#5-Logan Storley (13-1) defeated #4-Neiman Gracie (11-3) via unanimous decision (48-47, 50-45, 49-46)

Logan Storley following his win: “That fight right there, I had to dig deep. That’s those farm roots. That’s Midwest. Figuring out who you are in the fourth round and coming back. 

“I was stung for a little bit but I was playing and moving. And then he started wearing himself out and I landed it. I’m a fighter now. That proved it right there. Any doubt I ever had about taking a punch, fighting the best guys – that’s the No. 4 guy in the world – and I just beat him. It was 25 minutes on the feet. That was the most fun I’ve ever had competing in my life.

“I want the belt. That’s why I got in this business. I didn’t get it done at the NCAA level and that drives me today. To be the best in the world. Once I’m the best in the world, then it’s time to go do something else. I want to be the best in the world and I want the title next.”

#9-Andrey Koreshkov (25-4) defeated Chance Rencountre (16-5) via TKO (body kick) at :38 of round one

Andrey Koreshkov returns with a vengeance: ““It’s what we prepared for. The spinning back-kick is like a tradition for Storm School. Hey BELLATOR, I know you prepare many tournaments in Europe. And I know one guy – Paul Daley – I want to kick his ass. He doesn’t like wrestling just like me. We will show a great stand-up fight and I will knock him out.”

Adam Piccolotti (13-4) defeated Georgi Karakhanyan (31-13-1, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Adam Piccolotti continues his winning ways: “I’d give myself a B+. My jiujitsu was an A. My jiujitsu was on point. My wrestling felt really strong. My striking was a little hesitant. It was a mixture. It was me being a little hesitant but it was also me having a ton of respect for Georgi. I knew Georgi was ready to come in and have a firefight. He was ready to wait for me to make any sort of opening or any sort of mistake. He was going to try to make it a dogfight which is the opposite fight of what I wanted to have tonight. It was a strong B+.

“I want somebody in the top five. I don’t care. There’s a lot of good guys in my division right now but there’s no one better than me.”

Brennan Ward (15-6) defeated Brandon Bell (10-11) via TKO (punches) at 0:32 of round two

Brennan Ward after his return to BELLATOR: “Everybody who came out, thank you. I got support from every aspect of my life. I know I got my Union brothers in here. I got my two coaches right there. They’ve been with me throughout this whole rollercoaster. And my family, my girl, my daughter, my parents, my sister, everybody – I came here tonight for myself and I came here tonight to show the world that you can go to hell and you can come back. You can come back.

“A lot of days away. Brandon Bell took some shots. I thought I was going to knock him out. He’s a tough guy, man. It felt good. It felt good to be back. I’ve got a lot more to show. And I got more to come. You know that you’re going to have to see me face a top 10 guy next. You know it. You know I have to.”

“I see a lot of these dudes in the top 10 I respect. I know Scott Coker is going to pick me out somebody good. Test one of these young guys that you got. Test one of these young guys like I used to get tested when I was a young guy coming up. I’m the gatekeeper now. Test one of these young boys against me!”

#8-Davion Franklin (5-0) defeated#9–Said Sowma (8-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Davion Franklin had this to say following his win: ““I was just trying to get him off me. I knew he wanted to hold me against the fence and try to tire me out. It didn’t work so I knew I needed to figure something out to get him off me. I would like to fight Linton Vassell next sometime over the summer. That would give me enough time to continue to correct some errors I made tonight.”

PRELIMINARY CARD RESULTS: 

Nick Browne (13-1) defeated Mandel Nallo (8-2, 1 NC) via TKO (punches) at 2:20 of round two

Jaylon Bates (5-0) defeated Chris Disonell (6-5) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 0:00 of round three

Bobby King (11-4) defeated #9–Aviv Gozali (6-1) via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of round one

#7-DeAnna Bennett (12-7-1) defeated Justine Kish (7-5) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

Jordan Newman (4-0) defeated Cody Herbert (2-1) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Justin Montalvo (5-0) defeated Corey Samuels (3-3) via TKO (punches) at 2:43 of round one

Isaiah Hokit (1-1) defeated Theodore Macuka (1-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:59 of round one

Jonathan Di Lorenzo (2-0) defeated Orlando Mendoza (0-2) via submission (D’arce Choke) at 1:07 of round one

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

Top-ranked middleweight contender Jaime Munguia stopped D’Mitrius Ballard in round three of a scheduled 12-round fight in front of over 15,000 in Tijuana, Mexico.

In round three, Munguia hurt Ballard with a left hook and a follow-up barrage sent Ballard to the canvas. Shortly after, Munguia was all over Ballard, and a big left hook to the head forced a referee stoppage at 1:47

Munguia, 159 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 39-0 with 31 knockouts. Ballard, 159 lbs of Prince George County, MD is 21-1-1-1-1.

William Zepeda hit the deck once, but dropped Luis Viedas three-times en-route to a third round stoppage in a scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Zepeda dropped Viedas with a straight left. Later in the round, Viedas was able to shockingly put Zepeda on the deck with an inside left hook. Seconds later, Zepeda was deducted a point for shoving Viedas to the deck. In round three, Zepeda sent Viedas down with a straight left. Seconds later, Viedas landed a straight left that put Viedas down. Zepeda got in a left to the body while Viedas was down, but the referee counted 10 at 1:51.

Zepeda, 135 lbs of Mexico is 25-0 with 23 knockouts. Viedas, 135 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 29-12-1.

Diego Torres won a hard fought 10-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Escobedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round four, the left eye of Escobedo began to bleed.

In round nine, Torres was deducted a point when his mouthpiece came out for the third time.

Torres, 140 lbs of Zapopan, MEX won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 14-0. Escobedo, 140 lbs of Tonala, MEX is 8-3-1.

Rafael Espinoza stopped Alie Laurel in the opening round of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Espinoza was credited with a knockdown after sending Laurel to the canvas with a left. He scored another knockdown with a left hook and the fight was over at 1:37.

Espinoza, 125 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 18-0 with 15 knockouts. Laurel, 126 lbs of General Santos City, PHL is 18-7-1.

In a much awaited grudge match, former world champion Kell Brook stopped Amir Khan in round six of their 12-round bout at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

In round one, Brook wobbled Khan on two occasions. The first was from a hard jab. The second was from a hard right hand. In round six, Brook hurt Khan again with a jab. Brook began to pour on the offense until the fight was stopped at 51 seconds.

Brook, 148.3 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 40-3 with 28 knockouts. Khan, 147.3 lbs of Bolton, ENG is 34-6.

Natasha Jonas won the vacant WBO Super Welterweight title with a 2nd round stoppage of Chris Namus.

In round one, Jonas dropped Namus with a right hook. In round two, it was a straight left off of a furious exchange that sent Namus down again. Namus got to her feet, but the fight was waved off at 28 seconds.

Jonas, 149.3 lbs is 11-2-1 with eight knockouts. Namus, 147.3 lbs of Uraguay is 25-7-1.

2021 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Frazer Clarke made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Jake Darnell in a heavyweight fight.

In round one, Darnell began bleeding from his nose. Shortly after, Clarke landed a big combination that was set off by a body shot that was followed by several head shots that forced the corner of Darnell to throw in the towel at 2:06.

Clarke, 256 lbs is 1-0 with one knockout. Darnell, 248.3 lbs of Blackpool, ENG is 0-1.

Hasan Azim won a four-round decision over MJ Hall in a welterweight bout.

Azim, 148 lbs won by a 40-36 score and is 2-0. Hall is now 2-74-2.

Adam Azim stopped Jordan Ellison in round three of their six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Azim dropped Ellison with a right to the body. In round three, Azim landed a hard left hook to the head that dropped Ellison down and out at 2:09.

Azim, 138.4 lbs is 3-0 with two knockouts. Ellison, 138.4 lbs is 13-36-2.

Brad Rea scored a vicious opening round stoppage over Craig McCarthy in a middleweight fight.

Rea landed a ripping undercard that sent McCarthy down on his back, and the fight was stopped before the 10-count could be completed at 1:53.

Rea, 160.3 lbs of Sweatburg, ENG is 12-0 with five knockouts. McCarthy, 161.3 lbs of Waterford, IRE is 8-1-1.

Viddal Riley won a six-round decision over Will Shihepo in a cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Riley dropped Shihepo with a right uppercut.

Riley, 197 lbs of London, ENG won by a 60-53 score and is now 5-0. Shihepo, 196.3 lbs of Namibia is 25-14.

Germaine Brown won a 10-round unanimous decision over Charlie Schofield in a super middleweight fight.

Brown, 168 lbs of London, UK won by scores of 99-92 and 98-92 twice and is now 12-0. Schofield, 168 lbs of Manchester, UK is 17-2.

