LONDON – July 5, 2022 – Bitter rivals Claressa “GWOAT” Shields and Savannah “The Silent Assassin” Marshall went face to face and declared their intention to capture the undisputed middleweight world championship on Tuesday as they previewed their long awaited showdown during a press conference in London followed by a virtual press conference for international media.

The most anticipated women’s fight of all time will take place 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 BOXXER and Salita Promotions in association with Hennessy Sports.

Shields will look to avenge the only loss of her storied career, an amateur defeat at the hands of Marshall in 2012, which kicked off the rivalry and war of words that continues to this day.

The co-main event of this historic card is a bout presented in association with Top Rank which will see WBO and IBF world champion Mikaela Mayer and WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner face off in a unification bout in the 130-pound division.

Be first in line to get exclusive access to discounted tickets by joining the waiting list at Boxxer.com. The fight will air live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports and is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

Here is what Shields, Marshall and Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita had to say Tuesday:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“It means a lot to be here. I’m grateful that the UK fans have accepted me, once again, to come out here and fight. Savannah Marshall got lucky in 2012, but she won’t get lucky in 2022. I was 17 and also London was hosting the Olympics and they favored her. I never scored eight points in any of my fights, leading up. And then with the point system, all of a sudden I score eight? I just scored 30 points the day before, as I did every other fight and then, against her, I only scored eight points versus her 14? I was 17. She couldn’t shake me. She didn’t drop me. She couldn’t even get an eight count, but now she’s a knockout puncher?

“The Olympics and the amateurs matter to you. As an amateur, you went 60-16 with zero knockouts. I was 77-1, 19 KOs. You had zero (knockouts). You can’t do anything I can do. You can sit here and talk, but you’re not going to win on September 10. 

“I don’t hate nobody, but I do have a huge dislike for her. My grandma told me not to use the word hate, so I don’t use it, but I don’t like her and she’s one of my biggest haters.

“They’re making it out that she’s a big knockout puncher and she’s the only blemish on my record as an amateur and she has the recipe to beat me. My job is to show everybody in the world that she doesn’t and that I reign supreme in three different weight classes for a reason. If she was the one who was really supreme, she would be champion in three different weight classes and not me. 

“She’s a slow fighter and that is going to hurt her. Also, she’s tall but doesn’t know how to fight tall. All that inside stuff isn’t going to work against me!

“We are not here, about to fight in front of 80,000, because you‘ve won one belt. I’m the champ. I’m the GWOAT. Nobody knows you. Every time I speak of you, you get bigger. After this, you’re going to have 20,000 more followers because I’m here, not because of anything you’ve done.

“I’m happy that there’s another championship fight on the card, especially the women. Me and Mikaela went to the Olympics and the world championships together, and Alicia lives not even 45 minutes from where I live, so I’m friends with her too. This is one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing. We’re fighting in front of 80,000. We have a great co-main and there will be more women added to the card.

“Salita Promotions has never failed me. When I first met Dmitriy Salita and he asked me what my goals were, I said I want to be world champ in my seventh fight. I was world champ in my fourth fight. I told him I wanted to be undisputed champ against whoever the champion was. I’m like ‘get me the best. I want to fight the best, every fight.’ And he shook his head and said ‘yes, yes yes, we’re going to make it happen’. And after I beat Christina Hammer, I told him I’m not fighting for no less than $350,000, moving forward and he made sure I got $350,000 for those fights after that. In women’s boxing back then.

“Salita Promotions has been great to be with. I just love Dmitriy so much because he’s actually a fighter. We got in the ring and sparred together. To have a promoter who knows what we put ourselves through, he’s always asking me what else he can do and what else do I need? He always makes sure he comes through for me and he comes to visit me every single camp to make sure I’m feeling good and everything. I’m happy to be part of Salita Promotions.”

SAVANNAH MARSHALL

“This fight has been a long time coming, but we are here now and on September 10, I will be the new undisputed middleweight champion of the world.

“I’m a fan of Claressa Shields. What she’s done for the sport is amazing. She’s a pioneer for the sport, but the reality is, she doesn’t beat me. The first time we fought she didn’t perform and she won’t again on September 10. That’s what it is and it kills her. It burns her inside.

“I’ve knocked out people you went 10 rounds with. I’m not just going to beat you. I’m going to hurt you and outbox you. That’s all you need to know. I’m a better fighter. I’ll have all her world titles on September 10.

“It’s amazing, not just for me and Claressa headlining, but also having an amazing fight in Mikaela and Alycia. I think their fight is a headliner on its own. Sharing the night with them two will be unbelievable.

“I win this fight through heart and my boxing brain. On September 10, I will become the champion of the world. And that will be the end of her rubbish. See you on September 10, babe.

“I believe I’m a better fighter than Claressa Shields. I’m more skilled than Claressa. I believe I’m more determined.”

DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions

“This fight has literally been a year in the making, and for us on the team, years in the making, so I’m very happy that we’re here. Claressa is not only known as the GWOAT because she’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist, multi-time amateur boxing world champion, three-division professional world champion and a two-division undisputed world champion, but because of what she’s doing right here. She’s traveling thousands of miles away from her hometown to avenge the only loss of her career when she was 17 years old. The rivalry could have been forgotten about, but she is the GWOAT.

“The boxing fans in the UK are phenomenal. I know they will appreciate Claressa’s aim and goal to be the best and to challenge herself and to get out of her comfort zone of the United States and to come out here and avenge that only loss.

“I really believe that Claressa Shields is a generational athlete who, 20 years from now, will be mentioned along with the greatest athletes like Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Pele… the greatest athletes who transcended their sport.

“I believe the reason Savannah is here and the reason many women are getting the respect they deserve is because of the success of Claressa Shields.

“As a little kid, before women’s boxing was a business, Claressa made a choice to go to the gym and strive to be the best. As a kid, to have that dream and to accomplish it and be sitting here now, is really incredible. Claressa Shields is not only an American hero, she’s a hero for the world. She has done a lot for not only women’s sports, but women’s rights too and I am very grateful and honored to be part of this incredible journey.

“This is the buildup of a very high-level championship fight. There is such a rivalry between them for fans to get behind. This event is not only a great sporting event, it’s a great cultural event. It’s going to be a fantastic night of boxing on September 10.”

QUINCY, Mass. (July 6, 2022) – Fast rising junior welterweight Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (15-1, 9 KOs) will headline “The Next Chapter” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, on Saturday night, August 6, at Bridgewater Veterans Club in Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Ohan, Jr., fighting out of nearby Holbrook (MA), faces Argentinian Jonathan “Yoni” Ariel Sosa (7-13-2, 4 KOs) in the 10-round main event. The son of former Marvin Hagler sparring partner, Mike Ohan, “Bad Man” is a former New England Welterweight Champion, who has won six fights in a row since suffering his lone loss as a professional.

“The Bridgewater Vets Club is a great venue to host local boxing,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “The goal is to make it a staple like the Roseland Ballroom was back in the ‘90s. In order to do that we have to put on action-packed fights that won’t disappoint and that’s exactly the case on August 6th. Mike Ohan is stepping into a 10-round bout against someone with a wealth of experience.”

The 6-round, co-featured event is between a pair of fighters coming off impressive victories, Swansea’s (MA) Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KO) and Woburn’s (MA) Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs), for the vacant Massachusetts Middleweight Championship.

Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (7-0, 6 KOs), fighting out of New Bedford (MA), faces veteran Texas fighter Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-50-2, 9 KOs) win a 6-round match. Mkpanam was a standout amateur boxer who was runner-up in the 2018 New England Golden Gloves.

A pair of promising prospects, junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (2-0, 2 KOs) and light heavyweight Raphael Torres (2-0, 2 KOs), will be in action in separate 4-round bouts.

“Anthony and Julien are in a crossroads bout that will have a heavy impact on the trajectory of their careers,” Traietti added. “Edet is taking on the always dangerous Larry Smith and Raphael is out to prove he is the future of the light heavyweight division in New England. The Vets Club is going to be wild on August 6th.”

Card subject to change.

Tickets are available for purchase at tickerriver.com (Search: The Next Chapter for $45.00 (standing room), $60.00 (floor seats), $80.00 (VIP stage seats) and $40.00 for a table of 4.

Doors open at 7 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

PHILADELPHIA PA (July 5, 2022)–THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, July 9th, RDR Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena with a huge night of boxing that will be headlined by junior lightweight Edward “Kid” Vazquez in the eight-round main event

Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas has a record of 11-1 with three knockouts. Vazquez, 26 of Fort Worth, Texas is a six-year professional who is already battle tested as he has defeated Brandon Arvie (2-0), Brandon Cruz (6-0), Adan Ochoa (11-1) and Irvin Gonzalez (14-2). His lone blemish came in his latest outing when he was on the wrong end of a very controversial split decision to undefeated former National Golden Gloves champion Raymond Ford on February 5th in Phoenix.

The judges’ scorecards were not in agreement with the fans in the arena and the commentators on DAZN.

Seeing action in six-round bouts:

Damon Allen (16-1-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Oscar Barajas (17-8-1, 8 KOs) of Zamora, Mexico in a lightweight fight.

Rasheen Brown (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named in a featherweight fight.

RDR Promotions fighter, Isaiah Johnson (4-0, 4 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ takes on veteran Rondale Hubbert (14-22-3, 8 KOs) of Duluth, Minnesota in a lightweight contest

In Four-Round Bouts:

DeAndre Pettus (6-1, 3 KOs) of Columbia, South Carolina takes on Chukka Willis (4-16, 2 KOs) of Emporia, Kansas in a super welterweight bout.

Boimah Karmah (2-0-1) of Sharon Hill, PA fights Daniel Jiles (0-1) of Philadelphia in a welterweight bout.

Famous Wilson of Deer Park, New York makes his pro debut against Vincent Randall (0-1) of Valparaiso, Indiana in a middleweight bout.

Najeem Johns of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against fellow debutant Darryl Chamberlain of Baltimore, MD in a super lightweight fight
Tickets are $100, $75 and $55 and can be purchased at the following Link

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=426

On Friday, July 29, WBC #13-ranked middleweight Amilcar “El Pety” Vidal (15-0. 12 KOs) will return to his hometown of Montevideo, Uruguay, to defend his WBC Latin Middleweight Championship for the second time against Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina’s Gabriel Omar “El Loco” Díaz (12-3-0, 4 KOs).

The 10-round Vidal vs. Diaz battle will headline an extraordinary international evening of professional boxing, presented, without fans in attendance, by Sampson Boxing, Tello Box, Paco Presents and Producciones Sports at Alberto Isabella’s American Box Gym in Montevideo and televised live by TyC Sports (Latin America), TV Ciudad (Uruguay) and Estrella TV (United States).

In the night’s potentially explosive 10-round co-main event, three-time world title challenger David “El Severo” Carmona (22-9-5, 9 KOs) of Mexico City and Tijuana’s Alex “El Peque” Santiago (25-3-5, 13 KOs) will meet for the Mexican Bantamweight Championship, the first time a Mexican national title has been disputed outside its lands.

For his second fight this year, the big-punching 26-year-old Vidal, who now lives in Los Angeles, is training in Uruguay. He was last seen in April of this year, making quick work of transplanted Argentinean Osmar Gustavo Dominguez Chamorro (TKO 2) in his first defense of his WBC Latino belt he won in 2019. A TV favorite in the United States, Vidal is known for his tremendous punching power in both hands.

Díaz, 25, a native of Rafaela, Santa Fe, comes to this fight after knocking out Nicolás Brito in three rounds last July. Diaz has faced several of his best domestic competition, such as Emiliano Pucheta, Jairo Rayman (whom he defeated), Wilson Sánchez, Gerardo Vergara and Alejandro Silva, among others.

In his professional career, 31-year-old Carmona has beaten quality foes such as Jesús Iribe and Belmar Preciado, and is also one of the few fighters to go the distance against the Japanese “Monster” Naoya Inoue, against whom he disputed the WBO super flyweight world title in 2016. He also fell by decision against Carlos Cuadras and fought Englishman Khalid Yafai for the WBA super flyweight title in May 2018.

Accustomed to boxing’s ups and downs, Mexican bantamweight contender Alejandro “Peque” Santiago rebounded from his nationally televised and highly controversial majority-decision loss to Gary Antonio Russell in November 2021 by taking a 10-round unanimous decision over countryman Juan Ramirez Marquez. The hard-luck Santiago has been the “victim” of several controversial draws against top fighters in high-profile fights, including one particularly dubious draw against IBF Super Flyweight Champion Jerwin Ancajas in 2018.

On the undercard, Colombian welterweight knockout artist Roiman Villa (23-1, 23 KOs) will face Venezuelan Domicio Rondón (17-5-0, 11 KOs) over 10 rounds, while unbeaten Dominican lightweight Francis Frometa (16-0, 10 KOs) will cross gloves with the tough Argentine Javier “Jhonny” Herrera (17-6-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-round fight.

Uruguayan locals, welterweight Víctor “Látigo” Rodríguez (7-0, 2 KOs) and super welterweight Joel Cano (1-0, 1 KO) will face Argentines Omar Correa (6-7-1, 2 KOs) and Juan Martin Salvia, respectively.

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About Sampson Boxing

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

Baltimore, MD (July 5, 2022) — Jeter Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of Super Bantamweight Elijah Pierce to an exclusive promotional contract.

Pierce, 25 years-old of Gwinnett City, Georgia by way of Midwest City, Oklahoma has a record of 14-2 with 12 knockouts. Pierce won his first seven bouts, which included wins over Candelario Rochin (4-0) and Divante Jones (9-1). Pierce has won five straight bouts which have been highlighted by wins over Jesse Garcia (10-0) and most recently over Ryizeemmion Ford (7-1) on June 17th in Cleveland.

“I am extremely excited to have signed with Jeter Promotions that will help me to continue building my legacy. We had other offers on the table, but Tony Jeter definitely won over my interest with his vision and wholehearted belief in me. I’m looking forward to working with Jeter Promotions and finally bringing a world title back home in the immediate future. This all wouldn’t be possible without God first and foremost, my daughter’s inspiration, my parents and management. I’m truly grateful,” said Pierce.

“This is a great signing for Jeter Promotions as we feel Elijah is a terrific fighter. He has already shown that he will fight and defeat top fighters at any time and anywhere. That is the stuff that world champions do, and I feel that he will be a world champion. I can’t wait to get him started with us, and continue with Elijah on his journey to being a world champion,” said Tony Jeter of Jeter Promotions.

Pierce will be back in the ring on Saturday, September 10th in Philadelphia.

