Dalton Smith will make the second defence of his British Super-Lightweight Title against Billy Allington on the undercard of Leigh Wood’s highly anticipated WBA Featherweight World Title showdown with avoided Mexican Mauricio Lara at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday February 18, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

The Sheffield star (13-0, 10 KOs) recently put pen to paper on a new multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn following a stellar 2022 that saw the 25-year-old remain undefeated, and ‘Thunder’ is set to kick off an even busier year against Surrey’s former English Champion Allington (10-1-4) as he looks to win the prestigious British Title outright before moving onto the European scene. 

Irish Lightweight hope Gary Cully (15-0, 9 KOs), who also recently extended his promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing, returns to the scene of his impressive stoppage triumph over former World Champion Miguel Vazquez in March last year to take on the USA’s Wilfredo Flores (10-0-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Title ahead of what promises to be a huge year for the ‘The Diva’.

Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (4-0, 4 KOs) has ended all four of his fights inside the distance since turning pro last February, including a brutal second round stoppage win over Jose Gregorio Ulrich last time out caused by a perfectly timed uppercut, and the former Team GB Olympian steps up next month in an Eliminator for the English Cruiserweight Title against Scunthorpe’s Dec Spelman (19-6, 9 KOs).

Former European Super-Bantamweight Champion Gamal Yafai (19-2, 11 KOs) returned to winning ways by stopping Sean Cairns in four rounds last June after losing his EBU Title to Jason Cunningham in May 2021, and the 31-year-old from Birmingham begins 2023 with a ten-rounder against Argentina’s Diego Alberto Ruiz (23-6-1, 12 KOs) as he aims to get back to title action later in the year. 

Northampton’s Kieron Conway (18-3-1, 4 KOs) meets Portugal’s Jorge Silva (21-7, 12 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Middleweight following his points loss to Austin Williams on the Canelo vs. Golovkin 3 undercard last September, Rotherham Super-Welterweight talent Junaid Bostan (4-0, 4 KOs) fights for the third time under the Matchroom banner after inking a deal with Eddie Hearn last September and popular Mansfield Super-Bantamweight Nico Leivars (3-0-1) squares off against Spain’s Alberto Motos (2-0) over six rounds. 

Tickets for Wood vs. Lara are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP)

Matchroom Fight Pass members can purchase tickets NOW.  Priority ticket info has been emailed directly to eligible members.

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham from midday tomorrow (Thursday January 12).

NEW YORK – January 11, 2023 – Gervonta Davis’ exciting ninth-round stoppage over Héctor Luis García on Saturday night on SHOWTIME PPV^® in which Davis caused Garcia to retire on his stool in a dramatic, made-for-TV-moment, will air on SHOWTIME this Saturday, January 14 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, giving fans another chance to watch Davis’ methodical breakdown of the previously undefeated champion Garcia.

In addition, Roiman Villa’s thrilling comeback majority decision victory against formerly unbeaten Rashidi Ellis on the pay-per-view undercard will also be included in Saturday’s delayed telecast. Villa, who upset a previously undefeated fighter on SHOBOX: The New Generation^® in September, sent Ellis to the canvas twice in the pivotal 12^th round to clinch the decision.

The event set a new live gate record for ticket revenue for Capital One Arena, topping a previous Rolling Stones concert. The Baltimore-native Davis has now sold out arenas in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and Washington, D.C., cementing his status as boxing’s hottest, must-see young attraction.

Below are some notable headlines coming out of the event:

• The Washington Post— Davis Finds His Mojo

“Boxer Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis continued his rapid ascension with a convincing victory.”

• Associated Press— Davis Beats Garcia

“Davis found his groove in the fourth round, landing several jabs and bringing fans to their feet.”

• ESPN— Davis Showed Again He’s One Of The Best

“Tank once again packed the house, this time bringing in an announced attendance of 19,731 to Washington, D.C. He is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the sport.”

• The New York Times— Gervonta Davis Sets Up For Ryan Garcia

“Inside the ring, Davis remains a reliable, efficient problem solver.”

• Yahoo! Sports— Davis Forces Garcia To Quit On His Stool

“Davis is like a lightweight version of Mike Tyson.”

• Sports Illustrated— Boxing Pound-for-Pound Top 10 Rankings

“This was a quality win.”

• CBS Sports— Tank Scores TKO, Sets Up Showdown Vs. Ryan Garcia

“Davis out-landed his foe by a margin of 99 to 55. Davis also landed an incredible 53% of his power punches.”

• Washington Times— Gervonta Davis On The Cusp Of Superstardom

“One of the biggest draws in boxing, Davis has proven he can attract a crowd in several cities throughout the United States. Davis remains captivating.”

#         #         #

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Paramount, owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

POMONA, CA (January 11, 2023) – Undefeated NABA super lightweight champion, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (8-0, 8 KOs), is ready to start his 2023 off with a bang as he returns to the ring February 4, 2022. Mercado faces his toughest opponent to date, “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (31-12-1, 14 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, in a scheduled 10-round co-main event at the LumColor Center in Ontario, CA. RED Boxing Promotions is the promoter.

“It feels great to be back fighting near my hometown, and I am ready to knock out another opponent,” said the 21-year-old Mercado, who calls Pomona, California his home. “I heard him say that he is making 38-year-olds look like 25-year-olds right now. After he fights me, he will feel his age and more than likely never want to fight again. I have a lot of respect for Hank Lundy, but he is too old and I’m going to send him into retirement once and for all!”

Hank Lundy has been in the ring with Terence Crawford, Viktor Postol, Jose Zepeda, and Thomas Dulorme, so its fair to say this is a major step up for Mercado.

“Hank has been in the ring with a lot of great fighters,” continued Mercado. 

“Now it is time for me to show that I am just as good as all those other fighters mentioned on his resume. I am calling out all a top lightweight and super lightweight contenders. No one is mentioning my name, now I have to fight veterans that most fighters in my weight class are avoiding to earn my respect in boxing.”

“You might call this a fight, but I will call it a statement,” concluded Mercado. “This is going to be a viral moment in which people will downplay what I do, but if they looked at Hank’s history, no one in my weight class will ever beat him the way I will on February 4th!”

WILLY HUTCHINSON WILL fight for his first major title at light heavyweight when he takes on the experienced Croatian Emil Markic for the WBO Intercontinental Championship at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28.

The former World Amateur champion will add to the light heavyweight theme of the night, which is headlined by Anthony Yarde’s challenge for the unified world titles of the unbeaten champion Artur Beterbiev. Young light heavyweight contender Karol Itauma also fights for his first professional title on the show, with the WBC International title on the line in his fight.

Hutchinson, 24, made an unsuccessful assault on the British super middleweight title against Lennox Clarke in March 2021 before swiftly heading back to the 175lb ranks and clocking up victories over Karel Horejsek and Luca Spadaccini, which both ended via stoppage.

The Scot currently holds a record of 15-1, with 11 of his wins coming by way of KO.

