LAS VEGAS, NV (October 21, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated 122-pound fighter, Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (18-0, 12 KOs), ranked #1 by the WBA, might be the best super bantamweight in the world, but he wants to prove it.

“I feel like Marvin Hagler, none of these guys want to fight me,” said Aleem, who recently lost his WBA super bantamweight interim world title based around the rule change within the organization. “I am doing everything that is asked of me, I am taking fights for low money, high risk, and putting on exciting performances, yet the champions will not face or mention me. What do I have to do…call the senator of Michigan or Nevada, and to try to have them help me, because I am a prizefighter, and I want to fight the best.”

Aleem, who lost his belt, after the WBA consolidated their champions, saw himself as the odd man out in the round-robin tournament between Stephen Fulton and Brandon Figueroa, who are looking to unify two of the four titles in the division. Without that belt, Aleem, who was already having trouble getting fights, now is feeling as though it has gotten that much harder.

“I want the winner of Stephen Fulton versus Brandon Figueroa, I want the winner of Murodjon Akhmadaliev versus Ronny Rios…shoot if I can’t get these fights, I will move up to featherweight and fight the boogeyman of that division, Emanuel Navarrete, and if that doesn’t work I would gladly welcome Naoya Inoue to the 122 lbs. division as well,” continued Aleem. “In this era, oftentimes the fans are frustrated that fighters don’t call for the good fights, but I am calling out everyone in my division that has a belt. I’m ranked #1 by the WBA, yet no one is mentioning my name, let alone trying to fight me. I am very frustrated since I know the fans like my style, I’m not boring, and I want to fight the very best, I know I am better than all of them.”

In January of this year, Ra’eese Aleem scored a very impressive knockout against Vic Pasillas, dropping him four times before stopping him in the eleventh round. That was a win that turned a lot of heads on a Showtime Championship Boxing co-main event, with the headlining act being Stephen Fulton versus Angelo Leo. Yet, Aleem is now scheduled to return November 27th on a Showtime co-main event headlined by Stephen Fulton vs. Brandon Figueroa, taking place at the Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I am facing Eduardo Baez in my next fight, and he is a good fighter, but I view myself as a million-dollar fighter, and let’s be honest, these are not the type fights that the fans are interested in,” said a frustrated Aleem. “I respect Baez, and I know he is coming to fight, and I am happy to have a fight, but to get to where I see myself at, I need one of these big fights. I am in my prime right now, and I’m ready for my title shot.”

Aleem, originally from Muskegon, Michigan, moved to Las Vegas, Nevada years ago to chase his dream of being a pro boxer and a world champion.

“I have given up so much of my life just to have a chance at winning a world title, and now I’m fighting a guy that is not even ranked in the WBA,” Aleem concluded. “I just want the chance to fight for a world title because boxing is my life. Not unlike Hagler, if they cut my head open, they would find a big boxing glove in it, and now I just need someone with the conviction behind their belief in their skills with a belt to fight me. I feel like Vic Pasillas was the best fighter in the division and after I beat him, no one wants to fight me. I just want to let everyone at the PBC, and Showtime know that I’m hungry, and will guarantee all action fights when I step in the ring.”

PHILADELPHIA (October 21, 2021)–A can’t miss welterweight showdown will headline RDR Promotions big night of boxing on Saturday, November 27th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Undefeated Philadelphia based welterweight’s Paul Kroll and Mark Dawson Jr. will fight in an eight-round bout in what will be one of the most anticipated fights featuring Philadelphia fighters in a while.

Kroll, who was a 2016 United States Olympic alternate, has a record of 8-0 with six knockouts. Kroll is a three-year professional, has a win over highly regarded Shinard Bunch (2-0) and is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Lucas Santamaria on October 3, 2020 in Los Angeles.

Dawson is 9-0-1 with three knockouts. The 24 year-old Dawson is coming off his career best victory when he won an eight-round unanimous decision over Ivan Pandzic (13-0-1) on July 24th at the 2300 Arena,

In the eight-round co-feature, former two-time world title challenger, Jesse Hart will be in action against veteran Ernest Amuzu in a super middleweight contest.

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 Gavronski (24-2-1) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2). Hart is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Mike Guy on September 17th at the 2300 Arena.

Amuzu of Prichard, Alabama, has a record of 26-5 with 22 knockouts.

Amuzu, 38, is an 11-year veteran and is coming off a unanimous decision over Zacariah Kelly on June 27, 2020 in Plant City, Florida.

In an eight-round bout, Istvan Bernath (7-0, 5 KOs) of Miami is taking on an opponent to be named in heavyweight bout.

In Four Round Bouts:

Isaiah Johnson (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Anthony Young (0-3) of Philadelphia in a super lightweight contest.

Rashan Adams (1-0) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super featherweight fight.

Jabril Noble (2-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Joshua Zimmerman (0-5) of Baltimore in a super featherweight bout.

Derek Starling (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a heavyweight fight.

LaQuan Evans (4-2, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Victor Garcia Rivera (1-8) of Los Angeles in a super welterweight fight.

Tickets are $55, $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=386

Miguel Angel Madueño 136.6 vs. Jose Luis Rodriguez 135.9
Eros Correa 120.7 vs.Katsuma Akitsumgi 119.5
Anthony Chavez 128 vs. Brandon Benitez 127.1
Esteban Muñoz 141.6 vs. Manuel Martinez 141.4
Lazaro Vargas 121.5 vs. Ulises Rosales 119.4

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone).

This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube
pages.

LOS ANGELES (October 21, 2021) – Five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and hard-hitting, unbeaten lightweight contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero went face-to-face Thursday at a press conference to preview their showdown for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Championship headlining live on SHOWTIME PPV Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Davis’ third-straight pay-per-view headlining attraction will see him battle his outspoken lightweight foe Romero, as the 26-year-old power-punchers put their unbeaten records on the line. The event will mark Davis’ return to Southern California after he knocked out Hugo Ruiz in the first round in front of a sold-out crowd in February 2019.

Tickets for the live 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 press conference participants had to say Thursday from City View Terrace at STAPLES Center:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I’m thankful to be here to give the fans another great fight. This is what we do. ‘Rolly’ is just here to talk. He’s trying to talk his way into winning, but he’s scared. I’m coming to fight.

“They only talk about his power, but this is boxing. His skills are not up to par with mine. He can’t even talk about power, because everyone knows I’m bringing it. You can shoot bullets, but how are you going to defend yourself when the bullets are shot back?

“He’s been talking for a long time. He’s trying to sell a fight, but I’m going to show him that he’s a chump on December 5. I’m not here to talk, I’m here to fight. I don’t take this personally. To me, this isn’t beef, this is business.

“I was on a mission when I fought Jose Pedraza for the title. I didn’t do the trash talking. I went in there and proved that I’m a top guy. This guy is just here to talk. I’m going to do the talking in the ring on December 5.

“His trainer isn’t working on anything but power. They aren’t working on any skills. He hasn’t fought anybody like me and he’s going to see the difference.

“I’ve never once turned down any fight. I’m not scared of anybody. I’m going to fight everybody. I’ll fight a heavyweight. This is nothing to me. I’ve survived a lot of stuff.

“He’s supposed to come here and sell the fight. I’m supposed to win. I’d rather punish him for 12 rounds than knock him out quick. Part of me wants to humble him, but the most important thing to do is just go out there and get the job done.

“This fight is for the fans. The fans are winning December 5. Make sure you come out and support. I’m thankful to be in this position. It’s all about my team and those people who have put me in a great position.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“Everyone’s going to see December 5, I’m going to knock Gervonta the f*** out. I hope you hear that.

“I’ve been calling ‘Tank’ out since 2017. We were supposed to spar in 2018 and he didn’t show up to the gym. He did that twice because he knew he was getting beat. December 5, you’re getting knocked out.

“This is just who I am. This is how I was born. I came into this sport at 17-years-old and I’ve made the most out of what I’ve done. Everybody come watch me knock him out on December 5.

“He’s got such a big head, it’s going to be hard to miss it. He gets touched up by every opponent he faces. Leo Santa Cruz was beating him up and Barrios was getting to him too.

“He wants to run out of the ring whenever he gets hit. It happens in sparring and in the amateurs. I was the one who had to force this fight, because I’ve seen for years that he’s a chump. He’s made a career out of beating up 126-pounders.

“He doesn’t know half the stuff that I’ve seen and been through. I’m here to knock him out in the ring. He’s arrogant and tries to act like he’s tough, but I’m knocking him out.

“Manny Pacquiao has an awkward style too, and look at everything he’s accomplished. Just because I fight differently, does that mean I don’t have skills? I have my own skills and they’ve gotten me this far.

