ARLINGTON, TX. (April 6, 2022) – Boxing legend Zab Judah joined WBC and IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. for a virtual press conference Wednesday as the fighters discussed the undisputed championship and previewed Spence’s upcoming welterweight championship unification clash against WBA champion Yordenis Ugas taking place Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Just the 12th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugas will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Spence will look to add a third belt by defeating Ugas, moving him one step closer to becoming the first undisputed welterweight champion since Judah accomplished the feat in 2005.

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

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“It’s motivating to hear from Zab. When you grew up watching a person and now it’s your turn and they give you high praise, it’s especially motivating. I appreciate Zab’s support. A lot of older fighters don’t really give their support to the younger generation. I give much respect to Zab. His support means a lot.

“I remember when I was younger, watching Zab winning all the belts. That’s something I wanted to do. I never dreamed in a million years that I’d be doing that. It’s a dream come true. I just have to stay focused because every fight is the most important fight. This is the third time I’m taking someone’s belt. The welterweight division has had a lot of great fighters and a lot of great champions so doing it at this weight class is such a big accomplishment.

“It’s definitely gotten easier to fight in my hometown. You get a lot of pressure from fans, media and friends but you have to block all that out and focus on the task at hand. It’s still special to fight at home in front of your family, your friends, your day one fans too. That ring walk is special too—walking out and seeing familiar faces. You don’t get that in other places but at home they can come out and watch you fight.

“All of my training camps have been at home. I rarely go to a fight hotel unless I’m fighting out of state. I like the comfort of being at home, being around my family. I don’t like getting on planes, especially when you’re trying to make weight. You’ve got to hop out the plane, go to a boxing gym that you’re not familiar with. I’d rather just stay home.

“I don’t see any trickiness in Ugas. I think people put too much emphasis on that. Most Cuban fighters move a lot, get on their toes but Ugas is not even that. He’s a guy who tries to fight, he wants to fight and trade shots. I boxed Mikey Garcia, I banged with Kell Brook and Shawn Porter. I boxed in the paint with Lamont Peterson, slipping and countering. I don’t stand in front of opponents.

“I’m adding to my legacy. Every fight that led up to this is just as important as this fight because they got me to this point. If I didn’t beat those guys I fought when I was 9-0, 10-0, then I wouldn’t have gotten the Kell Brook fight. If I didn’t beat Brook, I wouldn’t have got the Shawn Porter fight, Danny Garcia and everything else. So, every fight means a lot to me because it leads me to better fights and more accomplishments.

“Being a student of the game and just my style makes me a throwback fighter. I feel I’ve always had a professional style, even in the amateurs. I was going to the body then, stopping people to the body. I always had that patience and that’s why I was highly-regarded once I turned pro. Also, I have a laid back personality so I transfer that over to my fighting ability.

“It’s about working hard every day, striving and staying on the grind. I want to show everyone that they don’t have to worry about anything. I’m going to perform to the best of my abilities and I’m 100%.

“It feels good to prove all the doubters wrong. It motivates me. For all the people who say certain things, I just use it as fuel. On April 16, they’re going to see not even the same version of me but a better one.

“Everybody tune in on Saturday, April 16. If you can’t be there at the AT&T Stadium, make sure you order it on SHOWTIME pay-per-view. It’s going to be an amazing event, an all-action fight. It’ll be one-sided on my end but you will see an exciting fight.”

ZAB JUDAH, Last Undisputed Welterweight Champion

“I have a lot of respect for Errol. Number one, for him being the human being he is. He’s a solid, solid fighter I’ve been watching since the amateurs. Errol was a guy who always stood out there. When he turned to the pros and began making a name for himself, I started watching him. He’s about to do something big and become the next undisputed welterweight champion of the world. I feel great passing on the torch, no joke. No joke.

“I feel I don’t have to give Errol any advice. He just needs to do what he has to do to win this fight – work behind his good jab and let his combinations go. Like I said, to pass the torch is dope. Errol Spence is the guy for the job.

“For me, I used to like Pernell Whitaker and he was an undisputed champion. Mike Tyson was another one who was undisputed champion. I got to live out my dream and watch those idols and be around those guys.

“It didn’t matter to me where I fought. Even when I went to win the undisputed championship of the world I had to go to St. Louis and Cory Spinks’ hometown and it was a crazy time for me. I got death threats and all kinds of stuff. But that meant nothing to me. I was focused. I was locked in. I know how Errol feels. When you’re locked into something and it’s your time, there’s nothing that can stop you. Nothing or nobody.

“I like watching [Errol] in the Shawn Porter fight, and the Danny Garcia fight. Errol showed a lot of heart and pulled through. He looked to be confused at times and he pulled through it. Shawn Porter came in with a bunch of ugly looks, but he figured it out. Even in the Danny Garcia fight he got caught with a good left hook, but he went back to his jab and started boxing. That’s a great thing about being great left-hander. You can start back with the jab and it’s all back together again.

“Yes, I would say Errol Spence is a throwback fighter. I would say he has throwback qualities. He’s still a young man and of this era, but he has throwback qualities.

“It was a phenomenal feeling when they strapped those belts on me. And I was in ring and I saw all these colorful belts being passed onto me. It felt like I had a bag of Skittles. I was so happy seeing all those colors. I was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ And when I got back to New York they really embraced me and I had a parade and all kinds of things. The city opened up definitely.

“Yordenis Ugas is a very talented fighter. He’s a very hard worker and is a guy who’s worked hard to get where he is. And I have a lot of respect for him. I’ve never fought a Cuban fighter but I used to spar with Joel Casamayor and sparring with the Cubans fighters you know they are very crafty and they do a lot of things that we normally don’t do. Just little types of tricks that they got.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 6, 2022) – Fighters featured on the DAZN broadcast on April 9th, treated San Antonio boxing fans to a show as they each showed off their boxing skills during their media workout today. The event was streamed live on YouTube, hosted by Golden Boy Fight Night’s Beto Duran. Fighters featured at today’s event included the main event, Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18KOs) of Victorville, CA, who makes his grand return to the ring in a 12-round lightweight battle against the top-rated Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (32-1, 15KOs) of Accra, Ghana. Also in attendance, the co-main event of the night, “King” Gabriel Rosado (26-14-1, 15 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, and Shane Mosley Jr. (17-4, 10 KOs) of Pomona, CA, will face each other in a 10-round fight for the WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight title. Houston’s Marlen Esparza (11-1, 1 KOs) and Tokyo’s Naoko Fujioka (19-2-1, 17 KOs) were on site to promote their 10-round fight for three world titles, the inaugural Ring Magazine Flyweight World Championship, the first-ever in the women’s flyweight division, and the WBC and WBA Flyweight World Championships. Also, Azat Hovhannisyan (20-3, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA, was also onsite to talk about his upcoming fight against Dagoberto Aguero (15-1, 10 KOs) of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, in a 10-round featherweight battle as the opening DAZN fight of the night, live from San Antonio’s Alamodome on April 9th. The DAZN live stream will begin at 6:00 p.m. PT / 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

RYAN GARCIA, UNDEFEATED LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“Boxing is part of me. I have been doing this since I was seven years old and I am good at it. I know that I still have a lot left to give to the sport. I feel pretty safe in the ring. I am not taking a beating. Even in sparring I don’t feel like I am getting hit with a lot of shots. And fortunately, I am healthy enough to continue to fight at a high level and give fans some amazing fights. I feel great and I am going to make every day count.

“I miss everything about boxing: the competition, the contact, destroying someone. Seeing the shot; knowing where it is going to land; knowing that the timing is just perfect. I just love to fight and just be better than the person in front of me.

“Tagoe is a veteran, he is going to try his best to keep me off of him, to survive. His goal, I think, is to not get knocked out. I know he has been saying that facing me will be easy. But I can say one thing, my job is to not make his life easy in that ring. Fans should be ready to see me give this fight everything I got. If he can take a shot, it will be a good fight. If he can’t, he will be out of there very quick.

“This is going to be an exciting fight from me. You can expect timing and explosion. I don’t look to toss someone around for a couple of rounds. If I land a good one, you can expect that I am going to be looking to take someone out.”

EMMANUEL “THE GAMEBOY” TAGOE, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I think I have the tools to knockout Ryan on Saturday. This fight is an opportunity for me to showcase myself.

“I came here to knock out Ryan Garcia. I think he’s good but he’s not my size. I can’t wait for Saturday. I’m going to show everyone.

“Training camp was good and I’m happy with this fight. Everyone is going to like this fight. I come to win with a knockout or no knockout. I waited for this opportunity. To all of Garcia’s fans watch out for Saturday.”

