Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“An incredible building here for an incredible fight, an incredible moment for the sport of boxing. April 30 the undisputed Lightweight Championship between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano – live on DAZN from Madison Square Garden.

“We all felt and hoped that this event would be a game changer, this event would iconic, historic and break the records. Last week for the pre-sale we recorded the second biggest pre-sale in the history of boxing in 140 years at Madison Square Garden.

“Of course, this is the biggest female fight of all time but it’s also one of the biggest fights in boxing, April 30 the world will stop to watch these two great fighters change the sport and take women’s boxing to a new level.”

Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN:

“I think this is a fight that transcends not only women’s boxing but potentially if we get this right to transcend the sport of boxing. The energy in New York last week, the tickets sales, the turnout from the media today, the reaction on social media, Jake’s involvement. There are so many ingredients to this that give it the potential to really cut through.

“When you have the opportunity with a boxing event to really cut through to mainstream sport, you want to give it your best shot, and we’re determined to do that. We’ve got a couple of months to do that with a fantastic group of people pushing it, we’re really excited about the opportunity we’ve got to celebrate women’s sport and go beyond the four walls of boxing.

“Eddie and I have been in the States last week and he’s been stopped in the streets to talk about this fight far more than you would do for a women’s boxing event. I think that we’re seeing that it’s cutting through, we’re confident when we look at your numbers, the numbers on social media, the numbers on the content we’ve already got.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to grow our subscription audience and drive a massive audience on DAZN in many countries around the world – notably here in the UK, Ireland and over the States. A huge opportunity and one we’re really excited about.” 

Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions:

“This all started because of you [Eddie] and Joe when Jake made his debut on DAZN just two years ago. To think we’re here now with the biggest fight in women’s history, the biggest fight in boxing this year, is of course a credit to Eddie Hearn, Matchroom, DAZN, to Katie and Amanda, but also to my partner Jake Paul.

“Jake in little over two years have shaken combat sports upside down and is now sitting next to Eddie Hearn as co-promoter at age 25. There’s a guy on Boxxer that claims to be the youngest promoter in the UK, the youngest promoter in the UK is sitting on this stage right now and his name is promoter Paul.

“Jake and I have been very fortunate in our careers today, mine longer than his given I’m a lot older, we don’t need to be doing this, but we want to be doing this. This is a privilege, an honour, this is something that’s disrupting sports as a whole led by Jake, Katie and Amanda.”

Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, professional boxer and content creator:

“This is very serious, I’m just excited for April 30^th first and foremost. People better get their tickets at MSG.com because otherwise they’ll be sitting in the nosebleed section the way these tickets are selling.

“I want to give these ladies a round of applause for what they’re doing, what most people in boxing aren’t doing, the pound-for-pound two best going at it. This is what boxing needs more of whether it’s male or female, they’re putting it all on the line for this fight which is what makes it big.

“This is unprecedented and more boxers across the sport should take notes from these two ladies, make the big fights happen if you’re one of the pound-for-pound best and tell your promoters you want these fights. That’s what these ladies did and that’s why we’re here.

“To me it doesn’t matter because I’m passionate about it, if people want to show me respect then cool, if not then cool. I’m still going to be doing my thing but like the hat says, all I want to do is bring more to this sport than I took from it – that’s what I want to do.

“I believe Amanda will win, stylistically. All credit to Katie Taylor she has an amazing career and is an amazing person, but stylistically the way Amanda comes forward and her body shots. We saw Katie Taylor have a little bit of trouble with that against Persoon and she was head hunting and not necessarily going towards the body. That’s what Amanda brings, a power puncher that comes forward, unlimited cardio, that’s why I’m excited about this. Obviously, it’s going to be a great fight, but I believe in Amanda.” 

Amanda Serrano, seven-weight World champion:

“I want to thank London for having me, it’s a beautiful city. The struggle has been real but I’m super happy and excited that I’ve finally get to see a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel with this fight with Katie Taylor. We’re making history and that’s what I want to do, I want to continue to open the doors for the new generation coming into the sport.

“I’m a woman for equality and we all talk about equality, on this table multiple times, we’re making history at the Garden being the first women to headline. We’re making the biggest payday for both of us, and I think we should just continue to make this iconic, make changes to this game and if Katie Taylor is willing and ready and able to make this an equal fight of 12 rounds of 3 minutes. If we want to make change, I think we should pave it right now on DAZN. This is all about equality and we should make the change right now.

“I understand that this fight is iconic but if we want to make a change for the future and get people to notice it, get these promoters to not talk badly about women, I think we need to take a stand.

