Brooklyn Heavyweight Prospect Pryce Taylor has made successful Move from Basketball to Boxing

NEW YORK CITY (March 19, 2024) – Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs) has successfully transitioned from basketball to boxing and today the 27-year-old prospect is on the rise as an undefeated prize fighter.

Taylor said he brought his legs from the courts into the ring. He first dunked a ball when he was in eighth grade, four inches shorter than the 6’ 4” Taylor is today. Pryce admits missing basketball but quickly notes that he could still play, not necessarily on a team, because he’s not in basketball shape anymore. “I’m in boxing shape,” he proudly noted.

A decorated U.S. amateur boxer, highlighted by his two New York Golden Gloves Championship titles, Taylor was also a four-time runner-up in USA National Championships, including one to Joshua Edwards, who has qualified to represent as a super heavyweight for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Last year, Taylor had seven wins fighting for New York in the Team Combat League (TCL), which is a one-round, team format competition. Technically-speaking, the wins are not part of his professional boxing record. Taylor has benefited from that experience and will be competing this season as well.

Taylor played basketball for one season at Corning Community College in upstate New York. “I stopped playing basketball six years ago,” Taylor said. “I’ve had 60 fights (amateurs, pros and TCL) and believe the best boxers get there with sparring experience. So, I’ve been getting a lot of experience. I have a good skill set and know what I need to do in the ring.

“My mindset is to do what other boxers don’t do. All boxers learn the basics, but everything they want to throw, I already throw myself, and I know how to counter there’s. Anything they throw I’m able to defend.”

Taylor has been placed on the fast track by his manager, New York City-based attorney Keith Sullivan, who has discovered that it’s not easy finding suitable opponents for Taylor, who because of his size, amateur pedigree and participating in the TCL, is much more advanced than his three pro fights may indicate.

Another invaluable part of Taylor’s development is sparring established heavyweights such as Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, Otto Wallin, Vladyslav Sirenko, and Brandon Glanton to name a few of the more notables.

Taylor made his pro debut last December, stopping Mike Diorio in the opening round, followed January 27 with the exact same result versus Gabriel Aguilar Costa. In his most recent action in March, Taylor went the distance for the first time as a pro, pitching a four-round shutout for a unanimous decision against Antonio Torres (4-1), 40-36 three times.

(L-R) – Head trainer Benny Roman, Pryce Taylor & manager Keith Sullivan (photo courtesy of Sullivan Management)

In his last fight, held at Sony Hall, Taylor came out to the ring and paraded around the ring afterwards with an Irish flag draped around his massive shoulders (see above picture).

“Keith (Sullivan) knew there would be a lot of Irish fans there to watch an Irish fighter (Emmet Brennan) fighting after me,” Taylor explained. “He figured it was a good way to engage the large Irish crowd, so he draped me in the Irish tri-color flag. He was right, the Irish in attendance absolutely loved it, and I made some more fans.”

Basketball loss is boxing’s gain; Pryce Taylor is a legitimate prospect with tremendous upside.

In addition to managing Pryce Taylor, Keith Sullivan, a former Deputy Commissioner with the New York State Athletic Commission, and longtime boxing lawyer, also manages IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) and Bronx middleweight prospect Nisa Rodriguez (1-0), in addition to co-managing World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 12-rated welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.




AUDIO: The Abrams Boxing Show: EP 67: w/Felix Parrilla and Ronica Jeffrey




ZEPEDA: I WANT MY FOURTH CHANCE AT A WORLD TITLE

Jose Zepeda hopes that a big win over rising Super-Lightweight star Dalton Smith will springboard him towards a fourth shot at world honours.

The three-time World Title challenger from California, USA looks to inflict a first professional loss on Sheffield’s Smith in an intriguing main event at the Utilita Arena this Saturday March 23 – live worldwide on DAZN

Zepeda (37-4, 28 KOs) has twice challenged for gold at Super-Lightweight – falling short on points against Jose Carlos Ramirez for the WBC crown in 2019 before suffering an eleventh-round stoppage against Regis Prograis for the same title in November 2022.

‘Chon’ presents a significant step up in class for Smith – who has cleaned up the domestic 140lbs scene by capturing the British and Commonwealth Titles – and the experienced 34-year-old admits that he would consider retirement if he were to suffer defeat at the hands of ‘Thunder’.

“This is going to be a hell of a fight,” said Zepeda. “One thing we know; we have to win big. I have to win this fight. I’m still here because I want new opportunities. I want my fourth chance (at a World Title). I’m already 34-years-old; that’s why I’m taking hard fights. I want a hard fights, and I am planning my way back with this fight.

“I saw his record; I know he’s 15-0. I know he’s a big star in the UK. I think it’s a good chance for me to get back to the top. I know he’s good and he seems like a star over there in the UK. He’s energetic inside that ring. He likes to move and he’s kind of fast. I know he likes to come forwards to that’s going to make it a great fight. I do believe it’s going to be a great fight.

“We’re going to love the style. The winners here in this fight are going to be the fans. He’s going to have a hard fight in front of him. This is the first time he’s stepping up in the levels; so he’s going to find out that it’s not easy. It’s not easy to get in there.

“The UK fans, they love boxing – and I know they’re going to love the fight. It’s going to be a war in there because I know Dalton will bring it. I’m happy to go over there and I’m planning to win some new fans. At the end of the day they better cheer their guy up well afterwards because he’s going to need it.”

Last time out in September, Zepeda was on the wrong side of a boxing masterclass from one of the USA’s brightest emerging stars Richardson Hitchins. Undeterred by a shutout points loss, the southpaw jumped at the chance to step in the ring with another of the world’s fast rising Super-Lightweight talents.

“It was a tough loss against Hitchins because I wanted to get back into the top ten,” said Zepeda. “He is a talented fighter. I do believe he is going to be a champion. I could have taken an easy fight but that’s not going to get me anywhere. I want a hard fight so I can get back straight away into the top ten contenders in the 140lbs division.

“Richardson Hitchins was more like a move around. He doesn’t like to get hit. I know Dalton likes to come forwards so I think it’s going to be a great fight. If I win this fight it’s going to open my opportunities with Matchroom and that’s what I want. I want big opportunities. Experience is what has me here at this point. Three times I’ve fought for a World Title; I want my fourth opportunity.

“If I don’t win this fight most likely I’m probably going to retire. So, I’m training my hardest to make sure I don’t retire. If I don’t win this fight, then that means there’s no big fights for me afterwards. I’m planning on only being in big fights; so, I have to win this fight.”

Zepeda vs. Smith headlines a huge night of action in Sheffield, Derby’s WBO Welterweight World Champion Sandy Ryan (6-1-1, 2 KOs) puts her gold on the line against Denaby Main’s two-division World Champion Terri Harper (14-1-2, 6 KOs) in a huge domestic clash, it’s Leeds against Darlington as Ishmael Davis (12-0, 6 KOs) and TroyWilliamson (20-2-1, 14 KOs) meet in a Final Eliminator for the British Super-Welterweight Title,  Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (14-0, 5 KOs) goes for his first title when he meets Doncaster’s James Flint (13-1-2, 3 KOs) for the Central Area Super-Lightweight Title, Mansfield’s Nico Leivars (5-0-1) takes on Southend’s Piotr Mirga (7-2) in a Final Eliminator for the English Bantamweight Title, Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Liam Cameron (22-5, 9 KOs) returns after his first-round win over Harry Matthews last month, Newham Super-Welterweight prospect Leli Buttigieg (2-0, 1 KO) fights for the second time this year and Cusworth Middleweight Connan Murray (6-0, 1 KO) kicks off the Before The Bell action. 




WBA No. 14 super featherweight William Foster III added to “Pandemonium at The Palladium 3”

QUINCY, Mass. (March 19, 2024)  – One of the Northeast’s elite contemporary prizefighters, New Haven (CT) super featherweight William “The Silent Assassin” Foster III (16-1, 10 KOs), has been added to this Saturday night’s “Pandemonium at The Palladium 3” pro boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP).

