Orlando, Florida (March 7, 2022)—This past Friday at the Warriors Boxing Gym in Miami, tempers flared at media day today for the March 26 WBA featherweight Eliminator for #2 spot between NABA Featherweight champion Andranik Grigorian (14–0, 3 KOs) and Otabek Kholatov (9-0, 9 KOs).

The March 26th event will take place at The Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida and will be the premiere telecast of Bally Sports’ exciting new fight series aired on Bally Sports Network, Bally Sports app and Display TV,.

It was a star-studded event as besides the fighters, in attendance were former heavyweight champions Shannon Briggs, and Michael Moorer as well as Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller and Timur Ibragimov promoter Svyatoslav Mangushev and CEO of Entrobox Ronald Johnson.

The show will be promoted by American Dream Presents in association with Box Lab Promotions.

RISING SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT star Frank Arnold made a spectacular introduction to life as a Queensberry fighter with a brutal first round stoppage at the Copper Box in September.

With previously only having one stoppage on his record, it was widely expected that the 23-year-old would be extended in rounds by Lee Glover and even Arnold himself admits the quick finish took him by surprise.

Arnold, 8-0-1, has his next Queensberry outing on the ‘Prospect Show’ that takes place at York Hall on March 11, live on BT Sport.

“I didn’t expect it, to be fair,” conceded the quietly spoken Enfield resident. “I just hit him with a right hook, left hand, then it was like ‘oh sh*t’ and I was surprised myself.

“After that I just finished the job.

“I’ve not really been seen as a puncher, with just two knockouts, but when someone comes to win I can let my hands go. It was my biggest step up in the ranks.

“It was a big experience and a great atmosphere as well. I was buzzed up for it a lot.”

Arnold reports that, with limited amateur experience, he is learning on the job and it was impressing in a sparring session at the old Peacock Gym with Bilal Ali that he caught the eye of his now manager Tunde Ajayi.

“I didn’t have a lot of amateur fights, about 16 I think, but I boxed good kids and always went straight in the deep end.

“I was sparring Bilal at the Peacock and, all of a sudden, we were chatting to each other and he liked my sparring. It is a big opportunity for me,” he added, before confirming that he has now acquired a taste for a quick night’s work.

“It will be my first 10-rounder and it should be exciting. I’m training for a knockout, so if it comes it comes.” 

Chris Bourke (10-0) takes on Marc Leach (17-1-1) for the vacant British super bantamweight title at York Hall on March 11, live on BT Sport.

The card also features Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma (5-0) in light heavyweight action, unbeaten Irish super lightweight Willo Hayden (2-0) and super welterweight Josh Frankham (4-0). Super featherweight Jamie Chamberlain (3-0) has his first fight under the Queensberry banner, with Jake Henty (1-0 super welterweight) and Aloys Junior (0-1 cruiserweight) both having their second professional fights. Cruiserweight Arnold Obodai will make his professional debut.

Tickets for the show at York Hall on Friday, March 11 are on sale now, available directly from the fighters or via eventbrite.co.uk or call: 01992 505 550 (office hours).

Ticket prices:
£55 (Floor/Balcony unreserved)
£65 (Floor/Balcony reserved) – SOLD OUT
£105 (Ringside) – SOLD OUT

Las Vegas – UFC^® today announced that former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the class of 2022. The 2022 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires^®, will take place during the 10^th Annual UFC International Fight Week^Ô this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS^®.

“Khabib is one of the greatest athletes to ever compete in professional sports,” UFC President Dana White said. “No one dominated their opponents that way Khabib did, and to retire undefeated, as lightweight champion and the #1 pound-for-pound athlete in the world is an incredible accomplishment. It will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”

Nurmagomedov will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a member of the Modern Wing, joining Forrest Griffin (2013), BJ Penn (2015), Urijah Faber (2017), Ronda Rousey (2018), Michael Bisping (2019), Rashad Evans (2019) and Georges St-Pierre (2020) in this distinguished category. The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35 or who have been retired for one year or more.

A veteran of 29 fights during his 12-year career, Nurmagomedov compiled a perfect record of 29-0 (13-0, UFC), securing notable victories over former UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor, former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier and former interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut at UFC^® on FX: GUILLARD vs. MILLER on January 20, 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee, submitting Kamal Shalorus via rear-naked choke. Khabib would defeat his next eight opponents, winning all 24 rounds in his first nine bouts before earning his shot at the vacant UFC lightweight title against Al Iaquinta at UFC 223.

UFC^® 223: KHABIB vs. IAQUINTA took place on April 7, 2018, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to face former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson, but Ferguson was pulled due to a knee injury on April 1. Ferguson was replaced by former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway, but Holloway was pulled on April 6 due to medical reasons. Iaquinta was installed as Holloway’s replacement less than 24 hours from the event, with Khabib winning all five rounds to become UFC lightweight champion.

Khabib would return to the Octagon^® five months later to face former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor in the main event of UFC^® 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR. A sellout crowd of 20,034 watched Nurmagomedov defeat McGregor via fourth round submission. The highly anticipated matchup between Khabib and Conor would set the Nevada state records highest attendance and live gate ($17.2 million) of an MMA event in history.

