Shane Mosley and His VP of Operations Trista Pisani are extremely disappointed with the recent comments made by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman. Yesterday the WBC distributed a press release stating that, “The World Boxing Council expresses complete rejection concerning the embarrassing fight simulation between Shane Mosley and Ricardo Mayorga at their press conference yesterday.”

This statement was released in regards to the bad judgment exercised by Mayorga who slapped Ms. Pisani on her back side as their final press conference was ending. The notion that the WBC would comment on this terrible act against a woman (in an executive role no less) without first examining the facts and at the very least picking up a phone and calling Team Mosley to hear their side of the story on the events that took place is very disappointing and frankly is appalling.

Mayorga backtracked and said that he was coerced into this vile act only after he received countless negative comments and reactions from the general public and a stern phone call from Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

It appears very obvious that the WBC reacted to Mayorga’s interview with the Nicaraguan press after the phone call from his President in which he was reportedly told that he would lose the support of Ortega if he didn’t immediately clean up his act. This type of irresponsible commentary without one shred of fact checking is alarming. It goes without saying that Mayorga has a history of irrational behavior.

When a woman is potenially violated the WBC has a responsibility to tread more carefully and owes Ms. Pisani an apology.

LAS VEGAS – (Aug. 27, 2015) – Floyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) opened up the Mayweather Boxing Club on Wednesday for his last media day ever as he prepares for the last fight of a celebrated 19-year career. He will defend his WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships against power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME PPV® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

If triumphant, Mayweather would match the record of the late heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, who retired in April 1956 with a record of 49-0.

Television camera crews, newspaper columnists, boxing writers, radio broadcasters, web reporters and photographers watched as boxing’s perennial pound for pound king and 12-time world champion in five weight classes went through approximately a 45-minute workout, which consisted of about 35 minutes of sparring.

Before a training session that was hosted by TV & CBS Radio personality Big Tigger and Emmy® Award-winning sports reporter Mark Kriegel and streamed in high definition across multiple platforms, including via satellite feed, YouTube and social media, Mayweather took questions from the media inside a specially-constructed tent in a parking lot outside the gym.

Promoted by Mayweather Promotions, the Sept. 12 four-fight pay-per-view telecast will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV and is the sixth and final fight of a record-breaking deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc. SHOWTIME Sports® will support the event with the Sports Emmy® Award-winning series ALL ACCESS.

In world championship fights on the pay-per-view telecast, Roman “Rocky” Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Lightweight title in a rematch against four-time world champion Orlando “Siri” Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs), and Badou Jack “The Ripper” (19-1-1, 12 KOs) will make the initial defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World title against mandatory challenger “Saint” George Groves (21-2, 16 KOs). The opening fight of the telecast will feature former three-time world champion and Mexican power-puncher Jhonny Gonzalez (58-9, 49 KOs) against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (25-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight scrap.

Plus, former 154-pound world champion Ishe Smith (27-7, 12 KOs) will be opposed by longtime top-five contender Vanes Martirosyan (35-2-1, 21 KOs) in the 90-minute COUNTDOWN LIVE: MAYWEATHER vs. BERTO” preshow on Saturday, September 12.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC., are priced at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 and are on sale now. Tickets are limited to eight (8) per household for all ticket prices except the $150 ticket category, which is limited to four (4) per household. To charge by phone or with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

What Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe, WBC Super Middleweight World Champion, Badou Jack and Mayweather Promotions’ Ishe Smith said Wednesday:

Floyd Mayweather

“Berto can fight. He’s a two-time champion. He’s hungry. He comes to wage a war. There is never a dull moment when he fights so I expect a hell of a fight out of him. We’ll all see how it plays out.

“My last fight, all you guys put [Manny] Pacquiao on a pedestal and look what happened. I went in there and did what I needed to do, which is win.

“This fight, no matter who the opponent, somebody would have something critical or negative to say. Some people are never satisfied. But I’m satisfied.

“All 48 of my fights have been hard. None have been easy. All played a major key. It’s the ‘Mayweather Era.’ I feel that every fighter is an artist and they all take pictures their own way. I’m just one of the very best artists.

“I’ve truly been blessed. I’ve taken my time, kept my eye on the prize and done what I’ve had to do. So I’m able to make a choice when to retire. Most fighters really couldn’t.

“Boxing has always been work to me, a job. If I could say anything to a youngster taking up boxing it would be to “be smart and not take a lot of punches. It’s called the sweet science for a reason. Hit and not be hit, make a lot of money without taking a lot of punishment. That’s what it’s about.

“Nobody knows what the future holds, but right now, I’m cool and comfortable and having no second thoughts at all about retirement. I had a good career, I won every world title, but boxing is wear and tear on the body. It’s time to hang ‘em up. I’m looking forward to working with some up-and-coming kids, going on walks, and taking vacations.’’

Leonard Ellerbe

“All people are saying is that Berto is 3-3 in his last six fights but Pacquiao was 3-3 in his last six fights, too. Cotto has lost two of his last five fights. But they’re both headed to the Hall of Fame.

“We know Berto is coming to fight, that he is coming to win and shock the world. There’s no way Floyd takes him lightly. He is working just as hard for this fight as he did the previous 48.

“Floyd is my friend, we’re family, but I commend and applaud him for doing what he’s done, what he’s accomplished, how successful he is, how successful he’s been from 1996 to now.

“It’s truly remarkable. To be able to walk away on his own terms, to follow his own game plan, is unbelievable. At 38, he’s got a boatload of money in the bank, all his faculties and he did it his way. This is the American Dream.

“Floyd could fight as long as he wants, if that were what he wanted to do. People don’t understand what goes into his craft. He trains around the clock. He’s given his life to his career. He’s ready to ride off on to the next phase of his life. He’s earned that right.

“We made a commitment and we are following his contract. Besides, how much is enough? How much can one ask of somebody? How much more can he make?’

“This will be Floyd’s last fight. I’m very excited for him. He’s done it his way. He’s had an illustrious career and I know he’s very comfortable with what he’s been able to accomplish.”

Badou Jack

“Honestly, I think this fight could steal the show and will be the fight of the night. This will be very, very entertaining.

“Groves is definitely a good, tough fighter, He has a lot of speed, a lot of heart. I respect him. . He fought Carl Froch twice. But I’m not Froch and don’t fight like Froch. We have different styles.

“This is my first defense and I’m very excited about it, but I have always maintained an underdog mentality, and that will never change. I’m trying to stay humble. I’m still the same guy but by becoming a world champion it has only made me work even harder.

“I’m still learning, working hard. I know I can’t look past anyone. There are a lot of potential really big fights in the future – and I want to fight the best no matter if it is GGG, Andre Ward, whoever.

“But right now my only focus is on the game plan and executing it. I’m really looking forward to fighting [George] Groves and winning on Sept. 12.’’

Ishe Smith

“I’m not going to make any predictions. I’m just going to go out and do what I do and that’s give 100 percent.

“I will say this, though, if he thinks he is going to knock me out, like he’s saying, it’s going to be a very entertaining fight.

“I won a world title as a B-side, but I feel I’m the A-side in this fight. I’ve fought the best in the division for years and years, I’ve sparred with the best.

“Martirosyan is a good dude and has a nice family, but he hasn’t been in with guys like I have. Guys that are better and hit a lot harder than him. I’ve never been down. I’ve never taken an eight-count. I’m 34 years old and never been hurt and he says he’s gonna stop me. That’s just crazy.

“I’m betting on my chin, that’s for sure. He couldn’t knock out [Jermell] Charlo in his last fight. He made all kind of excuses for losing. The reason he lost was because he lost to a better fighter.

“If he wants to go for the KO, fine; if that’s his focus. For me, I’m not thinking KO. I’m just thinking winning.’’

# # #

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC. The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV. The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido. Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

“ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Berto” Episode 1 premieres this Friday, Aug. 28 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

NEW YORK CITY (August 27, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) were greeted by hundreds of chanting fans as they hosted a press conference in New York City on Wednesday, August 26 as part of their international four-city press tour ahead of their highly anticipated championship showdown in November.

The next mega-fight in the storied Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. At the New York City press conference held at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, Cotto, the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Alvarez were joined by their promoters and trainers to discuss what promises to be this year’s most epic battle.

Tickets for the mega fight are on sale now and are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com, mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000. Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

Below is what their fighters and teams had to say:

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

“I have just one thing in mind and that is a victory on November 21.

“I’m going to get this victory for all Puerto Ricans around the world.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion

“The boxing world needs a fight like this. I’m planning to be well prepared to give the fans that fight.

“For me, it’s a big honor to fight someone like Miguel Cotto who has done it all.

“To make history, you have to fight and beat fighters like Miguel Cotto and I want to make history. I’m going to prepare like never before so that I can win this fight. ”

MICHAEL YORMARK: President and Chief of Branding & Strategy, Roc Nation

“Today we move one step closer on our journey toward an historic night.

“This is a match-up of epic proportions, can’t-miss action styles and passionate fans bases, as is evident by the crowd here today.”

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

“This is the most anticipated fight of the last few years. With this level of passion and excitement, Cotto vs. Canelo will live up to the expectations.

“When you have a Mexican and Puerto Rican inside the ring, you are going to get an explosion. The fans are going to get a real fight.”