Pierce is managed by Trifon Petrov and Jesse Tanksley. He is trained by his father Andy Pierce and Aaron Salamome.

LONDON (July 5, 2022) – Two heated rivalries will come to a head Saturday, Sept. 10 in a historic championship doubleheader at the O2 Arena in London.
 
The previously announced main event will see two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields, the WBC/WBA/IBF/Ring Magazine middleweight champion, aim to once again become undisputed at 160 pounds by facing longtime rival and WBO titleholder Savannah Marshall.
 
Shields and Marshall faced off as amateurs, with Marshall edging Shields by decision at the 2012 AIBA Women’s World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China. Shields went 77-1 as an amateur and is the only female boxer to win undisputed titles in two weight classes.
 
In the co-feature, Mikaela Mayer will look to get one step closer to becoming the first undisputed champ in her division by putting her WBO/IBF/Ring Magazine junior lightweight titles on the line against WBC champion Alycia Baumgardner.
 
A total of seven world titles and two Ring Magazine belts will be on the line.
 
Promoted by Salita Promotions and Boxxer, in association with Top Rank, Shields-Marshall, Mayer-Baumgardner, and undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
 
Mayer (17-0, 5 KOs) is a Los Angeles native who achieved international recognition when she represented the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The following year, she signed with Top Rank and unleashed an impressive run of victories, including a one-sided decision over Ewa Brodnicka in October 2020 to capture the WBO 130-pound title. In 2021, she unified the WBO and IBF titles in an action-packed slugfest against Maiva Hamadouche, which also earned her the Ring Magazine belt. In her last outing, she retained her titles with a decisive win over former champion Jennifer Han. Mayer is confident that she will take a positive step forward toward becoming undisputed champion.
 
Mayer said, “I’m here to make the biggest fights possible, so I salute my team for making her an offer she couldn’t refuse. Huge thanks to Boxxer, Top Rank, Salita Promotions, ESPN and Sky Sports for working together to co-promote such an iconic event! I am ecstatic to finally be making my UK debut and to share the stage once again with my Olympic sis, Claressa Shields. I LOVE this era of women’s boxing because we are re-writing the narrative and working to give our supporters the fights they DESERVE. To date, I’ve accomplished all I said I was going to do, and this next fight will be no different. I have all the tools and experience I need. There are levels to this sport, and she’s nowhere near mine. You can bet on it.”
 
Baumgardner (12-1, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro who burst onto the scene by traveling to Sheffield, England, to challenge WBC champion Terri Harper. Though fighting on enemy turf in front of thousands of British fans, the native of Fremont, Ohio landed a perfectly timed counter right hand that knocked Harper out on her feet. Baumgardner then made the first defense of her crown in April with a shutout decision over former unified world champion Edith Soledad Matthysse. After months of exchanges on social media, Baumgardner did not mince her words about Mayer. 
 
Baumgardner said, “When we are both gray and old, Mayer is still going to be having Alycia Baumgardner flashbacks. When she is lying horizontally in the ring, Mayer will think back to the first time my name left her mouth and she’s going to wish it hadn’t. I guess we’re going to find out if Regina George has a chin. Not only will Mayer feel my power, but her descendants are also going to feel what I do to her. Not only will I take Mayer’s belts, but I’ll take everything from her. She’ll be lucky if I let her keep her name. If I’m not haunting her dreams before the fight, I will be after it. If you come at the queen, you best not miss. On the bright side for Mayer, a loss to me will be the best result on her resumé.”
 

WBO number-one heavyweight contender Joe Joyce stopped Christian Hammer in round four of the 12-round heavyweight bout at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.

In round one, Hammer was able to get through with several power shots. In round two, Hammer was cut around the right eye. At the end of round three, Joyce dropped Hammer with a left to the head. In round four, it was a left to the body that sent Hammer down. Joyce sent Hammer to a knee with a flurry of punches. Joyce ended the fight by dropping Hammer with a right to the body and the fight was called at 1:20.

Joyce, 265 lbs of London, ENG is 14-0 with 13 knockouts. Hammer, 263 lbs of Hamburg, GER is 27-10.

Tete Stops Cunningham in 4

Former world champion Zolani Tete took out Jason Cunningham in round four of their 12-round super bantamweight fight.

In round round four, Tete landed a hard left hand that sent Cunningham to the canvas. With Cunningham hurt, Tete jumped on Cunningham and dumped him on the canvas from a flurry of punches that was highlighted by a right and left to the chin, and the fight was stopped at 34 seconds.

Tete, 121.1 lbs of Eastern Cape, SA is 30-4 with 23 knockouts. Cunningham, 121.2 lbs of Doncaster, ENG is 31-7.

Chamberlain Decisions Vidal

Mark Chamberlain remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Marc Vidal in a lightweight bout.

Chamberlain, 134.1 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 11-0. Vidal, 134.6 lbs of Spain is 13-4-5.

Fletcher Takes out Vmoga in 1

Tommy Fletcher made a successful pro debut with a first round stoppage over Aron Vmoga in a cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Fletcher dropped Vmoga with a left hand. It was long until Fletcher ended things as he landed a combination that sent Vmoga to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 58 seconds.

Fltecher, 197 lbs of Norfolk, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Vmoga, 193 lbs of Croatia is 1-1.

Burke Decisions Ambomo

Mickey Burke Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Serge Ambomo in a super welterweight fight.

Burke, 154.1 lbs of Becksley, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 7-0. Ambomo, 152.4 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 7-32-3.

Turner Decisions Laskowski

Henry Turner remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Jakub Laskowski in a super lightweight fight.

Turner, 141.1 lbs of Glambagreen, ENG won by a 60-54 tally and is now 8-0. Laskowski, 142.2 lbs of Poland is 4-17-1.

Jai Opetaia won the IBF Cruiserweight championship with a 12-round unanimous decision over longstanding champion Mairis Briedis in a entertaining war at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.

In round one, Briedis was cut over his right eye. In round four, Opetaia landed a big uppercut that drew blood from the nose of Briedis. Opetaia dominated the action by landing hard shots and moving, not letting the champion get into any rhythm.

Seemingly way behind, Briedis landed two hard shots in round 10 that hurt Opetaia, but the hometown challenger was able to withstand the fire. In round 12, Opetaia was bleeding from the mouth. He had to hang on as he took huge shots in the final round.

Opetaia, 198.42 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 and is now 22-0. Briedis, 199.08 lbs of Riga, LA is 28-2.

Hardman Obliterates Hartas in 1st

Isaac Hardman scored a scary first-round stoppage over Beau Hartas in the opening round of the 10-round middleweight fight.

Hardman landed a devastating right to the face that sent Hartas plummeting face-first to the canvas where he laid motionless for several minutes. Hartas came-to and was able to leave the ring on his own power. The time was 2:49.

Hardman, 160 lbs of Queensland is now 13-1 with 11 knockouts. Hartas, 159 1/2 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is 6-2.

Wallace Decisions Chevalier

Conor Wallace won a 10-round split decision over world-ranked Faris Chevalier in a light heavyweight bout.

Wallace, 174 1/2 lbs of Brisbane, AUS won by scores of 98-92 twice while Chevalier won a card 96-94.

Wallace is now 9-1. Chevalier, 174 1/2 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 13-2.

Mazoudier Decisions Camilleri

Koen Mazoudier won a 10-round split decision over Joel Camilleri in a junior middleweight fight.