All of the “Pandemonium at the Palladium 3” action will be streamed on www.BXNGTV.com live from the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Foster was a celebrated amateur boxer who captured top honors in the 2012 and 2014 New England Golden Gloves Championships, as well as taking a Silver Medal at the prestigious National Golden Gloves runner-up in 2014. Ranked No. 14 in super featherweight division by the World Boxing Association (WBA), Foster is the reigning WBA Fedecentro Champion who will face an opponent to be finalized in an eight-round, non-title fight.

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $45.00 (standing room), $50.00 (balcony), $90.00 (mezzanine), $125.00 (floor) and $650.00 (booth of 4) and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net. Tickets will be available for purchase Saturday night at the Palladium’s box office.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin




UNBEATEN RISING STAR TIM TSZYU TO FACE ALL-ACTION CONTENDER SEBASTIAN FUNDORA FOR WBC & WBO 154-POUND WORLD TITLES SATURDAY, MARCH 30 HEADLINING PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT AVAILABLE ON PRIME VIDEO

LAS VEGAS – March 18, 2024 – Undefeated rising star Tim Tszyu will take on all-action contender Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora for Tszyu’s WBO title (pending approval), and the vacant WBC 154-pound world title, headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Tszyu had originally been scheduled to face two-time world champion Keith Thurman, who was forced to withdraw after suffering a bicep injury in training. Fundora had already been preparing to compete in the pay-per-view opener before being moved up to the main event.

The pay-per-view will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in the co-main event, plus WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara duels Australia’s Michael Zerafa in a 12-round attraction. The pay-per-view opener will now see WBC Flyweight World Champion Julio César Martínez defending his world title against unbeaten contender Angelino Cordova. Martinez vs. Cordova had originally been scheduled to appear in prelims action.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through PPV.com, as well as traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Preceding the pay-per-view will be a two-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, topped by rising middleweight Elijah García taking on contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis in a 10-round attraction. Kicking off the stream will be exciting 154-pound contenders Serhii Bohachuk and Brian Mendoza battling for the Interim WBC Super Welterweight Title. Bohachuk had been originally scheduled to face Fundora before the changes to the lineup. The two matchups will be available via free access to all fans, regardless of Prime membership or purchase of the PPV card.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are available now through AXS.com. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.

*TIM TSZYU VS. SEBASTIAN FUNDORA*

The son of International Boxing Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu, the 29-year-old Tszyu (24-0, 17 KOs) comes off a red-hot 2023 campaign that saw him elevated to world champion at 154-pounds while defeating former world champion Tony Harrison, top contender Brian Mendoza and former title challenger Carlos Ocampo. A native of Sydney, Australia, Tszyu made his U.S debut against U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha in March 2022, earning a unanimous decision. Tszyu grew up playing soccer, but soon gravitated toward boxing. The decision led to him following in the legendary footsteps of his father, Kostya, who was an undisputed 140-pound champion.

Fundora (20-1-1, 13 KOs) rocketed to the top of the super welterweight division with a fan-friendly style and bruising toughness in the ring. His unbeaten streak came to an end in his last outing, as he got caught and was defeated by Brian Mendoza in April of last year. At nearly 6-foot-6, the 26-year-old southpaw from Coachella, Calif., towers over his opponents, but has displayed an appetite for toe-to-toe combat from short range. Fundora showed his mettle in April 2022, battling the hard-hitting Erickson Lubin in an instant 2022 Fight of the Year contender. Despite both men hitting the canvas, Fundora stood tall in the end, prompting Lubin’s corner to stop the fight at the end of the ninth round. Fundora represents a boxing family, as he is trained by his father Freddy alongside his younger sister, IBF Flyweight World Champion Gabriela.

*ROLANDO ROMERO VS. ISAAC CRUZ*

Part of the Mayweather Promotions stable, Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) is known for his brash talk that he backs up with power in both hands as well as an exciting, unique style that makes him a must-see whenever he steps between the ropes. The 28-year-old rose to the ranks of world champion in his last outing, stopping Ismael Barroso in round nine to win the title in May. It was Romero’s first return to the ring since a May 2022 defeat against three-division champion Gervonta Davis. Prior to the Davis fight, the Las Vegas resident Romero won an interim title in August 2020 by earning a close but unanimous decision over then unbeaten Jackson Marinez. 

One of the most exciting fighters in boxing, the 25-year-old Cruz (25-2-1, 17 KOs) has racked up three consecutive victories since dropping a competitive and entertaining decision against undefeated superstar Gervonta Davis in December 2021. A native of Mexico City, Cruz shot up the lightweight rankings in 2020, announcing his presence with an electrifying first-round knockout over veteran Diego Magdaleno in October before adding dominant decisions over Francisco Vargas and Jose Matias Romero. After stopping former champion Yuriorkis Gamboa in April 2022 and veteran contender Eduardo Ramirez in September 2022, Cruz returned this past July to turn away the previously unbeaten Giovanni Cabrera by decision.

*ERISLANDY LARA VS. MICHAEL ZERAFA*

Lara (29-3-3, 17 KOs) was the longest reigning 154-pound world champion before he lost a tough split-decision to Jarrett Hurd in a 2018 title unification match that earned “Fight of the Year” from the BWAA. Lara returned from that fight and battled former 154-pound world titleholder Brian Castaño to an exciting draw in another narrow fight that could have gone Lara’s way. Lara most recently moved up to middleweight, capturing his WBA title with a first round knockout of Thomas LaManna in May 2021, before KO’ing Gary O’Sullivan in May 2022. Lara faced a slew of the top 154-pounders in the sport, including Canelo Alvarez, ahead of his middleweight debut.

Melbourne, Australia’s Zerafa (31-4, 19 KOs) is long established as one of his country’s top contenders and has won four-straight to earn the title fight on March 30. Zerafa has split a pair of matchups against former champion and Australian rival Jeff Horn in addition to a first round knockout of longtime contender Anthony Mundine. The 31-year-old previously fought stateside in 2015, as he dropped a contest to former middleweight champion Peter Quillin. The veteran has also challenged former champion Kell Brook and defeated previously unbeaten fighters Danilo Creati and Isaac Hardman in his last two fights.

*JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ VS. ANGELINO CORDOVA*

Trained by the renowned Eddy Reynoso, Martínez (20-2, 15 KOs) first captured his flyweight world title with a ninth-round stoppage of Cristofer Rosales in his stateside debut in December 2019. The 29-year-old has gone on to defend the title five times, besting previously unbeaten opponents Jay Harris and Samuel Carmona, while most recently stopping Ronal Batista in May. A native of Mexico City, Martínez’s only blemish since a split-decision loss in his pro debut was a decision loss to future Hall of Famer Roman Gonzalez in March 2022.

The 28-year-old Cordova (18-0-1, 12 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his last outing, as he bested former world champion Angel Acosta on his way to a 10-round unanimous decision victory last April. A native of Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela, Cordova has yet to taste defeat since debuting in 2017, with a draw in just his fourth fight as the only blemish. He made his U.S. debut in June 2022, defeating Axel Aragon Vega by decision before the triumph over Acosta.

*ELIJAH GARCIA VS. KYRONE DAVIS*

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, García (16-0, 13 KOs) earned three impressive victories in 2023, kicking off his year last March with a knockout of the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal. He followed that up with a pair of performances on the undercards of two of the biggest events of the year, first defeating Kevin Salgado on the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia pay-per-view in April before knocking out Armando Resendiz on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo pay-per-view in September. The precocious García has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 and has knocked out seven of his last nine opponents.

The 29-year-old Davis (18-3-1, 6 KOs) picked up two victories in 2023, dominating Cristian Fabian Rios in January before scoring a unanimous decision over Cruse Stewart in December. Those victories came after a run that saw Davis battle two-time champion Anthony Dirrell to a draw in February 2021, before stepping in as a late replacement two fights later to drop a hard-fought contest against super middleweight superstar David Benavidez. An amateur standout representing Wilmington, Delaware, Davis trains in Philadelphia under the tutelage of top trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards.