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto

“I’m proud of everything Miguel has done. Don’t miss this fight. It’s going to be the biggest one of all.”

EDDY REYNOSO: Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“When you talk about Mexico and Puerto Rico, they have produced more than 200 champion fighters each. Miguel Cotto is a great champion and one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. Canelo is quickly headed down that road. Thank you to all the Mexican and Puerto Rican fans for your support today.”

HECTOR SOTO: Vice President, Miguel Cotto Promotions

“This is a great fight, the fight of the year-Mexico versus Puerto Rico. There will be no dancing, no hugging and no playing. This will be a real fight, the fight, on November 21st.”

CHEPO REYNOSO: Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez

“There are three months until the fight. With all these fans here, you can feel the heat and the passion. It gives me goose-bumps.

“It’s great to see all these different people from different nations rooting for their fighters.

“To all my Mexican brothers, on November 21st we will be victorious and we will celebrate.”

BERNARD HOPKINS: Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner

“Out of all titles in boxing, the WBC is the godfather of titles to win.

“This is the middleweight fight. They agreed to rumble and that’s what matters. The winner of this will go on to a different level in his career and that is important for your legacy.”

MARK TAFFET: Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View

“Cotto vs. Canelo is that rare mega-fight that is as exciting as it is anticipated.

“This is truly a pay-per-view fight. It is a true fight that is worth your time and your money.”

MAURICIO SULAIMAN: President of the World Boxing Council

“Mexico and Puerto Rico will give us one of the greatest fights on November 21st. May the best fighter win.”

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

Two Madrid-based fighters have traveled to a newly established 340 Boxing/Sampson Boxing training camp in the island paradise of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to prepare for their upcoming fights.

Sampson Boxing’s own former light heavyweight world champion and IBF #13-rated Gabriel “El Chico Guapo” Campillo (25-7-1, 12 KOs) and WBC #11-rated Luciano Leonel “El Principito” Cuello (35 3, 17 KOs) are working hard at the 340 Boxing Gym in St. Thomas, USVI with trainer Matias Antonio Gonzalez and two world-rated locals, John “Dah Rock” and Julius “The Chef” Jackson.

On Saturday, September 12 at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, (and live on NBC) Campillo will face undefeated “Sir” Marcus Browne (15-0, 11 KOs) of Staten Island, New York, on the undercard of the Peter Quillin vs. Michael Zerafa event.

And on Tuesday, September 22, at the Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California, (and live on USA FOX Sports 1) Cuello will face undefeated Philadelphian Julian “J Rock” Williams (20-0-1, 12 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas super welterweight title.

“I wish to thank our generous sponsor, Cardow Jewelers, for their help with establishing this ‘training camp in paradise,'” said Lewkowicz. “I also wish to thank my valued partners in the Virgin Island, 340 Boxing. The two fighters are getting excellent work with the Jackson Brothers and their team and will be in fantastic shape for their fights.”

Both Campillo and Cuello are managed by former world champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez.

Sampson Boxing now currently maintains training camps in Las Vegas, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, the Virgin Islands and a full camp in Cebu City, Philippines, for Jonel “Kid Pacquiao” Dapidran.

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (August 27, 2015) – Two potentially explosive fights have been added to the M-1 Challenge 61:Battle of Narts event, headlined by M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Marcin Tybura ((12-1, 3 KO/TKO, 5 SUB) defending his title against Ante “The Walking Trouble” Delija (14-2-0, 5 KO/TKO, 7 SUB), September 19 in Ingushetia, Russia

In another previously announced M-1 Challenge 61 match-up, former M-1 Global middleweight champion Magomed “The White Wolf” Sultanakhmedov (18-5-0, 12 KO/TKO, 0 SUB), of Russia, will return to action after a 4 1/2-year hiatus to fight Brazilian veteran Marcelo Brito 13-7-0, 2 KO/TKO. 5 SUB).

M-1 Challenge 61: Battle of Narts will be streamed live from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all of the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.

Fighting on the main card is a match featuring featherweight fighters with contrasting styles as Luthuanian star Sergej Grecicho (pictured to left) takes on undefeated Russian prospect Magomed Idrisov (5-0-0, 2 KO, TKO, 0 SUB).

The 29-year-old Grecicho (21-6-0, 2 KO/TKO, 16 SUB) is a submission specialist whose victims have primarily fallen to his choke holds. He has won 11 of his last 13 fights during the past three years and he’s never been knocked out during his entire MMA professional career. Grechico will be making his M-1 Global debut.

A student from the famed Gorets Club, Idrisov (pictured to the left) is coming off of a sensational win at M-1 Challenge 57 in May, in which he won a decision over German challenger Max Coga (4-0-0). Idrisov is unbeaten in M-1 Global fights having also defeated Brazilian opponent Yuri Maia (3-0-0) via a first-round knockout at M-1 Challenge 49 in June of 2014.

The other most recently announced fight is between a pair of talented lightweight prospects, Ramazan Esenbaev (8-1-0, 2 KO/TKO, 2 SUB) and Damir Ismagulov (4-1-0, 3 KO/.TKO, 0 SUB), who will meet on the preliminary card.

Esenbaev is a Russian freestyle wrestler who is 4-1-0 in M-1 Global competition. He has been fighting in Japan for the past year. Ismagulov (pictured to left) was born in Kazakhstan and lives in Orenburg, Russia. He registered a tremendous opening-round knockout of Pedro Eugenio Granjo in his last fight this past July on M-1 Challenge 49.

Fights and fighters are subject to change. Additional bouts will soon be announced.

Fight Network will air M-1 Challenge 61:Battle of Narts live on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable, Suddenlink Communications and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., as well as nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in more than 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Information

www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org
www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/pages/M-1-Global/145250878842244
ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged more than 160 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2015 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition with a full calendar of Challenge events fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

WORCESTER, Mass. (Aug. 27th, 2015) – Austin, Tex., junior middleweight Kenton Sippio-Cook thinks Khiary Gray should’ve done his homework before agreeing to fight him Friday, Sept. 18th, 2015 at Twin River Casino.

“Somebody in Khiary’s team either got lazy with their work in finding an opponent, or really just doesn’t care about Khiary,” Sippio-Cook said. “It’s as simple as that.”

Gray (8-0, 6 KOs), speaking publicly for the first time at Wednesday’s press conference at Rocky’s Sports Bar in his hometown of Worcester, Mass., insists this is no last-minute cram session as he prepares to lock horns with Sippio-Cook (6-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) Northeast Junior Middleweight Title in the six-round co-feature of “Mayhem,” presented by CES Boxing.

“I don’t care what he says. He’s going to feel a left hook, body, or head. After that, he’s just going out,” Gray said. “I’m excited for it. I’ve been waiting for it.”

This will be Gray’s first six-round fight, whereas Sippio-Cook has boxed six full rounds three times already and recently went the distance with Wes Capper in a scheduled eight-round bout in May. While Gray has been incredibly in 2015, having already fought five times, none of those fights went past the first round as Gray knocked out each opponent, raising questions as to whether or not he’ll have the stamina to fight six full rounds, if it lasts that long.

Gray, however, insists it’s no issue, referencing his second pro fight last September in which he boxed four full rounds with the game Sergio Cabrera, a fight he won unanimously on the scorecards.

“I could’ve went six or eight rounds,” Gray said. “I’ve sparred 10, 13 rounds before. This is going to be no different.”

This fight also represents Gray’s toughest opponent to date. Though he’s coming off a pair of losses, the 24-year-old Sippio-Cook has stepped up the level of competition in recent fights; his last three opponents have a combined 22-3 record.

The showdown between Gray and Sippio-Cook is one of two title fights on the card, which also includes the 10-round main event between Rhode Islanders Rich Gingras (15-4-1, 9 KOs) of Lincoln, the reigning New England Light Heavyweight champion, and unbeaten challenger Angel Camacho Jr. (14-0, 4 KOs) of Providence.

Tickets for “Mayhem” are priced at $40.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and available for purchase online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The undercard features several new faces, highlighted by Stoughton, Mass., junior welterweight Travis Demko (3-0, 1 KO), who makes his Rhode Island debut against Mohamed Allam (1-0) of Holyoke, Mass., followed by Worcester junior middleweight Andy Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO), who battles 6-foot-4 southpaw Antonio Allen of Philadelphia in Allen’s debut. Both are four-round bouts.

New London, Conn., heavyweight and Peter Manfredo Sr. protégé Cassius Chaney (3-0, 2 KOs), a former two-time amateur national champion, and Bronx, N.Y., light heavyweight “Fly” Mike Marshall (1-0, 1 KO), also make their Rhode Island and Twin River debuts in separate four-round bouts.

Cranston, R.I., junior middleweight Jon Smith (2-0, 1 KO) ends a two-year layoff in a four-round bout against Rodrigo Almeida (1-2) of Woburn, Mass., and Framingham, Mass., junior welterweight Julio Perez (1-0) returns to face newcomer Pedro Martinez Jr. of Mooresville, N.C., in a four-round bout.

For more information on “Mayhem” visit www.cesboxing.com, follow @CESBOXING on Twitter and Instagram and “like” the official CES Boxing Facebook fan page.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Kenny Bayless will be the 3rd man in the ring when Floyd Mayweather takes on Andre Berto on September 12 in Las Vegas.

