George Acosta 129.6 vs Cesar Villarraga 129.9

Rigoberto Hermosillo 127.8 vs Ezequiel Caro 127

Anthony Chavez 134.6 vs Dihul Olguin 130.4

Arnulfo Cazares 245.9 vs Bryan Hall 242.1

Kevin Sagado 141.9 vs Steven Walker 140.2

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, April 21, 2023. Doors open at 6:45 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple 

?and Google.

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Rich Marotta.

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury casino; 

Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson

Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

NEW YORK – April 21, 2023 – SHOWTIME Sports Documentary Films, in association with UNINTERRUPTED, announced today that S.O.G.: The Book of Ward, an intimate portrayal of the improbable rise of boxing great Andre Ward will premiere Friday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and on SHOWTIME streaming and on demand platforms that same day. The official trailer for S.O.G.: The Book of Ward has also been released on the eve of the blockbuster telecast headlined by Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia Saturday, April 22 in a SHOWTIME PPV Production (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

To watch and share the official trailer, go to: https://youtu.be/cYLYDouXxso

In the film, produced by the athlete empowerment brand UNINTERRUPTED founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, the undefeated, five-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist reveals in personal terms his journey from a turbulent childhood in Oakland, Calif., through the pressures of world championship expectations and ultimately to his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021. 

“I always knew that one day I would tell my story in my own words. I’ve been waiting for the right moment and platform to do it, and the time is now,” said Ward. “I’m excited to be partnering with SHOWTIME and UNINTERRUPTED to bring this to life. Many people know what I accomplished, but they don’t know what I overcame to get to this point. I pull back the curtain on my parents’ struggles with addiction, the lure of the street life following my father’s death, and my battles with the sport of boxing itself. This film will detail how I rose above it all through my faith, determination and desire to leave my own unique legacy no matter the cost.”  

In September 2017 at the age of 33, with his status as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport secured, the undefeated Ward shocked the sporting world when he announced his retirement from boxing. Now 39 and a father of five, Ward reflects on his life with newfound clarity and appreciation for his unconventional rise to greatness. Featuring interviews with longtime trainer and godfather Virgil Hunter, Andre’s wife Tiffiney Ward, as well as key figures from the sports and entertainment world, S.O.G.: The Book of Ward will examine a side of Ward few have ever seen.

S.O.G.: The Book of Ward was directed and executive produced by Rachel Neubeck and co-director, Diaunte Thompson. For UNINTERRUPTED, James, Carter, Jamal Henderson and Philip Byron served as executive producers, alongside Co-Executive Producer Matt Rissmiller.  

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

RZESZÓW, POLAND – (April 21, 2023) – A procession of power-punchers hit the scales in Poland today to officially make weight for tomorrow night’s bouts on the BOXXER Fight Night event taking place in at the G2A Arena in the historic city of Rzeszów, live on Sky Sports and presented in association with local partners Knockout Promotions.

In the main event, crowd-pleasing Croatian Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) competes for the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight Championship against hometown hero ?ukasz Roza?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s).

The chief support slot sees heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s) make his BOXXER debut. He faces Ukrainian standout Igor ‘Hulk’ Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s) and will be going in search of his opponent’s countryman Oleksandr Usyk if victorious tomorrow night.

Also on the card from the BOXXER heavyweight stable is Jeamie TKV (4-0 2 KO’s), who faces Poland’s Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s), joined by light-heavyweights Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) vs Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s). 

Today’s official weigh-in results are below. Watch live this Saturday night on Sky Sports.

WBC Bridgerweight World Title Fight 

?ukasz Roza?ski (100.8kg // 15st 12 lbs 3oz) vs Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (95.6kg // 5st 13oz) 

Heavyweight Bout (10 Rounds)

Martin Bakole (127.3kg // 20st 10oz)  vs Igor Hulk Shevadzutskiy (125.6kg-19st 10 lbs 14 oz) 

Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Jeamie TKV (117.7kg // 18st 7lbs 8oz) vs Micha? Bo?oz (101.2kg // 15st 13lbs 2oz) 

Light-Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Steed Woodall (78.4kg // 12st 4lbs 13oz) vs Boris Crighton (77.3kg // 12st 2lbs 6oz) 

LONDON, ENGLAND – (April 21, 2023) – Rising star Callum Simpson will take a step to greatness when he returns to the ring on June 10 at London’s iconic York Hall – as Adam Azim headlines in a WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Championship bout with Aram Fanyan.

Barnsley super-middleweight Simpson (11-0, 9 KOs) sensationally ripped up his reputation as the ‘best kept secret in British boxing’ when he emphatically stopped Celso Neves last month in Manchester on his BOXXER debut.

And the prodigal 26-year-old will be intent on creating more headlines when he ventures to the capital for the first time in his career this summer – live, in the UK & Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports.

Unbeaten prospects Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna (16-0, 8 KOs) and Shakiel ‘Dr Steel’ Thompson (10-0, 6 KOs) meet in a mouth-watering middleweight contest for the vacant WBC International Middleweight Championship.

The road to title contention also leads Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) to York Hall for what will also be his first appearance at the fabled British boxing venue. 

Having last week received news that he will be the next mandatory challenger for British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, the 2020 Olympic medallist will sharpen his tools in the ring on June 10th ahead of his summer title showdown.

Cruiserweight prospect Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and his antagonist Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s) have some unfinished business to attend to following their February war ending unsatisfactorily in a fourth-round doctor’s stoppage due to a cut above Taj’s eyebrow.

Elsewhere on the card, brother of headliner Adam, welterweight Hassan Azim (6-0, 3 KOs) looks to extend his unbeaten start to life as a professional.

English champion Sam Gilley (15-1, 7 KOs) will be out to light up his native East End after impressing last time out at Ally Pally last November.

The ‘Magic Man’ dropped Sean Robinson in the sixth en route to a unanimous points victory to successfully defend his title

Rhys Edwards (14-0, 4 KOs) produced a breathtaking performance in his win over Brian Phillips in Manchester last month – and the undefeated Welsh super-bantamweight will be back in action on June 10. As will Iranian featherweight Razor Ali (7-0, 1 KO), who wowed at Wembley back in February with his third round stoppage of Hector Avila Lozano.

