Press Conference Notes: Emanuel Navarrete & Liam Wilson Primed for Junior Lightweight Title Showdown

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 1, 2023) — The Top Rank on ESPN 2023 schedule continues with a star-studded bill FRIDAY evening at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The main event is a battle for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title, as Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) seeks to become a three-weight world champion against Australian upstart Liam Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs).

The 10-round junior welterweight co-feature sees former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs) attempt to end the unbeaten run of top contender Arnold Barboza Jr. (27-0, 10 KOs). In the ESPN-televised opener, heavyweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) battles James Bryant (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Navarrete-Wilson, Barboza-Pedraza, and Torrez-Bryant will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m ET/7 p.m. PT. 

The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT — features middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (7-0, 5 KOs) against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala (9-2-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder and lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) against Francisco Duque (1-1) in a four-rounder.

At Wednesday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

“For me and my team, being a three-division world champion will be the culmination of yet another goal in my career. We know that it won’t be easy. But, by doing that, I’ll feel that I have done something good in my career, and I’ll be satisfied with what I have achieved in my 10 years as a professional boxer.”

“My team and my corner have been fundamental to my development. They are people who are very humble. My family is very humble and reserved. More than being humble, it’s a way of life. I appreciate that part of me, and I always try to be a better person.”

“Liam Wilson comes with a strong desire to win the world title. And that’s why I’ve been focused on him 100 percent.”

Liam Wilson

“This is a chance to fulfill my dream and become a world champion. I’ve done 17 years of hard work for this moment. I’ve put in a lot of hard work. I’ve fought whoever they’ve put in front of me. I’m ready for Friday night.”

“I’ve taken one hard fight after another. Against Matias Rueda, I fought with one hand. I broke my hand midway through the fight. But I showed my resilience. The fight proved to myself, my country and the world that I have what it takes to become world champion and that I have to be in those fights.”

“This means everything. This is what me, my team, my promoter, my manager and my trainers have worked for. We’ve taken the risks and challenges, and I know that on fight night I have a tough fight ahead of me. Navarrete is a great champion, but I do plan on giving him the fight of his life. I’m going to win.”

Arnold Barboza Jr.

We’ve been training really hard. We have a very tough fight in front of us. We are not looking past this fight. For this camp, we went back to the drawing board. We’ve seen our mistakes. We’ve been training hard, and we’re ready.”

“This is no question the biggest test of my career. We have nothing but respect for Pedraza and everything he’s done. We’re looking forward to this fight. It’s going to be a great fight. I’m looking forward to testing myself, and it’s going to bring out the best of me.”
 
“We trained at high altitude at Big Bear. Camp started there. My father did a great job of putting a plan together and bringing in the sparring partners that we needed. We’re ready to go.”

Jose Pedraza

“Barboza is a great boxer. He is an elite boxer. By beating him, I will position myself towards a world title opportunity.”
 
“What is most important to me is to be able to create new fans, international fans as well. Wherever you go, those fans will recognize you and admire you. That makes one feel great. When it comes to my family, my family is everything. The first thing I do after finishing a fight is to be with my family.”
 
“I’m the kind of boxer who is always underestimated, but that’s a motivation to shut mouths.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“I switched it up a little bit. I have some really good coaches at the Olympic training center. Billy Walsh, who is an Olympic head coach, and my dad. They communicate really well. There’s nothing like being up in the altitude, getting some training with a lot of elite guys. Being able to be there and get conditioned was really great.”

Nico Ali Walsh

“It’s tough to say who is my toughest opponent because everyone shows up differently come fight night. So, we will see. I don’t know if the crowd will be on his side. People like you when you’re winning. So, if you’re doing well, then the crowd will cheer for you.”

“Boxing is tough. It’s a love-hate relationship because obviously I love boxing. I see the outcomes of my work and it’s great. But it’s very tough. It’s not fun going through training camp. That kind of stuff is not fun. But the fight days make it worth it, and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

Eduardo Ayala

“I really thought this would be at Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas. But when they told me it was going to be in [my home state of] Arizona, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It’s just amazing being here.”
 
“I look at this like it’s just my next fight on my road. The ‘Ali’ last name is definitely a plus. It’s the fight of my life. In boxing, anything can change with just one fight. Regardless, it is a great last name, but I make things so that it has less pressure on me.”
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“I’m blessed to be here. This is another opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m excited. There’s nothing like Arizona fights. I know my father fought down here. Arizona has amazing fans, so I can’t wait to feel that emotion. I’m pumped and ready to go. I’m ready for another statement victory.”

Friday, February 3

 ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT)

 
Emanuel Navarrete vs. Liam Wilson, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Junior Lightweight World Title

Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Jose Pedraza, 10 rounds, Barboza’s WBO Intercontinental Junior Welterweight Title

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. James Bryant, 6 rounds, Heavyweight

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)

Andres Cortes vs. Luis Melendez, 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Eduardo Ayala, 6 rounds, Middleweight

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Clarence Booth, 8 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Francisco Duque, 4 rounds, Lightweight

Xavier Martinez vs. Yohan Vasquez, 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight




Top Rank Presents WBO Junior Lightweight Championship Emanuel Navarrete vs. Liam Wilson

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone:Navarrete vs. Wilson will be live this Friday, February 3 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. The event takes place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The main event features Mexican star Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete and Australian contender Liam Wilson fighting for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title. Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) is one of the sport’s premier offensive fighters and is looking to become a three-division world champion as he battles Wilson (11-1, 7 KOs) the No. 3 junior lightweight contender. Wilson has never fought outside his home country but is coming to the U.S. in hopes of a major upset.
 
In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, Arnold Barboza, Jr.  (27-0, 10 KOs) hopes to earn a career-best victory against Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs), a former two-weight world champion.

In a six-round heavyweight special feature, Richard Torrez Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs), who captured a silver medal for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics, will battle James Bryant (6-2, 4 KOs).

The undercard action includes many of Top Rank’s burgeoning talents such as Andres “Savage” Cortes (18-0, 10 KOs) taking on Puerto Rican knockout puncher Luis Melendez (17-2, 13 KOs) in a junior lightweight tilt, and undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (7-0, 5 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, taking on Eduardo Ayala (9-2-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. In a four-round lightweight attraction, Emiliano Fernando Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs), son of former junior middleweight champion Fernando Vargas, will face Francisco Duque (1-1).

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action ringside with Hall of Famers Andre Ward and Timothy Bradley, Jr. as analysts; Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna will serve as reporters.

ESPN+, ESPN App Boxing Content: Live and Upcoming, On Demand, Studio Shows, Archives

  • Top Rank: Real TimeGo all-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night with Real Times’s Navarrete vs. Wilson available daily throughout fight week.
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  • Who Do U Fight 4?Get to know the next generation of Top Rank stars and learn what drives them

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  • Out Thursday: Coppinger’s mailbag– What can we expect from Navarrete this week?

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Saturday, February 3 (All Times ET)

Time Event Fights Network
10:00 PM Main Emanuel Navarrete vs. Liam Wilson ESPNESPN DeportesESPN+
Co-Feature Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Jose Pedraza
Special Feature Richard Torrez Jr. vs. James Bryant
6:30 PM Feature Andres Cortes vs. Luis Melendez   ESPN+
Undercard Nico Ali Walsh vs. Eduardo Ayala
Undercard Clarence Booth vs. Lindolfo Delgado
Undercard Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Francisco Duque
Undercard Xavier Martinez vs. Yohan Vasquez

About ESPN
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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).




BAUMGARDNER: I’LL SHOW I’M ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD

Alycia Baumgardner is in the form of her life and knows one more win will cement her spot as one of the best fighters on the planet as she meets Elhem Mekhaled for the undisputed Super-Featherweight crown on Saturday night at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, live worldwide on DAZN.
 TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COMBaumgardner (13-1 7 KOs) has been on an incredible run of victories since landing one of the knockouts of the year in 2021 when she stunned IBF champion Terri Harper with a sledgehammer left hook to land the WBC and IBO titles in Sheffield, England in November.
 
The Detroit star defended her title in the UK in April with a shutout win over Melissa Esquivel in Manchester, to line-up her first unification bout against American rival Mikaela Mayer.
 
London was calling for that showdown and while a bitter build-up sizzled without boiling over, Baumgardner kept her cool on the October fight night, putting in a career-best performance to add Mayer’s WBO, IBF and Ring Magazine belts to her own straps.
 
Baumgardner’s rise gives her legitimate cause to claim to be a top pound-for-pound star in the sport alongside Katie Taylor, Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano, and she is proud of the hard work it’s taken to get to this spot.
 
“Undisputed is one of those things that’s easy to say but hard to achieve,” said Baumgardner. “With hard work and dedication, you can do it, but it’s tough. You are facing the best of the best back-to-back, and that’s the journey that I am on. I am making my mark, leaving my footprint on the sport.
 