After a year off following UFC 229, Nurmagomedov returned to the Octagon on September 7, 2019, to face interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in the main event unification bout of UFC^® 242: KHABIB vs. POIRIER. Taking place at The Arena, Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this event marked UFC’s third trip to Abu Dhabi and first since 2014. Khabib would secure his second successful title defense by defeating Poirier via third round submission.

Nurmagomedov would return to Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2020, to face interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in the main event unification fight of UFC^® 254: KHABIB vs. GAETHJE. This event would mark Khabib’s first training camp since the death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, earlier that year. He would control the first round and defeat Justin via submission in the second round, re-unifying the lightweight title. He retired inside the Octagon during his post-fight interview.

During his Hall of Fame career, Khabib split his training between his home gym in Dagestan and the Javier Mendez-led American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, Calif. He is one of several former UFC champions to train at AKA under Mendez.

Nurmagomedov enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

• 4 title fight wins – Tied for most in UFC lightweight division history

• 12 lightweight division wins – Tied for longest winning streak in UFC lightweight division history

• 13 consecutive wins – Tied for 3^rd longest winning streak in UFC history (2012-20)

• 21 takedowns – Most takedowns in a single UFC bout (vs. Abel Trujillo – UFC 160)

• 59 takedowns – Second-most in UFC lightweight division history

• 54.6% – Third highest control time percentage in lightweight UFC history

• 1:29:08 – Third-most control time in lightweight UFC history

• 1:04:28 – Third-most top position time in lightweight UFC history

• 88 significant ground strikes – Fourth-most landed in a single UFC bout (vs. Michael Johnson – UFC 205)

Outside the Octagon, Khabib was honored with numerous awards during his career, such as being acknowledged by ESPN with the ESPY Award for Best MMA Fighter (2021), UFC Honors Submission of the Year (2020), BBC Sports World Sport Star of the Year (2020), and World MMA Awards International Fighter of the Year (2016). He was also named Best Sportsman in Russia by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center in 2020.

In 2019, he and father, Abdulmanap, were recognized with the “For Merit to the Republic of Dagestan”. Presented by Vladimir Vasilyev, then-Head of the Republic of Dagestan, this award serves as the highest meritorious order awarded by the Dagestani government for exemplary service and significant contributions to sports in Dagestan.

In 2019, Nurmagomedov added author to his list of accomplishments when his autobiography entitled, “KhabibTime” was published LitRes. Written with Zaur Kurbanov, “KhabibTime” documents Khabib’s childhood in Dagestan and his rise to become a UFC champion.

Since retiring from MMA competition, Khabib has served as a coach for several UFC athletes, including Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov. Nurmagomedov has also become an MMA promoter since retiring, serving as owner of Eagle Fighting Championship.

A native of Sildi, Dagestan, Russia, Nurmagomedov began wrestling as a child under the guidance of his father, Abdulmanap. Khabib trained in wrestling, judo and sambo, becoming a two-time (2009-10) Combat Sambo World Champion and European Pankration Champion before competing in mixed martial arts.

To view Khabib’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/9609.

Additional inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2022 will be announced in the coming weeks. To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFC.com/HOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

Roman Gonzalez pounded his way to a 12-round unanimous decision over flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez in a super flyweight bout at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Gonzalez dominated the fight as continuously backed up Martinez with straight forward power punching, Martinez was game throughout as he would sneak u a flurry, but it was Gonzalez who was so accurate with his combinations that defied his age of 34, which is considered old for the lighter weight classes. After round seven, the winner was inevitable as Gonzalez snapped the head and drove Martinez into the ropes almost constantly. Martinez fought until the end, but it was much too little, much too late as Gonzalez won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.

Gonzalez landed 374 of 1076 punches; Martinez was 182 of 713.

Gonzalez, 114.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 51-3. Martinez, who came in over the contracted weight, checked in at 116.4 lbs is now 18-2.

Lara stops Sanchez in Three Exciting Rounds

In a wild slugfest. Mauricio Lara stopped Emilio Sanchez in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Lara dropped Sanchez with a hard right. In round three, Sanchez came roaring back as he landed barrages of power punches that tired Lara out. Lara came roaring back by landing vicious shots that continuously snapped the head of Sanchez back. Lara landed two more booming shots that knocked Sanchez to the ground just before the bell, and the fight was over at 2:59.

Lara, 126 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-2-1 with 17 knockouts. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Pacoima, CA is 19-2.

Fierro and Burgos Battle to a Draw

Angel Fierro and Juan Carlos Burgos battled to a 10-round draw in lightweight contest.

Fierro took a scorecard 96-94; while two other tallies were 95-95.

Fierro landed 144 of 579 punches. Burgos was 113 of 476.

Fierro, 134.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 19-1-2. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-6-3.

Cissokoho Decisions Valenzuela

Souleymayne Cissokho remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela began to swell under his left eye. In round three, Valenzuela was cut on the nose. In round four, Valenzuela turned the tide and landed a hard combination to the body and sent Cissokho to the canvas. In the final minute of the round, Cissokho uncorked a huge right that put Valenzuela on his back. Valenzuela got to his feet and was bleeding all over his face.

Cissokho landed 132 of 479 punches; Valenzuela was 92 of 474.

