Coming off the biggest win of his career almost a year ago, WBC #13-rated heavyweight Otto Wallin says he’s happy to be getting back in the ring this Saturday night (February 5, 2022).

The 6? 5½? southpaw Wallin (22-1, 14 KOs), from Sundsvall, Sweden, will look to shake the rust off against durable veteran Kamil Sokolowski (11-24-2, 4 KOs) of Czestochowa, Poland, on the untelevised undercard of the Ultimate Boxxer PPV event featuring the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Liam Williams 12-round middleweight showdown and female superstar Claressa Shields defending her WBC/WBA/IBF Middleweight world titles against unbeaten top-rated challenger Ema Kozin, live from Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

“It feels good to be back in the ring,” admitted Wallin. “I haven’t been able to fight in almost a year, so I’m just excited to be fighting again. This will be a smaller fight for me to shake some ring rust and I’ll be able to step it up again very soon. My opponent doesn’t have the best record, but he’s a tough customer and nobody I can underestimate. I need to go out and handle my business to keep being considered one of the best heavyweights in the world.”

The 31-year-old was last seen winning a wide unanimous decision over respected fellow contender Dominic Breazeale in February 2021. A proposed fight against current WBC interim titlist Dillian Whyte fell through late last year when Whyte withdrew, claiming an injury.

Wallin came from seemingly out of nowhere to shock the boxing world and nearly annex the lineal heavyweight championship from current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in 2019, ultimately losing by respectable unanimous decision while inflicting a cut on Fury that required 47 stitches and nearly led to a TKO victory for the upstart Swede.

“I feel like since I fought Tyson Fury, I’ve only gotten better,” added Wallin. “I’ve had two more years of training and I gained very valuable experience in that fight. I’m ready to show everybody that when I get my next big shot at the title I’ll be more than ready to bring it home.”

“I am happy that Otto is back in the ring, particularly in the UK,” said Wallin’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “It’s been a challenging period after the Dillian Whyte fight cancellation and now, with some clarity on what is happening with the heavyweight title picture, we felt it was beneficial for Otto to fight in the UK: the home of today’s heavyweight elite. Otto will get back to winning and cement himself as next in line for another significant opportunity.”
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.

LAS VEGAS (February 2, 2022) – Undefeated Toronto light heavyweight prospect Kareem Hackett (8-0, 7 KOs) has signed a managerial contract with 3 Point Management (3PM), which also manages 43-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, the former World Super Middleweight Champion, and today the top-ranked World light heavyweight contender.

“Kareem is a great talent that just needs an opportunity,” Ramirez said. “He’s been a good sparring partner for me in the past and I’m glad he can be in the same stable as I am, 3 Point Management.”

In Canada, Hackett participated in combat sports like kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, and boxing. He had a 40-6 amateur boxing record, including a pair of Ringside International boxing titles, as well as being crowned a Canadian National kickboxing champion.

Now a resident of Los Angeles, where Kareem trains at Brickhouse Boxing Club, in which “Zurdo” is part of its ownership. Hackett is coached by Ramirez’ head trainer, Julian Chua.

“I met ‘Zurdo’ through Julian,” Hackett explained. “We have the same trainer, Julian. Sparring with ‘Zurdo’ is great. Afterwards, we always talk about boxing. He has a lot of experience and he’s taught me so many different things. It also adds to my competitiveness. I try to bring different things I’ve learned from him into our sparring, and that’s been great for me.

“I work with Julian; he is here in Los Angeles. Because of the pandemic, it’s been complicated for me, so I haven’t been going home a (Toronto) is much as I used to or want to. We’re super spoiled at Brickhouse. I grew up in a classic gym, and I was used to its griminess. I can’t believe how nice Brickhouse is.”

“Kareem is a very skillful fighter that has been under the radar too long,” Chua remarked. “He’s one of the best strategists in the ring I’ve ever seen. We started his professional career together and we’ve built a brother bond. He knows he can trust my eyes in the corner like I can trust his skills in the ring.”

Hackett, 31, is a southpaw from Toronto, who has learned from sparring sessions with world boxing champions such as “Zurdo,” Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin, Sergio Mora, Mathew Macklin, David Benavidez, and Dmitry Bivol. Hackett’s 3PM stablemate, “Zurdo” Ramirez, is the mandatory challenger for Bivol, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Champion.

“What I’ve learned most from sparring all these world champions is, unlike a lot of guys who believe they need to knockout their opponent in one round,” Hackett noted, “it’s not a one-round fight and could go as long as 12 rounds. I’ve learned long-term strategy. Boxing is more like a marathon-like mindset than a sprint.”

In his most recent action, Hackett stopped 2-0 Giovanni Lizarraga Garate midway through the opening round last April in Mexico.

Self-described as using a strategic violence style, Hackett is a smart, elusive, accurate, and opportunistic. Sounds as if he’s describing “Zurdo.” “We do have the same coach,” Hackett added.

Hackett’s goals in 2022 includes knocking out each opponent he faces, as well as capturing U.S. or Canadian regional titles. His first fight of 2022 is tentatively set for February 17 in Texas against an opponent to be determined.

“Kareem is a smart, intelligent fighter with a gifted physic to be a force in this game,” Ramirez concluded.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com, www.KareemHackett.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @kareemwins

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, @SupremeUncanny

All-American heavyweight prospect DaCarree “MacTruck” Scott says winning the NABA Gold Heavyweight title last Saturday night (January 29, 2022) in just his seventh fight, and going 10 rounds for the first time doing it, confirmed he is on the right path in his professional career.

Despite having fought just seven career professional rounds before taking the fight on short notice, 23-year-old Scott (7-0, 6 KOs) faced off against Ahmed Hefny (then 13-1, 5 KOs), of Queens, New York, as part of the Don King event at the Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio, and came away with an impressive 10-round split decision victory (scores: 96-94 and 97-93 Scott overruling one card of 96-94 Hefny).

“I feel good. I took the fight on short notice, but I got the decision!” said a happy Scott, post-fight. “I wanted the knockout, but the dude kept running. This fight, I proved something to myself. It shows me I’ve been doing the right things in the gym and I’m headed the right way!”

Standing a squat 5’ 10”, but weighing over 270 pounds, Scott says he silenced many of his doubters by going the long way to victory. The slugger had scored five previous first-round knockouts before the fight.

“I’ve been sparring 10 rounds the past two years,” explained Scott. “I could have gone 15. I knew the rounds weren’t an issue. People think that because I’m big that I’m going to be tired, but I showed them I can win over the distance too.”

Scott pressed the action against the capable Hefny, landing brutal body punches and head shots throughout. Hefny also suffered a bad cut to his left eye due to an accidental headbutt halfway through the bout.

