Ilunga Makabu won a 12-round split decision over Thabiso Mchunu to retain the WBC Cruiserweight title at the Packard Music Hall in Warren Hall.

It was a fight that did not provide much action, but it seemed like the challenger may have done barely enough to get the victory. Mchunu landed quick shots on the inside where Makabu’s good shots were fewer and far between.

The bout was a rematch of Makabu’s 11th round stoppage in 2015.

Makabu of The Congo won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 while Mchunu took a card 115-113. Makabu is now 29-2. Mchunu is 23-6.

Makabu could now be looking at a huge opportunity against pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez.

“Today I didn’t come for the knockout,” said Makabu, who won the vacant WBC belt by registering a unanimous decision over Michal Cieslak almost exactly two years ago on Jan. 31, 2020. “I just came to show that I can box. I am going to box and knock Canelo out in my next fight, baby.”

In his United States debut, the 34-year-old Makabu pressed the action against his compatriot and successfully followed his team’s game plan from the opening bell to run his unbeaten streak to 10.

“We were leading the fight comfortably,” said Makubu’s trainer, Damien Durandt. “Junior (Makabu) boxed beautifully. We knew what Mchunu was about. He brought in some elements that surprised us. I told Junior not to look for the knockout. If it comes, we will take it. All I wanted from round one was points. He said to me, ‘I got you baby.’

“I landed a lot of my punches, but the judges saw it the other way, said the 33-year-old who fought in the U.S. for the sixth time. “He (Makabu) didn’t really hurt me.”

Bryan Decisions Guidry; Retains WBA Heavyweight Title

In an entertaining battle, Trevor Bryan retained the WBA Heavyweight title with a 12-round split decision over Jonathan Guidry.

Bryan dominated the fight with his jabs and good right hands that followed. He had Guidry hurt on several occasions, but the pesky challenger was able to take those and fight back with heart and courage. In round 12, Bryan dropped an exhausted Guidry in the final seconds. Guidry was able to get to his feet and heat the final bell.

Bryan of Albany, NY won by scores of 118-109 and 116-111, while Guidry took a card 115-122 and is now 22-0. Guidry of Dulac, LA is 17-1-2.

“Trevor Bryan is here to stay, said the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., resident. “I showed that tonight. I am only going to get better and keep improving my skills. I worked until the final bell. I am taking my talents overseas. I am going to make those fights against the top three, which is Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Oleksandr Usyk. I deserve those fights. This is a steppingstone for me. Shout out to Jonathan Guidry. He was a tough opponent.”

“It was a close fight,” said Guidry after the decision was announced. “We only trained for four weeks for this fight. I want another shot at it. If I get in a little bit better shape, I’ll put on a better show. It was heartbreaking. If I had a little bit more gas in the tank, I could have gotten him (Bryan).”

“The last round he caught me in my neck,” Guidry recalled. “I feel really good. I wasn’t supposed to make it this far.”

Langston Stops Kisner in 5

Johnnie Langston stopped Nick Kisner in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight.

In round five, Langston dropped Kisner three-times. The first came after a combination that punctuated by a body shot. The second came from a well placed left to the body. Langston ended things when he landed a big right that hurt Kisner that was followed by a combination that sent Kisner to the canvas to the deck and the fight was topped at 1:40.

Langston of Sarasota, FL is 10-3 with four knockouts. Kisner of Baltimore, MD is 22-6-1.

“I knew that Kisner was slick, Langston said in the ring after. “I just put the punches together and started landing. When he (Kisner) switched back and forth and went southpaw, I landed the overhand left and followed it up with the right uppercut.”

Scott Decisions Hefney

Decaree Scott remained undefeated with a 10-round splits decision over Ahmed Hefney in a heavyweight bout.

In round four, Hefmey was badly cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt.

Scott of Atlanta, GA won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and is now 7-0. Hefney of Brooklyn, NY via Egypt won a card 96-94 but falls to 13-2.

“I knew I could go 10 rounds,” Scott said. “It wasn’t a problem. The cut was a punch. He (Hefny) was missing punches, holding, and grabbing. I worked so hard. I deserve this title.

Wiggins stops Wilson in 3

Tre’Sean Wiggins stopped Cody Wilson in round three of their 10-round welterweight bout

Wiggins dropped Wilson in round two, with a hard left. Wiggins dropped Wiggins early in round three with a hard left. Wilson was able to get up, but he ate a flurry of punches and the bout was stopped at 1:33.

Wiggins of Newbergh, NY is 13-6-3 with seven knockouts, Wilson of West Virginia is 10-4.

“Everything went right,” Wiggins said. “I am the man in charge right now. This is only the beginning. I knocked the door down, now I am running through.”

Michael Moore won a 10-round unanimous decision over Anthony Lenk in a middleweight bout.

Moore of Cleveland, won by scores 99-91 on all card, and is now 19-3. Lenk of Niagara Falls, New York is 17-8.

Follow all the action as llunga Makabu defends the WBC Cruiserweight title against Thabiso Mchunu; Also Trevor Bryan defends the WBA Heavyweight title against Jonathan Guidry

NOW BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Right hook from Makabu

ROUND 2:  Counter left from Mchunu..Left to body from Makabu..Counter from Mchunu..Short left from Makabu..

ROUND 3 Jab to body from Mchunu..Big left from Makabu..

ROUND 4 Right hook from Mchunu..Uppercut..Straight left from Makabu..Right hook from Mchunu..Combination from Makabu

ROUND 5 Right hook and left from Mchunu…Counter left ffrom Makabu

ROUND 6 Left from Mchunu…Right uppercut..Combination from Makabut…Left from Mchunu

ROUND 7 Short jab from Mchunu…Combination from Makabu…Jabs…Nice left from Mchunu..uppercut on the inside..

ROUND 8 Jab from Mchunu..Right to the body..right hook …straight left…Nice left

ROUND 9 Right hook from Mchunu..Good body shot..Counter hook..Left..

ROUND 10 Counter from Mchunu..Hook to body from Makabu..Right hook..jab

ROUND 11 Counter from Mchunu..Counter right..Big left..Counter

ROUND 12 Body shot from Makabu..Counter from Mchunu..

115-113 MAKABU; 115-113 MCHUNU; 116-112 MAKABU

ROUND 1 Good right from Bryan..Jab..

ROUND 2 Right from Guidry…Counter right from Bryan..Jab..Ciunter hook from Guidry..Right from Bryan..

ROUND 3  Jab from Bryan..Guidry lands 2 body shots…Jab from Bryan..Another jab..Guidry starting to swell under his right eye

ROUND 4 Guidry lands a body shot…Short right from Bryan..Double jab,,,Right..Left hook from Guidry..Left hook to the body..Short left hook from Bryan,,2 jabs…Good body shot from Guidry..Big right from Bryan,,2 rights to the head..Hard right

ROUND 5 Short left hook from Guidry..Jab from Bryan..Good jab from Guidry..

ROUND 6 Nice jab from GuidrLeft uy…Nice left hook…Good right..Counter right from Bryan..Right from Guidry..Short counter..Body

ROUND 7 Right to body from Guidry..Jab from Bryan..Nice uppercut

ROUND 8 Body shot from Bryan…Jab from Bryan

ROUND 9 Hook inside from Guidry..Jab from Bryan and another…Big right hurts Guidry..Quick left from Guidry..Short right…Nice left hook..Right..Counter right from Bryan..2 good shots..Nice right…Hook from Guidry

ROUND 10 left uppercut from Bryan..Straight right..Inside left..Double jab to the body

ROUND 11 Left from Bryan..Nice uppercut..Short right from Guidry,,Jab from Bryan

ROUND 12 2 jabs from Bryan..And another..Big Right…Hook to the body..Jab …Left hook..Right…RIGHT IN THE LAST SECONDS DROPS GUIDRY…HE GETS UP

118-109 and 116-111 for BRYAN AND 115-112 FOR GUIDRY

Round 1: Good left hook to body from Kisner…Bidy shot from Langston
Round 2 Counter left from Kisner
Round 3 Nice left from Kisner..Langston Jabbing..Counter right from Kisner..Short left..
Round 4 Left From Langston…Combination on ropes
Round 5  FLURRY ON THE ROPES AND DOWN GIES KISNER..BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES KISNER…Big Right…COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES KISNER AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Hafney lands a jab..Right to body
Round 2 Good Body shot from Scott..Counter from Hefney…
Round 3 Good uppercut from Scott
Round 4  Headbutt and bad cut over Hefney’s left eye
Round 5  Counter from Scott
Round 6 Nice left hook from Scott
Round 7 Scott landing power shots
Round 8 Big right hurts Hefney
Round 9 Nice Jab From Scott..Good body shot..Uppercut at the bell
Round 10 Right from Hefney..Nice Right..Nice right from Scott..

96-94 Hefney; 96-94 Scott; 97-93 Scott

Round 1: Quick left from Wiggins
Round 2 Quick combination from Wiggins…Big left hurts Wilson…Big flurry..Left and down goes Wilson
Round 3 Big left AND DOWN GOES WILSON…Straight left and the fight is stopped.

Robson Conceicao won a 10-round unanimous decision in a junior lightweight bout over previously undefeated Xavier Martinez at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Conceicao landed 125 of 549 punches; Martinez was 107 of 585.

Conceicao, 129.6 lbs of Baiha, BRA won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 17-1. Martinez, 120.4 lbs of Sacramento, CA is also now 17-1.

“I learned a lot from that Oscar Valdez loss, and that’s why I was able to dedicate myself,” Conceição said. “I wasn’t discouraged by what happened that evening. I know who I am, and I knew if I put in the work, I could have this type of performance. But my mind is set on Valdez, and I definitely want that shot.