“KING” GABRIEL ROSADO, WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION:

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and do my thing. Yeah I got to be part of his father’s training camp when he went against margarito. But at the end of the day it’s business, we’re in the hurt business. This is what we do. We’re going to do our thing and I’m going for the knockout. It’s just perseverance. Not listening to what people have to say.”

SHANE MOSLEY JR, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“It’s great to have all these eyes on me. I’m happy to be on this card. Being the co-main event is great. Me and Ryan used to see each other in the amateurs. I can’t wait to get in the ring with Gave Rosado. I’m definitely going to show everyone what I’m made of. I’m really focused.”

MARLEN ESPARZA, WBC FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“It’s amazing. Being like 3 hours from my home. I prepared like I usually do. I was already excited to get the ring with another champion. When it was brought to my attention that it was possible with the ring belt it really solidified what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m going to put on a show, it’s going to be a good night.”

NAOKO FUJIOKA, WBA FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“I’m so excited for this fight. It doesn’t matter to me that I’m in her hometown. I wanted to get a bigger name. I am here to represent Japan.”

AZAT HOVHANNISYAN, FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“Yes I was with Robert Garcia before. I learned a lot of good things from him. I feel good, I’m calm. I want to fight anyone at 122. I’m ready for any fighter.”

ARLINGTON, TX. – April 6, 2022 – Rising prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. will return to action in an eight-round super welterweight contest against Dan Karpency highlighting the non-televised undercard Saturday, April 16 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The action will also include hard-hitting cruiserweights squaring off as Dallas-native Adrian Taylor takes on knockout artist Efetobor Apochi in an eight-round fight.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

The event is topped by WBC and IBF World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA World Champion Yordenis Ugas squaring off in a welterweight title unification clash live on SHOWTIME PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view lineup features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event, unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley facing veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a special edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® headlined by WBA Welterweight Champion Radzhab Butaev and top contender Eimantas Stanionis. The telecast begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and also features unbeaten rising star Brandun Lee taking on Zachary Ochoa in a super lightweight bout.

Rounding out the non-televised undercard is Mexico’s Fernando Garcia (13-4, 8 KOs) taking on exciting prospect Angel Barrientes (8-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight attraction, unbeaten middleweight Samuel Arnold (4-0, 2 KOs) dueling Darryl Jones (4-3-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round showdown and El Paso, Texas native Darius Gulghum (1-0, 1 KO) battling Nosa Nehikhare (5-1) for six rounds of cruiserweight action.

Representing Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki (10-1, 7 KOs) bounced back from a decision defeat in April 2021 to score stoppage victories over Noah Kidd and Nicholas DeLomba. His most recent fight saw Mielnicki go 10 rounds for the first time, as he earned a TKO over DeLomba in the final frame. The 19-year-old began turning heads during an exceptional amateur career where he compiled a 147-22 record and was named the Most Outstanding Boxer of the 2011 Junior National Golden Gloves, amongst many accolades before turning pro. He will be opposed by the 30-year-old Karpency (9-4-1, 4 KOs), who most recently lost to unbeaten prospect Xander Zayas. The Adah, Pennsylvania native is the younger brother of fellow pro fighters Tommy and Jeremiah Karpency.

A native of Dallas, Taylor (12-1-1, 5 KOs) has won five of his last six fights, with the only blemish coming in a September 2021 split-draw against Rafayel Simonyan. The 31-year-old won seven-straight fights after turning pro, before losing a four-round majority decision against Jerhed Fenderson in 2018. He takes on the 34-year-old Apochi (11-1, 11 KOs), who most recently lost a narrow-split decision to Brandon Glanton in June 2021 in one of the year’s most memorable shootouts. The Nigerian fighter turned pro in 2017 and scored knockouts in his first 11 fights.

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

LAS VEGAS (April 6, 2022) – Super welterweight contender Jamontay Clark will duel Aaron Coley in an eight-round showdown highlighting the non-televised undercard this Saturday, April 9 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton.

Also in action, 2020 Philippine Olympian Eumir Marcial returns to the ring to take on Isiah Hart in a four-round middleweight affair.

The event is headlined by a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader that will see top 154-pound contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora meet for the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title in the main event. The action on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features former super welterweight world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison taking on highly regarded contender Sergio Garcia in the 10-round co-main event, plus unbeaten super welterweight Kevin Salgado battling Bryant Perrella in the 10-round telecast opener

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

The non-televised lineup also includes highly-touted Mayweather Promotions prospect Jalil Hackett (3-0, 2 KOs) squaring off against fellow unbeaten Jose Belloso (4-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round welterweight affair, and Mayweather Promotions’ super featherweight prospect Dorian Khan Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) competing in a four-round attraction against Mexico’s Arturo De Isla (2-1, 1 KO).

Rounding out the card is super bantamweight prospect Alberto Gonzalez (1-0) in a four-round fight against Daniel Alegre (1-0, 1 KO) and the pro debut of super bantamweight Xavier Bocanegra in a four-round bout taking on Jose Ramirez (1-1, 1 KO).

The 27-year-old Clark (15-2-1, 7 KOs) will return to the ring looking to bounce back from a March 2021 defeat against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Clark won his first 13 pro fights, including impressive victories over Ivan Golub and Domonique Dolton. Clark also owns a split-draw against unbeaten contender Sebastian Fundora in a 2019 action fight. He will be challenged by the Hayward, California native Coley (16-3-1, 7 KOs), who most recently lost a split-decision against Vladimir Hernandez in July 2020. Coley won six-straight fights after his first loss and overall has won seven of his last nine fights.

Fresh off his run to the semifinals representing the Philippines during the Olympic tournament in Tokyo, Marcial (1-0) steps back into action for his second pro fight on April 9. In addition to making the Olympics, Marcial had a decorated amateur career that included gold medal wins in the India Open, the Korotkov Memorial Tournament, the Ulaanbaatar Cup and the Southeast Asian Games. Prior to the Olympics, Marcial had a successful pro debut in December 2020, beating Andrew Whitfield by decision. He will take on the 30-year-old Hart (6-2-1, 4 KOs), who fights out of Mays Landing, New Jersey and went 1-1 in 2021, stopping Ernesto Cardona Sanchez before losing to Francis Hogan.

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ABOUT LUBIN VS. FUNDORA
Lubin vs. Fundora will see top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora square off for the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, April 9 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features former super welterweight world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison taking on highly regarded contender Sergio Garcia in the 10-round co-main event, plus unbeaten super welterweight Kevin Salgado battling Bryant Perrella in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

LAS VEGAS (April 6, 2022) – Undefeated Swedish middleweight prospect Shady Gamhour (12-0, 9 KOs) returns to Las Vegas to fight there for the first time since 2018, April 29th on the “Sons of Legends” card, presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing in association with Ares Entertainment, in The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas.

The main event is a 10-round match for the vacant WBC USNBC heavyweight title between Kenzie “TCB” Morrison (19-02,2, 17 KOs) and Hasim “Gold Blooded” Rahman (12-0, 6 KOs), respectively, the sons of past World Heavyweight Champions Tommy “The Duke” Morrison and Hasim Rahman.

The action will be called at ringside by Hall of Famer Roy Jones, Jr., James “Smitty” Smith and Kalvin “Hot Sauce” Henderson on FITE TV and iNDemand PPV.

Sweden-native Gamhour, who lives and trains with Roy Jones in Pensacola, Florida, is matched against Steven Pichardo (8-1-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round bout.

“It feels awesome to fight again in Las Vegas,” Gamhour said. “It is a dream come true! It has been a blessing to have been able to be trained by the great Roy Jones, Jr. for the past five years.

“My training camp has been great, and we now have the most important weeks of training leading up to the fight in Las Vegas.”

Pichardo has won seven of his last eight fights with one draw.

“For me,” Jones commented, “it’s always fun to train Shady because he is one of the most dedicated people you ever want to see. There is nothing better in my opinion than a dedicated fighter. All fighters don’t have the same talent, all fighters don’t get to the same skill level drive and motivation is something that they can control. When you find a fighter with drive, control, and motivation like Shady, it makes you glad to spend time teaching them. Because of his drive and motivation, I’m very much looking forward to seeing Shady back in the ring. I can’t wait to see him fight.”