Markic is a seasoned campaigner with 36 fights under his belt – with just three defeats – and is known in the UK for engaging in a shootout against Callum Johnson at York Hall in April 2021 in a fight for the WBO Global title.

Johnson was heavily rocked and on the brink of defeat in the first round before recovering and himself forcing a stoppage in the second.

Markic won the WBO European title in 2019 with victory over Tomas Adamek, having won the same title the previous year via defeat of Kavin Gebhard. 2018 also saw him win the WBF world light heavyweight title by overcoming Denis Liebau and in 2015 he also held a WBU version of the title.

Hutchinson is thrilled to find himself back in the title mix.

“This is my big moment to break into the title mix at light heavyweight and set myself on the path towards fighting for a world title. That is where I intend to get to and first I’ve got to do a good job on a tough fighter in Emil Markic.

“Markic has a lot of experience and it is the sort of fight I need to move myself up to the next level. I will be putting on a show on January 28 and reminding everyone of what I am all about.

“I am getting right back to my best and working hard every day over here in Spain, putting in the hours and improving all the time.

“It is a fantastic show to be on at Wembley and I will be watching the main event with interest once I get my belt around my waist.”

Tickets to see Willy Hutchinson vs Emil Markic for the WBO Intercontinental Championship on the undercard of Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

(Jan. 10, 2023) — WBC light flyweight world champion Kim Clavel will battle WBA queen Jessica Nery Plata this Friday, Jan. 13, at Place Bell in Laval, Canada. Clavel hopes to become the sport’s only Canadian-born unified world champion.

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

Clavel (16-0, 3 KOs) won the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2020 ESPY Awards after putting her boxing career on hold to return to nursing during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. She came back in July 2020, shutting out Natalie Gonzalez over eight rounds inside the MGM Grand Bubble. Clavel dominated long-reigning champion Yesenia Gomez last July to win the WBC title, seizing her first world title opportunity. Clavel and Plata were scheduled to fight in December, but Clavel had to withdraw with the flu. Plata (28-2, 3 KOs), from Mexico City, won her world title last March with a split decision over Argentina’s Yesica Bopp.

In other streaming action:

• Mazlum Akdeniz (17-0, 8 KOs) will defend his WBC Continental Americas 140-pound belt against Mexican veteran Cristian Bielma (19-4-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder.
   
• Welterweight prospect Marie Pier Houle (7-0-1, 2 KOs) looks to extend her winning streak to six against Marisol Moreno (6-3) in an eight-rounder.
   
• Former Canadian amateur standout Eric Basran (2-0, 1 KO) will take on Juan Carlos Ramirez Garcia (4-2) in a six-round lightweight tilt.
   
• Featherweight prospect Caroline Veyre (1-0), who represented Canada at the Tokyo Olympics, makes her second professional appearance against Estefania Gonzalez Franco in a six-rounder. 

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).  

MIAMI, FL (January 10, 2023)—Two championship fights are among the six undercard clashes that are part of “Let Freedom Ring!  Clash of the Champions!” boxing spectacular presented by Don King Promotions at Casino Miami Jai-Alai on Saturday, Jan. 21.

The world’s greatest boxing promoter has put together another super sensational card headlined by the WBA NABA Gold Heavyweight Championship as Jonathan Guidry (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Dulac, LA set to defend his title against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-5-1, 21 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV via Canada.

Tickets for the championship card are priced at $25, $50 and floor ringside are $100.  VIP tables will be sold at $2,500.   Tickets are available and can be purchased online at https://playcasinomiami.com.   The card will also be presented streaming live on www.donking.com and www.Itube247.com

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the action will begin at 7 p.m.

Guidry is coming off a sensational performance against tough Dacarree Scott.  Guidry won a tough battle with Scott and sent him to the canvas at 2:01 of the seventh round to claim the NABA Gold Heavyweight title on June 11, 2022 at Casino Miami Jai-Alai.

NABA Welterweight Champion Tre’Sean Wiggins (14-5-3, 8 KOs) of Newburgh, NY will defend his title against Nigel Fennel (13-1, 8 KOs) of San Diego.  Wiggins thrilled fans at his last defense of his title at the Casino Miami Jai-Alai as he knocked out Travis Castellon at 2:07 of the first round on June 11.

WBA Continental Americas Middleweight Champion Ian Green (16-2, 11 KOs) of Haledon, NJ will defend his title against undefeated Alexander Castro (11-0, 9 KOs) from Tulua, Columbia.   Like Wiggins, Green was impressive on June 11 at Miami Casino Jai-Alai in winning a unanimous 10-round decision over Anthony Lenk.  This will be Castro’s first fight in the United States.

Ahmed Elbiali (18-1-2, 10 KOs) of Miami, FL via Cuba will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round light heavyweight bout.  Another Miami product out of Cuba, Neslan Machado will risk his 19-0 record with 8 KOs against Walter Santibanes (11-2, 2 KOs) of Phoenix, AZ in a 10-round featherweight attraction.

The first two bouts of the night will feature a super lightweight attraction between Raynel Mederos (7-0, 2 KOs) of Miami, Fl via Cuba against Nelson Morales (3-1) FROM Scranton, PA via the Dominican Republic.  The other bout is a light heavyweight attraction for six rounds. 

WORLD YOUTH HEAVYWEIGHT champion Moses Itauma formally announced his professional debut today when he met the media ahead of his big night on 28 January at the OVO Arena, Wembley on the undercard of the unified world light heavyweight title showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Anthony Yarde.

Photos from today’s press conference can be downloaded here.
Images are free to use, please credit: Queensberry

Ituma, just turned 18, was confirmed as Queensberry’s future heavyweight force with the signing of a long-term promotional agreement in the wake of his World Championship triumph in November.

The younger brother of elite light heavyweight prospect Karol also won gold at the Schools, Juniors and Youth Europeans. Moses is a two-time National champion, a Multi-Nation BoxCup winner and was unbeaten in 24 fights as an amateur.

He will now see action for the first time in the professional ranks on the same card as his unbeaten sibling, who will fight for his first title on the show.

“It has been our dream since we were young so it will definitely be special,” said Itauma on the Wembley family affair. “It will be the best time of my life, really, me and my brother boxing on the same show. Especially with it being in London, which isn’t too far from where we live.”

“I came off Covid and not having any fights at all, to having the most fights I have ever had and now signing here makes it even better.

“I want to have around eight fights this year. I want to become the youngest ever world heavyweight champion and beat Mike Tyson’s record of 20 years, four months and 22 days.

“I’ve sparred with Lawrence Okolie, Joe Joyce, Anthony Joshua and everyone on the British scene. More often than not I have held my own.

“I am very confident in my ability and now I just want to see the difference between the pros and the amateurs. I want to be part of history and, when boxing is done for me, I want to be up there amongst the biggest names.

“The record is something I am chasing down, but I won’t be beating Mike Tyson’s record if I don’t win my pro debut.”

