Eddie Hearn
 
“Welcome to San Diego ahead of a huge night of boxing this Saturday available all around the world on DAZN. Headlined by an incredible fight in the Super-Flyweight division between the pound-for-pound legend Chocolatito and the WBC flyweight world champion Mexico’s Julio Cesar Martinez.”
 
“Of course, yesterday, we were here in San Diego for the press conference to announced Canelo Alvarez against Dmitry Bivol live on DAZN PPV May 7 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
 
“I had goosebumps when I saw Chocolatito and Martinez come up on the stage because as a fight fan, this fills me with so much excitement. Six weeks ago, it was announced as Estrada vs Chocolatito the trilogy, when I got text that Juan Estrada won’t be ready for March 5.
 
“I started thinking about the possible replacements, maybe a fight with Ancajas the other world champion or somebody else in the division. Then I thought about this crazy Mexican we represented called Julio Cesar Martinez, the WBC world flyweight champion and I thought he wouldn’t take that fight, would he? I texted Eddy Reynoso asking if he’s interested and 30 second later, he said, my crazy guy is ready.
 
“This is one of the most exciting, dangerous pound-for-pound fighters in the sport against one of the absolute all-time legends of the sport. In a sport that is so difficult to make big fights, I want to say thank you to both men for accepting the challenge and giving us what I believe a fight we will never forget on Saturday night.”
 
Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez
 
“The pleasure is mine, when the Estrada fight well through, but today we have a great opponent in Martinez. When they offered me that fight, I accepted it with pleasure, we’re in excellent in condition thank God for my training team and camp. I’m hoping to God we walk away with our hand raised in victory.
 
“I have an opponent that comes forward but I’m going to come forward, it’s going to be a tremendous fight and I think the fans are going to be really happy with the fight.
 
“I love all the Mexican people; I’ve had the opportunity to fight against many Mexican people. I know Nicaraguan people are going to come out here and support, but the most important thing is we have God on our side. He gives me the strength and the blessing; I hope to walk away with my hand raised in victory.”  
 
Julio Cesar Martinez
 
“It’s a big challenge, I’m very excited and motivated to be fighting a big legend like Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez. I want to thank him for choosing us in this big fight, like I say with everything but fear, anywhere and against anyone.
 
“I want to thank the fans and people for their support. As always I want to wish that we both come out well from the fight God willing and to keep making history – this is just the start.
 
“As always, we’re prepared for everything, decision, for it to be a clash, a technical fight. We’re coming in here well trained; I want to make sure the public walks away with a good taste in their mouth.” 
 
Mauricio Lara
 
“I’m very happy to be making my professional debut in the US on this big card between Chocolatito and Martinez. I’m very happy and as always, you’re going to get a war.
 
“I’ve learned a lot in recent times, I’ve made a lot of drastic changes both in my corner and in myself. This fight you’re going to see a different Mauricio Lara. 
 
“After having fought in front of 22,000 fans it’s good to be coming back home with a Mexican crowd.” 
 
Emilio Sanchez
 
“I’m very excited for this fight, I believe in my skills and that I can beat Mauricio Lara this coming Saturday.
 
“I’ve studied Lara very well, he has great power put it’s nothing new to me, I’ve fought guys like him before. I believe I can beat him.
 
“Me beating Mauricio Lara will put me right back in the mix, put me in the rankings and that’s what I look forward to doing.” 
 
Angel Fierro
 
“I’m happy to be returning and I always give good fights, I’ve demonstrated that in the past, this is not an exception. This a big opportunity and you’re going to see fireworks this Saturday.
 
“After this victory over Burgos I’m going to be asking for those opportunities whoever may be, I’m looking for those world titles opportunities.” 
 
Juan Carlos Burgos
 
“It’s going to be a very interesting fight because it possesses some of the ingredients that makes it interesting between me and Angel. It’s going to be a fight between youth and experience, you want to stay tuned to this fight and the fans will walk away from this fight very happy.”
 
Souleymane Cissokho
 
“He’s young, hungry, he can punch so that’s good for me. I can’t wait for Saturday night to take care of business.
 
“Valenzuela is a good opponent, he has a good record and a lot of knockouts, that’s good for me to challenge for the world title for sure. This year I want to challenge for the world title and I have to pass this first test.” 
 
Roberto Valenzuela
 
“It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m aware of that, it’s my opportunity to shine and to make myself known, make sure everyone knows my name after my performance this Saturday.
 
“It’s a great opportunity, an undefeated fighter but I train to win, I’m going to demonstrate that it was a bad decision to have faced me. I’m going to show him what fighters are really made of.” 
 
Diego Pacheco
 
“I’ve been around for a while, and I feel like a lot of people forget I’m still 20 years old. I’ve made a few changes in my camp, linked up with Jose Benavidez, Team Benavidez, camp has been great. I’m excited to show the world a new Diego Pacheco this Saturday.
 
“My first three fights as a pro were at 160 and it was kind of tough back then, I felt like I was still growing so I might as well go up to 168. I was already on weight two week before coming to San Diego so Jose said you could make 160 easy and with the right camp, I feel like 160 would be a good weight class for me. Get a title there first and move back up to 168.”
 
Marc Castro
 
“I’m definitely ready for another big show this Saturday with Matchroom and DAZN. I’m ready to just display my talents here in San Diego.
 
“My main goal was always since the beginning to just focus on my lane, stay in my lane. Work hard in the gym, stay humble and I’m beating all the guys for a reason. I’m not stopping now.
 
“I’m not overlooking this guy, I’m going to take care of business in spectacular fashion, get the win and hopefully return in Las Vegas.”
 
Skye Nicolson
 
“I’m really excited, it’s been a whirlwind, a huge journey but I’m absolutely loving the process and I can’t wait for Saturday night.
 
“The best Skye Nicholson is against quality opponents and that’s why I wanted this fight, I wanted to fight someone who’s coming in there to win. That’s why you’re going to see my best performance.”
 
“I’m loving all of it, I think the fight’s just going to be the cherry on top. I absolutely love the whole experience and I’m just soaking it all up.”
 
Anthony Herrera
 
“This is my second pro fight and I’m just looking forward to it, Saturday is the same thing I did in MSG and I’m real excited.
 
“I enjoyed MSG a lot, I love New York and everything about the pros, it’s a lot more freedom than the amateurs. I’m just real excited because I’m now here in California, my folk and supporters and coming to watch me, I’m going to put on a show for them.
 
“I just want to take it a fight at a time, make sure I perform right and that’s all that really matters. Everything will take care of itself.”

   •  Jose Ramirez 139.8 vs. Jose Pedraza 140
(Vacant WBO International Junior Welterweight Title— 12 Rounds)

•   Richard Torrez Jr. 228.2 lbs vs. Allen Melson 201.8 lbs 
(Heavyweight— 6 Rounds)

   •    Joet Gonzalez 125.8 lbs vs. Jeo Santisima 125.2 lbs
 (Vacant WBO International Featherweight Title— 10 Rounds)

   •    Gabriel Flores Jr. 131.6 lbs vs. Abraham Montoya 131.8 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight— 10 Rounds)

   •     Hector Tanajara 135 lbs vs. Miguel Contreras 134.2 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

   •     Karlos Balderas 134.2 lbs vs. Aelio Mesquita 131.2 lbs
 (Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

   •     Javier Martinez 161.8 lbs vs. Donte Stubbs 163 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •      Charlie Sheehy 134.2 lbs vs. Johnny Bernal 135 lbs
 (Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

   •     Antonio Mireles 259.4 lbs vs. Brandon Hughes 282.4 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

LAS VEGAS (March 3, 2022) – RJJ Boxing will be on Cruz Control for its March 24th show at Palenque de la Feriz in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.

