BOXXER took over the Bournemouth beachfront today for a unique seaside set-piece at which press and public encountered the world-class professional boxers of this Saturday night’s BOXXER event.

Bournemouth’s own Chris Billam-Smith was on hand to work out and answer questions ahead of his headline showdown with London rival Isaac Chamberlain in this weekend’s main event, with BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom watching on.

Here’s today’s top quotes:

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and Founder: “This is the one Chris Billam-Smith always wanted. He wanted to come back to Bournemouth. The turnout here today shows he’s a big star here in Bournemouth and he’s here to defend his European and Commonwealth titles.”

“Isaac Chamberlain, people will remember a long time ago when he fought Lawrence Okolie after only having had nine fights and being 23 years old. He’s built himself back up and people are underestimating where he is today both mentally and physically. We have an absolute 50/50 Cruiserweight war on our hands with a lot on the line as well on Saturday night.”

“I’ve never had a debut as anticipated as Ben Whittaker’s, with SugarHill training him as well. He’s got the perfect set-up to become a superstar, we see it for the first time on Saturday night and I really think he’s built for this. I’m not nervous, he’s not nervous”

Chris Billam-Smith: “It’s an honour for me to box in my hometown in front of my friends, family, and supporters. The town’s been behind me all these years. I’m fortunate to have such a great coach and be part of a world class gym surrounded by world class fighters that make me better. Isaac’s an amazing fighter, probably the hardest fight of my career so far, but that’s what I want, someone who can bring the best out of me.”

“Pressure is a privilege. It brings out the best in me, the harder the fights, the more riding on the fight, the better I’ll be, and I’ll always find a way to win if I have to.”

Isaac Chamberlain: “No one has been able to see the work I’ve been doing, because I’ve been away working on myself as an athlete and as a fighter. This is a great fight and a great test to show everyone the new and improved Isaac Chamberlain. Chris Billam-Smith is a great fighter so this is going to be a great fight.”

Ben Whittaker: “Pressure makes diamonds. There’s been a lot of talking, and Saturday I have to back it up, and I believe I will. I was ready for July 2nd, but this has given me more time to develop, more time to learn my craft, and more time to mature as a professional. I’ve been out in Miami, and that let me really focus. It’s all about finesse, and polishing the skills I already have. I want to show a mature performance on Saturday.”

Frazer Clarke: “Talk is cheap, and I want to prove myself by fighting better and better opponents through my career. We’re by the sea and everyone’s enjoying themselves with fish and chips, but I’m not here for a holiday. I’m here to do business, make no mistake about it.”

Caroline Dubois: “All my learning is being done in the gym. These fights help me get ready for doing it under the lights but we’re working on improving day-in day-out in the gym, so I feel like I’m coming on in leaps and bounds. I enjoy getting in the ring and sparring, every time I spar I get more confidence in myself and my ability.”

Stevie McKenna: “Me and my brother are very competitive. He got the knockout last time out so I want to get the knockout on Saturday night. I’ll be bringing my entertaining, destructive style. I go in to do damage, every punch I throw is with vicious intent and I want to show everyone how good I am. I can fight on the inside, I can box at long range. Hopefully I’ll put on a show and break into the top 10 in the world by the end of next year.”

Mikael Lawal: “I’ve been out of the ring for a little while and I told my team I need to fight someone who can get me ready to fight Deion Jumah.”

Hassan Azim: “Obviously I train with an amazing stable and it’s amazing to be around them. Chris Billam-Smith is in the main event on Saturday while I’m on the undercard. I’m only young and now I’m just gaining experience and a few years down the line I’ll be in the main event. I’m going to show improvement on Saturday. I’m improving all the time. I’ll show a six-round boxing masterclass but if I get the knockout it’s a bonus.”

LAS VEGAS (July 28, 2022) — Reigning two-division world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada, the pound-for-pound fighting force from East Los Angeles, California, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank.

Estrada (22-0, 9 KOs) is the current WBA minimumweight and WBO junior flyweight champion and is the No. 1-ranked female in both divisions by ESPN.com. She will make her highly anticipated Top Rank on ESPN debut later this year.

“Seniesa Estrada is one of the world’s premier fighters and is well on her way to becoming a superstar in the sport,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “She is an engaging young woman who brings unbridled passion into the ring every time she fights. I am ecstatic that she has joined our tremendous roster of world champions.”

“I am extremely excited to be part of the Top Rank family. I’m eager to get back in the ring and continue where I left off, winning world titles, putting on exciting fights, and unifying in three divisions,” Estrada said. “Thank you, Top Rank, for giving me the opportunity to represent women’s boxing alongside Mikaela Mayer. There is no better timing then now to be with a promotional company like Top Rank and fight on such a great platform to show the world that women’s boxing is here to stay. I’m ready to shine.”

“I am thrilled that Seniesa has signed with Top Rank and will have the opportunity to showcase her talents to the largest possible audience,” said Jerry Casarez, Estrada’s manager. “The best is yet to come!” 

Estrada, an 11-year pro, has been at the forefront women’s boxing meteoric rise over the past decade. A former U.S. amateur standout with more than 100 fights in the unpaid ranks, Estrada first walked into a boxing gym at the age of 8. Before the recent women’s boxing renaissance, she earned her stripes sparring boys at Hollenbeck Youth Center in Los Angeles.

Estrada notched a signature victory in November 2019, a dominant technical decision over bitter rival and U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza. In 2021, Estrada went 3-0 and firmly established herself as a pound-for-pound force. She snatched the WBA minimumweight title from longtime champion Anabel Ortiz in March, dominated Tenkai Tsunami over 10 rounds in July to win the WBO junior flyweight crown, and defended her minimumweight title in December with a fourth-round stoppage over Maria Micheo. Estrada is currently ranked No. 6 on the ESPN.com women’s pound-for-pound list. With hardware in two divisions — and a third division firmly in her crosshairs — Estrada’s next championship chapter is about to be written.

There was plenty of energy during the final pre-fight words ahead of a huge night of free-to-air boxing live from the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, live on Channel 5 from 10pm.
 
It was a triple-threat of title talk, as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs), Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs), and Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) all promised sensational performances to propel their rise to the top as part of a huge night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday night, live and free-to-air in front a terrestrial television audience.

The WBO International Super Welterweight Championship will be on the line, as Sunderland’s Kelly has the opportunity to make the stadium erupt in front of his own North East faithful. Argentina’s Lucas Bastida (18- 1-1, 10 KOs) questioned the size and physicality of his opponent at the press conference, and promised to take a win back to his homeland. With an entry into the world rankings the incentive for both fighters, this guarantees to be the icing on the cake of a stacked night showcasing the area’s unbelievable talent.

Josh Kelly

“I think I’m alright you know (wearing his Sunderland shirt). The North East is where I’m from, but I’m a Sunderland fan so I’ll wear my shirt proudly too.”

“My performance Saturday is going to be electric, the energy is going to be absolutely pumping through everybody on the card from the North East. I am feeling the best I’ve ever felt in my career, I’m consistently in the gym and consistently focused. You’ll see my product on Saturday, it’s going to be such a sharp performance, and this guy is going to realise he’s swimming with the sharks. He’s come over, had a long journey, and it’s not going to be a nice night for him.”

“I was really a Super Welterweight who boiled down to a Welterweight. I was boxing at 69kg for Team GB which is very similar to the Super Welterweight division professionally, and it was only a matter of time before I made the step up. I feel unreal. I’m strong, I’m not small for the division, and people will see my strength on Saturday night when I get in that ring.”

“Potential fight for British/Troy Williamson – It’s not a distraction, we’re here for all the big fights in the division. My eyes are fixed on them top titles of this division, I wouldn’t be in sport if I didn’t think I could get to world level so that’s where I’m looking at. Massive fights come along on that sort of journey, I’m 100% game.”

Lucas Bastida

“I know it’s going to be a great fight. I love what I saw yesterday (at the public workout), the people have treated me really well.  I’m confident it’ll be me winning, but I’m hoping we give our audience a great show.”

“I think he’s small for this division. He’s a Welterweight fighting in Super Welterweight; whereas I’m a Middleweight cutting to make it at Super Welterweight. I’ve got the physical advantage over him.”

Harlem Eubank

“It’s easy to get frustrated. I feel like I’ve done what I need to do domestically and overcome the hurdles to put myself in line for the British title. I’ve said before that I can’t control the rankings, I can only control what goes on in the ring and that’s exactly what I’m doing and exactly what I’m focused on doing. I’ll handle my business in the ring and I’ll let everyone else handle what’s going on outside of boxing, and with the rankings, to put me in a position to keep developing and fight for them titles.”