“To be honest, I think Xavier Martinez punches harder than Oscar Valdez. I felt his punches, but I know this is the type of fight I needed to prepare myself because I’m a world champion level fighter. And I definitely want Oscar Valdez.”

Martinez said, “I thought it was closer. I know I didn’t do enough to win. I sat back too much. I didn’t listen to the game plan fully. It is what it is. I’m not going to be a sore loser. He did his thing tonight. It wasn’t my night. I’m not done. This is just the beginning.”

Cabrera Decisions Giron

Giovanni Cabrera won an eight-round unanimous decision over Rene Tellez Giron in a junior welterweight bout.

Cabrera landed 145 of 595 punches; Giron was 122 of 324.

Cabrera, 138.6 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 19-0. Giron, 137 lbs of Mexico is 16-2.

Johnson Decisions Madrid

2021 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson won a four-round unanimous decision over Xavier Madrid in a battle of undefeated welterweights.

Johnson landed 83 of 263 punches; Madrid was 45 of 235.

Johnson, 145 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is 2-0. Madrid, 145.6 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 3-1.

Stephan Shaw stopped Joey Dawejko in the 8th and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Shaw dominated the action and landed hard shots throughout on the durable Dawejko. Finally in round 10, Shaw landed a big flurry and the corner of Dawejko stopped the fight at 1:04

Shaw, 234.8 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Dawejko, 258.6 lbs of Philadelphia is 21-10-4.

Carla Torres won a eight-round majority decision over Pink Tyson in a junior lightweight bout.

Torres, 129.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 80-72, 77-5 and 76-76 and now is 7-6. Tyson, 130 lbs of Brighton, ENG is 11-3.

Bruce Carrington scored a 2nd round stoppage over Steven Brown in round two of their four-round featherweight fight.

In round two, Carrington hurt Brown with a right hand. Carrington followed up with three vicious left hands that sent Brown to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 43 seconds.

Carrington, 125.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 2-0 with two knockouts. Brown, 125.6 lbs of Leon, MX is 1-1.

Jeremiah Milton remained undefeated with a 1st round annihilation of Dell Long in a four-round heavyweight bout.

Milton dropped Long in the opening seconds with a left hook to the head. Moments later, a left-right dropped Long and the fight was stopped at 1:37.

Milton, 237 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 4-0 with four knockouts. Long, 287.8 lbs of Virginia is 7-10-2.

Nico Ali Walsh stopped Jeremiah Yeager in round two of their scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Ali Walsh dropped Yeager with a right hand that was followed by a perfect left hook. Yeager was hurt badly and after Walsh did “The Ali Shuffle”, he landed another hard left that rocked Yeager and the fight was stopped at 2:39. Yeager, 159 lbs of Erie, PA is 1-2-1.

Ali Walsh, 162.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-0 with three knockouts.

Ali Walsh said, “I think the main thing was staying calm, which I did. Another thing was head movement and defense, which I felt like I did improve on. I fought last month, so if I can make those small improvements in this such a short amount of time, who’s telling what I can do in my next fight?

“I didn’t plan {the Ali Shuffle}. It was emotional, of course. So much has been going on, but yeah, I didn’t plan on doing that. It’s just something that happened.”

Haven Brady Jr. was impressive in shutting out Diuhl Olguin over six-rounds in their featherweight bout.

Brady, 127.8 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 5-0. Olguin, 127.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 15-21-5.

Dante Benjamin Jr. made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Emmy Rendon in a light heavyweight bout

In round one, Bemjamin dropped Rendon with a left to the soler plexus. Moments later, it was a left hook from Benjamin that sent Rendon down again and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Benjamin, 172.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 1-0 with one knockout. Rendon, 175,8 lbs of Odessa, TX is 2-1.

New York (January 28, 2022) — Tomorrow Night, Split-T Management fighters will be featured prominently at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma as four fighters under the top boxing management’s banner will be in action.

At 10 PM ET on ESPN, 2020 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Cleveland, Ohio will make his 2nd start when he takes on Xavier Madrid (3-0, 1 KO) in a four-round battle of undefeated welterweights.

Johnson, 23, had a highly decorated amateur career finishing with a record of 188-17, and saw him win a Gold Medal in the 2016 Youth World Championships; a Bronze Medal at the 2019 Pan Am Games; a 2019 Last Chance Qualifier Championship; Four 2017 Elite National Championships; a 2016 Elite National Championship; a 2015 Youth National Championship; and a 2014 National Junior Olympic Championship.

Johnson made it to the quarterfinals of the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo before losing to the eventual Gold Medal winner, Cuban Roniel Iglesias.

Johnson was very impressive in his pro debut when he stopped Antonius Grable in the 4th round on November 20th in Las Vegas.

Madrid has a win over Cristian Castillo (3-0), and is coming off a 1st round stoppage of Daniel Arriaga on November 20th.

Johnson, who is promoted by Top Rank, weighed 145 lbs. Madrid weighed 146 lbs.

At 7 PM ET, three more Split-T Management boxers will be featured on the ESPN+ stream.

Undefeated heavyweight Stephan Shaw will take on tough veteran Joey Dawejko in an eight-round heavyweight bout.

Shaw of St. Louis, Missouri is 15-0 with 11 knockouts, and is considered one of the top heavyweight prospects in the world. The 29 year-old Shaw is a nine-year veteran and has wins over Danny Kelly (9-2-1), Jonny Rice (4-1-1), Joel Caudle (7-1-1), Donovan Dennis (12-3), Willie Jake Jr (8-2-1), Gregory Corbin (15-2), Lyubomyr Pinchuk (12-1-1) and his bout when he stopped Nick Davis in the opening round on August 27th in Plant City, Florida.

Dawejko of Philadelphia is 21-9-4 with 12 knockouts. The 31 year-old is a former World Youth Amateur champion. The 13-year professional has victories over Ricardo Johnson (1-0), John Lennox (6-0), Derric Rossu (28-7), Mark Rideout (4-0-2), Enobong Umohette (9-2), Natu Visina (11-1), Demetrius Banks (9-1), and Kevin Nunez (15-0). Dawejko has also taken former world champion Charles Martin and former world title challenger Bryant Jennings. Dawejko is coming off a loss to undefeated Zhan Kossobutskiy on August 21st in Hamburg, Germany.

Shaw weighed 234.8 lbs; Dawejko was 258.6

Shaw is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Top Rank.

Undefeated featherweight Haven Brady Jr. will take on veteran Diuhl Olguin in a six-round bout.

Brady of Albany, Georgia is 4-0 with three knockouts. The 20 year-old Brady has been a professional for two years.

Brady’s amateur career saw him go 65-10 with 30 knockouts, and won the 2018 Jr. Nationals. Brady won the 2019 Eastern Qualifiers and 2019 Jr. National PAL.

He is coming off a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Roberto Negrete (3-0) on October 23rd in Atlanta.

Olguin of Guadalajara, Mexico is 15-20-5 with 10 knockouts. The 33 year-old Olguin is a 14 year-professional who has victories over Horacio Garcia (32-2-1), Kevin Rivers Jr. (14-1) and Tenochtitlan Nava (7-1). Olguin is coming off a loss to Juan Antonio Lopez on November 5th.

Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, weighed in at 127.8 lbs. Olguin was 127.4 lbs

Dante Benjamin will be making his professional debut against undefeated Herman Rendon in a four-round light heavyweight bout.

Benjamin, 19 years-old of Cleveland, Ohio amassed over 100 wins as an amateur, and was a seven-time national champion as he was a 2016 and 2017 Junior National Champion, 2017 Eastern Regional Champion, and a 2018 Youth National champion. He also took first place in the Emil Jechev International tournament in Botevgrad, Bulgaria.

In 2017, he was named the Under Armour Fighter of the Year.

Rendon of Odessa, Texas is 2-0. Both of his victories are over undefeated foes as he opened his career with a win over James Land (2-0-1) In his most recent outing, Rendon won four-round unanimous decision over
Yhorhighness Rezzaq (2-0) in New Mexico

Benjamin, who is promoted by Top Rank, weighed 172.6 lbs. Rendon was 175.8

WBC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – 12 ROUNDS

Ilunga Makabu – 197 lbs.                                                                                                                                

Thabiso Mchunu – 198½ lbs

Referee: Harvey Dock (New Jersey). Judges: Steve Weisfeld (N.J.), Nathan Palmer (Indiana), Jamie Garayua (Ohio)

WBA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP– 12 ROUNDS

Trevor Bryan – 268 lbs.                                                                                                                                  

Jonathan Guidry – 246½ lbs.

Referee: Lonnie Scott (Ohio). Judges: Nathan Palmer (Indiana), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.), Brian Kennedy (Ohio)

NABA CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS

Johnnie Langston – 199½ lbs.                                                                                                                          

Nick Kisner – 198½ lbs.

Referee: George Nichols (California). Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Jamie Garayua (Ohio), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

NABA GOLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS

DaCarree Scott – 276½ lbs.                                                                                                                               

Ahmed Hefny – 216 lbs.

Referee: George Nichols (Calif.). Judges: Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Jamie Garayua (Ohio), Nathan Palmer (Indiana)

NABA WELTERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS

Cody Wilson – 145 lbs.

Tre’Sean Wiggins – 145½ lbs.

Referee: Lonnie Scott (Ohio). Judges: Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey), Brian Kennedy (Ohio), Jamie Garayua (Ohio)

NABA MIDDLWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS

Michael Moore – 164 lbs.                                                                                                                               

Anthony Lenk – 159 lbs.

