NEW YORK (July 13, 2015) – SHOWTIME Sports® and CBS Sports will offer an action-packed weekend of fights spanning three different boxing series beginning with ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, July 17, and concluding with a special afternoon-evening PBC on CBS doubleheader and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader from the same venue on Saturday, July 18.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will air live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT from the Don Haskins Arena at the University of Texas El Paso and the PBC on CBS broadcast will originate just hours earlier from the same arena, live on CBS Sports at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

ShoBox: The New Generation will kick-off the weekend action on Friday live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Sands Casino Hotel in Bethlehem, Pa., as the prospect-oriented developmental series celebrates its 14th anniversary with a quadrupleheader featuring six undefeated prospects squaring off.

“SHOWTIME Sports and CBS Sports are excited to offer fans an unprecedented weekend of boxing featuring at least nine fights, including two world championships and a world title eliminator,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “From boxing’s biggest stars on our SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING franchise and undefeated prospects on our critically acclaimed ShoBox series, to working with our colleagues at PBC and CBS Sports, we are the destination for fight fans this weekend.”

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event, Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) will aim for redemption as he returns to the ring with a new trainer in a lower weight class. The former middleweight champion will take on fellow Mexican brawler Marcos Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs) in his first fight with renowned trainer Robert Garcia in a 10-round super middleweight bout.

Also on SHOWTIME, a pair of top bantamweights will put their undefeated records on the line as Puerto Rican Olympian McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 14 KOs) for the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championship. In the opener of the tripleheader, undefeated 140-pound contender Amir Imam (17-0, 14 KOs) will take on veteran Fernando Angulo (29-9, 16 KOs) in a 10-round eliminator to become the No. 1 mandatory challenger in the WBC.

PBC on CBS will take center stage earlier that afternoon with an action-packed doubleheader. In the 12-round main event, Irish champion Carl Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs) will defend his Junior Featherweight World Championship against Mexican contender Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 KOs). In the PBC on CBS co-main event, heavyweight contender Chris Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) will take on Frederic Kassi (18-3, 10 KOs) in a 8/10-round bout.

ShoBox: The New Generation will kick-off the weekend on Friday with a quintessential ShoBox card matching well-regarded prospects in some of the toughest tests of their careers.

In the main event, Antoine Douglas (17-0-1, 10 KOs) will face Istvan Szili (18-0-2, 8 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout, while a pair of undefeated prospects, Derrick Webster (19-0, 10 KOs) and Arif Magomedov (15-0, 9 KOs), square off in the 10-round super middleweight co-feature.

Also on the ShoBox telecast, Adam Lopez (12-0, 6 KOs) will meet fellow undefeated prospect Eliecer Aquino (17-0-1, 11 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight bout and once-beaten prospect Jerry Odom (13-1, 12 KOs, 1 NC) will face Samuel Clarkson (14-3, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight matchup.

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About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

New London, CT: When heavyweight prospect Cassius Chaney steps into the ring on July 25, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada to face Edward Ramirez, in addition to his trainer Peter Manfredo, he will have his long-time mentor former NBA star Vin Baker in his corner. Baker has been Chaney’s mentor for more than ten years and their bond continues to grow stronger as Chaney seeks navigate the rough waters of professional boxing.

Chaney, 28, is originally from Baltimore, Maryland but moved to New London, Connecticut to attend high school at Baker’s alma mater, Old Saybrook High School. According to Chaney, playing basketball for Vin’s school was a dream come true for him. He said, “I knew who Vin was and that was a big part of the reason why I wanted to go to that school for a chance to be like him. After my freshman year, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to go back there. I didn’t really play a lot as a freshman and I thought I should have. Vin came back and he talked to me and we exchanged numbers and from then on he just took me under his wing like a little brother.”

Cassius Chaney
Photo Credits: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

Baker has maintained that big brother role for Chaney ever since. “To be honest, there are not a lot of young African-American men that go to Old Saybrook with the natural basketball ability that both Cassius and I possess so it was just kind of a natural fit that I took him under my wing while he was playing at my high school. We just have been brothers ever since,” explained Baker.

According to Chaney, Baker has instilled in him a fire to be great and desire to remain humble that has helped keep him grounded and focused on his craft. Chaney explained, “The best advice that Vin has given me is to keep my faith, stay humble, work hard and things would fall into place. He has just been a role model for me. I was there when I was younger with all the things that he went through and he brings them back up to me sometimes to remind me to keep my life together.”

Chaney has taken that advice to heart. Since making his professional debut earlier this year he has had the opportunity to work as a sparring partner with some top notch fighters. He said, “I helped Eric Molina for his fight with Deontay Wilder. I sparred with Amir Mansour when I first started boxing. I also worked with Malik Scott, Gerald Washington, Dominic Breazeale, Charles Martin and Zhang Zhilei from New Jersey the Chinese Olympian. I have been to some pretty good camps.”

Both Baker and Chaney credit Chaney’s time in Big Bear Lake, California with Charles Martin as the most impactful event so far in his young career. Chaney said, “The Big Bear experience was extremely different because I got to be around guys that only box. They don’t work because their job is boxing. It is a lot easier to concentrate on boxing when that is all you have to do. It felt good being with Charles Martin, being in the altitude and just living boxing. I was happy that I helped him prepare for that fight.”

Cassius Chaney
Photo Credits:
Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment

Baker added, “He talked about Big Bear quite a bit when he came back. Obviously the conditioning aspect of it was different and it was a new challenge for him, but it was also important for him to see other people having boxing be everything to them. Cassius understands, he is a sponge. He now knows he needs to take it as serious as anything he has ever done because in boxing there are so many distractions outside of the ring. Boxing is a very different sport; it isn’t like other sports, one bad night of boxing can change everything. So I tell Cassius to treat every day like it is your fight day. There is a high reward but the risk is probably equally as high. Take it seriously.”

The influence Baker has had on Cassius has also affected him outside of the ring. Cassius is employed as a case worker, helping troubled young men in his hometown of New London. “I am a mentor,” explained Chaney. “I get different, they say cases, but I get different boys who have gone through difficult situations in their lives and I come across more as a big brother than someone that is like a parent. I just try to help them as a big brother, like Vin helped me. We go out to movies and I take them to sporting events, things like that. I just try to keep them engaged especially with myself. If they get a chance to see me do it, then they will believe that they can do it.”

Chaney has even taken on the mentor role with Baker’s own son, Vin Junior. Baker explained, “He is my son’s big brother now. Vin Jr. would rather be with Cassius all day then be with me. Cassius is a tremendous mentor. He is always with young men. He is working with them and taking them to the gym. He calls my house to ask for Vin Jr. to go and workout every single day. It is just a credit to the type of young man he is. I think that he has passed down the legacy I had with him: If you are in a position to empower young men, make sure you do it. It strengthens him too. He does it so naturally, it’s not forced. He’s not asking for attention or media he does it every single day.”

About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yunieski Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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LONDON (13 JULY) Unbeaten heavyweight star Hughie Lewis Fury battles veteran George Arias on July 25 at Derby Arena and aims to become the first man to stop the notoriously durable Brazilian for some ten years.

Fury and Arias meet over a scheduled ten rounds and Fury, unbeaten in 15 professional fights, knows a statement will be made if he’s able to do what most are unable to do – halt Arias within the distance.

“We were looking for a top ten or top fifteen-ranked opponent for Hughie, but nobody we approached fancied the job,” said Peter Fury, Hughie’s trainer and father. “A lot of them didn’t want to take the risk. They either didn’t respond to our offers or they simply said ‘no’.

“We’ve got George Arias now and I’m happy with him as the opponent on short-notice. He will take Hughie rounds and continue his development.

“If you look down his record, he’s fought some good names. He’s fought Johnny Nelson for the world title. He’s boxed everybody and given them all a run for their money.

“What I like about this fight is that Arias is in shape. He’s not over the hill. He comes into the fight in good condition and he’s on a good run of form.

“A statement can be made if Hughie stops him, but, looking at Arias, and looking at the punches he’s able to take, it’s very, very doubtful. He’s in good physical shape and his body looks strong. It will take one hell of a performance, or punch, for Hughie to knock this guy out.”

Forty-one-year-old Arias, a native of Sao Paulo, has won 56 of 68 pro fights and has been active since 1996. He famously knocked out Danish hope Steffen Nielsen inside three rounds in 2005 and is the current Brazilian heavyweight champion and former South American champion.

Known for his toughness and spirit, Arias has extended the likes of Johnny Nelson, Sinan Samil Sam, Audley Harrison, Taras Bidenko, Marcelo Dominguez and, most recently, Denis Boytsov. He enters his July 25 date with Fury having won 15 of his last 16 fights, 14 of which ended inside the distance, and, with 42 stoppages from 56 career wins, boasts a 75% knockout ratio.

Twenty-year-old Fury, meanwhile, has looked faultless so far in his two-and-a-half year professional career and last time out defeated heavy-handed Ukrainian Andriy Rudenko over ten rounds in Monte Carlo. The fight marked a clear step-up in class for Fury, a calculated gamble, but he passed the test with flying colours, outboxing the rugged Rudenko throughout and protecting his unbeaten record in the process.

*** Tickets for Blackwell vs. Jones & Fury vs. Arias can be purchased from the Derby Arena Box Office on 01332 255800 or by visiting www.derbylive.co.uk ***

*** Blackwell vs. Jones will be televised live on Channel 5 on July 25, while the supporting undercard will be televised live earlier in the evening on Spike ***

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British middleweight talent Anthony Ogogo (7-0, 4 KOs) is eager to impress as he prepares for his hotly anticipated ring return against Ruslan Schelev (11-3, 6 KOs) on Saturday, July 18 at the Gerry Weber Stadium in Halle, Germany.