Mazoudier, 152 3/4 lbs of Blacktown, AUD won by scores of 99-92, 98-92 and a third card rea 96-95 for Camilleri. Maziudier is 10-2. Camilleri, 153 1/4 lbs of Brisbane, AS 22-8-1.

This was a rematch of a November 17, 2021 bout where Mazoudier also took a split decision

Robertson stops Fernandez in 10

Taylah Robertson dominated and battered Yoselin Fernandez in the 10th and final round of their super flyweight contest.

Robertson beat up Fernandez and finally the fight was stopped at 33 seconds of round 10.

Robertson, 114 3/4 lbs of Brisbane, AUS is 6-1 with two knockouts. Fernandez, 114 lbs of Caracas, VEN 11-2.

Coolwell stops Ladrada in 4

Dana Coolwell stops Lorenz Ladrada in round four of their scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

In round four, Coolwell landed a right uppercut that was followed by a crushing left to the body that sent Coolwell down for the count at 2:59.

Coolwell, 125 3/4 lbs of Queensland, AUS is 8-2 with six knockouts. Ladrada, 125 1/4 lbs of The Philippines is 11-3-1.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a must-watch lightweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 7 ranked Rafael Dos Anjos battle No. 10 Rafael Fiziev. The co-main event will feature a clash of Dana White’s Contender Series signees when Caio Borralho faces Armen Petrosyan at middleweight.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: DOS ANJOS vs. FIZIEV will take place Saturday, July 9 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+. The main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The prelims kick off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.

Former champion Dos Anjos (30-13, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) returned to 155 pounds from the welterweight division with a Fight of the Night win over Paul Felder in late 2020. Throughout his UFC run, he has also delivered memorable victories over Nate Diaz and Robbie Lawler, as well as Anthony Pettis, to win the belt in 2015. Dos Anjos now aims to stop Fiziev’s momentum and continue his climb back to a lightweight title shot.

Rising contender Fiziev (11-1, fighting out of Baku, Azerbaijan by way of Phuket, Thailand) has wasted no time dazzling fans with his diverse striking arsenal. Currently riding a five-fight win streak, he holds spectacular wins over Brad Riddell, Bobby Green and Renato Moicano. Fiziev now has his sights set on finishing his first former UFC champion to crack the lightweight top 10.

Borralho (11-1 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) earned his spot on the UFC roster with victories over Aaron Jeffery and Jesse Murray on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt then made a successful UFC debut by earning a hard-fought win against Gadzhi Omargadzhiev in April. Borralho now aims to push his unbeaten streak to 12 bouts by stopping Petrosyan.

Petrosyan (7-1, fighting out of Yerevan, Armenia) impressed on Dana White’s Contender Series with a first-round KO victory over Kaloyan Kolev last October. The talented kickboxer then announced his arrival with an entertaining win against Gregory Rodrigues in February. Petrosyan now intends to become the first fighter to finish Borralho by securing another highlight-reel KO.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Douglas Silva (28-4 1NC, fighting out of Castanhal, Para, Brazil) takes on Said Nurmagomedov (15-2, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) in an intriguing bantamweight matchup
• Jamie Pickett (13-7, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) faces Denis Tiuliulin (10-6, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) at middleweight
• A heavyweight bout sees Jared Vanderaa (12-8, fighting out of Hemet, Calif.) take on the always exciting Chase Sherman (15-10, fighting out of D’Iberville, Miss.)
• Michael Johnson (21-17, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) battles Jamie Mullarkey (14-5, fighting out of Central Coast, Australia) in an exciting lightweight bout
• No. 10 ranked flyweight contender Cynthia Calvillo (9-4-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) looks to spoil the UFC 125-pound debut of No. 7 ranked strawweight contender Nina Nunes (10-7, fighting out of Weston, Fla.)
• Aiemann Zahabi (8-2, fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada) returns against The Ultimate Fighter season 29 winner Ricky Turcios (12-2, fighting out of Houston, Texas) in a bantamweight bout
• Antonina Shevchenko (9-4, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) squares off with Cortney Casey (10-9, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) at flyweight
• Cody Brundage (7-2, fighting out of Littleton, Colo.) takes on Tresean Gore (4-1, fighting out of Lawrenceville, Ga.) in a battle of promising middleweight prospects
• Kennedy Nzechukwu (9-3, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces Karl Roberson (9-5, fighting out of Neptune, N.J.) at light heavyweight
• Rising bantamweight prospects collide when Ronnie Lawrence (8-1, fighting out of Sunrise, Fla.) meets Saidyokub Kakhramonov (9-2, fighting out of Spokane, Wash. by way of Samarkand, Uzbekistan)

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 688 million fans and 198 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 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.

The fighters on Saturday’s High Stakes card at the OVO Arena gathered today at Wembley for the official weigh-in before blows are traded live on BT Sport.

All the photos from today’s weigh-in can be downloaded here.
Images are free to use, please credit Queensberry Promotions where possible.

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Cruiserweight Contest
Arnold Obodai – To Weigh In Tomorrow

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-lightweight Contest
Henry Turner – 141.10Lbs 
Jakub Laskowski – 142.2lbs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
Mickey Burke Jnr – 154.12 
Serge Ambomo – 152.4 Lbs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Light-heavyweight Contest
Tommy Fletcher – 197 Lbs 
Aron Vrnoga – 193 Lbs

The Vacant IBF European Lightweight Championship 10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 135 Lbs
Mark Chamberlain – 134.11 Lbs  
Marc Vidal – 134.5 Lbs

The Commonwealth, IBF And Vacant WBO International super-bantamweight Championship
12 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 122 Lbs
Jason Cunningham – 121.2 Lbs 
Zolani Tete -121.11lbs

The WBO International And WBC Silver Heavyweight Championship
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
Joe Joyce – 265.9lbs 
Christian Hammer – 263 Lbs

‘High Stakes’ on Saturday, 2 July at the OVO Arena, live on BT Sport, sees leading heavyweight contender Joe Joyce taking on Christian Hammer for the WBO International and WBC Silver titles, along with the the highly anticipated super bantamweight collision between European champion Jason Cunningham and two-weight world champion Zolani Tete.Portsmouth’s Mark Chamberlain will fight Marc Videl with the IBF European lightweight title at stake

Wycombe super lightweight Henry Turner and Bexley welterweight Micky Burke jr will fight over six rounds, with Ashford cruiserweight Arnold Obidai having his second pro fight over four. Thetford cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher will make his professional debut in a four-round fight having recently signed to Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The last remaining tickets for ‘High Stakes’ at OVO Arena, Wembley on Saturday 2 July are on sale priced from £55 and available from AXS.com and Ticketmaster.co.uk.

London, England – 1 July 2022 – Liverpool star Liam ‘Beefy’ Smith (31-3-1, 18 KOs) aims to become a two-time world champion following the signing of a multi-fight agreement with BOXXER.

The former WBO World Super Welterweight Champion has forged a formidable reputation and is now on the cusp of challenging for his second world title under the BOXXER and Sky Sports banners.

In a career spanning almost 14-years, Smith – who hails from a famed fighting family – cleaned up the 154lb division winning British, Commonwealth, WBA Continental and WBO Intercontinental titles before capturing the WBO World title in 2015 with a seventh round stoppage of Apollo Thompson and making two defences of the crown.

He then faced pound-for-pound great Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez in September 2016 and despite a brave and valiant performance that saw him get up from knockdowns in the seventh and eighth rounds he was ultimately overcome with a big body shot in the ninth.