Also scheduled to fight are sons of other “boxing legends” such as Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, Mike “The Bounty” Hunter, Robert “Preacherman” Daniels, Gerald “G-Man” McClellan, and Steve “USS” Cunningham.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are available for purchase online at https://www.axs.com/events/429450/sons-of-legends-morrison-vs-rahman-jr-tickets.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @shadyboxing

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Founded in 2013, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions 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 and also in Mexico, Russia, and Japan. RJJ Boxing has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

BROOKLYN – April 6, 2022 – Tickets will go on sale tomorrow for big-time boxing’s return to Barclays Center in Brooklyn as five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, boxing’s hottest young attraction, defends his title against unbeaten No. 1-ranked contender and mandatory challenger Rolando Romero Saturday, May 28 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, go on sale Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased online at seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center beginning Thursday, April 7 at 12 p.m. ET.

Pre-sale tickets are available NOW through seatgeek.com and barclayscenter.com with the code: BROOKLYN

A three-division world champion, Davis returns to Barclays Center where he delivered a star-making performance in 2017 as he thrilled the Brooklyn crowd by stopping Jose Pedraza to capture his first world title. The Baltimore native also owns a 2018 TKO win over Jesus Cuellar at Barclays Center that saw Davis win his second world title. Now, in his third appearance at the arena, Davis will headline in Brooklyn for the first time.

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

LOS ANGELES (April 5, 2022) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), co-founded by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, has announced a new series, “WCBS Junior Tournament,” to go along with its ongoing “WCBS 4-Man Tournament.”

The “WCBS Junior Tournament” is designed for professional fighters under the age of 24 with records within the 9-0-to-11-0 range of experience.

“When our company announced the tournament platform, we had 271 fighters, managers and promoters reach out to us about getting in on one of the brackets,” Taylor said. “I’d say 90-percent were good, young fighters who had records of 9-0, 10-0, etc. Our ‘Junior Tournament’ will provide a great opportunity for young prospects looking to break into the role of young contenders.”

The “WCBS Junior Tournament” will use the same format as the “WCBS 4-Man Tournament” – four fighters in 8-round semifinals with the winners advancing to the 8-round championship final, unlike the 10-round “4-Man Tournament” final.

“The reason we decided to go with 8-rounds for both the semifinals and final is that most of these fighters in the ‘Junior Tournament’ have never gone 8 rounds before,’ Taylor explained. “We just feel that fir them to be effective in their development and progression in the sport and, more importantly, their safety, we will keep both the semifinals and final at 8-rounds.”

The “WCBS Junior Tournament” will also adopt one ‘Overtime round” in the event the any series bout is declared a draw after the scheduled distance is completed.

The North American Boxing Federation (NABF) will be the exclusive sanctioning body for the “WCBS Junior Tournament” with the winner being crowned the new JUNIOR NABF Champion.

“The NABF is excited to support this tournament,” NABF President Duane Ford commented. “This is what our ‘JUNIOR NABF’ title is all about and that’s giving young talent the opportunity to prove themselves.”

“WCBS is honored to have the NABF sanctioning our ‘Junior Tournament’,” Hollan noted. “Not only does it give our tournament credibility, but it also gives these young fighters something to strive for.”

“NABF Championships is one of the most sought-after regional titles in boxing,” Taylor added. “It provides a pathway for many fighters to not only break into the World Boxing Council (WBC) world rankings but positions them for world title opportunities. This is all part of the process.”

The “WCBS Junior Tournament” semifinals are scheduled for June 3rd with the championship final on September 16th.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

MONTREAL (April 5, 2022) – Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) held a virtual press conference this morning in Montreal to announce the next installment of its popular “Boxing Series,” co-promoted by GYM and Probellum, presented by Mise-O-Jeu, on Thursday evening, May 5th, at the Cabaret of Montréal Casino.

Former world light heavyweight champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (25-2, 13 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time in nearly two years but this time as a cruiserweight. He will fight in an 8-round bout against an opponent to be announced this week.

Top Canadian super lightweight prospects, undefeated Mazlum Akdeniz (16-0, 8 KOs) and Mathieu “G-Time” Germain (20-2-1, 9 KOs), will also showcase their considerable talents in 10-round matches. The three boxers, although at different levels in their careers, all have the ambition to join the top 10 contenders in their division before the end of 2022.

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Alvarez hasn’t fought in nearly two years, since he lost to current WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Joe Smith, Jr., and the Colombia-native is taking his explosiveness and power up to the cruiserweight division for the first time. “I’m coming back to boxing to prove to myself that I still have great years to come and titles to conquer at cruiserweights,” Alvarez declared.

A 2008 Olympian, Alvarez will be fighting in his adopted home of Montreal for the first time in nearly five years. The highlight of his professional career to date was a stunning seventh-round stoppage of Sergey Kovalev, who was dropped three times by Alvarez, to capture the WBO World Light Heavyweight title nearly four years ago.

Alvarez has also defeated two other world champions, Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute.

Promoter Yvon Michel is very proud of his progress: “Eleider has only two career losses, against ex-champion Sergei Kovalev who he knocked out beforehand and against the current WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. His talent is undeniable and with his new team he is more motivated than ever to get back to the top.”

The young veteran Mathieu Germain showed a lot of resources and determination overcoming the consequences of covid and a cut in the right eye to knock out his opponent Erick Angulo on March 11 in the 8th and last round. “I had never suffered cuts in my career, but it didn’t really bother me. The important thing is that my many supporters had quite a show that evening and I intend to impress them again on May 5th,” added the sympathetic athlete.

The popular Mazlum Akdeniz will fight his third fight since last December and he asks for more: “I am ready to fight every month if I am given the chance. May 5th will be Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican holiday, and I intend to fight like a Mexican and raise my supporters who will be numerous at the Casino,” the charismatic competitor said.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday at noon at ticketmaster.com or for group at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca

GroupeYM

Source: Groupe Yvon Michel

ABOUT THE YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, all still active within the company, which is the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding GYM has organized 162 events in Quebec, participated in 37 international galas outside of Quebec. Seven boxers became world champions: Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire and Oscar Rivas. Seventeen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 51 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 25 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast GYM’s most important events. On 36 occasions major American networks presented a GYM event, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (2), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

LONDON (April 5, 2022) — The undercard for Tyson Fury’s WBC/Lineal/Ring Magazine Heavyweight Championship of the World collision with challenger Dillian Whyte on Saturday, April 23 is now in place, headed up by a return to the ring for the British junior lightweight champion, Anthony “The Apache” Cacace.

Additionally, it has been confirmed that 4,000 additional tickets now set to go on sale tomorrow making Fury-Whyte the record-breaking sporting event to be held at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.

Cacace (19-1, 7 KOs) is back in action making a successful first defense of his title against Lyon Woodstock in August of last year. The Belfast native will fight for the vacant WBO International title in a 10-rounder against Colombia native Jonathan Romero (34-1, 19 KOs), a former IBF junior featherweight world champion.

In a 10-round supporting fight where fireworks are guaranteed, the vacant WBC Silver featherweight title will be on the line when Tyson Fury comrade Isaac Lowe (23-1-3, 6 KOs) takes on undefeated Liverpool native Nick Ball (14-0, 7 KOs).

The winner of this prestigious belt will be catapulted into the WBC world rankings.

Ladbroke Grove heavyweight David Adeleye (8-0, 7 KOs) will clock up his ninth fight and his second eight-rounder as a professional against Stockport’s Chris Healey as he closes in on title contention.

The unbeaten Tommy Fury (7-0, 4 KOs) will continue his light heavyweight journey over six rounds against Polish veteran Daniel Bocianski (10-1, 2 KOs).

Live pay-per-view coverage in the United States will begin at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

Before the pay-per-view telecast begins, Top-Rank signed Irish Olympian Kurt Walker (1-0, 1 KO) will compete in a four-round featherweight bout against an opponent to be named.

Frank Warren, who is promoting the show in association with Bob Arum’s Top Rank, said: “I am delighted to finally be able to reveal what will be a competitive undercard in support of the big one that we have all been waiting for.

“I genuinely believe that as soon as Anthony Cacace gathers some momentum in his career, he has got what it takes to win a world title and securing the WBO International belt will put him firmly on track. But he is up against a dangerous and experienced opponent in Jonathan Romero and will need to be at his very best on the night.

“I am so looking forward to seeing our man Nick Ball get the chance to really announce himself on the big stage against Tyson’s sidekick, Isaac Lowe, and it should be a cracking fight. The WBC Silver title on the line will propel the winner right into the world mix at featherweight.

“Big David Adeleye, a regular sparring partner for Tyson, will add the heavyweight theme of the night and will relish the big stage.

“I am delighted that Tommy Fury will get to share some of the spotlight with his big brother after missing out on his big fight last year through illness. If Tommy keeps on winning and continues to shine, his big opportunities will soon follow.