The 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist has been out of the ring for the past 11 months recovering from a long-standing Achilles issue, but now fully fit, the Lowestoft fighter is ready to get his promising career back on track, starting with a victory over the 26 year-old Ukrainian, Schelev.

‘’I wanted the very best opponent available for my return,’’ reveals Ogogo. ‘’I didn’t want an easy opponent. I wanted someone who would really test me. I’ve worked so hard to condense a 12-month rehab process into 6 months, so I wanted an opponent with the right quality to give me a hard fight because that’s what I’ve longed for, and that’s exactly what Schelev is. He’s a quality fighter. He can switch stance. He’s strong and he can punch. It’s going to make for a great fight for the fans.

‘’July 18 can’t come quick enough. After such a long lay-off it means everything to me to be back in the ring. I wake up in the morning wanting to be a world champion. For the longest time I couldn’t do anything about it physically. I couldn’t train. My feet were in casts, but I never stopped thinking about being the absolute best. I watched sports documentaries of my idols and I read autobiographies of my heroes until I was able to get back in the gym. Now I’m back and on July 18 I’ll show the world that I have what it takes to become a great.

‘’I’m in great shape. I resigned myself to never being able to run again because of my injuries. But everything has gone so well, much better than I could have ever imagined. I’ve been able to run 5 miles easy and there’s not even a twinge in my Achilles. My fitness is good. My speed is where it needs to be and sparring has been going brilliantly. I’ve been sparring with my Team Sauerland friend George Groves ahead of his own world title fight.

‘’Now I can’t wait to get in the ring, in front of a whole new audience and a whole new demographic of people. I’m so eager to impress I can’t explain. The fans can expect to see a young hungry fighter, full of desire and ambition ready to set the world alight and make up for lost time. The fans in Halle are in for a treat. I’ll be welcoming thousands of new members into the O-Army.’’

Ogogo’s six-round contest will be his first since signing a ground breaking co-promotional deal with leading European promoter Team Sauerland and American heavyweight set-up Goldenboy Promotions.

Promoter Nisse Sauerland has high hopes for the former amateur star. ‘’We’re all looking forward to seeing Anthony back in the ring where he belongs,’’ said Sauerland. ‘’He is an exceptional talent. Activity is going to be key as he looks to fulfill his potential as one of the most exciting middleweights on the planet.’’

The 26 year-old joins an action-packed event at the Gerry Weber Stadium. Arthur Abraham’s WBO World Super Middleweight title defence against Robert Stieglitz tops the star-studded bill, which also features Germany’s 19 year-old knockout specialist Vincent Feigenbutz challenging Mauricio Reynoso for the Interim WBA 168lb crown.

Tickets are available by calling the Gerry Weber Ticket Centre on (+49) 5201 81 80 or online via http://www.gerryweber-world.de and http://www.tickethall.de. All the action will be shown live on SAT.1 in Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.

Las Vegas – The next season of The Ultimate Fighter ® will feature no shortage of star power as interim UFC® featherweight champion “The Notorious” Conor McGregor coaches opposite Team Alpha Male’s Urijah Faber on the 22nd edition of the UFC’s storied reality television series.

The Ultimate Fighter®: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber will feature 16 competitors in the lightweight division and, in addition to a UFC contract; national pride will be on the line as McGregor leads eight European hopefuls against the Faber-led American squad. The sixth season to air on FOX Sports 1 will kick-off on Wednesday, September 9 with a two-hour season premiere airing at 10 p.m. ET. The season will continue with 11 one-hour shows Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET. The series is the highest rated and most watched original program since the network’s inception in August 2013.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2013, McGregor (18-2) has taken the MMA world by storm. Declaring in July 2014 “we’re not here to take part; we’re here to take over” when referring to the Irish presence in MMA, the Irish sensation has done exactly that. Originally scheduled to fight Jose Aldo at UFC® 189, McGregor defeated Faber’s friend and training partner Chad Mendes to claim the interim UFC featherweight title last night by second-round TKO. Now he awaits his next fight, a highly anticipated title unification bout with the Aldo in the coming months.

The former WEC featherweight champion, Faber (32-8) has been vocal in his disdain for McGregor. Long considered a pioneer for the lighter weight classes, Faber has assembled one of the top gyms in the sport, Team Alpha Male, featuring UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw, No. 2 flyweight Joseph Benavidez and Mendes. Now, he’ll bring his high-powered team to Las Vegas in hopes of leading the Americans past the Europeans.

###

About UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 158 countries and territories to over one billion TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service that is available throughout the world with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

About FOX Sports

FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FOX Sports 1; FOX Sports 2; Fox’s 22 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com, FOX Sports GO, Whatifsports.com and Yardbarker.com. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network.

Conor McGregor won the UFC Interim Featherweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over Chad Mendes at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

McGregor was bleeding around his right eye in round two. Late in the round, McGregor had Mendes on the ground and was able to punch out Mendes at 4:57

McGregor, 145 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 18-2. Mendes, 144 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 17-3.

Robbie Lawler retained the Welterweight championship with a 5th round stoppage over Rory MacDonald.

Both Macdonald and Lawler were bleeding bad from their faces. In round five, Lawler landed a hard combination that sent a bloody MacDonald to the canvas and the fight was stopped.

Lawler, 169.5 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 26-10-1. MacDonald, 170 lbs of Montreal, CAN is 18-3.

Jeremy Stephens stopped Dennis Bermudezin the 3rd round of their featherweight bout.

In round one, Stephens was cut over his left eye from a headbutt.

Stephens landed a flying knee kick that sent Bermudez down. Stephens landed five hard shots on the ground and the bout was stopped at 32 seconds.

Stephens, 149.5 lbs of San Diego, CA is 24-11. Bermudez, 146 lbs of Lydenhurst, is 15-5.

Gunnar Nelson made Brandon Thatch tap out in the first round of their welterweight bout.

Nelson landed a perfect left hook-right hand combination and then got on Thatch’s back and locked in the choke. Thatch tapped out at 2:54.

Nelson, 160.6 lbs of Iceland is 14-1-1. Thatch, 170.5 lbs of Denver, CO is 11-3.

Thomas Almeida remained perfect with a devastating 2nd round stoppage over Brad Pickett in a bantamweight bout.

Almeida landing a jumping knee to the chin of Pickett and he was knocked out at 29 seconds.

Almedia, 136 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 20-0. Pickett, 136 lbs of East London, ENG is 25-11.

Tacoma, Washington (July 12, 2015) – It was an historic night inside the I-5 showroom at the Emerald Queen Casino. Fighters from all over the Pacific Northwest stepped into the cage for a chance at glory. With two title fights headlining this incredible card, fans packed inside the venue were in for a treat from the opening bell.

In one of the most exciting fights any mixed martial arts fan can hope to see, the main event of the evening featured Tacoma’s own Harrison “Wolverine” Bevens (7-4) take on Enumclaw native Justin “Ruckus” Harrington (7-2) for the Super Fight League America 155lb. title. After surviving a vicious left hand and seemingly endless ground and pound from Harrington in the first, Bevens began to battle back in the second before eating another vicious overhand right from his opponent. Harrington followed up the shot with hammer fists from top position, forcing the referee to make the stop. With the win, Harrington goes home with the Lightweight Championship for the second time in his young career.

The co-main event of the evening saw another Enumclaw fighter, the undefeated Tyson Cunningham (4-0-1) take on Thomasville, Georgia’s Mike “Zombie” Dubois (4-2) for the Super Fight League America Welterweight Championship. The first round went to the ground early and often, with Cunningham landing takedown after takedown. As the action moved to round number two, the trend remained the same, with Cunningham outwrestling the Georgia native before sinking in the elusive Von Flue choke and earning championship gold.

In one of the evening’s featured contests, highly touted Spanaway native Bobby McIntyre (3-1) took on Vancouver’s Jason Novelli (8-1) in a 3-round Lightweight title eliminator bout. The action came early, with both fighters landing huge takedowns in the first round. The second round saw Novelli pull away, eventually sinking in a rear-naked choke for the submission victory and staking his claim to a Lightweight Title fight against newly crowned champion, Justin”Ruckus” Harrington in a fight.

Four hotly contested bouts rounded out the evening. Those results are as follows.

Corey Watson (3-0) def. Adam Walkemeyer (2-3) via 1st Round Submission (Arm Triangle)

Kody Kramer (1-0) def. Tony Reyes (8-9) via Unanimous Decision

Woo Johnson (4-1) def. Chris Aparicio (0-3) via 3rd Round Submission

Vince Morales (2-0) def. Jeremie Montgomery (0-1) via 1st Round TKO

Up next from the Halquist Productions team, world-class professional boxing returns with Battle at the Boat 102, live from the Emerald Queen Casino on Saturday, August 15th. Tickets are on sale now through the Emerald Queen Casino box office as well as all Ticketmaster locations. For more info, please visit www.halquistproductions.com as well as the Battle at the Boat Facebook page.

Terry Flanagan won the WBO Lightweight title when Jose Zapada had to bow out of the fight due to a shoulder injury after two rounds at the Veladrome in Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom.

Flanagan, 135 lbs is 28-0 with 11 knockouts. Zepeda, 134 1/2 lbs is now 23-1.

Donnie Nietes retained the WBO Light Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Francisco Rodriguez Jr. at Cebu City Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Barangay Lahug in Cebu City, Philippines.

Nietes, 108 lbs of Philippines won by scores of 119-109, 118-110 and 115-113 and is now 36-1-4. Rodriguez Jr., 108 lbs of Mexico is 17-3-1.

Mark Magsayo scored a 5th round stoppage over Rafael Reyes in a scheduled 10-round Featherweight bout.

Magsayo dropped Reyes in round three and the fight was stopped at 2:29 of round five.

