Atlantic City, New Jersey (February 11, 2023)–Weights for Saturday night’s fight card at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.

Emmnauel Rodriguez 119.6 – Sharone Carter 117.5

Feargal McCrory 135.9 – Ariel Mesquita 138.5

Justin Figueroa 152.2 – Rahiem Davis Cooke 153.6

Francisco Rodriguez 128.5 – Kyle Massoth 128.4

Cali Box 184.5 – Tyler Jacques TBA

Miguel Garcia 135.5 – Christian Castro 141.1

John Vallejo 154.3 – Angelo Thompson 150.6

Daniel Bean 246.1 – Terrick Maven TBA

Sir Robert Lee Ellenburg 139.3 – Jose Luis Fracica Bean 137.7

Promoter: R and B Promotions

Venue: The Showboat Hotel Carousel Room

1st Bell: 7:05 PM ET / Doors open at 5:30

Stream: BXNGTV.COM

Tickets are $200, $155, $80 and $60 and can be purchased at the following link:

https://randbpromo.ticketleap.com/acfn2/dates/Feb-11-2023_at_0530PM

WBC Super Featherweight World Championship (vacant) – 12-Rounds

Rey Vargas – 129.4 lbs.

O’Shaquie Foster – 129.4 lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico), David Sutherland (Okla.).

Welterweight Bout – 10-Rounds

Mario Barrios – 146.8 lbs.

Jovanie Santiago – 145.8 lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-Oy; Judges: Ellis Johnson (Texas), Ursulo Perez (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.).

Heavyweight Bout – 10-Rounds

Lenier Peró – 242.8 lbs.

Viktor Faust – 234 lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Ruben Carrion (Texas), Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico).

SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN

Stream Live at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Lightweight Bout – Eight-Rounds

Claudio Marrero – 135 lbs.

Gonzalo Fuenzalida – 134.4 lbs.

Referee: Jon Schorle; Judges: Ruben Carrion (Texas), Ellis Johnson (Texas), Ursulo Perez (Texas).

Middleweight Bout – Eight-Rounds

Eumir Marcial – 161.4 lbs.

Ricardo Villalba – 162 lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-Oy; Judges: Tim Cheatham (Nev.), Matthew Reyna (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.).

Contracted weight: 163 lbs.

Heavyweight Bout – Four-Rounds

Dainier Peró – 244.2 lbs.

Daniel Zavala – 237.4 lbs.

Referee: Rafael Ramos; Judges: Ruben Carrion (Texas)), Ellis Johnson (Texas), Ursulo Perez (Texas).

Super Welterweight Bout – Four-Rounds

David Whitmire – 148.8 lbs.

Keith Foreman – 149 lbs.

Referee: Mark Calo-Oy; Judges: Ursulo Perez (Texas), Matthew Reyna (Texas), Alejandro Rochin (Mexico).

Veteran sportscaster and THE LAST STAND podcaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will call the blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former three-division world champion Abner Mares. SHOBOX: The New Generation^® analyst Brian Campbell will serve as in-ring reporter. Two Hall of Famers round out the most decorated team in boxing, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood,servingas unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX^® analyst Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez will call the fights in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with accomplished sportscaster Alejandro Luna. Four-time Emmy^® Award winner David Dinkins, Jr., will serve as executive producer with Ray Smaltz III producing and Chuck McKean directing.

Award-winning MORNING KOMBAT digital talk-show co-host Luke Thomas will call the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN livestreaming show.

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ABOUT VARGAS VS. FOSTER

Vargas vs. Foster will see undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas battle top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship in a showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 11 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former champion and all-action San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios returning to the ring in a 10-round welterweight duel against Jovanie Santiago that serves as the co-main event. Kicking off the action, hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Cuba’s Lenier Peró takes on Ukraine’s Viktor Faust in a 10-round attraction.

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

(Feb. 10, 2023) – Emanuel “El Vaquero” Navarrete is staying at 130 pounds.
 
The newly crowned three-division world champion has vacated his WBO featherweight title in order to continue his campaign at junior lightweight. Navarrete captured the WBO 130-pound crown by defeating Liam Wilson via ninth-round technical knockout last week at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. 
 
Navarrete said, “After closely analyzing the situation with my team, we have decided to keep the WBO junior lightweight title. I feel very happy with the three title defenses that I made at featherweight, but I am also convinced that my future is now at junior lightweight. We are going after the big fights at 130.”
 
“I’m grateful for the support that I have always received from my promoter, Top Rank, and the WBO. I will now proudly carry and defend my junior lightweight belt.”
 
The April 1 showdown between Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez and Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe, initially for the interim title at 126 pounds, will now fill the vacancy left by Navarrete atop an ESPN+-streamed card at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Ramirez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, faces his toughest test to date in his first world title opportunity, while the always rugged Dogboe will attempt to earn a belt in a second weight class. 

NEWARK, N.J. (Feb. 10, 2023) — Tickets are on sale now for the April 8 WBC lightweight title eliminator between hometown hero Shakur Stevenson and Japanese puncher Shuichiro Yoshino at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

In the co-feature, Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson looks to score another knockout victory in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight fight against an opponent to be named, and U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis opens the telecast in a 10-round lightweight bout against a to-be-determined foe.

Stevenson-Yoshino and the returns of Anderson and Davis will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $55 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard features Polish heavyweight prospect Damian Knyba in an eight-round fight and featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington in a six-rounder. 

Kelvin Davis, the older brother of Keyshawn, joins the undercard action in a six-round junior welterweight bout. Undefeated U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan will make his 2023 debut in an eight-round featherweight clash, and Ragan’s Olympic teammate, Troy Isley, will see action in a middleweight tilt. 

Davis (7-0, 5 KOs) made his pro debut with a second-round stoppage over Michael Honesto in December 2020. The 26-year-old southpaw is coming off a fourth-round knockout win over the previously undefeated Jalen Hill last December. 

Ragan (8-0, 1 KO) signed with Top Rank in August 2020 and fought four times as a pro before capturing a silver medal at the Olympics in Tokyo. He then continued his career in the paid ranks in 2022 by scoring four additional victories. Ragan, from Cincinnati, Ohio, turned away a stiff challenge from Puerto Rican veteran Luis Lebron last October at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Isley (8-0, 4 KOs) joined the Top Rank stable in January 2021 and initiated his pro career with a decision win against Bryan Costello. In 2022, Isley stayed even busier and went 5-0 with two knockouts. He dominated Quincy LaVallais over eight rounds last October on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jamaine Ortiz undercard.

ABOUT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, and more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events each year. The arena is also home to the GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center, which opened its doors to the public in October 2017. The 8,200-square-foot experience marks the first GRAMMY Museum outpost on the East Coast and features a dynamic combination of educational programming and interactive permanent and traveling exhibits, including a spotlight on legendary GRAMMY winners from New Jersey. Ranked in the Top 8 nationally by Pollstar, Billboard and Venues Today, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit PruCenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment property.

“Don’t blink!”

That’s the message from young lightweight sensation Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim one day out from his championship showdown with the undefeated Santos Reyes in the main event of Saturday’s BOXXER Fight Night, airing live on Sky Sports Arena from 8pm.

Effortlessly making weight, the electrifying 20-year-old has a steadily growing army of fans thanks to last year’s string of stunning performances as he kicked off his professional career in style.

Azim was declared the Young Fighter of the Year 2022 by BBC Sport and now is a day away from headlining a major British arena for the first time. Reyes – undefeated and hailing from the storied boxing nation of Nicaragua – will provide his toughest test to date, but Azim has no concerns.

A war of words developed between Zak Chelli and American opponent Anthony Sims at Wednesday’s press conference and Chelli’s dislike for his Californian antagonist has only deepened in the intervening days.

“I am done talking, I just want to hurt this man. His arrogance, his persona, I just hate him,,” said Chelli after making weight.

Sims, standing close by, retorted with indignation. “Arrogance? The nerve! I guarantee you he’s going to hit the canvas. The Magician is back and I am going to make a statement baby!” 

A similarly heated note has saturated every interaction between Viddal Riley and Anees Taj in the run-up to this fight, largely stemming from Taj.

Irked by suggestions that he’s overmatched, Taj has made strong statements of intent to finish Riley inside the distance. Today though, he wore headphones to the weigh-ins and was in no mood to talk.

“Talking is done, time to work,” said Taj, only briefly uncovering one ear to respond to Sky Sports presenter Andy Scott’s request for final comments. 

When the mic passed to Riley, he voiced agreement. “Yeah he’s right, we’ve done enough talking. Tomorrow night we get to put hands on him, get him out of there and move on.”

The full card and weigh-in results are as follows:

Adam Azim (Slough) (10st 0 lbs) vs. Santos Reyes (Nicaragua) (10st 0 lbs) 

WBA International Super-Lightweight Contest @ 10st (10 x 3 Mins) 

Zak Chelli (Fulham) (11st 13 lbs) vs. Anthony Sims (USA) (11st 13 lbs)

WBA International Super-Middleweight Contest @ 12st (10 x 3 Mins)

Tyler Denny (Birmingham)  (11st 6 lbs) vs. Brad Pauls (Harlow)  (11st 5 lbs)

English Middleweight Championship @ 11st 6 lbs (10 x 3 Mins)

Viddal Riley (Tottenham) (14st 2 lbs) vs. Annes Taj (Watford) (14st 2 lbs 5oz)

8 x 3 Mins Cruiserweight Contest @ 14st 4lbs

Caroline Dubois (Romford) (9st 11 lbs) vs.Feriche Mashaury (Tanzania) (9st 12 lbs)

8 x 3 Mins Lightweight Contest @ 9st 12lbs

Jeamie TKV (Tottenham) (18st 8 lbs) vs. Harry Armstrong (Torquay) (18st 7 lbs 5 oz)

8 x 3 Mins  Heavyweight Contest 

Hassan Azim (Slough) (10st 9 lbs 5 oz) vs. Abdallah Luanja (10st 4 lbs) (Tanzania)

6 x 3 Mins  Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

Stephen McKenna (Ireland) (10st 13 lbs) vs. Brendon Denes  (10st 11 lbs) (Zimbabwe)

8 x 3 Mins  Welterweight Contest @ 10st 10lbs

Jordan Reynolds (Luton) (12st 3 lbs 5 oz) vs. Mohamed Cherif (France)  (12st 5 lbs)

6 x 3 Mins  Super-Middleweight Contest @ 12st 2lbs

Razor Ali (Maida Vale) (8st 12 lbs) vs. Hector Lozano (Mexico)  (8st 13 lbs 5 oz)

4/6 x 3 Mins  Featherweight Contest @ 9st

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – February 10, 2023 —On Friday night, March 10th, King’s Promotions will be back at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania with a huge night of boxing that will be headlined by a terrific eight-round welterweight bout between Julian “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez and Kashon Hutchinson.

