Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras will reignite their rivalry with the vacant WBC World Super-Flyweight belt on the line at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday February 5, live worldwide on DAZN.
TICKETS STARTING AT $20 (PLUS FEES) ARE ON SALE AT 12PM MT AT TICKETMASTER.COM
The pair first met in May 2014 for the same title, with Cuadras claiming the crown via a unanimous technical decision following an accidental headclash in Mexico.

There’s more than just the WBC crown on the line for Rungvisai (50-5-1 43 KOs) and Cuadras (39-4-1 27 KOs), with the winner likely to be pitted against the winner of the March clash between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, setting up more fireworks in the always exciting 115lb division.

Rungvisai heads into the bout on the back of three victories in Thailand following his clash with Estrada where he surrendered the WBC crown that he fights Cuadras for. Victory in the rematch in Phoenix would see the 35 year old win the green and gold strap for the third time and almost nine years since he first picked up that crown.

Cuadras ended Rungvisai’s reign on that occasion and the Mexican made six defenses of the title before Chocolatito took the crown in California in September 2016. It’s the second time that the 33 year old has tried to reclaim the throne and comes on the back of his last battle for the belt where he floored defending champion Estrada in the third round of his defense before the champion prevailed in Mexico in October 2020.

“I’m really looking forward to winning in this championship bout,” said Rungvisai. “I really want to become the first three-time WBC champion of Thailand. I also have an unfinished business with Juan Francisco Estrada. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Matchroom and DAZN for making this fight possible”. 

“I am very excited for this opportunity to fight for another world title,” said Cuadras. “We are sparring 3-4 different southpaws that have a similar style to Rungvisai. We are ready to win, and I am training very well in the high-altitude mountains of the ceremonial center in Otomi in México.

“I want to thank firstly God and Teiken, especially Mr. Honda who has never left me behind and always given me a hand in boxing. We will not disappoint come fight now and bring back another title for Mexico and Teiken.”

A stacked card in support of the rematch is led by Light-Flyweight sensation Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez as he closes in on World title action. Rodriguez (14-0 10 KOs) dispatched Jose Burgos in style inside four rounds in his last outing in Fresno in October, and the WBA #2 and WBO #4 will look to enhance his claim for world honors against an opponent to be named soon.

There’s more World title action on the card as Jamie Mitchell makes the first defense of her WBA Bantamweight title against Carly Skelly. Mitchell (7-0-2 4 KOs) claimed the strap in October in England by seeing off Shannon Courtenay via majority decision, with the belt only on the line for the American after then-champion Courtenay failed to make the weight. After winning the belt in Liverpool, Mitchell will defend the title against a Liverpudlian fighter, as Skelly (4-0-1) fights for her first World title having picked up the WBC International Super Bantamweight title at home against Dorota Norek in October, a year after a split draw against Amy Timlin for the Commonwealth crown.

Raymond Ford defends his WBA Continental Featherweight title for the second time against Edward Vazquez. Ford (10-0-1 6 KOs) impressed in his first defense in New York in November, stopping Felix Carabello in eight rounds to retain the belt he landed in England in August via a third round KO of Reece Bellotti. Unbeaten Texan Vazquez (11-0 3 KOs) will look to end Ford’s reign in Phoenix, and the 26 year old fights for his first title in his 12^th pro outing.

Matchroom’s latest Stateside signing Aaron Aponte (4-0 KOs) looks to extend his unbeaten start to life in the paid ranks against unbeaten Canadian Louis Jourdain (2-0 1 KO), Light Heavyweight talent Khalil Coe (1-0-1 1 KO) also meets Canadian opposition in the form of Stuart Twardzik (1-0-1 1 KO) and there’s a big stage for two Arizona fighters, Heavyweight Adam Stewart (12-1-1 8 KOs) and Middleweight Elijah Garcia (9-0 8 KOs).

“Srisaket and Carlos promises to be another brilliant Super-Flyweight World title battle,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Carlos got the better of Srisaket in their first fight seven years ago – and there’s no doubt in my mind that this will be a real fan-friendly war with so much at stake.

“The undercard is stacked with talent. Jesse is a World champion in waiting and is so exciting to watch, Jamie was terrific in beating Shannon in Liverpool and I know Carly will give everything to try to take the title back to England and Ray’s stock rises with every impressive win he notches. Aaron is our latest signing and one to watch, Khalil is looking to bounce back from a draw last time out and it’s a great opportunity for local guys Adam and Elijah to make an impression under the bright lights.”

Rungvisai and Cuadras headline the event that was initially due to be held at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, but logistical and operational issues mean the night moves venues but stays in Arizona and just a short distance to the downtown home of the Phoenix Suns. It’s a return to the venue for Matchroom where Daniel Jacobs defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in December 2019. A clash between Jessie Vargas and Liam Smith was slated to top the bill but the former tested positive for COVID forcing it to be postponed, with the fight set to be rescheduled.

Los Angeles, CA – January 17, 2022 – Probellum is delighted to announce the promotional signing of Ukrainian fighter Tsotne Rogava.

The 28-year-old heavyweight made his professional boxing debut in April 2021, when he secured a knockout victory over Petar Mrvalj.

Previously, Rogava enjoyed an impressive amateur career, before going on to compete professionally as a Muay Thai kickboxer, where he became the 2018 ACB KB heavyweight champion.

“This is a big moment in my career, and I’m delighted to sign for Probellum,” said Rogava.

“After making the transition from Muay Thai kickboxing to professional boxing, I’m very excited about what the future holds, and I firmly believe that under the guidance of Probellum I can go on to achieve a lot of success.”

“Tsotne has shown his fantastic capabilities within combat sports for many years, and we are extremely pleased to sign him,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“He produced an eye-catching performance on his professional debut last year and we are very much looking forward to watching him develop and grow.

“We fully expect 2022 to be a pivotal year for Tsotne as he showcases his boxing abilities to fans around the world.”

Rogava becomes the latest addition to Probellum’s ever-growing stable, which also 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 and Will Cawley.

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.

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, 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.

LOS ANGELES – After scoring multiple takedowns in his last bout to dethrone then-champion Douglas Lima and become the BELLATOR Welterweight World Champion in the main event of BELLATOR MMA 260, undefeated Ukrainian Yaroslav Amosov (26-0) will put his belt on the line against No. 1-ranked welterweight and London native Michael “Venom” Page (20-1) on Friday, May 13, when the promotion returns to The SSE Arena, Wembley.

One of the top fighters in the world, Amosov currently holds the longest active unbeaten streak in all of MMA, having yet to taste defeat through is first 26 professional fights. With only three wins to go before eclipsing retired MMA star Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record of 29 straight wins, Page will look to spoil Amosov’s entry into the history books and capture BELLATOR gold in the process, becoming the first British welterweight to do so. 