Cissokho, 153.8 lbs of Saint-Denis, FRA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice to raise his record to 15-0. Valenzuela, 154 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 19-3,

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Pllana with a right hand. In round two, a left hook/right hand combination put Pllana on the deck and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Marc Castro hit the canvas, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Madera in a lightweight fight.

In round two Castro hit the deck from a combination. Castro won the rest of the fight and won by scores of 58-55 on all cards.

Castro, 134.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 6-0. Madera, 134.4 lbs of Mexico City is 3-2.

2021 Australian Olympian Skye Nicholson made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over Jessica Juarez in a junior lightweight bout.

Nicholson, 129 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 1-0. Juarez, 129 lbs of San Diego is 3-1.

Anthony Herrera stopped Jose Toribio in round four of a scheduled four-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Toribio began to bleed over his right. In round four, Castro landed a hard combination that was culminated by a left hook that dropped Toribio and the fight was stopped at the 24 second mark.

Herrera, 118.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 2-0 with two knockouts. Toribio, 118.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 7-5.

4 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest
 
Anthony Herrera 118.6lbs    vs.     Jose Toribio 118.2lbs
(Los Angeles)                                  (San Diego)
 
Followed by
 
6 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
Skye Nicholson 129lbs vs.     Jessica Juarez 129lbs
(Queensland, Australia)                  (San Diego)
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super Middleweight contest
 
Diego Pacheco 170lbs           vs.     Genc Pllana 171lbs
(Los Angeles)                                   (Hagertown, Maryland)
 
Live on DAZN from 5.30pm PT
 
10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title
 
Souleymane Cissokho 153.8lbs     vs.     Roberto Valenzuela Jr. 154lbs
(Saint-Denis, France)                                (Sonora, Mexico)
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 Lightweight contest
 
Angel Fierro 134.6lbs  vs.     Juan Carlos Burgos 134.2lbs
(Tijuana, Mexico)                   (Tijuana, Mexico)                  
 
Followed by
 
Mauricio Lara 126lbs   vs.     Emilio Sanchez 126lbs
(Mexico City, Mexico)           (Pacoima, California)
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBC Diamond Super-Flyweight championship
 
Roman Gonzalez 114.8lbs    vs.     Julio Cesar Martinez 116.4lbs*
(Managua, Nicaragua)                    (Mexico City, Mexico)
 
FLOAT
 
6 x 3 mins Super Lightweight contest
 
Fernando Angel Molina 139.6lbs  vs.     Angel Aispuro 139.8lbs
(Guadalajara, Mexico)                              (Sinaloa, Mexico)
 
*Martinez failed to make the championship limit at the second attempt, title only on the line for Gonzalez.

In a battle of former world champions, Jesus Ramirez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Pedraza in a junior welterweight bout at The Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

It was a tactical fight with Ramirez looking to push forward, while Pedraza was getting in good work while working off the back foot and countering. In round, nine, the right eye of Pedraza began to swell.

Ramirez landed 133 of 554 punches; Pedraza was 110 of 586.

Ramirez, 139.8 lbs of Avenal, CA won by scores of 116-112 on all cards and is now 27-1. Pedraza140 lbs of Cidra, PR is 29-4.

Ramirez said, “Jose Pedraza is a smart, experienced fighter. He was going to find a way to survive and put up a fight. He was there boxing towards the end of the fight.  My hat’s off to him and his team. He was well-prepared. It was a great fight. I got to see where I am right now.

“I’m going to go back, work and stay focused and stay active. That’s one thing that’s affected me these last couple of years. I’ve trained so many times for a little bit of fights. My inactivity, my discouragement throughout training camps, it really took a big toll on me. I’m ready to stay active and stay motivated. There’s a lot of really great fighters coming up to 140. There’s a lot of really good fighters at 140 right now.”

Torrez Jr. stops Melson in 2

2021 U.S. Olympic Silver Medal winner, Richard Torrez Jr. made a successful pro debut as he stopped Allen Melson in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout

In round one, Torrez dropped Melson in the corner with a little combination. Melson’s nose began to bleed. Torrez began to bleed badly over his left eye from a clash of heads. In round two, Torrez dropped Melson with a straight left. the fight ended when Torrez dropped Melson with a left after a furious exchange, and the fight was stopped at 1:23.

Torrez, 228.2 lbs of Tulure, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Melson, 201.8 lbs of Alabama is 6-4.

Torrez said, “After the cut, I knew I had to get back to basics, and that’s what I did. I made sure to avoid additional head clashes, and I got the job done in the second.
 
“Sure, the cut is frustrating, but I’m not going to let it ruin the celebration. What a night. It was everything I’d hoped it would be.
 
“I didn’t know what to expect. I wanted to make a good first impression, especially in front of my home fans. They brought the energy, and I fed off the energy they gave me. The Central Valley is home, and I am proud to represent my people.”

Gonzalez stops Santisima in 9

Joet Gonzalez stopped Jeo Santisima in round nine of a scheduled 10-round featherweight bout of former world title challengers.

In round eight, Samtisima started to swell under his right eye. In round nine, Gonzalez landed a couple of right hands and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Gonzalez, 125.8 lbs of Glendora, CA is now 25-2 with 15 knockouts. Santisima, 125.2 lbs of the Philippines is 21-4.