Magsayo, 126 lbs is now 11-0 with 9 knockouts. Reyes, 124 lbs is 16-5.

Mauricio Herrera got a disputed 5-round technical decision over Hank Lundy in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Welterweight bout at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California.

Herrera was cut over his right eye in round one and cut over his left eye in round two that were the result of accidental headbutts. It seemed that Lundy landed the more effective blows but Herrera won by tallies of 48-47 on two cards and 48-48.

Herrera, 139 1/2 lbs of Riverside, CA is 22-5. Lundy, 139 lbs of Philadelphia is 25-5-1.

Michael Perez scored a 6th round stoppage over late replacement Luis Sanchez in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight bout.

Perez was cut from headbutts on his head in round’s two and five but was able to drop Sanchez in round six and the bout was stopped at 1:20 of round six.

Perez, 134 1/2 lbs of Newark, NJ is now 23-1-2 with 11 knockouts. Sanchez, 133 1/2 lbs of Mexico is 17-4-1.

Former U.S. Olympian, Joseph Diaz Jr. had to work hard to get a 10-round unanimous decision over Rene Alvarado in a Featherweight bout.

Diaz scored a knockdown in round one when a straight left caught Alvarado around the top of the ahead. It could have been ruled a slip.

Diaz, 125 1/2 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 95-94 to raise his perfect mark to 17-0. Alvarado, 125 3/4 lbs of Managua, NIC is 25-5.

Keith Thurman retained the WBA Welterweight title with a stoppage over former world champion Luis Collazo due to a cut over Collazo’s right eye in round eight of their scheduled 12-round bout. The bout took place at the Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida.

In round three, there was swelling under the left eye of Collazo.. In round five, Collazo landed a left to the body that hurt Thurman. Collazo began to bleed over his right eye in round six. The cut was caused by an accidental headbutt. Due to the cut, Collazo said in on his stool just after the 8th round bell rang that he could not see and the bout was waved off.

Thurman of Clearwater, FL is now 26-0 with 21 knockouts. Collazo of Brooklyn, NY is 36-7.

KEITH THURMAN

“I felt good in there. I’ve been saying I’m an evolutionary fighter and I showed it tonight. I’ve always had power, but tonight was champ versus champ boxing.

“My team is happy and I’m very happy with my performance. I’m looking to continue this incredible streak. I’m 26-0. If you can beat me then beat me.

“He caught me with a left hook uppercut hybrid shot in the fifth and knocked out almost all of my wind. It was an excellent shot by Luis. I endured like a champion though.

“We trained hard for this camp. Luis Collazo, I want to give it up to him. All respect. He’s a great veteran. He came and he fought hard. We kept picking our shots, giving him a little bit of power every round and we broke him down.

“I beat this fighter and I can beat any fighter.

“This is great for me to pull this off at home. There was lots of pressure and hype. I gave it my best and I came out with the win.

“We want anybody that we can get at the top of the welterweight division; Mayweather, Pacquiao, Porter, Khan, Bradley, Maidana.

“Thank you so much to Tampa Bay, St. Pete and all my home fans here in Florida. I’m going to continue to do you all proud.”

LUIS COLLAZO

“I was trying to set up body shots any way I could. I saw him moving to the left and was trying to catch him just right. I wish I had more time in that round.

“The second cut on the top of my right eye was the worst. I couldn’t really see and was constantly wiping the blood away.

“If I would have come out of my corner again I probably would have gotten caught with some unnecessary shots, and I didn’t need that.

“I want to fight again for sure. Whoever my team and Al Haymon put in front of me I’ll fight. I’ll take any welterweight.

“This was about the fans tonight. I’m glad I could come down to Tampa and give a great fight.

“Thanks to my fans for all the love and support. Sorry for letting you all down tonight, but I want to fight again so we decided not to continue.”

Willie Nelson scored a shocking 9th round stoppage over previously undefeated Tony Harrison in scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Nelson landed a right to the top of the head and then followed up with a left and right that dropped Harrison to the canvas. Harrison got to his feet but was wobbly and referee Frank Santore stopped the bout at 2:57 of round nine.

Nelson of Cleveland is now 24-2-1 with 14 knockouts. Harrison of Detroit is 21-1.

WILLIE NELSON

“I was confident and relaxed tonight. I wanted to take him into deep waters and that’s exactly what I did.

“I’m very happy the whole world got to see me tonight. This is where I belong and I’m just looking to start getting my shots and collecting titles.

“There’s really no specific person that I want next. I’ll take anyone in the 154 lbs division. The only person I won’t fight is Terrell Gausha because we’re so close.

“My coach said to dip down and throw a right hand on top. And he buckled, so I threw another right hand. It was a left uppercut that started the combination and then the right hand.

“I was really just taking my time and being patient. I know I should have not worried about it and just let my hands go. The plan was to take him into deep water, that’s pretty much why I was relaxing, but I got the job done.

“Keep watching me. I’m always the underdog and I embrace it. I took some big punches tonight from Tony (Harrison) and proved my chin.”

TONY HARRISON

“I was pacing myself, but also trying to push it when I could.

“When I went down it was because he hit me behind my head and then when I got up I was looking at my team.

“I let the anxiety get to me. I felt the anxiousness to knock him out, got reckless and got caught with a shot. I felt like I was winning the whole fight with the game plan but I switched it up.

“I lost to a fighter that I shouldn’t have lost to tonight. I was supposed to do better. All props to Willie (Nelson) though.

“All fighters get hit and I’ll be back stronger than ever to get my career back on track.

“I want to thank Al Haymon and ESPN. My head is held high.”

Edner Cherry Scored a 9th round stoppage over Luis Cruz in a scheduled 10-round Lightweight bout.

In round nine, Cherry landed a perfect right hand that sent Cruz to the canvas. Cherry continued the assault and dropped Cruz with another perfect right shortly after and referee Frank Santore stopped the bout at 2:07 round nine.

Cherry of Wauchula, FLA is now 34-6-2 with 19 knockouts. Cruz of Puerto Rico is 21-4.

Follow all the action as Keith Thurman defends the WBA Welterweight title against Luis Collazo. The action kicks off at 9 PM Eastern with a Jr. Middleweight bout between undefeatd Tony Harrison and Willie Nelson.

12 Rounds–WBA Welterweight Title–Keith Thurman (25-0, 21 KO’s) vs Luis Collazo (36-6, 19 KO’s)

Round 1 not much…10-10

Round 2 Thurmans lands a combination in ropes.left and right..left to body…20-19 Thurman

Round 3Thurman landsa combination…exchange in the corner,counter from Thurman…Swelling under left eye of Collazo…30-28 Thurman

Round 4 Combination from Thurman..Jab from Collazo..2 rights to the body from Thurman..40-37 Thurman

Round 5 Thurman lands big barrage to start round…Right..Right..Collazo lands a huge body shot and hurts Thurman…Thurman holding on...49-47 Thurman

Round 6 Short left from Collazo..short right from Thurman..left from collazo..Collazo cut from over roght eye…Right Thurman..59-56 Thurman

Round 7 Sharp right from Thurman..69-65 Thurman

Round 8 The fight is stopped in the corner due to a cut.

10 ROUNDS–JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS–TONY HARRISON (21-0, 18 KO’S) VS WILLIE NELSON (23-2-1, 13 KO’S)

Round 1 Jab from Nelson..Left…10-9 Nelson

Round 2 Nelson lands a left to the body..Right on inside and jab from Harrison..Body shot…2 left hooks…Good action 19-19

Round 3 Harrison jabbing…jab..29-28 Harrison

Round 4 39-38 Harrison

Round 5 Harrison working off the jab…49-47 Harrison

Round 6 Right to body and right to head from Harrison..59-56 Harrison

Round 7 Jab from Nelson…68-66 Harrison

Round 8 Good left from Nelson…Harrison lands a right…Left from Harrison..Jab...78-75 Harrison

Round 9 Jab from Nelson..right..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES HARRISON…HARRISON GETS TO HIS FEET BUT IS WOBBLY AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Promoters Timur Dugazaev (Akhmat Promotion / Terek Box Event) and Ulf Steinforth (SES Boxing) are keeping their word at the “Heavy Night” in Magdeburg, Germany, tomorrow (Saturday, July 11th) when they send a total of almost 3000 lbs. (more than 1300 kg) into the ring in six heavyweight bouts. In the main event WBA World Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev (111.6 kg / 246 lbs.) takes on Francesco Pianeta (110 kg / 242.5 lbs.).

In the heaviest fight of the night Russia’s Apti Davtaev (117.5 kg / 259 lbs.) faces Jakov Gospic (117 kg / 258 lbs.) for the vacant WBC CISBB Championship. The vacant WBO European title will also be on the line when German hope Michael Wallisch (111 kg / 244.7 lbs.) steps into the ring against Italy’s Gabio Tuiach (100 kg / 220 lbs.). Edmund Gerber (112.2 kg / 247.3 lbs.) fights Lubos Suda (92.1 kg / 203 lbs.), former European Champion Alexander Dimitrenko (114.3 kg / 252 lbs.) is taking on Zoltan Csala (115.4 kg / 254.5) and hot prospect Tom Schwarz (107.9 kg / 238 lbs.) meets “Sandman” Konstantin Airich (104.4 kg / 230 lbs.) in an all-German affair.

Las Vegas – As the doors swing open on the 2015 UFC Fan Expo®, UFC® will unveil a completely transformed visual identity – the first since the mixed martial arts (MMA) organization was purchased by Zuffa, LLC in 2001. The biggest transformation will be experienced by fans watching UFC® 189: MENDES vs. MCGREGOR this Saturday, with the launch of a completely redesigned graphics package.