And the series 8 winner of popular TV series ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Joshua Gustave will be on display too. The Ilford middleweight is 4-0 as a professional with all four victories coming from fights at York Hall. 

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

Tickets are now on sale at BOXXER.com and are expected to sell out fast.

LAS VEGAS (April 20, 2023) –Devin “The Dream” Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) is exactly one month away from the most important fight of his career.

The 24-year-old undisputed lightweight king will defend his crown against former three-division champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko (17-2, 11 KOs) Saturday, May 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The Haney vs. Lomachenko main card will stream live on Top Rank on ESPN+ PPV, the event’s exclusive digital distributor in the United States, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, it will be available via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers and is priced at $59.99 across all distributors.

The main card will be preceded by a two-fight ESPN telecast featuring the vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title showdown between Australia’s former world champion Andrew Moloney (25-2, 16 KOs) and Japan’s undefeated former WBO flyweight champion Junto Nakatani (24-0, 18 KOs). Opening the broadcast will be undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (8-0, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, in a scheduled eight-rounder against a to-be-determined foe.

Moloney-Nakatani and the return of Ali Walsh will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Devin Haney Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, tickets are on sale now at axs.com.

At Thursday’s media workout in Las Vegas, this is what Haney, Moloney and Ali Walsh had to say. Also in attendance was lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas, who will appear on the ESPN+-streamed undercard against an opponent to be named.

Devin Haney

“Camp has been great. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling strong. My weight is good. I’m happy and in good spirts. I’m ready to go.”
 
“When we go into a fight, it’s a war. It’s combat. Two warriors going at it. We put our life on the line when we go in that ring.”
 
“He has experience and ring generalship. I know he’s training for a dirty fight. He wants to get in and get as dirty as possible in the clinch. That’s what I’ve heard that he’s training for.  We’re just preparing for whatever he brings to the table. We know the type of fight that he wants.”
 
“It’s a blessing. I’m happy that finally I get my shot at him. The tables have turned. It feels good that the tables have turned. Now I’m the guy giving him the shot. I’m happy that I get to prove myself.”
 
Andrew Moloney

“My goal is to become a two-time world champion, and I am doing everything I can to achieve my dream. Junto Nakatani is a great fighter, and I truly believe I have what it takes to defeat him.”
 
Nico Ali Walsh

“I got my start in boxing at Bill Haney’s gym, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a massive event. Fighting in my hometown is always special. I can’t wait for May 20.”

“This is my first scheduled eight-rounder, which represents another step in my professional journey. I’m dedicated to my craft, and I look forward to showing the fans how much I’ve improved since my last fight.” 

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Well good afternoon everyone, Prynhawn Da from here in Cardiff, a head of a huge World Title doubleheader on Saturday night as we said, rolling into the incredible fight between Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis live and exclusive on DAZN around the world on Saturday night. The continuation of a tremendous schedule of course coming off the Anthony Joshua victory on April 1. Cardiff this Saturday, we go to Guadalajara and another one of Tony Sims in charge, John Ryder fights for the undisputed World Championship against Canelo Alvarez in front of 55,000 in Guadalajara. A couple of weeks later, of course, Katie Taylor returns to Dublin, for the first time against fellow undisputed champion Chantelle Cameron in a tremendous fight and the week after Leigh Wood gets his chance to become World Champion again against Mauricio Lara. Unbelievable schedule coming your way on DAZN and an unbelievable main event for us on Saturday night.”

Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov:

“I’m born ready. I have a very good team with me. I have a great, the best coach in Freddie Roach. We know the key to the victory and we will prove it on Saturday. We will just show it in the ring on Saturday.”

Freddie Roach:

“We’ve had a really good training camp, especially the last couple of months in my gym. And we have a lot of good sparring partners. I have 14 Pro fighters and he has out powered everyone. I mean, he’s in great shape for this fight and he’s ready. We know we’re in a tough fight and it is a great place to have it.

“In some way you know I hear how fast our opponent is and how quick he is and so forth. But when I watched the tapes I’m really not impressed with his speed and I think I have the faster and stronger person and I think that will make the difference in the fight.”

Egis Kilmas:

“Thank you for having us here in Cardiff. I remember, this city brings me very good memories. One of my fighters Sergey Kovalev became a champion 10 years ago, and so we are happy to be back. We know it’s not going to be an easy fight, Cordina is a very good fighter, but Rakhimov is ready to defend his title.”

Joe Cordina:

“Yeah, of course. People ask me, What do you think of him? He’s a World Champion at the end of the day.. He’s tough. He’s strong. He’s fit. But you’ve got to have that little bit more and I just don’t believe he has it to beat me. But we will see on Saturday. I’m grateful that I’ve got the opportunity once again, thanks to you Matchroom and DAZN for giving me this opportunity back in my hometown. But yeah it’s gonna be a tough night.

“The anthems, the performances and all that is amazing, but first and foremost, we have to get that win for me to bring big nights of boxing back to Cardiff again and again and again like Joe Calzaghe did and give other fighters that opportunity to showcase their talent around the world.

“So that was always my plan when I came into pro boxing. So yeah, for me, that’s what I wanted to do. And I believe, after my last win last year in June that was the start. But we’ve had a little bit of a break. So now I get this title back on Saturday. And then that’s the start where all the big nights will be happening once again.

“Like you said, his aggression when he comes forward is fairly strong. And he does look to anger but I will aim put it out early. So, it could end in the distance, but I’ll just go out there to win. And then I push on but yeah, I said the same with Ogawa. I just want to get the win and move on. And  like I said if it goes within the distance, I’m happy because like you say, in boxing you don’t get paid for overtime.I’ve said it over and over again to people asked me how long you’ve been boxing. It’s mad you live away in Essex when you’re in camp. I’ve been doing this for 10-11 years. When I started boxing at 16, two years later, 18, I was on a GB squad and from then I lived in Sheffield for seven and a half years to improve – I just knew for me to keep away from all the distractions I had to move away. And then I was in camp with Tony Sims since I was 18, now I’m 31. I’ve been living away from home sacrificing missing my kids their birthdays, even their first birthday, I nearly missed two of their births. So everything I’m doing now and sacrificing that was for them in the future and he’s standing in a way for me providing for my kids. So yeah, it’s a big night for me on Saturday.”