“My plan is to fight smart, to be smart on April 30. I know I have all the tools to beat Katie Taylor, I just have to go out there and be smart – victory will be mine.

“I have everything, there’s no questioning my heart, my skills, my power and my chin. There’s nothing I think Katie Taylor has that will answer the questions that need to be answered. I have Latin blood and all the heart in the world.” 

Katie Taylor, undisputed World Lightweight champion:

“I don’t think changing to 12 3 minute rounds will make a difference, this event is already iconic the way it is. The fact the pre-sales are the second best in MSG history says it all really, this fight is more important than we realise, and this proves that the perceptions have changed already. Boxing is boxing regardless, and the fight is already iconic the way it is.

“I think we’re making a stand the way we’re actually fighting each other in the first place, the best fighting the best. This fight is going to determine the best pound-for-pound female fighter in the world so we’re already making a stand by taking this fight.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted from the get-go, ever since I turned pro, I had me sights set on Serrano. I’m just so excited the fight is happening now; I do genuinely believe this is the best fight and most exciting fight in boxing right now. The fact it’s headlining Madison Square Garden and the pre-sales were the second best in boxing history, means this fight is more important than we realise and proves that there is a strong appetite with the public for these big female fights.

“Not only are we breaking the ceiling for female purses, but we have actually changed perceptions of the sport and if our careers have only achieved that then all the hard days in the gym have been absolutely worth it.

“I’m obviously expecting the toughest fight of my career and I’m expecting that, I know that I won’t be found short on grit and heart, I know my mind can take me to places I have no right to go because I’ve been there before both in the gym and on big nights. The whole world has seen me do it, I don’t think anybody has ever asked the question has Katie got what it takes to go to that place and win the fight in the trenches, that question has been answered. I’m not sure that Amanda has answered that question yet and her legacy will depend on the answer to that question, and I guess we’ll find out April 30.” 

POMONA, CA (February 7, 2022) – Decorated amateur, undefeated super lightweight sensation, Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (3-0, 3 KOs), a 21-time national champion, will fight this Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Commerce Casino, in Commerce, California, as he faces Marc Misiura (2-2-1, 1 KO) in a scheduled 6-round bout.

Mercado, who was a 2020 Olympic alternate, was undefeated in the bouts he competed in at the Olympic Trials, won gold internationally and had an outstanding amateur record of 278-11.

This will be Mercado’s third scheduled six-round bout in only his fourth professional fight, though none of his fights have gone the distance, and the only one to go two rounds was his professional debut.

“I want to thank my dad, my team, and Red Promotions for this opportunity to fight on this card in Southern California,” said Mercado, a five-foot, ten-inch 20-year old power puncher. “I am working hard to prove myself as a professional, as I did as a world-class amateur, and I plan on putting forth exciting fights to go along with using my high ring IQ.”

For those unaware, Mercado was in a prime position to fight for his father’s native Nicaragua in the Continental Olympic Qualifiers for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, but due to COVID, all the qualifications were changed, and Mercado was unable to compete or be given a chance to secure a spot.

“I won’t lie, it hurt not being able to fight in the Olympics,” said Mercado. “I know everything happens for a reason and I am more driven and focused because I feel as though one of my goals was taken from me.”

Mercado holds wins over Haven Brady, Charlie Sheehy, Dallas Kaleiopu, Harley Mederos, Amado Vargas, Malik Warren and Aaron Aponte, and is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish, while training out of his father’s boxing gym, G2G Boxing in Pomona, California.

“I am excited to face my opponent as he is coming off a draw in his last fight to an undefeated fighter, so to him, that is probably viewed as a win,” concluded Mercado, who is a promotional free agent. “This is the most confident version of Misiura that I’ll be facing and my goal is to stop him, send a message to the entire division, and by the end of the year you will see me in eight, and maybe even ten-round fights. I’m ready to take my boxing career to the next level.”

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New York (February 7, 2022) – This past Saturday night, Jamie Mitchell defended the WBA Bantamweight title with a four round destruction over Carly Skelly at The Footprint Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

The fight was Live on DAZN.

Mitchell is managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Brian Cohen’s Empire Boxing.

At the end of round one, Mitchell dropped Skelly with a hard left hook. Mitchell scored another knockdown in round two with a big right hand. In round four, Mitchell landed a vicious flurry of punches that included flush rights hands that snapped Skelly’s head back, and the fight was stopped at 1:32.