UFC’s new visual identity, designed in partnership with Hollywood-based branding and marketing agency Troika, celebrates the UFC position as an undeniable force in the world of sport. It further brings to life the UFC brand attributes: premium, electric and lionhearted, while also elevating UFC athletes as larger-than-life heroes.

The broadcast will feature innovations throughout the on-screen information system, enabling depth of storytelling while enhancing the viewing experience with a low profile footprint that does not distract from the action in the famed Octagon®. UFC also moves to center clock in broadcast – a first in combat sports.

“UFC has and always will be true to its DNA,” UFC Chief Global Brand Officer Garry Cook said. “We didn’t set out to reinvent ourselves, we looked at ways to build on our solid foundation and better deliver on a broad range of storytelling components, providing more context and meaning, and further enhancing the viewing experience for our fans.”

With an increasing slate of content available across a wide range of platforms, design elements where heavily focused on providing navigational clarity and product differentiation for fans. The newly designed logo architecture and brand signatures, which include an ownable tab system utilized across all UFC properties, will be especially prominent in marketing and promotional materials serving to distinguish Pay-Per-View (PPV) events from broadcast and those exclusive to UFCFIGHTPASS.com.

An overview of UFC’s new visual identify can be viewed here: http://media.ufc.tv/PR/UFC_BRAND.pdf

For a full look at the transformed UFC broadcast identity tune-in on Saturday, July 11 as UFC 189: MENDES vs. MCGREGOR goes live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

For additional information please visit UFC.com, and follow UFC on Twitter @ufc.

###

About UFC®
UFC® is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization and largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in London, Toronto, Singapore and Sao Paulo, UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe. UFC programming is broadcast in 158 countries and territories to over one billion TV households worldwide in 21 different languages. The UFC has a multi-year broadcast agreement with FOX in the U.S., which annually includes four live events broadcast on the FOX network, as well as The Ultimate Fighter® reality television show and thousands of hours of programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2. In 2014, UFC launched UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service that is available throughout the world with exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content. The UFC organization also licenses over 100 UFC GYM® locations, and owns UFC.TV® (offering live event broadcasts and video on-demand around the world), UFC FIT® (an in-home fitness and nutrition program), UFC Magazine, and has a videogame franchise with EA SPORTS, UFC Fight Club®, UFC Fan Expo®, UFC branded apparel, DVDs and Blu-rays and Topps Trading Cards. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter and Instagram: @UFC.

About Troika
Troika is an Entertainment, Sports & News branding and marketing innovations agency specializing in partnering with media companies to strengthen brands, build audiences and create experiences that resonate with fans. The agency’s team of strategists, anthropologists, creative directors, marketers, writers, designers and animators is known for building foundational brand and marketing strategies that drive business and seamlessly activating them through world-class creative executions. Troika’s client roster includes; UFC, ESPN, Riot Games, HBO Sports, CBS Sports, Amazon, ABC, AMC, Cirque du Soleil, CNN, The CW, FX, HULU, Turner, and multiple NBA and NFL teams. For more information, visit troika.tv.

Buenos Aires, Argentina (July 10, 2015)–WBO Latino and Argentinian 140 pound champion Mauro Maximiliano Godoy (19-0, 8 KO’s) and Xavier Luques Castillo (13-4, 4 KO’s) each weighed in at 140 pounds for their title fight that will take place tonight at Club 9 De Julio in Buenos Aires.

The fight will be shown live on http://www.tvpublica.com.ar at 10 PM Eastern.

LOS ANGELES (July 10) – Former interim WBA light welterweight champion Johan “El Terrible” Perez (20-2-1, 13 KOs) of Caracas, Venezuela will defend his current NABA Welterweight Title against undefeated Russian boxer Dmitry “The Mechanic” Mikhaylenko (19-0, 8 KOs) in an exciting 12-round title bout at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. on Saturday, August 8 televised on HBO Latino Boxing.

“Johan Perez impressed the boxing world claiming the NABA Welterweight Title earlier this year in January,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “He will face a tough opponent in powerhouse fighter Dmitry Mikhaylenko who is hungry and has the drive to conquer, making this a must-see title fight this summer.”

“I have already proven to fans that I am a champion beating Humberto Gutierrez for this title,” said Johan Perez. “I am eager to keep the momentum going and am looking forward to fighting at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. I’m ready to face Dmitry and to show fans why I am the current titleholder.”

“Johan may have the title but I am ready to steal it on August 8,” Dmitry Mikhaylenko said. “Perez is probably feeling comfortable but he better be ready for a fight. I am ready to show the boxing world and fans what I am capable of and that I am one to watch this year.”

Undefeated heavyweight title contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (22-0, 19 KOs) of Miami, Florida will make his much-anticipated return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino when he takes on Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler (30-3-1, 22 KOs) of Chattanooga, Tenn. in a 10-round heavyweight bout. Opening the telecast, Philadelphian southpaw Tevin Farmer (19-4-1, 4 KOs) will go up against Juan “El Mozo” Rodriguez (25-5, 22 KOs) of Puebla, Mexico a televised 10-round super featherweight bout.

Also featured in non-televised bouts will be undefeated fan favorites Joet Gonzalez (11-0, 4 KOs) of Los Angeles and Neeco Macias (8-0, 4 KOs) of Palm Desert, Calif. competing in respective eight-round featherweight and six-round junior middleweight bouts, and Quilisito Madera (1-0) of Las Vegas will be featured in a four-round middleweight bout. Two-time Brazilian Olympic team member Everton Lopes (3-0, 1 KO) will be featured in a six-round lightweight bout, and Los Angeles’ own Lionel Davis (10-0) will open the night in a six-round heavyweight bout. Opponents have yet to be announced.

Tickets are on sale Friday, July 10 and are priced at $25, $35 and $45 and can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Johan Perez vs. Dmitry Mikhaylenko is a 12-round welterweight title bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 5:30 p.m. The HBO Latino telecast airs live at 10:30 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Former interim WBA light welterweight champion, Johan Perez from Caracas, Venezuela, made his professional debut in March 2005 and racked up an impressive 14 wins before falling to the always-tough Pablo Cesar Cano in July 2012. He immediately rebounded with a win against Steve Forbes when he made his U.S. debut in January 2013 and continued his streak with three additional wins. After a defeat at the hands of Mauricio Herrera, Perez triumphed over Humberto Mauro Gutierrez in his first bout of 2015 and looks to extend his streak on August 8.

Hailing from Krasnodar, Russia, Dmitry Mikhaylenko made his professional debut against Ivan Kaberkon in July 2009. The fighter accumulated 16 wins in his home country before making his U.S. professional debut. He boasts recent victories over Felipe De la Paz Teniente, Ronald Cruz, and Sechew Powell. He will look to continue his impressive winning streak in his third fight in the U.S.

Undefeated Cuban heavyweight, Luis “King Kong” Ortiz has had an explosive career knocking out opponent after opponent since his professional debut in 2010. Ortiz has faced and defeated some of the toughest fighters of the sport, including Luis Andres Pineda, Henry Saenz, Alex Gonzalez and Lateef Kayode, all while adding the WBA FECARBOX Heavyweight Title, the WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight Title and the WBO and WBC Latino Heavyweight titles to his collection. Last month, Ortiz returned after a seven-month hiatus stopping Byron Polley in a first round technical knock out at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

Alonzo Butler, the veteran heavyweight from Chattanooga, Tenn., made a strong debut in his hometown in October 2000 against Danny Wofford. The heavyweight kept his winning streak alive until June 2008 where he lost against tough competitor Friday Ahunanya. Butler quickly rebounded with two more wins against Douglas Robertson and Willie Perryman. After a loss to Travis Walker in 2011, he defeated Louis Monaco in 2013. He most recently was defeated by Brice RitaniCoe in 2014. August 8 will be Butler’s first bout of 2015 where he will look for the win against Luis Ortiz.

Tevin Farmer of Philadelphia made his professional debut against Oscar Santana in February 2011, and after four early losses, has rebounded racking up an impressive record of 19 wins against such recent formidable opponents as Angel Luna, Vicktor Chernous, Dominic Coca, Emanuel Gonzalez, and Noel Echevarria. Farmer will look to add to his current twelve-fight winning streak as he makes his Indio-debut at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Juan Rodriguez, the 27-year-old fighter from Puebla, Mexico, made his professional debut in Mexico defeating Eduardo Crescencio in March 2007. The veteran fighter went on to rack up an impressive number of wins, only succumbing to a handful of tough opponents throughout his career. Most recently, Rodriguez triumphed over Omar Lina on June 20 winning the vacant WBC super featherweight youth title in Tlaxcala, Mexico. August 8 will mark the third U.S. fight and first appearance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Rising prospect Joet Gonzalez of Glendora, California has steadily climbed the professional ranks since his debut in 2012. Most recently, Gonzalez impressed fans with wins over his opponents Jose Angel Beranza at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on May 22 and Ali Gonzalez on April 2 at LA FIGHT CLUB. On August 8, Gonzalez will look to add another win to his resume when he returns to Indio.

Quilisito Madera of Las Vegas made an impressive debut defeating Jesus Lopez in Fresno Calif. in October 2014. August 8 will be Madera’s second professional bout where he will look to clench the victory at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

Neeco Macias is a familiar face to fans in Indio with August 8 slated to be his sixth appearance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Popular southpaw Macias knows how to attract a crowd and the 23-year-old super welterweight will look to add to his win total and fan base when he takes on an opponent to be determined in a six-round fight. A professional since 2013, Macias is coached by his father Al and this family affair has resulted in eight consecutive victories without a loss, including an October 2014 stoppage over Roberto Crespo at Fantasy Springs.

Brazilian rising star Everton Lopes will return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, the venue where he made his professional debut clenching the victory against Evan Woolsey in February 2015. Lopes, a two-time Brazilian Olympic team member, went on to impressively defeat his next two opponents, Robert Alexander Seyam at the April-edition of LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles and Marcelo Ezequiel Mesa in his home country in June of this year.