Tony Sims:

“Yeah, it is. It was like a freak injury. And as you say it was the first round of the spa, the first the first shot he landed and it was just a freak injury, obviously he’s had surgery on it. And you know, in the end it is all good now and he’s got his opportunity to regain the title. And you know it’s going to be a really hard fight. Rakhimov is a really good fighter. He’s tough, so it’s gonna be hard, but Joe’s training diligently for this fight and he’s been down in my gym in Essex since January. And you know, he’s in fantastic condition – mentally and physically, he’s ready to go.

“Freddie, as you say, he is a legend in our sport. You know, he’s had so many world champions you normally wouldn’t be training him if he didn’t think the fighter was good. So, we know we have got a tough job on our hands, but I believe in Joe Cordina, his boxing IQ is second to none. And it’s gonna be a great night, the atmosphere is going to be fantastic in the arena. And we are just looking forward to Saturday night getting in the ring now.”

Charlie Sims:

“Yeah, it was obviously a great moment for the team. Great moment for Joe when he won the World Title. It was just astonishing. Knockout was amazing to see.

“Then the disappointment. We felt it was unfair that obviously he got stripped from being injured but Matchroom, Eddie and Frank made a promise to get the title back, bring it back to Cardiff and give us the opportunity.

“Now it’s up to the team up to Joe Cordina to make the opportunity count to become a two-time World Champion in the city of Cardiff.”

LAS VEGAS – April 20, 2023 – Undefeated rivals and boxing superstars Gervonta “Tank” Davis and “King” Ryan Garcia went face-to-face for the first time during fight week at Thursday’s final press conference before they meet this Saturday, April 22 in a SHOWTIME PPV production from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard including WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. and Olympic^® Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi Falcao, who meet in the co-main event, super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev, who battle in a 10-round rematch, and hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia and Mexico’s Kevin Salgado, who duel in the pay-per-view telecast opener at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from KÀ Theatre at MGM Grand:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“All he talks about is that one punch. I only need one too. I touch that jaw and I’m telling you, you’re going to sleep. I’ll probably break your jaw.

“We’re here. Enough with the talking. I’m ready to get down and dirty. I’m from Baltimore city and you’ll see how we turn it come Saturday. See y’all then.

“He’s gonna feel me for sure. I am what I say I am. I’m that guy. I didn’t get all the way here for no reason. I put the work in and I got those guys out of there. He’s gonna see it come Saturday night for sure.

“Don’t forget I’m the most accurate puncher out there. Make sure you’ve been practicing on putting your hands up.

“He’s getting his ass whooped. It’s gonna be an exciting fight. I’m excited to be here. I don’t know about him, but I’m coming with some stuff for sure. 

“He doesn’t have the fundamentals at all. If Joe Goossen is that great of a trainer, he’s gotta fix his fundamentals. All he’s got is that weak hook. That’s all he’s relying on.

“He’s delusional if he thinks he’s knocking me out. That’s it.”

RYAN GARCIA

“Everything is catching up to you. Everything is coming to a halt for you on Saturday night. You’re gonna learn the hard way.

“What an honor to be here. This is a dream come true. I’m seeing my face on the big screens at MGM and this is what I’ve dreamed of since I was a little boy. I’m very happy and excited.

“I don’t have much to say really, I’m just staying focused and preparing. I know there’s a big task at hand, but I’m gonna come out victorious.

“He’s gonna find out exactly why I’m here. You don’t get to this position without having something special. Anybody can see that. We’ll just have to wait and see when I’m in there. He’ll see it when I’m in there.

“This man has never punished anyone in his life. He’s always losing in these fights. Get that out of your mind. You’re gonna get punished. You got the lowest punch output in boxing.

“This is the biggest moment in sports right now. It means a lot. The magnitude of this fight is huge. Everything is already on the line. I’m just ready to go as deep as I have to. This moment is everything to me. I’ve envisioned this for years and it’s finally here.

“I just need one shot. That left hook. I feel like I’m gonna break his jaw with that hook. I just see him lying on the floor.

“I’m ready to do what I do. I’m gonna end him, I promise that. It’s over.”

DAVID MORRELL JR.

“This is so exciting. I’m thrilled about the opportunity and I want to thank my whole team. This means a lot to me.

“I want a big name in my next fight, so this is the perfect fight and the perfect stage for me to prepare to face the best in the division.

“100% I’m trying to send a message to David Benavidez. I want him to know that I’m ready. I’ve told everyone that I’m ready for all the best fighters at 168-pounds.

“He’s got his opinion, but it’s not as easy as he says. The amateurs are different than the pros. Look at my last fight, everyone was talking about me losing, but I go in there and get knockouts.

“I’m really thankful for my support from all the Cuban fans out there. I’m ready to knock Falcao out for all of you. He’s going down in five or six rounds.

“I’m ready for what’s in front of me. I have everything I need. I’m focused and I feel great.”

YAMAGUCHI FALCAO

“I’m all about taking on the best and biggest challenges. I love this sport and I believe in myself. I know exactly what I want to do on Saturday night.

“People should know that I’m an Olympic medalist, that I’m very talented and that I’m here to make history and shock the world.

“I want to leave my imprint on the world right here in Las Vegas and let everyone know that I’ve arrived.

“I stand by my words that I’m gonna knock him out. I love Cuban boxing, but Saturday is gonna be my night. I’m a problem.”

GABRIEL ROSADO

“The rematch made sense being that I was already in camp getting ready for a big fight. This opportunity presented itself and I thought it made sense on this huge card.

“I took it personally that he thinks the knockout in our first fight was a fluke. I just want to prove him wrong.

“It’s going to be the same outcome this time. We’re going in there locked in. I had a great training camp and I feel amazing.