Tickets to see Moses Itauma make his pro debut on the undercard of Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Sitting alongside his younger brother at the BT Sport studios was the former Olympic Youth champion Karol, who will bid to win a first title in the professional ranks when he goes up against Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna from Argentina for the WBC International light heavyweight title at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28.

The classy 22-year-old will hit double figures as a pro in North West London, having built up a perfect 9-0 record to date, with seven of the wins coming via stoppage. He fought four times across 2022 and two of his fights took place on Tyson Fury undercards at Wembley Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Maderna, 28-10 (18 KOs), has kept good company in the ring over the course of his 14-year professional career. He is a four-time winner of the Argentinean super middleweight title and he made an unsuccessful challenge for the IBO world title in 2013, losing on points to Thomas Oosthuizen.

The now 36-year-old subsequently won the WBC Latino title in 2013 before taking on and suffering a fourth round stoppage against a then 9-0 Artur Beterbiev in Montreal in mid-2016.

In the same year he won the WBC Latino belt at light heavyweight by defeating Walter Gabriel
Sequeira before returning to super middle and making an unsuccessful challenge for the WBA Continental title in Moscow against Fedor Chudinov.

“Like I have said all along, my coach does all the homework and I just try and implement things in the ring,” said Itauma of the man standing in the way of his first title triumph. “He has mentioned that he is experienced but that is what it takes to progress and move up the ladder.

“I need this kind of fight. I wouldn’t say the title has made much difference to me in preparations because the prize is just a bonus and, if anything, a cherry on top. The fight is like any other fight in that you go in there to come out victorious. The title is a little extra thing and sometimes you can think about it too much, which can bring pressure, so there is no point in thinking about it like that.

“I am excited for it though and, obviously, I am going to be there with my brother. It is crazy because during our whole amateur boxing career we never boxed on the same night. So to be able to share a night together where it is his debut and my first title fight is very special.

“It was an emotional roller coaster watching him win his world championship out in Spain, so I can’t bear to think what it will be like watching him as a pro. I know what he is capable of though and it is all in his hands.

“He is going to make statements and shock the world.”

Tickets to see Moses Itauma make his pro debut and Karol Itauma fight for his first pro title on the undercard of Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Bethlehem, PA – January 10, 2023 – The response has been tremendous as tickets are moving fast for a huge SHOBOX: The New Generation card that will take place on Friday night, January 20th at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.

The tripleheader will air LIVE ON SHOWTIME® at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets are $150. $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by clicking:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/02005D87C94E4E6A

In the main event, super middleweight prospect Sean Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) faces off against David Stevens (11-0, 8 KOs). In an eight-round super middleweight bout. In the co-main event, Atif Oberlton (7-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Artem Brusov (12-0, 11 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. The telecast opener pits two up-and-coming Pennsylvania fighters as Reading’s Julian Gonzalez (8-0-1, 8 KOs) and Rosalindo Morales (9-0, 2 KOs), from Ellwood City, put their unbeaten streaks to the test in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

The show, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, will have a full undercard of exciting matchups that will be announced in the coming days. 

Miami, FL (January 10, 2023) Peter Kahn’s Fight Game Advisors has signed 2021 Puerto Rican Olympian Yankiel ‘El Doctorito’ Rivera, (2-0, 2 KOs), to an exclusive, long-term managerial contract. The native of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico has quickly impressed in the professional ranks winning his first two bouts in the flyweight division.

Said the excited Rivera upon the signing with the highly regarded Kahn, “When I was a little kid, I embarked on a beautiful journey. That journey took me all the way to the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. After the Olympics, I started on my next journey. Only this time, I want my journey to take me to a World Championship. After meeting Peter Kahn, I knew he was the right person to take me to the elite level. I have received several offers from good, well intended entities. But I am convinced he is the manager I need to get where I want to get. I look forward to working closely with him and performing to the best of my capabilities along with fighting for my family and Puerto Rico”.  

Rivera compiled an amateur record of 133-14 with 38 knockouts prior to turning professional. In addition to participating at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics he also competed at the World Amateur Championships in Belgrade (2021) and Hamburg (2017) and is a seven-time Puerto Rican National Champion. Both his professional fights have ended in knockouts, most recently a third-round stoppage of Ramon Velasquez on November 19, 2022 in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico.

Stated Kahn, “It’s an honor to be representing Yankiel. He had a fantastic amateur career culminating in representing Puerto Rico at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He’s in a very exciting division as a professional and has all of the tools necessary to become a world champion and a dominant force in his weight class. He has a great team behind him and I am looking forward to being a part of his journey.”

Rivera is also advised by Miguel Ortega, “For more than 25 years, Peter Kahn has been working successfully in different aspects of boxing. Peter knows this game in and out, and we are very happy to be working with him. As Yankiel’s legal advisor, I cannot think of a better manager to take him to where we all want him to be; at the top of his division. We cannot be happier with this signing, and we look forward to working with Peter every step of the way towards Yankiel becoming a world champion.”

For more information on Fight Game Advisors, please visit their website.

DAZN Group, the leading global sports entertainment platform, today announces that it will broadcast the all-British dust up, Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith, Saturday, January 21^st, from BOXXER in association with Wasserman Boxing, Live from AO Arena in Manchester. The event will be available to all DAZN subscribers in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan.

Chris Eubank Jr (32-2-0, 23 KOs) needs no introduction, son of legendary former world champion Chris Eubank, the 33-year-old has successfully carved out his own reputation in the sport and is seen as one of the leading middleweights in the world.

His latest fight in February 2022 saw an impressive shutout points win over Liam Williams at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in which he showed his class by knocking down the Welshman four times.

Liam Smith (32-3-1, 19 KOs) heads into this mouth-watering clash in the form of his life following big wins over Jesse Vargas, Anthony Fowler and Roberto Garcia. The Liverpool man is determined to become a world champion for a second time and a statement win vs Eubank JR will kick off 2023 with a bang.

 ‘DAZN are always looking to deliver the best boxing schedule to our subscribers and we are proud to be showing this huge fight between two of Britain’s finest’ said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. ‘We are no strangers to Liam and Chris and know we have a potential blockbuster on our hands. In 2023, we are determined to work with as many promoters as we can in order to deliver the best fights for fight fans and with actions speaking louder than words we are excited to be working for the first time with BOXXER on this special event. Tune in live January 21^st for a memorable night of British boxing’.

BOXXER CEO & Founder, Ben Shalom said: “This is fantastic news. I am delighted that fight fans in the US, Canada, DACH and Japan will be able to watch this blockbuster event live and exclusively on DAZN. The card is stacked with massive fights from top to bottom. And the brewing animosity between bitter rivals, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith will reach boiling point in what promises to be an unmissable main event in front of a sold-out AO Arena in Manchester.”

Wasserman’s Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland, said: “It’s fantastic that this mega fight will now have a global audience on DAZN, it’s a fight that merits a global audience and the eyeballs of the world will be on Manchester come next Saturday.”

