FRESNO, Calif. (Feb 7. 2023) — Richard Torrez Jr. is not wasting any time.
 
The U.S. Olympic silver medalist, who scored a first-round stoppage victory against James Bryant last Friday at Desert Diamond Arena, will return in a six-rounder against Willie Jake Jr. on Saturday, March 25 at Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. Torres-Jake Jr. will open the televised tripleheader headlined by the junior welterweight showdown between Jose Ramirez and Richard “RC” Commey and the minimumweight title unification bout between WBA champion Seniesa Estrada and WBC queen Tina Rupprecht.
 
Ramirez-Commey, Estrada-Rupprecht, and Torrez-Jake will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Tickets starting at $29 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
 
Torrez (5-0, 5 KOs), from Tulare, California, made his pro debut at Save Mart Center and thrilled the home region fans with a second-round stoppage over Allen Melson. He scored three additional knockouts in 2022 before making his triumphant 2023 debut versus Bryant. Jake (11-3-2, 3 KOs), from Indianapolis, Indiana, is a seven-year pro who has won three straight fights.
 
Torrez said, “It was a dream come true to fight at Save Mart Center, and I can’t wait to do it again. I’m improving with every fight, and I want to thank Top Rank for keeping me busy and giving me the opportunity to fight at home in the Central Valley.” 

ATLANTA. GA. (February 7, 2023) – Adrien Broner, former four-weight world champion and one of the most talented fighters of his generation, has announced his intention to overcome the mental health issues that have plagued him in recent years and return to the ring with a renewed focus and determination.

Broner will make his highly anticipated return against Michael Williams Jr. on February 25, live on BLK Prime PPV. The two warriors will go head-to-head at The Gateway Center @ College Park, GA, in what promises to be a fierce battle that fans won’t want to miss.

Broner has been open about the challenges he has faced, including anxiety and depression, and how they have affected his personal and professional life. Despite these struggles, he remains determined to get back to the top of the sport and prove to the world that he is still one of the best fighters in the world.

“I’ve been through a lot, but I’m not one to give up easily,” Broner states. “I know I’ve got what it takes to be a champion again, and I’m going to do everything in my power to get there. My mental health is a priority, and I’m taking the necessary steps to get back to my best both inside and outside of the ring.”

Broner has already taken significant steps towards his recovery, including seeking help from mental health professionals and making lifestyle changes that support his wellbeing. He has also been working tirelessly in the gym with new head coach Kevin Cunningham, training with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication.

“I can’t wait to get back out there and show everyone what I’m made of,” Broner said. “Coach Cunningham is a no-nonsense type of trainer who keeps me accountable for everything I do inside and outside the ring. He’s been a big blessing and understands what I’ve been going through. I’ve got a lot to prove, and I’m going to do it with my fists. I’m back and better than ever, and I’m going to make the most of this second chance.”

BLK Prime is dedicated to delivering the best boxing content to its viewers and this main event fight is just the beginning of an exciting year for the platform.

Tickets priced $40, $75, $100, $200 and $400 will be available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. This event is promoted by Christy Martin Promotions and BLK Prime. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET with the first fight starting at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Broner vs. Williams Jr. will broadcast worldwide via digital Pay-Per-View on BLKPrime.com and PPV.com for $39.99 and is sponsored by The Athlete’s Foot. In addition, the PPV event will be distributed by Integrated Sports Media and be available throughout North America via cable and satellite PPV on 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.

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About The Athlete’s Foot (TAF)

More than just a retail store but branded to be a destination for athletic street style, The Athlete’s Foot is a global retailer of athletic-inspired lifestyle for streetwear, footwear, apparel, and accessories. The Athlete’s Foot sneaker and streetwear chain have 550 stores and e-commerce shops in 30+ countries. Its global headquarters are located in Stans, Switzerland, and in Atlanta, GA in the United States.

About Gateway Center Arena

Gateway Center Arena is a state-of-the-art 5,000-seat venue located in Metro Atlanta’s Southside in College Park, GA, just minutes from downtown Atlanta via MARTA or the highway and a three-minute Skytrain ride from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. With the help of their award-winning staff, the Gateway Center Arena is every guest’s ticket to quality entertainment and events. Line-ups include a variety of professional sporting events, concerts, family events, graduations, conventions and more. As the official home to the WNBA team Atlanta Dream and the Atlanta Hawks G-League team, the College Park SkyHawks, the Gateway Center Arena is designed with sports fans in mind. Event planners have everything they need to bring the experiences they imagine to life in this world-class facility.

For more information, visit www.ArenaGatewayCenter.com, call the Box Office at (404) 857-1245 or email Box Office Manager Marissa Long at mlong@gicc.com. Details will also be shared @GatewayArena on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About BLK Prime

BLK PRIME is a subscription video-on-demand company that offers multicultural content to a diverse audience worldwide. To learn more about BLK Prime, visit: https://watchnow.blkprime.com/ and to order the pay-per-view, visit https://ppv.blkprime.com/pay-per-view. On social media follow #BronerWilliams, on Instagram @BLKPRIMEBOXNG @BLKPRIME on Twitter @BLKPRIMEBOXING, on Facebook @BLKPRIMEMEDIA

Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing) and Paco Damian (Paco Presents) proudly announce the signing of a pair of undefeated 23-year-old Mexican teammates from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, featherweight Christian Olivo Barreda and lightweight Omar “Super” Salcido Gamez, to multi-year, co-promotional contracts.

Trained and managed by Alfredo Leon Lopez, Olivo and Salcido had decorated amateur careers, and both are now confident this move will secure opportunities and big fights in the US with PBC and Showtime.

Olivo (20-0-1, 7 KOs) won the WBC Youth Silver Featherweight Championship by besting then-undefeated (12-0) Adrian Montoya in January 2021. In February 2021, Salcido (16-0, 11 KOs) took out then undefeated Jesus Acosta Ayala (15-0-1) by wide unanimous decision.

Both fighters say the new promotional move bodes well for their boxing fortunes moving forward.

“I am proud to sign with my promoters, who have a long history of providing their fighters with good opportunities,” said Olivo. “I can’t wait to show my skills on a big stage. Thank you to my manager and trainer Alfredo Leon Lopez for all his hard work to make this happen. I will be world champion one day soon.”

“I will be world champion one day,” added Salcido. “I’m so happy to sign with Sampson and Paco and I’m going to fight my heart out to make them proud and become another champion from Mexico.”

“Sampson and Paco are known for their support of Mexican boxers and for helping so many of them become champions,” said Alfredo Leon Lopez. “I’m very happy we could reach a deal for these two young boxers’ futures. I look forward to working with them to achieve greatness.”

A long-time business associate of Lewkowicz and a staple of Mexican boxing, Paco Damian says both of these young fighters will make a big splash in their US debuts.

“These are two young, hungry fighters who want to change their lives for themselves and their families,” said Damian. “Sampson and I will be working to find their US television debuts and begin the climb to the top of their divisions.”