“I knew Mac would come away with the win,” said his promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions. “He developed his size so young that he has become a master of taking on bigger and older opponents and running them over like a Mack Truck! I thought he was very impressive for such a young fighter in his toughest test. He didn’t get another KO to show on ESPN but he now has his first professional belt. I’m very proud to be working with him.”

“I want to thank my trainer, Coach Mustafa (Mustafa Meekins), Scott added. “He’s been building me up. I really want to give him some shine. He’s a great coach and we have a lot of young fighters coming out of our gym. He deserves this belt because without him I wouldn’t have it.”
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About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen is lauded for his expert guidance of, among many others, current WBA Middleweight Champion Rob Brant from Minnesota, top-rated heavyweight contender Jarrell “ Big Baby” Miller from New York and former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout of New Mexico. All three fighters, under Cohen’s promotional watch, went from unknowns to prospects to national television stars.

In addition, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney, as well as former WBA World Champion Ismael Barroso and former WBO-NABO Super Middleweight Champion “Mean” Joe Greene.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, CBS Sports, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

New York (February 1, 2022) –Amateur stars Elijah Lugo and Sa’Rai Brown-El finished 2021 on a high note and are looking forward to major impacts in 2022.

Lugo made Team USA at 165 lb. junior’s. In the tournament he stopped both of his opponents with body shots. In his last 10 fights, all wins, Elijah has seven stoppage victories, and was named the Georgia Male Boxer of the Year.

Brown, 17 years-old, won the USA National Title in the 114 lb Female division. She has been a member of Team USA for three years. She has trained under Michael Lugo (Elijah’s father) since age nine. in 2021 she was named The Georgia Boxer of the Year for the 6th straight year.

Sa’Rai and Elijah will be competing in the Silver Gloves National Tournament, and later in the month be traveling to Romania to compete in a Youth Junior International Tournament.

Elijah’s older brother, Nathan will be back competing in March after tearing his Labrum. Nathan. who competes as a heavyweight is also a highly-regarded amateur, has the most stoppage victories in the United States. He will be competing in the Georgia Golden Gloves Tournament in June. Then in July, it will be off to the Regional Golden Gloves. In August, he will enter the National Golden Gloves for the first time.

The Lugo’s and Brown reside in Atlanta.

LAS VEGAS (February 1, 2022) – Four of the top trainers in the sport, Robert García, Derrick James, Stephen “Breadman” Edwards and Ismael Salas previewed the upcoming showdown between former unified welterweight champion Keith “One Time” Thurman and former super lightweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios during a virtual media roundtable Tuesday leading up to fight night this Saturday, February 5.

Thurman vs. Barrios will headline a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, with the pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

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

Here is what the trainers had to say Tuesday:

ROBERT GARCIA

“Mario Barrios is a young fighter who wants to be great. He hasn’t had the paydays that Thurman has, and I think that gives him a great chance. He knows that a win here will change his life. I have a lot of fighters who are from San Antonio like Barrios is, and I know he’s a very dedicated fighter who’s always training. He’s going to do whatever it takes to win this fight.

“Barrios is moving up in weight, which is a challenge, but he’s big enough and tall enough that he might be even better as a welterweight. I think he’s got a great chance of beating Thurman.

“Thurman hits very hard, so Barrios has to pressure smartly. He can’t reach on his punches and he has to make sure he has his hands up. I personally think Barrios is going to win this fight. I see this as a close fight that’s going to go the distance. I could definitely see a split-decision.

“Thurman has great experience and has been in world class fights numerous times. He just has to go out there and be himself. He can’t get caught up in Barrios’ game plan. He has to use his angles and find his punches.

“When Mikey Garcia was off for two and a half years, he wasn’t a big name yet and was still really hungry and in the gym all the time. When he came back, he came back strong. Thurman has made millions of dollars, and that can make you comfortable. We’re going to find out how dedicated he is, because those big paydays can change your work habits.”

DERRICK JAMES

“You really have to have an extensive training camp in order to combat ring rust. When Errol Spence Jr. fought Danny Garcia, we worked on a lot of things, and one of those was building back up his athleticism. One of the keys to Keith’s success has always been his athleticism. He’s going to need that, and that’s something that is fleeting.

“This fight will depend on the type of fighter Thurman is right now and if Barrios can implement his pressure. I think this is going to be a good fight and that it’s going the distance.

“Keith Thurman boxes intelligently, but what helps him in the ring is his ability to move. We’re going to be able to tell how intense his training camp was.

“Thurman is going to have to adjust to Barrios’ speed. I think there will be some pressure on him to catch up with the fighter moving up in weight. There’s pressure on every fighter, but I also know that Thurman really wants to shut up his critics.

“I think this fight is about pressure. I believe that Barrios has to be aggressive. He has to make sure Keith Thurman isn’t himself. Thurman is great if you let him be great. If Barrios can disrupt Thurman, it’ll be to his advantage. If he lets Thurman sit back, Thurman is going to box phenomenally.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS

“Thurman moves, but his movement is not overly efficient. He glides around the ring and jumps in and out with big shots. If Barrios fights the kind of fight where he’s putting pressure on Thurman, he’s going to have a lot of success. You have to step to Keith Thurman. If you give him room, you give him a chance to load up with his punches. I actually think Barrios will win this fight.

“When Julian Williams got clipped by Jermall Charlo with that big shot, I compartmentalized that for him. I told him how he was fighting a great fight, and you just have to give the opponent credit. I let him spar with no headgear on the first time he sparred, so he knew that I had the confidence in him. I also sent him out to spar with Gennadiy Golovkin, so he could see that anybody can get clipped like that. Barrios got stopped by Gervonta Davis, but that’s not the end of the world for him. How fighters bounce back from that does depend on what kind of person you are. He seems like a guy who will be able to put that behind him.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if both guys get hurt in this fight. There could definitely be some controversy in this fight.

“I think there’s a lot of pressure on Keith Thurman in this fight. Thurman went into the Manny Pacquiao fight thinking he was going to have that name on his way to superstar status. Losing that fight is going to hurt the ego. The pressure on Barrios is because no young fighter wants to lose two fights in a row and go to the back of the line. Thurman knows there’s a huge fight for him down the line if he can get past Barrios, and that brings pressure.

“Fighters don’t admit it, but there is a different kind of hunger when fighters are working toward that title shot. It’s different than once you get it. Even in Thurman’s prime, he was only fighting once a year. Boxing is a game of skill, and you build skill with repetition. You don’t get better at doing anything by not doing it for an extended period of time. I think that’s going to make this fight more competitive than people think.”

ISMAEL SALAS

“The most important thing in sports is longevity. It’s a highly-coordinated sport and you have to be explosive. To remain at a high-level in that category, it’s all about training camp. Ring rust is something you really have to deal with.