The show features a stacked undercard with Richard Riakporhe launching his quest for a world title shot in 2023 when he battles former two-time WBO cruiserweight world champion Krzysztof G?owacki and local lad Jack Massey stepping up to face former WBO world heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker.

Joining them on this blockbuster night of boxing will be Ekow Essuman vs Chris Kongo and further bouts involving Frazer Clarke, Matty Harris, Scott Forrest and Amine ‘The Beast’ Boucetta.

Power-punching welterweight Roiman Villa, boxing’s newest breakout star after his thrilling come-from-behind victory over formerly unbeaten “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis, says if the “disrespectful” Ellis would like another beating, he can get it in a rematch any time.

Fighting on the undercard of superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ ninth round knockout of featherweight champion Hector Luis Garcia, and with the Showtime PPV cameras rolling live, the explosive Venezuelan Villa (26-1, 24 KOs) patiently waited for a tiring Ellis (24-1, 15 KOs) to slow down and then took over in the second half of their fight last Saturday night at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

Villa lost the first five rounds on all three judges’ cards, then flipped the power switch to sweep the final four. Still down on two cards entering the final round, he dropped Ellis twice officially to secure an exciting majority decision in their IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator. One judge scored the fight 113-113 but was overruled by two 114-112 tallies in favor of Villa.

“He disrespected me,” that was his biggest mistake,” said a happy Villa, post-fight. “At the press conference, he was only talking about fighting Jaron Ennis next and ignoring me. That gave me extra power. God doesn’t like ugly.”

Villa and his legendary promoter Sampson Lewkowicz say that Villa is ready for anyone in the division next, but are more than happy to accommodate Ellis’ request for an immediate rematch.

“In one of my tweets before the fight, I said that a star would be born in this fight and I was right,” said Lewkowicz. “The plan worked perfectly. You can only get away for so long against an animal like Villa. And if Ellis wants to complain, he can have a rematch any time. Just ask. Villa will do it again, but this time it will be even quicker. If not, we are ready for Boots Ennis if he wants to fight.”

The victory adds to the momentum Villa generated in his US debut, and most recent bout before this one, by dropping the previously unbeaten Janelson Bocachica on his way to a unanimous decision in a September edition of SHOBOX: The New Generation.

“If he says he has doubts, we can do this again,” added Villa. “There’s nothing different he could do to change things and if he tries to surprise me and exchange punches, then I can go home earlier next time. I’ll put him to sleep.”

About Sampson Boxing

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

Los Angeles (January 9, 2023) Fast-rising super flyweight star and local fan favorite Daniel ‘Chucky’ Barrera, (1-0-1, 1 KOs), of Riverside, CA will return to action on Friday, January 27 in a scheduled four-rounder against debuting Victor Edward Hernandez Martin of Laguna Beach, CA on the next 360 Promotions / Hollywood Fight Nights event at the Quiet Cannon / Montebello Country Club and live on UFC Fight Pass (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT).

The 21-year-old Barrera, a sparring partner of boxing legend Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, hits the ring following a hotly contested four-round majority draw against Isaac Anguiano on November 3, 2022.

“I wasn’t happy with my last performance, I have superior boxing skills but got caught up in a toe-to-toe war which while it was very crowd pleasing did not work completely to my advantage,” said Barrera. “I’ve worked diligently in the gym the last two months and won’t be making the same mistake.”

Barrera is managed by Ray Chaparro who has guided former world champion Andrew Cancio  in addition to former contender Daniel Franco. Prior to turning professional last year, Barrera compiled a sensational record of 64-5 as an amateur.

“Chucky is a world class talent who unfortunately got taken out of his game plan in his last fight,” said Chaparro. “The judges were clearly scoring for the aggression from the opponent although we didn’t believe it was effective. We strongly believe Chucky is a future world champion and look forward to him putting on a great show for his huge fan base on January 27.”

The January 27 event is headlined by a scheduled ten-round Super Welterweight clash between defending WBC Continental Americas Champion Serhii ‘El Flaco’ Bohachuk, (21-1, 21 KOs) of Vinitza, Ukraine and Top-Rated Challenger Nathaniel ‘Nate the Great’ Gallimore, (22-6-1, 17 KO), of Chicago, IL.

Limited number of remaining tickets priced at $200 (First Row), $150 (Second Row),  $100 (Premium Reserved Seating) and $80 (Reserved Seating) can be purchased online at 360Promotions.us. The Quiet Cannon / Montebello Country Club is located at 901 via San Clemente, Montebello, CA 90640. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:00 p.m.

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Matchroom Boxing’s 2023 schedule in the UK is set to begin with a bang at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Saturday February 18 as hometown hero Leigh Wood puts his WBA Featherweight World Title on the line against big-punching Mexican Mauricio Lara, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

‘Leigh-thal’ (26-2 KOs) memorably stopped Michael Conlan in the 12^th and final round of his epic first defence of the WBA 126lbs title back in March 2022, knocking the Irishman out of the ring in brutal fashion to end their Fight of the Year stunner.

The Forest-mad Featherweight was heavily dropped in the opening round and looked to be heading towards his third loss in the pros before brilliantly fighting back to earn a brilliant win that will be talked about for many years to come.

Wood is now recognised as the World Boxing Associations only Champion at Featherweight after former ‘Super Champion’ Leo Santa Cruz relinquished his title on Monday December 12, and the 34-year-old wants to waste no time in adding more World Titles to his collection in 2023.

‘Bronco’ (25-2-1, 18 KOs) has been waiting patiently for his shot at Wood after their eagerly anticipated September 24 fight was postponed following a torn bicep suffered by Wood in sparring, but the Featherweight KO artist finally gets his dream World Title opportunity next month. 

Lara is well-known on UK shores after he floored and ruthlessly finished Josh Warrington in a sensational upset behind closed doors at The SSE Arena, Wembley in February 2021, ending the IBF Featherweight World Champion’s unbeaten record.

He rematched Warrington in front of a sold-out Headingley Stadium in Leeds seven months later, but a nasty cut over the left eye of the Mexican in round two caused by an accidental clash of heads resulted in the contest ending in a technical draw.

The power-punching 24-year-old blitzed Emilio Sanchez in three rounds in March 2022 on the undercard of Roman Gonzalez vs. Julio Cesar Martinez before stopping Jose Sanmartin in three in another destructive show of brute force to put the 126lbs division on notice.

“Mauricio Lara has made things personal between us with the disrespect he showed me regarding my injury and my country,” said Wood. “I’m going to show him what I’m all about. See you on February 18 Nottingham – And Still!”

“I have been waiting for this opportunity for 2 years and I am not going to waste it,” said Lara. “In February 2021 I beat Warrington in England, now in 2023 I will do the same with Wood. The WBA 126lbs World Title goes to Mexico, that I promised to my daughter, my family, my team and to my whole country. Your time has come Leigh Wood, no “injury” can save you now from this.”

