BAKERSFIELD, CA (September 18, 2021) – One of the top prospects in America returns Sunday, September 19th, on his road to redemption as super bantamweight Angel “AK-47” Barrientes (5-1, 3 KOs), who is only 19 years old, and is on a two-fight win streak with both fights ending via first-round KOs, takes on Victor Torres (7-8-1, 5 KOs) of Modesto, California. Torres is currently riding a five-fight win streak.

The 4-round bout takes place at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California, shown worldwide on FS1 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“I’m going to be throwing a lot of punches with bad intentions in this fight as I need to get the respect of my opponent early,” said Barrientes. “I have been working hard in the gym, but beyond that, I have been sparring some of the best fighters in the world. I know the level I am at, but this is a sport that is results-driven, it is all about the performance, and so that is what I will do on Sunday…perform at my best.”

Barrientes’ opponent is no slouch, despite a deceiving record he is on the best winning streak of his career and hasn’t lost since facing 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist Nico Hernandez.

“I know what I meant to do in this sport, and this is a humbling game, but I am grateful to my management team, and Premier Boxing Champions, for the belief in my skill set,” continued Barrientes. “I am staying active, and growing as a fighter, and getting a chance to prove myself early on in my career is helping so much.”

Barrientes is now rebuilding and proving himself in the ever-changing sport of boxing, in which we were taught the zero was everything, but now Barrientes is making it his job to prove that he can come back from a loss and still be a great fighter.

“I want people to stop looking at fighters who take a loss in one fight, and assume that they’re done as a professional fighter,” said Barrientes. “I am going to be successful, and a world champion and part of my journey will be to show people that you can lose and still be considered one of the best of year era. Manny Pacquiao lost early in his career and became one of the best fighters in boxing history. My journey is to change the way people look at the sport, and it starts on Sunday.”

Samuel Teah took out Larry Fryers in the opening round of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout that headlined a seven bout card in front of crowded 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show was promoted by RDR Promotions.

In the opening frame, Teah landed a double-jab that was followed by a booming right hand that sent Fryers hard to the canvas. Fryers was wobbly and ate a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:42.

With the win, Teah of Philadelphia is 18-4-1 with eight knockouts. Fryers of Yonkers, NY via Clones, IRE is 11-5.

Former two-time world title challenger Jesse Hart made a triumphant return to Philadelphia by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over Mike Guy.

Hart, who fighting for the first time in 20-months, controlled the action and landed the harder punches throughout the contest. Guy was sturdy, but landed very few punches. Guy showed a good chin as he ate some nice uppercuts from the taller Hart.

Hart, 169.5 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 27-3. Guy, 171 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 12-7-1.

Jabril Noble stopped David Boria in the final round of their four-round lightweight fight.

It was a tough fight that saw Noble get the better of the action. In round four, Noble hurt Boria with a left hook. Noble followed up with a barrage of punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:24.

Noble, 134.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 2-0 with two knockouts. Boria, 140 lbs of Puerto Rico is 0-3.

Brendan O’Callaghan remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over debuting Davon Hall in a middleweight fight.

O’Callaghan dropped Hall with a straight in the final round, but he could not put Hall away.

O’Callaghan, 157.8 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 40-35 scores on all cards is now 2-0. Hall, 161 lbs of Wilmington, DE is 0-1.

Isaiah Johnson remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Leoniadas Fowlkes in a scheduled four-round junior welterweight fight.

In round three, Johnson landed a blistering combination that snapped back the head of Fowlkes. Johnson hurt Fowlkes and the fight was stopped at 2:!5.

Johnson, 140.7 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 2-0 with two knockouts. Fowlkes, 145.5 lbs of Winchester, VA is 2-4.

Romuel Cruz remained undefeated by winning a six-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pucheta in a super bantamweight fight.

Cruz, 122.3 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 6-0-1. Pucheta, 122.5 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-20-2.

Jerrod Miner broke a 14-fight winless streak by winning a four-round Majority decision over Joshua Arrons in a bantamweight fight.

Miner, 116.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38 to raise his mark to 2-12-1. Arrons, 116.3 lbs of Williamsport, PA is 0-1.

Marc Castro says he’s ‘thrilled’ to be fighting for the first time in the paid ranks in his hometown as he takes pride of place on the undercard of Mikey Garcia’s clash with Sandor Martin on Saturday October 16 at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETS.COM

Castro (3-0 3 KOs) has dispatched all three of his opponents inside the distance since joining the paid ranks in December, with all those fights coming on the undercards of Mexican giant Canelo Alvarez.

The 22 year old will be looking to land a fourth KO in the paid ranks on his home patch, and the former three time National Silver Gloves and two-time National Junior Olympics champion is ready to thrill his hometown faithful.

“God’s timing is perfect, I’m grateful and thrilled for the opportunity to fight in front of my hometown for the first time as a pro,” said Castro. “I’ve always had amazing support in Fresno and I’m so proud to be fighting there on October 16, hopefully the first night of many to come!

“Fighting at home is important for me – I know that there are massive fights ahead of me in the future, and I would love for them to take place in Fresno.”