“I don’t care how she got the opportunity, but she’s in with a dog and I hope she knows that. I am ready to knock this girl out. I’m going to really hurt her; I have a lot of pent-up aggression and she’s going to know what it’s like to fight the best. It’s not personal, it’s my mentality and she will feel the power in both hands, and she’ll think, ‘damn, I am in with a beast’. 
 
“If you fight me, you think you can beat me and are better than me. You don’t know me. You might see a smile on a pretty girl, but don’t get it twisted, I got the dog in me and the same hunger I had when I was eight and you cannot take anything away from me. I hustled to get here, and you aren’t taking it away from me. 
 
“Elhem is hungry. She’s wanted the World title fight for a long time, and that’s great. I know my assignment though and I will put her down. Nothing changes that it’s her, it’s a challenge, she wants it, I want it.
 
“We only have two minutes, don’t give anything away and make a statement every round. I believe Elhem will come forward and I will be the sharper fighter and showing my experience, setting her up. She’s wild, her defense is a bit sloppy, so she’s going to take a punch, but can she take my punch? I don’t know, I have a different type of power, but we’ll see. It’s a KO, for sure, I can feel it. I visualize a lot and I am in the ring, I KO her, and my hand is raised, and I’ve got all the belts.”
 
The Mayer fight was huge for both fighters, coming on an all-female bill in the English capital, alongside Shields taking on her Brit foe Savannah Marshall. 
 
A spicy build-up whet the appetite for the fight with Mayer, but unlike some fights that have explosive lead-ins that fizzle out, Baumgarder and Mayer served up a fight of the year contender – and that made victory all the more sweeter.
 
“It was awesome,” said Baumgardner. “A great build-up, I loved the animosity we had, I was fighting someone that I had been watching for a long time in the amateurs, and now as a pro I was in a unification with her. I know I won that fight, you don’t like it? Argue with the judges, they got it right. 
 
“She is delusional and so salty. When you have everything and you are the star, and you lose it all on one night, and lose it to little ol’ AB, it hurts, stings. I just believe she got beat by one of the best fighters in the world.
 
“I’m the best in the world. No-one stops me but me. I took an early loss, brushed it off, learned from it and grew. I went to England as an underdog against Harper and Mayer and proved everyone wrong. I am here for a reason, I speak truth to power, and I know I will go down as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.
 
“The belts are cool but why am I really here? It’s because I like to fight. I like the battle. I like it when someone thinks that they can beat me. You can hit harder than me? OK take this. You hit me with a shot? Cool – boom, boom, here’s my shots. I like that. I love to prove to myself that ‘you can do anything AB, no-one can beat you but you’. 
 
“I have a loss too – who cares? I picked myself up, moved forward and now look. I became World champion and beat ‘the best’ in Mayer and made it easy work. If we run it back again, I would really dog her, know that now. Now I know I have you, next time, your career might be finished, because you keep playing with me, and I don’t like that.”
 
Baumgardner’s clash with Mekhaled is part of an historic night of action at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as Amanda Serrano returns to Hulu Theater to aim to hold all the marbles for a second time, this time at Featherweight where she faces Mexico’s WBA ruler Erika Cruz.

Brooklyn ace Richardson Hitchins makes a long-awaited return to action in New York as he defends his IBF North American Super-Lightweight title against New Jersey’s John Bauza.

There’s three more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, Shadasia Green (11-0 10 KOs) defends her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBC World title.
 
Yankiel Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) will be looking to make it three KOs in three in his Matchroom debut against Fernando Diaz, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.




WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICA’S AND NABA GOLD CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION SIMONE “TYSON” FEDERICI RETURNS FEBRUARY 5TH IN GENOA, ITALY

Genoa, Italy (February 1, 2023) – WBC Continental America’s and NABA Gold Cruiserweight Champion, The Italian Tank, SIMONE “TYSON” FEDERICI (Lazio, Italy, 19-2-1 8KO’s) will get the ball rolling on his 2023 campaign on February 5, in Genoa, Italy. The #17 world rated (WBC) Cruiserweight makes his return coming off a thrilling main event unanimous decision victory in April against Star Boxing stablemate, LYUBOMYR “DEMOLITION MAN” PINCHUK (then 14-3-1 8KO’s) at Rivers Casino in Schenectady, NY. Federici, who was sidelined after the Pinchuk victory due to a hand injury, is eager and ready to get back in the ring.

Prior to earning the WBC and NABA Gold Titles, Federici was no stranger to the gold, having held the IBF Mediterranean and Federazione Pugilistica Italian National Titles. His marquee victory occurred when he traveled to New York to face, STIVENS BUJAJ (then 17-2-1 11KO’s) in his backyard, at Star Boxing’s acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount. Federici’s mounting pressure and continuous work rate over the 10-round bout earned him the unanimous decision victory, as well as the WBC Continental America’s Cruiserweight Championship. 

Simone will be featured in his native Italy in a 10 round cruiserweight bout against heavy handed Georgian, LEVANI LUKHUTASHVILI (Mestia, Georgia, 10-12 9KO’s). Lukhutashvili is not to be taken lightly, having recently challenged for the WBF International Cruiserweight Title and four of his last seven opponents were undefeated. 

Simone had this to say about the fight, “This is an important match for me in Italy to get ready to climb the WBC ratings. After this victory I want to be back in New York defending my WBC Continental and NABA Gold Titles. My dream is to face Makabu for the WBC Cruiserweight World Title in New York. I feel good and want to thank my Uncle Franco, Armando and Boris Viale of Scuderia Italia, as well as Star Boxing and manager Luigi Camputaro. Starting Sunday against Levan begins the countdown to fighting for a world championship.”

“We named Simone the Italian Tank for good reason. He is an exciting fighter who never stops coming forward and throwing punches,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “We expect a big year for Simone and know that February 5 will be yet another notch in the belt towards challenging the top cruiserweights in the world.”




Boxer Omar Henry’s Passing Still Impacts Sport 10 Years Later

Feb 1. 2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of the untimely death of Team Mayweather affiliate and Top Rank alumni Omar Henry, a Chicago-born boxer of Puerto Rican & African American descent who rose to stardom on social media before succumbing to gallbladder cancer.

After scrapping his way through the poverty stricken “Wild 100s” neighborhood, and later moving to live with his older sister in Texas, Omar was 16 years old when he started his boxing journey. He trained daily at Savannah’s Boxing Gym, and would eventually go on to become a four-time Texas Golden Gloves Champion, a 2007 Golden Gloves national quarter finalist, and a member of the USA Elite Boxing Program. He amassed an amateur boxing record of 60-5 before turning pro and signing with Top Rank in 2008.

Despite a relatively limited ring presence (his professional record was 12-0-1 with nine KO victories), he somehow found much success in the social arena; at one point reaching over 170,000 Twitter followers and regularly hobnobbing with the likes of Justin Bieber and President Obama. His spirited attitude and socialite adventures alone could have easily caused one to question his focus as a pugilist; but nevertheless, the upper echelon of boxing’s talent scouts knew better. After all, it was Omar’s ring talents that managed to impress the folks at Don King Productions, ultimately signing him onto the team in 2011

. Not long afterward, Showtime Boxing executives handpicked Omar to main event Showtime’s “Next Generation of Boxing” event, which was scheduled for Nov 16th, 2012. With his talent and charisma, it appeared Omar was on his way to becoming a household name, but tragically, days before the fight, Omar suddenly fell ill. Diagnosed with stage 3 gallbladder cancer, his days in the ring would take a sidestep, as he began fighting for his life – a contest he ultimately would lose. Omar passed away on Feb 1st, 2013, seven days before his 26th birthday

Because Omar always brought smiles and positive energy to everyone he met, it was only fitting his homegoing ceremony in Chicago felt more like a celebration than a somber affair, with hundreds of his closest friends, family, and fans meeting to honor his life and say their final goodbyes.

Despite passing away at a young age, Omar’s legacy continues to live on. Omar was posthumously named Universal Boxing Federation’s first ever honorary champion, validating the fighter he had the potential to become. In 2013, a Chicago Sun-Times article titled “Fighter to The End” detailing Omar’s journey won the prestigious Peter Lisagor award for sports writing.

Coming soon… Fans should be on the lookout for a film project based on Omar’s rollercoaster career and the final days of his life. It’s being spearheaded by Atlanta producer Rashad Mubarak and TV 




FORMER WORLD CHAMPION MARIO BARRIOS PROMISES ACTION FOR HOMETOWN FANS IN SAN ANTONIO ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 AT THE ALAMODOME

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.”

#         #         #

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/sportswww.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.





UFC CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Las Vegas – UFCÒ, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, today announced the launch of its annual celebration of Black History Month in which UFC will commemorate the achievements made by African American and Black UFC athletes. Throughout the month of February, UFC will highlight the personal stories of African American and Black UFC athletes, past and present, while celebrating their significance in promoting and growing UFC and the sport of mixed martial arts. 

Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Derrick Lewis, currently ranked no. 7 in the division, will headline the first event of Black History Month when he faces Serghei Spivac in the main event of UFCÒ FIGHT NIGHT: LEWIS vs. SPIVAC on Saturday, February 4 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

In addition, numerous top-ranked African American and Black UFC athletes will compete as part of UFCÒ 284: MAKHACHEV vs. VOLKANOVSKI, which takes place on Saturday, February 11, in Perth, Australia, and UFCÒ FIGHT NIGHT: VERA vs. SANDHAGEN, which takes place on Saturday, February 18 at UFC APEX.

UFC’s Black History Month celebration will conclude on Saturday, February 25, as UFC light heavyweight Ryan Spann, currently ranked no. 11 in the division, will headline the card against Nikita Krylov in the main event of UFCÒ FIGHT NIGHT: KRYLOV vs. SPANN at UFC APEX.

UFC will also commemorate Black History Month across its digital and social platforms with exclusive content such as an interactive timeline, features, and vignettes published weekly to UFC.com/black-history. UFC will also include special content during its broadcasts via watermark inclusion, athlete features, and vignettes throughout the month.

In addition, UFC will produce special content as part of ESPN’s Black History Month-themed programming, by looking at some of 2022’s most exciting fights to feature African American and Black athletes competing on the roster. UFC Unleashed: Black History Month will debut on Sunday, February 5 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

UFC FIGHT PASSÒ, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, will also highlight the accomplishments of top African American and Black UFC athletes as part of its “Fighter of the Day” feature.




BOXING HALL OF FAMER FLOYD MAYWEATHER’S LATEST EXHIBITION CLASH SET FOR PAY-PER-VIEW THROUGH THE ZEUS NETWORK ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 

 

LONDON – February 1, 2023 – The long anticipated U.K. debut of Boxing Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather will be available to fans on pay-per-view through the Zeus Network as the FrontRow Fight Series presents “Royal Pain” headlined by Mayweather’s exhibition clash against pro MMA fighter and “Geordie Shore” star Aaron “The Joker” Chalmers on Saturday, February 25 from the famed O2 Arena in London.

Tickets for the live event can be purchased HERE through AXS.com and begin at £53.50 a ticket (including fees). Mayweather will compete in front of the rabid U.K. boxing fans for the first time as he continues to take his talents worldwide following exhibitions in Japan and Dubai. Mayweather has spent time in the region throughout his career and famously defeated British superstar Ricky Hatton by TKO in 2007.

For more information on the Zeus Network, visit https://www.thezeusnetwork.com/. The event is presented by FrontRow entertainment, who have been behind Mayweather’s last three exhibition appearances. Additional bouts and event information will be announced leading up to fight night.

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About FrontRow:

The FrontRow Entertainment team has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Founder Keane Anis has been organizing all kinds of events, sporting events, concerts, beach parties and activations for celebrity tours, meet and greets and appearances with names such as Floyd Mayweather, N.E.R.D and Pharrell Williams, Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Kelly Rowland, Shaquille, TGT, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, Ty Dolla Sign, Tyga, Redman and Method Man, Ja Rule and Ashanti and P Square are few celebrities that are past and present FrontRow clients. They have also created the FrontRow Fight Series, delivering blockbuster boxing events around the world. Follow them on Instagram at @keane_frontrow and @frontrowfightseries, and on TikTok @frontrowfightseries.




BALUTA JUST THE TICKET FOR KO-KING CAIN

ASKING ANDREW CAIN how he is planning to approach his forthcoming collision with Ionut Baluta drew a typically robust – and utterly predictable – response from the WBC International Silver super bantamweight champion.

Tickets are on sale for Cain’s second defence of his treasured green strap, which will take place at the Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March on a card that also features the middleweight rematch between Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney and Jack Flatley, the return of Jason Cunningham, Raven Chapman making a first defence of her WBC International featherweight title against the Czech Lucie Sedlackova, and the second pro fight for amateur heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma.

“I reckon he’s getting his head smashed in!” was Cain’s light-hearted opening gambit. “That’s what I reckon, but he is not bad and is my best opponent to date.

“Nobody has stopped him yet so when I get in there and stop I will be making a statement, won’t I?”

The 10-0 Liverpool man acknowledges that Baluta, the former WBO European champion, carries the name recognition that will carry significant credit for inflicting defeat. His recent opposition, while holding strong records, were not widely familiar to the UK boxing market.

However, Cain also brackets Baluta in not being able to withstand his formidable force, although he hopes he lasts longer than the less than three minutes of action across his last two fights.

“To be honest, they have been good boxers, but they were not known and were not clean punchers like me. I don’t believe they punch as hard and as clean as I do. I don’t reckon he is going to stand up to what I’ve got, but if he does I’ll shake his hand after punching him all night.

“I wouldn’t mind a few rounds and this is what I’ve been waiting for. I thought them last fellas was gonna give me some rounds, to be honest, but it worked out different. Maybe this is gonna be the same because I will be punching with the same intentions that I always do.

“I don’t believe anyone can take it as long as I land clean. Sometimes you don’t land clean, but we’ll see. If he takes my best shots right on his chin and takes them, like I say, I will shake his hand and say ‘fair play’.”

Tickets for the Telford show headlined by Heaney vs Flatley 2 and Cain vs Baluta at Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

NATHAN HEANEY WILL rematch Jack Flatley with the vacant WBA Continental middleweight title at stake and Andrew Cain will defend his WBC International Silver super bantamweight title against Ionut Baluta at the Telford International Centre on Saturday, 25 March. The night that will also see the return of former European super bantamweight champion Jason Cunningham to the ring.

Also on the card, Raven Chapman will make a first defence of the WBC International featherweight title with The Omen will take on the Czech Lucie Sedlackova.

Heavyweight star of the future Moses Itauma will have his second professional fight over four rounds, while Liverpool super bantam Brad Strand will hit double figures as a pro with an eight-round assignment.

Midlands Area welterweight champion Owen Cooper will be in eight-round action, Telford super lightweight Macaulay Owen will fight over six, with local bantamweight Raheem Muhammad having his third four-rounder.

Ilkeston super welterweight Jimmy Smith will make his professional debut over four rounds.




EARLY RESULTS FROM BROOKLYN, NY (WILDER – HELENIUS)

Miguel Roman won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Negrete in a battle of undefeated super bantamweights.

In round two, Negrete started to bleed from his nose. Roman scored a knockdown with his right hand.

Roman, 123.8 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now3-0. Negrete, 122 lbs of Hanford, CA is 2-1.




THURSDAY: Erik Bazinyan-Alantez Fox Super Middleweight Showdown to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

(Jan. 31, 2023) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Erik Bazinyan, ranked in the top 10 by all four major sanctioning organizations, returns in a 10-round main event this Thursday, Feb. 2, against American veteran Alantez Fox at Casino de Montréal in Montreal, Canada.

Bazinyan, a 10-year-pro, hopes a victory over the 6-foot-4 Fox moves him closer to a world title opportunity.

Bazinyan-Fox and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Bazinyan (28-0, 21 KOs) has spent his entire pro career in Canada after moving from Armenia at 16. Promoted by Camille Estephan’s Eye of the Tiger, Bazinyan returns to action following last June’s unanimous decision over former world title challenger Marcelo Esteban Coceres. Bazinyan rose the ranks by defeating a host of seasoned veterans, including Alan Campa, Saul Roman and Scott Sigmon. Fox (28-3-1, 13 KOs) has more experience fighting world-level talent, as he is coming off a fourth-round TKO defeat in December 2021 to David Morrell for a secondary world title. Before the Morrell loss, he had a three-bout unbeaten streak.

In other streaming action from Montreal:

  • In a battle of slick boxing versus unrelenting pressure, Yves Ulysse Jr. (22-2, 12 KOs) steps up against Mexico’s Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (25-3-1, 15 KOs). Ulysse, from Montreal, has won four bouts since a close loss to Ismael Barroso. Valenzuela impressed last May on the Canelo Alvarez-Dmitry Bivol undercard, trading knockdowns with then-unbeaten contender Montana Love before dropping a razor-thin decision.
     
  • Canadian middleweight prospect Alexandre Gaumont (6-0, 4 KOs) aims to extend his knockout streak to three against Carlos Gallego Montijo (8-4, 6 KOs).
     
  • Raphael Courchesne (9-1, 4 KOs) returns from a nearly 19-month layoff to fight Diego Garduno Reyes (10-1-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round welterweight tilt.
     
  • Welterweight prospect Christopher Guerrero (5-0, 1 KOs) makes his 2023 debut in a six-rounder against fellow unbeaten Edwin Villarreal Flores (3-0-1, 3 KOs).
     
  • In a six-round junior lightweight bout, Avery Martin Duval (8-0-1, 4 KOs) looks to extend his winning streak to five against Eduardo Mota Garcia (7-1-1, 2 KOs), who has defeated two undefeated prospects in his last three outings.

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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).  