“Quite simply this is a fight that you have to watch through your fingers,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “After the drama of the Conlan fight last March, Leigh Wood is about to bring another night of drama to the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham against the brutal, fearless and much avoided Mauricio Lara. This fight leads Leigh to the City Ground in the summer but first get ready for an epic main event and all action card as we gear up for another FOTY contender in Nottingham on February 18.”

“What a fight this is to kick off the Matchroom UK schedule in 2023,” said Joe Markowski, CEO DAZN North America. “Both Wood and Lara are incapable of being involved in anything other than brutal, toe to toe, edge of your seat fights and I for one cannot wait for February 18. Watch this barnstormer live and exclusive on DAZN.”

Tickets for Wood vs. Lara are priced at £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP)

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Wednesday January 11. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham from midday on Thursday January 12.

In a fight that started slow, Gervonta Davis needed just a a few seconds in round eight to land two hard shots to the jaw of Hector Luis Garcia and get a stoppage win after Garcia could not come out for round nine in front of a sold out crowd of 19, 731 Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

When the fight got going, Garcia fought well by mixing in body shots to offset Davis trying to land power shots from the outside. The fight was on even terms as it headed into the eighth round. Even in round eight, Garcia began the stanza well by working the body. Late in the round, Davis landed two flush lefts that hurt Garcia. When Garcia got to the corner, he did not come out for round nine and the fight was officially stopped at 13 seconds.

Davis, 134 lbs of Baltimore will now take on Ryan Garcia, presumably on April 15th with a record of 28-0 with 26 knockouts. Garcia, 134 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 16-1.

Gervonta Davis

“A little surprised (he didn’t come out). But I knew he was hurt bad but he’s a fighter and he didn’t want to show it. I knew he was hurt though.

“I feel as though – I have stuff to work on. Everything. I’m a fighter and I’m not retired so I’m always willing to learn.

“I wasn’t throwing a lot of shots (in the beginning) because I was trying to beat him mentally. I was trying to trick him with my hands and my eyes and things like that because he’s a tough fighter. I had to bait him.

“His southpaw style bothered me a little bit because I don’t fight a lot of southpaws but it’s okay; it’s a part of the game.

“God willing I’m ready for the fight (with Ryan Garcia). It’s scheduled for April. I’m here. He’s been training. He’s been talking. And let’s see who’s really about that.

“On my end I’m ready. I’ll be in the gym Monday. Well, not Monday. I’ll probably take a week off but I’ll be back for sure soon.

“I have to bring my people in close and listen to my close ones, listen to Al Haymon and just stay focused. There’s a lot of bumps in the road but if we stay focused together – that’s how I’ll (maintain) longevity in the sport.”

Hector Luis Garcia

“When I got the shot to my head in the final round, that’s when I couldn’t see from my eye. I didn’t know where I was when he hit me with that shot. My vision is back but my head still hurts. I couldn’t see from my right eye. It was going well up until that point. I was picking my shots.”

Ennis Decisions Chukhadzhian to Win IBF Interim Welterweight Title

Jaron Ennis went the distance for the first time in 20 fights, but won the IBF Interim Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over slippery Karen Chukhadzhian.

Ennis pressed the action while Chukhadzhian danced around the outside, and only coming in sporadically. Ennis landed the majority of punches and won by scores of 120-108 on all cards. Ennis landed 203 of 592 punches; Chukhadzhian was 97 of 573

Ennis, 145.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 30-0. Chukhadhian, 146.25 lbs of Kiev, UKR is 21-2.

Jaron Ennis

“We come here to dominate. I feel like I could have thrown more punches. I should stop that guy and that’s on me. I wanted him to engage but we did what we could. 

“I learned to just take my time and to not rush anything. I’m glad I went 12 rounds. It felt great. I felt I was in the best shape. I just needed to throw a little more punches. I should have got him out of there.

“He ran a lot. Hats off to him since a lot of guys didn’t want to fight me. So shout out to him for coming here and taking this fight.

“Everyone knows that I want Errol Spence and the winner of Virgil Ortiz and (Eimantas) Stanionis. You know – all the top guys. Let’s get it, you know?

“I’ll wait until the time is right and (Spence) is ready.”

Roiman Villa Scores Two Late Knockdowns to win Majority Decision over Rashidi Ellis

Roiman Villa needed all 36 minutes to score a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated Rashidi Ellis in an IBF Welterweight Elimination bout

It was a fight that Ellis controlled early with his jab. Villa was applying pressure. Villa was slowing gaining momentum in the fight when in round 12, Villa decked Ellis with a vicious left hook to the jaw. Villa continued landing hard shots to Ellis, who at this point was backtracking and trying to land shots while going backwards. In the final seconds, Villa dropped Ellis again with a hard right hand.

Ellis landed 268 of 604 punches. The knockdowns were the difference as Villa was just 114 of 631.

Villa, 146.75 of Venezuela won by scores of 114-112 twice and 113-113 to raise his mark to 26-1. Ellis, 146.25 of Lynn, MA is 24-1.

Roiman Villa

“First of all, thank God for this victory. Second of all, he was a tough fighter. He moved a lot. He does hit hard. The first couple rounds I was a little tight but then I got loose.

“I was on top of him from the first round. I know that fighters such as him who are quick sooner or later will get a little tired and that’s what I took advantage of.

“My corner told me to knock him down (in the 12^th round). I couldn’t do it on the first try but I kept going.

“I thought he just fell on the last knockdown so I wasn’t sure (if it was a knockdown) . But if they want the rematch we’ll give them the rematch.

“I like the Mexican fighters with balls and I like the way he fights so I would definitely give him the rematch.

“I told him after the fight to smile and he had nothing to say.

“I didn’t really feel like I needed the knockout in that last round, I just wanted to dominate.

“Ellis is a good fighter, but this was mostly about what I was able to do. All credit to God for allowing me to come out with my arm raised up high.

“I’m not thinking about the future right now, just soaking in the moment.”

Rashidi Ellis

“I want the rematch right away. I’m fine (physically).

“I thought I was dictating the fight. I don’t know. I don’t know what happened.

“I totally disagree with the decision. I was winning most of the rounds. Yeah, he had the knockdown but other than that I was winning most of the rounds.”

Andrade Decisions Nicholson in Super Middleweight Debut

Demetrius Andrade made his super middleweight debut and the former two-division was successful as he pounded out a 10-round unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson

In round two, Andrade landed a straight left that was followed by a right hook that sent Nicholson on his rear end. Each seemingly scored knockdowns that referee Malik Waleed missed.

In round 10, Andrade landed right hook to the head that made Nicholson’s glove touch the canvas that was ruled a knockdown.

Andrade landed 145 of 325 punches. Nicholson was just 28 of 231.

Andrade, 167 lbs of Providence, RI won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 32-0. Nicholson, 167.25 lbs of Laurel, MD is 26-5-1.