Hanover, MD (February 19, 2022) — Weights for Tonight’s big night of boxing at The Hall at Live at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Maryland

Jordan White 129.6 – Brandon Valdes 129.0
Demond Nicholson 168.8 – Gabriel Pham 168.4
Colby Madison 231.6 – Antonio Robertson 248.2
A.J. Williams 167.2 – Brent Oren 167.6
Mansaborie Conde 162.2 – Malcolm Phillips 159.6
Brandon Chambers 120.4 – Paul Carroll 122.0
Jaqeem Hutcherson 122.2 – Jalen Woodmore TBA
Tyhler Williams 142.4 – Maurice Anthony 143.6
Joseph Veazey 145.6 – Corey Champion 146.6
Ahmad Muhammad Jones 141 – Tyree Arnold 141.8

Victor Williams 150.4, Jeremiah Kendrick 160.2 — bout scratched due to overage.

Promoter: Jeter Promotions
1st Bell: 6:30 PM ET

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $65-$150 and can be purchased at AXS.COM

The HALL at LIVE! is a 75,000-square-foot, three-story multi-use concert and event venue that features some of the nation’s best touring acts, comedians, championship boxing and other show-stopping entertainment. With a capacity of up to 4,800 persons, the state-of-the-art performance venue features three levels of seating: a main orchestra level, intimate loge-level boxes and a plush VIP Level with private bar, lounge and balcony. Each of these options afford spectacular views and immerse audiences in audio visual systems unparalleled in the region.

The $10 million state-of-the-art audio and visual system provides absolute acoustic perfection combined with stunning visual displays. The built-in performance stage, surrounded by massive, high resolution LED screens, is 60 feet wide by 40 feet deep and, from a technological standpoint, rivals the largest and most advanced performance venues anywhere. The HALL is the largest theater in any casino in the state of Maryland, as well as in Anne Arundel County. The HALL at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is located at 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, Maryland 21076.

    •  Amir Khan 147.3 vs. Kell Brook 148.3
(Junior Middleweight— 12 Rounds)

•     Natasha Jonas 149.5 lbs vs. Chris Namus 147.5 lbs 
(Vacant WBO Female Junior Middleweight World Title — 10 Rounds)

   •    Frazer Clarke 256 lbs vs. Jake Darnell 248.5 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Adam Azim 138.4 lbs vs. Jordan Ellison 138.5 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Brad Rea 160.5 lbs vs. Craig McCarthy 161.5 lbs
 (Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Viddal Riley 199 lbs vs. Willbeforce Shihepo 198.5 lbs
 (Cruiserweight— 6 Rounds)
  •    Charlie Schofield 168 lbs vs. Germaine Brown 168 lbs
 (Schofield’s English Super Middleweight Title — 10 Rounds)

###

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. 
 
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).
 

ORLANDO, FL–Jamaine Ortiz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Nahir Albright at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

Ortiz, 134 1/4 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 15-0-1. Albright, 134 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 13-2.

Paul Kroll and Marquis Taylor fought to an eight-round split draw in a junior middleweight fight.

Although Taylor outlanded Kroll 109-84, the judges score cards read 80-72 Taylor, 77-75 Kroll and 76-76.

Taylor, 151 3/4 lbs of Houston, TX is 12-1-2. Kroll, 153 1/4 lbs of Philadelphia is 9-0-1.

BROOKLYN (February 18, 2022) – Unbeaten rising star Chris “Primetime” Colbert held a media workout in his hometown of Brooklyn Friday, as he prepares to take on undefeated Dominican Olympian Hector Garcia in the SHOWTIME main event Saturday, February 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Colbert vs. Garcia tops a stacked SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT as the undefeated fighters match up in a WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator.

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

The 25-year-old Colbert held the workout at the NYC Cops & Kids Boxing Club where he began his boxing journey, from his decorated days in the amateur ranks, to his burgeoning pro career. Here is what Colbert had to say about training camp, his February 26 opponent and more:

CHRIS COLBERT

“He’s going to learn firsthand how dangerous I am. I’m not worried about anything he brings to the ring. I love when people think that power is going to save them against me.

“I don’t have to live up to the ‘Primetime’ name, that’s just me. That’s who I am. People know who I am. I just have a job to do and I’m going to do it on February 26.

“I don’t really know anything about Garcia. I know he’s got two arms and two legs, and beyond that I expect him to bring his A-game, because he has to against me. There’s no way that I’m letting him come in as a late replacement and beat me.

“I spent most of training camp with Coach Aureliano Sosa and Herman Caicedo at Caicedo Sports down in Miami, but with the change of opponent I made the decision to come back to my gym in Brooklyn because we have three lefties in the gym up here.

“The only real difference for this camp is that I have a nutritionist now, so they’ve got me on a strict diet and I’m just more focused than ever. The other thing about this camp is that I was originally supposed to fight in mid-December, but then it got pushed back to now. So we went through two camps basically. It’s been about a 14-week camp in total.

“We went down to Miami mainly because of the weather, and because of our connection with Coach Herman. I hate the cold up north. And then they’ve also got a lot of quality sparring partners for me down in Miami and they gave me some good work to get me ready for this fight.

“I’m all about making adjustments. I’ve had opponent replacements happen before, and I know this is part of the business of boxing. I just have to roll with the punches, make lemonade out of these lemons and do what I do on February 26.

“I don’t fight for the belts. I fight for the money and my legacy. I still have a job to do next Saturday. I’m still getting paid. After I win, I get to fight again soon for the belt and get paid again for that fight.”

#

ABOUT COLBERT VS. GARCÍA
Colbert vs. García will see undefeated rising star Chris “Primetime” Colbert square off against unbeaten Dominican Olympian Hector García in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight World Title Eliminator headlining live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast kicks off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature another unbeaten young phenom in the co-main event. Gary Antuanne Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, faces former world champion Viktor Postol in a 10-round super lightweight bout, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin Ancajas defends his title against unbeaten Argentine Fernando Martinez in the televised opener of the loaded tripleheader.

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with an intriguing matchup in a 160-pound catchweight bout, as No. 4 ranked lightweight contender Islam Makhachev aims to halt the momentum of fan favorite Bobby Green, who fills in on short-notice to replace the injured Beneil Dariush. In the middleweight co-main event, renowned finisher Misha Cirkunov looks to secure his first victory in the weight class as he takes on Wellington Turman. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: MAKHACHEV vs GREEN will take place Saturday, Feb. 26 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will stream on ESPN+, with the prelims beginning at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET and the main card at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET.

Makhachev (20-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) looks to extend his nine-fight win streak in the UFC. During his run up the rankings, Makhachev proved he is one of the best lightweights with dominant wins over Dan Hooker, Drew Dober, and Thiago Moises. He now aims to to secure a possible shot at UFC gold by defeating the veteran Green. 

Green (29-12-1, fighting out of Fontana, California) steps into the Octagon on 10 days’ notice after a dominanting performance over Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 271. A lightweight bruiser who has nine knockouts and eight submissions to his name, Green continues to rise in the division after victories over Alan Patrick, Clay Guida and Al Iaquinta and he now looks to make a statement and derail the Russian phenom Makhachev and break into the Top 15.   

Former light heavyweight contender Misha Cirkunov (15-7, fighting out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada by way of Riga, Lativa) seeks to start a win streak at 185-pounds. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist has an impressive 11 first-round finishes, with three coming in under a minute. Some of his stoppage victories include Jimmy Crute, Nikita Krylov and Ion Cutelaba. Cirkunov now has his sights set on making a splash in his second fight at middleweight and sending a message to the rest of the division.

Wellington Turman (17-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil) intends to make the most of his first UFC co-main event opportunity. Coming off a split decision win over UFC veteran Sam Alvey, the jiu-jitsu expert now intends to make it two in a row by taking out Cirkunov and beginning his climb up the middleweight ladder.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Ji Yeon Kim (9-4-2, fighting out of Incheon, South Korea) looks to dominate against Priscila Cachoeira (10-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a women’s flyweight bout
• No. 13 ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan (16-2, fighting out Krasnodar, Russia)faces submission specialist Joel Alvarez (19-2, fighting out of Asturias, Spain)
• Dana White’s Contender Series alum Armen Petrosyan (6-1, fighting out of Yerevan, Armenia by way of Krasnoyarsk, Russia) meets streaking Gregory Rodrigues (11-4, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Florida by way of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil ) at middleweight
• Rong Zhu (18-4, fighting out of Sichuan, China) takes on young knockout artist Ignacio Bahamondes (12-4, fighting out of Chicago, Illinois by way of Santiago, Chile) at lightweight
• Josiane Nunes (8-1, fighting out of Fazenda Rio Grande, Parana, Brazil) looks to spoil the UFC debut of Ramona Pascual (6-2, fighting out of Hong Kong) in a women’s bantamweights clash
• Lightweight action sees Terrance McKinney (11-3, fighting out of Spokane, Wash.) facing off with Fares Ziam (12-3, fighting out of Givors, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, FranceVénissieux, France)
• Women’s strawweight Jinh Yu Frey (11-6, fighting out of Arlington, Tex.) battles Hannah  Goldy (6-2, fighting out of  Orlando, Fla.)
• Bantamweight veterans meet as Alejandro Perez (22-8-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif. by way of Aguascalientes, Mexico) takes on Jonathan Martinez (14-4, fighting out of Plainview, Tex.)
• Welterweights Ramiz Brahimaj (9-4, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) and Micheal Gillmore (6-4, fighting out of Lansing, Mich.) lock horns
• Flyweights Victor Altamirano (10-1, fighting out of Fort Worth, Tex.) and Carlos Hernandez (7-1, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) face off as they look to make a name for themselves in their first trip to the Octagon

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

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 166 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 175 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. 
?? 
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.