“I want to thank Alfredo Leon Lopez for his hard work to make this deal happen,” said Lewkowicz. Known for his ability to spot unknown talent, Lewkowicz has been flooding the sport with new faces for many years. “These two proud Mexican fighters will continue the proud tradition of fighters from their country and I’m happy to be part of their teams. We will be announcing their US debuts very soon.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Tickets go on sale this week for former two-time Heavyweight World Champion Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated comeback against American contender Jermaine Franklin at The O2 in London on Saturday April 1. 

‘AJ’ (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James, returning to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs).

Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport. Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.

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

Tickets are available to O2 and Virgin Media customers via PriorityNOW.

Tickets are available via The O2 venue presale and AXS presale from midday on Wednesday February 8.

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Wednesday February 8. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

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

UNBEATEN LIGHTWEIGHT BANGER Mark Chamberlain hopes that a shot at the British title could be on the cards by the end of the year.

The 11-0 man from Waterlooville won the IBF European title last time out with a resounding points success over Marc Vidal at Wembley Arena last July and now, after recovering from a shoulder injury, he is set to go again when he co-headlines at York Hall on Friday February 17 with a defence against Vairo Lenti.

“It is a first defence and I am ready to get the show on the road again,” said the 24-year-old with seven stoppages to his name. “I’ve been in the gym working since the end of November now, training every day and I only had Christmas and Boxing Day off.

“So I’ve been training twice a day waiting for the phone call and now I’ve got the date, I will be ready to go.”

The big-hitting southpaw is fortunate to have an inside track on the 30-year-old Italian he is coming up against because his sometime training partner Alejandro Moya, the soon-to-be European title contender, has already fought Lenti and was able to share a few pointers.

“I have been told he is pretty similar to the last opponent in toughness. One of the other fellas who trains with us, Alex, fought him about four or five fights ago. He put him over but these are tough old boys and he got up and carried on.

“Alex said he is just tough, he is another opponent who has not been stopped. I won’t go in there to try and stop him, but if it comes, it comes,” added Chamberlain, who will have the distinction of being an out-of-towner from the South Coast topping a card in London, which will stand him in good stead for a potential British title challenge in the not too distant future.

“I know and it is why I can’t thank the office enough for believing in me and making it happen. Everything seems to be going well at the minute, obviously I have got the title now and it is the next step towards where I want to be.

“I believe I can get all the way to the top with the right guidance and the right fights at the right time.

“The British title is being fought for by Gwynn and Woodruff again and I would fight the winner of that, no problem. They are good fighters who are established and ain’t got the title for nothing.

“I truly believe that I am up there with those boys, if not better. You’ve got to believe in yourself.

“I know I can’t just say I want to fight for the British next because it is not as easy as that, but with the people I have got around me I am sure they can hopefully make it happen.”

Tickets for the show at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday, 17 February are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

THE IBF EUROPEAN lightweight champion Mark Chamberlain 11-0 (7 KOs) and heavyweight contender David Adeleye 10-0 (9 KOs) are both in headline action when Queensberry makes a return to York Hall on Friday, 17 February, live on BT Sport

Tickets for the show at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday, 17 February are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (February 6, 2023)–Weight’s for Tuesday Night Fights at The Texas Troubadour in Nashville.

Eddie Chambers 226.8 – Corey Williams 305.6

Evan Gubera 199.4 – Demetrius Banks 197.4

Eduardo Aguilar 140.8 – John Hale 140.8

Erick Arellano 209 – Raquan Ashby (will weigh on tomorrow)

Ricardo Wallers (will weigh in tomorrow) vs Jerrell Nettles (will weigh in tomorrow)

*Iegor Plevako will particiapte in an exhibition

Promoter: Lion Heart Promotions

1st Bell 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT

Stream: FITE.TV

ONTARIO, CA (February 6, 2023) – Before the Super featherweights contender George “El Yuyu” Acosta (13-1, 1 KO) and Marlin Sims (8-1, 4 KOs) do battle, we will see a 6-round super welterweight bout showcasing “Nuckle” Nelson Oliva (5-0, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA, as he takes on fellow undefeated foe, Wayne Boudreaux (2-0, 1 KO), of Marrero, LA. Oliva vs. Boudreaux will take place on 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 Oliva had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Boudreaux, making his 2023 debut, and more. 

On his recent training camp:

“I love the grind. I work hard all-day, and I train harder at night. This camp has been about staying focused on my goal and appreciating the journey through the ranks of the sport. One day I will look back and say ‘man, these were the days’. I live for moments like this and I’m thankful to my team for always having my back. It’s been a nice camp and my trainer Henry Ramierz has me in great shape with good plan in place.”

On his matchup with Wayne Boudreaux:

“He is a good fighter, a good amateur, but he got stopped in Olympic Trials to a good puncher and I know I am a good puncher as well. I think he is talented, but he is also flawed. I don’t have the pedigree, but I believe I have more desire, will, and focus. I want this more than him, and I believe when I hit him, he will slowly stop fighting back.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“The goal is to get into bigger and better fights. Not many fighters would take this fight at this point in their career, but I want to be great. The goal is to improve, constantly get better, and take on opponents who are no worse than my last opponent.”

On fighting on Thompson Card:

“I love it. Thompson has been the best part for my career. Honestly, I hope to fight my whole career with them. I see myself as a blue-collar fighter with a great promotional company that will take me to the highest level of the sport. It is great to fight in Southern California, and even better doing so with Thompson Boxing, how has been keeping me busy.” 

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.

Atlantic City, New Jersey (February 6, 2023)–Popular bantamweight Emmanuel “Salserito” Rodriguez will take on Sharone Carter Jr. in the eight-round main event that will headline a big night of boxing this Saturday, February 11th at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The card is promoted by R&B Promotions.

Rodriguez, 29 years-old of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, has a record of 12-0 with seven knockouts. Rodriguez is a six-year professional who has racked up quality wins over Bryan Alvarez (4-0-1), Delvin Gonzalez (4-1-1) and his thrilling first round stoppage over Frank Gonzalez (9-2-1) to capture the WBO Latino Bantamweight Title on August 20th. Rodriguez is coming off a no-contest with Manuel Manzo on November 12, 2022 at The Showboat Hotel.

Carter of Saint Louis, Missouri is 13-5 with three knockouts. The 32 year-old Carter is a nine-year veteran who has standout wins over John Franklin (9-1-1), Ahmed Majed Mahmoud (7-0) and former world champion McJoe Arroyp (18-3). In his last bout, Carter won a unanimous decision over David Michael Paz on June 11, 2022 in Saint Louis.

A packed undercard is being assembled, but already scheduled to appear will be:

In an eight-round welterweight bout, undefeated Tahmir Smalls (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Paulo Galdino (12-6, 8 KOs) of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Smalls has stopped his last three opponents in the opening round, which includes his last outing when he took out Joel Guevara on August 28, 2022 in Camden, New Jersey.

Galdino has some solid victories on his resume as he has defeated Jose Maciel Rodrigues Costa (1-0), Enerson Braz (4-1-1) and Daniel Gonzalez (20-3-1).