Nutley, NJ (August 27, 2015)– Heavyweight Natu Visinia will be looking for his 2nd consecutive victory when he takes on Joey Dawejko in an 8-round bout that will be part of a ShoBox: The New Genration card tomorrow night at the
D Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Visinia is co-promoted by GH3 Promotions and Final Forum Promotions.

Visinia is coming off a 4th round stoppage over Joshua Clark on May 13 in Hollywood, California.

With that win, the 30 year-old from Clinton, Illinois raised his mark to 11-1 with 9 knockouts.

Most fans were introduced to Visinia when he fought former two-time world champion Steve “USS” Cunningham on October 18, 2014. That fight was Visnia’s only career blemish as he was stopped in seven rounds in a fight that in hindsight he should not have competed in.

“There was a lot going on around the fight. It is well known that my trainer, Charles Bereal suddenly passed away from a heart attack just eight days before the fight,” said Visnia.

When asked if he had it to do all over again, Visinia may have not gone through with the fight.

“I learned in boxing that it is best to move the right way. I am now fighting my 2nd top-25 guy. At the point of the Cunningham fight, I had no business in the fight.” That being said, I did learn a lot in that fight. I saw that I missed a lot of shots and my hands were low. I also knew, I had to cut off the ring better. But I have had a lot of top notch sparring and I know I have corrected all that. I went int camps in Big Bear, California with Charles Martin and Andrey Fedosov.”

Now he looks to the showdown with Dawejko, which is another fight that is not an ideal situation as he has become good friends with his opponent.

“I have become good friends with Joey. We met a couple years ago as we were both in a Wladimir Klitschko camp. We continue to communicate on social media but going into the fight it is normal business.”

Against Dawejko, Visinia will have a size advantage and this is something he believes could be the difference in his favor.

“I will definitely have a reach advantage and I plan to utilize it. My power and he is a tough little scrapper, it should make for a fun fight to watch.”

“I am glad to get another opportunity on national television. People have been wondering what I have been up to as it is tough finding fights. I have been training for the last six months. There have been several big names that are ahead of me in the rankings that have turned down fights, so I am happy for this opportunity.”

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight Champion John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight’s Jerrell Harris & Keenan Smith,undefeated Super lightweight Bienvenido Diaz, Heavyweight Natu Visinia, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell, Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster & Super Middleweight Andrew Hernandez to the GH3 Promotions stable.

LONDON (27 August) – Boxing star Andy Lee has been overwhelmed at the number of Irish fans set to travel to Manchester for his world title clash with Billy Joe Saunders.

The WBO middleweight world champion defends his title against the unbeaten Londoner in an Ireland versus England showdown and has been taken aback at the number of fans snapping up tickets for the October 10th Manchester Arena clash.

Masses of Irish supporters disappointed at not seeing their hero fight on home soil following the rescheduling of his Limerick bout due to illness are refusing to be deterred and are buying up tickets in massive numbers to make the trip across the Irish Sea.

“It doesn’t surprise me to hear that there is a massive contingent of fans coming over from Ireland because they always show tremendous support to me and other Irish sports people,” said Lee.

“I’m humbled at the response for tickets – it just goes to show the loyalty of Irish fans and their love for sport.

“It’s going to be like fighting at home when I’m in Manchester because of all the Irish in the arena. I know they’re going to make it a very hostile atmosphere for Billy Joe and I intend to repay them by making it a night not to forget – it’s going to be very special,” he said.

Together with the local diaspora the travelling contingent from Ireland will be loud and proud in another chapter of Irish-English sporting rivalry.

Lee isn’t going to let that faze him, however, and is focusing solely on taking care of a very dangerous Saunders, who he knows will be at his best.

“Billy Joe is a very talented fighter and I know that he’s going to leave it all in the ring on October 10th so you’ll see the best of me that night,” said Lee.

“I’ve been on this stage before and know what it’s like to be in world championship fights so I have that advantage against Saunders but in no way will I be underestimating him. There’s things he does well and things he doesn’t do so well – my job is to exploit those flaws.

“I’m preparing for 12 rounds but my record shows that I’m one of the biggest punchers in the middleweight division so I have that in my locker if I need to use it.

“I really believe this fight will be one to remember, because both of us can box and fight, but I am the one with the world class knockout power, and that will be the difference” Lee said.

The Lee-Saunders clash headlines a stunning triple world title fight card, with WBO lightweight world champion Terry Flanagan defending his belt against Diego Magdaleno and Liam Smith battling for the vacant WBO super-welterweight title against John Thompson.

Tickets for World War III: Lee v Saunders are priced at £40, £75, £125, £200, £300 and £500* and available now from www.frankwarren.com and Manchester Arena on 0844 847 8000.

The Channel Of Champions, BoxNation, will televise, live and exclusive on Sky 437/HD 490, Virgin 546 and Talk Talk 415. Subscribe at www.boxnation.com or watch online at Livesport.tv or via iPhone, iPad or Android.

Joey “Tank” Dawejko: I fought a few weeks ago and knocked the guy out in thirty-one seconds. I am looking forward to this fight and I respect all the guys on this card but I feel this is my show even though I am the opener on
ShoBox, I am taking the show – I am ready to go.

Decarlo Perez: This is a life-changer. This is my opportunity, my moment to shine. The Olympian thing was a great experience but I beat two Olympians already. Now I am able to come out and show the crowd what I can do. I am here and I am ready to fight and show everybody there is no one better in the division.

Juan Ubaldo Cabrera: I am sure my opponent is in great shape because I am in tremendous shape. And I am going to give a heck of a show.

Don King: We are very delighted to be here this morning, this afternoon or whatever time it is. It is D time. What time is it? D time. Before I bring you the main event, I want to bring you the man who had the plan to revitalize downtown Las Vegas. His name is Derrick and they call him ‘the D’ and we are the Double D – Derrick and Don in a partnership in downtown Las Vegas. So now I bring to you the man who made it possible and I am delighted to be in partnership with him for the betterment of our city and the center of all sports in the world, Las Vegas.

Derrick Stephens: We are going to have a great night on Friday night. I have been a boxing fan all my life. When we bought the county courthouse and tore it down to build an events center, one of the foremost thoughts in my mind centered around Don King. Don made fights. I got to see the outdoor matches at Caesars Palace – twenty-five years ago – Bowe-Holyfield, fan man, the whole deal. I just love outdoor boxing and I am glad I am able to bring outdoor boxing to downtown Las Vegas – right downtown. Thank you to Don, all the fighters and all of you people coming out.

Derric “El León” Rossy: I want to thank the D for hosting this event. I want to thank Trevor for taking this fight. It’s going to b a great fight. This whole card is going to be great. I promise you my fight is going to be a great fight and I hope you all come down to watch.

Sal Musimeci (Rossy Manager): This is going to be a great fight. Neither one of them knows how to take a step back. It’s what we call a fight in a phone booth.

Don King: This is a great fight card. You know what they say in boxing – you give the people what they want and they will respond. Now on the other side, we have a young American heavyweight trained by world-renowned trainer Stacey McKinley. This is a young man who has the desire to be heavyweight champion. He is the Dream Maker. He is fulfilling the dream. And Mr. Rossi is the Dream Breaker. This is, for me, giving the opportunity to, whether it is man or woman, great joy. Trevor is ahead of his time, he is undefeated and he is going to demonstrate his talents for world review. This is for you, the masses, to come in here and to deal with what is real. I am going to bring this man up here and we are dedicating this whole fight card to giving women their rights. We can talk about that a little later but right now we are talking about a fight – and the fight is for freedom, rights and equality, so here is the Dream Maker Trevor Bryan.

Trevor “The Dream” Bryan: Hello everybody. This is a great venue. I would like to bring up my coach Stacey McKinley and I will come back on.

Stacey McKinley: Don King is bringing back boxing to downtown Las Vegas. He brought back Mike Tyson, who I had the privilege of working with for over ten years, to Las Vegas. A lot of other heavyweight champions have worked with Don and he is on the road to doing it again. They called me and asked about Trevor fighting Derric Rossy and I thought about it and you know Trevor is a special prospect, he is a young man, he is 15-0 and he can fight. You get to a point and you’ve got to prove yourself. We took this fight knowing it is going to be a tough fight but I think my fighter has everything it takes to beat him, and we are going to beat him in, how long? Not long – by the seventh round this fight will be all over with – in the history books.

Trevor “The Dream” Bryan: My name is Trevor “The Dream” Bryan – Let’s go Champ. We are finally here now. Thanks ShoBox for putting on this great fight. You people are about to watch this great fight on August 28. I am here, from Albany, New York and it has been a long journey – I am a young prospect coming up and I am ready to fight. Derric, you call yourself the Dream Breaker, but you know what? I promise you a war and you be ready for that. I tell you what – we came here to take this title back to Albany, New York. We are here to set the sea on fire. This is The Dream baby and it’s going down – Let’s Go Champ.

LAS VEGAS – This Friday, August 28, outdoor boxing will return to the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC) with “Heavyweight Extravaganza.” Fight week events kick off tomorrow, August 25 with numerous “Open to the Public” offerings including media workouts, final press conference and an official weigh-in leading up to this weekend’s world-class bout.