SHOWTIME will televise the main card action live from The SSE Arena, Wembley in London at 9 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. ET.Additionally, the stacked preliminary slate of fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 5:30 p.m. GMT/1:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets for BELLATOR LONDON: Amosov vs. MVP will go on sale Friday, Jan. 21, at both axs.com/uk and BELLATOR.com, with a special presale taking place starting Wednesday, Jan. 19.

Honing his skills with American Top Team in Florida, the undefeated “Dynamo” smothered three-time welterweight champion Douglas Lima on June 11, 2021, en route to capturing the 170-pound title with a five-round unanimous decision. Amosov pitched a shutout on one scorecard, while dropping only round on the other two. The judges scored the contest 50-45 and 49-46 twice.

Set to headline a BELLATOR MMA card for the third time in eight fights since joining the promotion in July 2018, the Ukrainian powerhouse has compiled a perfect 7-0 promotional record with triumphs over such top-tier talent as Ed Ruth, Logan Storley, and Lima.

Prior to commencing his professional MMA career at age 18 in 2012 and becoming the first Ukrainian-born champion in BELLATOR MMA history, Amosov secured the World Combat Sambo Federation crown four times (2013-15, and 2017), as well as the European Combat Sambo Federation title twice (2013-14). A four-time world sambo kingpin, the Kiev native also earned a European Cup crown to go along with his two European and Eurasia championships during a stellar amateur career.

Scheduled to fight for the second consecutive time in front of his hometown fans, MVP avenged a previous loss by earning a hard-fought, split decision in his last outing over Lima at BELLATOR MMA 267 on Oct. 1, 2021. Two of the judges saw it 29-28 for MVP, while the third scored the close battle 29-28 for Lima.

Hailing from a highly successful kickboxing family, the multi-faceted MVP started his mixed arts career when he began training at the tender age of five. Nicknamed “Venom” in homage to a 1978 cult martial arts film entitled “Five Deadly Venoms,” the United Kingdom standout turns 35 one month prior to challenging Amosov. In addition to his cage success, Page has secured 10 freestyle kickboxing world titles and knocked out both of his pro boxing opponents since making his 2016 squared circle debut.

After opening his BELLATOR MMA career with a 10-second destruction of Ryan Sanders at BELLATOR MMA 93 in March 2013, MVP has recorded the most knockouts in the history of the Scott Coker-led promotion. Three years after his promotional debut, the once-beaten Londoner captured one of the most devastating knockouts in BELLATOR MMA history when he landed a flying knee at 4:31 of the second round to stop Brazilian Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos at BELLATOR MMA 158 in London. Currently riding a six-bout winning streak, the hard-hitting Page opened his pro career by scoring nine first-round finishes in his initial 13 contests.

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. 

Joe Smith Jr. retained the WBO Light Heavyweight title with a 9th round stoppage over late-replacement Steve Geffrard at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

Smith dominated the action by landing power shots to back up Geffrard. Geffrard showed little resistance, but was able to hang around and last rounds by moving a little bit. He spent most of his time eating hard shots on the ropes.

in round nine, Smith threw a quick 15-punch flurry that put Geffrard down for the 10-count just as his corner was stopping the fight at 37 seconds.

Smith, 174 1/4 lbs of Long Island, NY is 28-3 with 22 knockouts. Geffrard, 173.5 lbs of Delray Beach, FL 18-3.

Smith said, “He really brought it today. It was a great fight. As you can see, he’s a great boxer, a good survivor. I was trying to get him out of there early, but I realized he was very tough and I wasn’t going to be able to do that. I tried to wait until the later rounds and started throwing more combinations to pick him apart.
 
“{Beterbiev} is what I want. I want to get back in the gym, work on my craft, and like I say each and every time I get in the ring, I’m going to get better and better. I believe the next time you see me, I’ll be ready for anybody.
 
“If Canelo wants to come to 175 and fight me, I’m ready for him. That’s the fight I want. Everybody would love to see that fight. It would be a big deal.”

Nova Stops Encarnacion in 8

Abraham Nova made his featherweight debut with an 8th round stoppage over William Encarnacion.

Nova dominated the action as he landed some solid body punches early. Nova began to take his work work upstairs and started to wobble Encarnacion in round six through the rest of the fight, which was stopped at 55 of round eight after a big flurry of punches.

Nova, 126 3/4 lbs of Albany, NY is 21-0 with 15 knockouts. Encarnacion, 127 lbs of The Dominican Republic is 19-2.

Nova said, “It feels good to fight close to home a day after my birthday. I had a tricky opponent in front of me, but I got the job done.

“I want {WBO world champion Emanuel Navarrete}, to be honest. Everybody thinks he’ll blow me out. Put him in there. Let’s see if he’ll do it. I know I’ll beat him. I know I have the punch output, I know I’ll knock him out, and I know I’ll be the next WBO champion.”

Omar Rosario celebrated his 24th birthday with a six-round unanimous decision over Rawkwon Butler in a junior welterweight fight.

In round six, Butler was bleeding from his nose.

Rosario landed 132 of 368 punches; Butler was 52 of 218.

Rosario, 139 1/4 lbs of Caguas, PR won by scores of 58-55 and 59-54 twice and is now 6-0. Butler, 138 1/4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 4-2.

Jahi Tucker remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Akeem Black in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Tucker dropped Black after a series of hard power shots that was finished up with an uppercut. The onslaught continued in round two as Tucker continued to batter Black until the fight was stopped at 1:18.

The 18 year-old Tucker, 146 3/4 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 6-0 with four knockouts. Black, 145 3/4 lbs of Chicago, IL is 6-5.

2021 U.S. Olympian Troy Isley pounded Harry Keenan Cruz-Cubano for a six-round unanimous decision in a middleweight fight.

In round one, Cruz-Cubano was cut under his left eye.

In round six, Isley was deducted a point for a low blow.

Isley, 156 1/4 lbs of Alexandria, VA won by scores of 59-53 and 59-54 twice and is now 4-0. Cruz-Cubano, 156 1/4 lbs of Jacksonville, FLA is 6-3.

Lyubomyr Pinchuk won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Mario Flores in a cruiserweight fight.

In round two, Pinchuk was cut over his left eye from a clash of heads.

Pinchuk, 194.5 lbs of Lviv, UKR won by scores of 8-72 and 79-73 and is now 14-2-1. Flores, 197.5 lbs of Washington, DC is 8-3-2.

Follow all the action as Joe Smith Jr. defends the WBO Light Heavyweight Title against Steve Geffrard.  The action begins at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT with featherweights Abraham Nova and William Encarnacion.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Geffrard countering with the left hook..Triple jab..Left hook..3 rights from Smith..Left hook

Round 2 Smith shoe shining…Right to body..Good Jab

Round 3 Jab from Geffrard..Right from Smith…Big Right..Right..Nice Right from Geffrard..Left counter..