In six round bouts:

John Leonardo (9-1-1, 4 KOs) of Englishtown, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight.

Feargal McCrory (12-0, 5 KOs) of Northern Ireland will take on an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Cali Box of Brick, NJ will make his pro debut against Tyler Jacques (0-5-1) of Burlington, Vermont in a super middleweight fight.

Justin Figueroa (2-0, 2 KOs) of Atlantic City, NJ squares off with Rahiem Cooke (1-3) of Philadelphia in a junior middleweight tilt.

In a battle of pro debuting lightweights, Miguel Garcia of Atlantic City will take on Christian Castro of Red Bank, NJ

Francisco Rodriguez of Atlantic City takes on Kyle Massoth (0-3) of Irvington, NJ in a junior lightweight contest.

John Vallejo (1-0, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ takes on Angelo Thompson (0-5) of Irvington, NJ in a welterweight fight.

Pro debuting Daniel Bean fights Terrick Maven (0-1) of Vineland, NJ in a heavyweight battle.

Sir Robert Lee Ellenburg of Viacaville, California makes his pro debut against John Birdsong (0-1) of Detroit in a lightweight bout.

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

Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Saturday March 18 features some of the very best prospects in the North East and beyond looking to take the next steps in their promising careers, live worldwide on DAZN.

Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) – with the pair clashing for the vacant WBA International Title. 

Alnwick’s Pattinson hasn’t put a foot wrong since turning over in Newcastle back in June 2021, winning all five of his contests – with three coming by way of knockout – and the 28-year-old southpaw picked up the vacant IBO Continental Title last time out in Nottingham.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. 

The Ben Davison-trained talent put pen to paper on a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn last October and made a winning start to life under the Matchroom banner by outpointing Christian Nicolas Andino at Wembley’s OVO Arena in November. 

Birmingham Heavyweight Solomon Dacres (5-0,1 KO) gets the opportunity to fight for his first title in the paid ranks as he collides with Newcastle’s unbeaten Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the vacant English Heavyweight Title.

Leeds Super-Bantamweight contender Hopey Price (9-0, 3 KOs) fights for his second pro title as he continues his march up the 122lbs ladder, taking on Frenchman Thomas Masson (20-5-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant WBA Continental Title. 

West Rainton’s former Team GB Podium Squad member Mark Dickinson (4-0, 1 KOs) faces Bury’s Ben Ridings (5-3) over eight rounds at Middleweight and Gateshead Lightweight Calum French (3-0, 1 KO) fights Seaham’s Jordan Ellison (14-44-3, 1 KO) over eight rounds in a North East derby. 

Elsewhere on the card there’s action for Leicester Super-Bantamweight debutant Muhammad Ali, Darlington Super-Lightweight Ben Marksby (6-0), Eltham Super-Flyweight prospect Maiseyrose Courtney (1-0) and Sunderland Super-Featherweight Adam Reichard (1-0).

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be fighting in Newcastle on March 18,” said Pattinson. “2023 is a huge year for me and to be kicking it off by fighting in front of a home crowd in unreal. Nobody creates an atmosphere like the Geordies and I’m determined to put on a show for them in what is the biggest fight of my career so far. I cannot wait.”

“A win that I’m more than capable of come March 18 would most definitely put me back in the mix,” said Jenkins. “Winning a title means I have value in the sport and I’ll move on and fight who ever wants it. I’m an old school fighter, I’ll fight anyone!

“I’m expecting Cyrus to come out of the blocks like he always does and I’ll be ready for him. He looks a good come forward fighter, he does most things well but I’ve seen a few flaws in his fighting that I think I can use in the fight.”

“It’s great to be back up in Newcastle for our very first NXTGEN card of the year starring some of the brightest talents in the North East and beyond,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “We’ve enjoyed some brilliant nights in Newcastle over the years with the likes of Lewis Ritson and I can see Tyneside turning into a real hotbed of boxing talent with the next wave of headliners coming through. 

“Pat McCormack is one of the very best amateurs we’ve seen on these shores in recent times and I’m excited for a busy year with him. Cyrus Pattinson gets the chance to headline in front of home crowd as he takes a big step up against the experienced Chris Jenkins and there’s title action for Solomon Dacres and Hopey Price plus much more. Catch it all live around the world on DAZN.”

Tickets for Pattinson vs. Jenkins are priced £40, £60, £100 and £150 (VIP).

Are you a member of Utilita Arena Newcastle’s web club? Enjoy a presale with them at 10am on Thursday February 9.

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Thursday February 9. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the Utilita Arena Newcastle from midday on Friday February 10.

Callum Smith fights in Liverpool for the first time since 2019 when he faces undefeated world-ranked Pole Pawel Stepien at the top of a stacked card at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday March 11 that features Liam Paro vs. Robbie Davies Jr and Diego Pacheco vs. Jack Cullen, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 

The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home for a must-win clash with the IBF’s No.7 ranked 175-pounder Stepien (18-0-1, 12KOs) as he looks to secure a mouth-watering showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year.

Former WBA and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight World Champion ‘Mundo’ has won both of his fights at Light-Heavyweight in brutal fashion following a move up in weight after his points loss to pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the Almodome in San Antonio, USA back in December 2020.

The 32-year-old Liverpudlian destroyed Lenin Castillo with a sickening second round KO to return to winning ways on the undercard of the first meeting between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September 2021 before taking out France’s Mathieu Bauderlique in four rounds just under a year later in Saudi Arabia. 

Szczecin’s Stepien remains unbeaten since joining the professional ranks in December 2015, with the only blemish on his 19-fight career being a draw with Marek Matyja in 2019, and the 32-year-old is ranked in the world’s top 15 with the WBO, IBF and WBA – picking up the Polish and IBF Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight Titles in 2019 and 2021 respectively. 

A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis at the South Bank Piazza in South Brisbane last October.

One of the hottest prospects in American boxing Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title. 

Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and local Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (7-1, 3 KOs) aims to avenge his first loss against Darewn’s Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in a rematch for the Central Area Title. 

Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title and Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s action for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).

“Pawel Stepien is just what I need going into the Artur Beterbiev fight,” said Smith. “He hasn’t ever tasted defeat and he’s ranked in the top 15 by 3 governing bodies. He is certainly no walkover and I know I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The prize waiting for me should I win means you’ll be seeing the best from me on March 11.”

“We always love returning to Liverpool for one of the best atmospheres in the UK, and we’ve got a stacked card from top to bottom for you all on March 11, said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Callum Smith can’t afford any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien – he’s next in line to face unified World Champion Artur Beterbiev and that’s a fight I really fancy him in if he gets past the unbeaten Pole. 

“We’re spoilt for choice with this cracking undercard, Liam Paro looked sensational last time out and Robbie Davies Jr finally gets the big fight he’s been craving. Diego Pacheco against Jack Cullen can only be fireworks and ‘The Romford Bull’ Army are going to be bringing all the noise for Johnny Fisher! Thomas Whittaker-Hart can’t afford another loss this early in his career and there’s so much more on offer. Watch it all live around the world on DAZN.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Stepien are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Tuesday February 7. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena from midday on Wednesday February 8.