“To get to this point now I’ve had to block out a lot of noise and just focus. I’m just locking in on becoming the best version of myself and the best fighter I can be, so there’s been plenty of blocking out anything external and just zoning in; I believe that’s what I need to do to grow in this sport of boxing.”

“I leave all the analysis of my opponent to Adam (Booth) and the team. I’m just focused on following the training and executing a strong performance.”

Eliot Chavez

“I’m here for one thing and that’s to win. I’m here fighting for my family and those supporting me at home, we’ve been working hard to make sure I’ll be leaving with that win.”

“I know this is going to be a tough fight, he’s a tough fighter. He’s good, but I’m really confident I can get the win after some really good preparations and I’m really happy to be here to showcase this in front of you all.”

Pat McCormack

“I want to say thanks to the Sauerlands for getting me onto the show and thanks to my management team. The journey started here, back in my hometown with my home fans and support. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

“I’ve been living away in Essex so there’s no distractions at home. I’ve got Ben Davison who’s one of the best trainers in the world as my coach. I’m one of the best fighters to come out of Great Britain, you can see that on my track record, so the sky is the limit. I just want to keep climbing the ladder with my team until we get to the top and we’re fighting for world titles.”

“I’m eyeing up that British title, whoever has got it, that’s the one I want first. Then I’ll be working my way through the Commonwealth, European and World titles.”

Dmitri Trenel

“I think Pat is a potential future world champion. It’ll be a great show on Saturday for the UK people because they’re some of the best fans in the world when it comes to boxing. You don’t get this sort of atmosphere everywhere; you can tell the sport is well-loved here. I’ll be ready to put myself through whatever is needed to put on a performance for the UK crowd.”

Nisse Sauerland

“I see this as Josh Kelly 2.0. He showed his bravery stepping into the ring when he suffered that loss. I think it was too soon at that time, but now you can see the cobwebs have been dusted off after that last fight. You witnessed him roll through the rounds getting ready for his next fight and his next challenge.

“You can see how confident he is up here today, he’s going into his 14^th fight at 28-years-old, a former Olympian too. He’s got the world at his feet, he’s a superstar, and he’ll continue to realise that in the ring on Saturday night. Bastida’s a tough guy, but Josh has all the tools to become British champion, European champion, and World champion. All of them.”
 

PLEASE FIND ALL IMAGES BELOW:
 

NORTH EAST TAKEOVER PRESS CONFERENCE IMAGES
CREDIT: WASSERMAN BOXING

 
The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18- 1-1, 10 KOs) headline for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Mexico’s Eliot Chavez (11-4-1, 6 KOs). Raza Hamza (16-0, 7 KOs) competes for the IBO International Featherweight Championship against Roberto Rodriguez Nucamendi (13-5, 10 KOs) before heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (4-0, 1 KO) guarantee fireworks. Top local talent such as ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) also feature on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are one sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com

BROOKLYN – July 27, 2022 – Two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia and exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr. kicked off fight week events on Wednesday showing off their skills and claiming they would be the better fighter at super welterweight during a media workout ahead of their showdown this Saturday, July 30 headlining live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The workout also featured Polish star and Brooklyn’s all-action Adam Kownacki and Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen, who meet in the heavyweight co-main event, plus unbeaten rising star Gary Antuanne Russell and former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy, who square off in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ^®  telecast opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. While Kownacki is trying to prove he’s still a top heavyweight after back-to-back losses, Russell will endeavor to show he’s an elite talent and a future superstar against yet another proud contender. Russell is also fighting with a heavy heart after his father’s passing on May 23.

Wednesday’s event also included rising prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr., who takes on Jimmy Williams as part of the SHOWTIME BOXING COUNTDOWN show streaming live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Fans can also catch up with Mielnicki before he steps in the ring through SHOWTIME SPORTS revealing DAY IN CAMP feature HERE on the emerging star via the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel.

Also stepping into the ring during Wednesday’s workout was Brooklyn’s Junior Younan, a former amateur star who competes in a non-televised undercard bout on Saturday night.

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m excited to be back at Barclays Center. I can’t wait. I’m here to show the world that I’m ready for this weight class. I feel strong and I want to go in there and make a real statement.

“He’s going to see what I bring into the ring on Saturday. I’ve had the right sparring for this fight and I prepared perfectly. It was really a perfect camp.

“It’s not about weight, it’s about skill. You don’t become a three-time world champion because you’re just bigger. It’s about skill and technique and that’s what we bring to the table.

“The only goal is to get this ‘W’ on Saturday, then we’ll start setting new goals. I expect Benavidez to come to fight, other than that, just expect me to do my thing.

“I’m going to be really strong on Saturday. This is a good weight class for me, especially at this point in my career. There’s a lot of good fighters in the division for me to fight.

“I have more strength, more stamina, I’ve done more sparring because I’m at this new weight class. This is the most rounds I’ve ever sparred in camp. Everything we do, we did it more this camp.”

JOSE BENAVIDEZ JR.

“I’m coming in with a bang. I take every fight like it’s the biggest fight of my life. I’m excited and I’m ready to go.

“I’m glad that Danny is confident. He’s going to find out on Saturday that 154 pounds isn’t for him. I fought Terence Crawford on one leg and gave him a fight. I know what I’m capable of and I’m going to fight like that.

“I’m not worried about what Danny is bringing. I know what I’m capable of. I trained hard and I’m doing this for my family.

“I feel great fighting at this weight. I’m a big guy. We had a tremendous training camp and I’m extremely motivated. I feel better than ever.

“My leg feels great. The biggest thing with this camp is that I’m happy. For all of these other camps I’m far away from my family but this camp we did it back home in Seattle. I just feel like this is my time to shine.

“My last fight I was trying to do too much, and because of that, I didn’t do anything at all. Everything happens for a reason and I feel ready to fight. I know that I can beat the best at 154, it starts with Danny.”

ADAM KOWNACKI

“It’s awesome to be back fighting at home at Barclays Center. I’m looking to put on a great performance on a big stage on SHOWTIME.

“I’m looking to come forward, attack the body and get him out of there. I’m trying to show the whole division that I’m back. The last couple fights didn’t go my way, but I’m going to show that it was just a bump in the road.

“I lost six percent body fat and turned it into muscle, so I’m feeling great. I want to be the old Adam and take no more steps backwards.

“I’m trying to win the title for Brooklyn. There’s still a lot I want to accomplish in the sport, including one day fighting back home in Poland.”

ALI EREN DEMIREZEN

“I’m here to fight. I’m not here to play around, I’m coming to win. This is a big moment in my career, but I’m going to do everything I can to have my hand raised. I know how important this fight is for my career.

“I said before the Gerald Washington fight that I’m here to stay (which he won by eighth-round stoppage). I want to achieve my dreams in the U.S. After this fight, the fans will know my name even better than before.

“I’m here to be the next great heavyweight fighter. I want to be known worldwide and follow in the footsteps of those who came before me.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“I’ve fought at Barclays Center before and I try not to overly magnify these fights and opponents, because this is what we do. We live for this, but it doesn’t define who we are. Because it’s what we do, we won’t undermine it’s importance.

“My father instilled a lot of information and wisdom into us. He installed in us  moral integrity and moral fiber and I thank him for that. To keep that going on, that’s a chore that we’ve all taken on. It’s a priority.

“I wouldn’t want to have an unfamiliar person in my camp, so it’s great to have my brother Gary Jr. training me. If I can’t trust the person in my corner, then my fight would be real unfortunate probably. It’s a bittersweet thing, but it makes the transition easier.

“The point of this sport is to hit and not get hit. Rances Barthelemy is a crafty fighter. He likes to lure his opponent into a clean shot.

“My whole objective is to clean out the 140-pound division. That’s the goal in front of us.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I feel great here. I love fighting at Barclays Center. You can really feel the Latin heat there. They all come out and support. I love it and I appreciate it. I’m looking forward to this.

“My motivation is at an all-time high. He’s a future star and a quality opponent. My experience will be a factor though. In addition, my endurance and how I approach this fight physically will be key for me.

“This is an opportunity for me to achieve my goal and my dream, which is to make history for Cuban boxing. I’m prepared and I hope everyone tunes in for this on Saturday.

“I have no words to describe how this feels. This is a big responsibility for me, because I fight for Cubans everywhere. This country has been great opening doors for me and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to achieve my dream. At the same time, it is my duty to fight for my oppressed brothers and sisters in Cuba.

“I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I fought a bad fight in 2019 against Robert Easter (in a split draw) and now it’s time for me to redeem myself and give the people the fight they want to see.”

