Irving Castillo & Isai Hernandez Pumped up for World Cup Boxing Series “4-Man Lightweight Tournament” semifinal

LAS VEGAS (February 9, 2022) – Mexican rivals Isai “Gaga” Hernandez (11-2-2, 7 KOs) and Irving “Poderoso” Castillo (11-2, 7 KOs) are pumped up about fighting each other in the semifinals of the World Cup Boxing Series’ (WCBS) inaugural “4-Man Lightweight Tournament,” presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions.

The first RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS of 2022 will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, from Palenque De La Expo in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

The Hernandez-Castillo semifinals winner will advance to the championship final this spring against the other semifinalist victor between pre-tournament favorite Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) and Rodolfo “Rudy” Flores (14-5, 6 KOs) in an 8-rounder.

“Fighting in this tournament is good for me and my boxing career,” Hernandez said. “I’m very happy. I know he (Castillo) is in very good shape for every fight. He’s a good boxer, extremely tall for a lightweight. It’s a very tough fight for me.

“I’m a very strong brawler. I think it’s going to be a very tough fight. He will try to use his height and reach to keep his distance, but it’s my job to get inside and make him uncomfortable. We have been working so hard for this opportunity. I will do whatever it takes to win this fight.”

Castillo plans to take advantage of competing in this tournament, saying: “It’s a great opportunity for me to take part in this tournament. I’m very excited and look forward to making it to the championship and winning the WBC Latino title.

“I have seen him (Hernandez) fight a couple of times. Hernandez can handle a lot of punches and he likes to pressure his opponent every round. He’s a very tough fighter. I am very technical. I rarely waste any punches in there. It’s going to be a great fight with a lot of action. I have the qualities to win this fight impressively and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

The WCBS’ “4-Man lightweight Tournament,” created by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, is sanctioned by the World Boxing Council (WBC). The winner will be crowned the WBC Latino Lightweight Champion, as well as positioned in the WBC’s top 15 ratings.

Semifinal’s action will be contested in 8-round bouts, 10 rounds for the championship final. The WCBS will also feature one “overtime” round, if needed, to declare a winner in the event of a draw upon the conclusion of the scheduled distance.

WCBS will also be offering a “Fight of the Night” and “Knockout” bonuses to each contestant through the duration of its “4-Man Lightweight Tournament.”

A non-tournament, title fight between decorated amateur boxer and undefeated professional, Quinton Randall (8-0, 2 KOs), and Ivan “Zurdo” Alvarez (31-13-1, 21 KOs) will also be streamed live UFC FIGHT PASS® opener.

Randall, fighting out of Houston, was a 2016 USA Nationals Championships gold medalist, as well as runner-up at the 2017 USA National Championships and Pan-American Games. Alvarez, the former WBC Youth Mundo Hispanic light welterweight champion, is upset minded for his 10-round bout versus Randall for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver Welterweight Championship.

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Two other lightweight bouts are also being streamed on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS as Venezuelan knockout specialist Fradimil Macayo (15-1, 13 KOs) faces unbeaten Mexican Armando Ramirez Almanza (5-0-1,2 KOs) in an 8-round bout, while undefeated 19-year-old prospect Jorge “Jorgito” Cota (6-0, 4 KOs) – the youngest in the famed Mexican fightin’ Montiel family – meets Guatemalan challenger Rene “Kampana” de Leon Mazariegos (7-3, 4 KOs) in a scheduled 6-rounder.

Two matches off-UFC FIGHT PASS finds featherweight Nazario Castro Nieblas (8-2, 3 KOs) vs. 17-year-old Javier “Totopo” Carriello Montes (5-0, 3 KOs) in a 6-round battle of Mexican featherweights, and Houston super lightweight Emmanuel Rojas (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Luis “El Faco” Angulo Bojorquez (4-4-1, 3 KOs), of Mexico.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Website: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com

Facebook: : /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Founded in 2013, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country and also in Mexico, Russia, and Japan. RJJ Boxing has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

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




MARCH 18 “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 FEATURE ATTRACTION:BATTLE OF UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS IN NABA CHAMPIONSHIP

Long Island, New York (February 9, 2022) – The 41st edition of “Rockin’ Fights” is around the corner and Star Boxing is pleased to announce a championship featured attraction on March 18 as Ukraine born, Pittsburgh based, OLEH “THE UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN (13-0 5KO’s) will defend his NABA super bantamweight title against Brazilian banger MICHEL “BABU” DA SILVA (13-0 12KO’s).

27-year-old southpaw, Oleh Dovhun challenged for the vacant NABA title in November of 2021 against the dangerous, Glenn Dezurn (then 14-2-1 10KO’s) of Baltimore, Maryland. Over the 10 rounds, Dovhun took Dezurn to school, out boxing him to a clean sweep unanimous decision (100-90 x3), utilizing an uppercut and maintaining precision distance to control the action in its entirety. With the decisive victory, Dovhun was crowned NABA champion and earned the #6 World Rating by the WBA.

“I know that the WBA World title is within my reach, and it will be mine” said Dovhun. “I am coming to New York to make a statement and hope my American and Ukrainian supporters will be proud! A big thank you to my team Mike McSorley and JJ Richardson and my promoter Joe DeGuardia for this opportunity!”

NABA title challenger and Brazilian banger, Michel Silva packs a mighty punch. He has made a name for himself in his native Brazil with a 92% knockout ratio as 13 men have opposed Silva, however only one has made it the distance. Get in the ring with “Babu” and the chances are you’re in for an early night. An emphatic victory over an undefeated Dovhun will firmly plant Silva in the conversation at 122 lbs.

Silva understands the opportunity in front of him, “My opponent is undefeated. I’m undefeated too. I know it will be an epic fight! A huge thank you to my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for this long-awaited opportunity. I cannot wait! LET’S GO! Also, a big thank you to my manager (MT Management) Marcel Tshiyoyo!”

“There is nothing more admirable in the sport of boxing than two undefeated prospects putting their undefeated records on the line in an effort to be great,” said Star Boxing CEO, JOE DEGUARDIA “I commend both Dovhun and Silva for taking this fight and leading the way for what will be an exciting card from top to bottom.”

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.

MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
To apply for media credentials CLICK HERE. All applications must be submitted no later than Friday, March 11 at 8PM. Accredited media members ONLY.

“Rockin’ Fights” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing on March 18, 2022 at the Paramount in Long Island, NY.
Bouts subject to change
“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS START AT JUST $50
FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY, MARCH 18 AT THE PARAMOUNT
ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the “Rockin’ Fights” series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced current WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. (Mastic, Long Island 27-3 21KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 24-3 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
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For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

PAST RELEASES:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 41 ANNOUNCED FOR MARCH 18
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS ARCHIVES:
Rockin’ Fights 38: Cletus Seldin vs Luis Flores NABA Title Bout
CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN returned to the Paramount at “Rockin Fights” 38 to face off with late replacement LUIS FLORES in a WAR for the NABA Super Lightweight Title
Rockin’ Fights 35: Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James vs Ray Oliveira Jr.
TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES left his mark on “Rockin’ Fights” 35 with a vicious TKO victory over RAY OLIVEIRA JR. to remain undefeated!