Referee: Harvey Dock (New Jersey). Judges: Jamie Garayua (Ohio), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.), Brian Kennedy (Ohio)

** Moore weighed in over the limit and is not eligible to win the title. **

# # #

ABOUT DON KING: RETURN TO GREATNESS, MAKABU-MCHUNU, BRYAN-GUIDRY

WBA Heavyweight Champion Ilunga Makabu (28-2, 25 KOs) will defend his crown against WBC Cruiserweight Silver Champion Thabiso

Mchunu (23-5, 13 KOs), while WBA Heavyweight Champion Trevor Bryan (21-0, 15 KOs) will defend his title against Jonathan Guidry (17-

0-2, 10 KOs) at the Don King Productions six-championship bout fight card on Saturday, Jan. 29, from the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren,

Ohio. Additionally, Johnnie Langston (9-3, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, Fla., will square off against Nick Kisner (22-5-1, 6 KOs) of Baltimore,

Md., in a 10-round bout for the NABA Cruiserweight title, and undefeated Decatur, Ga., prospect Dacarree Scott,who has a perfect record of 6-

0 with 6 KOs, will take on Ahmed Hefny (13-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, N.Y., for the NABA Gold Heavyweight Title. Plus, West Virginia’s

Cody Wilson (10-3, 7 KOs) will meet New York’s Tre’Sean Wiggins (12-5-3, 6 KOs) in an NABA Middleweight Title Bout, and the NABA

Middleweight Championship will be up for grabs as local product Michael Moore (18-3, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, battles Anthony Lenk (17-

7, 7 KOs) of Niagara Falls, NY.

Tickets priced at $550, $350, $250, $275, and $80 are on sale at Ticketmaster or the W.D. Packard Music Hall. The fight card will be televised

through Donking.com, DKPBoxing.com, or Itube247.combeginning at 6 p.m. ET at a cost of $49.99.

    •  Robson Conceição 129.6 lbs vs. Xavier Martinez 129.4 lbs 
(WBC Super Featherweight Title Eliminator — 10 Rounds)

   •   Giovanni Cabrera 138.6 lbs vs. Rene Tellez Giron 137 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

   •    Tiger Johnson 145 lbs vs. Xavier Madrid 145.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

* The original co-feature —Giron vs. Luis Melendez — was called off after Giron missed the contract weight of 132 by five pounds. Giovanni Cabrera, who was fighting on the undercard, stepped in to fight Giron. 

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

   •   Stephan Shaw 234.8 lbs vs. Joey Dawejko 258.6 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

   •    Pink Tyson 130 lbs vs. Carla Torres 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
  •    Bruce Carrington 125.8 lbs vs. Steven Brown 125.6 lbs
 (Featherweight— 4 Rounds)

  •    Jeremiah Milton 237 lbs vs. Dell Long 287.8 lbs
 (Heavyweight— 4 Rounds)

•    Nico Ali Walsh 162.4 lbs vs.  Jeremiah Yeager 159 lbs
 (Middleweight— 4 Rounds)

  •    Haven Brady Jr. 127.8 lbs vs.  Diuhl Olguin 127.4 lbs
 (Featherweight— 6 Rounds)

  •    Dante Benjamin Jr. 172.6 lbs vs. Herman Rendon 175.8 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight— 4 Rounds)

PHOENIX – BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky will be telecast tomorrow, Saturday, January 29 on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and on Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Jan. 29 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Ryan Bader (232.2) vs. IC-Valentin Moldavsky (234.4)

Lightweight Bout: #6-Benson Henderson (155.8) vs. #7-Islam Mamedov (155.6)

Featherweight Bout: Henry Corrales (145.8) vs. Aiden Lee (145.8)

Welterweight Bout: Sabah Homasi (170.8) vs. Jaleel Willis (170.2)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell (135.8) vs. Enrique Barzola (136)

Lightweight Bout: Saad Awad (156) vs. Chris Gonzalez (155.6)

Middleweight Bout: Dalton Rosta (184.6) vs. Duane Johnson (185.6)

Bantamweight Bout: Nikita Mikhailov (135.6) vs. Blaine Shutt (134)

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (145.4) vs. Ben Lugo (146)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sullivan Cauley (205.9) vs. Ben Parrish (205.2)

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

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

About SHOWTIME

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

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 28, 2022) —Queensberry and Top Rank are delighted to announce that WBC and Lineal world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, will defend his titles against Dillian Whyte following today’s purse bids. A venue and date for the fight will be announced in due course.

Hanover, MD (January 27, 2022) — Jeter Promotions returns to The HALL at Live! inside Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland on Saturday night, February 19th.

Jeter Promotions is back at Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland for the 7th time and 1st of 2022 on the heels of a near capacity show on October 23rd.

In the main, event, Jordan White, 12-1 with 10 knockouts of Washington, DC takes on Gadwin Rosa, 11-2 nine knockouts of Ocala, Florida in a 10-round bout for the WBC USNBC Super Featherweight title.

The co-feature is a 10-round super middleweight clash will pit Demond Nicholson (24-4-1, 20 KOs) of Laurel, Maryland battling Gabriel Pham, 15-2 with eight knockouts of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

White, 24, is a seven year-professional and has wins over Ronaldo Solis (4-0-1), Misael Lopez (11-0), and his last bout when he stopped Joe Perez on October 23rd at The HALL at Live!

Rosa, 27, is a six-year professional, and has a win over Jonathan Irizarry (3-0). Rosa is coming off a defeat to George Acosta on May 7.

Nicholson, 28, is a nine-year professional, who has wins over German perez (11-1-3), Joshua Okine (28-5-1) and Isaac Rodriguez (25-2). Nicholson is coming off a unanimous decision over Victor Darocha on October 23rd at The HALL at Live!

Pham, 32 is a 13 year-professional, has big victories over Michael Glenn (2-0), Chauncey Fields (4-1), Jaba Khositashvili (4-0), Derrick Webster (28-2), Rafael Fernandez Sosa (8-0) and his last contest when he stopped Israel Valerio Nino(15-3) on October 16th in the Dominican Republic.

In six-round bouts:

Jeter Promotions signee, Brandon Chambers (6-0-1, 3 KOs) of Gwynn Oak, Maryland fights an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.

Jeter Promotions signee and Penn State Graduate, AJ Williams (5-1, 2 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland takes on an opponent to be named.

Jeter Promotions signee, and former Dartmouth star Wide Receiver, Victor Williams (3-0, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on an opponent to be named in a super welterweight fight.

Thyler Williams (5-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Maurice Anthony (3-3, 3 KOs) of Ypsalanti, Michigan in a junior welterweight fight.

Colby Madison (9-3-2, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a heavyweight.

Jeter Promotions Signee Tyrek Irby (9-0, 3 KOs) of Landover, Maryland battles on opponent to be named in a junior welterweight contest.

In four-round fights:

Jeter Promotions signee, Mansaborie Conde (4-0, 3 KOs) of Laurel, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Ahmad Muhammad Jones (1-0, 1 KO) of Baltimore, MD takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight fight.

Joseph Veazey (5-0, 3 KOs) of Baltimore fights an opponent to be named in a welterweight contest.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are priced at $65-$150 and can be purchased at AXS.COM
The HALL at LIVE! is a 75,000-square-foot, three-story multi-use concert and event venue that features some of the nation’s best touring acts, comedians, championship boxing and other show-stopping entertainment. With a capacity of up to 4,800 persons, the state-of-the-art performance venue features three levels of seating: a main orchestra level, intimate loge-level boxes and a plush VIP Level with private bar, lounge and balcony. Each of these options afford spectacular views and immerse audiences in audio visual systems unparalleled in the region.

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 26, 2022) – Top Rank’s surging middleweight prospect, Nico Ali Walsh (3-0, 2 KOs), the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will now have a new head coach guiding his corner when he steps in the ring this Saturday, January 29th against Jeremiah Yeager (1-1-1, 1 KO). Former heavyweight boxer and Joe Frazier protégé Richard T. Slone will now serve as chief cornerman for Nico Ali Walsh. Walsh’s next bout is promoted by Top Rank Inc. and will air live on ESPN+ from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with undercard coverage starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

“Working with Slone is a blessing to my career”, said Nico Ali Walsh. “Most people recognize Rich Slone as the world’s greatest boxing artist but I’ve known him for many years. I know his extensive background working with Joe Frazier and Emanuel Steward as a professional boxing trainer. Together we will do great things.”

“Working with Nico is something I never anticipated but I have known him for most of his life and I know that he has a good work ethic,” said Slone, who spent over a decade training boxers and working corners for top fighters with Emanuel Steward. Nico has worked very hard in preparation for this fight and I think that will show in his performance”,

Richard Slone spent over a decade as the Vice President of Kronk Gym and is known globally for his incredible talent as an artist, having painted some of the most iconic pieces in boxing history. He’s the official artist for the International Boxing Hall of Fame and has had his artwork grace the cover of Ring Magazine.

TULSA, OK. (Jan. 27, 2022)— The 130-pound title picture will crystallize Saturday evening at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, as the unbeaten Xavier Martinez (17-0, 11 KOs) battles recent world title challenger Robson Conceição (16-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round WBC title eliminator.

Conceição is coming off last September’s valiant challenge of WBC world champion Oscar Valdez in Tucson, Arizona. Valdez rallied late to edge the unanimous decision. Martinez grinded out decisions over veterans Claudio Marrero and Juan Carlos Burgos in his last two outings, ample preparation for his Top Rank debut.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Mexican knockout artist Rene Tellez Giron will battle rising Puerto Rican star Luis Melendez. Conceição-Martinez and Melendez-Giron will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The undercard — streaming live on ESPN+ starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT — includes Tulsa-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (3-0, 3 KOs) and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (3-0, 2 KOs) in four-rounders. 