Former pro-basketball player turned boxer, Lionel Davis of Los Angeles, made his professional debut in June 2011 defeating Michael Finney. He went on to accumulate an impressive nine more victories, making him a tough opponent for any competitor in the ring. The 6’7 heavyweight most recently defeated Jorge Alberto Ramos in February 2014 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. August 8 will mark the 31-year-old’s first fight of 2015 as well as his first appearance at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOLatino, and, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing.

EL PASO, TEXAS (July 10, 2015) – Undefeated 140-pound contender Amir “Young Master” Imam (17-0, 14 KOs) will take on veteran former world title challenger Fernando “”La Fiera” Angulo (29-9, 16 KOs) in a 10-round WBC super lightweight title eliminator in the opening bout of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® on Saturday, July 18, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.

The winner of the Imam vs. Angulo scrap will be the WBC’s No. 1 mandatory challenger to the winner of the recently ordered Lucas Matthysse vs. Viktor Postol bout for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight World Title.

One of boxing’s fastest-rising prospects, the 24-year-old Imam has knocked out 14 of his 17 professional opponents since turning pro in 2011. The Albany, N.Y., native is coming off a lopsided 10-round victory over Walter Castillo on April 18 in a bout televised on SHOWTIME.

“I’m excited for the fight. My dream is finally coming true,” Imam said. “This is basically my title shot right here. This is the biggest fight of my career and I know I can’t mess it up. Not everyone gets to make it here, but I get to show the world my talents once again.”

A professional since 1999, Angulo is currently riding a five-fight win streak, with his most recent victory coming in November 2014 via a 10-round decision over Pedro Verdu. The native of Caracas, Venezuela via Ecuador made his U.S. debut in 2006 in a fight televised on SHOWTIME, losing a 12-round decision for the WBA Lightweight Title against Juan Diaz in Arizona.

“I’m excited to face Amir Imam on July 18,” Angulo said. “This is a great opportunity for me to get a huge win on SHOWTIME and in front of the great boxing fans in El Paso. I’m not going to waste this chance.”

Imam vs. Angulo joins a rare afternoon-evening doubleheader as CBS Sports and SHOWTIME combine to televise no less than five fights from the Don Haskins Center in West Texas.

Premier Boxing Champions on CBS will kick-off the action with a doubleheader featuring the U.S. debut of Irish champion Carl Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs), who will defend his Junior Featherweight World Championship against Mexican contender Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 KOs) in the 12-round main event. In the PBC on CBS co-main event, heavyweight contender Chris Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs) will return to the ring against Cameroonian heavyweight Frederic Kassi (18-3, 10 KOs).

Later that evening, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING takes center stage as Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) aims for redemption against fellow Mexican brawler Marcos Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs) in his first fight with renowned trainer Robert Garcia in a 10-round super middleweight bout. In the evening’s co-feature, a pair of top bantamweights will put their undefeated records on the line as Puerto Rican Olympian McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) takes on Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 14 KOs) for the vacant IBF Bantamweight World Championship.

# # #

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezReyes become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.

LONDON (10 July) – Manchester hotshot Terry Flanagan is hoping to emulate his hero Ricky Hatton as he challenges for the lightweight world title this weekend.

The 26-year-old faces knockout artist Jose Zepeda, live and exclusive on BoxNation this Saturday night, with the Ancoats boxer looking to become the WBO champion in front of his home fans at the Manchester Velodrome.

His idol, two-weight world champion Hatton, claimed his first title on home soil when he overcame the highly respected Kostya Tszyu at the M.E.N Arena 10 years ago, a feat which Manchester City fan Flanagan is confident he can also achieve.

“What Ricky did in the sport is truly amazing. I remember as a teenager watching his fight live with Tszyu after me and some mates managed to sneak in and the atmosphere in the arena was electric. The place was buzzing,” said Flanagan.

“When Ricky won that fight people knew he was the real deal and all of Manchester was behind him – City fans and United fans. He drew in everyone and that’s something I’m aiming to do with my fight with Zepeda.

“I’m very confident that I can win this fight and bring the belt back to Manchester and become the first English lightweight world champion in history. It’s going to be a special night for me and a fight I believe will make people sit up and take real notice,” he said.

Hatton has been vocal in his backing of the undefeated Flanagan in the run up to the fight, something which only acts as a major boost for the former British champion, who has 27 wins on his record.

“I’m not fazed at all by fighting on such a big stage. I’m just soaking it all in and the support I have been given is fantastic. To hear Ricky is backing me is a huge motivation for me and that can only spur me on come fight night,” said Flanagan.

“When you hear a legend like Ricky is behind you it gives you that drive and push to go out there and do everything to bring the belt back home.

“I’ve been to his gym and spoke with him and he’s got experience of these situations so I’ve just soaked in all his advice. He’s been there and done it so he knows what he’s talking about and it’s great to have someone with that knowledge in your ear,” he said.

Unbeaten Zepeda though, who is renowned for his hard-hitting after knocking out 20 opponents in his 23 wins, will be just as hungry to have his hand raised at the end of the night.

‘Turbo’, however, is unconcerned at facing someone who is a notoriously quick starter, with 19 of Zepeda’s knockouts coming within the first three rounds.

“We’ve worked a lot on Zepeda and his style, and are well aware of what he’s going to bring into the ring early on,” Flanagan said.

“Steve Maylett, my trainer has got me in great shape for this fight and we have the right gameplan going in against someone with an aggressive style like Zepeda.

“I’m going to look to outbox him, use my skills, and will definitely rise to the challenge on Saturday night. I know what he’s coming with and I’m ready for it. I just can’t wait to get in the ring now and give the fans a really exciting, all action fight,” said Flanagan.

Also featuring on Saturday night’s BoxNation bill will be former bantamweight world champion Paul Butler who is looking to bounce back following his loss to Zolani Tete for the super-flyweight world title when he takes on Mexican Gustavo Molina.

Rising star Liam Walsh will also be out as he aims to make it 19 wins when he battles Isaias Santos Sampaio for the vacant WBO Intercontinental lightweight title.

Flanagan vs Zepeda is live and exclusive from 7pm this Saturday night on BoxNation (Sky437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415). Visit boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Ko
Oxnard, CA: Yesterday members of the media traveled to Oxnard, California to attend WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev’s open media workout in preparation for his upcoming IBF Mandatory match-up with Nadjib “IronDjib” Mohammedi on HBO World Championship Boxing at the Mandalay Events Center in Las Vegas, Below are select quotes from Kovalev and his manager, Egis Klimas:

John David Jackson and Sergey Kovalev
Photo Credits: Bret Newton/Main Events

SERGEY KOVALEV

On Nadjib Mohammedi
“What do I know about him? Believe me, not much. But I do know he’s very dangerous. He’s fast. He has stamina. He’s not stupid; he’s an intelligent fighter.”

“I’m focused. I don’t care who my opponent is. I will show beautiful boxing (on July 25).”

Disappointed he hasn’t fought Adonis Stevenson yet
“Sure, I want to fight Stevenson. I do want that WBC title. My dream is to get the fourth title. I want to unify the titles. That’s my goal. It’ll be difficult to make (the bout with Stevenson), but I think it’ll happen because of Kathy (Duva).”

Krusher Kovalev
Photo Credits: Bret Newton/Main Events

On his fight against Pascal
“That fight I was terrible. I wasn’t ready. I was only 80 (eighty) percent. I started training late. I had some problems in my camp. There were a lot of things I did wrong.”

A bout against Andre Ward
“I’ll be happy to fight Andre Ward. He’s a dangerous fighter.”

“But I’m ready for anybody. I’m open for any fight.”

Regarding Bernard Hopkins bout
“My toughest fight was against Bernard Hopkins. It was the psychology of it (the bout). I had a pregnant wife and a future boy. I was fighting against a legend. It was a lot of pressure.

“I have a lot of respect for Bernard Hopkins. He’s special. I believe in myself much more (after beating Hopkins).”

Training in general
“When I was younger, I didn’t work as hard as I do now. I’m stronger and have more power now.

“I work harder now. I have more motivation. My family. Being undefeated. I have new goals, new dreams. That pushes me forward.”

His aspirations when he was in Russia before becoming a champion
“People ask if I had hope of becoming a champion. I had hope. Hope was the only thing I had. Hope pushed me.”

Sergey Kovalev
Photo Credits: Bret Newton/Main Events

EGIS KLIMAS

On Kovalev fighting Ward
“It would be a good fight for everyone. But I don’t know if Andre has decided what he wants to do.”

About Kovalev vs. Mohammedi

WBO, WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (27-0-1, 24 KOs) will compete in his first mandatory title defense against Nadjib “Irondjib” Mohammedi (37-3, 23 KOs) on Saturday, July 25 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-feature will include a ten-round light heavyweight match-up between Jean Pascal (29-3-1, 17 KOs) and Yunieski Gonzalez (16-0, 12 KOs). Tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster and all MGM Resorts Properties Ticket Offices. The HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Follow Us:

kovalboxer.com
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LOS ANGELES (July 9) – Former WBA Interim Super Lightweight Champion Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera (21-5, 7 KOs) and top title contender “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) of Philadelphia hosted their final press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 9 at the City Althetix Gym in The Golden Boy Building to discuss their upcoming 10-round showdown on Saturday, July 11 for the vacant NABF Super Lightweight Championship. Presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing, Herrera vs. Lundy will possibly be the last boxing match held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena before it is demolished early 2016.

