JOEY SPENCER VS. KEVIN SALGADO & RA’EESE ALEEM VS. MIKE PLANIA PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES 

LOS ANGELES – September 2, 2022 – Fighters competing in action on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 4 previewed their respective matchups during a press conference Friday before they step into the ring in PBC action from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

FOX action will feature unbeaten rising super welterweight Joey Spencer taking on Mexico’s Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown on the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

On FS1, unbeaten super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem battles the Philippines’ Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

The FOX and FS1 bouts lead up to a stacked four-fight FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and headlined by former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. taking on hard-hitting top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in a WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Friday from JW Marriott L.A. Live:

JOEY SPENCER

“My experience being on cards like this is very important. I have an opponent who’s going to bring the best out of me. We’re going to give it our all and I can’t wait.

“This is another natural step as I continue to move up the ladder. This win brings me bigger and better fights. That’s why I have to get this victory by any means necessary. The sky is the limit, but first I have to get past Salgado.

“Every fight presents new challenges, but by the time I get into the ring, I always feel relaxed. I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid. The ring is a very familiar place for me.

“It’s huge to have my brother fighting on the undercard. It makes me feel like we’re moving in the right direction. Kel Spencer is a special fighter and I can’t wait for people to see him. We fight differently, but we both fight well. I think the fans are going to enjoy the story, our similarities and our differences. I’m my brother’s biggest supporter.

“I don’t care about public perception. I only care about getting a win. I don’t care how I get it done. I’ve got too much going on to worry about what people are saying.

“I just want a big name next. Anybody in the top five. If I’m not able to get that, I’m down to fight Bryant Perrella, who fought Salgado to a draw. I’m coming into my own and I’m ready to go. I’m heavily underestimated, so all I can do is go in there and shock these dudes. I’m looking forward to it.

“I’m mature, I’m disciplined and I’m vicious. I’m a different guy than what people have seen in the past. I’ve got a family to feed, and I’m coming to win. He’s going to have to knock me unconscious in order to beat me.”

KEVIN SALGADO

“This is a huge card, so I owe it to everyone to give it my all and come out with a victory on Sunday night. I’m excited for the challenge. If he’s ready, then let’s go for the knockout.

“Joey is a very good fighter and I respect him a lot. Beating him will get me the big fights that I crave and closer to the world title that I want. I have to be successful Sunday to get where I want to go.

“It doesn’t get any better than sharing the spotlight with so many accomplished Mexican fighters. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be part of that club. That’s why it’s my duty to go out there and make Mexico proud.

“I just hope the world sees after I win that I’m another great Mexican fighter who’s ready for the big stage and the biggest fights.

“I’m knocking Spencer out. The fans have to know that I’m coming for it all. He wanted this fight and he’s going to get it.

“The Mexican support is going to be nuts. I’m anxious to see what the arena looks like on fight night. It’s the best of Mexico stepping into the ring all night long.

“I’m going to win by knockout. That’s what we’re looking for no matter what.”

RA’EESE ALEEM

“I’m extremely excited for this fight. I’m looking forward to a great matchup. It’s going to be a tough fight and I cannot wait.

“This is a testament to my hard work. Everything that goes into training has been worth it. I’ve earned this spot. I sacrificed to be here and I’m looking forward to earning some new fans.

“I believe that I have multiple paths to victory. Not only against Plania, but against most of the guys who I’ve fought. I’m capable of doing a lot in the ring and I just have to stick to the game plan and execute.

“When you fight on stages like this, you have to put on your best performance. That’s the goal every time I step into the ring. I want to show everyone exactly who I am.

“This is my chance to show everyone that I am the next contender to face Stephen Fulton Jr. for his world titles. I believe our paths will cross, but I have to get through an extremely tough opponent first.

“I’m putting on a spectacular performance Sunday. Everyone will be talking about how great the fight was and I’ll have my hand raised.”

MIKE PLANIA

“I’m very thankful to my team for this opportunity. I’m very excited for this fight and I’m feeling ready. I always do my best to give the fans a great show.

“This is a good fight between top five fighters in the division. It’s a really important fight for me and I would just say that the fans need to tune in early and make sure you don’t miss this fight.

“After this fight I’m definitely looking to fight for a world title. The key to my success has been the hard work and patience. I knew that if I stayed focused I would get here.

“This is going to be a great fight. I have a strong game plan and we’re going to use it to bring a victory home for the Philippines.

“This is a big fight for me to represent my country. I’ve had a great training camp in Miami with a lot of strong fighters who have prepared me for what Aleem is going to bring.

“My prediction is that I’m going to win this fight, no matter how it goes.”

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ABOUT RUIZ VS. ORTIZ

Ruiz vs. Ortiz will see former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meet in a 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day Weekend clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature a stacked lineup of rising and accomplished stars in high-stakes matchups. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in to take on fellow Mexican and veteran contender Eduardo Ramírez in a 12-round WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. 

The action will also see the return of popular three-division champion Abner Mares in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus exciting rising star José Valenzuela duels Edwin De Los Santos in the 10-round lightweight pay-per-view opener.

Prior to the pay-per-view, rising unbeaten super welterweight Joey Spencer will battle Mexican contender Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown highlighting PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on September 4 during Labor Day Weekend from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Leading into the FOX broadcast, undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem takes on Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

 




ESTRADA EXCITED TO RETURN ON HOME SOIL

Juan Francisco Estrada is ‘excited’ to be back in action and ready to put on a show when he defends his WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Argi Cortes on Saturday September 3 from Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico and broadcast live to all subscribers worldwide on DAZN.
 
Estrada (42-3 28 KOs) makes a welcome return to action almost 18 months after edging out Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in their epic rematch in Dallas in March 2021. ‘El Gallo’ welcomes Cortes to his hometown and the same arena he stopped Dewayne Beamon in August 2019, and the Hermosillo hero will want to put on another show for his fans. Cortes (23-2-2 10 KOs) lands the biggest fight of his career in his 28th pro outing, with the Mexico City man aiming upset his fellow countryman and become a household name overnight.
 
The Super-Flyweight landscape is as exciting as ever, with Chocolatito holding the WBC Diamond strap, up and coming superstar Jesse Rodriguez producing stunning wins over Carlos Cuadras and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai so far this year and a host of talents at 112 and 115lbs itching to test themselves against the best – so 32 year old Estrada is looking to remind the world that he’s the top dog.
 
“I am very excited for this show, where we can finally get into the ring after more than a year without fighting,” said Estrada. “I expect a difficult rival, I know that Argi will arrive very well prepared, and will have a man in the corner who knows everything, everyone, with great experience and achievements like Don Nacho Beristain. 
 
“But we have made a great preparation and that I have enjoyed a lot, because for the first time in six years, I have had a camp without injuries, and that has me very motivated for this fight and whatever comes next. There are so many great fights out there and I cannot wait to return.
 
“I hope the fans join us on Saturday. My fight against Cortés will be a war, and the rest of the fight card will be very competitive and exciting with two more World championships, very good prospects, hometown talent with my teammates here Christian Olivo and Omar Salcido present. It will be a historic event that people cannot miss, I hope to see all my people at the arena.”
 
There are two more World title bouts on the bill, starting with the long-awaited rematch between Erika Cruz and Jelena Mrdjenovich for the WBA World Featherweight title. Cruz (14-1 3 KOs) ripped the title from long-time champion Mrdjenovich (41-11-2 19 KOs) in April 2021, with the Mexican ending the five-year rule of the Canadian on the cards after an accidental headclash halted the contest after seven rounds. Cruz successfully defended the belt in Puerto Vallarta in November via split decision over Melissa Esquivel, while the former champion returns for the first time since the first battle.
 
The vacant IBF World Flyweight title is on the line between unbeaten pair Hector Flores and Sivenathi Nontshinga. Both men taste their first World title action as Tijuana’s Flores (20-0-4 10 KOs) builds on his victory over Welsh World title challenger Jay Harris in Wales in November, while hard-punching Nontshinga (10-0 9 KOs) fights outside his native South Africa for the first time and comes into the bout on the back of his first points win in his tenth bout having beaten his previous nine foes inside the distance.
 
Also featuring on the card is Super-Featherweight dangerman Eduardo Hernandez, defending his WBC Silver International title against Jorge Mata. Hernandez (32-1 29 KOs) pulled off a stunning victory last time out, blitzing Jorge Castaneda inside a round in Guadalajara in June to land the title he defends against Mata (14-0-2 10 KOs), the unbeaten 21 year old Tijuana native who fights for his first pro title.




Integrated Sports to distribute Super RIZIN combat sports event on PPV Featuring Mayweather vs. Asakura Boxing Exhibition throughout North America

TENAFLY, NJ (September 1, 2022) – Integrated Sports will distribute the exhibition match between International Boxing Hall of Famer and former 5-division world champion Floyd Mayweather and Japanese 2-time mixed-martial-arts champion Mikuru Askakura on September 24th, starting at 11 p.m. ET, live on pay per view from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

The Mayweather-Askakura boxing exhibition headlines Super RIZIN, presented by Japanese MMA company RIZIN Fighting Federation, which will also feature a kickboxing match between Yoshinari Nadaka and So Trakunbet Bandasak.

The event will be distributed by Integrated Sports across North America live on Cable and Satellite Pay Per View via iN Demand, DIRECTV, DISH, Shaw PPV, Rogers, Bell TV, and SaskTel priced at $29.99. Additionally, it will be broadcast via Digital PPV on FITE (all FITE mobile, OTT Streaming and Smart TV apps) and PPV.com.

“We’re thrilled to distribute Mayweather-Askakura and Super RIZIN to combat sports fans throughout North America,” Integrated Sports president Doug Jacobs said. “People can’t get enough of Floyd and MMA fans around the world know RIZIN puts on great MMA shows.”