WARWICK, RI (February 18) – Listed below are official weights for all participants in “Rhode Wars,” CES Boxing’s 2022 season opener scheduled for tomorrow night at 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Jaime “Hurricane” Clampitt, a Warwick, RI, resident, faces Kim Wabik (4-1-2) of Concord, NH, in the six-round main event. In addition to the Clampitt-Wabik main event, “Rhode Wars” features several other intriguing all-New England matchups, including a six-round co-main event showdown between undefeated Providence, RI, super welterweight Lamont Powell (5-0, 1 KO) and Mitch Louis-Charles (6-2-2, 3 KOs) of Quebec who now lives and trains in Boston. In the bantamweight division, MMA-fighter-turned-boxer Daniel Cormier (1-0) of East Providence, RI, faces Christian Andrade (1-0, 1 KO) of Fairhaven, MA, in a four-round bout.

Super lightweight Wilson Mascarenhas (4-1, 1 KO) of New Bedford, MA, battles hard-hitting Akeem Jackson (5-4, 5 KOs) of Oxon Hill, MD, in a six-round bout and heavyweight Tim Hatfield (2-0, 2 KOs) of Providence, a former college football player for Brown University, battles Kaleb Slaughter (1-3-1) of Cincinnati, OH, in a four-round bout. In a special middleweight showcase, Italian-born Nicola Quarneti (5-1-1) makes his United States debut in a four-round bout against Yakima, WA, veteran Charon Spain (3-18-2, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.

WEIGH-IN RESULTS
Jaime Clampitt
Warwick, RI
133

Kim Wabik
Concord, NH
131

Wilson Mascarenhas
New Bedford, MA
139

Akeem Jackson
Alexandria, VA
139

Lamont Powell
Providence, RI
159

Mitch Louis-Charles
Boston, MA
151

Nicola Quarneti
Rimini, Italy
158

Charon Spain
Yakima, WA
157

Tim Hatfield
Providence, RI
140

Kaleb Slaughter
Cincinnati, OH
254

Christian Andrade
Fairhaven, MA
118

Daniel Cormier
East Providence, RI
116
INFORMATION
CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Providence-Warwick is the first choice of those seeking the best in accommodations, convenience, service and sophistication in Rhode Island. A nine-time winner of the Intercontinental Hotel Group’s Torchbearer Award, one of the most prestigious accolades in the hotel industry, the Crowne Plaza Hotel has 266 guestrooms and 45,000 square feet of meeting space. Whether you’re a business traveler seeking respite from a long flight, a family on vacation visiting nearby Newport, a trade association holding its annual convention, or a young couple planning a wedding, the Crowne Plaza is ready to satisfy your every need. Located 10 minutes from downtown Providence and two miles from T.F. Green Airport on a spacious landscaped 17-acre site featuring abundant, free parking, the Crowne Plaza Hotel is prepared to treat you like royalty.

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (170.75) vs. #5-Logan Storley (170.5)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #9-Andrey Koreshkov (171) vs. Chance Rencountre (169.5)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (156) vs. Adam Piccolotti (155.5)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Brennan Ward (174.8) vs. Brandon Bell (173.8)

Heavyweight Bout: #8-Davion Franklin (262.75) vs.#9–Said Sowma (243)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (155.4) vs. Nick Browne (155.2)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (136) vs. Chris Disonell (135.2)

Lightweight Bout: #9-Aviv Gozali (155.8) vs. Bobby King (156)

Flyweight Bout: #7-DeAnna Bennett (125.4) vs. Justine Kish (125.6)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (185.6) vs. Cody Herbert (188.6*)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (154.2) vs. Corey Samuels (155.4)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (145.8) vs. Theodore Macuka (145.2)

Welterweight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (170.6) vs. Jonathan Di Lorenzo (169.8)

*Missed weight

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

ORLANDO, Fla. – February 17, 2022 – Exciting rising prospects Jamaine Oritz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) and Nahir Albright (14-1, 7 KOs) both made weight Thursday, a day ahead of their 10-round lightweight main event on ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, February 18, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Fla.

The co-feature pits former decorated amateur Paul Kroll (9-0, 6 KOs) against upset-minded Marquis Taylor (12-1-1, 1 KO) in an eight-round super welterweight bout.

The doubleheader is promoted by Marshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotions. 

FINAL WEIGHTS

Lightweight 10-Round Bout

Jamaine Ortiz – 134 ¼ pounds

Nahir Albright – 134 pounds

Referee: Frank Santore, Jr.; Judges: Alexander Levin, Joe Ware, Brian Garry

Super Welterweight Eight-Round Bout

Paul Kroll – 152 ½ pounds*

Marquis Taylor – 151 ¾ pounds

Referee: Michael DeJesus; Judges: Alexander Levin, Joe Ware, Tito Wilgo

Note: All refs and judges for both fights reside in Florida.

* Contracted weight limit is 152 pounds; both fight camps agreed to proceed with fight.  

FINAL QUOTES:

Jamaine Ortiz

“A lot is always at stake when I fight, an undefeated record is at stake. He’s a slick boxer. He can box if he wants to, and he can be aggressive as well. He’s another hungry Philly fighter. I just plan on being the best Jamaine Ortiz that I can be. I’m going to be the technician with correct movements in there, and I’m going to be focused on having fun on Friday night.

“From the fight with Joseph Adorno [last April, which ended in a majority draw and saw Ortiz hit the canvas twice over eight rounds], I learned not to be so anxious. Being down after the knockdown in the second round made me feel like I had to pick it up and show that I was winning the fight. I was very anxious. Now, this fight is a 10-rounder, and I feel I can take my time a little and be patient and effective and just take it round by round.  

“I do have a lot of outside interests, but I give boxing 100 percent, and when it comes to fight time, I don’t do real estate. I don’t do anything except focus on the fight. I wake up and go to the gym. When I’m in that six-to-eight-week camp, that’s all I’m focused on. Nothing comes in between that.

“I hope I can increase my profile and be thought of as one of the best at 135 pounds from this fight. I just don’t know if the opponent’s name is big enough, where I can join that list of other big-name fighters at 135. With the NABF title, if I get ranked in the top 10 in the world, hopefully I can begin to put my name in the conversation with the best at 135 pounds. That’s my goal.

“When I fought Teofimo Lopez in the finals of the national golden gloves in the amateurs, I didn’t think he beat me bad at all. My coach had to fly out the night before. I feel like if I had my coach, I would have done better. When I fought Teofimo back then, he wasn’t the puncher he is today. He was nothing like that. It was more of a boxing match. We were both boxing each other.

“If this fight becomes a Gatti-Ward type of fight, then I’m OK with it. I’ve lived through that before and I’m fine going through that again. If he wants to come at me, it will be an easier fight for me. I’m going to be focused, and I’m going to stick to my game plan.”

Nahir Albright:

“I’ve worked all my life for this opportunity. It just feels so surreal being here. I’m definitely excited and ready to showcase my talent.

“I expect Ortiz to bring the fight to me. You’re all about to experience some fireworks. You’re all about to experience [Manny] Pacquiao versus [Juan Manuel] Marquez. Arturo Gatti versus Micky Ward. I feel like the world’s in for a fight they haven’t seen in a long time. I feel like my boxing ability and my slickness are something he’s never seen before.

“Beating guys like Jeremy Hill and Michael Dutchover in my last two fights definitely boosted my confidence and gave me extra validation on what I already had. It showed that I can have the odds against me, but that I could still come out on top. It showed I could go through some adversity and still be a winner.

“My singing is for a real. Like, I’m a singer for real. I grew up singing. I was a singer before I was a boxer. Singing is definitely going to play a part in my career. I got a surprise for the world. I’m not going to sing Boyz II Men again. It’s something new.

“I’m coming to hurt my opponent. It’s seek and destroy. It’s kill or be killed out there. I come to fight and don’t just try and box and win by decision. I come to fight.