Rodriguez of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey has a record of 21-1 with 14 knockouts. The 28 year-old Rodriguez is a 10-year professional was a former amateur standout who has wins over Neyeine Muang (1-0-2), Angel Figueroa (3-0-1), King Daluz (12-2-2), Darlo Feman (14-2), Anthony Laureano (13-0) and Jose Lopez (29-7-2). In his last bout, Rodriguez suffered his only defeat when he lost to two-division world champion Jose Pedraza on June 12, 2021 in Las Vegas.

Hutchinson of Reading, PA is 10-5 with two knockouts. The record does not tell the story with Hutchinson as he has won seven bouts in a row. The 29 year-old Hutchinson is a seven year pro who has wins over James Martin (4-0), Edgar Torres (8-0-1), and his last bout when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Rasheed Johnson on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

In the eight-round co-feature, surging lightweight, James Bernadin looks to stay undefeated when he takes on once-beaten Jesus Vasquez.

Bernadin of Lancaster, PA is 10-0-1 with six knockouts. The 30 year-old Bernadin is a five year professional who has defeated Sheldon Deverteuil (1-0-1), Osvaldo Morales (4-0-1), Edgar Torres (8-2-1), Kenny Robles (9-1) and his last bout when he took a six-round unanimous decision from Clay Burns on January 20th at The Wind Creek Event Center.

Vasquez of Englewood, Colorado is 10-1 with two knockouts. The 31 Year-Old Vasquez is also a five-year pro, and has a win over Nathan Trepagnier (1-0). Vasquez has won four-straight fights. In his last fight, Vasquez won a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Lopez Esparza on April 1, 2022 in Jalisco, Mexico.

A massive undercard is being assembled and already tabbed for March 10th will be:

In an eight-round bout, Mikenna Tansley (5-2, 2 KOs) of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada battles Moni Trejo (3-3-1, 1 KO) in a bantamweight fight.

Six-Round Bouts:

Jonathan Rodriguez (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight fight.

Thanjhae Teasley (5-0, 2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Demarcus Layton (8-4-1, 3 KOs) of Little Rock, Arkansas in a welterweight contest.

Johnny Spell (7-0, 4 KOs) of Pittsburgh fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Dwyke Flemmings Jr. (3-0, 3 KOs) of Paterson, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a junior middleweight fight.

Francis Oran (1-0, 1 KO) of Bethlehem, PA fights John Carmona (0-2) of Fargo, ND in a heavyweight contest. Oran is co-promoted with Jeter Promotions.

Devon Young (2-0, 1 KO) of Aiken, SC fights Lamir Riley (2-0, 1 KO) of New Cumberland, PA in a heavyweight battle.

Jesse Oltmanns Jr. (0-1) of East Stroudsburg, PA (1-1) takes on Marlon Haywood (0-4) of Kankakee, IL in a heavyweight fight.

Tickets are on Sale now for $150, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 9, 2023): As the countdown continues for their upcoming main event fights, Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (21-3, 17 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Yerevan, Armenia and John “Scrappy Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles hosted a media workout at their home gym, Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood.

Hovhannisyan is scheduled to fight Luis “Pantera” Nery (33-1, 25 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a 12-round WBC Eliminator on Saturday, February 18 at Fox Theater Pomona. Rialto, Calif. ‘s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (20-2, 15 KOs) who will participate in a 10-round flyweight opener was also part of the workout.The event, presented in association with Zanfer Boxing, will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST.

“Scrappy” Ramirez will headline the famed Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN show on Thursday, February 23 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Ramirez is scheduled to fight for the vacant WBA Continental Americas Super Flyweight title against Luis “Callado” Padilla (15-3-2, 2 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico. The event will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Here’s what the fighters had to say:
AZAT “CRAZY A” HOVHANNISYAN, SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“When the contract came to fight Nery, I was so thankful! I thought, finally the time has come. I’ve waited 3 1/2 years for this opportunity. I respect Nery, but in 10 days it will be war. I think I will win.

“Even though I am not fighting in Armenia, people will feel the strong Armenian presence at the fight. I am proud to represent both Armenia and Los Angeles.”

JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ, NABA SUPER FLY WEIGHT TITLEHOLDER:
“I came from the bottom. Everyone told me I was too old to start my career boxing. But I did it my way and now I’m the main event for a Golden Boy show. It’s real simple. Work hard and stay focused and you can accomplish anything. I’m all in.”

RICARDO “EL NIÑO” SANDOVAL, FLYWEIGHT FIGHTER
“I learned a lot from my last fight, especially paying more attention to what my trainer is telling me to do during the fight. I deviated from the plan and the fight didn’t go my way. I took two weeks off after my loss and I got back into the gym. It’s boxing. I’m glad to be back on Feb. 18 and show fans that I am back.”

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Nery vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round WBC Super Bantamweight Eliminator fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight night will take place on Saturday, February 18, live from Fox Theater Pomona and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

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

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

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

George Acosta 131.2 vs Marlin Sims 131.5

Nelson Oliva 157.7 vs. Wayne Boudreaux 156.5

Elias Diaz 146.5 vs. David Thomas 146.1

Juan Sanchez 146.2 vs. Xavier Madrid 145.7

Anthony Saldivar 161.1 vs. Cory Cook 163

Oscar Torrez 233.9 vs. Amulfo Cazares 250.4

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, February 10, 2023. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. 

Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple 

?and Google.

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer. Cynthia Conte will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

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

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

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

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

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

SAN ANTONIO, TX. – February 9, 2023 – Undefeated two-division champion Rey Vargas and top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster squared off and exchanged verbal barbs at Thursday’s final press conference before they meet for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship this Saturday, February 11 live on SHOWTIME from the Alamodome in San Antonio in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The back and forth between main event combatants saw Vargas suggest that Foster has lost sleep from the stress of having to prepare for him, with Foster countering that he’s going to send Vargas back down to featherweight after their showdown.

The press conference also featured former champion and San Antonio native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios and Puerto Rico’s Jovanie Santiago, who meet in the 10-round welterweight co-main event, plus hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights Lenier Peró and Viktor Faust, who kick off the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT in a 10-round matchup. The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show starts at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT and contains a four-bout streaming presentation on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com.

Having already captured titles at 122 and 126 pounds, including the WBC Featherweight Title he still holds, Vargas will look to put his name alongside fellow Mexican greats including Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as three-division champions from the boxing-rich nation. He faces stiff competition in Foster, who’s won nine consecutive bouts heading into Saturday night as he seeks to become the first world champion from his native Orange, Texas.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from The Westin San Antonio North:

REY VARGAS

“The Alamodome has seen me crowned champion before and they’re going to see it again on Saturday night.

“It’s a big goal of mine to become part of the club of three-division champions. I want to be one of the best that there’s ever been in Mexican boxing.

“O’Shaquie is a quality fighter with a strong Olympic style. But I’ve fought opponents with all different styles. What I’ve noticed from watching O’Shaquie is that he’s kind of veered from his path and started to do some things differently ahead of this fight. It makes me think he’s feeling the pressure of this fight.

“He knows that I’m not just anybody and I know he’s lost sleep from the anxiety of getting ready to face me. I know that he likes to fight from either stance, but I’ve got a plan to counter anything he brings.

“I’m focused on this fight and I’m not thinking about anything else before handling what’s in front of me. There are great opponents out there for me to face at 130 pounds, but I’m putting everything into this fight first.

“I have no problem with Foster saying he wants to send me back to 126, because I know that I would beat him at 126, 130 or 135 pounds. I can guarantee that.

“Foster better wake up, because he isn’t going to be able to sleep through this fight. We’re coming for him and we’re coming to leave with the title.

“The best way to tell the world about me is by winning another world title. I’ve been a solid world champion for a while and now I’m going to add myself to the same list as the greatest Mexican fighters of all time.”

O’SHAQUIE FOSTER

“This means the world to me. Being in my home state, I can’t even explain the feeling. I’m just ready to go.

“I’m coming to spoil the show. I know he’s going to have the fans on his side, but by the end of the night the world is going to see what I’m really made of.

“My confidence never left after I lost a fight. All I needed to do was focus and dedicate myself to my craft. I always felt like I was one of the most talented fighters, I just needed to put in the work. And that’s what we did.

“I just woke up, so I’m not losing any sleep thinking about him. He can talk that talk, but he better know that I’m not Mark Magsayo or any of those guys he’s fought. The strength and the speed is different.

“He’s going to feel me. Whether it’s the first round or whatever round I stop him in, or if it goes all 12 rounds, he’s going to take a beating the whole time.

“He sounds a little nervous over there. He’s talking about what stance I’m gonna use. I’m not worried about what he’s bringing. I know what I come to the table with. I’m gonna be sharp and show him what I’m really about.

“I’d love to unify titles after a win on Saturday, but first we have to send Rey back down to 126 pounds.

“The fans are going to see speed, strength, IQ and fireworks. I’m here to put on a show and prove to the world that O’Shaquie is here to stay.”

MARIO BARRIOS

“These next few years are going to be really important for the rest of my career. I believe that having Bob Santos back as my trainer is the right move. Being in Las Vegas will help me get the most out of my career.

“The victory on Saturday is the most important thing right now. I have to prove that I’m still an elite fighter. Santiago is a hell of a fighter, but this is just another step for me to get back to those big fights.

“I promised my city a world title and I was able to deliver in 2019. The goal is the same at welterweight. I think with my team, we’re more than capable of doing that again.

“I love fighting back home in San Antonio. I’m looking forward to going out there on Saturday and seeing the Alamodome packed.

“I know Santiago is coming with it. Him taking a fight with me in my city says a lot about him. Whether he wants to box, or whether he wants to go toe-to-toe, we’re going to be ready for anything on Saturday.”

JOVANIE SANTIAGO

“Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is always a war. We’re going to give it our all in the ring. That’s what it’s all about and I can’t wait.

“This is a deep division, but I’m talented as well. I don’t fear anyone. I’m here to get all the way to the top and become world champion.

“I’m here to do it my way and get to the top of the sport. This is a meaningful fight for me. I’m showing that I’m here not only to win, but win convincingly.

