Seniesa Estrada:”Undisputed Is On My Mind 24/7!’

EAST LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 13, 2024) Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada understands the stakes as she approaches the biggest fight of her career. The WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine minimumweight world champion is one victory away from becoming the undisputed champion, one of the few accolades she has yet to achieve during a decorated 13-year professional career.

Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs), from East Los Angeles, will face longtime rival Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KOs), the reigning IBF and WBO champion, on Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The undisputed showdown and clash of pound-for-pound queens 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.

Estrada and Valle have engaged in a verbal back and forth on social media over the years, which carried over to last month’s announcement press conference in Las Vegas. Valle’s trainer, Gloria Alvarado, trained Estrada as an amateur. Valle’s current promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, guided Estrada for several years. Despite a shared history, the rivalry is anything but friendly. 

Following a recent training session, this is what Estrada had to say:

“Becoming an undisputed champion is something I’ve been chasing and wanting for a very long time. I can’t wait for March 29.”

“You can’t let any of the emotions or anger from the past get to you. I’ve been in fights before where I was able to experience that. In my fight with Marlen Esparza, there was a huge rivalry between us. It all came down to who was going to stay mentally focused and stick to the game plan with all the tension leading up to the fight. This fight means even more because it’s for undisputed.”

“{During the kickoff press conference}, I was there for business. I wasn’t there to be friendly. This is the biggest fight of both of our careers. In all her interviews and Tweets, she always said I was ducking and afraid to fight her. But during the faceoff, I didn’t hear her say any of that, so that wasn’t expected.”

“I know I want this more than she does. I know she’s going to go in there and put up the fight of her life. And she wants it badly, too, but I want it more. I’ve been doing this since I was 8 years old.”

“Undisputed is in my head all day, from when I wake up in the morning until I go to bed. All day long, whether I’m driving or at the gym, undisputed is on my mind 24/7. That’s the way it has to be. You have to live, think, and breathe undisputed until my hands are raised and those belts are around me on March 29.”




BLAIR “THE FLAIR” COBBS READY TO PUT “THE FLAIR” BACK IN HIS GAME; COBBS SIGNS WITH PROMOTER DON KING

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL (March 13, 2024)—Blair “The Flair” Cobbs wanted to put “The Flair” back in his boxing game and what better way to do this than to sign with the greatest boxing promoter in the world in Don King.

The 34-year-old Cobbs was hungry to get back into the ring.  The Philadelphia, PA born welterweight, who sports a 16-1-1 record with 10 KOs, continues to hold the WBC-NABF welterweight title.

“I’m ready to return to action,” said Cobbs.  “And what better way to further my career than to be with the best promoter in the game, Don King.  I’m also tired of listening to all the talk out of Adrien Broner.  Broner’s talk is cheap.  Broner seems to be more comfortable fighting on social media than he is in the ring.  There’s no reason not to get in the ring together and I’ll  show him who is the boss.

“I’m looking for bigger and more exciting fights.  I’m going to make boxing great again.  Real fighters and real boxing.  Me and Broner will be the comeback of real boxing.  Entertainment at its best.  Whooo!”

“I’m looking forward to working with Blair and his manager, Greg Hannley,” said King.  “He’s determined to add to his NABF title and we’ll get the “flair” back in his fight game.”

Cobbs showed his stuff in his last fight, Aug. 6, 2022, when he won a 10-round unanimous decision against former world champion Maurice Hooker, who had only one loss in 32 fights.

Cobbs suffered the first loss of his career on March 19, 2022 to Alexis Rocha, a fight that he took with just one week’s notice.  With his popularity, Cobbs still sold out the arena.

Cobbs won the North American Boxing Federation Junior Welterweight championship by winning a unanimous decision over Ferdinand Kerobyan on March 21, 2019.  He has defended his title three times with two knockouts and one decision.




NATE DIAZ AND JORGE MASVIDAL TO SETTLE HEATED RIVALRY IN BLOCKBUSTER BOXING SHOWDOWN SATURDAY, JUNE 1 ON FANMIO PPV

LOS ANGELES – March 13, 2024 – Combat sports superstars Nate Diaz and Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal will bring their epic rivalry to a long-awaited, violent conclusion on Saturday, June 1 when they square off in a professional boxing showdown headlining “LAST MAN STANDING” presented by Fanmio PPV from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

Fanmio, the renowned pay-per-view network focused on bringing the best entertainment to market, will deliver this much anticipated rematch to the fans who have demanded it for so long. Fanmio will once again bring two of sports and entertainment’s biggest personalities together on the grand stage, after their success presenting the blockbuster Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul showdown in June 2021.

This mega event will include a loaded undercard and be preceded by a multiple-city promotional tour and shoulder programming bringing fans inside the fighters’ camps (details to be announced).

The 10-round 175-pound light heavyweight clash headlines a PPV available for purchase at Fanmio.com/PPV and Fanmio.com/DiazVsMasvidal for the early pricing of $49.99 until Friday, April 12 (on sale from $79.99). Live event ticket information will be announced shortly. Fanmio will present “LAST MAN STANDING” in association with Diaz’s Real Fight Inc. and Masvidal’s Gamebred Boxing Promotions.

“When we started our journey into boxing, we wanted to bring only the most entertaining fights together that would help transcend the world of combat sports,” said Solomon Engel, Fanmio CEO. “Being able to put together the Diaz vs. Masvidal rematch in the boxing ring is in line with that vision. These guys are the original and true BMFs, have continuously sold out arenas and sold millions of pay-per-views. June 1 gives each the opportunity to write a new chapter in their storied history, settle their score and show the world who will be the last man standing.”

Already MMA legends who have garnered legions of fans with their combination of thrilling fighting styles and outspoken personalities, Diaz vs. Masvidal marks the first time two true MMA stars will go toe-to-toe in a boxing ring. Throughout their storied careers, these two fighters have accounted for three of the top 10 highest-selling pay-per-view events in UFC history, with over 10 million pay-per-view buys combined over their careers.

“Nate’s a dead man walking,” said Masvidal, who came out of retirement for this fight. “I can’t wait to prove that last time was no fluke. He got saved by the referee. Now we are boxing, which he says is his forte, but he’s got no shot at beating me. I’m not going to give him an inch in that ring to even breathe. If he thought our MMA match was bad, this is going to be much worse. I’m going to drown him. I want to put away any talk that him and I are the same, or that the referee saved the day. All of that talk ends June 1. Violence and throwing hands are in both of our bloods but as I proved before, I’m a far superior athlete and I’m a meaner fighter. When June 1 comes I’ll put all unanswered questions to rest, live for the world to see.”

Each fighter has risen to the top of the combat sports world with an aggressive, “in your face” style that is as identifiable as the cities they represent, with Diaz hailing from Stockton, California and Masvidal from Miami, Florida. While each has taken a different path to his iconic status, the two pride themselves on being self-made fighters and finally met in 2019 at Madison Square Garden in an event so big it marked the first time a sitting President of the United States attended a UFC show.

This first meeting saw Masvidal take home the inaugural “BMF” title belt, a Diaz inspired belt based on his constant assertion that the style he and Masvidal bring forward made them the “baddest” in the game. The bout ended prematurely in the eyes of many, as a cut over Diaz’s eyebrow resulted in a TKO for Masvidal. With the cut leading to an unsatisfying ending, June 1 marks an opportunity for these two warriors to finally battle it out to the finish.

The world-renowned MMA superstar Diaz shattered box office and pay-per-view records across the board with his rivalry against Conor McGregor that reached beyond the combat sports arena. Diaz split the two fights with McGregor, earning 1.3 million pay-per-view buys in the first matchup and 1.6 million buys in the rematch. Already established as one of MMA’s all-time biggest stars, Diaz is now immersed in his boxing career after making his ring debut in 2023 against Jake Paul in Dallas in front of a sold-out crowd at the American Airlines Center. An avid triathlete and martial artist, Diaz’s boxing training has included being a regular sparring partner of undefeated boxing legend, Andre Ward.

The fighting pride of his native Miami, Masvidal reached superstardom by delivering memorable action again and again across years of fighting at the highest levels. Among his accolades, Masvidal won the UFC’s Fight of the Night award three times as well as Performance of the Night four times. His all-action style also allowed him to record the fastest knockout in UFC history at just five seconds. In a career full of blockbuster events, his challenge of Kamaru Usman in 2020 stood out, as the mega-fight garnered 1.3 million pay-per-view buys. Already with a professional boxing victory on his record, he can now kickstart the boxing portion of his already-legendary career with an emphatic victory over Diaz in this anticipated duel.