*SERHII BOHACHUK VS. BRIAN MENDOZA*

A 28-year-old from Ukraine, Bohachuk (23-1, 23 KOs) now resides in Los Angeles, where he’s fought out of since turning pro. The 28-year-old has won five-straight outings, including 2023 stoppages of Nathaniel Gallimore and Patrick Allotey. This run has come after a defeat to Brandon Adams in March 2021 and has seen him rise back up the 154-pound rankings. He won his first 18 fights after turning pro in 2017 following an extensive amateur career.

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Mendoza (22-3, 16 KOs) will return to the ring after traveling to Australia last October to challenge Tim Tszyu for his world title in a matchup that saw him lose by decision. Prior to that fight, The 30-year-old scored one of the year’s biggest upsets in April as he stopped the previously unbeaten Fundora with a sensational knockout in round seven, solidifying his own status at 154 pounds. Reinvigorated since teaming with renowned trainer Ismael Salas, Mendoza had previously knocked out former unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in November 2022. Mendoza had put together a three-fight winning streak since dropping a decision to highly touted knockout artist Jesus Ramos in September 2021.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #TszyuFundora and #RollyPitbull, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions




VIDEO: The Abrams Boxing Show: EP 67: w/Felix Parrilla and Ronica Jeffrey




Yokasta Valle: “I Will Make History for Costa Rica!”

LOS ANGELES (March 18, 2024) — WBO/IBF minimumweight world champion Yokasta Valle wants to make history for Costa Rica, but standing in her way is a fellow pound-for-pound queen for whom this rivalry has become personal. 

Valle will face WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada in a highly anticipated undisputed minimumweight showdown on Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Estrada-Valle will serve as the co-feature to the 12-round junior lightweight main event between former two-weight world champion Oscar Valdez and one-time world title challenger Liam Wilson.

Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) claimed the vacant IBF atomweight world title by defeating Ana Victoria Polo in December 2016. Nearly three years later, she moved up and snatched the IBF minimumweight world title from Joana Pastrana in August 2019. Valle added the WBO title to her collection with a victory over Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen in September 2022. Since then, she has successfully defended her unified crown four times, including a decision win over Anabel Ortiz in November. Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro and two-weight world champion, looks to end a longstanding rivalry by fully unifying the division.

Following a recent training session at Wild Card Boxing Club, this is what Valle had to say:

“This fight is very important because becoming undisputed champion is a dream of mine and because I’d be making history for Costa Rica and for all Latinos. It’s also important because of the many years of effort in putting women’s boxing where it is now.”

“If she’s not concentrated on this fight and is thinking about other things that have nothing to do with it, then it can be to my advantage. If when she steps into the ring she’s thinking about my trainer or about something else, then I feel she will be distracted.”

“You will see the best version of me in this fight. I’m aggressive, and I’m a warrior. When the bell rings, I like to throw lots of punches. So you will see a Yokasta who is very aggressive and who will throw lots of punches, to the point where she won’t know where they are coming from!”

“My coach {Gloria Alvarado} knows her really well. But aside from that, I have an advantage because she is also an excellent trainer. It’s because of that and not because she’s known her since she was a kid. She knows how to work with me. We have a great connection.”




Toro Promotions to showcase heavyweight trio Undefeated Ukraine Olympian Tsotne Rogava to headline, plus Alexander Flores and Kingsley Ibeh

LOS ANGELES (March 18, 2024) – Toro Promotions, Inc. will showcase a heavyweight trio of talent – undefeated 2020 Ukraine Olympian Tsotne Rogava (5-0, 5 KOs), Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-4-1, 16 KOs) and Kingsley Ibeh (11-2-1, 9 KOs) – this Saturday night (March 23) at LumColor Phoenix Center in Ontario, California.

The event is co-promoted by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Fearless Boxing Promotions.

The 6’ 5”, 270-pound Rogava is on the fast track. Born in Georgia, Rogava lived for several years in Ukraine until moving last year to Marina del Rei, California. He has successfully transitioned to boxing from his world class Muay Thai and kickboxing career.

Rogava is on the fast track; this fight will be his third in 2024, albeit neither bout went beyond the first round. In fact, the powerful heavyweight has only box seven rounds in his five pro fights to date.

In addition to headlining a card for the second time in a row. Rogava will be in his first scheduled eight-round bout on March 23rd, taking on dangerous puncher Antonio Brown (8-4, 8 KOs) in the main event.

Fighting out of Rowland Heights, California, Flores plans to rebound from his 10-round unanimous decision loss to 15-1-1 Dante Stone this past January 4. Flores’ three other pro career losses have all been to world champions Luis Ortiz, Joseph Parker, and Charles Martin

Flores, 33, faces Josue Vargas (5-6-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round match.

Ibeh, known as “The Black Lion,” is a native of Nigeria who lives in Phoenix. The 6’ 4” Ibeh will be riding a six-fight win streak into his six-round fight with Derek Cardenas (9-11, 2 KOs). Ibeh has boxing in his blood. His cousin is Ike Ibeabuchi, who was 20-0 with 15 knockouts and one of the most feared heavyweights in boxing, prior to his 16-year incarceration in Nevada.

Fights subject to change.

INFORMATION:

Instagram: @ToroPromotionsInc

Facebook: /ToroPromotionsInc

You Tube: @ToroPromotionsINC

X (formerly Twitter): @ToroPromotions

TikTok: @ToroPromo




NYPD officer Nisa Rodriguez shines in pro boxing debut

NEW YORK CITY (March 18, 2024) – New York City police officer and decorated amateur boxer Nisa Rodriguez returned home last Friday night to the scene of many of her amateur victories, Madison Square Garden Theater in Manhattan, and the gifted, popular super middleweight turned in an auspicious pro boxing debut.

Rodriguez, fighting out of Manhattan, pitched a near shutout, winning each round on all but one of the judges’ scorecards enroute to a four-round unanimous decision (40-36 X 2, 39-37) over an outclassed yet game Jozette Cotton on 360 Promotions’ St. Patrick’s Day weekend event streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.

“When I was warming up,” Rodriguez said, “it felt like the golden gloves all over again. I was really relaxed, and everything felt normal. There were so many people there (supporting her), half the (police) department must have been there. It was a long time coming. It was an honor. 360 Promotions took a risk because I hadn’t been active. I want to thank my manager, Keith Sullivan, trainer Jimmy Sosa, and the Bronx crew.

“I wish I started the fight like I ended it, but I hurt a knuckle on my right hand in the first round, and I didn’t let my hand go until later in the fight. Headgear is used in the amateurs to protect the fighter, but I really enjoyed fighting without it because it can be an annoyance, especially for females. I’m ready to go back in the gym yesterday.”

SUPPORTING NISA RODRIGUEZ (L-R) – Mina Yoshida and her mother, IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida, 9-time, 7-division world champion Amanda Serrano, and Nisa and Miyo’s manager, NYC-based attorney Keith Sullivan (photo courtesy of Sullivan Management)

“I am really pleased with her performance,” Sullivan remarked. “For months there has been a lot of noise or hype around this pro debut, and she handled it all in stride. I didn’t pull the typical manager move for a debit and get her a warm body that would go down in one round. Nisa knew she had a tough opponent, but she stayed poised and boxed well. There are always things to improve on, and I’ve never seen a fighter more eager to get back in the gym to grind and work on those things than Nisa. We already are in talks for her next fight. My work on that literally started 10-minutes after Nisa’s hand was raised victoriously Friday night.”

As an elite amateur boxer, Rodriguez was an eight-time New York Daily News Golden Gloves, six-time Metro Championships, two-time Empire State and Caribbean and Central Americano gold medalist. The large majority of these fights were held at Madison Square Garden Theater, so Nisa felt comfortable fighting at home in her pro debut. She also captured three National Golden Gloves Championship titles.

A NYC police officer for two years, Rodriguez is stationed citywide for the rapid response unit, specializing in any crimes that involve adolescents, and supporting families of homicides.

Sullivan, a former Deputy Commissioner with the New York State Athletic Commission, and longtime boxing lawyer, also manages IBF Bantamweight World Champion Miyo Yoshida (17-4, 0 KOs) and Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs), in addition to co-managing World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 12-rated welterweight contender Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), the reigning WBA Continental Champion from Limerick, Ireland. Sullivan co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.