“I’m not going into the ring angry, I’m just focused.”

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, President of Mayweather Promotions

“These are two great fighters. And when I say great, I mean that every time they go out there, they produce. ‘Tank’ is a young kid from Baltimore who had a dream. He’s been through a lot. He fought his way to the top. You have to commend him for that. No matter what anyone says, he earned his stripes.

“I believe ‘Tank’ is one of the best fighters in the world. ‘Rolly’ says he wants to fight the best. Come December 5, it’s going to be a hell of a fight.

“’Rolly’ is tough. He’ll fight anybody and that eagerness makes this an intriguing matchup. ‘Rolly’ just wants to prove he’s the best. He’s also a hell of a puncher. Every time we presented an opponent to him, he’s accepted every one of them.

“’Tank’ is doing record-breaking numbers. I always told him it would come in due time. I told him that the same way I sell out arenas, you’re going to do the same thing one day. He had patience and that’s what we’re doing.

“These guys are the future of boxing. I don’t see this fight going the distance. Two undefeated knockout artists. Two champions. December 5, I’ll see everyone there.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Co-Trainer

“I hope you keep up this talking ‘Rolly.’ We’ll see who’s still going to be talking at the end of the night on December 5.

“Romero has an awkward style, but the beauty of having two coaches with ‘Tank,’ is that there’s nothing we aren’t ready for.

“Having Barry Hunter be a part of the camp has helped calm ‘Tank’ down in many ways. I think everyone will see the beauty of us working together in this fight.

“I don’t train ‘Tank’ for knockouts. I train him to go the distance. He can get you from round 1 to 12. So you better stay sharp.”

BARRY HUNTER, Davis’ Co-Trainer

“Everyone knows what we’re coming to do. I have mad respect for the other side. Bring your A-game, because we’re definitely going to bring ours.

“We’re born for stuff like this right here. Like everyone said, there’s no way this fight goes the distance.

“Everybody is working hard to be at their best, because we don’t want any excuses after it’s over with. I have faith in Gervonta. I know what he’s going to do.”

BULLET CROMWELL, Romero’s Trainer

“I know what everybody is saying about who the champ is coming into this, but the champ wasn’t born a champ, he had to rise too. Just like a young lion, ‘Rolly’ is ready to rise.

“I’m an L.A. guy. When we come back here, we’re fighting for a legacy. It’s not just a belt and money.

“I told ‘Rolly’ that Gervonta Davis is standing in the way of changing your family and your legacy. We got a job to do.

“I don’t care about pure boxing or any style. I took karate, street-fighting and boxing, and I put it all together. Combined with a puncher with ‘Rolly’s’ power, and with his grind and grit, it’s a perfect match.

“I have a lot of respect for ‘Tank’ and his team. He’s a great fighter, but Rolly is next up. He’s going to be the new WBA champion on December 5.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We’re excited to bring this huge event to Los Angeles at STAPLES Center on Sunday, December 5. This is a tremendous matchup and the fans should be excited. There’s a lot of buzz already and tickets are going fast.

“These fighters truly despise each other. It’s rare you see that in boxing. In 2019, me and Floyd were at the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Mikey Garcia and we were talking and all of a sudden Davis and Romero were ready to go at it at ringside. Floyd told them that they could do it in the ring, and now here we are.

“’Tank’ is without a doubt the most exciting fighter in the world. He’s also one of the biggest attractions and one of the best fighters in the world. ‘Rolly’ has let it be known that he’s been ‘trolling’ ‘Tank’ and I’m sure on December 5, ‘Tank’ will be doing whatever he can to shut ‘Rolly’ up.

“’Rolly’ is a very explosive fighter and anytime he steps into the ring, he’s looking to get his opponent out of there. He never lacks confidence and he’s confident that on December 5 he’s getting the job done.

“With two tremendous power punchers like this, there’s no way this fight doesn’t end in a knockout. Tune in December 5 and expect someone to get knocked out.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President of SHOWTIME Sports

“For SHOWTIME Sports, 2021 has been one of the strongest years on record. We have delivered a total of 42 events, half of which ended in knockouts. On December 5, I expect this won’t go the distance, either, with these two hard hitters.

“Week after week, year after year, SHOWTIME continues to be the standard of this sport. No one in combat sports is putting on better, or more meaningful fights than us.

“As we enter Gervonta’s 11th fight with SHOWTIME, he has never been down, and he has continued to shine. When other fighters are talking, ‘Tank’ is fighting and selling out arenas.

“’Rolly’ has also never been downed as a pro. He is a hard hitter and is one of the best talents in boxing, and he will be the first to tell you.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. ROMERO
Davis vs. Romero will see five-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis defend his WBA Lightweight Championship against hard-hitting, unbeaten lightweight contender Rolando “Rolly” Romero live on SHOWTIME PPV on Sunday, December 5 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in a Premier Boxing Champions event. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions, @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/.

Unified Lightweight Champion Teófimo López (16-0, 12 KOs) will finally make his maiden title defence of his WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring belts against George Kambosos Jr (19-0, 10 KOs) at Hulu Theater, Madison Square Garden, New York, on Saturday, November 27 – live worldwide and exclusively on DAZN.

Lopez’s first fight since upsetting former champion Vasiliy Lomachenko in October 2020, the Brooklyn native beat the Ukrainian by unanimous decision, taking with him the prized straps and unified crown. Australian Kambosos Jr. comes into the fight as the mandatory IBF challenger, also boasting a perfect record and coming off the back of a split decision win against former IBF Featherweight Champion Lee Selby.

“The time has finally come!” said López. “It has been a long wait for Team Takeover. We’ve been in the zone for six months and counting but we’re pleased to be able to finally get this fight on DAZN! The Takeover will show the world once again why we are called ‘The People’s Champ’.”

“It has been a long time coming, I have been patient but ready and I have continued to perfect my craft, leaving no stone unturned to be victorious and win all the belts,” said Kambosos Jr. “I’m very excited to be headlining my biggest fight of my life on another great Matchroom card against Teofimo López after earning this opportunity last year by becoming the IBF mandatory and world number 1 on another great Matchroom show. I know they will give this fight the respect it deserves and I will shock the world and be crowned World Champion on November 27 in New York City.”

“I am delighted to be bringing Lopez vs. Kambosas to DAZN and Madison Square Garden,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “This rivalry has been cooking for a long time and now we finally get to see them put it to bed in the Big Apple.

“Teofimo is one of the big young stars in the sport but George is a hungry proud Aussie who knows that this is the chance to put his name amongst the elite of the game.

“The Lightweight division will catch fire once again at the end of 2021 with Devin Haney set to defend his WBC crown in December on DAZN after Teofimo and George tangle; the winter schedule on DAZN is unrivaled and this fight is one of the best out there at the end of this year.”

“We’re thrilled to add this incredible Lightweight clash to our fall fight schedule to close out a busy 2021,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP. “López is a superstar in the sport of boxing and I’m sure will treat DAZN subscribers worldwide with a magnificent performance on the night. Kambosos is a tough competitor and a real test for the champion. This is one of the hottest divisions of the sport and both men will undoubtedly leave it all in the ring on November 27 and give fight fans globally a night to remember.”

An announcement on tickets will be made soon.

Undercard information will be announced shortly.

Other major matchups this fall on DAZN include:

Friday, November 05: Matteo Signani vs. Ruben Diaz – live worldwide on DAZN
Saturday, November 13: Jaime Munguia vs Gabriel Rosado – live worldwide on DAZN, excluding Mexico
Saturday, November 13: Kid Galahad vs. Kiko Martinez – live worldwide on DAZN, excluding Australia & New Zealand
Saturday, November 19: Demetrius Andrade vs Jason Quigley – live worldwide on DAZN
Saturday, November 27: Teófimo López v George Kambosos Jr – live worldwide on DAZN
Saturday, December 18: Joseph Parker vs Derek Chisora – live worldwide on DAZN, excluding New Zealand & Samoa

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (October 20, 2021) – Mexican superstar, four-division world champion and unified WBC/WBO/WBA Super Middleweight Champion Canelo Álvarez held a virtual workout on Wednesday, as he showed off his skills ahead of his highly anticipated undisputed 168-pound championship showdown against undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant taking place Saturday, November 6 live on SHOWTIME PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Canelo was joined by his renowned trainer and manager Eddy Reynoso at their gym in San Diego during Wednesday’s event that streamed live on the SHOWTIME Boxing YouTube Channel (Watch the full replay HERE). Canelo and Plant will be looking to make history on November 6, as the winner of their fight will become the first undisputed 168-pound champion of the four-belt era (Click HERE to watch promo).