A stacked undercard in support of the main event is led by two World Light-Flyweight title fights as WBO king Elwin Soto puts his crown on the line against Jonathan Gonzalez and WBA champion Esteban Bermudez defends his strap against Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, and there’s plenty more young talent on the card with unbeaten Australian Super-Featherweight Brock Jarvis (19-0 17 KOs) fighting under the Matchroom banner for the first time and Diego Pacheco (12-0 9 KOs), Nikita Ababiy (10-0 6 KOs) and Khalil Coe (1-0 1 KO) all looking to add wins to their impressive starts in the pro game.

“What a great occasion for Marc on October 16,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Fighting for the first time as a pro in your hometown is always a big deal, but Marc will take it in his stride and show the fans in his backyard that they are in for a ride to the top if they join him on his journey.

“It’s a stacked card in Fresno with Mikey’s fight with Sandor and two cracking World title fights at Light-Flyweight, and with Marc being joined by fellow young guns Brock, Diego, Nikita and Khalil; it’s going to be a great night of action in California.”

SAN JOSE, Calif. – BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero will be broadcast LIVE tomorrow, Saturday, September 18 on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and on Pluto TV beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

BELLATOR MMA 266: Davis vs. Romero Main Card:

Saturday, September 18 – live on SHOWTIME

10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT

Light Heavyweight Main Event: #3-Phil Davis (206) vs. Yoel Romero (205.4)

Welterweight Bout: #4-Neiman Gracie (170.6) vs. Mark Lemminger (169.9)

Flyweight Bout: #5-Alejandra Lara (125.2) vs. DeAnna Bennett (129.2)*

Lightweight Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (155.6) vs. Saul Rogers (155.7)

Light Heavyweight Bout: #8-Christian Edwards (204.3) vs. Ben Parrish (205.6)

Preliminary Card:

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

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

Light Heavyweight Bout: #7-Grant Neal (204.1) vs. Alex Polizzi (204.9)

Middleweight Bout: Khalid Murtazaliev (185.3) vs. Anthony Adams (185.3)

175-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Abraham Vaesau (175) vs. Albert Gonzales (175)

Bantamweight Bout: Bobby Seronio III (135.4) vs. Socrates Hernandez (135.9)

Welterweight Bout: Rhalan Gracie (171) vs. Shane Keefe (169.1)

Flyweight Bout: Edwin De Los Santos (125.3) vs. Jon Adams (125.4)

130-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Jesse Delgado (129.5) vs. Joshua Dillon (130)

*Missed weight

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

****

About BELLATOR

BELLATOR MMA is a leading global mixed martial arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, BELLATOR events take place in major cities worldwide and can be seen on television in over 160 countries to an available audience of over one billion people. In the United States, BELLATOR can be seen on SHOWTIME. BELLATOR is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. BELLATOR is based in Hollywood, Calif. and owned by entertainment giant ViacomCBS, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. 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, NV (September 17, 2021) – This Sunday September 19th, unbeaten featherweight, “The War Machine” DJ Zamora III (5-0, 4 KOs), is set to make his PBC debut off TV when he squares off against, Richard Barnard (1-5-1). The 4-round bout will be taking place at the Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

“Fighting on this card is something I’ve been looking forward to as I’m ready to showcase my skills to everyone at the PBC,” said Zamora III, who is trained by his dad, Demler Zamora II. “I’m hungry to show the decision makers that I’m ready for the big stage. I’m gong to be letting my hands fly this Sunday, with the hopes of getting the knockout.”

Zamora III, who is of African American and Filipino decent, was a multiple national and international champion as an amateur and plans to carry that success as he marches on in the professional ranks.

“I’m only 18-years old, so I have a long road ahead of me, but I’m looking to get on the fast track,” continued, Zamora III who is managed by Bob Santos. “I have a great team around me, and I know my time will come where I’ll be able to display my talent in a big fight. I’m setting goals to become the next great Filipino champion and follow in the footsteps of my favorite fighter Manny Pacquiao.”

“This is a great opportunity for DJ to get his feet wet on a PBC card.” Bob Santos said. “He’s been sparring very well against guys like Ryan Garcia, Robert Guerrero and Omar Juarez to name a few, and I know he has the talent to become something special.

ESPN and FOX Sports will jointly present the much-anticipated Fury vs. Wilder III heavyweight championship fight Saturday, Oct. 9, at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  The ESPN+ PPV and FOX Sports PPV pits the unbeaten WBC and lineal champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) against former heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (42-1-1, 41 KOs).   

The third match between the two giants – Fury stands 6’9” while Wilder is 6’7” – will conclude one of boxing’s most storied heavyweight trilogies. It follows a controversial draw in December 2018 that saw Fury rise from a pair of knockdowns, and the dramatic February 2020 rematch, where Fury flipped the script and knocked out Wilder in the seventh round. 

Before the main event, three other heavyweight bouts will be aired: a battle of unbeatens in Efe “The One and Only” Ajagba versus Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sanchez, a hotly anticipated rematch between Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius and Adam “Babyface” Kownacki, and rising American superstar Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson against fellow unbeaten Vladimir Tereshkin. 

The two-bout undercard broadcast starts at 7 p.m. ET /4 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, FS1 and Fox Deportes.  

Preliminary fights will stream live on the ESPN App and the FOX Sports App at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. 