Blue-Chip Heavyweight Prospect Fernely Feliz Jr., Moves to 3-0, 3 KOs with Knockout of Undefeated Power Puncher Christopher Arnold

Hotshot heavyweight prospect Fernely Feliz Jr., moved his record to a perfect 3-0, 3 KOs in impressive fashion last Saturday night with a fourth-round KO of power-punching and undefeated Christopher Arnold of Virginia.

Fighting on all-time-great fighter turned promoter Christy Martin’s event at the National Guard Armory in Saint Augustine, Florida, Feliz was matched up against Arnold, of Fredericksburg, who was a perfect 4-0, 4 KOs before the match.

Feliz, the 25-year-old former national amateur champion from Danbury, Connecticut, says he knew Arnold’s power was a factor coming in.

“The guy was 4-0 with 4 KOs, so I went in very aware that he had power and can bang a little bit,” explained Feliz. “I had to adjust to him. He was very awkward. The shots I was practicing with my father were not landing in the fight, so I was getting frustrated. But I adjusted quickly and by the end of the third I knew I had him. Once I connected, he couldn’t take it.”

Feliz says he matured as a fighter while taking out Arnold.

“I learned I can feint more and just have more confidence in my hands. I’ve watched the fight tape seven times and I’m just faster. My speed and timing are going to give a lot of people problems. I’m going to focus on being in the best shape of my life and keep going. I’m surrounded by a great group of people who take care of me. I’m ready to keep working.”

“Christopher Arnold was a tough, undefeated guy with huge power, having won his previous four fights by way of KO,” added manager Steven Heid. “Fernely Jr. showed why he is on a completely different level by making Arnold look like easy work.”




“St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” FACT SHEET

WHAT: “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” professional boxing

WHO: MAIN EVENT – WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (9-0, 9 KOs), Weymouth, MA

vs.

Vincent Floyd (4-11-2, 2 KOs), Philadelphia, PA

CO-FEATURE – LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Jonathan Depina (6-1, 4 KOs), Dorchester, MA

vs.

Jonathan “El Guapo” Hernan Godoy (5-12, 0 KOs), Miami, FL by way of Argentina

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

Joe Farina (7-1, 4 KOs), South Boston, MA

vs.

Rynell Griffen (8-49-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Houston, TX

vs.

Jaica Pivilus (1-4-1 (1 KO), New York, NY

SPECIAL WELTERWEIGHT ATTRACTION (8)

James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 6 KOs), Mansfield, MA

vs.

Zack Kuhn (10-10-1, 5 KOs), Welch, WV

FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)

Troy Anderson, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), Dorchester, MA

vs.

Mike Fowler (7-42, 2 KOs), Milwaukee, WI

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (6)

Marcus Davidson (2-0, 2 KOs), Kansas City, KS

vs.

Rakim Johnson (6-15-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Jonathan de Pina (4-1, 3 KOs), Boston, MA

vs.

Mike Fowler (7-37), Milwaukee, WI

187-POUND CATCHWEIGHT (6)

Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (2-0, 2 KOs), Galway, Ireland

vs.

Larry “Hitman” Pryor (15-24, 9 KOs), Frederick, MD

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Marcell Davidson (pro debut), Kansas City (KS)

vs.

Cesar “Cobra” Espinal Maldanado (0-1), Arecibo, Puerto Rico

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)

Alex Rivera (2-0, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA

vs.

Brandon Grimmett (0-5), Thomasville, NC

(card subject to change)


WHERE: Moseley’s On The Charles, Dedham, MA

WHEN: Saturday, February 12, 2022

PROMOTER: Vertex Promotions

MATCHMAKER: Brian Dillon

RING ANNOUNCER: John Vena

TICKETS: Tickets are on sale for $85.00 and up (ringside), $75.00 (general admission) and $50.00 (standing room). Tickets are available to purchase online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-valentines-day-massacre-21222-tickets-243038654157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN: Friday, Feb. 11th (2 p.m. ET start) at Moseley’s On The Charles, 50 Bridge St,, Dedham, MA




FEATHERWEIGHT NUMBER ONE CONTENDER MAIN EVENT BETWEEN ADAM BORICS AND MADS BURNELL SET FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 12 AT THE FAMILY ARENA IN ST. LOUIS

LOS ANGELES – A future shot at the BELLATOR Featherweight World Championship will be on the line when No. 2-ranked Adam Borics (17-1) meets a man also ranked No. 2 in the Official BELLATOR Rankings, Mads Burnell (16-3) in the main event of BELLATOR 276 on Saturday, March 12 at The Family Arena in St. Louis.

In the co-main event former BELLATOR Light Heavyweight Champion and No. 2-ranked Phil Davis (23-6) will return to action and open his 2022 campaign against No. 4-ranked Julius Anglickas (10-2), who most recently challenged for the 205-pound title. The main card will also see a pair of skilled lightweights compete, when undefeated Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) moves up in weight to meet Dagestan’s Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell main card live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell will go on sale this Friday, Feb. 11 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place the day prior.

BELLATOR MMA 276 preliminary battle between two heavy-handed light heavyweights No. 8-ranked Alex “Easy” Polizzi (9-1) and Team Pitbull’s Jose “Gugu” Augusto (7-3, 1 NC) is also official. Additional contests will be announced shortly.

A multi-faceted fighter with tremendous success in two different combat sports, Adam Borics knocked out all 25 of his amateur opponents en route to compiling 10-0 (kickboxing) and 15-0 (MMA) records. Holding a three-inch height advantage and tied with upcoming opponent Mads Burnell as the No. 2 featherweight in the BELLATOR rankings, the Ft. Lauderdale featherweight commenced his pro career with 14 straight triumphs, including ten by KO or submission.

Much like his upcoming foe, the nine-time BELLATOR veteran, armed with an 8-1 promotional record, prefers to dispose of his counterparts quickly as evidenced by ten of his 18 career wins culminating in knockout or submission. Additionally, the former Hungarian Fight Championship Featherweight kingpin has fought only 41 rounds since turning professional in Aug. 2014, an average of only 2.3 per outing.

Nicknamed “The Kid,” the former Thai and Hungarian Thai Boxing World Titleholder, who lives by the adage “Practice laborious, battle easy,” and holds knockout wins over former BELLATOR featherweight champion Pat Curran and ferocious featherweight Aaron Pico. Born in Budapest, Hungary, the Sanford MMA fighter, who signed a multi-fight extension with BELLATOR in January 2021, launched his promotional campaign by submitting Anthony Taylor via rear-naked choke in April 2017. After dropping his lone BELLATOR bout at the hands of former bantamweight champion Darrion Caldwell in the quarterfinals of the BELLATOR MMA Featherweight Grand Prix, Borics has outpointed his last three opponents under the company banner. 

Currently riding a seven-bout winning streak, Mads Burnell prefers to dispatch of his opponents early. In 19 career fights, the submission specialist has stopped more than half of his adversaries (10), including eight in the opening round. Additionally, the Copenhagen, Denmark, native has not fought past three rounds in his professional career, while averaging a mere two per contest. The Arte Suave Copenhagen product, who will turn 28 less than one week prior to his fourth consecutive promotional appearance at BELLATOR MMA 276, opened his vocation by defeating his initial five opponents, including three via submission.