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions and sponsored by Hennessy and Value.

See below for quotes from Canelo and Reynoso on Wednesday:

CANELO ÁLVAREZ

“I feel strong and I’m very excited. I’m just continuing to move forward day by day toward fight night. I’m ready to make history on November 6.

“It’s new for me to have this much bad blood with an opponent. It’s very different from normal and it’s definitely the most animosity I’ve had with an opponent heading into a big fight.

“I’m sticking with my prediction of a knockout before round eight. The first couple of rounds will be difficult, but as the fight progresses, I am going to be able to get him out of there.

“I delivered the message I had to at our press conference. I don’t have to say anything else to Plant. I’m just going to prepare to face him in the ring on November 6.

“The secret to me and Eddy’s relationship is our discipline. My mind is so strong and I’m going to use that to my advantage in this fight.

“I’ve never been involved in anything like what happened at the first press conference between me and Caleb. Whether it sells the fight or not, the most important thing for me is to become undisputed on November 6.

“I’ve been in the ring for huge fights like this a lot of times. For him, it’s going to be a challenge being in there for a fight of this magnitude for the first time. He’s going to have to control his emotions.

“I’m a complete fighter. I can do various things in the ring. I can be aggressive, I can counterpunch, I can move. At the end of the day, I know I have to be a complete fighter. That’s what I’ve learned to be under Eddy Reynoso.

“Caleb is a good boxer, he has a good jab and he moves very well. But it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’m just going to use my skills and experience to win the fight.

“This is very important for my country of Mexico. This is one of the most important fights of my life. I’m taking it very seriously and a win means a lot to me.

“I don’t want to compare myself to great Mexican champions of the past. I just want to go out and make my own history. In the end, I want to be considered one of the best along with the legends who came before me.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Canelo’s Trainer and Manager

“We’re very focused right now. It’s an emotional experience preparing for a fight of this magnitude. We’re anxious, but in a good way, as we head toward November 6.

“There’s no bad blood with Caleb in my mind. We’re just focused on making history. At the end of the day, we want to continue to build our name so that Mexicans around the world can galvanize around Canelo Álvarez.

“The experience and heart that Canelo has are going to be the key to victory. We have to go out there and find Caleb Plant. He’s a good technical fighter, he has good legs and a good boxing IQ. We have to pressure him from the very start.

“Our focus is to make sure we show everyone that Mexican boxing is number one. If we’re able to get this victory and unify the division, we will really be making a big mark in the sport.

“This is the most important fight in Canelo’s career. As a prizefighter there is nothing bigger than unifying a division. That’s why we’re training so hard.”

#

ABOUT CANELO VS. PLANT
Canelo vs. Plant will see boxing’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Mexican superstar and unified WBA/WBC/WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez face undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant in a historic showdown on Saturday, November 6, live on SHOWTIME PPV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @Canelo, @SweetHandsPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @Canelo, @CalebPlant, @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

SALEM, Mass. (October 20, 2021) — The second installment of “Down & Dirty,” the only ongoing professional boxing series in New England, will be Friday night, October 29th, at Melrose Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

“Down & Dirty,” presented by Reyes Boxing, will be headlined by an 8-round main event between Jeovanis “Meque” Barraza (22-1, 15 KOs) and Jorge “Tomatito” Martin Garcia (13-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant ABF Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship.

All the action will be streamed live and exclusively on pay-per-view at https://throwdownsports.com/programs/reyes-boxing-10-29-21, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT, for $29.95.

“We have a great, young pool of talent in challenging fights on this show,” Reyes Boxing promoter Michael Reyes said. “Our “Down & Dirty” series going on in New England. This is our first show in Massachusetts. Our 2022 plan is to have series shows in all six New England states. We have some fighters preparing to advance to the next level of competition, as well as young local fighters gaining invaluable experience.”

The reigning Colombian Welterweight Champion, Barraza’s lone loss as a pro was to then pro-debuting Gabriel Maestre two years ago in Colombia to 2-time Venezuelan Olympian Gabriel Maestre, who is now 4-0 and the WBA Interim World Welterweight Champion. This will mark Barraza’s first fight outside of his native Colombia.

Garcia, a shifty southpaw, will be fighting outside of his native Argentina for the first time as a prizefighter. He has become a South American gatekeeper in the welterweight division.

Promising Boston lightweight Jonathan Depina (5-1, 3 KOs) meets Gonzalo Carlos Dallera (9-14, 7 KOs) in the 6-round co-featured event for the vacant ABF Mid-Atlantic Lightweight Championship. Depina has rebounded from his lone loss as a pro this past May, a 6-round decision in the Dominican Republic to pro-debuting Dominican Felix Batista San Juan.

ABF Atlantic Middleweight Champion Anthony “Big Daddy” Hines, fighting out of nearby Dorchester (a Boston district) will take on challenger Fidel Monterrosa Munuz, a former Colombian Light Heavyweight Champion, in an 8-round fight. Hines will make his first title defense of the title he won this past June with a 6-round majority decision over Gustavo Sandoval. The heavy-handed Dallera represents a step up in terms of quality opposition for 33-year-old Hines.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in 4-rounders, is Lynn (MA) heavyweight Dennis Ventura (4-0, 3 KOs) vs, Vercell Webster (1-4-1, 1 KO), of Mississippi, New York super lightweight Brandon Idrogo (4-1, 4 KOs) vs. Virginian Stacey Anderson (0-7), undefeated New London (CT) lightweight prospect Alejandro “El Abusador” Paolino (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Italian-born, Argentina resident Christian “El Nija” Danilo Guido (8-20, 6 KOs), Providence (RI) heavyweight Sean Bey (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Utah’s pro-debuting Brandon Grundy, and Dracut (MA) lightweight Gabriel Morales )(2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA.

Card is subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $75.00 (General Admission), $90.00 (Reserved), $125.00 (Ringside) and $250.00 VIP (dedicated server on stage) and available for purchase online at https://throwdownsports.com/programs/reyes-boxing-10-29-21 or directly from any of the participating boxers on this show. Limited tickets will be available at the door while they last

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 6:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ReyesBoxingClub, www.AFightingChanceinc.org

Twitter: @boxing_inc

Instagram: @ReyesBoxing, @FightingChance501c3

LinkedIn: @MichaelReyes

Facebook: /MichaelReyes, /ReyesBoxingInc, #FightingChance501c3

LOS ANGELES – It’s the most wonderful time of the year as BELLATOR MMA rings in the holiday season with BELLATOR Bantamweight World Champion Sergio “The Phenom” 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 “The Typhoon” Horiguchi (29-3) at BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi on Friday, Dec. 3.

SHOWTIME will televise the main card live from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, the thrilling preliminary fights will stream live on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 272 will go on sale Friday, Oct. 22 at both Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com, with a special presale taking place Thursday, Oct 21.

Two additional action-packed preliminary matchups have also been announced with a featherweight feature between Hawaii’s Keoni Diggs (9-1) and John “Platano” de Jesus (14-9) as well as a bantamweight battle between “Gentleman” Josh Hill (20-4) and Jared “Psycho” Scoggins (10-1).

“It’s always a special event when you have a champion versus champion fight,” said BELLATOR President Scott Coker. “I’m excited to have Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi competing for the BELLATOR World Championship on Dec. 3. Having a strong working relationship with RIZIN has led to many strong fights between our promotions and I foresee this continuing as we look ahead to 2022.”

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank BELLATOR and Scott Coker for providing our RIZIN Bantamweight Champion Kyoji Horiguchi the opportunity to challenge the BELLATOR Championship,” said RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara. “I am very excited to say Horiguchi’s challenge is just the first step of what BELLATOR and RIZIN has planned. BELLATOR and RIZIN’s ambitious challenges and battles will begin from December 3rd.”

Pettis captured the BELLATOR bantamweight crown this past May at the Mohegan Sun by outpointing former champion Juan Archuleta in a fast-paced contest at BELLATOR 258.

After signing with BELLATOR MMA in October 2019, the Roufusport MMA Academy-standout made his successful promotional debut three months later when he recorded a first-round technical submission via guillotine choke over Alfred Khashakyan at BELLATOR 238.

The younger brother of former UFC champion Anthony Pettis will make his fourth consecutive BELLATOR MMA appearance, and third straight at the Mohegan Sun.

Fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc., the hard-hitting Midwesterner returned to the cage one-half year following his initial BELLATOR MMA outing and tallied a close, unanimous decision over Ricky Bandejas in the main event of BELLATOR 242 on July 24, 2020.