Mitchell of Las Vegas is 8-0-2 with five knockouts. Skelly of Liverpool, ENG is 4-1-1.

“It was cool, my first defense and my most precious fight as a pro,” said Mitchell. “Shout out to Claressa Shields for getting the win in the UK tonight, we had great sparring in the build-up so thank you to her for that. She’s truly the GWOAT and an inspiration.

“If you are going to run at me, I’m going to stop you in your tracks and that’s what happened.

I am only going to get better, we train all year round, people are sleeping on me but I’m going to slowly wake them up.”
Photos by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 7, 2022) — Cuban southpaw sensation Robeisy “El Tren” Ramirez won a pair of Olympic gold medals for his homeland. He is now determined to add some professional hardware to his collection.

Ramirez (8-1, 4 KOs) will cross the pond to battle Irish veteran Eric Donovan (14-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight battle Saturday, Feb. 26, at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland.

Ramirez-Donovan will serve as the co-feature to the highly anticipated junior welterweight showdown between Scottish undisputed world champion Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor and undefeated WBO No. 1 contender Jack “El Gato” Catterall.

Taylor-Catterall, Ramirez-Donovan, and additional undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.

Ramirez has been training in Las Vegas under Ismael Salas and has been flawless since a stunning defeat in his August 2019 pro debut. In 2020, he won four fights inside the MGM Grand Bubble, including a shutout over Adan Gonzales, the man who edged him in his debut. He is coming off a career-best victory last October over the previously unbeaten Orlando Gonzalez. This is what Ramirez had to say at Salas Boxing Academy, less than three weeks before his bout with Donovan.“I’m happy to return as a professional boxer to the UK, the place where it all started for me as an 18-year-old winning my first Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games.”

“Two Olympic gold medals and what many consider a storied amateur career will mean nothing to me unless I achieve greatness as a professional. In many ways, I see this fight as an opportunity for the world to get to know Robeisy ‘El Tren’ Ramirez and for me to take a big leap in my quest to become a world champion.”

“There’s this longstanding stereotype of the Cuban fighter as highly skilled, yet boring. That is not my case. There’s a reason why they call me ‘The Train.’ I come forward.”

“I’m fast, strong, and I have the ring IQ to beat anyone in the featherweight division. February 26 on ESPN+ will be the platform from which I show the world that I am ready to contend for a world title.”

“On February 26, I will fight representing Cuba, my homeland, and the United States, the place that welcomed me and gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams as a professional boxer.”

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CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (February 7, 2022) – This past Saturday, undefeated lightweight prospect, Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (13-0, 9 KOs), of Cheatham County, TN, continued his march towards 2022 prospect of the year as he stopped Charlie Serrano (16-7-2, 5 KOs), of Tampa, Florida, in the second round of a scheduled ten-round main event. The event, promoted by One-One-Six Promotions, took place in Clarksville, TN, at the Winfield Dunn Center at Austin Peay University.

In round one, Tomlin was feeling out Serrano, looking for an opening to land a big shot. That shot came in round two when Tomlin landed a picture-perfect left hook to the liver, sending Serrano to the canvas. Serrano couldn’t continue and the fight was stopped at the 1:45 mark of the second round.

“I am glad I could give the fans an exciting fight and I feed off the energy of the crowd – this was a special moment in my career,” said Tomlin after getting an exciting knockout in front of a sold-out crowd. “I’ve been telling people that Cheatham County is a fight town, and we are showing the world how much we love fights as the energy in this arena rivaled that of any PPV fight.”

Tomlin is riding a four-fight KO streak and looks to be in the running for the 2022 Prospect of the Year. Tomlin hopes to fight a lot this year and with the backing of his promoter Lou DiBella, head-honcho of DiBella Entertainment, Tomlin has all the systems in place to make it happen.

“We are not cutting corners, we brought in Andres Cortes to have a high-quality training camp so we could have this type of performance,” said Darryl Tomlin, trainer, manager and father of Tyler. “We know what we want in the sport, and now Ty is a 10-round fighter, so the fights are going to get tougher and tougher, and we are ready. This is going to be the year we show the world we are for real.”

Tomlin is one of the biggest ticket sellers in the sport of boxing outside of the known stars on television, and the energy in the building was commented on by his promoter Lou DiBella.

“People are taking notice, but I am getting better with each fight, and soon people will see just how talented I am,” said Tomlin. “I want to make my community proud and spotlight my region to not just the whole country, but to the world!”

LOS ANGELES (February 7, 2022) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), co-founded by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, has announced it has signed 2-time World title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte (28-4-1, 24 KOs) to a multi-year promotional contract.