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

The show will be presented by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ Boxing) in association with De La O Promotions, World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS) and Team Cruz Promotions.

The RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS event is part of the 40th Nayarit Festival which is celebrated between March 10 and 27. The festival displays the cultural identity of Nayarit, like the indigenous community, and also provides entertainment by offering regional artists at national and international events. It attracts between 20,000 and 30,000 people each day of the festival.

“”We always enjoy going to Mexico,” RJJ Boxing president Lisa Veltre said. “We’ve been able to explore and showcase towns throughout Mexico, thanks to our partnerships with De La O Promotions and WCBS. The RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS series was revitalized thanks to Emanuel Romo, his promotional company, and WCBS. I’m looking forward to promoting a show in a new town, Tepic, for the first time.”

The main event pits hometown favorite Salvatore “Chango” Tapia (12-3-1, 10 KOs) and Emiliano “Letal” Cruz (13-3, 12 KOs) in an 8-round bout between super lightweight Mexican knockout artists.

A former WBC FECOMBOX Super Lightweight Champion, Tapia has won three in a row, five of his last six. The 24-year-old Tapia captured the FECOMBOX title in October of 2020, when he stopped Flavio Ramos Zamora in the fifth round, while Cruz, 27, has won six of his last eight fights.

This match doesn’t figure to go the distance as the two Mexican fighters have registered a combined 22 knockouts in their 25 victories for a whopping 88-percent win percentage.

Red-hot lightweight prospect Jorge “Jorgito” Lugo Cota (7-0, 5 KOs) will be showcased once again on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS in a 6-round bout versus Ricardo Rodriguez (7-2, 1 KO). The 19-year-old Cota, the youngest member of the famed Mexican fightin’ Montiel family, is coming off a KO of the Night performance in the most recent RJJ Boxing event.

In a battle of super flyweight prospects, undefeated Israel-native David Alaverdian (5-0, 4 KOs) takes on hometown favorite Josue “El Penas” Ramirez (5-1, 4 KOs) on the undercard.

Also slated to fight is WBO Latino Super Middleweight Champion Lester Martinez (10-0, 9 KOs). Ranked No. 14 by the WBO, Martinez fights out of Guatemala City, Guatemala. In his pro debut in 2019, the Guatemalan knockout specialist stopped former world champion Ricardo Mayorga in the opening round, and he also has notable knockouts of Michi Munoz and Uriel Gonzalez.

Additional matches and missing opponents will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com

Facebook: : /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

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.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to exclusive, live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass.

-30-

NEW YORK – March 3, 2022 – Undefeated super welterweight prospect Ardreal Holmes will now face once-beaten Vernon Brown in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, March 11 live on SHOWTIME at 9:35 p.m. ET/PT from Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel in Deadwood, S.D.

Mekhrubon Sanginov, who was originally slated to take on Holmes (11-0, 5 KOs) in the main event, was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering an injury in training camp. Brown (13-1-1, 9 KOs), who was previously set to fight the undefeated Hurshidbek Normatov in the co-main event, steps in to face Holmes. Normatov also suffered an injury in training camp and is unable to fight on March 11.

The previously-announced eight-round lightweight matchup between undefeated prospect Luis Acosta (12-0, 11 KOs) and the power-punching Edwin De Los Santos (13-1, 12 KOs) serves as the co-main event and 2021 National Golden Gloves Champion Giovanni Márquez, the son of former world champion and ShoBox commentator Raul Márquez, makes his professional debut against Dominican Nelson Morales (2-0) in a four-round super lightweight bout that opens the three-fight telecast. Raul Márquez will occupy dual roles during the broadcast, first as his son’s trainer and cornerman and then later as an expert analyst alongside his colleagues ringside.

He will be joined by Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins calling the action with veteran combat sports reporter Brian Campbell also serving as an expert analyst, and Hall of Famer Steve Farhood remotely performing unofficial scoring duties. The executive producer of ShoBox: The New Generation is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event is promoted by Holden Productions.

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

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

Los Angeles, CA (March 3, 2022)–This past Thursday junior welterweight Fradimil Macayo won a tough eight-round unanimous decision over Armando Ramirez Almanza in Ciudad, Mexico.

The scores were 79-73 and 78-74 twice. The fight was streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.

The 29 year-old Macayo is from Carupano, Venezuela, who is promoted by Shapiro Sports and Entertainment.

With the win, Macayo improved to 16-1 with 13 knockouts, and will look to enter the top-15 in the major sanctioning body.

“Macayo showed why so many people were high on him after the Olympic games. This was the perfect fight for him to showcase his abilities to over 3 million of his countrymen who were watching the fight in Venezuela. He showed heart, grit, and the will to win at all costs. I am very excited about his future, and the plans we have for him should result in even more success.” – Shane Shapiro, President, Shapiro Sports & Entertainment

“First I want to thank God for this victory. He has seen first hand all the suffering I have been through with the poverty in my country. Going from sleeping on the streets in Venezuela to fighting on television for my entire country, I am so thankful. Thank you to my promoter Shane Shapiro, who has believed in me, and given me the opportunities to change my life. I am forever grateful. Also a big thank you to my Coach James Gogue, who has been helping me endlessly to transition my craft to the next level. I am ready for whatever comes next.” said an elated Fradimil Macayo

As he prepares for his latest Detroit Brawl event this Saturday (March 5, 2022), promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions says he’s honored to be part of the exciting revival of boxing in the historic city.

Salita, who started his mission to help revive the storied fighting history of Detroit just over six years ago, will promote his 17th show in the area this weekend in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, when Saginaw, Michigan, spoiler Robert Simms (11-3, 3 KOs) will test the mettle of undefeated New Yorker Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs) in the night’s 10-round heavyweight main event.

“I’m pleased to be part of bringing boxing back to Motown,” said Dmitriy Salita. “This is the comeback city and that’s what we are seeing. Detroit boxing is back! Just like in the classic days of boxing, this Saturday night in Dearborn, we have a great heavyweight main event, a classic 50/50 crossroads matchup that could truly go either way. A great show for the fans to see the next generation of stars in our area.”

Truly an international event, WBC #10- and IBF #9-ranked super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin (12-0, 7 KOs), will take on Ecuadorian trialhorse Jeyson “Verdugo” Minda (14-6-1, 8 KOs), in a bout scheduled for eight rounds; while in the 10-round super middleweight co-main event will be Detroit’s own Winfred “Hot Boy” Harris Jr. (21-1-1, 10 KOs) taking on another veteran known for pulling off occasional surprises, former NABA-US Super Middleweight Champion Dashon “Fly Boy” Johnson of Riverside, California.

Also seeing action will be undefeated middleweight terror Marlon Harrington (6-0, 5 KOs) stepping up in class to face Montevideo, Uruguay’s Andres Viera (11-4, 8 KOs) in a six-round brawl.

Featured in four-round showcase bouts will be popular Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur stars Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) taking on Justin Baesman (0-2) of Herlong, California; and Joshua Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) facing Iowa’s Hugo Gutierrez (0-3), while undefeated Detroit super welterweight Gordie Russ II (3-0, 3 KOs) takes on Jarrell “Snap” Murray (0-3) of Iowa.

Making their Detroit Brawl debuts against opponents TBA will be Dearborn’s own 19-year-old undefeated southpaw Husam Al Mashhadi (2-0, 2 KOs) in a super welterweight four-rounder; and Detroit’s Vernon Webber will hope to make his heavyweight pro debut a memorable one against Pontiac Michigan’s also debuting Luke Sills.