Demetrius Andrade

“I felt good, I can definitely tell the weight difference but the speed and combinations and the IQ was the plan today and that’s what we did. The weight (was different).”

Charlos, Benavidez vs. Plant winner?

“The only way I can say I’m the best is by fighting the best. Everyone knows that Demond Nicholson is a dog. That’s why we took this fight. He took this fight because he knew I was coming up and he definitely has the animal in him. He showed it today and we’re just boxing – IQ.”

On the 10^th round knockdown:

“That was definitely clean. Nice left. Definitely a knockdown. That left hand. Boom. It was great to be here. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity and PBC and everyone that came out today. It’s me again baby!

“I thought I would be able to get him out of there in the deep waters, but he’s a tough guy. I think we both cut each other early in the fight, but at the end of the day we do what we have to do. 

“I threw some nice combinations and some nice hard shots, but he came in shape. People get up to fight me. 

“We’re going to look to see who’s available at 168 pounds. I’m just going to get stronger, sharper and faster too.”

Vito Mielnicki stopped Omar Rosales in round four of their eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Mielnicki landed power punches throughout the contest and then unloaded on Rosales on round four and the bout was stopped at 26 seconds.

Mielnicki, 153.2 lbs of Roseland, NJ is now 14-1 with nine knockouts. Rosales, 152.8 lbs of Houston, TX is 9-2-1.

Brandun Lee remained undefeated by stopping Diego Luque in round four of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Lee dominated the action and then landed a bevvy of hard punches that forced the corner of Luque to throw in the towel at

Lee, 141.4 lbs of a Quinta, CA is 27-0 with 23 knockouts. Luque, 141.2 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 21-11-2.

Travon Marshall needed just 48 seconds to obliterate Shawn West in a six-round welterweight bout.

Marshall landed flush and hard power shots from the opening bell until fight was stopped at 48 seconds.

Marshall, 149.8 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is 7-0 with six knockouts. West, 151.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 7-3-1.

Keeshawn Williams won a six-round unanimous decision over Gustavo David Vittori in a welterweight bout.

Williams, 146,2 lbs of Lanham, MD won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-1-1. Vittori, 145.6 lbs of Argentina is 26-12-1.

Former world champion Lamont Peterson tried to come back after a four-year retirement only to be stopped in round four of a six-round super lightweight bout to unheralded Michael Ogundo.

In round four, Peterson was dropped hard with a right hand. He was in serious trouble when Ogundo followed with a hard flurry that forced Peterson’s corner to wave the towel at 2:05.

Ogund0, 140.2 lbs of Quincy, MA is 17-16 with 14 knockouts. Peterson, 141.6 lbs of Washington, DC is 35-6-1,

Kyrone Davis took an eight-round unanimous decision over Cristian Fabian Rios in a super middleweight contest.

Davis, 163.8 lbs of Wilmington, DE won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 17-3-1. Rios, 164.4 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 23-16-3.

Jalil Hackett made quick work of Joel Guevara by scoring an opening round of their four-round super welterweight bout,

Hackett dropped Guevara in the opening round with a hard right hand. Hackett was all over Guevara and sent him to the canvas a with a left hook and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Hackett, 156.2 lbs of Washington, DC is 5-0 with four knockouts. Guevara, 155.8 lbs of Charlston, WV is 4-9-1.

Mia Ellis stopped Karen Dulin in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout.

Ellis scored two knockdowns and the fight was called after the second knockdown at 1:53.

Ellis, 128.2 lbs of Baltimore is 6-1 with five knockouts. Dulin, 129.8 lbs of Portsmouth, NH is 5-26-1.

Follow all the action as Gervonta Davis defends the WBA Lightweight title against WBA Junior Lightweight champion Hector Luis Garcia.  The card begins at 9 PM ET with former two-weight world champion Demetrius Andrade taking Demond Nicholson; Rashidi Ellis battles Roiman Villa and Jaron Ennis takes on Karen Chukhadzhian for the IBF Interim Welterweight title

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY..NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Not much happening…
Round 2 Left from Garcia…Left from Davis at the bell
Round 3 Counter left from Garcia…Left..
Round 4 Counter left from Garcia…Left from Davis..Right hook…Another..Good straight lefftLeft from Garcia..
Round 5 Left from Garcia,,,Left from Davis
Round 6 Left to body from Garcia…Right hook..Jab..Left to body..Right hook from Davis..Left..Body shot from Garcia..
Round 7 Right to body from Garcia…2 body shots…left to body…Right hook from Davis,

Round 1 Ennis jabbing
Round 2
Round 3 Chukhadzhian lands a right,,Right hook from Ennis…Left at the bell
Round 4 Right hook from Ennis..Left to the body…Counter left from Chukadzhian..
Round 5 Hard right from Ennis..Right from Chukhadzhian..
Round 6 Left from Chukhadzhian..
Round 7
Round 8 Chukhadzhian lands a right
Round 9 Big right from Ennis…Uppercut…
Round 10 Ennis chasing Chukhadzhian down…
Round 11 Ennis Jabbing
Round 12 Southpaw Jab from Ennis..Body shot..Left on ropes..Left..

Round 1: Ellis jabbing…Right to the body…Right from Villa..Jab to body from Ellis…
Round 2 Right from Villa…Body shot from Ellis…Right..Right to the body..Left to body…
Round 3 Uppercut from Ellis…
Round 4 Left to body from Villa…Right from Ellis..Good action on the inside..
Round 5 Right from Villa..Left from Ellis…Villa trying to pressure…Right from Villa…
Round 6 Right over top from Villa…Trading lefts to the body..
Round 7
Round 8 Right from Ellis
Round 9 Left from Ellis
Round 10  Villa lands a hard uppercut…Hard right drives Ellis back..Big right to the jaw…Ellis fights back
Round 11 Left to body from Villa…Right…
Round 12 HUGE LEFT AND DOWN GOES ELLIS…Villa on top of Ellis…Ellis looks spent and falls to the canvas…Huge flurry from Villa…Huge uppercuts…BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ELLIS JUST BEFOE THE BELL

114-112 TWICE FOR VILLA AND 113-113

Round 1 Andrade comes out firing…Straight left from Andrade…Right to body..Straight left
Round 2 Ripping left from Andrade…Left to body…Quick straight left…Left AND RIGHT HOOK AND DOWN GOES NICHOLSON…
Round 3 Straight left from Andrade…Good counter left to the body..Good lead left..
Round 4 Straight left drives Nicholson back…Left to the body..Right Hook…Left to the body…
Round 5 Andrade down but ruled a slip…Nicholson lands a right to the body…Good left from Andrade…Good 4 punch combination..
Round 6 4 Punch combo from Andrade…Andrade moving…Straight left…Left over the top..Right from Nicholson..Left to body from Andrade..Right to body
Round 7  3 punches to the head by Andrade…3 punch combo…Double left…Hard 3 punches puts Nicholson down but ruled a slip
Round 8 Right-left-right from Andrade…
Round 9 Andrade uncorks 8 shots in the corner…
Round 10 Left from Andrade…Right hook…LEFT HAND MAKES NICHOLSON’S GLOVE TOUCH CANVAS FOR A KNOCKDOWN…

100-88 ON ALL CARDS FOR ANDRADE

Miami, FL (January 7, 2023) Peter Kahn, President of Fight Game Advisors, has been announced for induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2023. The Induction Weekend will take place the weekend of June 30 to July 2 emanating from the St. Petersburg Hilton in St. Petersburg, Florida. More information can be found at Florida Boxing Hall of Fame.