“With an impressive win over Jamaine Ortiz I could see myself fighting Ryan Garcia, Rolly Romero. Any of those tough guys. I can see it definitely by the end of 2022 or the start of 2023 you will see my name next to those guys.

“Even though I’m training in New Jersey, being a Philly fighter never leaves. It’s all in me, for real. You can take a person out of the ‘hood, but you can’t take the ‘hood out of the person. That’s real. That dog’s definitely in me.”

Paul Kroll

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity. This is what I’ve been waiting for. Going through what I went through when I was younger [with his legal issues] helped me a lot from a maturation standpoint. It helped me grow up and made me more mature. When I was younger my boxing career was moving so fast. I won the U.S. Olympic Trials. The experience that I went through made me slow down and spend time working on myself.

“People who know boxing know who I am. The real boxing fans know me. Fighters know me. I beat most of them in the amateurs, so they know me. Now, I’m just getting the opportunity to show what I can do.

“He’s tall, but he doesn’t know the game… There are different levels in this sport. He’s going to bring his ‘A’ game but it’s not going to be enough. I’ve seen a million fighters like him, but he’s never seen a Paul Kroll. I’m going to show my class on Friday night.

“I’m just a better all-around fighter than he is. I can box, fight on the inside and outside. My jab is better than his. Everybody I fight throws a lot of punches, and they always slow down as the fight goes on. [Former opponent Lucas] Santamaria threw a lot of punches, too…. When I touch him, he’s going to feel it.

“He’s just too small, he’s too light. I’m just an all-around better fighter. When I’m on my ‘A’ game, I don’t think there’s anyone who can beat me right now. I fought a million people who were 6’1” in the amateurs. My best asset is that I can adapt on the fly round-by-round. Not every fighter can do that. Only the great ones.

“A win puts me in a better position to get a bigger fight. When it happens, it will happen at 154 pounds. I’ve grown out of welterweight. I can’t make 147 anymore. I’m going to stay at 154 pounds and get a big fight, hopefully back on ShoBox and SHOWTIME. This is a good audition and I’ve always passed all my tests with flying colors.

“That knockout he has on his record doesn’t work. My daughter could have knocked out that opponent [Esteban Alseco]. He’s going to be a volume puncher, but he can’t crack an egg. At the same time, anytime someone has on 10 oz gloves, if you get hit by a punch the right way, it can hurt you.

“I learned a lot from sparring with guys like Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Julian Williams. I learned a lot about myself. I learned how to recognize mistakes that other, younger fighters make. Younger guys, when they’re coming up, they try so hard to make an impression, and they end up making a lot of mistakes. Against someone like Julian Williams, I would do something and then admire my work and he would catch me after I threw my punches. Once I started to recognize that, I started to play the older and more experienced role. I’m more mature mentally now, and I know how to take advantage of other’s mistakes.

“I got my own gym, so I have my own schedule. I can train at any time. I train two or three times a day. I’ll get up before work and work out and then after work I train again. Sometimes I train late at night, like Floyd [Mayweather Jr.] used to do. I’m always in the gym.”

Marquis Taylor:

“I’m honored to be on ShoBox, which has always been a true proving ground for up-and-coming stars of boxing. To be on this platform and prove myself is all any boxer ever asks for.

“The boxing world is finally going to get introduced to someone who will one day be one of the biggest stars in boxing. I know the styles and skills that I possess and all the tools I have in the toolbox will finally be on display before a nationally televised audience.

“I would describe my fighting style as really awkward, but aggressive and rough and relentless. Defensive. It’s like a style you’ve never seen from someone 6-foot-1. With the length and height that I have you would automatically assume this guy is a boxer or a counter-puncher or a runner. But I actually love fighting on the inside and getting in a phone booth. Just giving the fans what they want but also being defensive.

“I’ve made my career of being on the ‘B’ side of boxing. I love being on the ‘B’ side. I’ve actually been thinking once I win this fight, don’t put me on the ‘A’ side because that means I’m projected to win. I want to be the guy who defies the odds. I want to be the guy who is underdog and to beat the guy who I wasn’t supposed to beat. Give me five undefeated guys and I’ll show you these guys aren’t on my level.

“I want Terence Crawford, Errol Spence. I want that type of level. I possess a style that nobody else has. Covid didn’t stall my career. I was able to perfect my style and get stronger and ready to show the best Marquis Taylor that you’ve ever seen.

“Kroll is a good fighter. I never look past any of my opponents. I know he’s fighting for his life just like I’m fighting for my life. So I give all the respect to him, but I know with all the adversity I’ve been through and when you look at his resume and you look at mine, it’s a little different.

“I know I’ve beaten three undefeated fighters, but it’s never been on SHOWTIME. It’s never been on the big stage. I’m past all the undefeated fighters I’ve beaten. Now I have to prove it on the SHOWTIME stage and that’s what I’m going to show on February 18.”

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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, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

FOR YOUNG LIGHT heavyweight sensation Karol Itauma everything is going to plan with his professional experience to date and future plans are already mapped out in writing.

The 21-year-old from Chatham has clocked up five impressive victories since turning pro off the back of a gold medal at the Youth Olympics and he is clear in his mind just where he is heading – and it involves plenty more hardware in the form of world championship belts.

Karol returns to the ring at York Hall on March 11 in support of Chris Bourke bidding to win the British super bantamweight title against Marc Leach and he describes himself as largely content with the direction his career is currently heading in, which has seen him become a small screen regular on BT Sport.

“I’ve had five fights – all on TV – and I’ve been very active,” Karol told Dev Sahni on the Unibet Lowdown. “So I have had the opportunities considering the situation we’ve been in where many boxers have been unable to box, so it would be very ungrateful if I said I wasn’t happy.

“I am happy with the way things are going and always focusing on what is in front of me. The next one is the most important fight. Me and my team always have our eye on the ball and are always training.”

Just in case he ever forgets or deviates from where he is heading, Karol reveals his ambitions are jotted down by his bedside and even pinned to the wall. The word ‘undisputed’ is a personal favourite.

“It is actually a little notebook! It is funny, I have got British title written in there and all the major world titles. I have printed it out and have it up on a pinboard so every day I see it as my goal and what I am working towards.

“It is about becoming familiar with what is waiting for me because, at the end of the day, a ship with no destination ain’t gonna get anywhere. I believe this is one of the things that separates me from other boxers.

“Visualisation is a whole other subject, but I also believe in this too.”

One thing he does visualise and is as certain as he can be about is the impact he anticipates his younger brother Riko making in the sport. Riko is a 17-year-old amateur heavyweight strongly tipped for stardom and Karol reports the pair are firmly on the same wavelength.

“My relationship with Riko I would call competitive, but it is also a crazy relationship. We understand each other, we get along well, he trusts me, I trust him and, in my opinion, he is the only person who can know how I really feel.

“He is my brother by blood, but he also gets in the ring as well as an amateur and will as a pro when the time is right.

“I know how far he can go and he will shock the world when he gets the opportunity to because he has been shocking us since he started boxing, at the age of 13 dropping grown men.

“Now it is just a matter of time before he explodes onto the scene and everyone knows about him.”

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 exciting super featherweight Frank Arnold (8-0-1), 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

Ruben Torres 134.6 vs Cristian Ruben Miño 134.4
Isaac Zarate 126.9 vs Horacio Garcia 126.9
Louie Lopez 146.6 vs Cristian Dominguez 144
Japhethlee Llamido 125.5 vs Erick Garcia Benitez 126.8
Ivan Zarate 121.7 vs. Sean Brewer 120.6
Oscar Torrez 229 vs. Daniel Najera 235

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced at $50, $75, and $100, are only available at the door. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

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Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

This event is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson
Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

Orlando (February 17) – Boxing’s biggest platforms are generally reserved for its biggest stars, the headliners who generate millions in ticket sales, pay-per-view buys, and social media clicks.

For an up-and-coming fighter who has yet to break through that glass ceiling, Showtime’s long-running series, ShoBox: The New Generation, is the next best thing to overnight success.

Since its inception in 2001, The New Generation has developed into boxing’s premier proving ground for top prospects on their journey to stardom. The concept of the show, spearheaded by ShoBox executive producer Gordon Hall, was to match unknown prospects in step-up fights in front of a national viewing audience, thereby offering these fighters the opportunity to showcase their talents while allowing the fans the opportunity to follow them throughout their careers.

The formula works – more than 75 ShoBox fighters have become world champions, many of whom got their big break on the The New Generation.

Unbeaten Worcester, MA, lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) could be the next one on that list. Tomorrow night in Orlando, Ortiz makes his long-awaited ShoBox: The New Generation debut at the Caribe Royale in the 10-round main event against Philadelphia’s Nahir Albright (14-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant NABF 135-pound title. The telecast begins live at 9 pm ET.

“You’re not going to want to miss this fight,” Ortiz said. “It’s going to be a great fight. I can just guarantee that I’m going to come out on top and win. Everybody tune in.”