Gabriel Flores Jr. gutted out a 10-round majority decision over Abraham Montoya in a junior lightweight bout.

Flores looked good early, but seemed to tire in the middle rounds and started eating flush punches. Flores was better in the final frame.

Flores landed 177 of 503 punches; Montoya was 174 of 597.

Flores, 131.6 lbs of Stockton, CA won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 and is now 21-1. Montoya, 131.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 20-3-1.

Hector Tanajara and Miguel Contreras fought to an eight-round split draw in a lightweight bout.

Tanajara won a card 78-84, Contreras took a card 77-75 and a third card was even at 76-76.

Tanajara, 135 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 19-1-1. Contreras, 134.2 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 11-1-1.

Karlos Balderas stopped Aelio Medquita in round two of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Seconds into the bout, Balderas landed a big right hand that sent Mesquita down for a knockdown. Towards the end of the round, it was another right that sent Mesquita to the deck for a 2nd time. In round two, Balderas landed another right sent Mesquita down and the fight was over at 38 seconds.

Balderas, 134.2 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 12-1 with 11 knockouts. Mesquita, 131.2 lbs of Guajua, BRA is 20-7-1.

Javier Martinez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Donte Stubbs in a middleweight bout.

In round two, Stubbs began to bleed from his nose. In round three, Stubbs dropped Martinez with a straight right.

Martinez, 161.8 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 59-56 and 58-55 twice and is now 6-0. Stubbs, 163 lbs of Riverside, CA is 6-4.

Charlie Sheehy remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over previously undefeated Johnny Bernal in a scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Sheehy rocked Bernal with a hard right and followed up with another hard right that sent Bernal into the ropes for a knockdown. Sheehy hurt Bernal again with a left hook. Sheehy then landed a vicious combination that forced a referee stoppage at 2:33.

Sheehy, 134.2 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Bernal, 135 lbs of Denver, CO is 2-1.

6’9″ Antonio Mireles remained perfect as he stopped previously undefeated Brandon Hughes in round two of their scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles landed a perfect jab-straight left that sent Hughes down on his face. Moments later it was another straight left that put Hughes down just before the end of the round. In round two, Mireles landed a big left hand that hurt Hughes and the fight was stopped just as Hughes hit the canvas at 1:04.

Mireles, 259.4 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 3-0 with three knockouts. Hughes, 282.4 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 2-1

Moses Johnson 259 lbs. VS. Robert Simms 260 lbs.
Winfred Harris Jr. 166.6 lbs. VS. Dashon Johnson 167.6 lbs.
Husam Al Mashhadi 156.4 lbs. vs. Devin Garrett 156.6 lbs.
Vladimir Shishkin 171 lbs. vs. Jeyson Minda 172 lbs.
Marlon Harrington 153 lbs. vs. Andres Viera 150.6 lbs.
Vernon Webber 220.2 lbs. vs. Luke Sills 213.4 lbs.
Gordie Russ II 169 lbs. vs. Jarrell Murray 170.4 lbs.

Promoter: Salita Promotions
Venue: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Dearborn, MI

Tickets: Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35 and can be purchased by clicking HERE or by calling or visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office (313.943.2354) at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn during Box Office hours: Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm on the day of the event. PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling Lina (313.529.7604).

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm.

ABOUT THE FORD COMMUNITY & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

The mission of the Dearborn Recreation & Parks Department is to help fulfill the social, educational and recreational needs of children, adults and families by providing quality programs and activities in clean and well-maintained facilities and to achieve this through exemplary customer service. For more information, visit their OFFICIAL SITE.
ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS:

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 4, 2022) – Prince Ranch Boxings’ undefeated featherweight prospect, Ricky “El Castigo” Medina (12-0, 6 KOs), will make his 2022 debut on March 12, 2022, against his toughest challenge to date, Armando Frausto (9-2-1, 5 KOs), as the two will do battle in San Antonio, Texas at The Scottish Rite Theatre. Medina vs. Frausto, a scheduled 8-round main event bout, is promoted by TMB Promotions.

“I am excited to be in an eight-round main event bout against such a quality opponent,” said Medina. “The goal is to face world class fighters, and this is a Texas feud that I am sure the fans will be excited about. We’re more than ready to take on the best, and this is a step in that direction against a great opponent.”

“Medina packs the house and we’re excited to see him take the nest step toward the world title contender picture” said Medina’s manager Greg Hannely, president of Prince Ranch Boxing. “His promoter Rick Morones has brought Medina along nicely, and now we’re looking at this as a great test for him. If he gets by Fausto, then we’re ready for any-and-all competition. The goal is to get a regional title by the end of the year.”

“Medina has built himself up as a huge Texas draw, and now we’re seeing it pay off,” said promoter Rick Morones, of TMB Promotions. “We’re expecting a packed house with fans who have been on this journey with him from the very beginning. Fans can expect something special as Medina has endeared himself to the local crowd and market. He has a true fan base here. Everyone is San Antonio should come out and enjoy a great night of boxing.”

Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $70 (Lower Level), and $100 (Ringside) are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Scottish Rite is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio TX 78205. Doors open at 6:00 P.M. first fight starts at 7:30 P.M.