Pre-Fight Programming

ESPN and FOX linear networks will air a variety of pre-fight programming: one-hour reviews of the first two fights, parts two and three of the 30-minute all-access Inside Fury vs. Wilder III and the behind-the-scenes one-hour special Countdown: Fury vs. Wilder III.   

Live fight-week coverage will include Wednesday’s press conference at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and FS1, and Friday’s weigh-in at 5 p.m. on ESPN2 and FS2.  In addition, Max on Boxing with Max Kellerman will air Friday evening. 

For more information, visit ESPNPressRoom or FOX Sports Press Pass. 

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.toprank.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com and www.espn.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @trboxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @ESPN, @ESPNRingside, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/trboxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.facebook.com/espn.

-30-

MONTEBELLO, Calif. (September 17, 2021) – Ukrainian super welterweight SerhIi “El Flaco” Bohachuk stopped Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe in last night’s “Hollywood Fight Nights” main event on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, at Quiet Cannon Event Center in Montebello, California.

“Hollywood Fight Nights,” presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing and 360 Promotions in association with World Cup Boxing Series, streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs), fighting out of Los Angeles, dominated Houston’s Igbokwe (16-3, 7 KOs), the former Texas State middleweight and ABF USA super middleweight champion, battering the southpaw with a succession of right hands. The battering by the World Boxing Council’s No. 13 rated super welterweight Bohachuk, a former WBC Continental Americas 168-pound division titlist, until Igbokwe’s corner ended the fight after six rounds.

In the co-featured event, Kazakhstan super middleweight Ali Akhmedov (17-1, 12 KOs) was the hunter against his Peruvian opponent, David “La Pantera” Zegarra (34-6, 21 KOs), former WBA FEDALATIN middleweight and South American super middleweight champion. Akhmedov, now fighting out of Henderson, Nevada, hurt Zegarra with an uppercut in the third and final round. Zegarra was unable to continue after three rounds and Akhmedov won by way of a knockout (under California rules).

Armenian cruiserweight Rafayel “Bam Bam” Simonyan (9-1-1, 8 KOs) and Adrian “Monta-Ru” Taylor (11-1-1, 4 KOs), of Dallas, fought to an 8-round split draw. Scoring rounds was difficult for judges who had the fight 76-76, 77-75 in favor of Simonyan, and 79-73 favoring Taylor.

In a battle of undefeated California super featherweights, the boxer turned puncher as Adrian Corona (8-0, 2 KOs) floored Daniel “Big Dawg” Robles (7-1, 5 KOs) early in the fight and finished him off later in round one, landing a barrage of punches that put Robles to sleep with 15-seconds left in the opening round.

California lightweight Chelsey “Mae” Anderson (4-0, 1 KO) remained undefeated, registering a flash knockdown of Austrian Elvina “Warrior” White (5-1, 2 KOs) in the opening round, followed in the second in which Anderson pounded White, sending her game opponent to the canvas en route to a win by way of 4-round unanimous decision.

Results below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

SerhiI Bohachuk (20-1, 20 KOs), Los Angeles, CA by way of Ukraine

WKO6 (3:00)

Raphael Igbokwe (16-3, 7 KOs), Houston, TX

CO-FEATURE – LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Ali Akhmedov (17-1, 13 KOs), Henderson, NV by way of Kazakhstan

WKO3 (3:00)

David Zegarra (34-6, 21 KOs), Mexico City, Mexico by way of Peru

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Rafawel Simonyan (9-1-1 (8 KOs), Vanadzor, Armenia

D (77-75, 73-79, 76-76)

Adrian Taylor (11-1-1, 4 KOs), Dallas, TX

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Adrian Corona (8-0, 2 KOs), Rialto, CA

WKO1 (2:45)

Daniel Robles (7-1, 5 KOs), Oxnard, CA

FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

Chelsey Anderson (4-0, 1 KO), Yorba Linda, CA

WDEC4 (40-34, 39-35, 39-35)

Elvina White (5-1, 2 KOs), Los Angeles, CA by way of Austria

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre

Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a massive impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in many of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than two hundred countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

Rising Welterweight star Conor Benn has signed a new multi-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing after maintaining his perfect record with a shutout points with over Adrian Granados in Leeds earlier this month. 

‘The Destroyer’ (19-0, 12 KOs), who has made incredible improvements under Tony Sims, is one of the hottest talents in world boxing following an impressive run of standout wins that have skyrocketed him into World Title contention in the ultra-competitive 147lbs division.  

The 24-year-old Essex native began his excellent run of form by dominating Germany’s Sebastian Formella over ten rounds last November, outfighting and outboxing the former IBO World Champion at the top of the bill at The SSE Arena, Wembley. 

Benn sent out a brutal warning to his Welterweight rivals by wiping out Samuel Vargas inside the opening round at the Copper Box Arena in April, living up to his nickname as he took just 1 minute and 20 seconds to viciously halt the durable Colombian. 

20,000 fans gave Benn a deafening welcome as he made his first ever ring walk in Leeds, and the fan favourite repaid their support by widely outpointing the elusive Mexican Granados to retain his WBA Continental Title and stay in line for a World Title shot. 