“The fans know that they’re gonna get my best. I’m a Philadelphia warrior. It’s not just about winning, it’s about how I win. It’s hard to top that first knockout, but I’m coming to give a great performance and I can’t wait.

“It’s been a long road for me, but I’m enjoying it and I’m having fun. You gotta have fun doing this. I just want to keep proving that I’m improving as a fighter and that I’m worthy of this stage. Come Saturday night, we’re gonna shine again.”

BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV

“I’m very thankful to be on this stage with this big opportunity on a card like this. This is the fight I’ve wanted and the fight I’ve been asking for.

“This is boxing. A mistake was made and a lesson was learned in our first fight. There won’t be any mistake made by me this time.

“I’m happy to have this opportunity. I have a great fighter in front of me. I can promise you that no matter how long this fight goes, it’s gonna be exciting and action packed.

“He can think whatever he wants. I have no problem with it. I can just promise that it’s gonna be a great fight and be action packed.

“Whatever happened in the first fight already happened, I’m going to do my talking inside of the ring.”

ELIJAH GARCIA

“The fans are going to see an explosive fight. Salgado is a great opponent, but I’m gonna push the pace and someone is gonna get knocked out. It’s gonna be fought on the inside and we’ll see what happens.

“Phoenix has always had good boxers and great talent and we’re just starting to take the big fights and become champions. I just want to become the next big name from there.

“My goal is to be champion when I’m 21 years old. If it comes sooner, then I’m ready. Right now I’m just taking it one fight at a time and building myself. I want to be a mandatory by the end of the year.

“Now I feel like I wanna knock him out. I expect to put him out before six and put on a great show for the fans.”

KEVIN SALGADO

“He can say whatever he wants up here right now. The only one that’s getting knocked out on Saturday is Elijah Garcia.

“I don’t care how young he is or how ambitious he is, I’m going to go in that ring, get the victory and be on my way.

“One thing is to talk outside the ring, he seems to like to do that. I’m going to talk inside the ring and everyone will see what I’m capable of.

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“Here we go again with another one. I don’t do too much talking. We do it in the ring. Be prepared Saturday night, because it’s on. In the words of my coaching partner Kenny Ellis, we’re going to put some knuckles on somebody.

“Ryan says he’s the king, but this is vicious right here. I ain’t never seen a king hold his kingdom down when you have a vicious crew come through. We are coming through. We are vicious. We aren’t just boxing. We’re doing this. Come Saturday night, be prepared. Stop playin’ with my youngin’.

“I don’t train for knockouts. I train for punishment. I want you to feel it. I’m sending the message to everyone, through you. You will see.”  

JOE GOOSSEN, Garcia’s Trainer

“I’m not going to have a war of words with anybody because the real war is going to be Saturday night between two great fighters. This is one of the most exceptional matches put together in a long time. The interest in this fight has been unbelievable.

“Ryan Garcia is one of the most uniquely talented fighters I’ve ever been involved with in a half of a century. People know me and I don’t mess around.

“I’ve never seen anybody train as hard, or focus as much as Ryan has. He has a deep faith. He has a deep faith in himself as well. I just can’t say enough great things about him. He’s going to bring something very special to the ring Saturday, I can guarantee that.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“It’s happening folks. Make no mistake about it, this is a super fight. It’s one of the biggest that can be made in boxing and the best fight of 2023.

“It’s not often in today’s game that we see two young fighters, both undefeated, both in their prime, step into the ring together.

“We always hear about styles make fights and in this case, it’s never been more true. This fight will be an instant classic and an all-out war. This is going to be like Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns, and in ‘Tank’ Davis, we have Hagler.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, Boxing Promoter

“The talk is done, it’s go time this Saturday. The biggest fight in boxing.

“We believe in Tank 1000%. So when it comes to what Oscar says, he has no room to talk about anything. We carry ourself like the A-side because that’s what we are.

“It’s going to be Tank Davis by KO, like I’ve been saying, and it might be early.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“I truly believe that the winner of this fight will be the new king of the sport. As someone who spent most of his early life in the ring, I know firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level. This is the highest level. I look at Ryan and I know he’s ready. I look at Ryan’s team and they know he’s ready.

“When I look at ‘Tank’s’ team’s action throughout the whole promotion, I am left to wonder, ‘Do they really think this guy is ready?’ Catchweights and rehydration clauses. Late afternoon weigh ins. All these small petty requirements point to a team looking to protect their fighter, and why would they protect their fighter, unless they don’t think he’s ready for this moment? I really believe that ‘Tank’s’ team is worried he’s going to lose. When you’re a young fighter, nothing feels worse than your team not believing in you.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, SHOWTIME Sports

“We’re thrilled to bring you this fight in collaboration with DAZN PPV and we’re proud to once again be delivering the strongest schedule in the sport.

“SHOWTIME has delivered 14 marquee events in just the first six months of the year, and this is our ninth live boxing event in the last 11 weeks. It’s one of the hottest runs in the history of SHOWTIME BOXING^®.

“This Saturday we have one of the hottest fights of the year. Two fighters with different personalities, different fan bases, and very different styles in the ring. This is a battle of the two most popular fighters in the U.S. Both are huge draws. Both are coming off very impressive performances; ‘Tank’ Davis winning by TKO over Hector Luis Garcia, and Ryan Garcia last fought in July against former title holder Javier Fortuna.

“’Tank’ is a five-time champion in three different weight classes. He has sold out venues in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Baltimore, Brooklyn, and Washington, D.C. Three of his last six wins have been one-punch KOs and 18 of his last 19 opponents have been stopped. The combined record of his last 13 opponents is 138 wins and 12 losses.

“Ryan Garcia probably has the fastest hands in boxing. Everyone talks about Ryan’s social media following, but that’s not really the important thing. Just because he has a big social media following doesn’t mean he’s not one of the most talented boxers in the sport because he clearly is, and everyone talks about his speed. But that’s not the only thing. Ryan Garcia has knockouts in six of his last seven fights, including over Fortuna this past July.”

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time, three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a long-awaited clash against hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia taking place Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Cuban star and WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. battling Olympic Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in the co-main event. The action will also see an eagerly anticipated rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev in a 10-round showdown. Kicking off the telecast will be hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing rugged Kevin Salgado of Mexico in a 10-round showdown.