TROIS-RIVIÈRES, Canada (March 4, 2022) – Like so many fellow brave Ukrainians, Serhii “El Flaco” Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs) has returned home in defense of his country fighting alongside his compatriots against the Russian invasion, which has forced his withdrawal from a scheduled March 25th showdown with Canadian super welterweight Mikaël Zewski (35-2, 23 KOs).

Vidéotron Coliseum in Trois-Rivières, Canada, will host its inaugural professional boxing event, starting at 7 p.m. ET, which is presented by Mise-O-Jeu, co-promoted by a Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) with Probellum, and in collaboration with Deacon Sports and Entertainment Ltd.

Bohachuk joins other Ukrainian fighters who have joined the fight such as retired former world heavyweight champions Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, as well as reigning World unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and 3-time, 3-division World title-holder Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Zewski, a former IBF North American and WBO NABO welterweight champion, is fighting at super welterweight for only the second time. His new opponent in the 10-round main event for the WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship is former world title challenger Carlos “Chema” Ocampo Manriquez (32-1, 20 KOs), of Mexico, whose lone pro loss was in 2018 to IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence, Jr.

“We applaud Bohachuk’s courage to return home and fight with his countrymen in a real war,” GYM president Yvon Michel said. “Our hearts and prayers are with him and all Ukrainians who we wish for peace. Mikael is still in a very tough fight against Manriquez, the WBO’s No. 8-rated super welterweight.

“GYM is excited to co-promote this stacked card with our partner, Probellum, in our boxing series. Not only do we have some of the best Canadian boxers in action, but we are also thrilled to have three Olympians fighting in separate bouts, Arthur Biyarslanov, Joseph Ward, and Herbert Carvalho Sousa.”

In the 10-round co-featured event, undefeated super lightweight Biyarslanov (9-0, 7 KOs) takes on Roberto Verdugo (10-3-1, 4 KOs), of Mexico. Fighting out of Toronto, Biyarslanov represented Canada in the 2016 Olympic Games. Verdugo is unbeaten in his last 6 fights with 5 wins and 1 draw.

Undefeated Irish super lightweight prospect Joseph “Mighty” Ward (6-1, 3 KOs) is scheduled to fight an opponent to named in a 4-round match. Ward is a 3-time European amateur champion, in addition to representing Ireland in the 2016 Olympics.

Highly decorated Brazilian middleweight Herbert Caravalho Sousa will make his pro debut in a 4-rounder vs. TBA. The 23-year-old Sousa was a gold medal winner at the 2020 Olympics and 2019 World Championships.

Former Canadian National amateur champion Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) meets Ricardo

“Riky” Lara (22-9, 10 KOs), of Mexico, in an intriguing 10-round bout. The popular Bouchard has been victorious in 10 of his last 11 fights.

Canadian welterweight Marie-Pier Houle (5-0-1, 2 KOs), returning to the ring quickly off her recent triumph (Feb. 24) over Yamilia Esther Reynoso by way of a 6-round decision, to face former World kickboxing champion Valentina Keri (5-5, 0 KOs), of Serbia, in a 6-round fight.

Also fighting on the undercard is Canadian heavyweight Alexis (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Marco Antonio Canedo (4-1, 2 KOs) in a 6-round clash; pro-debuting Canadian super lightweight Spencer Wilcox vs. TBA, and Petar Gavrilovic (1-0, 0 KOs) vs. Greg Weeks (3-1, 3 KOs) in a pair of 4-round confrontations.

Tickets, starting at $25.00, are on sale and available for purchase on ticketmaster.ca. Prestigious seat reservations can also be made by calling (819) 519-1634.

GroupeYM #Probellum #ZewskiBohachuk

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 160 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 50 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 (3), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

Reading, PA (March 4, 2022)–Due to an injury to Devar Ferhadi, Ryan Adams has answered the call to face Khainell Wheeler in the eight-round super middleweight main event that will take place next Friday night, March 11th at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Adams of Saint Louis, Missouri, has a record of 8-4-1 with six knockouts. The 27 year-old is a five year veteran who has wins over Bobby Taylor (4-1), Demario Moore (1-0), Akil Frederick (11-2) and Kozimbek Mardonov (2-0). Adams is coming off a loss to undefeated Elvis Figueroa on January 7th in Orlando, Florida.

Wheeler, 28 years-old of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has a record of 6-1 with five knockouts. The three-year pro is coming off his career best win as he took a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Frederick Julan (12-0) on December 2, 2021 in New York City.

In the eight-round co-feature, Kenny Robles battles Naim Nelson in a junior welterweight contest.

Robles, 30 years-old of Staten Island, New York, has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts. The five-year pro has a win over previously undefeated Shawn West (3-0), and his last outing when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Isaac Luna on March 19, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

Nelson, 31 years-old, of Philadelphia is 14-5 with one knockout. The 11 year-professional has wins over Korey Sloane (1-0), Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1) and Jerome Rodriguez (6-0-3). Nelson is coming off a 4th round stoppage defeated to undefeated Jesus Ramos on December 26, 2020 in Los Angeles.

In a six-round bout, undefeated James Bernadin (5-0, 3 KOs) of Lancaster, PA takes on tough Kevin Asmat (6-2, 5 KOs) of North Bergen, NJ

The 29 year-old Bernadin has been on a roll as in his last two fights, he has wins over Osvaldo Morales (4-0) and a first-round stoppage of Edgar Torres (8-2-1).