“I am extremely excited to extend my professional relationship with Matchroom Boxing,” said Benn. “Matchroom believed in me from the start, they gave me an amazing opportunity and have supported me to grow as a professional fighter, now with the backing of a global streaming platform in DAZN we have made huge plans to be involved in big fights, headlining major events across the globe and making progressive moves towards achieving my goal of being a World Champion in the near future. 

“I want to say thank you to my team, Tony Sims, Charlie Sims and Lee Emptage for their help in assisting me to getting this deal over the line, also Eddie Hearn for the continued belief in pursuing my dreams and making them a reality, lastly a thank you to the rest of the Matchroom Boxing team for the hard work that goes into the events behind the scenes and making the special nights possible.”

“I’m delighted to sign a new multi-fight promotional deal with Conor Benn,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I’ve witnessed first hand how hard this young man has worked and he now sits as a major player in British boxing. He next fight will be in December and an announcement on this will be made soon.”

“Working with Conor and Matchroom Boxing is a pleasure, both professionally and personally,” said Tony Sims. “I have seen the talent emerge from Conor since the early stages, it has taken time and persistence to get here and I know Eddie and the Matchroom team have always backed us, produced opportunities and delivered at the highest level. Right now, in my opinion there isn’t a better team in boxing for Conor to take him all the way. With Matchroom and DAZN supporting us, Conor can progress to a level where he can be consistently headline major events, in major fights as we continue our pursuit of World Title challenges. I’m extremely happy we have a solid plan and signed a deal moving forward with Eddie and the team.”

Samuel Teah 139.8 – Larry Fryers 138.9

Jesse Hart 169.5 – Mike Guy 171

Romuel Cruz 122.3 – Roberto Pucheta 122.5
Brendan O’Callaghan 157.8 – Davon Hall 161
Jerrod Miner 116.6 – Josh Arrons 116.3
Jabril Noble 134.5 – David Boria 140
Isaiah Johnson 140.7 – Leonidas Fowlkes 145.5

Promoter: RDR Promotions
Venue: 2300 Arena
1st Bell: 7 PM ET
Stream: BXNGTV.com

Photo Credit: Marc Abrams / RDR Promotions

Tickets for this great night of boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $250 for VIP Box and can be purchased by contacting rdrboxing@yahoo.com or https://2300arena.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=373&src=default

New York City / Fort Lauderdale, FL (September 16, 2021) Hip Hop fans and Boxing fans were the huge winners this past Tuesday night, September 14 as TRILLERVERZ II delivered record-breaking numbers of viewership once again. With an outstanding five-fight boxing card from the Hard Rock LIVE at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino followed by a star-studded, celebrity filled Verzuz Battle between FAT JOE and JA RULE from the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, TRILLERVERZ truly delivered once again in an unprecedented way.

With total viewership still being tabulated, TRILLERVERZ II will exceed the 5,000,000 broadcast views from its debut on August 3 which featured the first LIVE Verzuz Battle between THE LOX and DIPSET.  

Included among the stars who joined FAT JOE and JA RULE as they went twenty rounds onstage Tuesday night were NELLY, ASHANTI, REMY MA, LIL MO and VITA.

Said the Former Heavyweight Champion of the World, SHANNON ‘THE CANNON’ BRIGGS’, “This was my first Triller Fight Club boxing event and I was blown away by the quality of the fights and the intensity of the production. It’s no wonder all the old-time boxing promoters have it out for them. They are shaking up boxing, Let’s GO Champ.”

Below is a chart detailing the TRILLERVERZ events as they relate to the average viewership of other top network shows over the last twelve months

2020 Sunday Night Football (NBC) – 6,216,000

2021 TrillerVerz I and II (August 3, September 14, 2021) – 5,022,000

2020 Thursday Night Football (FOX/NFL) – 5,008,000

2020 Monday Night Football (ESPN) – 4,494,000

2021 This is US (NBC) – 2,636,000

2021 The Masked Singer (FOX) – 2,599,000

2021 Grey Anatomy (NBC) – 2,519,000

2021 Equalizer (CBS) – 2,442,000

2021 9-1-1 (FOX) – 2,442,000

2021 The Bachelorette (ABC) – 2,308,000

2021 The Bachelor (ABC) – 2,283,000

The extraordinary numbers for a new industry venture truly validate the quick success of TRILLERVERZ, created and overseen by world renowned producers SWIZZ BEATZ and TIMBALAND and produced by TRILLER FIGHT CLUB, the internationally acclaimed company known for pairing world class boxing and iconic music legends.

Big winners in the boxing ring on Tuesday night were DANIELITO ZORRILLA, NAHIR ALBRIGHT, MIGUEL MADUENO-ANGULO, YUNIESKI GONZALEZ and BRYCE HENRY.

The entire TRILLERVERZ event can be replayed at FITE.TV and www.TrillerFightClub.com. Details on the next TRILLERVERZ will be announced shortly!

TRILLER FIGHT CLUB returns to the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on October 4, 2021 with an extraordinary boxing card headlined by the highly anticipated UNDISPUTED Lightweight World Championship between Champion, ‘THE TAKEOVER’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ and Mandatory Challenger ‘FEROCIOUS’ GEORGE KAMBOSOS. Tickets starting at $56 can be purchased at www.TrillerFightClub.com. The event will be broadcast live on Pay-Per-View priced at $49.99 available globally through FITE.TV  and on traditional cable/satellite via iNDemand.