“I would also like to welcome Kurt Walker, the Irish Olympian signed to Top Rank, onto the card.”

WEMBLEY CAPACITY INCREASE FOR TYSON’S BIG NIGHT

Fury-Whyte will now be witnessed in person by 94,000 fans following the granting of an additional 4,000 tickets by the local authority.

Brent Council has now approved a further 4,000 tickets to be available as coach packages which go on sale at noon on Wednesday, April 6, exclusively from Ticketmaster.

The 90,000 would have already been a record attendance for boxing but, such was the demand, Queensberry and Top Rank, along with our hosts Wembley Stadium, sought permission from Brent Council to increase capacity to the biggest seen at a sports event at the national stadium since it was rebuilt in 2007.

An original 85,000 tickets were snapped up in a matter of three hours after going on sale, followed a week later by the initial additional 5,000 tickets also sold in conjunction with coach travel.

Warren said, “I am delighted we are now able to provide four thousand extra tickets for fans to watch the biggest boxing event staged in this country. I know this in no way gets near to meeting the huge demand, but we were determined to have as many fans as possible attend Tyson Fury’s big homecoming fight.

“I would like to extend my thanks to Brent Council for making this possible, along with our event partners at Wembley Stadium, and on April 23 Wembley and the borough of Brent will be beamed across the world.”

COACHELLA, CALIF. (April 5, 2022) – Unbeaten 154-pound contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora talks about reaching his peak as a fighter heading into his anticipated clash against Erickson “Hammer” Lubin as the two rising stars meet for the Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title headlining live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 9 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton.

In discussing his most recent victory, a decision over previously unbeaten Sergio Garcia in December, Fundora declared that he’s continued to improve since scoring that first 12-round victory of his young career.

“I learned against Garcia that I’m in great condition and that I can go into deep waters,” said Fundora. “I feel like I’ve improved a lot during this camp. It’s really everything. My boxing, my strength, my running and my overall conditioning is at a higher level. Everything is just peaking for me heading into this fight.”

Despite a colossal standing at over six-foot-six, Fundora has historically had no problems making the 154 pound limit, and stated that he’s actually been able to eat even more during this preparation.

“I’m eating a lot more this training camp,” said Fundora. “It’s not like I’m eating McDonalds every day, but I can eat what I want. We’ve been eating a lot of protein. I feel like I’m bulking but the weight isn’t there. I feel strong.”

After garnering attention for his eye-catching height early in his pro career, the 24-year-old Fundora faced a steadily improving string of opponents in his development leading up to this interim title opportunity. After taking on a Mexican slugger in Jorge Cota and an unbeaten European contender in Garcia during 2021, Fundora considers this opportunity against Lubin to have come at the right time in his career.

“It feels great to be in this position, but it’s part of the plan,” said Fundora. “We’re just going through with it. I’ve got racehorse vision and I’m making sure that I’ll get the job done. Being in this fight shows that I’m maturing. I first fought with PBC when I was 19-years-old and I’m a much different fighter since then.”

On April 9, Fundora steps up once again to face the 26-year-old Lubin, who is currently riding a six-fight winning streak. Lubin will seek to earn a second world title opportunity after losing to Jermell Charlo in 2017, while Fundora hopes to show his own championship-mettle against quality competition.

“We know Lubin is a southpaw and that he’s ranked number one by the WBC,” said Fundora. “He’s a good fighter overall. I expect him to come in and box, but I’m really just focused on doing what I do best.”

Known for his action style, Fundora promised to live up to his nickname and deliver heat when he steps into the ring on April 9.

“Fans can expect me to bring action against Erickson Lubin,” said Fundora. “’The Towering Inferno’ is bringing the fire on fight night.”

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

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ABOUT LUBIN VS. FUNDORA
Lubin vs. Fundora will see top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Sebastián “The Towering Inferno” Fundora square off for the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, April 9 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features former super welterweight world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison taking on highly regarded contender Sergio Garcia in the 10-round co-main event, plus unbeaten super welterweight Kevin Salgado battling Bryant Perrella in the 10-round telecast opener.

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

?Karl Wylie, a lightweight fighter from Coatesville, PA, and a former Golden Gloves winner, will be making his professional boxing debut at Parx Casino® on Friday, May 13.

“Boxing is the only thing I could get up and do every day and not complain about and it’s terrible because of what you put your body through,” said Wylie. “I could do this and not complain about it.”

With a passion for boxing and the competitiveness that comes with it, the road to get in the ring was not easy for Wylie. There are no gyms in Coatesville, and he had to travel 45 minutes to an hour to Reading, Lancaster or Phoenixville just to train.

He had success at the 2014 Golden Gloves, making it to the national tournament. He wanted to go pro, but the problems kept coming up. He had terrible luck with his car breaking down, and that really hindered him from going to the gym every day. He knows how important consistency is because without it, he would just become an average fighter.

He never let himself get out of shape as he would always be hitting the pavement running and getting in those miles. During those runs, he felt the support from his friends and family. When running, he was sure to get 5-10 people giving him supportive beeps of their horn. Boxing is a lonely sport, but the support from his family and friends is what kept him going and keeps him still working to make his professional debut, even after a five-year gap between fights.

ADDITIONAL Q&A with KARL WYLIE:

How does it feel to make your debut close to home?

“It’s exciting and bittersweet because my first amateur fight was actually in my city of Coatesville. The energy and the atmosphere was ridiculous. I burnt out like halfway through the fight because I was fighting so much off energy and adrenaline. I wasn’t breathing and when I finally stopped to take a deep breath, I didn’t think I was going to make it. But that was a long time ago, and I’m anxious, and everybody is really excited, and it’s going to be amazing.”

What are your hopes and dreams for your future in fighting?

“Just be able to achieve greatness starting out at 29. I could have started sooner, but life has its obstacles so it’s not likely for me to come in at 29 and dominate like Floyd Mayweather for 20 years, but just to be mentioned with some of the greats and to be compared to them.”

The live boxing event, which is produced by Joe Hand Promotions, will feature a six-round heavyweight bout between Sonny Conto (9-0, 7 KOs) out of Philadelphia, PA, going up against Justin Rolfe (7-3-1, 5 KOs) fighting out of Fairfield, ME.

2021 Briscoe “Prospect of the year” Shinard Bunch (18-1-1, 15 KOs) out of Trenton, NJ will look to continue his 18 fight undefeated streak when he competes in an eight-round super lightweight fight.

Super featherweight Jordon Murphy (2-0, 1 KO), originally from Bensalem, PA, and now residing in Deerfield Beach, FL, will be returning to Philadelphia to fight in front of his family and friends in a four-round super featherweight bout.

The always entertaining Christopher Burgos (3-5-1, 1 KO) of North Philadelphia, PA, will face Philip Davis (2-5-1) of Worcester, MA, in a six-round lightweight contest.

New York, NY (April 5, 2022) – On the heels of the major announcement that George Kambosos Jr. and Devin Haney will meet in a unification showdown for the undisputed lightweight world championship later this year, DiBella Entertainment’s roster picked up five wins this past weekend across the globe.

On Friday, April 1, Irish light heavyweight prospect and 2016 Olympian “Mighty” Joe Ward, of Westmeath, Ireland, earned a fifth-round stoppage victory against Oscar Riojas at the Dome in Rosemont, IL. Now 7-1 (4 KOs), the southpaw Ward, who is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Probellum, applied pressure from the outset, closing the gap to unleash powerful flurries, often punctuated by right hooks to the body. In round five, a jab-straight left combination badly hurt Riojas and a follow-up attack from Ward against the ropes forced the stoppage at the 1:38 mark.

Also on Friday, featherweight Misael Lopez, of Denver, CO, earned an eight-round unanimous decision against Elijah Uribes, at Stampede, in Aurora, CO. Using deft footwork, fast hands and a stiff jab, Lopez outboxed Uribes every round then picked up the pace over the final six minutes intent on finishing strong. Scorecards read 79-73, and 78-74 twice, all for Lopez, now 13-1 (5 KOs).

Williams-Luckey Photo Credit: Emily Harney
On Saturday, rising super lightweight contender “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, of East Hartford, CT, earned an impressive win against Tyrone Luckey in front of his hometown fans at the Connecticut Convention Center, in Hartford, CT. Williams used a consistent body attack to break his opponent down en route to a fifth-round stoppage, as Luckey did not come out of his corner for round six. Managed by Jackie Kallen, the 23-year-old Williams is now 17-0-1 (8 KOs).

