New York (December 2, 2021)–Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of 2021 Olympic Bronze Winner Oshae Jones to a managerial contract.

“We are very excited to add Oshae to our roster. She is one of the most decorated amateur boxers, and we feel she will be recognized as one of the top boxers in the world in a very short time,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

“I am happy, and overwhelmed to sign with Split-T Management. I have known David McWater ever since I was in the amateurs, and I trust him like a godfather. I know he is the only one that can get me in the right direction to get me the best opportunities and eventually win a world championship,” said Jones.

Jones, 23 of Toledo, Ohio began boxing at the age of 12, spawning a magnificent amateur career that saw her amass a record of 60-9 whilst competing all over the world.

Oshae received the key to her hometown, and was honored with a parade upon coming home with her Olympic Bronze Medal.

“Being able to represent my country in the Olympics really hit home for me because when I came home and realized all of these little girls started to look up to me. When I was younger, I wanted a female role model. I became the person that I always wanted. To see these little girls yelling my name at the parade made me realize that I accomplished something big. I showed that you can dress up and show your feminine side, yet still be a world class athlete.”

She dominated and won many prestigious tournaments such as the 2020 Stramdja, 2020 Boxam International, 2017 Eastern Elite Qualifier, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Elite Nationals, as well as the 2016 Youth Open and 2014 National PAL.

Two of Oshae’s most significant victories came when she received the Gold Medal at the 2019 Pan Am Games and finished first at the 2020 United States Olympic Trials.

She is the first female welterweight to represent the United States in the Olympics.

“It’s going to be a hard transition, but I can already feel and see myself maturing and perfecting the pro style.”

Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz says that people are sleeping on his speed, power and skills as he prepares to challenge Devin Haney for the WBC World Lightweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday December 4, live worldwide on DAZN.
Tickets starting at $58 (plus fees) go are on sale NOW!
Diaz, Jr. (32-1-1 15KOs) bids to become a two-weight World champion in Sin City, having previously come out on top in a Matchroom vs. Golden Boy fight when he took the IBF Super-Featherweight title from Tevin Farmer in Miami in January 2020.

The 29 year old landed the interim WBC strap in his first fight at 135lbs in July against Javier Fortuna, and now takes on another big task in the shape of the undefeated green and gold belt holder Haney (26-0 15 KOs).

Diaz, Jr. has a clear edge in experience over the 23 year old champion, with the 2012 Olympian having 101 more pro rounds under his belt than Haney, but Diaz, Jr. says that wisdom isn’t the only thing that gives his the edge over the defending king.

“Experience will be a key factor in my victory, but my power, speed and boxing ability are important too and I think that they are being underestimated,” said Diaz, Jr. “I’m a 2012 Olympian, I’ve been a World champion, I’ve boxed great fighters and I’ve paid my dues to get here. I’m here for a reason and from my hard work, and that’s going to be the difference.

“Devin is an elusive and smart defensive fighter, but I don’t feel he has the experience that I have. He has good range, and he uses his jab to keep on the outside, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before, I’ve seen multiple styles in the ring and whatever he brings, I’ll adapt.

“I feel that he’s the kind of guy that doesn’t have confidence in himself and he needs people around him to boost, build and gain his confidence. Me – I am self-confident, self-motivated, I know what I am doing and what I am capable of, and I am going to get him out of there.”

VERONA, N.Y. (Dec. 2, 2021) — Joe Smith Jr., Long Island’s working class hero, will make the long-awaited first defense of his WBO light heavyweight world title against British knockout artist Callum Johnson on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Smith-Johnson kicks off the Top Rank on ESPN 2022 schedule with a battle between two of the division’s biggest punchers. Smith was supposed to defend his title Oct. 30 in New York City, but a COVID-19 diagnosis delayed his return to 2022.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, the undefeated Abraham “El Super” Nova, who hails from Albany, N.Y., will face Mexican action star Jose Enrique Vivas. Smith-Johnson and Nova-Vivas will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

The undercard — streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — will see the long-awaited professional return of Cincinnati-born featherweight Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO), who captured a silver medal for the United States at the Tokyo Olympics. Long Island-born welterweight sensation Jahi Tucker (5-0, 2 KOs), Puerto Rican junior welterweight Omar Rosario (5-0, 2 KOs) and rising junior welterweight Kasir “Mazzi” Goldston (4-0, 1 KOs), are scheduled to appear in separate six-round bouts.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, tickets priced from $49 to $89 go on sale Friday, December 3 at 10 a.m. ET and can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office, charge by phone by calling 800.771.7711 or online at Ticketmaster.

“Joe Smith Jr. always delivers, and he is in against a tough customer in Callum Johnson. This is a can’t-miss main event to kick off our 2022 Top Rank on ESPN schedule,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Vivas is the ultimate test for a young, undefeated contender like Nova. Like our main event, you’re going to witness a tremendous battle.”

Smith (27-3, 21 KOs) retired the legendary Bernard Hopkins with a storybook knockout in 2015, but it took him nearly six years to capture a world title. He fell short in his first attempt versus Dmitry Bivol in 2019, but in 2020, big-fight opportunities knocked. Smith battered Jesse Hart over 10 rounds in January and then knocked out former world champion Eleider Alvarez through the ropes in August. Nearly eight months after the Alvarez triumph, he edged Maxim Vlasov by majority decision to earn the vacant WBO world title. He became the fourth Long Island-born boxing world champion, joining Buddy McGirt, Chris Algieri, and former WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring. After a full recovery, Smith returned to training intent on staking his claim as the world’s preeminent 175-pounder.

Smith said, “I am glad to be getting back into the ring as quickly as I am to defend my WBO world championship after having COVID. It is not the fight the fans or I expected, but this will be an explosive fight between two huge punchers. I look forward to facing Johnson and defending my belt in front of my fans, as well as putting on a great show for the ones watching at home.”

“Joe Smith Jr. is always exciting to watch, but this fight could top them all. This is ‘must-see TV’ and a perfect fight to launch ESPN’s 2022 boxing season,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing. “We are looking forward to Joe defending his WBO world title against Callum Johnson. With two of the hardest punchers in boxing fighting each other, it doesn’t get more explosive than this. Don’t miss this fight, and don’t blink!”

Johnson (20-1, 14 KOs) is a former British and Commonwealth light heavyweight champion riding a three-fight winning streak since a 2018 knockout loss to current WBC/IBF unified champion Artur Beterbiev. Johnson knocked Beterbiev down in the second round, but Beterbiev rebounded and knocked out Johnson in the fourth. Johnson, from Boston, England, shared the same bill with Smith at Turning Stone Resort Casino in March 2019. Johnson knocked out Sean Monaghan in three rounds, while Smith lost a decision to Bivol in a bid for the WBA light heavyweight title.

Johnson said, “Joe is a good world champion, and we’re both big punchers. I’m looking forward to it as much as I’m sure he will be. I also would like to thank Frank Warren and the team at Queensberry, who said they would deliver me a world title shot. They’ve done their job, and now it’s time for me to do my job in the ring and become the new WBO light heavyweight champion.”

“I’m delighted to deliver this opportunity for Callum,” said Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren. “When he came with us, he said he wanted to get active again and become a world champion. Callum has his chance now to realize his dream, and if he fights like I know he can, there is no reason why Britain won’t crown a new world champion on January 15.”

Nova (20-0, 14 KOs), world-ranked at junior lightweight, is now campaigning at featherweight. In June 2020, he turned away Avery Sparrow by unanimous decision, but in training camp for his next fight, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Nova was out of action more than a year and returned in August with an eight-round decision over Filipino veteran Richard Pumicpic. Vivas (21-1, 11 KOs) is a classic Mexican pressure fighter, a 27-year-old native of Texcoco who has won four in a row since a decision defeat to Ruben Villa. In October 2020, he needed only 76 seconds to knock out John Vincent Moralde. He returned in May and rose from a pair of third-round knockdowns to edge Louie Coria by unanimous decision.

About Turning Stone Resort Casino

Host of the January 15^th event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year caliber boxing. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a state-of-the-art sports book in partnership with Caesars Entertainment, five hotels, more than 20 signature dining options, two spas, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, multiple entertainment venues, five golf courses, and several bars and lounges offering live entertainment every weekend.  Additionally, Turning Stone is the Official Resort Casino of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. The partnership is a multifaceted initiative to spotlight boxing throughout the entire region. The program includes a series of boxing events at Turning Stone that culminate every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.  International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend will be held June 9 – 12, 2022.

As an increasing number of athletes and performers now require ticketholders to be vaccinated, Turning Stone has updated its health and safety protocols for the Event Center, The Showroom and Exit 33 nightlife venues to align with industry health and safety protocols.  All ticketholders 12 years or older are required to provide proof of vaccination to attend any event at the Turning Stone Event Center or The Showroom. Children 11 years or younger who are not vaccinated are required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of the event and will be required to wear face coverings while at Turning Stone. Guests visiting areas other than the Event Center, The Showroom and Exit 33 nightlife venues at Turning Stone are not required to provide proof of vaccination.

Media credential requests for the January 15^th fight should be emailed to Kelly Abdo, Director of PR for Turning Stone, at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

WITH THE BIG rematch looming on Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena, Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde met the media for the final time ahead of the crunch clash this afternoon at the BT Sport studios in Stratford.

Sat at the top table were Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, trainers Pat Barrett and Tunde Ajayi, along with both the fighters. Dev Sahni posed the questions and below are a selection of quotes from the media session.

Frank Warren

It is a fantastic fight and it should be added that Lyndon is No.1 with the WBO, so the winner of this fight will get the winner of Joe Smith v Callum, Johnson in January. That is what is on the table, there is more at stake in this fight and, as we know, the first fight took place behind closed doors. It was a good fight but it didn’t spark as I expected it to. It was a close fight that I thought Lyndon won, but this one will be different for many reasons. There is more at stake and it is in front of a live audience. They know each other well enough now, they have shared a ring for 12 rounds, so who has learned the most from that first fight? Who will change tactics from the first fight? Who will adapt?

This fight is the chance for both of them to put right whatever they felt didn’t happen for them in the first one. I think we have got something special, this time around it is going to spark, and we will have a special fight between two extremely good, world quality fighters. I am so looking forward to it.