Hailing from Takasaki, Japan, the 31-year-old Horiguchi is the reigning RIZIN bantamweight champion who notoriously became a simultaneous, two-promotion champion in 2019 after taking down and upsetting then-BELLATOR champion Darrion Caldwell at Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, an injury would force Horiguchi to relinquish his BELLATOR title in Nov. 2019 and he now looks to reclaim his belt at BELLATOR 272.

While with RIZIN, the American Top Team-product amassed an impressive 10-1 promotional mark, highlighted by eight finishes and five first-round knockouts. Additionally, more than half of Horiguchi’s career victories (15 of 29) have come via KO.

Now, after reclaiming his RIZIN bantamweight strap and avenging only his third loss in 32 outings with a highlight-reel, opening-round knockout over Kai Asakura on New Year’s Eve 2020, the Japanese sensation fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla., aims to get his hands back on BELLATOR’s title.

Additional bouts for BELLATOR MMA 272: Pettis vs. Horiguchi will be announced in the coming weeks.

BELLATOR MMA 272: PETTIS VS. HORIGUCHI MAIN CARD:

Friday, Dec. 3 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/PT

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

BELLATOR MMA 272: PETTIS VS. HORIGUCHI PRELIMINARY CARD:

Friday, Dec. 3 – live on SHOWTIME

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

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

Featherweight bout: Keoni Diggs (9-1) vs. John de Jesus (14-9)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

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.

FORMER British Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley will return to action at Utilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday November 6, live on BT Sport.

The Battersea man, 26, will face Wednesbury hopeful Sam Evans (10-1-1, 3 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

Bentley (14-1-1, 12 KOs) who hasn’t boxed since losing his title against Felix Cash in April said: “It’s just nice to be back.

“I was meant to box last month, but the fight never happened and when we got offered this fight I took it right away. I am always in the gym and ready.

“I am pleased it’s an opponent like Sam because he will let his hands go and should be full of ambition. I don’t want full camps for knock over jobs.

“Sam knows that if he can get past me he’ll be right in the big title picture, but I can’t allow anyone to eat from my plate again. I can’t wait for this fight.”

Woodville’s Zach Parker (21-0, 15 KOs) headlines the talent stacked card and defends his WBO International Super-Middleweight championship against Manchester’s Marcus Morrison (24-4, 16 KOs)

The champion won’t just be risking his crown, but also his status as number one contender in the rankings for the WBO World title held by Canelo Alvarez when he faces Morrison.

Massive Stoke-on-Trent ticket seller Nathan Heaney (13-0, 5 KOs) will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Sladan Janjanin (30-8, 23 KOs) for the vacant IBO International Middleweight title.

Also in eight round action is exciting Southampton hope Ryan Garner (10-0, 6 KOs) who goes in against Portugal’s Pedro Manuel Gomes (9-1, 2 KOs).

In another eight rounder Irish Welterweight prospect Dylan Moran (15-1, 6 KOs) returns after almost 12 months on the sidelines.

Scotland’s former World Youth amateur champion Willy Hutchinson (13-1, 9 KOs) has his first contest since losing against Lennox Clarke in a British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight title fight in March and faces Westbury’s Anthony Fox (8-13-4) over eight rounds.

Northampton Super-Lightweight Eithan James (6-0) and Dubliner Willo Hayden (1-0) are both scheduled to box six rounders.

Telford pair, Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen (1-0, 1 KO) and Bantamweight debutant Raheem Muhammed are in four round action.

DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (October 20, 2021)—The world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, has put together another blockbuster championship fight pitting WBC Cruiserweight Champion Ilunga Junior Makabu and the number one challenger, WBC Silver Champion Thabiso Mchunu.

King, who represents Makabu, came to an agreement with Mchunu’s representatives on the 12-round championship fight, to be held in the next two months.

“This is going to be one action packed championship fight,” said King.  “They are both warriors and this battle could result in one of the best championship fights of the year.” 

Makabu (28-2 with 25 KOs) is from the Democratic Republic of The Congo, defended his championship in his hometown of Kinshasa as he stopped Nigeria’s Olanrewaju Durodola with two solid left hooks in the seventh round last December. 

Makabu, who has won his last nine decisions, won the vacant title on Jan. 31, 2020 in winning a unanimous decision against Michael Cieslak.

Thabiso (23-5, 13 KOs), who hails from South Africa and is nicknamed “The Rock”, became the WBC Silver Titlist with a unanimous decision over Denis Lebedev on Dec. 21, 2019.  He last defended his title and scored another unanimous victory over Evgeny Tishchenko on March 27, 2021.  Thabiso has won his last four fights.

NEW YORK – October 20, 2021 – Exciting unbeaten welterweight sensation Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to make it 26 knockouts in 28 fights when he faces veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in the 10-round co-main event live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) Saturday, October 30 from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Ennis (27-0, 25 KOs), who has steadily risen in the ranks since his pro debut in 2016, faces another tough welterweight opponent in Dulorme after previously stopping former champion Sergey Lipinets in April. Dulorme, a 147-pound contender and former 140-pound title challenger, has amassed a solid resume in his career, climbing into the ring with world champions Yordenis Ugas, Jessie Vargas and Terence Crawford.

Named the 2020 Prospect of the Year by Ring Magazine, Ennis is trained by his father Bozy Ennis at Bozy’s Dungeon in his hometown of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Pa.

“My dad has me working on some new things to get better,” said the 24-year-old who boasts sublime boxing skills and power in both hands. “We’re working on having me be more relaxed in there and just staying sharp and alert, using my jab and going to the body a lot more. I never look for the knockout. I just go in there and do what I’m supposed to do and I let the knockout come to me, which it usually does.”

Ennis is currently ranked IBF No. 3, WBO and WBA No. 5 and WBC No. 8 at 147 pounds, and he believes that a title shot isn’t far away. He sees his latest opponent as just another obstacle in the way of reaching his ultimate goal.

“Dulorme is a good fighter and I don’t take anything away from him,” Ennis said. “He’s fought a lot of great guys, world champions, but I’m on a different level right now. I’m coming to take over the welterweight division and he’s in my way. He’s got to go. I’m coming for all the belts.”

With Ennis’ last three fights, including the no-contest against Chris van Heerden, all coming inside “The Fight Sphere” at Mohegan Sun, he is excited to fight out west for the first time in the Boxing Capital of the World as a profesional. Ennis does have fond memories of the city, however, having won Gold at the 2015 National Golden Gloves in Las Vegas.

“That’s a really fun memory, especially because I won the whole tournament,” he said. “I love Vegas. It’s the home of boxing, but honestly, I have so many fans from Philly coming out to this fight that it’s going to feel like I’m fighting at home. I would love to keep fighting in Vegas, bring my Philly people out, and make it like a second home.”

As the next in line amongst future Philadelphia-born world champions, Ennis takes great pride in his hometown and sees lots of boxing potential brewing in the City of Brotherly Love. “I definitely see a lot of other great prospects in Philly. There are even some amateurs that are about to turn pro that are great prospects. Philly has a lot of firepower and great guys coming up in the ranks right now. I feel like Philly is going to take over the boxing world.”

Ennis made his SHOWTIME debut in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation, scoring a third-round TKO over Armando Alvarez. Ennis has continued his progression on SHOWTIME, including in his last fight in April, when Ennis passed the most significant test of his career with flying colors, becoming the first fighter to stop Lipinets. Still, the rising star isn’t satisfied.

“It’s wonderful that I’m getting more and more recognition, but that’s not what I do this for. I’m just ready to take over the entire division. I promise this is just the start for me.”

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ABOUT JAMES VS. BUTAEV
James vs. Butaev will see WBA Welterweight Champion Jamal “Shango” James defend his title against unbeaten contender Radzhab Butaev in a 12-round duel that headlines a night of action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 30 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a 10-round showdown against veteran contender Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event. Kicking off the telecast, exciting unbeaten lightweight contender Michel Rivera faces Argentina’s Matías Romero in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Ennis vs. Dulorme is promoted in association with D&D Boxing. Rivera vs. Romero is promoted in association with Sampson Boxing.

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

Coventry, UK (20 October 2021) Tickets are now on sale for Hennessy Sports’ triple-title thriller on Saturday 13th November at the Coventry Skydome Arena.

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan and Everlast, tickets are priced at £45, £55, £90 and £120 and are available at: https://iceaccount.co.uk/wbc-championship-boxing-info

Headlining the card will be Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Pitters (16-1-0, 5) when he faces off against Leeds puncher Reece Cartwright (23-1-0, 14) for the Vacant WBC International Light-Heavyweight Championship.

A fiery midlands derby for the Vacant English Middleweight Championship sees undefeated Coventry hitter River Wilson-Bent (10-0-0, 5) square off against his Rowley Regis rival Tyler Denny (13-2-2).

