of 2018 on SHOBOX at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Foster outworked then-undefeated Alvin Varmall to win a unanimous decision. He is a former four-time Connecticut Golden Glove winner and National PAL silver medalist. Foster, known for his heavy hands and slick movement, is promoted by Lou DiBella and Murphys Boxing, the promotional company founded by Ken Casey of the popular rock band Dropkick Murphys.
“Thanks to SHOBOX for bringing me back after five long years,” Foster said. “I have been here before. I’ve fought an undefeated fighter already on SHOBOX. I know what it takes. Last time, I won in good fashion. I know Ali is a good fighter. He’s a tough competitor with a good corner in John David Jackson. I have been with my team since I was 14 years old. This fight will put me right back where I was before the pandemic.”
Vansiclen vs. Carrillo – 10-Round Light Heavyweight Bout
Sporting a 45-5 amateur record, the 2015 University of Washington graduate was the National Collegiate Boxing Association 174-pound Champion in 2015, the same year he competed at the Olympic Trials. Known as a thinker and strategist in the ring, Vansiclen, a high school football standout, also possesses an exciting, come-forward style and likes to mix it up. He will be taking on his third undefeated opponent on June 9 after he most recently decisioned 13-0 Hakim Lopez in September 2022.
“This is a great opportunity to display my talent to the boxing world,” said Vansiclen, who goes by the nickname “Good Vibes.” “My previous bouts have prepared me for this fight, as we have faced some tough competition. This fight is in line with that. My keys to victory will be to fight hard and smart and let the vibes come out.”
Colombian Olympian Carrillo of Barranquilla, Colombia, is a slick boxer with heavy hands. His last six wins have been by knockout. He is coming off a fourth-round stoppage win against Robert Burwell last February. In 2021, Carrillo captured the WBA Fedecentro light heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage of Reinaldo Gonzalez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Accumulating a record of 388-23, he was among Colombia’s most decorated amateurs. He advanced to the second round at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. He also won gold medals at the 2012 Colombian National Games, 2012 Pacific Cup Tournament, 2011 Colombian National Championships, 2010 Colombian Youth National Championships, and silver at the 2014 Central American & Caribbean Games. Carrillo comes from a boxing family and, at age nine, followed his father and older brother into the sport.
“This is my chance to prove to everyone watching, as well as my promoter DiBella Entertainment and my management team, Felipe Gomez and Juan Gonzalez, that I am ready to take my career to the next level and beyond,” Carrillo said. “I have been working hard to go all the way to the top. A win against Richard Vansiclen legitimizes my skills as a serious prospect. I want to climb up in the rankings and fight tougher opponents to earn a shot at a title.”
Williams vs. Martin – 10-Round Super Lightweight Bout
The rising undefeated super lightweight prospect Williams, 25, earned a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Yeis Solano in the main event on SHOBOX in January of 2021. In 2019, Williams was featured in Ring Magazine’s “New Faces” column, which highlights the sport’s rising prospects. The former amateur standout earned three Ringside Championships and a Silver Gloves Championship in his home state of Connecticut.
“I am excited to be back fighting on SHOBOX,” Williams said. “I think this is a very good fight for me. It’s definitely a step-up in competition. Ryan Martin has fought tough opposition, so I know he has experience. I want to thank DiBella Entertainment and Salita Promotions for the opportunity. Everything is running smooth in training camp, and I am looking forward to putting on a great performance.”
Martin was 22-0 with 12 knockouts before he lost his first fight in 2018 to former undisputed 140-pound king Josh Taylor in the World Boxing Super Series’ 140-pound tournament. Martin won his next two bouts before bowing to Robert Easter, Jr., a former titleholder, by unanimous decision in February of 2021. A former amateur standout with over 200 fights, the Tennessee, Chattanooga native won the U.S. Under 19 National Championships at 132 pounds in 2010 and the U.S. Junior National Championships in 2009 at 132 and is a 12-time Tennessee State champion.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to update the boxing world on who I am,” Martin said. “This is do-or-die, and I’ve faced death in the eye already and that isn’t for me. The Blue-Chip Express is on a mission to the top, and we haven’t seen our best yet. There is no such thing as tough, or tougher. It’s just who wants it more.”
International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calls the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside expert analysts. They will be accompanied by Hall of Famer and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING analyst Al Bernstein, as well as by Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. handling ring announcing duties. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports
About SHOBOX: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 88 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
FIGHTER OF THE YEAR NATASHA JONAS JOINS JUNE 17 BOX OFFICE NIGHT IN MANCHESTER ALONG WITH HEFFRON v CHELLI FOR BRITISH TITLE
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Friday, April 28 – The biggest boxing event of the summer is now even bigger with 2022 British Fighter of the Year, Natasha Jonas joining a blockbuster card on Saturday, June 17 – live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Thousands of tickets have already been snapped up by eager fans in the pre-sale window before today’s general sale release with a bumper, 18,000 capacity crowd expected to fill a sold-out AO Arena Manchester.
In the main event, in association with Wasserman Boxing, Liam Smith faces bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr in a high stakes rematch and Savannah Marshall challenges ‘The Heavy Hitting Diva’ Franchon Crews-Dezurn for the Undisputed Super-Middleweight Championship in the co-headline bout.