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the main event fighters had to say.

Robson Conceição

“What happened against Valdez was just a small setback. What I learned from that fight is that it was a great fight, but the fans know I won the fight. They know I’m the man.”
 
“I’m very motivated. After the fight with Valdez, I walked out of the ring very happy with my performance. I went straight to the gym. I had a very good training camp, and now I’m facing a very tough opponent. That makes me even happier. I hope he is ready for a great fight. I’m ready! I always overcome all obstacles. Martinez is a very tough fighter. We will be battling for our lives inside the ring. I trained very hard to come out with a big victory.”
 
“For me, every fight is a world title fight. I’ve been away from my family and sacrificing for over a year. I’m very close to my goal, and I will not rest until I accomplish my goal.” 

Xavier Martinez

“Now I’m really motivated. I just had my little girl. I have to fight for my little girl. She is my motivation. Makes me even hungrier, and that makes me train even harder.”
 
“Those last two fights were very tough and got me ready for this moment right here. I’ve been putting the work in, and I can’t let this opportunity slip by me.” 
 
“I’m not overlooking Conceição. He is a great opponent. He is the main objective right now, but after this, I want a title shot. If it’s not right after, I want to keep active and maybe fight for a title next year.”

SATURDAY, January 29, 2022

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Robson Conceição vs. Xavier Martinez, 10 rounds, WBC super featherweight title eliminator  

Luis Melendez vs. Rene Tellez Giron, 10 rounds, junior lightweight

ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Stephan Shaw vs. Joey Dawejko, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Tiger Johnson vs. Xavier Madrid, 4 rounds, welterweight

Pink Tyson vs. Carla Torres, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Giovanni Cabrera vs. Rafael Reyes, 8 rounds, lightweight

LAS VEGAS – January 27, 2022 – Unbeaten rising star Chris “Primetime” Colbert and WBA Super Featherweight Champion Roger “The Kid” Gutiérrez each expressed confidence that they will emerge victorious in their upcoming clash during a virtual press conference Thursday, as they previewed their showdown taking place Saturday, February 26 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event live from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

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

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

Colbert has made a name for himself with his exciting mix of speed and power that has helped him shoot up the 130-pound rankings, defeating former champions and dangerous contenders along the way. Colbert will look to capture his first world championship against Venezuela’s Gutiérrez, who earned the title and made his first defense in a pair of upset victories over Rene Alvarado in 2021.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

CHRIS COLBERT

“This is going to be ‘Primetime’ on SHOWTIME. This is what I’ve been waiting for. There’s no better time than right now. This is my time and I’m going to dominate in this fight.

“Everybody that they put in front me that they say has power, they don’t hit hard at all. I end up walking them down and beating them up. I don’t expect anything different in this fight. I’m ready to win by any means necessary. I don’t care about looking pretty, I care about winning and dominating.

“He better make sure he brings the Mack truck, because I’m coming at him in this fight. If he can’t put me on my bike, then he’s going to be in trouble.

“At the end of the day, two warriors have to go in the ring and fight. He’s the current champion and I’m going to be the champion. I expect nothing but a firefight from him.

“February 26, you better make sure you tune in. I don’t have any losses and I don’t plan on getting any. You’re going to hear ‘and the new’ when this fight is over. After the fight, I’ll take him out for a beer.

“To be honest, I’ve never watched Gutiérrez fight. Shout out to him for earning the belt, but I don’t care who he fights like. I have one job that night, and that’s to win by any means necessary.

“When I win this fight, I’m that guy. I’ve told you forever that I’m that guy. I was born that guy. I’m just going to continue to prove that and whatever comes next, comes next. Hopefully Gary Russell Jr. can heal up and I can take that fight and put him into retirement.

“Gutiérrez has more knockouts than I have fights, but it doesn’t matter to me. I like fighting bigger punchers because I know they come to fight. I know he’s not going to run. I want this to be an exciting fight. I want to show the fans that I can do it all.

“You’ve seen my skills and you’ve seen that I can stand in the middle of the ring and bang with anybody. You’ve seen me do it all. I’ve never been outboxed, so I know he’s not going to do that. If he wants to go toe-to-toe, I’m going to show everyone that I’m too fast, too sharp and too strong.

“This is definitely another stepping-stone for me. I knew that this opportunity was going to come. I knew that I was going to be a world champion. I made it happen. This is just another day, another dollar, for me.

“I bring my own style to the boxing game. I’m looking to build my own legacy in this sport. I’m focused on this fight. I’m ready to go mano-a-mano with the champion.

“When I win in dominating fashion, don’t be surprised if I knock him out. That’s what I’m coming into this fight to do.”

ROGER GUTIERREZ

“I was very excited when I was told that this fight was going to happen. Regardless of him being the mandatory, I knew that this fight was going to be a big opportunity for me to show that I’m one of the best in the world.

“This is a chance that I’m not about to pass up. I’ve been training in Los Angeles since December and I’m going to show the world what I can do on February 26.

“Anything that you’ve seen from me against Alvarado, you can toss it out the window. This is going to be a completely different fight. I’m going to have to adapt and I’m going to better than ever. This is going to be something you’ve never seen from me before.

“It’s not important to me whether I’m the favorite or the underdog. Alvarado was the favorite against me as well. I don’t care who believes in me, what matters is that I’m a warrior and I believe in myself.

“Even though people say I’m a knockout artist, that’s not what I look for. I work toward winning each and every round. It doesn’t matter to me if we go to the final bell. The knockouts just come naturally.

“You’re going to see a Venezuelan champion once again. I don’t care what people say about this fight. I’m taking this belt back to Venezuela after February 26 to celebrate with my people.

“His best weapon is his mouth. I can’t wait to see him in the ring on February 26. I understand that he does what he has to do, but I’m not worried about his talk at all.

“Chris is a great fighter and he’s a very versatile boxer. That’s what excites me. I love facing big challenges. You’re going to see me step up to this challenge on fight night.

“Winning the world title was a whirlwind of emotions. Not only did make it to the top, but I was able to fulfill my promise that I made to my mother, who passed away a month before my fight. It was amazing to be able to reach that pinnacle.

“If he wants to stand there and go blow for blow, we’ll be ready. If he wants to use the ring, we’re ready to chase him down. We will have a plan no matter what. I’m going to be ready to leave the ring victorious.

“I’m focused on this fight, but if everything goes well, the name that I have in mind for a next opponent is Leo Santa Cruz.”

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ABOUT COLBERT VS. GUTIERREZ
Colbert vs. Gutierrez will see undefeated rising star Chris “Primetime” Colbert seek his first world title when he takes on WBA Super Featherweight Champion Roger “The Kid” Gutiérrez in the SHOWTIME main event Saturday, February 26 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

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

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.

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

LAS VEGAS (January 27, 2022) — The semifinals of the World Cup Boxing Series’ (WCBS) inaugural “4-Man Lightweight Tournament,” presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, has the potential to have two instant classics on February 24th.

All the Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing-promoted action will be streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, live and exclusively from Palenque De La Expo in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

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

The WCBS “4-Man Tournament” semifinals matchups are Luis “Koreano” Torres (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Rodolfo “Rudy” Flores (14-5, 6 KOs), Isai “Gaga” Hernandez (11-2-2, 7 KOs) vs. Irving “Poderoso” Castillo (11-2, 7 KOs).

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.”

The 20-year-old Torres, a former WBC Youth Silver lightweight champion, is the No. 1 seed and pre-tournament favorite who will be fighting at home.

“I am very happy about this opportunity,” Torres said. “Thank you to the WCBS, WBC, RJJ Boxing and UFC FIGHT PASS for making this possible. He’s (Flores) a tough, good boxer who likes to fight at a distance if he can. Nothing I haven’t seen before.

“My style is to attack at all times. I love to go for the knockout and give fans what they want to see. My fights will always go my way. Attacking from the very beginning, I hope he stands and throws with me as he says. Either way I’m coming after him. I predict pain for him and a knockout win for me before round 5.”

The 26-year-old Flores has impressive victories against Jesus Acosta Zazueta (16-5-2) and Jairo Lopez (18-5).

“It’s very important for me to be fighting in this tournament,” Flores noted. “I want to thank the WCBS and WBC for the opportunity to be part of their tournament. I know my opponent is a southpaw, but I really don’t care to know much about him. He has very good skills but that doesn’t bother me at all.

“I like to box on the outside, keep my distance, and control the pace. I think this fight is going to be a war! I am very excited for this match-up and I hope Torres is ready for a fight. I will win this fight by decision.”

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Also scheduled to be streamed on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS are a pair of additional lightweight bouts.

Venezuelan knockout artist Fradimil Macayo (15-1, 13 KOs) faces unbeaten Mexican fighter Armando Ramirez (5-0-1,2 KOs) in an 8-round bout.

Undefeated 19-year-old prospect Jorge “Jorgito” Cota (6-0, 4 KOs), the youngest in the famed Mexican fightin’ Montiel family, led by his grandfather Fernando Montiel, meets Guatemalan challenger Rene “Kampana” de Leon Mazariegos (7-3, 4 KOs), in a scheduled 6-rounder.

Card subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com

Facebook: : /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @RoyJonesJrBoxing, @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

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

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

CLEARWATER, FL. (January 27, 2022) – Former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman discussed his return to the ring and much more ahead of his showdown against former super lightweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios taking place Saturday, February 5 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features four-division champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz dueling Keenan “Bedo” Carbajal in the co-main event of the four-fight lineup.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available at axs.com.