Follow the conversation leading up to this unique boxing event on all social media platforms with the hashtag #DiazMasvidal and through @Fanmio, @NateDiaz209 and @GamebredFighter on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to stay tuned for more exciting announcements leading up to June 1.




SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV RETURNS TO FACE JUAN HUERTAS IN CO-MAIN EVENT ON SALITA PROMOTIONS’ “BIG TIME BOXING USA” ON THURSDAY, MARCH 28 STREAMED LIVE ON DAZN FROM WAYNE STATE FIELDHOUSE IN DETROIT

DETROIT – March 13, 2024 – Recent world-title challenger Shohjahon Ergashev, of Uzbekistan, and now living in Detroit, will face Panama City veteran Juan Huertas in the just-added 10-round super lightweight co-main event of “Big Time Boxing USA” on Thursday, March 28, at Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit and streamed live on DAZN (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

Also announced on the televised undercard is a six-round super lightweight matchup between undefeated Joshua James Pagan of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Santo Domingo, Ecuador’s Luis Porozo.

Presented by Salita Promotions, the second installment of the “Big Time Boxing USA” series is topped by 2016 Colombian Olympian Juan Carrillo putting his unbeaten record on the line against veteran Quinton Rankin in a 10-round light heavyweight bout. Also featured on the telcast is IBF No. 2 super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin returning to battle the always tough Mike Guy in a 10-round attraction.

“Ergashev vs. Huertas is going to be an exciting addition to our talent stacked fight card,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “A healthy Shoh is a force to be reckoned with in the 140-pound division and Huertas is a great test in a crossroads fight for both.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online HERE or in-person at the Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office.

Fighting under the tutelage of renowned trainer SugarHill Steward, the IBF #14-ranked Ergashev (23-1, 20 KOs), will be entering the ring for the first time since suffering his lone career defeat, a sixth-round stoppage loss against Subriel Matias for his IBF World Super Lightweight Championship in November of last year. A celebrity in his homeland, the 32-year-old slugger had previously, at times, looked unstoppable while dominating other then-undefeated prospects in nationally televised showdowns, including a TKO 3 over unbeaten Sonny Fredrickson and a unanimous decision over Mykal Fox. 

“I am excited about getting back in the ring fully recovered and ready to go,” said Ergashev. “I look forward to putting on a great performance in Detroit. It’s a city where I started my U.S. boxing journey. My goal of being a world champion has never been stronger and I will show it with my performance on March 28.”

In his nearly 11-year boxing career, 31-year-old Huertas (17-4-1, 13 KOs) has held several national and regional championships, including the Panamanian Super Featherweight, WBA Fedecentro Super Featherweight, WBA Fedelatin Super Featherweight, and WBO Latino Lightweight titles. His most recent ring appearance came in July of last year when he scored a second-round knockout over Colombia’s Argenor Cuero.

“Fans can expect a fire filled fight since we are both known for our knockout power,” said Huertas. “I’ve been training since January staying ready. I’m glad to have a full eight-week camp for this fight.”

The 2021 U.S. Amateur Welterweight National Champion, 24-year-old Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) turned pro in January 2022.

Showing steady improvement, Pagan was last seen in October of last year, when he scored a unanimous six-round decision over respectable veteran Braulio Rodriguez at Motor City Casino in Detroit.

Porozo (17-9, 9 KOs) is a 2008 Olympian who had 500+ amateur fights after starting fighting at the age of 10 in his hometown of Santo Domingo, Ecuador. Porozo was part of the Ecuadorian National Boxing team before turning pro in late 2015.

As a professional, he won his first 14 fights before going on a losing skid, albeit against top-level competition.

#         #         #

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. 




Saturday: Nathan Heaney-Brad Pauls Middleweight Battle Headlines U.K. Fight Night LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+

(March 13, 2024) — Unbeaten middleweight contender Nathan Heaney will defend his British title against once-beaten Brad Pauls this Saturday, March 16 in the 12-round main event at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. 

In the 12-round co-feature, undefeated junior featherweight Liam Davies will lock horns against Mexico’s Erik Robles Ayala.

The undercard features feature the return of Joe Joyce, a 2016 Olympic silver medalist and former Interim WBO heavyweight champion, in a scheduled 10-rounder against Kash Ali.

Promoted by Queensberry, Heaney-Pauls, Davies-Ayala, Joyce-Ali and additional fight action will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ starting at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.

Heaney (18-0, 6 KOs) is a six-year pro who is coming off his best win yet, a 12-round majority decision against former world title challenger Denzel Bentley. The 34-year-old is ranked No. 4 by the WBO, so he’ll look state his case for a world title shot this year. Pauls (18-1, 10 KOs) made his pro debut in 2015 and went 16-0 before dropping a 10-round decision against Tyler Denny in February 2023. He bounced back with a points victory over Patryk Polasik last May and an eighth-round TKO versus Mitchell Frearson in September.

Davies (15-0, 7 KOs) is on the verge of a world title opportunity. The 27-year-old scored two impressive wins in 2023, a first-round TKO over countryman Jason Cunningham in July and a fifth-round stoppage of then-unbeaten Italian Vincenzo La Femina in November. Ayala (15-1, 9 KOs) upset hometown hero Lee McGregor via unanimous decision in Scotland last July and capitalized on his performance by returning home to decision the previously unbeaten Cesar Vaca Espinoza in December. 

IN OTHER STREAMING ACTION:

Zach Parker (23-1, 17 KOs) vs. Tyron Zeuge (27-1-1, 15 KOs), 10 rounds, Super Middleweights

Dennis McCann (14-0-1, 8 KOs) vs. Brad Strand (11-0, 3 KOs), 12/10 rounds,  Junior Featherweights

Eithan James (12-0) vs. Owen Cooper (9-0, 3 KOs), 10 rounds, James’ WBO European and Vacant English Welterweight Titles 

Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Hovhannes Martirosyan (16-0, 10 KOs), 10 rounds, O’Leary’s WBC International Junior Welterweight Title 




AUDIO: VIRTUAL TRAINER’S MEDIA ROUNDTABLE QUOTES FEATURING CALVIN FORD & KEVIN CUNNINGHAM PREVIEWING THURMAN VS. TSZYU & ROLLY VS. PITBULL PAY-PER-VIEW




VIDEO: TRAINER’S ROUNDTABLE w/ CALVIN FORD & KEVIN CUNNINGHAM ABOUT THURMAN – TSZYU &ROLLY – PITBULL PPV




VIRTUAL TRAINER’S MEDIA ROUNDTABLE QUOTES FEATURING CALVIN FORD & KEVIN CUNNINGHAM PREVIEWING THURMAN VS. TSZYU & ROLLY VS. PITBULL PAY-PER-VIEW

LAS VEGAS – March 13, 2024 – Accomplished trainers Calvin Ford and Kevin Cunningham previewed the upcoming PBC Pay-Per-View available on Prime Video, which is topped by Keith Thurman vs. Tim Tszyu and “Rolly” Romero vs. “Pitbull” Cruz matchups, during a virtual media roundtable on Tuesday before the anticipated clashes. These showdowns take place Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the pay-per-view action set to begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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 trainers had to say Tuesday:

CALVIN FORD, Trainer of Five-Time World Champion Gervonta Davis

“I think Thurman moving up in weight could benefit him. He knows that Tim is coming to get him, and that makes it a chess match.

“If I was training Keith I’d focus on conditioning and putting a lot of bodies in front of him. He knows what he needs to do to win the fight, it’s just that lay off that he needs to overcome.

“Thurman isn’t a showcase fight for anyone. You can see that he’s confident from his interviews. It’s just about him performing on that night. We’ve gotta see how he can handle the pressure. Legacies and careers are on the line.

“I think that Rolly against Pitbull fight can go either way. They’re both trying to show the hard work they’ve put in since they’ve lost. They’re only gonna be as good as their training camps allow them to be on fight night. Who can endure the other guy’s power and land the cleanest shot is what’s gonna determine the fight.