Mayweather- Askakura is scheduled for 3 rounds. The 45-year-old Mayweather, who retired from professional boxing with a perfect 50-0 record, fights out of Las Vegas. This will mark the first boxing match for Asakur, 30, who has a 16-3-0 MMA record.

About Integrated Sports Media: North America’s leading distributor of International Pay-Per-View and Closed-Circuit sports events has presented World Championship and world-class boxing matches featuring Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr., Ricky Hatton, Ivan Calderon, Rocky Martinez, Nicolai Valuev, Amir Kahn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, John Ruiz, and Juan Manuel Lopez. In addition, Integrated Sports Media has distributed numerous international soccer matches showcasing the National Teams of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and the USA, as well as World Championship and world-class mixed martial arts events featuring Fedor Emelianenko, Tim Sylvia, Bobby Lashley, Bob Sapp, Jeff Monson, and Roy Nelson.




VIDEO: Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Luis Ortiz FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE | #RuizOrtiz




ANDY RUIZ JR. VS. LUIS ORTIZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – September 1, 2022 – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and hard-hitting top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz went face-to-face at the final press conference Thursday before they meet in the ring this Sunday, September 4 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The press conference also featured fighters competing on the stacked four-fight pay-per-view undercard beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. In the co-main event, top lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz battles Eduardo Ramirez in a WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator, plus former three-division world champion Abner Mares makes his ring return against Miguel Flores in a 10-round attraction, while unbeaten rising star Jose Valenzuela duels Edwin De Los Santos in the 10-round telecast opener.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at AXS.com.

Heading into their WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator, Ruiz, boxing’s first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, looks to move one step closer to a second title reign, while Ortiz hopes to put himself back in position to become Cuba’s first heavyweight world champion. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from JW Marriott L.A. Live:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“I feel good and extremely motivated. The first time I saw Ortiz fight live, my dad told me I was going to fight him someday. Now we’re here.

“At the end of the day, we both have the same dream. He wants to make history, but I’m going to have my hand raised up high and I’ll be the one who comes out victorious.

“I’m trying to make a big statement. Not just for the fans, but for myself. Losing all those titles that I won broke my heart. This is another chance for me to become champion and I don’t want to lose it. I want to take full advantage of it and do my best.

“His plan is to try to knock me out but we’ve trained really hard. If it goes the distance, we trained hard. I’m ready for anything he brings to the ring. Everyone wants a knockout, but if you look for the knockout, you make mistakes and pay the price. That’s what we’ll be waiting for.

“This is the only thing we know how to do. I’ve boxed since I was six-years-old. I never had another job, so I had to work hard in boxing and follow my dreams.

“I focus more on boxing now, because in my last fight I was focused on how I looked. I want to be the part, not look the part. I trained so hard for this moment.

“Beating Luis Ortiz will help me become a world champion again. That’s the reason I’m still fighting. I want to become a two-time world champion.

“All the hard work and dedication, the blood sweat and tears, it’s time for it all to pay off. It’s time to get the victory.

LUIS ORTIZ

“My goal is to destroy my opponent and win this fight in a convincing fashion.

“Either he knocks me out or I knock him out. A knockout in boxing is the best thing in sports. This is going to be an exciting fight, one of us is going down, and I’m making sure it’s Andy. 

“The only thing I know how to do is box. Ever since I was a kid in Cuba and had to fight for my lunch money. I’m ready for this because this is all that I know.

“This is a fight everyone has wanted. It’s going to be two warriors in the ring and now it’s finally time to fight this Sunday.

“Every fight is important, but this is especially important because the winner will hopefully fight to become heavyweight champion of the world. It’s the most important fight for both of us right now.

“This is a very important fight for both of us. Whoever wins this fight is going to get a shot for a world title and right now, it doesn’t get any bigger than that.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds. Boxing is such a great sport, because you come in with an idea of what you’re going to do, and it changes right away when you’re in the ring.

“I come from a school of boxing that’s about adapting to what my opponent does. I don’t take anything for granted in the ring. But no matter what he does, I’m going in there to look for the knockout, that’s the ultimate goal.

“I’m facing a popular Mexican fighter, but things can turn around in a second. I love the Mexican fans and I’m looking to get them on my side with a big victory.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“We came here to show that I’m a first-class fighter. We know it’s going to be a tough fight and a war for as long as it lasts.

“We’ve gained the respect and love of the fans and we’re going to keep going hard on this journey. We want to continue to gain more fans as we continue to perform.

“I’m coming into this fight very well prepared. It’s been a long camp that lasted almost four months. I’m extremely motivated and appreciative of all the support I’ve received so far.

“There’s been a world of difference between this training camp and the camps I had for my last two fights. The amount of time that we had to prepare made things much better and everyone is going to see the difference on Sunday night.

“I have not reached my ceiling as a fighter yet. My goal is to get better each and every fight and show that I can be one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world.

“Valenzuela has to earn a fight with me, just like everyone has to earn their opportunities. He has to put in the work, and if he wants the opportunity, he just has to talk to my team.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“I’m motivated and I trained very hard for this fight. This is going to be another Mexican warrior between two fighters who have trained hard and who are coming to give everything they have on Sunday.

“I’m more than ready to give the fans what they want this weekend. I’m coming to put on a show and I can confidently say that this night is going to be a blast for everyone watching.

“This means a lot to me because September is a big month for the Mexican people. It’s our duty to give the fans the kind of fight that they crave and that they deserve.

“A victory in this fight could truly be a springboard for my career. That’s the only goal that we have in mind. We know that we have to be cautious because of Cruz’s power, but we’re ready for everything he brings.”

ABNER MARES

“It’s an honor and a blessing to be back. It’s a dream come true. It’s amazing to be fighting on this amazing card and I’m just ready to do my thing. I can fight in my sleep, so I’m just going to enjoy the moment.

“I’m in a different position coming back after four years. I’ve had a lot of memorable nights here in Los Angeles. I’ve had great fights here. But come September 4 it’s a new time in my career. I have no pressure in my mind. I’m just enjoying it.

“I can sit here and say that I’ll be a smart fighter, but at the end of the day, I’m a warrior. I’ll probably end up slugging it out with this guy, because that’s what I do.

“I train hard for this and I know we’re both ready. There is never a boring Abner Mares fight and Sunday night is going to be no different.

“This is a different chapter in my life. To be back in front of my people for a comeback fight, I’m truly honored and blessed. I’m happy and grateful to everyone who gave me the opportunity. Now it’s just time to get to work.

“Mentally I want to be the wise fighter who picks their punches inside of the ring. But sometimes the heart gets the best of you and you end up fighting like the warrior you are.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“This is a great opportunity to add a big name to my resume. I know Mares is confident, but I’m going to rely on my preparation to carry me through this fight.

“When you have two Mexicans, everyone knows it’s going to produce fireworks. Obviously you want to be smart and intelligent in the ring, but being honest, I’m going in there to give the fans a great show.

“I’m hoping to steal the show and do it in a smart fashion. The plan is to go in there and have an exciting, one-sided fight.

“A victory will definitely open a lot more doors and get me the big fights that I’m looking for. I do this for my family and that’s my motivation every time I get in there.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I just have to keep doing what I do. I’m going to stay relaxed, use my jab and take it round by round so I can get the victory.

“I want to thank him for stepping in and taking this fight. Edwin is a hell of a fighter with a lot of knockouts. I think he’s going to bring the best out of me and make sure we give the fans a great show.

“I know this guy is going to come to fight, because this is a great opportunity as well. He’s coming to put on a great show, just like I am. It’s a new opponent, but it’s going to be the same result.

“I’m starting to get in the flow of things and I believe that once I’m able to get by this opponent, I’ll be ready for Isaac Cruz, Gervonta Davis or whoever they have to put in front of me.

“Me and the Benavidez team are a big family. They took me in when nobody was there for me and basically adopted me. I’ll always be grateful to them for that.”

EDWIN DE LOS SANTOS

“I was ready for this. I was training for two months and was going to fight next week if it didn’t happen, but I’m thankful for this opportunity and I’m more than ready for Valenzuela.

“The knockouts come by themselves. I hope he’s ready for what I bring. This isn’t going to be a sprint, it’s a marathon.

“This fight is 50-50. People know what I’m capable of. If you don’t know what I’m about, you’re going to see on Sunday night and in every fight going forward.

“This fight is going to come down to who’s smarter and craftier inside of the ring. I know that he knows what to do inside of the ring, so it’s my job to overcome that.

“Valenzuela has many weaknesses, not just one. You’re going to see what I’m talking about on Sunday night. This is just one more step on my way to the larger goal that I’m looking to accomplish.”

#       #       #

ABOUT RUIZ VS. ORTIZ

Ruiz vs. Ortiz will see former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meet in a 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day Weekend clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature a stacked lineup of rising and accomplished stars in high-stakes matchups. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in to take on fellow Mexican and veteran contender Eduardo Ramírez in a 12-round WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. 

The action will also see the return of popular three-division champion Abner Mares in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus exciting rising star José Valenzuela duels Edwin De Los Santos in the 10-round lightweight pay-per-view opener.

Prior to the pay-per-view, rising unbeaten super welterweight Joey Spencer will battle Mexican contender Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown highlighting PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on September 4 during Labor Day Weekend from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Leading into the FOX broadcast, undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem takes on Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




Dawejko Stops Marshall in 4

BENSALEM, PA–Popular heavyweight Joey Dawejko stopped Mike Marshall in round four of their scheduled six-round bout at The Xcite Center inside Parx Casino.

In round two, Dawejko uncorked a wicked left hook that hit Marshall square in the right side of his head, and he fell on his back. Dawejko landed hard body shots with both hands.

Just after the 10-second clap in round four, Dawejko landed another quick and powerful left hook that sent Marshall down for a second time. Marshall struggled to his feet and the referee Eric Dali waved the fight off at the 3:00 mark.