The comeback trail saw him defeat hard Welsh rival Liam Williams in back-to-back fights to earn a shot at Jamie Munguia for the WBO 154 belt again and he became the first to take the hard-hitting Mexican the full twelve-round distance, just losing out on the scorecards.

On his return he battered renowned Midlands warrior Sam Eggington into submission in five rounds in March 2019 to win the WBC Silver belt. Although he suffered a setback in May last year in Russia against Magomed Kurbanov in a challenge for the WBO International title with a points loss.

However, this has inspired Smith to since put on two of his best career displays to show that he’s firmly back on the World title hunt. First he made a statement of intent with a brutal eighth round stoppage of Liverpool rival Anthony Fowler in their derby blockbuster last October to win the WBA International title.

He then travelled to the iconic Madison Square Garden in April this year to dominate Two-Time World Champion Jessie Vargas over twelve rounds with a powerful performance to claim the WBO Intercontinental title and show that he’s ready to face the best again.

Currently ranked in the top five in the world by the WBC, WBO and WBA, he is perfectly positioned to face one of the World Champions and is primed and ready for the opportunity.

Smith said, “I’m delighted to put pen to paper with Boxxer. I had a lot of offers but I’m glad to finally get this across the line and be back on Sky Sports. Boxxer are doing great things in the sport and making big waves and I’m happy to be part of that.

“Some of the big fights and names have excited me and I’m really looking forward to the next twelve months with my next fight to be announced shortly. I can’t wait to get back out there and challenge for a world title at 154 pounds and get everyone talking about me again.”

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said, “I’ve always held Liam in the highest regard in terms of his talent, boxing IQ and also resilience to keep coming back and I believe he’s now very close to realising his ambition of challenging for another world title. He’s an icon in his home city of Liverpool where he has a great following and we’re really excited to have Liam join the BOXXER stable where we have big plans for him.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, said, “Liam Smith is a great fighter, a great guy and a great signing for Boxxer and Sky Sports! We are all delighted to be working with Liam who is coming off that thrilling win over Jessie Vargas and has really big fights ahead.

“Mega matches, more world title fights and crackling action are expected for one of our most talented and experienced champions – and one of our biggest personalities! I have a soft spot for all the Smith brothers as we have virtually grown up with them. It’s brilliant having Liam and his super family support back on Sky!”

(June 30, 2022) — Two world-class boxing events will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ this Saturday, July 2.
 
The action kicks off Down Under in the early morning hours (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT), as IBF cruiserweight world champion Mairis Breidis defends his title against undefeated contender Jai Opetaia at Gold Coast Convention Center in Broadbeach, Australia.
 
The action continues from the OVO Arena Wembley in London (2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT), as undefeated heavyweight contender and 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce defends his WBC Silver and WBO International belts in the 12-round main event against Christian Hammer.
 
Breidis (28-1, 20 KOs), a native of Riga, Latvia, has won five bouts since losing a razor-thin decision to Oleksandr Usyk in January 2018. The 37-year-old puncher won the IBF belt in September 2020 with a majority decision over Yuniel Dorticos, then defended it last October in Riga with a third-round TKO over Artur Mann. Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs), a 2012 Australian Olympian from Sydney, has fought most of his career in Australia. The 26-year-old has knocked out his last three foes and is taking a major step up against Breidis.

In other streaming action from Australia:
 
Isaac Hardman (12-1, 10 KOs) vs. Beau Hartas (6-1, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight
 
Dana Coolwell (7-2, 5 KOs) vs. Lorenz Ladrada (11-2-1, 3 KOs), 8 rounds, featherweight
 
Taylah Robertson (5-1, 1 KO) vs. Yoselin Fernandez (11-1, 5 KOs), 10 rounds, junior bantamweight
 
Faris Chevalier (13-1, 7 KOs) vs. Conor Wallace (8-1, 6 KOs), 10 rounds, light heavyweight
 
Joel Camilleri (22-7-1, 10 KOs) vs. Koen Mazoudier (9-2, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, junior middleweight

Joyce (13-0, 12 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, has taken the express route to contention since turning pro in October 2017. He knocked out former world champion Bermane Stiverne in his eighth pro fight and won a points verdict over former title challenger Bryant Jennings in his 10^th outing. He came from behind to stop then-unbeaten prospect Daniel Dubois in November 2020. Last July, he knocked out longtime contender Carlos Takam in six rounds. Hammer (27-9, 17 KOs) is a 14-year pro who has fought the likes of Tyson Fury, Luis Ortiz, Alexander Povetkin, and Tony Yoka, Joyce’s Olympic nemesis.

                                     In other streaming action from London:                                                                      
 
Nathan Heaney (15-0, 6 KOs) vs. Nizar Trimech (9-3-2, 4 KOs), 10 rounds, middleweight
 
Jason Cunningham (31-6, 7 KOs) vs. Zolani Tete (29-4, 22 KOs), 12 rounds,
Cunningham’s Commonwealth and IBF International junior featherweight titles
 
Callum Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) vs. Igor Mikhalkin (24-3, 11 KOs), 12 rounds,
Johnson’s WBO Global and vacant WBC Silver light heavyweight titles
 
Mark Chamberlain (10-0, 7 KOs) vs. Marc Vidal (13-2-5, 5 KOs), 10 rounds,
vacant IBF European lightweight title.

 
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. 

BROOKLYN – June 30, 2022 – Polish heavyweight star and Brooklyn fan-favorite Adam Kownacki, unbeaten rising star Gary Antuanne Russell and former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy spoke of their fighting legacies and desire to make history while previewing their respective matchups during a virtual press conference on Thursday before they enter the ring on Saturday, July 30 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Kownacki will take on Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen in the 10-round co-main event, while Russell and Barthelemy will meet in a 10-round super lightweight showdown kicking off the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® tripleheader at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The event is headlined by two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia making his super welterweight debut against exciting contender Jose Benavidez Jr.

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 33-year-old Kownacki will return to his home arena of Barclays Center, where he has previously fought 10 times, compiling a 9-1 record in front of the area’s raucous Polish fans. Kownacki, and his longtime trainer Keith Trimble, seek an emphatic victory after back-to-back defeats and a chance to get back into contention for the heavyweight title.

For Russell, he will be fighting for the first time since the passing of his father and trainer Gary Russell Sr. last month. The highly acclaimed rising star will look to continue the legacy of his fighting family and will have his brother, former WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. in his corner for this July 30 showdown. He again steps up in competition to face Cuba’s Barthelemy, who can move closer toward his own goal of becoming Cuba’s first three-division world champion with a win.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday:

ADAM KOWNACKI

“This is the biggest fight of my career. I have to win to stay relevant in the heavyweight division. I’m training hard and I’m ready to win.

“Having two kids these last few years has been life changing for me, but I can’t have everything with a cherry on top. I had to make more sacrifices in my life for this training camp to make sure that I stayed focused.

“I never thought I was done after fighting Robert Helenius. My goal is just to always go out there and do my best. My first boxing goal was to win the New York Golden Gloves, and I did that in my first year. My goal, now, is to win the world title, and that’s what I’m working toward.

“I had a good 20 fights, I hit a bump in the road, but on July 30 I’m coming to get a win and then I’m back on the right track. I want to get a world title shot in the next year or two, and with my team, I know that I can get that done.