Former two-time unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KOs) fights at The O2 in London for the first time since 2016 as he begins life under the tutelage of new head trainer Derrick James. ‘AJ’ returns to the scene of his first World Title win over Charles Martin to face another American contender in Jermain Franklin (21-1, 14 KOs). Saginaw’s ‘989 Assassin’ pushed Dillian Whyte all the way in a close points loss at Wembley’s OVO Arena last November and is relishing his shot against one of the biggest names in the sport. British megastar Joshua is ready to begin his ascent back to the top of the Heavyweight division after suffering back-to-back losses to pound-for-pound great Oleksandr Usyk in London and Saudi Arabia.

This fight will be the first in Joshua’s new five-year partnership with DAZN to be streamed live, exclusive and worldwide on the digital sports entertainment platform, which is fast becoming the undisputed Global Home of Boxing. Joshua vs. Franklin will be included in the £9.99 per month DAZN saver subscription, making it the first fight in over eight years that fans do not need to pay an additional pay-per-view fee to watch Joshua. Beyond the UK, DAZN is available in over 200 territories. Simple to download as an app on Smart TVs, games consoles, tablets and mobiles, and subscribed to with one-click, being on DAZN will make this the most accessible Joshua fight ever.

“I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London.” said Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready. I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights. This will be my first fight broadcast on DAZN in the UK and it will be globally available on the platform. I want to thank DAZN for supporting both myself and the sport of boxing as a whole. I would also like to thank the team at 258 and Matchroom Boxing.”

“I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the Heavyweight division,” said Franklin. “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world! This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

Alongside Joshua vs. Franklin, Matchroom and DAZN have announced its largest ever schedule of content for the first half of 2023 that will see even more iconic and emerging boxing talent, including five other premium fights, on its platform alongside an ever-greater roster of other sporting entertainment.

The following shows will be shown live and exclusive on DAZN with further fights and full undercard details to be announced shortly:

Saturday, February 18: Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara
Hometown hero Leigh Wood (26-2, 16 KOs) puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara (25-2-1, 18 KOs) as Matchroom’s 2023 schedule in the UK begins with a bang. ‘Leigh-thal’ memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner. ‘Bronco’ has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity this month in what promises to be an epic battle between two knockout artists.

Saturday, March 11: Callum Smith vs. Pawel Stepien
The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight contender Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home to face undefeated Pole Pawel Stepien (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at the M&S Bank Arena as he looks to secure a showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year. A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis last October. One of the hottest prospects in America Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) fights in the UK for the first time as faces another step up against Little Lever’s all-action Super-Middleweight Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs). Full undercard details to follow.

Saturday, March 18: Cyrus Pattinson vs. Chris Jenkins
Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of the year at the Utilita Arena Newcastle features some of the very best prospects in the North East looking to take the next steps in their promising careers. Former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson (5-0, 3 KOs) faces his toughest test so far in the professional ranks against Wales’ former British Welterweight Champion Chris Jenkins (23-6-3, 8 KOs) while Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist turned Welterweight prospect Pat McCormack (3-0, 2 KOs) looks to wow his home crowd against Italy’s Dario Socci (15-7-2, 6 KOs) in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also on the card, Birmingham’s Solomon Dacres (5-0, 1 KO) squares off with Newcastle’s Robert Ismay (11-0, 4 KOs) for the English Heavyweight Title.

Saturday, April 8: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Cristian Gonzalez
Boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (17-0, 11 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight ruler when he clashes with Cristian ‘El Chicharito’ Gonzalez (15-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBO 112lbs at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. The 23-year-old sensation from San Antonio, Texas enjoyed a stellar 2022, becoming boxing’s youngest active World Champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC Super-Flyweight strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defence, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds. He was named the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 before outpointing Israel Gonzalez on the ‘Canelo’ vs. ‘GGG’ undercard in September.

Saturday, April 22: Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov vs. Joe Cordina
Unbeaten Welshman Joe Cordina (15-0, 9 KOs) attempts to win his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title back against current belt-holder Shavkatdzhon Rakhmiov (17-0-1, 14 KOs) at the Cardiff International Arena. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the arena last June. Cordina was scheduled to make the first defence of his World Title against Rakhimov in Abu Dhabi last November but suffered a hand injury that required surgery and was subsequently stripped of his title by the IBF. Rakhimov won the vacant title by stopping Manchester’s Zelfa Barrett in nine rounds on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Ramirez.

Saturday, May 20: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2
Irish legend Katie Taylor (22-0, 6 KOs) fights in Ireland for the first time in her professional career, putting her Undisputed Lightweight World Title on the line once more against Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) in an unmissable rematch. Taylor cemented herself as the greatest female fighter on the planet by edging out Serrano in an epic fight for the ages on an iconic night at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York last April. The global superstar retained her belts after a Fight of the Year contender with multi-division World Champion Serrano – the first women’s boxing bout to headline the famous MSG in its 140-year history, attracting an unprecedented audience of 1.5 million tuning in globally on DAZN.

Alongside this jampacked schedule of boxing, in the last 12 months DAZN has added 75 media properties to its UK offering, giving – in particular – combat sports fans access to the widest range of live and on demand content. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) partnered with DAZN to launch PFL Europe, the inaugural event will be held in Newcastle on 25 March and broadcast globally on DAZN.

In the UK DAZN is available as a Monthly Saver (x12) at £9.99, an Annual Super Saver priced at £99.99 and a Flexible Monthly Pass priced at £19.99.

How to watch DAZN

Watching on DAZN is simple and easy.
Go to the app store on your chosen device, search for and download the DAZN app.
Create an account, choose a plan and start watching anywhere – on your phone, tablet, smart TV and gaming consoles.
You can log in to multiple devices and enjoy top sporting content anywhere.
“What an incredible year Matchroom and DAZN have in store for fight fans around the world – and this is just the beginning,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The UK’s biggest boxing star Anthony Joshua returns to our screens on April 1 as he looks to reclaim his spot as the number one Heavyweight on the plant. ‘AJ’ has reset and refocused and he is on a mission to defy his critics as he kicks off his exciting new partnership with DAZN. Modern legends Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano run it back for all of the marbles at Lightweight in what will be one of the most iconic sporting events that Ireland has ever seen on May 20 in Dublin. Their first meeting at MSG last year was one of the very best night’s I’ve experienced in boxing and the rematch promises to be even bigger and better.

“Callum Smith is within touching distance of a shot at unified Light-Heavyweight ruler Artur Beterbiev and can’t avoid any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien on his Liverpool homecoming on March 11 and boxing’s youngest World Champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez attempts to create even more history on April 8 when he goes for gold at 112lbs against Cristian Gonzalez. ‘The Welsh Wizard’ Joe Cordina attempts to recapture his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in Cardiff on April 22 and the young guns are out to impress in our first NXTGEN event of the year in Newcastle on March 18 – not forgetting the small matter of Leigh Wood vs. Mauricio Lara in just under two weeks’ time in Nottingham. It is without a doubt the best schedule in boxing and there’s still so much more to come. Watch it all live on DAZN.”