Now BOXXER can confirm that ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KOs) will be defending her WBC, WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine Super-Welterweight titles too.
The Merseyside favourite captured the gold with three memorable wins last year – two of those in Manchester – when she defeated Chris Namus, Patricia Berghult and Marie Eve Dicaire.
Her incredible hat-trick of feats saw her named the first-ever woman to claim the coveted British Boxing Board of Control Fighter of the Year award. An opponent will be named in due course for Jonas.
And in a huge domestic battle, British Super-Middleweight champion Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) will defend the prestigious Lonsdale Belt against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs).
Chelli delivered a stunning, career-best performance to defeat American prodigy Anthony Sims Jr back in February. And having recently been mandated for the British title, the Londoner will now be hoping to cause a mighty upset in the North West when he stands toe-to-toe with Oldham native Heffron – who is a Champs Camp stablemate of Jonas under the tutelage of two-time trainer of the year, Joe Gallagher.
A bumper night of elite championship boxing awaits with a host of huge fights still to be added.
Tickets are now on general sale and selling fast.
Head to BOXXER.com to purchase yours today and for all the latest news ahead of what promises to be a historic evening on Saturday, June 17 at AO Arena Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
This event is presented in partnership with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.
VIDEO: WILLIAM ZEPEDA VS. JAIME ARBOLEDA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
WILLIAM ZEPEDA VS. JAIME ARBOLEDA FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE
| ARLINGTON, TX (April 26, 2023): Undefeated knockout artist William “El Camarón” Zepeda (27-0, 23 KOs) of San Mateo, Mexico and former world champion challenger of Curundu, Panama Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (19-2, 14 KOs) hosted a press conference today to promote their upcoming 12-round main event this Saturday, April 29 which will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
Zepeda will be defending his WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title in a fight that is presented in association with Sampson Boxing and broadcast live worldwide from College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington campus. Doors to College Park Center open at 5:00 p.m. CT, the opening bout begins at 5:05 p.m. CT, and the DAZN broadcast will begin at 7:00 p.m. CT/ 8:00 p.m. ET. Also participating in the press conference where Diego De La Hoya (24-1, 11 KOs) who will participate in a 10-round featherweight fight for the WBA Intercontinental Featherweight Title against stablemate Victor Morales, Jr. (17-0-1, 8 KOs). DAZN card fighters David Stevens (12-0, 9 KOs) of Reading Pennsylvania and Fredrick Lawson (29-3, 22 KOs) of Chicago also participated ahead of their respective bouts.This is what the fighters had to say: |
| WILLIAM “EL CAMARON” ZEPEDA, WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER:“Good day everyone! I would like to thank the media and everyone here for all the support. This is my second time as the main event in my career, the first time in the red corner, and I am so excited and have prepared well for this moment.””I dedicate this fight to Vergil Ortiz, Jr.; I hope and wish him a speedy recovery and I hope to see him in the ring soon.””I trained hard for this fight, and I am coming with everything come Saturday night. I want to thank my Mexican fan base and I promise to give the fans a very exciting fight.” |
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| JAIME “JAIMITO” ARBOLEDA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:“I want to thank Golden Boy and Sampson Boxing for giving me the opportunity. We have a tough opponent this Saturday night and the chance of a lifetime to be a titlist.””I haven’t watched Zepeda fight before, but we know what he is capable of inside the ring. Regardless we did a very good preparation, we hope to bring a great fight and show what the Arboleda name is capable of. We will be victorious.” |
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| DIEGO DE LA HOYA, FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER:“Good afternoon to everyone. I want to thank Oscar and the media present here. I can’t wait to win this title on Saturday. This fight against Morales, Jr. is a great way for me to jump back into the rankings and continue my path to become a world champion.””The belt is coming home with me. My experience speaks for itself: I have the patience and speed to outbox him. We are confident in our preparation. I guarantee that the co-main event will rob the night.” |
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| VICTOR MORALES, JR., FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHTER:“Thank you all for being here. This is my first title fight. Someone is going to leave that ring with the belt and it is going to be Victor Morales.””We asked for this fight. When we first asked for it, we expected for it to be a grudge fight, but it’s frosting on the cake knowing that it will be for a title. I need to get my name out there, and we needed a dance partner like Diego. We are going to go in there to make a statement.” |
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| OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:“When you have the likes of Shakur Stevenson and other top dogs in the lightweight division calling you out, you must be doing something right. Zepeda is undefeated, has faced top contenders like Joseph “JoJo” Diaz and has broken CompuBox records. Zepeda is ready to step up for the difficult fight ahead of him. His opponent, Arboleda, has a lot of power and is hungry to dethrone the undefeated fighter.””In the co-main event, we are thrilled to be showcasing two young fighters in the featherweight division. Whoever wins will move up into the top 10 in the rankings and into world title contention. If anyone from the main and co-main events wants to become a world champion, they will need to win this Saturday night.” |
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| ###Zepeda vs. Arboleda is a 12-round fight for the WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, April 29 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.Tickets are on-sale and are priced at $150, $90, $60, $45 and $30 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at UTATickets.com, AXS.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZepedaArboleda |
AUDIO: Billy Hutchinson vows to beat Adrien Broner on June 9th
VIDEO: Billy Hutchinson vows to beat Adrien Broner on June 9th
FLOYD MAYWEATHER TO FACE JOHN GOTTI III IN LATEST EXHIBITION SHOWDOWN TAKING PLACE SUNDAY, JUNE 11 LIVE ON ZEUS NETWORK PAY-PER-VIEW FROM FLA LIVE ARENA IN SUNRISE, FLORIDA
SUNRISE, FL. – April 27, 2023 – Undefeated boxing Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather will step into the ring on Sunday, June 11 for his latest exhibition showdown, as part of a star-studded night featuring musical performances and more.