A first-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Burnell captured the Cage Warriors featherweight title by submitting then-champion Dean Trueman by Japanese necktie at 3:04 of the second round on June 29, 2019. Two months after signing with the company, the ferocious featherweight took the mixed martial arts world by storm when he recorded his lone career knockout and floored Darko Banovic at 3:13 of the first stanza in his promotional debut at BELLATOR MMA 248 on Oct. 10, 2020, in Paris, France.

Following a second-round destruction of “The Ultimate Fighter: Team McGregor vs. Team Faber” standout Saul Rogers via rear-naked choke at BELLATOR MMA 257, the three-time BELLATOR MMA veteran returned to the cage less than four months later and upset Emmanuel Sanchez via three-round unanimous decision (29-28 and 30-27 twice) in a non-stop battle at BELLATOR MMA 263 on July 31, 2021, in Los Angeles. A former European No-Gi champion, Burnell hopes to keep his undefeated BELLATOR record intact when he challenges fellow No. 2-ranked Adam Borics.

BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell Main Card:

Saturday, March 12 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Featherweight Main Event: #2-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #2-Mads Burnell (16-3)

Light Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #2-Phil Davis (23-6) vs. #4-Julius Anglickas (10-2)

Lightweight Bout: Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) vs.Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

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

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Alex Polizzi (9-1) vs. Jose Augusto (7-3, 1 NC)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR MMA 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

Sat. March 12 // BELLATOR MMA 276: Borics vs. Burnell // The Family Arena // St. Louis

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

Fri. May 13 // BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP // The SSE 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




Heavyweights Simms and Johnson to Rumble in Main Event of Salita Promotions’ Next Detroit Brawl on Saturday, March 5, in Dearborn

On Saturday, March 5, 2022, in the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, Salita Promotions will present another edition of the “Detroit Brawl” series, this time featuring Saginaw, Michigan, heavyweight spoiler Robert Simms (11-3, 3 KOs) taking on undefeated New Yorker Moses “ThunderHands” Johnson (8-0, 7 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” start at $35. Order tickets online or call 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.

A proven spoiler, in six years as a professional, Simms has faced a number of quality opponents, often as the B side of the bout sheet, taking upset victories over then 15-1 Joe Cusumano (W 6), then 8-0-2 Colby Madison (W 8), and in his last ring appearance, a unanimous decision over then 8-1 Aaron Quintana last March. Still improving, Simms has lost only one fight of his last seven.

Born and raised in Huntington, New York, 29-year-old Johnson has gone undefeated, thus far, in his four-year career, stopping all but one opponent. As an amateur, Johnson was a 2015 Golden Gloves Champion in the super heavyweight open class. Johnson has worked as a sparring partner for top heavyweight Daniel Dubois. Simms represents, by far, his toughest opponent to date.

Featured in the co-main event will be Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris Jr. (21-1-1, 10 KOs). Also seeing action will be undefeated middleweight terror Marlon Harrington (6-0, 5 KOs), as well as popular Grand Rapids, Michigan-based former amateur stars Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), and Joshua Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) in separate four-rounders.

All undercard opponents will be announced shortly.

“The last Detroit Brawl was a tremendous success and we’re coming back to the same terrific venue for another night of world-class Michigan boxing,” said event promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “We’ve got many of the best prospects in the state that will be in tough match-ups, starting with our heavyweight main event, that I can’t pick a winner of. Both guys have a lot to prove, so it should be a sensational night of boxing from beginning to end.”

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 in the box office for pickup. A limited quantity of VIP tickets are also available by calling Lina at 313.529.7604.

The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center is located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn. On fight night, doors open at 6:30 pm and the action starts at 7:00 pm. This event will also be streamed on the Salita Promotions’ YouTube Channel.
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.




BOURKE: I’M TOP DOG IN THE DIVISION

CHRIS BOURKE HAS made public his belief that he is the No.1 super bantamweight residing within these shores.

The unbeaten KO-artist bids for a third championship belt in just his 11th professional fight on March 11 when, at the famous old York Hall, he goes up against Marc Leach for the vacant British title, relinquished by Jason Cunningham.

Bourke is one of an ambitious clutch of super bantams currently operating in Britain, headed up by the European champion Cunningham, former British and Commonwealth title holder Brad Foster, WBC International Silver champion Liam Davies and Liverpool firebrand Andrew Cain.

Bourke declares himself undaunted by the potential opposition because he sees himself as top of the domestic charts and ready to step up the levels.

“It is crazy and it is a good division to be in,” said the 27-year-old on the flock of super bantams. “I believe I am No.1 out of all of the names, I just believe I am the best super bantam in the country.

“I would 100 per cent fight Jason Cunningham. If I won the British and he still has the European, that is the fight I want next.

“It opens up so many doors, winning the British. From there I would like to get the European and move on but, who knows, I’ve just got to get the British. It is important to not look past it.

“It can’t get any better than fighting for the British right now. It is a fight that makes sense. He will believe he has earned his shot and I think I am above British level. It is a fight people will be excited about and will be considered 50-50.”

Watch Bourke’s full interview with Dev Sahni on YouTube here.

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




JACOBS: I WANT TO BE A TWO-WEIGHTWORLD CHAMPION

Two-time Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs insists that he still has plenty left to achieve in his career as he prepares to face Islington’s John Ryder in an Eliminator for the WBA Super-Middleweight World Title this Saturday February 12 at Alexandra Palace in London, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

The 35-year-old Brooklyn native (37-3, 30 KOs) earned a split decision win over two-time World Title challenger Gabriel Rosado last time out in November 2020 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, just under a year on from his fifth round stoppage win against Mexico’s Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 

Despite his inactivity, the former WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler, who has taken pound for pound stars Gennadiy Golovkin and Saul Alvarez the distance, still has a burning desire to mix it with the best in the world and write his name into the history books as a two-weight World Champion. 

“I’m looking forward to a good scrap,” said Jacobs. “He’s a good fighter from what I’ve seen. I know he’s in his hometown so I’m expecting him to be pumped and excited about it. Also I’ve heard from him before that this is an important fight for him to get towards title contention. I’m looking forward to seeing exactly everything that he has to bring. 

“It has been one of my goals as a professional to fight in the UK, probably in London because I’ve been here before and I know how the magic works. I know how deep the crowd is into their  boxing. I look forward to experiencing that. Good city, good town, good people. 

“Everything is fabulous, I’m back to where I need to be mentally and I realise that now coming back with my old trainer Andre Rozier and Anthony Irons things are where they need to be. I was missing that good spirit that I once had in my career, and now it’s back and I’m looking forward to presenting it and giving the fans a good show. 

“Every fight is must-win. Every time you go in the ring you don’t go into a fight looking at it like, ‘If I lose this one the next one will still be a good opportunity’. There’s always going to be a step back if you lost a fight in boxing. I’m grateful that I still have the opportunity to have these big fights. The biggest goal for me right now is to stay focused and keep the eye on the tiger. 

“Granted we win this fight, which I’m sure we will, my next fight should be an opportunity to become a two division World Champion. I have the opportunity to do that and this guy is in the way. I have to make an example but also be myself. This camp I’ve been myself the entire time. I can’t ask for anything better.”