“It’s a great show we have this Saturday,” continued Salita. “Many of the stars of tomorrow will be there in tough matchups. It’s the kind of old-school show that used to be a regular attraction in this great city. Where you could go watch two tough prospects battle for a chance to move up the ladder and see future big names before they became the next Detroit superstars.”

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.

Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol came face-to-face today in San Diego to officially launch their clash at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday May 7, with Bivol defending his WBA World Light-Heavyweight title against the pound for pound king on Cinco de Mayo weekend Sin City.
 
The May 7 blockbuster will be available to subscribers around the world on DAZN, excluding Latin America and Mexico. In the U.S. & Canada, the event will be offered exclusively on DAZN Pay-Per View (PPV) – newly introduced for very select events to come – and priced at $59.99 for current subscribers and $79.99 for new subscribers (inclusive of a one-month subscription to DAZN).
 
An announcement on ticket on-sale dates and prices will be made due course.
 
Canelo Alvarez
 
“Thank you to Dmitry Bivol for the opportunity to fight for your world championship, thank you so much. I’m glad to be back with Eddie Hearn and working with him, with DAZN, I’m really excited for this year.
 
“When I work hard and do my best in the ring, I make a good fight for the fans. Thank you everybody and I’ll see you on May 7.
 
“I don’t care, I like challenges, it makes me feel alive – challenges for me in everything in my life. I like a good challenge and now I have a very good fighter in front of me and I’m excited for this fight.
 
“Bivol is a really tough fighter and it’s going to be a really good fight for Cinco de Mayo weekend with my people in Las Vegas – Mexican weekend. I’m really excited and I’m going to prepare really well because this fight is going to be really hard.” 
 
Dmitry Bivol
 
“I want to say thank you to all my team, my promoter, World of Boxing and to DAZN, Eddie Hearn and Canelo for the opportunity to make this fight.
 
“I believe in my skills and when I come to the ring I believe in my victory. I’m looking forward to May 7, thank you.
 
“Me and my team wanted this fight and I’m glad this fight will be in the United States and one of the Mecca of boxing. This is also very exciting, and it means a lot to me.
 
“This is very important for me especially because I’m fighting one of the best if not the best in the world right now, I want people to be able to see me and my skills, this is a big fight that can give me the ability to achieve my other goals and go on if I win this fight.”
 
Eddie Hearn
 
“Legacy is earned is a strapline for this event and I don’t think anything could be more fitting when you talk about Canelo Alvarez. Back on DAZN PPV on May 7 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Alvarez challenge Dmitry Bivol for the WBA Light-Heavyweight title.
 
“It’s an absolute honor to sign a multi-fight deal with Canelo Alvarez and his team, the great Eddy Reynoso and of course DAZN as well – working with this man is very special.
 
“I think we all appreciate in boxing that the big fights never get made and that’s because the teams and fighters sometimes look for easier options, I’ve never worked with anyone like Canelo Alvarez and Eddy Reynoso.
 
“This is a true great of modern-day boxing and when you look at the resume off the back of the two fights with GGG, fights against Daniel Jacobs for the middleweight championship, stepping up two divisions to fight Sergei Kovalev for the WBO light-heavyweight championship. Within one year becomes undisputed 168-pound champion by beating all three champions in Callum Smith, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant.
 
“If that wasn’t enough, now he moves up again another division to fight in my opinion the best light-heavyweight in the world in Dmitry Bivol. Dmitry Bivol is undefeated, current WBA champion of the world, we’ve worked with him for a long time, his manager Vadim Kornilov and world of boxing who we have a great relationship with.
 
“This young man has been looking for an opportunity like this for a long time, this is not a young man who’s reached the end of his career or is past his prime, this is an outstanding champion in his absolute prime ready for the opportunity of his life against the pound-for-pound king of boxing – Saul Canelo Alvarez.” 
 
Eddy Reynoso
 
“Thank for you for the award, special thanks to Ring Magazine for making this happen. We’re very happy for this fight against a very tough challenge, a great champion in Dmitry Bivol.
 
“We’re definitely looking forward to the challenge that we have, we’re trying to build Canelo’s legacy obviously into the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Thank you to everyone who is here.”  
 
Vadim Kornilov
 
“We appreciate the opportunity; this is a very exciting fight for us and something we’ve vowed for a very long time. We appreciate team Canelo for giving us the opportunity, we look forward to it and I hope everybody is going to be healthy and ready for the fight. I’m looking forward to a great event.”
 
Joseph Markowski,
 
“It’s a really exciting day for us at DAZN and we couldn’t think of a better event and a better partner in Canelo Alvarez, Eddy Reynoso to launch out DAZN PPV platform. As Eddie alluded to, clearly our global schedule is getting stronger and stronger, the subscription value that we are offering is continuing to be very strong with our special events around PPV we’re truly excited about the opportunity that gives out business in the coming years.
 
“Eddie spoke about the quality of this match-up, the deal with Canelo gives us a fantastic couple of events this year and we can’t wait to serve that on the DAZN PPV platform to our audience around the world. To both men, thank you for your partnership and best of luck in your preparation, we look forward to seeing all of you come May 7 on DAZN PPV.”

 NEW YORK (March 2, 2022) — The fight is back on!  Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin (41-1-1, 36 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, boxing’s most dominant middleweight of his era, is bringing the Big Drama Show and his IBF and IBO world title belts to his opponent’s backyard, Japan, where he will rumble with two-time WBA middleweight kingpin Ry?ta Murata (16-2, 13 KOs), in a long-awaited title unification fight.  Promoted by Teiken Promotions Inc., in association with GGG Promotions, Golovkin vs. Murata takes place Saturday, April 9 (it had been originally scheduled for December 29 before being postponed because of the Omicron outbreak), and will be streamed live from Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, which border’s Murata’s hometown of Tokyo, to over 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., exclusively on DAZN (excluding Japan and Kazakhstan).  In a battle of two-time world champions and Olympic medalists, Golovkin and Murata will be looking to put their stamp on, arguably, boxing’s most storied weight class. They 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. 

            “I am glad that the date has finally been set.  I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers from Japan for their hard work and full support of the upcoming unification fight,” said Golovkin.  “Ry?ta Murata is an outstanding champion.  I believe that boxing fans from this beautiful country and around the world will see an exciting event.  I look forward to getting back in the ring and bringing the Big Drama Show to Japan.”

            “It is an honor to share the ring with the great champion Gennadiy Golovkin,” said Murata.  “I am extremely pleased to be part of this historic middleweight title unification fight here in Japan.  On April 9th, victory will be mine and Japan will have a unified World Middleweight Champion.”   

            “We cannot wait to have Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin back on DAZN, facing off against Ry?ta Murata for the WBA, IBF, and IBO Middleweight World Titles,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN.  “Murata takes a big step up against the middleweight king GGG, who looks to continue his reign in the division after dismantling Szeremeta last time out.  This is set to be a brilliant fight, and we’re thrilled to have it live on DAZN on April 9^th.”

            Golovkin, who has worn a world championship belt every year since 2010, will be looking to build on his division-record of successful title defenses, which currently stands at 21.  He returns to the ring in the midst of his second reign as a middleweight world champion.  Golovkin regained the IBF and IBO middleweight titles in 2019 with a unanimous decision victory over top-rated contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko, a three-time world title challenger.  It was a hellacious toe-to-toe slugfest that had the frenzied crowd at Madison Square Garden on its feet for the entire 12 rounds.  Many considered it the Fight of the Year.  In his last fight, on December 18, 2020, Golovkin scored four knockdowns against undefeated mandatory challenger Kamil Szeremeta, en route to a seventh-round stoppage and a record 21st successful middleweight title defense.  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.  This will be his first time fighting in Japan.  His 11-year rampage on the middleweight division has also attracted millions of viewers who have watched him on premium cable, pay-per-view, and DAZN.  He earned an Olympic silver medal as a middleweight in the 2004 summer games in Athens.       