Dawejko, 261.7 lbs of Philadelphia is now 22-10-4 with 13 knockouts. Marshall, 251.7 lbs of Danbury, CT is 6-4-1.

Daiyaan Butt won a six-round unanimous decision over Tyrone Luckey in a super lightweight bout.

In round five, Luckey began to bleed from his nose.

Butt, 141.5 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 11-2. Luckey, 140.2 lbs of Galloway, NJ is 15-18-4

Nelson Morales won a five-round technical split decision over Christopher Burgos in a super lightweight.

The bout was stopped at 2:45 of round five as Burgos was unable to continue to due to an accidental headbutt.

Morales, 140.9 lbs of Scranton, PA is 3-1. Burgos, 142 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-6-2.

Soslan Alborov and Brendan O’Callaghan battled to a spirited four-round majority draw in a middleweight fight.

Scores were 40-36 for O’Callaghan and 38-38 twice.

O’Callaghan, 155.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-1-1. Alborov, 154.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-1-1,

Bryce Mills won a four-round unanimous decision over Carlos Marrero in a super lightweight bout.

Mills, 142 lbs of Syracuse, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 9-1. Marrero, 142 lbs of Bridgeport, PA is 3-8.

Tyler Zwicharowski made a successful pro debut by stopping Andre Hinmon in round three of their four-round middleweight contest.

In round three, Zwicharowski battered Hinmon all over the ring until he put him down with a right hand. Zwicharowski was all over Hinmon that forced referee Shawn Clark to stop the bout at 1:18.

Zwicharowski, 162.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-0 with one knockout. Hinmon, 166 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-2.

In a battle of pro debuting super featherweights, Devin Gantt stopped Tajiro Arakawa in round three of their four-round bout.

In round three, Gantt hurt Arakawa with a combination and he dropped him face-first with a hard left hand. Referee Eric Dali waved it off at 44 seconds.

Gantt, 126.3 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Arakawa, 128.7 lbs of New York, NY is 0-1.

Everlon Still won a four round unanimous decision over Derrick Vann in a super middleweight bout.

Still, 169.5 lbs of Voorhees, NJ won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 2-2. Vann, 166.5 lbs of Philadelphia, PA is 2-5.




HEANEY HOLDS OFF THE HONEYMOON

THE HONEYMOON IS on hold for newlywed Nathan Heaney due to a big night beckoning at the AO Arena, Manchester, where he takes on a domestic battle with Jack Flatley on September 24.

Heaney recently tied the knot with Louise, his sweetheart of 11 years, but he knew plans for a sunshine break to mark the occasion would have to be put to one side because a spot on the blockbuster Joyce-Parker card had been earmarked for him and his army of supporters.

Heaney, 33 and 15-0, comes into the Flatley fight off three impressive and hard-fought victories over international opposition, with two stoppages over Konstantin Aleksandrov and Sladan Janjanin before he recovered from a first round knockdown to comfortably outpoint Diego Ramirez.

Now he is set for a Stoke v Bolton collision against Flatley with his IBO International middleweight belt on the line.

He hopes skipping the post-wedding sunshine will be a sacrifice worth making.

“The only thing is having to hold off on the honeymoon because of fighting on the Joyce card, which is a bit of a nightmare, but, but, if everything goes well and I’m sure it will do, it will all be worth it.

“I need to keep the paypackets going now!”

Heaney missed out on a night’s pay when injury ruled him out of the July show at the SSE Arena, Wembley – a night also headlined by Joyce – and he was denied the opportunity of leading his troops into London.

“It was really disappointing, mostly for the fact I would have been fighting in the capital and a new place for my guys to go to. I went down to the show to support and watch it and I thought to myself that the place would have been full of Stokies.

“Over 650 bought tickets off me and, as we got closer, there would have been another 50 or so and it would have been really, really good just to show Frank and everyone where my guys will travel to.

“It obviously didn’t happen and it would have been very silly of me to fight with an injury,” added Heaney, who reports that all is now well on the fitness front.

“I basically sprained a ligament in the back of my shoulder and I had an MRI to check whether it was torn or not. If it was, it would have been really, really bad and I would have had to have surgery, but my injury was more a degeneration of the whole shoulder, which was why I was getting a lot of pain.

“Since I have had treatment it has been really good. I have been boxing for 23 years and it is essentially just wear and tear.”

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

As well as the huge Joyce vs Parker clash, ‘Nowhere To Run’ will see Amanda Serrano bidding to win four world title belts at featherweight when the Puerto Rican superstar makes her UK debut against the unbeaten Dane, Sarah Mahfoud.

Queensberry fighters Anthony Cacace, Ekow Essuman, Raven Chapman and Mark Heffron all feature in the supporting cast of the 24 September ‘Nowhere to Run’ blockbuster at the AO Arena, Manchester, a fight night not-to-be-missed.

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.




DETROIT WELTERWEIGHT JANELSON BOCACHICA READY TO SHOW FULL COMPLEMENT OF SKILLS IN SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® OPENER AGAINST ROIMAN VILLA ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 & LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

NEW YORK – August 31, 2022 – Undefeated Detroit-based welterweight prospect Janelson Bocachica (17-0-1, 11 KOs) is deep in preparation for his return to SHOBOX: The New Generation against knockout artist Roiman Villa (24-1, 24 KOs) in an eight-round welterweight battle on Friday, September 9, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from the all-new Bally’s Casino Resort Atlantic City.

The exciting tripleheader, promoted by Sampson Boxing and Paco Presents, also features one-punch knockout artist Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (16-1-2, 14 KOs) taking on undefeated Argentinean Hugo Alberto Roldan (21-0-1, 7 KOs) in the 10-round super lightweight main event for the IBF Latino Junior Welterweight Championship and undefeated Filipino prospect Bernard Angelo Torres (16-0, 7 KOs) against once-beaten Dominican Frency Fortunato (13-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight attraction.

Preparing to make his third consecutive SHOBOX appearance, Bocachica is hard at work with trainer Nelson Figueroa at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit. The 23-year-old says he’s looking to make a statement in this important battle.

“People say I’m just a puncher, so I want to show my skills in this fight,” said Bocachica. “This guy is a puncher himself. He wants to come forward and fight. That’s the type of fighter I want to face to show my skills. I finally have somebody to put it against. We’ve been waiting.”

Bocachica was last seen on Showtime in July 2021, his most recent ring appearance, where he fought fellow prospect Shinard Bunch to a 10-round split-draw in the co-main event. Prior to that in February 2021, he earned his best win to date, a majority decision win over previously unbeaten Mark Reyes, Jr.

“I learned in that fight that it’s not about who is stronger,” he explained of the Bunch fight. “It’s about actually winning and boxing. I’ve got to use that jab, use a lot more footwork and come in on angles, sharpshooting. I need to come with more of a game plan, instead of thinking I can walk over somebody.”

Having started camp in July for this fight by helping two-division world champion Danny Garcia prepare for his recent impressive victory over Jose Benavidez Jr., Bocachica says working with a world champion like Garcia taught him a lot.

“He showed me a lot of footwork,” said Bocachica. “People don’t know he has great footwork and he passed that on to me. We became friends. He’s even coming to Detroit to train with me. He’s a super smart businessman and I look up to him.”

All of the hard work, says Bocachica, will help him present a more well-rounded style to the SHOWTIME audience in September. Bocachica will need to be cautious as all 24 of the Venezuelan sharpshooter Villa’s victories have come by way of stoppage.

“I’m not going in looking for just the knockout. I’m going to be boxing instead of being so aggressive,” he said. “I‘ll be setting a million traps and waiting for him to mess up. He wants to brawl, but we’re not going to be there to give him the fight he wants.”

“Janelson is one of the best welterweight prospects in the world from Detroit — the city of boxing champions — taking on another significant fight to cement himself as a force in the division,” said his co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita.

“I’m very excited for Janelson to have this opportunity,” said his other co-promoter, Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “He learned a lot from sparring with Danny Garcia and he’s looking forward to showing off all his skills against a good opponent who can punch.”

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action on September 9 from ringside with former world champion Raul Marquez and veteran combat sports reporter and MORNING KOMBAT host Brian Campbell serving as expert analysts with Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties.

The executive producer of SHOBOX: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Chuck McKean producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, SHOBOX: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The SHOBOX philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 86 fighters who have appeared on SHOBOX and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

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




ANDY RUIZ JR. VS. LUIS ORTIZ MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LOS ANGELES – August 31, 2022 – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and hard-hitting top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz kicked off fight week events Wednesday with an open to the public media workout at Placita Olvera in Los Angeles as they prepare to square off in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Sunday, September 4 from Crypto.com Arena.

The event also featured exciting top lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and fellow Mexican and veteran Eduardo Ramirez, who battle in a WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event, three-division world champion Abner Mares and Miguel Flores, who duel in a 10-round attraction, and unbeaten rising star Jose Valenzuela, who will take on the Dominican Republic’s Edwin De Los Santos in the telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Valenzuela was originally scheduled to face Jezreel Corrales, who was forced to withdraw due to visa issues.

Representing his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, De Los Santos (14-1, 13 KOs) bounced back from his first pro defeat in January to knockout the previously unbeaten Luis Acosta in March. The 22-year-old power-puncher has ended all but one of his victories by knockout since turning pro in 2018. Each of De Los Santos’ last two fights took place stateside as he’ll look to vault himself into title contention at 135 pounds with a signature victory this Sunday night.

“I don’t consider myself a substitute because I’ve been training for this fight for two months,” said De Los Santos. “I knew there was a real possibility I was going to be in this fight. I’m the real challenge and I will knock Valenzuela out. I’m a different fighter. I learned from my loss and I’m going to make sure it never happens again.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday at the open to the public event:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“I feel great. It means so much for me to be fighting in Los Angeles in front of all of my fans and supporters and I’m just ready to go. Everyone here today and everyone who supports me are my motivation to keep going.