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

Vancouver – UFC^®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, confirmed today its return to Canada for the first time in almost four years when it hosts UFC^® 289: NUNES vs. PEÑA 3 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena on Saturday, June 10.

The event will be headlined by a highly anticipated rubber match that will see women’s featherweight and bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes defend her 135-pound belt against former titleholder and No. 1 contender Julianna Peña. Stay tuned for future bout announcements soon.

“I’m so pumped to return to Canada,” UFC President Dana White said. “Some of the greatest events in my life were up in Canada. The fans are awesome and I love every city up in Canada. I can’t wait to deliver an awesome Pay-Per-View in Vancouver. We’re back!”

UFC^® 289: NUNES vs. PEÑA 3 tickets will go on sale Friday, April 21 at 12 p.m. PT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.ca. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 20 starting at 12 p.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

UFC^® 289: NUNES vs. PEÑA 3 main card will air live on Pay-Per-View starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Televised prelims will broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on TSN and RDS channels, with the night’s early prelims kicking off exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

Media members wishing to apply for fight week credentials may sign up here.

The greatest female fighter of all time, Nunes (22-5, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) looks to set a new record for combined UFC women’s title defenses. A future UFC Hall of Fame inductee, she holds legendary KO wins over former champions Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg. Nunes now aims to get the last laugh by stopping Pena in emphatic fashion.

Peña (12-5, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Spokane, Wash.) intends to once again stun the MMA world by finishing Nunes. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 18, she has also earned impressive victories against Sara McMann, Cat Zingano and Jessica Eye. Peña now has her sights set on reclaiming her spot atop the bantamweight division with a show-stealing performance.

Announced bouts on the card include:

• Ranked middleweight contenders collide when No. 12 Nassourdine Imavov (12-4, fighting out of Paris, France) meets No. 15 Chris Curtis (30-10, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA)
• No. 13 ranked featherweight contender Dan Ige (16-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Haleiwa, Hawaii) looks to halt the momentum of rising Nate Landwehr (17-4, fighting out of Clarksville, Tenn.)
• No. 13 ranked light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree Jr. (12-5 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., USA) aims to spoil the 205-pound debut of No. 13 heavyweight Chris Daukaus (12-6, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn., USA)
• Kyle Nelson (13-5-1, fighting out of Stoney Creek, Ont.) battles unbeaten Blake Bilder (8-0-1, fighting out of Costa Mesa, Calif., USA) in a featherweight tilt
• Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6 1NC, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla., USA by way of Gatineau, Que.) locks horns with Eryk Anders (15-7 1NC, fighting out of Scottsdale, Ariz., USA by way of Birmingham, Ala., USA) in a hard-hitting middleweight bout
• No. 8 ranked flyweight contender Matt Schnell (16-7, fighting out of Shreveport, La., USA) takes on No. 10 David Dvorak (20-5, fighting out of Horice, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic)
• Hakeem Dawodu (13-3-1, fighting out of Calgary, Alta.) returns to action against Lucas Almeida (14-1, fighting out of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil) in an entertaining featherweight bout
• Miranda Maverick (13-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo., USA by way of Buffalo, Mo., USA) faces Jasmine Jasudavicius (8-2, fighting out of Niagara, Ont.) at flyweight
• Aiemann Zahabi (9-2, fighting out of Montreal, Que.) goes for his third consecutive win when he meets Aoriqileng (24-9, fighting out of Shanghai, China) in a bantamweight matchup
• Diana Belbita (14-7, fighting out of Stoney Creek, Ont.) meets Maria Oliveira (13-6, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at strawweight

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

###

About UFC^®

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

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Canucks Sports & Entertainment is Western Canada’s sports & entertainment leader providing world class entertainment in multiple venues in British Columbia. CSE owns and operates the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League, the Abbotsford Canucks of the American Hockey League, the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League, the Vancouver Titans of the Overwatch League, the Seattle Surge of the Call of Duty League and Rogers Arena. From watching one’s first NHL game to singing along with a favourite artist, Canucks Sports & Entertainment strives to create unforgettable moments that inspire, excite and unite us all.  Regardless of the score, the event or the night, our goal is to provide a world class experience for you and your guests from the moment you arrive, to the end of the event.

NEW YORK (April 20, 2023)–Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of undefeated fighter Joshafat Ortiz.

Ortiz of Reading, Pennsylvania is 11-0 with five knockouts.

The 27 year-old Ortiz is looking forward to signing with the top management company in the sport.

“I am excited for this chapter. This is the perfect time in my career to sign with Split-T. I see all the success they have had and have all of the best fighters in the world. It shows what they think of me. I am moving down to featherweight.  This is the perfect team to guide me through the rankings,” said Ortiz

“I feel like that I am the best kept secret and with this team, I will be able to showcase my skills.”

Born in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Ortiz moved to the US at age four with his mother and was raised in Reading, PA. Ortiz began boxing at the age of 14, which spawned an amateur career that saw him go 42-7, Ortiz became a three-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion. Ortiz made his pro debut in May 20, 2017 with a first round stoppage over Daron Hester in Raleigh, North Carolina

Ortiz has quality wins over Joshua Orta (6-0), Erickson Vargas Rudecindo (4-1) and is coming off a unanimous decision over Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano on September 16, 2022.

Ortiz, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, will be back in action on April 29th in Philadelphia.

He is trained by Rashiem Jefferson out of Philadelphia and signed with Split-T Management under Brian Cohen.

RZESZÓW, POLAND – (April 20, 2023) – Some of the biggest hitters in the BOXXER stable were on deck in Poland today for open workouts ahead of this Saturday night’s event at the G2A Arena in the historic city of Rzeszów, live on Sky Sports.

Big opportunities await the winners, with Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois on the radar for Bakole and Richard Riakporhe on the radar for Babic.

<CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD PHOTOS>Credit to Boxxer / Lawrence Lustig

With a history of strategic importance stretching back to the mediaeval era and beyond, Rzeszów has witnessed many a major battle during its long history and at the weekend will witness several more as BOXXER makes its first visit to Poland in association with regional partners Knockout Promotions.