“I’m excited about facing Barrios in his hometown. That’s just going to get me even more motivated in the ring. We’re going to take it to another level for the fans and give them a great fight. Just wait and see. You’re going to see the fans start cheering for me as the fight goes on.”

LENIER PERO

“This is going to be a spectacular fight and a great opportunity for me to keep growing in my career. I respect what my opponent can do and I know this is going to be a great night for everyone watching.

“I’m here to face the best. I’m always ready for bigger and better challenges. You can count on me to face anyone and everyone as I continue my career.

“I’ve come here to give it my all and give the fans a show. That means getting the knockout for all the fans in San Antonio.

“This is going to be another great victory for my career. I’m looking to keep adding to my resume against a strong opponent on Saturday night.”

VIKTOR FAUST

“This is a big step in my career. I know that if I go in there and get this victory on Saturday night, a lot of new opportunities will open up for me.

“I did fight his brother [Dainier] in the amateurs and lost on the cards, so this time I’m going to have to take revenge on his brother.

“The winner of this fight is going to be ready to enter that next level. That’s what we’re all looking to do. I can guarantee this fight is gonna be exciting.”

#         #         #

ABOUT VARGAS VS. FOSTER

Vargas vs. Foster will see undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas battle top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship in a showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 11 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former champion and all-action San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios returning to the ring in a 10-round welterweight duel against Jovanie Santiago that serves as the co-main event. Kicking off the action, hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Cuba’s Lenier Peró takes on Ukraine’s Viktor Faust in a 10-round attraction.

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

PENSACOLA, FL. (February 9, 2023) – In the world of boxing, there are few stories more exciting than that of an underdog, and Michael Williams Jr. (20-1, 13 KOs), a young hungry fighter from Fayetteville, North Carolina, is living that story in the lead up to his showdown with former 4-division world champion, Adrien Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs).

On February 25th, fans worldwide will witness an epic fight between these two warriors as they battle at The Gateway Center @ College Park, GA, in a 10-round welterweight clash that will be broadcast live on BLK Prime PPV.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, with prices ranging from $40 to $400. This event is promoted by Christy Martin Promotions and BLK Prime and is sponsored by The Athlete’s Foot. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first fight starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Williams Jr., trained by his father, Michael Williams Sr., and international Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr., is determined to make a name for himself and prove the doubters wrong with an impressive victory. With unwavering confidence and a tremendous heart, he is ready to take on the challenge and shock the world.

Order your BLK Prime Pay-Per-View ($39.99) to see Michael Williams Jr. take on Adrien Broner and make history. The PPV will be available on BLKPrime.com, PPV.com, and iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH, SHAW, and ROGERS. The PPV telecast will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. A live PPV preshow starts at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT.

Despite being considered a massive underdog, Williams Jr. is not backing down. With limitless confidence and a strong belief in himself, Williams Jr. is approaching this fight with the mindset of a true champion. He knows this is his chance to prove the doubters wrong and make a name for himself in the boxing world.

“I’m not here to just be a body in the ring,” said Williams Jr. “I’m here to show everyone what I’m capable of. I’m living a real-life Rocky moment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m coming to get rid of Broner and become a household name with an impressive victory. I have nothing to lose, and I’m going shock the world.”

Michael’s unrelenting spirit and unstoppable willpower have inspired many, and his story is a testament to the fact that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. In a sport where anything can happen, Williams Jr. is a hungry young lion with everything to gain.

“I know the odds are against me, but I’m not afraid,” continued Williams Jr. “Along with my father, who is an excellent coach, I have one of the best trainers in the world guiding my corner in Roy Jones Jr. I’ve been training for this moment my entire life. I’m ready for the challenge. I’ll give it my all and leave everything in the ring.”

Michael has a hunger for victory that cannot be quenched. He is fully focused on leaving his mark on boxing and showing the world that he is a force to be reckoned with. Order your BLK Prime Pay-Per-View to see Michael Williams Jr. make history and prove he is a true fighter.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a matchup of top flyweights as No. 1 ranked contender Taila Santos returns against No. 10 Erin Blanchfield. In the co-main event, exciting light heavyweight collide as Jordan Wright faces Zac Pauga.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: SANTOS vs. BLANCHFIELD will take place Saturday, February 18 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The entire card will be available on ESPN+ in English and Spanish, with the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT and the prelims at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Former UFC flyweight title challenger Santos (19-2, fighting out of Balneário Camboriú, SC, Brazil) returns to action looking to impress in her first UFC main event. A knockout artist with 11 first-round finishes, Santos earned her UFC stripes with victories over Molly McCann, Roxanne Modafferi and Joanne Wood. She now seeks to halt the momentum of Blanchfield and earn another crack at the championship.

Blanchfield (10-1, fighting out of Elmwood Park, N.J.) is considered one of the top prospects in MMA. Still only 23 years old, Blanchfield is undefeated in the UFC with notable wins over Miranda Maverick, JJ Aldrich and Molly McCann. She now aims to earn the biggest victory of her career and soar to the top of the flyweight ranks.

Wright (12-4 1NC, fighting out of Lake Sherwood, Calif.) enters the Octagon with his sights set on delivering another spectacular finish. The owner of an impressive 100 percent finishing rate, he holds first-round knockout wins over Jamie Pickett and Ike Villanueva. Wright now seeks to start 2023 off with another addition to his highlight reel.

The Ultimate Fighter season 30 heavyweight finalist Pauga (6-1, fighting out of Lakewood, Colo.) drops down in weight with the intention of putting the light heavyweight division on notice. A former NFL player, Pauga climbed his way to The Ultimate Fighter finale with victories over Nyle Bartling and Jordan Heiderman. He now plans to earn his first UFC win in dominant fashion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• A heavyweight bout sees Josh Parisian (15-5, fighting out of Howell, Mich.) lock horns with Dana White’s Contender Seriessignee Jamal Pogues (9-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
• William Knight (11-4, fighting out of Vernon, Conn.) seeks to start 2023 off on a high note when he faces Marcin Prachnio (15-6, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) at light heavyweight
• UFC legend Jim Miller (35-16 1 NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) returns to the Octagon to add more records to his name when he matches up with Alexander Hernandez (13-6, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas)
• No. 12 ranked women’s bantamweight Lina Lansberg (10-7, fighting out of Malmo, Sweden) meets No. 14 ranked Mayra Bueno Silva (9-2-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) in an all-action bout
• Jamall Emmers (18-6, fighting out of Mentone, Calif.) plans to spoil the UFC debut of undefeated newcomer Khusein Askhabov (23-0, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Chechnya, Russia) at featherweight
• Light heavyweight veteran Ovince Saint Preux (26-16, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) looks to secure another signature finish against Philipe Lins (15-5, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil)
• Dana White’s Contender Seriessignee Nazim Sadykhov (7-1, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y.) intends to make a statement against Evan Elder (7-1, fighting out of Hillsboro, Mo.) at lightweight
• AJ Fletcher (9-2, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) battles Themba Gorimbo (10-3, fighting out of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa) in a welterweight clash
• Dana White’s Contender Seriessignee Clayton Carpenter (6-0, fighting out of Gilbert, Ariz.) has his sights set on making a statement against Juancamilo Ronderos (4-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) in a flyweight scrap

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for media credentials to the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 207 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

About ESPN

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

Craig Richards will face Ricards Bolotniks for the WBA Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight Title and EBU European Middleweight Champion Matteo Signani will defend his belt against Felix Cash at The O2 in London on Saturday April 1, live worldwide on DAZN.

Richards (17-3-1, 10 KOs) was originally scheduled to face Bolotnik’s (19-6-1, 8 KOs) on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s close points win over Jermaine Franklin at the OVO Arena in Wembley last November but the Crystal Palace man was forced to withdraw after falling ill during fight week.

‘Spider’ returns to the scene of his spirited points loss to South London rival Joshua Buatsi last May while Bolotniks, who holds wins over Hosea Burton and Steven Ward, was last in action in April 2022 – decisioning Hrvoje Sep over eight rounds in Barcelona, Spain.

Italy’s European Middleweight ruler Signani (32-6-3, 12 KOs) landed the title for the first time against Gevorg Khatchikian in Trento back in October 2019 before making successful defences against Maxime Beaussire in 2020 and Ruben Diaz in May 2021. ‘Il Giaguaro’ lost the belt to Anderson Prestot on a technical decision in June last year but avenged that loss in November.

Wokingham’s former British and Commonwealth Champion Cash (16-0, 10 KOs) is looking to add the EBU crown to his collection after enduring a frustrating 2022 in which he picked up two wins. Cash is on a collision course with American rival Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams and hopes to face the unbeaten contender later this year after going face-to-face with him in a fiery ringside encounter in Leeds.

“I’m expecting a great fight with Bolotniks,” said Richards. “He is a good fighter and a lot of people know that which will allow me to showcase how good of a fighter I am. I’m excited to be on this card, it’s ironic it’s the return of Joshua because I feel like it’s my return too. A win against Bolotniks puts me heavily in the mix with the big boys and looking to push on to big things.”

“2022 was a tough one for me personally but I’m determined to make this my year,” said Cash. “In 2023 I’m coming for all the belts and want the biggest fights possible, starting with the European Title at The O2. The work I’ve been putting in the gym with Tony Sims has been fantastic and I’ve never felt better, come April 1 everyone is going to see that I’m the real deal.”

Tickets for Joshua vs. Franklin are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300, £400 and £800 (VIP).

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and AXS from midday on Thursday February 9.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev will defend his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against Marlon Tapales at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday April 8, as the co-main event to Jesse Rodriguez’s quest to become a two-weight World champion when he faces Cristian Gonzalez for the vacant WBO Flyweight crown, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS GO ON PRESALE AT 12NOON (CT) TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 9) AND ON GENERAL SALE AT 12NOON CT ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 10) WITH TICKETS STARTING AT $35 (PLUS FEES) VIA ETIX.COM

Rodriguez (17-0 11 KOs) drops down to 112lbs in his quest to land World title honors at a second weight after an incredible year in 2022. ‘Bam’ become boxing’s youngest World champion when he stepped in late to dominate former World ruler Carlos Cuadras to land the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix in February and then came home to San Antonio for his first defense where he put on a stunning display at the venue that he goes for two-weight glory in, when he stopped Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai inside eight rounds in June.
 
Those wins saw Rodriguez named as the Fighter of the Year in ESPN’s midyear awards, and in September, he successfully defended the green and gold belt once again, this time in Las Vegas as the co-main event on the Canelo-GGG trilogy night against Israel Gonzalez.
 