            Murata’s two world title reigns have begun with stoppage victories in immediate  rematches that avenged losses.  After losing a split decision to Hassan N’Dam on May 20, 2017, for the vacant WBA middleweight title, he dethroned N’Dam in the seventh round five months later, on October 22, 2017.  After a successful title defense — an eighth-round TKO of Emanuele Blandamura on April 15, 2018 — Murata lost his title to Rob Brant via a unanimous decision on October 20, 2018.  Nine months later, on July 12, 2019, Murata stopped Brant in the second round to reclaim the WBA middleweight title.  In his last fight, before the pandemic, Murata successfully defended his title with a fifth-round TKO of once-beaten Steven Butler.  The six-foot Murata, one of Japan’s most popular athletes, first came to the world’s attention when he captured the Olympic gold medal in the middleweight division at the 2012 Olympics held in London.  It was the first gold medal won by a Japanese boxer since Takao Sakurai in 1964, and also Japan’s first-ever boxing medal in a weight class other than bantamweight or flyweight.  Murata also became the 100th gold medalist in Japanese Olympic history.  Murata’s last eight victories have come by way of stoppage.

FRESNO, Calif. (March 2, 2022) — Jose Ramirez and Jose Pedraza understand the stakes. The junior welterweights know that the winner of Friday night’s 12-round main event at Fresno’s Save Mart Center will likely receive a world title shot next. Ramirez (26-1, 17 KOs) is a former unified world champion seeking to return to the division’s apex. The journey back begins in the venue where he routinely packs crowds of more than 12,000 fans. Ramirez hails from the farming community of Avenal, about an hour’s drive from Fresno.

Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, is a two-weight world champion with hopes of conquering a third weight class. He has won three straight bouts since losing a decision in his junior welterweight debut to Jose Zepeda.

The entire Ramirez-Pedraza card will stream and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT.

Ramirez vs. Pedraza headlines a stacked card that includes featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez (24-2, 14 KOs) against Jeo Santisima (21-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder, the six-round heavyweight professional debut of U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. versus Allen Melson (6-3, 3 KOs), Gabriel Flores Jr. (20-1, 7 KOs) coming back in a 10-round junior lightweight matchup against Abraham Montoya (20-2-1, 14 KOs), and rising junior lightweight Karlos Balderas (11-1, 10 KOs) in a six-rounder versus Aelio Mesquita (20-6-1, 18 KOs)

This is what the fighters had to say at Wednesday’s press conference.

Jose Ramirez

“My goal is to stay at the highest level of competition. My goal is to become a world champion again. You have to fight the best to be ready for those fights. I don’t want any easy fights. I don’t want to be fighting fights that are going to be tuneup fights.”

“That’s the only thing I’ve been thinking about throughout the whole training camp, pushing myself to learn from my mistakes and to become a world champion again. I feel hungry. I feel like the Jose Ramirez that got his opportunity in 2018 and became world champion for the first time. I just want it back. I want to go out there and perform my best and to showcase my talent in front of all the fans. It means a lot. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I think every fighter can relate to this. After a great loss, we get to see who stays and who left, and it shows that after taking that first loss you actually get a better team together because those that left were probably not helping you at all. So those that stay with you are the ones showing loyalty and believing in you.”

“I was able to train with no pressure. I was able to train and be myself. The biggest thing that I learned from myself when I faced Josh Taylor is that the only person that can defeat me is my own self. I feel like that’s a fight that I lost. I don’t believe he beat me because he’s the better fighter. That fight I lost because I wasn’t at my best, mentally and physically. I learned to accept it, and I want to earn the shot at the titles with my actions. I hope to show the best of my abilities on Friday.”

“For me to just kind of open up the door for these fighters is quite an honor, and I’m grateful yet humble to be here and continue fighting at this level.”

Jose Pedraza

“I definitely recovered a hundred percent {from COVID}. If that wasn’t the case you wouldn’t be seeing me facing Jose Ramirez in this great fight.”

“It would mean a lot becoming champion for a third time. It would put my name along with the legends of Puerto Rico, and it would mean lot for the island, too.”

On fighting in enemy territory
“I’m used to it by now. These are things that happen in boxing. I only believe in the hard work and the training that I did and in my ability.”

Joet Gonzalez

“There’s definitely another title shot {in my future}. I work hard, and I see myself as one of the {top featherweights}. I fought Navarrete. I fought Stevenson. Top fighters. They’re not just no regular champions.

“I put on a great performance in my last fight, came up a little short. I’m ready to get back in there against the best.”

Jeo Santisima

“This is a great opportunity for me to fight on a Top Rank card against a fighter like Joet Gonzalez.”

“It was a big opportunity to fight Navarrete {for the WBO junior featherweight title in February 2020} the last time and big respect to Navarrete for that fight.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“I can’t wait for my town and my community. They’ve been so behind me from the Olympics and going forward. I really can’t wait to show them what I got.”

“I feel like not only kicking down all the doors necessary for me to be here today…. Jose Ramirez, you showed me not only how to be a boxer, but to be a role model.

“That’s who I want to be like, too. You’re a legend in these parts and I just want to say thank you for that, for kicking down these doors.”

“I’m ready. I want to show the world that I’m ready. I want to show the world what Richard Torrez has to offer.”

Gabriel Flores Jr.

“I’m excited for Friday night to just be me. Go in there and be myself, as funny as it may sound. I’m excited to be me but to be a hundred percent in there and to do the game plan, do what I’m best at.”

“I can go through anything. My back against the wall, I still fight. At the end of the day, that’s who I am, a fighter.”

Karlos Balderas

“When I took that loss in 2019, a lot of people pushed me to the side or brushed me under the rug because they knew the type of the talent I had, the type of fighter I am. They knew that the king was coming.”
“2022 is my year to go up. It’s my year to become a title contender.”

Friday, March 4
LIVE & Exclusively on ESPN+
7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT

Jose Ramirez vs. Jose Pedraza, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO International Junior Welterweight Title

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Allen Melson, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Joet Gonzalez vs. Jeo Santisima, 10 rounds, featherweight

Gabriel Flores Jr. vs. Abraham Montoya, 10 rounds, junior lightweight

Hector Tanajara vs. Miguel Contreras, 8 rounds, lightweight

Karlos Balderas vs. Aelio Mesquita, 6 rounds, junior lightweight

Javier Martinez vs. Donte Stubbs, 6 rounds, middleweight

Charlie Sheehy vs. Johnny Bernal, 4 rounds, lightweight

Antonio Mireles vs. Brandon Hughes, 4 rounds, heavyweight

ARLINGTON, TX. – March 2, 2022 – WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas faced off for the first time Wednesday at a press conference to discuss their 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.

Spence vs. Ugas will be just the 12^th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division and will see Spence fighting in front of his hometown crowd looking to add a third welterweight title and boost his standing as the world’s top welterweight. Fresh off of an upset victory over legendary eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, Ugas will seek another upset victory as he hopes to continue his remarkable run through the division that has seen him win 12 of his last 13 fights since 2016.

Tickets for the live event, 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.