The WBC World Bridgerweight Championship is on the line in the main event when Croatian wildman Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) steps up to face Polish counterpart ?ukasz Ró?a?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s) in what is sure to be an incredible firefight – for as long as it lasts.

With a combined record of 23 knockouts from 25 wins, both fighters have a deserved reputation for finishing fights early and throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of a crowd-pleasing conclusion.

The winner will become the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight Champion and reign over a newly-created division named in honour of American schoolboy Bridger Walker, who survived severe damage while protecting his 4-year-old sister from a wild dog attack.

Created by the WBC to “bridge” the gap between cruiserweight and heavyweight, the holder of the division’s championship will open himself up to opportunities in both of those weight classes. 

BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom sees potential opportunities for Babic against the likes of Richard Riakporhe, Frazer Clarke and even Lawrence Okolie – if he wins on Saturday night.

“It’s a tough fight for Babic against a home fighter but he’s a huge fan favourite that brings numbers, so if he can win this belt then that’s going to open up big opportunities for him. Holding a WBC belt opens doors for you and I think he’ll have cruiserweights and heavyweights looking for him,” he says.

“Richard Riakporhe is interested in him. Frazer Clarke, Fabio Wardley and even Lawrence Okolie could all be possible. So let’s see what happens Saturday. Whichever way it goes, it’s going to be a war and someone is getting knocked out without a doubt. I expect it to be crazy.”

Saturday night also marks the BOXXER debut of newly-signed heavyweight contender Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s), who has been in the headlines recently after being linked with potential marquee showdowns against Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. 

First though he must face Ukrainian slugger Igor ‘Hulk’ Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s), who is fighting just a few miles from the Ukrainian border and looking to take out a big name and open up opportunities of his own.

“If [Dubois’] fight against Usyk is not happening, after Saturday’s fight the only person I will call out is Daniel Dubois because he’s got the belt. I want to be No 1 for Usyk or anybody,” says Bakole.

“He’s No 1 regular in the WBA and I’m No 2 ranking so that is an easy fight to make so we don’t need to talk too much.

“People are avoiding me now, I have been calling them out, mentioning everybody and nobody has mentioned me or responded. I’ll work hard to be No 1 challenger, so no more avoiding.”

Shalom said, “He’s got to make a statement Saturday night, put him away in six rounds or less then look to see what happens with Usyk, Dubois, Joyce or Zhang. He also wants the Dillian Whyte fight, he wants the Anthony Joshua fight… he’s ready to go!”

Also competing from the BOXXER stable on Saturday night are rising heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV (4-0, 2 KO’s), who faces Poland’s Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s), and an all-British showdown between Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) and Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s). 

Watch live on Sky Sports this Saturday, April 22nd:

WBC Bridgerweight World Title Fight 

?ukasz Ró?a?ski (14-0, 13 KO’s) vs Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic (11-0, 10 KO’s) 

Heavyweight Bout (10 Rounds)

Martin Bakole (18-1 13 KO’s)  vs Igor Hulk Shevadzutskiy (10-0 8 KO’s) 

Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Jeamie TKV (4-0 2 KO’s) vs Micha? Bo?oz (5-4-2 5 KO’s) Polska 

Light-Heavyweight Bout (8 Rounds)

Steed Woodall (17-1-1 11 KO’s) vs Boris Crighton (10-2 7 KO’s) 

Los Angeles, CA (April 20, 2023) World ranked super lightweight Batyr Ahkmedov was incensed when he heard the news on Wednesday that WBA Champion Alberto Puello had tested positive for clomiphene, a performance enhancing drug and would be stripped of his title.

Akhmedov, (9-2, 8 KOs), lost a controversially scored split decision to Puello for the WBA title on August 20, 2022 in Hollywood, FL.

“We fought for the title last August and I knew something was off in the fight,” said the Los Angeles based southpaw. I thought I was winning the fight and hitting him with the harder punches, he was just trying to survive.  But in life, things like this usually catch up to you. I hope that justice will be served and I can fight for the world title again soon.”

“Our fight was the last fight for both of us and looking back on it now, I’m very suspicious about what might have taken place. I’ve fought in hundreds of amateur and professional bouts and can see when another boxer just doesn’t look right.”

LAS VEGAS – April 19, 2023 – Fighters competing on the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia undercard participated in a media workout Wednesday before their respective showdowns taking place this Saturday, April 22 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The workout included Olympic^® Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi Falcao, who meets WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell, Jr., in the co-main event, super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev, who battle in a 10-round rematch, and hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia and Mexico’s Kevin Salgado, who duel in the opener of the SHOWTIME PPV production at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Stepping into the ring Wednesday was also sensational prospect Vito Mielnicki, Jr., who faces Mexico’s Jose Charles on the SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN SHOW that will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing^® Facebook page beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by GTD Promotions, TGB Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

YAMAGUCHI FALCAO

“I don’t have enough words to express how happy I am. This is a title opportunity. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. I want the fans to see what type of a fighter I am.

“Training, believing in myself and my faith have been the keys to my success. I want this fight to blow the door wide open for me.

“The more I work, the more I crave it. I want to beat David Morrell, Jr., this Saturday, and then I want Canelo Alvarez whenever, wherever.

“Being an underdog motivates me so much. The fact that people like to talk motivates me even more. I love to be the underdog.” 

GABRIEL ROSADO

“We are going to bully the bully. I promise you that.

“This is the biggest fight of the year and I’m blessed to be a part of this card.

“I was moving up to 175, so I was enjoying eating steaks. I just had to cut down on the steaks now that I’m back at 168. It worked out with the weight, so now we’re just getting ready for a southpaw.

“After I got knocked down in our first fight, I had to show resilience and mental toughness, knowing that it was a 12-round fight. He caught me with a good shot in the first round and I took a knee. I said that I would bounce back in the next round and set him up. That’s what we did. We set him up in the third round with a picture-perfect shot. It was a shot that we worked on in training camp. We worked on his flaw.