There was no crowd last time and, to be fair to Sunny Edwards, he made up for the crowd and was very, very vocal. That has gone now and where we are now is Saturday night, which will be the acid test for the both of them.

Tunde Ajayi

My focus is not on what has been said. Saturday night is my main focus, I am not here to discuss Pat Barrett and what he’s done or even what I have done in the sport. This is, as Frank put it at the last press conference, this is war. Talking can get you far and it has done for many people, but there comes a point where you have got to show what it is. Myself and Anthony haven’t done too much talking to get to this point and I feel it is incumbent on us to continue showing those who come from a certain environment how to conduct themselves when you get to a certain level in the sport.

Everything is a lesson and absolutely I have looked back on the last fight. There has been a lot of growth, development and evolving, not only for myself, but for the team because we are very analytical in our preparation and have always been. There has been growth for everyone.

Anthony Yarde can do everything and I feel on Saturday night you will see something special. He can jab, he got a good right hand, a good left hook, a good left and right upper cut, a good left hook to the body and he’s got a good right hook to the body. So we aren’t focused on one man’s asset. We’ve got assets and they could end up being liabilities for the opponent.

Pat Barrett

I think they made a good choice in adding James Cook to the team, who is a very respectable fighter. I watched him coming up and he did it the hard way, he knows boxing and know how to come from the bottom to make it to the top. He is a creditable trainer and, really and truly, he should be sat up here at the table discussing Anthony. Yes I think he is very good.

It is kind of like Man City, who had so many managers before they could find the right one. I just don’t think there is enough time in the camp to say it is going to change him because it is not about physical attributes, it is about mental attributes. Me and Lyndon have grown together and the gelling has always been there. I’ve watched Lyndon grow up from being a kid to a man and the fighter he is today. The only changes I do with Lyndon is make him better.

I know the way Anthony Yarde is going to come because all they talk about is knocking people out. He is very good and I respect Anthony as a fighter. He is good at everything he does like Tunde says. When it is said we are looking at one thing with the jab, it is the master key that opens everything up. The funny thing is, they don’t respect Lyndon’s punching power and that will be their downfall because what they have got to realise is Lyndon is capable of doing more than one thing. He is intelligent in the ring, he can hold the pace when he wants to, he can drop it when he wants to, he can control it, he is good at distancing – he has got everything it takes at a world class level.

What you need to realise is trying to knock somebody out can also get you knocked out yourself. You have got to be smart in the boxing ring so my advice is to listen to James and become more of a thinker.

Anthony Yarde

I think it is a mixture looking back on the first fight. I am not going to take anything away from Lyndon because he did his job, stayed on the back foot, popped out the jab and didn’t engage. One hundred per cent it was down to me more than what he did. I think people can see that. They were waiting for me to put on the gas and it was literally my decision making. You saw it in the last round, when I went for it, it was a completely different fight. My mindset at the time was, it is the 12th round now, you’ve done the rounds and can put the gas on now full throttle.

It was just decision making and timing. My mindset was not there for the fight. I do not make excuses and I was heated straight after the fight, but you can’t reverse anything and you’ve got to go in there and take opportunities.

He got the decision, a split decision and there are mixed opinions in boxing. One judge gave it to me by four or five rounds and two gave it to him by one round so it is just perspective and how you see the fight. At the time I thought I won it, they thought it was close and, going back and watching it from a different angle, I thought it was a closer fight as well. I am not about to bullsh*t anyone or lie about anything. I am a realist and you cannot progress or get better if you are not honest with yourself.

I watched it back and kept saying it was sh*t, but I was going through a lot and my mind was not on boxing at all. People will probably understand that, but I am a person that doesn’t make excuses. It is all about this Saturday.

Lyndon Arthur

It is not a case of getting this one out of the way because, like I have said in interviews, he has been a good dance partner for me. In this part of my career it is the best fight financially and also the best fight to get me out there again. It is not about seeing the back of him because it has been fun. The first fight was my coming out party and this will kind of cement it. It is part of my journey.

It is completely cool for him to say I am a boring fighter because the boring fighter won. I don’t need to listen to anyone, if they think I am boring, everyone is entitled to an opinion. It is sport and everyone in this room has an opinion on me and him. Whether they like me or him is down to them. I don’t care.

If I am boring, I will win boring. We will find out on Saturday whether a crowd benefits either of us. He thinks it does, but I don’t think it benefits him. I don’t care, it is a fight and the crowd can’t get in there. They can scream, they can shout and it will make a fun atmosphere. I had Sunny there before and he is like a crowd.

The pre-fight stuff is entertainment. The business part of this is Saturday and it is fun until we get in the ring across from each other, in my opinion.

LOS ANGELES (December 1, 2021) – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz previewed their battle for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title at a media workout Wednesday before they headline a SHOWTIME PPV this Sunday, December 5 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The workout also featured unbeaten super welterweight contender Sergio Garcia, who takes on rising star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event of the pay-per-view telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Wild Card Boxing in Los Angeles:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“The change in opponent didn’t affect much in my training. That’s just the sport of boxing. You have to be ready for anything. I always know that I have to adapt to whatever comes my way.

“Everyone says he’s going to come forward, but that’s easier said than done. If he does, we’ll give the fans an exciting fight. We know that’s his game plan. I just have to be smart, do what I do best and put on a perfect performance.

“Just make sure you tune into this fight. This is going to be a good one. I’ve been training 13 weeks for this, so I’m going to be ready and well prepared.

“It’s amazing to be fighting on Sunday. You have football during the day and boxing at night. I have a lot of young fans that watch me and I think this is going to be a great show.

“I’m excited to be in Los Angeles. I was made for this stage and I can’t wait to put on a great performance Sunday.

“Having a second child has matured me as a person and a fighter. I have two daughters to look after. I know I have to go out there and do my thing as a professional athlete, but I know the responsibility that also comes with being a father.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“We are extremely motivated for this fight. We have been training really hard and we’ve put in the maximum effort day after day. This Sunday, we’re going to be ready for the challenge.

“We have been preparing the best way that we can. We are going to fight smart. We’re going to stay within our style and then go forward with the best strategy to win the title.

“Gervonta is a great champion and if he said that I’m a tougher fight than Rolando Romero, then there is a reason for that. He knows that I’m a better fighter than Romero because he saw me fight in San Antonio. There is a reason for his comments.

“I’m here to do my job to win the fight, and whether it’s by decision or knockout I’m going to try to win no matter what.

“I am going to show everybody that Isaac Cruz is a true Mexican warrior and I’m going to show them what I’m worth with every punch I throw. They will see what I’m worth on Sunday, December 5.”

SERGIO GARCIA

“I’m just glad to have this kind of opportunity on a card of this magnitude. I plan to take advantage of it. We’ve worked so hard to get here, and I know I have to put up my best effort to make the most of this chance that I have.

“I came to win this fight and win the hearts of the fans. I’m not going to be running. I’m going to stand up strong, be aggressive and show everyone that I’m for real. You’re going to be seeing me for a long time.

“Fundora is definitely an interesting opponent. It’s not common to see someone at his height in our division. I sparred with a lot of fighters who were his height and a lot heavier. That preparation is going to be to my advantage on fight night.

“The fanbases in the U.S. and in Europe are very different, but in the end, the ring is the same and we’re not going to be intimidated by fighting in a new country.

“I want people to know that I came here to fight my heart out and leave everything in the ring. Fans can count on a great show Sunday night.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

UNCASVILLE, CONN. (Dec. 1, 2021) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year as BELLATOR MMA rings in the holiday season and closes out a stellar 2021 with BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Sergio Pettis (21-5) defending his belt for the first time in an international clash against former BELLATOR 135-pound titleholder and current RIZIN champion Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3) Friday, Dec. 3, on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from inside the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. Conn.

In the thrilling co-feature, former featherweight world title challenger and No. 4-ranked Emmanuel Sanchez (20-6) will take on former UFC standout and No. 9-ranked Jeremy Kennedy (16-3, 1 NC).

Also anchoring the main card will be a bantamweight showdown pitting No. 7-ranked Josh Hill (20-4) against UFC veteran Jared Scoggins (10-1), as well as undefeated American Top Team-product and No. 5-ranked middleweight Johnny Eblen (9-0) putting his unblemished record on the line against BELLATOR newcomer Collin Huckbody (10-3) who has vanquished seven of his last eight opponents.

The four-fight main card will air on SHOWTIME in the United States at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In addition, the stacked seven-bout preliminary card will stream live three hours earlier beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 272 are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday, Dec. 1:

SERGIO PETTIS: BELLATOR MMA BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

“Wherever the fight goes, I will be ready. I want to go out there and dictate the pace. I don’t waste any motion or emotions out there.”

“Right now, BELLATOR is my home. I have the belt here. The main focus is Horiguchi this Friday. Once I get past that, we’ll see what happens.”

“I am in a groove right now and am on a four-fight win streak. You are really starting to see my potential. I really lacked that at the beginning of my career. I did not believe in my myself or my skill set. Right now, I believe in my skill set. My mindset is sharp, and everything is coming together.”

“I am taking myself seriously. I used to drink a lot and smoke a lot. Well, I still kind of smoke a lot, but I do not drink as much. I take myself a lot more seriously now. I am in the gym every single day. I feel like it is my time.”

“I still believe in hard sparring. We go to war in the gym. I would rather go to war in the gym than in these fights.”

“I have fallen in love with martial arts. This sport has taught me some beautiful things inside of the cage and out. It has been an awesome journey.”

“When I fought at 125 (pounds), I was definitely feeling fragile. The mentality at 125 is a lot different. It was a tough weight class for me because I walk around at about 162 or 165 (pounds). The individual I was back then wasn’t as dedicated.”

Click HERE for Pettis’ full media-day session

KYOJI HORIGUCHI: FORMER BELLATOR BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION

“I don’t care where I fight, either in Japan or this arena (Mohegan Sun). My condition is the best right now.”

“I prepared quite well for this fight. I will win.”

“I am focusing on getting the (BELLATOR bantamweight) belt back right now.”

“I have confidence to fight with him (Sergio Pettis) regardless of whether he uses jiu-jitsu or not.”