Asmat, 27 years-old, has a win over Ernesto Ornelas (1-0). He is on a three-fight win streak, with his latest win being a third-round stoppage over Weusi Johnson on June 22, 2019 in Philadelphia,

In six-round bouts:

Jonathan Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jose Flores Chavez (9-13, 5 KOs) of Baja, Mexico in a bantamweight contest.

Julian Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight fight.

Quadir Albright (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Antonio Wattell (3-8-3, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas in a junior welterweight affair.

In four-round bouts:

LeAnna Cruz (1-0) of Bethlehem, PA will square off with Anyela Lopez (2-1-1, 1 KO) of Tucson, AZ in a bantamweight bout.

Thanjae Teasley of Bethlehem, PA and Daniel Jiles of Philadelphia o in a welterweight fight of pro debuter’s.

Xavien Ramirez of Reading, PA will make his pro debut against Devon Lira (0-3) of Davie, Florida in a lightweight bout.

Tickets for this great evening are priced at $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

Los Angeles, CA (March 4, 2022)–Shapiro Sports and Entertainment has announced the signing of undefeated super featherweight Ramiro Cesena.

Cesena, 22 years-old from Baja, California, has a record of 14-0-1 with 11 knockouts.

Cesena is managed by Legacy Sports Management.

“I couldn’t be more excited about signing with Shapiro Sports & Legacy,” said Ramiro Cesena. “They have a great team that will get me the bigger fights that I have been missing. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my country of Mexico, climb the rankings and prove I am here to stay. Hopefully I can fight Robson Conceicao, Jamel Herring or any of the top names in my weight class”

“I am excited to bring Ramiro Cesena into the family. At only 22 years of age, Ramiro has some great wins on his resume and he always shows the hallmarks of the classic Mexican fighters that we all love to watch – grit, determination, heart and the appetite for a war. I am ready to deliver him the life changing opportunities here in the USA that all Mexican fighters seem to be built for,” said promoter Shane Shapiro, President of Shapiro Sports & Entertainment

Cesena is a four-year professional and turned professional on February 9, 2018 with a first-round knockout over Benjamin Urias He has since racked up wins over Carlos Alberto Gonzalez Urena (4-1-2), Jesus Amparan (16-2), Jesus Arvelo (27-5-1) and his last bout when he won a decision over previously undefeated and top-10 ranked Bekman Soylybaev (12-0) on August 13, 2021 in Dubai.

“I am delighted to welcome Ramiro to the team. We’ve had the pleasure of having Ramiro on one of our previous shows in Dubai and he showed me he has the potential to become World Champion with our guidance. We look forward to his journey continuing in 2022 and beyond, and Ramiro rising to all challenges we put in front of him,” said Karim Akkar, CEO of Legacy Sports Management

Cesena will be back fighting in Dubai on March 26th when he takes on Adam Kipenga in an eight-round bout.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX with a hard-hitting light heavyweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 5 ranked Thiago Santos battle No. 6 Magomed Ankalaev. In the co-main event, No 10 ranked bantamweight contender Marlon Moraes aims to stop the momentum of No. 14 Song Yadong.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: SANTOS vs. ANKALAEV will take place Saturday, March 12 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish), with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Former light heavyweight title challenger Santos (22-9, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is hoping to build off the momentum from his recent win over Johnny Walker in October. A powerful KO artist, he has earned thrilling stoppages against Jan Blachowicz, Jimi Manuwa and Anthony Smith. Santos now looks to turn back one of the division’s toughest rising contenders with another vintage performance.

Ankalaev (16-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) quickly entered the division’s Top 10 on the heels of an impressive seven-fight win streak. During this run, he secured notable victories over Volkan Oezdemir, Nikita Krylov and Ion Cutelaba (twice). Ankalaev now hopes to stake his claim for a title shot by stopping Santos in emphatic fashion.

Moraes (23-9-1, fighting out of Parkland, Fla. by way of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims to turn heads with another highlight-reel KO. Throughout his UFC stint, he has delivered memorable finishes over Raphael Assuncao, Jimmie Rivera and current champion Aljamain Sterling. Moraes now has his sights set on stopping Song to hold his spot in the bantamweight top 10.