Jacobs vs. Ryder tops a huge night of action, undefeated Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash (14-0, 10 KOs) faces unbeaten Russian Magomed Madiev (15-0-2, 4 KOs) for the WBC International Title, Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (4-0, 4 KOs) takes on Spain’s Gabriel Enguema (10-11, 6 KOs) over six rounds in front over 2,200 of his supporters, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (3-0) goes for her first title when she clashes with Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini (9-3-2, 1 KO) for the WBA International Super-Bantamweight crown, undefeated Texas Middleweight Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (9-0, 7 KOs) fights in London for the second time as he meets Javier Francisco Maciel (33-15, 23 KOs) over eight rounds, Leeds Super-Bantamweight Hopey Price (6-0, 2 KOs) fights Ricardo Roman (14-12-3, 5 KOs) over six rounds, Ashington Welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (2-0, 1 KO) fights Evgenii Vazem (9-21, 4 KOs) over six rounds and Welterweight prospect Shiloh Defreitas (2-0, 2 KOs) fights Alexey Tukhtarov (4-23-6, 3 KOs) over six rounds. 




BILAL FAWAZ FINALLY READY FOR DEBUT AFTER INCREDIBLE STORY

Bilal Fawaz has already been involved in some incredible battles outside the ring during his life – and he finally gets the chance to battle inside the ring when he makes his professional debut on Friday’s huge #MTKFightNight.
Fawaz makes his debut against Vladimir Fleischhauer as part of the stacked card headlined by Danny Dignum’s WBO European middleweight title defence at York Hall in London this week, which will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

It’s been a difficult journey for Fawaz, who has overcome incredible adversity in his life, beginning when he was trafficked as a 14-year-old into the UK from Nigeria, and placed into modern slavery.

After managing to escape from where he was being kept and turning to boxing, Fawaz has since been battling with the home office, but with that now hopefully all behind him, he’s ready to enter the paid ranks.

Fawaz said: “I was trafficked to the UK when I was a kid at 14. I came here as a slave and I was kept in a house that I couldn’t leave. I eventually escaped, and when I was 17 I walked into a boxing gym for the first time.

“I had demons inside of me that I had to let out. I never knew that I had talent, but I knew I had passion and I always give 110% in anything I do. I had a lot of success in the amateurs, but then I was battling with the home office because they were looking to deport me.

“We’ve been battling with them for 19 years, and that finally ended last year, and now I’m finally able to have my first professional fight at the age of 33.

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. At times I was sleeping on the streets or sleeping in the gym. A lot has happened to me and there have been times when I considered giving up, but I kept telling myself to get up and keep going.

“It’s vital that I succeed in boxing as this is the path that I have chosen to open the doors for me. I’m making my debut on Friday and then I want more fights and I want to keep going up the ranks. MTK Global have given me a chance and I’m delighted to be part of the team. I will make them proud.”

Elsewhere on Friday’s card, undefeated sensation Lee McGregor returns against Diego Alberto Ruiz, Nina Hughes takes on Bec Connolly, Joe Giles meets Lewis van Poetsch, plus Jordan Flynn, Paul Ryan and George Mitchell are all in action.

Stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletter HERE and on social media @mtkglobal




OLYMPIC MEDALISTS CONFIRMED FOR PROBELLUM’S MARCH SHOW IN DUBAI 

DUBAI, FEBRUARY 9 – Bakhodir Jalolov and Hovhannes Bachkov, gold and bronze-winning Olympic medalists respectively, have been added to the card for global promotional company Probellum’s first event of 2022, which takes place in Dubai next month.

The duo, both undefeated in the professional ranks, are the latest high-profile fighters to be confirmed for the event, which will be held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 18 and 19.

“We are absolutely delighted to add both Bakhodir and Hovhannes to the card for our first event of the year,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“These guys have already shown their talent and there is no question they both have huge futures in the sport.

“To have fighters of this quality competing on the opening night of the event is fantastic news and we are very excited about the prospect of watching them in action. Make no mistake, Probellum Evolution is going to be an event to remember.”

Since turning professional in 2018, Uzbekistani fighter Jalolov (9-0, 9 knockouts) has made a serious statement of intent by winning all nine of his bouts to date via knockout, the most recent of which coming at Probellum’s inaugural show in December, when he produced a devastating performance to see off the challenge of?Colombia’s?Julio Cesar Calimeno?inside the first round.?

Jalolov, who won super-heavyweight gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will face Poland’s Kamil Sokolowski (11-24-2, 4 knockouts) on the opening night of Probellum’s Dubai event.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to Dubai for Probellum’s first event of the year”, said Jalolov. “My training camp has been going well, I’m feeling fit and I’m confident I can maintain my unbeaten run.”

Up-and-coming Armenian Bachkov (2-0, 1 knockout), who has enjoyed a strong start to his professional career and eased to a comfortable victory over Turkey’s Binali Shakhmandarov in his most recent bout, will also be competing on the opening night of the event when he faces Argentina’s Cristian Coria (29-9-2, 13 knockouts). 

Bachkov showcased his undoubted qualities at amateur level on multiple occasions and picked up gold medals at both the 2017 European Championships and the 2019 European Games. Like Jalolov, he was also a medalist at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, winning a bronze in the lightweight competition.

“I’m very excited to be competing at Probellum Evolution and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for the fans,” said Bachkov. “It’s been a good start to my professional career but there is a lot more to come from me and I will show my quality in Dubai.”

The opening night will?be headlined?by France’s Estelle Mossely?(9-0, 1 knockout), who defends her IBO lightweight title against Argentina’s Yanina del Carmen Lescano?(10-1, 2 knockouts), with Ireland’s Jono Carroll?(21-2-1, 5 knockouts)?facing Serbia’s Serif Gurdijeljac?(21-6, 8 knockouts)?in the co-main event.?

Sunny Edwards?(17-0, 4 knockouts), from the UK, puts his?IBF flyweight title on the line against Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem?(12-1, 8 knockouts)?in the headline bout of night?two, supported by a fascinating contest between USA’s Regis Prograis?(26-1, 22 knockouts)?and Ireland’s Tyrone McKenna?(22-2-1, 6 knockouts).?  For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.

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

Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.

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

 Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021.




LIVE VIDEO: Jacobs – Ryder Media Workout






AUDIO: Nahir Albright talks ShoBox fight with Jamaine Ortiz






AUDIO: Super Middleweight Demond Nicholson discusses showdown with Gabriel Pham






VIDEO: Nahir Albright talks ShoBox fight with Jamaine Ortiz




VIDEO: Super Middleweight Demond Nicholson discusses showdown with Gabriel Pham




AUDIO: Edward Vazquez discusses Robbery decision against Raymond Ford






VIDEO: Edward Vazquez discusses Robbery decision against Raymond Ford




AUDIO: John Andersen of KO Night Boxing talks Edward Vazquez Robbery Decision






VIDEO: John Andersen of KO Night Boxing talks Edward Vazquez Robbery Decision




Eric Tudor set to make pro debut on 12/12 in FL against Dalton Duncan

 MIAMI, FLA. – Blue chip super welterweight prospect Eric Tudor is set to make his professional debut on Saturday nightagainst Dalton Duncan at the Bonaventure Resort Spa in nearby Weston.  The fight is scheduled for four rounds.

The six fight card is topped by Courtney Jackson taking on Antonio Sanchez in a super lightweight bout.