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The 31-year-old Palicte, who fights out of Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines is the two-time World junior bantamweight title challenger against a pair of future Hall of Famers, fighting to a draw with fellow Filipino Donnie Nietes (43-1-6, 24 KOs), losing to current World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Bantamweight Champion Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15 KOs).

A veteran matchmaker, Taylor has known and had a working relationship with Palicte and his manager, Jason Soong, for the past six years.

“We had a great run,” Taylor said. “Getting the old team together feels like and old music group coming back for one more hit album. I think we’ve all learned a lot during this experience and realize we are a better unit when this team is together.”

“I am very happy that they still believe in me,” Palicte commented. “I’m excited to make another run for a world title.”

“I am really excited to go on our next title journey at bantamweight with World Cup Boxing Series,” Soong added. “We have been working with Guy Taylor since day-one and it just feels right that we continue our next chapter with him.”

In his 2016 United States debut, Palicte faced off in Las Vegas with former World Boxing Council (WBC) No. 5-rated contender and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Super-Flyweight Champion Oscar Cantu (14-0) in Las Vegas Nevada. Palicte defeated the then-undefeated Texan by 10-round split decision to capture the NABF and WBO Inter-Continental Championships.

Nearly one year to the day, Palicte took on former world champion Jose Alfredo Rodriguez (32-6) in Texas, scoring an emphatic 5-round technical knockout victory.

The two aforementioned triumphs set-up the biggest fight in Palicte’s career September 8, 2018, when the stage was set in Los Angeles for an All-Filipino matchup with legend Nietes on HBO for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship.

In a very close and entertaining bout, in which both men had their moments, the judges couldn’t come to an agreement and rendered even scorecards to keep the title vacant. Nietes would claim the vacant title three-months later, defeating Ioka by way of a 12-round split decision.

The WBO ordered a “Title Eliminator” that Palicte won with a second-round stoppage of WBO No. 4 contender Jose Martinez (20-0), setting up a rematch between Nietes and Palicte. However, Nietes vacated the world title just hours before the scheduled WBO purse bid, positioning Palicte versus Ioka in Japan for the vacant WBO Jr. Bantamweight Championship. In another all-action war, Palicte seriously hurt Ioka in the seventh round, only to get caught himself in the 10^th as Ioka caught and wobbled Palicte, prompting the referee to halt the action.

There are some great potential matchups in the bantamweight division for the powerful Filipino, including a showdown with Jason Moloney 22-2 (18 KOs), who is the current WBC “Silver” Bantamweight Champion and WBC #2 contender, but more notably would be against the Bantamweight King Pin and unified World champion (WBA and IBF), Naoya Inoue 22-0 (19 KOs). Palcite is presently ranked No. 9 by the International Boxing Federation, as well as No. 14 by the WBO.

“I feel Aston can compete with anyone at 118 pounds,” Taylor concluded. “He was the strongest contender at 115 and that was after depleting himself. Can you imagine what he will be like at his natural weight of 118? My partner (Terry Hollan) and I are already working on a bout in the late March / early April timeframe and, after that, we would like an eliminator bout for the mandatory position against anyone in the top 15.”

Palcite joins rising Mexican lightweight prospect Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) in the relatively new WCBS stable.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

Follow all the action as former world champions Keith Thurman and Mario Barrios get it on in a welterweight bout.  The action commences at 7 PM ET with bouts featuring Abel Ramos and Ryan Karl.  Then at 9 PM ET, Luis Nery takes on Carlos Castro; Jesus Ramos gets it on with Vladimir Hernandez and Leo Santa Cruz fights Keenan Carbajal

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Right from Thurman…Body shot from Barrios…Right to body..Right from Thurman
Round 2 Hook from Thurman…Good left hook..Left hook from Barrios…Hook from Thurman…Right from Barrios..
Round 3 Nice body shot from Barrios..Left Hook from Thurman…Left hook..Body shot..Nice right from Barrios..Left from Thurman..jab..
Round 4 Sharp combination from Thurman..left uppercut and right from Barrios…Combinations wobbles Barrios…3 punch combination..Left hook hurts Barrios…good right
Round 5 Right to body and head from Thurman…Barrios bleeding down the side of his face…Combination to the body…Right to body from Barrios…2 Hooks from Thurman..Combination
Round 6 Left from Thurman
Round 7 Hook from Thurman
Round 8 Good hook from Thurman…Body shot..Right Buckles Barrios…Barrios cut badly over right right eye…Barrios trying to fight back…Right from Thurman
Round 9 Counter from Barrios…
Round 10 Nice Hook from Thurman…Hard right and left hook..Nice hook…Good right from Barrios…
Round 11 Combination from Thurman
Round 12 Counter hook from Thurman…Good Jab..Flush hook and a body shot..good jab..Big right wobbles Barrios