Round 4 Onslaught from Smith..Right to body..Big Right

Round 5 4 punch combo from Geffrard…Left counter..Double/jab left hook from Smith…Big Straight right..Right hurts Geffrard…

Round 6 

Round 7 Good right from Smith…Left hook and double right uppercut…left uppercut…

Round 8 Left from Geffrard..Uppercut from Smith and another

Round 9 BIG SEVEN PUNCH FLURRY AND DOWN GOES GEFFRARD…REFEREE COUNTS 10….FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Right from Encarnacion…
Round 2 Jab from Nova…Nice Right
Round 3 Nice hook from Nova…Nice Body shot
Round 4 Body shot from Nova..Body shots…Right to body
Round 5 Nova lands a combination to the head…More Body work
Round 6 Nova Teeing off on Encarnacion…Nova bleeding over right eye from a headbutt
Round 7 Hard 1-2 from Nova…Nice Right uppercut ..Left hook and hard right
Round 8 Nice right from Nova..Encarnacion on shaky legs…ENCARNACION’S CORNER STOPS THE FIGHT

New York (January 14, 2022) — Tomorrow Night at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, Abraham Nova takes on William Encarnacion in a 10-round featherweight bout.

Also, Split-T Management’s undefeated junior welterweight Omar Rosario takes on Raekwon Butler.

The fight will be the co-feature bout live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) Saturday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Nova, who is world-ranked (number-three by the WBO) at junior lightweight, moves down in weight class.

The Albany, New York native will fight close to home, as the Split-T Management fighter comes into the ring with a record of 20-0 with 14 knockouts.

Nova, 28 years-old has wins over Weusi Johnson (1-0), Martin Nicolas Matamala (9-2), Andres Zepeda (7-1), Hassan Nourdine (9-2), Sulaiman Segawa (11-1), Bryan Pelaez (8-2), Mario Ezequiel Sayal Lozano (18-2-1), Luis Ronaldo Castillo (20-3), Avery Sparrow (10-1) and his bout when Nova won a unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic on August 14, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Nova weighed 126.75 lbs. Encarnacion was 127 lbs

Nova is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions

Encarnacion of the Dominican Republic is 19-1 with 15 knockouts.

Encarnacion, 33 has wins over Anyelo Munoz (10-2), Alan Guzman (16-1), John Casado (17-1), Danny Aguero (11-1), Marlembron Acuna (4-1), Milner Marcano (10-2), and Eliezer Aquino (19-2-1). In his last outing, Encarnacion won a unanimous decision over Donny Garcia on December 17, 2020. This will be Encarnacion’s American debut.

Beginning at 7:45 on ESPN+, junior welterweight Omar Rosario will look to stay undefeated as he takes on Raekwon Butler.

Rosario of Caguas, Puerto Rico is 5-0 with two knockouts. The former Puerto Rican amateur star has defeated three undefeated foes in his first five fights with wins over Uriel Vallanueva (1-0), Wilfred Mariano (3-0) and his last opponent, Marc Misiura (2-0) on August 27, 2021 in Plant City, Florida.

Butler of Brooklyn, New York is 4-1 with two knockouts. The 26 year-old Butler is coming off a unanimous decision over Derrick Whitley on December 11, 2021 in Philadelphia.

Rosario weighed in at 139.25 lbs Butler checked in at 138.25

Rosario is promoted by Top Rank

    •  Joe Smith Jr. 174.25 lbs vs. Steve Geffrard 173.5 lbs 
(Smith’s WBO Light Heavyweight Title — 12 Rounds)

•     Abraham Nova 126.75 lbs vs. William Encarnacion 127 lbs 
(Featherweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7:45 p.m. ET/4:45 p.m. PT)

   •    Omar Rosario 139.25 lbs vs. Raekwon Butler 138.25 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Jahi Tucker 146.75 lbs vs. Akeem Black 145.75 lbs
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

   •    Troy Isley 156.25 lbs vs. Harry Keenan Cruz-Cubano 156.25 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)
  •    Lyubomyr Pinchuk 194.5 lbs vs. Jose Mario Flores 197.5 lbs
 (Cruiserweight — 8 Rounds)

Female flyweight prospect Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora’s 10-round fight tonight is back on after a more accurate PCR test she was administered came up negative for Covid today.

Coachella, California’s Fundora (4-0, 2 KOs) was set to face Santiago de Veraguas, Panama’s Nataly Delgado (8-4-1, 3 KOs) in a televised bout for the WBC Latino Flyweight Championship on tonight’s (Friday, January 14, 2022) “Box & Roll” event at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama.

However, at yesterday’s weigh-in, the 19-year-old southpaw and former amateur standout was shocked to discover she had tested positive for the virus, according to a rapid test. As per commission procedure, Fundora, who showed no symptoms, was allowed to weigh-in (111.25 lbs.) and was given a more-accurate 24-hour PCR test by the same laboratory to be certain.

The results of that test proved her negative status today.

“I’m so relieved,” said a happy Fundora. “We worked so hard for this, it would have been a shame to miss it. I didn’t let it get me down though. We kept the focus and our faith and today, I’m negative and the fight is back on!”

Presented by Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, Carlos Gonzalez of Best Box, Carlos Andres Tello of Tello-Box and Paco Damian of Paco Presents and broadcast live internationally on TyC Sports and in Panama on TV Max Channel 9, Fundora will be fighting her televised battle in support of the night’s 10-round main event, Curundu, Panama’s Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (17-2, 14 KOs) will face Nicolas Polanco (20-1-1, 11 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the WBC Latino Silver Lightweight Championship.

In the night’s co-main event, La Banda, Santiago del Estero, Argentina’s Hugo Alberto “Nato” Roldan (20-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Barranquilla, Colombia’s German Del Castillo (10-1-2, 7 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBC Latino Silver Super Lightweight Championship.

And in the opening televised bout, Colon City, Panama’s undefeated Ernesto Marin (9-0, 5 KOs) will face Monteria, Colombia’s Carlos Suarez (8-2, 6 KOs) in a six-round lightweight showcase.

“I’m very happy things worked Gabriela. She is a future champion,” said her promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “Yesterday, I was very upset, but she kept her calm and focus. I’m looking forward to another great performance from the young woman they call ‘Sweet Poison.’”

The night will begin with an amateur boxing tournament. Sembrando Campeones, a running program for South American amateur boxing, features the next wave of fighting talent from Uruguay and Panama.

On fight night, the televised action will begin at 22:00 hrs. (10:00 pm GMT-3) in Argentina Time and 20:00 hrs. (8:00 pm EST) in Panama.