“It’s going to be a red and white arena out there to support me. It’s going to be another great night. I can’t wait to be back in Brooklyn at Barclays Center.

“The footwork is really what we’re focused on. I remember being in camp with Wladimir Klitschko and being amazed by his footwork. I worked on it a lot back then but I got a little bit away from it.

“The fans are going to get what they always see with me. It’s fireworks. I can’t wait to be back in Brooklyn. Fight night can’t come soon enough.

“For a while, I could go blow for blow and come out on top. The past couple fights didn’t end that way, so we went back to some of our basics. That’s what I have to do to take the next steps.”

GARY ANTUANNE RUSSELL

“My father cornered the market when it came to a lot of this, not just in boxing, but as a leader and a teacher. We don’t want anything he did to go in vain. We want to keep this legacy going on. He knew what he was doing with this machinery and with our legacy.

“He gave us a cerebral insight on not just the world, but boxing. We’re going to take it and run with it at this point. Life has a road that demands not just excelling, but evolution. That’s part of life. We’re going to carry this legacy and information and build off this foundation he left for us.

“As far as our training methods, nothing is different. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’re trying to do everything as close to usual as possible. The only difference is my dad’s voice and foul language isn’t here for inspiration. We have to work with what he left us and keep sharpening our tools.

“We have to keep going forward, period. We can’t take a step back. Because that would make all  the sacrifices we’ve made and that our father made, be in vain. We can’t go backwards. As far as training, we’re busting our tails as usual. We’ll be in here in the gym on the 4^th of July.

“A win on July 30 brings us closer to our family goal. We’ve been knocking at it individually, but we accomplish things as a whole, as we should. Beating an opponent of this caliber gets me closer to that family goal.

“As an individual, I just want to wipe out the division. I want all the titles. I’m a superstar, but I’m very humble. There are things that people need to know. I need to spread my wisdom and showcase my talent. I’m definitely going to flourish in my goal and the benefits that it brings. The sky is the limit for me.

“I’m delivering a showcase of excellence, fireworks and a victorious night for me, as usual. We’re keeping that train going and we’re trying to keep that knockout record unblemished.

“If you don’t come into this ring with some type of confidence, then you shouldn’t be in this profession. He should be saying things about knocking me out. But my mentality hasn’t changed. This is just another steppingstone.”

RANCES BARTHELEMY

“I want to extend my condolences to the Russell family. I know Gary and the entire family were always united and very close. I remember being in your city and seeing how close you guys were. My heart goes out to you. As far as the fight goes, I don’t see Gary’s situation as being advantageous to me. I hope that Gary can be at 100 percent so that we can give the fans a great fight.

“I have to redeem myself. I have a very bad feeling about my last fight and I’m just thankful to SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity and allowing me to showcase my skills and to show the fans that I’m still here and that I’m ready to take what’s mine.

“I still have the hunger. I have two things in my head right now. The first one is redemption, like I said before. The second one is that I want to become the first three-division champion from Cuba. That is my obsession. I pace around the room sometimes just thinking about it and how bad I want to accomplish it. It keeps me up at night. But first, I have to focus on July 30 and stay focused on what I really, really want to accomplish.

“I’m as hungry as ever and I want to emphasize that point. I still strive for more, and I want more, and I’m still capable of so much more than what others think I am.

“I don’t see it like I’m being used as a steppingstone, but rather, I see this as an opportunity, because I can redeem the last fight that I had, which left a very, very sour taste in my mouth. I want to show that I can still be someone who can be counted on in this division to make history out there.

“I need this win to secure my history. Time is running out. I need to go in there and leave blood, sweat and tears in the ring to make sure I can achieve my dreams and my goals and everything that I want to accomplish.

“I want to continue to work on my conditioning and be ready to take on the power from a young and explosive fighter like Gary Antuanne. Our styles clash perfectly. Gary is someone who comes forward and likes to be very offensive, while I’m more of a counter-puncher. So, what they’re going to see is a kind of art inside the ring and you’re not going to want to miss it.”

KEITH TRIMBLE, Kownacki’s Trainer

“We just have to get back to working behind the jab and working on the head movement. We can’t get lackadaisical. You’re going to see better footwork, better movement and Adam working behind that jab.

“Adam truly wants to be that first Polish heavyweight world champion. He’s not just doing this for the money, he’s serious about boxing and about his legacy. 

“In this sport, you’re only as good as your last fight. Everyone wants to dump on you when you take a loss, but we’re just focused on what is in front of us.”

GARY RUSSELL JR., Gary’s Brother and Trainer

“I’ve fallen right in suit as far as training. It’s something I was always doing anyway and was side by side with my father and coaching my younger brothers. It’s easier for me because of the way my father prepared me for this opportunity. We are using everything that has happened to us as fuel and are 110% prepared for whatever comes our way. We are focused and nothing is going to get in the way of what we need to accomplish.

“I got the surgery on my shoulder on April 1. I’m in recovery and I’m getting physical therapy. I don’t know when I’ll be back. We don’t know. As of now that’s all I can say. I’m focused on my younger brother and getting some good physical therapy at the same time.”

#         #         #

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 (June 30, 2022) – RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS returns to the Great Northwest for the first time in more than 2 years on July 14th, headlined by former USA amateur standout Quinton Randall (9-0-1, 2 KOs), at Yakima Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington.

All the action will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

“We’re excited to returning to Yakima Legends Casino,” RJJ Boxing president Lisa Veltre said. “The staff is great to work with and boxing fans there are passionate, especially about Northwest-based boxers like Andrew Murphy, who is trained by Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr. Headliner Quinton Randall is a rising star who is in tough against Ivan Pandzic.”

“I’m very delighted to be training Andrew Murphy,” Jones added. “It’s so good to be bringing him back to his hometown for his first title fight. It’s a small title but it’s still a title. I’m very happy to be part of his journey with him and look forward to big things from him in the future.”

The 31-year-old Randall, fighting out of Houston, is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC Silver champion, who faces Ivan “Cobra” Pandzic 14-1-1 (8 KOs) in the 8-round main event in a non-title fight.

Randall captured a gold medal at he prestigious 2016 USA Nationals, silver at the 2017 USA Nationals and 2017 Pan American Games, and he reached the quarterfinals of the 2017 World Championships.

In the 8-round co-feature event, local favorite Andrew Murphy will put his undefeated record on the line against Isiah Jones (9-6, 3 KOs), of Detroit, for the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) Americas Middleweight Championship.

Washington State intra-rivals William Hernandez (8-2, 5 KOs), of Burien, and Wapato super lightweight Magarito Hernandez (2-2-1) – no relations – throwdown in an 8-round bout, while middleweights Joseph Aguilar (2-0-1, 1 KO) and Alarenz Reynolds (1-1) battle in a 4-round match to open the UFC FIGHT PASS live stream.

Fighting on the non-UFC FIGHT PASS segment of the card are welterweight Chris Johnson (7-0, 1 KO) vs. Devonte McDonald (1-1), lightweight Bryan Sanchez (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro debuting Dyllon Cervantes, and light heavyweight Nick Mills (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Kelton Hall (2-1, 1 KO).

Tickets are reasonably priced at $90.00, $65.00, and $45.00 and available for purchase on site at the Legends Gift Shop, or by going online to https://www.ticketmaster.com/legends-casino-event-center-tickets-toppenish/venue/123450.

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first fight at 6 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT).