117-111…118-100 TWICE FOR KEITH THURMAN

Round 1 Body shot and hook to head from Santa Cruz..2 jabs and right hands..Body shots
Round 2 Hard combinations from Santa Cruz…head butt opens a cut over left eye of Santa Cruz
Round 3 Body shot from Santa Cruz..Left ..Hook from Carbajal
Round 4 Another headbutt by Carbajal..
Round 5 Uppercut from Carbajal..Nice combination..Santa Cruz answers back
Round 6 Right from Santa Cruz..Left to body..Referee looking at Santa Cruz eye…Uppercut from santa Cruz..
Round 7 Santa Cruz pressing forward…
Round 8 Combination from Santa Cruz…
Round 9 Right to head from Santa Cruz…Right to the head..Good Combination..
Round 10  Santa Cruz lands a right

100-90 on all CARDS FOR LEO SANTA CRUZ

Round 1: Right from Ramos..
Round 2 Left from Ramos
Round 3 Thumping lefts from Hernandez..
Round 4 Right hook stuns Hernandez
Round 5 Hernandez swarming and lands a left hook
Round 6  Huge left to the chin that hurts Hernandez…Ramos aLL OVER HERNANDEZ AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Big LEFT AND DOWN CASTRO…Nery landing a barrage..Hard left from Nery…
Round 2
Round 3  Hard right and left from Castro..Combination..Nery lands a left
Round 4 Combination and uppercut from Nery..
Round 5 Right from Castro..
Round 6 Combination from Nery
Round 7 Sharp combination from Nery
Round 8 Hard combination from Nery
Round 9 Jab from Castro…Combination from Nery…
Round 10 Right hook from Nery…Right from Castro..Left

95-94 CASTRO; 95-94 NERY; 96-93 NERY

Round 1:

Round 1  Jab from Juarez..Right
Round 2 Good body shot from Juarez..Hard right..Right from Karl…Right from Juarez
Round 3 Sharp right from Juarez..Right from Karl…Big hook from Juarez rocks Karl..Karl bloody over his left eye…Left hook from Juarez..
Round 7 Karl a bloody mess..Right from Karl…Combination from Juarez…Nice right from Karl..Jab..
Round 8 Combination from Karl

Late-replacement Jesse Rodriguez won the WBC Super Flyweight world title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Cuadras at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

In round three, Rodriguez dropped Cuadras with a left uppercut to the body.

Rodriguez landed 258 of 688 punches; Cuadras was 172 of 944.

Rodriguez, 114.1 lbs of San Antonio, TX won by scores of 117-110 twice and 115-112 and is now 15-0. Cuadras, 114.4 lbs of Mexico City is 39-5-1.

“That was a tough ass fight,” said Rodriguez. “He brought out a Jesse Rodriguez I didn’t know was in me, I’m so happy.
 
“I knew it was going to be a tough fight, he’s a true warrior, I thought I was going to get him out of there but he’s so strong.
 
“I stuck to the game plan, used my angles, but in the fifth round I knew he wasn’t going to go so I stayed composed and did my work.
 
“I feel good at this weight so I will stay here for now but if I get a good fight at 108lbs or 112lbs, maybe I’ll get the winner of Chocolatito vs. Martinez, who knows – I’m just open to the best fights.”

Mitchell Stops Skelly in 4; Retains Bantamweight Title

Jamie Mitchell defended the WBA Bantamweight title with a four round destruction over Carly Skelly.

At the end of round one, Mitchell dropped Skelly with a hard left hook. Mitchell scored another knockdown in round two with a big right hand. In round four, Mitchell landed a vicious flurry of punches that included flush rights hands that snapped Skelly’s head back, and the fight was stopped.

Mitchell of Las Vegas is 8-0-2 with five knockouts. Skelly of Liverpool, ENG is 4-1-1.

“It was cool, my first defense and my most precious fight as a pro,” said Mitchell. “Shout out to Claressa Shields for getting the win in the UK tonight, we had great sparring in the build-up so thank you to her for that. She’s truly the GWOAT and an inspiration.
 
“If you are going to run at me, I’m going to stop you in your tracks and that’s what happened.
 