Tudor was highly decorated amateur and compiled at 168-43 record in the unpaid ranks.  He is a two-time Romania  national champion and was a member of the 2020 Romanian Olympic team.

The 20-year-old is working under the guidance of respected trainer Derik Santos and is ready to put on a show on Saturday night.

“This is the moment I have dreamed about since I was a kid.  I cannot wait to step in the ring and put on a great show for all the fans in attendance.  Make sure you get there early because you don’t want to miss my fight,” said Tudor.

If all goes well and Tudor doesn’t suffer any injuries, the plan is for him to have a very active 2022 campaign.  With his amateur pedigree, he likely will be moved fast as a professional despite being so young.

“I think my amateur experience will help me a lot as I transition to the pros.  I think my style is more suited for the pro ranks and I will be an even better professional than a amateur,” Tudor explained.

To stay up to date with Tudor’s career please follow him @erictudor1 on Instagram. 




THRILLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOUTS HEADLINE UFC® 273 IN JACKSONVILLE

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Jacksonville, Fla. with a world championship doubleheader that will see UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defend against No. 4 ranked contender Chan Sung Jung. Also, UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling runs it back with interim titleholder Petr Yan.

“It’s an honor to welcome back the UFC and its President, Dana White, to the City of Jacksonville” Mayor Lenny Curry said. “I reached out to Dana in December to let him know we were ready to host another match-up as soon as possible, and as he always does, Dana delivered! Our City has consistently demonstrated that we are poised to host world-class sporting events of this caliber and we can’t wait to see the UFC, and its thousands of fans, in early April.“

UFC® 273: VOLKANOVSKI vs THE KOREAN ZOMBIE will take place Saturday, April 9 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC® 273: VOLKANOVSKI vs THE KOREAN ZOMBIE tickets will go on sale Friday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. ET and are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Feb. 10 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 2 ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter Volkanovski (23-1, fighting out of Windang, NSW, Australia) is coming off a thrilling title defense against Brian Ortega in a Fight of the Year contender. Unbeaten in almost nine years, he also holds notable victories over Max Holloway (twice), Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes. Volkanovski intends to once again steal the show by netting his third successful title defense against one of the division’s most talented finishers.

Perennial fan favorite Jung (17-6, fighting out of Seoul, South Korea) is gunning to make the most of his second UFC featherweight title opportunity. A creative grappler with heavy hands, “The Korean Zombie” has thrilled fans with exciting finishes against Frankie Edgar, Dennis Bermudez and Dustin Poirier. Jung now has his sights set on handing Volkanovski his first loss in the UFC and achieving his dream of becoming UFC champion.

Sterling (20-3, fighting out of Uniondale, N.Y.) looks to cement his status as UFC bantamweight champion following a disqualification victory over Yan to capture the belt last March. A talented wrestler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he holds impressive submission wins over Cory Sandhagen, Cody Stamann and Takeya Mizugaki. Sterling now aims to get the last word by finishing Yan to secure his first successful title defense.

No. 11 ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter Yan (16-2, fighting out of Yekaterinburg, Russia) is determined to stop Sterling and recapture the UFC bantamweight championship. A dangerous striker and grappler, Yan has delivered memorable knockouts against Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo and Douglas Silva de Andrade. Yan now hopes to earn a measure of revenge by dethroning Sterling in emphatic fashion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

  • No. 5 ranked strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern (11-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) squares off with No. 7 Tecia Torres (13.5, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.)
  • No. 10 ranked Kelvin Gastelum (17-8 1NC, fighting out of Yuma, Ariz. by way of Huntington Beach, Calif.) faces No. 12 Nassourdine Imavov (11-3, fighting out of Paris, France) in an intriguing middleweight contenders’ matchup
  • In a pivotal women’s bantamweight contenders’ bout, No. 3 ranked Irene Aldana (13-6, fighting out of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) takes on No. 4 Aspen Ladd (9-2, fighting out of El Dorado Hills, Calif.)
  • Ian Garry (8-0, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) looks to continue his momentum when he locks horns with Darian Weeks (5-1, fighting out of Sedalia, Mo.) at welterweight
  • Dricus du Plessis (16-2, fighting out of Pretoria, South Africa) faces Chris Curtis (28-8, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Cincinnati, Ohio) in clash of middleweight strikers
  • Top 10 heavyweights collide when No. 6 ranked contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik (12-3, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) meets No. 9 Marcin Tybura (22-7, fighting out of Uniejow, Poland)
  • Albert Duraev (15-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Grozny, Russia) faces Anthony Hernandez (8-2 1NC, fighting out of Dunnigan, Calif.)
  • Mickey Gall (7-4, fighting out of Green Brook, N.J.) takes on Dana White’s Contender Series signee Mike Malott (7-1-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif. by way of Waterdown, Ontario, Canada) in a welterweight bout
  • Gavin Tucker (13-2, fighting out of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) faces Pat Sabatini (16-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) in an exciting featherweight bout
  • Julio Arce (17-5, fighting out of Bayside, N.Y.) squares off with UFC newcomer Daniel Santos (10-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) at bantamweight
  • Vinc Pichel (14-2, fighting out of Englewood, Colo. by way of Simi Valley, Calif.) battles undefeated Mark O. Madsen (11-0, fighting out of Maribo, Denmark by way of Nykøbing Falster, Denmark) at lightweight
  • Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Piera Rodriguez (7-0, fighting out of Maracaibo, Venezuela) debuts against Kay Hansen (7-5, fighting out of Fullerton, Calif.) at strawweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

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About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 178 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment 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 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is North Florida’s premier showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, Luke Bryan, Elton John and is home to the Jacksonville Icemen and the Arena Bowl Champions Jacksonville Sharks. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

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 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.comESPNplus.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.




Andranik Grigorian faces Otabek Kholmatov in WBA featherweight eliminator in main event of Bally Sports inaugural telecast

ORLANDO, FL  Andranik Grigoryan(14-0) will defend his NABA featherweight title against Otabek Kholmatov (9-0) in the main event of Bally Sports’ premiere telecast of their new monthly fight series.  In addition to the NABA title being at stake, the 12 round bout is sanctioned as an official eliminator, with the #2 ranking in the division on the line.

In the co-feature bout, unbeaten junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez (10-0) will face an opponent TBA in a fight scheduled for 8 rounds.

The televised opener will be a heavyweight showdown with unbeaten Norman Neely (10-0) taking on Hector Perez (7-3).

“We are committed to putting on highly competitive fights that the fans watching in person and on Bally Sports on TV or streamed on Display Social will enjoy. The main event features two fighters risking their undefeated records. The winner will be in position to fight for a world title in the near future,” said EntroBox CEO Ron Johnson.   

The fight card will take place at the luxurious Caribe Royale Orlando and is presented by Bally Sports Present – Entrobox Championship Boxing , brought to you by American Dream Presents in association with Box Lab Promotions.

Tickets will go on sale next week with an announcement coming by the end of the week.