Promising up-and-coming heavyweight Trevor Bryan (15-0, 11 KOs) will put his unblemished record on the line when he faces his toughest opponent to date, the more experienced Derric Rossy (30-9, 14 KOs), in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
Two-time Dominican Republic Olympian Juan Ubaldo Cabrera (23-0, 16 KOs), will face Decarlo Perez (14-3-1, 5 KOs), of Atlantic City, N.J., in the 10-round super middleweight co-main event of this Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation
In the opening bout of the telecast, Samoa’s 6-foot-2 heavyweight Natu Visinia (11-1, 9 KOs) of Tacoma, Wash., will face 5-foot-10 Joey Dawejko (14-4-2, 7 KOs), of Philadelphia, in an eight-round matchup.

All fight week activities will take place on the Third Street Stage on the Fremont Street Experience between the D Las Vegas and the Four Queens.

Thursday, August 27, 2015
5:00 p.m. PT
Official Weigh-In-Open to the Public

Friday, August 28, 2015
“Heavyweight Extravaganza” hosted by Don King
Doors 6:30 p.m. PT
First Bell 7:30 p.m. PT
Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC)

Live from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (DLVEC), adjacent to the D Las Vegas, ticket pricing will start at $39 and are available through Ticketmaster (tickemaster.com).

The DLVEC is located in the beautifully renovated Downtown Las Vegas area at 200 S 3rd Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101. For further information, visit their website at www.dlvec.com

Los Angeles, CA (August 27, 2015) Tonight, Thursday, August 27, standout super featherweight prospect “Bekman” Soylybaev, 5-0 (3KO’s) prepares to shine in a six round clash against Mexican veteran Jose Luis “Tapita” Araiza, 31-13-1 (22KO’s) at the The Hangar at the Orange County Fair and Events Center in Costa Mesa, California.

This past week the native of Almaty, Kazakhstan, finished training under the guidance of the renowned Eric Brown at the Wild Card West Boxing Gym in Santa Monica, California.

“It’s been a great camp and I’m very well prepared for this fight,” said “Bekman”. This is my third fight in the United States and I’m very comfortable fighting and training here.”

“Training with Eric is perfect for me, he has a wealth of experience, much more than my previous trainers. He’s teaching me so many things, I’m truly growing here as a fighter and it’s a much more focused camp. The sparring here is also much better.”

“Also, here in the United States I have a strength and conditioning coach and I’m eating much healthier and these changes have made me a stronger fighter.”

In regards to his fighting style, “Bekman” stated, “I use the first round to scout his style and look for weaknesses. When the second round starts I’m ready to attack.”

“Bekman” is managed by Diamond Ring Boxing, for more information visit their website at www.DiamondRing.KZ. Also follow on Twitter @DiamondRingBox and follow “Bekman” on Twitter @1990Begman.

The Orange County Fair and Events Center is located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa, CA 92626. For tickets and additional information call 949-760-3131 or visit the Roy Englebrecht Promotions/Fight Club OC website at www.FightClubOC.com.

Chester, PA (August 27, 2015)–On Saturday night, September 19, boxing returns to Harrahs Philadelphia with a terrific card promoted by King’s Promotions.

In the main event, it will be a 6-round rematch of Super Lightweights when Antonio DuBose battles Jesus Lule.

DuBose and Lule fought to a 4-round draw on June 27 in Bethlehem, PA.

Dubose, 27 years-old of Philadelphia has a record of 7-0-1 with 2 knockouts.

Lule, 31 years-old of Fort Myers, Florida has a deceiving record of 7-13-1 with 1 knockout.

He has faced 8 undefeated fighters and is coming off a knockout loss to Mason Menard (29-1) on August 8 in Opelousas, Louisiana.

The rest of the card will made up with 4-round bouts.

Emmanuel Folly (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle Joshua Crespo (4-2-3, 2 KO’s) of New Haven, Connecticut in a Bantamweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (2-1,1 KO) of Pensauken, NJ will battle Korey Sloan (2-7-2) of Philadelphia in a Lightweight bout.

Hafiz Montgomery (1-0) of York, PA will fight Marvin Jones (2-5, 2 KO) of Vega Alta, Puerto Rico in a Cruiserweight tilt.

Robert Irizarry (3-0-1) of Cherry Hill, NJ will box Stephon McIntyre (2-11-2) of Jonesboro, GA in a Featherweight bout.

Christopher Brooker (3-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will square off with Daryl Fenton (1-1-1) of Washington, DC in a Super Middleweight bout.

More Bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for this great night of boxing cost $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or www.hboxing.eventbrite.com

The 1st bout will start at 7 PM with the doors opening at 6 PM.

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of WBO Junior Welterweight Champion Kendall “Rated R” Holt to a promotional contract.

Holt (28-6, 16 KOs), from Paterson, New Jersey, hasn’t been in the ring in over two years, but is eager to get back in the swing of things and take on the world’s top welterweights.

“I’m excited about having another opportunity to fight and become champion again,” said Holt. “I’m super thankful and grateful to Sarah Fina and Greg Cohen for giving me this opportunity.”

Holt won the WBO Championship with an electrifying knockout of then-champion Ricardo Torres in 2008. His fast hands and superior punching power have put him in several electrifying fights against many of the world’s best fighters.

“I’m thrilled to have him aboard,” said Greg Cohen. “Kendall has been resting and rejuvenating and now he’s 100% ready to get back in the mix at 147 lbs. Being from New Jersey, I’ve always been a big fan of his and I’m very excited to be working with him now. Kendall is always in great fights and still has the speed, reflexes and power to beat anyone in front of him on any given night.”

Holt says he plans on taking things slowly this year, so that next year he can stage an assault on the top of the division.

“My plans is to shake off the rust a couple of times this year. Then shake up the welterweight division next year by challenging the major players.”

About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen first made promotional headlines for his expert guidance of, among many others, former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout, who Cohen helped guide from unknown New Mexico prospect to elite pay-per-view level superstar.

In addition to Trout, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney.

Cohen currently promotes multiple world champion and boxing superstar Zab Judah, women’s boxing superstar Amanda Serrano, and former world champion Kendall Holt, as well as current world-rated contenders including top undefeated cruiserweight Lateef Kayode, long-time elite middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene, lightweight KO artist Ismael Barroso, top super featherweight Arash Usmanee, Canadian lightweight and TV action hero Tony Luis; WBA and five-time Irish National Amateur Champion, Dennis Hogan; and Australian lightweight prospect Josh King.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including CBS Sports Network, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

For more information, visit gcpboxing.com. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing. Twitter: @GCPBoxing.

Andrzej Fonfara will take on Light Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly on October 16 in Chicago and will be televised on Spike TV, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I’m excited to return to my hometown of Chicago on this big fight night against a world-class fighter like Nathan Cleverly,” said Fonfara, 27. “This will be a tough fight for both of us. Cleverly is a solid fighter, and it’s no fluke that he was a world champion and that he defended his belt so many times. Our fighting styles guarantee that everyone can expect fireworks on Oct. 16th.”

“I want this fight (against Cleverly) to be a quick stop on my way to a rematch with Adonis Stevenson,” Fonfara said.

“This is a major platform for me to prove that I am more than capable of becoming world champion again,” Cleverly said. “If I beat Fonfara, it’s a doorway fight to the world title and establishing myself as one of the best light heavyweights once again.

“Fonfara is a good fighter. He’s tall, has power and has moved up through the levels in his career. I am looking forward to coming over to Chicago, and I am very confident that our styles will blend well for a really exciting fight.”

Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN (PBC on ESPN) presented by Corona Extra will feature live coverage on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN on Saturday, August 29 at 10 p.m. ET from Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center of a 12-round featherweight bout between Southern California-based superstars: undefeated Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) and former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 Kos).

Host Marysol Castro, blow-by-blow commentator Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas and reporters Todd Grisham and Bernardo Osuna comprise ESPN’s commentary team. In addition, Hall of Fame boxing writer and ESPN boxing contributor Nigel Collins will provide social media content, insight and analysis.

Pablo Viruega and Delvin Rodríguez will call the fights on ESPN Deportes, while Leopoldo Gonzalez and Claudia Trejos will co-host. Joe Cortez will also provide analysis. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ and Mexican boxing legends, Juan Manuel Marquez and Julio Cesar Chavez join coverage with analysis across a variety of shows, including special editions of Golpe a Golpe on Friday for the weigh-in, and on Saturday in anticipation of the event.

Fighter backgrounds:
A two-division world champion with a fan-friendly style, the 26-year-old Santa Cruz won his first world title in 2012 before adding another belt in 2013, which he defended four times. Unbeaten as a pro, Santa Cruz moved up in weight in his last fight and handily defeated Jose Cayetano on the pay-per-view undercard of the record-breaking Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao fight. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Mexican parents, Santa Cruz faces the toughest challenge of his career when he squares off against the Mexican warrior Mares.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and fighting out of Downey, Calif., Mares first tasted world championship gold in 2011 when he beat Joseph Agbeko to win the bantamweight world title. He continued his rise up the pound-for-pound list with wins over Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon to win world titles at super bantamweight and featherweight respectively. The 29-year-old has won three straight fights including his first PBC appearance in a victory over Arturo Reyes in March. He will look to add another career milestone and take hometown bragging rights by defeating the unbeaten Santa Cruz.