I am only going to get better, we train all year round, people are sleeping on me but I’m going to slowly wake them up.”

Ford Decisions Vazquez

Raymond Ford was lucky that he had two judges on his side as he was awarded a 10-round split decision over Edward Vazquez in a battle of undefeated featherweights.

Ford landed 95 of 514 while Vazquez was 106 of 428.

Vazquez landed the more telling blows throughout, yet two judges scored the fight 98-92 and 97-93 for Ford. Vazquez won a card 96-94.

Ford, 126 lbs of Camden, NJ is 11-0-1. Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas is 11-1.

Diaz Decisions Smith

Fernando Diaz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorenzo Smith in a flyweight contest.

In round five, Smith dropped Diaz with a left hook.

Diaz landed 173 of 594 punches; Smith was 64 of 339.

Diaz, 111 lbs of Riverside, CA won by scores of 96-93 twice and 95-94 and is now 11-1-1. Smith, 111.5 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is 10-1.

Coe stops O’Sullivan in 2

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Dylan O’Sullivan in a light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Coe dropped O’Sullivan with a left hook. Seconds later Coe ended thing with a left and the fight was stopped.

Coe, 179.5 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is now 2-0-1 with two knockoouts. O’Sullivan, 177.9 lbs of Johnson City, TN is 1-1

Elijah Garcia stropped Antonio Hernandez after round three of their six-round middleweight fight.

Garcia, 163.5 lbs of Glendale, AZ is 10-0 with nine knockouts.

Adam Stewart won a six-round unanimous decision over Alvin Davie in a heavyweight bout.

In round six, Stewart dropped Davie with a right hand.

Stewart, 234 lbs of Phoenix, AZ won by scores of 60-53 on all cards, and is now 13-1-1. Davie, 223.9 lbs of Miami, FL is 6-3.

CARDIFF, WALES (February 5, 2022) – Boxing superstar Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields successfully defended her WBC/WBA/IBF Middleweight world titles Saturday night with a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten top-rated challenger Ema Kozin from Cardiff, Wales.

Shields dominated the action on her way to a clean sweep on the judges’ scorecards, with all three seeing the fight 100-90 for boxing’s only two-division undisputed champion. Click HERE and HERE for post-fight photos from the bout.

With WBO Middleweight Champion Savannah Marshall ringside, Shields moved one step closer to a highly-anticipated grudge match against Marshall later this year. Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat Shields has ever suffered in the amateur or pro ranks.

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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.

Phoenix, AZ (February 4, 2022)–TOMORROW NIGHT, DKO Boxing Management’s undefeated featherweight Edward Vazquez takes on Raymond Ford in a 10-round bout for the WBA Continental Featherweight title at the Footprint Arena in Phoenix.

The bout will be streamed live on DAZN (8 PM ET)

Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas is 11-0 with three knockouts and will be looking to establish himself by taking on former National Amateur champion and undefeated Ford.

Vazquez, who is the former WBC USNBC champion will look to add Ford to a victim list that already includes Everado Jhoao (1-0), Brandon Arvie (2-0), Brandon Cruz (6-0), Adan Ochoa (11-1), Irvin Gonzalez (14-2) and a 1st round stoppage over Ezequiel Alberto Tevez on November 5th in Irving, Texas.

Ford of Camden, NJ is a former National Golden Gloves champion is 10-0-1 with six knockouts, and is coming off an eighth round stoppage over Felix Caraballo on November 27th,

Vazquez is promoted by KO Night Boxing.

Edward Vazquez Press Conference Quotes

“This isn’t my first step up fight, I’ve had three before and I’ve won them all. I am well prepared, a six-week camp, no shortcuts and no corners cut, this is the best I’ve felt and the title is coming home to Texas with me.

“Ray is skillful, and he’s had good wins, I respect what he’s done, but he’s had one step up fight and he got a draw.

“You have to use your brain and outthink your opponent. Being fast and flashy is nice but only gets you so far. It’s the brain that wins fights and I have more of that than him.

“This is everything I have dreamed of and visualized; I feel I have been here before because I have seen it played out in my head. I am comfortable, well prepared and ready.”

Las Vegas – The historic 30^th season of The Ultimate Fighter^®will see UFC^® bantamweight champion Julianna Pena and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes go head-to-head as coaches for men’s heavyweights and women’s flyweights competing to make the UFC roster. Following the series, which exclusively debuts Tuesday, May 3 on ESPN+, the two coaches will prepare to square off for the bantamweight title at a date that will be determined in the near future.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 30: Pena vs Nunes will feature a dynamic cast of 16 ascending athletes in the men’s heavyweight (265 lbs.) and women’s flyweight (125 lbs.) divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside for the chance to pursue their UFC dreams.