Also in attendance were the co-main event fighters Michael “The Artist” Perez and Luis Sanchez who will face off in 10-round lightweight battle for the vacant NABO title. Joseph “Jo Jo” Diaz, Jr. (16-0, 10 KOs) and Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (22-4, 15 KOs) were also present to discuss their televised 10-round featherweight weight bout on HBO Latino ® Boxing.

Los Angeles based fan-favorite fighters, featured on the non- televised undercard, Nick Arce (3-0, 3 KOs), Jesus Ivan Delgado (5-0-1, 2 KOs) and Jason Quigley (6-0, 6 KOs) were also onsite joined by fellow Golden Boy Promotions fighter from Brooklyn, New York, Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (11-0-, 5 KOs).

Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (10-0, 9 KOs), who attended the press conference and was set to face Jose Esquivel in a six-round super featherweight fight, had to cancel today due to illness, “due to unforeseen circumstances on my behalf I will not be fighting on Saturday. Unfortunately, I’ve had a fever for 3 days now. I tried very hard to save the fight, but I’m not at 100%. I’m bummed out, but my health comes first,” said Christian Gonzalez.

Here is what the fighters, their promoters, and others had to say at the press conference in Los Angeles on July 9:

MAURICIO “EL MAESTRO” HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight World Champion:

“I want to thank Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity on July 11.

“I have been training very hard for this camp. We have been running hills, running in the sand, we did it all.

“Lundy is a tough fighter, we have both had tough careers. We have had it rough and this is the perfect fight for us. This fight will show who is hungrier, who has more heart.

“In Philly they know who I am, they know I beat the champion and they will know that I beat Hank Lundy.

“On July 11, Lundy will know who is the real monster is. Provodnikov couldn’t drop me, Garcia couldn’t drop me, Benavides couldn’t drop me and Lundy will not take me down.

“I am going to come out as a champion on July 11.”

“HAMMERING'” HANK LUNDY, Top Super Lightweight Title Contender:

“Thanks Golden Boy Promotions, CES and my manager for making this fight happen. This is going to be a good fight. This is what boxing needs, two hungry warriors ready to get in there to put on a show.

“This is the fight that everyone will want to tune into and watch the fourth of the July all over again. There will be fireworks on July 11.

“I live the life of a fighter: sacrifice, determination, it’s all fair in the game of boxing.

“There is going to be hell to pay for, I’m coming for you [Herrera].

“Everywhere I go is my hometown, I always steal the show. Hammerin’ Hank coming to a city or town near you. It’s hammer time baby!”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman & CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Thanks for all the support, we have a special card for all the Angelenos. The fighters featured on this card are all talented, explosive fighters. This is a can’t-miss event.

“We will kick off the celebration with a great Fan Fiesta for all the local fans. We will have autographs signings, a special Corona Sponsored beer garden, food trucks and much more.

“This event might be the last event at the arena, if you haven’t witnessed a boxing event at the Los Angeles Sports Arena you should get your tickets now. The sports arena’s first event was a boxing event and on July 11, we are paying homage to that great event.

“That is why they call him [Herrera] the People’s Champion, the uncrowned champion, but that doesn’t stop him from working hard. He is a professional and is prepared for war, to give fight fans a show on Saturday night.

“This card features some of the brightest stars in the sport, Joseph Diaz, Jr., Nick Arce, Christian Gonzalez. All of these fighters are Los Angeles based fighters with a lot of pride for their hometown.”

JIMMY BURCHFIELD SR., President of CES Boxing:

“I wanted to thank everyone for giving us a big welcome; we have had a beautiful welcome. We work with a lot of promoters but no one is better than Golden Boy, the whole team is so great to work with and we want to continue to work together.

“HBO is a great network, thank you for the opportunity and thank you for the continual support to the sport.

“This is one of the best fight cards that I have seen, from top to bottom.

“Hank has fought everywhere, but the one thing about LA is that Hank had enough time to get ready for this fight. He is coming with two hammers, he is in the best shape ever and tomorrow he will get on that scale and be ready.

“Hank has been ready for this fight since June, Hank Lundy is a Philadelphia fighter, everyone knows what a Philadelphia fighter is.

“The Hammer Man is coming with two hammers to take the title home to Philadelphia.”

MICHAEL “THE ARTIST” PEREZ, Lightweight Contender:

“I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting this card. There is a lot of prospects, a lot of talent in this card.

“This card is going to bring fireworks to the Sports Arena on July 11, this will be our Fourth of July.

“Training camp has been going well, preparing myself mentally and physically for this fight. I promise to make a statement.”

JOSEPH “JO JO” DIAZ JR., Featherweight Contender:

“I have had a great training camp and I am ready to fight Rene Alvarado, I know he is a very skilled fighter and he will bring out the best in me.

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions, and Oscar De La Hoya for giving me this opportunity. I am excited to be fighting in Los Angeles, in front of my friends and family.”

RENE “GEMELO” ALVARADO, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:

“I want to thank everyone for being here and showing their support, would like to thank God for the opportunity, Golden Boy Promotions who is my promoter for this fight. This victory is for Managua, Nicaragua.”

TONY WALKER, Director, HBO Sports:

“Thank you for coming out. This is an exciting match up that will be well received by our subscribers.

“We’re happy to work with GBP (Golden Boy Promotions) to bring this show to HBO Latino. It is going to be an exciting night of boxing and the fighters deserve attention.”

The Corona Fan Fiesta is open to the public and fans planning to attend the fights are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000 or onsite at The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena Box Office.

Herrera vs. Lundy is a 10-round super lightweight bout for the vacant NABF title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with CES Boxing. Perez vs. Sanchez is a 10-round lightweight fight for the vacant NABO title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing de Pepe Gomez. The July 11 event is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico, Live It To Believe It! Doors open at 4:00 pm PT and the first bell rings at 4:30 p.m. PT. The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.cesboxing.com, and www.lacoliseum.com,follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing, @HBOLatino, @elmaestro1, @hammerinhank30, @theartistperez, @josephdiazjr, @jay_quigley, @strikerdelgado, @nick_arce, and @angelbojado and become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page, CES Facebook Page, or www.facebook.com/hbolatino, and visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @CESBoxing,@mauricioherrera359, and @hammerin_hank_lundy, @michaelperezofficial, @jospehdiazjr, @jayquigley1, @elchimpa, @strikerdelgado90, @realnickarce, and @teambojado.

Bethlehem, PA (July, 9, 2015)–On Friday, July 17 at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Antoine Douglas (17-0-1, 11 KO’s) of Burke, VA. will defend his WBC Latino and vie for the vacant IBO Intercontinental Middleweight title when he takes on Istvan Szili (18-0-2, 8 KO’s) of Frenkendorf, Switzerland in a bout that will headline a televised quadruple-header on Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation.

The fight is scheduled for 10-rounds.

The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with King’s Promotions, Greg Cohen Promotions and Main Events.

In the televised co-feature, Derrick Webster (19-0, 10 KO’s) of Glassboro, NJ will take on Arif Magomedov (15-0, 9 KO’s) of Russia in 10-round battle for the NABO Middleweight title.

In another title clash, Adam Lopez (12-0, 6 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas will take on Eliecer Aquino (17-0-1, 11 KO’s) of Higuey, Dominican Republic in a 10-round Super Bantamweight bout for the WBA FEDELATIN and WBC Interim Latino titles.

The opening bout will pit Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom (13-1, 12 KO’s) of Washington, DC and Samuel Clarkson (14-3, 8 KO’s) of Ceder Hill, TX in a bout scheduled for 8-rounds.

Some of the best talent in the country will be on display on the non-televised undercard as scheduled to appear will be undefeated Rob Brant (15-0, 9 KO’s) of Minnesota taking on an opponent to be named in a 6-round Middleweight bout.

Natu Visinia (11-1, 9 KO’s) of Clinton, IL. will rematch Jon Bolden (7-10-1, 5 KO’s) of New York, NY. in a 6-round Heavyweight bout.

Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell (14-1, 7 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a bout scheduled for 6-rounds.

Super Middleweight Christopher Brooker (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will fight Botirsher Obidov (1-0-1) of Florida in a 4-round bout.

Super Bantamweight Manny Folly (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA will square off with Gabriel Braxton (2-10, 1 KO) of Redwood, GA. in 4-round bout.

Lightweight Samuel Teah (5-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA. will box Raymond Velez (3-7) of Albany, NY in a 4-round bout.

Lightweight Bienvenidio Diaz (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Paterson, NJ will fight Oscar Bonilla (3-1-2, 2 KO’s) of New Haven, Connecticut in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

Also on the card will be a 4-round Jr. Middleweight bout between Ricky Nuno (1-0) of Bethlehem, PA taking on Tim Kunkel.

Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster and www.ticketmaster.com

1st Bout is 7 PM with the Showtime broadcast beginning at 10 PM ET.

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 Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, lightweight Oscar Bonilla, Heavyweight Natu Visinia, Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell & Jr. Lightweight O’Shanique Foster to the GH3 Promotions stable.

NEW YORK (July 9, 2015) –Boxing returns to the Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City on Friday, Aug. 7 with an exciting ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader featuring the return to the series of Ukrainian blue-chip middleweight prospect Sergiy Derevyanchenko (5-0, 4 KOs, WSOB: 23-1, 7 KOs) as he faces his toughest test to date, former world title challenger Elvin Ayala (28-6-1, 12 KOs) of Reading, Pa. This crossroads battle is scheduled for eight rounds in the middleweight division and will be televised live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the co-feature, Derevyanchenko’s stablemate, red-hot prospect Ievgen Khytrov (10-0, 9 KOs) of Krivoy Rih, Ukraine squares off against upset-minded Nick Brinson (17-3-2, 7 KOs) of Rochester, N.Y., in an eight-round middleweight matchup.