Irish middleweight hot shot Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna (12-0-0, 7) will challenge for his first championship title on the card with more big news to follow shortly. The unbeaten County Monaghan star is one of the hottest talents in the sport and is ready to make the step up to championship class.

Aaron’s older brother Stevie ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (9-0-0, 8) is ripping through the welterweight division as he continues his rise towards challenging for his first title. McKenna carries serious firepower in both fists with eight out of nine KO’d early and five of those have come in the first round.

The card features the rest of the highly talented Hennessy All-Stars team, including Brixton cruiserweight ace Isaac Chamberlain (13-1-0, 7), Birmingham Welterweight Kaisee Benjamin (13-1-1, 4), Birmingham super-middleweight Idris Virgo (10-0-1, 1); Sevenoaks highly talented super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (7-1-1, 1); undefeated County Donegal middleweight starlet Brett McGinty (3-0-0, 1) and unbeaten Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch (5-0-0, 4).

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

The Filipino icon has had a tremendous career, with Nietes (43-1-5, 23 knockouts) holding world titles at super-flyweight, flyweight, light-flyweight and minimumweight.

Winning world titles in four different weight divisions is a staggering achievement that very few boxers in history have been able to accomplish, making Nietes one of the most decorated boxers in recent memory.

Nietes made his long-awaited return to the ring earlier this year, coming back from a near two-and-a-half year absence when he defeated Pablo Carrillo in Dubai, winning the vacant WBO International super-flyweight title in the process, and displaying the elite skills that have put him at the top of the sport for nearly two decades.

He now joins forces with Probellum, as he looks to once again become world champion and continue to do his country of the Philippines proud.

Nietes is the 15th fighter to sign with Probellum, joining Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Badou Jack, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Paul Butler, Lewis Ritson, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson and Brandon Moore.

Probellum has also secured co-promotional agreements with some of the leading promoters in the sport, having partnered with Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Groupe Yvon Michel in Canada, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, Kynoch Boxing in Scotland, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

“It’s such a great pleasure to get this promotional contract with Probellum,” said Nietes. “I am so proud to be part of it, and I am looking forward to fighting again soon so that I can continue to show my boxing abilities and technique.”

“We’re pleased to welcome such an illustrious boxer like Donnie Nietes to the team,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “We have seen the lower weight classes finally receive the praise they deserve in recent years, and Donnie is a key part of that stacked super-flyweight division.

“He has already won world titles in four divisions, making him a true legend of the sport, and we’re proud to now be working together as we look to help him claim world honors again in the near future.”

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

(Oct. 19, 2021) — Longtime heavyweight contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas hopes unbeaten knockout artist Ryan Rozicki is not a bridge too far.
 
Rivas and Rozicki will clash this Friday, Oct. 22 at L’Olympia in Montreal, a 12-round showdown to crown the inaugural WBC Bridgerweight world champion (weight limit: 224 pounds). Rivas has fought as high as 251½ pounds, while Rozicki has spent the entirety of his five-year pro career as a cruiserweight.
 
Rivas-Rozicki will headline a special Canadian fight night streaming live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
 
Rivas (27-1, 19 KOs) is a 2008 Colombian Olympian who has spent his 12-year pro career based in Montreal. In January 2019, he knocked out former world title challenger Bryant Jennings in the 12^th round of an ESPN+ main event. Six months later, he dropped a highly competitive decision to British star Dillian Whyte. Rivas returned in March 2021 — weighing 221¼ pounds — and knocked out Sylvera Louis in three rounds. Rozicki (13-0, 13 KOs), from Nova Scotia, Canada, has stopped 12 of his 13 foes in three rounds or less and has never gone past six rounds in the paid ranks.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

• In an eight-rounder at super middleweight, Steve Rolls (20-1, 11 KOs), best known for his 2019 challenge of Gennadiy Golovkin, returns from a nearly two-year layoff to fight Gregory Trenel (14-7-2, 4 KOs).
   
• Canadian welterweight contender Sebastien Bouchard (19-2, 8 KOs) will face Mexican knockout artist Sergio “Checo” Ortega (24-2, 18 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Ortega has won eight straight fights, all by knockout, since returning from a nearly three-year layoff in 2018.
   
• In a four-round cruiserweight rematch featuring a pair of Quebec natives, Alexandre Roberge (1-1) will look to avenge his lone pro defeat against Francis Charbonneau (3-1, 1 KO). In March, Charbonneau edged Roberge by six-round split decision.
   
• Light heavyweight prospect Terry Osias (9-0, 4 KOs), from Longueuil, Canada, will fight Joaquin Murrieta (9-9-3, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder. Murrieta is coming off a knockout win in August over the previously undefeated Carlos Avila (10-0 at the time).

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 14.9 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).

IBF #11, WBC #14 and WBO #15 light heavyweight Ali Izmailov stayed busy Saturday night with an eye-opening two-round demolition of Detroit-based slugger James Ballard.

Making his US ring debut at the Performance Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, Izmailov (now 6-0, 4 KOs), from Malgobek, Russia, turned the heat up early in round two with a left that sent Ballard’s mouthpiece flying several rows into the ringside seats.

Shortly thereafter, with the normally durable Ballard (10-4, 3 KOs) along the ropes taking a two-fisted pounding, referee Pat Schmidt had seen enough. The official end came at 1:21.

“Ali ranks up near the top in punching power, he truly packs a tremendous punch with either hand,” said new trainer John David Jackson. “It was our first boxing match together and even with the language barrier we communicated very well. He used his jab really well and his body shots were really nice.”

Jackson says one more fight working together at his Action Jackson Boxing Academy in Fort Lauderdale and Izmailov will be ready for anyone in the division.

“He’s definitely a boxer to watch out for,” continued Jackson. “He has fast reflexes, but I feel as if we need one more camp together before he is truly tested in a very big bout. We need to work on throwing more body punches and moving his head more when he stands in front of his opponent.”

Promoter Dmitriy Salita says using Ballard as a measuring stick and looking at the relative ease with which his fighter dispatched him, the 28-year-old former amateur standout Izmailov has a bright future.

“Ali Izmailov is the hardest hitter in a division ruled by some very heavy-handed guys,” said Salita. “The loud thudding of his punches had the crowd gasping whenever he landed. Ballard is a test for anyone and Ali just walked through him. Fighters can’t take the kind of power he brings into the ring.”

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About Salita Promotions

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

MOSCOW (Oct. 19, 2021) – Capping a historic month of exceptional BELLATOR MMA action, Russian heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) will make his highly anticipated return to the cage following a nearly 22-month absence when he squares off against No. 2-ranked contender Tim Johnson (15-7) at BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. ET live on SHOWTIME. In the co-featured bout inside the VTB Arena in Moscow, Russia, former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion Vitaly Minakov (22-1) will return to combat for the first time in more than two years when he faces No. 8-ranked Said Sowma (7-2).

SHOWTIME will televise the fantastic four-fight BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson main card live at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, all eight must-watch preliminary fights will stream live three hours earlier at Noon ET on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Tickets for BELLATOR MMA 269: Fedor vs. Johnson are currently on sale at Kassir.ru.

Rounding out the four-bout SHOWTIME telecast will be the previously mentioned co-main event between Minakov and Sowma, Team Fedor’s Anatoly Tokov vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov in a middleweight clash, and undefeated Russian phenom Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8). A previously scheduled bout between No. 9-ranked Andrey Koreshkov (24-4) vs. Rustam Khabilov (24-4) has been cancelled due to an undisclosed injury.

Here is what the fighters had to say on Tuesday, Oct. 19:

FEDOR EMELIANENKO: Russian Heavyweight Legend

Click HERE for Fedor’s full media day session

“Tim Johnson recently had a nice winning streak and that shows that he’s quite a good fighter. This was something that I took into consideration when looking at opponents.”

“MMA is the most joyful job that I could have. I’m never tired of the press events, and actually consider them to be a necessity to the business of combat sports, so I have gotten used to them over the years. As far as fighting alongside my friends and family, I think this can be difficult. When my friends and family are fighting with me on the same card, it’s important that I concentrate on my own fight and not get caught up in the rest. Because I am a professional and have been performing in this sport for a while now, I believe that I am good at simplifying everything when it comes to all of these factors.”

“In my next fight, I would prefer to go to Chicago instead of New York, but the plan for the next fight is really up to BELLATOR. If BELLATOR decides to go to a specific place, I will go. But, if it’s in America, it should be in Chicago.”

“It is great news and very exciting that Vadim Nemkov was able to defend his title and advance to the Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Finals. On the topic of champions, I hope that before I leave this sport, we will have another world champion.”