“This is the most eagerly anticipated fight of Anthony Joshua’s career, and, at DAZN, we are delighted to deliver it to fans in the UK and around the world as part of their monthly subscription, making it the most accessible ‘AJ’ fight in a decade”, DAZN CEO Shay Segev said. “Beyond our unrivalled boxing schedule, we are committed to building our library of sports content the UK. Our tie-up with KSI’s Misfits to create X Series and joint venture with Professional Fighters League to launch PFL Europe are just two examples of what we will do to deliver top sports content to DAZN subscribers.”

“We have worked with Anthony Joshua for five years, and we are incredibly excited to be kicking off our new UK relationship with him on April 1,” said Joseph Markowski, CEO North America, DAZN Group. “Being ringside for Taylor vs. Serrano at a sold-out MSG was one of the great sporting moments of my life; what an incredible atmosphere and fight. Alongside this blockbuster, the schedule we have curated so far features some of our best talent, Jesse Rodriguez, Callum Smith and Joe Cordina. All live and exclusive on DAZN.”

“This is the start of a hugely important phase for ‘AJ’ and it is exciting to be kicking it off exclusively on DAZN and at The O2 in London, a place he has had many memorable nights,” said 258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham.

About Matchroom Boxing
Matchroom Boxing is the world’s leading boxing promotional outfit putting on major stadium and arena shows across the globe. Headed up by boxing supremo Eddie Hearn, Matchroom has been among the world leaders in major boxing promotion and production for over a quarter of a century since its launch in 1987. With an unrivalled stable of world-class fighters, Matchroom’s unique expertise in promotion, staging and television productions cements its position as the No.1 promoter in the sport.

About DAZN Group
DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, JLeague, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.? DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.?DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.??

??DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialise, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.??

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles. ?DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including Playstation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV and find the app on their iPhone, iPad, android and mobile.

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.???

QUINCY, Mass. (February 6, 2023) – In a rare battle between unbeaten Bay Staters, Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) will make his first title defense on March11th against Kenny Larson (6-0, 5 KOs) in the 8-round main event on the “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) at MassMutural Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

All of the action will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

“We are excited to be back in Springfield in 2023,” GCP President Chris Traietti said. “Each show there is going to be bigger, better and more action-packed than the previous show. On March 11^th, fans are going to see the future of Massachusetts boxing.”

The 24-year-old Whitley, of Holyoke (MA), is trained by former pro fighters and brothers, Denzel’s father Derrick and Uncle Darrin. Whitley captured the Mass. 147-pound division belt last November 19^th at MassMutual Center, when he won an 8-round majority decision over Kris Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs).

Larson, 33, fights out of Salem (MA). His took a 6-round majority decision from Ryan Thomas Clark (2-2, 1 KO) last November 23^rd in Windham, New Hampshire. A 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion in the novice division, Lawson was a 3-time Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up.

Also schedule to be in action are unbeaten boxers such as Dominican welterweight Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke; Puerto Rican super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), of Springfield; Springfield super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs), and Springfield super featherweight Carlos Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs).

Bouts subject to change.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://massmutualcenter.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AMMC%3AMMC22%3AEX031123%3A&linkID=mmc&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=&cgc=&dataAccId=224&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_mmc or from any of the participating boxers.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

Adam Azim returns to the ring this weekend as the incredible, undefeated super lightweight star headlines an action-packed BOXXER Fight Night in London on Saturday, February 11th.

Azim, 20, has been tipped by many within the sport to go on to become a future world champion.

And this weekend, live in the UK & Republic of Ireland on Sky Sports, Azim collides with unbeaten, 12-0 fighter Santos ‘Star Boy’ Reyes in the main event, looking to put the first dent in the South American’s flawless record.

Joining Azim on the bill is another rising superstar Caroline ‘Sweet Caroline’ Dubois, who will be out to extend her own perfect record and put on yet another dazzling and destructive display when she faces Feriche Mashaury.

Super-middleweight sensation Zak Chelli faces Anthony Sims Jr in what promises to be a thrilling Bet 365 Wild Card fight, whilst English middleweight champion Tyler Denny takes on unbeaten challenger Brad Pauls.

Unbeaten cruiserweight Viddal Riley faces Anees Taj, with fellow undefeated rising prospects Hassan Azim and Jeamie TKV also in action. Plus, Jordan Reynolds, Razor Ali and Steven McKenna complete what will be an unmissable night of boxing in the capital.

Here is the full card for Saturday, February 11:

10 x 3 mins International Super-Lightweight Contest

Adam Azim vs Santos Reyes

10 x 3 mins International Super-Middleweight Contest

Zak Chelli vs Anthony Sims

10 x 3 mins English Middleweight Championship

Tyler Denny vs Brad Pauls

8 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest

Caroline Dubois vs Feriche Mashaury

8 x 3 mins Cruiserweight Contest

Viddal Riley vs Anees Taj

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest

Jeamie TKV vs Harry Armstrong

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest

Hassan Azim vs Abdallah Luanja

?

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight Contest

Jordan Reynolds vs Mohamed Cherif Benchadi 

4/6 x 3 mins Featherweight Contest

Razor Ali vs Hector Lozano

Follow all the action as Amanda Serrano takes on Erika Cruz for the Undisputed Featherweight title.  The action kicks off at 8 PM ET and will feature Alycia Baumgardner taking on Elham Mekhaled for the Undisputed Junior Lightweight crown.

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Left from Cruz..Left to body from Serrano…another…Left over top from Cruz..Left from Serrano…Left from Cruz

ROUND 2 2 Lefts from Cruz…2 more lefts…Left..uppercut on the inside

ROUND 3 Cruz lands a left…Right..Straight left from Serrano…Right..Cruz cut badly on her forehead (Headbutt)

ROUND 4 left from Cruz…Right hook..Left from Serrano…Rught Hook..Straight left

ROUND 5 Right from Cruz…Combination..Left backs up Cruz…Left,,

ROUND 6 Doctor checks Cruz Cut forehead,,,Right hook from Serrano..Lef from Cruz..Body shot from Serrano..Big left hurts Cruz…she stumbles to the ropes…Body shot from Serrano

ROUND 7  Furious action to start the round..Big left from Serrano,,,Big right hook…Tremendous action

ROUND 8 Left from Serrano

ROUND 9 Left from Serrano..Right hook…Hard left…

ROUND 10 Left from Cruz,…right…A war between the two,,,Serrano cut around the right eye

98-92 TWICE AND 97-93 FOR AMANDA SERRANO

ROUND 1 Right from Baumgarder..Right aver top from Mekhaled…

ROUND 2 Right from Baumgardner…Right from Mekhaled…2 shots…Right from Baumgardner..