‘RELEVANT’ RICHARDSON EXCITED BY NEW YORK RETURN

Richardson Hitchins has thanked promoter Eddie Hearn for bringing him back to New York as he prepares to defend his IBF North American Super-Lightweight title against John Bauza at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT MSG.COM

Hitchins (15-0 7 KOs) last stepped through the ropes in the Big Apple in May 2019 at the Barclays Center, with just six fights in almost 45 months across America since that night in on his home patch.
 
The 25 year old is thrilled to finally be back in front of the passionate fight fans in his own city and with a renewed momentum in his career, he’s vowed to show his full arsenal and get what promises to be a big year underway in style.
 
Hitchins’ belief that he’s in a better place comes after teaming up with Hearn’s Matchroom at the end of 2022. Hearn snapped up the unbeaten Super-Lightweight and immediately handed him a first title fight in Cleveland in November against Yomar Alamo. 
 
Hitchins forced Alamo to retire after dominating the Puerto Rican for eight rounds, to get his first belt strapped around his waist. His defense against Bauza on Saturday is the quickest turnaround in fights that Hitchins has had in four years, and he believes that his name will be on everyone’s lips to be in the big fights in one of boxing’s best divisions right now.
 
“It’s been a while since I’ve boxed in my city,” said Hitchins. “It’s a homecoming I’ve craved for some time. That is enough to get you up for it. It’s going to be a special night and it’s the perfect venue and platform to showcase my skills and make a wider statement to the division. 
 
“I just need to go out there and deliver. I’ve got the talent to do major things in the sport, but I must keep improving. Day by day, week by week, month by month, fight by fight.
 
“We’re making up for lost time and put myself into a position where I need to be. I should be in a better place by now but it’s God’s plan.
 
“It’s all changed now, I feel relevant, there’s a purpose and there’s activity. It was hard to stay dedicated before. If I had no fight in the diary, from time to time may have switched off a little in the training more so from wandering. Now I’ve got to stay on weight and on track because there’s another fight day fast approaching. Mentally, it’s refreshing. I’m dedicated to the sport, and I just want to stay busy and stay sharp.
 
“It’s one of the most competitive divisions in boxing. There’s a lot of punchers in the 140 division, Regis Prograis gets people out of there and I think that’s a realistic matchup for later this year or next. I believe I belong with the top-level guys in the division and I’m ready to show that this year.”
 
Hitchins’ clash with Bauza is part of an historic night of action at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden as Amanda Serrano returns to Hulu Theater to aim to hold all the marbles for a second time, this time at Featherweight where she faces Mexico’s WBA ruler Erika Cruz.

Alycia Baumgardner recorded the best win of her career to date when she added the IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine belts held by bitter rival Mikaela Mayer in October in London via split decision to her WBC and IBO straps. The vacant WBA belt is the last piece of the puzzle, and French former interim WBC champion Elhem Mekhaled will look to spoil the Detroit star’s plans in her first fight in the States.
 
There’s three more female title fights on the card, as Australian star Skye Nicolson (5-0) looks to take a big step towards World title action against fellow unbeaten fighter Tania Alvarez (7-0 1 KO) for the WBC Silver Featherweight title and there’s another all-undefeated belt battle as Ramla Ali (7-0 2 KOs) faces title action for the first time in the paid ranks as she meets Avril Mathie (8-0-1 3 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Bantamweight strap, Shadasia Green (11-0 10 KOs) defends her WBC Silver Super-Middleweight title against Elin Cederroos (8-1 4 KOs) in an eliminator for the WBC World title.
 
Yankiel Rivera (2-0 2 KOs) will be looking to make it three KOs in three in his Matchroom debut against Fernando Diaz, and Aaron Aponte (6-0-1 2 KOs) and Brooklyn’s Harley Mederos (4-0 3 KOs) complete the action against Joshua David Rivers (8-1 5 KOs) and Julio Madera (4-2 2 KOs) respectively.




BROOKLYN’S HEATHER HARDY HEADLINES FEBRUARY 23 BOXING INSIDER SHOW AT SONY HALL in TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK

 

January 30, 2023, New York, New York – – Former world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy will battle former Brazilian champion Taynna Cardoso in a eight-round super featherweight bout in the main event at Sony Hall, in the heart of Times Square, mid-town Manhattan, on Thursday, February 23.

In the co-feature, Brooklyn’s Frederic “French Revolution” Julan will clash with South Jersey’s Decarlo “3medno” Perez in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Elon “El Leon” de Jesus will fight in a six-round super bantamweight contest and three additional fights will soon be added.

The February 23 event is being promoted by Boxing Insider is association with DiBella Entertainment.

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

“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 ready and exited to start 2023 off right, here in front of all my NYC fans for papa.”

“This is on paper one of the best local New York cards in years,“ 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.

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 Jesus Arturo “Chucho” Guzman (8-10, 5 KOs).

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.




ALL-ACTION FORMER WORLD CHAMPIONS BRANDON FIGUEROA AND MARK MAGSAYO SQUARE OFF FOR VACANT INTERIM 126-POUND TITLE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 4 LIVE ON SHOWTIME® IN PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS EVENT

ONTARIO, CALIF. – January 31, 2023 – In a matchup of all-action, high-powered former world champions, hard-hitting star Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will meet Filipino sensation Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo for the vacant Interim WBC Featherweight Title on Saturday, March 4 live on SHOWTIME from Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif. topping a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature the return of former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd as he takes on the power-punching Armando Reséndiz in the 10-round middleweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is an intriguing clash of unbeaten young middleweights as Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia meet in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

“Saturday, March 4 will be headlined by an explosive clash of exciting styles, as Brandon Figueroa and Mark Magsayo are sure to go toe-to-toe to secure their standing in the featherweight division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Brandon looked spectacular in his featherweight debut last July, and Magsayo has the opportunity to regain his status after losing his title in a close fight last time out. With another certified action fighter in Jarrett Hurd stepping into the ring in the co-main event against the up-and-coming Armando Reséndiz, plus hungry young middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Elijah Garcia in the TV opener, the stage is set for a thrilling night live on SHOWTIME and at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.”

The 26-year-old Figueroa (22-1-1, 17 KOs) was dynamic in his 126-pound debut, swarming and dominating Carlos Castro on his way to a sixth-round TKO on SHOWTIME in July 2021. The bout was his first since a 2021 Fight of the Year against Stephen Fulton Jr., which some observers thought ended in controversy after the majority decision loss for Figueroa. A native of Weslaco, Texas, Figueroa’s  relentless pressure and youthful enthusiasm helped him  become the first person to defeat former division champion Luis Nery in their championship clash on SHOWTIME prior to the Fulton fight. Figueroa added to his family’s legacy by capturing the WBC 122-pound world title against Nery, joining his brother Omar Figueroa Jr., who previously held the WBC lightweight world championship.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring to do what I love,” said Figueroa. “I want to fight the best, so I’m very motivated to be up against a former champion at featherweight like Magsayo. I’m confident that we’re going to give the fans a great fight, because neither of us like to take a step back. This is my chance to really show what I’m capable of at 126 pounds and I’m just eager to dominate and prove it to the world.”

The Philippines’ Magsayo (24-1, 16 KOs) became the latest champion from the boxing-rich nation in January 2022 when he outpointed boxing’s then longest-reigning male world champion Gary Russell Jr. to capture the 126-pound title on SHOWTIME. Magsayo will look to move closer to regaining that title on March 4, after he lost a narrow split-decision to Rey Vargas last July, despite dropping Vargas in round nine. The 27-year-old earned his first title opportunity by knocking out former champion Julio Ceja in the 10th round of a fight he trailed on the scorecards in August 2021. Magsayo is trained by Freddie Roach in Southern California and owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Ramiro Robles, in addition to a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“Figueroa and I both like to move forward, so everyone knows exactly what kind of fight this will be,” said Magsayo. “My goals are to give the fans the action they love and to regain my place in this division. I’m ready to face anyone they put in front of me. This is a true Mexican vs. Filipino style matchup, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring to perform once again.”

The 32-year-old Hurd (24-2, 16 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in 2018, dropping longtime champion Erislandy Lara in the final round to win a close decision in a fight that was the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year. The Accokeek, Md., native would go on to lose the titles in one of 2019’s best fights, dropping a decision to Julian Williams. Hurd first became champion in February 2017 when he stopped former champion Tony Harrison in the ninth round, before defending the title against another former champion in Austin Trout. Hurd will return to the ring having most recently dropped a narrow split-decision against tricky veteran Luis Arias in June 2021.  

“Y’all must’ve forgot, but I’m back to remind you what ‘Swift’ Jarrett Hurd is all about,” said Hurd. “I’m in a new weight class and I’m looking to dominate like I did at 154 pounds. I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on in the gym and display my talents on March 4. I know Reséndiz is going  to make the most of this opportunity, but I’m ready to make a big statement of my own.”

Reséndiz (13-1, 9 KOs) made a successful U.S. debut in April 2021, entering the fight with an eight-bout knockout streak before earning a decision victory over Quilisto Madera. A 23-year-old native of Nayarit, Mexico, he now fights out of Los Angeles. After dropping a decision to veteran Marcos Hernandez in September 2021, he returned this October to dominate Heber Rondon on his way to a second-round stoppage.