The stakes are incredibly for so many reasons; first, the opportunity to fight – and win – on ShoBox has proven beneficial for so many young fighters. Then there’s the allure of the NABF title, which, due to its affiliation with the WBC, grants the winner an automatic spot in the world rankings, a great way to fast-track one’s path to a shot at a world title.

A highly decorated amateur who competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials before making his professional debut in 2016, Ortiz understands pressure and has passed each test in his young career with flying colors. Under the guidance of promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. and CES Boxing, Ortiz has carefully climbed the ladder with each fight more important than the last. His timeline is unmatched:

May 13, 2016: Stopped Josh Parker at the 3:00 mark of the opening round in his professional debut
December 7, 2017: Capped a perfect 4-0 year with a unanimous decision win over 13-win veteran Derrick Murray
May 11, 2018: Stopped Philadelphia’s Tyrone Luckey in the third round of a scheduled six-round bout to improve to 9-0
February 23, 2019: In biggest win of his career, defeated previously unbeaten Ricardo Quiroz of California to capture the vacant WBC World Youth Lightweight Title
August 9, 2019: Succeeded in first defense of his WBC title, beating French challenger Romain Couture by unanimous decision
February 28, 2020: Headlined first fight in his hometown of Worcester with a first-round knockout win over 22-win veteran Luis Castillo
November 28, 2020: Became the first fighter to stop challenger Sulaiman Segawa, finishing his opponent in the seventh round of a scheduled eight-round bout on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones pay-per-view event in California
April 24, 2021: In his first appearance on ESPN, fought to a draw against fellow unbeaten lightweight Joseph Adorno, surviving two knockdowns to keep his unbeaten record intact

There’s little Ortiz has yet to accomplish, but winning tomorrow night and capturing the NABF title immediately puts the entire lightweight division on notice. Truth be told, it’s a great time to be an up-and-comer at 135 pounds, and Ortiz has made it clear his goal is to compete for one of the coveted world titles in his weight class before the end of 2022.

There isn’t one particular fighter on his radar, but Ortiz is familiar with all of them, whether it’s Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis, or George Kambosos, all of whom are thriving amidst this unparalleled lightweight renaissance. Kambosos recently won the WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles from Teofimo Lopez, who many considered the top name at 135 pounds after he beat Vasyl Lomachenko in October of 2020.

What’s evident is there’s no clear-cut leader of the pack; the household names such as Haney, Davis, Lomachenko, Kambosos, and Joseph Diaz are all capable of taking home a title on any given night – and it wouldn’t be a shock if other up-and-comers like Rolly Romero or Isaac Cruz found their way into the conversation by the end of the year. The division hasn’t seen depth like this since the Julio Cesar Chavez-Edwin Rosario-Pernell Whitaker-Ray Mancini era during the mid-‘80s to early-‘90s.

Like many young fighters, Ortiz is learning the ropes in and out of the ring. Six years into his career, he has a better understanding of the business side of the sport, which can often be as grueling as the beatings accrued between the ropes. After spending many years as an apprentice carpenter, Ortiz is now dabbling in real estate, trying his hand at the stock market and cryptocurrency and investing in properties, surrounding himself with the right team to ensure his financial success long after he finishes boxing.

Those, however, are long-term investments. The short-term goal is to clean house among 135-pounders. Who would dare doubt him? Given his success at every step of the way, there’s no reason the soft-spoken, yet hard-hitting, lightweight can’t be the next up-and-comer to join the current fraternity of rising stars in his weight class. Tomorrow night’s main-event showdown will provide answers to a lot of questions and perhaps introduce a worldwide audience to boxing’s next great champion.

Visit CESFights.com for more information. Updates on CES Boxing can also be found on Facebook in addition to Instagram and Twitter by following @CESBoxing.

INFORMATION

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

ShoBox: The New Generation is boxing’s premier proving ground for top prospects determined to fight for a world title, matching young talent competitively against their toughest opponents to date. More than 75 ShoBox fighters have become world champions.

Ideally located just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, Caribe Royale Orlando blends home-style comforts with unbeatable hotel amenities for the ultimate Orlando experience. Beautifully appointed, all-suite guest rooms are designed to offer a peaceful retreat for vacationers and business travelers alike. Spanning 60 acres and packed with wonderful amenities, Caribe Royale guests are treated to an array of leisure activities and family-friendly experiences. Guests can lounge by the pool; indulge in luxurious spa treatments; enjoy poolside libations and alfresco dining; reserve a bicycle and explore the area, and much more. Additionally, their expansive hotel features a variety of event facilities ideal for hosting conventions, meetings, social celebrations, and destination weddings.

WBC #10- and IBF #9-ranked super middleweight Vladimir Shishkin (12-0, 7 KOs), as well as undefeated Detroit super welterweight Gordie Russ II (3-0, 3 KOs) have been added to the lineup in separate bouts for Salita Promotions’ next “Detroit Brawl” event, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Waiting out the pandemic for an inevitable high-profile match-up against a champion or highly rated contender, former amateur star Shishkin, originally from Stepnoe, Russia, is now living and training at the Kronk Gym in Detroit with super trainer Javan “SugarHill” Steward. The talented Russian will look to stay sharp against Ecuadorian trialhorse Jeyson “Verdugo” Minda (14-6-1, 8 KOs), in a bout scheduled for eight rounds.

“I’m excited to add another adopted Detroiter to the card,” said event promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Like the legendary Russian Five, who played a big role in bringing a Stanley Cup Championship to ‘America’s Greatest Comeback City’ Detroit. I believe Vladimir’s partnership with Sugarhill will soon result in another world title for the city of Detroit. And as a bonus for local boxing fans, they will get a chance to see another future world champion on this stacked Detroit Brawl card!”

Also training with Steward and added to the Detroit Brawl bill is his cousin, the aforementioned super welterweight Russ II, who will hope to keep his record perfect (currently 3-0, 3 KOs) against an opponent also TBA over four rounds.

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.

In the night’s 10-round heavyweight main event, Saginaw, Michigan, spoiler Robert Simms (11-3, 3 KOs) will test the mettle of undefeated New Yorker Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs).

Featured 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 matching 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) in separate four-rounders.

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 Hammond, Indiana’s Gabriel Mota (1-2).

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets ordered online will be mailed up to one week prior to event date. Tickets ordered within a week of event will be placed in will call at the box office for pick-up. A limited quantity of VIP tickets is also available by calling Rhyan Neco: 313.765.7698.

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.

Atlantic City, NJ (February 16, 2022) –Super Middleweight Gabriel Pham is ready for his February 19th showdown with Demond Nicholson at The Live Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover, Maryland.

Pham of Atlantic City, New Jersey, has a record of 15-2 with eight knockouts. has been in training camp for over nine weeks, and is now preparing for the biggest fight of his career.

Pham is managed by longtime manager Rich Masini of MBM Masini Boxing Management and trained by Nick Rosario. Masini is very happy with the combination of the fighter and the trainer.

“Camp went well. One of my 1st full camps. Strength and condition and being trained by Nick. My Strength and Conditioning coach trains high level athletes. He is a step up. He is CJ Appenzeller.”

“Nicholson is a tough, experienced guy. Was a decorated amateur. But I am ready for him. I don’t know so much about him. His record speaks for itself. He has fought some good opponents. On paper he is the toughest guy that I would have fought with the most experience, When I fight better competition, it brings out the best in me.. A win will put me in the picture with the higher level super middleweights., I am 32 so we have to get it moving to title level fights. This is a tough and it will only get tougher from here,” said Pham

I am coming to win and impress and I look forward to this victory to open up doors for all of the big name super middleweights. I want to give a special thanks to Rich Masini who is my manager as well as my mentor he’s been here since 2007 and a lot of this wouldn’t be possible without him. I want to dedicate this fight to him and all our hard work.

“Nick and Gabby work very well together,” said Masini. “Nick Pushes him hard. Nick sought out the services of CJ Appenzeller who is a well renowned strength and conditioning coach who works with not only top level boxers as well as NFL, NBA , NHL and Major League players. He has a state-of-the-art facility that is 20,000 square feet. This offers us a chance to cover everything from boxing to health, nutrition supplements, meals, the proper way to stretch, swimming and strength and conditioning.