“If this ends in a knockout it ends in a knockout. My only goal is to be victorious. I’m in shape to go 12 hard rounds. We’re going to go in there and leave it all in the ring.

“I’m proof that anything is possible if you work hard and stay disciplined. The main thing right now is just accomplishing our goal Sunday night and leave the ring with my hand raised.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“You’re going to see a war on Sunday night. This is a venue that lends itself to great fights and this matchup with Ruiz is going to be another one to add to the history.

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this fight is not going the distance. I hope all the Cuban and Mexican fans who are coming out are ready for something special, because its coming Saturday night.

“Training camp has been perfect and we couldn’t be more ready for this clash. I know Andy is going to bring everything he has. That’s what I want. I want to beat the best version of Andy Ruiz Jr.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“I really feel the love from my Mexican people here in Los Angeles. This is going to be a great clash of styles that the fans will love, but our only goal is to win.

“I’m very happy with everything we did in training camp. Ramirez is an experienced fighter who is always prepared. But we prepared for anything he’s going to bring.

“Everyone knows what to expect in a ‘Pitbull’ Cruz fight. I’m just going to stick to the game plan and do what I always do. I feel sharp and ready to go.”

EDUARDO RAMIREZ

“Don’t miss this fight because we’re going in there to entertain. I’m going to be smart and execute the game plan, but I’ll be ready to exchange when the time comes.

“I’m very motivated for this fight. I can’t lose focus, because my only goal is to win Sunday night and earn my shot at the world title. I’m looking for victory however I can achieve it.

“My people back home know that this is a tough fight, but they know what I’m capable of doing inside the ring. I’m going to go in there and give them what they’re looking for.”

ABNER MARES

“This is my house, this is my home. This is where my people are and they’re always supporting me. This is where everything started for myself. L.A. turn up on September 4, because Team Mares is back.

“As strange as it might sound, I felt right at home in the gym, even with the time away. I feel like I’m coming off of a fight just a couple months ago. I had no complications in camp. The hardest thing is getting your rhythm back, but that’s just part of it. It’s made me better.

“I’m not putting pressure on myself to go out there and be spectacular. I’m going to show some abilities that older fighters have. I’m going to pick my punches and be smart about engaging in the fight. As you get older, you get wiser.”

MIGUEL FLORES

“I’m excited to be here, especially fighting in front of the Mexican fans in Los Angeles. I’m ready to get in there Sunday and put on a show.

“It’s a challenge fighting a three-division world champion but we’re ready. We both bring the fight every time we’re in there and I just have to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’m relaxed and enjoying the moment. I’m going to have someone coming at me for 10 hard rounds on Saturday so right now I’m just taking it moment by moment. We’re here to beat the old wolf.”

JOSE VALENZUELA

“I trained really hard for this fight and I’m confident heading into the ring. I had a great training camp and I’m feeling strong. I’m just ready to put on a show on Sunday.

“I feel like I have a different edge because I came up with David Benavidez and his team. I was always a step ahead of a lot of people because of the work I was able to do behind closed doors.

“I’m ready for anybody. I’m facing a guy with a good knockout rate and I know he’s dangerous. But we trained too hard and no matter who I’m facing, I’m ready to put on a great performance and you know I’m coming for a knockout.”

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ABOUT RUIZ VS. ORTIZ

Ruiz vs. Ortiz will see former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and top contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz meet in a 12-round WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View on September 4 in a Labor Day Weekend clash from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and feature a stacked lineup of rising and accomplished stars in high-stakes matchups. In the co-main event, hard-hitting Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz will step in to take on fellow Mexican and veteran contender Eduardo Ramírez in a 12-round WBC Lightweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. 

The action will also see the return of popular three-division champion Abner Mares in his first action in three years as he battles former title challenger Miguel Flores in a 10-round super featherweight attraction, plus exciting rising star José Valenzuela duels former world champion Jezreel Corrales in the 10-round lightweight pay-per-view opener.

Prior to the pay-per-view, rising unbeaten super welterweight Joey Spencer will battle Mexican contender Kevin Salgado in a 10-round showdown highlighting PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on September 4 during Labor Day Weekend from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Leading into the FOX broadcast, undefeated top super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem takes on Mike Plania in a 10-round attraction live on FS1 and FOX Deportes beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




AUDIO: Ra’eese Aleem talks Mike Plania Showdown






VIDEO: Ra’eese Aleem talks Mike Plania Showdown




Weights from Bensalem, Pennsylvania

Bensalem, PA (August 31, 2022)–Weights for Thursday night’s Joe Hand Promotions card at Parx Casino

Photo by Darryl Cobb Jr.

Joey Dawejko 261.7 – Mike Marshall 251.7

Christopher Burgos 142 – Nelson Morales 140.8

Daiyaan Butt 141.5 – Tyrone Luckey 140.2

Brendan O’Callaghan 155.4 – Soslan Alborov 154.6

Carlos Marrero 142 – Bryce Mills 142

Andre Hinmon 166 – Tyler Zwicharowski 162.5

Devin Gantt 126.3 – Tajiro Arakawa 128.7

Everlon Still 169.5 – Derrick Vann 166.5

Promoter: Joe Hand Promotions

Venue: Parx Casino:

1st Bell: 7 PM ET

Stream: Flo Combat

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CONTACT: Ike Richman // ike@richmancommunications.com

Tickets at $50, $75, and $125 are on sale at https://tickets.parxcasino.com/tickets/390007, Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.




VIDEO: Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Luis Ortiz MEDIA WORKOUT | #RuizOrtiz




Boxing Star Ryan Garcia Confirmed for Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 17, in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (August 31, 2022) – Boxing Star Ryan Garcia has confirmed that he will appear at the Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Gennadiy Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Ryan will meet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Mexican Independence Day weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

Ryan will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and fans will have an opportunity to take pictures at his booth where he will have merchandise on sale with his own line of clothing design apparel FIERCE KING.

Ryan joins Teofimo Lopez, WBA, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rolando Romero, Jose Ramírez, David Benavidez, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Erik Morales as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Ryan Garcia / Fierce King

Ryan Garcia is one of the most dynamic and exciting boxers fighting today. With a 23-0 record and 19 KO, the young Mexican American fighter has earned accolades include holding the WBC interim lightweight title, beating top contenders such as Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell. Garcia has now moved up to the junior welterweight division, winning his first fight at 140 via knockout against the formidable Javier Fortuna. At just 24 years old, he has already built one of the most impressive resumés of his generation.

In addition to his feats in the ring, Ryan runs his own fashion line, Fierce King, and serves as the face of the Fierce Reflex bag, the ultimate reflex training tool for combat athletes.

His passions for sport at the highest of levels, mental health advocacy, fashion, as well as his unrivaled social media presence with more than 15 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, have brought thousands upon thousands of new fans to boxing. 

About Fierce Reflex

Fierce Reflex is the ultimate reflex training tool for combat sport athletes, from beginners to professional to champions. Professional boxers, UFC fighters, USA Boxing amateurs and all other combat sports use the Fierce Reflex bag to improve their reflex, speed, and defense. Every boxing gym needs one. The Fierce Reflex bag is great for all ages. For more info go to @fiercereflex

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next several weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo

.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo




VIDEO: Dmitry Bivol vs Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez Press Conference In Abu Dhabi




BIVOL VS. RAMIREZ ‘CHAMPION SERIES’ LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to a historic press conference here in Abu Dhabi. November 5, our first even here in Abu Dhabi. The ‘Champion Series’ and an incredible main event, the WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title between Dmitry Bivol and Zurdo Ramirez.

“A historic moment for Abu Dhabi, the DCT and for Matchroom Boxing as well as we build a long-term partnership here of global high-profile World Championship fights. November 5 is the start of such an exciting future in what has become a global sports hub here in Abu Dhabi.

“This is an iconic moment and we want to thank so many different people – the DCT, we want to thank Eleven as well, Frank Smith who’s done such a great job. There has been a lot of hard work that has gone into this process. We are about building long-term partnerships with outstanding partners, and great people to work with.

“You’ve seen across the NBA, you’ve seen across the UFC, Dana White and the team couldn’t speak more highly of everyone involved in their relationship with Abu Dhabi. For us as a business, this is just the start of a new world of boxing here in the Middle East and in Abu Dhabi. Earlier on today we announced that Joe Cordina will defend his IBF Super-Featherweight World Championship against the Mandatory Challenger Rakhimov and the undisputed women’s Light-Welterweight World Championship – Chantelle Cameron McCaskill. They’re the first three fights announced for November 5 in the stunning Etihad Arena.”

Dmitry Bivol:

“First of all, hello everyone and thank you for coming. Yes, maybe it’s one of the toughest fights in my career. I’m thinking like that every time before my fights. I want to say thank you to you Eddie and Matchroom, and everyone in Abu Dhabi. Everyone who wanted to make this fight.

“I’m glad to defend my title in Abu Dhabi. I heard this is the first time that someone has defended a World Title in Abu Dhabi. It’s great to be the first. I hope it’s not the last time in Abu Dhabi. Thank you to Ramirez for this fight. I know he wanted this fight a long time. Me too. Now it will happen. He is a good fighter and I like challenges. I like to fight against the guy who has won 44 fights and who is bigger than me and taller than me. This is a big challenge for me. I hope it will be a great fight on November 5.

“I have to be focused only on this fight. Every time when I have a fight I’m focused on that fight. Of course I have great plans in my head, I want to be the best fighter in the world. I want to get more belts, but now I have a big fight against a good fighter. I try to be focused only on November 5.”
 
Vadim Kornilov, manager of Dmitry Bivol:

“Thank you, Eddie. You’re definitely back on the team of course. You were never off the team because I think you believed in Dmirty the whole way from the beginning – just like the rest of us. It’s very exciting.