“I’ve been preparing very hard to take full advantage of the opportunity that I have in this fight,” said Reséndiz. “I have a great team in my corner and I know that they are getting the best out of my abilities. We’re all working toward the same goal and it’s going to result in a great fight for the fans. I’m fighting for my Mexican people and I’m not going to let them down.”

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Vidal (16-0, 12 KOs) now fights out of Las Vegas under the guidance of top trainer Bob Santos. The 26-year-old put together an impressive streak between November 2019 and November 2020, defeating three previously unbeaten fighters in a row, as he knocked out Zach Prieto on SHOBOX: The New Generation®, Leopoldo Reyna and Edward Ortiz. Vidal followed that up with a decision victory over veteran contender Immanuwel Aleem in July 2021 on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, and has added three more triumphs since then, including most recently winning a unanimous decision over Gabriel Omar Diaz last July.

“I am very happy to be back on SHOWTIME for my fourth fight in the U.S.,” said Vidal. “I’ve already beaten two undefeated fighters in America and I’m confident this will be the third time I take another fighter’s ‘0’. I’m thankful to my new trainer Bob Santos and my whole team for this opportunity. I’m training in Las Vegas and looking forward to putting my punching power on full display.”

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (13-0, 11 KOs) closed out 2022 in December with his fourth victory of the year, a second round KO of Cruse Stewart that streamed live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The 19-year-old has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 establishing himself as a rising prospect by knocking out his first six opponents and five of his last six.

“This fight is going to be a gateway for me,” said Garcia. “This is a great matchup on a big stage, and that just means more eyes and attention on me. I’m only 19 and I’m taking on an older undefeated fighter with more fights than I have. That just shows what kind of fighter I am. A win is going to open a lot of doors for me and soon everyone is gonna know what I can do.”

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

About TOYOTA ARENA

Toyota Arena, located in Southern California, built and owned by the City of Ontario, managed by SMG Worldwide, continues to win awards for the best entertainment venue in the region. The 225,000 square foot venue can accommodate capacities up to 11,000 for concerts, family shows, and sporting competitions. The arena features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities. Toyota Arena is proud to be recognized for cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard to keep our space clean and safe for occupancy with a GBAC Star Accreditation. Toyota Arena hosts a variety of sporting competitions, concerts, family shows, special events, graduation ceremonies and community activities as well as private events. The Arena is home to Ontario Reign – AHL Hockey Team, and Empire Strykers – MASL Soccer Team and the Ontario Clippers – G league basketball team. Toyota Arena is the biggest and most modern arena within the region, an area with nearly 5 million people. It is located in the City of Ontario, California, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway. For more information visit Toyota-Arena.com




Andres Cortes vs. Luis Melendez February 3 on Top Rank Card, Seeks Navarrete and All Big Names in 2023

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 30, 2023) – Undefeated rising star Andres Cortes (17-0, 11 KOs), fresh off a string of impressive wins in the super featherweight division, will face his most challenging opponent when he steps in the ring with Luis Melendez (17-2, 13 KOs), from Miami by way of Puerto Rico.

Cortes vs. Melendez, a 10-round bout, will take place at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, February 3, on the highly anticipated Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete vs Liam Wilson card promoted by Top Rank. Cortes vs. Melendez will be final bout on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Main event card starts at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST on ESPN and ESPN

Deportes.

Cortes, a Las Vegas native, has been making waves in the super featherweight division with his aggressive style and knockout power. His opponent, Melendez, a seasoned veteran with heavy hands, will pose a significant challenge for the young fighter.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to showcase my skills against a seasoned fighter like Melendez,” said Cortes. “He’s a young hungry fighter with a lot of heart. He’s never been stopped and has nothing to lose. I believe that I have what it takes to come out on top, and I’m ready to prove it to the world.”

With a victory, Cortez, having already made a name for himself, has intentions to take on all the big names in the division. He has quickly climbed the ranks in the super featherweight division and is now ready to take on the top contenders.

“I’ve been working hard and improving with every fight,” said Cortes. “My main focus is on Melendez, its not going to be an easy fight, but I’m coming out victorious. I’m ready to take on the best in the division and prove that I belong among the elite fighters. I’m not afraid of anyone, I believe in my abilities, and I know that I can beat any fighter in the division.”

“We are on a mission to fight the best in the world,” said Luis Cortes, manager, brother and trainer of Andres. “We sought to replace Valdez for the Navarrete fight, but his team chose the easier unknown Australian guy. Emanuel NavarreteOscar ValdezShakur Stevenson, or any other big name, we want them all in 2023. Melendez is going to be a tough fight and that is where our focus is. But I want to let it be known that we feel we are ready for anyone in the division.”

This fight promises to be an action-packed and thrilling encounter between two fighters looking to make a statement in the division. With both fighters known for their power and determination, the Desert Diamond Arena is sure to be electric with energy.




Indian welterweight prospect Vaibhav Singh Yadev To make U.S. debut Feb. 18th

QUINCY, Mass. (January 30, 2023) – The long journey for Indian welterweight Vaibhav Singh “Ahir Boxer” Yadav (9-2, 7 KOs) pays off February 18th as he makes his United States debut in a 6-round match on the “Turf War 4” card against William Parra Smith (4-13-1, 3 KOs), of Alaska.

The 27-year-old Yadav, a former WBC Asia Silver and Asian Boxing Federation welterweight champion, has relocated to Newton (MA), training at Nonantum Boxing Club under the guidance of highly respected trainer Marc Gargaro, managed by Nico Gargaro.

Team Yadev: (L-R) Manager Nico Gargaro, Vaihbav Singh Yadev and head trainer Marc Gargaro

“Turf War 4”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, will stream live on BXNGTV.com from Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

In 2018, Yadav met Marc in New Delhi, India, at the World Amateur Championships. The Indian boxer introduced himself to Gargaro and he received an invitation to train in the U.S.

A year later, Yadav applied for a U.S. Visa after he captured the WBC Asia Silver title and trained for two weeks in 2020 at Nonantum Boxing Club to check out the gym, training methods and housing. “Ahir Boxer,” as he is known in the ring, then stayed an additional 2 weeks in New York before returning home to India.

“I really enjoyed that,” Yadav said about his U.S. visit. “In 2021, I returned for a 2-week training camp that ended up 4 weeks because of COVID. I live in Newton now, but I only go to the gym twice a day and then back to the house. I have learned that there are large Indian communities in Waltham and Lowell. Training here is totally different. First, it’s a lot colder, and there’s no snow in New Delhi. We do have a rainy season, but the winters are much different here than back home.

“We have really good amateur boxing in my home country, but not good pro boxing. Things here are so different than at home. Foods are much different, and training is too. It’s exhausting but I’m enjoying it here. I left my family to train here. I’ve been working on my mental health, too. I was disappointed in my performance during my first week of training here because of new training methods and my scheduling, but my second week was good.”

English is Yadav’s second language – Hindi is his first – and he is surprisingly well spoken. He learned English in school and from traveling to countries in which many people speak English.

A promotional free agent, Yadav has a career plan, which includes fighting his first world title shot in the United States rather than back home.

“I want to make my coaches and supporters proud,” Yadav noted. “I’ll turn 28 in March, and I want to fight 10 more years. The United States is every boxer’s dream. Boxing is big in the UK, but the Mecca of Boxing is the United States.”

“I think Vaibhav has great untapped potential, very good power and superb timing,” head trainer Marc Gargaro added. “Training in India has been challenging to find sparring and consistency training, but I think being here will fill in a lot of gaps and turn him into the complete fighter I envision him to be.”

Vaibhav Singh Yadav is living the dream!

In his 6-round main event, Massachusetts Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (4-2, 1 KO), fighting out of Swansea (MA), will make his first title defense versus challenger Jamer Jones (2-1, 2 KOs), of Pittsfield (MA).

Former New England Heavyweight Champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (7-4-1, 5 KOs), of Fairfield (ME) comes out of his brief 10-month retirement in the 6-round, co-featured event for the vacant USBF heavyweight title against Jonathan “Lethal” Gruber (3-1, 2 KOs).

Holbrook (MA) junior welterweight Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (16-2, 9 KOs) is in his first scheduled 10-round fight against veteran Puerto Rican boxer Daniel Sostre in a rematch won by Ohan, Jr. in 2018 by way of a 6-round unanimous decision. Ohan, Jr. had an impressive performance this past December at famed Madison Square Garden, albeit in a loss to undefeated U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (7-0, KOs), in a match that was streamed live on ESPN+.

New Jersey welterweight Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), the former ABF USA Mid-American super lightweight title holder, is also fighting on the undercard in a 6-round bout against Carlos Marrero III (4-8-3, 0 KOs), of Bridgeport (CT).

Tickets are on sale and priced (plus fees) at $70.00 (VIP Stage Seating), $60.00 (General Floor Seating) and $45.00 (General Auditorium Seating). Go online to purchase at https://granite-chin-promotions.ticketleap.com/ or from any of the participating fighters.