Masini goes on to say, “We have surrounded Gabby with the best possible situation for him to succeed. We realize that this will be an incredibly tough fight. It’s in Demond’s backyard, but we feel Gabby is really close to putting the final touches on a great camp. We hope to have a great 2022 that ends up with a shot at the title. In order to do that, we have to fight the best out there, and that starts with Demond Nicholson. Nicholson is a class act inside and outside the ring. We are excited for the challenge that Tony Jeter and his matchmaker Nick Tiberi presented us with.”
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UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Feb. 17, 2022) – No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie (11-2) will lace up the BELLATOR gloves for the 12^th consecutive time when he takes on former four-time collegiate All-American wrestler and No. 5-ranked Logan Storley (12-1) to headline BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley. The clash of top-10 welterweights takes place on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

In the co-featured bout, former BELLATOR Welterweight Champion and No. 9-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) will return to action and open his 2002 campaign against Alliance MMA product and owner of seven first-round finishes Chance Rencountre (16-4) of Pawhuska, Okla. The main card also will feature a pair of returning BELLATOR MMA top-10 heavyweights as undefeated Jackson Wink product and No. 8-ranked Davion Franklin (4-0) squares off against three-time BELLATOR MMA veteran, American Top Team standout, and No. 9-ranked Said Sowma (8-2).

In preliminary action, Brennan Ward (14-6) will make his long-awaited return to the BELLATOR MMA cage following a nearly five-year layoff in a 175-pound contract weight bout against kingly Kentuckian Brandon Bell (10-10). Also, undefeated southpaw and Team Body Shop submission ace Jaylon Bates (4-0), of Portland, Ore., will make his fifth consecutive BELLATOR appearance when he takes on Albany, N.Y.’s own Chris Disonell (6-4), who will return to the promotion for the first time since August 2019. Moreover, a scintillating skirmish of once-beaten lightweights will pit fighters with two of the sport’s greatest nicknames as Mandel “Rat Garbage” Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) hopes to send Nick “Nyquil” Browne (12-1) into a glorious slumber.

SHOWTIME will televise the highly anticipated main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley are on sale now at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Thursday, Feb. 17:

NEIMAN GRACIE: NO. 4-RANKED BELLATOR WELTERWEIGHT

Click HERE for Gracie’s full media-day session

“It’s hard to say whether this is going to go to the fourth and fifth round. He’s a tough fighter. We never know. But I’m glad that we have more time because I’m a Gracie. I like to fight longer fights. Even no time limit if they let me.

“I think everything is going to be involved in this fight. I think there will be grappling, there will be striking. It’s going to be an all-around fight. It’s hard to predict things but judging by the way that he fights, I think there’s going to be more grappling.

“I’m very comfortable. This is one of the best training camps I’ve had. I’m very confident that I will win this fight. It’s hard to predict how, but I’m sure this fight is not going to go to the decision. I’ve prepared to face him anywhere. Wherever the fight goes, I’m ready.”

LOGAN STORLEY: NO. 5-RANKED BELLATOR WELTERWEIGHT

Click HERE for Storley’s full media-day session

“I’ve trained with the best guys in the world. The likes of Gilbert Burns for the last five years. So I’m ready. But at the same time, I know he’s very good on the ground. The family name. But I’m prepared and I’m ready to do what I have to do.

“You go out there and get a dominant performance, I would hope that puts you in line for the next title shot. But for me, the biggest thing is taking care of Saturday night.

“Being in the main event is the same thing, I guess. I’m excited that people are here for you. You’re the headliner. People are waiting for you for the main event. So that’s exciting. But once you step in there, it’s the same thing as any other fight.”

ANDREY KORESHKOV: NO. 9-RANKED BELLATOR WELTERWEIGHT

Click HERE for Koreshkov’s full media-day session

“For me, it doesn’t matter that my opponent changed. They are the same height, same reach, same stance. Southpaw. A little bit of the same style. Almost nothing changed.

“If I win against Chance, I want to fight a top guy. Somebody who is above me in the rankings. And after the next win, maybe I can fight for the title.

“Amasov vs. Page is a very interesting fight because Michael “Venom” Page has outstanding skills. He’s very uncomfortable for any fighter. Amasov has good wrestling. I think if he finds his distance and can take down “Venom” Page, he’ll win this fight. If he can’t find the distance, he has a big problem.”

DAVION FRANKLIN: NO. 8-RANKED BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT

Click HERE for Franklin’s full media-day session

“I don’t pay any attention to the rankings. I just pay attention to the kind of performances that I’m going to have. That’s what I look forward to. Said Sowma can be salty about the rankings all he wants, but none of that is going to matter when he steps into the cage with me.

“I’m looking to go in there and do my thing. The same as always. Nothing has changed. I’m fighting my fight.

“I think if I go out there and have the performance that I know I’m capable of, nobody is going to keep discrediting me and telling me I’m fighting bums. I’m not going to get these kinds of DM’s anymore. I think this is the fight to shut up all the critics. Shut up all the haters. And I’m going to do it.”

SAID SOWMA: NO. 9-RANKED BELLATOR HEAVYWEIGHT

Click HERE for Sowma’s full media-day session

“I was a little bit surprised I didn’t get a more established name. Franklin is a new up-and-coming prospect. Pretty powerful guy. Fast starter. I was hoping I would get someone more experienced or higher up in the rankings. But I guess he is above me, so he’s next on the list.

“I see this being a fast start and maybe a faster finish.

“I haven’t seen Franklin on the ground. I know he wrestled but I don’t know how long he’s been doing jiujitsu. I think he’s pretty new in the MMA world and jiujitsu experience comes a long way. I’ve been doing it for ten years so if it does go to the ground, I definitely have the advantage there.”

BRENNAN WARD: BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT

Click HERE for Ward’s full media-day session

“It’s good to be back. It was a long road back. I struggled a lot. It was tough. It was a long four years away from the cage and I’m happy to be back at Mohegan Sun. I’m real proud to make my comeback at Mohegan Sun and put on a show for the fans and show everyone where I’ve been. I worked real hard to get back here. I’m going to put on a good show.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time. My first fight with BELLATOR was 2012. That’s 10 years ago. And before that, I wrestled at a high level collegiately. It is like riding a bike. I’m right back to feeling good. Cutting weight sucks. Who loves cutting weight? It’s like riding a bike. I’m right back to it. It’s natural. It doesn’t feel like four years to me. It really doesn’t.”

“I’ve watched some video on Bell. He’s a little muscle ball. He looks like he’s a strong dude. He looks like he’s pretty explosive but nothing that I haven’t seen before. I’ve fought some of the best dudes in the world. But I respect him as an opponent. I take everybody seriously. I don’t think that he can hang with me at any facet of the game. I guarantee you I’m in better shape than him. I’m probably just as strong, if not stronger. I can wrestle and I can swing. I’m going to bring you into a dog fight. That’s all I know how to do. That’s all I want to do. I don’t want to fight any other way.”

JAYLON BATES: BELLATOR LIGHT BANTAMWEIGHT

Click HERE for Bates’ full media-day session

“Disonell is a good opponent. I don’t know too much about him. I don’t look into my opponents too much but he’s a good opponent and were’ going to go handle business and have us a fight on Saturday.

“I do like the matchup this weekend. Make a statement or not. I might just take him down and submit him. I don’t know. It depends on how I feel when I get in there. But we’re going to come out with a ‘dub’ that’s for sure. And he’s not making it all three.

“I actually want four fights this year. I like to fight. I’m willing to even keep my pay the same to fight more. I just want to fight more. Get the constant experience of being in the cage, being around the BELLATOR team, being in the hotels, managing the weight, cutting the weight. I would like to fight more consistent. Every two or three months would be perfect. If I can get four in this year from BELLATOR, that would be a blessing but if not, I’m not complaining either. They’re doing a hell of a job with me.”

BELLATOR MMA 274: GRACIE VS. STORLEY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Feb. 19 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Welterweight Main Event: #4-Neiman Gracie (11-2) vs. #5-Logan Storley (12-1)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: #9-Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Chance Rencountre (16-4)

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1) vs. Adam Piccolotti (12-4)

Heavyweight Bout: #8-Davion Franklin (4-0) vs.#9–Said Sowma (8-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Mandel Nallo (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Nick Browne (12-1)

Bantamweight Bout: Jaylon Bates (4-0) vs. Chris Disonell (6-4)

Lightweight Bout: #9-Aviv Gozali (6-0) vs. Bobby King (10-4)

Flyweight Bout: #7-DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) vs. Justine Kish (7-4)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Brennan Ward (14-6) vs. Brandon Bell (10-10)

Middleweight Bout: Jordan Newman (3-0) vs. Cody Herbert (2-0)

Lightweight Bout: Justin Montalvo (4-0) vs. Corey Samuels (3-2)

Featherweight Bout: Isaiah Hokit (0-1) vs. Theodore Macuka (1-2)

Welterweight Bout: Orlando Mendoza (0-1) vs. Jonathan Di Lorenzo (1-0)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat., Feb. 19 / / BELLATOR 274: Gracie vs. Storley // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, Conn.

Fri. Feb. 25 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Mar. 12 // BELLATOR 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis, Mo.

Fri. Apr. 15 // BELLATOR 277: McKee vs. Pitbull 2/Nemkov vs. Anderson // SAP Center // San Jose, Calif.