Song (18-5-1 1NC, fighting out of Heilongjiang, China) continues his quest to become the first Chinese-born male fighter to challenge for a UFC title. Since joining the UFC roster in 2017, he has netted exciting wins against Julio Arce, Casey Kenney and Marlon Vera. Song now seeks to add his first former UFC title challenger to his resume with a show-stealing performance.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 12 featherweight contender Sodiq Yusuff (11-2, fighting out of Bladensburg, Md. by way of Lagos, Nigeria) intends to defend his spot in the rankings against rising No. 15 Alex Caceres (19-12 1NC, fighting out of Miami, Fla.)
• Khalil Rountree Jr. (10-5 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) locks horns with Karl Roberson (9-4, fighting out of Neptune, N.J.) at light heavyweight
• Exciting middleweight strikers clash when Alex Pereira (4-1, fighting out of Danbury, Conn.) takes on Bruno Silva (22-6, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil)
• Matthew Semelsberger (9-3, fighting out of Frederick, Md.) hopes to spoil the debut of Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner AJ Fletcher (9-0, fighting out of Lafayette, La.) in a welterweight bout
• JJ Aldrich (10-4, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) goes for her third consecutive win when she faces exciting finisher Gillian Robertson (10-6, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Canada) at flyweight
• Trevin Jones (13-7 1NC, fighting out of Maite, Guam) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series signee Javid Basharat (11-0, fighting out of London, England) in a bantamweight bout
• Damon Jackson (19-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces Kamuela Kirk (12-4, fighting out of Peoria, Ariz.) in a battle of rising featherweights
• Sabina Mazo (9-3, fighting out of Redondo Beach, Calif. by way of Medellin, Colombia) squares off with Miranda Maverick (11-4, fighting out of Norfolk, Va.) at flyweight        
• Dalcha Lungiambula (11-3, fighting out of Cape Town, South Africa) takes on Cody Brundage (6-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) in a middleweight matchup
• Kris Moutinho (9-5, fighting out of Milford, Mass.) returns against Guido Cannetti (8-7, fighting out of San Antonio de Padua, Buenos Aires, Argentina) at bantamweight
• Tafon Nchukwi (6-1, fighting out of Temple Hills, Md. by way of Bamenda, Cameroon) meets Azamat Murzakanov (10-0, fighting out of Fairfield, N.J. by way of Nalchik, Russia) in a clash of light heavyweight prospects

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 188 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 21.3 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).

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.

Fightstars.tv, one of the fastest-emerging boxing-media companies in the world, proudly announces the appointment of well-known trainer/advisor/manager Rick Ramos as their Director of Female Boxing Operations.

The outspoken owner and operator of Body Shot Boxing Club in his native Chicago for the past 16 years, Ramos is perhaps best known for his expert handling of two-weight female world champion Jessica McCaskill and his passionate advocacy for opportunities for all his fighters, often by way of amusing but effective callouts on social media. Ramos was also named 2019 and 2021 “Coach/Manager of the Year” for females by The Ring Magazine.

“I had an idea to work with females only and create a league like the UFC, but in female boxing, so I pitched it to Patrick Oakes (CEO of FightStars.tv) and he fully supports the idea,” explained Ramos.

Ramos says he decided to switch from an amateur boxer to gym owner when he saw the need for proper training and true guidance of fighters in The Windy City. A successful broker on the Chicago Board of Options floor at the time, the now a retired 45-year-old Ramos says after working informally for several male fighters in the area, he spotted a raw talent one day at the gym.

“My male fighters were distracted and started slipping,” recalled Ramos. “But meanwhile Jessica (McCaskill) was dominating the amateurs. I said ‘Hey, Jess… do you want to turn pro?’ and she said ‘Yeah!’ Nobody believed in female boxing at the time. Even (McCaskill’s former promoter Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing) Leon didn’t want to do it, so I called (Warriors Vice President and long-time Chicago associate) Dominic Pesoli. I said ‘Dom give me a shot. I believe Jessica is for real.’”

Eventually Margules relented and McCaskill has been on an upward trajectory ever since. With Ramos at the helm of her training and management, the “CasKILLA” McCaskill has gone on to become a two-weight world champion. McCaskill held the WBC & WBA Super Lightweight titles at 140lbs and is currently Undisputed at Welterweight (147lbs). More than half of McCaskill’s professional fights have been with a world title at stake.

It was Ramos’ expert handling of McCaskill that Oakes says made him the perfect candidate to head up their ambitious new women’s boxing division.

“We wanted to create a productive training environment for the right team of female boxers, said Patrick Oakes. “So we’ve hired one of the best, Rick Ramos, who has tremendous credibility as a trainer and manager of female boxers, as our Director and Talent Scout. If you have a male boxer, there ‘s a known path to championships and big fights on TV. With women it’s far more disjointed and varying path to that kind of success. We want to smooth that out by developing resources geared exclusively toward female boxing. We want to create a team of female boxers and give them more opportunities. A lot of the women have to find their way into the boxing world without any support at all.”

Ramos and Oakes says they’re already signed two Chicago-based female fighters, undefeated welterweight Summer Lynn (6-0, 3 KOs) and once-beaten middleweight Olivia Curry (4-1, 2 KOs) to Fightstars.tv contracts and are currently looking for more talent.

“We’re looking to scout the best talent and bring them onto the team,” explained Ramos. “We plan to have a fight camp in San Diego this summer and assess each fighter’s talent level and marketability and form a team of female fighting stars.”

Oakes reports that Fightstars.tv will be opening additional training facilities in Florida, New York and Chicago to match their existing spaces in San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Talented female fighters with established amateur boxing backgrounds and a desire to reach their full potential should contact Rick Ramos at: RickRamosBoxing50@gmail.com.

RICK RAMOS SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: @RickRamosBoxing
Facebook: @officialrickramosboxing
Instagram: @rickramosboxing
YouTube: Rick Ramos Boxing

For more information on Fightstars.tv, please visit their OFFICIAL SITE.

NEW YORK (March 4, 2022) – Split-T Management fighters will be on display this weekend as five fighters will look for big wins.