About TrillerNet:

FITE and Triller Fight Club are owned by TrillerNet, a first-of-its-kind company consolidating technology and content platforms to lead the move to Internet 3.0. TrillerNet pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology. TrillerNet—which owns the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. The Triller app—unlike other popular short-video apps it is often compared to, encourages its users to post the content created on the app across other social media platforms and websites. The app uses proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology which is uniquely tied to the content rather than the user. By tracking the content, Triller empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks reaching hundreds of millions of additional users. Data and insights gleaned from the Triller network, its creators, artists and users (from the app and off network) are used to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content, and provide unprecedented opportunities for engagement and monetization. TrillerNet has developed highly successful campaigns that begin with the app and continue throughout the entire content and technology ecosystem with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others. TrillerNet offers brands a unique content and technology solution, including direct deals with the influencers and celebrities. This branded content journey starts with short-form video and can easily expand into valuable long-form content distributed through the Triller Network, such as live-event boxing and music PPVs, fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 65 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s “Ask a DAM Question,” Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, DJ Khaled’s Spreading Love, Hype House’s Thomas Petrou’s Coffee Talks, Josh Richards’ Josh Pong, Ur Lov’d: the Noah Beck Show, Fat Joe’s Masterclass, The Perez Hilton Show, and Violet Benson’s Too Tired To Be Crazy, among others. TrillerNet additionally owns Verzuz, the massive live-stream music platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and Triller Fight Club (www.TrillerFightClub.com), which launched last year with the highly successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records. Other holdings include leading AI-powered customer engagement platform Amplify.ai, and FITE, the premier live event and PPV, AVOD, SVOD streaming platform.

About FITE:

FITE is the premium global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 5.1MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS, Android and Huawei mobile apps, as well as via Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, and Amazon Fire TV OTT streaming apps. In addition, FITE supports Shaw Communications’ Blue Curve IPTV, LG, Samsung, Vizio SmartCast™, Cox Contour and the Contour Streaming Player, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Virgin Media, as well as over 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. FITE is owned by TrillerNet.

FITE: It’s ON. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIN, and Facebook. 

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Facebook: @TrillerFightClub

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LOS ANGELES, CA (September 16, 2021) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated welterweight, Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (14-0-1, 9 KOs), wants to give the fans a big fight and is targeting Adrien Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs) and Conor Benn (19-0, 12 KO) as fighters he wishes to face next.

“It is time that I give the fans what they want, a great show, and I want to challenge either Adrien Broner or Conor Benn for my next fight,” said Cobbs, who is ready to face all of the biggest stars in the division. “I know I will stop Broner and I will beat Benn easily, the big question is will either of them fight me.”

“Blair is a fan-favorite and we would love to make a fight with another fighter that gets his fans excited and Broner, as well as Benn, fit that bill,” said Cobbs’ manager, Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He is ready for any level of competition, and we are willing to put Blair in with anyone at any time.”

Cobbs last fought decorated amateur Brad Solomon, whom he stopped in the fifth round in a performance that had fight fans in El Paso, Texas on their feet. Cobbs now wants to take the division by storm.

“I want to show the fans my true skills, and to do that I need an opponent to bring it out of me,” said Cobbs. “I think both of these fights make sense and are realistic, and I have no issue signing a contract to fight, in fact, it is very easy. I beat Ferdinand Kerobyan in his backyard, I can do that again to another fighter as well, or we can fight in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or honestly anywhere – I just like to fight.”

The ESPN+ exclusive presentation of Dana White’s Contender Series presented by ZipRecruiter continues with episode four next Tuesday, September 21, at 8 p.m. ET from UFC APEX in Las Vegas.   

A new group of contenders will meet each week, all looking to make their way into the UFC. Episode three of DWCS saw five athletes earn highly-coveted UFC contracts, including Jailton Almeida, who finished off Nasrudin Nasrudinov with a rear-naked choke in the second round.

DWCS introduces some of UFC’s top prospects from around the world in a ten-episode season, with new episodes available every Tuesday evening exclusively on ESPN+, the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service. Showcasing approximately five bouts in each episode, prospects will compete for the chance to earn a contract with UFC.

Following Tuesday night’s fights, 132 athletes throughout the series have now earned UFC contracts, including “Suga” Sean O’Malley, Ryan Spann, Maycee “The Future” Barber, Johnny Walker and Marina Rodriguez, who will be the first non-champion woman in UFC history to headline multiple events in a calendar year.

 Dana White’s Contender Series on ESPN+, Episode Four Bouts:

• Middleweight – Hashem Arkhagha vs. AJ Dobson
• Lightweight – Michael Morales vs. Nikolay Veretennikov
• Featherweight – Steven Nguyen vs. Theo Rlayang
• Flyweight – Kleydson Rodrigues vs. Santo Curatolo
• Lightweight – Jacob Rosales vs. Victor Martinez

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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 UFC^®
UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 142 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 nearly one billion TV households across more than 171 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 72 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.?For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

BOSTON (September 16, 2021) – Undefeated super featherweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs) is a young, military man who will be in Boston for the first time. Rather than sightseeing, though, he’s all business as he prepares for his September 25th fight on “Fight Night On The Charles III” at Mosley’s On The Charles in the Boston suburb of Dedham, Massachusetts.