The entire twelve episode season of TUF 30 will be available exclusively on ESPN+, with one episode dropping each Tuesday beginning May 3. In addition, UFC fans can re-watch all 29 previous seasons of TUF on ESPN+, the industry-leading sports streaming service.

The Ultimate Fighter is the iconic reality television series that has introduced millions of new and die-hard fans to future UFC champions and top contenders. Those whose careers have been shaped by their participation in The Ultimate Fighter include: Julianna Pena, Kamaru Usman, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Robert Whittaker, Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Matt Serra, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Uriah Hall and many others.

Undisputed UFC bantamweight champion Pena (12-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) returns to The Ultimate Fighter as a coach after winning season 18 in dominant fashion. She will look to teach her team the lessons and skills from her impressive career that has seen her secure victories over Amanda Nunes, Cat Zingano, Nicco Montano and Sara McMann. Pena now aims to show that she can beat Nunes as a coach, as well as a competitor, and build momentum towards their inevitable rematch later this year.

Nunes (21-5, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Pojuca, Brazil) is widely considered to be the greatest women’s mixed martial artist of all time. Despite her historic upset defeat to Pena late last year, Nunes remains confident that she will regain her lost title with a spectacular performance similar to those that earned her wins over Holly Holm, Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey. She now plans on adding a successful The Ultimate Fighter season to her renowned resume on the way to exacting revenge over Pena.

Below is a full list of competitors scheduled to compete in The Ultimate Fighter 30: Team Pena vs. Team Nunes (name, age, professional record and fighting out of):

MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHTS

Nyle Bartling | 29 | 6-0 | Unadilla, NE

Chandler Cole | 27 | 8-3 | Coeburn, VA

Jordan Heiderman | 30 | 5-0 | Norfolk, NE

Bobby Maximus | 43 | 5-4 | Salt Lake City, UT

Zac Pauga | 33 | 5-0 | Denver, CO

Eduardo Perez | 27 | 4-1 | Berkeley, CA

Mitchell Sipe | 25 | 5-2 | Bakersfield, CA

Mohammed Usman | 32 | 7-2 | Denver, CO

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHTS

Chantel Coates | 34 | 2-1 | Leavenworth, KS

Claire Guthrie | 26 | 3-1 | Denver, CO

Juliana Miller | 25 | 2-1 | San Diego, CA

Kaytlin Neil | 30 | 5-4 | Lindon, UT

Kathryn Paprocki | 28 | 3-2 | Denver, CO

Melissa Parker | 35 | 2-1 | Houston, TX

Helen Peralta | 33 | 4-2 | Fairfield, IA

Brogan Walker | 32 | 7-2 | Guam

*All athletes are subject to change

Visit the UFC.com for additional 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 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 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.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.

About Pilgrim Media Group

Pilgrim Media Group, a Lionsgate company headed by Emmy®-winning producer Craig Piligian, produces a diverse slate of unscripted and scripted programming across all platforms. The company is behind hit series and projects like “Ghost Hunters,” “American Chopper,” “Fast N’ Loud,” the “Street Outlaws” and Wicked Tuna franchises, “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” “Bring It!,” “The Ultimate Fighter” and “High on the Hog.” Among Pilgrim’s feature documentaries are the award-winning films “Soufra” and “Tre Maison Dasan,” now streaming on Hulu and PBS.org, respectively; revelatory profile “The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story” for YouTube Premium; and Sundance’s 2020 Festival Favorite Award winner, “Giving Voice.” Global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) is a majority investor in Pilgrim.

New York (February 4, 2022) – Jamie Mitchell makes her maiden defense of the WBA Bantamweight title when she takes on Carly Skelly tomorrow night at The Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The fight will be streamed Live on DAZN at 8 PM ET

Mitchell of Split-T Management under the guidance of Brian Cohen’s Empire Boxing, won the title on October 9th when she defeated previously undefeated champion Shannon Courtenay in Liverpool England,

Mitchell (7-0-2, 4 KOs) will look to add Skelly as the 2nd consecutive undefeated opponent to her resume.

Skelly (4-0-1) of Liverpool, England is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Dorota Norek on October 23rd in Liverpool.

Mitchell weighed 117.2 lbs Skelly checked in at 116.2 lbs

Jamie Mitchell Press Conference Quotes

“I am definitely ready to defend my title, it’s going to be a great night.