Six-foot-five Russian heavyweight prospect Vladimir Ivanov remained undefeated with a second-round knockout victory against Pavel Doroshilov in Moscow. Backing Doroshilov toward the ropes, Ivanov landed a left uppercut to the midsection to drop his foe for the full count. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Groupe Yvon Michel, Ivanov improved to 7-0 (6 KOs). He began boxing at age 13 and accumulated an amateur record of 219-63. Ivanov was an eight-time gold medalist of the North-West Federal District tournament, the first Russian to win gold at the Bundesliga German Club Cup in 2015, and a gold medalist at the World Team Cup, RFSO Lokomotiv Voluntary Sports Society and Silver Gloves tournaments in 2018.

Following wins against Maricela Cornejo and Kandi Wyatt last year, Mexican welterweight contender Alma Ibarra made her ring return on Saturday against Laura Cubos in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Ibarra came out aggressively to start the bout, applying pressure to cut off the ring and throw jab-straight right combinations. In round two, a fierce overhand left landed on Cubos’ right arm. Due to her damaged right biceps, Cubos elected not to continue at the sound of the bell for round three. Rated #1 by the WBC, WBA and IBF, Ibarra upped her record to 10-1 (5 KOs) with the third-round TKO win.

Looking ahead, a trio of DiBella Entertainment fighters see action this weekend. On Friday, April 8, Dominican super bantamweight knockout artist Jonathan “Salomon King” Guzman (24-2, 23 KOs) fights at home in Santo Domingo for the first time since 2014 against Starling Martinez. On Saturday, April 9, Italy’s IBO super featherweight world champion Michael “Lone Wolf” Magnesi (20-0, 12 KOs), co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Star Boxing, makes the second defense of his belt, at home in Rome, against Mexican Dennis Contreras, and Ghanaian Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (32-1, 15 KOs) battles Ryan Garcia at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX, live on DAZN.

LIVERPOOL, APRIL 5 – Sam Maxwell hopes to walk in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton by winning the IBO super-lightweight world title later this month.

The 33-year-old faces Alejandro Meneses at Probellum Liverpool on April 22 on a massive night of world championship boxing in one of Britain’s boxing hotbeds.

Maxwell’s crack at the IBO belt will act as chief support to the main event which sees local hero Paul Butler challenge WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero, at the M&S Bank Arena.

The unbeaten Maxwell, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in the amateurs, stayed up into the early hours of the morning to watch Pacquiao and Hatton’s 2009 mega fight in Las Vegas, when the IBO crown was on the line.

Maxwell, nicknamed ‘Super Sam’, finds it surreal that he will now be competing for that same title later this month in front of a packed arena in Liverpool.

“My career has been building to this moment,” said the 16-0 Sam Maxwell.

“I won the WBO European title, then British and the Commonwealth belts and how I have this huge fight for the IBO world title.

“I feel lucky to be handed this opportunity and I will make the most of it.

“Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao have held the title so it’s a belt with a lot of history.

“I watched those Hatton and Pacquiao fights, including when they fought each other, and so it is absolutely crazy to think I will now be fighting for that title.”

‘A LIFE CHANGING MOMENT’ – read our full interview with Sam Maxwell here

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum said: “The 140lbs division is on fire now and by winning the IBO world title, Sam can put himself in the frame for some career-defining fights.

“The world of boxing is expecting Josh Taylor to vacate his belts and move up to 147lbs and, as Sam says, that would create massive opportunities in the division for many fighters, including Maxwell.

“Probellum is thrilled to be able to deliver this fight for Sam and put it on a brilliant card in Liverpool later this month. We can’t wait for our first event in one of the UK’s biggest fight cities.”

Probellum, the fastest growing brand in the sport, have signed some of world boxing’s leading fighters in the 140lbs division, since launching in September last year.

Jack Catterall, the People’s Champion, signed for Probellum in March and joined Regis Prograis, who has become the mandatory challenger for the WBC title, following a win over Tyrone McKenna in Dubai.

Lewis Ritson kept his world title aspirations alive with a win over Dejan Zlaticanin in Newcastle last month and is on a collision course with the world ranked Ohara Davies, while former world champion Ricky Burns is part of the Probellum stable and made his comeback in December.

To keep up to date with all of the news from Probellum’s world class stable of 140lbs fighters, sign up to the Probellum?newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook?

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Probellum’s elite stable of international fighters includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Dina Thorslund and Muhammad Waseem.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has also signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).?

ARLINGTON, TX. (April 4, 2022) – Boxing legend Felix “Tito” Trinidad joined WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas for a virtual press conference Monday as the fighters discussed their journeys to boxing glory and previewed Ugas’ upcoming welterweight championship unification clash against WBC and IBF champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. taking place Saturday, April 16 live on SHOWTIME PPV from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The virtual conversation was hosted by SHOWTIME Boxing analyst and former world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Márquez.

Tickets for the April 16 live event at AT&T Stadium, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Just the 12th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, Spence vs. Ugas will join other classic unification matchups at the weight class such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. Ugas will look to join Trinidad on the list of unified welterweight champions, as Trinidad unified 147-pound belts in a 1999 victory over Oscar De La Hoya.

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

YORDENIS UGAS

“I remember watching Felix when I was a teenager and he fought against De La Hoya. Everyone in Cuba was talking about that one. That fight really blew my mind. It was amazing to watch Felix go toe-to-toe with Oscar. To see Felix achieve something so incredible was a great inspiration.

“Ismael Salas is one of the best trainers in the world. When I was out of the sport for over two years, I went to the gym with him and he built me back up to where I am now. He’s been a great influence in my boxing career and he’s helped me reach the heights I’ve been able to achieve.

“I love my country, but I am also always asking for a free Cuba, because I want a better future for the country that I represent and love with all of my heart.

“I did my job against Manny Pacquiao. I took the fight on 11 days’ notice. Whatever Spence said about what he would have done against Pacquao, I’m not concerned. I’m only focused on the challenge that I have against Spence.

“I had to leave Cuba on a speedboat, never knowing if I’d see my family again. I didn’t see them for almost a decade. I had to overcome everything alone. Not only professionally, but personally I had a lot to overcome.

“I’m a competitor, I would have put my best foot forward in any decade. I would have loved to fight Trinidad and the other fighters of his era. I could have won, I could have lost, but I would have loved to face those challenges.

“This is such a dream come true to be here talking with one of my idols in Felix Trinidad. It’s truly amazing. I’m very thankful to be in this position.”

FELIX “TITO” TRINIDAD, 2014 International Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee

“When I watched the Manny Pacquiao fight, I watched Ugas represent Cuba in an amazing way. I believe that Ugas can emulate what he did against Pacquiao in the fight against Spence. His speed and precision is going to wow the crowd in this fight.

“This is going to be a fight of a champion against a champion. When I fought De La Hoya, I knew that I had to go all out and couldn’t leave anything in the tank. I believe in Ugas and I believe he’s going to make us all proud.

“Errol is a rangy, tall southpaw. Instead of trying to go up against their right hand, I wanted to let a southpaw throw their biggest shot and dodge it, so that I could deliver my most powerful shot. I’d tell Ugas to let Spence throw that left hand and dodge it.

“I was fortunate as a Puerto Rican and a U.S. citizen where I could always feel the support of my family throughout my career. I had a very close circle of trust and that helped me greatly.

“Ugas’ best attributes are the ones that are most similar to mine. It’s the conditioning and the mentality. He brings what he works on in training and uses it in the fight so well. He brings that preparation into the ring just like I used to. It makes me believe in him and I know that he’s going to do well.

“I would tell Ugas to stay close and be on offense. Don’t let Spence come to you instead. The jab with the right and uppercut with the left is the best combination that will work for you.

“I had a wonderful career with so many memorable experiences and great fights. Now I’m concentrating on my family and this is a chapter I’ve been treasuring a lot. I’m very happy with the life that I’m living now.”

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ABOUT SPENCE VS. UGAS
Spence vs. Ugas will see WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas square off in a welterweight title unification clash that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features exciting lightweight contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz taking on veteran former world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in the 10-round co-main event.

The lineup also includes unbeaten Jose Valenzuela battling former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas in a 10-round lightweight fight, plus unbeaten Cody Crowley faces veteran contender Josesito Lopez in a 10-round duel of all-action welterweights that kicks off the telecast.