“I think Thurman needs to test that power of Tszyu. You have to see if he can really hit. I don’t think Tszyu has faced a mover like Thurman.

“Rolly has to work on things to keep Pitbull off of him, while Pitbull can just go in there and be himself. I’m going with Pitbull because I think the style of the fight suits him best.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Trainer of Top Super Welterweight Contender Erickson Lubin

“Thurman against Tszyu is an interesting matchup because you have a veteran who’s been less active against a young hungry champion. Tszyu is strong and poised. Each fight I watch, he gets better and better from a technical standpoint. It’s a tough fight, but if Keith Thurman has the legs, he can run Tszyu into a power shot. I think it could be a hard fight for Thurman.

“I’d prepare Thurman to use his strengths, which are the lateral movement and his legs. He boxes well with good power. So we’d be boxing and keep Tszyu in the center of the ring. You know Tszyu will be aggressive, so I’d try to use his aggression against him. I really think he has the power to hurt Tim Tszyu.

“If I were training Tim Tszyu I’d be applying pressure and try to break down Thurman to the body. Thurman is moving up in weight and has had trouble with body shots in the past, so we’d definitely test that bread basket.

“There’s gonna be opportunities for Rolly to catch Pitbull coming in. He needs to use his reach, range and footwork. He can definitely have success if he does. We all know that Pitbull is coming straight at you. We’ll see if that’s the right recipe to defeat Rolly. He’s gonna be in Rolly’s wheelhouse all night long, but Pitbull might be able to stream roll him.

“I think Pitbull is gonna overwhelm Rolly and win by decision or late stoppage. Rolly has to catch Pitbull with something earlier on in the fight.”

#         #         #

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




“Pandemonium at the Palladium 3” Press Conference Quotes from Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (March 13, 2024) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) hosted a press conference today at Mackao Restaurant in Worcester (MA) to promote its March 23rd “Pandemonium at The Palladium 3” pro boxing card at the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“Pandemonium at the Palladium 3” will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

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.

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

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley, Junior NABF Welterweight Champion (13-0, 7 KOs, Holyoke, MA): “I’m grateful to be headlining another card, There’s a lot of talent on the card and to be at the top of the iceberg is special to me. Next Saturday, I’ll be ready to put on a show. I’m in great shape. I want to thank Kenny for fighting me again. I’m going to get the job done.”

Kenny “Lionheart” Larson, Challenger (7-1-1, 5 KOs, Salem, MA): “I’m grateful for another opportunity, Anybody who knows me knows I’m going to bring it. It’s going to be another great night of boxing.”

Carlos “El Gallo” Gonzalez (10-0, 9 KOs, Springfield, MA): “I appreciate the opportunity to fight. This will be the toughest opponent I’ve fought in my career. I can’t wait to get it on.”

Quinton Sumpter (6-2, 4 KOs, Pittsfield, MA): “I’ve been out of the ring 6-7 months and I’m happy to be back fighting and putting on a good show. I have a tough opponent. I’m ready to go!”

Zach “The Shark” Calmus (1-0, 0 KOs), Gloucester, MA): “Anyone has to fight in life or the ring. Boxing is no joke. I always respect my opponent because he’s a fighter. I made my debut on a Granite Chin card in 2020 and then I moved on to bare knuckles fighting.”

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin




Bryce Mills Rapidly Becoming Household Name in Hometown of Syracuse New York

SYRACUSE, NY (March 13, 2024) – Rising super lightweight Bryce Mills (15-1, 5 KOs) added another impressive win to his record earlier this month, emerging victorious with a unanimous decision against Gerffred Ngayot (6-2, 5 KOs) in a thrilling bout held at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. The judges’ scorecards ?read 58-56, and 60-54 twice, affirming Mills’ superiority throughout the fight.

The event, promoted by Top Rank, drew a sizable crowd, with Mills selling close to 1,000 tickets, a testament to his growing popularity and status as one of the biggest stars on the east coast boxing scene. The fight was streamed live exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+, allowing fans nationwide to witness Mills’ triumphant performance.

“I’m getting better with each fight, and I couldn’t have achieved this without the growing support from my fans in Syracuse,” stated Mills as he expressed gratitude for the support from his hometown of Syracuse. Their energy and encouragement fuel my determination to succeed.”

“I’m happy with the progress Bryce is making,” said Amer Abdallah, Mills’ advisor. “He won the National SilverGloves with less than 5 amateur boxing fights and continues to increase his boxing IQ. He has a great team, and is dedicated to the sport. Not only is he becoming a household name on the East Coast, but making a statement on a national level. The future is bright for Bryce.”

“I’ve already started training and I’m back in the gym working hard,” concluded Mills. “I want to prove to myself that I belong with all the other top prospects in the super lightweight division. I’m on a mission to show everyone that I’m not just a ticket seller, but that I can compete with the elites.” 




LAUREN PRICE MBE CHALLENGES JESSICA MCCASKILL FOR WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLES ON MAY 11TH IN CARDIFF

Cardiff, UK (March 13, 2024) – Olympic Gold Medallist Lauren Price MBE will challenge Jessica McCaskill for the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles on Saturday, May 11th at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Following a glittering amateur career that saw her claim Commonwealth, European and World glory on route to making history as the first Welsh boxer to win Olympic gold, Price (6-0, 1 KO) can write her name in the record books again by becoming Wales’ first female world champion.

The 29-year-old from Ystrad Mynach is yet to lose a round in the professional ranks but will face by far her toughest career test when she attempts to dethrone current welterweight ruler McCaskill (12-3-1, 5 KOs).

McCaskill versus Price will top a huge night of boxing in the Welsh capital as Price looks to secure world honours in front of her home fans. Price is no stranger to representing her country on the world stage having earned 52 caps for the Welsh national football team before deciding to focus her talents on boxing.

McCaskill, from Chicago, Illinois, is a two-weight world champion, who unified the WBA and WBC World Super Lightweight Titles before moving up in weight to end Cecilia Brækhus’ decade long reign at the top of the welterweight division.

Toppling Braekhus with back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022, McCaskill became undisputed champion at 147 lbs, a weight class where she remains undefeated.

McCaskill has previously challenged Katie Taylor for the WBA World Lightweight Title in 2017 and Chantelle Cameron for the Undisputed Super Lightweight World Titles in 2022. Most recently, McCaskill fought to a draw with Britain’s Sandy Ryan in a fiercely contested welterweight unification clash.

Lauren Price MBE said: “I’m over the moon for this fight to finally be getting announced. I know Ben Shalom and my team have been working very hard behind the scenes to make this happen so I just want to say a big thank you to them.

“The fact it’s in Cardiff is amazing. I’ve not boxed there since I first started out which was a good few years back now. I can’t wait to put on a show in front of my friends, family and Welsh supporters who have been great in supporting me throughout my career. It’ll be an incredible night for sure, to beat the reigning champion in Wales and keep the world titles here will be some feeling!

“Jessica McCaskill is the current champion. She’s game, experienced and strong but I’ll be 100% ready for whatever she brings on the night. I believe in my ability. I back myself and like I said earlier, I can’t wait to bring those world titles back home to Wales, and hopefully this will line me up to bring more massive nights back to Wales in the near future.”

Jessica McCaskill said: “I don’t know much about Price but when it comes to fighters from the UK the expectation is usually lots of back pedalling and holding. I don’t know if this will be the case but coming to Wales means Price is hopefully going to want to put on a good show. That’s exactly what I want because I plan on doing the same. I’m here to steal all of her fans. I’m going to show her what it takes to be a champion and the belts will be coming back to America with me.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Lauren Price is one of the most talented and decorated athletes that Wales has ever produced. With that, as a promoter, comes great pressure to deliver nights that can forge a legacy. I’m delighted to deliver a huge world title opportunity for Lauren against a very dangerous and experienced champion in Jessica McCaskill. This is a chance for Lauren to establish herself as one of boxing’s future pound-for-pound stars. I believe we are looking at an icon of the sport. She is already a gold medallist, already an MBE, and this is a real milestone and a monumental moment in her career. This is something she has worked towards since she first put on a pair of gloves. I expect a hero’s welcome for her in Cardiff and hopefully a historic performance and the first of many memorable nights in Wales.”

Lauren Price MBE challenges Jessica McCaskill for the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Championships on Saturday, May 11th at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast and Integritas Property Group.