ROUND 3 BIG RGHT AND DOWN GOES MEKHALED…HUGE FLURRY AND DOWN GOES MEKHALED AGAIN…2 Big Rights followed by a an assault of punches..

ROUND 4 Right from Mekhaled…Left from Baumgardner..

ROUND 5 Right to body from Baumgardner…Left hook shakes Mekhaled…Body shots…Counter left

ROUND 6 5 Punch combination from Baumgardner..right…Left,..

ROUND 7 Left hook from Baumgardmer…Vicious lefts and rights hurts Mekjaled on the ropes…ref looks close to stopping fight..Right from Mekhaled..

ROUND 8 Right drives Mekhaled to the corner

ROUND 9 Jab from Mekhaled…Counter right…Counter left…Good exchange..Mekhaled lands a left

ROUND 10 Right to body from Baumgardner…Right from Mekhaled…Right…Left to body from Baumgardner…Uppercut and left hook from Baumgardner..Right to body..3 Good shots from Baumgardner…

99-89 TWICE AND 98-90 FOR BAUMGARDNER

Round 1: Jab from Bauza..Left to body…Jab from Hitchins..Right to body…INSIDE LEFT AND BAUZA FALLS…RULED A KNOCKDOWN..Jab from Bauza..Replays showed that Bauza stepped on the foot of Hitchins
Round 2 Jab from Bauza…Left to body..Left…Hard right from Hitchins…3 jabs…Left from Bauza..
Round 3 Left from Bauza..Jab…
Round 4 Counter right from Hitchins…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES BAUZA…Another big Right..Hard Body punch…
Round 5 Straight right from Hitchins…Bauza starting to swell around the right eye…Counter right from Hitchins..Left from Bauza…
Round 6 Counter right from Hitchins…2 more straight rights…Big straight right…Another..Counter right uppercut..Left hook..
Round 7 Doctor checking Bauza’s eye…Double jab from Hitchins…bauza trying to fire back and lands a left..Double jab from Hitchins…
Round 8 Right from Hitchins,..Good counter right to the body…Good straight right…Right to body from Bauza..Right from Hitchins…Left from Bauza..
Round 9 Right from Hitchins…Big left from Bauza..Bauza trying to rally with a good flurry…3 monsterous shots from Hitchins..Left…Bauza’s face a mess…Body shots…
Round 10 Right from Hitchins…Left from Bauza…Hard right rocks Bauza..

100-88 ON ALL CARDS FOR HITCHINS

Round 1 Left from Rivera….Straight left…
Round 2 Hard left from Rivera…Diaz lands a right off the ropes…Right to body from Rivera..
Round 3 Uppercut by Diaz…Right from Rivera…Left from Diaz..Uppercut ..
Round 4 Left from Rivera..Uppercut from Diaz…Left from Rivera…Left drives Diaz back…Right hook…Straight to the body…Left to body..Good left to the body
Round 5 Left hook from Diaz..counter left…Left to body by Rivera..Combination from Diaz…Good straight left from Rivera..Right from Diaz…
Round 6 Left from Rivera…Left to body
Round 7  Right inside from Rivera…
Round 8 Left from Rivera…Right from Diaz…Hard left from Rivera..

79-73 TWICE AND 78-74 FOR RIVERA

NEW YORK–In a war, Amanda Serrano became the undisputed featherweight champion with a 10-round unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at The Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden

The two fighters stood toe to toe with Cruz having early success as she dug her feet in and came forward throwing and landing punches in bunches from all angles. That seemed to befuddle Serrano, who was getting hit cleanly by oncoming shots from Cruz. In round three, Cruz was cut on her forehead from an accidental headbutt. That coincided with Serrano’s foray back inro the fight as she seemed to have a better grasp on how to handle the unorthodox style of Cruz.

In round six, Serrano her Cruz badly with an left and right hook on the inside. There were instances that looked like Cruz was done, but she kept coming forward throwing punches in bunches. Serrano was able to stem the tide and fough through a cut around her right eye in a furious 10th and final round.

The two fighters threw a staggering amount of punches for the 20 minute war as Serrano was 257 of 949. Cruz 202 of 968.

Serrano, 125.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 44-2-1. Cruz, 125.4 lbs of Mexico City fought valiantly in defeat and is now 15-2.

With the win, it paves the way for a much anticipated rematch between Serrano and Katie Taylor that was announced for May 20th.

Amanda Serrano

• I’m just so emotional underneath. I finally did it for my island. 
• She’s a Mexican champion and we knew that from the start. I knew it was going to be a bout and this what what I’ve trained for. We didn’t expect anything less than that. 
• I’m glad it went past the fourth!
• Jordan kept screaming 1-2-1-2’s from the corner – go back to the basics. My left hand was catching her pretty clear with the jabs. So I just listen to my corner. 
• I have successfully completed all of my dreams, becoming the undisputed champion. So now I am one of THE undisputed champions but I am still the ONLY 7 weigh class world champions in the world. 
• It’s going to be a bigger and better fight over there (Ireland)

Katie Taylor

• I was cheering her on. I wanted this fight. Undisputed vs. undisputed champion. The last fight was an epic fight and I think the next one is going to be exactly the same. 
• It’s going to be great in Ireland fighting the real deal, Amanda Serrano. This is incredible and the last fight was epic so I expect nothing less from the next one. 
• This is the biggest fight in women’s boxing and I only want to do the biggest fights. This is exactly what I want.

Baumgardner Decisions Mekhaled to Win Undisputed Junior Lightweight Champion

Alycia Baumgardner became to Undisputed Junior Lightweight champion with an emphatic 10-round unanimous decision over Elhem Mekhaled.

In round three, Baumgardner landed a big chopping right that put Mekhaled on the canvas. With Mekhaled hurt, Baumgardner jumped on Mekhaled and sent her to the canvas for a second time in the round from a huge flurry of punches.

Mekhaled was hurt several times down the stretch, but she showed tremendous resolve as she was able to land some flush punches. In the 10th round, both boxers had moments and also there were several furious exchanges.

Baumgardner landed 141 of 542 punches; Mekhaled was 96 of 404.

Baumgardner, 129 lbs of Detroit won by scores of 99-89 twice and 98-90 and is now 14-1. Mekhaled, 129 lbs of Paris, FRA is 15-2.

Hitchins Decisions Bauza

Richardson Hitchins settled his grudge with John Bauza y winning a lopsided 10-round unanimous decision on their junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Hitchins landed a inside left that had Bauza hit the canvas, which was ruled a knockdown. In round four, Hitchins landed a hard straight right that put Bauza down for a clean knockdown. In round five, the right eye of Bauza began to swell up.

With his face a mess and getting beat up, Bauza landed a hard left that briefly stopped Hitchins in his tracks, but Hitchins rebounded to landed three flush shots to face of Bauza.

Hitchins, 139.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 16-0. Bauza, 139 lbs of North Bergen, NJ is 17-1.

Yankiel Rivera Decisions Fernando Diaz

Yankiel Rivera remained undefeated by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Fernando Diaz in a flyweight fight.