“You have to control the intensity of the work to keep a more experienced fighter fresh. But at the same time, you have to keep the boxing ability at a high level. Those reaction times need to be sharp.

“I believe that the best chance Thurman has is in rounds four through six with a stoppage. If it goes the distance, I think it’s a close decision for Barrios. If Thurman can control the tempo of the fight, he can win.

“I work with a veteran fighter in Erislandy Lara, we don’t have a date for his next fight yet, but we’ve been working three times a week for the last two months. Because we’re keeping his ability and his stamina up. That’s the way to deal with ring rust when you’re later in your career.

“I believe Thurman lost the fight with Manny Pacquiao because he lost the ability to control the aggression of Pacquiao. He was there in front of Manny Pacquiao, and Pacquiao got him early, and that changed the whole fight.

“Aggression is the way to beat aggression. Barrios needs to keep a strong front hand in this fight, with his jab, and also with mixing up those punches.”

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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 rising unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos duels Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battles unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel.

Don’t miss this pay-per-view event! Buy now on the FOX Sports App or www.foxsports.com/ppv.

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.

The long-awaited Super-Middleweight undisputed clash between Franchón Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos has found the perfect home – with the ruler of the 168lb division to be crowned at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday April 30, live worldwide on DAZN and on the undercard of the historic clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, brought to you by Matchroom Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions. 

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)
Crews-Dezurn and Cederroos were due to clash in September but the Swede was forced out of the hotly anticipated clash, leading it to be shelved for a second time, having also been slated for June but cancelled for the first time.

WBC and WBO champion Crews-Dezurn (7-1 2 KOs) officially defends her straps for the first time, after the first defense of her WBO and second of the WBC against Alejandra Jiménez in January 2020 was declared a no contest after Jiménez failed a drug test. Crews-Dezurn won the WBC crown in just her fifth pro fight in August 2018, edging out Maricela Cornejo and added the vacant WBO strap in her first defense of the WBC belt when she rematched Cornejo 11 months later.

IBF and WBA champion Cederroos (8-0 4 KOs) is ranked #1 with Ring Magazine at 168lbs and the undefeated former pro soccer player-turned elite fighter will be looking to add the Virginia fighter’s belts to her straps and make it back-to-back wins over American fighters in her second fight in the US. The 36 year old made her Stateside bow against Alicia Napoleon-Espinosa in Atlantic City in January 2020, crucially flooring the New Yorker in the second round on the way to unifying the IBF strap with Napoleon-Espinosa’s WBA title by one point on all three cards.

The pair have been itching to get their hands on each other and find the #1 at Super-Middleweight, and now they get their chance on the biggest platform possible, with Taylor and Serrano meeting in the biggest female fight of all time – and both Crews-Dezurn and Cederroos are ready to shine in the spotlight.

“Many iconic moments have happened at MSG, especially in boxing,” said Crews-Dezurn. “So to be alongside to two of the best P4P boxers in the sport and make history becoming the undisputed champion makes everything in my career worth it thus far. I bet on myself in my iconic pro debut and now it’s time bring home the jackpot. New York is where dreams are made of and mine will come true April 30, I am winning all the belts.”

“I have been waiting for this fight for so long now – but this has made it worth the wait,” said Cederroos. “To be fighting at Madison Square Garden is a dream come true and to be doing so on such an historic night for women’s boxing is a real honor.

“I know that Franchon is confident that she will win, but she’s never fought anyone like me. I will be taking those belts back to Sweden and making it a night I will never forget.”

“I am thrilled to be delivering this dream opportunity to Franchon and Elin,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “What a night it will be for them, Katie and Amanda – truly showcasing the rise of women’s boxing on the biggest of all stages.

“They deserve all the credit in the world for their work in raising the profile of the sport, but this is business – the undisputed champion at 168lbs is going to be in massive fights this year, so they will both leave everything on the line.

“With our main event, Crews-Dezurn vs. Cederroos and the must-win crossroads clash between Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith, we’re building an unmissable night of action in New York on April 30.”

Years in the making, Taylor vs. Serrano is the biggest fight ever in women’s boxing between the pound-for-pound #1 and #2 fighters of the world and 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’. #ForHistory

Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith collide in a must-win Super-Welterweight clash at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday April 30, live worldwide on DAZN, leading the undercard for the historic clash between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, brought to you by Matchroom Boxing and Most Valuable Promotions. 
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)
Vargas (29-3-2 11 KOs) returns to the ring for the first time since his narrow reversal at the hands of Mikey Garcia in Texas in February 2020. The former two-weight World champion is hungry to become a three-time ruler, and the 32 year old is training for the Smith clash while running his political campaign to represent Nevada’s 4th Congressional District.

Smith (30-3-1 17 KOs) will defend the WBA International strap he won in his last outing, where he stopped local rival Anthony Fowler in eight rounds in October at the M&S Arena in Liverpool, bouncing back in style from a slender loss in Russia to Magomed Kurbanov in May. The 33 year old held the WBO World title in 2015-16, and now sits at #4 in the WBA rankings and eyeing two-time World champion status.

Vargas and Smith were due to meet this weekend in Phoenix, but COVID ruled the former out of the clash and Saturday’s bill will now be topped by Carlos Cuadras and Jesse Rodriguez battling for the vacant WBC World Super-Flyweight title live worldwide on DAZN. Vargas and Smith will come to the Big Apple all guns blazing, and both men believe they will end the career of the other on April 30.

“Thankfully I’m now through COVID,” said Vargas. “I want to show everyone I’m better than before, I’ve been working on things in the gym, so it’s not like I’ve had a two year lay-off.

“Liam is talking a lot, the fire is burning inside me. You don’t trash talk me, I’m coming in a different person. This will be an action-packed fight. I’ll exploit all of his weaknesses and take him out – My goal is to knock him out and retire him!

“It’s going to be an amazing night. Amanda and Katie are trailblazers for the sport, and I’m honored to be a part of an historic event in New York.”

“I’m buzzing and proud to be fighting at Madison Square Garden,” said Smith. “It’s one I can tick off my bucket list now along with Las Vegas; MSG is the pinnacle of boxing and everything happens for a reason so I am happy to be heading to New York on April 30. The main event is fantastic, Katie is always in exciting fights, and I am sure there will be lots of British and Irish fans there that will be backing me too.

“This fight is an itch that has needed scratching for a long time now and I want to beat Jessie and beat him well and move on. I hope that he turns up fit and healthy this time as I am aiming to retire him and send him into politics. He wants to move into politics, and I will give him a reason to concentrate on that 100 per cent.

“Jessie stopping me? I find that highly unlikely when only one person has done that and Jessie is no Canelo Alvarez. I fully intend on stopping him, being the first man to do it and adding my name to the names that have beaten him.”

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’. #ForHistory

More additions to the card will be announced later today.