The former WBA and WBC champion at 147-pounds, Thurman reached the pinnacle of the sport with memorable victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia during his extended run atop the division. Thurman’s first loss came against legendary eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao in one of 2019’s best fights, and now the 33-year-old will look to begin another run at the welterweight crown against Barrios.

Here is what Thurman had to say from his training camp in Clearwater, Florida:

What is different in this training camp?
“This training camp we started strength training earlier. Fighters have to focus on cardio at the end of their camps and lay off the weights. But we wanted to establish power early in the camp, and we were able to do just that.

“The diet is always a focus. Our Pacquiao camp was really strict from the beginning as I had a big demand on my body to pull off 35 pounds before the fight. For this camp, we started at a 25-pound marker, and while the diet was important, the pull and taxation on my body has been gentler. My dedication to my diet has been tremendous, and I’ve been seeing the benefit for weeks.”

What delayed your return to the ring post-2019 surgery?
“I wanted to get back into the ring in 2020, but I was in a pickle. I was offered a get-back fight in-studio with no fans.

“Coming off the Pacquiao fight, it just didn’t excite me to come back without fans. I love my fans. I love the sport of boxing. I could have done it for the activity, and perhaps, in retrospect, it would have been good to be in the ring. But while the activity would have been good, the excitement wasn’t appealing. I was financially stable, didn’t need the money, and desired to make meaningful performances and meaningful fights in the welterweight division. 2022 has presented more opportunities to me and my career; at 33, I’m young, willing, and able, and it’s time to get back.”

Why did you say yes to Mario Barrios?
“Mario Barrios had the best record out of the small handful of fighters presented to me. He had an exciting performance against ‘Tank’ Davis, and it just seemed like it’d be a great challenge for both of us. We’re two fighters who are exciting in the world of boxing, talented and coming off their first career losses. It might not sound exciting at first, but if you understand what it is to have a competitive mindset, you know both of us will demand greatness out of ourselves.

“Some fighters, after their losses, rise up and demand more – focus harder, train harder, fix some technical skills that were lacking – offense or defense, strength issues. We saw it with Canelo Alvarez after he lost to Floyd Money Mayweather. Not because he was Canelo, but that loss made him rise and show that he was more than a puncher, because he has more than he showed prior to his loss.

“I’m not less-than after my loss; I’ll show greater skills to the fans in fighting Mario Barrios than I did against Manny Pacquaio.”

What can fans look forward to in the fight?
“Fans are going to see a world-class performance from two world-class fighters who want to make a statement in the welterweight division. Mario wants to come in and solidify himself as a name to be recognized in the 147 division and he can take on all challengers should he surpass Keith Thurman.

“I’m here to perform. With all the fights I have had, I think this will match all the performances I’ve given and test me. It will provide the doubters wrong who are asking, who is Keith Thurman? What does he have to offer? I’m going to show all that I have to offer on February 5.”

What do you have in your sights for 2022?
“I want my world titles back. This is the first step to putting myself back in championship contention. I see the welterweight division like a horse race. Everybody is running full-speed trying to get to the finish line – and the finish line is where you are crowned king of the division.

“We have great fighters, great champions, but there hasn’t been a king since the disappearance of Floyd Mayweather. Keith Thurman is still in the mix. I’m running behind those current champions, but I’m the type of horse that once it hits the curve, they’ll know I’m right on their tail. With the right speed, determination and momentum, I have the skills to once again rise to the top and reclaim my number one spot in the welterweight division. It’s my time to rise. One time, it’s go time.”

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ABOUT THURMAN VS. BARRIOS
Thurman vs. Barrios will see former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman return to the ring to take on former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios in a 12-round welterweight showdown that headlines a jam-packed FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View lineup on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the co-feature, four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz will battle Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in a 10-round super featherweight match, while battle-tested all-action welterweights Abel Ramos and Josesito “Riverside Rocky’’ Lopez clash in a 10-round attraction. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battling unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a pivotal matchup in the middleweight division that will see No. 6 ranked Jack Hermansson look to snap the win streak of No. 7 Sean Strickland. In the co-main event, middleweight finishers Punahele Soriano and Nick Maximov lock horns.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: HERMANSSON vs. STRICKLAND will take place Saturday, Feb. 5 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available exclusively on ESPN+ (English and Spanish), with the main card beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT.

Talented grappler Hermansson (22-6, fighting out of Oslo, Norway) has cemented himself as one of the toughest matchups in the middleweight division. Throughout his UFC run, he has delivered impressive finishes over Kelvin Gastelum, Thales Leites and Gerald Meerschaert. Hermansson now has his sights set on halting the momentum of Strickland and defending his spot in the rankings.

Strickland (23-4-1, fighting out of Corona, Calif.) looks to continue his ascension up the middleweight ladder with a statement performance. Undefeated since returning to the 185-pound division in 2020, he has secured victories against Brendan Allen, Krzysztof Jotko and Uriah Hall. Strickland now aims to capture the biggest victory of his career and make a case for title contention.

Dana White’s Contender Series alum Soriano (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) immediately showed off his punching power upon joining the UFC by earning consecutive knockouts over fellow strikers Oskar Piechota and Dusko Todorovic. He now hopes to bounce back into the win column with another show-stealing victory.

Undefeated Maximov (7-0, fighting out of Chico, Calif.) intends to produce a stand out performance and add his name to the list of top prospects in the UFC. A training partner of the Diaz brothers, Maximov made his Octagon debut last year with a win over Cody Brundage. He now plans to score his first UFC finish by becoming the only man to stop Soriano.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Shavkat Rakhmonov (14-0, fighting out of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan) looks to keep his undefeated, 100 percent finishing streak alive when he faces Carlston Harris (17-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) at welterweight
• Veteran Sam Alvey (33-16-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) aims for another signature KO against Phil Hawes (11-3, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) at middleweight
• Tresean Gore (3-0, fighting out of Norcross, Ga.) intends to prove that he is the best athlete from The Ultimate Fighter season 29 when he faces season champion Bryan Battle (6-1, fighting out of Matthews, N.C.) at middleweight
• An exciting featherweight bout sees Julian Erosa (26-10, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) match up with Steven Peterson (19-9, fighting out of Dallas, Texas)
• Bantamweights Miles Johns (12-1, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) and John Castaneda (18-5, fighting out of Minneapolis, Minn.) aim to steal the show
• Hakeem Dawodu (12-2-1, fighting out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) plans to return to the winner’s circle when he matches up with The Ultimate Fighter season 27 champion Michael Trizano (10-1, fighting out of Ramsey, N.J.) at featherweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series alum Chidi Njokuani (20-7, 1 NC, fighting out of Saginaw, Texas) looks to make a splash in his debut against Marc-Andre Barriault (13-4, 1 NC, fighting out of Pompano Beach, Fla. by way of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada)
• Bantamweight action sees Alexis Davis (20-11, fighting out of San Jose, Calif. by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) take on Julija Stoliarenko (9-6-1, fighting out of Utena County, Lithuania)
• Dana White’s Contender Series alum Jailton Almeida (14-2, fighting out of Salvador-Bahia, Brazil) seeks to keep his momentum going when he faces Danilo Marques (11-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• Jason Witt (19-7, fighting out of Overland Park, Kan.) and Philip Rowe (10-3, fighting out of Ocoee, Fla.) collide at welterweight
• Flyweights Malcolm Gordon (13-5, fighting out of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada) and Denys Bondar (16-3, fighting out of Kharkiv, Ukraine) battle to make a run at the rankings

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 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.

FRESNO, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2022) — Gabriel Flores Jr. is aiming for a fresh start in Fresno. The 21-year-old junior lightweight hopes to bounce back from his first career defeat in a 10-round bout against Mexican veteran Abraham Montoya on Friday, March 4 at Save Mart Center.

Flores and Montoya will do battle underneath the junior welterweight main event between former unified champion Jose Ramirez and two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza. The entire Ramirez-Pedraza card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+. 

“The mission I’m on is personal, and I will be a world champion,” Flores said. “I am more motivated than ever, and I will have answers for whatever Montoya brings.”

Flores (20-1, 7 KOs), who hails from Stockton, California, will have a sizable cheering section make the roughly two-hour drive to Fresno. Last September in Tucson, Arizona, he suffered his first career defeat, a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez. Flores showed his mettle over 10 rounds, fighting back in the face of Lopez’s relentless onslaught. Signed by Top Rank as a 16-year-old, Flores was flawless throughout the first four-plus years of his pro career. In February 2020, he became only the second man to knock out Puerto Rican contender Jayson Velez.

Montoya (20-2-1, 14 KOs), from Mexicali, Mexico, is an eight-year pro with a knack for upsetting undefeated prospects. In March 2018, he bested Luis Alberto Lopez (12-0 at the time) by split decision. Last February, he upset undefeated prospect Alejandro Guerrero by majority decision. He has won two fights since a November 2019 decision defeat to top contender Muhammadkhuja Yaqubov.

Flores Jr. vs. Montoya joins a packed undercard that includes featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez (24-2, 14 KOs) against Jeo Santisima (21-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder, the six-round heavyweight professional debut of U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr., rising junior lightweight Karlos Balderas (11-1, 10 KOs) in an eight-rounder, lightweight prospect Charlie Sheehy (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-rounder, 6’9 heavyweight Antonio “El Gigante” Mireles (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-rounder, and middleweight prospect Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (5-0, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $36 are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

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).

CBOSTON (January 26, 2022) – “It’s Tank Time!”