Sign up for exclusive access to pre-sale tickets at BOXXER.com.




GOLDEN BOY SIGNS 17-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION AND FORMER TEAM USA MEMBER JOEL IRIARTE

LOS ANGELES  (March 12, 2024) Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of Joel Iriarte, a 17-time national champion and former Team USA member. Iriarte, who is of Mexican descent and grew up in Bakersfield, California, will make his professional debut on the Zepeda vs. Hughes undercard.

“I am truly excited to announce my partnership with Golden Boy Promotions,” said Joel Iriarte. “Joining forces with a legendary organization led by Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez is a dream come true. This marks a new chapter in my career, and I’m ready to bring my skills, passion, and determination to the professional stage. With Golden Boy’s guidance, I’m sure that we can achieve greatness together.”

“Joel is a blue-chip prospect, and he has come to the exact right place to become a world champion,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Joel has championship DNA, and like me, he was a representative of Team U.S.A and has won Gold internationally at the Pan American Games. Fans should be as pumped up as I am for Joel’s debut on Saturday in Vegas and witness the first step in what I believe will be a remarkable career.”

“Joel is spectacular inside the ring and a high-character young man outside of the ring,” said Lyle Green of Sheer Sports Management. “He comes from a great family, works hard, and believes in himself. The sky’s the limit for Joel, and we are very excited to guide his career.”

Joel Iriarte, a Team USA member from 2018 to 2021, hails from Central California’s Bakersfield. Renowned for his exceptional prowess in the boxing ring, Iriarte has achieved the remarkable feat of clinching the national championship title a staggering 17 times, and is a three-time Gold medalist, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s most decorated amateur boxers. His journey from the local boxing scene in Bakersfield to the pinnacle of Team U.S.A showcases both his remarkable skill and unwavering dedication to the sport. With more than 280 amateur fights under his belt, he looks forward to making his professional debut in the welterweight division under the Golden Boy Promotions banner.




POUND-FOR-POUND GREAT CANELO ÁLVAREZ DUELS ALL-ACTION STAR JAIME MUNGUÍA HEADLINING A PBC PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT AVAILABLE ON PRIME VIDEO SATURDAY, MAY 4 FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS – March 12, 2024 – Mexican superstars will go toe-to-toe 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 Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video on Saturday, May 4 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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.

Pre-sale tickets are available Thursday, March 14 from 10 a.m. PT until 10 p.m. PT through AXS.com by using the code: PBC

Public on-sale begins Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. PT with tickets available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by Canelo Promotions, TGB Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Zanfer Boxing Promotions.

“We are very excited to return on May 4, especially with a Mexican opponent,” said Eddy Reynoso, Canelo’s Manager and Trainer. “This will be a 100% Mexican celebration! There has been a long time since two Mexicans have faced each other in an event like this. It’s going to be a grand fight. Jamie Munguia is an ex-champion who’s been winning fights and demonstrating great things. That tells me it’s going to be an exciting fight. I am very happy and grateful to Jamie that he agreed to make this happen.”

“Cinco de Mayo weekend is a crown jewel in the boxing calendar, and this year will be one of the most anticipated in recent memory with this all-Mexico showdown between undisputed champion and future Hall of Famer Canelo Álvarez taking on the undefeated power-puncher Jaime Munguía headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Saturday, May 4 at T-Mobile Arena will be the highlight of what is always one of the city’s biggest weekends. Fans know that when an all-time great like Canelo faces a hungry action fighter like Munguía, the chances for drama and fireworks are through the roof.”

“An all-Mexican championship showdown on Cinco de Mayo weekend between two guys with immense pride for their country and at the top of their games — it doesn’t get any better for the sport of boxing,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Given Jaime’s incredible offensive attack, Canelo’s unmatched counterpunching and both guys’ tremendous power, fans are in for an absolute barn burner. We at Golden Boy are proud to have been able to work with our partners at DAZN to help make this massive battle and potential instant classic in Las Vegas that you don’t want to miss!”

“Jaime Munguía continues to make history as he paves his way in the sport,” said Fernando Beltrán, CEO of Zanfer Boxing Promotions. “There will be an overflow of Mexican pride in Las Vegas. This fight was accomplished for the people of México between two of the top Mexican fighters in boxing.”

*CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. JAIME MUNGUÍA*

The reigning WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, Canelo Álvarez will look to extend his own record of successful undisputed title defenses in the four-belt era as he defends his belts for the fourth time in a 12-round matchup against the unbeaten former 154-pound world champion Jaime Munguía, who will compete at the full 168-pound limit for the third straight fight. 

Having captured world titles at 154, 160, 168 and 175-pounds, Canelo (60-2-2, 39 KOs) returns to action after a dominant victory last September that saw him drop former undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo on his way to a unanimous decision. The fighting pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Canelo became undisputed at super middleweight in November 2021 by taking the IBF belt from then unbeaten Caleb Plant via an 11th-round TKO. After dropping a light heavyweight title fight against Dmitriy Bivol in May 2022, Canelo rebounded to defeat Gennadiy Golovkin in their September 2022 trilogy fight before besting John Ryder in May 2023.

Under the guidance of his renowned manager and trainer Eddy Reynoso, Canelo has triumphed over a long list of elite fighters since turning pro at just 15-years-old in 2005, including Golovkin, plus Shane Mosley, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto and Sergey Kovalev to name a few. Outside of the Bivol fight, Canelo’s only other defeat came against undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather in September 2013.

“I’m very proud and excited to be able to make this fight,” said Canelo. “A Mexican versus another Mexican is always a huge fight and it’s been a while since there’s been one like this. It’s great to give an opportunity like this to a fighter that’s earned it like Jaime has. It gives me a lot of joy that two Mexicans will be facing each other in such a big fight for the sport.”

The 27-year-old Munguía (43-0, 34 KOs) first burst onto the scene in 2018, shocking Sadam Ali via a fourth-round TKO to claim a 154-pound world championship, which he would go on to defend successfully five times. A native of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Munguía continued his dominance after moving up to 160-pounds, going 6-0 at the weight class from 2020 through 2022, including triumphs over D’Mitrius Ballard, Gabriel Rosado and Tureano Johnson, all while garnering a reputation as one of the most fan-friendly fighters in the sport.

Munguía made his debut campaigning at super middleweight in June 2023, facing longtime top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. Munguía emerged victorious with a unanimous decision in the back-and-forth affair that garnered Fight of the Year honors from the BWAA. In his most recent fight, Munguia joined forces with legendary trainer Freddie Roach, who helped guide him to a dominant ninth-round stoppage of veteran contender John Ryder in January.

“I’m very, very happy and filled with enthusiasm for this great opportunity,” said Munguía. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved who were able to make this fight a reality. We are ready to give fans a great night of boxing on Saturday, May 4. I can’t wait to demonstrate to the world that I am capable of doing great things. Viva Tijuana and Viva México!”

#         #         #

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




4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Seventh Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 4, in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (March 12, 2024) – Four-division world champion and Hall of Famer Erik Morales has confirmed that he will appear at the Seventh Annual 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.

Morales will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs and Canelo vs. GGG III. 

Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

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

Morales will make his third appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Morales will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “El Terrible”. 

Morales joins Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Claressa Shields and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Erik Morales

Erik Morales Nicknamed “El Terrible,” is a retired Mexican boxing legend and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of fame in Canastota on June 10th, 2018). Morales compiled a 52-9 record in 61 fights, including 41 straight wins to start his career, and won world titles in four different weight classes (junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, junior welterweight). He also ended Manny Pacquiao’s six-year unbeaten streak in 2005 with a unanimous decision win. Morales notable fights came against Marco Antonio Barrera (nicknamed “The Baby Face Assassin”). The Morales versus Barrera trilogy is one of Boxing’s most famous fight trilogies of all time, involving two of Mexico’s most revered boxers. Their memorable fights were also named Ring Magazine’s fight of the year on February 19, 2000 and once again on November 27, 2004.

?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




Jesus Resendiz and Nelson Oliva Plan to Stay Undefeated on CBN Promotions’ March 30 Show

LONG BEACH, CA (March 12, 2024) – CBN Promotions proudly presents another explosive night of boxing, it’s second of 2024, featuring two undefeated fighters poised to defend their perfect records in exhilarating matchups. The event, scheduled for March 30, 2024, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, promises to deliver a night of unforgettable boxing action as Jesus Resendiz (8-0-1, 6 KOs) of San Diego, CA, and Nelson Oliva (10-0, 8 KOs) representing Los Angeles, CA, step into the ring to face dangerous opponents.