VITO MIELNICKI JR.

“I’m feeling strong and ready to go. We had a great training camp down in Orlando and got some great work overall. We’re ready for whatever my opponent brings.

“The main thing I learned from my loss is that proper preparation prevents poor performance. You can’t expect to go into a fight with two weeks training and get the best performance. I learned a lesson that I’ll remember for the rest of my career.

“Ever since I got with coach Chino Rivas, we’ve really been on the same page. This is our second fight together and I’m ready to put everything on display.

“I expect to be more explosive and show a high punch output. I’m going to be precise and have a strong defense. I’ll show everything that I’ve been working on.

“I’ve fought in a lot of big venues, but to be fighting at Barclays Center is going to be a great experience and I can’t wait to put on a show.”

JUNIOR YOUNAN

“I’m coming to shake the room. This is my hometown. I’m going to make sure this hurts for my opponent on Saturday.

“I feel good and I’m ready. These are the kind of fights I take to stay busy. I’m going to get all the way down to 168 for my next fight. I want to face Caleb Plant.

“The fans can expect fireworks. I’m going to show what I have. I’ve never given myself the full opportunity to show myself in these big moments and I’m just ready to go. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how seriously I need to take this sport and I’m ready now.”

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ABOUT GARCIA VS. BENAVIDEZ

Garcia vs. Benavidez will see two-division world champion and Brooklyn fan-favorite Danny “Swift” Garcia making his super welterweight debut against exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr. in a 12-round showdown that headlines a stacked tripleheader Saturday, July 30 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also see Polish star and Brooklyn’s all-action Adam Kownacki returning to the ring to take on Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, while unbeaten rising star Gary Antuanne Russell faces former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

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

Las Vegas – July 27, 2022 – The verbal jabs continued one week ahead of the Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and Hasim Rahman Jr. mega-fight as Rahman Jr. participated in an open media workout Tuesday night at DLX Boxing in Las Vegas. He wasted little time dissing Paul as a “mockery of our sport” saying he respected Paul’s work ethic, but that he is looking to “expose him for the fraud he is.”

The cruiserweight clash scheduled for eight rounds will take place on Saturday, August 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tickets can be purchased at www.msg.com.

Here is what the principals had to say Tuesday night: 

Hasim Rahman Jr.

“We’ve had an amazing camp and I just want to thank my team. From my track coach to my strength and conditioning, all my coaches have been there for me. Just taking care of every little thing down to my nutritionist preparing my meals. Everyone is in sync and we’re ready to go.

“There’s nothing Jake Paul does that concerns me. I’m just super confident going into this fight. I feel like this guy is not at my level. He made a mistake picking me.

“Being in Vegas is amazing. My family and I came here because of boxing and we’ve been training for what could be the biggest fight of the year. It’s on me now and I have Vegas on my back. I have a lot of support and this is my home. I love it here. There’s not a better place to be and then to go from here to go to the mecca of boxing next week is just a beautiful thing. It’s poetry in motion.

“Fighting in Madison Square Garden happened so fast – I didn’t think it would happen so fast. But it’s here and I’m ready and I know what I signed up for. We’re going to go in there and make it look easy.

“I respect his work ethic but come August 6 I look to expose him for the fraud he is.

“It’s similar to when my father knocked out Lennox Lewis. He had a target on his back. I’m looking to do the same thing and to get that target on my back so I can fight for a world championship.

“I just have one final message: Jake Paul is going to fall!”

Hasim Rahman Sr. 

“We’re looking forward to knocking Jake out. I feel like when you get a certain status you start feeling you’re invincible. You start thinking you can do it all. But it’s one thing to say something, and another thing to go out there and do it. So when he has to go out and do it, he’s going to realize it wasn’t as easy as he thought it was going to be. Once he wakes up.

“I just feel like we don’t have to look for a KO. I just feel like we have superior boxing skills. His boxing IQ is much great than Jake Paul’s and I just personally feel like the knockout is going to come.

“Timing beats speed. We got the bigger, stronger fighter. We’ve got the reach advantage. We control the distance of the fight. We control how this fight goes. If we want to make it a slugfest, we will make it a slugfest. If we want to make it a boxing clinic, we’ll make it a boxing clinic. It all depends on what style we want to fight. The fight you are going to see will be dictated by us.

“We’re not really concerned with Jake Paul’s power. We don’t need to show how good our chin is. We don’t need to show what his right hand can do. What we can do is take his right hand away from him. We aren’t going to get hit with the right hand, but if we do we are going to fire back with our own counter. It’s going to be an interesting fight. Jake Paul can fight. Don’t get it twisted. But I’m not impressed by the knockouts he’s had. I don’t really feel like he’s knocked out a fighter yet.”

Yoel Judah, Rahman Jr.’s trainer

“I see Rahman Jr. is going to win in the sixth round. He’s confident and he’s doing everything by the book. He wants this fight. Jake made a big mistake.

“We’ve been working on everything. Movement, speed, and mainly stamina. We know he has really good punching power, and legs. So, if we get good stamina, we know we are good.

“Jake has a problem. He’s tried to cripple us to get to 200 pounds, then to not go over 214. The best thing about Jake Paul is he’s probably going to be in great shape. But you’re fighting a real boxer now. Good punching power and good combinations and someone who is not afraid of you and who is going to bring the fight to you.

“I’ve been with Hasim about four, five years. He’s right there. He’s where he’s supposed to be for this fight. I see him three years from now fighting for a world championship.”

The Paul vs. Rahman and Serrano vs. Carabajal event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a company founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.  Holden Boxing will be the licensed promoter and Paul and Bidarian will serve as executive producers for the event. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. 

SHOWTIME SPORTS^® will bring fans inside the ropes and behind the scenes with its Emmy- award-winning series ALL ACCESS: PAUL VS. RAHMAN, which will premiere this Saturday, July 30. An ALL ACCESS:  PAUL VS. RAHMAN EPILOGUE will follow on August 13. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostVpromotions on Instagram via @JakePaul, @ShowtimeBoxing and @MostValuablePromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

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DETROIT – July 27, 2022 – Boxing superstar Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields held a media workout in Detroit on Wednesday to preview her upcoming undisputed middleweight world championship showdown against longtime rival Savannah Marshall.

Shields vs. Marshall will take place on Saturday, September 10 from The O2, London and be available on ESPN+ for audiences in the U.S. Shields will bring the WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight titles into the showdown against Marshall and her WBO strap, in an event promoted by Salita Promotions and BOXXER in association with Hennessy Sports.

Shields will look to avenge the only loss of her amateur career and end a long war of words with Marshall that has reached a boil in recent years and which stems from Marshall’s points victory over Shields in a 2012 amateur bout.

Here is what Shields and her promoter Dmitriy Salita had to saw Wednesday from Downtown Boxing Gym:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

On her mindset during training…

“I just want to be better than yesterday. That’s all it’s ever been for me. I’m already better than (Marshall). I already have big accomplishments, gold medals, the wins and everything. It’s not really about her. Yes, she’s a good fighter and everything, and she holds one belt, but I hold 12. I don’t think about her when I’m training. Yes, we have a gameplan for (Marshall), but I’m just trying to be better than I was yesterday.”

On the loss to Marshall in the amateurs…

“I only lost in the amateurs in boxing. I’ve never lost in professional boxing. I’m undefeated. I lost to her 10 years ago in the amateurs by six points. It was 14-8. But that really doesn’t bother me at all because I’ve been able to be successful after that. On the other hand, you’ve got (Marshall) who lost every tournament she was in after our fight, and in those same tournaments I won gold.

“So having one loss in the amateurs and being able to turn pro and do everything that I’ve done since, I don’t really care about (that loss). But I think it’s a great story and storyline, and I guess we’ve got history. She doesn’t like me. I don’t like her, and I’m looking forward to fighting in six weeks.”

On being a model and mentor to younger women and athletes…

“I know that I have a big impact on the city of Flint and Michigan, and just throughout the U.S. for all the Black girls and girls who want to box. And I do take pride in it. That’s why I carry myself the way that I do. That’s why I continue to be confident. People have tried to force me to quiet down, and find a happy medium, and be nice to my opponents, and don’t trash talk, but it’s boxing.

“I’m very passionate about the sport and I love trash talking. I love the build-up to fights. And I’m officially a millionaire. I can do what I want, and I don’t have to follow all these rules that they put on women. So I just want to show the younger girls coming up to just be you.