TIM JOHNSON: No. 2-ranked BELLATOR Heavyweight Contender

Click HERE for Tim’s full media day session

“I embrace fighting in Fedor’s home country. How many people get to experience something like that? I fought a Brazilian in Brazil (unanimous decision over Marcelo Golm in February 2018), but this will be a little more intense.”

“I can’t go out there and think, ‘Hey, I’m fighting Fedor.’ This is just an opponent, and he is (standing) in front of my goals.”

“Fedor is a power puncher. He’s got good explosions. I’m preparing this fight to be in all three positions.”

“Fedor fights in front of you, looking to land that big right hand or that big uppercut. He is a well-rounded fighter. You can’t get lazy with him.”

“Tim Johnson is pretty low on the name power list. People know me, but I don’t think the big-time fans look at me as a name power guy.”

“If Fedor beats me, this definitely is not going to be his last fight. If he gets a win over me, he will get a chance to potentially fight for the (heavyweight) belt again.”

VITALY MINAKOV: Former BELLATOR Heavyweight Champion

Click HERE for Vitaly’s full media day session

“It’s definitely a shame that I couldn’t compete for these past two years. Regardless, the past two-and-a-half months of training have been perfect. I’m still in shape and I’m still intact.”

“It is quite difficult with the American Visa. If BELLATOR is not going to come to Russia anytime soon, it will make it difficult. My plans are to stay at BELLATOR and in this sport.”

“Said (Sowma) and I know each other quite well and have trained at the same gym. He is a comfortable person to spar with.”

“I haven’t always seen MMA as a professional career until I came to the BELLATOR tournament. In 2013 when I participated in the Grand Prix, I realized that MMA is something that I could build a career on. I decided to do it to win a title and achieve something in the sport.”

SAID SOWMA: No. 8-ranked BELLATOR Heavyweight Contender

Click HERE for Said’s full media day session

“It’s a big difference when you have to travel across the world for a fight. It was difficult before, but definitely even more difficult now due to the additional restrictions and guidelines. Even though I am fighting in Minakov’s home country, I usually try to ignore the crowd as much as I can as it is, so it really shouldn’t be a factor for me.”

“I think I’m faster than Minakov and I will certainly try to use my speed to my advantage in this fight. I wasn’t so much interested in fighting Minakov as I was in traveling to Russia. I told BELLATOR that I really wanted to go and compete in this event, and the only fighter that I could have potentially matched up against was Minakov, so I took it.”

“I’ve been training at ATT (American Top Team) for 11 years now, and my entire wrestling and jiu-jitsu background comes from that gym. One of the best things about my gym is the absolute goldmine of fighters and coaches. There is just so much talent there.”

“I’m naturally a slow starter inside of the cage, so I’m not sure how this fight is going to play out. Having said that, I do think a win over Minakov will put me in title contention, and that’s exactly what I intend on doing.”

Click here for Usman Nurmagomedov’s full media day session

Click here for Anatoly Tokov’s full media day session

Click here for Patrik Pietila’s full media day session

Click here for Darina Mazdyuk’s full media day session

BELLATOR MMA 269: FEDOR VS. JOHNSON MAIN CARD:

SHOWTIME (U.S.) | OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (U.K.) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Saturday, Oct. 23 – 10 p.m. MSK / 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. No. 2 Tim Johnson (15-7)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (22-1) vs. No. 8 Said Sowma (7-2)

160-Pound Contract Weight Bout: No. 7 Usman Nurmagomedov (13-0) vs. Patrik Pietila (11-8)

Middleweight Bout: Anatoly Tokov (29-2) vs. Sharaf Davlatmurodov (18-3-1)

PRELIMINARY CARD

BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel | SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel | Pluto TV (US)

OKKO (RUS) | BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

7 p.m. MSK / 5 p.m. BST / 12 p.m. ET

Heavyweight Bout: Kirill Sidelnikov (12-6) vs. Rab Truesdale (10-7-1)

Lightweight Bout: Vladimir Tokov (6-1) vs. Aymard Guih (15-11-1)

Flyweight Bout: Darina Mazdyuk (4-1) vs. Katarzyna Sadura (4-4)

Flyweight Bout: Irina Alekseeva (3-1) vs. Stephanie Page (5-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Brian Moore (14-7) vs. Nikita Mikhailov (7-1)

Welterweight Bout: Grachik Bozinyan (11-4) vs. Alexey Shurkevich (12-4)

Featherweight Bout: Aiden Lee (9-5) vs. Alexander Osetrov (8-2-1)

Featherweight Bout: Gadzhi Rabadanov (16-4-1) vs. Alexander Belikh (9-4)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23: BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5: BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12: BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh / Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino / Hollywood, Fla.

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.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to T-Mobile Arena with two thrilling world championship fights and a welterweight grudge match guaranteed to deliver fireworks. UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will go for his first successful title defense when he takes on No. 1 ranked contender Dustin Poirier. Plus, the greatest women’s fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes, defends her bantamweight championship against gritty No. 5 Julianna Peña, while No. 3 ranked welterweight contender Leon Edwards looks to settle the score with No. 6 Jorge Masvidal.

UFC^® 269: OLIVEIRA vs. POIRIER will take place Saturday, Dec. 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. All bouts will be simulcast on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT with the ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass prelims. The prelims will continue exclusively on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT followed by the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card that will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

UFC^® 269: OLIVEIRA vs. POIRIER tickets will go on sale Friday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. PT and are available for purchase at axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Oct. 21 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

No. 10 men’s pound-for-pound fighter Oliveira (31-8 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) achieved his dream of winning UFC gold with a knockout victory over Michael Chandler in May. Throughout his UFC career, he has also netted thrilling wins against Tony Ferguson, Kevin Lee and Nik Lentz (twice). Oliveira now aims to cement his status as the top 155-pound fighter in the world by stopping Poirier in emphatic fashion.

Former interim lightweight champion and No. 6 men’s pound-for-pound fighter, Poirier (28-6 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Lafayette, La.) is riding a wave of momentum following a pair of spectacular wins over Conor McGregor this year. During his UFC run, he has also earned victories against Max Holloway (twice), Eddie Alvarez and Justin Gaethje. Poirier now has his sights set on taking his spot atop the 155-pound division with another highlight-reel finish.

Two-division champion Nunes (21-4, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) has etched her name in the history books among the most dominant fighters in UFC history. Currently riding a seven-year unbeaten streak, she has delivered sensational KO wins over former UFC champions Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg. Nunes now seeks to continue her legendary run with another show-stealing performance.

The Ultimate Fighter season 18 winner Peña (11-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill. by way of Spokane, Wash.) looks to claim the biggest victory of her career and secure her first title. A well-rounded grappler, she cemented herself as one of the best fighters in the world by defeating former UFC champion Nicco Montano, as well as former title challengers Jessica Eye, Cat Zingano and Sara McMann. Peña now intends to shock the world by dethroning Nunes in impressive fashion.

Edwards (19-3 1NC, fighting out of Birmingham, England) is gunning for another dominant performance to set himself up for a UFC title shot. Currently riding a six-year unbeaten streak, he holds notable victories over Nate Diaz, Rafael Dos Anjos and Donald Cerrone. Edwards now plans to get the last laugh against Masvidal to earn his first crack at UFC gold.

Two-time title challenger Masvidal (35-15, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) is determined to cap off 2021 with a vintage knockout win. Throughout his 18-year MMA career, he has delivered memorable finishes of Nate Diaz, Ben Askren and Darren Till. Masvidal now plans to stop Edwards’ momentum in emphatic fashion to once again enter the welterweight top five.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• No. 6 ranked flyweight contender Kai Kara-France (22-9 1NC, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) looks to spoil the 125-pound debut of former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt (12-4, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.)
• No. 15 ranked bantamweight contender Raulian Paiva (21-3, fighting out of Santana, Amapa, Brazil) and Dana White’s Contender Series signee Sean O’Malley (14-1, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) aim to steal the show
• Welterweight contenders collide when No. 10 Geoff Neal (13-4, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) faces No. 12 Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-4, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
• No. 9 ranked bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz (19-6 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) takes on former champion and No. 11 Dominick Cruz (23-3, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
• No. 15 ranked middleweight contender Andre Muniz (21-4, fighting out of Montes Claros, MG, Brazil) aims to keep his momentum going when he meets rising prospect Dricus du Plessis (16-2, fighting out of Pretoria, South Africa)
• No. 13 ranked women’s flyweight contender Maycee Barber (9-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) squares off with rising star Erin Blanchfield (7-1, fighting out of Elmwood Park, NJ)
• No. 4 ranked flyweight contender Alex Perez (24-6, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) battles No. 9 Matt Schnell (15-6, fighting out of Shreveport, La.)
• Submission ace Ryan Hall (8-2, fighting out of Falls Church, Va.) takes on Darrick Minner (26-12, fighting out of Nebraska City, Neb.) in an intriguing featherweight contest
• Gillian Robertson (9-6, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Canada) faces Priscila Cachoeira (10-3, fighting out of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a flyweight bout
• Randy Costa (6-2, fighting out of Taunton, Mass.) takes on Tony Kelley (7-2, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) at bantamweight

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 155 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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 14.9 million subscribers.