In the 8-round welterweight main event, unbeaten prosect Jesus Resendiz, will take on the battle-tested warrior Louie Lopez (14-2-2, 5 KOs), hailing from Corona, CA. Resendiz, known for his heavy hands and explosive power, understands the importance of maintaining his undefeated streak against a seasoned opponent like Lopez.

“This fight is crucial for me,” stated Jesus Resendiz, commenting on the upcoming bout. “Staying undefeated is not just about the record…it’s about proving myself against tough competition. Louie Lopez is a warrior, a fighter that is going to fight with a lot of heart, especially in his hometown. But nothing is going to stop me from coming out with the win. I’m ready to showcase my skills and come out victorious. I’m here to make a statement, and don’t be surprised if I knock him out.”

Louie Lopez, equally determined to secure a victory, expressed his anticipation for the matchup, saying, “I have the utmost respect for Resendiz, but I’m confident in my abilities. I’ve faced tough opponents before, and I know what it takes to win. This fight will be a battle, but I’m prepared to give it my all and emerge winning with my hands raised.”

In the 6-round super welterweight co-main event, undefeated rising star Nelson Oliva will face off against the dangerous puncher Franyerson Puerta (5-3, 5 KOs) from Denver, CO. Oliva, known for his thumping power, understands the significance of showcasing his skills against a risky opponent like Puerta.

“Facing Franyerson Puerta is a risky fight for me because I know he’s a dangerous puncher. My undefeated record means everything to me, and I’m not about to let it slip away. I’ve trained hard for this fight, and I plan on ending this fight early. Puerta may have knockout power, but I have more power, and the technique and determination to overcome any obstacle he presents. I’m focused and ready to put on a show for the fans.”

“Oliva may be undefeated, but so am I when it comes to knocking out my opponents,” said Puerta. “I’m coming into this fight with one goal in mind…to add another knockout victory to my record. I thrive on challenges, and facing an undefeated fighter like Oliva only motivates me further. I’m going to bring the fight to him from the opening bell and show the world what I’m capable of. Oliva better not underestimate me. My power speaks for itself, and I’m going to test his chin like never before. This fight is going to be fireworks, mark my words.”

“We’re thrilled to present these electrifying matchups featuring some of boxing’s most promising talents,” said Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions, as he emphasized the importance of these matchups. “Jesus Resendiz and Nelson Oliva have shown tremendous potential, and their undefeated records are a testament to their skill and determination. These fights will undoubtedly be action-packed and will showcase the best of what the sport has to offer.”

The entire event will be broadcast live on Fubo Sports and on tape delay on Fox Deportes and Estrella TV. Doors open and at 5:00 pm PT with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $55$75$100$150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase now by calling Ticketon at 800-688-8080, or online at www.cbnpromotions.com or www.ticketon.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810

This event is sponsored by HUSTLER Casino – LA’s only luxury Casino. Tequila Mandala – 100% Agave Azul, Shoe Palace – Community comes first, and Northgate Market.




Top Rank Signs Super Middleweight Sensation Christian Mbilli to Co-Promotional Pact With Eye of the Tiger

MONTREAL, Canada (March 12, 2024) — Undefeated super middleweight contender Christian Mbilli, the Cameroon-born, Montreal-based wrecking ball, has inked a long-term co-promotional agreement with Top Rank, who will work with Eye of the Tiger.

Mbilli (26-0, 22 KOs) is ranked in the top 5 of every major governing body and No. 2 by Ring Magazine. His ring return will be announced by Eye of the Tiger and Top Rank in the coming weeks.

“It is an honor for me that this co-promotion is taking place with Top Rank,” Mbilli said. “We all know the power of promoters and the significant role they play in the boxing world. So, with Top Rank and Eye of the Tiger joining forces, I certainly have an unbeatable team as I head towards a world championship. A big thank you to my team, which once again demonstrates their hard work with this incredible partnership!”

‘’I’m thrilled to be partnering with Top Rank. I believe synergy is key to achieving great things. With the right synergy, 1+1 equals 100. We have an ace, and we’re going after the big names,” said Eye of the Tiger President Camille Estephan.

“I had a ringside seat for Christian’s latest fight, and I was amazed with his power and ferocious nature inside the ring,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He is a special super middleweight talent, and I am pleased to collaborate with our good friends at Eye of the Tiger to help this talented young man achieve his world championship dreams.”

Mbilli moved from Cameroon to France at 11 years old and began boxing at 15. He soon become one of France’s great amateurs, winning a national title and advancing to the quarterfinals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Following the Olympics, he moved to Montreal to turn professional under the guidance of decorated trainer Marc Ramsay. Mbilli scored seven knockouts in his first year as a pro and captured his first regional title in May 2018. He notched a one-punch knockout over former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi in 2022 and grinded out a 10-round decision over Ecuadorian puncher Carlos Gongora the following year. Mbilli had a breakout performance on the Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith ESPN-televised co-feature in January, beating down Rohan Murdock en route to a sixth-round TKO.




Robert Guerrero III Impresses in Pro Debut with Unanimous Decision Victory in Tijuana

TIJUANA, MX (March 4, 2024) – This past Saturday, the boxing world witnessed the debut of a rising star as Robert Guerrero III (1-0) made a memorable entrance into the professional ranks with a dominant performance against Israel Reyes Chavez at the Evolution Club in Tijuana, Mexico. Guerrero, fighting at super featherweight, showcased his talent and skill, earning a unanimous decision victory with scorecards reading 40-36 across the board.

From the opening bell, Robert Guerrero III, going by the nickname “El Pistolero” wasted no time in asserting his dominance. In the first round, he got the crowd in the arena on their feet by hurting Chavez with a thunderous left hook to the head. Despite Chavez’s resilience and impressive chin, Guerrero maintained control of the fight, utilizing his jab to keep Chavez at bay and dictated the pace for the rest of the fight.

“Stepping into the ring for my pro debut was a dream come true,” stated Guerrero III, son of multiple division world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero. “I’m grateful for the support of my team and fans. Chavez was a tough opponent, but I stayed focused and executed our game plan. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

His grandfather and trainer, Ruben Guerrero, shared in the excitement, saying, “I’m incredibly proud of lil Robert’s performance tonight. He showed maturity and he listened well in the corner. We have big plans for his future in the sport.”

“Seeing Robert step into the ring and dominate in his pro debut was a proud moment for our family.” said “The Ghost”. “He’s following in the footsteps of a proud boxing tradition, and I have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great things in the sport.”




Oscar Valdez: “This Will Definitely Be A War!”

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 11, 2024) — Oscar Valdez is on the hunt for another world title shot.

The former two division world champion will take on Australian puncher Liam Wilson in a special 12-round junior lightweight attraction on Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

In the co-feature, WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle will collide in a highly anticipated showdown for the undisputed minimumweight crown.

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.

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) is a two-time Mexican Olympian who captured the WBO featherweight title in 2016 by knocking out Matias Rueda. After six defenses, he moved up to junior lightweight, where he knocked out Miguel Berchelt in February 2021 to earn the WBC strap. Following a close fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição, Valdez suffered his first pro loss in a unification showdown against Shakur Stevenson in April 2022. The fighting pride of Nogales bounced back with a points win in a rematch against Adam Lopez in May 2023 before suffering a decision loss against Emanuel Navarrete last August. Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) returns following two victories in Australia after a stoppage loss in a world title showdown against Navarrete in February 2023.

Following a recent training session in San Diego, California, this is what Valdez had to say:

“This is definitely a crossroads fights because it will determine who gets closer to a world title opportunity. My goal for 2024 is to be a world champion again. I miss being a world champion. Boxing is my life. If you are not striving to be the best, then what are you doing in this sport? I always train hard to be the best. So, this fight means everything because winning this fight will put me one step closer to a world title shot.”

“Liam Wilson is a tough fighter. I was there when he fought Emanuel Navarrete. He’s the kind of fighter who doesn’t give up. You can’t count out a fighter like that, so I’m taking this very seriously. I know it’s not going to be an easy. But nothing is impossible. Every fighter is beatable. You just have to go in there with a smart game plan.”