Undefeated prospect Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (9-0, 9 KOs) will be in the ring February 12th on a mission to extend his perfect pro record versus Vincent Floyd (4-11-2, 2 KOs) in an 8-round Special Welterweight Attraction on the “St. Valentine’s Day’s Massacre” card, presented by Vertex Promotions, at Moseley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

“It’s (streak) very important for me,” Hogan said. “I don’t look at it as going 10 for 10. I don’t think I need to knockout my opponent as quickly as possible. I don’t go out there looking for a knockout unless I set up an opponent and hurt him. Through the fight I get better and better. I know I can take out a lot of fighters because I know how hard I hit. My left is my best punch. I can knockout guys with my jab, but I’ve knocked out guys with a right hook, too.

“I go into the ring knowing I’m going to take the heart and will away from who I’m fighting. Everybody is looking at me. They know I’m the real deal and how hard I hit. Some come with the will to win, but once I hit them, they just run or hold. I’m going to put them to sleep.”

The 21-year-old southpaw Hogan, fighting out of Weymouth (MA), has knocked out each of his 9 professional opponents to date. The popular fighter was a celebrated amateur boxer, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the 2019 New England Golden Gloves Championships.

Hogan’s as smart about boxing as he is skilled. “Frank The Tank” understands that there is no rush to accelerate the pace of his career.

“I don’t want to rush,” Hogan remarked. “I’m only 21 and there’s still a lot of development. I know a lot, but I believe I can learn more. You don’t just transfer from the amateurs to pros. You need to go rounds. Boxing isn’t all about knockouts. I need to gain experience, not only in the ring, but all around. If I get a good offer, though, I’ll take it. ‘It’s Tank Time’ not their time.”

Although his opponent has changed, he is aware that Floyd is tall, long, and that he likes to give and take. “But I’m looking to take him out cold, not have the referee stop the fight,” Hogan added. “I want to start 2002 with a bang by leaving him on the mat.”

R – Hogan.jpg
(picture by Emily Harney/Fightography)

Undefeated super lightweight Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (12-0, 9 KO), of Lawrence (MA) will headline “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre”, in the 8-round main event against Zack Kuhn (10-10-1, 5 KOs).

Another undefeated prospect, welterweight James “The Slim Reaper” Perella’s (8-0, 5 KOs), takes on tough Mexican challenger Danny “Venado” Flores (15-26-1, 8 KOs) in an 8-round fight, which has been elevated to the co-featured event. Perella, fighting out of Mansfield, Massachusetts, is matched tough is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.

Irish eyes will be once again as Galway light heavyweight Tommy “The Kid” O’Toole” (2-0, 2 KOs) returns to his second home. The 2019 Irish Elite Championship gold medalist is a powerful southpaw returning to the Boston area for his third pro fight. He faces an opponent to be determined.

Three 6-round bouts are on tap: Dorchester (MA) lightweight Jonathan Depina (6-1, 4 KOs) vs. Jonathan “El Guapo” Hernan Godoy (5-12), South Boston super welterweight Joe Farina (7-1, 4 KOs) vs. Rynell Griffin (8-49-2, 2 KOs), and Houston super lightweight Miranda “El Alacrana” Reyes (5-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Jaica Pavilus (1-4-1, 1 KO).

Popular Dorchester featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, squares off with Mike Fowler (7-42, 2 KOs).

Also fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts is Southbridge (MA) super featherweight Alex Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Brandon Grimmett (0-5), as well as the Davidson brothers from Kansas City (KS), super lightweight Marcus (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Rakim Johnson (6-15-1, 5 KOs), and pro-debuting lightweight Marcell, a 2-time Ringside World and 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion.

Fighters subject to change.

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 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set to make history in an epic battle for Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight title at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday April 30, live worldwide on DAZN.

TO SIGN UP TO THE EXCLUSIVE PRESALE, VISIT MSG.COM/TAYLORSERRANO

Presale begins at 12noon ET on Thursday February 3, with tickets on general sale at 12noon ET on Friday February 4 – tickets start at $56 (plus fees)
Years in the making, the biggest fight ever in women’s boxing between the pound-for-pound #1 and #2 fighters of the world is one that will not only make boxing history, but women’s sports history. MSG has hosted thousands of fights through its illustrious years, beginning more than a century ago on July 17, 1882; now, 140 years later, this matchup finally marks the very first time two female fighters are headlining a combat sports event at ‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’.

Irish icon Taylor (20-0 6 KOs) puts all the Lightweight belts on the line for the sixth time since winning them in June 2019 in a war with Delfine Persoon and seeing off the Belgian in a rematch in England before repelling the challenges of Miriam Gutierrez, Natasha Jonas, Jennifer Han and Firuza Sharipova – and there’s added spice to the fight as Taylor holds a win over Amanda’s sister Cindy in Boston back in October 2018.

Puerto Rican sensation Serrano (42-1-1 30 KOs) already has an unrivalled legacy in the sport as a seven-weight World champion. The Brooklyn based champion enters the momentous bout in sparkling form after knocking out Daniela Bermudez last March, dominating Yamileth Mercado in August and overpowering Miriam Gutierrez in two separate cards co-starring Jake Paul. Amanda was the 2021 Female Fighter of the Year for DAZN, ESPN and WBC among others.

“This is a fight I’ve wanted for a long, long time and I’m just excited for it to finally take place because these are the kind of fights I’m in the sport for,” said Taylor. “People have been talking about this fight for years and there have been times I wondered if it was ever going to happen so I’m very grateful to Eddie Hearn, everyone at Matchroom, DAZN and Madison Square Garden for getting it over the line.

“When I turned professional my goal was to be involved in huge events like this so to headline at Madison Square Garden in a fight of this magnitude is really the pinnacle of the sport. It’s such an iconic venue and has been home to so many of the historic moments in boxing and I truly believe this will be another one.”

“It is a dream come true to have the opportunity to headline Madison Square Garden and do so against one of the greatest boxers of all time in Katie Taylor,” said Serrano. “Since I was a young girl, my only boyfriend has been boxing. I have dedicated my life to him, and this event makes that commitment worth every minute. On April 30th I am going to make history for me, for my team, for my family, for Puerto Rico, for every Latina and Latino and for all women worldwide.”

From the moment Katie Taylor stepped into my office, this is the moment we always dreamed of,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The moment the world would stop and watch and watch the two greatest female fighters on the planet headline at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden.

“Taylor vs. Serrano is a fight for the history books. Yes, it’s the by far the biggest female fight of all time but it’s also one of the biggest fights of all time, the undisputed World and Olympic champion against the seven division World champion. 

“Both fighters deserve credit for getting this fight made, as does Jake Paul and his team at Most Valuable Promotions, DAZN and Madison Square Garden – together we’re going to put on a special night in New York and create a fitting spectacle for these trailblazers to shine.”

“We are honored to be a part of this historic event, headlined by two historically dominant women. Bringing attention to women’s boxing has been a priority for us and Saturday April 30th is a major milestone for not just the sport but girls globally who deserve equal opportunity,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, Co-Founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “We expect a battle for the ages and have the utmost respect and admiration for Katie Taylor. But make no mistake, we are standing next to Amanda Serrano and know she will prove to the world that she is the pound-for-pound greatest female boxer to ever enter the ring.  This is more than a fight, this is for forever.”

“This is without question the biggest fight ever in women’s boxing,” said Ed Breeze, DAZN EVP, Rights. “Katie Taylor is a trailblazer in the sport, with a perfect amateur record and pivotal in catapulting women’s boxing into the mainstream. Serrano is a true legend and will be Taylor’s toughest test to date. This fight will be spectacular and also one for the history books, and we’re thrilled to deliver this exciting moment in boxing and sports history to DAZN subscribers across the world.”

As the first ever women to headline at Madison Square Garden, Taylor and Serrano will come face-to-face in the Big Apple on the first leg of a global press tour next Wednesday, February 2 – timed in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day of observance in the U.S. acknowledging the accomplishments of female athletes and recognizing the importance of equal opportunities in sport for girls and women.  Billie Jean King – tennis icon, equality champion, and Women’s Sports Foundation founder – is delighted that the fight will take center stage at the legendary arena.

“The Taylor vs. Serrano fight at Madison Square Garden is historic and it is only fitting it is being held in the venue that has hosted so many important championships in sports,” said King. “These two women are breaking barriers and opening doors for others by being the main event and not the undercard, fighting for one of the biggest paydays in boxing and showing everyone that if you can see it, you can be it.”

“Saturday, April 30 will be another historic night of boxing at Madison Square Garden,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Marquee Events.  “The Garden has been home to some of the most iconic events in the history of boxing, and Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor will usher in another legendary night, becoming the first women to headline a show at the ‘Mecca of Boxing’.  We wish them both good luck and congratulate them on this groundbreaking achievement.”

Details around the London press conference early February will be released in due course. Additionally, there will be more information released soon around the fight not only being available worldwide on DAZN, but also through select cable & satellite pay-per-view providers in the U.S.

PHOENIX (Jan. 26, 2021) – BELLATOR MMA Heavyweight World Champion Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) returns to the division following his impressive run in the BELLATOR Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix and will now meet interim heavyweight kingpin Valentin Moldavsky (11-1) to headline BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky. The long-awaited title unification bout takes place on Saturday, Jan. 29 at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

The card’s co-main event will feature a showdown of top-10 lightweight contenders as Phoenix, Ariz., resident and No. 6-ranked Benson Henderson (28-11) hopes to thrill the hometown fans against No.7-ranked Islam Mamedov (20-1-1).