Opening the ShoBox telecast, undefeated knockout artists Regis Prograis (14-0, 12 KOs) of New Orleans, La., and Amos Cowart (11-0-1, 9 KOs) of Leesburg, Fla., will clash in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown.

The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc.

“I have been preparing for this fight for over a month now and still have another five weeks of camp left; everything is going according to plan,” said Derevyanchenko. “I can’t wait to showcase my skills to the world on Aug. 7 as the main event. I’m truly thankful to Al Haymon and my promoters DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions for giving me this opportunity.

“Ayala is an experienced and proven contender and, without a doubt, my toughest opponent to date. That being said, there is no doubt in my mind that I will come out victorious from this battle.”

“I never really understood till now that this is what I do,” said Ayala. “The fight life is the life I chose. It’s why I was born into a broken home. It’s why I’ve been broke since I was born, because the only place you can go from the bottom is either six feet deeper or up, I used to believe that I was doing this for my family and those close to me, but now I truly believe I’m doing this just for me. You will see that hunger and desire when I step into the ring on Aug. 7.”

“This will be my third time fighting on the ShoBox series this year, and I am looking to put on my most spectacular performance yet,” said Khytrov. “Every time I step into the ring, I am looking to showcase that I’m one of the best up-and-coming fighters in all of boxing. I have been training like never before and promise another sensational victory.”

“I’ve got too much experience for this guy and will dictate the fight and back him up,” said Brinson. “Amateur experience means nothing when you take this kind of step up. He will be fighting a true 160 pounder for the first time and he will understand what it is like to be bullied. I can’t wait to get in the ring.”

“Boxing is a dangerous and vicious sport and I want to prove that I am one of the most dangerous, and vicious fighters out there,” said Prograis. “I must test myself against dangerous and vicious fighters. This fight is such a test; DiBella Entertainment promotes us both [my opponent and I], therefore, it goes without saying that Cowart has talent. This fight is an opportunity for us both, but someone will have to begin again. I expect it to be a competitive fight, but I will do what it takes to win. I am looking to move forward.”

“To be on national television and to showcase my talents and my will to win on a major network like SHOWTIME is a dream come true,” said Cowart. “This will be my second fight under the DBE umbrella and I would like to thank my promoter Lou DiBella and my manager Roy Cruz and the entire team at OPB for giving me this opportunity. I am looking forward to a tough fight against Regis Prograis, but most importantly, I’m looking forward to giving boxing fans what boxing is missing, an absolute war. There will be no running in this fight, exactly the type of fight I dream of every time I step into the ring.”

SHOWTIME is excited to come back to Bally’s Atlantic City, where ShoBox: The New Generation series originated over 14 years ago with a main event battle of undefeated lightweights featuring Leo Durin vs. Martin O’Malley. Durin won the clash with a ninth round TKO and went on to become the first of 62 fighters to date that have appeared on the series and have gone on to win world championships.

“Atlantic City, the Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore, and ShoBox: The New Generation, the premiere host for live events, have long had the reputation for producing some of the world’s best-known fights and we are excited to welcome this match on Aug. 7 at Bally’s,” said Kevin Ortzman, President of Caesars and Bally’s Atlantic City. “Since our last boxing match, Bally’s has opened Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, Buca di Beppo, and most recently, we debuted a brand new gaming and live entertainment space at the Wild Wild West, which will be the perfect experience for the boxing community both before-and-after the fights.”

“Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Ievgen Khytrov are two of the elite prospects in all of boxing and the future of the middleweight division,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Elvin Ayala is an experienced contender coming off of an impressive upset over previously undefeated Ronald Gavril. Nick Brinson has never been in a bad fight and is a veteran of ShoBox, having scored an upset victory over Jorge Melendez on the series. The opening bout between Regis Prograis and Amos Cowart is a can’t-miss battle between two undefeated, young punchers.”

As an amateur, Derevyanchenko compiled an astonishing 390-20 record and represented his native Ukraine at the 2008 Olympics. He also won a bronze medal at the 2007 Amateur World Championships and competed in the World Series of Boxing, where he posted a 23-1 overall record and was the 2012 WSB Team Champion and 2011 and 2012 WSB Individual Champion. Derevyanchenko’s rise up in the world rankings is expected to be meteoric and anything less than a world championship would be a disappointment.

In Ayala, Derevyanchenko will meet his toughest and most experienced opponent to date. Ayala is 8-1 in his last nine bouts, with the lone loss coming against fellow middleweight contender and world title challenger Curtis Stevens. Ayala is coming off back-to-back upset victories in 2015, with the first coming over 27-1-1 Aaron Mitchell in January, and then earning an impressive eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Ronald Gavril (13 -1 ) in his most recent bout. Ayala knows he cannot afford another loss in his career if he is going to get another crack at a piece of the middleweight championship and is looking to derail Derevyanchenko’s championship goals when they meet on Aug. 7.

Known as the “Ukrainian Lion”, Khytrov has been on a tear since turning pro in December 2013. Hailing from Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, but now living and training in Brooklyn, N.Y., Khytrov, like his stable-mate Derevyanchenko, was a phenomenal amateur, accumulating a 480-20 record. His amateur career culminated with a trip to the 2012 Olympics, where he was one of the favorites to win gold, but dropped a highly questionable decision to eventual gold medalist Anthony Ogogo.

Incredibly active as a pro, Khytrov notched six victories in 2014, including first-round knockouts over once-beaten prospects Willie Fortune and Louis Rose. Khytrov has not let off the gas in 2015, having already picked up three impressive wins, all on national TV, with two coming under the ShoBox banner.

In Brinson, Khytrov finds himself facing yet another tough opponent who has fought top competition for much of his career. Brinson is 8-2 in his last 10 bouts, with the losses coming against top undefeated prospect Dominic Wade and Olympian and recent world title challenger Andre Dirrell.

Both Khytrov and Brinson hold victories over Puerto Rican contender Jorge Melendez.

The opening matchup of the night between fellow knockout artists Regis Prograis and Amos Cowart is the exact type of matchup that the ShoBox series has been built on. The bout features two young, hungry, exciting and explosive undefeated prospects looking to burst onto the scene in both of their national TV debuts. Both fighters have devastating power in each hand and fight in very similar seek-and-destroy styles. Neither fighter is expected to take a step back for as long as the fight lasts.

The 26-year-old Prograis has knocked out eight consecutive opponents and is fully confident that Cowart will be victim number nine. Cowart, on the other hand, feels that Regis’ come-forward style will only spell disaster for his foe. Cowart is coming off his most impressive victory to date this past April when he scored a dramatic come-from-behind knockout over previously undefeated Anthony Burgin.

Tickets for the event, promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Fight Promotions Inc., are currently on sale and are priced at $120 and $60. Tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. ET.

# # #
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 62 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LOS ANGELES (July 9, 2015) – The highly anticipated showdown between undefeated star Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) and former three-division world champion Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs) is official as the two beloved stars that call Southern California home will fight in their own backyard at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles onSaturday, August 29 live in primetime on ESPN. Televised coverage for this long awaited event begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

To kick things off, an open-to-the-public fan rally and press conference will be held next Tuesday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m. PT at Plaza Mexico in Los Angeles. Both Santa Cruz and Mares will be in attendance. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Tickets for the August 29th event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $25, $50, $75, $150 and $200, not including applicable fees and service charges, go on sale tomorrow Friday, July 10 at 10:00 a.m. (PST) at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 or at the STAPLES Center starting Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 am (PST).

“I’m really excited for this fight, it’s a fight the fans have been asking for and I’m ready to give them what they want – a great show and a great victory,” said Mares. “L.A. is my home, I train here, grew up here and I’m ready to show this city and the world that I am the champ. I’m proud to be part of this great event on ESPN at Staples Centers. Boxing is bigger than ever. Whatever you do, don’t miss this fight.

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.

“This fight means so much to me because I know it is what the fans have been waiting for,” said Santa Cruz. “The opportunity to fight at STAPLES Center against a Mexican warrior and great fighter in Abner Mares is one that I plan on taking very seriously. We have been preparing for this moment for a very long time and I’m so glad it’s finally here. A win is going to take one of us to the next level.”

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 handedly 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.

This explosive fight comes to primetime on ESPN in one of the most revered venues in Los Angeles in the STAPLES Center. Santa Cruz vs. Mares continues a longstanding history of top local fighters competing in front of rabid Los Angeles boxing fans and marks the first fight at STAPLES Center in nearly three years. The last fight at the famed arena took place on November 10, 2012 and featured both Santa Cruz and Mares in the main and co-main events.

“All of us here at STAPLES Center could not be more excited to host this incredible fight in downtown Los Angeles,” Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center. “It is an honor to have these two talented fighters in Mares and Santa Cruz bring this bout to their hometown and to all their fans here in Southern California, it will undoubtedly be a historic night for boxing.”

“We’re honored to bring this highly anticipated showdown between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares to the great Southern California boxing fans,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Leo and Abner have risen to the top of the sport and this much talked about battle at the STAPLES Center is a fight not to be missed.”

In addition to the evening’s main event and co-main event, which will be announced shortly, select undercard bouts will be carried live on ESPN3. ESPN Deportes will also televise the fight live as part of its Noche de Combates series and ESPN International will present live coverage across its networks in Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean and the Pacific Rim. Live coverage will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.staplescenter.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LeoSantaCruz2 @AbnerMares, @ESPNBoxing, @STAPLESCenter, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter and www.facebook.com/ESPN. Follow the conversation using #PBConESPN.

TAMPA (July 9, 2015) – Junior middleweight prospect Antonio Tarver, Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs), son of five-time world champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver, continues to fight out of his famous father’s shadow this Saturday night in Tampa.

The 27-year-old Tarver faces Julian Valerio (2-3) in a four-round bout off-television on the Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN show, headlined by Keith Thurman vs. Luis Collazo, at USF Sun Dome.