February 1, 2022–Las Vegas, NV. — Known worldwide for his bold moves and ostentatious flare, legendary five-division world champion and boxing Hall of Famer Floyd “Money” Mayweather shook up the sporting world again today by announcing he will partner with sunglass giant Pit Viper when The Money Team Racing (TMTR) makes the long-awaited NASCAR Cup Series debut of its No. 50 Pit Viper Chevrolet at the Daytona 500 on February 20, 2022.

One of the fastest fighters in boxing history, Mayweather will have driver Kaz Grala behind the wheel of his new NASCAR NextGen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with an engine from ECR at the 64th Annual Daytona 500, held at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

“I love fast cars and I love to compete. I know NASCAR will not be easy, but anything easy isn’t worth doing to me,” Mayweather exclaimed. “With that being said, this move into auto racing seems to be a perfect fit for the Mayweather brand.”

Kaz Grala will lead the fight on the track as TMTR’s driver for select races in 2022. Grala has already proven success at Daytona as the youngest NASCAR winner in the track’s storied history. The 23-year-old driver has finished in the top-10 in half of his NASCAR Cup Series races to date, including his debut when he drove through the field to an impressive seventh-place finish on the Daytona Road Course.

“It’s an honor to be behind the wheel for Floyd Mayweather’s entrance into NASCAR. It’s a really exciting time in our sport as it globalizes and reaches new audiences,” said Grala. “I know Floyd is here to win, and I absolutely feel that everyone involved in this program is capable of making that happen. We know we will need some time to grow together as a new organization, but I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of building this team from the ground up.”

Calling the shots at the top of the pit box will be NASCAR Cup Series winning crew chief, Tony Eury Jr. The co-owner of TMT Racing, William Auchmoody, an associate of Mayweather’s and a longtime member of the NASCAR community, will serve as the team’s general manager. Brent Johnson of ONE Entertainment will handle Brand Mayweather activations along with James “P-Reala” McNair, president of The Money Team.
“This deal has been a long time coming and we are finally at the starting line.” said William Auchmoody. “Every time we thought we would be able to hit the track, something happened, including a global pandemic. One thing I have learned from Floyd Mayweather is that sometimes your best offense is a great defense and now we are here going to our first race at this year’s Daytona 500. We are very excited to be racing!”
StarCom Racing’s Michael & Matt Kohler and Bill Woehlemann have a vested interest in the team as well.

“We are extremely thankful to TMTR for the opportunity to be a part of this team and are excited to join them on this journey,” said Bill Woehlemann.

Follow TMT Racing on Facebook and Instagram @themoneyteamracing and Twitter @tmtracing50 for chances to win TMT Racing prizes and Pit Viper merchandise.

Go to www.themoneyteamracing.com to pre-order your limited edition TMT Racing / Pit Viper est 2022 hoodie.

For media requests, please reach out to pr@themoneyteamracing.com and for partnership information, please reach out to partnerships@themoneyteamracing.com.

About Floyd “Money” Mayweather: Mayweather has won 15 world titles in five different weight classes. He has a perfect professional boxing record of 50 wins and no losses. He won a bronze medal in the featherweight division at the 1996 Olympics. He won three U.S. Golden Gloves titles in three different weight classes. He also won the U.S national title at featherweight. In 2021, Mayweather was voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

About TMT Racing: TMT Racing was bred from the legacy of a winner that came from adversity, the undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather. We are a team that always remembers that we are undefeated if we advance our greater cause and inspire young winners to follow their dreams.

About Pit Viper: Conceived on the ski hill and born in the back of a van, like all ski bum dreams, Pit Viper is now an international, multi-million dollar company. Worn by the likes of Travis Pastrana, Rob Gronkowski, Tanner Hall, and Brehanna Daniels, Pit Viper specializes in functional – yet stylish sunglasses, apparel, throwing outrageous events and giving away cars. Dedicated to not taking life too seriously, Pit Viper stands by their motto: DEMAND RESPECT AND AUTHORITY. Visit: www.pitviper.com for more. Email pr@pitviper.com for more information.

Associate Partners: OMNI, a social media platform that rewards users, not shareholders because social media owes everything to the creators and consumers that make social networking special. For more information, go to OMNI.ai. Mane ‘n Tail, “Originally formulated for horses, Mane ‘n Tail consumers discovered the secret to longer fuller healthier hair.”

About NASCAR: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Known for its passionate fan base, one-of-a-kind playoff format, development of the modern sports sponsorship and commitment to enhancing auto racing through technology, NASCAR produces many of the most highly attended sporting events in the world.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL. (February 1, 2022) – Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman is full of rumination as he heads into his first fight week in nearly three years that coincides with the start of Black History Month.

Thurman, the former unified world welterweight champion, takes on former super lightweight world champion Mario Barrios in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Saturday, February 5 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. To purchase the pay-per-view, go to FoxSports.com/ppv. Fight fans watching outside of the U.S. can purchase it through Fite.TV.

To kick off Black History Month, Thurman took a moment to pen an open letter to fight fans ahead of his ring return.

“Today is February 1, and as I look towards fight week, I am feeling a little bit of every emotion,” Thurman said. “I feel excitement. Anticipation. A little bit of angst. A little bit of nerves.

“This is the start of Black History Month. In America, you grow up writing tons of essays in school, getting to learn about all the great ancestors before us. Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, George Washington Carver. Black history, like any ethnicity, brings pride. Not pride in an egotistical sense, but pride in those who have set great examples for those to come.

“That resonates with me, especially looking at all the ancestors who set a great example for me in my life, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., for believing in the dream.

“Being raised in America, no matter what color your skin is, you can’t force people to look at you a certain way, but you can look at yourself a certain way. You can hold yourself up to the highest degree as a man or woman, and you can do your best to make your mother and father, as well as your ancestors, proud.

“To be here today, sacrifices were made. It’s made me aim higher – the next generation should continue to always aim higher.

“It’s my time to rise back up. I always go into fight week with a whole lot of passion. Fundamentally, I look forward to getting in the ring and doing my job. Seeing the fans. Hearing the people roar. And, all the things attached to fight week, including a terrific meal after I get off the scale.

“Fight week is the last week but it’s not the end. It’s not over until its truly over. When the performance is said and done, and our hand is held high, the journey is complete.

“This is my time – our time – to continue the example that our ancestors set for us. “

#

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 rising unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos duels Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown. 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

Don’t miss this pay-per-view event! Buy now on the FOX Sports App or www.foxsports.com/ppv.

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.

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA’s incredible start to 2022 continues, as inside the Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, February 19, top welterweights collide. No. 4-ranked Neiman Gracie will take on No. 5-ranked Logan Storleyat BELLATOR MMA 274: Gracie vs. Storley, in a matchup that could determine the next title challenger at 170-pounds. Also, the co-main event sees the return of hard-hitting former champion and No. 9-ranked welterweight Andrey Koreshkov looking to knock off the surging, undefeated Mukhamed Berkhamov.