Tonight In Fresno, California, Javier Martinez takes on Donte Stubbs in a six-round middleweight bout.

Martinez, 26 of Milwaukee is 5-0 with two knockouts. Martinez has a win over Rance Ward (4-1-1). In his bout, Martinez took a six-round unanimous decision in shutout fashion over Darryl Jones on October 15th in San Diego.

Stubbs of Riverside, California is 6-3 with two knockouts, and is coming off a loss to Kevin Ottley on September 23rd in Costa Mesa, California.

Martinez weighed 161.8 lbs while Stubbs was 163 lbs.

Also in Fresno, 6’9″ Antonio Mireles makes his third start as he takes on undefeated Brandon Hughes in a four-round heavyweight contest.

Mireles, of Mexican-American descent, initially began boxing at the Des Moines PAL at the age of 12 and started competing at 15. He was guided for his entire amateur career by a pair of two strong coaches in John Saunders and Elly Nunez.

In his relatively brief, but extremely successful run in the amateurs, Mireles compiled a record of 28-4 with 10 knockouts – culminating in winning the 2020 USA Olympic Trials in the Super Heavyweight division. He was also a 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, a 2019 Eastern Elite Amateur Champion and a five-time Iowa Golden Gloves Champion.

As a pro, Mireles has two first-round knockout wins, with the most recent being over Jacob Williams on December 4th in Clive, Iowa.

Hughes of Gilbert, Arizona is also 2-0 with two knockouts. Both of his wins have come in Chihuahua, Mexico. He stopped Genardo Daniel Rodarte Lozano on August 27th.

Mireles weighed 259.4 lbs. Hughes was 282.4

The Martinez and Mireles fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 7:15 PM ET

Martinez and Mireles are promoted by Top Rank.

Also tonight in Columbus, Ohio, junior welterweight Rolando Vargas will take on Jerrell Hodge in a six-round bout.

Vargas, 22 years-old of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is 6-1 with six knockouts. Vargas has knockouts over two undefeated opponents, Jessi Hackett (1-0) and Nathaniel Lee Davis (1-0). Vargas is coming off a first-round stoppage over Akeem Jackson on September 10th in Detroit.

Hodge of Streetsboro, Ohio is 2-1 and is coming off a split decision win over previously undefeated Getffred Ngayot (4-0) on November 23rd in Erie, Pennsylvania

Saturday in San Diego, Diego Pacheco (13-0, 10 KOs) takes on Genc Pllana (9-3-1, 5 KOs) in a super middleweight bout.

Mairis Briedis (28-1, 20 KOs) will defend his IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles against undefeated mandatory challenger Jai Opetaia (21-0, 17 KOs) on Wednesday May 11 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, Australia.

Briedis captured the IBF and Ring Magazine World Titles when defeating Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the World Boxing Super Series in September 2020, becoming a three-time World Champion, and cementing his position as a pound-for-pound star and the number one Cruiserweight on the planet.

Following a successful defence of his belts against German challenger Artur Mann in Riga in October 2021, the 37-year-old will now travel down under to face fast-rising Australian star Opetaia on his home turf. The fight was originally scheduled for April 6 but was pushed back after Briedis contracted Covid.

“I look forward to coming to Australia to defend my World Titles,” said Briedis. “I know my opponent is a good boxer. He is a southpaw who is undefeated and who has had a very decent amateur career. As always, I will give my all in training camp and I will come to Australia to show my best boxing. I hope me and Jai can put on a great boxing spectacle for the fans.”

Sydney-born southpaw Optetai is a decorated amateur, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Youth World Championships and represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games. Following his amateur success, the 26-year-old made his professional debut in 2015 and has earned his shot at Briedis’ Cruiserweight crown with an impressive run of 21 victories.

“It’s a dream come true to get a shot at the World Title and on top of that it’s happening right here on the Gold Coast which is brilliant,” said Opetaia. “I’m a resident in Surfers Paradise so you can’t get any more Gold Coast than that. This is my chance to announce myself to the world. I want to bring home another World Title to Queensland just like Jeff Horn did.”

The fight, which will be promoted by Dean Lonergan for D and L Events in association with Wasserman Boxing, will be the first World Title bout to be held in Australia since Jeff Horn defended his crown against Gary Corcoran just over five years ago in Brisbane.

“This will be a fantastic occasion and I applaud Tourism Events Queensland, Major Events Gold Coast and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate for throwing their support behind what will be a very special event,” said Lonergan.

“We remember that fight (Horn-Corcoran) and also that incredible day when ‘The Hornet’ defeated Manny Pacquiao to win the World Title at Suncorp Stadium in 2017. 

“Now we are getting right behind Jai to achieve his dream and bring home another World Title to Queensland and on his own turf on the Gold Coast.”

Despite his Australian counterpart’s optimism, Briedis’ promoter Kalle Sauerland is confident the champion will be returning to Latvia with the belts. 

“Mairis Briedis is a three-time World Champion who has consistently fought the best boxers out there,” said Sauerland. “He’s coming to Australia as World Champion and will be leaving as World Champion. His knockout power is sensational but also his technique, his prowess and his finishing abilities. It’s time for Mairis to show once again why he is the number one Cruiserweight on the planet.”

This event is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.