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

TOKYO (April 4, 2022) — Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, boxing’s most dominant middleweight of his era, has brought the Big Drama Show and his IBF and IBO world titles to Japan last week.  Golovkin has crossed the U.S. and the Pacific Ocean to face two-time WBA middleweight champion and Japan’s national hero Ry?ta Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) in a long-awaited world title unification fight.  Promoted by Teiken Promotions, in association with GGG promotions, Golovkin vs. Murata will take place this Saturday, April 4, and will be streamed live from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, which borders Murata’s hometown of Tokyo, to over 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., exclusively on DAZN (excluding Japan and Kazakhstan).  The DAZN stream start time will be announced shortly.  Golovkin and Murata boast a combined record of 57-3-1, 49 KOs — a winning percentage of over 93% — with 86% of their victories coming by way of knockout. 

Golovkin’s Big Drama Show has packed iconic arenas around the world, selling out Madison Square Garden, The O2 in London, the Fabulous Forum and StubHub Center in Los Angeles, and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  Saitama Super Arena is expected to join that illustrious list. Golovkin has been a middleweight world champion every year since 2010, a testament to his discipline, drive, and talent.  His résumé includes a division-record 21 title defenses, 20 of them consecutively, also a division record.       

Here’s what Golovkin trainer Johnathon Banks had to say about Murata, training, and fighting in enemy territory.

“Murata is a winner.  He has proven that as an Olympian, winning the gold medal, and as a professional, winning the WBA title twice.  We know we are in for a tough fight on Saturday.  And while the boxing fans of Japan are some of the best in the world, they will be rooting for their national hero Ry?ta Murata, as they should. 

“For some fighters a home game is a bonus.  When working with Detroit-based fighters at Kronk, I’ve seen them do things in a local fight that shocked me, fighting way above their usual level.  They get a charge from the hometown crowd.  It’s as if a power comes up from the ground under them and gives them an extra boost.  And while that may benefit Murata, Gennadiy will not be intimidated by it.  He’s been fighting on the road for most of his career.  I remember seeing Michael Jordan drop 50-60 points at The Garden.  Playing an away game didn’t seem to bother him.   Gennadiy is the same way.  He knows boxing is also a business and some deals can only get done if they are conducted in someone else’s office.  But Gennadiy never gets distracted.  He is so focused on reunifying the middleweight title belts around his waist. Gennadiy is really looking forward to fighting before this sellout crowd on Saturday.   

“This is our fourth fight together.  We have been building on what Gennadiy has learned while incorporating what made him so special as an amateur, working on the basics –timing, rhythm, and speed.  In boxing, to remain at the elite level, you either evolve or die.  He’s not depending solely on power punching.  I still remember sitting with Emanuel Steward at amateur tournaments and both of us marveling at Gennadiy’s all-round abilities inside the ring.  He was an extraordinary power-punching boxer.  He could do anything he wanted.  He will be forty and a day when he enters the ring on Saturday, and he still approaches training like he’s a young and hungry top-rated contender.  He’s really enjoying himself in the gym and it shows in his work ethic and the results.  Gennadiy’s an athlete’s athlete.”         

Hot From GGG – Murata Media Central

Fight Week Monday Edition

·         GGG interview w/ Teddy Atlas – Murata fight, Canelo, Legacy, and More – YouTube

·         Gennady Golovkin responds to Canelo Álvarez: ‘What have you been waiting for?’ – YouTube

·         Episode 209 – GGG – Walking The Floor

·         Gennadiy Golovkin 1-on-1 with Kevin Iole (yahoo.com)

·         Gennadiy Golovkin: Rivalry with Canelo Alvarez Doesn’t Define My Career (bleacherreport.com)

·         Golovkin ‘Bewildered’ By Fact Canelo Says Third Fight Personal To Him; It’s Cheap, Kind Of Low – Boxing News (boxingscene.com)

·         Golovkin says he’s not looking past Murata to Canelo trilogy | Reuters

·         Gennady Golovkin has ‘no bad blood’ with Canelo Alvarez but slams ‘unprofessional’ rival for claiming feud was personal (thesun.co.uk)

·         GGG Responds to Canelo: His ‘Behavior Is Indecent’ (espn.com.ar)

·         Gennadiy Golovkin expects an “action-packed fight” with Murata, is ready (not desperate) for Canelo – YouTube

·         Golovkin ‘Feels Great At My Age,’ But Admits Fighting At 40 ‘Might Be One Of My Issues’ – Boxing News (boxingscene.com) 

·         Gennady Golovkin, 39, shows off ripped physique as coach says Canelo ‘waited for him to get old’ before agreeing trilogy (thesun.co.uk)

·         Gennady Golovkin open to UK boxing return but admits US is still No1 fight destination amid Canelo Alvarez trilogy talk (thesun.co.uk)

·         5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce – Josh Warrington and Triple G – BBC Sounds

·         Gennady Golovkin open to UK boxing return but admits US is still No1 fight destination amid Canelo Alvarez trilogy talk (thesun.co.uk)

·         Gennadiy Golovkin can fight ‘into his early 40s’: promoter (msn.com)

COSTA MESA, Calif. (April 4, 2022) — Australia’s Andrew Moloney hopes to earn another junior bantamweight world title shot in 2022. In order to do so, he’ll have to get past an upset-minded veteran from Northern California.

Moloney will face Gilberto Mendoza in an eight-rounder this Saturday, April 9, at The Hangar at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. Moloney-Mendoza will open the televised tripleheader headlined by WBO/IBF junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer’s title defense against Jennifer Han.

Mayer-Han, the welterweight co-feature between Giovani Santillan and Jeonvanis Barraza, and Moloney-Mendoza will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Moloney (22-2, 14 KOs), a former WBA 115-pound world champion, lost his title via unanimous decision to Joshua Franco in June 2020. Moloney and Franco fought to a controversial no-contest in their November 2020 rematch, and their trilogy concluded last August with Franco retaining his title by decision. Moloney returned to action in December in Sydney, Australia, winning a wide points verdict over Froilan Saludar. Mendoza (19-11-3, 10 KOs), from Modesto, California, has not been stopped in more than a decade and has gone the distance with the likes of former world champions Angel Acosta and Rau’shee Warren.

Moloney said, “I’m grateful that my fight will be live on ESPN, and I will show everyone that I am a much better fighter than what they saw from me against Franco. I’m looking to make a statement in this fight and move closer to another world title.”

Undercard action will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) and will feature the following bouts.

• Two-time bantamweight world title challenger Jason Moloney (22-2, 18 KOs), last seen defeating top contender Joshua Greer Jr., will face Francisco Pedroza (17-10-2, 10 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 10 or 8 rounds.
   
• Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (3-0), the 18-year-old junior featherweight sensation from Las Vegas, steps up against the once-beaten Blake Quintana (4-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder. Diaz turned pro in February 2021 following a storied amateur career at the junior level.
   
• Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO) makes his long-awaited professional return versus Diuhl Olguin (15-21-5, 10 KOs) in a six-rounder at featherweight.
   
• Ragan’s Olympic teammate, Virginia Fuchs, makes her highly anticipated professional debut against Randee Lynn Morales (4-3, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at flyweight. In addition to her appearance at the Tokyo Olympics, Fuchs earned a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships and silver at the 2019 Pan American Games.
   
• IBF No. 1 featherweight contender Luis Alberto Lopez (24-2, 13 KOs), fresh off his title eliminator knockout victory over Isaac Lowe, will fight Raul Chirino (19-13, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Lopez has won seven straight fights, a streak that’s included wins over Andy Vences and Gabriel Flores Jr. 

In additional undercard action, which will take place before the ESPN+ stream (3 p.m. PT), Mexican junior welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado (14-0, 12 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder, and 2021 National Golden Gloves silver medalist Angel Hernandez will make his professional debut versus Victor Saravia (1-2, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at featherweight.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Englebrecht Promotions & Events, tickets starting at $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.socafights.com.

Los Angeles, CA (April 4, 2022) Triller Fight Club has announced that heavyweight contender Jerry ‘The Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-2, 20 KOs), of Newport News, VA will now face two-time world title challenger Kubrat ‘The Cobra’ Pulev (28-2 14 KOs), over ten rounds at the ‘Lineage of Greatness’ event set for Saturday, May 14 at the Forum in Los Angeles. The hard-throwing southpaw, Forrest, replaces Andrey Fedesov who was previously scheduled to face Pulev.

Forrest returns to battle following a hotly contested split-decision draw against top-rated heavyweight contender Michael Hunter on December 2, 2021 at the Hammerstein Ballroom

in New York City headlining TrillerVerz IV. Earlier last year, Forrest battled to a majority draw against undefeated contender Zhilei Zhang, the fight taking place in Miami, FL at the Hard Rock Stadium on the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez / Avril Yildirim Super Middleweight World Title Fight.