“I don’t get nervous and don’t feel pressure. A fight is a fight.”

“Pettis is a great fighter because he has the belt right now, but I am going to get it back.”

Click HERE for Horiguchi’s full media-day session

EMMANUEL SANCHEZ: NO. 4-RANKED BELLATOR FEATHERWEIGHT

“I had to learn a lot from my fights with Patricio Pitbull and Mads Burnell. It has been difficult, but I am 100 percent focused. I am ready to showcase who I really am, what I can do, and come out with a victory this Friday night.”

“I am really excited that we have this new (BELLATOR Featherweight) Champion in AJ McKee. He is a great fighter. We were scheduled to fight a couple of years ago and it did not happen. It is the only fight that I have ever needed to pull out of, but I know I will get that chance back one day and hope he (McKee) stays on top. First and foremost is Jeremy Kennedy and then I’ll work my way back up.”

“I have seen the growth and development of Sergio (Pettis) over the years, and it’s been an amazing ride. I have been training with him since I was a teenager. I have helped him get ready for all of his fights over the years, and he has helped me get ready for mine.”

It is time to shine, baby. We are (Sanchez and Pettis) finishing up the night strong by fighting in the co-main event and main event (on Dec. 3). We’re stealing the show.”

“Sergio and I are only a weight class apart. I am always learning from him even though I am older. He is a lifelong martial artist. It is not a race or a competition, but I got my black belt in jiu-jitsu before him. We are always helping each other in every department. We are really just blood brothers going out and making it happen.”

“Jeremy (Kennedy) is great at everything. He is a tough Canuck, man. He brings it and that is what makes this such an exciting fight. It is not like he is looking to just wrestle and control on the ground, or just strike, stand, and bang. It is a little bit of everything. So that makes for an exciting fight, and we’re going to throw down.”

“Jeremy brings so much to the table. He is on the top-10 list for a reason. I see a lot of the holes that I can capitalize on. I know how and why I am going to get my hand raised on Friday night.”

Click HERE for Sanchez’s full media-day session

JEREMY KENNEDY: NO. 9-RANKED BELLATOR FEATHERWEIGHT

“My whole lifestyle has changed. I was going back and forth between Canada which was home, and Las Vegas where I trained. I got possession to my house (in Las Vegas) on April 1 and fought on April 9. For the last seven months, I have been living in the same atmosphere where I do my fight camps.”

“I have constantly been in the gym grinding day in and day out. That has completely made me a different fighter. All around, my game has just gotten so much better.”

“It was a very competitive last fight (against Adam Borics at BELLATOR MMA 256). I am the better fighter. I lost and it was a tactical error on my part. It shows what BELLATOR sees in me. They know I belong at the top of the division. I plan on running through (Emmanuel) Sanchez and see what’s next.”

“This has been the favorite year of my career. It is a super competitive division. I love all the matchups. I feel like I can compete at the top of the division.”

“Emmanuel Sanchez has been a fighter that I have followed for years, and I can’t wait to fight him now.”

“My strengths play right into his (Sanchez’s) weaknesses. He will realize quickly during these exchanges that I am different. He will have a very hard time getting me off him if the fight hits the mat.”

“My whole life is MMA. That is what I have always wanted. I finally got to that stage. Here we are in the biggest fight of my life.”

Click HERE for Kennedy’s full media-day session

Click HERE for Josh Hill’s full media-day session

Click HERE for Jared Scoggins’ full media-day session

Click HERE for Johnny Eblen’s full media-day session

Click HERE for Collin Huckbody’s full media-day session

BELLATOR MMA 272: PETTIS VS. HORIGUCHI MAIN CARD:

Friday, Dec. 3 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/PT 

Bantamweight World Title Bout: C-Sergio Pettis (21-5) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (29-3)

Featherweight bout: #4-Emmanuel Sanchez (20-6) vs. #9-Jeremy Kennedy (16-3, 1 NC)

Bantamweight bout: Josh Hill (20-4) vs. Jared Scoggins (10-1)

Middleweight bout: #5-Johnny Eblen (9-0) vs. Collin Huckbody (10-3)

PRELIMINARY CARD:

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

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT 

Lightweight bout: Alexander Shabliy (20-3) vs. Bobby King (10-3)

Featherweight bout: John de Jesus (14-9) vs. Kai Kamaka III (8-4-1)

Welterweight bout: Levan Chokheli (9-1, 1 NC) vs. Vinicius de Jesus (9-4)

Lightweight bout: Justin Montalvo (3-0) vs. Jacob Bohn (10-7)

Lightweight bout: Killys Mota (12-2) vs. Mike Hamel (8-5)

160-Pound Contract Weight bout: Dan Moret (15-6) vs. Spike Carlyle (12-3)

Welterweight bout: #10-Oliver Enkamp (10-2) vs. Kyle Crutchmer (7-1)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Fri. Dec. 3 // BELLATOR 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi // Mohegan Sun Arena // Uncasville, CT

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. 

Michael Hunter, (222 lb.) vs. Jerry Forrest, (231 lb.)

Ten Rounds

Cassius Chaney, (249.4 lb.) vs. George Arias, (225.6 lb.)

Ten Rounds

Trey Lippe-Morrison, (236.2 lb.) vs. Mike Balogun, (235.2 lb.)

Ten Rounds

Junior Wright, (232.8 lb.) vs. Joe Jones, (214.6 lb.)

Six Rounds

Frederic Julan, (174.2 lb.) vs. Khainell Wheeler, (172.8 lb.)

Six Rounds

This Thursday’s TrillerVerz IV will be broadcast exclusively on TrillerFightClub.com and FITE  starting at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT through the TrillerVerz subscription package priced at $2.99 per month.  

TrillerVerz, successfully bringing together first-class professional boxing with iconic VERZUZ battles, is produced by the award-winning Nigel Lythgoe, the Triller Fight Club visionary in addition to the producer and creative force behind American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

The Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center is located at 311 W. 34th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue’s. Advance tickets priced at $200, $125, $75 and $45 are now on-sale and may be purchased online at Ticketmaster / Triller Fight Club. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at 6:30 p.m. ET. Following the fights at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT, the TrillerVerz IV broadcast will switch to Los Angeles for the VERZUZ battle.

Advance tickets starting at $39.50 for the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony / Three 6 Mafia VERZUZ battle may be purchased through LIVE NATION. The Hollywood Palladium is located at 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. PT.

In the ten-round main event of ‘Night of Heavyweights’, Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II, (20-1-1 14 KO’s), of Las Vegas, NV, world ranked #2 by the World Boxing Association, returns to New York City after a fifth-round knockout of Mike Wilson on August 3, 2021 for a rematch with southpaw veteran Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-1, 20 KOs), of Newport News, VA.  Since turning professional eight years ago, Hunter’s highly successful career in the professional ranks includes victories over top contenders Sergey Kuzmin, Aleksandr Ustinov, Martin Bakole, Isiah Thomas and Iago Kiladze. He also fought to a controversially scored draw with former heavyweight world champion Alexander Povetkin in 2019 with his only loss coming in 2017 at cruiserweight to current Unified Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Hunter defeated Forrest in their first bout on June 21, 2014, taking an eight-round unanimous decision. He is also world ranked #6 by the WB0 and #7 by the WBC in addition to #8 by Ring Magazine and #10 by ESPN.

A professional for nine years, southpaw Forrest hits the ring against Hunter following a controversially scored majority draw against world ranked and undefeated Zhilei Zhang on February 27, 2021 in Miami, FL. Forrest has also competed in hard fought ten-round battles with world ranked heavyweights Carlos Takam and Jermaine Franklin over the last two years.

The ten-round fight replaces Andrey Fedesov vs. Junior Wright after Fedesov suffered a training injury.

Co-featured at ‘Night of Heavyweights’ in a Special Attraction ten-round battle also featuring UNDEFEATED Contenders, Cassius ‘C.O.G.’Chaney, (21-0, 14 KOs), of New London, CT clashes with Bronx, NY native ‘Gentleman’ George Arias, (16-0, 7 KOs). A college basketball player at the University of New Haven before turning to professional boxing, Chaney returns to action succeeding a dominant ten-round decision over fellow contender Shawndell Winters on August 14, 2021 in Worcester, MA. On November 27, 2019, Chaney won the vacant World Boxing Council United States title with a third-round stoppage of Nick Jones. A native of the Dominican Republic, Arias hits the ring coming off a unanimous decision win over Joel Caudle on February 17, 2021. Prior to that victory, Arias defeated fellow undefeated prospect Gabriel Hernandez on October 24, 2019.

In a special attraction scheduled ten-rounder of UNDEFEATED Contenders, ‘Son of a Legend’, knockout artist Trey Lippe-Morrison, (18-0, 17 KOs), of Tulsa, OK faces former NFL Linebacker, Mike Balogun, (17-0, 13 KOs), of Upper Marlboro, MD. Well-known in the sport as the son of former Heavyweight World Champion Tommy Morrison, Lippe-Morrison, popular for his stunning knockouts, has built a huge following since turning professional in 2014. On August 14, 2021, Lippe-Morrison saw his most recent action, a dominant victory over Don Haynesworth. A college football standout for the Oklahoma Sooners before playing for six teams in the NFL, Balogun also turned professional in 2014. In his first start this year, he knocked out Keith Barr on April 10, 2021 in Vero Beach, FL.

Just added in a six-round heavyweight fight, former world title challenger Junior ‘Hurricane’ Wright, (18-3-1, 15 KOs), of Evanston, IL faces veteran Joe ‘Louis’ Jones, (12-4, 9 KOs), of Jersey, City, NJ. A professional for ten years following an illustrious amateur career, Wright heads into battle following a first-round knockout of Alfredo Trevino on August 28, 2021. Over the course of his career Wright has faced numerous world champions and top-rated contenders including Ruslan Fayfer, Beibut Shumenov, Rakhim Chakhkiev and Stivens Bujaj. Looking to play the role of spoiler, the 26-year-old Jones returns after a third-round knockout of Dhafir Smith on July 24, 2021. Jones has also faced a number of top contenders over his eight years as a professional including Joey Dawejko, Efetobor Apochi and Richard Rivera.