Also, Two of the hardest-hitting 205 pounders in the BELLATOR stable will battle it out when former Arizona State wrestling standout Sullivan Cauley (2-0) takes on viral fan-favorite Ben “Big Tuna” Parrish (5-1), and Deerfield Beach, Fla.’s own Darrion Caldwell (14-5) will challenge Peruvian puncher Enrique Barzola (16-5-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the highly anticipated main card live at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Additionally, the must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday, Jan. 26:

RYAN BADER: BELLATOR MMA HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

“I am a black belt myself. He is more of a sambo guy. I have seen a couple of fights with him (Moldavsky) on his back. He usually just waits to explode. I have been in there with some of the better guys in the world on the ground. I am totally fine wherever this fight goes. He is good everywhere, on the ground and on his feet. There are different areas I can exploit.”

“The last fight (in Phoenix at Bellator 268 on Oct. 16, 2021) was not the result we wanted. The crowd showed up. Arizona showed up. We packed the house. Let’s get a little redemption here in front of the home crowd.”

“It means a lot to me to go out there, defend and unify this heavyweight title. I have been wanting to fight at heavyweight for two years. He (Moldavsky) is an interim champ. a great prospect. I have had my eyes on him for a while.”

“I am not done yet. I feel that fire still. I feel healthy and I can train the way I need to in order to be successful. I don’t want to look back and say, ‘Oh man, I had a few years and a few fights when I stopped and regretted it for the rest of my life.’ I feel amazing. I don’t see any quitting here in the near future.”

“A Fedor (Emelianenko) fight is big. I don’t see how I can do it much better than I did the first time we fought. A Fedor fight is something that will always interest me.”

“Sullivan Cauley is a high-level fighter and one of the better guys I have trained with. His wrestling is on point. His striking is pretty damn amazing at his level and his age. To be able to go through camp with him, push each other, and gauge ourselves off of each other has been awesome. He is definitely a guy to watch in the future. He is going to do really big things.”

“We went through a weird time with Covid, not really knowing when the fights were and what weight class. So, I had to be in this limbo and keep my weight at a certain point. Cutting out water started getting harder and harder. It didn’t benefit me. I am excited to be back at heavyweight and feel good going into the fight.”

Click HERE for Bader’s full media-day session

VALENTIN MOLDAVSKY: INTERIM HEAVYWEIGHT KINGPIN

“It’s a bad idea to fight with Bader for all five rounds. It would be better if I finish him in maybe the second round. He has not lost a fight to a decision. He always wins a decision. I must beat him early, not five rounds.”

“It’s not personal. MMA is a sport. Bader is a good guy. He is aggressive.”

“I hope it is a KO or TKO in the first or second round. If needed, I am ready to fight all five rounds.”

Click HERE for Moldavsky’s full media-day session

BENSON HENDERSON: NO. 6-RANKED BELLATOR LIGHTWEIGHT

“I am incredibly happy and thankful to be fighting in my adopted hometown. I enjoy having my family, friends, and my fans come out and support me. I won’t be doing this much longer, so it definitely means a lot to me.”

“It was awesome to be inducted to the Asian Hall of Fame three or four years ago. I am very appreciative of the Asian community.”

“I have to have the BELLATOR belt around my waist, otherwise things just don’t make sense. I am not going to stop until that happens. I’ll keep going until the wheels fall off. I just need to go out there and do the things I need to do, get my hands raised to make sure I get that BELLATOR title shot.”

“I am your guy. I am your huckleberry. If Islam (Mamedov) is the quickest way back to a title shot, sign me up.

“My wife asked me to get her a third belt five or six years ago. I will get my wife a third belt.”

Click HERE for Henderson’s full media-day session

DARRION CALDWELL: BELLATOR  BANTAMWEIGHT

“I am not going the distance. I am going to beat his (Enrique Barzola’s) ass. I am here to hold down the BELLATOR banner. Saturday night is business.”

“I still have a lot of juice left. I’ve still got a lot of fight in me. Even though I have been here for a while, we are just getting started. The Wolf 2.0 is in full effect. In 2022, you guys are going to see a completely different fighter than previously.”

“I am coming here to steal the show. Even though I am not on the main card, my fight will be talked about the most.”

“There is a line of BELLATOR bantamweights that are tough. I will wax this kid. I can string together some good wins. I am next in line.”

Click HERE for Caldwell’s full media-day session

DALTON ROSTA: UNBEATEN BELLATOR MIDDLEWEIGHT

“At first, I was supposed to fight Romero Cotton. I was getting ready for an orthodox wrestler. (New opponent) Duane Johnson is the complete opposite. He is a southpaw striker. We switched up the game plan immediately.”

“Romero Cotton is pitiful. He should be disappointed in himself. His family and friends should be disappointed in him. He fights professionally and gets paid for it. All he does is pull out of fights. He should re-think his career.”

“Duane Johnson is a good fighter. He is athletic. He has good striking and jiu-jitsu from what I have seen. I am better than him everywhere. It is not about exploiting weaknesses; it’s going to be about my strengths. Wherever this fight goes, I will win.”

“My last two fights were against good fighters. Tony Johnson was a very experienced opponent and a very good striker. One thing that I learned and proved is that I am an all-around mixed martial artist. This isn’t boxing, this isn’t wrestling, this isn’t jiu-jitsu, this is MMA. When it comes to mixing everything up, I do it better than most of the people in the game.”

Click HERE for Rosta’s full media-day session

SULLIVAN CAULEY: FORMER ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY WRESTLING STANDOUT

“Camp went great. I was healthy and able to train hard the whole way through. I was battling injuries last camp.  I trained a lot with Bader. It’s always super competitive. I feel great coming into this fight.”

“Ben Parrish is a gamer and has good power in his hands, so that’s what makes him dangerous. I am really fast. I have good wrestling. I am planning to go in there and put it on him.”

“He (Ben Parrish) looks to cover and counter, switch his stances. We have a beat on what he does. Fighting is never super predictable. You have to go in there and prepare to adjust. I try not to focus too much on a gameplan, and definitely don’t focus too much on what I am worried about a guy doing.”

Click HERE for Cauley’s full media-day session

BEN PARRISH: BELLATOR LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

“You should expect fireworks on Saturday night. That is a safe assumption.”

“I look at all fighters the same. It doesn’t matter if he is 2-0 or 0-2.”

“I keep my fight camps under wraps. We kind of stay in the shadows. I am coming in like The Dark Knight on this one.”

“I am going to stop writing 5-1 and write 6-0 (for his MMA record). As soon as I’m done with this guy, I kind of hope BELLATOR will bring Logan Woods so I can get my loss back. I want that back.”

“You can expect a big money show and big drama show from me going forward. I am here to have the most entertaining fights that money can buy live on SHOWTIME.”

“My motivation is being counted out. This guy (Sullivan Cauley) gets to come straight into BELLATOR, but me and my teammates are all out on the regional scene having to deal with jank-fest promoters and fighting killers for $600. Even there I made more money than those regional fighters. He gets to come straight in. He is 2-0 in Bellator, and I’m getting brought in as the underdog. Do you think I’m going to let him take all this that I have been working my whole life away from me?”

“I don’t want nothing for free, but I will take everything. I swear to God.”

Click HERE for Parrish’s full media-day session

BELLATOR MMA 273: BADER VS. MOLDAVSKY MAIN CARD:

Saturday, Jan. 29 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Heavyweight World Title Main Event: C-Ryan Bader (28-7, 1 NC) vs. IC-Valentin Moldavsky (11-1)

Lightweight Bout: #6-Benson Henderson (28-11) vs. #7-Islam Mamedov (20-1-1)

Featherweight Bout: Henry Corrales (19-6) vs. Aiden Lee (10-5)

Welterweight Bout: Sabah Homasi (15-10) vs. Jaleel Willis (15-3)

PRELIMINARY CARD: 

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Bantamweight Bout: Darrion Caldwell (14-5) vs. Enrique Barzola (16-5-2)

Lightweight Bout: Saad Awad (24-13, 1 NC) vs. Chris Gonzalez (6-1)

Middleweight Bout: Dalton Rosta (5-0) vs. Duane Johnson (6-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Nikita Mikhailov (8-1) vs. Blaine Shutt (8-5)

Featherweight Bout: Lucas Brennan (5-0) vs. Ben Lugo (5-4)

Featherweight Bout: Weber Almeida (5-1) vs. Fabricio Franco (8-4, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Sullivan Cauley (2-0) vs. Ben Parrish (5-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Jan. 29 // BELLATOR 273: Bader vs. Moldavsky // Footprint Center // Phoenix, Ariz.

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

Fri. Feb. 26 // BELLATOR 275: Mousasi vs. Vanderford // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

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. 

WARREN, Ohio (January 26, 2022) – WBC World Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Makabu will defend his world title against WBC Cruiserweight Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu in the main event while WBA Heavyweight Champion Trevor Bryan will square off against WBA No. 13-ranked Heavyweight Contender Jonathan Guidry on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the W.D. Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio.

All four fighters joined eight others who will compete for four more championship belts in the final press conference for Don King Productions’ “RETURN TO GREATNESS” on Wednesday at the Grand Hotel. Johnnie Langston (9-3, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, Fla., will square off against Nick Kisner (22-5-1, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, Md., in a 10-round bout for the NABA Cruiserweight title and Ahmed Hefny (13-1, 5 KOs) of Queens, N.Y., takes on undefeated Decatur, Ga., prospect Dacarree Scott, who has a perfect record of 6-0 with 6 KOs. Plus, West Virginia’s Cody Wilson (10-3, 7 KOs) meets New York’s Tre’Sean Wiggins (12-5-3, 6 KOs) in an NABA Middleweight Title Bout and the NABA Middleweight Championship will be up for grabs as local product Michael Moore (18-3, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio, will meet Anthony Lenk (17-7, 7 KOs) of Niagara Falls, NY.