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The Trillerverz 5 ‘Lineage of Greatness’  includes legendary boxing families and a once-in-a-lifetime VERZUZ battle between Cypress Hill and Onyx. This event at the Forum is the perfect night for sports and entertainment, whether you are in the arena or in the comfort of your home streaming it with family and friends.

Tickets starting at $31.00 are now on-sale through TrillerFightClub.com, TheLAForum.com, and Ticketmaster.com at http://www.ticketmaster.com/trillerverz5

The full TrillerVerz V boxing card includes:

                SERGEY KOVALEV VS. TERVEL PULEV (10 Rounds / Cruiserweight)

Sergey Kovalev last fought evenly with the current #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World, ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, before getting stopped in the 11th round. His illustrious career includes victories over Bernard Hopkins, Eleider Alvarez (twice), Jean-Pascal (twice), and Isaac Chilemba. He also holds two highly controversial losses to Andre Ward. 

The heavy-handed Tervel Pulev, the 2012 Bronze Medalist at the Olympic  Games, the younger brother of two-time heavyweight world title challenger Kubrat Pulev, returns to the ring following a knockout victory of Vikapita Meroro on July 29, 2021. He is currently the holder of the WBA International Cruiserweight Title. 

                KUBRAT PULEV VS. JERRY FORREST (10 Rounds / Heavyweight)

Kubrat ‘The Cobra’ Pulev (28-2, 14 KOs) will clash with Andrey Fedosov (32-3, 26 KOs) over ten scheduled heavyweight rounds. Pulev is returning to action after a first-round knockout of Frank Mir on November 27, 2021, at the first-ever Triad Combat event in Arlington, TX. Pulev has defeated numerous heavyweight boxing contenders, including Samuel Peter, Hughie Fury, Dereck Chisora, Tony Thompson, Alexsandr Ustinov, and Alexander Dimitrenko. His only losses have come to Heavyweight World Champions Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua. 

Two outstanding, evenly fought battles against top contenders Michael Hunter and Zhilei Zhang in 2021 have prepared Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-2 20 KOs) for the biggest fight of his career against Kubrat Pulev.

                            SON OF A LEGEND EVAN HOLYFIELD VS. MAURICE WILLIAMS 

Also featured on the undercard, Son of a Legend, Evan ‘Yung Holy’ Holyfield (9-0, 6 KOs), will compete in a scheduled six-rounder in the junior middleweight division. He is the son of Three-Time Heavyweight World Champion Evander ‘The Real Deal’ Holyfield. He will face Maurice Williams, 7-2-0 (3 KOs).

FERNANDO ‘EL FEROZ’ VARGAS JR., AMADO ‘EL MALVADO’ VARGAS,  AND THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PRO DEBUT OF EMILIANO VARGAS

Rounding out the card, The Fernando Vargas Dynasty continues with the highly anticipated professional debut of Seven-Time Amateur Champion, lightweight Emiliano ‘El General’ Vargas. He will be joining his highly regarded and undefeated brothers on the card at the star-making venue, junior middleweight Fernando ‘El Feroz’ Vargas, Jr. (5-0, 5 KOs) and Amado ‘El Malvado’ Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs), competing in the featherweight division. They are the sons of three-time junior middleweight world champion Fernando ‘El Feroz’ Vargas. All three bouts will take place over four rounds. 

Launched less than two years ago, Triller Fight Club has already sold over 3,000,000 Pay-Per-Views in the past year, making it one of the top-selling combat sports/entertainment platforms. TrillerVerz’s widely acclaimed monthly series, including world-class professional boxing and musical Verzuz battles, has consistently been at the top of watched broadcasts averaging over 6,000,000 views. 

TrillerVerz 5 signals Triller’s continued commitment to its legacy of innovation by recognizing the ‘Lineage of Greatness,’ a one-time, iconic, cultural experience that showcases world-class fighters and global hip hop legends in an epic Verzuz rap battle. TrillerVerz 5 carries its legacy into this unique event, streamed globally for fans of a new form of entertainment. TrillerVerz 5 opens doors and answers questions for those in the ring, on the stage, in the arena, and everyone watching worldwide on their TVs and devices. Fans of what’s new, now and next, make sure you get your tickets to attend or order the PPV now to make sure you don’t miss a second of this amazing collision of entertainment and action.

In December 2021, Triller entered into a definitive merger agreement with SeaChange International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEAC), in a transaction that would result in the combined company being named TrillerVerz Corp., and its common stock will be listed on Nasdaq, subject to completion of the conditions listed in the S4, which was filed recently by SeaChange (NASD: SEAC).

This Triller Fight Club PPV event, priced at $29.99, will be carried in North America across all traditional PPV TV platforms, including cable, satellite & telco TV PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), among others, as well as leading operators in Canada. It will also be offered to commercial outlets via Joe Hand Promotions and globally via digital streaming to all major outlets as listed below.

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**HOW TO WATCH THE May 14^th event via Worldwide Streaming **

Digitally broadcast via FITE and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, IPTV, game controller, and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub.com

Commercial outlets can order through Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or through their website at orders.joehandpromotions.com. 

Follow Triller Fight Club on social media: 

Instagram: @Triller, @TrillerFightClub
Twitter: @Triller, @TrillerFight

Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

New York, NY (April 4, 2022)- Erick DeLeon stayed undefeated with an opening round stoppage of veteran Hevinson Herrera at Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in DeLeon’s hometown of Detroit.

The bout was a scheduled eight-round welterweight contest.

DeLeon, who is managed by Split-T Management was all over Herrera, and dominated Herrera with a barrage of punches which registered a knockdown for, and the bout was stopped at 2:48.

With the win, DeLeon is now 20-0-1 with 12 knockouts.

“It felt amazing,” said DeLeon, post-fight. “I’m so happy and blessed. Thank you to all my people who came out. I really appreciate all the love and support. This is for you guys. I wasn’t surprised it ended so quickly. I have been working hard and I was ready for this moment. When I connected with that left hand, I knew it was only going to get worse for him.”

DeLeon is promoted by Salita Promotions.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (April 4, 2022) – The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) has announced its six-member Class of 2021 to be inducted during the 16TH annual CBHOF Gala Induction Dinner on Saturday night, May 21, in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun.

The CBHOF Class of 2020 consisting entirely of “Old Timers”, will also be inducted on May 21st.

Class of 2021 inductees are retired boxers Mike “Machine Gun” Oliver, of Hartford, and New Haven’s Elvin Ayala, Hartford referee Danny Schiavone, Glastonbury’s (Hartford Civic Center executive director) Frank E. Russo, Manchester trainer Jose “Papo” Colon, and New Haven manager Mike Criscio.

“The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Game is very excited to reconvene our Gala Induction Dinner after a two-year pandemic related hiatus,” CBHOF president John Laudati said. “The pandemic ‘pause’ gave the Selection Committee ample time to research boxing archives in order to support the induction of the 2020 Class of deceased boxing legends. Recognition of these deserving individuals is long overdue.”

“Our Class of 2021 is also exceptionally outstanding, as well. It is a class which truly represents the sport of boxing. Fighters, trainers, managers, promoters, and ring officials are being inducted in this class. I encourage all boxing fans to come out to Mohegan Sun on May 21st for a fantastic celebration of the accomplishments of these two worthy Hall of Fame classes.

Oliver (26-12-1, 8 KOs) first laced-up boxing gloves at the tender age of three. After excelling as an amateur boxer, Oliver captured the vacant IBO Super Bantamweight World title in 2007, taking a 12-round unanimous title from Cruz Carbajal in Boston. The gifted southpaw was also the USBA and New England title holder during his 20-year pro career.

Schiavone has developed into one of the most respected referees in boxing, having worked more than 440 fights during almost two-decade career, including seven world title bouts and more than 40 regional title fights. He has refereed bouts featuring elite fighters such as Roy Jones, Jr., Adrian Broner, David Tua, Hasim Rahman, and Vasiliy Lomanchencko. The Hofstra University graduate also refereed the 2019 Chris Arreola-Chris Kownacki fight, which set a record for most thrown punches during a heavyweight fight. Schiavone has also acted in two boxing movies, “Back in the Day” and the soon to be released “Pep” a movie about Hartford’s greatest fighter Willie Pep. Schiavone also appeared in the television series, “Gravesend.”