Wright replaces Isaac Gutierrez who fell ill this past week.

Rounding out the exciting five bout card, in a six-round light heavyweight bout, UNDEFEATED top prospect Frederic ‘The French Revolution’ Julan, (12-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY faces promising prospect Khainell Wheeler, (5-1, 5KO’s), of Bethlehem, PA. Julan hits the ring following a second-round knockout of Fidel Monterrosa Munoz on January 25, 2020. Wheeler enters the battle following a show stopping first-round knockout of Vincent Baccus on June 5, 2021 in Philadelphia, PA. 

TrillerVerz IV is the fourth event in the TrillerVerz series with the first three events each garnering over 5,000,000 unique viewers. TrillerVerz III saw a massive crowd at Barclays Center on October 16 witness an extraordinary VERZUZ battle between Brooklyn based music legends Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One which followed a world class professional boxing card headlined by a sensational knockout performance from Brooklyn’s Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin.

Formed in Cleveland, OH and an iconic American hip hop group for almost three decades, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have sold millions of records through their ten-record discography. Their acclaimed career includes Grammy Awards, Soul Train Awards and American Music Awards.

Originating in Memphis, TN in 1991, Three 6 Mafia emerged as a horror themed hip-hop music group which would carry them to mainstream success. Releasing nine records, one of the group’s biggest hits, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” won an Academy Award in 2006 for its inclusion in the movie ‘Hustle and Flow.”

Triller Fight Club is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its extraordinary launch on November 28, 2020 which shook up the sports and entertainment world as Boxing Legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones battled in Los Angeles, CA on a Pay-Per-View broadcast which garnered 1,600,000 PPV buys.

Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated power-punching lightweight contender Erick DeLeon to a promotional contract.

Born in Mexico and raised in Detroit, DeLeon began boxing in the famed Kronk Gym where he developed a strong bond with the late Emanuel Steward. As an amateur, DeLeon (19-0-1, 11 KO) was a three-time national Golden Gloves champion in three different weight classes and a leading contender to make the 2012 USA Olympic Team before a shoulder injury derailed his dream. He elected to turn professional instead in 2012.

Over his past six fights, DeLeon has gone 5-0-1 against opponents with a combined 130-30 record. He followed up his 2018 draw with then 20-0 Andy Vences with two strong performances: a 10-round UD victory over Adrian Yung (25-4-2) and a seventh-round KO over Jose Luis Gallegos (16-5).

“I feel great. I feel like it’s a blessing for me to sign with Salita,” said DeLeon. “I’ve known him for a long time and overall I feel like there are really good opportunities with him. I’m blessed to have a great team all around.”

Out of action since 2019, DeLeon says he dealt with a series of injuries before the pandemic brought a halt to the sport overall. “I had back-to-back injuries and dealing with them in camps was hard and then I had to have surgeries. That’s what’s been holding me back. I believe I would have been a world champion by now if it weren’t for all these injuries.”

DeLeon says the intensity of his training and toughness of the sport have, thus far, held back a championship career.

“I just train so hard,” he explained. “Even back in the day, my hand when I’d spar at Kronk or fight in the Golden Gloves, my hand got messed up. I know what I’m capable of. I beat a lot of these top guys who are top contenders or undefeated prospects now.”

DeLeon says with all the injuries and surgeries handled and behind him, he’s looking for a big 2022 comeback.

“Early next year, I know I’ll be back to 100% and back in the ring. I’m so anxious and hungry. I’m blessed to have a lot of fans all over the United States and even in Mexico where I was born, everybody there follows me and watches my fights, even the mayor. Everybody here in Detroit too has been asking about my next fight.”

“Erick is one of the top lightweights in the world,” said his new promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Injuries have hampered his progress, but he’s be ready to go now. The pandemic gave him that much more time to heal. Once he’s knocked the ring rust off from being away so long, we’ll be looking to get him the big fight his talent deserves. A 100% Erick DeLeon is a major problem for any fighter in his weight division.”

“I’m going to get a couple fights in and then get a shot at a world title,” continued DeLeon. “I definitely want to show the world what I’m capable of. I know I have all the skills and heart to win a world title. I just need that chance to get my rhythm going. I want to show the world and bring a title back to Detroit.

#

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.

THE TOWN OF Maidstone in Kent will see a significant decrease in population numbers on Saturday evening when young resident Sam Noakes gets to challenge for a first title in just his eighth fight as a pro.

The 24-year-old lightweight will compete for the WBC International Silver title against Shaun Cooper (11-2) at the Copper Box Arena in Stratford, live on BT Sport.

He will be far from alone in East London because he has personally sold over 450 tickets for the event headed up by the blockbuster rematch between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde. The Maidstone contingent will be swelled even further by the considerable support attracted by fellow Kent folk Dennis McCann and Karol Itauma, who also feature on the card.

“The Maidstone Massive will be out in force,” said Noakes at an undercard media event staged at the old Peacock Gym in Canning Town. “I can’t wait to get in there and I’m very excited.”

Noakes admits that a title being on the line has raised the stakes and also upped his game during preparations at the Queensberry iBox Gym in Bromley.

“It’s different and you are more focused on it, you train that little bit harder and your focus is definitely better.

“What I do know is that I get a nice little green belt at the end of it.

“He (Cooper) is tough and I don’t think I will have to go looking for him, which is unusual for me, so it will be nice to be honest. It is going to be a brilliant fight,” he added, before stating his devout intention to keep his run of stoppage finishes moving towards 10 out of 10..

“If I can stop him in under eight, that would be nice. It would make it eight in eight for me and I want that 10. I’ve got a longer time to do it with 10 rounds.”

In other news, Noakes on Monday signed a new contract to extend his promotional agreement with Queensberry, as well as his management association with Francis Warren.

“I am very happy with the way my career has been dealt with so far,” he explained. “I’ve got a good connection with Francis and I am happy where I am. If it isn’t broken don’t fix it and we will keep doing what we’re doing.

“I have been told I will be back out again in February and that is all I know really. Tell me when and I will fight and train, that is all I do really, just keep it simple.

“It has all been sweet for me, seven KOs and getting a little title fight before the end of the year!”
 
 

In the bill topper Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his Commonwealth and WBO International Light-Heavyweight title against Ilford’s Anthony Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch of last December’s controversial clash that he won on points.

 Ilford’s Hamzah Sheeraz (13-0, 9 KOs) puts his WBO European Super-Welterweight title on the line against Penge’s former British champion Bradley Skeete (29-3, 14 KOs).

In a third title fight the vacant WBC International Silver Lightweight crown is up for grabs when Maidstone puncher Sam Noakes (7-0, 7 KOs) meets Willenhall’s Shaun Cooper (11-2).

Exciting Super-Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann (10-0, 6 KOs) is in eight round action.

Mill Hill Heavyweight George Fox (4-0) faces a tough eight rounder against Pole Kamil Sokolowki (10-23-2, 4 KOs).

Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (4-0, 2 KOs), Reading Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) and Islington Super-Featherweight Masood Abdullah (2-0, 2 KOs) are in six rounders.

Two four rounders complete the bill and feature Ilford Super-Bantamweight Umar Khan (2-0) and Upminster’s Super-Welterweight debutant Sonny Liston Ali.

Tickets for the event can be purchased here

Upper Bowl Seat – £77
Lower Bowl Seat – £55

Accustomed to boxing’s ups and downs, Mexican bantamweight contender Alejandro “Peque” Santiago says he’s not going to let his nationally televised and highly controversial majority-decision loss to Gary Antonio Russell last Saturday night (November 27) slow him down.

With the Showtime cameras rolling at Park MGM’s Dolby Live in Las Vegas, Santiago (24-3-5, 13 KOs) and Russell fought a grueling all-out war for ten rounds with many feeling Santiago’s pressuring style had outshined the undefeated Russell’s speed after 10 intense rounds.

However, once again it was not to be for the hard-luck Santiago, as Russell was given the nod via a questionable majority-decision. Judges Steve Morrow and Benoit Roussel scored Russell a 96-94 winner, while Judge Lisa Giampa scored the contest a draw at 95-95.

The “victim” of several controversial draws against top fighters in high-profile fights, including one particularly dubious draw against IBF Super Flyweight Champion Jerwin Ancajas in 2018, 25-year-old Santiago, from Tijuana, Baja California, says he’s not shocked or disheartened by the loss to Russell.

“I wasn’t shocked because I have been here before,” explained Santiago, post-fight. “My team had warned me that the closer rounds will go to Russell because he is the house fighter. When my promoter Paco Damian calls me for an opportunity like this, I never say no. I embrace the opportunity and I don’t care if I have to go and fight my opponents in their backyard. I mean, look at my record I have five draws, I believe I won all those fights including the Jerwin Ancajas world title fight.”

In fact, the realistic Santiago surprisingly blames himself for the setback.

“I don’t like to use the term robbed,” said Santiago. “In my opinion, I thought I won 6 of the 10 rounds. It was a very close fight and there is no one here to blame but me. I blame myself because it took me the first couple of rounds to make adjustments and follow our game plan.”

Despite the disappointment, Santiago says his strong performance against Russell, a celebrated 2016 U.S. Olympian, negates any career damage he may suffer.

“I would love the opportunity to fight Russell again, I think it was a great fight and I’m sure many people will love to watch us do it again. And this time, I would like it to be for a title eliminator that will give the winner the opportunity to fight for a world title. But if Russell doesn’t want another war that I will bring, we move on. My career has been defined by people underestimating me and paying the price for their mistake. I’ll be back.”

PHILADELPHIA (December 1, 2021)–Two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart will be back in action on Saturday, December 11th at the 2300 Arena when he takes on David Murray in the eight round super middleweight main event.

The card is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Hart of Philadelphia has a record of 27-3 with 21 knockouts. The 32 year-old has twice battled for the super middleweight championship of the world only to fall just short to Gilberto Ramirez in fights that were decided by just a couple of points.