It’s same surname, different challenge for Rodriguez as Mexican Gonzalez (15-1 5 KOs) looks to upset the odds in his first World title fight. The 23 year old is the #2 ranked fighter in the division, one spot behind top dog Rodriguez, boxes in the States for the first time in his five year career having exclusively boxed on home turf to this point.
 
“I’m more than excited to be returning home for another World title fight,” said Rodriguez. “My last fight here was a very special night and I can promise this one will be even better. 
 
“I’m ready to make history in San Antonio when I become a two-division champion. I’m here to start 2023 with a bang and nothing less. Thank you to Matchroom and Teiken for yet another opportunity to reach greatness.”
 
“We are working hard for this next great challenge of fighting for the WBO World title,” said Gonzalez. “I want to thank Matchroom, All Star Boxing Inc and Teiken for the opportunity. Our clash of styles will turn this fight into a Mexican war that won’t make it to the scorecards.”
 
Akhmadaliev (11-0 8 KOs) makes the fourth defense of the WBA and IBF belts he landed against Daniel Roman in Miami in January 2020, and he’s seen off Ryosuke Iwasa (TKO 5, April 2021), Jose Velazquez (UD, November 2021) and Ronny Rios (TKO 12, June 2022) in his three defenses to date, with his win over Rios happening at the same venue he returns to in April. ‘MJ’ is hunting an undisputed battle with Stephen Fulton, but Filipino Tapales (36-3 19 KOs) will be looking to throw a spanner in the works, and the former World Bantamweight ruler enters his 40^th pro fight on the back of three straight second round KO wins.
 
“I’m happy to be back in the ring,” said Akhmadaliev. “It’s been a while, but finally we’re here for an exciting match against a great fighter in Tapales. He’s a former champion, we have similar styles, so I am preparing for tough action-packed fight on April 8. Thanks to Matchroom, World of Boxing, my team and all the support from boxing fans.”
 
“I am very excited again for this opportunity to fight for not one but two World titles,” said Tapales. “This is my dream to become World Champion again. I would like to thank my Team at Sanman Boxing, Knucklehead Boxing, Shapiro Sports, Viva Promotions and TGB Promotions for getting me this opportunity. I will bring pride and glory to the Philippines when I win both the IBF and WBA belts.”
 
Raymond Ford’s rise continues at pace, and the WBA #3 rated Featherweight will defend his WBA Continental Americas title against former World champion Jessie Magdaleno. Like Akhmadaliev, Ford (13-0-1 7 KOs) returns to the San Antonio arena that he defended the title in June and does so on the back of a KO worthy of his nickname in Cleveland in November, where a ‘Savage’ right hand ended the challenge of African dangerman Sakaria Lukas. 
 
Ford will be banging on the door for World title action with a win, and that’s a level that’s familiar to Magdaleno (29-1 18 KOs) with the Las Vegas man having ripped the WBO Bantamweight title from Nonito Donaire in November 2016. The 31 year old defended it successfully against Adeilson Dos Santos before losing out to Isaac Dogboe in April 2018 – but he’s been undefeated since 
 
“People are talking about this being a step up for me but I’m the step up for Magdaleno,” said Ford. “He’s never fought anyone with a skill set like mine and never been hit by a sharpshooter like me.
 
“I’m ready for anyone at 126 and once I get past Magdaleno then it’s time for me to get my shot at a World title.”
 
“Everyone loves a comeback story, and everyone loves the underdog as well,” said Magdaleno. “I kind of feel like I’ve been the underdog before, and I’ve come out on top. Here we are again. This is my time to shine. A win in this fight puts me right back to where I need to be. I can’t let Ray Ford take that from me. Hopefully that inspires people to not give up on their dreams.”
 
Mattice (20-3-1 15 KOs) recorded the biggest win of his career to date in his hometown of Cleveland in November, picking up the WBA Continental Americas Super-Featherweight title on points against Christian Tapia. That performance landed him a contract with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, and the first fight under that deal sees the ‘Gunna Man’ defend that belt against Ramiro Cesena. Undefeated Mexican Cesena (16-0-1) brings a fearsome knockout ratio to the table in his first fight on American soil, and the 23 year old dubbed ‘Demon’ has devilish plans to derail Mattice’s Matchroom debut.
 
“April 8 we are back,” said Mattice. “Another undefeated fighter and another big step for my career. This is my first fight since signing with Matchroom and I plan on putting on another spectacular performance to show the world why they signed me. 
 
“At this stage of my career it’s only big fights from here on out. I want the top guys at 130 and on April 8, I plan on making a statement to show I’m here and I’m coming for those belts.”
 
“I am very excited to make my United States debut live on DAZN on April 8 against a very strong opponent in Mattice,” said Cesena. “I am going to be well prepared to bring a war to my Mexican people in San Antonio come fight night. I want to thank my promoters Shane Shapiro and Karim Akkar for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent in the US.”
 
“What a night we have in store in San Antonio,” said Hearn. “Jesse is on the fast track to becoming a superstar in the sport and performing regularly on his home patch is a key element of turning this young talent into a household name in Texas and beyond.
 
“MJ always brings entertainment and with an undisputed fight in his sights, it’s vital he shines against Tapales. Ray is really building a lot of momentum and with Leigh Wood defending the WBA title next weekend that ‘Savage’ has his eyes on, Jessie Magdelano is the perfect test of Ray’s World title credentials. Thomas is a great addition to the Matchroom team and a real dark horse in the 130lbs division, but he needs to be at his best to see of the dangerous Cesena if he’s to send a message to the champions. 
 
“There’s much more to be added and I can’t wait to be back in San Antonio for this night, where I believe ‘Bam’ will become a two-weight World champion and take the first step on another stellar year.”

ONTARIO, CA (February 8, 2023) – Thompson Boxing’s super featherweight prospect, George “El Yuyu” Acosta (13-1, 1 KO), of Whittier, Ca, will look to start his 2023 off with a bang against Marlin Sims (8-1, 4 KOs) of Minneapolis, MN, in an 8-round main event bout headlining Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” card. Acosta is eager to get back in the ring and campaign for a regional belt.

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, February 10, 2023. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple and Google

Here is what Acosta had to say about his recent camp, his matchup with Sims, his goals for 2023, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“I’ve had a long training camp because we were scheduled to fight last year, but something happened, and the fight fell through. It’s fair to say I’m in the best shape of my career because I’ve been grinding in the gym for months now. I am following a strict diet, training hard and focused on adapting and growing as a fighter. This is as close to a perfect camp as I have had in my entire career. I learned a lot during this camp and I’m going to display all my tricks on fight night.”

On his matchup with Marlon Sims:

“I am excited. I won’t lie, I felt some type of way when he was unable to fight me in 2022, and it cost me a fight. So, I am eager to hand him a L for the time I lost. You can make more money, but you can’t get back time. I know he’s coming as well, so fans are going to see a great fight. I just feel I have more in my arsenal then him.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“I want to be the next marquee guy at Thompson Boxing. I am hoping to headline shows three-to-four times a year, be a company guy, someone they can trust to put on good events and strong performances. A win here continues my upward trajectory as being one of the featured fighters that Thompson Boxing pushes to the top of the sport. So, a win here is one step closer to my dream of becoming a world champion.”

On fighting in the main event on Thompson Card:

“I have been the main event a few times, but now to say and believe that I might be a main event fighter for a good portion of my immediate future is a level up in my career. Despite having a loss on my record, I have rebuilt from the ashes only to become stronger. Main event Thompson Boxing cards provide justification for why I am still working so hard day-in, and day-out, to try to be great in this sport.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer. Cynthia Conte will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

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

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

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

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

TULSA, OK (Feb. 8, 2023) — Two of Top Rank’s brightest young talents—lightweight prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas and undefeated Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco—are set to return on Saturday, April 1, at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

Vargas, who is coming off a unanimous decision win against Francisco Duque last week, will face an opponent to be named in a four-round lightweight clash. Polanco, who was originally scheduled to fight in January, will make his Top Rank debut in a six-round junior welterweight fight against an opponent to be determined. The two join an already stacked card headlined by the interim WBO featherweight title bout between Robeisy Ramirez and Issac Dogboe and the eight-round co-feature between undefeated Puerto Rican star Xander Zayas and Ronald “Diablo” Cruz.

Ramirez-Dogboe, Zayas-Cruz, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs) was a seven-time national amateur champion before turning pro in May 2022 with a first-round stoppage over Mark Salgado. In October, “El General” signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank and made his debut with the company with a highlight-reel knockout over Julio Martinez. Under the guidance of his father and trainer, Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, the 18-year-old set his sights on becoming Prospect of the Year in 2023. 

Check out Vargas’ latest interview on our new podcast series, Top Rank: Unbox’d.

Polanco (8-0, 5 KOs) turned pro before the Tokyo Olympics, earning wins in Mexico and in the Dominican Republic. After losing by split decision to Uzbekistan’s Bobo-Usmon Baturov in his opening bout, Polanco continued his professional career with a third-round knockout win over Gabriel Fernando Punalef Calfin. “El Rayo” ended 2021 with a decision win over Jonathan Jose Eniz before going 2-0 in 2022. The 24-year-old was initially scheduled to return on the Efe Ajagba-Stephan Shaw undercard in January, but an injury sidelined his opponent.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

LONDON, ENGLAND – (February 8, 2023) -Adam Azim went head to head with undefeated Santos Reyes at today’s official pre-fight press conference ahead of this Saturday night’s BOXXER Fight Night at the OVO Wembley Arena, airing live and exclusively in the UK on Sky Sports.

Saturday is significant for young prodigy Azim, being the first time he is headlining a major British arena and the first time in his nascent professional career that he is facing an undefeated opponent. 

“I’m very heavy-handed in both hands. I’ve got speed as well. If I put the combination together I can put on a devastating performance,” he said today.

“The pressure doesn’t get to me because I’ve been training really hard. I’m very focused and very determined to put on a great performance.  He’s 12-0 so he’s no joke, he’s a very durable fighter. He’s a good fighter and it’s going to be a good one.”

The chief supporting bout on Saturday will be an intriguing clash between flashy American Anthony Sims and London’s Zak Chelli.

“I’ll catch him [with] a nice one and I’ll put him down,” Chelli said, before telling the American: “I fight tough opponents, you fight nobodies. Good dancer… I haven’t seen no aggression and that’s what I’m going to bring on Saturday.”

Sims responded, “The boxing I know is beyond you. On Saturday you’re going to find out. You’ll be my next victim.”