Fri. May 6 // BELLATOR PARIS: Bader vs. Kongo 2 // Accor Arena // Paris, FRA

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The OVO Arena Wembley // London

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity, and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

LAS VEGAS (February 17, 2022) – Undefeated Dominican Olympian Héctor García will look to put himself one step closer to his championship dreams when he faces fellow unbeaten Chris “Primetime” Colbert in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight World Title Eliminator headlining live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

“I’m very thankful to my whole team for giving me this opportunity,” said García, who owns a record of 14-0, with 10 knockouts. “It’s time to show the world that there was a Dominican fighter hidden in the shadows and he’s ready to pounce on this chance.”

García stepped in to face Colbert after WBA Super Featherweight Champion Roger Gutiérrez withdrew due to a positive COVID-19 test. Despite the sudden change, the 30-year-old is prepared for what the supremely-skilled Colbert brings to the ring.

“I don’t consider Chris Colbert particularly dangerous,” said García. “I’ve watched him fight before and I know that I do have to be agile, since he is very fast. I have been sparring with many training partners that have styles similar to his here in Las Vegas and that should help me adjust once we’re in the fight.”

Trained by renowned coach Ismael Salas in Las Vegas, García has sparred with champions and top contenders including Devin Haney and Rolando “Rolly” Romero. He enters this fight coming off the most impressive victory of his career, a unanimous decision triumph over Isaac Avelar in December 2021.

“I make sure I stay in shape even if I’m not training for a specific date or opponent,” said García. “I heard about this opportunity when I got back to Las Vegas from the Dominican Republic, and I just knew I had to grab the bull by the horns. I am making sure that I make the most of this by having the best possible preparation.”

The San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic product knows this is his chance to go from underdog to world championship contender, and plans to show off his versatility and power in the biggest fight of his career to date.

“People will witness my potential on February 26,” said García. “They are also going to find out that I can brawl or be tactical from any kind of distance. If I had to define myself as a boxer in one word, that would be ‘versatile’. My power is a weapon because I can hurt you with anything and everything that I throw.”

García is an avid Boston Red Sox fan who used to play baseball and dream of hitting home runs at Fenway Park while admiring Dominican baseball legends such as Pedro Martínez, David Ortíz and Manny Ramírez. His family wanted him to study, but it was his stepbrother who turned him to boxing when García was a teenager.

“Baseball was my first love, but my older stepbrother Derlin Valdez used to box and he would encourage me to do the same,” said García. “He kept telling me to go to the gym and, when I was 14, I decided to heed his advice and dedicate myself to boxing. I didn’t really want to at first, but I also didn’t have the resources I needed to be a true professional baseball prospect.”

García turned pro in December of 2016 after a runner-up finish at the 2015 Pan-Am Games in Toronto and qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I waited for the (2016) Olympics before turning pro,” said García. “My dream was to win a medal, and I didn’t get to because of an unfair loss during the preliminary rounds.”

Six years later, boxing is still a family matter in the García household. That is what drives him to succeed.

“My goal is to be a world champion, and I’m dedicated to showing my family that I am indeed able to be successful as an athlete,” said García. “They wanted me to study, study, study and study some more, but I’m showing them that I achieved my goal.”

ABOUT COLBERT VS. GARCÍA
Colbert vs. García will see undefeated rising star Chris “Primetime” Colbert square off against unbeaten Dominican Olympian Hector García in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight World Title Eliminator headlining live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast kicks off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature another unbeaten young phenom in the co-main event. Gary Antuanne Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, faces former world champion Viktor Postol in a 10-round super lightweight bout, while IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin Ancajas defends his title against unbeaten Argentine Fernando Martinez in the televised opener of the loaded tripleheader.

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

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 17, 2022) — WBC champion Oscar Valdez hopes to become a Mexican boxing legend while WBO king Shakur Stevenson is eyeing the mythical pound-for-pound rankings. On Saturday, April 30, Valdez and Stevenson, the world’s two best junior lightweights, will meet in a title unification matchup for the ages at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
 
Stevenson and Valdez are vying to become the first unified junior lightweight champion since Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in 2005.
 
Stevenson-Valdez, along with additional to be announced fight action, will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, ticket information will be announced shortly.
 
“Oscar Valdez and Shakur Stevenson are the world’s best junior lightweights. The fans and the fighters demanded this matchup, and we are proud to deliver it live on ESPN for no extra charge,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The winner becomes a superstar, and I know both men will rise to challenge.”
 
Valdez (30-0, 23 KOs), the fighting pride of Nogales, Mexico, is closing in on an undefeated decade as a pro after Olympic appearances in 2008 and 2012. He is 9-0 in world title fights and has solidified his standing as one of Mexico’s consummate ring warriors. His 2017 featherweight title defenses against Miguel Marriaga and Genesis Servania were Fight of the Year contenders. In March 2018, he defeated an over-the-weight Scott Quigg despite fighting with a broken jaw for seven rounds. Valdez is 4-0 since moving up to junior lightweight, winning the WBC title with the 2021 Knockout of the Year over Miguel Berchelt. Last September, he made his first defense of that title, coming on strong in the later rounds to edge Robson Conceição by unanimous decision.
 
“I want to make it clear that I am the best 130-pound fighter in the world,” Valdez said. “We know Shakur Stevenson is very good at fighting, but he’s even better at social media. I’ll let my fists speak for themselves.”
 
Stevenson (17-0, 9 KOs), the pound-for-pound talent from Newark, New Jersey, won the vacant WBO featherweight world title against Joet Gonzalez in 2019 after Valdez vacated the title to campaign at junior lightweight. Stevenson moved up in weight after dominating Gonzalez, winning three fights before challenging WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring last October in Atlanta. Stevenson stopped Herring in the 10th round to become a two-weight world champion.
 
As the toast of the U.S. amateur boxing scene, Stevenson was pegged for superstardom ever since making his pro debut in April 2017. Through 17 pro bouts, he’s flashed a defensive riddle that has thus far been impossible for opponents to solve. It is a battle of youth versus hardened experience, as Valdez won his first world title in July 2016, four weeks before Stevenson earned a silver medal at the Rio Olympics.
 
Stevenson said, “I have been chasing this fight for nearly three years since we were both at featherweight. On April 30, I’m going to show him and the world why he ducked me all this time. I’m the best young fighter in the world, and I will become unified champion.”
 

FRANK WARREN IS set to unleash his teenage amateur superstar Royston Barney-Smith on the professional ranks on March 19 at the OVO Arena, Wembley.

The two-time European championship gold medallist turned 18 on January 4 and is ready to launch his pro journey under the management of Hall of Fame promoter Warren and the BT Sport banner as part of the supporting cast to European welterweight champion David Avenesyan making a fifth defence of his title against the unbeaten Finn Oskari Metz, 15-0.

Barney-Smith enjoyed a glittering stint in the amateur code of the sport, with 50 fights under his belt resulting in 45 wins. The product of Pinewood Starr represented England at four international championships and wore the colours of his country on 37 occasions, winning a staggering 36.

The Poole-born youngster, who was raised in Southampton, diverted from his 2024 Olympic dream – where he was strongly tipped for success – after linking up with Southampton trainer Wayne Batten to increase his experience in conjunction with his amateur activity.

A right-handed southpaw, Barney-Smith won gold at both the 2017 and 2018 Europeans, also collecting bronze in 2019. His gold medal exploits limited his participation in National championships, where he has two successes to his name.

“It has been a long time coming,” said Barney-Smith, who in recent months has rang the changes and teamed up with new trainer Ben Davison in Harlow. “I have never been more confident and have never lacked self-belief. Now I am training with Ben, it has brought me on leaps and bounds.”

Barney-Smith, however, says he swapped teams with a heavy heart after working with Batten for many years.

“I was having a bit of conversation with Ben and I asked if I could come down for a couple of weeks. After that I asked if I could train here full time and he said it would be a pleasure.

“It was hard to change because I love Wayne and he knows the reasons why. He is still a good friend and a good family friend. Wayne is a gentleman.

“It was a big move because to train here I have to live here and it was a big commitment at the young age of 17 and now 18. It is definitely worth it though, 100 per cent.

“It is a big sacrifice on my behalf and everyone else’s. I am very close to my family and it is very hard to emotionally let go. It is a big weird not seeing them every day but I have grown into a young man now and I just get on with the job I have to do.

“I train from Monday to Friday and leave on Friday afternoon and come back on Sunday night to get a good, fresh start on the Monday morning. I train twice a day at 8am or 9am and then 2pm or 4pm.”

Barney-Smith is following the rituals of his housemate and undisputed super lightweight world champion Josh Taylor. The difference being Taylor trains within fixed term camps and then heads home to Edinburgh until his next assignment. The teenager is adopting the routine on a long-term basis.