TEAM RODRIGUEZ (L-R) – Sergiy Korchynsky, Jimmy Sosa, manager Keith Sullivan, Nisa Rodriguez and Aurillano Sosa

(Photo courtesy of 360 Promotions)

INFORMATION

Instagram: @Sweet_destruction

Facebook: /NisaRodriguez




RYAN: WE TRIED TO GET IT AT HER WEIGHT BUT SHE DIDN’T WANT IT

Sandy Ryan defends her WBO Welterweight crown against Terri Harper in a huge all-British World Title clash on the undercard of Dalton Smith vs. Jose Zepeda at the Utilita Arena Sheffield this Saturday March 23, live worldwide on DAZN

The Derby native (6-1-1, 2 KOs) would have relished a shot at becoming a two-weight World Champion against her Denaby Main rival – who holds the WBA Super-Welterweight World Title – but will instead have to make do with defending her own gold for the second time.

“We tried to get it at her weight but she didn’t want it at her weight so I’m defending my title,” said Ryan. “That’s just the facts. Of course I would have liked to have fought for her belt. I wouldn’t mind being a two-weight World Champion. They wanted to fight for my belt so they’ve still got their belt at 154lbs after the fight.”

Ryan will be looking to bounce back from a controversial split decision draw against WBC and WBA World Champion Jessica McCaskill in Orlando last September. The 30-year-old was left bitterly disappointed following her World Title unification clash having felt she did enough to earn a career-best win.

“Obviously I didn’t get the Jessica McCaskill rematch that everyone wanted to see. I needed another big fight to get me going. This is the one. Everyone saw that I won the fight but it’s not on my record is it and I haven’t got all the belts around me. I’ve learnt from it and it’s brought me to where I am now.

“I don’t want to fight someone who nobody knows. They asked if I wanted to take the fight with Terri and I just said yes straight away. The British fans are loving it; two British females, two World Champions – so it’s quite a big fight in the UK. ‘And Still’, that’s all I keep visualising.

“I think at this stage every fight is a must-win. I’ve just got to train hard like I have done and be fully prepared. She’s a good boxer. She’s good at the basics. She’s going to be fit, she’s going to be strong, she’s always in shape. I’m expecting her to come ready.”

Following the frustration of her US debut, Ryan made the decision to part ways with her entire management and training team. The former Team GB standout is now managed by Brian Peters – manager to Irish icon Katie Taylor – and trained by Emanuel ‘Flick’ Savoy at the DLX gym in Las Vegas.

“At the end of last year a lot of changes happened in my career. I changed management, changed trainers and moved out here.  made the decision to bring myself away from the UK. I feel it works better for me to be out of the UK to do a training camp. I feel like I’m fully focused. I’ve come here and I’m training really hard. 

“I just love the way they work here in the gym. They really break things down. At this level that’s just what I need. Even in sparring, you’ve got to work on certain things making sure your shots are perfect. Keep doing them and doing them until I get the shots right. I’ve got all of the fundamentals and stuff, but I never really worked on them continuously until stepping in this gym.

“Before my last fight, I came out here like four weeks to finish camp off and I loved it. The people in the gym, we got along really well. They were just welcoming me to come back and it was a great decision that I made. 

“It’s alright being away from home. As you know, I used to go to Portugal and stuff – but that’s like a 2-hour flight. This is literally like 11-hour flights. It kind of feels a bit different. I can’t just go home at the weekend. That’s probably been a bit of a mental challenge as well, but I’ve got a really good team around me right now and I’m happy.”

Ryan vs. Harper is part of a huge night of action in Sheffield, the Steel City’s fast-rising Super-Lightweight contender Dalton Smith (15-0, 11 KOs) steps up against the USA’s three-time World Title challenger Jose Zepeda ( 37-4, 28 KOs) for the WBC Silver Title, it’s Leeds against Darlington as Ishmael Davis (12-0, 6 KOs) and TroyWilliamson (20-2-1, 14 KOs) meet in a Final Eliminator for the British Super-Welterweight Title,  Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (14-0, 5 KOs) goes for his first title when he meets Doncaster’s James Flint (13-1-2, 3 KOs) for the Central Area Super-Lightweight Title, Mansfield’s Nico Leivars (5-0-1) takes on Southend’s Piotr Mirga (7-2) in a Final Eliminator for the English Bantamweight Title, Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Liam Cameron (22-5, 9 KOs) returns after his first-round win over Harry Matthews last month, Newham Super-Welterweight prospect Leli Buttigieg (2-0, 1 KO) fights for the second time this year and Cusworth Middleweight Connan Murray (6-0, 1 KO) kicks off the Before The Bell action. 




Hot Irish prospect Tommy Hyde remains undefeated, captures first title as a pro

SAN FRANCISCO (March 17, 2024) –  Undefeated super middleweight prospect Tommy “The Governor” Hyde (8-0, 5 KOs) captured his first title as a professional this past Saturday night on St. Patrick’s Day Eve, outside of San Francisco at Fox Theater in Redwood City, California.

The 24-year-old Hyde, fighting out of Cork, dethroned defending champion Craig “BTL” McCarthy (10-2-1, 2 KOs), to take the Boxing Union of Ireland Celtic Super Middleweight Champion belt in the fifth round on a card presented by Westside Promotions.

“It’s always a great feeling to win but winning with a title on the line and bringing it home makes that feeling even better,” Hyde said. “I’m happy with my performance. I didn’t waste any shots and felt dominant.

“It was unreal to finally fight in San Francisco. I have made a lot of friends here and made a lot more this week. I’ll definitely fight here again.”

Hyde was comfortable from the opening bell, establishing his range in round one, and then controlling the action with slick counter-punching. McCarthy started to break down and was floored in the second round. Hyde pounded his tough opponent, nearly stopping him at the end of rounds three and four, before he closed the show 30-seconds into round five when referee David Irvine widely halted the action.

In the end, Hyde was simply too big, strong, young and talented for McCarthy to handle.

“This was probably my best performance so far,” Hyde noted. “I fought a tough opponent and won the fight convincingly. I trained very hard for this fight, and I think that showed under the lights.

A celebrated Irish amateur boxer, Hyde participated in more than 100 amateur matches, reached the quarterfinals of the prestigious World Junior Championships in 2015, in addition to capturing three Irish National Championships, three Celtic Cup titles and the 2019 Haringey Box Cup.

Tommy’s father, international boxing manager Gary Hyde, commented: “I am very proud of my son Tommy’s performance on Saturday night. Tommy fought intelligently, hurting his opponent continuously before closing the show at the beginning of the fifth round. Tommy is officially the number 1 super middleweight in Ireland so the Boxing Union of Ireland will decide who he will fight for the vacant Irish Super middleweight title.” 

Tommy “The Governor” Hyde is bringing home his new Celtic belt with visions of adding more hardware in 2024 to his collection.

“Winning the Celtic title makes me the mandatory for the Irish title and I’d love to go for that next,” Hyde concluded. “I want to keep picking up titles while I’m developing as a professional and the Irish title is definitely one I want around my waist.”

ABOUT NOWHERETOHYDE: Founded in 2007 by Gary Hyde in Cork, Ireland, NoWhere2Hyde  offers full services for professional boxers around the world. Hyde has managed numerous world-class boxers during his career including world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux, Youri Kalenga, Nassam N’Dam and Simpiwe Vetyeaka. In addition to his son, Gary presently manages Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco (12-0, 7 KOs).

INFORMATION:

Facebook: /nowhere2hyde, /tommyhyde

Twitter: @nowhere2hyde, @tommyhyde99

Instagram: @gary_nowhere2hyde, @tommyhyde1




CARLOS JACKSON FACES ALEXIS BASTAR IN CO-MAIN EVENT OF RED OWLBOXING’S BOX FEST VIII

OUSTON, Texas – March 13, 2024 – Red Owl Boxing today announced
that a super bantamweight scrap between Carlos Jackson and Alexis Bastar
will serve as the co-main attraction at _Box Fest VIII_ on April 5. The
eight-round fight will be featured as part of a five-fight main card
that will stream live globally on DAZN [1] in more than 200 territories
and regions from the state-of-the-art “Owl’s Nest” in Houston. VIP
experience packages and general admission tickets are now available. [2]

Red Owl Boxing’s Box Fest series is a breeding ground for boxing’s
future stars with each event featuring a pro debut, a fighter seeking
redemption from their first career defeat and a main event bout that
will crown a champion, catapulting their career to the next level. The
Box Fest series will take center stage on the first Friday of every
month.