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

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features eight U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

ORANGE, CA (October 19, 2021) – Fresh off a dynamic knockout victory on Triller Fight Club, undefeated lightweight power puncher, Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño (25-0, 23 KOs), is scheduled to headline Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event on Friday, October 22, 2021, against Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (25-14-1, 13 KOs), in the 8-round main event.

Here is what Madueño had to say about this training camp, his matchup with Rodriguez, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“After my last win, which was a big KO victory over Sonny Fredrickson, I really wanted to stay in the gym and continue my momentum going forward. Anyone who knows anything about my career, knows I am a big puncher, but we’re working on other aspects of my game so that when I need it, I will be able to show it. I am excited for this bout.”

On his matchup with Jose Luis Rodriguez:

“He has fought a lot of good fighters like Ruben Torres and Antonio Orozco. I want to show what I am capable of by getting another knockout. I want to stop him since he’s been taking everyone the distance, and the last person to stop him was a world champion in Mario Barrios. So, my goal is simple, I want to knockout Jose Luis Rodriguez.”

On fighting in main event of Thompson Boxing’s New Blood event:

“Thompson Boxing has treated me so well. My career wouldn’t be where it is at without them being fully behind me, and now I am on the verge of a world title shot. I have a great record, a fan-friendly style, now it just comes down to performing time and time again. What is even nicer is now knowing they trust me to headline a card knowing fighters like Timothy Bradley Jr., Josesito Lopez, and Daniel Roman, have headlined cards for this same promoter. It means a lot, actually.”

On what a victory will do for his career:

“I want to be in the title picture, and I feel I have done enough to be a top-15 world-ranked fighter in the lightweight division. I think after this fight I will either be rated in the top-15 or people will start having conversations about me being in the top-15, and then I can get the type of fights that I want, and the fans want. So, a win will get me one step closer to my dream of being a world champion.”

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone).

This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube
pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV, our proud Media Partner.
?

SOUTH LAKE, Tex. (October 19, 2021) — World Cup Boxing Series (WCBS), co-founded by CEO Terry Hollan and matchmaker Guy Taylor, announced today that WCBS has signed undefeated Mexican lightweight prospect Luis “Koreano” Torres (15-0, 11 KOs) to a long term, multi-year promotional contract.

The 19-year-old Torres, the reigning WBC Youth Lightweight World Champion, is a rising star in his native Mexico having defeated quality opponents such as Orlando Zepeda (9-2), Juan Marco Rodriguez (10-4), Gregorio Soto (11-1), Jose Luis Vasquez (12-2), Jose Paez (15-2), and Diego Fabian Eligio (20-5).

“He (Torres) is a real contender,” WCBS CEO Terry Hollan commented, “and the boxing world will see that very soon. I am truly honored to have World Cup Boxing Series be part of the exciting future of Luis Torres.”

“Luis Torres is an absolute pleasure to work with,” WCBS creator/matchmaker Guy Taylor added. “From the first time I saw him fight, I knew this young man was special. At only 19 years old, Torres is proving to be one of the faces to watch in the future.

“Torres only wants marquee match ups in 2022. He’s mentioned the likes of WBC Latino Lightweight Champion Alberto Ruiz and WBO Latino Lightweight Champion Jesus Saracho. World Cup Boxing Series is ready, willing, and able to work with anyone to make these competitive and compelling fights happen. How about a 4-Man Lightweight Tournament featuring four of the best young Mexican contenders? This is something Terry Hollan is actively pursing with the WBC for the beginning of 2022.”

Torres, who had a 23-1 (22 KOs) amateur record, turned pro at the age of 16. He grew up in one of the roughest neighborhoods, Colonia Cajeme, in Obregon, Sonora.

“I am very happy to be working with World Cup Boxing Series,” No. 6 WBO Latino rated Torres said. “WCBS will provide me with the support I need to progress in my career, especially when I fight in the United States, where all the big lightweight fights are held.”

Torres is co-promoted in Mexico with De La O Promotions, which is led by Emmanuel Romo, who remarked: “Luis Torres is the best prospect in Mexico right now. He has everything a promoter wants in a fighter: southpaw stance, skills, chin, and defense. There is no other 19-year-old in boxing right now that has faced the kind of opponents Torres has at this stage of their careers.”

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /WorldCupBoxingSeries

Instagram: @World_Cup_Boxing_Series

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh will take place on Friday, Nov. 12 at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. Tickets for the promotion’s long-awaited Florida return go on sale on Friday, Oct. 22, via Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com at 10 a.m. ET. Additionally, mixed martial arts fans will have access to a special presale beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

In the main event, current 145-pound champion and top-ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Cris Cyborg (24-2, 1 NC) will make her third straight title defense when she takes on No. 5-ranked Sinead Kavanagh (7-4), while the co-main event features two top-5 heavyweight contenders going toe-to-toe as No. 4-ranked Tyrell Fortune (11-1) squares up with No. 5-ranked Linton Vassell (20-8).

Also on the card, a featured featherweight fight between No. 5-ranked Aaron Pico (8-3) and undefeated, No. 8-ranked Justin Gonzales (12-0) and a women’s featherweight matchup between No. 1-ranked Arlene Blencowe (14-8) and No. 7-ranked Pam Sorenson (9-3). Kicking off the main card will be a heavyweight attraction between undefeated, No. 6-ranked Steve Mowry (9-0) and former PFL competitor Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1).

SHOWTIME will televise the main card live at 10 p.m. ET/10 p.m. PT. Additionally, the preliminary card will air live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR and SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channels, as well as Pluto TV.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., “Cyborg” is coming off the second defense of her BELLATOR crown when she scored a vicious TKO over Leslie Smith at BELLATOR MMA 259 earlier this year. After earning world titles in STRIKEFORCE, UFC, and Invicta, the Brazilian native made history by capturing BELLATOR’s 145-pound strap to become a “Grand Slam Champion,” with belts in four different organizations. The hard-hitting, 36-year-old sports 20 career finishes with victories over elite competition, including Julia Budd, Holly Holm, Marloes Coenen, Gina Carano, and the aforementioned Smith (twice).

Kavanagh, a winner of her last two BELLATOR contests, strives to live up to her “KO” moniker when she attempts to stop the sport’s most dominant female athlete. The former amateur boxing champion is poised for a career breakout moment at BELLATOR 271 when the SBG Ireland-product attempts to do what only two other female fighters have previously accomplished; defeat “Cyborg.”

31-year-old Tyrell Fortune was thrust into the spotlight as one of the rare talents to start his professional career with the BELLATOR promotion. Known for his Olympic-caliber wrestling ability, Fortune has proven to be much more than a wrestler, becoming a fearsome and dynamic striker earning knockouts with his fists in seven of his 11 victories. Currently BELLATOR’s No. 4-ranked heavyweight, he recently defeated Matt Mitrione, causing him to submit to strikes at BELLATOR 262.

Former two-time light heavyweight title challenger, Linton Vassell bulked his way up to heavyweight where he has found immediate success, finishing both Ronny Markes and Sergei Kharitonov to solidify himself as the number five ranked big man in the division. A proud British fighter, “The Swarm” will be making his 15th promotional appearance at BELLATOR 271, averaging nearly two fights a year since signing with BELLATOR eight years ago in 2013.

A former freestyle wrestler who took home the California state high school title and placed second at the 2016 U.S. Olympic team trials, Pico hopes to continue his ascension toward a BELLATOR title with a fifth consecutive victory. Fighting out of the famed Jackson-Wink gym in Albuquerque, N.M.., the father of an infant son born in late July 2021 has stopped his past four opponents, including a pair of highlight reel knockouts. On Nov. 12, the 25-year-old knockout artist and Whittier, Calif., native will face his toughest test to date with plans to enter the 145-pound title conversation.

After signing with BELLATOR in September 2020, “J-Train” Gonzales made his promotional debut nine months later and earned a hard-fought split decision win over Tywan Claxton at BELLATOR MMA 260. Hailing from Greeley, Colo., the former LFA featherweight champion has knocked out four of his last seven opponents, including two in the opening round.