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

INFORMATION :

www,granite-chin-promotions.com

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin




Kings Promotions signs Dominican prospect Anibal Cleto Francisco 

Reading, Pa. – January 30, 2023 – Kings Promotions continues to grow their stable of Dominican fighters by adding rising middleweight sensation Anibal Cleto Francisco to their roster on a multi-year promotional agreement. 

The 22-year-old Francisco holds a perfect record of 10-0 (9KOs) as a professional boxer. 

In his last fight on July 2nd, Cleto Francisco won the WBA Fedelatin Middleweight title with a fifth round knockout over Venezuelan veteran Yeison Gonzalez (16-7). 

Anibal Cleto Francisco, who is trained by Roberto Peralta, is scheduled to fight on February 24th in his native country on a card promoted by Shuan Boxing in association with Kings Boxing. 

Anibal Cleto Francisco is managed by Harry Polanco and advised by Trifon Petrov. 

Harry Polanco who manages Cleto Francisco is excited to partner up with Kings Promotions. 

“I’ve worked with Anibal since the beginning of his professional career. He is one of the most dedicated fighters I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I’m happy we are able to partner up with a big promoter from the United States, so we can take the next step in his career. He has a very fan-friendly fighting style, and I know the fans in the US will love him when he gets the opportunity to fight on the big stage and national television,” said Polanco. 

For Cleto Francisco signing with Kings Promotions is a dream come true. 

“Since I started boxing I always wanted to get the chance to go to America and compete with the best. I’m very grateful to Harry Polanco for making this opportunity a reality. Adding Trifon Petrov as my adviser and Marshall Kauffman as my promoter is the next step of my development as a professional boxer. I can’t wait to represent my country on the biggest stages in America”, said Cleto Francisco.




Undefeated Luis Rodriguez WINS WBA / CA Title!

January 29, 2023, Panama City, Panama – – Luis Rodriguez, now a perfect 11 wins in 11 fights with 11 stoppages, won the World Boxing Association Continental Americas Super Middleweight title with a second-round knockout against Encarnacion “Demoledor” Diaz on Saturday, January 28 at Los Andes Mall, Panama City, Panama. 

Rodriguez knocked Diaz down in round two with a left hook, then delivered a flurry of punches that dropped him a second time.  Diaz could not recover while referee Guillermo Perez Pineda counted to ten and the fight was called at 3:00 of round two. The bout was scheduled for ten rounds.  

“This was a phenomenal opportunity and I made sure to take full advantage of it,” said Rodriguez. “I only want to fight the best and am here to stay. I will continue to work hard and stay fight ready for my next step.  If all goes well, Puerto Rico will soon be celebrating a new world champion in 2023.”

Rodriguez (11-0, 11 KOs) from Tao Alto, Puerto Rico, whose team includes renowned boxing attorney Tony Gonzalez and promoter, Rivalta Boxing, made his pro debut on June 11, 2021. His knockouts have come in rounds 2, 1, 4, 1, 2, 2, 1, 4, 3, and now 2 respectively. 

Encarnacion Diaz (15-3, 9 KOs) from San Jose, Costa Rico, entered Saturday on a three-fight win streak including two by knockout and one by decisive unanimous decision win.

“I want to thank my team for getting me this opportunity to start 2023 strong,” said Luis. “When-not if- I beat Diaz this weekend, I want to fight the best super middleweights and make my name known as one of the best in the division.  It is my time and time for young blood to carry this division and this sport. I fight for my family and to make all of Puerto Rico proud.”

Rodriguez’s advisor, Attorney Tony Gonzalez stated “This kid is the full package. He can box, slug and end the fight with one punch with either hand. We are planning to have Luis defend the title in Miami in March.”




Alexis Rocha Stops Ashie in Seven!!

Alexis Rocha earned a big fight by stopping late-replacement George Ashie in round seven of their 12-round welterweight bout at The YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California.

In round three, Rocha uncorked a vicious right hook that landed on the jaw and sent Ashie to the canvas. There was some furious exchanges that Rocha got the better of and he landed some good hooks to the head and thudding body shots.

In round six, Rocha was cut over his right eye from an accidental headbutt. In round seven. Rocha landed a perfectly timed right hook that deposited Ashie face-first on the canvas and the fight was over at 2:08.

Rocha, 146.4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 22-1 with 14 knockouts. Ashie, 146 lbs of Accra, GHA is 33-6-1.

“I wanted to make a statement,” said Alexis Rocha. “Crawford is next. But if that can’t happen, I want all the big names. I’m signed to the best promotional company in the world, and I know they’ll make it happen. He [Ashie] was a tough fighter, but I knew he wasn’t going to hang with me.”

Floyd Schofield Decisions Mercado

Floyd Schofield remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Mercado in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Schofield landed a hard right to the top of the head that put Mercado down.

Schofield, 134.8 lbs of Austin, TX won by scores of 100-89 on all cards and is now 13-0. Mercado, 134.8 lbs of Humacao, PR is 17-5-1.

“My feet hurt, but it was a good victory,” said Floyd Schofield. “To the fans, thank you for all the love and support, and next time I’ll definitely get that knockout. We want to fight Keyshawn Davis next.”

Melikuziev Stops Sierra in 3

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Ulises Sierra in round three of their 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Melikuziev was cut over the right eye from a punch. In round three, Melikuziev dropped Sierra with a straight left to the body. Late in the round, it was a hard straight left to the body that put Sierra down for good, and the bout was stopped at 2:59.

Melikuziev, 167.6 lbs of Indio, CA is now 11-1 with nine knockouts. Sierra, 167.4 lbs of San Diego, CA is 17-3-2.

“I’m happy that I just won and as I said before Gabe Rosado is the guy I’m looking for and if not him, anyone,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “I’m ready. Just give me any 168-lb fight. Thank you to all of my supporters, we’re moving little by little. We’re getting closer to the title shot, we got another title today and we’re looking forward to the world championship.”

Oscar Collazo Stops Reyes in 5

Oscar Collazo stopped Yudel Reyes in round five of their 12-round WBO Minimumweight Elimination bout.

In round five, Collazo landed a big right hook that rocked Reyes back. Collazo followed up with a left and another right hook that put Reyes on the canvas. At the end of the round, Collazo landed another flush right hook that was followed by a straight left that put Reyes down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Collazo, 104.6 lbs of Villalba, PR is now 6-0 with four knockouts. Reyes, 104.2 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 15-2.

“I feel super good. We did exactly what we wanted to do,” said Collazo. “If we went to the body, we then went back up and that’s how we made it happen. The knockout punch was the hook. We had been practicing since camp so I’m glad we made it happen. I want the champions next. Specifically, The WBA champion, Melvin Jerusalem. So, Melvin, if you’re listening, I want you.”




Beterbiev stops Yarde in 8; Retains Light Heavyweight Titles

Artur Beterbiev remained completely perfect as he stopped Anthony Yarde to retain the IBF/WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight titles in action packed fight at The AVO Arena in London.

It was a fight full of action with each guy having success by landing some hard combinations. Each guy backed the other up at various times in the fight with rounds five and seven seeing terrific two way action.

At the end of round five, Yarde was cut under his right eye. During round six, Beterbiev was cut over his right eye. That did not bother Beterbiev as in round eight, Beterbiev landed a looping right to the top of the head that put Yarde on the canvas. With Yarde hurt, Beterbiev landed two more shots before Yarde’s corner stopped the fight at 2:01.

Beterbiev on Russia is 19-0 with 19 knockouts. Yarde of England is 23-2.

Beterbiev said, “Every fight is different. It’s a different preparation. And the fighter is different, too. I can’t say I did a very bad fight. But if I could do it again, I’d do it better. But I feel good. To be honest, I prepared for the all the punches he did. That’s why I could come back. It’s because we expected those punches.

“Everyone can punch hard at this level. And Anthony did, too. But he’s young. I turned into a professional when I was 28. He has time. I hope he does well in the future. I want [Dmitry] Bivol. Right now, it’s everything. In that fight, we’ll have four belts. It’s really good fight, I think.”

Maderna Shocks Itauma in 5

Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna scored a big upset by stopping Karol Itauma in round five of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

Maderna continuously landed a straight right hands on the listless southpaw Itauma, In round five, one of those right hands landed flush and dropped Itauma. Itauma did not attempt to beat the count and the fight was stopped at 1:04.

Maderna of Argentina is 29-10 with 19 knockouts. Itauma of England is 9-1.

Dalakian Decisions Jimenez to retain Flyweight belt

Artem Dalakian retained the WBA Flyweight title with a 12-round decision over David Jimenez in a battle of undefeated fighters.

In round five, Jimenez was cut over his right eye. The fight was close, but it seemed the constant pressure of Jimenez would get him the victory and the title. The judges saw differently as the scores read 116-112 and 115-113 for the defending champion.

Punch stats favored Jimenez as he landed 122 of 435 punches; Dalakian was 94 of 547.