Click here for additional information detailing fighter eligibility, as well as additional voting criteria.

MEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND1. AJ McKee (18-0)2. Vadim Nemkov (15-2)   3. Patricio Pitbull (32-5) ?1  4. Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2)5. Yaroslav Amosov (26-0)6. Ryan Bader (29-7) ?2  7. Sergio Pettis (22-5) ?18. Corey Anderson (16-5) ?19. Michael Page (20-1)10. Valentin Moldavsky (11-2)		WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND1. Cris Cyborg (25-2, 1 NC)2. Juliana Velasquez (12-0)3. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1)4. Liz Carmouche (16-7)5. Denise Kielholtz (6-3)6. Arlene Blencowe (15-8)7. Cat Zingano (12-4)8. Kana Watanabe (10-1-1)9. Leah McCourt (6-1)10. Leslie Smith (12-9-1)		MEN’S HEAVYWEIGHTC. Ryan Bader (29-7)1. Valentin Moldavsky (11-2) 2. Cheick Kongo (31-11-2)3. Fedor Emelianenko (40-6)   4. Linton Vassell (22-8) 5. Tim Johnson (15-8) 6. Tyrell Fortune (11-2)7. Steve Mowry (10-0) ?1  8. Davion Franklin (4-09. Said Sowma (8-2) ?1   10. Gokhan Saricam (6-1)
MEN’S LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTC. Vadim Nemkov (15-2)1. Corey Anderson (16-5)2. Phil Davis (23-6) 3. Ryan Bader (29-7)4. Julius Anglickas (10-2)5. Anthony Johnson (23-6)?1       6. Lyoto Machida (26-11)7. Karl Albrektsson (13-3)8. Alex Polizzi (9-1)9. Grant Neal (6-1)10. Melvin Manhoef (32-15-1)		MEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHTC. Gegard Mousasi (48-7-2)1. Austin Vanderford (11-0) 2. John Salter (18-5) 3. Johnny Eblen (10-0) ?1      4. Fabian Edwards (9-2) ?1     5. Anatoly Tokov (30-2) ?1        6. Romero Cotton (5-0) ?3      7. Dalton Rosta (6-0) NR7. Lorenz Larkin (23-7) NR9. Rafael Carvalho (16-6) NR10. Joshua Jones (11-5) NR		MEN’S WELTERWEIGHTC. Yaroslav Amosov (26-0)1. Michael Page (20-1)2. Douglas Lima (32-10)3. Jason Jackson (15-4)4. Neiman Gracie (11-2)5. Logan Storley (12-1)6. Derek Anderson (17-4) 7. Paul Daley (43-18-2) 8. Joey Davis (8-0) ?1           9. Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) ?1       10. Kyle Crutchmer (8-1)
MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHTC. Patricky Pitbull (24-10)1. Sidney Outlaw (16-4) 2. Brent Primus (11-2)  3. Benson Henderson (29-11) ?3  4. Goiti Yamauchi (26-5)   5. Usman Nurmagomedov (14-0) ?26. Peter Queally (13-6-1) ?1    7. Islam Mamedov (20-1-1)     8. Myles Jury (19-6)9. Aviv Gozali (6-0)      10. Alexander Shabily (20-3)		MEN’S FEATHERWEIGHTC. AJ McKee (18-0)1. Patricio Pitbull (32-5)2. Mads Burnell (16-3) ?1       2. Adam Borics (17-1)4. Aaron Pico (9-3)      5. Pedro Carvalho (12-5)      6. Emmanuel Sanchez (20-7)7. Jeremy Kennedy (17-3)        8. Daniel Weichel (41-13)   9. Justin Gonzales (12-1)10. Darrion Caldwell (15-6)		MEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTC. Sergio Pettis (22-5)1. Juan Archuleta (25-3)2. Patchy Mix (15-1) ?1       3. Raufeon Stots (17-1) ?1         4. Magomed Magomedov (18-2)5. Leandro Higo (21-5) 6. James Gallagher (11-2) 7. Josh Hill (21-4) ?1       8. Kyoji Horiguchi (29-4) ?1  9. Jornel Lugo (7-0)10. Cass Bell (5-2)
WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHTC. Cris Cyborg (25-2, 1 NC)1. Arlene Blencowe (15-8)2. Cat Zingano (12-4)3. Leslie Smith (12-9-1)4. Leah McCourt (6-1) 5. Sinead Kavanagh (7-5)      6. Janay Harding (6-5)7. Pam Sorenson (9-4) 7. Talita Nogueira (8-2) ?1    9. Olivia Parker (4-2)10. Jessica Borga (3-4)		WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHTC. Juliana Velasquez (12-0)1. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-1)2. Liz Carmouche (16-7)3. Denise Kielholtz (6-3) 4. Kana Watanabe (10-1-1) 5. Alejandra Lara (9-5) ?2    6. Veta Arteaga (6-4)7. DeAnna Bennett (11-7-1) ?1         8. Vanessa Porto (23-9) ?1    9. Diana Avsaragova (4-0) ?1    10. Valerie Loureda (4-1) NR

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.

Salita Promotions proudly announces the re-signing of undefeated WBA #10-, IBF #4-, WBO #11-, and Ring Magazine #8-ranked super lightweight Shohjahon “Descendant of Tamerlane” Ergashev to a multi-year, long-term promotional contract extension.

The 30-year-old southpaw Ergashev (21-0, 19 KOs) originally hails from Rakhmon, Uzbekistan, but is living and training in Detroit at the Kronk Gym with Tyson Fury trainer Javan “SugarHill” Steward.

A star in the making, Ergashev has already made several impressive appearances on national television including a spectacular highlight-reel body shot KO 1 over normally durable gatekeeper Adrian Estrella in January 2020, an impressive fourth round knockout of veteran Abdiel Ramirez, as well as a third-round knockout over then top-10 rated Sonny Fredrickson, and a 10-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Mykal Fox.

Ergashev fought twice last year, scoring a pair of first-round knockouts over domestic competition in his homeland.

“I feel very inspired and ready to dominate my competition in the ring,” said the confident power-puncher. “My agreement with Salita has been beneficial and productive for both parties and I am excited to continue the journey. I missed the American fans and am ready to showcase my power and skills with breathtaking KOs and exciting fights in the ring once again.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita, who originally signed Ergashev the former amateur star in 2016, says he’s very excited about the future for his pulverizing Ukrainian.

“I am excited about the incredible potential of pound-for-pound one of the hardest punchers in the sport of boxing,” said Salita. “We look forward to working together towards building Shohjahon Ergashev into a bonafide international boxing star.”
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.