“I am taking this as a challenge. I am taking it personally that he thought the first fight was a fluke. It upset me. That’s my motivation. I did it once and will do it again.

“Boxing is in my blood, it’s in my DNA. I am a fighter in life. Inside of the ring and outside of it. This is what I do.

“This is big. This is like ‘Tito’ Trinidad-Oscar De La Hoya. Ryan and ‘Tank’ are superstars. They’re the top guys in the division. For them to fight in their prime, my hat is off to both of them. I wish more guys did that. I’m a fan of both of them. I know them personally and like them both. It’s 50/50. I just want to see a great fight.”

BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV

“This is the fight I’ve been asking for. It’s on the same card as the biggest fight of the year and it’s a dream come true. I am ready.

“The loss to Rosado is what happens when you get reckless in boxing. I got reckless and paid for it. I went for the finish. This is why we are having the rematch. I am confident that I will right the wrong.

“I am exactly the same as I have always been. I’m always serious and mean inside the ring. I’m a happy and a nice person outside of the ring, but inside the ring I have one goal and that’s to get a victory.

“It’s going to be an exciting fight, a banger, a war.” 

ELIJAH GARCIA

“This is a blessing. I can’t explain the feeling. I can’t wait to get in the ring, hear that bell ring and get to work.

“I stay ready. I have the best team in the game and just go with the experience. My last fight was an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up, just like this fight.

“I’m still learning. This is a huge card right here. I am so happy to be a part of it. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, but it is not as hard as I thought it would be so far.

“This is going to be a war. Someone is going to get knocked out. It is going to be a great fight so make sure you don’t miss it.

“Being a main event fighter is everybody’s dream. My goal is doing it even sooner than [Gervonta] Davis and [Ryan] Garcia did.”

KEVIN SALGADO

“I know that I am going up against a really strong opponent, but I also know that we can shock the world and surprise people.

“Sometimes Mexican fighters may not be the favorite, but we will show our worth. I’m leaving it all in the ring Saturday.

“I’m so excited. The whole world is going to see a Mexican warrior. I am going to put on a show and make sure the fans know who I am.

“It’s going to be a great fight. I know that Elijah [Garcia] is hungry too. We are going to give it our best. We are going to surprise everybody. I promise you that.”  

VITO MIELNICKI JR.

“This is truly just a dream come true. We came out to Las Vegas four weeks ago to finish up camp. We’re ready to put on a dominant performance on Saturday and show the fans what we’re capable of.

“Shout out to everyone who came out today. I truly appreciate it. Without you guys, none of this would be possible.

“Expect fireworks on Saturday. We’ve been improving our skills, mentally getting better, and maturing all around in the ring. We are ready to put on a great performance and dominate on Saturday night.

“This main event is definitely what boxing needs, a lot of big fights with young guys willing to put their all on the line. A lot of fighters don’t want to lose that 0.

“We knew there would be bumps in the road after I turned pro at 17. I made my mistakes on live television in front of millions of people. I’m thankful for what happened on the day that I lost. It showed me that proper preparation prevents poor performance. That’s why you’ll always see me at my best from here on out.

“I will put on a dominant performance. Expect fireworks. This guy has never been stopped before, but we’re definitely going to get him out of there.” 

#         #         #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time, three-division world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in a long-awaited clash against hard-hitting sensation “King” Ryan Garcia taking place Saturday, April 22 headlining live on pay-per-view from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Cuban star and WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. battling Olympic Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in the co-main event. The action will also see an eagerly anticipated rematch between super middleweight sluggers Gabriel Rosado and Bektemir Melikuziev in a 10-round showdown. Kicking off the telecast will be hard-hitting 19-year-old middleweight Elijah Garcia facing rugged Kevin Salgado of Mexico in a 10-round showdown.

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

DETROIT – April 19, 2023 – Undisputed Middleweight World Champion and Michigan’s own Claressa Shields went face-to-face Tuesday with four-division world champion Hanna Gabriels at a press conference in Detroit to preview the return of big-time boxing to city on Saturday, June 3. The first boxing event at Little Caesars Arena will be streamed live on DAZN in the U.S. and Canada.

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 only two-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era, Shields will continue to make history at the home of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings. The Flint, Michigan native will be rematching Gabriels after originally facing her in 2018. In their previous fight, Gabriels put Shields on the canvas in round one with a vicious right uppercut-left hook combination. It remains the only time Shields has ever been knocked down as a professional or amateur. Although she recovered to win an exciting unanimous decision, Shields will look for an emphatic ending to their rivalry on June 3.

On hand at the press conference supporting Shields were a who’s-who of Detroit boxing legends, champions and contenders including: Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, Hilmer Kenty, Bronco McKart, Tony Harrison and more. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“This is a dream come true for me. Born and raised in Flint, you know I’ve come to many games here to watch the Pistons play. Me and my grandmother watched the Pistons play on TV when they won the championship and now to actually be here fighting in front of all these fans…This was unheard of in women’s boxing when I turned pro.

“I’m fighting here in Detroit in front of all my family and all my friends. Hanna Gabriels is in a real heap of trouble come June 3. Y’all want to be there because this is the fight that will solidify what I’ve been saying, that there’s no girl in this world who can get in the ring with me and take me. I’m a problem.

“I took on the biggest challenges when I turned pro and Hanna Gabriels was one of my biggest challenges. Back then, I had two belts and I was 5-0. Hanna Gabriels was 18-1 and the one girl that beat her, she came back and beat her. So, we knew Hannah Gabriels was a dog.

“The knockdown pissed me off because it was a flash knockdown. After the fight I was very upset and very frustrated and I said ‘I want to fight her some more.’ I wanted to do the rematch immediately.  

“I beat her unanimously after being knocked down and this time I don’t want a unanimous decision. I want the knockout. She’s able to get knocked out, it’s happened to her before. I’m able to get knocked down. It happened to me before, but I got back up and won.

“I have traveled the world and fought girls who were way bigger than Hanna Gabriels and come out on top, so I don’t know why anyone would say I’ve been ducking her. That’s a lie. I haven’t ducked anyone.

“I’m from Flint, Michigan. I want all the smoke. Whoever got the smoke, let’s go. Let’s fight.”