“After the Canelo fight obviously it’s a second level of motivation they have to find. Any fighter that goes to that level, they have to motivate themselves to go on. Having to fight a guy like Ramirez who is very well respected, who has never lost and who has fought some of the top-level guys, it’s something that you have to overcome and it’s something that we have to do.

“You have to find something inside you to get that victory again. I believe that Dmirty has that mentality and he is always very tough and confident. I think he will be able to do it and go on to get the other belts after this. That’s something that we look forward to as well.”

Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez:

“Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you for having us and for the hospitality. I’m glad to be here in Abu Dhabi. It’s my first time here and I feel like I’m at home because it’s the same weather as back home – hot and humid. It’s perfect for me.

“Thank you Matchroom and thank you to Golden Boy for making this possible. I’m looking forward to getting that title on November 5 to become a two-time World Champion. I think it will be a great night, an exciting fight for everyone. Even for me, I can’t wait for this fight. I’ve been waiting so long for this moment and I just want to say thank you to Dmitry Bivol for taking this fight.

“I think we’re going to put on a great show for all of the fans and for Abu Dhabi. It will be a great night. He is one of the greatest 175 pounders’ and he beat one of the greatest fighters in boxing too. Congratulations to him. I knew he would be a tough fight for Canelo. It was a great night for Bivol because he beat him by unanimous decision. It was great. What can I tell you? I’m 44 fights and 44 wins.”
 
Eric Gomez, Golden Boy Promotions:

“I just want to thank everybody for being here. The hospitality has been incredible. It’s an incredible city, a beautiful city – it’s my first time here. I want to thank DAZN and Joe Markowski – thank you for all you do. Eddie, you and your team, Frank Smith. It’s always a pleasure working with you guys. I want to thank the champion Dmity Bivol, his manager Vadim. This is a great fight. This is going to be an incredible fight. Both fighters are undefeated and it’s going to be a very exciting fight. I don’t normally like to give predictions, but I’m compelled to give a prediction for this fight. I feel strongly that the winner is going to be Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi and also the world of boxing. It’s rare that we put these fights together, it’s a special event, so thank you guys very much for having us and we look forward to November 5.”

Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN Group:

“Thank you, Eddie, and thank you to everyone up on the top table here today. It’ great to be here with old friends and new. Thank you to our hosts here in Abu Dhabi and to the DCT. Dmitry, it wasn’t too long ago that we were toasting your success in Las Vegas, late at night in your hotel room after your last win. It’s great to be back working with you.

“It’s a fantastic schedule we’re building on DAZN as we head into Autumn. In a couple of weeks’ time we have Canelo and GGG in a fantastic trilogy fight. More to come from our X Series – a new venture with KSI in the world of crossover boxing. This fight in early November as well as Eubank-Benn – a fantastic PPV event in the UK.

“We’re about building a schedule of events globally that engages new and existing boxing fans. We’re doing that with increasing regularity. We’re doing that with our partners at Golden Boy, it’s great to see Eric Gomez here from Los Angeles. It’s great to keep it in the DAZN family as always with Golden Boy and Matchroom.

“This event is representative of exactly what we’re trying to do – a global schedule with fantastic fights, matchups happening when they should happen and delivered with fantastic partners of which there are many sat on this table. We’re very excited, we’re looking forward to it and it’s great to be in business with Abu Dhabi.”

H.E. Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Geziry:

“Thank you very much Eddie. I can’t express how happy we are for all of you to be here. This happiness is on a personal note because we’ve made new friends of Abu Dhabi, but also on a professional level where our partnership today and the announcement we’re doing today is a milestone for Abu Dhabi within what we are planning for the rest of the future.

“Today Abu Dhabi positioning itself as an events hub in the international world is a very important statement. In the vertical of sports, Abu Dhabi has done a great job with partnering with perfect international brands – whether it’s the NBA, whether it’s the UFC as Eddie rightly mentioned, whether it’s the T20 in cricket and so on and so forth. With the boxing world, we are very pleased to be partners with Matchroom.

“Normally whenever you start a certain vertical you want to start with a big bang, and I think the fight that has just been announced is a fight that everyone has been waiting for. I think it’s one of the first times that combined you have over 60 fights to zero. How could we have started with anything better than this? Thank you very much for putting this together.”
 




“KING ARTHUR” RETURNS IN BOLTON

Lydon Arthur (19-1, 13 KOs) is planning on an explosive return to the squared circle as he looks to tame the tough Argentine, Walter Gabriel Sequeira (25-9-1) at Light Heavyweight as Wasserman Boxing heads to the University of Bolton Stadium for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday September 17, live on Channel 5 in association with William HillNuman and Infinitum Entertainment.

Bolton will be bouncing as ‘King Arthur’ looks to put his foot straight back onto the title contention ladder with a statement win. It didn’t go to plan last time out, but the Manchester fighter knows his love for the sport will always shine through, and he’ll be back twice the fighter to make a statement live on Channel 5.

“I’ve never lost that love for boxing, I’ve always cared and committed to it the same,” said Arthur. “There’s so many reasons behind my love for boxing and, even though I put my everything into the sport, I also owe the sport everything.”

The former Commonwealth and WBO Inter-Continental light-heavyweight champion, Arthur, will face a very tough challenge in Sequeira, known as ‘The Alligator’ or “El Yacare” in his native tongue. Sequeira has fought his way to 17 knockout wins out of his 25 professional wins, but Arthur is feeling confident after all the preparations that have gone on during the lay-off.

“In the gym I have just been working on the small details that I think are necessary for me to improve. The focus has also been on sharpening them tools as well, taking my strengths and making them even more dangerous,” said Arthur. “It has been about developing my mindset as an athlete and myself as a boxer.”

All the focus on training points to one thing for fight night, and that is a rejuvenated and ready Lyndon Arthur. There seems no reluctance or nervousness from the Manchester fighter, as he anticipates fireworks on Saturday, September 17.

“I can assure you one thing; you’re going to see a fighter who’s excited to be back in that ring,” he said. “You’re going to see a fighter excited to cause some damage and I’ll be working towards getting him out of there in explosive fashion.”

The current IBF International Heavyweight Champion, Nathan Gorman (19-1, 13 KOs), will also look to bring another powerful heavyweight performance, this time to Bolton. The 26-year-old has been mentioned as a potential challenger for the British title in the near future, and will be looking to get the spotlight pointing on him again like last time out in Liverpool.

“It was my first show under the Wasserman Boxing banner last time out against Salek and live on Channel 5, and getting that IBF International belt around my waist, made it a great night,” said Gorman.

He looks like the man in line to face Fabio Wardley next and could have waited until that fight materialised, instead, Gorman wanted to remain active and continue showing his progression under the lights. After previously spending a while out of the ring, he’s smitten over the sport once again and eager to get back in front of terrestrial screens.

“I’ve asked to get back out there as fast as possible, because I don’t want to wait around and be inactive for longer than I need to be,” he said.  “Boxing in Bolton, and on another Channel 5 show, is something I’m really looking forward to doing.”

You will seldom find a fighter who overlooks the challenge in front of them, but the opportunity to face Wardley means a destructive performance could send all the right messages from Gorman’s camp. Feeling happy and healthy, the Nantwich man is now ready to showcase his speedy progression with each fight that comes and earn those future title bouts.

“A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter. I think I’m definitely noticing constant improvements and you won’t see a better version of me than on September 17 in Bolton when I get more members of our live audience taking note.”

Gorman continued, “I’ll be looking for another one to add to the KO reel, so be ready.”

An all-Welsh affair also features to see who will leave with the British Lightweight belt between current champion Gavin Gwynne (15-2, 3 KOs) and Newport’s Craig Woodruff (12-6, 4 KOs). With both fighters coming into this with huge momentum behind them, it will be Gwynne looking to keep hold of the gold after shutting down Luke Willis to claim the belt back in April of this year. Woodruff will have plenty of positives to take into this title challenge after working his way to a unanimous decision win in Cardiff in March.

 Conah “The Wolf” Walker (11-1-1, 3 KOs) will face off against Kane Gardner (14-2, 7 KOs) in a domestic bout that will look to steal the headlines. Walker will be looking for a performance similar to his win in Wolverhampton last time out to put “Sugar Kane” out of contention for a British Title shot. The boy from Beswick, Gardner, will be looking to build off two-straight wins and be happy to replicate either his TKO or points wins from those fights.

Amongst the electric fights already announced on the card, keep your eyes peeled on more news coming out of Wasserman Boxing. The card will feature further top talent looking to arrive in Bolton as contenders and leave as the one to watch.

“When you look at the sporting history of Bolton, you look no further than Amir Khan as the flagbearer and all he has achieved in the sport,” said Wasserman Head of Global Boxing, Kalle Sauerland. “September 17 offers the city the opportunity to start a new chapter in the book of British boxing, with a line-up that guarantees top domestic talent becoming household names. Live on Channel 5 and ready to entertain once again.”
 
GO TO WWW.WASSERMANBOXING.COM FOR PRE-SALE TICKET SIGN-UP




PARKER ADMITS BEING CHAMPION WEIGHED HEAVY

JOSEPH PARKER HAS revealed that, at his most successful point, he was living out his boxing career for the benefit of others.

The now 30-year-old, who takes on Joe Joyce in a huge Manchester blockbuster on September 24, became WBO world heavyweight champion in December 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz on home soil in Auckland and winning the title vacated by Tyson Fury via a tight points decision.

It has now been declared that Joyce-Parker will be fighting for the status of becoming WBO Interim world heavyweight champion at the AO Arena. The ‘Nowhere to Run’ blockbuster on 24 September is being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office and is promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions in association with BOXXER.

In what should have been a period of great fulfillment six years ago, there was something missing for Parker that he struggled with at the time. He can now put this void down to chasing dreams that weren’t his own.