Back in 1974, Russo listened to the suggestion of the Hartford Civic Center concessions manager, Johnny Cesario, later a CBHOF member, to host boxing events. Russo later made future world welterweight champion and CBHOF inductee Marlon Starling the Harford Civic Center’s house fighter. More than 13,000 boxing fans attended the closed circuit showing of the first Sugar Ray Leonard-Roberto Duran fight, which was shown after a live card headlined by Starling. Russo also helped promote the pro careers of 1984 USA Olympians Pernell Whitaker, Mark Breland, Meldrick Taylor, Evander Holyfield, and Tyrell Biggs.

The 76-year-old Colon is still an active trainer, now working out of the Manchester Ring of Champions Society. A native of Puerto Rico Colon moved to the U.S. and in 1979, he worked some of New York’s most prestigious gyms, including Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Eighteen years later, Colon moved to Hartford, where he worked at the San Juan Center with future CBHOF inductee George Cruz. He later worked out of the Hartford Boxing Center, assisting trainer Tony Blanco in building Richie “Popeye” Rivera’s career.

Ayala burst upon the pro boxing scene in 2003, winning his first sixteen fights with a defensive style that left opponents flustered and frustrated. A 2007 draw in Carson, California with unbeaten Sergio Mora (19-0), winner of the Contender series (original) and future world middleweight champion positioned Ayala to challenge 25-0 IBF Middleweight World Champion Arthur Abraham. Abraham stopped the game Ayala in the 12th round.

Criscio progressed from a pawnbroker to a boxing manager where in 2017 he guided Chad Dawson to the WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship by way of a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Tomasz Adamek in Kissimmee, Florida. Criscio managed as many as 35 pro boxers, including Dawson, Alfredo Angulo, Jean Pascal, Peter Manfredo Jr., Toka Kahn Clery, Chris Avalos and the late Luis Rosa Jr.

CBHOF’s 2021 award winners will soon be announced.

The Class of 2020 inductees are boxers Jimmy Leto, Eddie Dolan, Al Gainer, and Steve Carr, as well as coach Mosey King and commissioner Barbara Dunn.

Leto, a welterweight from Hartford, had a superlative 125-29-12 record from 1924 to 1943. Managed by legendary Lou Viscusi, Leto defeated future International Boxing Hall of Famers such as Chalky Wright, Cocoa Kid and Fritzie Zivic. Leto died in 1986 at the age of 75.

Dolan not only fought in the same era as Leto, but he also defeated him in 1940. Dolan tuned pro in 1931at the age of 18 and finished his career with an 89-9-3 pro record, including victories against Cocoa Kid and Zivic. The Waterbury welterweight, who was undefeated throughout 1939, died in 1964 at 51.

After a brief pro career as a lightweight, King became the head boxing coach at Yale University in 1907. The New London native held that post until 1952, when Yale dropped boxing as a sport. King was so highly regarded that he became Connecticut’s first boxing commissioner in 1921, serving in that capacity for two years. King passed away in 1956.

Gainer was a formidable light heavyweight from New Haven who compiled a 77-23-6 (41 KOs) record from 1930-1941. Gainer defeated James J. Braddock and Tony Galento. He fought Maxie Rosenbloom to a draw and had two different win streaks of 12 and 13 fights. He died in 1973.

Fighting during the Great Depression, Carr’s career lasted only seven years, but the Meridian native retired with a 52-14-8 pro record, his most notable win versus Nathan Mann. Carr died in 1954 at the age of 41.

Newton native Dunn was a pioneer. She was named the Connecticut Commissioner of Consumer Protection in 1971, also taking on the role as the nation’s first female boxing commissioner. Her fearless regulation of the sport of boxing earned her respect throughout the boxing industry. A University of Connecticut graduate, Dunn passed away in 2017 at 90.

Tickets for the CBHOF 16th annual Gala Induction Dinner, reasonably priced at $90.00, are on sale and available to purchase by calling Sherman Cain at 860.212.9029 and Rider Productions at 860.413.9067. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. ET, followed by a full sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. ET.

Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 16th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, event sponsorship opportunities, and past CBHOF inductees.

ABOUT CBHOF: The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame. The CBHOF’s new location is in the Sky Casino at Mohegan Sun.

As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.

JASON CUNNINGHAM DID not have to ponder too long and hard over the question of at what point did he realise that he had morphed from being considered a high level opponent to someone with fighting for a world title towards the forefront of his mind.

Despite enjoying much notable success over the years, Cunningham has effectively turned his career on its head and is now preparing to top the bill in Telford with a second defence of his European super bantamweight title.

The Doncaster man goes up against the unbeaten 16-0 Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Centre on April 16, live on BT Sport.

The turning point, Cunningham reports, came off the back of a defeat, the sixth and last of his 36-fight career to date.

In December 2018 he was drafted in to provide stubborn opposition for Belfast’s amateur superstar Michael Conlan who was, at the time, entering into double figures as a pro and was adding additional Irish flavour to the Warrington-Frampton card at the Manchester Arena.

Cunningham, typically, was nobody’s fall guy and put on a solid performance in losing on the cards. It was a display that triggered a surge of confidence in the boxer known as ‘The Iceman’ and one that he identifies as the keynote moment in his resurgence.

“It is the best way it has been put across to me, to be fair,” said the 32-year-old, who is now signed up by Frank Warren and Queensberry following his first European defence against Brad Foster in October of last year. “It was definitely after the Conlan fight where I gave a very, very good account of myself on the night. This obviously boosts your confidence, it was also up at featherweight, which was never really my division.

“I just got opportunities there because I won the Commonwealth title at that weight. That was an opportunity given at short notice and then you end up campaigning in that division.

“Super bantamweight has always been my division and I am undefeated at that weight as well.

“So after the Conlan fight, my next few performances put me in good shape and then it is all down to experience really.

“It has been a long road from the small hall stuff as well. I’ve been matched hard and have been in the away corner many, many times against good names. It has put me in good stead, I don’t take anything back, any of the defeats because it is all knowledge and experience and has made me the fighter I am today.

“I would say after the Conlan fight that I was coming into my prime. I had a few tickover fights and everything just started coming together. I felt I was coming into my best years and then, obviously, we stumbled into the Covid era, which put things at a standstill.

“So I ended up taking my opportunities at short notice again with Gamal Yafai (who he claimed the title from in May 2021) and kind of went from there. But I would say after the Conlan fight I could feel myself growing in confidence and took it from there.

“I knew it was all coming together,” continued Cunningham, who now possesses the inner belief that he is ready to take on anybody at the right weight.

“Yes, against anyone, and I do truly believe that. It is all step by step and I am confident of competing at world level. I believe I am big enough, strong enough at the weight and my boxing ability is at a high level as I also have a good pedigree from my amateur days as well.

“Confidence is a big thing and I am just ready to test myself and see how far we can go. Whether or not I get to my ultimate goal of being a world champion, I will certainly give it my best shot either way.

“Obviously I have now got Frank behind me, so everything is with me to give it my best.”

Tickets for Jason Cunningham vs Terry Le Couviour for the EBU super bantamweight title at the Telford International Centre on Saturday, April 16 are on sale now available exclusively from Ticketmaster here.

Jason Cunningham defends his European super bantamweight title against Terry Le Couviour at the Telford International Centre on April 16, live on BT Sport. Also on the bill, Stoke favourite Nathan Heaney defends his IBO International middleweight crown against Diego Ramirez from Argentina and Liverpool super bantamweight Andrew Cain fights for the vacant WBC International Silver title against the Nicaraguan Martin Diaz.

Telford pair, super lightweight Macaulay Owen (2-0, 1 KO) and flyweight Bradley Thompson (3-0) complete the card.

In an emotional ceremony on Wednesday, March 30, promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing was recognized by the Legislature of Buenos Aires for his great contributions to Argentine boxing and presented with a plaque by Argentine legislators Diego Weck and Rodrigo Morán.

Speakers sharing anecdotes about the colorful Lewkowicz included former national deputy Facundo Moyano; Promoter Carlos Tello, President of the Uruguayan Amateur and Professional Boxing Commission Sergio Márquez; Commissioner of the Argentine Boxing Federation Roberto Rilo and TyC Sports journalist Marcelo González.

A video was also shown, featuring boxers Sebastián Papeschi and Juan José Velasco, as well as the great Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez and journalist Osvaldo Príncipi, who also spoke of Lewkowicz’s honesty and professionalism.

Numerous active and former fighters, leaders, journalists, ring officials and relatives were also there to share the unique and touching moment with Lewkowicz and his wife Ketty, including former WBC cruiser world champion Marcelo Domínguez,; TyC Sports Programming Manager Pedro Freire and President of Argentina Boxing Promotions Mario Margossián.

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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.