For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 14, 2022) — Undefeated lightweight contender Giovanni “El Cabron” Cabrera, a southpaw boxer-puncher from Chicago, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank. Cabrera, who is managed by Steve Feder and trained by the legendary Freddie Roach, will make his Top Rank debut Saturday, Jan. 29, on the Robson Conceição-Xavier Martinez undercard at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
Cabrera (18-0, 7 KOs) will face Mexico’s Alejandro Frias (13-5-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will stream live on ESPN+, ending a layoff of more than two years due to managerial and promotional issues.
 
“Giovanni is a legitimate lightweight contender who just needs an opportunity to showcase his talents,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has sparred the top fighters, and with Freddie Roach in his corner, I am confident Giovanni will rise to the occasion.”
 
Cabrera said, “I’m excited to be signed with Top Rank, the promoter of so many great champions. I always wanted to sign with Top Rank because of that history. I have great trust in Bob Arum and the entire Top Rank team, and I will prove that I am a world championship contender. I have Freddie Roach in my corner and the skills to reach the top. It’s now or never.”
 
Cabrera had a storied and unique amateur career, winning the Chicago Golden Gloves in 2013 before moving to Mexico, where his father was born. In 2015, he earned a bronze medal at the Mexican National Championships and nearly qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Cabrera returned to the United States to begin his professional career, notching 18 wins from April 2016 to October 2019.
 
He has not fought since a split decision victory over Joshuah Hernandez, but he has spent the layoff sharpening his skills against the world’s elite. Cabrera has sparred Manny Pacquiao, Gary Russell Jr., Jose Zepeda and Ray Beltran, earning his stripes in the gym while awaiting his ring return. 

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (January 14, 2022)—Don King has done it again!

After working the phones and finalizing contracts, King proved once again he knows how to put together an action-packed championship night of boxing come Saturday, January 29^th in Warren, Ohio at the W.D. Packard Music Hall.

Count them…six championship bouts on one card featuring two World Championships—the co-main events spotlighted with Ilunga Makabu defending his WBC World Cruiserweight Championship against Thabiso Mchunu and WBA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Bryan risking his title against Jonathan Guidry.

Tickets for the spectacular night of boxing are on sale at Ticketmaster or the W.D. Packard Music Hall.  The tickets will be priced at $550, $350, $250, $175 and $80. 

The evening will feature two co-main events as Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) of South Africa takes on the number one challenger and fellow countryman, WBC Silver Champion Mchunu (23-5, 13 KOs).   The winner is hopeful of the opportunity to fight World Champion Canelo Alvarez later this year.

The WBA World Heavyweight champion Trevor Bryan (21-0, 15 KOs) of Fort Lauderdale, FL will be featured in the other co-main event as he risks his title against Jonathan Guidry (17-0-2, 10 KOs) of Dulca, Louisiana.

And if those two championship fights weren’t enough, King has four other NABA titles on the line for fighters who are knocking on the door of stardom.

The NABA Gold Heavyweight championship will pit veteran Alonzo Butler (34-3-2, 25 KOs) from Chattanooga, TN taking on young Ahmed Hefny (13-1, 5 KOs) from Egypt via Queens, NY.

The NABA Cruiserweight title clash features Johnnie Langston (9-3, 3 KOs) of Sarasota, FL and Nick Kisner (22-5-1, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, MD.

The NABA Middleweight Championship will be up for grabs as local product Michael Moore (18-3, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, OH will meet Anthony Lenk (17-7, 7 KOs) of Niagara Falls, NY.

The sixth and final title fight of the night will showcase Cody Wilson (10-3, 7 KOs) of West Virginia, VA and Tre’Sean Wiggins (12-5-3, 6 KOs) of Newburgh, NY battling for the NABA Welterweight championship.

The evening will get rolling with a special Cruiserweight attraction pitting Jaywon Woods (11-1-1, 5 KOs) of Danville, VA challenging Shawn Miller (18-6, 7 KOs) of Troy in an eight-round affair.

The World’s Greatest Promoter, Don King, has come through again with another spectacular championship night of boxing as he returns to Ohio.

PITTSBURGH (January 14, 2022) – The journey continues tomorrow night (Saturday) for Matt “Sweet Child” Conway (20-2, 8 KOs) as he continues to bring boxing’s popularity back to what it was back in the glory days.

Conway headlines “Winter Mayhem,” which will be streamed live on www.facebooklive.com for $19.99 (at Cut ‘N’ Run Productions’ page), versus cross-state rival Avery Sparrow (10-3, 3 KOs), of Philadelphia, in the 12-round main event for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Featherweight Championship, at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Cheswick, Pennsylvania.

While boxing in Pittsburgh will never be as popular as it once was during the glory years when local heroes Harry Greb (1913-26), Billy Conn 1934-48), and Charlie Burley (1936-50) were household names at the junction of 3 rivers, Conway hopes to make the sweet science more relevant than it has been there in many years.

“Fighting for a world title is a dream come true for me, especially bringing a title back to Pittsburgh,” said Conway, who has never been stopped in 22 pro fights. “Pittsburgh hasn’t been a big boxing town since Paul Spadafora (1995-2014) and Sammy Vasquez fought (2012-2017). I’d like to help bring boxing back here to that level.

“I’m really hoping to win the IBA World title to get my name out there so that this kid from Pittsburgh

gets more recognition and title fight opportunities. I want to continue the rich Pittsburgh boxing tradition. It’ll start when I bring the IBA title to Pittsburgh. There are a lot of talented, young fighters in Pittsburgh. We just need to fight and (promoter) Derek Gionta is doing that for me and other fighters. He’s really helping us.”

The 26-year-old Conway is fully prepared to face Sparrow, who’s notable victories have been against fellow Philly fighter 29-2-1 Hank Lundy (WMDEC10) and 19-1-1 Jose Lopez (WUDEC10).

“He’s a tough fighter who uses his jab and is able to move and box,” Conway said about Sparrow. “I’ll try to nullify his left hand and do what I do.”

Conway, who has never been stopped in 22 pro fights to date, has successfully bounced back from back-to-back losses in Reno and Las Vegas on the ESPN+ platform to, respectively, to 10-1-1 Francisco Esparza (SDEC8) and 17-0 Gabriel Flores, Jr. (UDEC8).

“It wasn’t difficult,” Conway talked about coming back from two straight losses after winning his first 17 pro fights. “I lost to a 17-0 guy in Las Vegas. I learned more from my two losses than I did in my 17 wins going into those fights. I’ve taken what I’ve learned from those fights and applied it to my last three fights (all wins). I’m hungrier!”

“Matt has done everything asked of him over the last year, going 3-0),” Gionta remarked. “This is a big fight for the region. Having a cross-state rival from Philly in the main event is huge. Sparrow is a very good boxer and anyone that knows anything about boxing knows that and how good of a match-up this is.

“Putting a belt on the line in a 12-rounder is enough to intrigue casual fans aside from our loyal boxing followers. A win against Sparrow will do a lot for Conway. Most importantly, it’ll show how much he developed over the past year or so and will line him up for bigger challenges down the road.”