Dalakian, 111.6 lbs of Kiev. UKR is now 22-0. Jimenez, 111.1 lbs of Costa Rica is now 12-1.

Andy Fletcher remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Darryl Sharp in a cruiserweight bout.

Fletcher won by a 60-54 score and is now 4-0.

Moses Itauma made a successful pro debut with a 22 second knockout of Marcel Bode.

Itauma is 1-0 with one knockout. Bode is 2-2.




FOLLOW BETERBIEV – YARDE LIVE!!!

Follow all the action as Artur Beterbiev defends tha IBF?WBC/WBO Light Heavyweight titles against Anthony Yarde in London.  The action kicks of at 2:30 with an undercard that will feature The WBA Flyweight Title between Artem Dalakian and David Jimenez

The PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

12 ROUNDS–IBF/WBC/WBO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLES–ARTUR BETERBIEV (18-0, 18 KOS) VS ANTHONY YARDE (23-2, 22KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
BETERBIEV 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 69
YARDE 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 64

Round 1: Left from Yarde..Left and right…1-2 from Beterbiev..Right..Left hook..
ROUND 2 Action heating up…Jab from Beterbiev..

ROUND 3 Right from Yarde..Right to body from Beterbiev..Hard left

ROUND 4 Right shakes Yarde..Another right..Hard right..Right from Yarde…Trading hard shots…

ROUND 5 Jab from Beterbiev..Right to body from Yarde..Jab from Beterbiev…Body shot from..Counter left from Yarde…Big Right..Looping left…Huge flurry from Beterbiev at the bell…Yarde cut under his right eye

ROUND 6 Right from Beterbiev..Jab from Yarde…Beterbiev cut over right eye

ROUND 7 Body shots from Yarde…left and right to the body…Right…Jab…Short left from Beterbiev…Right from Yardesends Beterbiev to the ropes..2 uppercuts, right and body from Beterbiev..Body shot from Yarde..Uppercut..body shot from Beterbiev..

ROUND 8 Right from Yarde…Jab from Beterbiev...HIGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES YARDE…HE IS HURT BAD…BIG RIGHT AND THE CORNER OF YARDE STOPS THE FIGHT

10 Rounds–Light Heavyweights–Karol Itauma (9-0, 7 KOs) vs Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna (28-10, 18 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Itauma 9 10 9 9 37 
Maderna* 10 10 10 10 KO 40

Round 1 Right from Maderna..Left from Itauma...Right from Maderna...Redness on nose of Itauma..
Round 2 Nice left from Itauma…Right..Left from Maderna..Right..
Round 3 Looping left hook from Maderna,,,Short left..Nice left uppercut from Itauma,,left hook to body from Maderna,,Itauma working on the inside.
Round 4 Right from Maderna..Counter right and overhand left from Itauma..Right from Maderna…Right wobbles Itauma
Round 5…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ITAUMA AND HE DOES NOT GET UP

12 ROUNDS–WBA FLYWEIGHT TITLE–ARTEM DALAKIAN (21-0, 15 KOS) VS DAVID JIMENEZ (12-0, 9 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
DALAKIAN 10 9 10 10 9 10 9 9 9 9 9 10 113
JIMENEZ 9 10 9 9 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 116

Round 1: Left hook from Dalakian…

ROUND 2: Right to body from Jimenez..

ROUND 3 Nice right from Dalakian

ROUND 4 Left hook from Dalakina…

ROUND 5   Jimenez Pressuring..Jimenez cut over his right eye

ROUND 6 Dalakian lands a right

ROUND 7 Over hand right from Jimenez..Nice right

ROUND 8 Nice left from Jimenez…Jab..

Round 9 Right hand and uppercut from Jimenez…

ROUND 10 Right from Dalakian…Jab from Jimenez…Good body shot from Dalakian..Right from Jimenez..Left hook…Body work..

ROUND 11 Jimenez lands a body shot,.

Round 12 Good right from Jimenez…Good uppercut from Dalakian..

115-113 TWICE AND 116-112 FOR DALAKIAN

4 Rounds–Heavyweights–Moses Itauma (PD) vs Marcel Bode (2-1, 2 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Itauma KO
Bode

Round 1  2 PunCHES AND DOWN GOES BODE…THER FIGHT IS OVER

6 Rounds–Cruiserweights–Tommy Fletcher (3-0, 3 KOs) vs Darryl Sharp (7-96-1, 1 KO) 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Fletcher* 10 10 10 10 10 10 60
Sharp 9 9 9 9 9 9 54

Round 1: Jabs from Fletcher
Round 2 Left from Fletcher..Body shot from Fletcher…
Round 3 Hard left from Fletcher…Left to body…
Round 4 Left from Fletcher…
Round 5 2 Lefts

60-54 FLETCHER




The Abrams Boxing Show: Ep 32






GOLDEN BOY SIGNS SUPER WELTERWEIGHT PROSPECT ERIC TUDOR

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 27, 2023): Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of super welterweight prospect Eric Tudor (7-0, 6 KOs) to its coveted promotional banner. One of the most disciplined fighters the company has signed, Tudor is a boxer-puncher who’s foundational arsenal makes him a well-rounded pugilist. With over 200 amateur fights, the Romanian-born combatant was part of the Romanian National Team. Raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the 21-year-old also won the Silver Gloves and National PAL Boxing Championships here in the U.S. He has fought a number of times on Golden Boy Fight Night Series cards, impressing fans with his quick, knockout stoppages. 

“I’m excited to be a part of a great promotional company like Golden Boy and showcase my talent to the world on such a great platform,” said Eric Tudor. “I want to use this opportunity to show that I’m one of the best prospects in boxing.”

Continues Tudor,“Like many other fighters, my goal is to fight for a world title. Activity was a key factor for me when signing with a promotional company. I want to be in the ring as many times as possible and Golden Boy will make it happen.”

“We have been impressed by the raw talent we see in Eric Tudor,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “His skillset mixed with the Golden Boy tools to make a star, we expect for him to thrive under our promotional banner and one day become champion if he continues his steadfast commitment to be the best. No one can build fighters like we do, and we are excited to welcome Tudor to the Golden Boy Family.” 




VIDEO: ALEXIS ROCHA VS. GEORGE ASHIE WEIGH-IN




VIDEO: The Abrams Boxing Show: Ep 32




Brian Howard Takes on Junior Wright In Heavyweight Showdown on Saturday, March 4th at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania

NEWTOWN PA (January 26th, 2023)–On Saturday March 4th, RDR Promotions will present a massive night of boxing at The Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

The potential 16 bout card will be headlined by heavyweights Brian Howard and former world title challenger Junior Wright Squaring off in an eight-round bout.

Howard of Loganville, Georgia has a record of 15-5 with 12 knockouts. The 42 year-old Howard has wins over Yuwshua Zadok (1-0), Chris Stallworth (9-2), Alex Guerrero (12-0-1), Shawndell Winters (8-0), Carlos Negron (20-2). Howard is coming off la oss to Efe Ajagba on April 10, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Wright of Evanston, Illinois is 19-4-1 with 16 knockouts. The 36 year-old Wright has victories over Nick Reader (3-0-1), Nick Kisner (12-0-1). On May 21, 2016, Wright challenged Beibut Shumenov for the WBA Cruiserweight title. Wright was stopped in 10 -rounds in a fight that took place in Las Vegas. Wright is coming off a vicious third-round stoppage over Colby Madison on October 1, 2022 in Philadelphia.

In a six-round bout, undefeated lightweight Rashan Adams steps up to face veteran Oscar Barajas.

Adams of Philadelphia is 4-0 with three knockouts. The 24 year-old is coming off a first round stoppage over Kevin Smith on October 22, 2022 in Philadelphia.

Barajas of Zamora, Mexico is 18-8-1 with eight knockouts. The 32 year-old Barajas had defeated Roxie Lam (7-1) as well Edgardo Navarrete Correa (11-2). Barajas has developed into a “Philly-Killer” as he has defeated two favorites from the City of Brotherly Love in Jerome Conquest and Damon Allen (16-1-1).

In Six-Round Bouts:

Daiyaan Butt (13-2, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia will take on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight bout.

Mark Dawson (10-1-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Laquan Evans (5-2-2, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Eliezer Olmeda (3-2) of Gloucester City, NJ in a welterweight bout.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Isaiah Johnson (6-0, 5 KOs) of Sicklerville, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

Nimal Farmer (2-0, 2 KOs) of Lindenwold, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

Nasir Mickens (2-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Juan Gutierrez (0-3) of Esteil, Nicaragua in a super bantamweight fight.

Dominique Mayfield (2-1) of Philadelphia takes on Jerome Aiken (1-6-1, 1 KO) of Annapolis, MD in a heavyweight bout.

Ghandi Romain of Union City, NJ will make his pro debut against Jeremiah Kendrick (1-3, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight bout.

Erron Peterson (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tariq Green (2-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight clash.