About EntroBox LLC:
EntroBox, is a sport and entertainment content company that connects amateur/pro athletes, entertainers, and live boxing events together with superior production quality, audience engagement, and compelling partnerships with high viewership. EntroBox’s core mission is to assist all parties in exceeding their potential, through content creation, sponsorships, and monetization platforms. Their unique approach and
professional status in the sporting industry allows them to execute across diverse landscapes and businesses. EntroBox is currently launching the next evolution in boxing’s DNA, while providing a pathway for other sports to connect and monetize to the ever-changing digital world by bridging the viewership from network tv and into the metaverse. To learn more, visit www.EntroBox.com. Follow us on: Display Social, FaceBook, Instagram, Twitter

About Caribe Royale Orlando:
Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourism destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando FL. A TripAdvisor 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale is emerging from a $127 million reimagination that includes a redesign and full remodeling of all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), an inviting new
lobby and exciting new and expanded food and beverage offerings. To learn more or to book a visit, event or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(@cariberoyale), and LinkedIn. #cariberoyaleorlando




RayJay Bermudez, Daniel Bailey & Robert Daniels, Jr. weekend winners for growing Fighter Locker stable

BOSTON (February 8, 2022) – A Fighter Locker trio was victorious this past weekend as the Ryan Roach-managed RayJay Bermudez, Daniel “The Dedication” Bailey and Robert Daniels, Jr. each remained undefeated.

Bermudez, a super lightweight of Albany (NY), improved to 16-0 (11 KOs) last Friday night in Saint Augustine, Florida. The gifted 23-year-old won an 8-round unanimous, one-sided decision (80-71, 80-71, 79-72) over Gabriel Fernando Punalef Calfin (24-13-6), the former WBC Latino super lightweight champion from Argentina.

This past Saturday evening in Clarksville, Tennessee, Tampa featherweight Bailey moved to 10-0 (5 KOs) and light heavyweight Daniels, fighting out of Miami, won his 6th pro fight (5 KOs).

Bailey, who was a 4-time U.S. Army Champion as an amateur, pitched a shutout versus 55-fight veteran Raymond Chacon, winning all 6 rounds on the three judges’ scorecards. Bailey is the cousin of former world champion Randall Bailey.

The son of World Boxing Association Cruiserweight World Champion Robert “Preacherman” Daniels, Robert Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs) went the complete distance for the first time as a professional, taking a comfortable 6-round unanimous decision from Lorenzo Benavidez (3-3-1, 1 KO).

“This was a very successful weekend for my fighters,” Roach said. “They all looked sharp and got rounds in. Round experience is detrimental in building fighters because everybody wants a knockout. But rounds will get them ready for title fights. I’m very pleased with their performances.

Fighter Locker is scheduled to have five more fighters in action this Saturday night on “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” card, presented by Vertex Promotions, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts: Texas super lightweight Miranda “El Alacra” Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs), Massachusetts featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), Irish light heavyweight Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole (2-0, 2 KOs), and the Davidson brothers from Kansas City (KS), super lightweight Marcus (2-0, 2 KOs), and pro-debuting lightweight Marcell.

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers also includes California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), Connecticut’s ABF USA super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (18-5-2, 6 KOs), Colorado’s ABF American West super middleweight champion “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (10-0, 6 KOs), Massachusetts super lightweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (12-0, 9 KOs, 2-time Brazilian Olympian & 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez, Brazilian Olympian Jorge Vivas, 2-time Dominican Olympian, lightweight Leonel de los Santos (5-0, 5 KOs), Dominican cruiserweight Roki “Rocky” Berroa (2-0, 1 KO), Dominican super welterweight Juan Solano Santos (1-0, 1 KO), Dominican featherweight Orlando Perez Zapata (10-0, 8 KOs), Dominican lightweight Isaelin Florian Henriguez (8-1, 4 KOs), and Utah brothers, ABF American West lightweight champion Ignacio Chairez (9-0-1, 5 KOs).

INFORMATION:

WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com

FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker

TWITTER: @RoachRyan

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers. Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service. Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models. It believes in partnership optimization models in motion.

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted.




Bec Connolly: I’ll beat Nina Hughes,then I want Shannon Courtenay!

Bec Connolly has a clear plan in mind ahead of her return to the ring on Friday’s #MTKFightNight – defeat Nina Hughes this week, and then take on former world champion Shannon Courtenay next.
Connolly (3-11) faces Hughes (1-0) as part of the stacked card headlined by Danny Dignum’s WBO European middleweight title defence at York Hall in London this week, which will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

Despite being the underdog, Connolly plans on upsetting the odds against Hughes, and then hopes to secure a fight with recent WBA bantamweight champion Courtenay.

Connolly said: “I’m really looking forward to this fight. I’ve known of Nina Hughes for a while. She was a good fighter for Team GB and everybody spoke highly of her, but I’m coming to win.

“Nina has a good pedigree and experience from fighting for Team GB that you don’t get in the backyard gyms that I’ve been in, but I’ll just crack on and give everything like I always do.

“I never use my life story to try and make excuses for past losses, but when stuff outside the ring is going on, it obviously affects your performance. For this fight I’ve had a solid six week camp and I’m ready.

“A win this Friday at York Hall would be great, and then I’m willing to take any fight, especially the Shannon Courtenay one, I would love that fight next.

“As females go, I’m the last of the old guard and I’m the gatekeeper to the top ranks in the professionals. I’ve earned that respect and place and people have to go through me, but Shannon Courtenay didn’t fight me.”

Elsewhere on Friday’s card, undefeated sensation Lee McGregor returns against Diego Alberto Ruiz, Bilal Fawaz makes his professional debut against Vladimir Fleischhauer, Joe Giles meets Lewis van Poetsch, plus Jordan Flynn, Paul Ryan and George Mitchell are all in action.

Stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletter HERE and on social media @mtkglobal




WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONS ERROL SPENCE JR. AND YORDENIS UGAS SET TO MEET IN UNIFICATION SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, APRIL 16

ARLINGTON, TX. (February 8, 2022) – Unbeaten WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugas will square off in a welterweight championship unification showdown on Saturday, April 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas headlining a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Presale for tickets begins today at 12 p.m. CT through SeatGeek.com, using the code BOXING. Tickets for the live event go on sale to the public this Friday, February 11 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions.

Spence-Ugas pits two of the best welterweight champions in the sport in a high-stakes unification match. Both men are coming off impressive victories over elite welterweights at the top class of the division. Spence defeated former champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter in his last two fights, while Ugas scored a thrilling upset victory over future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #SpenceUgas, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions.

About AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium is the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venue in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year-round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 92 works of art by 62 established and emerging artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2015 inaugural College Football Playoff Championship Game, the 2015 50th Anniversary Academy of Country Music Awards show and WrestleMania 32. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches and other special events. For more information, go to attstadium.com.




CASH: I CAN’T HAVE ANY MORE SLIP-UPS

Felix Cash is targeting a shot at European Middleweight Champion Matteo Signani if he makes it past Magomed Madiev when they clash for the WBC International Middleweight Title on the undercard of Daniel Jacobs vs. John Ryder at Alexandra Palace this Saturday February 12, live worldwide on DAZN  (excluding New Zealand and Australia).

The undefeated Wokingham talent (14-0, 10 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time in almost a year since his brilliant British Middleweight Title win over Denzel Bentley at York Hall. Cash is determined to regain his momentum as he looks to push on towards European and world level after cleaning up on the domestic scene. 