LONDON (February 1, 2022) – Boxing superstar Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields shared details from her training with all-time great Floyd Mayweather as she nears her WBC/WBA/IBF middleweight world championship defense against #1 ranked challenger Ema Kozin taking place Saturday, February 5 live on pay-per-view in the U.S. and Canada.

Shields will step into the ring as the co-main event in her U.K. debut as a professional, returning to the region The four-fight PPV card begins at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT and features star U.K. middleweights Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams meeting in the main event.

Guided by Salita Promotions, Shields signed a lucrative multi-fight deal with promoter Boxxer and broadcaster SKY Sports in the U.K. that has put her on the path toward a super fight showdown with WBO Middleweight Champion Savannah Marshall in 2022.
where she won the first of her two gold medals.

Here is what Shields had to say her experience in Las Vegas training with Floyd Mayweather:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“The main reason for going to Las Vegas was to get some altitude training. Cardiff has some altitude like Las Vegas, and there’s no altitude in Flint. I wanted to have my lungs feel that burn. I ran at 10,000 feet of elevation.

“The opportunity with Mayweather just kind of presented itself. Floyd heard I was coming and he opened up his gym to me and my team. It was great to see him spar and be in his presence. It was great to talk to him too and really see what he’s like.

“It’s great to hear that he’s a huge fan of me and that him and his kids like to watch my fights. It was a great experience overall.

“Floyd told me I was going in the right direction. Not a lot of U.S. fans get to have the experience of going to see what fans in the U.K. are like. He told me a lot about his experience fighting Ricky Hatton.

“We talked a lot about my skills, but also about the difference between amateurs and pros. In the pros you really have to stay calm and take your time. Even in two minute rounds, he was telling me to slow down and really see those shots coming.

“Floyd’s in great shape. He was sparring a 21-year-old for eight rounds and he wasn’t even always taking breaks between rounds. He can still do whatever he wants to do inside that ring. If he wanted to, he’d give all those guys problems at 147 and 154. From what I saw, his legs and his motor are still working.”

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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.
Streaming: PPV.com and FITE.TV

TOMMY FURY HAS fired a final ‘put up or shut up’ message to Jake Paul after the American’s repeated claims that the Manchester man withdrew from their scheduled December showdown due to fear of defeat.

Fury was set to become the YouTube star’s first professional boxer opponent following a prolonged war or words between the pair before the unbeaten 22-year-old was struck down by a bacterial chest infection along with a broken rib and multiple fractures and therefore was declared unfit to fight.

‘The Problem Child’ from Cleveland went on to fight MMA star Tyron Woodley for a second time in Tampa and scored a spectacular sixth round KO.

Despite efforts to resurrect the fight from the Fury side, Paul appears to want no part of a rescheduled date and has so far resisted attempts to revisit a match where he could prove his worth as a professional boxer.

Instead he has chosen to cast doubt on Fury’s willingness to put his own reputation on the line. Something Fury vehemently denies.

“I really don’t want to keep talking about this but I just can’t stay silent after comments Jake Paul has made in a recent interview,” said Fury, 7-0.

“I’m absolutely sick of Jake Paul saying that I was ‘scared’ to fight. I had a broken rib and a bacterial chest infection which left me completely medically unfit to box – as stated by multiple medical professionals.

“I’m now fit and healthy and have very clearly stated that I am ready to fight on a rescheduled date… but where is he?

“Me having to pull out the fight was the best thing that ever happened to him and he well knows my injury was legitimate. This man never wanted to fight me, If he did we’d have a rescheduled date for you all and the fight would be back on which is exactly what I want… The easiest fight of my career.

“I’m not going to allow him to use the excuse ‘Tommy was scared’ any longer. I think we can all agree now that the only person that looks scared is him.

“That’s all I’m saying on the matter.”

TREVOR BRYAN SUCCESSFULLY defended his WBA world heavyweight title belt on Saturday night before swiftly responding to a message from across the Atlantic sent by one Daniel Dubois.

Dubois is in mandatory position and next in line for a shot at the WBA title after the governing body granted Bryan permission for a voluntary defence against the largely unknown Jonathan Guidry.

The unbeaten Bryan, 22-0, made harder work of the fight than many probably imagined and the 32-year-old had to rely on the scorecards, which recorded a split decision victory for the New Yorker.

Dubois, 17-1, quickly acknowledged his future opponent’s victory before adding ominously: “But you are in my way. See you soon.”

Bryan readily accepted his next challenge and indicated that he is prepared for an away fixture for what will be a second defence of the belt he won by defeating Bermane Stiverne at the beginning of last year.

“Indeed we will little homie,” responded the executor of 15 KOs. “Cause as I said my campaign overseas will be starting very soon!”

Bryan signed off by borrowing the catchphrase of the voluble former heavyweight contender Shannon Briggs.

#LetsGoChamp

New York (January 31, 2022) –This past Saturday night, seven fighters under the Split-T Management banner all had their hand raised in victories in three locales over two countries.

Five of those fights took place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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.

Stephen 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.

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, Benjamin dropped Rendon with a left to the solar 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.

At the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, super middleweight Tika Hemingway went to 2-0 with a unanimous decision win over Jozette Coton by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37.

Hemingway was amateur rivals with Claressa Shields and had three amateur wins over current unified world champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn, former world champion Alicia Napoleon and former interim world champion Raquel Miller.

In Mexico, Welterweight Mary Spencer of Boulder, Colorado via Ontario, Canada made it 3-0 with a unanimous decision victory.

LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2022) – Back in December, right after Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (43-0, 29 KOs) stopped Yunieski Gonzalez to become the mandatory challenger for World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Heavyweight World Super Champion Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) who suddenly and surprisingly went dark, until he recently make an unsubstantiated claim that “Zurdo” had turned down an offer to fight him.

Bivol was quoted in a recent boxing news report, which was also picked up by other media outlets, saying, “I know for a fact that my team did offer Team Ramirez to fight me December 11th in Russia, and the purse offered was about the same as what I was offered to fight him on a (Golden Boy Promotions) show. He rejected the offer.”

“I don’t know why he’s saying they offered a fight to me,” Ramirez countered, “but he must be really confused. To be clear there was never a contract that was sent to my team or Golden Boy for a fight; unlike how a contract was delivered to him and his team from Golden Boy for the December bout. I’m confused why he continues to be a pawn and create false narratives and tries everything to hide from this fight. It’s just a matter of time before that belt comes to where it belongs.”

Ramirez, the first Mexican to capture the World super middleweight title, is a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Champion, who earned his title shot against Bivol by winning his WBA Title Eliminator versus Gonzalez.

“After Bivol, Joe Smith is my next target since he has my belt (WBO) that I had at 168 pounds,” Ramirez remarked. “I am the best light heavyweight out there and it’s not even close. There’s a reason why these champs are scared to call my name, but soon they won’t have a choice. I would end Smith in less than 6 rounds.”