Jackson (19-1, 12 KOs), hailing from Atlanta, returns to the ring on a
mission to earn a position as a super bantamweight contender. In his
most recent outing, Jackson stopped Donny Garcia in a rematch of their
2018 fight that Jackson won via decision. Since his lone defeat in 2020,
Jackson has earned a three-fight winning streak including a win over a
tough, once-beaten Yonatan Guzman Pena on the undercard of a Top
Rank-promoted event in New York City.

Bastar (18-2-1, 9 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico, is seeking redemption of his
own following just the second loss of his career and the only loss since
his second professional fight in 2014. Prior to dropping a decision to
Jose Ramirez Maciel in his last outing, the southpaw rode a three fight
knockout streak. Holding more than a three-inch height and reach
advantage, Bastar looks to get back in the win column in his U.S. debut.

BOX FEST VIII will feature multiple attractions including rising
prospects, gritty veterans and action-packed fights, beginning at 10
p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. Subscribe at DAZN.com and download the app on any
connected device.

Red Owl Boxing owns and operates the state-of-the-art sports performance
facility which features seating for more than 1,500 with a modern flare
that includes VIP experiences and unique ringside seating. The
“Owl’s Nest” is a full-service hospitality venue with high-end
sound, lighting and screens for a premier in-arena experience. The venue
is outfitted with cutting-edge production for seamless streaming and
television presentations.

The full event lineup will be unveiled shortly. For more information on
Red Owl Boxing and to purchase tickets, visit www.redowlboxing.com [3].
Fans can follow Red Owl Boxing on X [4], Instagram [5] and YouTube [6].

ABOUT RED OWL BOXING

Red Owl Boxing is a media company that specializes in delivering
world-class events from its state-of-the-art sports facilities in the
United States and Canada. Red Owl Boxing aims to bring structure to
boxing’s middle class by highlighting tomorrow’s future stars and
contenders in action-packed fights. Red Owl Boxing launched in 2021 by
Canada-based entrepreneur Gabriel Fanous who owns and operates
cutting-edge event spaces in Houston, Texas, and Brampton, Ontario, both
of which provide premier event experiences and hospitality packages.




Zepeda Stops Hughes After 4

William Zepeda punched his ticket to a title shot with a four-round bludgeoning of Maxi Hughes as The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas,

In round three, Zepeda was relentless and especially effective to the body. In round four, the beatdown continued as Zepeda continued to more or less assault Hughes all over the ring. Mercifully for Hughes his corner pulled him from the fight after the round.

Zepeda, 133.8 lbs of San Mateo Atenceo, MEX is 30-0 with 26 knockouts, Hughes, 134.6 lbs of Yorkshire, ENG is 26-7-2.

“This was another day in the office,” said William Zepeda. “Thirty different camps and thirty different wins and all I can do is thank my team. Early on I knew I had him, the strategy was to work the body and finish at the top. It is not confidence that I feel, but the weight of responsibility to keep giving this level of performances. The rivals who are at my doorstep are much stronger and have a lot more experience and we must continue to work. I will be the next champion from Mexico! I am ready for Shakur, Gervonta – who ever is ready to face me. I want to be a world champion.”

Floyd Schofield remained undefeated as Esteuri Suero did not comply wit the basic ruled of boxing and was disqualified in round five of their 10-round lightweight bout,

Schofield dominated the fight which visibly frustrated Suero into snapping the rules.

In round one, Schofield was cut above his right eye due to a headbutt. In round two, Suero was deducted a point for holding. In round four, Suero was deducted another point for throwing Schofield on the canvas. Finally in round five, Suero hit Schofield with an intentional low blow and the fight was called off at 2:07

Schofield, 134.8 lbs of Austin, TX is 17-0, Suero, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is 13-2.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Sanchez in a middleweight bout.

Priest landed 92 of 310 punches. Sanchez was 63 of 229.

Priest, 159.6 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 13-0. Sanchez, 160 lbs of Reynosa, MEX is 21-5-1.

Tristan Kalkrreuth stopped Marquice Weston in round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout,

In round two, Kalkreuth dropped Weston with a left hand and the fight was over at 1:32.

Kalkreuth, 198.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Weston, 201.6 lbs of Seattle is 15-3-1.

Joel Iriarte made a successful pro debut by stopping Bryan Carguacundo in round two of their four-round welterweight bout.

Iriarte was a 17-time National Amateur dominated the action and in round two hurt Carguacundo with a couple of uppercuts and the fight was stopped at 1:26.

Iriarte, 145.2 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Carguacundo, 142.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 3-6-2.




Heaney and Pauls Fight to a Draw

Wildly popular Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls fought to a 12-round split draw in a middleweight fight at The Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England.

It was a very competitive fight that had the crowd into the fight from the beginning. Scores were 116-113 for Heaney; 115-114 for Pauls and 114-114.

Heaney, 159 lbs of Stoke-On-Trent, ENG is 18-0-1. Pauls, 159 lbs of Essex, ENG is 18-1-1.

Liam Davies stopped Erick Robles in round two of their 12-round super bantamweight fight.

In round two, Davies dropped Robles with a hard right uppercut that was followed by a left hook Robles was badly hurt and are two punches and was dropped on his back, and the fight was over at 1:17.

Davies, 121 lbs of Donnington, ENG is 16-0 with eight knockouts. Robles, 121 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 15-2.

Former Interim world heavyweight champion Joe Joyce beat up and beat down Kash Ali and scored knockout in the waning seconds of their 10-round bout.

In round 10, Joyce landed a big uppercut that put Ali down on his back. He got up just as the referee hit the count of 10 at 2:53.

Joyce, 286 lbs of London, England won by scores of and is now 16-2 with 15 knockouts. Ali, 238 lbs of Ritherham, ENG is 21-3.

Zach Parker won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world champion Tyron Zeuge in a light heavyweight battle.

In round two, Zeuge dropped Parker with a short right hand.

Parker recovered and won most of the remaining rounds and took the cards by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 96-94 and is now 24-1. Zeuge of Berlin, GER is 27-2-1.

Dennis McCann scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Brand Strand in a battle of undefeated welterweigts.

In round two, McCann dropped Strand with a perfect left-right combination from the southpaw stance. Stand’s face started to redden and bleed throughout the fight.

McCann, 121 lbs of Kent, ENG won by scores of 118-111, 116-111 and 116-112 and is now 15-0-1. Strand, 121 lbs of Liverpool is 11-1.

Owen Copper stopped Ethan James in round nine of a 10-round welterweight bout.

It was a good fight with guys landing good shots. Cooper took control of the fight as he started to snap the head back of James back in the later rounds. The corner of James pulled their man from the fight before round 10.

Cooper or Worcester, ENG is 10-0 with four knockouts. James of Northampton, ENG is 12-1.




WBA wishes Roberto Duran a prompt recovery

he World Boxing Association sends its best wishes to the legend Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, who is going through a complicated health condition, as reported by his entourage through the Panamanian’s social networks. 

Duran is one of the greatest living legends of boxing, and a great WBA champion who has been an ally in dozens of activities of the pioneer organization, always ready to be part of the events organized by the oldest body in the world. 

The entity has been in constant communication with Durán’s entourage, who is in the hospital and is undergoing the respective tests to know the situation. In the communication it was reported that it is a complete atrioventricular, a heart condition. 

The pioneer organization wishes a speedy recovery to the champion and that he may soon be able to resume his activities as the great world figure he is.