After a stellar amateur career, Hart turned professional on June 9, 2012 with a 1st round stoppage of Manuel Eastman in Las Vegas. That led to Hart winning his first 22 fights (20 by knockout), with victories over Tyrell Hendrix (10-2-2), Samuel Clarkson (10-2), Roberto Acevedo (8-2), Mike Jimenez (17-0), Andrew Hernandez (16-4-1), Alan Campa (16-2). Hart also has victories over Demond Nicholson (18-2), Mike Gavronksi (24-2-1) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2). Hart is coming.

Murray of Wilmington, Delaware, has a record of 10-2-1 with six knockouts.

Murray is an eight-year professional, and is riding a three-fight winning streak with his latest win being a six-round unanimous decision over Austin Marcum on February 29, 2020 in Hockessin, Delaware.

A massive undercard features RDR Promotions fighters, Shynguskhan Tazibay (9-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, DC takes on an opponent to be named in a six-round middleweight fight and lightweight Isaiah Johnson (3-0, 3 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ against opponent to be named.

Also in six-round bouts:

Undefeated Nafear Charles (7-0-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Jonathan Hernan Godoy (5-11) of Miami, Florida in a junior welterweight tussle.

Joshafat Ortiz (7-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on Rondale Hubbert (13-18-3, 8 KOs) of Fargo, North Dakota in a super featherweight bout.

Steven Pichardo (8-1,2 KO) of Gardena, California fights DeWayne Williams (3-4, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a middleweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (6-0-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight fight.

Nelson Perez (5-0, 2 KOs) of Marlboro, Massachusetts fights an opponent to be named in a lightweight contest.

Derrick Whitley Jr. (6-2-1) of Springfield, Massachusetts fights Raekwon Butler (3-1, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY

In four-round bouts:

Boimah Karmo (1-0-1) of Sharon Hill, Pa fights Denzel Fudd (0-1) of Barrington, PA in a welterweight affair.

Jerod Miner (2-12-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on debuting Edwin Cortes of Millville, NJ.

featherweight Felix Parrilla (2-0, 2 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut will take on an opponent to be named.

Tickets for this great night of boxing ae $50, $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

Devin Haney will fulfil a dream on Saturday night as he headlines at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, defending his WBC World Lightweight title against interim champion Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz, Jr. on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.
Tickets starting at $58 (plus fees) go are on sale NOW!
Haney (26-0 15 KOs) puts his title on the line for the fourth time and is in back-to-back fight in his Las Vegas hometown for the first time since stepping through the ropes in Sin City for the fifth and sixth times as a pro in 2016.

‘The Dream’s’ fifth paid night in the ring was in the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s clash with Timothy Bradley in April, but now he’s the star attraction at the famed boxing mecca.

Diaz, Jr. (32-1-1 15 KOs) is out to dash Haney’s plans to be the new main attraction of the Las Vegas boxing scene, but while Haney acknowledges that this promises to be the hardest fight of his career to date, he also promises to dazzle under the bright lights.

“This is a dream come true to be living in Las Vegas and headlining the MGM Grand,” said Haney. “I never thought that it would come this fast, but it’s here and now it’s time for me to really perform at this great arena and show that I am here to stay.

“It’s going to be great to be back in front of fans in full force, there might not be anywhere better than the MGM Grand for a big fight, I’m so excited for this. I know what I am up against, and I am ready for it and the fans should be too.

“JoJo is a good fighter, he’s going to come to fight, we know that. He’s going to bring his best, I’m bringing mine. So, the best man will win – and that will be me. You can talk about size and heart, but I just feel that I am a better fighter than him and skills pay the bills. 

“When fighters want to fight, it gets done. Sometimes the networks and the politics get in the way, but nine times out of ten, you can make any fighter as the fighters have the power.

“Everybody says ‘I’m gonna bang Devin out’. I’ve been seeing that my whole life. Did I get this far by letting people rough me up or bang me out? Come on. I can do everything, so you can do whatever you want, it’s not going to work. I don’t know how you beat me; I can’t tell you.”

(Nov. 30, 2021) — Less than three months after dominating the previously undefeated Gabriel Flores Jr., Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez hopes to earn a world title shot. Lopez will face undefeated British contender Isaac “The Westgate Warrior” Lowe in a 12-round IBF featherweight title eliminator this Friday, Dec. 3 at York Hall in London.
 
Lopez-Lowe and supporting bouts will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Lopez (23-2, 11 KOs), the IBF No. 5 contender from Mexicali, Mexico, is riding a six-bout winning streak since a 2019 loss to Ruben Villa. He edged Andy Vences by split decision in a 2020 Fight of the Year contender, then started his 2021 campaign in Mexico with a first-round knockout. He entered the Flores fight — Sept. 10 in Tucson, Arizona — as a sizable underdog. In a relentless show of pressure fighting, Flores somehow survived the 10-round onslaught, and Lopez earned the one-sided decision.

Lowe (21-0-3, 6 KOs), the IBF No. 8 contender, is a close friend and a training partner of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. A former English and Commonwealth featherweight champion, Lowe has won seven consecutive bouts, including a one-sided decision over Alberto Guevara in February 2020 on the Fury-Deontay Wilder II undercard. He returned in March, notching a six-round decision over Ed Harrison.
 
In other streaming action from London:

• Undefeated former WBC flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards (16-1, 6 KOs) will make his second bantamweight appearance in an eight-rounder against Spanish veteran Jacob Barreto (13-3, 5 KOs).
   
• Junior middleweight prospect Jordan Reynolds (3-0, 1 KO) will face the durable Blaise Paka Mukia (2-3-1) in a six-rounder. Mukia has never been stopped as a professional.
   
• Welterweight upstart Elliot Whale (4-0, 1 KO) will fight Miroslav Serban (13-7, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder, while junior welterweight puncher Shiloh Defreitas (1-0, 1 KO) returns in a four-rounder against 17-fight veteran Dario Borosa.
   
• Two-time British national amateur champion Arnold Obodai will make his professional debut in a four-round cruiserweight battle against an opponent to be named.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 17.1 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year)
at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).
 

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 30, 2021) – Former world champion, and light heavyweight Mexican star, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico, and Cuba’s Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez (21-3, 17 KOs) hosted a media call today to promote their upcoming fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight Title eliminator. The 12-round event will take place on Saturday, December 18 at San Antonio’s AT&T Center and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

Below are some quotes for what the fighters had to say about their upcoming event, for full video and audio please click HERE:

Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, Former World Champion and Undefeated Light Heavyweight Contender:

“I feel stronger at 175, and it feels like my natural weight. You have seen me in three fights already and see how I have performed. I know Gonzalez will be prepared, he is ready to give it his all, so I am I. I want to put on a good show for fight fans on December 18.

“This is an excellent fight for Texas. What better way to end the year in a great battle? Gonzalez is a fighter that comes forward, and so am I. I know there are a lot of Mexican boxing fans in San Antonio; I have fought there before and am thankful to come back to Texas. I know December 18 will be spectacular for all fight fans.

“This is an important fight because it is for a world title eliminator, and I am putting my undefeated record on the line. I am ready to give it my all and not disappoint the fight crowd.

“Gonzalez was a plan for us after Bivol did not want to sign the fight contract. He is scared to fight me that he went to Russia to fight. Yunieski stepped up to take the fight; I have to respect him for that. He knows this is a great opportunity for him. He is coming well prepared to give it his all, and I have to be ready for him. I have to make sure that I am ready because he wants what I have, and this is a big opportunity for both of us.”

Yunieski “The Monster” Gonzalez , Light Heavyweight Contender:

“I was signed with a promotional company and the reasons for why they stopped me from fighting I never understood. I was always in shape. I was always ready for the next fighting opportunity but it never came and they never gave me a response. So I had to look for new opportunities, but I never lost faith that I could come back. Fortunately, I found a new team and have all the motivation to continue with my boxing career and I want to give it my all.

“It’s not a secret that Zurdo is a great fighter, he is in a good position. I am here with hunger and the desire to win. We are closer than ever to get to a new level of my career and I know that the hunger and desire I feel to win are what are going to be the determining factor in this fight.

“Maybe yes, I have been out of the ring for a long time, but I feel good. I have always maintained myself, mostly because of the possibility of landing a fight, but also because it keeps me in good health. When I got this opportunity getting back into fight shape wasn’t so hard. I feel like there is a lot of muscle memory, so getting back into it was easier than I thought I would be, and I am ready to get back into the ring.

“First they have to go through me before they can get to Bivol. People are talking about it, making an assumption about the direction of the fight, and I leave it and don’t say anything. And people forget that this is also and opportunity for me, this is my opportunity to also be in line for Bivol.”
Tickets for Zurdo vs. Gonzalez are on sale now and are priced at $150, $75, $50, $35 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or by using the Ticketmaster App on your mobile device.

Zurdo vs. Gonzalez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Light Heavyweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, December 18, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide.

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 #ZurdoGonzalez.

ABOUT THE AT&T CENTER
The premier entertainment venue in South Texas, the AT&T Center is the home of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The Bexar County-owned arena has also hosted hundreds of concerts and special events since opening in 2002 and underwent a $110+ million renovation in 2015 to enhance the fan experience at all levels. For more information, go to ATTCenter.com.

Israil Madrimov can take a step closer to achieving his World Title dream when he faces Michel Soro in a Final Eliminator for the WBA Super-Welterweight crown on another huge night for Uzbekistan boxing at the Renaissance Hall in Tashkent on Friday December 17, with all of the action shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

Madrimov (7-0, 5 KOs), the No.2 ranked Super-Welterweight with the WBA, outpointed the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Emmany Kalombo, who had won all fourteen of his professional contests inside the distance before facing ‘The Dream’, last time out at the Humo Arena in Tashkent on the undercard of Murodjon Akhmadaliev’s win over Ryosuke Iwasa.

France’s Soro (35-2-1, 24 KOs) is ranked No.1 in the world at 154lbs with the WBA and secured mandatory status in 2018 with a two-round wipe-out of the USA’s Greg Vendetti. The reigning WBA Gold World Super-Welterweight Champion scored a pair of knockouts over his compatriots Anderson Prestot and Cedric Vitu in 2019 but hasn’t fought since. 

Uzbekistan’s undefeated Super-Lightweight star Shakhram Giyasov (11-0, 9 KOs) returns to action against Argentina’s Cristian Rafael Coria (29-8-2, 13 KOs) after successfully defending his WBA International Title with a third-round stoppage win over Patricio Lopez Moreno in April. 