Rivera, 112.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 3-0. Diaz, 111.8 lbs of Riverside, CA is 11-3-1.

Skye Nicolson remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tania Alvarez in a featherweight fight.

Nicolson, 126.6 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 100-90, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 6-0. Alvarez, 124.8 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 7-1.

In a battle of previously undefeated super bantamweights, Ramla Ali took a 10-round unanimous decision from Avril Mathie.

Ali, 121.4 lbs of London won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 8-0. Mathie, 121.4 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 8-1-1.

Shadasia Green was impressive in stopping former world champion Elin Cederroos in round six of their scheduled 10[round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Green dropped Cederroos with a perfect overhand right to the jaw.

In round six, Green landed three more booming right hands to the head that had Cederroos wobbling across the ring. Green landed three more flush shots in the corner and the bout was stopped at 1:08.

Green, 167.2 lbs of Paterson, NJ is now 12-0 with 11 knockoouts. Cederroos,167.4 lbs of Sweden is 8-2.

In a bloody battle, Harley Maderos stopped Julio Madera in the sixth and final round of their lightweight bout.

Maderos battered Madera until his face got more swollen with each round. Maderos showed a bloody mouth in round five. In round six, Maderos landed a hard combination that forced referee Eric Dali to the contest at 25 seconds.

Maderos, 134.2 lbs of Brooklyn is now 5-0 with four knockouts. Madera,133.5 lbs of Mexico City is 4-3.

Aaron Aponte remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Joshua David Rivera in a junior welterweight clash.

Aponte, 136.8 lbs of Hialeah Gardens, FL won by scores on all cards and is now 7-0-1. Rivera, 138.8 lbs of La Mesa, CA is 8-2.

otowa, NJ, February 4, 2023  – –  Main Events announced today that they have signed undefeated super middleweight Shawn “The Amazing” McCalman to a promotional contract. McCalman, (12-0, 6 KOs), was born and raised in Denver and now resides in Aurora, Colorado, where he trains at A1 Boxing. 

McCalman had an amateur record of 65-7, winning state and regional Golden Gloves three times. He made his professional debut on September 22, 2018, winning by first round knockout. McCalman won the American Boxing Federation American West Super Middleweight title with a unanimous decision win over highly touted Vaughn Alexander on July 17, 2021. He also has a unanimous decision win over then undefeated Marquis Moore on March 5, 2022.

“I’m very excited to start this chapter of my career with the support of Main Events,” said McCalman. “They’re one of the most prestigious and respected companies in the history of boxing and have promoted some of the biggest names in the sport. I look forward to creating a legendary legacy of my own with their support. I’d like to thank my management team Fighters First for making this opportunity possible. I’m training harder & smarter than ever. It’s time to show the world who ‘The Amazing’ Shawn McCalman is.”

Jolene Mizzone – President, Fighters First Management stated, “I couldn’t be happier to be working with Kathy Duva and Joseph Rotonda again, only on the other side of the table. I know with Main Events in our corner Shawn will become a World Champion.” 

“We are very excited about signing undefeated Super Middleweight prospect Shawn McCalman,” said Main Events CEO Kathy Duva. “He is an exciting fighter and has made it clear that he is willing to fight anyone to reach his goal of becoming a world champion. He is extremely talented and is just entering the prime of his career now. The super middleweight division has been overlooked for many years now, but it has suddenly come to life and has become one of hottest divisions in the sport. I do not think it will be long before people start mentioning his name as one of the newest top contenders in this division.”

“We are also thrilled to be back in business with his manager Jolene Mizzone of Fighters First Management,” said Main Events Director of Operations Joe Rotonda. “We are obviously well aware of what Jolene is capable of and the wealth of knowledge that she brings to the table.”

Shawn began boxing at eighteen, but prior to that competed in martial arts, winning numerous national tournaments while practicing taekwondo. Shawn was attending Colorado State University at Pueblo to play football but left before he began. He played quarterback and safety at Far Northeast High School in Denver. “I dropped out of college and decided I wanted to pursue something new. Boxing was something I always loved and had an admiration for but never did it while growing up. Now that I was done with football, it was time to make that transition.” Noting that no family or friends of Shawn’s had ever boxed.

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NEWARK, N.J. (Feb. 4, 2023) — The pound-for-pound fighting pride of “Brick City” has packed the house before, and he is set to do it again.
 
Undefeated former two-weight world champion Shakur Stevenson will take on Japanese puncher Shuichiro Yoshino in a 12-round WBC lightweight title eliminator Saturday, April 8, at Prudential Center in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey.
 
In the co-feature, heavyweight knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson aims for another stoppage in a 10-rounder against an opponent to be named. And, in the 10-round televised opener, rising lightweight and U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis fights 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 go on sale Friday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
 
“Shakur Stevenson is one of the most gifted fighters I’ve had the pleasure of promoting, and I look forward to seeing him once again fight in front of his incredible hometown fans in Newark,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Yoshino is a tough fighter and won’t be deterred by the hostile crowd. Jared Anderson and Keyshawn Davis are two of the sport’s emerging superstars, and I can’t wait to see them back in the ring.”
 
“Following the overwhelming success of Shakur Stevenson’s return to Newark in September, we are thrilled to build on that momentum with another stacked Top Rank boxing card on Saturday, April 8th,” said Dylan Wanagiel, VP of Sports Properties & Special Events for Prudential Center. “As Shakur continues to rise the pound-for-pound rankings, we take great pride in being his home. We all witnessed just how much Shakur means to the City of Newark a few months ago, as the event sold the most tickets to a boxing event in our venue’s 15-year history. Alongside our world-class partners at Top Rank and ESPN, we look forward to raising the bar for boxing fans not only in New Jersey but across the globe.”
 
Stevenson (19-0, 9 KOs), a former featherweight and junior lightweight world champion, returns home following last September’s triumph against Robson Conceição. The stubborn Conceição lasted the distance, but Stevenson dominated in front of 10,107 fans at Prudential Center. It was the first time Stevenson had fought at Prudential Center since July 2019 and established the venue as one of the sport’s most raucous hometown crowds. Stevenson won the WBO junior lightweight title with a 10th-round knockout over Jamel Herring in October 2021, then unified the division with a stirring 12-round display over WBC king Oscar Valdez the following April. Those victories propelled Stevenson, a 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, to the top 10 of most pound-for-pound lists. He now sets his sights on a third weight class and a spot atop the pound-for-pound throne.
 
“I am taking over the lightweight division and my run will start on April 8 in Newark. Shuichiro Yoshino is an undefeated fighter who was willing to step up and fight me when so many fighters were scared,” Stevenson said. “My last fight at the Prudential Center was just the start of what I’m building in Jersey. We are going to pack the Prudential Center again and show the world who the future of boxing really is.”
 