“Fighting in Arizona means a lot to me because I know a lot of people from all over Sonora, Mexico, will be there as well as a lot of people from Tucson, Phoenix and all over Arizona. So it means everything, especially because of my last fight. I wanted to give the fans a good fight, and we lost. I was heartbroken because I wanted to give the fans a good fight and the victory. That wasn’t the case, so this is my chance again.”

“After seeing him in there with Navarrete and knowing my style, this will definitely be war. It will be a fan-friendly fight. I’ve seen that he has a lot of heart when he fought Navarrete. But we’re going to see who has more heart and who wants it more.”




Attorney Keith Sullivan Signs Amateur boxing star Nisa Rodriguez

 

NEW YORK CITY (March 11, 2024) – New York City-based lawyer Keith Sullivan has announced his signing of amateur boxing star Nisa Rodriguez to an exclusive managerial contract.

The 33-year-old Rodriguez is a New York City police officer, and former NYC teacher who has captured three National Golden Gloves Championship titles. She is also an eight-time New York Daily News Golden Gloves, six-time Metro Championships, two-time Empire State and Caribbean and Central Americano gold medalist.

Rodriguez is scheduled to make her pro debut this Friday night (March 15) at home in the Madison Square Garden Theater on a 360 Promotions card in a four-round bout versus Jozette Cotton (0-3-1), who is unbeaten in three bare knuckle fights.

“I decided to go professional now,” Rodriguez explained, “mainly due to my son who said he would like to see me go for some world titles now that he’s competing himself at the age of 14. I was set on focusing on my career with the police department, but I saw what boxing has done to inspire and teach other women. So, I’m hoping we can encourage more women to learn the sweet science. My pro debut feels like a homecoming. I’ve grown up at the Mecca of Boxing, where I watched my first Daily News Golden Gloves, and the following year won the title there at the age of 17, the youngest in my division. Fast forward seven more Golden Gloves and many other titles, I’m honored to have my debut where it all started.

“I signed with Keith because we had an opportunity to speak about what is expected from one another and given his track record with helping young amateur kids and reputation for being trustworthy. I utilize help at-risk adolescence I encounter in my line of work and through the Cops and Kids gym– it felt secure and reassuring. I have the utmost confidence he will assist me in my future professional career.”

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

Sullivan also manages Brooklyn heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor (3-0, 2 KOs), in addition to co-managing World Boxing Association (WBA) No. 13-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.

“My mother was a teacher, my father was a cop, so putting aside Nisa’s incredible amateur career, I liked how she was living her life,” Sullivan commented. “She is a guiding force for kids who need a good role model. For me, it was a no-brainer based on her character. Combine that with her boxing talent, well, let’s just say I am excited for her future.”

INFORMATION

Instagram: @Sweet_destruction

Facebook: /NisaRodriguez




FULL CARD ANNOUNCED FOR MASSIVE ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEK BOXING EVENT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN THIS FRIDAY!

New York, NY (March 11, 2024) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced  the sensational  full fight night card for the 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.

The seven-fight March 15 event is headlined by The Fastest Rising Star in Boxing,  ‘King’ Callum Walsh, (9-0, 7 KOs), of Cork, Ireland clashing with hard-hitting Kazak veteran Dauren Yeleussinov, (11-3-1, 10 KOs) in a scheduled ten rounder for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Title.

Fighting in a ten-round battle for the WBA Continental Americas Super Featherweight Title, Feargal McCrory, (15-0, 7 KOs), of Coalisland, Ireland faces hard-hitting Mexican veteran Carlos Carlson, (25-7, 16 KOs), winner of two of his last three fights by knockout.

Popular light heavyweight ‘Irish’ Joe Ward, (10-1, 6 KOs), of Moate, Ireland, fighting for the fifth time at The Mecca of Boxing,  will make his return against veteran contender and fellow southpaw Derrick ‘Take it to the Bank’ Webster, (29-4-1, 14 KO’s), of Glassboro, NJ, over eight scheduled rounds. 

Also returning to Madison Square Garden for the fifth time, all-action fighter Reshat ‘The Albanian Bear’ Mati, (14-0, 8 KOs), of Staten Island, NY will put his undefeated record on the line in an eight-round super lightweight contest against Monterrey, Mexico’s Irving ‘Poderoso’ Macias, (15-4, 10 KOs).

Longtime Long Island fan favorite, super lightweight Cletus ‘The Hebrew Hammer’ Seldin, (27-1, 23 KOs), currently riding a six-fight winning streak battles Ecuadorian warrior Jose Angulo

(16-7, 9 KOs), in a scheduled eight-rounder.

Six-time New York City Women’s Golden Gloves Champion and NYPD officer, Nisa Rodriguez makes her highly anticipated professional debut in a four-round super middleweight bout against Jozette Cotton, a veteran of four professional bouts.

Opening up the card, undefeated Ridgewood, NY heavyweight Giovanni Scuderi, (9-0, 4 KOs), faces Brandon Carmack, (7-3-2, 4 KOs), of Kansas City, MO. 

The St. Patrick’s Day Weekend eventis presented as part of 360 Promotions’ nationally acclaimed Hollywood Fight Nights series. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:00 p.m. with the first bell at 6:15 p.m.  Remaining tickets starting at $45 can be purchased at MSG.com.




Muhammad Ali To be Inducted in WWE Hall of Fame

“The Greatest” Muhammad Ali will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 5th as part of Wrestlemania weekend on April 5th in Philadelphia.

The legendary boxer had several dealing with professional wrestling as he fought Japanese star Antonio Inoki as well as being the special guest referee as part of the first Wrestlemania in New York in 1985.




HOLLYWOOD FIGHT NIGHTS BACK AT THE COMMERCE CASINO ON SATURDAY, APRIL 20 / CAIN SANDOVAL VS. ANGEL REBOLLAR HEADLINES UFC FIGHT PASS EVENT

Los Angeles, CA (March 11, 2024) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions continues their reign with Hollywood Fight Nights, Boxing’s Best Series, at the Commerce Casino Events Center in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, April 20  headlined by Undefeated Super Lightweight Rising Star, ‘Sugar’ Cain Sandoval, (12-0, 11 KOs), of Sacramento, CA in a ten-round battle against

Angel ‘Sharky’ Rebollar, (8-3, 3 KOs). The main event tops the UFC FIGHT PASS worldwide broadcast card.

Advance tickets priced at $200, $150, $100 and $80 are Now On-Sale and can be purchased online at www.360Promotions.us. The Commerce Casino, ‘The World’s Largest Card Room and Site of the LA Poker Classic’, is located at 6131 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040. For more information and directions visit their website.

Said Tom Loeffler, “Even before our last show on January 27 at the Commerce Casino was over, fans were asking when we would be back. The atmosphere is incredible for our shows in the Events Center and we look forward to returning on Saturday, April 20.”

“When we signed Cain Sandoval last year I promised him ‘we will keep you active’ and he’s done his part with five knockout victories in 2023 and a tremendous ten-round unanimous decision win over Javier Molina just three weeks ago.”

“This is Angel Rebollar’s first time fighting at Hollywood Fight Nights but he just defeated an 11-0 fighter in November so we know he’s confident and is coming to win.”

The 21-year-old Cain Sandoval collected his first eleven victories by knockout, building his proven reputation as a rising star in the super lightweight division. Fighting over ten rounds on February 23, 2024, the hard-hitting Northern California native further validated his reputation, winning a shutout unanimous decision over U.S. Olympian and veteran contender Javier Molina.

Just 19-years-old, Angel Rebollar already has a wealth of experience against numerous top young fighters. Most recently he won an eight-round decision over highly regarded and undefeated Omar Rosario in Stateline, NV.

Additional fights for this event will be announced shortly.

                                                ————————————————–

Social Media

#HollywoodFightNights

#UFCFightPass

Instagram

@ufcfightpass

@360BoxingPromotions

@TomLoeffler1

@360BoxingPromotions

@howlerheadehiskey

Twitter

@UFCFightPass

@360BoxingPromos

@TomLoeffler1

 @howlerhead

Facebook

@UFCFightPass

@360BoxingPromos

@howlerheadwhiskey

Website

www.360Promotions.us




CHARLIE EDWARDS LAUNCHES BID TO BE TWO-WEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ON APRIL 12, LIVE ON CHANNEL 5

Charlie Edwards will launch his bid to become a two-weight world champion when he headlines a Wasserman Boxing event at York Hall on Friday April 12, live and free on Channel 5.