2016 Olympic Champion Hasanboy Dusmatov (3-0, 3 KOs) fights for the second time in 2021 against Mexico’s Jose Rivas (18-12-4, 10 KOs) following his impressive two-round demolition job on Muhsin Kizota to capture the WBA International Light-Flyweight Title in just his third outing in the professional ranks. 

Tashkent’s own Dilshodbek Ruzmetov makes his professional debut at Light-Heavyweight, undefeated Lightweight Elnur Abduraimov (7-0, 6 KOs) continues his journey in the pros and Super-Welterweight prospect Ikboljon Kholdarov (1-0) looks to build on his pro debut win back in April and Super-Middleweight Bektemir Melikuziev (7-1, 6 KOs) looks to bounce back from his first career loss to Gabriel Rosado in June. 

“We’re bringing DAZN back to Uzbekistan,” said Madrimov. “I’m happy to fight in Uzbekistan in front of my people. Fighting Soro is a big and very important step towards my goal. I rate him as the best Super-Welterweight who doesn’t hold the belt. It will be exciting fight for the fans worldwide.”

“I am looking forward to December 17, when I will take my final step before challenging for the World Title,” said Soro. “My opponent Israil Madrimov deserves respect as he has the courage to face me with only 7 professional fights behind him. But I am ready to beat anyone, anywhere.  I will prove it on December 17, and I will prove it again when I become World Champion.”

“We are delighted to be returning to Uzbekistan for another huge night of boxing following our World Championship card at the Humo Theatre back in April headlined by Murodjon Akhmadaliev,” said Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing CEO. “This time it’s ‘The Dream’ Israil Madrimov who brings big time boxing back to his homeland as he faces Michel Soro in a Final Eliminator for the WBA Super-Welterweight World Title. 

“Madrimov vs. Soro is part of a stacked December for us on DAZN that gets underway in Bilbao this Friday as Kerman Lejarraga defends his European Super-Welterweight crown against Jack Flatley. Then it’s over to Las Vegas the following evening for Devin Haney’s defence of his WBC Lightweight World Title against Joseph ‘Jo Jo’ Diaz Jr. We end the year with a bang in the UK as Conor Benn and Katie Taylor headline in Liverpool on Saturday December 11 and the following week it’s the massive rematch between Joseph Parker and Derek Chisora.”

“We and our partners are always looking to bring top tier boxing action to nations across the world, and we are excited to be in Uzbekistan once again on December 17,” said said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. ” Madrimov vs. Soro will be a cracking fight and will kick off a stacked weekend of boxing which includes Parker vs. Chisora and Ramirez vs. Gonzalez, live worldwide on DAZN.”

Ticket details will follow in due course. 

CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (November 30, 2021) – On February 5th, 2022, undefeated lightweight prospect, Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (12-0, 8 KOs), of Cheatham County, TN, will be headlining his return to the ring when he squares off against an opponent TBA. The 10-round main event will take place in Clarksville, TN, about twenty-five minutes from Tomlin’s hometown, at the Winfield Dunn Center at Austin Peay University.

The show is being promoted by One One Six Boxing Promotions, in association with Tomlin’s promoter, DiBella Entertainment. Tickets priced $20 and $40, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (256) 458-2341 or by clicking HERE. The Winfield Dunn Center is located at 601 College St. Clarksville TN, 37044.

In his last fight Tomlin stopped Ira Terry in five-rounds via a technical knockout. Tomlin is currently riding a three-fight knockout streak, and the team is looking at making four after February 5th.

“It feels so good to be fighting back at home once again,” said Tomlin, who is extremely popular in his native land. “I’m going to be well prepared going into this fight as we have a solid eight weeks to prepare for war. The venue is very close and there is nothing like fighting in front of my hometown fans. I am getting better each fight, and I will make this an extra special performance. I am an entertainer, and I want to start off 2022 with a bang, as my goal is to be “Prospect of the Year” in 2022.”

Tomlin, a known ticket seller, should pack the house as his last bout in Kentucky, a mere 30-minutes away from his hometown, was a sell-out. Tomlin is expecting a similar result for this event as well. Tickets went on sale over the weekend and the venue is almost sold out of VIP tables. Tomlin is one of the rare fighters that can sell tickets and having a fanbase is an extremely important facet of the boxing business that Lou Dibella understands well.

“Having Lou DiBella is vital to our progression because we know he can provide a path to a world title fight if we keep winning,” said his father and trainer, Darryl Tomlin. “It’s a blessing to be fighting in our backyard, especially in a bigger venue, because I know all of Ty’s fans will be able to attend. The Winfield Dunn Center holds about 4,700 seats, and I think we can sell the place out. Ty is getting better every time he steps in the ring, and because of that, we’re expecting a lot from him in 2022,”

“I am expecting to see a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, and a lot of local support since Tennessee is really a fight town, they just haven’t been able to show it,” concluded Tomlin. “I will say it right now, this will be a sold-out show and I am going to make another statement as I prep myself for the television bouts in my future. I am ready to go to the next level!”

Los Angeles, CA – November 30, 2021 – Olympic Gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov is added to the packed Probellum: Revolution, the UAE’s first world championship boxing event, in the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday December 11.

The unbeaten Uzbekistani fighter will compete at Probellum’s inaugural event in Dubai next month, making his first appearance since winning super-heavyweight Gold at the Tokyo Olympics, in association with DiBella Entertainment.

The reputation of Jalolov, 27, continues to grow, and he will now showcase his talents on a card which includes two world title bouts.

Having won Gold at the 2019 World Championships, Jalolov triumphed once again at the 2020 Olympics, which were delayed by a year due to Covid-19, beating USA’s Richard Torrez on points.

“I am very excited to return to my professional boxing career, this has been my priority as it contains the main part of my long-term goal after the Olympics,” said Jalolov. “To fight in Dubai is an added bonus and there is a responsibility for me to be at my best because I know that I already have a lot of fans there and many of my Uzbek and international followers will attend the event.”

Vadim Kornolov, Jolalov’s manager, added: “We are very excited for Bakhodir Jalolov to be a part of a major event in Dubai. This will be Jalolov’s first professional fight after his success in the Olympics and we are looking forward to him making a statement that the fans will remember.”

Lou DiBella, Jolalov’s promoter, said: “Bakhodir Jalolov, the reigning Olympic super-heavyweight Gold medalist, has been boxing’s dominant amateur big man. The Big Uzbek is 6’7”, 27 years old, and 8-0 (8 KOs) as a pro.

“With crunching power and unusual agility for a man of his size, this future world champion is poised to rise up the heavyweight rankings in 2022. I’m pleased and grateful that he will resume his pro career on December 11, in Dubai, at Probellum: The Revolution, the company’s loaded inaugural event.”

“We’re absolutely delighted to add Bakhodir to what was already a brilliant card,” added Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum.

“Not only is Bakhodir an Olympic Gold medalist, he is also undefeated in his career to date, and we are looking forward to watching him in action at the Coca-Cola Arena. The fans attending this event will undoubtedly enjoy some top-quality fight action.”

Probellum: The Revolution sees Sunny Edwards defend his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama, while John Riel Casimero puts his WBO bantamweight title on the line against Paul Butler.

Other stars confirmed for the event include Donnie Nietes, Archie Sharp and Jono Carroll, with UAE fighters Sultan Al Nuaimi and Fahad Al Bloushi also in action.

Tickets for the event are now on sale in-store at Virgin Megastore and online via Coca-Cola Arena and Platinum List.

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

Los Angeles, CA – November 30, 2021 – Probellum today announces a groundbreaking, long-term partnership with the Uganda Boxing Federation, marking a hugely exciting new chapter for boxing in Africa.

For the first time in history, a professional boxing promotion company will join forces with a national boxing federation, with the two organisations working in tandem to develop talented amateur fighters in Uganda and give them a platform to showcase their abilities on a global level.

The strategic partnership ensures Probellum will use its expertise to nurture, guide and train aspiring Ugandan fighters as they seek to progress in the world of boxing.

Harrison Whitman, Probellum’s Chief Strategy & Legal Officer, said: “In terms of markets, Africa – and Uganda in particular – is a sleeping giant. Working with Moses Muhangi, we identified a completely new way of partnering with a national federation. We focused on establishing this partnership with the Uganda Boxing Federation due to the enormous potential of the country.

“The population of Uganda is very young, and they are passionate about boxing. This is the main ingredient for future success, and we would like to thank Moses and the whole Uganda Boxing Federation for placing their trust in Probellum. Together we are marking a new chapter for boxing in Africa.”

Moses Muhangi, President of the Uganda Boxing Federation, said: “We are very excited about this great opportunity and 100 percent confident that, in Probellum, we now have the partner we need to position our talents worldwide and give them the opportunity to become global names.

“Uganda has a rich history in the sport and we are determined to transform the country into Africa’s boxing powerhouse. This partnership with Probellum, a huge global brand, will allow us to achieve our ambitions.”

Only last week, the Uganda Boxing Federation launched its very own National Champions League, with weekly boxing events watched by millions on primetime television across the region and thousands of spectators in attendance at every event.

Probellum hosts its inaugural event in Dubai on Saturday December 11 at the Coca-Cola Arena, with two world title fights already confirmed for the card as Sunny Edwards puts his IBF flyweight title on the line against Jayson Mama, while John Riel Casimero will look to retain his WBO bantamweight belt when he faces Paul Butler.

Since launching in September, Probellum has signed over 20 fighters to its stable, including the likes of Badou Jack, Ricky Burns, Nonito Donaire and Muhammad Waseem.

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

New York City (November 30, 2021) Triller announced today that #2 Ranked Heavyweight Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II, (20-1-1, 14 KOs), of Las Vegas, NV has been added to the Thursday, December 2 ‘Night of Heavyweights’ card against heavy-handed southpaw veteran Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest, (26-4-1, 20 KOs), of Newport News, VA. Hunter vs. Forrest is the new ten-round main event at the TrillerVerz IV professional boxing card at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City followed by an iconic VERZUZ battle between music legends Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia from the world-famous Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, CA.