Becoming a parent for the first time to Elizabeth made Parker understand his own discontent at a time when he should have been embracing national hero status in his native New Zealand.

“When I wasn’t a father I was doing boxing for myself because I enjoyed it, but mostly for others,” explained Parker on the Unibet Lowdown. “I’m not sure how this sounds, but I was doing it more for my dad because it was his dream and I was doing it more for my coach Kevin (Barry), who wanted to have a heavyweight world champion.

“When I achieved it I sort of wasn’t the happiest, maybe because it was for them. Now that I have my wife and my kids, in boxing I am a lot more motivated because I want to do it for myself and my immediate family.”

If the tale sounds familiar, it is because Parker’s great friend and training partner Tyson experienced similar emotions on becoming unified champion and subsequently spiralled into a mire of serious mental health issues that he recovered from in a most remarkable way.

“I think I went through exactly the same thing, but I didn’t look at it as mental health at the time. Now I have had more discussions about it, maybe I did go through the same thing, I just didn’t realise.

“I was still training and fighting, but wasn’t enjoying it. I didn’t want to associate with people and didn’t want to talk, I was out there doing this and that. I was still fighting but wasn’t training properly. I wasn’t doing anything right because I didn’t want to do it. But I was still doing it and doing it with no purpose.

“Now I have a purpose. Now I am motivated. Now I am driven. I have my wife and my kids at home who I have left and I have missed a lot of special occasions because of this goal that I have.”

Parker has set out clear goals for the remaining chapters of his boxing story and, while returning to the heavyweight top table features strongly, he is more about the here and now and taking as much as he can from each single experience.

“I don’t write them down but I do have them in my head. I should write them down, that would be a good thing to do. My goal, further out there, is to be heavyweight champion of the world. I think it would be amazing to have a fighter from New Zealand and Samoa be a two-time world champion.

“The goal is to appreciate each fight, appreciate the moment, to live in the moment and be present. If I think about stuff way down there I am not going to enjoy the process. I want to enjoy the training, the food, everything that is involved with the camp.

“I want to enjoy going home and seeing my family after a camp but, for now, I am in camp and I am going to enjoy every single moment of it.

“Now it is about the journey, the destination will take care of itself.”

As well as the huge Joyce vs Parker clash, Amanda Serrano will be bidding to win four world title belts at featherweight when the Puerto Rican superstar makes her UK debut and battles the unbeaten Dane Sarah Mahfoud.

Queensberry fighters Anthony Cacace, Ekow Essuman, Nathan Heaney, Raven Chapman and Mark Heffron all feature in the supporting cast of the 24 September ‘Nowhere to Run’ blockbuster at the AO Arena, Manchester, a fight night not-to-be-missed.

Tickets for ‘Nowhere to Run’ – the heavyweight clash between Joe Joyce and Joe Parker on 24 September at the AO Arena, Manchester being shown exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office – are priced from £40 and are on sale now exclusively from Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry Promotions where possible.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION: If you wish to apply to cover the ‘Nowhere to Run’ fight night, please complete the form here.




Undefeated Mexican lightweight prospect Marco Cota to be showcased Sept. 16th on “Canela Boxeo” card

LOS ANGELES (August 31, 2022) – Another rising Mexican lightweight prospect, Marco Cota (8-0, 6 KOs), will be fighting in his first scheduled 8-round bout on September 16 in the next installment of the entertaining “Canela Boxeo” series, presented by CANELA BOXEO.

World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), led by CEO Terry Hollan and promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor, and De La O Promotions are co-promoting the event.

“We are working on my cardio,” Cota noted about additional work to be prepared to fight 8 rounds. “We are focused on a lot of cardio and strength conditioning to get to where I can fight 8 rounds at a good pace.

“I feel that fighting on ‘Canela Boxeo’ is a very good platform and many people will watch my fight. It will project my future career a lot and many people from other parts of the world will begin to know me.”

“Canela Boxeo” is streamed live and for FREE on the third Friday night of every month, now starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from various venues in Mexico. The Sept. 16th card will emanate from Expo Palenque in Ciudad Obregon, not too far from Cota’s home in Empalme, Sonora.

“I’ve been in this business for more than 20 years,” Taylor said, “and Marco Cota is one of the best prospects I’ve ever seen. On September 16th, fans are going to see a real battle in every sense of the word. Cota versus Piedrahita can only be seen LIVE and FREE on CANELA.TV. All that’s needed to watch is to download the FREE APP.”

Cota is matched against Kevin Piedrahita (5-1, 5 KOs), of Colombia, in the Featured Bout.

“The little I know is that he is very good,” Cota said about his opponent. “He is a strong fighter who likes to clash and exchange blows toe-to-toe.”

A 5-time Sonora State Champion, Cota was 146-4 as an amateur, highlighted by his bronze-medal performance at the 2015 National Tournament. Cota’s dream was to represent Mexico in the Olympics, but the opportunity never came.

“The truth is that they never took me into account,” Cota explained. “It was a dream for me to represent Mexico in the Olympic Games. I had a great amateur career and always stood out at the National level. In Mexico, though, the best are not always selected. It’s a complicated process.”

A self-described complete fighter, Cota has a fan-friendly style, effectively boxing from both long and short distances, adapting well in the ring when needed, and possessing solid power in both hands. His short-term goal is the become the No.1 rated lightweight in Mexico, eventually developing into a world champion.

He is a proud member of the WCBS family. “I feel very good,” Cota remarked about his promoter. “I have the necessary activity for my career and that motivates me a lot. I know that I’m on the best team in Mexico. The treatment WCBS gives its fighters is very special.”

Cota grew up admiring Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. and Juan Marquez. Today, his favorites are Gervonta Davis and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Cota, of course, predicts victory against Piedrahita, saying: “I expect a brawl. My team has studied my opponent and the best thing is to box him by hitting bottom-to-top with my distance. Let’s see. It is going to be a very competitive fight and we are going to come out with our hands up.”

The Sept. 16th headliner is another undefeated 20-year-old Mexican prospect, Luis “Koreano” Torres (16-0, 10 KOs), who will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title at home Ciudad Obregon, versus an opponent to be determined in the 10-round main event. Torres is a former WBC Youth Silver Champion who won his WBC Latino lightweight belt in his last fight by way of a 10-round unanimous decision from Diego Andrade Chavez (14-6-2).

Also fighting on the card is super lightweight Misael “Pichon” Urias (12-1, 9 KOs), 23, in an 8-rounder vs. TBA.

“Canela Boxeo” on CANELA.TV – LIVE, EXCLUSIVE and FREE stream — Friday, September 16th from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, throughout the United States, Mexico, and Latin America.

Canela.TV is available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, as well as through linear channels on Samsung TV Plus, LG, Vizio, Plex, Distro TV and available through iTunes and Google Play. Users can find a wide variety of content, including soap operas, news, movies, television series, cooking shows, among others, through the Hispanic lens. For additional information on Canela.TV please visit: https://www.canela.tv/

“Canela Boxeo” was created by CANELA MEDIA, a leading, minority-owned technology driven company committed to redefining digital media experiences for the Hispanic Community, and World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), led by its creators CEO Terry Holland and promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor.

ABOUT CANELA MEDIA: Canela Media is the leading, minority-owned technology driven company offering brands a complete ecosystem to connect with multicultural audiences starting with its free streaming platform service, Canela.TV which enriches the new generation of U.S. Latinos with free access to unique, culturally relevant content. In addition to TV content, Canela Music features a unique blend of Latin music programming, featuring various genres from Latin Pop, Regional Mexican, Classics, Romantic, and more.

Canela Media reaches more than 50 million unique Hispanics across its 180+ premium Spanish-language sites. Combined with the company’s proprietary data, Canela Media possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to establish meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the new mainstream- U.S. and Latin America Hispanics.

Headquartered in New York, Canela Media is ranked as the third largest Hispanic ad-focused company and the only female-and minority-owned certified digital company. For more information please visit: https://canelamedia.com/

ABOUT WORLD CUP BOXING SERIES (WCBS): World Cup Boxing Series is your passport to the best online fights you’ll ever see. WCBS is the only active tournament and team fight series in professional boxing. For years, its creator Guy Taylor has been tasked with creating tough, competitive matches for promoters eager to test their rising prospects and contenders. That same mindset has now been applied to his own latest creation, World Cup Boxing Series. For more information, please visit https://www.worldcupboxingseries.com/

INFORMATION:

Website: www.worldcupboxingseries.com, www.canela.tv

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series




CAMERON CLASHES WITH MCCASKILL FOR UNDISPUTED SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CROWN IN ABU DHABI

Chantelle Cameron and Jessica McCaskill will clash for the undisputed Super-Lightweight World Title on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol vs. Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez at the at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Northampton’s Cameron (16-0, 8 KOs) captured the famous green and gold WBC 140lbs World Title by widely outpointing Brazil’s Adriana dos Santos Arauja behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes back in October 2020.

‘Il Capo’ looked sensational as she stopped Puerto Rico’s Melissa Hernandez in five rounds during the first defence of her crown the following year in her US debut at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old added the IBF and inaugural Ring Magazine World Titles to her collection by decisioning Indiana’s Mary McGee in an all-action main event at The O2 in London in October 2021 before defending her titles with another unanimous decision points win over Victoria Noelia Bustos in May this year.

Undisputed Welterweight World Champion McCaskill (12-2, 5 KOs) drops down in weight to enhance her pound-for-pound credentials after dethroning long-reigning champion Cecilia Braekhus in Downtown Tulsa Streets back in August 2020.

A former WBC and WBA World Champion at Super-Lightweight, ‘CasKILLA’ returns to 140lbs for the first time since October 2019 following three successful defences of her IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO Welterweight World Titles.