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.legendscasino.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: : /RJJBoxing /LegendsCasinoHotel /UFCFightPass,

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial @YNLegendsCasino @UFCFightPass,

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing @UFCFightPass

ABOUT ROY JONES JR (RJJ) BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

POMONA, CA (June 30, 2022) – The future of the lightweight division and surging undefeated prospect, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (6-0, 6 KOs), returns on August 25, 2022, at The Hangar at the OC Fair and Events Center in Costa Mesa, California. The card will be promoted by Roy Englebrecht Promotions, and Mercado’s opponent will be named on a later date.

“I stopped my last opponent in the same number of rounds as Keyshawn Davis did, but mine was more impressive, now I am going to continue being the most feared lightweight when I fight on August 25th,” said Mercado, the decorated amateur from of Pomona, California, with over a hundred wins in the amateurs and numerous national titles. “I am tired of all these entitled fighters, people who don’t want to fight, just talk. I am here to force these guys into these fights, and to bring the pride back into boxing. I am here to expose all of them.”

In Mercado’s last fight, which he referenced, knocked out Jose Zaragoza in two rounds. 2020 Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis knocked out Zaragoza in the same duration on a televised ESPN bout, but Mercado did it in more impressive fashion.”

“I want all the big fighters, Keyshawn Davis and especially Shakur Stevenson, I see flaws in all of them,” continued Mercado. “I am hoping I can go longer than two rounds in this upcoming fight, but honestly I doubt it. At this level, these guys won’t be able to handle my power. I am just glad for the opportunity and the chance to entertain my fans.”

In Mercado’s seventh pro fight, he is already stepping up to 8-round bouts, as he has hopes of fighting for a regional title by the end of the year. 

“I want the best opponents possible, so naturally now I am fighting in eight-round bouts, because I need to be tested,” said Mercado. “I have a very good team with my father and I know that I will be in the best position possible moving forward. I’m hungry to show the world my talent and I’m working my way toward fighting for a regional title by the end of this year.” 

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 30, 2022): Undefeated boxing superstar Ryan Garcia (22-0, 18KOs) of Victorville, CA, hosted a virtual media roundtable call ahead of his scheduled 12-round lightweight fight against former two-time world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (37-3-1, 26 KOs) of La Romana, DR. The fight will take place in Downtown Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, July 16 and will be streamed live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN. 

Tickets for Garcia vs. Fortuna are on sale now and are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100, $75, and $50 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase online at AXS.com, CryptoArena.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

Below are brief quotes of what the fighter had to say during his media call. Click HERE for the full audio:

“Joe’s consistency and his work ethic never misses a beat. He is always looking to improve or find a way to better your game. He is there all the time. His worth ethic is unmatched.”

“Overall, my skill level improved. This is due to my consistent training after my brief break. My mind is up to speed in terms of timing, reflexes, distance, and control. Overall my game is much better.”

“I think it’s pretty obvious where we are headed once we pass Fortuna. I am going to campaign for the fight against Gervonta Davis. We want to be transparent about the process to prove to the people that we want this fight. I try to find ways to exploit the truth and clear the fog. I have to be transparent, just like I was with the Cruz negotiations.”

“I’ve always been close to my family. We have a lot of traditions, and we keep each other close. We love each other, pray together, and this journey of my boxing career and fame; my family has been there with me every step of the way. It’s very important to be me because I love my family. I love everyone being happy, and I love sharing all my success with everyone I love.”

“I have been taking steps with surrounding myself with people who want the best for me. People that will not contribute stress and pressure on my life. I am focusing on what keeps me happy and what songs keep me happy.”

“[After going the distance with Tagoe] I am able to base my overall game plan a little bit better for a 12-round fight. Conditioning wise I have updated our techniques. I understand at which rounds I feel more tired and when I feel a second wind. There have been little things that I have been able to construct in my mind that evaluate and have solutions for when training. So now I feel even more comfortable in a 12-round fight; and I will be able to show you what I have learned and what I have been working on on July 16.”

“I am a great fighter. I am going to show you the difference between me and Jojo Diaz and Robert Easter Jr. Nothing is guaranteed, but I am 99.999% confident I will take Fortuna out early. 

Garcia vs. Fortuna is a 12-round lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, July 16 at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena 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 #GarciaFortuna. 

PLANT CITY, Florida (June 30, 2022): German heavyweight Christian Thun (8-0, 6 KOs) is set it to return in an eight-round bout against Curtis Harper (13-8, 9 KOs) on July 9 in the co-main event of Francis-Beltran at ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

Thun tops off an undercard portion that will feature several talents on the rise. The main card will be streamed live globally on ProBox TV beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. ET.

Thun is a native of Ennepetal, Germany who debuted as a professional in March 2018.  The 30-year-old puncher has since remained undefeated in eight fights, maintaining a 75% knockout ratio in the process by scoring wins in different parts of the world, including Monaco, Spain, the United States and in his home country. Thun is ready to continue making wave in his fourth pro fight on American soil against the battle-tested Harper.

The following undercard bouts are also scheduled to take place:

·      Rising contender Brandon Glaton (15-0, 12 KOs) of Atlanta, Georgia will take on Deshon Webster (12-5-3, 6 KOs) of Lenexa, Kansas in an eight-round cruiserweight bout.

·      Julio Solis (7-0, 6 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico will fight Christian Otero (4-1, 2 KOs) of New York City in a super featherweight battle scheduled for six rounds.

·      Marques Valle (4-0, 4 KOs) of Lutz, Florida will face off against Shawn West (7-2-1, 4 KOs) of Davenport, Iowa in a six-round battle in the welterweight division.

·      Dominic Valle (3-0, 3 KOs), brother of Marques, will return in a four-round featherweight tilt against Manuel Guzman (8-5-1, 5 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua.

·      Middleweight prospect Darrelle Valsaint (4-0, 3 KOs) of Orlando, Florida will participate in a six-round fight.

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Francis vs. Beltran is a 10-round fight for the WBO NABO Super Lightweight Championship. The event will take place on Saturday, July 9 at ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida and will be streamed live globally on ProBox TV. 

Tickets for Francis vs. Beltran on sale now and start at $50, excluding applicable services charges. Tickets are available for purchase at EventBrite.com or by clicking here.

Credentials: Media interested in attending Francis vs. Beltran event must be pre-approved for media credentials. The credential application is available by clicking here. Deadline for submitting the media credential application is Friday, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Media will not be credentialed on site, no exceptions. 

About ProBox TV

ProBox TV is the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to the sport of professional boxing. Founded by former CEO of Iron Mike Productions Garry Jonas in partnership with the legendary Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Antonio Tarver, and Paulie Malignaggi, ProBox TV’s mission is to deliver real boxing fans an improved experience when watching and following the sport—all for the nominal monthly price of $1.99. Download the ProBox TV app or visit www.ProBoxTV.com to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit. 

Bournemouth, England – (30th June 2022) – The huge domestic clash between Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain at the Bournemouth International Centre on 30th July will headline a card featuring two 2020 Olympic Games medalists, one of the most explosive finishers in British boxing and a rising star tipped as a future great.

Ben ‘B£NZO’ Whittaker, who won silver at the latest Olympics and is now crossing over into the professional ranks with a stated intention of becoming the greatest British boxer of all time, will launch his professional career against solid opposition in the experienced County Durham fighter Greg ‘The Real Deal’ O’Neill (6-6-1, 1 KO).