“As far as helping the kids of Flint, I don’t know where I’d be without boxing. So me giving back with the Shields Community Outreach nonprofit is very heartwarming for me. I’ve met over 100 to 150 kids over the last few weeks and been able to teach them, spend time with them and mold them. You get to see people who didn’t have confidence gain confidence and see a future in themselves. I’m just happy that their parents give me the opportunity to do that.”

On training in both Michigan and Florida…

“I’ve been in training camp here in Michigan for five weeks already. I usually do six weeks of camp. But for this camp, since it’s so important and she’s such a big puncher, we’re going to put in an extra five weeks for (Marshall).

“I like training in Florida. It’s hot. I don’t have any distractions, like family and friends and stuff like that. That’s just where I do all my training camps. I’ve never done a full camp here in Flint.”

On the emotions ahead of September 10…

“Marshall has been quiet since the press conference. She was quiet during our sit together. I was thinking she would have more energy and more spite. But when we were face-to-face she tucked her tail, and that just showed me right there that she didn’t want this fight. She knows she’s not going to win this fight. I saw her do an interview where she had a black eye. So they’ve been trying to put her through all kinds of stuff in sparring to make sure she’s ready. But the truth is she’s lightyears behind me.”

On the strength of Shields’ professional opposition compared to Marshall’s…

“Marshall has fought a whole bunch of tomato cans. She might be 12-0 with 10 knockouts, but if you go and look at her record, the majority of those girls had losing records. You’re supposed to knock them out on three days’ notice, or a week’s notice.”

On the value of her previous experience in undisputed fights…

“When we get inside the ring, she hasn’t done this before. She hasn’t fought for an undisputed championship. This will be my third time. So people love to build it up and trash talk, but she’s going to want to talk trash in the ring, and I’m just setting that to the side and focused on training to be better, faster, stronger, sharper and smarter. I think she knows that and that she’s in for a tough fight.”

DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions

On making the deal for Shields vs. Marshall…

“Claressa’s goal has always been to prove that she’s the greatest female boxer of this generation. She’s been doing this so far in her career. I’m surprised that the oddsmakers see Claressa as the underdog, but she has been proving the odds wrong her whole life, from growing up in Flint, to becoming two-time Olympic gold medalist, to being the face of women’s boxing and taking this sport to the next level.”

On how he sees the fight playing out inside the ring…

“I think the same thing will happen that happened when Claressa fought Christina Hammer. People thought it was going to be a tough, challenging fight, but they say pressure makes diamonds and I believe that Claressa is a great, great athlete and that situation is only going to make her step up to that next level and bring out her true potential. I believe she’ll raise her performance to the next level and outlast Savannah Marshall.”

On the significance of Shields vs. Marshall…

“This is a big event and a big fight, and I really believe that this is quite a significant cultural event as well. We’ve seen a tremendous media turnout here today, which is great. Not only is it great for this fight, but it also shows the return and growth of boxing and Claressa is big part of it.”

On Marshall’s strengths…

“She’s a good boxer. She’s getting better with each fight. She has good footwork, good power, a good jab. I believe that she’s a good, solid fighter. But as Roger Mayweather used to say, there are levels to this. And I believe Claressa is on a different level. Savannah is a good fighter. We respect her for stepping up to the plate. But great fighters like Claressa make good fighters like Savannah look subpar, and that’s what I think will happen on September 10.”

Las Vegas (July 27, 2022) – Two-time world champion Jose Ramírez 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 Gennady Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena. 

Ramírez will hold a Meet & Greet 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

Ramírez will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have merchandise for sale for fans to enjoy. Boxing enthusiasts will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this fan friendly Boxing Star.

Ramírez joins 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.

Jose Ramirez

Ramírez is a Mexican American professional boxer. He is a former unified light welterweight champion, having held the WBC title from 2018 to May 2021 and the WBO title from 2019 to May 2021. As an amateur he was the number one rated in the WBC lightweight in the United States and represented the U.S at the 2012 Olympics. In June of 2020, Ramirez was ranked as the world’s second-best active light welterweight by The Ring Magazine. Some of Ramirez most noticeable fights came against Amir Imam, Maurice Hooker, Viktor Postal, Josh Taylor and Jose Pedraza. He is currently scheduled to fight next for the Vacant WBC Super lightweight championship versus Jose Zepeda in a highly anticipated rematch, which Ramirez won on Feb 10, 2019.

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 few months 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 –

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

BOSTON (July 27, 2022) – Two-time Olympians Yuberjen “Tremendo” Martinez and Leonel de los Santos, the future of Fighter Locker, will both be in action this Friday night at Elias Chegwin Coliseum in Barranquilla, Colombia.

Martinez, 30, represented Colombia in the last two summer Olympic Games, capturing a silver medal in 2016. The flyweight will be making his long anticipated professional debut, at home, against Yeison “El Chino” Hernandez (6-3, 2 KOs), of Argentina, in a 6-round bout.

Martinez was a highly decorated amateur who, in addition to his Olympics experiences, won gold medals at the 2014 & 2018 Central American & Caribbean Games and the 2018 South American Games. He also took bronze at the prestigious 2017 World Championships, bronze at the 2019 Pan American Games.

Leonel de los Santos

The 27-year-old Santos (6-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of the Dominican Republic, faces veteran Colombian lightweight Luis Diaz Marmol (18-15, 11 KOs) in a 6-rounder. Santos, a southpaw, won a silver medal at the 1019 Pan-American Games.

“I’m very excited to have these two Olympian fighters on an ESPN Deportes broadcast,” manager Ryan Roach (Fighter Locker) said. “Both fighters are facing some tough opposition. They had great camps, so look for some explosive action Friday! They are ready to showcase their skills on an international platform.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers also includes New York’s ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (16-0, 11 KOs), Colorado’s ABF American West super middleweight champion “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (11-0, 6 KOs), Massachusetts super lightweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (12-0, 9 KOs), Florida super bantamweight Daniel “The Dedication” Bailey, Jr. (10-1, 5 KOs), Massachusetts featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs), Dominican super welterweight Juan Solano Santos (1-0, 1 KO), Dominican featherweight Orlando Perez Zapata (11-0, 9 KOs), Dominican lightweight Isaelin Florian Henriguez (9-1, 4 KOs), Florida light heavyweight Robert Daniels, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), Irish light heavyweight Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (4-0, 3 KOs), Texas lightweight Miranda “ La Alacrana” Reyes (6-1-1, 3 KOs), Kansas brothers, welterweight Marcus Davidson (4-0, 4 KOs) and super lightweight Marcell Davidson (2-0, 1 KO), and Utah brothers, ABF American West lightweight champion Ignacio Chairez (8-1-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (4-0-1, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com

FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker

TWITTER: @RoachRyan

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers. Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service. Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models. It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted.

Liverpool, England – 27th July 2022 – Liverpool’s own Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (31-3-1, 18 KOs) will begin his campaign for a second world title shot when he headlines at the M&S Bank Arena in his home city on Saturday, 3rd September, live and exclusively on Sky Sports.

Tickets are on sale now via Boxxer.com, with prices beginning at just £40.

Making his way to Merseyside to face the hometown hero is the heavy-handed Hassan Mwakinyo (20-2, 14 KO’s), who shocked the British boxing fanbase on his 2018 visit to the UK when he demolished the infamously tough Sam Eggington in just two rounds. 

Undefeated since then and coming off three consecutive stoppage victories, the former WBF Intercontinental champion has scored 70% of his victories by KO or TKO, has stopping power in both hands and is traveling to the UK intent on upsetting the home fans once again.

Currently ranked in the top five by three of boxing’s major sanctioning bodies, Smith – who won the WBO World Light-Middleweight Championship in 2015 – has blasted his name back into the world championship contender conversation with stoppage wins in his last two fights and is now set on winning a second world title as part of the BOXXER stable.

Two of the UK’s top light-heavyweights will collide in the chief support bout when reigning British Light-Heavyweight champion ‘Super’ Dan Azeez (16-0, 11 KO’s) meets former champion Shakan Pitters (17-1, 6 KO’s) to make his first defence of the British Light-Heavyweight Championship he won by stopping the highly-accomplished Hosea Burton in November last year.

One of the hottest young talents in boxing, Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim (5-0, 4 KO’s), will make the first defence of his WBC Youth title. Azim has ended his last four bouts inside the distance, most recently demolishing experienced European opponent Anthony Loffett in just 66 seconds. 

Amir Khan, who became world champion at just 22 years old, was ringside to witness that win in June and has lavished praise on the hard-hitting youngster, predicting that the 20-year-old may become a world champion even earlier than he did himself.