Additional preliminary matchups will be announced shortly

Updated BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Main Card:

Friday, Nov. 12 – live on SHOWTIME

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

Featherweight World Title Bout: C-Cris “Cyborg” (24-2, 1 NC) vs. #5-Sinead Kavanagh (7-4)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: #4-Tyrell Fortune (11-1) vs. #5-Linton Vassell (20-8)

Featherweight Bout: #5-Aaron Pico (8-3) vs. #8-Justin Gonzales (12-0)

Featherweight Bout: Arlene Blencowe (14-8) vs. Pam Sorenson (9-3)

Heavyweight Bout: Steve Mowry (9-0) vs. Rakim Cleveland (22-13-1)

BELLATOR MMA 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh Preliminary Card:

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

Friday, Nov. 12

7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

For more information on upcoming BELLATOR MMA events, please visit BELLATOR.com.

** Card subject to change **

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Oct. 23 // BELLATOR 269: Fedor vs. Johnson // VTB Arena // Moscow, Russia

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Queally vs. Pitbull 2 // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

Fri. Nov. 12 // BELLATOR 271: Cyborg vs. Kavanagh // Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino // Hollywood, FL

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.

About Hard Rock Live

Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is South Florida’s premier entertainment venue. An investment of more than $125 million, the 7,000-person capacity indoor venue features clamshell-style seating, offering guests an intimate experience. Designed by Scéno Plus, the 225,000 square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art, in-house sound and lighting, large HD viewing screens and mobile-stage technology. With its advanced capabilities, Hard Rock Live can support some of the entertainment industry’s biggest performers, as well as nationally and internationally televised awards shows, sporting events and more.

SAN JOSE, CA (October 19, 2021) – Unbeaten super bantamweight prospect, Eros Correa (10-0, 7 KOs), will return to action against Katsuma Akitsugi (6-0, 1 KO) in the 8-round co-feature of Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event happening this Friday, October 22, 2021.

“New Blood” will take place at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario, CA. Doors open at 6:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 8:00 pm PT. Tickets are priced at $50, $75, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

Fight fans will be able to watch all Thompson Boxing fights, weigh-ins, and behind-the-scenes content, via their new Mobile App available for download on Google Play (Android) and Apple’s App Store (iPhone).

This event will stream live for free on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube
pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV, our proud Media Partner.

Here is what Eros had to say about training camp, his matchup with Akitsugi, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“I have had a long training camp with a few delays just based on securing a fight date, but now I’m more ready than ever. I have worked on getting physically stronger, and that will be the key to this fight. Another big thing about the camp is my commitment to the sport, I am doing multiple workouts a day which include a morning boxing workout, strength and conditioning, as well as road work, so I have never felt better.”

On his matchup with Katsuma Akitsugi:

“He fought someone I know very well in Arnold Dinong, and I watched that fight several times. I think he is a good fighter, but I think he is going to have trouble with my strength. I just feel I am too strong for him, but I think he is a tricky, skilled and an awkward fighter, who is a tough test for anyone. I also feel that his biggest strength is that he is coming to win. I know this will be my toughest fight, but I’m confident in my ability to come out on top.”

On fighting in the co-feature of Thompson Boxing’s New Blood event:

“It is massive, whenever a promoter wants to put me in a marquee spot. I just want to put forth a performance that merits my slot on the card. Thompson Boxing has always been good to me, and I want to put on a dynamic and exciting fight that has the fans excited to see me fight again. My fight against Akitsugi will be the fight of the night.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A victory gets me closer to a big fight. I know the level I am at since I fought at a high level in the amateurs, and now I must show the world how good I am. Each win is a down payment on my future.”

FRANK WARREN today hosted a press conference to announce British boxing’s big Light-Heavyweight rematch between Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde.

‘King’ Arthur will make the third defence of his Commonwealth championship against Ilford puncher, Yarde (21-2, 20 KOs) at Copper Box Arena, London on Saturday December 4 , live on BT Sport.

Also on the line will be the position as number one challenger to WBO World champion, Joe Smith.  

The pair first met last December when Manchester’s Arthur (19-0, 13 KOs) edged out his great rival on a split decision after 12 rounds.

Now they will lock horns once again with even more at stake.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s tension filled head-to-head meeting between the boxers and their camps, where Arthur’s trainer Pat Barrett eventually stormed out after clashing with Yarde’s coach Tunde Ajayi.

FRANK WARREN: Since the first fight Lyndon has gone into the number one position with the WBO and eventually you become the mandatory. That is at stake. It’s a crossroads for both of them and a fantastic fight where I think fans will see something a little bit special. It’s war and we are going to see a quality fight between two quality fighters. There was a contract with a rematch clause. I said to Pat I will try to get it on in Manchester but there was no date available and then we tried October in Birmingham and it didn’t happen. Now it’s on and it will be war. It’s even more meaningful then the first fight.

LYNDON ARTHUR: He (Yarde) didn’t want to come to Manchester and fight me. I believe they were too scared to come to Manchester. He is going to come out fast. There isn’t a chance on this earth he can outbox me. I know for a fact what he will try to do. The only thing he can do is try and knock me out.

YARDE: You (Arthur) got no fan base.  It didn’t matter where the fight was and it (going to Manchester) didn’t get put to me. I don’t care where I fight. I have been to Russia to fight so all that talk is not right. I just said make the rematch happen. I don’t b*****t I don’t do excuses. Judges’ said I lost. The fight went the way it went and that’s it. If I land a shot and knock him down I wont wait for him to recover.  I will finish the job. I am going to knock him out. Pat came in the changing room and said; ‘We was lucky, it was a close fight. I know how you’re going to come for the next fight I am going to do everything to not make the rematch happen. I want my boy to make so money.’

PAT BARRETT: I’m not here to entertain, I am here for the fight. Tunde said Yarde was going to knock Lyndon out before the first fight. He didn’t and that’s it. At the end of the day, the judges said he got beat. It was a close fight, but Lyndon only boxed with one hand. I came into the dressing room to show respect but Tunde didn’t even look at me. He has made a problem with me. Even if I don’t like you I respect you. I respect Anthony and I am going to prepare Lyndon for Anthony like he is a World champion. This is no walkover — it’s real. Respect is something  that you earn and after the first  fight we earned that as fighter and trainer. Anthony has never been overlooked and even though we was the champion before the first fight it wasn’t a backward step. If you are looking at World titles you have to beat World class operators like Anthony Yarde and he is a good opponent again. I said after to Anthony; ‘It was a close and Lyndon won with the jab,’

TUNDE AJAYI: I have never made excuses. It’s not in our nature. We know what Anthony was going through emotionally before the first fight. Tell me how you are supposed to perform at your apex when you have lost so many family members in a number of weeks? Everyone who saw the fight knows Anthony doesn’t box like that. He (Arthur) has made up a story about a spectacular jab, but won by one point and lost by six on another card. Lyndon isn’t calm enough for this. We will be calm and collected. I don’t know what Pat is talking about with this changing room situation. If my fighters have lost I am not going to be shaking hands and go hip, hip hooray after the fight. I have to let things digest. Let the gladiators do what they do and fight. The never wanted the rematch and tried to get out. Pat said after the first fight; ‘We don’t want that rematch,’ Lyndon and Anthony are going to get in the ring and settle the score.

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Tickets for Arthur v Yarde 2, live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 4 are available here

HOSPITALITY – £300.00
HOSPITALITY – £250.00
FLOOR SEAT – £150.00
FLOOR SEAT – £100.00
FLOOR SEAT – £75.00
LOWER BOWL SEAT – £50.00
 

NEW YORK – October 19, 2021 – SHOWTIME Sports will chronicle the buildup to the historic and highly anticipated undisputed super middleweight championship showdown between boxing’s consensus No. 1 pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez and undefeated Caleb Plant with a new installment of the Emmy Award-winning series ALL ACCESS. The two-part series premieres Friday, October 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME with episode two premiering Friday, October 29 in advance of the SHOWTIME PPV® event on Saturday, November 6.

ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. PLANT brings viewers behind-the-scenes as unified WBA/WBC/WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Canelo and IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Plant prepare for one of the biggest and most important fights of 2021. ALL ACCESS captures the promotion starting with the kickoff press conference in Los Angeles, where an intense stare down turned physical and glancing blows were exchanged, to their respective training camps as Canelo readies under the watchful eye of his renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso in San Diego and Plant trains in Las Vegas with boxing coach Justin Gamber and father and co-trainer, Richie Plant.

Episode two of ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. PLANT will premiere Friday, October 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and ALL ACCESS: CANELO VS. PLANT EPILOGUE will premiere Saturday, November 13.