Another well matched contest on the bill will be Tyler Denny’s English middleweight title defence against Brad Pauls.

The respect between the two was clear at Wednesday’s press conference. “Tyler’s established at this level,” the challenger said. “It’s my time to step up, take my shot and show what I’m about.

“We can both dig deep if we have to.

“I just think the styles will gel well for a good fight.”

Victory should lead the winner to a shot at the British title. “There’s so much to gained from this fight. My toughest opponent yet but we’ll see what I’m made of,” Pauls said.

“I just think I’m better,” Denny said. “He obviously thinks he’s better than me. We’ll find out Saturday.

“I think it’s going to be fight of the night. We both come to win, we’re both hungry fighters.

“He’s an entertaining fighter, my last three fights have been entertaining fights. It’s got fireworks written all over it.”

In contrast the animosity between Viddal Riley and his opponent on Saturday Anees Taj was instantly apparent.

“I don’t think he’s my toughest opponent,” Riley said, a comment Taj reacted to at once.

“I know you’re coming to win,” Riley continued. “It’s scheduled for eight, it’s my first eight-rounder. But I don’t think I’ll do eight on Saturday.”

“Of course you won’t,” Taj interrupted again, “because you’ll get stopped within six. I know I’m in your head.”

Riley gave no indication of doubt though. “My prediction,” he insisted, “is that you don’t see round four.”

The full BOXXER card for Saturday February 11 on Sky Sports is as follows:

Adam Azim vs Santos Reyes 

10 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight Contest

Zak Chelli vs Anthony Sims 

?10 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight Contest

Tyler Denny vs Brad Pauls 

?10 x 3 mins English Middleweight Championship

Caroline Dubois vs Feriche Mashaury

8 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest

Viddal Riley vs Anees Taj 

?8 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest

?Jeamie TKV vs Harry Armstrong ?

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest

Hassan Azim vs Abdallah Luanja ?

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest

Jordan Reynolds vs Mohamed Cherif Benchadi ?

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest

Razor Ali vs Hector Lozano ?

4 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest

SAN ANTONIO – February 8, 2023 – A lineup of talented fighters, including a former titleholder, Olympic bronze medalist, Pan American gold medalist and a highly touted prospect in his pro debut, will highlight a four-bout streaming presentation on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page this Saturday, February 11 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show, which will be hosted by Luke Thomas, one-half of the award-winning MORNING KOMBAT live digital talk show, starts at 6:45 p.m. ET/3:45 p.m. PT and is topped by former titleholder Claudio Marrero battling Las Vegas’ Gonzalo Fuenzalida in an eight-round lightweight bout. Unbeaten Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will take on veteran Ricardo Villalba in an eight-round middleweight scrap.

Additionally, the heavy-handed heavyweight Dainier Peró, younger brother of unbeaten Lenier Peró, will clash with Daniel Zavala over four rounds, while blue-chip prospect David Whitmire makes his pro debut against Texan Keith Foreman in a four-round super welterweight duel.

The live streaming fights will precede the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT headlined by two-division world champion Rey Vargas battling top contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com.

A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marrero (26-5, 18 KOs) enters the fight having won back-to-back contests, including most recently earning a decision victory over the then-unbeaten Viktor Slavinskyi in February 2022. The 33-year-old owns impressive first-round knockouts of previously unbeaten contenders Carlos Zambrano and Jorge Lara and also a stoppage of former champion Rico Ramos in three rounds. His win over Zambrano earned him the Interim WBA Featherweight Title. He will be opposed by the 26-year-old Fuenzalida (12-1, 3 KOs) who is originally from Chile but now fights out of Las Vegas. Fuenzalida has won seven-straight bouts heading into Saturday night, including a successful U.S. debut in September of last year that saw him defeat Joseph Francisco.

Marcial (3-0, 1 KO) won a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics representing his native Philippines and has had all three of his pro fights take place stateside. The 27-year-old showed his power in an April clash against Isiah Hart, rising off the canvas to stop his opponent in round four. Most recently, Marcial went six rounds for the first time as a pro, earning a unanimous decision over Steven Pichardo last October. He duels Argentina’s Villalba (20-7-1, 8 KOs), who dropped his U.S. debut in December via decision against the unbeaten prospect Micky Scala.

The younger brother of fellow Cuban standout Lenier, Pero (2-0, 2 KOs) now resides in Miami, Fla., and turned pro in December 2022 with a first-round KO of Deane Williams. The 23-year-old followed that up with another first-round stoppage, as he blasted out Benjerman Baker on January 14. He takes on the Del Rio, Texas-native Zavala (2-1-2), who fought five times in 2022 after turning pro in February. The 32-year-old most recently dropped a majority decision to the unbeaten Rudy Silvas in December.

A 17-year-old phenom set to turn pro after a strong amateur career, Whitmire is trained by former veteran title contender Andrew Council. The Washington, D.C. native earned the “Bodysnatcher” moniker during his amateur run and will look to impress in his first pro fight. He’ll battle the Waco, Texas born Foreman (0-0, 1 NC) who turned pro last September in a fight that was later ruled a no-decision.

The non-televised undercard will also include unbeaten prospect Fabian Diaz (3-0, 1 KO) in a four-round lightweight duel against Eleazar Mendietta (0-1), plus the four-round pro debuts of two light heavyweight San Antonio-natives as Manuel Sifuentes takes on Mexico’s Jesus Aguilar (0-1) while James Wohlschlegel faces Daniel Heinen (0-1).

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ABOUT VARGAS VS. FOSTER

Vargas vs. Foster will see undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas battle top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship in a showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 11 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former champion and all-action San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios returning to the ring in a 10-round welterweight duel against Jovanie Santiago that serves as the co-main event. Kicking off the action, hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Cuba’s Lenier Peró takes on Ukraine’s Viktor Faust in a 10-round attraction.

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

ONTARIO, CA (February 8, 2023) – Super featherweight prospect, Marlin Sims (8-1, 4 KOs) of Minneapolis, MN, has one thing on his mind and that is upset George “El Yuyu” Acosta (13-1, 1 KO), of Whittier, Ca, in their 8-round main event bout headlining Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” card.

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA on Friday, February 10, 2023. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $50, $75, $100, and $125 and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900 or online at www.thompsonboxing.com. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new mobile app downloadable on Apple and Google.

Here is what Sims had to say about his recent camp, his matchup with Acosta, fighting in California for the first time, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“Training camp has been really good. I am not really trying to talk all that much. I lead by example and am a man of action. It is clock-in, and clock-out. This is a blue-collar training camp for a blue-collar guy. I am not going to ‘wow’ anyone with words, but I will with my fists in the ring on fight night.

On his matchup with George Acosta:

“He is solid. He is confident. He believes in himself, but that is all fine and good. He should. I know what I am, and I know what I am capable of. Let’s be honest, he can’t crack at all with only one knockout, and he was hurt in one of his recent fights. He must fight a smart fight, because I have 50% KO ratio, and my only loss is to a top fighter in Dominique Crowder. George Acosta is good, but I’m better.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“I win I become one of these guys who people take notice of. I have fought a lot of people off television and stuff, and a win over a known fighter on an accessible streaming platform like Thompson Boxing is huge. This is a what have you done for me lately sport, and I want to put my best foot forward and set myself up for bigger fights with a victory.”

On fighting in California for the first time in the main event on Thompson Card:

“Huge. This is the biggest moment of my career, to date. I’ll be making my California debut and I plan on bringing home the win in Acosta’s hometown. Thompson Boxing has treated me with respect and has been fair. I am excited to show my skills to everyone watching on all of Thompson Boxing’s platforms. It’s great that all my people back home will be able to watch.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer. Cynthia Conte will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

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

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

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

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

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MANCHESTER, Wednesday, February 8 – Lawrence ‘The Sauce’ Okolie has delivered a confident prediction ahead of his WBO world cruiserweight title defence against David Light on Saturday, March 25th at the AO Arena.

The date and venue has officially been switched from what was previously advertised as Liverpool and now confirmed in Manchester as part of a blockbuster BOXXER fight night which will see Jack Catterall, Frazer Clarke and Karriss Artingstall all in action.

After BOXXER successfully agreed the purse bid, Okolie will make his long-anticipated return having last fought 12 months ago.

And the undefeated Brit believes he will extend his perfect 18-0 (14 KOs) professional record when he defends his WBO championship against unbeaten New Zealand rival Light (20-0, 12 KOs).

“I’ll make ‘light’ work of him,” said Okolie, who returns to fighting live and exclusively in the UK & Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports.

Okolie’s first professional victory was in Manchester, in May 2017 – less than a year after he competed for Team GB at the Rio 2016 Olympics – when he sensationally stopped Geoffrey Cave in just 20 seconds.

Whilst confident he will retain his world title in what will be his third defence since he captured the belt back in March 2021 following a scintillating sixth round stoppage over Krzysztof Glowacki, Okolie knows he needs to deliver the goods against his Kiwi nemesis.

Speaking to Boxxer.com, Okolie added, “I know that Sky and BOXXER are going to deliver as long as I deliver in the ring. I’ve got to make sure I beat David Light and then beat whoever is next.

“It’s good to be back and I’m looking forward to the first step in the journey towards unifications and more world titles.”

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom, said: “We’re heading back to our spiritual home of Manchester and we’re bringing The Sauce.

“Lawrence Okolie’s wait to get back inside a ring has been well documented. But I’m delighted to see a proper British elite fighter defending his world title on home soil.

“The cruiserweight division is arguably the most exciting weight class in the sport right now and it is full of domestic stars who are clamouring to be crowned king. Lawrence sits at the top of that mountain – and he’s planning on keeping it that way when he takes on a very dangerous challenger in David Light, who impressively best Brandon Glanton last time out.”

The North-West’s own Jack Catterall (26-1-0, 13 KOs) will be keen to remind the world that he should be an undisputed champion himself.

Controversially denied a victory against Josh Taylor last February, the Chorley fighter had hoped to avenge that night in Glasgow in a rematch with the WBO and Ring Magazine super-lightweight champion.

But with the Scot sidelined through injury, Catterall must instead turn his attention to a new opponent who will be named in due course.

Shalom said: “It was a travesty what happened to Jack a year ago. He should be fighting now as a world champion. I believe his time will come – but for now, he needs to remind us all what he can do and get out there and fight again.”

‘The People’s Champion’ Frazer Clarke (5-0, 4 KOs) will return to what has been a very happy hunting ground in Manchester when he takes on experienced American heavyweight, Rydell Booker.