Najeem Johns (2-0, 2 KOs) of Darby, PA tussles with Leonidas Fowlkes (2-12-1) of Winchester, VA in a super lightweight battle.

Brendan O’Callaghan (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Soslan Alborov (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super welterweight fight.

Seeing action against opponents to be named will be heavyweight Jonathan Wiles (0-2) of Philadelphia, featherweight Rasheen Brown (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia and junior welterweight Roberto Gomez (5-1, 5 KOs) of Mexico City.

First Bout at 5 PM ET

The Newtown Athletic Club is located at 120 Pheasant, Newtown PA 18940

Tickets are $200, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at The Following Link

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS




Undefeated Puerto Rican Luis Rodriguez Fights Encarnacion Diaz For the WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Title Saturday, January 28 in Panama

Panama City, January 27, 2023 – – Luis Gonzalez, a perfect 10 wins in 10 fights with 10 stoppages, will fight for the World Boxing Association Continental Americas Super Middleweight title against Encarnacion “Demoledor” Diaz on Saturday, January 28 at Los Andes Mall, Panama City, Panama. 

Rodriguez (10-0, 10 KOs) from Tao Alto, Puerto Rico, whose team includes renowned boxing attorney Tony Gonzalez and promoter, Rivalta Boxing, made his pro debut on June 11, 2021, fought again two weeks later June 26 then once per month for the next four months.  In 2022 he fought four times. His knockouts have come in rounds 2, 1, 4, 1, 2, 2, 1, 4, 3 and 2 respectively. Two of his last three last three fights were scheduled for ten rounds as competition toughened to prepare him for a title fight. 

Encarnacion Diaz (15-2, 9 KOs) from San Jose, Costa Rico, enters Saturday on a three-fight win streak including two by knockout and one by decisive unanimous decision win.

“I want to thank my team for getting me this opportunity to start 2023 strong,” said Luis. “When-not if- I beat Diaz this weekend, I want to fight the best super middleweights and make my name known as one of the best in the division.  It is my time and time for young blood to carry this division and this sport. I fight for my family and to make all of Puerto Rico proud.”

Rodriguez’s advisor, Attorney Tony Gonzalez stated “This is a wonderful opportunity for Luis to start his 2023 campaign very strong. If all goes well, we will bring him back in March to defend his title and will be targeting the top 10 in the division. Luis deserves to be fighting only the best but unfortunately towards the end of 2022, it was almost impossible finding someone willing to fight him which led to his inactivity in the 4th quarter. I understand that to a certain extent – here you have a kid who is the full package, he can box, can slug and can end the fight with one punch which makes for a very dangerous opponent. Diaz has a good record, and it should make for a good test for him. We have heard Diaz has been in camp nearly 2 months getting ready for Luis and Luis will be ready.”




JOHN “SCRAPPY” RAMIREZ TO HEADLINE THE FIRST GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON DAZN SHOW OF THE YEAR ON FEBRUARY 23 AGAINST GUADALAJARA’S LUIS PADILLA

INDIO, CA (January 27, 2023) – One of boxing’s most energetic and fan-friendly fighters, NABA Super Flyweight Titleholder John “Scrappy” Ramirez (10-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles will headline the first Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN show of the year at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Thursday, February 23. Ramirez will defend his NABA 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. 

“Excited is an understatement. When I left football for boxing I always envisioned a stage like this to showcase my hard work and dedication and I’m sincerely grateful to have the opportunity now,” said “Scrappy” Ramirez. “It has been a long road to get here but I want to thank my team, Golden Boy, DAZN, the WBA and Mr. Gilberto Ramírez, Oscar and Eric, and all my fans and supporters from across the world for this opportunity. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to headline this show at Fantasy Springs on DAZN.”

“As promised, Golden Boy is delivering the best fight nights,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “On February 23, fight fans will get to see talented, rising prospects who have star potential. Scrappy Ramirez is a prime example of that – the fans will be able to feel the energy he brings as our special main event.”

Tickets for Ramirez vs. Padilla go on-sale today, January 27 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $65, $55, $45 and $25 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at FantasySpringsResort.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com 

As chief support of the card, Coachella Valley’s beloved, undefeated local fighter Manuel “El Meny” Flores (14-0, 11 KOs) will measure up against Mangua, Nicaragua’s Marvin Solano (24-8, 8 KOs). The eight-round bantamweight fight will be guaranteed action, as Flores’s last six fights have all been knockouts. 

Information on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Monday, Feb. 20. To apply, please visit https://bit.ly/2-23GBFN

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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




“NO LIMIT” JEAN PASCAL VS. MICHAEL EIFERT IBF ELIMINATOR MAR. 16 IN LAVAL, CANADA

LAVAL, Québec, Canada (January 27, 2023)  As he himself mentioned yesterday on his social networks, Jean Pascal is fully recovered from the COVID-19 virus, which struck him down in early January. He has received the green light from his doctor and will resume intense training starting next Monday. DiBella Entertainment, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and Jean Pascal Promotions, and in collaboration with Blanko Sports and SES Sports Events GmbH, officially confirm the postponed “No Limit” event will now take place on March 16th at Place Bell in Laval, Canada, as two-time world champion Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) faces Germany’s Michael Eifert (11-1, 4 KOs) to determine the mandatory challenger for International Boxing Federation (IBF) World Light Heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (18-0-0, 18 KOs).

Tickets are now on sale, ranging from $40 in the stands up to $500 on the floor. Tables for six people, including wine and meals, are also available for $3,500 or $4,500 plus tax. Tickets may be purchased online at evenco.ca or by email at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca. Tickets already purchased for February 9th will be honored.

This international event is presented by Mise-O-Jeu. The evening’s bout sheet is comprised of seven other fights:

The co-feature pits popular Mathieu “G-Time” Germain (21-2-1, 9 KOs) and Steven Wilcox (24-3-1, 7 KOs), a member of the famed family of four pro fighters. Germain began a streak of three consecutive victories in May 2021, in Quebec City, by taking the measure of Steve Claggett (33-7-2, 23 KOs) in 10 rounds. Wilcox has won his last six fights, including his most recent victory last November, by way of a fourth-round technical knockout against Mexican Francisco Martinez (11-4, 6 KOs).

To mark Saint Patrick’s Day, the authentic Irishman and promising light heavyweight prospect “Mighty” Joseph Ward (8-1, 4 KOs), of Ireland, will also be in action in an eight-round fight.

World contender Jessica “Cobra” Camara (10-3, 2 KOs), of Montreal, returns to Quebec for the first time since 2019. She has since fought five fights in the United States, including the WBA and WBO super lightweight world championship versus Kali Reis (19-7-1, 5 KOs) in New Hampshire in November 2021. She lost by split decision in an extremely close and hard-fought fight. She will meet Prisca “La Guerrera” Vicot (14-8, 2 KOs), a French woman who lives in San Diego, California.

Spectators will have the pleasure of seeing rising star Caroline Veyre (2-0) in action after her dazzling performance on January 13th on the Clavel-Plata card, in which she dominated Esefania Franco (4-5). Veyre was a 2020 Canadian Olympian and 2015 Pan-American Games gold medalist. On March 16th, she will likely face solid opposition in Emma “Valkyria” Gongora (5-2), fighting out of Marseille, France. She has won her last five fights, including her most recent win against Martine Vallieres Bisson (5-2, 1KO) at Casino de Montreal last September.

Young Italian sensation Yoel Angeloni (1-0), the latest discovery of International Boxing Hall of Fame promoter Lou DiBella, plans to impress in a four-round special attraction. The welterweight prodigy has a bright future ahead of him.

Also, Vancouver’s skillful Eric Basran (3-0, 1 KO) intends to double down in 2023. Veyre’s teammate on Canada’s National Team returns to the ring after taking a six-round unanimous decision on January 13th against Juan Carlos Garcia (4-3), of Mexico City. This time he takes on Ruben Vallejo (7-1-1, 3 KOs) in a potentially explosive confrontation.

Former Canadian amateur champion Amanda Galle (7-0-1, 1 KO) is slated to fight in a bantamweight eight-round bout.

Pascal will meet with members of the media via teleconference this coming Monday morning to answer questions.

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ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT 

In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters, such as Sergio Martinez, Bernard Hopkins, Jermaine Taylor, Micky Ward, Deontay Wilder, and George Kambosos, among others. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in November 2003. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. While at HBO, DiBella created and established the highly successful “Boxing After Dark” series, which featured some of the sport’s greatest fights. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. He also produced or executive produced numerous documentaries, such as Viva Baseball!, Magic Man, Maravilla, Larry Flynt for President, and Tapia. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO and Managing Owner of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020 and inducted in June 2022, as well as the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM)

Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation, GYM has promoted 165 events in Quebec, all televised in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, as well as participated in 38 international events outside Quebec. Eight GYM boxers have become world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. Nineteen boxers from the organization have delivered 54 world championship fights, maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period, major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization.




VIDEO: Artur Beterbiev v Anthony Yarde | Official Weigh In