VIDEO: ZEPEDA VS. HUGHES FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE




VIDEO: ZEPEDA VS. HUGHES WEIGH-IN




CANELO VS. MUNGUIA TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT AXS.COM

LAS VEGAS – March 15, 2024 – Tickets are on sale now for a showdown between Mexican superstars as Canelo Promotions presents a Cinco de Mayo weekend blockbuster that will see pound-for-pound great Canelo Álvarez put his undisputed super middleweight world title on the line against unbeaten all-action former world champion Jaime Munguíheadlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets can be purchased through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to purchase the PPV via DAZN.com. On top of those options, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

Canelo vs. Munguía is the first four-belt undisputed title fight between Mexican combatants and harkens back to the great Mexico vs. Mexico matchups of the past including classics such as Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera, Carlos Zárate vs. Alfonso Zamora and Jesús Castillo vs. Rubén Olivares, amongst many others. Canelo has already etched himself in history alongside the greatest Mexican fighters to enter the ring and can add to that legacy on May 4, while Munguía hopes to move himself up the pedestal and make his own lasting mark in the boxing annals with a signature victory Cinco de Mayo weekend.

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For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloMunguia, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions




SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS TOP SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER MICHEL RIVERA TO LONG-TERM DEAL

DETROIT, MI – March 15, 2024 – Salita Promotions has signed top super lightweight contender Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera to a long-term deal, adding a crown jewel to one of boxing’s most talented stables of up-and-coming fighters.

“I am excited about reaching my goal of being a world champion,” said Rivera, who’s targeting a spring return. “This is going to be a great year for me, as I look forward to continuing on the path of fighting and beating the biggest names in my division. I have a great team and a smart promoter in Salita. He understands boxing and knows what I can do inside that ring to reach my potential. I am excited to work with Salita and to fight on DAZN, where there are the biggest stars in the super lightweight division. These fights will give me the opportunity to reach championship star status, and that’s all I want.”

Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now training out of Massachusetts, Rivera (25-1, 14 KOs) most recently competed in November, earning an impressive unanimous decision over former 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets. It was Rivera’s first fight at 140 pounds and followed up the only defeat of his career, a 2022 decision loss to Frank Martin.

The 25-year-old burst onto the scene in 2019, making his United States debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron on SHOWTIME. He continued his ascent with five more victories in 2020 and 2021, before beginning 2022 with triumphs over Joseph Adorno and Jerry Perez. Known as “La Zarza Ali” due to his uncanny resemblance to a young Muhammad Ali, he’s stood out for his own blend of speed and technical skill that he displays in the ring.

“The 140-pound division is one of the hottest in boxing, and Michel Rivera has the resume, talent, youth and personality to set it on fire,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “I’m thrilled about his future and the championship potential he’s already displayed throughout his career.”

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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.




QUOTES ZEPEDA VS. HUGHES FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

LAS VEGAS (March 14, 2024): Undefeated danger and unparalleled knockout machine William “El Camarón” Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico and his opponent, former IBO World Champion Maxi “Maximus” Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs) hosted a press conference today in Las Vegas. The world title contenders will participate in a 12-round IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator fight, which is presented by Golden Boy and is co-promoted with DiBella Entertainment. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 and will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and broadcast around the world on DAZN. Golden Boy Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Partner Bernard Hopkins, and Zepeda vs. Hughes undercard fighters also participated in the event.
WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:“When I was younger, kids around me would ask when will you fight in Vegas to make fun of me. Well, now I can answer them. I’m fighting in Vegas this Saturday. I know Maxi Hughes is a great opponent, and that’s why we’re fighting him. And I’m just thankful with my teammates, Carlos Duarte, my team, my father, all my people from Jiquipilco where I trained every single day for this fight. I want to thank Golden Boy, I want to thank Eric and thank everybody for being here. I am ready for everyone in the lightweight division!
MAXI “MAXIMUS” HUGHES, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:?”So very happy to be here. I’m here because of merit. The IBF have ordered me and William to fight, so you know, both of us are here on merit. Because we are the best next people in mind going forward. You know, William, we’ve watched him, we know what he’s about. And we’ve shown him that respect in our preparation. My team down here have put the working day in, day out, and on Saturday night, we’ll get that win and be a step closer to a world title.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:?”On Saturday, fans will be treated to yet another outstanding Golden Boy card as we continue to pit the best versus the best with the fans being the winners regardless of who comes out on top. This Saturday, William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes will slug it out with a world championship title shot on the line. I expect an absolute barnburner in the main event and, as always, a stacked undercard that will feature exciting fights, some of our top prospects and big knockouts.”
LOU DIBELLA, PRESIDENT OF DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT:“It took about 30 minutes to do this fight and three phone calls. And it was such a pleasure to work with professionals and to work with somebody that treats not only his fighters, but the fighter on the other side of the deal with the respect they deserve. And from me and Maxi’s team, thank you to Golden Boy.”
###Zepeda vs. Hughes is a 12-round IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with DiBella Entertainment. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZepedaHughes

 

 




AUDIO: ROLANDO “ROLLY” ROMERO VS. ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE

 




VIDEO: ROLANDO “ROLLY” ROMERO VS. ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE




ROLANDO “ROLLY” ROMERO VS. ISAAC “PITBULL” CRUZ VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LAS VEGAS – March 14, 2024 – WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and all-action Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz previewed their 12-round co-main event showdown and traded verbal jabs during a virtual press conference Thursday before they square off on a PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Toward the end of the virtual presser, Romero and Cruz went back and forth in Spanish and declared that their matchup would be “the most exciting fight of the year.”

Training out of Las Vegas, Romero will make the first defense of his world title after capturing the belt last May with a ninth-round TKO of Ismael Barroso. He’ll be opposed by the Mexico City-native Cruz, who rides a three-fight winning streak into his 140-pound debut.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are available now through AXS.com. The main event is promoted in association with No Limit Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ROLANDO ROMERO

“If you want to come right at me and get cracked, go for it. He can do all that stuff with the small guys he fights, but I’m a big fighter and I hit harder than anyone at the weight class.

“I’m always here to go for the knockout and to go for the kill. I’m not here to just touch you, I want to pop you.

“He’s not that unique. I fight guys like him all the time. This has probably been the easiest time I’ve ever had finding sparring in my life. He can be replicated, I can’t. My style goes hand in hand with my personality, it’s unique.

“We’ll see who the coward is on March 30. Once he gets cracked by me a few times, he’s not gonna come forward like that anymore.

“I’m gonna knock him out. He’s gonna come forward and I’m gonna stop him. He gets hit with everything, so it could be any kind of punch.

“I used to train with Ismael Salas before I turned pro, so it felt good to go back to basics for this training camp with him and get back to being me. Salas has had so many champions and I feel very comfortable being back with him.

“I know the Mexican fans are gonna be riding with him, but no matter what, it’s gonna be a spectacular fight and fireworks for sure.”

ISAAC CRUZ

“First thing’s first, I want to shut Rolly’s loud mouth up and take the belt away from him. Then I’m going after all the best fighters in the division.

“I’m very excited to have this great opportunity on March 30. Training camp has been very intense because we don’t want anything to get in our way of becoming world champion.

“I’m not about to underestimate or overlook anybody. He’s had his success for a reason. I’m just getting ready to shut his mouth punch by punch and make him talk a little less. I hope he fights the way he talks on March 30.

“I’m not worried about Rolly, I just worry about my game. He’s never fought anyone as aggressive as me or who pressures like I do.

“We waited for the opportunity at 135 to fight for the world title again, but now we’re glad to have it come at 140 pounds. We’ve had a great plan to add the extra weight and use it in our strategy to win on March 30.

“This fight is everything for me. Winning this fight is the key to opening the door to all of the big fights in the sport.

“I haven’t had any trouble finding people like him in sparring. I can find cowards who don’t really like to fight anywhere.”

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ABOUT THURMAN VS. TSZYU & ROLLY VS. PITBULL

The stacked inaugural four-fight PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video is topped by two-time world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman dueling rising star and reigning world champion Tim Tszyu in the main event plus 140-pound world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz meeting in the co-main event on Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view will also see Cuban star and reigning WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defend his belt against No. 1 rated mandatory challenger Michael Zerafa, plus all-action super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will meet fast-charging contender Serhii Bohachuk for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Championship in the pay-per-view opener.