A super-middleweight firefight is on the cards when 2018 Commonwealth Games medalist John Docherty (12-1, 9 KO’s) travels down from Scotland to face Brazilian bomb-thrower Diego ‘Dynamite’ Costa (8-0, 5 KO’s).

The Manchester-based Costa is widely regarded as one of the most avoided fighters in the division but Doherty has no qualms about taking him on, setting up what is sure to be a non-stop battle between two fighters who rarely take a backwards step.

And another power-punching clash is predicted when Liverpool’s own Nathan Quarless (9-0) faces Middlesbrough man Michael Webster (7-0, 5 KO’s) in a cruiserweight contest which sees both prospects put their undefeated record on the line.

Amir Khan-managed Sikh sensation Tal Singh will also be making his professional debut at this event after swapping Liverpool for Las Vegas to train for the professional ranks.

Two more Liverpudlians appearing on the card are Paddy Lacey (6-0, 1 KO) who claimed victory in under 45 seconds in his most recent fight, and the 21-year-old Frankie Stringer (1-0), competing in his second professional bout following a successful debut in April.

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and Founder, said: “We were delighted to sign Liam Smith, so there is no better place for him to make his debut with us than in his home city of Liverpool. Liam is a man on a mission. He wants to win a second world title and there are big fights coming his way. Coming off a defining stoppage win over Jessie Vargas at the iconic Madison Square Garden in April and returning to the M&S Bank Arena, where he stopped derby rival Anthony Fowler last October, Liam truly is in the best form of his life. This fight will be the perfect return to Sky against a proven dangerous puncher. Another big performance will set Liam up for a world title and potential box office fights.

“The fans on Merseyside will be in for a real treat with a highly-stacked card. Many boxing insiders are excited to see current British champion Dan Azeez and former champion Shakan Pitters collide. And the man who has captured the attention of every fight fan this year will be on show too, as Adam Azim takes to the ring. Adam has excelled in every fight thus far and he is developing into the superstar we all believe he will become. He has first-round stoppage wins in his last two fights – and I know he’ll be hungry to make it a hat-trick in his first defence of the WBC Youth World title. I can’t wait.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports said, “We’re very excited to have Liam Smith back on Sky Sports and headlining a huge card in the fantastic fighting city of Liverpool as we kick off what will be an unbelievable action-packed Autumn season. A second world title is what Liam wants and having seen the hunger in him, I have no doubts he will achieve it, so I’m looking forward to seeing some big fights for Liam Smith as he makes that journey towards his second world title with BOXXER and Sky Sports.”

“There are some great fights on this Liverpool card – the British Light-Heavyweight Championship clash between Dan Azeez and Shakan Pitters will be electric, and every time I see Adam Azim fight, I feel like I’m watching the emergence of a future all-time great. This is a mammoth card for Merseyside at the start of September and I can’t wait to hear that Liverpool crowd when Liam Smith makes his walk to the ring.”

Further bouts for this massive night of boxing in Merseyside will be announced in the near future. 

Visit Boxxer.com today and register for the exclusive pre-sale to be first in line for the best seats at the best prices.

BOXXER proudly presents this event in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (July 27, 2022) – Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN goes international on Thursday, September 8 for the first-ever world title unification fight in Costa Rica live on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Page. Newly signed Golden Boy fighter and IBF Minimumweight World Champion, Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (25-2, 9 KOs), of San Jose, Costa Rica is set to put everything on the line when she faces off against undefeated, WBO Minimumweight World Champion Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen (5-0, 1 KOs) of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  The 10-round world championship fight will take place at Cuidad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica and stream live on DAZN and on the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube page starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.  

“When I signed with Golden Boy I thought that there could be nothing better, my childhood dream was coming true. But it turns out that with the hand of God and the support of Óscar de la Hoya and Golden Boy, today I am surprised once again, with the opportunity to be able to show the world that Costa Rica supports its athletes. I can promise all of my fans and Costa Rica that I will give the fight of my life against a great rival, the WBO World Champion Thi Nguyen, who is an internationally recognized boxer,” said Yokasta Valle.

“I know this fight is going to be a war of champion versus champion, unifying world titles, all or nothing!  The only difference is that she is going to have to come to my house to face a ‘Yoka’ more motivated than ever! With the support of my people who I am sure will make their presence known with their incredible support. I WILL MAKE THE HOUSE TO BE RESPECTED!!!” continued Yokasta Valle. 

“I am very excited about this fight and the opportunity to be a unified world champion,” said Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen. “I am going to win this fight no matter what. I will be the hero of Vietnam, it is my honor to represent my country and the women of my country. I have been training every day to make this an exciting, action filled fight and deliver a KO victory.” 

Ranked as one of the best female 105-pounders by ESPN.com and The Ring Magazine, Yokasta Valle is a world champion in two weight classes. She captured the IBF Atomweight World Title in 2016 and has held the IBF Minimumweight World Championship since 2019. The Costa Rican fighter has been undefeated since 2018 and has made five successful world title defenses. Valle was named 2021’s “Female Fighter of the Year” by the International Boxing Federation. Now, the world champion is looking to unify the division against any world champion up for the challenge. 

In 2021, Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen made history as Vietnam’s first boxing world champion when she captured the WBO Minimumweight World Championship against Japan’s Etsuko Tada. Her burgeoning boxing career was a surprise to most boxing spectators as Nguyen has been able to prove to the world that she is a force to be reckoned within the sport.  Her first big opportunity came in 2020, Nguyen when defeated Kanyarat Yoohanngoh and captured the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Minimumweight title, something that set her up for the world championship face off against Etsuko Tada in 2021. Nguyen, was able to use boxing as her avenue out of poverty in Ho Chi Minh City, but as a result, also faced tough criticism as boxing and athletics in general are not cultural norms for women in Vietnam. Now, considered an icon of national pride, the world champion is paving the way for women in boxing and sports in Vietnam. 

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen is presented by Golden Boy in association with Marvnation. The 10-round minimumweight event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, September 8 at Cuidad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Channel.

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

INDIO, CA (July 26, 2022) – Fighters based in the Coachella Valley, Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores (12-0, 9 KOs), Elnu Abduraimov (9-0, 8 KOs), and Gabriela Fundora (7-0, 4 KOs) hosted a media workout today to promote their participation in Gonzalez vs. Angulo on July 28th at Fantasy Springs Casino Resort. The event featured a special appearance by main event opponent Jose Angulo (14-2, 7 KOs) of Miami, FL.

Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts and images of their workout:

JOSE ANGULO, SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I want to thank god and Golden Boy for the opportunity. I am from Ecuador, fighting out of Miami. All I can say is that I am motivated and happy to be here. I am a hungry fighter and am ready to show the world what I am made of.”

“My rival is good, but I am prepared to obtain the victory and show them who Jose Angulo is.”

“We are here to give a war. I am an intelligent fighter and can adjust to any style. Whatever Gonzalez throws at me I will be ready.”

“We have to prove right here, right now that I am a skilled fighter before we fight the top of the division. Once we win here, the rest of the division will come.”

MANUEL “GUCCI MANNY” FLORES, SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I am feeling strong and ready to go. I am hungry and will be at Olive Garden after the weigh-ins, enjoying some chicken with light olive oil. We have to feed the body, but feed it right.”

“Fans can expect fireworks on Thursday. My opponent is a tough guy, but I am going to go for the knockout. You will see explosiveness from me, a hard-hitting Manny.”

“I am ready to put on a great show for the whole Coachella Valley and everyone watching on DAZN.”

ELNU ABDURAIMOV, SUPER FLYWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“I am very excited to come back to a Golden Boy show in Indio. We have a lot of love in Indio, my second home and I want to give back and give them a good show.”

“It’s is a pleasure to fight at home especially in front of my friends and coaches, Papa Joel (Diaz), Papa Toño (Diaz). We always have a lot of fun in the gym, but now we will have a lot of fun at the Fantasy Springs Casino this Thursday night.”

GABRIELA FUNDORA, FLYWEIGHT PROSPECT:

“We have been training hard and to be able to fight in my hometown, it’s an honor, I am very grateful.”

“We have been fighting in Mexico, prepping but to be able to fight in the United States, in my hometown, it’s awesome!

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Gonzalez vs. Angulo on July 28th is presented by Golden Boy. The event was sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, July 28 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, CA, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Channel.

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

Ali Akhmedov and Gabriel Rosado will clash for the IBF North American Super-Middleweight title on Saturday September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of the undercard to the trilogy clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin. The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on DAZN Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan).

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA AXS.COM
Akhmedov (18-1 14 KOs), promoted by GGG Promotions, bagged a pair of wins inside the distance in 2021 in California to get his path to major title fights back on track after suffering a final round KO defeat to Carlos Gongora in their clash for the IBO strap in December 2020.