“You cannot doubt yourself no matter whether you are chosen as an opponent or you are the A-side. I knew I was going to go in there against Shannon Courtenay and do what I had to do. I have tremendous coaches and a great manager, and the belief I have in myself is phenomenal, so I have all the confidence I need to be a World champion.

“Carly is a great opponent for me, but I am going to show everybody why I am a World champion. Nothing has been given to me at all, I am going to go out and show my skills and capabilities.

“I’m not giving up nothing but ass-whoopings – no-one is getting this belt.”
WBA Bantamweight champion Jamie Mitchell talks about title defense with Carly Skelly

Also on the card will be undefeated light heavyweight Khalil Coe. Coe (1-0-1, 1 KO) of Flemington, New Jersey will battle Dylan O’Sullivan in a bout scheduled for four-rounds.

Despite just 34 amateur fights, Coe made the most of his opportunities as he was a member of the distinguished United States elite team. Coe gained his most prominence when he knocked out Olympic Gold Medal Winner and four-time world amateur champion Julio Cesar La Cruz.

Coe is co-managed by Split-T Management and Keith Connolly, and is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

O’Sullivan of Johnson City, Tennessee is 1-0, and made his pro debut with a unanimous decision over Jermaine Cooley on July 3rd in Gray, Tennessee.

The Fight will be streamed on DAZN.

Coe Weighed 179.5 lbs.; O’Sullivan was 177.9 lbs

Khalil Coe Press Conference Quotes
“The weight played a part in the draw. We started the cut late in camp, we forced it a little, but we’ve learned from it and we’re here and better for it now.

“It was a minor setback, but a lesson learned. It’s not something I want to forget, I want to remember it and grow from it, and never let it happen again.

“It showed me what I am capable of doing when I am not 100 per cent, so imagine what I can do when I am at my best.”

Photos by Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

First bell – 4pm MT

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest

Aaron Aponte (139lbs) vs.     Louis Jourdain (138.8lbs)
(Miami, Florida)                        (Quebec, Canada)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

Adam Stewart     (234lbs)      vs.     Alvin Davis (223.9lbs)
(Phoenix, Arizona)                             (Miami, Florida)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest

Elijah Garcia (163.5lbs) vs.    Antonio Hernandez (162.5lbs)
(Glendale, Arizona)                  (Kansas City, Missouri)         

Live on DAZN – 6pm MT

4 x 3 mins Light-Heavyweight contest

Khalil Coe (179.5lbs) vs.        Dylan O’Sullivan (177.9lbs)
(Jersey City, New Jersey)       (Johnson City, Tennessee)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Flyweight contest

Lorenzo Smith (111.5lbs) vs. Fernando Diaz (111lbs)
(Phoenix, Arizona)                 (Riverside, California)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Featherweight title

Raymond Ford (126lbs)         vs.     Edward Vazquez (125.9lbs)
(Camden, New Jersey)                   (Fort Worth, Texas)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBA World Bantamweight title

Jamie Mitchell     (117.2lbs)  vs.     Carly Skelly (116.2lbs)
(Las Vegas, Nevada)                        (Liverpool, England)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBC World Super-Flyweight title

Carlos Cuadras (114.4lbs)      vs.     Jesse Rodriguez (114.1lbs)
(Mexico City, Mexico)                         (San Antonio, Texas)

CARDIFF, WALES (February 4, 2022) – WBC/WBA/IBF Middleweight World Champion Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields and unbeaten top-rated challenger Ema Kozin hit the scales Friday, weighing-in and facing off for the final time before they square off in the ring this Saturday, February 5 live from Cardiff, Wales in an event available in the U.S. and Canada on pay-per-view.

Shields tipped the scales at 159 pounds, while Kozin weighed in at 159.5 pounds, officially making weight for their championship clash.

The pay-per-view event begins at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT and is headlined by U.K. middleweight stars Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams squaring off in the main event. Shields vs. Kozin will serve as the co-main event of the lineup.

Shields vs. Kozin is the first in a lucrative multi-fight deal secured by Salita Promotions for Shields with promoter Boxxer and broadcaster SKY Sports in the U.K. If Shields emerges victorious over Kozin, she can set up a long awaited showdown against WBO Middleweight World Champion Savannah Marshall. Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat Shields has ever suffered in the amateur or pro ranks.

HOW TO WATCH THE February 5 – Claressa Shields vs. Ema Kozin PPV

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, ____________Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as ____________well as leading operators in Canada.
Streaming: PPV.com and FITE.TV

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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.