In the co-featured event, Ohio lightweight Ryizeemmion “The Humble Beast” Ford (6-1, 4 KOs) faces Texan Charles Clark (3-8-1, 1 KO) in the 6-round co-featured event.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard in 4-round bouts are heavyweight Anthony Halloway (3-2-2, 3 KOs) vs. Thomas Hawkins (4-9-1, 1 KO), undefeated Portugal super featherweight Milton Jorge Andrade Jeremias (2-0, 2 KO) vs. David Boria (0-4), and super featherweight Alexander Castellano (5-1, 2 KOs) vs. Shawn Rall (1-4, 1 KO).

Card is subject to change.

Available tickets are priced at $50.00 (reserved seating, plus tables of 8 ($800) are available to purchase by calling 412.759.0407.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout starting at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /DerekGionta

Twitter: @DGionta

Instagram: @d_p_g1

LinkedIn: DerekGionta-GiontaManagement

DANIEL DUBOIS ASSESSED the heavyweight landscape and concluded that he is destined to become the leading man of the division when his time comes.

The 24-year-old is ranked at No.1 by the WBA and a shot at the champion Trevor Bryan is set to be called by the governing body. The WBA, of course, also have a ‘super champion’ via unification which is currently Oleksandr Usyk, who is awaiting a rematch with the vanquished Anthony Joshua.

Dubois defeating Bryan would ultimately see him put forward to face the Usyk-Joshua winner, or perhaps an undisputed champion if the belts come together.

Dubois acknowledges there is a lot to play out before any such mystic matchmaking becomes a reality.

“Let’s see in the next couple of fights and where it goes,” reasoned Dubois, who is set to return to the ring in March to begin his assault on world honours. “I want to take one fight at a time. I want to be up there at the top level fighting the best, winning a world title and holding onto it for a good long time. That is my aim and is all I can say.”

On the next destination for three of the belts, Dubois reiterates the thinking that Joshua must enforce his physical advantages to be in with a decent shout of reclaiming his lost property. However, he considers his heavyweight countryman as a winner whatever direction the titles go in.

“It was a good win for Usyk and a good fight for both of them really, a win either way for Joshua. They have a rematch now and I don’t know how that will turn out.

“He has reached the top level and what more can he do? I was a little bit surprised by the fight and, like a lot of people, I am of the opinion that he should have roughed him up, been a bit more physical with him and used his strength.

“He did what he did and Usyk just used his skill and boxed. He is a superior boxer so it all came good for him.

“He could possibly win the rematch and has got a chance. He is saying all the right things about changing up and coming in with a different attitude, so we will see,” continued Dubois, who believes Joshua’s training situation is purely down to personal choice and he must do what is right for himself.

“He has got to do what is right for him and look out for No.1. If it is a right decision he feels he needs to make then so be it.

“For me you always have to change things up when it goes stale and when something is broken you need to try and fix it. Good luck to him.”

To watch Dev Sahni’s full Unibet Lowdown interview with Daniel Dubois on YouTube, click here

LOS ANGELES (January 13, 2022) – Former world champion, and undefeated Mexican middleweight star, Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, and Prince George County, M.D.’s, D’Mitrus “Big Meech” Ballard (21-0-1, 13 KOs) will hosted a media conference call today to talk about their upcoming fight on February 19, live on DAZN worldwide excluding Mexico. The 12-round fight for Munguia’s WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title will be hosted at the iconic Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

Below are what the fighters had to say about their upcoming event.

JAIME MUNGUIA, UNDEFEATED WBO INTERCONTINENTAL MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION

“I am very happy to be coming back to Tijuana, the city that saw me grow up and has supported me throughout my career. And I am very motivated to work hard for the people of Tijuana.

“I have a big responsibility to my hometown after fighting far from home for a long time. I’m coming back being a world champion at 154lbs., have become a figure in the boxing world, it’s a big responsibility and I know it. I prepared everyday to make my hometown proud and have to really concentrate to not let in the distractions from home.

“I am very happy about the changes Erik Morales has made to my training. I have always been a defensive fighter, but I would always get stuck, it’s a mental thing. Erick has taught me to think more, breath, relax, take my time and control the timing of the fight. His training has influenced my style by throwing more combinations making sure I use my jab. Plus he has a lot of experience in the ring as well and I trust his judgment.

“I remember going by the Plaza Monumental de Playas De Tijuana when I was a kid and would dream of one day being able to fight there. I went to a fight there featuring Julio Cesar Chavez and Zorrita Soto and it was full of people. It was amazing. On February 19, I am going to be so proud to be there representing Mexico, representing Tijuana.”

D’MITRIUS BALLARD, UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTENDER

“I have seen Jaime fight on these big cards in DAZN for the last 2 years and there is plenty of footage on him. He is a great fighter, he comes forward and gets the job done. I am very confident in my skills and I feel like February 19 will be my time.

“My elbow injury was pretty serious at the time to keep me out of the ring. But right now, we have rehabbed it very well and my last fight in November, I had no issues with it and I feel very confident.

“It doesn’t bother me that we are fighting in Tijuana, as a fighter, generally speaking, it is expected to go into hostile environments, into enemy territory and take their belt, win the fight. Andre Ward did it, Errol Spence did it, Terence Crawford did it, Kambosas just did it, I can go on and on. It’s required of us, it’s required of boxers, it’s part of the journey. It’s just my time and my opportunity.

“I am extremely excited. I had a long layoff before the November 13th fight. To be 28 and 21-0 and a fight with Jaime, this is what I have dreamed of. When they told me it would be in Mexico I had no problem with it. This is a big opportunity for me, for my career.

“I know that I am a big underdog in this fight, mostly because people don’t know much about me. But I have a lot of experience, and have been in training camps with high profile champions like Canelo. I am just ready to take what I know is mine.”

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will take place on Saturday, February 19 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaBallard.

Carlos “El Caballo Bronco” Adames did his part and now he hopes Jaime Munguia does his.

Back in November, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said that he would order the winner of the Sergiy Derevyenchenko-Carlos Adames showdown to face Jaime Munguia to determine the mandatory challenger for the organization’s champion, Jermall Charlo.

Adames pulled off the upset victory on December 5th when he defeated Derevyenchenko via majority decision in Los Angeles on the Gervonta Davis-Isaac Cruz pay-per-view undercard.

Prior to the fight, Munguia and his team said they had no problem facing the Derevyencho-Adames winner and that they welcomed the challenge. 

Munguia reiterated his willingness to fight Adames last week when he told Un Round Mas co-hosts Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales (who is also his trainer) in an interview on their 18th episode that Caballo Bronco is on his hit list. 

Instead of heading directly to the elimination bout, Munguia left many boxing insiders shaking their head when it was announced that he would face the unheralded and largely unknown D’Mitrius Ballard on February 19th.