Here is what the press conference participants, which included Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones, had to say Wednesday from AT&T Stadium:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I can guarantee fireworks on April 16. Ugas is going to give it his all, just like I will. I’m going to put on another great performance in front of my hometown crowd. It’s ‘Man Down’ and it’s ‘Strap Season’. I’m the guy everyone is talking about. The motivation I get from my family and friends allows me to push through everything I’ve gone through.

“I want to thank Jerry Jones and the Cowboys for bringing me back and realizing my skills and my potential. We’re going to sell this stadium out and make this a great night. I’m going to put on a great show in front of my fans, my family and the whole Cowboys organization.

“I also have to thank Ugas for agreeing to take this fight with me. He’s a tough competitor who comes to fight. I thought he beat Shawn Porter in 2019 and then he beat Pacquiao with an arm injury. He’s a great warrior, but I believe that it’s my time to show the world that I’m here to win another belt.

“At the end of the day, I want to be the undisputed welterweight champion of the world. This is another step toward that goal. I’ve been the shot caller. I’m the big fish at 147.”

“My eye has been good. Sparring has been great and I’ve been looking good. I’ve taken some hits and my eye feels great. I haven’t been in the ring in a year and a half, but I’ve been focused and in the gym training every day.

“I feel very sharp right now. My last couple of fights I was really only able to train for about two months. But I’ve been in the gym for the last six months getting ready for this.

“I started my career on SHOWTIME. I had my pro debut and won my first world title on SHOWTIME. This is a reunion of sorts and I’m excited to be back.

“This is going to be a great fight. Ugas always comes to compete. With all respect to Pacquiao, I’m a way different fighter than Pacquiao and at this point I’m a better fighter. Ugas is a real warrior, but I’m hungry too. I’m not letting this opportunity pass by me.

“I’ve been feeling strong. My nutritionist that I added for this camp has been the missing ingredient. I was struggling to make weight and I think that’s the reason that I haven’t gotten a stoppage in my last few fights. This is the first camp in a while that I haven’t put the sauna suit on. It’s been a breath of fresh air. I’m really having fun in this training camp.

“It feels good to be back. It’s a blessing to be in this position. Most people take life for granted until they’re given a second chance, and I’ve been given a second chance in life and a third chance in boxing.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m so excited for this fight. I have nothing but respect for Errol Spence Jr., for his team and his trainer. What you are going to see on April 16 is two of the three best welterweights in the world face-to-face and ready to give a great show for the fans. This is not just going to be a fight between two of the best welterweights in the world, but a fight between two of the best trainers in the world too. They are going to go head-to-head and show their prowess as well.

“I’ve fought since I was six-years-old. I have overcome any and all challenges. I was ready for Pacquiao and I’m going to be ready for Spence. Like I said before, I’m so excited for this fight to be able to show people what I’m worth. I can promise you that I’m going to be ready on April 16 to show what I’m worth.

“I’m a warrior. I’m someone who is committed to his family, to his community, to his team. I’m going to give the fans more than 100 percent of what I can give and I can promise you it’s going to be something you don’t want to miss.

“I not only accepted this fight, I pushed for this fight. Because I want to fight the best. Here we are, two of the best welterweights in the world. I want the biggest challenges. I’m here and I’m ready to prove that everything I’ve done so far wasn’t a fluke at all.

“You know how long I’ve been calling for this fight and how long I’ve wanted this fight? Four years. I have wanted this for so long. Spence is one of the best in the world and I’m so glad that I get to face him like I’ve wanted for the past four years.

“Whoever wins this fight is going to be the king of this division and the one that calls the shots from now on.

“I’ve been waiting for the best Spence to reappear for two years now. I was well aware that he had to overcome a terrible accident. After that, the surgery on his eye was nothing. I knew he could overcome that.

“It’s been a long, hard road. I had to go through a lot to get to where I am today. The Pacquiao fight helped me get to where I am today but make no mistake, I made it here because of my hard work, my resilience and my skills. I’m ready to prove that once again at the AT&T Stadium.”

JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager

“I flew in here today from Indianapolis because our coaches and scouts are up there to look at the best players coming from college at the NFL Combine. The kinds of characteristics that we’re looking for in those players, are the kinds of things that everyone can see in the two fighters that I’m standing between today.

“It is a pleasure to be here this morning standing between these two great fighters. These men have proven beyond any doubt how much they will compete and how much they will fight to reach their goals. After meeting them and watching them, it doesn’t take me long to understand why they fight.

“We’re so proud of Errol, who’s from right here in Desoto. He brings the crowd with him every time he competes. In addition, the Cowboys also have a fantastic Mexican fanbase who love this sport. That gives me all the reasons in the world to be here today and all the reasons for the Cowboys to host this fight. These fighters have earned this right to be declared a champion and everyone is going to know what’s at stake in that ring on April 16.

“In boxing, you don’t have to worry about a center or a guard or a quarterback letting you down, because you can only rely on yourself in the ring. To me, that’s what’s so wonderful about the sport. You don’t have to use your imagination to talk about what’s at stake in this fight and I believe that April 16 will be on par with the other great fights we’ve had here.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“Fighters get better when they fight great opponents. You’re going to see the best of Errol Spence Jr. on April 16, because Ugas is going to bring it out of him.

“Errol is looking phenomenal in the gym and he’s only getting better. We’re really looking forward to the challenge that Ugas is going to present.

“Yordenis Ugas deserves this fight. He’s proven it from his journey defecting to the U.S., to him coming back to the sport as a late replacement opponent and then fighting all the way back to become champion. The night he fought Pacquiao, I told Ugas that the stage was set for him and that he should go make the best of it. That’s exactly what he did and now we’re here.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Ugas’ Trainer

“It’s been a long time, over six years, of hard work with Yordenis Ugas. Finally, we get what we’ve been working for. This is the top fight in the welterweight division.

We respect Errol Spence for his achievements, but remember that Yordenis Ugas always comes in as the underdog. And I love to be the underdog as well.

“On April 16, we will make a statement because Ugas deserves to get what he’s been working for. This will be a historic night, and history will be made by Yordenis Ugas.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, SHOWTIME Sports^®

“The welterweight division has always been boxing’s glamour division. Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather. This is a three-belt unification fight and exactly the kind of fight that SHOWTIME has become known for. The best against the best. The most competitive matchups.

“Putting aside the quality of this matchup and the importance of this fight, this Spence vs. Ugas features two of boxing’s best ambassadors. These are two elite athletes who represent the best of the sport through their sportsmanship, their integrity and their respect. It’s often said that boxing is a metaphor for life. We’re all fighting for something, personally or professionally. We all have our battles. But that’s not a metaphor for these two men. They have each battled almost unimaginable adversity inside and outside the ring and the way they’ve done so is a credit to boxing.

“Errol Spence Jr. has fought on SHOWTIME seven times. We’re proud that some of his most important fights have been on SHOWTIME. His pro debut in 2012, his first title victory in 2017 against Kell Brook in Sheffield, the first time he fought at a Dallas Cowboys venue against Carlos Ocampo in 2018. Today, Errol is the best fighter in the welterweight division and one of the best two or three fighters in the world.

“Yordenis Ugas became known as a fighter who takes tough fights on short notice and doesn’t often get the benefit of the doubt. But all that changed last August when Yordenis got the call to fight Manny Pacquiao on ten days’ notice. This time there was no hard luck. This time, Ugas put it all together, coming out with a decisive win over the legendary future Hall of Famer. Today, Yordenis is a lot of things. A world champion. A father to a son with autism. A role model and a champion to the people of Cuba. An accomplished world champion with humility born out of experience and adversity. A father, a role model and an elite boxer. That is Yordenis Ugas. That is Errol Spence. Now, these two athletes are on the doorstep of history.