Additional Highlights:
ESPN will provide live coverage of Friday’s weigh-in the 6 p.m. hour of SportsCenter, with Tessitore and Atlas providing commentary. ESPN3 will stream live coverage of Friday’s weigh-in and a live undercard fight featuring Mexican favorite Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo taking on Hector “The Hurricane” Munoz at 9 p.m, on the Saturday of the fight.

ESPN.com will present comprehensive coverage, including pre- and post-fight features, videos and blogs from ESPN’s Dan Rafael, Brian Campbell, and Nigel Collins and ESPN.com’s boxing program “Making the Rounds”.

ESPN Deportes will dedicate more than five hours of live, on-site programming around PBC, beginning Friday, August 28 with live segments, interviews and analysis during the following shows: Los Capitanes (3 p.m.), Golpe a Golpe Weigh-In Show (6 p.m.), Cronometro (7 p.m.) and SportsCenter (7:30 p.m.)

A special edition of Golpe a Golpe will air at 9 p.m. on Saturday, leading up to the fight, followed by post event SportsCenter (12 a.m.), all telecast live.

Coverage around the bout will be led by ESPN Deportes experts Jorge Eduardo Sanchez and David Faitelson alongside Marquez and Chavez.

This is the third installment of Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN which debuted July 11. The August 1 bout that featured a doubleheader: Garcia vs. Malignaggi and Jacobs vs. Mora, delivered the largest boxing audience on ESPN since 1998 (5/22/98 Bronco McKart vs Ronald Weaver). An average audience of 1,073,000 viewers (P2+) watched the event.

Washington, DC (August 26, 2015) This Friday night, August 28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in the nation’s capital of Washington, DC, King’s Promotions will present a spectacular night of boxing that will feature some of the best talent in the United States.

In the main event, Brandon Bennett (19-1, 8 KO’s) will square off with former world title challenger Jonathan Maicelo (21-2, 12 KO’s) in a Lightweight bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

Maicelo of Callao, Peru, but now resides in North Bergen, New Jersey is just seven months removed from challenging Darleys Perez for the Interim WBA Lightweight championship. The loss in that fight had made Maicelo even hungrier and he looks for a big effort on Friday night to put him right back in contention for a world title.

“Training has gone great and I am super motivated,” said Maicelo.

He knows he will be fighting a tough guy in Bennett and has praise for the Cincinnati native.

“I respect every fighter. I have seen a few of his fights in tape and he is a good fighter from what I see. With that being said, I am better the fighter and on Friday, I will prove that.”

Maicelo fought a good fight against Perez but came up just short. He is taking the positives of that experience which will be a big factor in the fight on Friday night.

“Even though I lost to Perez, I took it as a big learning experience. I learned a lot and Friday, It will show. I was just in camp with Danny Garcia and I been super motivated.”

Maicelo isn’t a fighter who wants to be protected and babied to get back to contention, he wants to earn it by fighting top quality opposition.

“Fighting a guy like Bennett are the fights that I want. I want to show that I can beat guys with good records. I imagine that he feels the same way. I am sure he knows that I am no pushover and that he is in for a tough fight.”

The 32 year-old is steadfast that being in a hard 12-round title fight will make all the difference on Friday.

“I feel that I have all the experience. I have fought the tougher guys. I been at the world class level and that will be the difference. I just want to tell all my fans from Peru and here that I will give 100 %. It has nothing to do with Bennett but Friday night, I will be victorious.”

A terrific undercard is taking shape that will feature some of the best prospects in the country.

In 10-round Bouts:

Phil Jackson-Benson (15-2, 14 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on Jinner Guerrero (8-5, 4 KO’s) of Sucumbios, Ecuador in a Super Middleweight bout.

2012 U.S. Olympian Jamel Herring (12-0, 7 KO’s) will fight Ariel Vasquez (12-8-2, 8 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua in a Lightweight bout.

Robert Easter (14-0, 11 KO’s) of Toledo, OH will take on Osumanu Akaba (32-8-1, 25 KO’s) of Accra, Ghana named in a Lightweight bout.

In 8-round bouts:

Demond Nicholson (13-1, 13 KO’s) of Laurel, MD battles Antonio Baker (8-12, 4 KO’s) of Fayetteville, NC in a Middleweight bout.

David Grayton (11-0, 8 KO’s) of Washington, DC will fight Jose Valderrama (4-10, 3 KO’s) of Arecibo, Puerto Rico in a Welterweight clash.

In 6-round bouts:

Kareem Martin (5-0-1, 3 KO’s) of Washington, DC battles Anthony Prescott (5-6-2, 2 KO’s) of Cherry Hill, NJ in Welterweight bout.

2012 U.S. Olympian Raynell Williams (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH takes on Jose Miguel Castro (5-5, 3 KO’s) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a Lightweight tilt.

Patrick Harris (6-0, 4 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take Irvin Hernandez (3-12-2, 1 KO) of Carolina, Puerto Rico in a Lightweight bout.

Leo Hall (6-0, 6 KO’s) of Detroit, MI will box against Edgar Perez (6-15, 3 KO’s) of Carolina, PR in a Light Heavyweight bout.

In a 4-round Bout:

Shynggyskahn Tazhibay (1-0, 1 KO) of Karaganda, Kazakhstan will fight an oppont to be named in a Welterweight bout

All Bouts Subject to change

Tickets are on sale for $100 (Front Row); $75 (Ringside) $50 (General Admission) by calling 301-899-2430 or by logging on to www.beltwayboxing.com

More fight information is available at www.kingsboxing.com

Kelly Swanson
Thanks everybody for calling in. We appreciate it. We know it’s a busy week, but we wanted to kick it off with this conference call and on the line today we have two bouts from the HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto Pay-Per-View undercard, taking place Saturday, September 12.

The two bouts that we’re talking about today are Jhonny Gonzalez versus Jonathan Oquendo
and also Roman Martinez versus Orlando Salido, in their rematch. We’re going to start with Gonzalez and Oquendo and then we will move into the Martinez-Salido portion of the call. To make the introductions and MC the call I’d like to introduce Leonard Ellerbe, Chief Executive Officer of Mayweather Promotions.

Leonard Ellerbe
Thank you Kelly. I’d like to thank everyone for calling in to our first of two conference calls. It’s exciting to present these great fights on the Pay-Per-View televised portion of the Mayweather versus Berto event. This call is extremely special because we have not only one, but two classics – Mexico versus Puerto Rico matchups which we’ll be discussing. Before we get into the fight details and fighters I’d like to introduce Chris DeBlasio, he’s the Vice President of Sports Communications for SHOWTIME.

Chris DeBlasio
Thank you to all the press for getting on and Kelly for setting this up. I won’t take much of your time. I know you want to hear from the fighters today, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t share some of the exciting programming that we have coming up. As Leonard mentioned, the two fights that we’re going to talk about today are special in the classic rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico and we do expect this to be a very exciting and fun undercard. So we’re excited to get to it.

As such, SHOWTIME Sports, in keeping with our tradition with the Mayweather events that we have been fortunate enough to work with Mayweather Promotions since 2013, we have a strong lineup of programming that comes in advance of the Pay-Per-View. The lynchpin of that is, of course, our Sports Emmy Award winning “ALL ACCESS” series.

We will premiere the first of a four episode series this Friday, August 28, on SHOWTIME. That is chronicling Mayweather and Berto as they prepare for the main event on September 12. In addition we have the first fight of Orlando Salido versus Rocky Martinez from April of this year. We believe many of you have already called this a leading candidate for fight of the year for 2015. That first fight in its entirety is airing on SHOWTIME EXTREME. It airs on the CBS Sports Network, our sister cable television network. It is also available in full on the internet. If you haven’t seen that fight or you want to relive some of the excitement or share with your readers and viewers, please do. That fight was excellent and we expect a great one in the rematch as well.

Our typical compliment of programming during fight week will be available as expected and as you’ve seen before from SHOWTIME in partnership with Mayweather Promotion. You’ll see a main event press conference streaming live on Wednesday of fight week. The undercard press conference we will also stream live that week. Weigh-in Live on Friday will air on SHOWTIME network, on CBS Sports Network and on many other platforms, including the internet.

We also have a very special “COUNTDOWN LIVE” on Saturday, September 12. COUNTDOWN LIVE is going to be a 90-minute show on SHOWTIME leading up to the Pay-Per-View. That’s going to include a live 10-round fight between Mayweather Promotions’ Ishe Smith in a super welterweight bought against Vanes Martirosyan. So lots of great programing coming up.

I know you guys have lots of other live action to cover as well. So I’m not going to take up any more of your time. I wish you luck and thanks for the time.

L. Ellerbe
Okay, thank you Chris. Mayweather versus Berto is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and as Chris mentioned it will be live on SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View. Just a reminder the Pay-Per-View telecast will start at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET. This event will be sponsored by Tecate.

Also, just a reminder tickets are on sale now at the MGM Grand and the ticket prices are $150, $300, $500, $750, $1000 and $1500. Mayweather versus Berto will be shown live in select movie theaters all across the country with our partners Fathom Events. Tickets are on sale now at www.fathomevents.com. In the main event, obviously, you have Floyd “Money” Mayweather versus hard hitting former champ Andre Berto. In the co-main event we have WBO Junior lightweight title fight between Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Orlando Salido. This will be a rematch of their fight of the year from this past April.