And on the same crunch night of action, Lerrone Richards looks to accelerate his pursuit of second world super middleweight title, when he fights in the co-main event.

Edwards, the former world flyweight king, is now targeting bantamweight gold and takes on former European champion Georges Ory for the WBC Silver International title over 10 rounds.

Richards, meanwhile, is laser-focused on reclaiming the super middle crown and knows he must get past the tough Steed Woodall over 10 rounds, to keep his dream alive, with the WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight title up for grabs.

Wasserman Boxing, in association with LadbrokesNuman and Infinitum, returns to the spiritual home of British boxing with Don’t Call It A Comeback, its second blockbuster show of 2024, as two of Britain’s former world champions set out on the road back to the top.

Ladbrokes Odds
 
Edwards – 1/12 | Ory – 7/1 | Draw – 20/1

Richards – 1/8 | Woodall – 5/1 | Draw – 20/1

UNDERCARD•    Jordan Dujon and Kingsley Egbunike collide for the vacant Southern Area Super Welterweight title.
•    One of British boxing’s brightest prospects Tom Welland, fresh from a thumping stoppage win in Telford, has a fourth contest of his pro career.
•    The Mikkel Kessler-trained Oliver Zaren boxes in front of a UK audience for the fourth time in a row, in an eight-round contest.
•    The exciting Jesse Brandon returns for a first outing of 2024.

QUOTES
Charlie Edwards said: “This has been a long time coming but, finally, I can confirm that the road to becoming a two-weight world champion starts now.
“The past couple of years have been extremely challenging but I never lost sight of the fact that there would always be light at the end of the tunnel, and on April 12, at the famous York Hall, I put on a performance to make the bantamweight title holders sit up and take note.
“Thank-you to Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 for believing in me and giving me the platform from which to begin my charge at a second world title.
“I can’t wait to bring world title fights to his huge audience on terrestrial TV, it’s my time, it’s Resurgence season.”

Lerrone Richards said: “Being known as a two-time champion of the world, and further etching my name into the history of British boxing, is what drives me every day.
“And what will make that extra special is that the whole country, who will be watching at home on Channel 5, are able to come on this journey with me.
“It felt good to make my Wasserman Boxing debut late last year, but in 2024 I’m putting my foot to the floor and reclaiming what is rightfully mine – the super middleweight championship of the world.
“It all starts on April 12 at York Hall.  Don’t miss it.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “One historic venue, two of British boxing’s former world champions and a potential audience of millions on Channel 5, means April 12 has all the ingredients to be yet another special night for Wasserman Boxing.
“Charlie Edwards and Lerrone Richards have been straining at the leash and, next month at York Hall, we let them loose on the rivals who stand between them and making world title history.
“For Edwards, the dream is to become a two-weight champion, while Richards is set on reclaiming the title he didn’t lose in the ring.
“But don’t call it a comeback, Edwards and Richards have been at the top of their game for years, and on April 12 they put the world champions on notice.”

Alex Apetai of Ladbrokes said: “Channel 5 viewers are once again being treated to some of the best in the business next month and, as always, we’re delighted to play a part in proceedings.

“Lerrone Richards will no doubt have one eye on a big British bout later this year,  and will comfortably take to the ring as heavy favourite to beat Steed Woodall, while the future is just as bright for Charlie Edwards.

“Both Richards and Edwards head into their respective fights with 18 wins to their name, each with four at the iconic York Hall. With so many similarities in their careers up to this point, we can’t wait to see who steals the show on April 12.”




Undefeated Irish prospect Tommy Hyde Fighting for first pro title this Saturday on St. Patrick’s Day weekend in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (March 10, 2024) –  Undefeated super middleweight prospect Tommy “The Governor” Hyde (7-0, 4 KOs) will be fighting for this first title as a professional boxer this Saturday on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, outside of San Francisco at Fox Theater in Redwood City, California.

The 24-year-old Hyde, fighting out of Cork, will challenge fellow Irishman, Craig “BTL” McCarthy (10-1-1, 2 KOs), the defending Boxing Union of Ireland Celtic Super Middleweight Champion, in the eight-round main event on a card presented by Westside Promotions.

“He’s (McCarthy) is a southpaw, fit and always in top shape, and he always comes to fight. He won his title at home on a show I was on in my fourth pro fight,” Hyde commented. “I was watching his fight with my coach, and he said, ‘We’ll get him next year,’ and here we are. I’m a boxer but if we get in the center of the ring, I’ll go toe-to-toe with him, and that will really get the Irish fans into it. It’s going to be a good night on St. Patrick’s Day Eve, the parade is on the same day as the show but in the afternoon.”

Like so many Irish boxers in the past – Wayne McCollough, Steve Collins, John Duddy, Kevin McBride, Patrick Hyland to name a few – the 2023 Irish Prospect of the Year, Hyde is now training in the United State. Tommy has had a six-week training camp preparing for this Saturday’s fight in Santa Monica (CA), under the direction of head trainer Pedro Nemes.

“Every camp has been different,” Hyde said. ”I’m obsessed with learning every day and it’s been that way here. I’m getting on great with my trainer, Pedro Neme.”

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.

Hyde’s pro career is right on track.

“Brilliant,” Hyde explained the plan. “It’s exactly what we set out to do. We wanted seven six-rounders in my first year and got it. Then, the step-up this year to fight for a title in eight-rounders, and 10 by the end of this year. The plan is to collect titles and names and stay busy this year, fighting at my second home in Boston, San Francisco again, and back home in Cork, Ireland.

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




JOANNA JEDRZEJCZYK NAMED TO UFC® HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s ‘Modern Wing’ as a member of the Class of 2024. Joanna will enter the Hall of Fame as the second female inductee in UFC history and first from the strawweight division.

The 2024 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place as part of the 12th Annual UFC International Fight WeekÔ, on Thursday, June 27, at T-Mobile Arena, and will be streamed live exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

“Joanna is one of the greatest athletes in combat sports history,” UFC CEO Dana White said. “Joanna is an amazing person who has been an incredible champion, ambassador, and role model for women’s MMA, as well as an absolute killer inside the Octagon. She fought the best of the best in her division and never backed down from an opponent. Joanna is one of the toughest athletes we’ve ever seen, and it will be an honor to induct her into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer during International Fight Week.”

Joanna will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 13th member of the Modern Wing, joining former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar as part of this year’s class. The “Modern Era” category includes athletes who turned pro on or after November 17, 2000 (when the first UFC event under the unified rules of MMA was held), are a minimum age of 35, or who have been retired for one year or more.A veteran of 21 fights during her 10-year professional MMA career, Joanna compiled a record of 16-5 (10-5 UFC), securing victories over former UFC strawweight champions Carla Esparza and Jessica Andrade

Joanna made her professional MMA debut on May 19, 2021, winning her first fight via unanimous decision. She would win her next five fights across five MMA promotions for the next two years before joining UFC with a 6-0 record.

Joanna made her UFC debut on the FIGHT PASS prelims of UFC® ON FOX: LAWLER vs. BROWN, which took place on July 26, 2014, at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. Joanna defeated Juliana Lima via unanimous decision to continue her winning streak.

She returned to the Octagon® five months later in December to face Claudia Gadelha on the prelims of UFC® ON FOX: DOS SANTOS vs. MIOCIC in a strawweight title elimination bout.

Joanna defeated Gadelha via split decision to become the number-one contender of the division and face then-champion Carla Esparza at UFC® 185: PETTIS vs. DOS ANJOS.

UFC® 185: PETTIS vs. DOS ANJOS took place on March 14, 2015, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Tex. Joanna took control of the fight early and scored TKO in the second round to become UFC’s first Polish-born champion and first female European UFC champion. She would defend the strawweight championship five times over the next two years, setting a record for most title defenses in the division and decisively winning each fight.

Joanna would lose her next two fights against former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas in the co-main events of UFC® 217 and UFC® 223, ending a streak of 14 consecutive victories as a professional MMA athlete.