Vertex Promotions, which will promoted “Fight Night On The Charles II” on Friday night, Sept. 24, also presents “Fight Night On The Charles at Moseley’s III,” as well as the USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur card, 2021 New England Championships, Saturday afternoon, all at “Mosley’s On The Charles.”

Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs), who fights out of Miami by way of Tampa (FL), will make his New England debut against an opponent to be finalized in a 4-round bout. A 4-time U.S. Army and 2012 Ringside National champion, Bailey is the cousin of multiple world champion Randall Bailey.

Most would think this Army veteran would try to visit Bunker Hill, Lexington and Concord where the Revolutionary War started, or any of the other many historic attractions for tourists in Boston. Forget that he’s not even attending Friday night’s show, never mind visit the nearby city.

“After the weigh in (Friday afternoon),” the 25-year-old Bailey said, “I’ll be resting in my room until Saturday. I don’t take anyone lightly. But I am excited to be fighting there for the first time and I’m ready to perform for the crowd. This trip is all business, I’m not on vacation.”

This will mark the active fighter’s sixth fight in 2021, possibly the most for any American fighter during the pandemic. In his last fight this past July in Miami, Bailey won a 4-round unanimous decision against Mike Fowler.

“I’m a man on a mission,” Bailey explained. “I want to end the year with a 10-0, 7 knockouts record. I’ve put pressure on myself because, I want to look great while winning. I’m a lot surer of myself as a professional than I was as an amateur. I’m still the same kid I was the first time I walked into the gym at an 11-year-old. I always put in overtime world that I’m not asked to do.”

Saturday night’s card will be headlined by undefeated welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) of Lawrence (MA), in an 8-round bout against Danny “Venado” Flores (15-24-1, 8 KOs).

In the 6-round co-featured event, undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (8-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Mansfield, Massachusetts, takes on Mexican veteran Isias Martin Cardona Gonzales (26-22, 18 KOs). Perella is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion.

Another promising prospect, Weymouth, MA junior welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (3-0, 2 KOs), and Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), a 2016 Rocky Marciano Tournament champion, will be in action in 4-round bouts versus TBAs.

Lynn (MA) light heavyweight James Perkins (5-0-1, 4 KOs) takes on Trevor Ollison (0-2-1), while pro-debuting Marcus Davidson is matched against fellow Kansan Austin Reed Ward (0-8) in a pair 4-rounders.

Undefeated ABF American West and NBA Continental champion, 23-year-old Albany (NY) welterweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs) will headline Friday evening’s show in the 8-round lightweight match versus Uganda-native Philip “The Hunter” Adyaka (7-15, 4 KOs), who is fighting out of Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Cards are subject to change.

Tickets for both shows are on sale for $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room). Contact any of the competing fighters to purchase tickets, limited availability at the door.

Doors will open at 7 pm. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on both evenings.

Saturday afternoon’s (2-5 pm. ET.) amateur show will require a separate admission ($20.00 per person) on sale at the door.

BAKERSFIELD, CA. (September 16, 2021) – Rising lightweight prospect Jose Valenzuela will look to impress in his first main event appearance when he faces Colombia’s Deiner Berrio in a 10-round showdown that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, September 18 (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) from Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California.

“I’ve dreamt about this moment since I was a little kid,” said Valenzuela. “Now I’m just ready to put on a show Saturday night and make a big statement. I have to let the whole division know that I’m here.”

The 22-year-old impressed in his last outing, stopping Donte Strayhorn in the fourth-round of their bout that aired on FOX prior to the Pacquiao vs. Ugas pay-per-view on August 21. While Valenzuela was pleased he was able to show off his aggressive style, he also saw facets of his game where he can improve on.

“I love putting on a good performance for the fans and getting them up out of their seats,” said Valenzuela. “I’m a very active fighter, because I grew up watching and appreciating fighters like Manny Pacquiao and Julio Cesar Chavez.

“You’re going to see better footwork from me in this fight. I’m a good boxer and I’m good on my toes, but I sometimes get bored of that. I like to fight in the trenches, but I know I have to be smart and use my defense also. I’m going to be using my jab and different angles in this fight. I’m not going to be standing straight up in front of Berrio.”

Berrio represents the most accomplished fighter who Valenzuela has faced so far in his young career. The 30-year-old Berrio has never been stopped and most recently lost a 10-round decision to unbeaten Juan Pablo Romero in April. Despite the gap in experience, Valenzuela believes he has the edge in ring IQ that will help him come out victorious.

“Berrio has a style where he fights off his back foot, gets low and then explodes with wild overhand rights,” said Valenzuela. “It’s a weird style and definitely a little awkward. I don’t think he’s going to be able to adapt and make the adjustments he’ll need against me. I’ll be expecting a lot of wide shots from him.”