“SHOWTIME is without a doubt the industry leader in the sport of boxing. We’ve been the home of bigtime boxing for 35 years – longer than anyone else in the sport. The biggest stars, the best matchups, the most memorable fights – they’ve been on SHOWTIME. Hagler and Hearns, Tyson-Holyfield, Chavez, Canelo and Mayweather, they’ve all made their names on SHOWTIME. We couldn’t be more excited to be the broadcaster for this event. We promise to deliver the type of unparalleled world-class production that SHOWTIME is known for and that this world-class event and venue deserves.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is one of the most intriguing fights of the year and a fight that will determine who is the best welterweight in the world.

“It is a privilege to be here at the home of the best professional franchise in sports. The saying here is that ‘everything is bigger in Texas’ and that certainly applies to this fight. The Jones family and the Cowboys have a rich tradition of bringing the biggest fights to Texas. When Errol fought in Frisco, Texas I immediately talked with Jerry about bringing Errol here to AT&T Stadium. Jerry told me that you have to bring me something worthy of this stadium and I believe we’ve done that with each fight we’ve brought here.

“This is an absolute mega fight. This is a sensational matchup in boxing’s hottest division, with two world champions squaring off to unify titles.”

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

About AT&T Stadium:

AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world.  Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world.  Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round.  The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue.  In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events.  For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

Following the Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall fight on Saturday, MTK Global is saddened and deeply concerned to learn of insults, personal attacks and even death threats targeting the fighters, their partners and their families. This has to stop immediately.

Boxing has always been a sport that unites communities and supports one another and regardless of Saturday night’s outcome, both Josh and Jack respect each other as men, as athletes and as fans of the sport they have dedicated their lives to. Not only have they endured sacrifice and gruelling training camps away from their families and partners in the lead up to this bout, but their families have sacrificed for the sport too and we ask the public, and the boxing community to respect that and offer their support instead of fuelling an already extremely emotional situation.

We ask you to remember that, no matter what the fighters, their teams, their peers, or fight fans believe the result should have been, the decision was not in their hands, but lay in the hands of judging officials and it is our understanding the British Boxing Board of Control are now conducting their own investigation, which we fully encourage.

We have always been honoured to work with both Josh and Jack and are immensely proud of all that they have achieved over the years, both entering the ring as undefeated fighters and showing the world what home grown talent Scotland and England have to offer, and the fans who flocked in their droves to witness the very first UK unification fight in the history of boxing.

MTK Global has always been a family and we ask you to support our family and their families as they look forward to what we know is going to be an incredible rematch in the very near future.

THE MASSIVE HEAVYWEIGHT clash between WBC champion Tyson Fury and the challenger Dillian Whyte on April 23 sold in huge numbers today – 85,000 tickets were purchased within 3 hours!

Fans are advised that only a limited number of tickets remain. A small number of Ticketmaster’s Platinum tickets are still available online, while 5,000 coach tickets are yet to be released. Details for the sale of the remaining coach packages will be announced in the coming days and will be available via Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Tickets for the all-British collision that takes place on St George’s Day at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, promoted by Queensberry in association with Top Rank, shown live on BT Sport Box Office in the UK and Pay-Per-View in the US, went on sale at noon on Wednesday via Ticketmaster and the demand was instant and at a staggering level. Peaking at 170K in the virtual queue on Ticketmaster.co.uk and drew the comment from our ticketing partners: “Tyson is a rockstar, he could have sold-out three Wembleys today!”

Queensberry Promotions have begun the process of applying to the local authorities to extend the capacity to 100,000 fans, which would make it the largest post-war boxing attendance in UK history. Should Queensberry Promotions application to extend the crowd to 100,000 be granted, tickets will be announced in due course and again, will be sold via Ticketmaster.

Promoter Frank Warren commented: “I always imagined that this fight wouldn’t be a hard sell so I am happy we opted to stage it in the biggest and best venue in the UK. This illustrates just what a big draw Tyson has become, his personality is infectious and he truly is a champion of the people.

“He is also the No.1 heavyweight in the world and one of the most recognised sportsmen on the planet. I am thrilled that we are bringing him back to Britain to perform on the biggest stage of all against Dillian Whyte and a domestic dust-up that will be the biggest boxing event of the year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the fans for their incredible support of this event and we will be in for some night on April 23 at Wembley Stadium.”

Fans are asked to follow Queensberry Promotions on social media for further ticket announcements, and we look forward to an historic night of heavyweight boxing at the national stadium on St George’s Day!

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 2, 2022) – Orange County’s rising star, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (18-1, 12 KOs) of Santa Ana, CA will take on Philadelphia’s Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (15-0-1, 10 KOs) as the co-main event to Vergil Ortiz, Jr. vs. Michael McKinson on Saturday, March 19. The duo will face off in a West Coast vs. East Coast, career-defining, 10-round welterweight battle at the University of Southern California’s Galen Center in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live, worldwide, on DAZN.

“I know what is expected of me at this stage of my career; I’m expected to knock people out,” said Alexis Rocha. “I own and embrace that expectation. I know Blair and have watched him develop. He’s a good fighter, but I am confident I will win in explosive fashion. He’s a southpaw and I’ve sparred with the best southpaws in the world, from Pacquiao to Josh Taylor. I’m ready for this fight.”

“This is my moment to prove that I am a fighter to be feared in the welterweight division,” said Blair Cobbs. “I am ready for this challenge and can assure all my West Coast and East Coast fans that I am here to win and make a name for myself.”

“Both Alexis and Blair are shining stars in the Golden Boy stable,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “They have grown up here, we have developed their careers, and now they are ready for the next big challenge in their boxing careers. I am excited to see what they will both do in the ring and feel that on March 19th we will see a new star emerge.”

After a strong performance and knockout victory over Jeovanis Barraza on the undercard of Munguia vs. Rosado at the Honda Center in November 2021; Alexis “Lex” Rocha is ready to continue his winning streak. A victory over Blair Cobbs could be the career-defining opportunity Rocha has been waiting for to prove he has what it takes to climb the elite ranks of the welterweight division. This wouldn’t be the first challenge the Southern California native has faced. He has successfully defeated tough competitors, including James Bacon, Berlin Abreu, Roberto Valenzuela Jr., and Brad Solomon.

One of the most popular fighters to come out of Freddie Roach’s stable at Westside Boxing Club, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs, was last seen in a spectacular fifth-round TKO victory over the seasoned Brad Solomon in El Paso, TX, in June 2021. Undefeated in his career, except for a draw early on in 2018, Cobbs is no stranger to adversity as he has taken on and defeated tough opposition like Ferdinand Kerovyan, Estevan Villalobos, and Samuel Kotey Neequaye. Now, the undefeated welterweight is ready for the next stage of his career as he faces the fan-favorite Alexis Rocha on March 19.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.galencenter.org or www.goldenboypromotions.com. Please note that LADPH guidelines and other protocols relating to admission requirements will be in place for this event, which include that all guests age 2 and older will have to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 24 hours for an antigen test or 48 hours for a PCR test.

Ortiz Jr. vs. McKinson is a 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, March 19 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

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

LAS VEGAS (March 2, 2022) — Former junior lightweight world champion Miguel “El Alacrán” Berchelt, the fighting pride of Cancun, Mexico, has his sights squarely on the lightweight division’s top names. Berchelt will battle Namibian contender Jeremiah Nakathila in the 10-round main event Saturday, March 26 at the Resorts World Events Center located at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Berchelt-Nakathila marks the debut sporting event at Resorts World Las Vegas, which opened June 2021 as the first integrated resort to be built on The Strip in over a decade.