“This fight means everything to me, for me it’s all or nothing,” said Cameron. “It’s a career-defining moment for me – this is what every boxer sets out to achieve when they turn professional. As soon as I became a World Champion, I said that the main goal was to become undisputed. To become undisputed would be my dream come true. It’s what I want to achieve in boxing.

“Jessica is a very dangerous fighter and obviously undisputed at 147lbs. She’s been there and she’s done it. She’s got that crown at 147lbs so it’s definitely going to be my toughest fight to date. I’m expecting her to come out all guns blazing. She’s going to stick in on my chest, but I’ve got a game plan A, game plan B and game plan C.

“I’ll make sure that I box how I want to box and not get caught up in a slugfest. As long as I stay switched on and do what I know I can do then this won’t be a messy fight. It’s going to be a good hard fight, but I know I’m a better all-round fighter.”

“I want to take on the biggest and best fights,” said McCaskill. “I want to dominate in multiple weight classes. It’s too easy to stay in one weight class and play it safe. Now I want to prove myself as the best Super-Lightweight on the planet.”

“This is a career-defining moment for Britain’s Chantelle Cameron – a chance to write her name into the history books and become the undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Chantelle hasn’t put a foot wrong so far in her career but she knows she faces her toughest test to date against Chicago’s brilliant undisputed Welterweight ruler Jessica McCaskill who returns to 140lbs for another shot at greatness. What a card we’re building for November 5 – watch it live around the world on DAZN.”

“Jessica McCaskill has proven she belongs in the Hall of Fame,” said Rick Ramos. “This victory will solidify that. I’m excited for this fight.”

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Bivol vs. Ramirez bulletins and ticket updates.




CORDINA MAKES MAIDEN DEFENCE OF IBF WORLD TITLE AGAINST MANDATORY CHALLENGER RAKHIMOV IN ABU DHABI ON NOVEMBER 5

Joe Cordina will make the maiden defence of his IBF Super-Featherweight World Title against Mandatory Challenger ShavkatdzhonRakhimov at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Saturday November 5, live to subscribers worldwide on DAZN (excluding South Korea and MENA).

Cordina vs. Rakhimov lands on the undercard of the huge WBA Light-Heavyweight World Title clash between undefeated rivals Dmitry Bivol and Gilberto Zurdo Ramirez – Matchroom’s first ever show in the United Arab Emirates.

‘The Welsh Wizard’ (15-0, 9 KOs) captured the famous red and gold belt with a stunning one-punch knockout of Japan’s Kenichi Ogawa on a memorable night at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff earlier this year in June to become the latest Welsh World Champion.

Tajikistan’s Rakhimov (16-0-1, 13 KOs) challenged for the vacant IBF belt against an overweight Joseph Diaz at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio last year – pushing the American all the way in a majority draw for the title that only he could win. 

‘Shere Khan’ was presented with a second opportunity to fight for the IBF 140lbs World Title against Ogawa – but was forced to withdraw from the scheduled bout due to injury. The 27-year-old is currently the highest ranked contender with the IBF.

“I know it’s going to be a tough fight so I’m going to be prepared for 12 hard rounds,” said Cordina. “I know I’m going to have to bite down on my gumshield and dig my toes in. It’s going to get tough in there but I’m going to be prepared for that.

“Nothing has really changed since I won the World Title back in June. My mentality is still the same, I still want to be the best in the world – I want to win more titles. I’ve reached my goal of becoming World Champion but now I’ve set new goals which include becoming a unified and undisputed World Champion.

“It’s great to be a part of the first show in Abu Dhabi. I’ve been a part of some big nights in boxing – the Joshua vs. Klitschko show in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium, Bramall Lane Stadium with Kell Brook against Errol Spence and two Joshua fights at the Principality Stadium. To be a part of another historic show is unbelievable and another one ticked off my list.”

“We have a huge night of World Championship boxing planned for Abu Dhabi on November 5 and Joe Cordina vs. Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov is the first addition to an all-action undercard,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The Welsh Wizard landed the IBF Super-Featherweight World Title with an epic one-punch knockout win in his home city earlier this year but that’s just the start of the journey for Welsh boxing’s latest star. Joe has ambitions of becoming undisputed at 130lbs but first he needs to get past an incredibly tough first defence in the shape of IBF number one Rakhimov who has already challenged for the IBF crown.”

An announcement on tickets will follow in due course. Sign up HERE for Bivol vs. Ramirez bulletins and ticket updates.




NEW, TELL-ALL BOXXER DOCUMENTARY UNCOVERS EXTRAORDINARY, DECADE-LONG RIVALRY BETWEEN SHIELDS AND MARSHALL

London, England – (August 31st, 2022) – Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields’ extraordinary, bitter rivalry has been unraveled in a revealing, tell-all documentary.

Produced by BOXXER, the fascinating feature piece uncovers the makings of both world champions and what is driving them in their bid to become the world’s undisputed best, less than a week before the most anticipated female female of all-time.

Including exclusive interviews and previously unseen material, the film – now live on YouTube – hears from both fighters, their camps and learns all about how their incredible, decade-long feud began, with predictions from both on how it will end at The O2 in London on Saturday, 10th September.

Hear their contrasting tales as Hartlepool-born Savannah Marshall details how she combated her timidness as a youngster to being crowned WBO world middleweight champion.

And American two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning WBC, IBF and WBA world champion Claressa Shields discusses her harrowing upbringing as a child which drove her to global superstardom.

PLUS, hear from the likes of BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom, Peter Fury, Savage Dan, Spencer Oliver and more as they deliver their verdicts ahead of this titanic all-Atlantic tussle which takes place in the capital in just over a week’s time.

To use any material featured in the documentary, please credit BOXXER with a link to watch the film in full. This can be found here.

For any further details or materials, please contact the BOXXER PR and Media team.

Below, you can find a sample of selected quotes from the documentary:

Savannah Marshall 

On starting boxing, aged 12: “I was very sporty growing up. I played football, netball… but [aged 12] I walked into a boxing gym because one of my friends had a little plastic trophy, which I saw glisten in the sun. And I thought, I want one of them. Curiosity took a hold of me. I was more curious than anything. I remember walking up the steps in the gym, hearing music blasting and bags being punched. I was stood at the door looking through the glass, thinking I want to go in. Looking back now, and considering our painfully shy I was at that age, I can’t believe I done that.”

On Claressa Shields proclaiming to be the G.W.O.A.T (Greatest Woman of All-Time): “Claressa’s quite comical. There’s nothing she can do or say that will effect me.”

On discovering her renowned hard-hitting punching power: “I remember when I was younger, one month my mum got a discount on some steaks. And that was all we ate: steak and chips, steak pie, steak stew, steak and dumplings… you name it, we had it. So that must be why.”

On breaking away from being ‘shy’: “Everyone’s talking about the evolution of Savannah Marshall. I’ve gone from being a relative mute to being the not-so ‘Silent Assassin’.”

On working with Peter Fury: “I always knew I could dig. But when I got to train with Peter, he showed me how to punch properly.”

Claressa Shields

On losing to Savannah Marshall as an amateur – her only, ever defeat: “It was a whirlwind getting there but I never quit. After I lost to Savannah Marshall I was very angry about it.”

On her harrowing upbringing – and what has driven her to success in Boxing: “I didn’t talk a lot growing up. I didn’t talk until I was 5. And then, at the age of 11, I started boxing. I look at where I come from, and I come from the bottom – and I don’t think what people realise what the bottom is. I won the Olympics. But before I left home, I didn’t even have a bed to sleep in.”

“I went through some things growing up. I got sexually abused when I was 5. That made me really angry and confused towards people. I didn’t have a bed until after the Olympics – and that was at 17. From 14-17, and even before then, I was sleeping on floors. People wonder why I’m so hungry, it’s because it’s what I have to do for myself. If I didn’t, me and my family would have been poor forever. With the skills I have, I was never going to settle for that. I knew I was going to do something with them. I had to win the Olympics. I had to win world championships. I don’t hate these girls, but they have to understand how much I have to win. They just don’t get it.” 

Ben Shalom

“Look at the difference now in Savannah in her professional days. She’s gone from being in the middle of cards to headlining events and selling out arenas, including her home city of Newcastle, which she could have only dreamt. I think this is the biggest women’s fight of all-time. But this is definitely the biggest rivalry in women’s boxing history.”

Spencer Oliver

“When I first met Savannah it was in 2010 when she was boxing for England and we saw her in Sheffield. It was myself, Johnny Nelson and Adam Smith. We all went up there to see Savannah because she was a girl with unbelievable talent – but she didn’t believe in herself. Confidence was a massive issue. If you don’t believe in yourself in boxing, you’re in trouble. You need that self-belief. But she has discovered it – and she did that by teaming up with Peter Fury. It’s an incredible journey from where she has come from to where she is now. She is arguably the best female fighter in the world – and we’re going to find that out.”

Peter Fury

“She’s the perfect student. She’s strictly business. Be diets, training regimes… whatever you throw at her, she does. You couldn’t ask for a better person to be with and to train with. She’s a no-nonsense type of person.”

Shields vs Marshall, for the undisputed world title, headlines BOXXER: ’Legacy’ – a historic all-female night of boxing – on Saturday, September 10th at The O2 in London, live and exclusive on Sky Sports. For tickets visit Boxxer.com




AUDIO: R&B Promotions Alex Barbosa Reflects on 1st card as a Promoter






VIDEO: R&B Promotions Alex Barbosa Reflects on 1st card as a Promoter




HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHTER JOEY DAWEJKO THE BUSINESS OWNER AND BOXER RETURNS TO PARX CASINO ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Joey Dawejko (21-10-4, 12 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, will be headlining an eight-round heavyweight contest against Mike Marshall (6-3-1, 4 KOs), of Danbury, CT, at Parx Casino on Thursday, Sept 1.