“Sometimes you need a bit of a break,” admitted Cash. “I’ve been boxing since I was a kid and I’ve never taken a lot of time off. I took my time off in the wrong way to be honest with you, having a few too many beers shall we say. I’m hungrier than ever because I’ve missed out on a lot of opportunities and that’s knocked me back a bit.

“This is the time now; I can’t have any more slip-ups and I can’t have any more time off. I’m training hard and I’m staying around the corner from the gym. I’m in the gym every single day and I just can’t wait now. It will be a big night for me and it will be one of the sweetest wins of my career after what I’ve been through.

“I’ve won the Commonwealth, won the British, get the European and that’s three of the major belts as a British fighter. The next step from there is a World Title so I definitely think I’m capable of beating Matteo Signani. I need to make sure I perform well and put a good performance on this Saturday. If I could get Signani next around April or May then that would be ideal.

“I know I’ve got a tough fight ahead of me on Saturday. Madiev hasn’t tasted defeat yet and he’s ranked at No.3 with the WBA. I’m excited to get myself back in the ring and remind everyone what I’m made of. I believe I’m always exciting – it’s definitely not going to be a boring fight. By the end of the year I want to be on the fringe of fighting for a World Title or fighting for a World Title.”

Cash vs. Madiev is part of a huge night of action, two-time Middleweight World Champion Daniel Jacobs (37-3, 30 KOs)fights in the UK for the first time when he clashes with former World Title challenger John Ryder (30-5, 17 KOs) in an Eliminator for the WBA 168lbs World Title, Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (4-0, 4 KOs) takes on Spain’s Gabriel Enguema (10-11, 6 KOs) over six rounds in front over 2,200 of his supporters, Catford’s Ellie Scotney (3-0) goes for her first title when she clashes with Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini (9-3-2, 1 KO) for the WBA International Super-Bantamweight crown, undefeated Texas Middleweight Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (9-0, 7 KOs) fights in London for the second time as he meets Javier Francisco Maciel (33-15, 23 KOs) over eight rounds, Leeds Super-Bantamweight Hopey Price (6-0, 2 KOs) fights Ricardo Roman (14-12-3, 5 KOs) over six rounds, Ashington Welterweight Cyrus Pattinson (2-0, 1 KO) fights Evgenii Vazem (9-21, 4 KOs) over six rounds and Welterweight prospect Shiloh Defreitas (2-0, 2 KOs) fights Alexey Tukhtarov (4-23-6, 3 KOs) over six rounds. 




Nina Hughes targeting titles in the near future

Nina Hughes is all set for her second professional contest when she takes on Bec Connolly on Friday’s #MTKFightNight – and the female sensation wants to move at a rapid speed as she looks to target titles in the near future.
Hughes (1-0) meets Connolly (3-11) as part of the stacked card headlined by Danny Dignum’s WBO European middleweight title defence at York Hall in London this week, which will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and worldwide on IFL TV.

Hughes brought a stellar amateur career into the paid ranks when she made a successful debut in December, and she believes that experience can help her challenge for titles sooner rather than later.

Hughes said: “I’m excited to go out again on such a big card, especially after my debut which couldn’t have gone any better.

“I really enjoyed my debut. I was a bit nervous about boxing without a head guard for the first time, but once I was in there it was fine. After boxing amateur for so long I never thought I’d turn professional, but with all the success recently I thought I can’t not give this a go.

“I boxed for Team GB and won seven national titles, and now this is the next step for me. I’ve had some good feedback so that is definitely encouraging to hear those nice comments, and I believe with the right opportunity I can win titles.

“This is an exciting division to be in at the moment, and I’ll hopefully get the big fights soon. I want to be moved as quickly as possible, and I think my amateur pedigree puts me in good stead.

“It’s Bec Connolly next, and I won’t back down from anybody. Whoever they put in front of me I will fight, and I trust my team to put me on the right path.”

Elsewhere on Friday’s card, undefeated sensation Lee McGregor returns against Diego Alberto Ruiz, Bilal Fawaz makes his professional debut against Vladimir Fleischhauer, Joe Giles meets Lewis van Poetsch, plus Jordan Flynn, Paul Ryan and George Mitchell are all in action.

Stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletter HERE and on social media @mtkglobal




THE MOST STACKED MIXED MARTIAL ARTS EVENT IN LONDON THIS YEAR ADDS FOUR FRESH FIGHTS INCLUDING A WELTERWEIGHT CO-FEATURE BETWEEN NO. 2 DOUGLAS LIMA AND NO. 3 JASON JACKSON AT OVO ARENA WEMBLEY ON FRIDAY, MAY 13

LONDON, UK – Today, BELLATOR MMA has added several explosive fights to BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP, taking place at OVO Arena Wembley – formerly known as The SSE Arena, Wembley – in London on Friday, May 13. 

With an electric atmosphere expected in London, fans will be treated to a mouthwatering welterweight co-feature as former champion and No. 2-ranked Douglas Lima (32-10) takes on No. 3-ranked Jason Jackson (15-4). British fan favorite Luke Trainer (5-0) will be looking to make the most of his home crowd advantage when he faces Simon Biyong (7-2) in a light heavyweight match up packed with knockout potential.

The promotion’s exciting return to OVO Arena Wembley for BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP, sees home favorite No. 1-ranked Michael “Venom” Page (20-1) look to steal the world welterweight title from the undefeated champion, Yaroslav Amosov. The Ukrainian, who is 26-0, will be aiming to spoil the party in MVP’s own backyard, and deny the Londoner a slice of MMA history in the process.

Also confirmed previously for what is already shaping up to be an incredible card is a women’s flyweight feature fight between No. 3-ranked Denise Kielholtz (6-3) and No. 4-ranked Kana Watanabe (10-1-1) and a featherweight feature fight between No. 8-ranked Daniel Weichel (41-13) and Robert Whiteford (16-4).  

BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP will be broadcast live in the UK at 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, following last week’s announcement of the major UK broadcast deal with the BBC. SHOWTIME will televise the fight live in America.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from axs.com/uk  and Bellator.com.

Douglas Lima is also set for another visit to the English capital, following his headline bout against MVP last year, with a return to winning form on his mind in familiar territory. He takes on Jason Jackson in what is set to be another exhilarating clash. Lima is one of the most experienced fighters on the Bellator roster and will be hoping to add to his 32 career victories. Standing in his way is the formidable challenge of “The Ass Kicking Machine” who is performing true to his nickname with five straight victories. Jackson’s most recent win was a convincing unanimous decision triumph over Paul Daley at Bellator 260 and he’ll be hoping to continue his strong professional record.

After a devastating knockout victory over Yanick Bahati in his biggest test to date at Bellator 267 in London last year, Luke Trainer will be looking to extend his unbeaten professional record to six fights as “The Gent” takes on Simon Biyong. With both fighters possessing genuine knockout power, the Cameroonian will hope to get on top in the striking exchanges and silence a partisan crowd. Trainer returns to home turf looking to continue his journey as one of Bellator’s fastest rising stars after an explosive performance last time out.