That was Akhmedov’s third fight on a card topped by his fellow countryman, promoter and Kazakh legend Golovkin, and the big hitting 27 year old will be looking to use the biggest of stages to impress against the Philly star.

Rosado (26-15-1 15 KOs) enjoyed thrilling success against his last eastern European foe, landing a knockout of the year contender when he landed a stunning right hook to demolish the unbeaten Uzbek rising star Bektemir Melikuziev in the third round of their clash in El Paso in June 2021.

Rosado who boxed GGG for the World Middleweight title in January 2013, has tangled with two contenders in his recent bouts, being edged out via majority decision by Shane Mosley Jr in April after taking Jaime Munguia the distance in November – making this a must-win for the 36 year old.

“I’m happy to be a part of this show on DAZN PPV,” said Akhmedov. “It is a great opportunity for me to demonstrate my skills, especially against such seasoned opponent as Gabriel Rosado.  Rosado is very experienced and has a history of fighting the best talents in this division which motivates me even more.”

“I’m looking forward to being a part of one of the biggest fight cards of the year,” said Rosado. “This is an opportunity to do what I did against Bektemir and put myself right back in world title contention!”

“I am very happy for Ali that his next fight will be on DAZN PPV,” said Golovkin. “And it will be a title fight. It gives Ali an opportunity to show everything he’s capable of and make a great impression. As his promoter I have a lot of confidence in Ali and I believe the time has come for him to make a name for himself.”

“This fight will be like a 4th of July,” said Rosado’s trainer Johnathon Banks. “It will be full of fireworks with youth vs experience.”

Akhmedov’s clash with Rosado is the latest addition to the stacked undercard for September 17, led by a co-main fight starring Super-Flyweight sensation Jesse Rodriguez defending his WBC World title against Israel Gonzalez.

Diego Pacheco fights for his first pro belt when he meets Enrique Collazo for the WBC USNBC Silver Super-Middleweight title and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams taking on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title, all leading into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.

Sunderland AFC’s Dan Neil showed his support for Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) as they walked around the Stadium of Light together, reminiscing about sporting dreams and memories from the past, present, and for the future.

Kelly leads a star-studded line up as he continues his World Title pursuit with a mouth-watering clash against top Argentinian contender Lucas Bastida (18-1-1, 10 KOs) for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship as part of a huge night of action on Saturday July 30 at the Vertu Motors Arena, live on Channel 5.
 
Kelly returned home ahead of his headline fight on the North East takeover card as he looks to claim the belt and move into the world rankings. A trip down memory lane at the home of his beloved Sunderland AFC reminded the former Olympian of where it all began and what he’s fighting for.

“When I was a kid, I was playing for Sunderland,” he said. “You have them aspirations to play for Sunderland and you think to yourself ‘ It could be me one day’. I was obviously doing my boxing side-by-side. When I was dieting to keep my weight down as a fighter, these kids were growing so much bigger and were so mature that I just couldn’t keep up with them at football which led me to side with the boxing. I’m fighting now instead of football, but it’s nice to be back (at the stadium).”

“The possibility of fighting here is mental. It felt a bit like a Conor McGregor moment when he mentioned manifesting all this stuff, I feel like it’s starting to come to a head now. I’ve been thinking about fighting here for so long, I’ve got it written down and things like that.”

“Walking out onto that pitch, I could see the place full up and it would be absolutely amazing. That would tick a massive box in my career if I could, it would be like a bucket list thing for me.”

Sunderland’s Dan Neil spoke in length about the comparisons and contrasts between the footballer and the boxer. The topic turned to weight and dieting, and it was a simple response for Neil when he was asked if he fancied the fighters diet.

“I don’t fancy the cutting weight, definitely not,” chuckled Neil. “I’ve seen videos of them cutting weight and it isn’t for me one bit.”

It wasn’t only Neil’s respect for Kelly’s cutting regime that was apparent, as he could visibly see how game and prepared the Sunderland fighter was.

“I’ve had a good day with Josh. It’s the first time I’ve met him, but it has been great.”

“He seems very focused, he looks in great shape, he looks sharp, he looks ready,” continued Neil. “We’ve been talking about his training camp and his weight and he’s pretty much on point with it all, he just looks raring to go. Hopefully he can bring home the win.”

To pack out this stadium is a very real possibility for Kelly, but first he’s aiming to make it worthwhile by bringing a title the any potential stadium bout. He has never hidden his ambitions of world honours and being the number one of the division. His preparations have reflected his goals, surrounding himself with the elite.

“I’m mixing with the worlds best all the time in sparring, and I’m sharing the ring with all the top guys, and I can hold my own with everyone,” he said. “I know where I’m at in the gym, I just need to do it on fight night now. I’ve got true belief in myself that everything that has happened is in the past and I’m moving on to some big things, especially at 154lbs. I feel so strong, and healthy and fit; just powerful at this weight.”

Now the soundest he has been both body and mind, Kelly is thriving in this new chapter at Super Welterweight.  Helping him into this new division are his family and friends who have always backed the Sunderland fighter.

No greater reflection of this could be his grandparents, who joined him at the Stadium of Light as he was welcomed with open arms into the club as he talked about the city and what it means to him.

“My grandparents are a huge support, they’ve always been there for me.”

“You walk the streets, and you feel like you’re home. I know everywhere, and all the childhood memories come back to you.”

It has been a nostalgic trip for Kelly as he looked back upon the journey that his lead him to this moment. A tough Argentine in Bastida looks to be one of his toughest tests to date, but the North East fighter remains confident that it is all about his performance on the night.

It was a superb display against the wily Peter Kramer last time out. This time, there is extra incentive with the WBO belt on the line, and a position in the rankings that leaves the world titles vividly in Kelly’s sights.

“It’s a WBO international title I’m fighting for and it gets you into the top 15, it gets you straight into them rankings,” he said. “Once you start fighting amongst that then the belts start to appear in your sights. I believe I can push myself to the top and get myself into a mandatory position to get a shot at that world title.”

“The best version of me beats the best version of him, so I just have to turn up.”

The North East takeover is coming as Josh Kelly (11-1-1, 7 KOs) vs. Lucas Bastida (18- 1-1, 10 KOs) headline for the WBO International Super Welterweight Championship on an electric fight night. Olympic hero Pat McCormack (1-0, 1 KO) also stars, alongside Harlem Eubank (14-0, 6 KOs) as he continues his title charge against Mexico’s Eliot Chavez (11-4-1, 6 KOs). Raza Hamza (16-0, 7 KOs) competes for the IBO International Featherweight Championship against Roberto Rodriguez Nucamendi (13-5, 10 KOs) before heavyweights Hosea Stewart (2-0) and Franklin Ignatius (4-0, 1 KO) guarantee fireworks. Top local talent such as ‘Drago’ Steve Robinson (4-1, 3 KOs), Kai Richmond (1-0), Ben Marksby (4-0), Lisa Whiteside (3-0, 1KO) and Jordan Barker-Porter (3-1) also feature on an unforgettable night in the North East. Wasserman Boxing heads to the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle for a massive night of free-to-air boxing on Saturday July 30, live on Channel 5 in association with William Hill, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment.

Tickets priced £40, £80, £100 and £200 are one sale now and available via www.wassermanboxing.com
 

NEW YORK – July 26, 2022 – SHOWTIME SPORTS will offer live coverage of top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko battling against Joshua Conley in a 10-round bout and rising prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. taking on Jimmy Williams in an eight-round welterweight duel on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page on Saturday, July 30 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In addition, SHOWTIME SPORTS will provide live streaming coverage of fight week events featuring Philadelphia’s two-division world champion and Brooklyn fan-favorite Danny “Swift” Garcia and exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr. ahead of their SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event Saturday, July 30 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  

The “City of Brotherly Love” will be on full display as SHOWTIME has tapped a notable announce team to host the streamed fights on Saturday’s pre-show as veteran combat sports reporter Luke Thomas of MORNING KOMBAT, former junior middleweight champion and SHOBOX^® commentator Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and star Philadelphia natives Jaron “Boots” Ennis and unified 122-pound world champion Stephen Fulton Jr. will call the preliminary action live from inside Barclays Center and look ahead to the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING bouts.

Fans will have the opportunity to catch up with Mielnicki before he steps in the ring as SHOWTIME SPORTS goes behind the scenes and into his training regimen with a revealing DAY IN CAMP feature here on the emerging star via the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel.