The Martinez versus Salido fight will follow Mayweather Promotions own Badou Jack “The Ripper” making his first title defense of his WBC Super Middleweight World Championship and he’ll be fighting “Saint” George Groves. The Jack vs. Groves fight is in association with Sauerland Events. And as announced last Tuesday the first Pay-Per-View television fight will be a 10 round Junior Lightweight showdown featuring Mexican power puncher Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo. I’d like to acknowledge Peter Rivera of PR Best Boxing

Peter Rivera
Hi, Leonard. Hi everybody. Once again, thanks for the opportunity to SHOWTIME and Mayweather and we’re looking forward to being part of this great event.

L. Ellerbe
Thank you. I would like to introduce and first the opening televised bout on the Pay-Per-View portion. Jonathan Oquendo, fighting out of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He’s won 11 of 13 fights and will fight for the sixth time in his career at the MGM when he faces Jhonny Gonzalez on September the 12. Coming to us with a record of 25-4 with 16 KOs. Jonathan, would you like to make a few comments?

Jonathan Oquendo
I want to thank the press. I want to thank everyone for this opportunity. I’m very excited. I’m very focused and looking forward to the match up.

L. Ellerbe
Next up I’d like to introduce a very very exciting fighter from Mexico City, Mexico. He has won world championships at 118 and 126. One of his most memorable fights is his fight against Abner Mares in a very very exciting fight he ended with the first round KO to grab the WBC featherweight title. He defended it twice because eventually losing to Gary Russell Jr. Jhonny Gonzalez comes in with with a 58-9 record with 49 big KOs

Jhonny Gonzalez
I’m very happy for this opportunity. I’m extremely excited for the chance to fight on such a big stage that is important to fans around the world and I’ve really picked up my training and I’m extremely focused and looking ahead towards September 12.

Q
Jonathan, why did you accept this fight at this stage of your career?

J. Oquendo
I feel like this is a great opportunity. I want to be a great champion. I want to go ahead and showcase my talents on the card that Floyd Mayweather is headlining because there is a lot of attention when he fights. I feel that the training and that we’ve been doing in camp has been fantastic and I do believe that I have enough to defeat somebody of the caliber of Jhonny Gonzalez.

Q
Jhonny, what do you expect out of Jonathan Oquendo?

J. Gonzalez
He is very complicated and difficult to fight. I know that for Jonathan it’s a great opportunity. I’m awaiting a very stiff and strong challenge and I believe that Jonathan will bring his best coming up on September 12.

Q
Johnny, you just fought earlier this month. Did you already know that this fight was in the works if you won?

J. Gonzalez
I’m very happy that I took the previous fight and came out fine and it’s allowed me to just keep up the same training. I feel terrific at 130 pounds. I understand how important this is for all the Mexicans to be able to celebrate during this time on September 12 and during the month of September. At the end of the day I want to come out with my hand raised on September 12.

Q
How important is it to you to keep up the tradition of always fighting on or near your birthday, which of course is also the Mexico Independence Day?

J. Gonzalez
It’s very important for me to fight during this time of the year. I have had the opportunity to compete during this time of the year on various occasions and also more than anything I’ve learned from my defeats. Sometimes I’ve came up short but I have looked back and figured out the reasons why. And at the end of the day, most importantly, I want to go out and I want to fight for one more world title.

Q
Jhonny, do you believe you’re done at featherweight or would the right opportunity prompt you to drop that kind of weight?

J. Gonzalez
No, I’m done. My days are over fighting at 126. My focus is strictly on 130 pounds. I want to fight for a world title and I want to fight the best at 130. I get that opportunity to do so on September 12 against Jonathan Oquendo.

Q
This question is for Jhonny. Are you going to put on another action-packed fight or will this be a more conservative Jhonny?

J. Gonzalez
I feel that the face that I’m back with my father will make me better than ever. I feel better at 130 instead of at 126 and my mindset is more to focus on boxing and that ability to focus on boxing, is going to allow me to land harder shots against Jonathan Oquendo.

Q
Do you plan on making a title run at 130?
J. Gonzalez
I want to put on exciting fights, but I also want to focus on my campaign at 130 step-by-step. I feel that I will be ready to fight for a world title if the opportunity presents itself, but I’m more focused on handling things one by one and step-by-step.

Q
Having been through the process of rebuilding after a loss, do you feel more comfortable going through it?

J. Gonzalez
I always learn from my losses. I’m going to come back stronger and my mindset is to fight for a world title at 130 pounds. I understand the adjustments I need to make and I’m going to put that on display against Jonathan Oquendo.

Q
Jonathan, how do you feel fighting at 130 pounds?

J. Oquendo
I’m in excellent condition right now. I understand the opponent that I have against me in Jhonny Gonzalez and I think I’m going to be totally fine conditioning wise and physically against Jhonny Gonzalez.

K. Swanson
Great. Thank you so much. Okay, now we’re going to transition over to Orlando Salido and Rocky Martinez.

L. Ellerbe
This next bout, which will be the second part of this great Mexico versus Puerto Rico rivalry, we have a very exciting fight. It’s a fight that the fans are really looking forward to and I’d like to introduce first Roman “Rocky” Martinez. He comes to us with a 29-2 record with 17 KOs and he’s fighting out of Puerto Rico. He’ll be making the first defense in his third stint as the WBO Junior Lightweight champ. He survived a desperate late rush to unanimously out-point Salido in a hard fought action packed fight this past April and it was a classic Puerto Rico versus Mexico battle. Roman, would like you to say a few words?

Roman Martinez
I’m very prepared. My team has done a terrific job in training camp. I want to put on an amazing fight and I’ve worked extremely diligently to be able to defend his title on a spectacular card like this one that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather.

O. Salido
I’m very happy and it means a lot for me to be included on such a great card like this that is headlined by Floyd Mayweather and I want to prove to everybody that I still have a long career in front of me and I want to go out and recapture the world title.

Q
Orlando, what will be different in this fight coming up?

O. Salido
I’ve been training with guys that are very mobile that like to move a lot and I know that Roman is going to constantly be on the move, but the difference with this fight is that during his last fight in training camp I did not spar with guys that are very mobile and moved around the ring. But in this fight I’m very focused and prepared to go head and seek Roman Martinez in every single corner of the ring.

Q
For both fighters, what is your mentality of going back into the ring immediately with an opponent you just fought in what was a very very hard, physical, tough fight. How do you mentally prepare yourself for that knowing you’re probably going to be standing across the ring from a guy who is going to put you through another 12 rounds or maybe less of all out warfare?

R. Martinez
My training has been excellent. To be able to come out and put on a show on a card like this, I want to not only look good, but I want to look spectacular. The difference is that I’m going to use my intelligence more. I know Orlando is a terrific fighter and is going to leave it all inside the ring, but I’m going to use my brains more in this fight compared to the last.

O. Salido
Training has been going very well. I understand that we went toe-to-toe in our last match, but honestly, mentally I feel fantastic. What I’m looking at in this fight is not to leave anything behind. To give it my all and he understands that Roman Martinez is a great fighter, but I want to go out and recoup the title for all of Mexico on September 12.

Q
Roman did you think at any point that you could finish him in that fight and did you think that because you were able to drop him two times that perhaps this time you could finish him off in the rematch?

R. Martinez
I understand in the first fight I feel like I didn’t start as strong and in this fight I’m going to fight with pressure of from the outset and I do have a lot of confidence understanding that I could hurt Orlando Salido, but in this fight it’s all about starting faster and stronger and really going ahead and putting the pressure on Orlando Salido early. I definitely feel I can go ahead and finish off Orlando Salido. Orlando is a very valiant fighter and very courageous, but if I have the moment and I have the opportunity, if it is there then I will certainly oblige and finish off Orlando Salido.

Q
Leonard, could you talk about how this fight ended up on the undercard of Floyd’s show?

L. Ellerbe
We’re always looking to put on exciting fights on our undercards and this was the best fight out there that we could make. I’m truly excited, not only as the promoter of the event, but as a fan to be able to witness another great fight. We know the first fight was a hardcore fight and I suspect nothing else in this fight. I went out and I tried to make the best fight I could on the card and that’s what we got.

Q
Roman do you believe that you have the advantage mentally heading into the rematch?

R. Martinez
Orlando is a veteran. We had an amazing fight back in April, but I’m not going to get over confident because Orlando Salido is a dangerous fighter and I understand I must bring 100% and my absolute best on September 12.

Q
Orlando did you want the rematch immediately?

O. Salido
The first fight was in Roman’s backyard out in Puerto Rico. I did not fight well, but I craved an opportunity to regain my title and I will do so for all of Mexico.

Q
Orlando how do you feel being able to fight very close to Mexican Independence Day and all that it represents?

O. Salido
It’s such an honor to be fighting so close to this day for the Independence of Mexico. I am so just overjoyed by the opportunity to be able to regain my title for all of Mexico during that time of year.

Q
Orlando do you think that this is the last time you will be fighting for the world title?

O. Salido
I do not know whatsoever. You can’t tell and you can’t know for sure. Anything can happen in the ring. But what I do know is that I am focused and coming up on September 12 I will, once again, regain my world championship for all of Mexico.

Q
The first fight that you had was very close and a lot of people felt that real difference in the decision was the two knockdowns. What happened with those knockdowns and how are you going to work in this fight to prevent something like that from happening again?