Adames would like to wish the unbeaten Mexican luck in his upcoming bout and hopes that he will honor his word and face him in his next fight.

“I want to wish nothing but the best to Jaime Munguia.  I know he is a very good fighter and I believe that my style and his style would produce fireworks with Mexico versus the Dominican Republic. Neither one of us takes a step backwards. Whenever you get two Latinos in the ring you know you will get a great fight,” said Adames.

“So Jaime, do what you have to do against Ballard then let’s face each other for the right to fight for the WBC title. You and your team already said that you would fight the winner so don’t back down now. I am here ready and willing to fight you anytime and any place.”

This Friday, January 14, 2022, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, Carlos Gonzalez of Best Box, Carlos Andres Tello of Tello-Box and Paco Damian of Paco Presents will present “Box & Roll,” the third instalment of a six-card series of professional boxing shows at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center in the El Panama Hotel in Panama City, Panama.

Broadcast live internationally on TyC Sports and in Panama on TV Max Channel 9, in the night’s 10-round main event, Curundu, Panama’s Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda (17-2, 14 KOs) will face Nicolas Polanco (20-1-1, 11 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the WBC Latino Silver Lightweight Championship.

In the night’s co-main event, La Banda, Santiago del Estero, Argentina’s Hugo Alberto “Nato” Roldan (20-0-1, 7 KOs) will take on Barranquilla, Colombia’s German Del Castillo (10-1-2, 7 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBC Latino Silver Super Lightweight Championship.

Also in action will be a female fighter on the fast track appearing in a televised showdown, as Coachella, California’s former amateur standout Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (4-0, 2 KOs) will take on Santiago de Veraguas, Panama’s Nataly Delgado (8-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round battle for the WBC Latino Flyweight Championship.

And in the opening televised bout, Colon City, Panama’s undefeated Ernesto Marin (9-0, 5 KOs) will face Monteria, Colombia’s Carlos Suarez (8-2, 6 KOs) in a six-round lightweight showcase.

In the TV swing bout, Panama City’s Jordan Salas (0-0-1) will look for his first career victory over debuting fellow Panamanian Pedro Munoz (0-0).

On the untelevised undercard, La Palma, Panama, heavyweight Abdiel Matute (2-1, 1 KO) will fight a four-rounder against Managua, Nicaragua’s David Bejarano (1-4, 1 KO); and in a four-round welterweight bout, Los Santo, Panama’s Alcibiades Ballesteros (0-1) will take on Panama City’s Jonathan Torres (3-0).

The night will begin at 5:00 pm EST with an amateur boxing tournament. Sembrando Campeones, a running program for South American amateur boxing, features the next wave of fighting talent from Uruguay and Panama.

On fight night, the televised action will begin at 22:00 hrs. (10:00 pm GMT-3) in Argentina Time and 20:00 hrs. (8:00 pm EST) in Panama.

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About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit

LOS ANGELES (January 12, 2022) – Undefeated bantamweight prospect John “Scrappy” Ramirez (8-0, 7 KOs), the second boxer signed to 3 Point Management (3PM) which also manages 43-0 Gilberto “Zurdo” Promotions, was arguably the most active boxer in the United States in 2021 with seven professional fights, including three on high-profile platforms headlined by “Zurdo,” the former World Super Middleweight Champion, and today the top-ranked World light heavyweight contender.

“’Scrappy’ is a hard-working kid that I’ve known for a while now and it’s great to have him around,” Zurdo commented. ”He brings a larger-than-life personality, and his flare is often well-received. I believe if he continues to work hard and stays in the gym, the sky is the limit. We know he’s a true athlete and I would put him against anyone in the bantamweight division.”

“Scrappy” made his pro debut December 18, 2020, on a pay-per-view event promoted and headlined by “Zurdo.” Two fights later, “Scrappy” fought in his first scheduled 6-rounder, in addition to a slated 8-round bout in only his sixth pro fight.

“Scrappy” and “Zurdo” are not related, however, they’re close and as the 25-year-old John explained, “With us it’s little bro and big bro. He may not be working my corner, usually because he’s fighting later on the same card, but I’m with him every day we’re training at Brickhouse (Boxing), and he’s always giving me tips and support. I live in downtown Los Angeles only a 15-minute drive from the gym in North Hollywood. It has it all and the real beauty of it is that it attracts fighters to spar and train with, especially when fighters are there for their training camp. We just had ‘Zurdo,’ David Benavidez, and 4-time world champion Brian Viloria, who is there as a trainer, for our last fight.

‘I feel good knowing I was the second fighter signed by 3 Point Management. Now, we have other fighters in our stable and that brings more competition. I want to be the best and, even though we’re on the same team, I want to go out there and do what it takes to be the best fighter I can be. I’m with ‘Zurdo” every day I’m in the gym and I watch him. He makes everything look easy, effortless, and that’s beautiful. He put his trust in me and I want to show him it was a good decision. I take great pride in being the first fighter they signed.”’

Ramirez’ long, arduous journey to this point started on the gridiron not in a ring, when he was a key member of the Lincoln High football team, profiled in a 2015 documentary, “ESPN 60: Letterman.” The players were from a crime-ridden part of Hollywood that was riddled with drugs and guns. Ramirez was a 5’ 4”, 160-pound running back on a team that, starting in Pop Warner competition, then advancing to Lincoln High, which hadn’t experienced success in football. Lincoln High went on to become a 3-time league champion, highlighted by semifinals playoff appearance in his senior year, eventually leading “Scrappy” to a roster spot Los Angeles Valley College’s football team.

Despite being warned he’d be red-shirted as a freshman, Ramirez played on the varsity as a true freshman but, after his first season, “Scrappy” wasn’t happy with his playing time nor the business side of college football. “Scrappy” soon found himself in what he described as a “dark place” for months, trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. He tried to enlist in all four military branches, but was rejected because, he said, due to all the tattoos on his body and their visual placements. One day, he heard a friend’s voice from the past saying, ‘Go to a gym.’ Despite having no experience in boxing, he walked into the famed Wild Card Gym to speak with Hall of Fame trainer, owner Freddie Roach, who told Ramirez training would be hard and that he’d need to start as an amateur boxer. His work ethic was admirable and because he was a gifted athlete, everything soon clicked, and he became a student of boxing. Ramirez had 25 amateur matches, capturing top honors in the Sugar Bert National Championships, as well as in the regional Golden Gloves and SoCal tournaments.

“I was on the right track,” Ramirez added. “Everything I learned in football from Coach Muskaki Matsumoto (Lincoln High) I applied in boxing like discipline. I trained hard every day and there was no wasted time.”