“This is a tremendous honor for me and I’m truly humbled to be named for induction into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Kahn. “I have been very fortunate to have worked closely with many legends in boxing over the last thirty years and owe them a wealth of gratitude for my success. The induction ceremony will be a great day for my family and I.”

A South Floridian since 1992, Kahn has been working in professional boxing for thirty years. Learning from the ground up, Kahn began as an amateur boxer in South Florida. His operational work with boxing icon Don King started in May of 1995 rising to Vice President of Boxing Operations for the then biggest promotional company in the world. During this time, Kahn worked intimately on many memorable promotions featuring boxing superstars Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Terry Norris, and Ricardo Lopez.

In 2003, Kahn joined startup boxing promotional company Warriors Boxing Promotions as Director of Boxing Operations. His work there included the signing of numerous world champions and producing countless world championship fights including memorable battles for Hector Camacho and Michael Moorer. His success also included working with three-time, two-division world champion Randall Bailey, who Kahn went on to manage. 

As an acclaimed boxing manager, one of Kahn’s earliest clients was former IBF super featherweight world champion and now a renowned trainer of champions, Robert Garcia. Kahn has gone on to manage many world champions and top prospects over the last fifteen years. In 2021 and 2022, Kahn was the only manager in the history of boxing to guide undisputed male and female fighters simultaneously; lightweight George Kambosos Jr. and super middleweight Franchón Crews-Dezurn. Kahn is currently the manager of fast rising star, junior middleweight Xander Zayas and many other world ranked contenders and highly regarded prospects through his company Fight Game Advisors. 

Kahn is a four-time nominee for Manager of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America and was named Manager of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by SiriusXM.  Since 2017, Kahn has been a boxing contributor to Forbes and CBS Sportsline. Kahn is also the Associate Producer of Netflix Original Series Fightworld. 

ANTHONY YARDE IS approaching what he calls ‘the biggest fight of his career’ on January 28 at the venue where it all began for him as a professional back in 2015.

On the 9th of May in 2015, Mitch Mitchell was in the opposite corner at what was formerly known as Wembley Arena. He lasted 15 seconds into the second round.

On January 28, live on BT Sport, at the newly titled OVO Arena, Wembley, Yarde goes up against the formidable unified world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev for three belts.

Getting ready for his triple assault on world light heavyweight honours within the confines of the Box Up Crime gym in the heart of Ilford, Yarde cuts a contented figure. Sure of himself, knowing what he is coming up against and utterly convinced he will be going home with the bounty.

“I’m relaxed, I’m good and it is the biggest fight of my career,” said the 31-year-old, who happily acknowledges the odds will not fall in his favour going into battle against an 18-0 champion with 18 KOs. “I am definitely happy that I have finally got to this stage and, in my mind, I have got to bring to reality where I am going afterwards as well.

“You know what, I watched boxing even before I started and I like to watch the big moments and how they all come around. My best performances have always been when I have been the underdog.

“I like being in that position at this stage of my career and I just feel like January 28 is going to be a very special night for me.”

Thinking back to that May evening back in 2015 when Yarde was one of the early birds on a long card that was only depleted by the withdrawal of Billy Joe Saunders from headline action. Bradley Skeete ultimately topped the bill that also included Frank Buglioni, a fighter who would later be heavily linked to fighting the explosive newcomer to the 175lbs scene.

“It does feel like it was a while ago, but that moment is very fresh in my mind. Those were the days of weighing in on the day and for me this is now destiny.

“I had my pro debut in that arena and now I am about to have my unification bout in that arena and leave as the unified champion of the world.”

While his own fight might still be fresh in his mind, he was actually unaware that Saunders was not the bill-topper on his debut night.

“That shows you how focused I am on myself! Boxing is a long road and I have always been focused on myself. I have always paid homage to the people who have made it to the heights I want to get to. I have surpassed some of those heights and I still have some to pass.

“If I wasn’t focused on myself I don’t think I would have got here. A lot of people thought I was being silly or lying when I said I didn’t know who was on the same card as me or I didn’t know some of the guys who were in my weight class. I just focused on myself.

“The Buglioni thing, when that was happening and people were talking about us fighting, I thought that fight was going to happen. It didn’t happen and that is why I don’t focus on anyone other than myself.

“You don’t know how someone else’s career is going to go and you don’t know their decisions. I was adamant that fight was going to happen because it was being spoken about so much and then he retired!

“It didn’t slow down my career in any way, shape or form, but it is why I have always been an advocate of focusing on yourself.”

Artur Beterbiev v Anthony Yarde for the WBC, WBO and IBF world light heavyweight titles takes place at the OVO Arena, Wembley on January 28, live on BT Sport. The bumper card also features the WBA world flyweight title fight between unbeaten fighters Artem Dalakian v David Jiminez.

Willy Hutchinson and Karol Itauma fight for the WBO Intercontinental and WBC International light heavyweight titles respectively, with the show also featuring top prospects Charles Frankham, Umar Khan, Sean Noakes, Joshua Frankham, Khalid Ali and Tommy Fletcher.

Tickets for Beterbiev vs Yarde are priced from £50 and are available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

WBA Lightweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Gervonta Davis – 134 lbs.

Héctor Luis Garcia – 134 lbs.

Referee: Albert Earl Brown; Judges: Dave Moretti (Nev.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Wayne Smith (Va.)

IBF Interim Welterweight Championship – 12 Rounds

Jaron Ennis – 145 ½ lbs.

Karen Chukhadzhian – 146 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Malik Waleed; Judges: David Braslow (Md.), Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

IBF Welterweight World Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds

Rashidi Ellis – 146 ¼ lbs.

Roiman Villa – 145 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Brent Bovell; Judges: David Braslow (Md.), Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Super Middleweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Demetrius Andrade – 167 lbs.

Demond Nicholson – 167 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Malik Waleed; Judges: Stephen Rados (Md.), Wayne Smith (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN

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

on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube Channel and the

SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook Page

Super Welterweight Bout – Eight/10 Rounds

Vito Mielnicki, Jr. – 153 ¼ lbs.

Omar Rosales – 152 ¾ lbs.

Referee: David Braslow; Judges: Wayne Smith (Va.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Super Lightweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Brandun Lee – 141 ½ lbs.