Bivol also said in the aforementioned story: “My motivation and my ambitions have not changed for a long time – I want to fight the best. I want to prove that I am the best in my division.”

Guess what, Dmitry, 43-0 “Zurdo” is the best!

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2022) – Welterweight contender Abel Ramos will square off against Luke Santamaria in a 10-round bout that headlines PBC action live on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The FOX broadcast begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and features all-action super lightweight contenders Ryan “Cowboy” Karl and Omar “El Relámpago” Juarez battling in the 10-round in co-main event.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman battling former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, and also features four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz taking on Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in the co-main event. Plus, Jesus “Mono’’ Ramos clashes with Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round super welterweight match and two-division champion Luis Nery will battle unbeaten Carlos Castro in the 10-round pay-per-view opener.

Abel Ramos was originally scheduled to take on Josesito Lopez as part of the FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event, but Lopez was injured in training camp and forced to withdraw. Jesus Ramos vs. Hernandez replaces the Abel Ramos vs. Josesito Lopez bout on the pay-per-view lineup.

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

Ramos (27-4-2, 21 KOs) is part of a boxing family out of Casa Grande, Arizona, which includes his nephew, rising undefeated contender Jesus Ramos. The 30-year-old Ramos has built a reputation as a hardnosed boxer who doesn’t back down from a fight and gives as good as he gets. He turned the tables on Omar Figueroa, Jr. when he went toe-to-toe and forced Figueroa to quit on his stool in his last fight on May 1. He also owns a split decision defeat to welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas and showed a flair for the dramatic when he scored a TKO victory over Bryant Perrella in the waning seconds of their fight in 2020.

The 24-year-old Santamaría (12-2-1, 7 KOs) steps into the ring after earning a unanimous decision over former two-division champion Devon Alexander last August. Santamaria had previously dropped a decision to top prospect Paul Kroll in October 2020, following an August 2020 triumph over veteran contender Mykal Fox that saw him drop Fox in round one of their battle. The Garden Grove, California native also owns a decision over Willie Jones and a split draw against Marquis Taylor in his 2019 contests. Santamaría was unbeaten in 10 fights since his first loss before facing Kroll, with his only other defeat coming via a four-round decision in his third pro bout in 2015.

Known for his action packed style, Karl (19-3, 12 KOs) bounced back from a 2020 defeat to former world champion Mario Barrios in August, as he bested Edgar Ramirez by unanimous decision in their eight-round bout. The 30-year-old Milano, Texas native has won four of his last five fights overall and owns a decision victory over Kareem Martin on top of a knockout over Kevin Watts to avenge one of his losses.

The 22-year-old Juarez (12-1, 5 KOs) returned to the win column in September, dropping Jairo Lopez on his way to a unanimous decision victory. Juarez bounced back after losing a narrow majority decision to All Rivera in a thrilling bout in June 2021. A native of Brownsville, Texas, Juarez was a standout amateur who made waves outside of the ring by dedicating himself to giving back to the state’s youth through motivational speaking and received recognition from the Texas State Senate and the Texas House of Representatives for his efforts.

In non-televised action unbeaten super lightweights Kent Cruz (16-0-1, 10 KOs) and Enriko Gogokhia (13-0, 8 KOs) meet in an eight-round duel, lightweight prospect Anthony Cuba (2-0-1, 1 KO) takes on fellow unbeaten Jose Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout and unbeaten welterweight John Rincon (5-0, 2 KOs) competes in a six-round attraction.

Rounding out the lineup will be the sons of former two-time world champion Fernando Vargas entering the ring, as Fernando Vargas Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) steps in for a middleweight duel, while Amado Vargas (3-0, 2 KOs) competes in a four-round featherweight bout.

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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 former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battles unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten Jesus “Mono” Ramos dueling Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown.

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 (January 31, 2022) – Rising unbeaten star Jesús “Mono” Ramos will take on super welterweight contender Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown on the undercard of the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, February 5 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay.

Josesito Lopez was injured in training and forced to withdraw from his bout against Abel Ramos in a pay-per-view attraction. Jesús Ramos vs. Hernandez replaces the Abel Ramos vs. Josesito Lopez bout on the pay-per-view lineup.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former unified welterweight world champion Keith “One Time’’ Thurman battling former super lightweight world champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios, and also features four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto’’ Santa Cruz taking on Keenan “Bedo’’ Carbajal in the co-main event. Plus, two-division champion Luis Nery will battle unbeaten Carlos Castro in the 10-round pay-per-view opener.

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

Ramos (17-0, 14 KOs), the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, has paved his way to stardom with highlight-reel KOs, but has shown his ability to outbox opponents in his last two fights. After winning a unanimous decision over Javier Molina in May 2021, Ramos most recently dominated Brian Mendoza en route to another unanimous decision in September on FOX. Prior to those fights, the 20-year-old southpaw had scored five-straight knockout victories.

The 32-year-old Hernandez (13-4, 6 KOs) has revitalized his career during his current three-fight winning streak, most recently earning a split-decision over former unified champion Julian Williams in an October 2021 action fight. Hernandez’s previous outing had seen him upset longtime contender Alfredo Angulo in August 2020, with a July 2020 decision over Aaron Coley kicking off the run. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Hernandez now fights out of Stockton, California as he looks to spring another upset on February 5.

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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 former two-division champion Luis “Pantera” Nery battles unbeaten Carlos Castro in a 10-round super bantamweight duel. The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten Jesús “Mono” Ramos dueling Vladimir Hernandez in a 10-round showdown.

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.

London – January 31, 2022 – Probellum is delighted to announce the promotional signing of standout super-featherweight Steven Cairns.

The Irishman (2-0, 1 knockout) enjoyed a superb career at amateur level, where he became a seven-time national champion while also winning a silver medal at the 2015 European Championships, before turning professional in 2021.

An impressive debut win over Nicaraguan Rafael Castillo last June was followed by a knockout victory over Hungarian Szilveszter Ajtai in November and Cairns, who is coached by highly respected trainer David Coldwell, now becomes the latest addition to the Probellum stable.

“I’m very excited to be signing with Probellum, working with Sam Jones and getting the opportunity to showcase my skills and develop as a fighter on the biggest possible platform,” said Cairns.

“I’m looking forward to being very active over the next few years and representing my country at Probellum events across the world, with everybody in Ireland right behind me.”

“Steven is a young man who I really believe can go on to achieve big things in this sport, but at 19 it’s about developing and learning, both in the gym and during fights,” added Coldwell.

“This is why it’s important to have a promoter who shares the same vision as both myself and Steven, and Probellum fits the bill perfectly.

“They, like myself, see Steven as a very exciting long-term project, a fighter who has the potential to develop into one of the superstars of Irish and world boxing at any given time.”