Ramirez moved to New York City because a boxing friend of his had a manager there willing to help “Scrappy” make his pro debut. Unfortunately, though, the pandemic quarantine went into effect, canceling his scheduled pro debut only one week prior to its scheduled date. Ramirez stayed in Churchill Gym, sparring and training, still hopeful of making his pro debut in the Big Apple. He eventually returned to Los Angeles and several weeks before the inaugural Zurdo Promotions event in Galveston, Texas, he received what is now a life-changing call from Zurdo’s manager, David Suh.

Scrappy action.jpg
“Before I went to New York City, I had talked to David about making my pro debut,” Ramirez added. “He remembered when I came back to LA and asked if I wanted to make my pro debut on December 18th (2020). I believe everything happens for a reason. I had become friends with Julian Chua at Wild Card. He saw me working at the gym and liked my work ethic. He gave me pointers and told me that one day we’d be working together. Julian became Zurdo’s head trainer and now he’s mine, too.”

His impressive pro-debut performance – first-round KO — led to enticing “Scrappy” into signing a managerial contract with 3 Point Management.

“Scrappy” says he’s an exciting, unique fighter from his ring walk to his outfit, as well as the way he fights. “I bring Bad Intentions into the ring,” he added. “It’s fun! I’m a chess player who always plans ahead. I’m versatile and able to adapt in the ring, which is super important. I want to take your soul!”

“’Scrappy’ not only has the skills,” Chua added, “he has the charisma and showmanship it takes to be a real star in this sport. Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance. He takes his training with a world championship attitude.”

A self-proclaimed student of boxing, “Scrappy” has particular enjoyed watching and studying Hector Camacho, Edwin Valero, Adrien Broner, Canelo Alvarez, Gervonta Davis, Vasyl Lomachenko, and, of course, “Zurdo” Ramirez.

“I am destined,” Ramirez concluded. “I’ve seen all this. I visualized, planned, and created these experiences before they happened. I was one of the most active fighters in the nation last year. My goal for 2022 is to stay busy, keep learning, and make statements. I’d like to have 6 more fights, get ranked, and bring home a championship belt. I will keep winning and give people a show.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Facebook: /JohnRamirez

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @Scrappyboxing

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 12, 2022) – The pride of Tijuana, Jaime Munguia (38-0, 30 KOs), will make a grand homecoming when he faces undefeated middleweight contender D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (21-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 12-round fight for Munguia’s WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title. The fighters were originally slated to face each other in 2021, but the fight was postponed due to an injury Ballard sustained during training camp. Now the rescheduled fight will be a winner-takes-all event set to take place in the iconic Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico, on Saturday, February 19, and will stream live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, January 14 at 9:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5,000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

“Ballard is a good, hungry fighter who will try to keep his undefeated status,” said Jaime Munguia. “He is going to be a dangerous rival, but I won’t let him come take what’s mine. I respect him, just like all my rivals, but I will be prepared to protect my belt and my reputation.”

“I am blessed to have this opportunity to prove I have what it takes to be among the elite in the middleweight division,” said D’Mitrus Ballard. “I believe our styles will make for a great and entertaining night of boxing. Scared money, don’t make no money!!”

“This is a winner-takes-all, high-stakes fight for both Munguia and Ballard,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “Ballard has been waiting for an opportunity like this to prove he has what it takes to become a serious contender in the middleweight division. He will come with everything he’s got to ensure a victory on February 19. Munguia will need to step up to ensure his title and undefeated record are not taken away from him. He will have to come in full defense mode to protect what is his. Both fighters have a lot to lose here, and this fight will prove to be an exciting, winner-takes-all event for fight fans.”

“We are very excited about the return of Jaime Munguia to the city where he was born,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO, Zanfer Boxing. “We believe that Ballard will not be easy at all, he is a complicated rival, but we are sure that Munguia will come out with his hand up in victory and give a great night of boxing to all his fans in Tijuana”

Having been away for more than four years, former world champion and undefeated fighter Jaime Munguia is eager to return to Tijuana and show off all he has accomplished in a grand homecoming event at the Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana. One of the most exciting fighters to come out of Tijuana, Mexico, and currently ranked fifth worldwide in the middleweight division, Munguia is a skilled fighter who most recently proved to be among the elites in the middleweight division in a fantastic outing against ‘King’ Gabriel Rosado in Nov. 2021. Already having claimed a world title at 154lbs., Munguia is ready to take on another challenge by facing D’Mitrius Ballard at 160lbs. to kick-off 2022.

After a minor setback in early 2021 due to an injury, D’Mitrus Ballard is ready to start 2022 in a major battle to prove he deserves a spot among the elite of the middleweight division. A native of Temple Hills, Maryland, the undefeated 28-year-old boasts a decorated amateur career and has faced tough competition like Victor “Sina” Fonseca, Alan “Amenaza” Campa, and Olympic bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao. Ballard was last seen in the ring fighting against Paul Valenzuela Jr. in November 2021, winning the fight unanimously.

Munguia vs. Ballard is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Boxing. The fight will take place on Saturday, February 19 at Plaza Monumental de Playas de Tijuana, in Tijuana, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Ballard go on sale Friday, January 14, at 9:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $250MX, $700MX, $2,000MX, $3,500MX, $5,000MX not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.arema.com.mx and at their participating retailers.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaBallard.

Power-punching WBC #13 and WBO #14 light heavyweight contender Ali Izmailov returned to action last Friday night (January 7, 2022) with an impressive four-round stoppage of capable Panamanian veteran Israel Duffus on the untelevised undercard of the ShoBox: The New Generation event at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Fla.

One of the heaviest punchers in the world at 175 lbs., Izmailov (7-0, 5 KOs), from Malgobek, Russia, had things all his way against the determined but outgunned former WBC FECARBOX Light Heavyweight Champion Duffus (20-8, 17 KOs). Despite facing a long list of top prospects, the normally durable Duffus hasn’t lost to a fighter with a loss on his record since 2014 and hadn’t been stopped since 2016. Izmailov dropped Duffus in the third with a clubbing right hand and stunned him badly with another before Referee Chris Young halted the action mercifully at :34 of the fourth.

As promised, Izmailov concentrated much of his brutal attack on the body with both of his concrete hands, which softened Duffus up for the thudding finish. Surprisingly, Izmailov looks to have shored up his defense considerably as Duffus missed more than other opponents have previously in the Russian’s career.

The fight was Izmailov’s second with all-star trainer John David Jackson, with whom he now works and resides in Florida.

“I felt unbeatable,” said Izmailov, post-fight. “He couldn’t touch me and I was hitting harder than ever. Thank you to my trainer John David and Salita Promotions for this opportunity to stay active and show my improved skills.”

“Ali’s fight last Friday was a very good performance for him,” added John David Jackson. “He systematically broke his opponent down with a good jab, a great body attack and very good defense. Some people were concerned with the opponent we had chosen for him, but I knew that he would come through with flying colors. He is definitely ready for bigger and better boxing matches.”