Towering 6ft 6in Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medal hero Clarke has won back-to-back fights at the AO Arena and will be looking to make it a hat-trick when he returns next month.

But in Michigan native Booker (27-7-1, 14 KOs), Clarke faces the former No.1 ranked American heavyweight, who has stood toe-to-toe with the likes of Jermaine Franklin, Kubrat Pulev, Filip Hrgovic and Otto Wallin.

Booker knocked out Norman Neely last December and will hope to continue his renaissance against the highly-rated ‘Big Fraze’.

And Clarke’s fellow 2020 bronze medalist Karriss Artingstall (2-0) is back too.

The 28-year-old southpaw has made an impeccable start to life as a professional with two wins from two – including her impressive points victory against Marina Sakharov on what was a historic all-female night of Boxing at The O2 in London last October.

An opponent for the featherweight prospect will be announced in due course, along with a host of other cracking fights for what promises to be an epic night in the North-West on March 25.

To pre-register your interest for tickets, visit boxxer.com

New BOXXER signing Martin Bakole has his sights set on huge heavyweight nights after he put pen to paper on a new long-term fight deal.

Ranked at the top by the World Boxing Association (WBA), the 29-year-old heavyweight (18-1-0, 13 KOs)- who resides in Scotland – will fight exclusively for BOXXER on Sky Sports.

His next fight will be announced in due course but Bakole – who now hails as “The Next King of Scotland” – believes he is destined for huge success. 

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join BOXXER and perform on the biggest platform in Sky Sports,” said Bakole, speaking to BOXXER.com.

“I will build on my last performance in Paris against Tony Yoka and soon become the new world heavyweight champion.”

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom, said: “This is a huge heavyweight signing. Martin is at the top of the WBA rankings and he is destined to deliver great things.

“We’re delighted to add him to our world class roster. He loves his life in Scotland and is training hard alongside Billy Nelson, whom we are very grateful for all his support.

“Martin comfortably defeated Olympic champion Tony Yoka away from home in his last outing. He is arguably the most avoided fighter in the entire division.

“They can all run but they can’t hide for too long, especially now he has the backing of BOXXER and Sky.”

Bakole stands at a menacing 6ft 6in and hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was born a prince to the son of the ruler of the Kananga province. Bakole is also the younger brother of the reigning and defending WBC world cruiserweight champion, Ilunga Makabu.

His record is as impressive as his stature, having won 18 professional fights including his last in May 2022 when he celebrated a majority decision victory over Tony Yoka in the Rio 2016 Olympic champion’s homeland in Paris, France.

Bakole’s only defeat was in 2018 to American heavyweight Michael Hunter. But he has responded with seven successive wins since – five of which were knockouts, including triumphs against Kevin Johnson and Mariusz Wach.

Bakole, who is now based in Airdrie, Scotland, will discover news of his next opponent very soon.

February 7, 2023, New York, New York – – Former world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy will take another step to become a contender once again when she battles former Brazilian champion Taynna Cardoso on February 23 at Sony Hall, in the heart of Times Square, mid-town Manhattan.

Hardy vs. Cardoso, an eight-round super featherweight bout, is the main event of the show promoted by Boxing Insider in association with DiBella Entertainment. 

Tickets, starting at $85 for General Admission are available HERE

Featured on the undercard is a battle of undefeated knockout authorities, Colombia native Juan Carrillo and Plainfield, NJ’s Akhiem Nurse, in an eight-round light heavyweight bout.

Rounding out the card, Brooklyn’s Frederic “French Revolution” Julan will clash with South Jersey’s Decarlo “3medno” Perez in an eight-round light heavyweight bout; Dunkirk, NY’s Elon “El Leon” de Jesuswill fight in a six-round super bantamweight contest against Juan Pablo Meza; New York City’s Michael Hughes and Nelson Morales will battle in a four-round super lightweight contest; and opening the show will be Mongolia’s Tsendbaatar Erdenebat opposing Chile’s Cristian Oliveres in a six-round super featherweight bout.

“Very grateful to DiBella Entertainment and Boxing Insider for going out of their way to ensure me a slot on this show that will be honoring my late trainer, mentor, and papa, Hector Roca,” said Hardy. “The day before he died, we sat in his hospital room, me on the corner of the bed. He put his hand over mine and said ‘baby, they all think you past your prime, but you didn’t hit it yet. This is going to be your year’.  I’m training hard as always and I’ll be ready and I’m excited to start 2023 off right, here in front of all my NYC fans for papa.”

“We are excited to have Heather Hardy back as she looks to honor her late great trainer, Hector Roca. The Julan-Perez fight is a true 50/50 local fight, Elon de Jesus is one of the hottest prospects to come out of New York in some time and and we are excited to showcase his skills,” said Boxing Insider’s Larry Goldberg.

Heather Hardy (23-2, 4 KO’s), Brooklyn born and raised and former World Boxing Organization Featherweight Champion, will bring “The Heat” once again after headlining Boxing Insider’s promotional debut on October 13.  Heather is a graduate of John Jay College in Brooklyn, began boxing in the gym at age twenty-four and made her professional debut in 2012 at the tender age of twenty-eight. In 2014 she won the vacant WBC International super bantamweight title and in 2016 won the WBC International featherweight title. On October 27, 2018, Heather became world champion, winning the WBO featherweight title with a unanimous decision win over Shelly Vincent at Madison Square Garden. Heather lost the title the following September in a unified title fight to WBC World Champion Amanda Serrano in a clash of women boxing stars. Most recently, Heather won a unanimous decision against Calista Silgado on October 22. Taynnaa Cardoso (5-1, 1KO) from Jundiai, Sao Paulo, Brazil made her pro debut in 2017 and won the Brazilian featherweight title in just her second fight.

Juan Carrillo (9-0, 7 KOs) from Barranquilla, Colombia is on a five-fight streak of those not going the distance. Juan made his pro debut on May 17, 2019 and won the World Boxing Association Fedecentro light heavyweight title on March 12, 2021 with a third-round stoppage. 

Akhiem Nurse (10-0, 9 KOs), from Plainfield, NJ, boasts a streak of nine stoppages, all coming after his only fight that went the distance, his 2018 pro debut. Since then his fights have ended in rounds 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 2, 1, 4 and most recently round 3, on November 12, while winning the American Boxing Federation Intercontinental Americas super middleweight title. In this battle of light heavyweight bangers, someone’s 0 has got to go!

Frederic “French Revolution” Julan (12-2, 10 KOs) was born in Paris and now resides in Brooklyn. He made his pro debut in 2016 and won his first ten bouts. Julan is looking to rebound from two tough decision losses, most recently at Madison Square Garden. Decarlo “3medno” Perez (19-7, 6 KOs), from Atlantic City, is a former USA New Jersey State Super Middleweight Champion and a Jersey Shore fan favorite.  His last fight was a tough, majority decision loss to Nadim Salloum at Sony Hall in December.

Elon “El Leon” de Jesus (4-1, 3 KOs) from Dunkirk, NY, made his professional debut on December 18, 2020.  Elon will fight in a six-round bantamweight bout against Juan Pablo Meza (6-2, 1 KO) from Conchali, Chile, made his professional debut in 2018 and will be fighting as a pro for the first time outside his home country.

Michael Hughes (3-1, 1 KO) from New York, New York, Hell’s Kitchen born and raised, former NYC Golden Gloves Champion, is head trainer and trains at the famed Church Street Gym, will battle Nelson Morales (3-2).  The Dominican Morales now resides in Scranton, PA.

Tsendbaatar Erdenebat (4-0, 2 KOs) from Tsetserleg, Momgolia made his pro debut in 2018 and will be fighting in the USA for the first time against Cristian Oliveres (10-0, 5 KOs) from Santiago de Chile, Chile. Oliveras has been fighting professionally since 2014 and won the Chilean lightweight title in 2019.

Streaming and additional match information will be announced shortly.

ABOUT BOXING INSIDER

Established in 1997 as a premier boxing news and information destination, Boxing Insider has recently transitioned into the promotional business.  This will be Boxing Insider’s third professional boxing promotion.  It has promoted one amateur boxing event and two professional events, on October 13 and December 21, both at Sony Hall, Times Square, New York, NY.

LAS VEGAS – February 1, 2023 – Former world champion and San Antonio’s own Mario “El Azteca” Barrios shared insights into his training camp with top trainer Bob Santos and promised fireworks for his hometown fans when he takes on Jovanie Santiago on Saturday, February 11 live on SHOWTIME from the Alamodome in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Barrios (26-2, 17 KOs) will face Puerto Rico’s Santiago in the 10-round co-main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The action is headlined by undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas dueling top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com.

A former champion at 140-pounds, the 27-year-old Barrios returns to the ring after dropping his welterweight debut to former unified champion Keith Thurman in a February 2022 action fight. Following the fight, Barrios reunited with former trainer Bob Santos, who has recently trained Hector Luis Garcia and Alberto Puello to world titles. As he looks to restart his ascent in the star-studded 147-pound division, he will return to the Alamodome, where he previously scored an October 2020 KO of Ryan Karl.

Here is what Barrios had to say about training camp, Santiago and more:

On fighting at home in San Antonio, Texas:

“I’m always excited to give my fans back home an entertaining fight. I love where I’m from and I’m always proud to step in the ring representing San Antonio. I’m very thankful for another opportunity to fight in front of the San Antonio fans. It’s going to be an explosive night of boxing and I’m promising an action packed fight.” 

On his recent training camp:

“I have relocated my training camp to Las Vegas, Nevada, and am back working with Bob Santos. It’s been a change of pace, and coming off a bit of a lay-off, after some really big fights, it’s been refreshing resting my mind and body after two hard camps back-to-back. The change is one I think that’s going to elevate my career these next few years, because I’ll be training in the fight capital of the world.

“I think a lot of fighters lose motivation once they have fought on pay-per-view, but being around so many fighters who are in their prime at the Pound4pound boxing gym out here has been pushing me every day. I am thrilled with how the camp has gone, and I think people will see everything I’ve been working on come fight night. I also have my sister Selina working in my corner as well. We started this sport together and I’m thankful to still have her input in the corner. Everything has been great leading up to this fight.” 

On his opponent, Jovanie Santiago:

“I think he’s a quality fighter. He had a close fight with Adrien Broner that many say he should have won. I thought he struggled with Gary Antuanne Russell, but Gary is a great fighter. I personally think Santiago is a guy that if you take him lightly, he can make you look bad. In no way am I intending to disrespect him, but I am going to show why I have been featured on two pay-per-view main events and am a former world champion. This fight is about me ending this lay off and proving that I am at a different level, and a threat in this division. I think you will see a clear separation between us in this bout.”