Yoshino (16-0, 12 KOs), the WBC’s No. 5 contender, is a former Japanese lightweight champion who compiled a 104-20 amateur record. After seven defenses of his Japanese title, Yoshino rose in the rankings following a banner 2022. Last April, he won a bloody technical decision over former world champion Masayuki Ito after Ito suffered a cut over his left eye. He followed up the Ito triumph in November with a sixth-round stoppage over Masayoshi Nakatani, best known to fans for his stands against Teofimo Lopez and Vasiliy Lomachenko. Yoshino has never fought away from Japan and hopes to spoil Stevenson’s homecoming.
 
“I am very honored to be fighting in the U.S. for the first time. I’m extremely focused and motivated,” Yoshino said. “I’m looking forward to fighting the great two-division champion, Shakur Stevenson, in his hometown of Newark. I’ll be training hard leading up to the fight and look forward to showing the fans an exciting victory!”
 
Anderson (13-0, 13 KOs), a 23-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, has notched five consecutive second-round stoppages, including a demolition of the normally durable Jerry Forrest last December. Anderson received international headlines for his work as a sparring partner of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, but he is now firmly established as a potential heavyweight champion.
 
Davis (7-0, 5 KOs), from Norfolk, Virginia, went to the Tokyo Olympics as a 3-0 professional and returned home with a silver medal and a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. He is 4-0 since signing with the promotional powerhouse in late 2021, including three stoppage victories and last December’s shutout over former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos. Davis shined at Prudential Center last September, stopping Omar Tienda in five rounds.
 
Undercard action — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — includes undefeated Polish heavyweight prospect Damian Knyba (10-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Knyba signed a long-term contract with Top Rank following his second-round knockout over Emilio Salas on the Teofimo Lopez-Sandor Martin bill in December. 
 
Featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (6-0, 3 KOs), the latest uber-talent from Brownsville, Brooklyn, will fight in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named. Carrington fought on the Stevenson-Conceição bill and blanked Jose Argel over six rounds.
 
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.

NEW YORK (FEBRUARY 4, 2023)–TONIGHT at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, undefeated super lightweight John Bauza takes on fellow undefeated Richardson Hitchins in a 10-round bout for the IBF North American Super Lightweight Title.

Bauza is managed by Split-T Management.

The bout can be seen Live on DAZN at 8 PM ET.

To say that the lead-up to the fight has been contentious is an understatement.

The former sparring partners engaged in a 20-minute heated debate at Thursday’s press conference that was filled with confident bold predictions and profane smack talk.

“First of all, I want to say thank you for this opportunity to be here. All I have to say is that I work hard. There was a lot of back and forth, but we got the fight, and we’re ready,” said Bauza. “We’re ready for everybody. We already proved that in the amateurs. He [Hitchins] knows who I am; I sparred him before. I come from the same group as them, all of them. They know who I am too, so we’re ready for everybody. I’m ready for it.”

Bauza of North Bergen, New Jersey via Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico is 17-0 with seven knockouts. The 24 year-old Bauza is a seven year-pro who has defeated the likes of Larry Fryers (11-2), Christian Edwards (12-2), Michael Williams Jr. (19-0) and his last bout when he took an eight-round unanimous decision over Tony Luis (29-4) on March 19, 2022 at Madison Square Garden.

Hitchins of New York is 15-0 with seven knockouts. The 25 year-old Hitchins is a six-year pro and has defeated Mario Alberto Perez Navarro (1-0, Alejandro Munera (4-1-3), Kevin Johnson (7-1), Nicholas DeLomba (16-2), former world champion Argenis Mendez (25-5-3), Malik Hawkins (18-1) and his last bout when he stopped Yomar Alamo (20-1-1) on November 12, 2022 in Cleveland.

Bauza was 139 lbs. at Friday’s weigh in. Hitchins was 139.6 lbs.

POMONA, CA (February 3, 2023) – Undefeated NABA super lightweight champion, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (8-0, 8 KOs), has a new opponent for this Saturday, February 4, as he will now face Jose Angulo (14-4, 7 KOs), of Ecuador. The fight will still take place at the LumColor Center in Ontario, CA, with RED Boxing Promotions operating as the promoter, as Hank Lundy will no longer serve as Mercado’s opponent.

“I am glad Jose Angulo took the fight on short notice and I appreciate him stepping up,” said Mercado, the Olympic Trials Silver Medalist in 2020. “Angulo is a tough opponent, but my plan is to end this fight early and continue my knockout streak.”

Born in Pomona, CA, Tito has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. With his lightning-fast combinations, explosive power, Mercado is already making noise as one of the sport’s most exciting prospects.

Now, with a string of impressive wins under his belt, Tito is looking to take the next step and become the face of boxing. He believes that his story of perseverance and determination will inspire others to pursue their own dreams, no matter the odds.

Mercado has overcome numerous obstacles to reach the top of his game. Despite growing up in an underserved community, he never lost sight of his dreams, honing his skills through countless hours of hard work and dedication.

“I have big plans to be Southern California’s the next superstar in boxing.” continued Mercado. “I want to show people that anything is possible if you’re willing to put in the work. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I’m making all the sacrifices to be great. This Saturday will be another step in the right direction.”

Tito, a promotional free agent, is ready to take the next step and join forces with a promoter who can help him reach new heights. The search for a promoter who shares his passion for the sport and his vision for the future, is the missing piece. He’s hoping to find a promoter who will help him achieve his ultimate goal of becoming a champion.

“I believe that I have what it takes to be a star in this sport, and I’m eager to find the right promoter who will help me get there,” Mercado says. “I’ve been working hard every day to improve my skills and reach my full potential. Right now, I have a great team behind me, and getting the right promoter will be the final piece.”

Tampa’s highly talked about Marques Valle is looking to set the ground running in 2023, as he looks to establish himself as a contender in the super welterweight division.

Valle has been dominant in his 7 professional outings, with all of the wins coming within the scheduled distance. Now the all-action puncher turns his attention to making an impact in the super welterweight division.

Valle opened up on his plans in 2023, “I’m working hard as always in the gym to improve technically and grow into the weight. I started my pro career at 147 but I think I’m going to continue to grow, so it’s the right thing for me to fight at 54.

“I’ve had a great start to my career on ProBox TV, the whole team from Garry Jonas to coaches Marc Farrait and Asa Beard along with my management team at Split-T have worked really well to bring me on the right way, I feel like I have a dream team and that’s really all a fighter can ask for.” 

‘The Machine’ competes as a professional alongside his younger brother Dominic Valle, who also holds an undefeated record, and the bigger brother discussed his relationship with his brother and hopes for 2023 for the pair.

He said, “I’m really happy with how me and my brother have progressed, and I love how we always get featured on ProBox TV. Dominic has been guided properly and I think we’re going to be ready for a regional title in 2023.

“There’s a lot of great fighters on television, fighters like Erickson Lubin who are in fights that we are aiming to be in one day, but for now I think we will want to push ourselves into a position where we are ready to break into the world top 15 and go from there.

“I’m from a Puerto Rican family, I grew up watching Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, it was a family party every time there was a big Puerto Rican fight on, and boxing is a family business with me. Hopefully one day we can have these types of parties when my brother and I fight.”

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