Testament to Whittaker’s confidence in himself, he has elected to make his professional debut in a six-round fight, skipping the traditional four-round entry level. Coached by SugarHill Steward, who also trains Tyson Fury, the big-hitting Midlander is lauded as one of the most exciting prospects in the world.

Fellow medalist Frazer Clarke (1-0, 1 KO), who captained Team GB at the 2020 Olympics and won a bronze medal, returns to the ring for his second professional outing following his stunning first-round stoppage win on the undercard of Khan vs Brook in February.

The Burton-based ‘Big Fraze’ heads to Bournemouth in search of a second similarly emphatic finish, as he takes the next step of his journey towards conquering the domestic heavyweight scene.

Southampton KO sensation Joe Pigford (19-0, 18 KO’s) makes the short journey on the M27 to Bournemouth with his fanatical fans. He’s looking to put on another devastating performance, before returning home with his first championship title in his bag.

Thunderous puncher Pigford holds a 95% KO ratio and is on an unbroken 16-KO run. In Bournemouth he will challenge for the Vacant WBO European Super-Welterweight Championship and will take a huge step closer to world title contention if he wins.

Hard-hitting Scottish prospect John Docherty (12-1, 9 KOs) looks to make a big statement against the undefeated Manchester-based Brazilian puncher Diego Costa (8-0, 5 KOs) in an exciting shoot out that is sure to deliver drama.

Another 2020 Team GB Olympian in Caroline Dubois (2-0, 1 KO) continues on her career following her powerful first round stoppage of Martina Horgasz last time out and faces experienced Tanzanian Happy Daudi over six rounds.

Undefeated cruiserweight puncher Mikael Lawal (15-0, 9 KOs) looks for his sixteenth career win and possible tenth stoppage as he continues a journey which has taken him from homeless teenage gang member to the top tier of the British cruiserweight rankings.

One half of boxing’s hottest sibling talents, Hassan Azim (3-0, 2 KOs), will also look to extend his unbeaten record. After watching younger brother Adam capture his first championship title last week in Coventry with a blistering first-round stoppage, welterweight Hassan will be looking to display his own awesome firepower, following on from his own first-round KO win in March.

Completing the card is another hugely popular all-action Bournemouth fighter, Lee Cutler (10-1, 7 KOs). He has ended his last three fights inside two rounds, with his most recent victory winning him the Southern Area Super-Welterweight title.

Be first in line and get priority access to exclusive discounted tickets – join the waiting list at Boxxer.com

BOXXER: Billam-Smith vs Chamberlain, headlines a stellar card presented by BOXXER in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels; with special thanks to K4 Global.

SAN ANTONIO, T.X. – June 29, 2022 – Former world champion and all-action fan-favorite Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa expects to showcase his power and speed when he moves up in weight and makes his 126-pound debut against Carlos Castro in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“We’re looking to make a statement on July 9,” said Figueroa. “Me not worrying about squeezing to make 122 pounds and really killing myself at the end of camp just makes me more relaxed mentally. I feel fresher heading into this fight and I just can’t wait to showcase that.

“I’m going to be a lot stronger and more explosive. If people were impressed with my conditioning at 122, just imagine what it’s going to be like at 126. Everyone is going to see a better version of myself.”

After winning the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship by becoming the first person to defeat Luis Nery in May 2021, Figueroa followed that fight up with a thrilling 122-pound unification clash against Stephen Fulton Jr. last November on SHOWTIME that was recognized as one of the best fights of the year. Although Figueroa lost a narrow majority decision in a fight that warranted a rematch, he stuck with his decision to move up in weight.

“The decision to move up in weight had been made way before the Fulton fight,” said Figueroa. “That has been in the works for a long time. We were just waiting for the right opportunity to move up. After the Fulton fight, I knew that I was going to move up no matter what happened in that fight.”

Figueroa still has his sights on a rematch with Fulton and says that it will be better for all involved when it happens at featherweight.

“I believe it will be better for both of us to do the rematch at 126 pounds,” said Figueroa. “The Fulton rematch is something that has to happen. It has to happen for the fans, for me and Fulton, and to give everyone another ‘Fight of the Year’.”

Although he was disappointed in the judges’ ruling in that memorable fight, Figueroa has been able to take positives from the experience and plans to use those improvements on July 9 and going forward.

“I learned a lot from the Fulton fight and grew a lot because of it,” said Figueroa. “I took the good from the bad and kept moving on. We went back to the drawing board and saw some things that we did like from that fight and saw places where we could improve. I’ve been working on adapting. I’ve learned to be a little more patient, more technical, to use my distance better and capitalize on my shots.”

For this fight, the Weslaco, Texas native has held his training camp in San Antonio, where he’s been able to receive sparring from fighters including super flyweight world champion Joshua Franco. He has also been training alongside his brother, former world champion Omar Figueroa Jr., a setup that has added to his motivation in camp.

“This is something that I’ve been dreaming of since I was a kid,” said Figueroa. “We’ve trained together in California before but being back closer to home and working alongside my brother is amazing. It’s us against the world. It’s a beautiful opportunity for our family to get even closer and be a unit together. This has been my favorite training camp so far.”

In his featherweight debut, Figueroa will take on the experienced Castro, who was unbeaten in his first 27 pro fights before dropping a split-decision to Luis Nery in February. Castro’s journey to fight night mirrors Figueroa’s in that they’re both coming off  their first career defeats and are moving up in weight. For Figueroa, he believes this will only add to the excitement for everyone watching.

“Castro is a great fighter,” said Figueroa. “He’s patient and very technical. There are some things that I have to do to take that away from him and put the pressure on him, like I do so well. I know he’s going to come to fight with a lot to prove. We’re both coming off fresh losses and moving up in weight, so I know we’re stepping into that ring to make a statement.”

With a victory on July 9, Figueroa can move himself into a position to challenge the winner of the night’s main event between unbeaten WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark Magsayo and undefeated former world champion Rey Vargas. Figueroa offered up his thoughts on that fight and promised that no matter who he eventually faces, he’ll be ready to deliver another of his signature fan-friendly performances.

“The main event is going to be a good, close fight,” said Figueroa. “It just comes down to who’s smarter. If Magsayo puts the right pressure on, he can win. If Vargas keeps his distance well and boxes him, I feel like Vargas will win. It’s a matter of who the smarter fighter is and who adapts better in the ring.

“I think me fighting whoever wins the main event would be a very exciting fight. It would be fireworks. Every time I’m in the mix, I come to fight at 110%. I don’t back down. With either fighter, it would be an amazing night of boxing.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com. The Martin vs. Núñez bout is promoted in association with Man Down Promotions.

#          #          #

ABOUT MAGSAYO VS. VARGAS

Magsayo vs. Vargas will see WBC Featherweight World Champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo take on former world champion Rey Vargas in a battle of unbeatens that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 9 from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas 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 feature hard-hitting former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa taking on Carlos Castro in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator bout in the co-main event, plus the Derrick James-trained, unbeaten lightweight contender Frank Martin battles Panama’s power-punching Ricardo Núñez in the 10-round telecast opener.

Additional coverage will include a pair of bouts streamed live on the SHOWTIME SPORTS^® YouTube channel beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The action will see unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis facing Argentine Olympian Alberto Palmetta in a 10-round duel, plus San Antonio’s own Ramon Cardenas battling Venezuela’s Michell Banquez in a 10-round bantamweight attraction.

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