In addition to the aforementioned bouts, Londoner Alfie “The Axe Man” Davis (14-4) is also set to make a homecoming when he takes on fellow countryman Tim “The Experiment” Wilde (14-4) in a lightweight preliminary bout. The pair were due to meet in 2020 but will clash in front of their home faithful in a domestic clash that is certain to grab the attention of English fight fans. “The Axe Man” will be searching for the form that saw him go four fights undefeated prior to a unanimous decision loss last time out at Bellator 259. Wilde will not be in accommodating mood however, as he aims to string together three consecutive victories for the first time in his Bellator career.

There is another English talent on show in the women’s flyweight division as former title challenger Kate Jackson (11-5-1) takes on Greek athlete Elina “Gunner” Kallionidou (8-4). Jackson will be backed all the way by the London crowd but faces an opponent who was victorious on her last appearance in Wembley with a first-round stoppage victory at Bellator 267.

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UPDATED BELLATOR LONDON: AMOSOV VS. MVP MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) / BBC Three & BBC iPlayer (U.K.) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, May 13, 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Welterweight World Title Main Event: #C-Yaroslav Amosov (26-0) vs. #1-Michael Page (20-1)

Welterweight Bout: #2-Douglas Lima (32-10) vs. #3-Jason Jackson (15-4)

Women’s Flyweight Bout: #3-Denise Kielholtz (6-3) vs. #4-Kana Watanabe (10-1-1)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Luke Trainer (5-0)vs. Simon Biyong (7-2)

UPDATED BELLATOR LONDON: AMOSOV VS. MVP PRELIMINARY CARD:

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

BBC iPlayer (UK)

Friday, May 13, 5:30 p.m. GMT/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Featherweight Bout: #8-Daniel Weichel (41-13) vs. Robert Whiteford (16-4)

Lightweight Bout: Alfie Davis (14-4) vs. Tim Wilde (14-4)

Flyweight Bout: Kate Jackson (11-5-1) vs. Elina Kallionidou (8-4)

*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, IRE

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

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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.




Rising Star Bryan Acosta Signs With Lee Baxter Promotions

TORONTO, ON—After 15 straight victories in his native Mexico, it’s clear that Bryan Acosta is ready to break out.

One of the most promising featherweight prospects in the world, Acosta has made the leap out of his home country and has signed with top Canadian promotion company Lee Baxter Promotions.

Acosta (15-0, 5 KOs) is the latest talent to come out of the boxing hotbed of Sonora, following in the footsteps of Julio Cesar Chavez, Jose Luis Castillo, Orlando Salido and Juan Francisco Estrada. The 23-year old combines the rugged aggression typically associated with boxers from his area with a dazzling boxing ability that has enabled him to climb up the ranks at a rapid pace.

Now, Acosta is ready to break into the world ranks in earnest, and has linked up with Baxter in order to make it happen.

“I am very excited and motivated by this new stage in my career,” said Acosta. “I’m happy to know that fans in Canada will be able to witness my rise to a world championship.”

Acosta is coming off an impressive victory over Diego Chavez in April of 2021, a wide unanimous decision win. He also enjoyed tremendous exposure recently, fighting on the undercard of an exhibition bout between Julio Cesar Chavez and Jorge Arce.

In the ring, Acosta borrows influence from fighters like Chavez and Arce, as well as counterpunchers like Estrada.

“My fighting style is a clean, counterpunching style, a clean style where I seek to connect on the best punches and avoid being hit at the same time. My main virtue is my defense, but like all Mexicans, I love to get into the pocket and give the fans what they want to see,” said Acosta.

Acosta is expected to make his Canadian debut under the Lee Baxter banner on March 13 against an opponent to be named shortly. The plan, according to Baxter, is to try to maneuver him towards a world title within the next 18 months.

“Bryan probably has the talent to fight for a world title today, but he’s still 23 years old, and we would rather get him experience against different types of opponents and get him used to fighting away from home before throwing him in the deep end,” said Baxter. “He has a long career ahead of him, and we believe he’s one of the best untapped talents under 130 pounds anywhere in the world. We’re extremely lucky to have him on the roster, and Canadian fans are going to be in for a hell of a show when he’s in the ring.”

Acosta is climbing the ladder in a division topped by many of his fellow countrymen, including Emanuel Navarrete, Leo Santa Cruz, Mauricio Lara and Rey Vargas. According to BoxRec’s computerized rankings, Acosta sits just behind Julio Ceja, the recent world title challenger, in terms of Mexican featherweights.

“By 2023, Bryan is going to be matching up with those big names, and with the fanbase we know he’s going to develop here in Canada, those will be fights that won’t just sell in Mexico, they’ll sell here in Canada,” said Baxter.




MCGRAIL BROTHERS SIGN FOR PROBELLUM

LONDON, FEBRUARY 8, 2022 – Probellum is today delighted to announce the promotional signings of hugely talented brothers Peter and Joe McGrail.

The Liverpool-born duo enjoyed great success on the amateur stage with older brother Peter a seven-time national champion and gold medalist at both the 2017 European Championships and 2018 Commonwealth Games, while also competing for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics last summer. 

Joe, 19, was also a standout performer at amateur level, competing in 64 bouts and becoming a National ABA champion. 

As a professional, after beating compatriot Ed Harrison on his professional debut last October, 25-year-old Peter (2-0, 1 knockout) secured a second-round knockout victory over Engel Gomez, from Nicaragua, in December on the Conor Benn versus Chris Algieri undercard. 

That night proved particularly memorable for the brothers as Peter was joined on the card by Joe (1-0, 1 knockout), who produced a brilliant performance on his professional debut to overcome the challenge of Spaniard Francisco Rodriguez. 

The pair train at the Everton Red Triangle Boxing Club under the tutelage of highly respected coach, Paul Stevenson. 

“This is a huge moment for our family and I’m over the moon to sign with Probellum, particularly alongside my younger brother,” said Peter. 

“It’s been a positive start to my professional career, with two solid victories, and with Probellum behind me, I fully expect my all-round performance to improve significantly in the future as I broaden my experience.” 

“I’m really pleased to sign with Probellum and I’m excited about what the future holds,” added Joe. 

“Having only competed in my first professional fight at the end of last year, this is a very important time in terms of my development, and I believe this move will be hugely beneficial in the long-term. 

“The fact I’m signing at the same time as my brother, a fighter I really look up to, makes it all the more special for our family.” 

“Both Peter and Joe are huge talents, and we are delighted they have chosen to sign with us,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. 

“Their records at amateur level speak for themselves, and they have both made impressive starts to their careers in the professional ranks. 

“Probellum has already made many exciting signings, and Peter and Joe bring even more quality to our stable.” 

Peter and Joe McGrail join a stable which boasts a combination of exciting young stars and experienced fighters, including Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack. 

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).Probellum will host a two-night event at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 18 and 19, its first shows of 2022, featuring Sunny Edwards, from the UK, defending his IBF flyweight title against Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem and French fighter Estelle Mossely putting her IBO world lightweight championship on the line against Argentinian Yanina del Carmen Lescano. 

A week later, on March 25, Probellum heads to Newcastle’s Utilita Arena where the likes of Troy Williamson, Lewis Ritson and Thomas Patrick Ward will be in action. For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on InstagramTwitter and Facebook.

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

Probellum’s elite stable includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Lee McGregor, Donnie Nietes, Troy Williamson, Dina Thorslund, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Will Cawley, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack.

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

 Probellum hosted its inaugural event at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena in December 2021.