Mayweather will take on professional fighter John Gotti III, the grandson of famous gangster John Gotti, headlining a Zeus Network Pay-Per-View on Sunday, June 11 from FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida in an event dedicated to the loving memory of Marikit “Kitchie” Laurico, Mayweather’s longtime assistant who passed away suddenly in April.
For the event, Mayweather will partner with renowned director and producer Deon Taylor, CEO of Hidden Empire Film Group, to proudly present “LAST NAMES MATTER”, a unique crossover extravaganza.
In addition to Mayweather’s exhibition, the event will feature performances from superstar recording artist Ozuna and more. Ozuna has won multiple Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards, in addition to his 2018 collaboration with DJ Snake, Cardi B and Selena Gomez on “Taki Taki” that went quadruple platinum.
Tickets for the live event will go on sale Friday, May 5, with more information to follow.
After a legendary career that saw him compile a perfect 50-0 record while winning 12 world titles across five weight classes, Mayweather has gone around the world fighting in exhibitions and spreading the positive messages gleaned from the sport. Mayweather’s exhibition tour has seen him compete in electrifying contests in Dubai, Japan, and the U.K., with him now returning to South Florida after previously squaring off against social media superstar Logan Paul in 2021 in Miami, as he continues delivering memorable action in his signature “Money” Mayweather style.
“I’m all about bringing the biggest and best events to the people, and Sunday, June 11 is going to be like nothing else you’ve seen in the sports and entertainment world,” said Mayweather. “This is all about combining the entertainment of top-flight musical performances with top-flight skills in the ring. I love the fans in South Florida and I know they’re going to appreciate this premier event we’re going to bring to them.”
Gotti III has moved beyond the shadow of his famous last name to put together an impressive resume as both a professional mixed martial artist and a professional boxer. Fighting out of Oyster Bay, New York, Gotti III began his pro MMA career in 2017, racking up a 5-1 record competing on CES MMA shows. He officially made his transition into pro boxing in October 2022, winning a unanimous decision over Albert Tulley. He followed that up with a first round KO over Alex Citrowske in his last fight this January. Now he will look to show off his skills on the biggest stage of his career so far, against the all-time great Mayweather.
“I grew up idolizing Floyd and I’m honored to have this chance to step into the ring against him,” said Gotti. “He’s one of the greatest boxers of all time and he’s the reason I got into the fight game. But on June 11, I’m gonna punish him.”
The Founding CEO of Hidden Empire Film Group, Chicago native Deon Taylor is a world-renowned film director, producer and screenwriter responsible for such works as Dead Tone, The Hustle, Nite Tales, Chain Letter, Supremacy and Meet the Blacks
Known for his creative genius, Taylor has worked with several of Hollywood’s biggest names and most respected production companies to write, produce or direct many well-known works in black popular culture. He is also the visionary behind Mayweather’s “The GOAT” docuseries.
“Floyd has simply become the definition of iconic,” said Taylor. “His passion and genius in the ring and outside of the ring is beyond measure. I am personally blessed and honored to stand with him and tell his amazing story to the world. We cannot wait to see him in the ring again in Miami and understanding that some of the proceeds will be given to at risk youth just furthers Floyd’s brilliance and heart.”
“It’s great to be bringing another huge night to the fans in Florida,” said James McNair, CEO of High Rollers, producers of the event. “We’re excited to be back and working with the Gotti family this time for this exciting fight. It’s also our second time around with the Zeus Network and we’re thrilled to have them be a part of this event.”
“The Zeus Network is a trailblazing leader in streaming media, and we are excited to partner with one of the greatest athletes of all time, Floyd Mayweather, on his next exhibition fight,” said Lemuel Plummer, CEO of Zeus Network. We are honored to share his craft with the world exclusively via our platform.”
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ABOUT ZEUS NETWORK
Founded by Lemuel Plummer (also serves as CEO), The Zeus Network, is the first subscription-on-demand streaming service created by millennials for millennials. Launched in July 2018, the network features exclusive, original scripted, unscripted comedy and drama series and other premium content. Zeus is available to subscribers for $5.99 monthly on mobile phones and desktop computers at The Zeus Network.com. The Zeus mobile and connected TV apps are available on the Apple App store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, Roku and more providing access to anywhere, anytime, any device. Follow Zeus on Instagram and Facebook under @TheZeusNetwork.