This Thursday’s TrillerVerz IV will be broadcast exclusively on TrillerFightClub.com and FITE  starting at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT through the TrillerVerz subscription package priced at $2.99 per month.  

TrillerVerz, successfully bringing together first-class professional boxing with iconic VERZUZ battles, is produced by the award-winning Nigel Lythgoe, the Triller Fight Club visionary in addition to the producer and creative force behind American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

The Hammerstein Ballroom at Manhattan Center is located at 311 W. 34th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue’s. Advance tickets priced at $200, $125, $75 and $45 are now on-sale and may be purchased online at Ticketmaster / Triller Fight Club. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. ET with the first bell at 5:45 p.m. ET. Following the fights at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT, the TrillerVerz IV broadcast will switch to Los Angeles for the VERZUZ battle.

Advance tickets starting at $39.50 for the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony / Three 6 Mafia VERZUZ battle may be purchased through LIVE NATION. The Hollywood Palladium is located at 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. PT.

World ranked #2 by the World Boxing Association, Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II returns to New York City after a fifth-round knockout of Mike Wilson on August 3, 2021. Since turning professional eight years ago, Hunter’s highly successful career in the professional ranks includes victories over top contenders Sergey Kuzmin, Aleksandr Ustinov, Martin Bakole, Isiah Thomas and Iago Kiladze. He also fought to a controversially scored draw with former heavyweight world champion Alexander Povetkin in 2019 with his only loss coming in 2017 at cruiserweight to current Unified Heavyweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk.

 A professional for nine years, southpaw Jerry ‘Slugger’ Forrest hits the ring against Hunter following a controversially scored majority draw against world ranked and undefeated Zhilei Zhang on February 27, 2021 in Miami, FL. Forrest has also competed in hard fought ten-round battles with world ranked heavyweights Carlos Takam and Jermaine Franklin over the last two years.

The ten-round fight replaces Andrey Fedesov vs. Junior Wright after Fedesov suffered a training injury.

Co-featured at ‘Night of Heavyweights’ in a scheduled ten-rounder of UNDEFEATED Contenders, ‘Son of a Legend’, knockout artist Trey Lippe-Morrison, (18-0, 17 KOs), of Tulsa, OK faces former NFL Linebacker, Mike Balogun, (17-0, 13 KOs), of Upper Marlboro, MD. Well-known in the sport as the son of former Heavyweight World Champion Tommy Morrison, Lippe-Morrison, popular for his stunning knockouts, has built a huge following since turning professional in 2014. On August 14, 2021, Lippe-Morrison saw his most recent action, a dominant victory over Don Haynesworth. A college football standout for the Oklahoma Sooners before playing for six teams in the NFL, Balogun also turned professional in 2014. In his first start this year, he knocked out Keith Barr on April 10, 2021 in Vero Beach, FL.

In a Special Attraction ten-round battle also featuring UNDEFEATED Contenders, Cassius ‘C.O.G.’Chaney, (21-0, 14 KOs), of New London, CT clashes with Bronx, NY native ‘Gentleman’ George Arias, (16-0, 7 KOs). A college basketball player at the University of New Haven before turning to professional boxing, Chaney returns to action succeeding a dominant ten-round decision over fellow contender Shawndell Winters on August 14, 2021 in Worcester, MA. On November 27, 2019, Chaney won the vacant World Boxing Council United States title with a third-round stoppage of Nick Jones. A native of the Dominican Republic, Arias hits the ring coming off a unanimous decision win over Joel Caudle on February 17, 2021. Prior to that victory, Arias defeated fellow undefeated prospect Gabriel Hernandez on October 24, 2019.

Just added in a six-round heavyweight fight, UNDEFEATED and heralded prospect Isaac Gutierrez, (12-0-1, 10 KOs), of Mexico City, Mexico faces veteran Joe ‘Louis’ Jones, (12-4, 9 KOs), of Jersey, City, NJ. The 28-year-old Gutierrez compiled 220 amateur victories prior to turning professional in 2011. Standing 6’2” tall and weighing 230lb., the heavy-handed Gutierrez has knocked out his last six opponents and will be making his highly anticipated United States debut this Thursday. Looking to play the role of spoiler, the 26-year-old Jones returns after a third-round knockout of Dhafir Smith on July 24, 2021. Jones had also faced a number of top contenders over his eight years as a professional including Joey Dawejko, Efetobor Apochi and Richard Rivera.

Rounding out the exciting five bout card, in a six-round light heavyweight bout, UNDEFEATED top prospect Frederic ‘The French Revolution’ Julan, (12-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY faces promising prospect Khainell Wheeler, (5-1, 5KO’s), of Bethlehem, PA. Julan hits the ring following a second-round knockout of Fidel Monterrosa Munoz on January 25, 2020. Wheeler enters the battle following a show stopping first-round knockout of Vincent Baccus on June 5, 2021 in Philadelphia, PA.  

TrillerVerz IV is the fourth event in the TrillerVerz series with the first three events each garnering over 5,000,000 unique viewers. TrillerVerz III saw a massive crowd at Barclays Center on October 16 witness an extraordinary VERZUZ battle between Brooklyn based music legends Big Daddy Kane and KRS-One which followed a world class professional boxing card headlined by a sensational knockout performance from Brooklyn’s Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin.

Formed in Cleveland, OH and an iconic American hip hop group for almost three decades, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have sold millions of records through their ten-record discography. Their acclaimed career includes Grammy Awards, Soul Train Awards and American Music Awards.

Originating in Memphis, TN in 1991, Three 6 Mafia emerged as a horror themed hip-hop music group which would carry them to mainstream success. Releasing nine records, one of the group’s biggest hits, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” won an Academy Award in 2006 for its inclusion in the movie ‘Hustle and Flow.”

Triller Fight Club is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its extraordinary launch on November 28, 2020 which shook up the sports and entertainment world as Boxing Legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones battled in Los Angeles, CA on a Pay-Per-View broadcast which garnered 1,600,000 PPV buys.

LOS ANGELES (November 29, 2021) – Super welterweight contender Luis “Cuba” Arias will take on veteran Vaughn Alexander in a 10-round showdown that tops the non-televised undercard this Sunday, December 5 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The event is headlined by five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA Lightweight Title against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on a SHOWTIME PPV telecast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The undercard will also feature undefeated prospects entering the ring as Baltimore’s Malik Warren (5-0, 5 KOs) takes on Eric Manriquez (7-12-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight attraction, Washington, D.C.’s Jalil Hackett (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round welterweight showdown against Darynn Leyva (1-2-1, 1 KO), and heavyweight Carlos Garcon (2-0, 2 KOs) battling Jason Soto (3-1-1, 3 KOs) in a four-round duel.

A pair of female fights round out the lineup, as super flyweight contender Ava Knight (19-2-5, 5 KOs) faces New Orleans-native Indeya Smith (2-3-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round bout, and unbeaten prospect Mia Ellis (2-0, 2 KOs) competes in a four-round super featherweight contest against Elizabeth Tuani (1-4, 2 KOs).

Born in Milwaukee, Arias (19-2-1, 9 KOs) returned to the ring in June and earned a career-best victory in defeating former unified champion Jarrett Hurd on the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV undercard. The 31-year-old has faced top competition throughout his career, including going the distance with former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a 2017 duel. Arias racked up wins in his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2012 and the Mayweather Promotions’ fighter now trains in Las Vegas. He will be opposed by the St. Louis-native Alexander (15-6-1, 9 KOs), who most recently fought to a split-draw against Winfred Harris Jr. in August. The older brother of former two-division champion Devon, Alexander owns a victory over previously unbeaten Money Powell IV in 2019.

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. CRUZ
Davis vs. Cruz will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting contender Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising super welterweight star Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora facing fellow unbeaten Sergio Garcia in a WBC Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator that serves as the co-main event. Plus, hard-hitting middleweight contenders Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Carlos Adames square off in a 10-round battle, while top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez faces former title challenger Miguel Marriaga in the pay-per-view opener.

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 29, 2021) – The rematch of the unofficial 2021 New England Fight of the Year will headline the December 18th “New England Future VIII” event, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), highlighting Webster’s (MA) first professional boxing event in 27 years, t Webster Town Hall.

Puerto Rico-native Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Southbridge (MA), and Bridgeport’s (CT) Carlos Marrero, III (2-6-2), fought to an entertaining 6-round split draw this past August 14th in Worcester (MA).

“I am very excited we were able to get the rematch between Pagan and Marrero so quick,” RPE promoter Jose Antonio Rivera commented. “These two warriors put their heart and soul in their last fight and the fans were not disappointed. As a promoter these are the type of fights we love to put together. We are 3 weeks away from another great boxing event to see some talented up and coming future champions. Webster Town Hall is going to be electric!”

Pagan and Marrero will be fighting once again for the vacant New England Super Lightweight Championship in the Dec.18th 6-round main event.

The original Pagan-Marrero was non-stop, action-packed throw-down which the judges’ scored 58-56 in favor or Pagan, 55-59 for Marrero, and 57-57. The scoring was originally announced as a split-decision win for Marrero but, in retrospect, both fighters have taken the emotional outcome changes in stride. Some fuel, though, has been poured on the fire, largely through social media.

“When the fight was done,” Pagan commented, “as a fighter, you know if your fight was won, lost or very close. It was a little close, but that I won the fight. When the decision was announced that he had won, I closed my eyes, because it reminded me of my amateur career. I definitely won a few fights, I dominated, but I didn’t get the decision. Anything can happen when it goes into the judges’ hands. The judges didn’t see me winning, okay, but then they reversed the decision. I thought that they had gotten it right and I had won, but it was announced as a draw. It is what it is, okay, because the judges’ job isn’t as easy as people think, They saw ups and downs and had it a draw.

“II was thinking, here we go again, when it was announced a draw,” Marrero said. “For some reason, every time I fight in Massachusetts it’s always controversial. I had dropped to my knees in happiness and when the second announcement was made, I thought they were giving him the win. A draw? I’m not upset but I was surprised because I felt I had won. I went home thinking it was a draw, not a loss, and hopefully we’d have a rematch. And we do December 18th.”

Pagan vs. Marrero is an example of not needing two great fighters to have a great fight. They’re evenly matched and both fighters have tremendous heart.