Warren Mayor William D. Franklin declared January 26, 2022, Don King Day in Warren, Ohio, presenting the legendary 90-year-old Hall of Fame promoter with a special “Don King Day” Proclamation plaque.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster or the W.D. Packard Music Hall. The fight card will be televised through

Donking.com, DKPBoxing.com, or Itube247.combeginning at 6 p.m. ET at a cost of $49.99.

DON KING: International Boxing Hall of Fame Promoter

“We’re going to have a sensational evening of boxing. I am very pleased to be home again. It will give people a chance to have fun again. No one should take it lightly. It would be much better if you take the vaccinations and the shot, where your mask and socially distance.

“We are here to give you a moment of respite. Hey everybody, let’s have some fun. Live it once, and when you’re dead, you’re done. No matter whether you are young or old, let the good times roll.

“I have to thank God because we had a governor (of Ohio) who reduced the charge for me, basically because he said it wasn’t possible. Nevertheless, he put his reputation on the line. They sent me to the Ohio penitentiary. They said they were going to give me shock probation. I had never been arrested so they were going to give me 30-90 days. I ended up doing four years. I made the time serve me. I educated myself in the penitentiary. When I came out of the penitentiary, the good citizens of Cleveland were waiting to tell me about the hospital that was going to be closed down for lack of funds and would I promote a fundraiser for the hospital.

“I called Muhammad Ali to come in and box five or six guys. In so doing, we would raise money for this hospital. He told me that I was the greatest promoter he had ever seen, and I should go into boxing. So, my first fight was Muhammad Ali. We made history together. Then he got convicted by not taking that step into the Army. He was sentenced to five years and a big fine at the height of his career. He stood as a conscientious objector. The United States Supreme Court reversed that decision. Ali then came back and made history again with me promoting him.

“The four years that he (Ali) was out, no one knows how great he would have really been because he was at the top of his career. Plus, he would have made millions of dollars during those four years.

“You’ve got to say, ‘Muhammad Ali take a deep breath. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Your hands can’t get what your eyes can’t see.’  He was so fast that he could turn the switch off and get in bed before the room got dark.”

ILUNGA MAKABU: WBC Cruiserweight Champion

“I hope everybody knows who I am. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to be here today in front of you guys. I’m very thankful to Don King Productions for making this event happen because plenty of events have been disturbed by COVID. I’m very happy to be here and to have the opportunity to defend our title on January 29. I don’t have much to say. I just want to say good luck to my opponent Thabiso Mchunu because this is the second time I’m fighting him now. Thanks to all who come to support us. Thanks to my team. Enjoy the fight on the 29^th.”

THABISO MCHUNU: WBC No. 1 Ranked Cruiserweight Contender

“The hard work has been done. Come fight night, I am ready to go. All the best to everyone who is fighting on Saturday night.”

TREVOR BRYAN: WBA Heavyweight World Champion

“I am here to stay, to keep proving myself. I have a strong opponent in front of me in Jonathan Guidry. I appreciate him being out here. This is a big opportunity for him as well. We are going to show it out for you in Ohio and showcase all this talent for the whole world to see.

“It’s been a long road, a lot of hearsay. I am here to stay. It won’t be long now. I am the journey.”

JONATHAN GUIDRY: Undefeated WBA No. 13-Ranked Heavyweight

“All the hard work is done. I am just glad we got the opportunity. We are just thankful to be out here to shock the world.”

RAY “BOOM BOOM” MANCINI: International Boxing Hall of Fame Boxer/Jan. 29 pay-per-view commentator

“I am very excited about this fight card here at W.D. Packard Music Hall. I fought six times here in 1980 on the way up. I had a fight here against Jose Luis Ramirez to defend my North American belt. It is a great venue. It is just a great facility for boxing. It’s great to have championship boxing back here in Warren, Ohio.”

HONORABLE WILLIAM D. FRANKLIN: MAYOR OF WARREN, OHIO

“We are very proud, honored, and happy to be hosting this event. I know what we’re about. I am thankful to you, Mr. King for letting us be the host of this great event seen by boxing fans worldwide. Who would have thought that Warren, Ohio, would be the host?

“On Saturday night, by the benevolence of Mr. King, we are going to have a record number of our safety forces at the fight. We’re going to host more than 175 police officers, firefighters, and health care workers. They have been protecting us for almost two years.

“Mr. King, I tried to capsulize what people don’t talk about; your heart, your life, your spirit, your experience, your strength and hope that you give to so many people.”

BERNIE PROFATO: Executive Director of Ohio Athletic Commission

“In 1972 Don King called me and I was a young referee at the time. He asked if I wouldn’t mind donating my time because they were going to do a boxing show for this hospital. I said, ‘Don, for you, absolutely anything.’ Don King is the only person in the state of Ohio that I have issued a lifetime boxing license to. No one deserves it more than him. This is probably the greatest overall fight card in the 20 years that I have been at the Ohio Athletic Commission to be promoted in Warren, Ohio. I am so honored that Don has done this.”

(January 26, 2022) – Boxing superstar Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields and #1 ranked challenger Ema Kozin previewed their showdown for Shields’ WBC/WBA/IBF Middleweight World titles during a virtual press conference Wednesday before they step into the ring on Saturday, February 5 from Motorpoint Arena Cardiff in Wales and also available in the U.S. and Canada on pay-per-view.

Shields will be making her U.K. debut as a professional, entering the ring as the co-main event, with star U.K. middleweights Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams meeting in the main event. This is Shields’ first fight in a lucrative multi-fight deal with promoter Boxxer and broadcaster SKY Sports in the U.K., secured for her by Salita Promotions.

Kozin hopes to pull off a landscape-shifting upset in her first crack at the world titles, and in doing so halt Shields’ march towards a super fight showdown with WBO Middleweight Champion Savannah Marshall in 2022. Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat Shields’ has suffered in the pro or amateur ranks.

The February 5 event will be carried in North America across all PPV platforms, including streaming, cable, satellite and telco. On TV, boxing fans can order the event through Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as well as leading operators in Canada. Complete PPV distribution details can be found below.

Here is what the fighters, along with Salita Promotions President Dmitriy Salita, had to say on Wednesday:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“I’m looking forward to returning to boxing and showing why I’m one of the top women in the sport. I can’t wait to give everyone a great fight on February 5.

“I’ve never overlooked an opponent and I won’t just because of the Savannah Marshall fight. We’ve always had someone that we’re already working on facing for the next fight. I’ve been in this situation before. I’m focusing on the person who has earned the right to fight me. Kozin is my mandatory, and I respect that this is a huge opportunity for her.

“Training with Floyd Mayweather has pushed my confidence even higher. He’s very fond of my skills and my power and he said he’s going to fly to the U.K. to watch this fight. So I’m definitely looking to put on a great show.

“If I had to use one word for this camp, it would be: uncomfortable. I made sure that I got out of my comfort zone for this fight. I’m making sure that I have all my tools and going to the Mayweather Boxing Club has really sharpened those tools.

“I’m expecting the U.K. fans to be very excited to see me. When I walked out there in London for my gold medal match in 2012, it was an explosive crowd. They have great fans and I’m excited to be back to show off all my improvement since 2012.

“I’m going to bring my world championship experience to this fight. She has more fights as a pro than me, but she has not fought the top tier champions like I have. That’s definitely to my advantage in this fight. She’s going to see my experience in this fight and see that it’s totally different at this level.

“I never lost my love for boxing. That’s my first love and that’s why I’m the greatest at it. MMA is something I do for myself. Being able to even do that, with no amateur experience, just shows that I’m a different kind of athlete.

“I’m hoping to get in the ring with Savannah Marshall next. Women’s boxing is on fire right now and we’re giving the fans the fights they want.

“Fighting on a card of this magnitude will help women’s boxing. Eubank and Williams are known worldwide, so it’s great that some of their fans will become our fans. This is a great opportunity and I’m just going to keep taking it one step at a time.

“I know more about her than she thinks. I’ve followed her whole career. When we get in there, I’m going to make her call me the G.W.O.A.T. in the ring.”

EMA KOZIN

“This is a huge opportunity and I want to make the most of it. I’ve worked hard for the last year and I’ve made a lot of progress as a fighter. I can’t wait to show it all in the ring.

“I’ve heard that the crowds in the U.K. are great and I can’t wait to experience that. I’m sure it will be awesome. They’re going to see a great fight that they’re really going to enjoy.

“I’ve never been as prepared as I am right now. I wouldn’t be stepping in the ring with her if I didn’t believe I was capable of beating her.

“I can’t show all of my cards right now, but I’m highly motivated. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything this badly. I’m going to use my intelligence, my focus and my preparation to get this victory. I’ve made huge progress in the last year and I feel ready.

“She’s a great fighter of course, but you don’t need high-level fights to gain experience. I have had great training and I have a great team behind me. She doesn’t know me as well as she thinks she does. I can change up my style round-by-round. With the focus that I’ve had for the past year, I can beat anyone in this sport.

I’m going to give my best in this fight. I’m ready for a tough fight through 10 rounds or as long as it takes. I’m anxious to get in the ring and win this fight.”

DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions

“Claressa has left no stone unturned in preparation. With all due respect to Kozin, I believe Shields is going to shine on February 5 in the U.K.

“This is a tremendous fight and a great event for Claressa to be making her U.K. debut as a pro. Kozin is a tough challenger and she’s the number one ranked contender for a reason. Ema Kozin has been a big star in Europe and being undefeated, you can’t take her for granted.

“When great fighters are faced with stiff competition, they rise to a new level. You saw that against Christina Hammer, and I believe the same will happen with Kozin. She’s going to send a strong message to Savannah Marshall.”

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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.

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.
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Streaming: PPV.com and FITE.TV