A native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Valenzuela now trains in Seattle, Washington, where he is trained by Jose Benavidez Sr. alongside Jose’s sons, unbeaten two-time world champion David Benavidez and longtime contender Jose Benavidez Jr. Valenzuela has worked with the Benavidez family for the last four years, soaking up the knowledge from an accomplished boxing family.

“It’s a great experience working with the Benavidez family,” said Valenzuela. “They always push me extremely hard and they really believe that we don’t have any limits. David is also a fast-paced fighter and I think that comes from the type of training we do.”

In a stacked lightweight division with numerous big-name champions and contenders, Valenzuela knows that he has to take advantage of every opportunity he receives. That knowledge is motivating him to make sure he looks impressive on September 18.

“I have to show everybody that Berrio is nowhere near my level,” said Valenzuela. “I can’t just win. I have to win in tremendous fashion. A knockout would be great, but the most important thing is to dominate and look-good winning.”

Saturday’s show will be followed on Sunday, September 19 with another night of FS1 PBC Fight Night action also taking place at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield, California. Sunday’s telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated super featherweight prospect Maliek Montgomery facing Aleem Jumakhonov in a 10-round bout.

Tickets for the live events, which are promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and available at AXS.com.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Mikey Garcia returns to action on October 16 as he takes on Sandor Martin at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California, topping a stacked bill featuring two Light-Flyweight World title bouts, live worldwide on DAZN.
**TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW (SEPTEMBER 17) FROM 11AM (PT) AT TICKETS.COM**
Former four-weight World ruler Garcia (40-1 30 KOs) last stepped through the ropes in February 2020, flooring Jessie Vargas at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, en-route to a points win over his fellow Mexican-American. The 33 year old is plotting a route towards more World title glory, and the Californian fan favorite plans to put on a show at the home of the Fresno Grizzlies.

“I’m very excited to get back in the ring and give my fans another night to remember,” said Garcia. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on October 16 in Fresno – it’s going to be a great night of boxing.”

Martin (38-2 13 KOs) has form and activity in his favor as he makes his American debut in the biggest fight of his career. The Spaniard recorded a wide decision win over Kay Prospere in the second defense of his European Super-Lightweight in April in his Barcelona backyard, and the 28 year old will be leaving everything in the ring on what he believes is potentially a life-changing night.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity,” said Martin. “The sport of boxing brings me the chance to change my life. There will be a before and after for everyone in this fight.”

A stacked undercard in support of the main event is led by two World Light-Flyweight title fights as WBO king Elwin Soto puts his crown on the line against Jonathan Gonzalez and WBA champion Esteban Bermudez defends his strap against Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.

Soto (19-1 13 KOs) entertained a packed crowd at AT&T Stadium on Cinco de Mayo weekend, stopping Katsunari Takayama in the ninth round of their clash on the undercard of Soto’s fellow Mexican star Canelo Alvarez’s clash with Billy Joe Saunders. That was a third successful defense for the 25 year old and the first inside the distance of the belt he ripped from Angel Acosta with a dramatic final round KO over the Puerto Rican in June 2019, and he makes his fourth defense on October 16 against Gonzalez in a bout in association with Zanfer Promotions.

It’s another Puerto Rican foe in Soto’s way in Fresno in the shape of mandatory challenger Gonzalez (22-3-1 13 KOs). The 30 year old is in his second World title tilt having travelled to Japan in August 2019 to face WBO Flyweight king Kosei Tanaka and the successful amateur landed the WBO NABO belt at Light-Fly in February 2020 and defended it with a fourth round KO of Armando Torres in May to land his mandatory status.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and defend my title,” said Soto. “Texas was a great night and I think this will be too. Gonzalez is a proud Puerto Rican contender, and we all know that when Mexico and Puerto Rico step through the ropes, there are fireworks, so the fans are going to love this fight.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” said Gonzalez. “Soto’s style fits me perfectly. It will be a war of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.”

Bermudez (14-3-2 10 KOs) ripped the WBA strap from Carlos Canizales in May, stopping the defending champion in Mexico City inside six rounds in what was the Mexican’s first World title fight. The 25 year old faces a formidable test in the first defense of his crown against rising Texas talent Rodriguez.

Rodriguez (13-0 9 KOs) is one of American boxing’s bright young stars, and the 21 year old Texan gets his first World title shot in Fresno. Trained by Robert Garcia, Rodriguez will be aiming to emulate his WBA World Super-Flyweight champion brother Joshua Franco and bring more hardware back to San Antonio.

“This is going to be a great fight,” said Bermudez. “Jesse is a really talented fighter, and I am sure that he will be in great shape and ready to rock on October 16, but I worked too hard to become World champion to let it go in my first defense, so this will be a war.”

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for my whole life,” said Rodriguez. “First of all, I want to thank everybody at Matchroom, Robert and Mikey Garcia, Mr. Honda, my father and everybody at RGBA for supporting me since day one. I also want to thank Bermudez for giving me the opportunity to fight for his title.

“I know it won’t be an easy fight, but I plan on walking out of the ring October 16 as the new World champion and bring the title home to San Antonio. It will be an honor for me and my brother Joshua to be World champions at the same time. I am training very hard and promise I won’t disappoint anybody.”