O. Salido
Mentally I feel great. Roman hit me with great shots, but the second knock down he hit me with an amazing show. In the first fight I lost the fight mentally and in this fight everything is different mentally, spiritually. I just feel so much better and I thought that in the first fight that everyone was for Roman. This time everything is different and I think that the results will be different as well.

Q
Roman, could you tell us what led up to the knockdowns and how you will try to repeat that in the rematch?

R. Martinez
The first fight, it was just an amazing matchup. I went ahead and I saw an opportunity. I took advantage of it. I’m training very hard to go out there and get the finish that I was looking for in the first match up.

Q
In the back of your mind have you thought at all about a trilogy?

O. Salido
If the fans want a third fight after I am victorious then so be it. Let’s make it happen. But in my mind I’m coming out only thinking about this fight. That is my only focus at the moment. I want to come out and fight an intelligent fight. I know Roman is going to be at his best, but when he steps inside the ring on September 12 I want to put on a spectacular performance for all the fans and everyone watching on Pay-Per-View.

R. Martinez
I know it’s going to be a great fight and that if the fans want a third fight then I’m willing to oblige, but it will have to be on my point because I’m going to be victorious yet again over Orlando Salido. So if it is another great fight where I am victorious it will certainly be up to me and I would be willing to go ahead and consider the option of fighting a third time against Orlando Salido.

“HIGH STAKES: Mayweather vs. Berto,” a 12-round welterweight
world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBC and WBA 147-pound titles, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions LLC. The event will take place Saturday, September 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be televised by SHOWTIME PPV. The undercard features a WBO Junior Lightweight World Championship fight, which is a rematch between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido. Also featured on the PPV telecast will be a WBC Super Middleweight title bout between Badou Jack and George Groves, which is promoted in association with Team Sauerland. The opening PPV bout pits former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez against Puerto Rico’s Jonathan Oquendo in a 10-round super featherweight bout.

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.SHO.com/Sports andwww.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @AndreBerto, @BadouJack, @StGeorgeGroves, @Romancito77, @sirisalido, @jhonnygbox, @JonathanOquen @mayweatherpromo, @SHOSports and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FloydMayweather,www.Facebook.com/TheRealAndreBerto,www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

NEW YORK – August 26, 2015 – Combate Americas, the first-ever U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise founded by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) co-creator Campbell McLaren, and NBC UNIVERSO, the modern sports and entertainment cable channel for Latinos, today announced the kick-off of “Road To The Championship,” an all-new, multi-year MMA fight series that will air live on NBC UNIVERSO. The first live event in the Combate Americas series will air on Thursday, September 17 at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. from The D in Las Vegas, Nev., just in time for the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Combate Americas is the groundbreaking, live MMA fight series created specifically for U.S. Hispanics who are passionate about the artistry and action of the sport. Fans can tune into NBC UNIVERSO to watch these modern day gladiators enter the cage to compete for a chance at glory.

The Combate Americas live fight series schedule on NBC UNIVERSO includes:

Thurs., Sept. 17, 2015 at 11p ET / 8p PT
Thurs., Nov. 19, 2015 at 11p ET / 8p PT
In 2016, four additional dates TBD

“We are excited to expand our relationship with NBC UNIVERSO, and look forward to delivering action-packed fight cards featuring some of the best Latino fighters on the planet,” said McLaren, who created Combate Americas two years ago to serve the fastest-growing U.S. demographic – Hispanic millennials.

“NBC UNIVERSO’s partnership with Combate Americas’delivers on our promise to provide our Latino viewers rousing and edgy entertainment and the biggest events,” said Rubén Mendiola, President, NBC UNIVERSO.

The Combate Americas fight series comes one-year after Combate Americas – the competition reality series, made history by becoming the first fight-themed program ever to win a major television award – “Best Variety or Reality Series,” at last year’s 29th Annual Imagen Awards. The Combate Americas reality show aired on NBC UNIVERSO (formerly mun2) and was a fan favorite among U.S. Hispanic viewers.

In the main event of the live NBC Universo telecast of the Combate Americas kick-off event on Thur., Sept. 17, two-time UFC veteran and Miletich Fighting Systems prodigy Ramiro “Junior” Hernandez (17-7) of Muscatine, Iowa will square-off with hard-hitting KO artist Max Ceniceros (7-2) of La Mirada, Calif. in a featherweight (145 lbs.) main event showdown. Ceniceros is seeking his seventh consecutive victory, after finishing four of his last six opponents by way of (T)KO or submission.

Also on the fight card that night will be Combate Americas reality series stars J.C. Llamas (5-5) and Ricky “El Gallero” Palacios (3-1), who will make their respective second starts in the Combate Americas cage.

The runner-up in the reality series competition, Llamas of Bakersfield, Calif., will square-off against aggressive-minded finisher Ozzie “The Outlaw” Alvarez (6-2) of Brea, Calif. in a welterweight (170 pounds) contest. Palacios of Mission, TX will face Benji “The Brawler” Gomez (4-4) of Ventura, Calif. in a bantamweight (135 pounds) matchup.

In a featured women’s strawweight (115 pounds) bout, Invicta FC veteran Nicdali “The Night Queen” Rivera-Calanoc (8-8) of Tulsa, Okla. will collide with power puncher Katy “Red Dragon” Collins (2-1) of Branson, Mo.

Additional fights, including a complete preliminary bout card will be announced soon.

# # #

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas, LLC. is the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world’s most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

About NBC UNIVERSO:
NBC UNIVERSO (www.nbcuniverso.com) is a modern sports and entertainment cable channel for Latinos, bringing the world’s top sports franchises and edgy programming to more than 40 million households in the U.S. As one of the most widely available modern cable channels for U.S. Latinos, NBC UNIVERSO delivers a thrilling mix of exclusive sports action – including FIFA World Cup™, Liga MX, Premier League, NASCAR Mexico Series, NFL and The 2016 Rio Olympics – along with signature series, blockbuster movies, music, must-see live events and strategic acquisitions, on TV, online and mobile devices. NBC UNIVERSO is part of Hispanic Enterprises and Content, a division of NBCUniversal (www.nbcuniversal.com), one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (www.comcastcorporation.com). To find the NBC UNIVERSO channel number in your area, please visit www.nbcuniverso.com/encuentralo.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Roy Jones Jr. will not be taking on Danny Santiago in Sint Marteen as the card is postponed due to weather concerns with Hurricane Danny.

“They were worried about the hurricane, so the fight was postponed and they said it would be rescheduled at a later date,” Santiago’s manager HeidiJasper told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “The promoter, Archie Keaton Entertainment, and I were supposed to get together to figure out when to reschedule the fight, but now it looks like Hurricane Erika might hit the island so we haven’t been able to meet yet.

“But I have spoken to [Jones manager] McGee Wright, and he said Roy is as eager to fight Danny as much as Danny is to fight Roy, but we can’t control the weather.”

“This is a big deal for Danny,” Jasper said. “He feels like it’s the second postponement of the fight. So Danny is disappointed, but what can you do.”

otowa, NJ: Last week Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KOs) had the very rare privilege of choosing between two mandatory offers: one from the WBC and the other from the IBF. The 28-year old from Malawi opted to take the offer from the WBC. Shortly thereafter, the IBF extended the mandatory fight offer to Main Events’ stablemate Sullivan Barrera (16-0, 11 KOs), the 33-year old Cuban defector.

Yesterday, Chilemba formally accepted the the WBC elimination bout against Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (18-0, 10 KOs) of Apartado, Colombia and Yvon Michel, Alvarez’s promoter, formally accepted for Alvarez. The winner of this fight will be poised as the WBC’s mandatory challenger in the light heavyweight division and will have their shot at current WBC Light Heavyweight World Champion, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (26-1, 21 KOs).

Regarding Alvarez, Chilemba said, “I’m very happy that he accepted that challenge. I’m not taking Alvarez lightly, he is a good fighter all round. I know he wants to be a champion himself, unfortunately not this time as this is my time. By the time we meet, I’ll be 100% ready and, even though my mind is fully focused on the present opportunity, it brings me closer to that WBC championship I have been working so hard to get to. Just that is what will drive me into leaving nothing to chance when I face Alvarez. I really appreciate the great work of my team getting me where I am today.”

His manager, Jodi Solomon added, “I want to thank Alvarez and his team for accepting the fight. Isaac has wanted this opportunity for the longest time and I believe with Buddy [McGirt] in his corner, nothing will be left to chance. Thank you also to Main Events for helping to get Isaac this opportunity.”

Sullivan Barrera
Photo Credits: Mike Gladysz/Main Events

Last week, Barrera formally accepted his offer from the IBF to face Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KOs) for the mandatory position in the IBF. The winner will face WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (28-0-1, 25 KOs).

An eager Barrera said, “I’m excited to finally get my opportunity. I’m looking forward to the fight. I don’t know anything about Beterbiev. Only thing I know is to get to the top I have to beat him. Looking forward to the opportunity.”

Sullivan is trained by world renowned trainer, Abel Sanchez, who is best known for training current IBF and WBA Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. When asked about this opportunity, Sanchez replied, “Warriors understand greatness is only reached when you challenge yourself. Sullivan Barrera is a warrior wanting to be champion and knows that fighting the perceived best is the fastest way to your dreams coming true.”