In the 10-round co-feature, top featherweight contenders Jose Enrique “El Ejecutor” Vivas and Enrique “El Gemelo” Baez will meet in a guaranteed all-action clash with potential world title implications. Berchelt-Nakathila and Vivas-Baez will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, tickets starting at $25 go on sale Thursday, March 3 at noon PST, and can be purchased at www.rwlasvegas.com/experiences/top-rank.

“Miguel Berchelt is motivated to become a two-weight world champion, and he has a formidable test in his lightweight debut against Jeremiah Nakathila,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “It is a great honor to promote the first boxing event at Resorts World Las Vegas, a fantastic new property we hope will host many fight nights in the coming years.”

“As we developed Resorts World Las Vegas, entertainment was always an integral piece of our business strategy, and as part of that, we envisioned having major sporting events take place on our property,” said Scott Sibella, President of Resorts World Las Vegas. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with an industry leader like Top Rank to host this event and look forward to welcoming fans to the first-ever Resorts World Las Vegas fight night experience.”   

Berchelt (38-2, 34 KOs) won the WBC world title in January 2017 and defended that belt six times, becoming one of boxing’s longest-reigning world champions. Five of his title defenses came by knockout, including a ninth-round triumph over Miguel Roman and a fourth-round blitzing of former world champion Jason Sosa. Berchelt’s momentum was halted in February 2021, when he lost his world title in a dramatic showdown against Oscar Valdez. Berchelt was knocked out in the 10^th round by Valdez and soon looked to regain his championship form in another division.

“I am ready to turn the page and show the fans I have what it takes to become a two-division world champion,” Berchelt said. “The Valdez fight is in the past, and my focus is on Nakathila and a lightweight world title in 2022. ‘El Alacran’ is back, and I can’t wait to come to Resorts World Las Vegas to put on a show.”

Nakathila (22-2, 18 KOs) is a former WBO Africa and WBO Global junior lightweight titlist who is one of Namibia’s most decorated fighters. He went undefeated for more than four years, and last June, he made his Las Vegas debut against Shakur Stevenson for the WBO interim junior lightweight world title. Nakathila lost a clear points verdict to the unbeaten phenom, but he returned in fine form last October with a second-round stoppage over Ndodana Ncube. The 32-year-old Nakathila hopes to score the upset and a spot among the lightweight elites.

Nakathila said, “It’s an amazing opportunity to fight Berchelt. Given our styles, it will make for a highly entertaining fight. This is my lightweight debut, and I’m looking forward to my first win against a highly rated former champion.”

Vivas (21-1, 11 KOs), from Texcoco, Mexico, has won four straight fights and emerged as a contender to watch during the “Bubble” in 2020 with standout performances against Carlos Jackson and John Vincent Moralde. Last May, in one of the year’s best toe-to-toe affairs, he recovered from a pair of third-round knockdowns to edge Louie Coria by unanimous decision. Baez (20-2-2, 7 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, is a former Mexican junior featherweight champion who is now testing the featherweight waters. Last March, he notched a one-sided decision over the previously undefeated Abimael Ortiz, which came a little more than three months after a near-shutout verdict over Narek Abgaryan. Baez saw his 12-bout unbeaten streak snapped with a razor-thin majority decision loss to Ra’eese Aleem. 

ARLINGTON, TX. – March 2, 2022 – WBC and IBF world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA world champion Yordenis Ugas will 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. Spence vs. Ugas is just the 12^th unification fight in the rich history of the welterweight division, joining other classic matchups such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns I and Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao. 

One of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport, Spence looks to add a third welterweight championship belt to his resume when he returns to fight at AT&T Stadium in front of his hometown fans for the third time. Cuba’s Ugas has torn through the welterweight division since 2016, winning 12 of his last 13 fights, including most recently securing his WBA championship with a unanimous decision victory over legendary eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in August.

“Errol Spence vs. Yordenis Ugas is a fight that will once again show the world how passionate boxing fans are in North Texas,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “AT&T Stadium was built to host big time events like this one, and we’re grateful to join with SHOWTIME, TGB Promotions, Man Down Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions for this incredible showdown on April 16.“

“SHOWTIME Sports^® is proud to present one of the biggest events of 2022 and stylistically a can’t-miss matchup,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “The history of the welterweight division is chock-full of legendary fights but precious few title unifications. Much credit should be given to Errol Spence Jr. and Yordenis Ugas for embracing this challenge and putting their titles on the line. But it’s not surprising. Spence is the best welterweight in boxing. There’s no debate when you consider his performances over the past several years. That being said, Yordenis Ugas is coming off the biggest win of his career. His confidence is sky high and he has the skills to back it up. If you had to pick a winner, it would be the fans.”     

“The star-studded welterweight division will add yet another chapter to its dramatic history of memorable matchups when Errol Spence Jr. and Yordenis Ugas go toe-to-toe for a highly-anticipated unification showdown on Saturday, April 16,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Spence has proven himself as one of the sport’s elite fighters and will have another opportunity to make history in front of his hometown fans, who have come out in droves for his last two fights at AT&T Stadium. This could be the toughest test of his career, as Yordenis Ugas enters this bout highly-confident in his ability after he stepped in to defeat Manny Pacquiao last summer.”

Tickets for the live event, 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.

Spence (27-0, 21 KOs) returns to the ring after he was forced to pull out of a summer showdown against Pacquiao due to an eye injury that he has since recovered from. The 31-year-old was launched into stardom when he first captured a welterweight crown by traveling to the U.K. to stop Kell Brook in front of Brook’s hometown fans in 2017 on SHOWTIME. Following triumphs over Lamont Peterson and Carlos Ocampo, Spence added the WBC 147-pound belt to his collection by dropping Shawn Porter on his way to a unanimous decision victory in one of 2019’s best matchups.

Fighting out of his native Desoto, Texas, Spence has twice competed at AT&T Stadium, the home of his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He has earned unanimous decision victories at the venue in March 2019 over four-division champion Mikey Garcia, and in December 2020 against two-division champion Danny Garcia. Spence represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics before turning pro later that year and scoring knockouts in 10 of his first 12 fights, showing the promise that he would eventually fulfill on the biggest stages of the sport.

“There’s nothing better than fighting in front of my hometown fans at AT&T Stadium,” said Spence. “This is the perfect stage for me to fight for a third welterweight world title and unify the championships. I’m healthy and ready to go. Yordenis Ugas has proven to be a tough champion and I know he will bring his very best. It’s a high-stakes fight on a big stage and that always brings out the best in me. The fans should expect fireworks at AT&T Stadium and on SHOWTIME PPV on April 16.’’

Ugas (27-4, 12 KOs) has established himself as an elite welterweight since returning from a layoff in 2016 and elevating himself to world champion in January 2021 after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos in September 2020. He solidified his world-championship status last August, when he stepped in for an injured Spence to defeat Pacquiao by unanimous decision.

Hailing from Santiago, Cuba and now living in Miami, Florida, Ugas was on an eight-fight winning streak before losing a narrow split-decision to Shawn Porter in his first world title fight in March 2019, having been edged out on the scorecards after what appeared to be a 12^th-round knockdown in his favor was ruled a slip by the referee. The Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas with renowned coach Ismael Salas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“It’s a tremendous blessing to be in another big pay-per-view fight, especially against a great champion and top pound-for-pound fighter like Errol Spence Jr.,” said Ugas. “These are the types of fights that fans deserve. We both have plenty of time to prepare for each other, which means we are primed and ready to give the fans a show. I have a great trainer in Ismael Salas, who will have me prepared for battle. On fight night everyone will see a man at his best both physically and mentally. I’m pleased to have a hard-working team behind me and I’m thankful for this opportunity. On April 16 the energy in AT&T Stadium will be amazing.”