The card marks the debut event for PBC Pay-Per-View available through Prime Video since the parties announced a landmark, multiyear rights agreement in December. In addition to the PPV being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #ThurmanTszyu and #RollyPitbull, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions

 




TAYLOR VS. CATTERALL 2 FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT 

Josh Taylor has suffered an injury in his training camp and his upcoming fight with Jack Catterall on April 27 has been postponed. The fight has been immediately rescheduled for May 25 at the same venue in Leeds – live on DAZN.

Tickets remain valid for the revised date with refunds for the sold-out event at the First Direct Arena also available, in line with the terms and conditions of our ticket agency partners. 

Peter McGrail’s rematch with Ja’Rico O’Quinn will now take place on April 27 at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. Full details for this NXTGEN event will be announced by Matchroom in due course.




The Highly Anticipated Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024 Returns with A USA Boxing Amateur Show, Taking Place During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 4, In Las Vegas

Las Vegas (March 14, 2024) – After popular demand, we are excited to announce the return of the Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024, a USA Boxing amateur show that showcases some of the top-rated fighters in the US. The Invitational will be held under the same roof and during the  Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

The Invitational will start at 11am and will have 18 to 20 bouts during the Boxing Expo, so fans can enjoy these great amateur fights as part of their experience at the event. Once again, this year we are looking forward to having some of the top seeded amateur boxers display their skills as they compete in front of family, friends, and the whole boxing industry, including current and former world champions as well as some of the top boxing stars of today. 

Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024

Several highly-ranked and top fighters from the USA Boxing amateur program will receive a special invitation to take part at the Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024, to compete and have a chance to FACEOFF against the best in their division.

Past Box Fan Expo Invitational Participants 

The Box Fan Expo Amateur Invitational has been a huge success with some of the top amateurs in the US, that have participated in previous years. Many of these young talents have turned Professional and some have been signed with major boxing promoters, such as Micky Scala, Curmel Moton, (Mayweather Promotions), Floyd Diaz (Top Rank), the Barrientes Twins Chavez and Angel (PBC), Kaipo Gallegos (Shuan Boxing), Emiliano Vargas (Top Rank), Fernando jr. and Amado Vargas (Marvnation) and Ethan Smith just to name a few…

Who Will Watch? 

Thousands of boxing fans that will attend the Expo, as well as many boxing media outlets, family, friends, and more importantly a chance to showcase their skills in front of top boxing stars and boxing industry people that will attend the Expo.

What’s In It for Amateur Fighters?

Notoriety from top boxing companies present, thousands of boxing fans, media covering the event, as well as some of the top Boxing Celebrities who will be participating at this year’s Expo. In addition, bout winners will take home the Box Fan Expo Invitational 2024 Championship belt that was created to honor our young talented amateur fighters.

Helping a Great Cause

Barry’s Boxing Center is a non-profit organization, that was founded by Pat and Dawn Barry, with a mission to help the youth of the Las Vegas community, on their path of physical and moral excellence. Barry’s Boxing Center is an environment that exemplifies the values of hard work, and respect. It gives the youths a safe place to go during critical out-of-school hours. In affiliation and coordination with USA Boxing, Barry’s Boxing center persist and insist on promoting safety in boxing as well as the development and encouragement of young men and women in their pursuit of excellence in the sport of boxing both in and out of the ring.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

?About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Fernando Vargas, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Claressa Shields, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony DirrellDanny Jacobs, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2024

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo




Feliz The Phenom: Heavyweight Prospect Ali Feliz Signs with Top Rank

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (March 14, 2024) —The preeminent heavyweight prospect for Team USA now has a professional home. Ali Feliz, a Dominican-American dynamo from Danbury, Connecticut, who won gold at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in December, has signed a multi-year promotional pact with Top Rank.
 
Feliz, who is managed by James Prince and co-promoted by Antonio Leonard, will make his pro debut in a four-round clash against an opponent to be named on Saturday, April 13 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on the ESPN+-streamed undercard of the Jared Anderson-Ryad Merhy heavyweight main event.
 
“Ali Feliz is one of the most gifted young heavyweights to turn pro in quite some time,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He has tremendous amateur and family pedigree, which will serve him well as he climbs the professional ranks.”
 
Feliz said, “This is very exciting. I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time. Since I was young, I dreamed of signing with a big promoter, and there’s nothing bigger than Top Rank. On this new journey, I want to build a path for the youth so they can follow in my footsteps. I’m excited and ready to get started on April 13. It will be fireworks. I’m going to be at 100 percent, and I’ll be ready to put on a show.”
 
Feliz will continue his family’s boxing legacy when he enters the paid ranks. His father and trainer, Fernely Sr., had a notable 15-year tenure as a heavyweight pro, and his older brother, Fernely Jr., is forging his own path as an unbeaten prospect in the same division. The 20-year-old competed in his first fight when he was only 12. He claimed four national titles during his amateur run and bested Steven Williams in the finals of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials.




Corpus Christi Showdown: Jared Anderson vs. Ryad Merhy Tickets ON SALE TOMORROW, March 15

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (March 14, 2024) — Tickets for the 10-round heavyweight showdown between unbeaten knockout artist Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson and Belgian contender Ryad Merhy — Saturday, April 13 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas — go on sale TOMORROW, March 15 at 12 p.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Presale tickets are available now by CLICKING HERE.
 
The heavyweight co-feature is a battle of 2016 Olympians, as Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba (19-1, 14 KOs) looks to take down Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs).
 
The eight-round televised opener features three-time world title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs), as he looks to keep his junior lightweight world title hopes alive against the upset-minded Jose Guardado (15-1-1, 5 KOs).
 
Anderson-Merhy, Ajagba-Vianello and Conceição Guardado will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Two of Corpus Christi’s finest fistic talents hope to impress the home fans on the ESPN+-streamed undercard, as welterweight John Rincon (8-0, 2 KOs) fights in a six-rounder and National Golden Gloves champion Julian Delgado makes his much-anticipated professional debut in a four-round middleweight contest.




Alejandro Paulino: Faith, Patience, and the quest for his first pro title

LINCOLN, RI – March 23 is a significant day for lightweight prospect Alejandro “El Abusador” Paulino (16-0, 13 KOs). The Dominican-born, Providence, RI based fighter headlines his first major card at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino against Brazilian upset specialist Estivan Falcao (13-3, 7 KOs). On the line is a chance for Paulino to win his first professional title, the WBC US Silver Lightweight championship.

Paulino v. Falcao serves as the main event of a stacked ‘CES Boxing Homecoming’ card at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino on March 23. Purchase your tickets now, priced at $60, $80, $155, and $180, at CES Fights or the Twin River Lincoln Casino box office.

It’s an assignment that Paulino relishes. The pugilist wants to impress so badly that he took the drastic steps of quitting his day job and moving into the Big 6 Boxing Academy in Providence, Rhode Island for the duration of the training camp.

“Training camp has been great,” says an enthusiastic Paulino. “I’m staying at the gym right now, so I’m doing things differently this time. All I do is train all day, every day. Monday through Saturday, 3 times a day. We’re ready for whatever Falcao brings to the fight on March 23.”

Living in New London, Connecticut and making the one hour plus drive to Rhode Island is something that the 25-year-old has done on a daily basis since turning pro in 2021. What’s different about this camp is that Paulino has literally moved into the boxing gym, where he trains from Monday through Saturday before driving home for the weekend.

Like many immigrants who come to the US in search of a brighter future, the Dominican fighter happily makes sacrifices with the faith that all his hard work will pay off in the long run. He’s also making up for lost time: while Alejandro wrestled through high school, he only picked up boxing 7 years ago at 18 years old.

“I had 37 amateur fights,” explains Paulino of his brief but successful amateur career. “I won the Golden Gloves 3 times. I went to Nationals once and made it to the semi-finals. I could’ve gone to Nationals again, but COVID hit and it was cancelled. I decided to turn pro after that.”

What makes Paulino’s amateur achievements even more impressive is that he won those titles as a self-trained fighter. Alejandro knew that this was a gap he needed to fill if he wanted to become a world champion.