On what a win does for his career:

“A win puts me in the position I want to be in, which is competing for a world title. A lot of titles have become vacant as of late, and I think with a strong showing I could get in the mix with any of the world champions in the division. My goal right now is to become a two-time world champion, and that is what I am set on doing. A win essentially gives me that next step to get close to a title eliminator or the bigger names in the welterweight division. I want to perform in a way that makes my city and my team proud and continues to make the networks want to see me in bigger fights.”

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ABOUT VARGAS VS. FOSTER

Vargas vs. Foster will see undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas battle top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship in a showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 11 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former champion and all-action San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios returning to the ring in a 10-round welterweight duel against Jovanie Santiago that serves as the co-main event. Kicking off the action, hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Cuba’s Lenier Peró takes on Ukraine’s Viktor Faust in a 10-round attraction.

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

February 3, 2023, Mexico City, Mexico  – –  International Boxing Hall of Fame members Juan Manuel Marquez, nine-time world champion in four weight classes, and four time world champion Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez, are co-promoting a Boxing event on Wednesday, February 8 at the Auditorio Blackberry in Mexico City.  The event will be streamed live on ProBox TV and the ProBox app, beginning at 8 pm ET / 5 pm CT.

Watch FREE on ProBox YouTube and ProBox Facebook, or no ads on ProBoxTV.com or the ProBox App.

Time:               8 PM/EST Live Stream

Promoters:      JMM (Juan Manuel Marquez) Promotions, 

                        (Humberto) Chiquita Gonzalez Promotions, 

Main Event – 10 Rounds Super Bantamweight

Brayan “Azteca” Rivera, 118.6 lbs., 11-3 9 KO’s, Ecatepec, Mexico                 vs.

Alejandro “Conejo” Gonzalez, 118.6 lbs., 12-5-2 7 KO’s, Mexico City, Mexico

Brayan Rivera: “I’ve been in the gym training for four months and I got the call for this fight about a month ago. I did take a couple days off for Christmas – some celebration with restrictions.  In the couple losses prior to my last fight (a unanimous decision October 29 win) I learned that I have to be a little smarter and more mature when I face tougher opponents. Gonzalez is an experienced fighter with a very good amateur record.  He has power.  I don’t want to give any more details because he is sitting right next to me.”

Alejandro Gonzalez: “I got the call about six weeks ago for this fight. I had been training in Mexico City where there is a lot of talent for sparring. We know each other very well going back to the amateirs.  Rivera is smart and also a knockout artist and has championship boxing experience. My style is not about one-punch power but it’s about combinations and being smart. I hurt my opponents with the combinations.”

Co-Feature – 8 Rounds Flyweights

Francisco Araujo, 108.5 lbs., 10-1, 7 KO’s Merida, Mexico      vs

Ivan Garcia, 107.4 lbs., 8-2-1 5 KO’s, Mexico City, Mexico

Francisco Araujo: “Garcia is very tall. But I am ready to take the challenge. I got the call 3 weeks ago but was already trading long before that. I am always ready for a fight. I was training in high altitude. I usually fight at 50 kilos and I usually walk around close to that.I want to bring heavy volume into the fight and bring pressure.close distance .  My style and the way that I hit I do not expect the fight to go the distance.  I took the fight in 3 weeks because I wanted this opp.

Ivan “El Magnifico” Garcia: “I got the call 2 weeks ago, I had been preparing for another fight that we were negotiating so I was ready for this.  I am always ready.  When I got the call I had been working on another fight that I thought was going to happen. I looked at this opponent (Araujo) and he looks like a warrior.  He looks strong and I see the fight developing at midrange.”

6 Rounds Light Welterweights

Alexis De La Cruz Martinez, 140 lbs., 6-1-1 3 KO’s, Mexico City, Mexico        vs

Ismael Aviles Valencia, 133.4 lbs.,

6 Rounds Super Welterweights 

Jesus Mauricio Estrada, 140.4 lbs., 7-0 4 KOs, Mexico, Mexico

Leyver Lopez Razgado, 140.4 lbs., 3-3-1, 1 KO, Oaxaca, Mexico

6 Rounds flyweights

Emiliano Toscano Diaz, 109.4 lbs., 7-0, 3 KOs, Mexico City, Mexico         vs.       

Sergio Manzo Rebolledo, 108 lbs., 3-2, 1 KOs Mexico, 

4 Rounds Super Featherweights

Jose Guillermo Keb Canul, 127.2 lbs., 1-0, Cancun, Mexico         vs

Brayan Sanchez Santiago, 124.4 lbs.,

4 Rounds Super Welterweights

Jaime Osuna, 153 lbs., 1-0, Baja California Sur, Mexico     vs

Israel Resendiz Avila, 151.7 lbs.,

Follow ProBox TV at https://twitter.com/ProBox_TV and https://www.youtube.com/c/ProBoxTV

For more ProBox TV info click here https://proboxtv.com/what-is-probox-tv/en

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to San Antonio, Texas, for the first time in almost four years with a pair of thrilling 135-pound matchups. Surging No. 4 ranked bantamweight contender Marlon Vera goes for his fifth consecutive win when he takes on exciting finisher and No. 5 ranked Cory Sandhagen. Also, former women’s bantamweight champion and current No. 3 ranked Holly Holm battles No. 6 Yana Santos in the co-main event.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VERA vs. SANDHAGEN will take place Saturday, March 25 at AT&T Center. The main card will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off streaming exclusively on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT, before also being broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VERA vs. SANDHAGEN tickets will go on sale Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. CT and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. CT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Feb. 9 starting at 10 a.m. CT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Media members wishing to apply for UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: VERA vs. SANDHAGEN fight week credentials may sign up here.

Vera (20-7-1, fighting out of Chone, Manabi, Ecuador) aims to deliver another show-stealing performance in his third consecutive main event. A diverse finisher, he holds spectacular KO victories over Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar and Sean O’Malley. Vera now hopes to secure a title shot by becoming the first fighter to knock out Sandhagen.

Former interim bantamweight title challenger Sandhagen (15-4, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) is no stranger to highlight-reel performances. Since joining the UFC roster in 2018, he has delivered incredible KO wins against Frankie Edgar, Marlon Moraes and Iuri Alcantara. Sandhagen now looks to halt Vera’s momentum and stake his claim for a shot at the belt.

Holm (14-6, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) intends to start her year with a vintage KO win. Among the greatest women’s combat sports athletes of all-time, she holds memorable victories over Ronda Rousey, Megan Anderson and Bethe Correia. Holm now plans to stop her former teammate and defend her spot in the rankings.

Former UFC title challenger Santos (14-6 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Saint Petersburg, Russia) looks to secure the biggest win of her career. A talented striker, she has earned notable wins against Ketlen Vieira, Marion Reneau and Lina Lansberg. Santos now has her sights set on cracking the division’s Top 5 by finishing Holm.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 6 ranked flyweight contender Alex Perez (24-7, fighting out of Lemoore, Calf.) faces No. 9 Manel Kape (18-6, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand by way of Porto, Portugal) in a bout guaranteed to delivered fireworks
• No. 8 ranked contender Sean Brady (15-1, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) locks horns with No. 14 Michel Pereira (28-11 2 NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) in an intriguing welterweight tilt
• No. 15 ranked featherweight contender Alex Caceres (20-13 1 NC, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) aims to defend his spot in the rankings when he meets rising Nate Landwehr (16-4, fighting out of Clarksville, Tenn.)
• Dana White’s Contender Series signees collide when Chidi Njokuani (22-8 1 NC, fighting out of Garland, Texas) faces Albert Duraev (15-4, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Grozny, Russia) at middleweight
• Daniel Pineda (27-14 2 NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas) takes on Tucker Lutz (12-2, fighting out of Baltimore, Md.) in a featherweight bout
• Steven Peterson (19-10, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) meets Lucas Alexander (7-3, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at featherweight
• Trevin Giles (15-4, fighting out of Houston, Texas) looks to build off the momentum of his most recent victory when he takes on Preston Parsons (10-3, fighting out of Jacksonville Beach, Fla.) in a welterweight bout
• Liang Na (17-6, fighting out of Heilongjiang, China) goes for her first UFC win when she faces Brogan Walker (8-3, fighting out of Hagatna, Guam) at flyweight
• San Antonio’s own CJ Vergara (10-4-1, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas) aims to steal the show when he squares off with Daniel Da Silva (11-4, fighting out of Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a flyweight matchup
• No. 9 ranked women’s flyweight contender Andrea Lee (13-6, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) battles No. 12 Maycee Barber (11-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.)

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About AT&T Center

The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the AT&T Center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information go to ATTCenter.com.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 24.3 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).  

About ESPN

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 7, 2023): In a high-stakes crossroads fight, former world champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico and Philadelphia’s former world title contender Gabriel “King” Rosado (26-16-1, 15 KOs) will battle in a tough, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico 12-round light heavyweight matchup. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 18 and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST. 

Zurdo Ramirez is returning to the ring hungrier than ever after his valiant effort against Dmitry Bivol last November 2022.

“I’m glad to be back. I had a lot of time to reflect since my last fight and am looking forward to putting on a show against a very-game veteran like Gabe Rosado,” said Zurdo Ramirez. “Just like everyone else, I have goals, dreams and aspirations to be on top and I feel more motivated today than ever. We may get knocked off our path, but my quest for greatness will never stop. I appreciate all the love from my fans and supporters and I promise to be back with vengeance. See you guys March 18th!”

Gabriel Rosado is a dream-spoiler who has dismantled the championship aspirations of a number of elite fighters, most recently a third-round knockout of hot prospect Bektemir Melikuziev. He will be going up a division to face Ramirez. 

“I’m excited to start the year off with a bang! I have a great deal of respect for Zurdo Ramírez. We’re friends, But come March 18, it’s all business,” said Gabriel Rosado. “This is the kind of fight Gabriel Rosado shows up for! I will not let myself or the fans down. Thank you to Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN for the opportunity.”

“This is a dangerous crossroads fight featuring the explosive Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Zurdo will attempt to make a comeback statement against the certified dream-spoiler Gabe Rosado who has derailed the careers of various top fighters.”

Information on the venue and undercard will be shared soon. 