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

About AT&T Stadium:

AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world.  Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world.  Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round.  The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue.  In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events.  For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 1, 2022) – Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) of Victorville, CA and Jamestown, Ghana’s Emmanuel “The Gameboy” Tagoe (32-1, 15KOs) hosted their kick-off press conference, today, in Los Angeles at Golden Boy Headquarters. The fighters were onsite alongside Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, and DAZN’s Executive Vice President, Joe Markowski, to discuss their upcoming 12-round, lightweight battle on April 9. The fight is set to take place at San Antonio’s Alamodome, live, worldwide on DAZN.

Tickets for Garcia vs. Tagoe go on sale today and are priced at $250, $150, $100, $75, and $40, not including applicable facility fees. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the Alamodome Box Office, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. CT.

Below are what the attendees had to say today:

RYAN GARCIA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“Im very excited, it’s been a long time. Tagoe is a legitimate contender, I have nothing but respect for him. He has a big opportunity here, he’s been looking for a tough fight, a fight that will make or break him; and I am looking forward to a dog fight if it happens to be one.

“I am definitely not looking past him, whether people think he is a good contender or not, and I respect him and I know this will be a good fight.

“I have been boxing my whole life. I know what it takes. I know the discipline you need, the sacrifices you have to make. What makes me feel confident is all the experience I have in the ring; over 200 amateur fights, 21 professional, been in some top training camps. I feel very comfortable and confident. I know whomever is in front of me, it will not be easy, that’s for sure. If it’s a quick or a long fight, I am ready for whatever.”

EMMANUEL TAGOE, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:

“I want to thank my promoter Lou DiBella and manager Peter Khan for giving me this opportunity to showcase myself to everyone. I know people don’t know me, but after this fight, people are going to ask, who is this guy!?

“I know Ryan Garcia, I respect him a lot as a good boxer but he is not my style.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:

“For Tageo, to loose his professional debut and have an undefeated record after that for many years, shows that he has tasted defeat but he doesn’t want to taste it again which makes him very very dangerous.

“Ryan has been off for 15 months and we are glad that he is back. He is healthy, he is ready to go, but he knows that this is not a walk in the park.

“Ghana has some amazing boxing history with Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey. I know it’s going to be a really good fight. I know both guys are going to be ready, both guys are going to get into the ring with nothing to loose and with everything to loose. If there is someone who knows fighters like to Tageo, it’s me. I can see it in his eyes.”

JOE MARKOWSKI, DAZN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT:

“Ryan is a longtime DAZN fighter who moves the needle in a way that many fighters don’t. We applaud your bravery for speaking about your struggles, and we are delighted you are healthy and ready to fight on DAZN

“Ryan starts off some amazing content on DAZN, this fight is not going to be a walk in the park. My friend Lou DiBella has been talking to me about Emmanuel Tageo for sometime. Those of you that know Lou when he talks you have to listen. But he has been talking about this matchup for a while and we are excited to be hosting it.”

SPECIAL STATEMENT FROM LOU DIBELLA, PRESIDENT OF DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT:

“Hi everyone, Ryan Garcia is one of boxing’s most talented young stars and it’s good for the sport to have him back. I want to commend Ryan on his candor and mental health advocacy. I think his honesty will help a lot of people in battling the stigma associated with mental health care. I want to thank Ryan and Golden Boy Promotions for giving Emmanuel Tagoe, yet another talented, hungry fighter from Ghana, an opportunity to show his talents on the world stage. With Ryan’s immense popularity, he and his promoter could have come back against anyone. In Tagoe, they chose a legitimate and dangerous contender, who has won his last 32 fights. Emmanuel isn’t an easy touch; he’s a real threat. I applaud Ryan and Golden Boy Promotions for seeking this kind of challenge and I look forward to a great fight on April 9.”

Garcia vs. Tagoe is a 12-round lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy in association with DiBella Entertainment. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, April 9th, and streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

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

New York, NY – MARCH 1, 2022 – Everlast Worldwide the premier boxing and combat sports equipment manufacturer and perennial Choice of Champions, welcomes WBC & IBF Welterweight World Champion, Errol Spence Jr., officially back to Team Everlast.

Spence began his unbeaten world champion campaign in 2017 when he dropped and eventually stopped Kell Brook to win the IBF welterweight title after 11 rounds. In 2019, Errol picked up his second title when he defeated Shawn Porter for the WBC belt and unified status in what was arguably the fight of the year.

“Team Everlast has always been about adding the world’s most elite athletes. Errol is a rare talent who truly embodies the values of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity we covet here at Everlast. We are honored to have him officially back as part of the Team Everlast family,” said Chris Zoller, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Everlast.

Errol has been with Team Everlast since 2018 and Everlast has been a necessary part of his training even since his amateur and Olympic days.

“I am happy to continue my career representing the Everlast brand. They have truly made me feel a part of the Everlast family. I appreciate their loyalty and patience over the years,” said Errol Spence Jr.

In signing a long-term partnership with the premier fight sports and fitness brand, Errol will train and fight exclusively in his favorite Everlast fight sports equipment and wear the new Greatness sportswear range. Battle-tested in one of the toughest athletic environments, Everlast products have been crafted over a hundred years to empower you on the road to greatness.

Adrian Clark, who has been integral in bringing Errol to Team Everlast says, “Errol becoming the face of Everlast is legendary. Both Everlast & Errol share a passion for being of service to different communities. We have some really cool things planned for the future.”

Errol becomes the latest to join Everlast’s existing stable of elite athletes, which includes champions like Deontay Wilder, Dustin Poirier, Josh Taylor and more. Together, the #TeamEverlast fighters seek to inspire the fight in us all on the journey to greatness.

To keep updated on Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr. and other #TeamEverlast fighters, head to: www.everlast.com/pro-team.

PLANT CITY, FL (March 1, 2022) – Rising prospects, cruiserweight Najee Lopez (3-0, 3 KOs) and welterweight Tommy Wu (1-0), both scored victories this past Friday on a card promoted by Garry Jonas of Pro Box Promotions. The bouts took place at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

Lopez, who hails from Ellwood, GA, was impressive as he defeated veteran journeyman Alex Theran (23-7, 15 KOs) with a second-round TKO. Lopez dropped Theran in the opening round, then finished him off in round two. After the short night, Lopez is ready to get right back to business.

“It felt fantastic to score another knockout this early in my career,” said Lopez. “I have a lot of confidence and I know I can defeat many of the top guys in the division right now. I’m going to take it one fight at a time, but I’m definitely ready to keep stepping up my competition. I’ll be right back in the gym ready to go for March 25th.

Tommy Wu, who was making his pro debut, won a unanimous decision against Anthony Curtiss (3-14, 2 KOs). Wu used his superior boxing skills and lateral movement to secure a nice win. Scorecards read 40-36 twice and 39-36.

“It was a great experience to get my pro debut out of the way,” said Wu, who has a tremendous following on social media. “I’m still learning and getting my first win as a professional is a big weight off my back. I know with more fights, I’ll be getting better and better.”

“I was really impressed with Lopez who beat a very experienced fighter in Theran,” said manager Tim VanNewhouse. “My plan is to move him a little more quickly than most at his level of experience. If Najee develops the way his team and I believe, I can see him being ranked before his tenth pro fight. As for Wu, he has all the tools to become something special, with some more professional coaching I will get him into a great position. I want to keep these guys busy and fighting at least five times a year.”