Following the streamed action, the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader will also see Polish star and Brooklyn’s all-action Adam Kownacki returning to the ring to take on Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, while unbeaten rising star Gary Antuanne Russell faces former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

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

The events will stream live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. YouTube embed codes and links are listed below. 

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ABOUT GARCIA VS. BENAVIDEZ

Garcia vs. Benavidez will see two-division world champion and Brooklyn fan-favorite Danny “Swift” Garcia making his super welterweight debut against exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr. in a 12-round showdown that headlines a stacked tripleheader Saturday, July 30 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also see Polish star and Brooklyn’s all-action Adam Kownacki returning to the ring to take on Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in a 10-round heavyweight attraction, while unbeaten rising star Gary Antuanne Russell faces former two-division champion Rances Barthelemy in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

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

LOS ANGELES (July 26, 2022) – World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), created by CEO Terry Holland and promoter/matchmaker Guy Taylor, has announced the signing of Mexican super middleweight Manuel “El Meno” Gallegos (19-1, 15 KOs) to a long-term, exclusive promotional contract.

“Aside from Canelo Alvarez,” Taylor noted, “the average boxing fan couldn’t name another super middleweight from Mexico. Well, here is the 6’ 3”, 25-year-old Manuel Gallegos from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.”

Gallegos’ most notable victory to date is a 10-round unanimous decision over Kevin Newman II (11-2-1) on June 10, 2021. Gallegos’ last action was last October when he stopped Gabriel Lopez (10-5-1) in round five. Gallegos has also defeated Marco Reyes (37-7) – former WBC Youth International and Mexican light middleweight, and WBC FECOMBOX middleweight champion —

by way of an 8-round unanimous decision in 2019.

“The biggest fight for Gallegos right now is a Mexico versus Puerto Rico showdown with Edgar Berlanga (20-0, 16 KOs),” Taylor added.

Gallegos joins a growing WCBS family of gifted fighters including undefeated 20-year-old Mexican lightweight prospects Luis “Koreano” Torres (16-0, 10 KOs), the reigning WBC Latino Champion, Jorge Lugo Cota (8-0, 5 KOs) and Marco Cota Moreno (7-0, 5 KOs), as well as 2-time world title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte (28-5-1, 24 KOs), a Filipino bantamweight.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.worldcupboxingseries.com

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

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/

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Las Vegas with a can’t miss welterweight thriller that will see undefeated No. 3 ranked contender Khamzat Chimaev battle perennial fan favorite Nate Diaz.

UFC^® 279: CHIMAEV vs. DIAZ takes place at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, Sept. 10, with the main card at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be seen on ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the night’s action starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with Early Prelims on ESPN+ (English and Spanish) and UFC Fight Pass.

UFC^® 279: CHIMAEV vs. DIAZ tickets will go on sale Friday, July 29 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, July 27 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, July 28 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

Fast-rising star Chimaev (11-0, fighting out of Stockholm, Sweden by way of Chechnya, Russia) has wasted no time turning heads since joining the UFC roster in 2020. A talented striker and grappler, he has delivered memorable victories against Gilbert Burns, Li Jingliang and Gerald Meerschaert. Chimaev now looks to steal the show in his first main event opportunity by stopping a UFC superstar in emphatic fashion.

Diaz (21-13, fighting out of Stockton, Calif.) has long proven himself to be among the most popular and skilled athletes in MMA. Throughout his career, The Ultimate Fighter season five winner has earned epic wins over Conor McGregor, Anthony Pettis and Jim Miller. Diaz now intends to hand Chimaev his first professional loss by delivering another vintage performance.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Denis Tiuliulin (10-6, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) goes for his first UFC win when he meets Jamie Pickett (13-7, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) at middleweight
• No. 13 ranked light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker (18-7, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) squares off with Ion Cutelaba (16-6-1 1NC, fighting out of Chisinau, Republic of Moldova)
• Jake Collier (13-7, fighting out of Cuba, Mo.) locks horns with Chris Barnett (22-8, fighting out of Athens, Ga.) in an intriguing heavyweight matchup
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Chad Anheliger (12-5, fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) aims to keep his momentum going when he meets Alatengheili (15-8-2, fighting out of Beijing, China) at bantamweight
• No. 13 ranked heavyweight contender Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-7, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) takes on surging prospect Jailton Almeida (16-2, fighting out of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)
• Undefeated Melissa Martinez (7-0, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) makes her UFC debut against Elise Reed (5-2, fighting out of Princeton, N.J.) in a strawweight clash
• Norma Dumont (7-2, fighting out of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil) faces Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner and three-time U.S. national amateur boxing champion Danyelle Wolf (1-0, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) at featherweight
• No. 4 ranked contender Irene Aldana (13-6, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) faces No. 11 Macy Chiasson (9-2, fighting out of Dallas, Texas by way of New Orleans, La.) in a pivotal women’s bantamweight bout

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

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About UFC^®

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

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.3 million subscribers. 

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Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV also receive ESPN+ at no additional cost. 

About ESPN

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

FORT WORTH, TX (July 26, 2022): Newly crowned WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine Flyweight World Champion Marlen Esparza (12-1, 1 KOs) of Houston, TX, is set to defend her three world titles for the first time against her mandatory, former WBA Interim Flyweight World Champion Eva “La Ley” Guzman (19-1, 11KOs) from Maracay, Venezuela on Saturday, August 6 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX. The 10-round flyweight event will serve as the co-main event for Vergil Ortiz, Jr. vs. Michael Mckinson.

Also, on the card, Dallas, TX fan favorite Maurice “Might Mo” Hooker (27-2-3, 18 KOs) will face Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (15-1-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, in a 10-round welterweight fight. Opening the DAZN stream, Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev (9-1, 7 KOs) of Indio, CA, will take on Sladan “The Miner” Janjanin (32-10, 24 KOs) of Boston, MA in an 8-round super middleweight event. All fights will stream live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN starting at 5:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. ET. 

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson are on sale now and are priced at $275, $137.50, $82.50 and $44 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com, DickiesArena.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com

Also on the card and part of The Golden Boy Fight Night: Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson Prelims on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube page, Alex “Chi Town Heat” Martin (17-4, 6 KOs) returns to the ring against the battle-tested warrior Henry “Hank” Lundy (31-10-1, 14 KOs). The 10-round super lightweight fight will be part of the preliminary bouts ahead of the DAZN broadcast hosted by Golden Fight Night’s Beto Duran and Texas rising boxing star Alex Rincon. Additional fights on the card will be announced shortly. 

“I am ready for Eva Guzman. Mandatory defense or title fight, all fights are serious business for me!” said Marlen Esparza. 

“This is the opportunity I have been waiting for to prove I am the best,” said Eva Guzman. “After this victory, the whole world will know I am the most dangerous fighter at 112lbs.” 

“Im ready to show the world I’m still a warrior,” said Maurice Hooker. “I’m ready to give them a fight they will always remember.”

“Blair the Flair is saying absolutely nothing. See you August 6,” said Blair Cobbs. 

“It’s been a long time in training camp, the opponents pulled out, the dates rescheduled, so I am happy to finally have a fight and step back in the ring on August 6 on a big Golden Boy show,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. 

Marlen Esparza was born to make history in boxing. Born in Houston, Texas, Marlen Esparza began her boxing career at 12 years old after growing up in a household that loved the sport. In May 2012, Esparza became the first American woman to qualify to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London, the first year that women’s boxing made its debut as an Olympic event. She would win the bronze medal in the women’s flyweight division. In 2017, Esparza became the first female fighter signed by Golden Boy Promotions. 

In 2021, Esparza had a successful year, with an unanimous decision victory against Ibeth Zamora Silva for the WBC Flyweight World Championship and successfully defended her new world championship title against former world champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz. On April 9, as part of the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Emmanuel Tagoe, Esparza faced her toughest challenge to date, taking on five-division world champion Naoko Fujioka. The fight pitted the #1 vs. #2 in the female flyweight division, granting them the honor of fighting for the first-ever Ring Magazine Female Flyweight World Championship. After 10-rounds of non-stop action from two of the mightiest female fighters in the flyweight division, the judges ruled in favor of Esparza unanimously, crowning her the new WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine World Champion. 

An accomplished fighter since her professional debut in 2015, Eva Guzman has rapidly risen the ranks to a world championship by defeating some of the toughest fighters in the division. Her first big test came in 2018 when she faced Yaditza Perez for the IBA World Minimumweight World Championship. In 2021, she earned the most significant accomplishment in her career thus far, moving up in weight and fighting in Mexico for the first time against Isabel Millan to claim the crown as the WBA’s newest Interim Flyweight World Champion. The new title had also earned her the honor of becoming the new mandatory to fight Marlen Esparza for the WBA Flyweight World Championship, something she has dreamed of becoming since her professional debut. 

Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson is a 12-round welterweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, August 6 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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

NEW YORK (July 26, 2022)–Five members of the Split-T Management roster came home with big victories in as many bouts on Saturday.

At The Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota, four Split-T fighters had their hands raised on an ESPN+ streamed card.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Chino Hill in a middleweight bout,

In round three, Martinez had a scrape around his right eye.

Martinez landed 115 of 242 punches. Hill was 70 of 368.

Martinez, 160.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 7-0. Hill, 161 lbs of Davenport, IA is 7-1-1.

Haven Brady Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Aaron Echeveste in a featherweight bout.

Brady, 127.8 lbs of Augusta, GA won by scores of 60-53 and 60-54 twice and is now 7-0. Echeveste, 126.8 lbs of Leon, MEX is 6-8.

Antonio Mireles stopped Dennys Reyes in round two of their four-round heavyweight fight.

In round two, Mirleles dropped Reyes with a body shot that was followed by a left to the head. Mirleles finished off the fight by dropping Reyes with a right hand, and the fight was stopped at 2:19.

Mireles, 269.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Reyes, 228.6 lbs of Finley, MN is 3-3.

Dante Benjamin stopped Corey Thompson in round one of a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Benjamin jumped all over Thompson in the opening seconds, cutting him in the forehead and then dropping him with a hard combination. Benjamin then dropped Thompson with a vicious five-punch combination. Benjamin ended the fight by dropping Thompson with a hard right hand at 2:24.

Benjamin, 172.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 3-0 with two knockouts. Thompson, 174.8 lbs of Alexandria, MN is 4-1.

Martinez, Brady, Mireles and Benjamin are promoted by Top Rank

At The Caribe Royale In Orlando, Joseph Adorno took out Roberto Almazan in the second round of their six-round lightweight fight.

Adorno dominated the action and finished off Almazan at 2:59 of the second frame.

Adorno of Allentown, PA is now 16-1-2 with 14 knockouts. Almazan is 10-18.

Adorno is promoted by GH3 Promotions.

Martinez, Brady, Mireles and Benjamin Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Uncasville, CT – CES Boxing hosts Hall of Famer promoter and author J Russell Peltz for a special book signing at its upcoming Summer Heat boxing event Saturday, August 20 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Peltz, a matchmaker and promoter for more than five decades known throughout boxing for his successful string of first-class events at The Spectrum in South Philadelphia from the mid-1970s to early ‘80s and later at the Blue Horizon in the ‘90s in North Philadelphia, is signing copies of his recently-published memoir Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye, which was named the 2021 Book of the Year by the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame.

The book details Peltz’s half century in boxing, which began in Sept. 30, 1969 at the age of 22 when he sold out the 1,346-seat Blue Horizon with a main event featuring Bennie Briscoe and Tito Marshall. A former copy editor for the Evening Bulletin in Philadelphia, Peltz later became the Spectrum’s Boxing Director in 1973 and soon turned the 18,000-seat venue into the boxing capital of the East Coast. Over the next seven years, Peltz promoted several noteworthy bouts, including the 1976 WBC world junior lightweight title bout between champion Alfredo Escalera and challenger Tyrone Everett, which drew a record attendance of 16,019, the largest crowd for an indoor fight in Pennsylvania. Peltz left The Spectrum in 1980 to promote in Atlantic City.

Peltz has promoted or co-promoted more than 40 world championship bouts, including 10 title defenses by WBA bantamweight champ Jeff Chandler, WBA welterweight champion Meldrick Taylor’s 1982 title defense against Glenwood Brown, and the IBF world super middleweight title bout between Joey DeGrandis and Charles Brewer at the Blue Horizon in 1992 in addition to fights on ESPN, USA Network, HBO, Showtime, and major networks ABC, CBS, and NBC. He is also credited with developing the career of former world champions Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown, IBF junior lightweight champion Arturo Gatti, IBF light heavyweight champion Prince Charles Williams, IBF junior welterweight champion Gary Hinton, Marvin Johnson, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Kassim Ouma, and Jason Sosa.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted Peltz in its 2004 class. The legendary promoter also received the James J. Walker Award from the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1999 for “long and meritorious service,” the Career Achievement Award from the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association in 2000, and later that year was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in Los Angeles. Peltz currently resides in Boca Raton, FL, with his wife, Linda, and works as a boxing advisor and manager. Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye is also available online at Amazon.com as well as Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Better World Books. Copies will be available for purchase August 20.

CES’ Summer Heat kicks off at 7 pm August 20 and features the return of heavyweight Cassius Chaney of New London, CT; Carini, Sicily, heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano; undefeated Irish super middleweight Francis Hogan of Weymouth, MA; fast-rising bantamweight prospect Angel Gonzalez of Hartford, CT; undefeated Springfield, MA, welterweight Jalen Renaud; and Rhode Island’s Gary Balletto III; and female welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman of Colombia, CT. Tickets for Summer Heat are available at CESFights.com, MoheganSun.com, or the Mohegan Sun box office.

Additional details for Summer Heat are available online. For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxingis one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Mohegan Sun Arena is one of the busiest Arenas in the United States and is ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and VenuesNow. Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the United States regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the award-winning venue has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven-time national award winner for “Casino of the Year – Arena” by the Academy of Country Music. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit MoheganSun.com. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711.

NEWARK, N.J. (July 25, 2022) — Newark native Shakur Stevenson always wanted to return home as a world champion. The WBC/WBO junior lightweight king will get that opportunity Friday, Sept. 23 against Robson Conceição at Prudential Center, home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

The homecoming festivities kicked off Monday with a press conference at Prudential Center, and Stevenson was treated to a local hero’s welcome. Special guests included Seton Hall Men’s Basketball Coach Shaheen Holloway, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, and Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $50 are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. Stevenson-Conceição and the return of lightweight U.S. Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard action will stream on ESPN+ and includes welterweight Jahi Tucker, featherweight Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, and junior bantamweight Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz.

Here is what the fighters had to say at the press conference.

Carl Moretti, VP of Boxing Operations, Top Rank

“Shakur Stevenson last fought here in July 2019. He now returns as a two-time world champion and a unified 130-pound champion. He’s on everyone’s pound-for-pound list. He’s one of the best fighters in the world. And when all of us travel, and you run into somebody and ask, ‘Where are you from?’ And you say, ‘Jersey.’ They’ll say, ‘What exit?’ But you know what, we say that it’s going to change to, ‘That’s the hometown of Shakur Stevenson.’ That’s how far he’s going to go. And he’s not even close to his prime.”

Shakur Stevenson

“For all the kids, you’ve got to keep trying to be great. Keep striving to be better. I want to be an example for you all. I want to make sure that I do my part. I’m going to come in shape and ready to fight on September 23. I’m going to put on a show for the kids, and for the city of Newark. I want to give you all a hell of a performance. I’m going to do my part, and I’m going to come in shape. I appreciate the support. I’m locked in, and September 23, I’m going to put on a show.”

Keyshawn Davis

“I feel like Top Rank has the best prospects in the game. This is definitely one of the cards to watch. I feel like this is going to be another ‘Oscar Valdez’ type of a night. I feel like this is going to be another Shakur Stevenson vs. Jamel Herring fight. I feel like fight is going to be about six rounds right here. But not only the main event. I feel like the undercard is going to put on a spectacular performance, too. I don’t really see any of us going the entire rounds because I feel like we should be getting stoppage that night. As for me, the business man is going to do what he do. I’ve been putting on great performances ever since ya’ll been seeing me fight.”

Bruce Carrington

“I know you will all be in the building on September 23. You know I’m bringing my people on September 23. We’re going to put on a show. A big shout out to all the boxers here. Floyd ‘Cashflow’ Diaz is in the building. ‘Flashy’ Keyshawn Davis is in the building. We’ve got Jahi Tucker. He’s in the building. And then you’ve got the man himself, Shakur Stevenson from Newark, New Jersey. He’s going to put on a show. And you know me as well, I’m going to put on a show, too. I’ll see you on September 23.”

Jahi Tucker

“On September 23, I’ll have a good performance for you all. It’s my first time fighting in Jersey. I’m going to make it a memorable one. Shakur is a great fighter. This is his hometown, so I’ve got to come strong. I’m going to be here September 23, and I’ll see you all.”

Floyd Diaz

“I just want to make sure I put on a show for everybody. I want to show everybody that I’m scary at 122. And it is what it is. On September 23, me and my guys are going to put on a show. We’re here to take over.”

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