“For sure it is good to see Josh, Lee McGregor and Leigh Wood doing what they have to do. They have titles, they have family and I do know that they make big sacrifices. I understand early what I have to do to become the best.

“That is why I like being down here and watching them, while growing as a person and seeing what it takes to be the best. I am doing it full-time and I like it. If I am not down here I am not growing as a boxer. I am putting the time in, getting the rounds in and doing what a boxer should be doing to be the best they can possibly be.

“I get a little bit homesick, but that is what FaceTime is for, so it is not too bad.”

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are on sale now available at AXS.com. 

European welterweight champ David Avanesyan tops the night of multiple championship clashes on March 19 at the OVO Arena, Wembley against the unbeaten Finn Oskari Metz, 15-0, in what will be a fifth defence of his EBU belt.

Tickets for an incredible night of Championship boxing at the OVO Arena are on sale now available at AXS.com. 

Long Island, New York (February 16, 2022) – Long Island Is buzzing with excitement as “Rockin Fights” is set to return for its 41st edition on March 18th. Adding to the buzz, Star Boxing is excited to announce the return of “THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (Elmont, NY 11-0 8KO’S) against JIMMY “QUIET STORM” WILLIAMS (New Haven, CT 18-6-2 6KO’s) in an 8 round super welterweight showdown for the ABO North American Championship.

James, who is on a five-fight knockout win streak, returns to the ring after being sidelined due to the COVID induced hiatus, using the time to recover from an elbow injury that required surgery. The undefeated Elmont born super welterweight brings captivating energy and flash to each fight, backed by significant skill and power.

“The return of the Jackpot will be something you do not want to miss,” said James. “I’m back ladies and gentlemen and it’s for a belt. Make sure to purchase your tickets and witness me The Jackpot, Tyrone Pretty Boy James win his first title CHA CHING!”

Williams will be James’ toughest test to date. The 26-fight veteran is coming off a major victory over former world champion Yuri Foreman in June of 2021, earning the ABF USA Super Welterweight Title. Williams followed up this performance with a well fought challenge of the WBC USNBC Title against the tough Greg Vendetti in September, falling short by split decision. Williams resume also includes world title challenger Abel Ramos and rising star Brandun Lee.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about James-Williams, “It is great to be able to get Tyrone back in the ring with the opportunity to not only fight for the ABO title, but the chance to test his metal against a tough veteran in Jimmy Williams.”

The James-Williams ABO North American Title bout will play support to the previously announced battle of the undefeated in the “Rockin’ Fights” 41 main event pitting #6 world rated super bantamweight OLEH “THE UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN (Pittsburgh, PA 13-0 5KO’s) defending his NABA title against challenger and Brazilian banger MICHEL “BABU” DA SILVA (Sao Paulo, Brazil 13-0 12KO’s) over 10 rounds in the super bantamweight division.

The James-Williams bout is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing in association with CES Boxing.

TICKETS:
Tickets to #RockinFights at The Paramount are now available at ticketmaster.com or by visiting www.starboxing.com. Tickets start at $50. Purchase your tickets, HERE.

Temple student Daiyaan Butt (10-1, 5KOs) is living the dream.

As a first grader, he stood in front of his classmates on career day and declared he would become a boxer. When asked “why a boxer?” He responded he regularly watches Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran with his father which inspired his dream.

Butt will go toe-to-toe with Bryce Mills, of Liverpool, NY, (7-1, 4 KO’s) at Live! Casino & Hotel in South Philadelphia on Thursday, February 24.

  A boxer is not the only way that Butt wants to be remembered. He wants to be more than just a boxer. When asked about his hopes and dreams in boxing, Butt responded: “I don’t want to be labeled as just a boxer,” citing Muhammad Ali as an example. He wants to us his platform to make this world a better place.

As a junior at Temple University, Butt is studying Management Information Systems (MIS). He wants to be the leader of his own career inside the ring and outside the ring. He wants to use what he is learning at Temple University in their Fox School of Business and apply it to the business side of boxing.

With a great understanding with how money and finance works he will be able to make sure he understands his value and getting what he deserves. He enjoys learning new things, but enjoys it more when he can it apply it in everyday life.

Butt admits getting his hand raised is a great accomplishment in the ring, he also loves learning new skills in the gym and applying it the next sparring session or fight is just as gratifying.

ADDITIONAL Q&A with DAIYANN BUTT:

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned in boxing?

“You can’t take anything for granted in life in general but boxing taught that because in boxing it only takes one punch and that translates to life, next thing you know you could be on top of the world and then a your nobody.”
Is there current or former fighters that you took pieces of their style from and implemented into your style?

“Yes and no, yea obviously I look at great fighters and different fighters and take what they do and see if it works for myself but at the end of the day you have to be your own fighter and different person. You do not want to be a factory car and be the same as everyone else, you want to be your own person a little different, a little spice and twist in it. Yea I watch fighter and I’ll take little things that they do but you have to put your own style and twist with it. My style is a pure boxer puncher.”

The live boxing event, which is produced in partnership between Joe Hand Promotions and Russel Peltz, will feature a six round heavyweight bout between Sonny Conto (8-0, 7 KOs) out of Philadelphia, PA going up against Mike Marshall (6-2-1, 4 KOs) fighting out of Danbury,

Super lightweights Christopher Burgos (3-4-1, 1 KO) of North Philadelphia, PA will battle Carlos Marrero (2-6-3) out of Bridgeport, CT in a six round bout.

Another bout on the card is a six round featherweight contest between Justice Bland (5-1, 2 KO’s) out of Brooklyn, NY going up against D’Angelo Fuentes (6-0, 4 KOs) fighting out of Coconut Creek, FL

Also on the card is a four round lightweight bout featuring Jordon Murphy (1-0, 1 KO) out of Deerfield Beach, FL going against Nasir Mickens (2-0, 1 KO) out of Philadelphia,

For press credentials contact Bam McCloskey at Brittany@JoeHandPromotions.com.

Tickets at $50, $75 and $125 are on sale now at https://philadelphia.livecasinohotel.com/events-and-shows/joe-hand-boxing and at AXS.com or by calling 215-364-9000. Must be 21 or older to attend.

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CONTACT: Ike Richman // ike@richmancommunications.com

About Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Voted Best Overall Gaming Resort in Pennsylvania by Casino Player Magazine, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has transformed the South Philadelphia Stadium District into a nationally unrivaled one-stop destination to enjoy the fast-paced action of four major professional sports teams, memorable entertainment, premier dining, well-appointed hotel accommodations and world-class gaming. Conveniently located off I-95 and I-76, the facility features more than 200 luxury hotel rooms that are Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide, a FanDuel® Sportsbook and Lounge, over 2,100 slots and electronic table games, and 150 live action table games, including a dedicated poker room. New dining and entertainment options include the Zagat-rated #1 steakhouse The Prime Rib®; Luk Fu, serving authentic Asian cuisine; Sports & Social Philly, a one-of-a-kind sports restaurant, gaming venue and social lounge; the 10th Street Market, a unique food hall featuring Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint and Guy’s Burger Joint; Philadelphia-favorites Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, Termini Bros. Bakery and Sang Kee Noodle Bar & Kitchen; Morty’s Deli and Luckie’s Liquor. A spirited nightlife scene at Center Bar and R Bar rounds out the Live! experience. The property offers more than 15,000-square-feet of customizable meeting and event space, as well as ample, secure parking. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia was developed and remains owned and managed by Stadium Casino RE, LLC, an affiliate of The Cordish Companies,?the premier developer of Live!?dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. For reservations, call 1-833-472-5483 or visit?Philadelphia.LiveCasinoHotel.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – @livecasinophl

ORANGE, CA (February 16, 2022) – Undefeated lightweight, Ruben “Ace” Torres (17-0, 14 KOs), who headlines Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event this Friday, February 18, 2022, against Cristian Mino (20-4-2, 17 KOs), has more on the line as the bout will now be for the WBC USNBC title.

Torres has been one of the most active fighters since the start of the pandemic having fought six times. He’s knocked out seven of his last eight opponents and looks to extend on that KO streak this Friday.

“This is huge, and it gets me one step closer to being a major contender in the division,” said Torres with excitement when hearing the news. “Now I’m set to put forth a performance that is worthy of holding a WBC belt, which will be great for the fans. I am ready to emerge as one of the new faces of boxing. I see all the big fights happening in the lightweight division and I am patiently waiting for my time to prove myself. Friday is one step closer to becoming a world champion.”

“Ruben Torres has worked extremely hard and it is rewarding to see him at 24-years-old, fight for his first regional title,” said Alex Camponovo, GM of Thompson Boxing. “We believe in Ruben and see him as a future force of the lightweight division, and someone who is on pace to be a world champion!”

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets priced at $50, $75, and $100, are only available for purchase at the door. Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App downloadable on Apple and Google.

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Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

This event is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson
Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.