“I was just going to the gym and practicing things I learned by watching others or from what I saw on Youtube,” recalls Paulino. “At a certain point I hit a level where I got stuck. I knew I had to make a change, and that’s when I went to Nationals and met Jason Estrada.”

Jason ‘Big Six’ Estrada, a 2004 US Olympian and former heavyweight pro boxer from Providence, Rhode Island, liked what he saw in the raw Paulino and invited the Dominican to train at his Big Six Boxing Academy under the tutelage of his father, Dr. Roland Estrada. It was a perfect fit.

“That’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” says a grateful Paulino. “I’m always improving, not just on the technical side but also my cardio. When I first came in, I would get tired after sparring 3 rounds. Now my conditioning is great and something I always work on.”

A big Manny Pacquiao fan growing up, Paulino adopted an aggressive, all action style as a pro that depends on conditioning. Thankfully, he’s a smart fighter who understands that activity keeps him sharp. In an era where boxers are considered active when they fight 3 times a year, Paulino has fought 15 times in 3 years, and this will be his second fight of 2024.

“It’s been great fighting often because it keeps me in the gym,” says Paulino. “Not that I need motivation to train, but I like training more when I have a fight coming up. It keeps me sharp and learning, trying a lot of new things.”

Paulino will need to bring his entire toolkit on March 23, when he faces upstart Estivan “Tunny” Falcao. The 27-year-old Brazilian is known for derailing prospects, handing Djamel Dahou his first loss via knockout last May and following that up with a decision win over James Bernadin 3 months later. What compounds the danger is that the Brazilian is a largely unknown commodity.

“I just found out about him 2 weeks ago,” admits Paulino. “I looked at his record and watched some of his fights. He’s dangerous. He just beat someone who is 18-0, and one that is 10-1-1, so it’s going to be a great fight. I’m not overlooking him.”

Ever the student, Paulino learned from his 8-round decision win over D’Angelo Keyes in February that while he will always enter the ring with knockout intentions, it’s better to let the knockout come to him rather than to force it.

“Last fight I was trying to get a knockout,” says Paulino, who knocked Keyes down twice in round 3 but couldn’t put away the crafty Texan. “It didn’t happen. I learned a lot because I wanted to knock him out so bad that all my shots were power punches. Once I hurt him, he was holding a lot and didn’t do too much offensively. He was trying to survive. Now I know that you can’t knock everybody out. I’m not going to go there and try to force stuff; I’m going to be more patient and set things up better. If I have him hurt, I won’t rush things.”

What Paulino hopes is that Falcao comes to win so that a real fight breaks out for the fans at the sold-out Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino.

“I’m looking for guys who are coming to win,” insists Paulino. “Guys with good records. He’s 13-3. Keyes was 17-3. I’m gonna take my time and see what he does, but if the knockout is there, I’m gonna go for it. I like knock outs. The fans like knockouts, and I want to give the fans a good show.”

Alejandro Paulino believes that he has made the sacrifices necessary to give the fans a fight they’ll remember. If Falcao is as focused as he was when he upset Dahou and Bernadin last year, we’re in for an electric main event on March 23.

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.




POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN RETURNS HOME FOR SLUGFEST AT THE SUN:

Uncasville, CT (March 14, 2024) – Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing returns to the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena on April 6, 2024, as top world rated light heavyweight RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (E. Hartford, CT, 25-2 19KOs) makes his long-awaited return to Connecticut, against undefeated Nigerian, MATHEW “THE WISE MAN” OBINNA (Lagos, Nigeria, 23-0 23KOs), in a 10 round light heavyweight bout.

Rivera, a Connecticut son, has been an all-around notable athlete as far back as his pop warner days, playing football, baseball, basketball and having earned all-state honors as a swimmer in high school. His athleticism has translated to the boxing ring, being highly rated by all four major sanctioning bodies – #5 WBA, #7 WBC, #9 IBF and #14 WBO (Cruiserweight). Rivera is predicted to be the next star to grace the ring at Star Boxing’s “Slugfest at the Sun,” Star Boxing’s fan friendly series at Mohegan Sun has thrilled fans with former World Champions, Joe Smith Jr., Demetrius Andrade and Kali Reis (now star of hit HBO series True Detective), multi World Championship Challenger Delvin Rodriguez and numerous other notables.

Opposing Rivera is undefeated Nigerian Mathew Obinna, who has a perfect 100% KO ratio, having knocked out every man put in front of him in his professional career. Dubbed “The Wise Man” because his right hand has no problem teaching you a lesson, Obinna will be making his US debut in what is by far the biggest opportunity of his professional career.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the Rivera-Obinna main event, “We are excited to be back at the beautiful Mohegan Sun on April 6 with this exciting fight card featuring Richie (Popeye) Rivera, our world rated light heavyweight. Popeye entertains in and out of the ring and the undefeated Mathew Obinna promises he will bring firepower against Popeye. Popeye is just steps away from a major title fight, and he aims to prove it against a fighter with a perfect KO ratio. Be sure to get tickets as you won’t want to miss this show!”

Tickets to “Slugfest at the Sun” are on sale now at www.StarBoxing.com and start at just $40. The night of fights will feature a fantastic card, including some of the best talent in the area. More information will be announced soon regarding the undercard.




QUOTES: 360 PROMOTIONS’ FINAL NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE WALSH VS. YELEUSSINOV

New York, NY (March 13, 2024) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions held the Final Press Conference for their highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Weekend boxing event this Friday, March 15 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast live worldwide on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

Below are quotes from the participants at the Final Press Conference;

‘King’ Callum Walsh

“It’s an honor for me to be headlining at Madison Square Garden for the second time in four months. Fighting on St. Patrick’s Day weekend makes this extra special as a fighter from Ireland and I know the Irish will be in the house on Friday night.”

“Tom (Loeffler) plans out who I fight, my job is to be prepared and I am for Friday night.”

Hall of Fame Trainer Freddie Roach (Walsh)

“Callum has put the work in back in Los Angeles to be victorious on Friday night. Training and sparring in Los Angeles went great and he is 100% ready to go. It’s great for his career to be headlining again at Madison Square Garden so quickly.”

Dauren Yeleussinov

“I’ve trained very hard for this fight back in Kazakhstan. I know how important a victory would be for my career and I’m coming to win. My first professional fight was in New York City and I consider it to be my second home. Going to the Empire State Building this morning was great, the fresh air all the way at the top gave me a lot of energy for Friday night.”

Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions

“Not only is Madison Square Garden ‘The Most Famous Arena in the World’, but it’s my favorite arena in the world. I promoted five fights here with the Klitschko Brothers and numerous fights with Gennadiy Golovkin, all of which were very special events.”

“For Callum to be fighting at MSG twice in a four-month span is a tremendous achievement and speaks to not only how I feel about him as a promoter but how the fans and media think of him.”

“All of the fights on Friday night are evenly matched and we’re very excited to promote this event on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend.”

Feargal McCrory

“November 9 was a special night in my career. We’re back and ready to deliver a big performance. I want to deliver a great performance against a very good fighter on Friday night. My opponent has competed on the world level, he’s tough, he’s Mexican and he hits hard but I’m ready.”

Reshat Mati

“I love fighting here at Madison Square Garden where I’ve had a lot of success. Every time I fight here my fans turn out and I know I’ll have a lot of support come Friday night. I’m ready to fight and stay busy this year.”

Joe Ward

“Yes, Madison Square Garden is where I made my pro debut and I love fighting here. It’s extra special fighting on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. I’ve put the work in back home in Ireland and I’m ready for victory on Friday night. I’m looking forward to a big year ahead.”

Cletus Seldin

“It’s taken twelve and half years for me to fight back at Madison Square Garden and I couldn’t be more ready. I haven’t been as active as I would have liked the last few years but I’m going to make up for that this year. I’m 37 and ranked number #9 in the world by the WBA, it’s definitely not too late for me to become a world champion.”

Nisa Rodriguez

“It’s been a long time coming for my pro debut but I’m ready. This place is very special to me having won the Golden Gloves here. I would love to fight every month this year if they can line up opponents for me.”