Quickly gaining a reputation with his punching power as the next Russian Bloc strongman soon to make his considerable presence felt in the light heavyweight division, the 28-year-old Izmailov appears to be rounding into form for a championship challenge, despite just seven professional fights. The former amateur star has been fast-tracked by promoter Salita, who says he likes what he saw last Friday from his fighter.

“I was very impressed with the improvements Ali and John have already made together,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Ali is going from the hardest puncher in the division to a nightmare for anyone to try and face with John in his corner and it showed Friday night. That was a good opponent that Ali took apart easily and didn’t have to pay a heavy price for doing it with his improved defense. I am very happy with his performance, overall. He will be in an even bigger fight sometime this year.”

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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.

January 12, 2022 – Boxing superstar Claressa “G.W.O.A.T.” Shields will make her long awaited U.K. debut on Saturday, February 5, kicking off Black History Month by defending her WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight titles against undefeated #1 ranked challenger Ema Kozin live on pay-per-view in the U.S. and Canada.

The four-fight pay-per-view telecast will begin at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT with Shields vs. Kozin serving as the co-main event to the highly-anticipated headliner between middleweight contenders Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams. 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 superfight showdown with WBO Middleweight Champion Savannah Marshall in 2022.

Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat she has ever suffered in the amateur or pro ranks. Shields must emerge victorious on February 5 to clinch her long-awaited revenge match against Marshall.

“I’m eager to get back in the ring and I can’t wait to return to boxing on February 5 in the U.K.,” said Shields, who is training in her hometown of Flint, Michigan with her coach John David Jackson. “We’ve been pushing through the delays so that I’m 100% ready to display my skills against Ema Kozin. I’m going to give her a beating that’s going to make Savannah Marshall regret agreeing to face me. This is going to be a performance you’re not going to want to miss.”

The 26-year-old Shields defeated the previously unbeaten and then IBF World Super Welterweight Champion Marie-Eve Dicaire in March of last year to make history and become the first boxer in the four-belt era to be an undisputed world champion in two weight classes. Shields has made history throughout her boxing life, as she is also the only fighter in U.S. Olympic boxing history to win two gold medals with wins in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016.

The pay-per-view can be purchased through the recently-launched PPV.com streaming platform from iNDEMAND, FITE.TV and will be carried in North America across all cable, satellite and telco PPV platforms. 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.

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

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.

Long Island, New York (January 12, 2022)

Star Boxing and The Paramount are gearing up to kick off the Rockin’ Fights series in 2022 with the 41st edition of the famed “Rockin’ Fights” series scheduled for Friday, March 18th. “Rockin’ Fights 41” will mark the start of the 11th year of fights at The Paramount, since the series inception in 2011.

Tickets are on presale now for our loyal fans until tomorrow January 13 at 10AM using code STAR. Tickets open to the public on Friday, January 14 at 10AM. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

The past two years has been a whirlwind for the “Rockin’ Fights” series. Even a 19-month COVID induced hiatus couldn’t stop the “Rockin’ Fights” ring from being graced by top talent from across the world. Some fighters include super lightweight world title contender and NABA champion, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (26-1 21KO’s), undefeated Itlaian, IBO World Super Featherweight Champion, MICHAEL “LONE WOLF” MAGNESI (20-0 12KO’s), former WBC Silver Heavyweight champion and heavyweight world title challenger, CARLOS TAKAM (39-6-1 28KO’s), undefeated rising super lightweight prospect ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (12-0 4KO’s), 2016 Irish Olympian “MIGHTY” JOE WARD (5-1 2KO’s).

“We are excited to finally be back in the groove of promoting exciting and fan friendly fights at The Paramount,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “This will be our third show in seven-months, and we plan to continue to roll with can’t miss action fights. More information on the fight card will be announced soon.”

“Rockin’ Fights” 41 is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. Stay tuned in on all Star Boxing social media platforms (@StarBoxing) for fight announcements and “Rockin’ Fights” updates! Join the conversation by using the hasthag #RockinFights or #RF41.

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 PRESALE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
BUY TICKETS HERE
TICKETS START AT JUST $50
FIGHT NIGHT: FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH, AT THE PARAMOUNT
ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

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

“ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 41 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
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For more information visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 29 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Long Island’s hero, the “Common Man” JOE SMITH JR. will defend his WBO World Title against the power punching CALLUM JOHNSON on January 15, LIVE on ESPN from Turning Stone in Verona, NY.

“ROCKIN FIGHTS” returns for its 41st edition on St. Patrick’s Day weekend at The Paramount in Huntington NY on March 18th.

BUY TICKETS HERE

STAR BOXING ARCHIVES:
Rockin’ Fights 39: Alex Vargas vs Alejandro Munera
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 39:
September 4, 2021
The Paramount
Huntington, New York
Rockin’ Fights 23: Joe Smith Jr. vs Fabiano Soares
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 23:
April 23, 2016
The Paramount
Huntington, New York

Last Saturday (Jan 8, 2022), elite heavyweight prospect Fernely Feliz Jr. of Danbury, Connecticut, moved his young pro career forward another notch by easily stopping Chattanooga, Tennessee’s Cleveland Billingsly III in under a round.

Looking markedly more relaxed than in his pro debut last November and fighting on promoter Joseph Samara’s BlackSheep Promotions event at the Tennis Center in Delray Beach, Florida, Feliz landed his fast punches at will against the badly outgunned Billingsly.

A powerful right hook/left hook combination put Billingsly in a daze and a follow-up barrage convinced Referee Samuel Burgos he had seen enough. The official time was 1:13.

“I felt amazing in there. I felt like it was a perfect performance,” said a happy Feliz, post-fight. “This time I wanted to let my hands go and show my speed. I felt like last time I was thinking too much. It was my first fight, so I was being extra careful. Today I wanted to show my hand speed and it worked out perfectly.”

A former USA National Amateur Champion and #1 amateur super heavyweight, the colorful 25-year-old says he and father/trainer Fernely Sr. will next be looking for him to gain some size to compete in the big man’s division.

“I’m weighing in at 215, so I want to put on some more weight,” Feliz explained. “Skill wise, I’m always learning, but I want some more muscle. I wasn’t feeling the strength of my last opponent, but when I start fighting the really bigger guys, it could be a different story if I don’t gain some size.”

“I thought he looked phenomenal,” said Feliz’s promoter, Gino Limeri from Bulldog Promotions of the fight. “I can already see improvement from the first fight. We want to keep him active, so stayed tuned as you will see him again very soon.”

“Jr. is coming into himself,” added manager, Steven Heid The hard work and great sparring he got with Luis “King Kong” Ortiz is already paying dividends. I see can see his confidence building. I’m telling you right now, this kid is like a freight train steaming down the tracks and anyone that steps in front of this train is going to get run over!”