Tarver Jr. grew-up in nearby Daytona Beach and he recently relocated in Tampa where his father also lives. They have both trained in Miami with Orlando Cuellar. “This fight means a lot to me,” Tarver Jr. said. “I’m a young, up-and-coming fighter who has the great opportunity to fight Saturday night in front of family and friends. It’s only a two-hour drive from Daytona Beach. I’d like to thank ESPN, Al Haymon and everybody else who helped get me on this card. I sparred with him (Valerio) two years ago. He probably took this fight because of that sparring session, but I’ve got a big surprise for him Saturday night.”

The fightin’ Tarvers
There are many pros and cons having “Magic Man” as your father, especially when he is still an active, world-class fighter. “I’m my own man,” explained Tarver Jr. who was a basketball college player until he proved to his father that he was fully dedicated to boxing. “He’s more calculated; I’m quicker because I’m a junior middleweight and he’s a heavyweight. He’s a defensive genius and I’m working hard every day to improve my defense. I don’t put any pressure on myself as his son. He always told me to achieve my dreams, I’ve got to work hard, bust my butt, putting it all into my skills and crafts.

“I’ve only had 10 fights in my whole career (2 professional, 8 amateur) and I’m trying to catch-up with everybody else who have much more experience in the ring. But I have my father talking in my ear with advice from all of his experience and a great trainer in Orlando. People are going to see big differences from my first two fights. I’m ready for this fight!”

Antonio’s father is excited about his son’s third professional fight. “This is an unbelievable feeling to following my son’s transformation into the fighter he wants to be,” he admitted. “Nobody works harder than Junior. He’s dedicated, focused and all of that gives me a real easy feeling. All I do is talk to him to help him mentally. I can’t fight for him, but I can guide him, hoping he takes the right strides. He has everything going for him – talent and his head on straight. I never worry about him getting in trouble. He’s a different breed of fighter, my greatest accomplishment as a man, and I’m really excited about his future in this game.

The Tarvers with coach
Jimmy Williams
“He was Keith Thurman’s main sparring partner for his fight and there was a buzz from their sparring sessions. Keith is one of the hottest young fighters in the world and Junior gave him everything he could handle. I tell Junior all the time that sparring isn’t the same as a fight. Sparring doesn’t get you paid or championships. Junior knows that in a fight he has to do what he worked so hard on in the gym. The lessons he learned from sparring with Keith made Junior more confident.”
Tarver Jr. has been taught in Tampa by the same coach, 86-year-old Jimmy Williams, who also trained Tarver Sr. when he was 12.

“Every fight is a challenge and test as Antonio works his way up the boxing ladder,” Cuellar commented. “With his limited amateur experience, Antonio has had to learn on the job, cramming for the mental and physical challenges that will be presented. He’s passionate and dedicated on a consistent basis. Antonio seems to have all the tools to make a good run. We’ll grade his July 11th performance and go from there.”

As if Tarver Jr. needed any additional inspiration, he has just that as a father to-be for the first time this September. “The due date for my little boy is September 17,” he added. “That has motivated me even more.”

Antonio Tarver and trainer Orlando Cuellar

It also means that 46-year-old Tarver, Sr. will be fighting later this year as a grandfather, on his quest to become the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history.

“I’m so happy for Junior but becoming a grandfather doesn’t make me feel old,” Tarver Sr. concluded. “He’s a different cat. I’m preventing him from making the mistakes I made. He’s been settled for five years with his girlfriend and now they’re having a baby. I couldn’t be happier. This is a great time for me. When I do decide to retire, I’ll hand the torch to him, still hot, and let’s see how far he runs with it.”

INFORMATION:

www.OfficialAntonioTarver.com

@Tarver25

@MagicMan5XChamp

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (July 9, 2015) – Former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., super bantamweight contender Alejandro “Cobrita” Gonzalez Jr. and heavyweight contender Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola participated in a media workout on Wednesday at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, Calif., prior to their upcoming fights on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS and SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®. The fights will take place as part of an afternoon-night doubleheader on Saturday, July 18, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, live on CBS Sports (4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT) and SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

PBC on CBS will kick-off the action with a doubleheader featuring the U.S. debut of undefeated Irish champion Carl Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs), who will defend his IBF Junior Featherweight World Championship against Mexican contender Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 KOs) in the 12-round main event. In the 8/10-round co-feature, heavyweight star Arreola (36-4, 31 KOs), of Los Angeles takes on Cameroonian heavyweight Frederic Kassi (18-3, 10 KOs).

In the main event of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader later that evening, Mexican superstar Chavez, Jr. (48-2-1, 32 KOs) meets fellow Mexican brawler Marcos Reyes (33-2, 24 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout.

The 12-round co-main event will feature a pair of top bantamweights, as Puerto Rican Olympian McJoe Arroyo (16-0, 8 KOs) and Arthur Villanueva (27-0, 14 KOs), of the Philippines put their undefeated records on the line for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is the first fighter to train at Robert Garcia’s new boxing academy in Riverside, which opened June 8. Garcia formerly trained all of his boxers at his well-known gym in Oxnard, Calif.

Julio Cesar Chavez, arguably the greatest Mexican fighter of all time, made an appearance during his son’s workout to show his support and offer words of encouragement.

Here’s what Chavez Jr., Gonzalez Jr., Arreola, Julio Cesar Chavez and Robert Garcia (Chavez Jr.’s trainer) had to say Wednesday at the Riverside gym:

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR., Former World Champion
“I think Robert Garcia was the best option for me after my last fight. He speaks Spanish and knows the Mexican style. He has trained a lot of champions and I have a good connection with him.

“I missed the basics of boxing training for the last fight. Since I had such a long layoff, I needed to get back to the basics and I never did.

“I feel like I am in a good place right now. I am confident in my boxing ability because I know I am in the right condition. I sparred 10 rounds yesterday, this never happened in my last fight.

“I must win this fight and then everyone will see that I am capable of fighting the big names like [Gennady] Golovkin and [Carl] Froch.

“I must stay prepared and focus on my current opponent. He’s only 27 and has the ability.

“I learned a lot in my fight against [Andrzej] Fonfara. I really felt his punches, I became very tired. He taught me that I needed to spend more time in the gym and on my strategy. But I don’t think it was the wrong decision to fight him.

“I am currently training not just for my fight with [Marcos] Reyes, but also for a potential rematch with Fonfara.

“I feel like I need to have a dominant performance to show my fans what I am capable of. I must work my jab and use my defense.

“For this fight I will be at 168, but I am not sure what I will weigh for my fights in the future. I’m ready for less than 168 to face opponents like Canelo [Alvarez].”

ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ JR., Super Bantamweight Contender
“I have a big chance, a great opportunity. I am going to take advantage of it.

“For this fight we worked differently in training camp than all my other camps. I worked more on my defense, my attack and counter punches. Everything about this camp is different and focused solely on Frampton.

“It’s Frampton’s first time coming to the United States and he wants to be a superstar. But, in order to become a superstar he must first get by me.

“I know that he’s a great fighter with a lot of experience and a hard-hitting punch, but nothing that I can’t handle.

“I’m not going to be afraid of anyone. Even though this will be the biggest fight of my career. I won’t be nervous.

“Ever since my lone loss to [Juan Alberto] Rosas last year, I gained a lot of experience. I think I am ready for this test.

“He’s looking at me as the fighter who lost to Rosas, but I’m a different fighter now.”

CHRIS ARREOLA, Heavyweight Contender
“I expect to step in the ring in the high 240s. That’s about where I need to be. Just staying in shape and making sure I don’t balloon up like I have. My last fight when I weighed 263 I could easily cut weight to 255, but what for? I’m a big heavyweight. I messed up by overeating and it’s my fault. No one else to blame but me. I’m not going to cut any vanity weight. Why would I? I’m a heavyweight.

“I will never quit in a fight. Broken nose, broken ribs, broken whatever. You would have to kill me in the ring before I ever quit.

“I watched Kassi’s last fight. He’s a good mover and switches a lot. The main thing I’m going to have to do is catch him when he’s flinching, because he’s flinching out of nowhere.

“I’ve got to make a statement and I have to give myself a shot for a world title fight. Title shots don’t come around every day so when they do you got to take them.”

JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ
“Julio is more relaxed and confident in his training. It’s never too late to start over. I hope on Saturday that we will see a new Julio.

“The loss to Fonfara didn’t take him down, it woke him up. Now he must take a new path and win in a dominant fashion.

“I didn’t want him to take the fight with Fonfara because he wasn’t at the same weight and he was coming off a year of inactivity.

“I think that this is the right weight for Julio. He is taking on a challenger who trains well and is young. Julio has the essential qualities to step ahead and forge a new path.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Chavez Jr.s’ Trainer
“I think everything has come together so much easier than I expected. Julio is training every day, he’s sparring. He’s doing everything he has to do. It’s been easier than I ever expected.

“We start at 7:30 p.m. and we train till 11 p.m. sometimes. He’s training so much. He loves to train. Sometimes he goes in my swimming pool and swims for 15 or 20 minutes.

“Junior has his own style, and I’m not going to change that. I’m just correcting little things; making sure he doesn’t have his head in front of his opponent and letting them hit him like they did his last couple of fights. I want him to use the jab a little more and move side to side.

“I love it out here in Riverside. I own the whole property so my fighters all stay here. We have horses and it’s quiet. It’s just so different than Oxnard where 40 or 50 fighters could walk in at any time.”

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Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Chavez Promotions, in association with TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 dollars and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the University Ticket Center at (915) 747-5234. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.sports.sho.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @jcchavezjr1, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm, follow the conversation using #ChavezReyes become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromo or visit the SHOWTIME Boxing Blog http://shosportspoundforpound.tumblr.com/.