“Steven is a brilliant young fighter with a great future ahead of him,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“Naturally, we are very pleased to announce his signing and after making an impressive start to his professional career, we expect Steven to develop and progress throughout 2022 and beyond.

“Probellum has already made a big statement with some of the signings we have made, and Steven is another great addition.”

Cairns joins a stable which already includes the likes of Pat and Luke McCormack, Troy Williamson, Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes, Lee McGregor, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Noel Mikaelian, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Muhammad Waseem, O’Shaquie Foster, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson, Brandon Moore, Jack Bowen, Jason Mallia, Hebert Sousa, Dina Thorslund, Ben Rees, Will Cawley and Estelle Mossely.

Probellum has also secured co-promotional agreements with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, Mitchell Sports Promotions in England, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Titov Boxing in Russia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Cuadrilatero Boxing in Colombia, PR Best Boxing in Puerto Rico, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Moron Boxing in Venezuela, Volcano Boxing in El Salvador, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, Pro Boxing Team Finland and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

Probellum’s first events of 2022 were recently announced last week, with Dubai hosting a two-night double header, featuring the likes of Sunny Edwards, Muhammad Waseem, Estelle Mossely, Regis Prograis and Tyrone McKenna, on March 18 and 19. Tickets can be purchased here.

Those shows will be followed by a brilliant event at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on March 25, where fight fans will be able to watch some of British boxing’s biggest talents in action, including Troy Williamson, Lewis Ritson and Thomas Patrick Ward. Tickets can be purchased here.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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

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

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

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

POMONA, CALIF. (Jan. 30, 2022): MarvNation Promotions kicked off its first event of the year in dramatic fashion last night as Jose Marrufo (13-10-2, 5 KOs) of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico scored an upset unanimous decision win against Angel “Moreno” Rodriguez (10-1, 7 KOs) of Pico Rivera, Calif. to capture the WBC USNBC Silver Super Lightweight Championship. The bout headlined a full night of action at the Derby Room in Pomona, California and was streamed live on MarvNation’s official YouTube channel.

Both fighters provided exciting toe-to-toe action for eight grueling rounds. Ultimately, however, Marrufo’s experience gave him a distinct advantage in the exchanges, which eventually earned him the decision victory. Marrufo won with two scores of 80-72, while one judge scored the fight 79-73.

“My opponent was a warrior,” said Marrufo. “He has a big crowd and a lot of support. That motivated me more in the fight. I’ll defend this title against any big name. This win is a dream come true for me.”

In the co-main event, Alejandro Reyes (6-0, 4 KOs) of Mexicali, Baja California Mexico, defeated Antonio Wattell (3-8-3, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas via six-round unanimous decision in a super lightweight fight. Reyes won with scores of 59-55, 59-55 and 60-54. Reyes, who hails from the renowned Westside Boxing Club in Los Angeles, delivered a boxing lesson that featured come-forward offense for five rounds before culminating with a sixth round in which he boxed intelligently from the outside. Reyes also brought an enormous crowd who cheered him on from beginning to end.

Alfredo Hernandez (7-0, 4 KOs) of Downey, Calif. scored a unanimous decision win against Nicaraguan slugger Osmel Mayorga (2-4, 1 KO) in a four-round super welterweight clash. Hernandez won with three scores of 40-36.

Rising Mexican prospect Andy Dominguez (5-0, 3 KOs) scored a stunning knockout win against fellow countryman Jose Rodriguez (1-2, 1 KO) in a scheduled six-round super flyweight fight. Dominguez ended matters at 2:27 of the very first round.

Kyle Erwin (4-0, 2 KOs) of Oceanside, Calif. beat Jaylan Phillips (2-9) of Atlanta, Georgia via split decision in a four-round super lightweight fight. Erwin won with two scores of 38-37, while one judge scored it 38-37 in favor of Phillips.

Sergio Jimenez (5-0, 4 KOs) of Baldwin Park, Calif. defeated Ray Santiago (2-9) of Albany, New York via knockout in the third round of a four-round cruiserweight fight.

Jaivion Cardinal (5-0, 4 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif. stopped Tyler Jacques (0-2-1) of Orlando, Florida in the second round of a super middleweight fight originally scheduled for four. Cardinal won with a time of 1:46 of the aforementioned round.

Jesus Torres Beltran (5-1, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles, California beat Ryan Venable (2-10) of Roanoke, Virginia via unanimous decision in a four-round lightweight fight. Beltran won with two scores of 40-36 and one score of 39-37.

Carlos Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico defeated Jerell Nettles (1-2) of Denver Colorado via KO in a four-round cruiserweight fight. Rodriguez won with a time of 1:21 of the first round.

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Moreno vs. Marrufo was an eight-round fight for the WBC USNBC Silver Lightweight Title presented by MarvNation Promotions. The event took place on Saturday, Jan. 29 at The Derby Room in Pomona, Calif. The card was streamed live on MarvNation’s official YouTube channel.

For more information, follow MarvNation on Instagram and Twitter @MarvNation_.

About MarvNation
MarvNation Promotions was founded in 2014 by Marvin Rodriguez and was created with a vision to not only create concerts or boxing events, but to also create experiences for the fans. In 2018, after noticing a lack of support for many young and hungry prospects without an extensive Olympic and amateur background, MarvNation involved itself in the sport of boxing with a mission to make a way for these young prospects and develop them into top contenders and champions in the sport. Established both on a national and international level, MarvNation is here to bring you the best of boxing and live entertainment.

Kevin Walsh, Brockton, MA.
vs. Nate Balakin, Tyngsboro, MA.
6 Rounds, Junior Welterweights

Kris Jacobs, Fall River, MA.
vs. Ryan Clark, Berwick, ME.
6 Rounds, Welterweights

Alejandro Paulino, New London, CT.
vs. Braulio Avila, Tlaxcala, MX.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Rodrigo DaRocha, Boston, MA.
vs. James Perkins, Lynn, MA.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Michael Bulger, Malden, MA.
vs. Ian Beatease, Schuylerville, NY.
4 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

Justin Morales, Malden, MA.
vs. Mike Taylor, Cortland, NY.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Sean Bey, Stoughton, MA.
vs. Enzo Baptista Guimaraes, Rutland, VT.
4 Rounds, Heavyweight

Laquan Lewis, New York, NY.
vs. Kenny Larson, Salem, MA.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Walsh vs.Balakin takes place Sunday, January 30th at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Limited tickets remain and are available at www.boxingnh.com. The event will stream live on WWW.COMBATSPORTSNOW. for 19.99.

ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic. The event led to a popular series of empty venue shows broadcast live and for free on YouTube watched by thousands of fans around the world. Boston Boxin Promotions returned to live audiences with The Great American Boxing Bash this past summer which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire.

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