HANNA GABRIELS

“I’m so honored to be here. It’s a privilege to be here in Detroit and hopefully we bring a war again that people will enjoy.

“We were here in 2018. I remember that fight was a great fight. I think it was a close fight and I wasn’t mad about Claressa winning. I was mad about the cards, because I think I didn’t deserve those cards. Even for your fights afterwards, I don’t think the other girls gave you as much of a fight and they did better on the cards, so I am here to redeem myself.

“Two years ago, you fought for the undisputed at 154 and I was still the champion there and you avoided me for whatever reason. I am here to take what’s yours at 160.

“I am very honored. I am very proud of Claressa. She’s done so much, she’s the face of women’s boxing and she is actually the greatest. She has accomplished so much. It’s not only about the ring, but she has handled pressure. She has backed up her words.

“She said she’ll beat my ass again and I thought it was a strong word because I didn’t feel like I’d been beaten. But we have the opportunity to do it again.

“For me, this fight is about heritage. My father used to box and just recently we were speaking about that, and he was telling me some stories about my grandfather, who was a street fighter and my Great Grandfather, who participated in the construction of the rails of the train in Costa Rica when there was slavery in Costa Rica. So it is about heritage today. I am so honored to carry so much and to bring it to this fight and to bring Costa Rica with me.”

DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions

“The legacy of big-time boxing in Detroit will continue on June 3, when Claressa Shields makes a defense of her undisputed middleweight belts against current light heavyweight world champion Hanna Gabriels of Costa Rica.

“Claressa versus Hanna Gabriels first happened in 2018. Hanna was a top-10 pound-for-pound fighter and a world champion. When we started working with Claressa, she told me ‘Dmitriy, please make the biggest and the best fights.’ Many told us that it was too big of a step, but Claressa believed in herself.

“Claressa Shields is known as ‘The GWOAT.’ As a young girl growing up in Flint, Michigan, one of the most challenging places in the United States, every day of her life she made the choice to stay away from bad influences. She made a choice to go to the gym and became an Olympic gold medalist and only accomplished more and more from there. Claressa is incredible inside the ring and incredible outside the ring.”

MARK TAFFET, President of Mark Taffet Media and Claressa’s Manager

“To be here, to be part of history at the very first fight at Little Caesars Arena… you can only be first once, and it lasts forever. Boy, do I love this. It gives me chills to do this. Claressa Shields has been telling Dmitriy and I, ‘you gotta get me Little Caesars. You gotta get me Little Caesars,’ and here we are today.

I always tell people that the best three fighters I’ve ever seen fight are Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather and Claressa Shields, and not necessarily in that order. She has God-given abilities, not once in a decade, not once in a century, once in a lifetime ability.

“I want to thank all of you who are here today showing your support for Claressa Shields and your support for Detroit boxing. It’s a legacy that’s been earned for decades and generations. A lot of people put in a lot of hard work.”

HECTOR FERNANDEZ, Gabriels’ Manager

“The first fight, you guys know exactly what happened. But the second fight, we’re going all in. This is going to be fireworks. Hanna has been staying in shape. She’s been dreaming about this rematch. It took them five years to give us the rematch, but we finally got it.

“Every single opponent that Claressa has had, she’s been looking amazing. She’s been looking dominant. Even with Savannah Marshall. I thought Savannah Marshall was going to win to be completely honest with you guys and then when I saw her in the ring, Claressa just did her thing and she looked nothing but amazing. Congratulations.

“It did take her five years to give us a rematch, so that must tell you something. Hanna dropped her in the first round and Hanna is going to drop her again.”

HOWARD HANDLER, President of 313 Presents

“As Detroit’s premier live entertainment company, 313 Presents is excited to bring the first-ever boxing event to Little Caesars Arena, in partnership with Salita Promotions.

“Little Caesars Arena hosts some of the biggest tours in the world, which helps rank us among the top ten arenas in the nation, year after year. It’s great to say that now we can add boxing to our portfolio.

“Detroit‘s boxing scene has a rich history that has produced and embraced numerous champions, from the great Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson to ‘The Hitman’ Tommy Hearns to Hilmer Kenty, who are joining us today, which is fantastic and now Claressa Shields.

“We’re more than ready for an action-packed night of boxing in Detroit on June 3. It’ll be a historic night and we’re really so excited that you can all be a part of it. Thank you very much.”

ONTARIO, CA (April 19, 2023) – Battle tested veteran warrior, super featherweight Cesar Villarraga (10-6-1, 5 KOs), has upset on his mind as he faces hot prospect, George “El Yuyu” Acosta (14-1, 2 KOs), in an 8-round main event bout on Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” card.

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, April 21, 2023. Doors open at 6:45 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple and Google.

Here is what Villarraga had to say about his upcoming matchup with George Acosta, his recent training camp, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“I’ve been in the gym for the last few months hoping that I would get an opportunity to fight. I’ve been working on setting up my power shots so fans can expect me to drop a few bombs. I always stay ready, and I feel I’m in good enough shape to put on a great performance.”

On his matchup with George Acosta:

“Acosta has come along way. My plan is to bring the fight to him. At this point in my career, I have nothing to lose, so I’m going to bring a lot of pressure and try to get him out of there. I feel my power is on another level and it will be on display the Friday when I step in the ring.”

On making his 2023 debut:

“Last year I got back in the ring after taking a few years off. I fought two undefeated fighters and knocked one of them out. On paper my record might not be that great, but believe me, I’m a lot better than it appears. 2023 will be a comeback year for me and it starts with me beating Acosta.”

On fighting in main event on Thompson Boxing card:

“Thompson Boxing cards are always fun because the fans are up close and personal. I’ve fought most of my career on their shows and I feel comfortable fighting at the Doubletree. I will have plenty of fans in attendance and I’m going to pull off the upset.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Rich Marotta.

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury casino; 

Thompson Building Materials, Transforming spaces into beautiful places; Omega Products International, The leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Belgard, Paves the way; and Makita, Rule the outdoors.

“New Blood” will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages.

For more information, and regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.