Main Events CEO, Kathy Duva, who promotes Chilemba, Barrera and Kovalev, said, “We’ve been focused on the light heavyweight division for the past few years. I’m delighted that so many of our efforts are paying off at the same time and that Isaac and Sullivan are finally getting the opportunities that they’ve earned and have been waiting for. Yvon (Michel, who promotes both Beterbiev and Alvarez) and I have a lot to talk about! I’ve reached out for him and expect that we’ll begin negotiations over the weekend.”

MEXICO CITY (August 26, 2015) – WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former Two-Time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) hosted a Mexico City press conference today in front of more than 100 media members that was broadcast live in Mexico on TV Azteca. The event drew hundreds of excited, screaming fans that cheered for both fighters during the press conference.

With seven world titles between them, impressive resumes and high levels of popularity in their home countries, Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.

Below are quotes and photos from the Mexico City press conference stop for Cotto vs. Canelo:

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

“Freddie (Roach) has brought something great to my career. I trust him completely and he trusts me.

“We are both great fighters and are coming to give a great fight on November 21st.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight
World Champion

“I am a complete fighter, I am more mature. I am very excited because this fight is coming at a great time for me and my career.

“I am very grateful that I am always welcomed here in Mexico and shown great respect. The support of Mexicans is unmatched. It is an honor to fight Miguel Cotto.”

ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (left) and former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (right) pose on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce their world title fight on November 21, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto acknowledges fans on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce his world title defense against former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez on Nov. 21, 2015.

ABOVE: Former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez acknowledges fans on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce Cotto vs. Canelo, which will take place on Nov. 21, 2015 in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tequila Cazadores. The Cotto vs. Canelo press tour is sponsored by JetSmarter. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

TAMPA (August 26, 2015) — The inaugural Team Tarver Back-To-School-Drive was a major hit last week at Layla’s House (www.LaylasHouse.com) in Tampa, Florida.

Five-time world champion and world heavyweight contender, Antonio “The Magic Man” Tarver (31-6-1, 22 KOs), his son, unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), and some other Team Tarver members distributed school supplies last Thursday to underprivileged children in Tarver’s hometown of Tampa.

TEAM TARVER: (L-R) – Antonio Tarver, Antonio Tarver Jr., Eboney De Costa, Orlando Fernandez, Angela Mitchell and Jamil Thompson

“There’s nothing better than seeing smiles on the faces of young children,” Tarver said. “I believe it’s important to give back in your community. We feel it’s very important for children, especially the youngest ones, to have supplies for the first day of school. We were able to provide them with essential supplies like book-bags, pencils, and notebooks. Hopefully, they feel better about themselves, attending school, and getting a good education.”

Team Tarver’s next planned function will be a Turkey Giveaway prior to Thanksgiving. For additional information, sponsorship inquires or to make a donation, please email officialteamtarver@gmail.com or visit its website at
www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com.

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2015) – Danny Roman (16-2-1, 5 KOs), the current NABA Super Bantamweight Champion, has joined an elite group of boxers. The World Boxing Association has ranked Roman as its number fifteenth challenger. The ranking comes just weeks after Roman won his current title against veteran Daniel Noriega in July.

“I was at the gym working out when the ranking became official,” said the 25-year-old Roman. “When I got home, I got a call from my manager telling me I was now ranked by the WBA. I was beyond excited. Out of all the fighters in the world, I’m now considered among the best.”

On the year, Roman is a perfect four-for-four and expects to have at least one more fight before the year is out. The victories all came against experienced boxers with a combined 96 wins between them. The list includes: Miguel Tamayo (March), Giovanni Caro (April), Chris Martin (May), and Daniel Noriega (July).

“Boxing consumes my life,” continued Roman, who lives and trains in Los Angeles. “I don’t care much for the nightlife. I’m dedicated to boxing. All the hard work is starting to pay off.”

“We are very pleased with Danny’s progress,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Over the last year, he’s faced an increased level of competition and has performed extremely well against boxers far more experienced than him. Our plan is to continue to develop him and get him ready for bigger fights down the road.”

Thompson Boxing Promotions’ next event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. A formal release with full fight card will be announced soon.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 26, 2015) – Unbeaten rising star, Super-Featherweight Mario Barrios (10-0, 5 KOs), will make a quick return back to the ring on Sunday, September 6, 2015 against Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (33-12, 27 KOs). The 8-round bout will take place at the American Bank Center, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

This past July, Barrios went the distance in his first eight round bout, proving to himself that he can fight effectively in the later rounds if need be.

“My last night I went eight rounds for the first time, and to be honest, I felt I could’ve went twelve easily. That’s a testament to my team and everyone around me that’s helping me get better. I’m still have a lot to learn but I feel my jab is getting much better. I’m starting to set up my combinations with my jab and I can see why that punch is so important. I’m steadily working on using my height and reach advantage.”

Managed by Al Haymon, Barrios is staying busy as this will be his fourth fight of the year. As his career is ascending, Barrios is grateful for the great team around him.

“I’m very thankful to be fighting so soon. I want to thank Al Haymon, as well as my core team, for all their hard work. Everyone is doing a fantastic job guiding my career and I couldn’t be more pleased with my progress. I know I’m a long way from my dream of becoming a world champion, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With a lot of hard work, I know I can accomplish that dream.”

The event is headlined by former world champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (27-1-1, 22 KOs) taking on Mexico’s Marco Antonio “El Veneno” Rubio (59-7-1, 51 KOs) and features the rematch between bantamweight world champion Jamie McDonnell (26-2-1, 12 KOs) and exciting brawler Tomoki “El Mexicanito” Kameda (31-1, 19 KOs). Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on CBS will air the event live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas Sunday, September 6. The telecast kicks off at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Leija Battah Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $109, $93, $49, $38 and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office or by calling Leija Battah Promotions at (210) 979-3302. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000

Las Vegas, NV (August 25, 2015) -This Friday night, it will be a special night of boxing when Global Sports Streaming (GSS) will present the first broadcast of a brand new sports streaming service and the premier edition of Best in Boxing (BIB)

The first broadcast on Friday, August 28, 2015 will feature the IBU Middleweight title bout between Tony Hirsch (18-6-2, 8 KO’s) taking on Rolando Paredes (9-2-2, 8 KO’s)

The entire 11 bout card, which is promoted by Borizteca Promotions, will stream live beginning at 10:30 PM ET on YouTube and will feature the likes of popular female light flyweight Kenia Enriquez (13-1); lightweight Demond Brock (9-3) as well as undefeated prospects super featherweight Jesus Trujillo and Jorge Escalante (2-0)

GSS is pleased to announce that boxing reporter Radio Rahim, world title challenger and Diego Magdaleno and actress Rebecca Grant will comprise the broadcast team.

Radio Rahim has been a boxing reporter from the Bay area and has been covering the sweet science for over twenty years. He is known for his hard-hitting interviews and was on hand in Macau, China when the controversial skirmish broke out between the camps of Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios. Rahim was the first reporter on the scene with exclusive interviews with members of both teams. Rahim is a respected journalist whose work can be found on secondsout.tv and boxingscene.com

Magdaleno is the number-one ranked Lightweight in the world and on October 10, he will be making the 2nd attempt at a world title when he takes on undefeated Terry Flanagan for the WBO Lightweight world title in Manchester, England. In his previous title opportunity he lost a split decision to WBO Jr. Lightweight champion, Rocky Martinez in Macau, China.

Grant is an American actress who has done extensive work in television sports. She worked as a host for the Buffalo Bills on the Empire Sports Network. She then went on to work as a reporter for the NFL on Fox and ESPN and then worked on the popular NFL Under the Helmet.

Grant has been a staple on Network television as an actress and has been on 3rd Rock from Under the Sun as well as Third Watch. She also has appeared on many shows on major networks NBC, CBS and ABC as well working on movies such as Brothers.

In 8-round bouts:

Demond Brock (9-3, 3 KO’s) of Kenner, Louisiana will fight Hector Garcia (4-3-1, 3 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Lightweight bout.

Brian Jones (11-3, 5 KO’s) of Los Angeles, CA will fight Andres Valdez in a Welterweight bout,

Kenia Enriquez (13-1, 6 KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico will take on Lorena Arias (3-7) of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in a female Light Flyweight bout.

In 6-round Bouts:

Jorge Ruiz (8-2, 3 KO’s) of San Diego, California will take on Antonio Villa (1-14, 1 KO) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Featherweight fight.

Michael Ruiz Jr. (9-4-2, 3 KO’s) of Fresno, California will square off with Alfonso Sandoval (0-8) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Bantamweight fight.

Amaris Quintana (8-2-2, 1 KO) of San Diego, CA will fight Lesley Villanueva (0-1) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Light Flyweight fight.

In 4-round bouts:

Jesus Trujillo (1-0, 1 KO) of Los Angeles, CA will take on Ulises Jimenez (0-1-1) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Super Featherweight affair.

Armando Tovar of San Diego, California will make his pro debut against Andres Marroquin (0-1) of Rosarito, Mexico in a Welterweight clash.

Michael Haigood (0-3) of San Diego, California will box Manuel Sandoval (0-3) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Featherweight fight,

Jorge Escalante (2-0,1 KO) of San Diego, California will rumble with Angel De Jesus Estrada (0-3) of Tijuana, Mexico in a Cruiserweight battle.

All Bouts Subject to change