“I am really looking forward to getting back to the States with a cracking card in Fresno,” said promoter EddieHearn. “It’s great to see Mikey back in the ring, a future hall of fame star that always makes for entertaining fights and is hunting his next World title target – but this is a massive opportunity for Sandor and one that he will be desperate to take with both hands.

“We have two fantastic World title fights in the always exciting Light-Flyweight division with WBO champion Elwin Soto and WBA champion Esteban Bermudez putting their belts on the line against Jonathan Gonzalez and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez respectively – Fresno fight fans are in for a real treat on October 16.”

“It’s an honor to work with Matchroom and Mikey Garcia on this night,” said promoter Rick Mirigian, who is working with Matchroom on the event. “October 16 will be a night no-one will forget here in Fresno; I promise you that.”

Further undercard fights will be announced before tomorrows on sale launch.

LAS VEGAS – September 16, 2021 – Undefeated 122-pound world champions are set for a unification clash as WBC champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa and WBO champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. will battle in the SHOWTIME main event Saturday, November 27 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

Figueroa and Fulton were originally scheduled to face each other on Saturday, September 18, before the fight was pushed back due to a positive COVID-19 test for Figueroa.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast will begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features undefeated super bantamweight contender Ra’eese Aleem battling Mexico’s Eduardo Baez in the 10-round co-main event. Opening the telecast, unbeaten rising bantamweight contender Gary Antonio Russell takes on Mexico’s Alejandro Barrios in a 10-round showdown. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date with no action needed. Should the guest not be able to attend, a refund for the tickets can be requested through October 17, 2021. Once the refund window is closed, all sales are final.

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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.

Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) returns to the Arena Riga in Latvia on October 16 to defend his IBF World Cruiserweight Title against former World Title challenger Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs).
 
The Latvian boxing star cemented his position as the number one Cruiserweight in world when defeating Yuniel Dorticos in the final of the World Boxing Super Series in September 2020. A fight that saw the 36-year-old claim both the IBF World Title and the prestigious Ring Magazine belt as well as the iconic Muhmmad Ali Trophy.
 
Briedis, who is now a three-time world champion having previously held WBC and WBO World Titles and considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, will get the chance to return to his hometown arena and box in front of his passionate supporters for the first time since his third-round stoppage win over Krzysztof Glowacki in June 2019.
 
However, Briedis, who was named ‘Rigan of the Year’ for 2020, can expect a tough challenge when he makes the first defence of his IBF belt against Germany’s Artur Mann, a former WBO International Champion and IBO World Cruiserweight Title challenger.
 
Mann defeated countryman Leon Harth to capture the WBO International Title in July 2017 and remained undefeated until he travelled to South Africa to challenge Kevin Lerena for the IBO World Title in March 2019. Since his sole defeat, the 30-year-old ‘Thunderman’ from Hannover has recorded back-to-back wins to set up a World Title showdown with Briedis.
 
“It’s crazy to think it has been over two years since I last fought in Riga,” said Briedis. “I think I have already forgotten that fantastic feeling that Latvian boxing fans deliver each time and I can’t wait to step in the ring again in front of my home crowd. It will also be a special night for me as it will be my first IBF Title defence and I’m happy I will be able to do it at the Arena Riga.
 
“My opponent Artur Mann is a very experienced boxer who was previously part of the Sauerland stable which is already a quality measurement for him as there are no weak boxers invited to join that group. He is a very technical boxer coming from the Kazakh boxing school that is considered by many to be one of the best in the world.
 
“Together with my team, we are taking this fight very seriously. Defending a World Championship belt doesn’t allow you to do anything less. We have already started our preparations and will do everything to be ready for the fight.”
 
“I’m very happy to fight for the IBF title against Mairis Briedis, the number one Cruiserweight in the world,” said Mann. “I want to thank my manager Daniel Todorovic and the whole O1NE Sport Crew, and of course, Kalle Sauerland and Wasserman Boxing for this great opportunity. I’m pumped and ready for Riga!
 
“I have a lot of respect for Mairis Briedis and his achievements but I don’t feel any pressure. Prior to my fight against Kevin Lerena, I felt a lot of pressure because a lot of things didn’t work out as they were supposed to, but this time, I’m super relaxed. All the pressure is on Mairis because he’s the world champ and he’s fighting at home in front of his people, which doesn’t always turn out to be an advantage. He’s got everything to lose and I’ve got everything to win!”
 
“We’re delighted to be promoting our first event with Mairis Briedis, one of boxing’s pound-for-pound stars, at the Arena Riga under the Wasserman Boxing banner,” said promoter Kalle Sauerland. “We would like to thank the IBF for their support. Mairis was due to fight a mandatory challenger but after negotiations broke down we have applied for special exception to make this fight possible.
 
“I’ve been lucky enough to witness Mairis fighting in Riga before and the atmosphere is incredible. I can’t wait to hear the noise when he steps into the ring on October 16. Coming to spoil the party is Artur Mann. A tough German contender looking to dethrone Latvia’s boxing king. This is an event you don’t want to miss. Get ready for the Rumble In Riga!”
 
Tickets for the IBF World Cruiserweight Championship contest between Mairis Briedis and Artur Mann go on sale tomorrow at 12:00 (EEST). Tickets start from €29 and are available to purchase via https://www.bilesuserviss.lv.