“People had asked if I wanted a rematch and I said, yes, I’m thinking about it because it was a draw,” Pagan offered. “I wasn’t going to say no if it was offered, but the No. 1 reason for me to fight him is for the New England Championship. As long as I fought him for the title, I was for it because I want to fight for the belt and that’s what is my target. That was my feeling at the beginning, but things changed a little, because he changed. I don’t know what people told him, I’m not some kid and I had a lot of respect for him. But then he started texting me. I don’t know if it was to spice up this fight, but he crossed the line. He said a lot he shouldn’t have said. I’ always humble and respect all fighters because they’re risking their lives. I don’t know why he said what he did, but he’s given me even more motivation. I want that belt! I’m training double to beat him and shut his month. I still have some respect for him, but it’s not the same.

“I made a lot of mistakes in our first fight and made the fight much harder than it was supposed to be. I’ve been working on adjustment and, hopefully, on December 18th it will pay-off.”

“I always have a little room for improvement after a fight, and we saw some things I needed to improve for the rematch,” Marrero explained. “I’m more mentally prepared to do things and will be much smarter in the ring. Physically, I’m a lot stronger and sharper. The key for me is being mentally prepared and sharper. His (Pagan’s) opponent for his last fight fell out and my manager, Nate Torres, contacted me saying I had been offered an opportunity to fight Pagan. Without hesitation, I said yes. I’m always in the gym and ready to fight. I came in 2-pounds under and I’m on weight right now for this fight. The only thing I had to prepare for is he’s a southpaw.

“We had a great fight. He probably thinks he won a few rounds, I felt I won the fight. He missed more and I connected with the cleaner punches the judges could see. In the third or fourth round, I hurt him with a body shot. He folded and I hit him with another good shot.”

In the co-featured event, Danbury (CT) super lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (11-1, 3 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined in the 6-round match.

Promising Boca Raton (FL) super welterweight prospect Josniel “TG” Castro (7-0, 5 KOs) is steps up in terms of quality opposition in a 6-rounder versus Lenwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-28-3, 5 KOs).

Worcester super middleweight Bobby “BH3” Harris, III (3-0-1), a two-time national amateur champion and World Games Silver medalist, will meet David Rohn (0-10-1) in a 4-round super middleweight bout.

Undefeated Worcester cruiserweight prospect Derek “Hightower” Edmonds (3-0, 2 KOs), a 3-time N.E. Golden Gloves champion, has been added to the card in a 4-round bout against TBA.

Worcester middleweight Eslih Owusu (6-0, 4 KOs), a native of Ghana, faces Anthony Everett (1-0), of Lawrence, in a 4-rounder.

Also fighting on the under undercard in 4-round matches are New Haven (CT) super lightweight Anuel Rosa (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Stacy Anderson (0-8), and Bridgeport super lightweight Oscar Bonilla (6-3-2, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-17).

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $75.00 (reserved seating) and $45.00 (general admission) and available for purchase or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera

(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Shamrock Sports, Lundgren Honda, Greatest Hits Cannabis Company, Lake Shore Legal LCC Attorneys at Law, Emmloan, 616 Reality LLC, Drafters Sports Café, and Asmar Jewelz.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt, @JoseRiveraChamp, @KingRivera_

Springfield, MA (November 28, 2021) – Mike Guy ended a two-year drought Saturday and brought home a new piece of hardware for his efforts.

The 40-year-old Los Angeles native won the vacant WBC USNBC super middleweight title at the MassMutual Center with a ninth-round knockout win over Worcester, MA, native Kendrick Ball Jr. (17-2-2), headlining an eight-fight card promoted by CES Boxing and snapping his own three-fight losing streak, which dated back to 2019.

Despite an impressive resume that included wins over Marco Delgado, Eric Moon, and Denis Douglin and a bout against Sergiy Derevyanchenko, the 5-foot-8 Guy entered (on paper) as the underdog against the 6-foot-2 Ball, who had recently captured the WBC USNBC Silver title and defended it for the first time in August against Tyi Edmonds.

Once the bell rang, Ball was no match for Guy’s aggressive, come-forward approach; Guy had little trouble working his way to the inside and eluding Ball’s jab, dropping Ball with a hard, overhand right in the opening round. Guy continued the onslaught in rounds three and four, though Ball did a better job defensively by not absorbing as much damage.

As Guy continued to throw every punch with bad intentions while working at a frenetic pace, the only question was whether or not he’d run out of gas in the later rounds. Ball boxed effectively in rounds five and six when he was able to use his height to his advantage, but Guy caught a second wind down the stretch and hurt Ball again in the ninth before catching him with a flurry against the ropes, landing several hard shots that forced the referee to step in at the 1:26 mark.

For Guy, it was his first win since beating Douglin in November of 2019, almost a full three years, while Ball hadn’t lost since 2018, a streak of eight consecutive wins entering Saturday.

In the co-main event, New London featherweight Shelly Vincent (27-2) made a triumphant return to the ring, outworking Chicago’s Shelly Barnett (5-6-2) en route to a 80-72 unanimous decision win on all three scorecards. Vincent, who hadn’t fought since 2019, looked sharp as ever at the age of 42, consistently staying a step ahead against the smaller, quicker Barnett, who jumped from 120 pounds to battle Vincent. Nicknamed “Shelito’s Way,” Vincent has now won four in a row and is now 15-0 lifetime fighting for CES.

Fresh off a comeback win in September, New Britain, CT, featherweight Nathan Martinez (7-2) lost a narrow split decision to Puerto Rico’s Jayron Santiago Lopez (8-8), 58-56, 56-58, 58-56, after the fight was stopped 44 seconds into the sixth and final round due to an accidental headbutt that opened a cut over Martinez’s right eye.

Martinez got rocked at the end of round one, but fought back to score a knockdown in the second round courtesy of two overhand rights that sent Lopez crashing to the canvas. Lopez continued to press the action and the two fought within arm’s length of one another for the majority of the fight, leading to the headbutt that opened the cut over Martinez’s eye. After a lengthy examination on the ring apron, ringside physical Dr. Peter Warinner stopped the fight, at which point the decision rested on the judge’s scorecards.

Springfield welterweight Jalen Renaud (7-0, 3 KOs), who bumped up to 154 for this fight, sent the crowd into a frenzy with arguably the knockout of the night, cracking Jurmain McDonald (5-5) of Jefferson City, MO, with an overhand right at 1:37 of the fourth round. The fight, scheduled for six rounds, was back and forth until Renaud caught McDonald with a thunderous shot, immediately prompting the referee to stop the bout as McDonald struggled to get to his foot. Renaud remains unbeaten at 7-0.

In one of the most exciting fights on the preliminary card, Springfield super featherweight Isaiah Cruz (2-0, 1 KO) stopped newcomer Darren Mima (0-1) with only two seconds remaining in the fourth and final round. Mima, an MMA veteran of 19 professional bouts making his boxing debut, absorbed some early damage in the opening round, but continued to fight back until Cruz knocked him down in the closing seconds of the final round. Mima tried to survive the bell, but Cruz rocked him two more times, prompting the referee to stop the bout at the 2:58 mark.

Making her second appearance of the year with CES and second since September, Connecticut welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman (2-1) ran her winning streak to two in a row with a unanimous decision win over LeAnn O’Malley (1-1) of Las Vegas, earning a 40-36 score on all three cards. Springfield featherweight Joshua Orta (8-0, 4 KOs) made quick work of Vermont’s Kody Murray (0-1), a late replacement due, via first-round stoppage at 2:24.

Providence’s Timothy Hatfield (1-0, 1 KO), a former defensive tackle for the Brown University football team, made a huge splash in his pro debut, stopping Woburn, MA, heavyweight Rodrigo DaRocha (0-2) at 1:03 of the opening round.

In a hyped up battle between undefeated Philadelphia based welterweight Paul Kroll won an eight-round unanimous decision over Mark Dawson Jr. in front of an enthusiastic near-capacity crowd at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

In round one, Kroll dropped Dawson with a hard right hand. With Dawson hurt, Kroll looked to close the show in the opening frame, but Dawson did well by holding on even landed a big left himself at the end of th8e round.

For the balance of the fight, Kroll boxed his way behind his jab. Dawson was looking to use his length and box from distance. Neither was able to have his opponent in trouble for the rest of the fight, but it was Kroll who was more consistent with his work and won by scores of 80-71 twice and 79-72 twice.

Kroll is 9-0. Dawson is

Rashan Adams needed just 35 seconds to take care of Deo Kizito in a lightweight bout.

In the opening frame, Adams landed a big right hand that sent Kizito plummeting to the canvas and the fight was stopped. Kizito needed oxygen, but was able to walk out of the rimg.

Adams of Philadelphia is 2-0 with one knockout. Kizito of Baltimore..MD is 3-6.

Darryl Clark scored a dubious 2nd round stoppage over previously undefeated Derek Starling in a scheduled four-round heavyweight bout.

Starling was dominating the fight, and even landed a big flurry on the ropes in the 2nd round that seemed liked the fight was close to being stopped. Starling was looking to throw a left hand when he felt something in his and fell to the ground in pain. He could not continue and the fight was stopped at 2:59.

Clark of Houston, Texas is 1-1 with one knockout. Starling of Philadelphia is 1-1.

Isaiah Johnson stopped Anthony Young in round two of a scheduled four round junior welterweight bout.

Johnson nailed Young with a series of power shots to the head and body, and the fight was stopped at 2:01 of round two.

Johnson of Philadelphia is 3-0 with three knockouts. Young of Philadelphia is 0-4.

LaQuan Evans took a four round split decision over Elizer Olmeda in a junior middleweight fight.

Evans of Philadelphia took two cards by 39-38 scores; and is now 5-2. Olmeda of New Jersey is 1-1.

Temirlan Raimkulov won a four-round unanimous decision over Kareem Gladney in a middleweight bout.

In round three, Raimkulov was cut around the left eye. In round four, Raimkulov landed an overhand right that sent Gladney into the corner and referee Eric Dali ruled a knockdown.

Raimkulov of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 4-1-2. Gladney of Philadelphia is 0-5.