Dawejko was at a crossroads in his career and contemplated retirement. He was trying to figure out the next phase of his life after boxing. Dawejko worked as a roofer back in the day, but decided it was time for him to be on the other side of the business and own his own roofing company. That led to him opening Tank’s Knockout Roofing, which has been a great success since starting earlier this year.

Tickets to the seven-bout card at Parx® are on sale now at:

https://www.axs.com/events/441129/xcite-fight-night-8-tickets?skin=parxcasino,

Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

This card will be streamed by FloSports via the web, the FloSports mobile app (iOS and Android), or connected TV platforms such as AppleTV, Roku, FireTV, Vizio and others – for as little as $12.50 per month. Fight fans can subscribe with a monthly or annual membership today at https://www.flocombat.com/ to be ready for a full schedule of FIGHTNIGHT LIVE events in 2022.

One would think that owning your own company would be harder than having a day job, but Dawejko would disagree. “So early in my career, I was a roofer and I was working for somebody, and being out on the roof working 8-12 hours a day was a rough one. Now that I own my own company, it is a little different being able to rely on someone else to get the work done and stuff like that and me being able to train is a lot different. Having my own company and being able to do that is great.” Dawejko said.

This upcoming fight at Parx Casino on Thursday, Sept 1 will be a big fight for Dawejko. “This upcoming fight honestly, I’m trying to prove to myself that I am still worth it and I still have what it takes to go out and perform to my abilities and my expectations. Really this is a fight for me where I know that I am still hungry, and I know I still want to do this and that is what I want to prove to myself.” Daweijko still has the hunger and wants to see if he still has what it takes to make one more push to become a contender.

Dawejko has fought all over the world but there is nothing like fighting in Philadelphia in front of his hometown fans. He enjoyed the experience of fighting in countries like Russia and Germany, but hearing screaming fans that are there to see him gives him more motivation.

“You walk out, and your song starts playing and you just have this like tunnel vision walking to the ring. It is a great feeling. It’s something else and not everyone can experience that. “

ADDITIONAL Q&A

What pushed you to start a roofing company?

“So honestly I was ready to retire from boxing and then Russell Peltz called me and worked it out where we would fight at home and back in front of my friends and family. I was looking for the next phase of my life after boxing because boxing has been my life full time for the past eight years. It was the right time for me financially and I wasn’t really worried about anything else. After talking to Russell, it got me back into boxing.”

How has becoming a roofer affected your boxing career?

“Back then it was tough because I was working so much and I wasn’t able to make it to the gym, but a few months ago my trainer, Mike Weaver, called and said listen we got this gym up here and why don’t you start coming in to stay loose. I decided to try it out. He was a fighter back in the day and he’s a little older than me but I kind of grew up with him but it could help me out and help him out with me being in the gym. I said I am going to go into the gym but not treat it as a fight that’s kind of where my motivation was to get to the gym. If I was treating this as a fight I would have felt like I had enough of this. So now it’s different I was just going in working out and now that a possibility for a fight coming it worked out perfectly. I was already in good enough shape where I can work out and get ready for the fight so it was perfect timing for me because I was going to the gym and stuff like that”

Highlighted on Joe Hand Promotions’ Labor Day Weekend Fight Card:

In a four-round middleweight bout, Soslan Alborov (0-1), of Philadelphia, PA, will take on Brendan O’Callaghan (2-1, 1 KO), also from Philadelphia, PA.

Lightweight fighter Bryce Mills (8-1, 4 KOs), of Liverpool, NY, returns to Philadelphia to face Carlos Marrero (3-7-3), of Bridgeport, CT, in a four-round super lightweight bout.

Daiyaan Butt (10-2, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA, will be competing against Tyrone Luckey (15-17-4, 11 KOs), of Galloway, NJ, in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Devin Gantt of Sicklerville, NJ will make his pro debut in a four-round lightweight bout against Taijiro Arakawa of New York, NY who is also making his pro debut.

Also making his debut is Tyler Zwicharowski of Philadelphia, PA competing in a four-round middleweight fight against Andre Hinmon (0-1) of Philadelphia, PA.

Derrick Vann (2-4) of Philadelphia, PA will face Everlon Still (1-2) of Voorhees, NJ in a four-round super middleweight bout.

Christopher Burgos (3-5-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, Pa will square off against Nelson Morales (2-1) of Scranton, PA in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Tickets at $50, $75, and $125 are on sale at https://tickets.parxcasino.com/tickets/390007, Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.




AUDIO: Wilder vs Helenius Press Conference






VIDEO: Wilder vs Helenius Press Conference




AUDIO: Caleb Plant vs Anthony Dirrell Heated Press Conference






VIDEO: Caleb Plant vs Anthony Dirrell Heated Press Conference




DEONTAY WILDER VS. ROBERT HELENIUS & CALEB PLANT VS. ANTHONY DIRRELL  PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

BROOKLYN – August 30, 2022 – Former WBC Heavyweight World Champion and boxing superstar Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and top-rated Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius previewed their upcoming WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator during a press conference, appearing via satellite, before they meet on Saturday, October 15 topping a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The press conference also featured former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell meeting face to face as the 168-pound rivals prepare for a WBC Super Middleweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by BombZquad Promotions and TGB Promotions,  are on sale now and can be purchased through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase in-person at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Barclays Center:

DEONTAY WILDER

“We’ve put in over 400 rounds so far and training camp has been great. I’m trying to do something different with adding Don House to the team working in Las Vegas. We wanted to change up some things, go more rounds and see what happened.

“This training sounds like it could be a lot on your body, but when you’re in shape physically and mentally, nothing is impossible.

“I’ve had a great career and now I’m back again for my second reign. It’s amazing to reminisce about all the years and about how I got to where I am now. It’s been an honor. We had a gameplan and we executed that game plan.

“I’m looking forward to October 15 and sharing the ring with Robert. I highly respect Robert and his team. We’ve always had a connection, but unfortunately in this business, you have to go against each other sometimes. But make no mistake, just because we know each other, it doesn’t mean this fight won’t be interesting.

“Every time I fight, you’re on the edge of your seat, because I’m going in there 110%. I’m looking forward to this fight and coming back to Barclays Center, where some of my most exciting knockouts have occurred. I have remarkable memories there and I can’t wait to display my talent.

“I know what Helenius is capable of doing and I know what kind of heart he has. He’s coming to bring his best and I always bring mine. This is a serious fight between two warriors in the heavyweight division. We’re coming to put it all on the line.

“Getting a statue in my hometown let me know that there was more work to do. I have to continue to fight and motivate and inspire. This reign is going to be a special one, because it’s going to be dedicated to the people.

“Over these years everyone has seen what I’m capable of doing and what my mindset is when I step in there. Everyone knows what I’m coming with on the 15th and what we’re going to give. Whether it’s for our family, our country or our fans, there’s one night and one fight, it’s going to be fireworks.”

ROBERT HELENIUS

“I’m feeling really good and training camp is going great. I’ve fought a lot of good opponents and had a long career so far. This is of course a big fight for me. I have respect for Deontay, but when I come to America, I’m going to give everything that I have.

“I’m ready to do everything in my power to win. I only took two weeks off after my last fight and I’ve been training since then. I know what it takes to win at this level.

“I’ve promised my fans in Finland that I would bring the world title back home and sometimes you have to go through a lot to get there. But I’m going to do everything I can. We’re doing all the extra work that we need to.

“This is a huge deal. All I’ve ever wanted is to get the chance at the world heavyweight title. That’s why I’ve continued to fight. If I didn’t see myself becoming a world champion, I would have stopped and found a much easier job to do.

“I’m thankful to Deontay for his nice words, but on October 15 I’m going to bring the Viking spirit into the ring.”

CALEB PLANT

“I’m feeling good and I’m thankful to my team. It feels good to be back and I’m excited for my first time fighting in New York. I’m looking to be impressive on October 15.

“Dirrell has a lot to say about me and says that I hate him, and that’s a strong word, but it’s true. I guess it irks him and it irks me. I don’t hold hands with guys in my division. He doesn’t even know me though. October 15 there are definitely going to be fireworks.

“When I beat him, it will be because I’m better than him. But he already knows that and that’s why he hates me.

“You saw what Uzcategui did to his brother and what I did to him. I always knew he was a possibility. He couldn’t even hold onto his title long enough for us to unify and now he’s big mad.

“I try to approach every fight the same and treat every fight the same. I’m all in. I’m focused and motivated. I have a great team and we’re putting together a great plan. I just can’t wait until October 15.

“I’m looking to put on a great performance and get my hand raised. I’m here to make a big statement. I want to clear out the rest of the division.

“I’m in a blessed position to be in a title eliminator, but it doesn’t add to how focused and disciplined I am. It doesn’t matter if it was a four round fight. I’m training hard and I’ve got a lot of momentum.

“I’ve been doing my job and staying focused. I always keep boxing first in my life whether I have a fight coming up or not. I still feel like I’m hunting. There are a lot of things that I want to accomplish in this sport, but first things first and that’s handling business on October 15.”

ANTHONY DIRRELL

“I’m ready to fight and beat some ass. He’s running. He’s been running from me. Can you name somebody that likes him? Nobody likes him. Canelo Alvarez smacked you, remember that. I wouldn’t ever let another man smack me.

“He fought tomato cans and cab drivers. I give him respect for Jose Uzcategui. But he was supposed to fight me before Canelo and he backed out of it.

“I’ve fought the best, who’s he fought? He’s fought nobody. He knows it. Forget my experience, I’m beating him down.

“This is just another fight. I’m preparing like it’s any other fight. When it comes down to it on October 15, he’ll see.

“I’m just looking to be me and put on a great performance. Everyone knows I’m the dog and that’s what I’m going to show once again.

“I always do what needs to be done outside of the ring. I’ve kept my body where it needs to be. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.”

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