Media interested in credentials can apply at https://emcevents.com/zurdo_rosado.html. Media applications are due EOD Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

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Zurdo vs. Rosado is a 12-round light heavyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight night will take place on Saturday, March 18 and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

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

NEW YORK – February 7, 2023 – A main event matchup of undefeated fighters highlights the second SHOBOX: The New Generation of 2023 as SHOBOX returnee Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes (12-0, 5 KOs) takes on upset artist Ismael “Maelo” Villarreal (12-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight contest Friday, February 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME from Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka, Kan.

The SHOBOX^® tripleheader pits six fighters with a combined record of 68-2-1 and 33 knockouts.

In the co-main event, Misael Lopez (14-1, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colo., looks to win his fourth straight bout after suffering his first pro loss on SHOBOX when he takes on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (13-1, 3 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas, in a 10-round featherweight bout. The telecast opener pits two unbeaten knockout artists in former NCAA Division I college football player Kurt Scoby (10-0, 8 KOs) facing Australia’s John “The Beast” Mannu (7-0-1, 4 KOs) with both fighters putting their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

The card is promoted by Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment.

“This is a really good card coming off last month’s SHOBOX, which was one of the most exciting we’ve had in years,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for SHOBOX: The New Generation. “Ardreal Holmes put on an impressive performance on SHOBOX a year ago and is one of the top prospects in the super welterweight division. Now he faces his toughest test to date in Villarreal, who is coming off his best win against an undefeated fighter. This is a high stakes fight for both Holmes and Villarreal at this stage of their careers.”

Here is more on each of the three bouts:

Holmes vs. Villarreal – 10-Round Super Welterweight Main Event

In his SHOBOX debut last March against Vernon Brown, Holmes overcame a 28-month layoff scoring a unanimous decision fighting past the eighth round for the first time in his career. As an amateur, Holmes won the 2015 U.S. Nationals and was a silver medalist at the 2013 National Golden Gloves. That same year, he also won a bronze medal at the World Golden Gloves in the 152-pound division. Holmes is the oldest of 11 children and suffered a family tragedy in 2016 when his 20-year-old brother was killed in a drive-by shooting in Flint, Mich.

“I can’t wait for February 17 to headline once again on SHOBOX,” Holmes said. “l am thankful and very excited to be back on the series. I’m looking forward to showing the world I’m ready for all comers and soon to contend for a world title.”

An aggressive and explosive fighter, the 25-year-old Villarreal from the Bronx, N.Y., fights under the Main Events banner. He is a two-time New York Golden Gloves winner with an amateur record of 66-7. In his last fight in July, he upset then-unbeaten LeShawn Rodriguez scoring a sixth-round TKO on the Danny Garcia vs. Jose Benavidez Jr. undercard for his best win to date. He managed to stay active during the pandemic by going back to Dominican Republic to fight on three separate occasions. He recently received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from Lehman College.

“My goal is to someday be world champion at 154 and 160 pounds,” Villarreal said. “To achieve that, I will defeat whoever tries to get in my way, including Ardreal Holmes. I’m grateful for this great opportunity to headline in front of a large national audience. I know that this is just the beginning of many great things for my career.”

Lopez vs. Vazquez – 10-Round Featherweight Bout

Lopez, 26, will be making his third appearance on SHOBOX and was born in Mexico but now lives in Denver, Colo. In his SHOBOX debut in 2018, Lopez got the better of James Wilkins in a battle of young, previously undefeated super featherweight prospects, tallying a unanimous decision victory. Lopez suffered his first career setback in his last SHOBOX appearance in 2021, when Jordan White scored an impressive sixth-round TKO. Lopez compiled an amateur record of 50-5, winning gold medals at the 2008 Ringside World Championships, the 2010 Colorado State Silver Gloves Tournament, and the Colorado State Golden Gloves Tournament in 2009 and 2015.

“I am looking forward to returning to SHOBOX,” Lopez said. “Vazquez is a talented fighter, but I am determined to impress on February 17. I truly believe this is the year I put a title belt around my waist. There is nothing or no one that is getting in the way of that. It’s strap season.”

Vazquez, 27, fights out of his native Fort Worth, Texas. The lone blemish on his record came one year ago when he lost a controversial split-decision to undefeated former National Golden Gloves champion Raymond Ford. He has rebounded with wins in his last two fights via decision. Vazquez was a standout amateur with an 82-8 record. In the pros, he has noted wins against fighters such as Adan Ochoa (11-1), Irvin Gonzalez (14-2), Jose Argel (8-3) and, in his last fight in October, scored a split-decision win over Viktor Slavinskyi (13-1-1).

“I love this matchup with Lopez, and I accepted it as soon as it was brought to the table because this can be a breakout fight for the both of us,” Vazquez said. “We’re both young, talented, and backed with a lot of momentum right now. The respect is mutual between both of our camps, and I know we’re both hungry for the win. You can expect us to steal the show come February 17.” 

Scoby vs. Mannu – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Kurt Scoby, 27, is a former high school and NCAA Division I football star who rushed for 2,206 yards and 35 touchdowns in his senior year for Monrovia High School in Duarte, Calif. He signed to play at Fresno State University as a criminal justice major and red-shirted his freshman season. He transferred to Azusa Pacific University in the San Gabriel Valley southeast of Los Angeles where he rushed for 2,703 yards and 16 touchdowns from 2015-2017. When he failed to hook on with an NFL team, Scoby turned to his first love – boxing. After winning the 2019 California Golden Gloves title in the 152-pound novice division, Scoby turned pro in June of 2020 and signed with manager Daniel Gonzalez, fighting three times in Mexico and three more times in the Dominican Republic before notching wins in Atlantic City and Newark, N.J. In June of 2021, Scoby decided to dedicate himself full-time to boxing and at the height of the pandemic bought an $11 one-way economy airline ticket to New York City where he soon walked into the famed Gleason’s Gym and announced his arrival.

“It is truly an honor to be fighting on a SHOBOX card, a legendary platform for young fighters in the sport of boxing,” said Scoby, who was scouted by NFL teams the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers. “I look forward to sharing the ring with another up-and-coming prospect in John Mannu. Unfortunately for him, he is standing in the way on my path to becoming a real force in the junior welterweight division and a future world champion. May the best man win come February 17.” 

The southpaw, fourth-year pro Mannu, 26, will be fighting for the first time in the United States with his last two wins coming by decision against undefeated fighters in power-punching Jake Daoust in August, and slick Adrian Sosa on the undercard of Haney-Kambosos II in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia in October. Sosa had been Kambosos’ main sparring partner and came in as the heavy favorite. Scoby will be Mannu’s fifth undefeated opponent in just nine fights.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to fight in the U.S. against Kurt Scoby,” Mannu said. “I don’t know a lot about my opponent, except that he is undefeated like me. My record shows that I am not afraid to fight an undefeated fighter abroad. I can also tell you that I am not traveling halfway around the world to lose, so I can promise an epic battle.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call all the blow-by-blow action for SHOBOX with fellow Hall of Famer Steve Farhood joining the team remotely as the unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT co-host Brian Campbell will serve as ringside analysts. The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #SHOBOX, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About SHOBOX: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 87 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Tyson Fury, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

SAN ANTONIO – February 7, 2023 – Unbeaten two-division champion Rey Vargas has set his sights on conquering a third weight class as he looks to add a super featherweight crown to his resume when he battles top contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC title this Saturday, February 11 live on SHOWTIME from the Alamodome in San Antonio headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

“This is a challenge that motivates me,” said Vargas. “I know that Foster is coming to dazzle everyone. He’s a good fighter, but it’s my job to make things look easy. On February 11, I’m going to outshine him. He is quick and has a good guard and good movements. You can tell he’s worked hard, but I believe I’m the toughest opponent he’s faced. He won’t be able to get past me.”

Currently the WBC Featherweight World Champion, and a former world champion at super bantamweight, Vargas seeks to add his name to a hallowed list of Mexican champions who have won world titles in three weight classes. The motivation to add his name alongside the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and more, has given Vargas all he needs heading into fight night.

“I don’t want to call this a dream, because I’m about to make it a reality,” said Vargas. “It’s a short list of three-division world champions and I want that to be part of my legacy. I like to do what’s unexpected. Who knows what we’ll do next? All I’m focused on is becoming a three-division champion on February 11.”

In his last fight, which also took place at the Alamodome and in a SHOWTIME main event, Vargas was able to bounce back from a ninth-round knockdown to edge out Mark Magsayo and capture the title. In that difficult moment, Vargas credits his years of boxing foundation for preparing him for anything that’s thrown his way while in a top-level fight.

“When you compete on this stage, a miniscule error can cost you the fight,” said Vargas. “You have to be smart and alert. I was a little careless and I made a mistake. Magsayo caught me with a big blow. Things happen very quickly in those moments, but I told myself that I had a strong opponent who hits hard, but I’m more ‘cabron’, so I got up, fought smart, and got the win. I’m thankful that I had the experience to know how to get out of a situation like that.”

As he continues his ascent up weight classes, Vargas has focused on smartly adding weight while retaining the skills that have made him a two-division champion. In addition to his work with a strength and conditioning coach, he’s trained in the altitude in Otumba, Mexico to make sure he’s at his best.

“I feel very comfortable moving up to 130 pounds,” said Vargas. “Me and my strength and conditioning coach are focusing on nutrition and building more mass. As we go step by step of my regiment, our routine has been more carefully curated. I’m avoiding adding any unnecessary muscle that could slow me down and giving my body what it needs to be at its strongest. I’m lucky to be here in Otumba at a higher altitude where the air is fresher and better for training.”

Vargas is trained by his father Carlos Vargas as the father-son duo looks to continue to add to Vargas’ already impressive resume. Now that he’s fully back after an over two year layoff between 2019 and 2021, Vargas has used his family as motivation to continue his upward trajectory.

“My family and my team continue to inspire me every day to work harder and to build a legacy,” said Vargas. “I’ve had a lot of setbacks and I was mostly stagnant for a few years. I was dealing with an injury, but I’ve recovered. I’m continuing to get inspiration and strength from those around me. I know the road that I’m on and I’m enjoying each and every moment.”

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ABOUT VARGAS VS. FOSTER

Vargas vs. Foster will see undefeated two-division world champion Rey Vargas battle top 130-pound contender O’Shaquie Foster for the vacant WBC Super Featherweight World Championship in a showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 11 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former champion and all-action San Antonio-native Mario “El Azteca” Barrios returning to the ring in a 10-round welterweight duel against Jovanie Santiago that serves as the co-main event. Kicking off the action, hard-hitting unbeaten heavyweights go toe-to-toe as Cuba’s Lenier Peró takes on Ukraine’s Viktor Faust in a 10-round attraction.

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