Diego Luque – 141 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Brent Bovell; Judges: Wayne Smith (Va.), Stephen Rados (Md.), Paul Wallace (Md.)

Note: Contracted weight 143 pounds.

Super Welterweight Bout – Eight Rounds

Travon Marshall – 149 ¾ lbs.

Shawn West – 151 ¼ lbs.

Referee: David Braslow; Judges: Tammye Jenkins (Wash. D.C) Manuel Vincens (Wash. D.C.), Wayne Smith (Va.)

Note: Contracted weight 152 pounds.

Veteran sportscaster and “The Last Stand” podcaster Brian Custer will host the SHOWTIME PPV telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo will once again handle the blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Three more Hall of Famers round out the most decorated team in boxing – ringside reporter Jim Gray, world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr., and boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer. Former junior middleweight world champion and SHOBOX^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez will call the fights in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) with accomplished sportscaster Alejandro Luna. Four-time Emmy® award winner David Dinkins, Jr. will executive-produce the broadcast with Bob Dunphy, son of the storied boxing announcer Don Dunphy, directing. Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell of the award-winning MORNING KOMBAT digital talk show will host the SHOWTIME PPV COUNTDOWN streaming card before the pay-per-view.

#          #          #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, areon sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

MONTRÉAL (January 6, 2022) — Late last night, Jean Pascal informed Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. His symptoms are too severe for him to continue training for his IBF Light Heavyweight title elimination fight against German Michael Eifert, “No Limit”, scheduled for Place Bell in Laval on February 9th.

Co-promoter of the event, DiBella Entertainment (DBE) President Lou DiBella, contacted Eifert’s promoter, Benedikt Poelchau, President of Blanko Sports, and also informed the IBF of the situation. It was agreed that the fight and the entire event would be postponed to a later date to be determined in March.

More details will be communicated soon.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 6, 2023): Golden Boy will kickstart 2023 with dynamite, as Santa Ana’s very own ace Alexis “Lex” Rocha (21-1, 13 KOs) is scheduled to defend his NABO Welterweight Title and level up against Atlantic City, New Jersey’s Anthony “Juice” Young (24-2, 8 KOs) in a 12-round main event presented in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. The welterweights will go head-to-head on Saturday, January 28 at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, and the event will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PST / 8:00 p.m. EST. 

“January 28th marks my first fight of 2023 and a fight that will set the stage for my best year yet. I have patiently worked to reach the point of being the main event on a major card and now I’m here,” said Alexis Rocha. “2022 provided its challenges, as I had to overcome a hand injury, but it made me stronger. I can’t wait to start the year with a knockout victory and as always, I’m thankful to Golden Boy, Robert Diaz, Abraham Perez and SOA Boxing, DAZN, my coach Hector and my entire team for the opportunity and support. Now it’s time to put on a show.”

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to perform on this platform,” said Anthony Young. “With the beliefs and strength of Allah we are going to shock the world twice.” 

“We are excited to welcome Alexis ‘Lex’ Rocha to defend his title against Anthony Young for the first boxing event at YouTube Theater and Hollywood Park on January 28,” said Jason Gannon, managing director, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “YouTube Theater’s intimate setting will create a great atmosphere for the fans, and we look forward to hosting more boxing events across Hollywood Park in the future.”

Tickets for Rocha vs. Young will go on-sale Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. PST at https://www.ticketmaster.com/ and https://www.goldenboypromotions.com/. For more information, visit YouTubeTheater.com. YouTube Theater is located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use sports and entertainment destination that is home to SoFi Stadium and being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. 

The co-main event for the night will feature a special, blue-chip prospect inching his way up into world contender status – Austin, Texas’s Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (12-0, 10 KOs) – who will participate in a 10-round match against Humacao, Puerto Rico’s Alberto Mercado (16-1-1, 3 KOs) which is presented in association with Davies Entertainment. Schofield and Mercado will battle it out for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title. 

Also on the DAZN broadcast is a 12-round WBO Minimumweight World Title Eliminator fight presented in association with Cotto Promotions, which will be a clash of Puerto Ricans as Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (5-0, 3 KOs) of Villalba faces Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez (18-2, 6 KOs) of Caguas. Having only turned professional in February 2020, if Collazo secures the victory he will be on the doorstep of a world title opportunity and with the potential to make history as one of the fastest to become a world champion in his division.

Opening up the DAZN broadcast, Indio’s Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev (10-1, 8 KOs) will return in full force after an impressive technical knockout win on August 6, 2022 on the undercard of the Ortiz vs. McKinson. His opponent for the scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight will be announced soon. 

Media interested in credentials can apply at https://bit.ly/RochavsYoungCredentials. Media applications are due EOD January 20, 2023. Credential decisions will be sent by EOD January 23, 2023.

Hailing from Santa Ana, California, Alexis “Lex” Rocha comes from a fighting family. The younger brother of Ronny Rios, he was the youngest fighter to win a gold medal at the Junior Olympics at 14-years-old in 2012 and caught the attention of the boxing world as he continued on to become a six-time national champion during his amateur career. Rocha signed with Golden Boy in January 2016 and made an electrifying professional debut in March 2016, knocking out Jordan Rosario at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. His only career blemish is a unanimous decision loss in October 2021 against Rashidi Ellis, in which he confidently came back with five consecutive wins. Rocha locked in the NABO Welterweight title in a unanimous decision victory against Argentinian Luis Alberto Veron in July 2022 on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Javier Fortuna, which he successfully defended against Jesus “Ricky” Perez in October 2022. 

Anthony “Juice” Young represents Atlantic City, New Jersey. He made his professional debut at 23-years-old on October 28, 2011 against Kywayne Hill, winning by unanimous decision. With only two blemishes on his early career resume, he has had a string of wins, including a stunning upset of former WBO junior middleweight champion Sadam Ali via third-round knockout on the May 2019 Alvarez vs. Jacobs undercard in Las Vegas. Since then, he has fought victoriously three times, the last being a unanimous decision win over Jose Zaragoza in October 2022. 

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Rocha vs. Young is a 12-round welterweight fight for the NABO Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Hard Hitting Promotions. Schofield vs. Machado is a 10-round fight for the vacant WBA International Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Davies Entertainment. The fight night will take place on Saturday, January 28, live from YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA and will be broadcast on DAZN worldwide.

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

About YouTube Theater

YouTube Theater is a 6,000-seat performance venue located at Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre sports and entertainment destination in Inglewood Calif., being developed by Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. The state-of-the-art theater is a 227,000 square foot, three-story indoor venue situated under the same roof canopy as SoFi Stadium and American Airlines Plaza. The venue can be configured to house three different crowd capacities, including intimate settings with minimum capacities of 3,400 and 4,400. Equipped with premium finishes throughout, the venue also offers guests both an interior and exterior balcony, luxury boxes, an industry room, and a private club with premium seats. Opened in August 2021, YouTube Theater is equipped to host a variety of events, including concerts, awards shows, esports competitions, community gatherings, conferences and more.