Joanna returned to the Octagon on July 28, 2018, to face Tecia Torres on the main card of UFC® ON FOX: ALVAREZ vs. POIRIER 2. She would defeat Torres via a unanimous decision and move to flyweight to vie for the vacant title against Valentina Shevchenko.

Joanna would lose to Shevchenko and return to strawweight to face Michelle Waterson-Gomez, headlining UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: JOANNA vs. WATERSON on October 19, 2019, at Amalie Arena in Orlando. Fla. She would win via unanimous decision and earn a title shot against then-UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili in the co-main event at UFC® 248: ADESANYA vs. ROMERO.

UFC® 248: ADESANYA vs. ROMERO took place on March 7, 2020, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Both athletes consistently traded punches back and forth for five rounds, with Zhang winning via split decision in what is widely considered to be one of the greatest fights in UFC history. During the fight, Joanna landed 186 significant strikes on Zhang, which marks the third-most in UFC strawweight history. She retired in June 2022 after losing her rematch to Weili at UFC® 275: TEIXEIRA vs. PROCHAZKA.

Joanna enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:

UFC:

  • Most significant strikes landed in UFC women’s history – 1,754

  • Most title fight wins in UFC strawweight history – 6

  • Highest rate of significant strikes per minute in UFC strawweight history – 6.59

  • Highest significant strike differential per minute in UFC strawweight history – +3.37

  • Longest winning streak in UFC strawweight history – 8

  • Tied for most wins in UFC strawweight history – 10

  • Recorded six of the top 10 most significant strikes landed in a fight in UFC strawweight history

  • 225 vs. Andrade (UFC 211)
  • 220 vs. Letourneau (UFC 193)
  • 186 vs. Zhang (UFC 248)
  • 180 vs. Waterson – Gomez (UFC FN: Joanna vs. Waterson)
  • 176 vs. Gadelha (TUF Finale: Joanna vs. Claudia 2)
  • 171 vs. Kowalkiewicz (UFC 205)

Outside the Octagon, Joanna has been honored with numerous awards throughout her career, receiving Female Fighter of the Year in 2015 by MMA Junkie. Joanna’s unforgettable 2020 fight against then-UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili during UFC 248 won Fight of the Year honors from MMA JunkieMMA FightingBT SportThe Athletic, and the Fighters Only World MMA Awards.

A native of Olsztyn, Poland, Joanna began competing in Muay Thai at the age of 16. She competed in 40 amateur Muay Thai fights, compiling a 37-3 record before turning pro. Her only three losses were to future UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. As an amateur, she captured four consecutive gold medals (2009-13) and a silver medal (2008) during the IFMA World Championships. As a professional Muay Thai and kickboxer, she fought in 31 matches, registering a 27-3 record with one draw, and became the World Kickboxing Federation’s European champion in 2010.

A philanthropist in her native Poland, Joanna is an ambassador for several children’s hospitals and food banks, raising funds and awareness for families in need.

To view Joanna’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/20540

To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame and details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.




ALEXA GRASSO AND VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO TO COACH THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER® SEASON 32 

Las Vegas – UFC today announced that The Ultimate Fighter® is returning for an historic 32nd season and will feature UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso coaching opposite former champion and No. 1 contender Valentina Shevchenko. Following the series, which exclusively debuts Tuesday, June 4 on ESPN, the two coaches will prepare to square off for the third time at a future date.

The Ultimate Fighter: Team Grasso vs. Team Shevchenko will feature the most international cast ever assembled for the show, with 14 nations being represented by the 16 rising prospects in the men’s featherweight (145 lbs.) and middleweight (185 lbs.) divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside to pursue their UFC dreams.

The entire 12-episode season of TUF 32 will be available exclusively on ESPN, with one episode dropping each Tuesday beginning June 4at 10pm ET/7pm PT. Episodes will be available to stream on demand on ESPN+. In addition, UFC fans can re-watch all 31 previous seasons of TUF on ESPN+.

Produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television’s Pilgrim Media Group, The Ultimate Fighter is the iconic reality television series that has introduced millions of new and die-hard fans to future UFC champions and top contenders. Those whose careers have been shaped by their participation in The Ultimate Fighter include: Julianna Peña, Kamaru Usman, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Robert Whittaker, Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Amanda Nunes, Matt Serra, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Uriah Hall and many others.

No. 1 ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Grasso (16-3-1, fighting out of Guadalajara, Mexico) intends to make a statement in her coaching debut. She will look to pass on the skills and experience that have earned her notable victories over Shevchenko, Maycee Barber and Joanne Wood. Grasso now has her sights set on shutting out Shevchenko as coach and building momentum towards their inevitable rematch later this year.

Former UFC flyweight champion Shevchenko (23-4-1, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) is considered by many to be one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. A Master of Sport in taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, Shevchenko has claimed highlight-reel victories over Lauren Murphy, Jéssica Andrade, and Katlyn Chookagian. She now plans on adding a successful TUF coaching season to her impressive resume on the way to reclaiming her belt from Grasso.  

Coaches and athletes participating in The Ultimate Fighter® Season 32: Grasso vs. Shevchenko will appear in an invite-only media day on Monday, March 11 at UFC APEX.

WHO:            Alexa Grasso, UFC® flyweight champion,

                        Valentina Shevchenko, No. 1 ranked UFC® flyweight,

MEN’S FEATHERWEIGHTS (145)

Edwin Cooper Jr | 31 | 6-1 | Albuquerque, N.M.

Nathan Fletcher | 26 | 8-1 | Liverpool, England

Zygimantas Ramaska | 27 | 9-2 | Ukmerg?, Lithuania

Roedie Roets | 27 | 7-1 | Polokwane, South Africa

Bekhzod Usmonov | 28 | 12-4 | Tajikistan

Guillermo Torres | 37 | 7-1 | Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Kaan Ofli | 30 | 11-2-1 | Melbourne, Australia

Mairon Santos | 23 | 13-1 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

MEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHTS (185)

Omran Chaaban | 23 | 6-1 | Finland

Shamidkhan Magomedov | 29 | 8-1 | Gubkinsky, Russia

Robert Valentin | 28 | 10-3 | Switzerland

Mark Hulme | 29 | 12-3 | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Ryan Loder | 31 | 6-1 | Sacramento, Calif.

Giannis Bachar | 33 | 9-2 | Athens, Greece

Thomas Theocharis | 30 | 9-5 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Paddy McCorry | 26 | 4-1 | West Belfast, Ireland

WHEN:          Monday, March 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PT

WHERE:       UFC APEX

                        6650 El Camino Rd.

                        Las Vegas, NV 89118

RSVP for this event is mandatory. Please respond as soon as possible to Gabriella Bain gbain@ufc.com

*All athletes are subject to change

Visit UFC.com for additional information and content to support your UFC coverage.

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 259 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 over 975 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About ESPN+?? ??

ESPN+ is the No. 1 sports streaming platform, serving fans in the U.S. with exclusive access to more than 32,000 live sports events each year, an unmatched library of on-demand replays and acclaimed original content, and premium written articles by the top reporters and analysts from ESPN.com. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $10.99 a month (or $109.99 per year) at ESPN.comESPNplus.com or in the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices. For more visit the ESPN+ Press Kit

About ESPN

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

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 20,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.




ELIJAH GARCIA PHOENIX MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

PHOENIX – March 8, 2024 – Undefeated rising middleweight Elijah Garcia held a media workout in his native Phoenix on Thursday as he prepares to take on veteran contender Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis topping PBC on Prime Video action beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 30 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

One of boxing’s breakout stars in 2023, the 20-year-old Garcia kicked off his big 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. He’ll continue to raise his level of competition, and look to put himself in world title contention, against the talented and durable Davis on March 30.

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 Garcia had to say Thursday from F1 Boxing Gym in Phoenix:

ELIJAH GARCIA

“I feel strong and I’m preparing really well for this fight, because I know how tough an opponent Kyrone Davis is. I’m not taking anyone lightly. He’s very experienced and he believes in his skills.

“It’s a blessing to be fighting on Amazon Prime. It’s a new generation and I get to be a part of it. It’s very exciting and it’s an opportunity I’m coming to take advantage of.

“I want everyone to see that I’m more than just a puncher. I know that I can go toe-to-toe with anybody. I have to look really good in this fight. I have to show the world that I’m talented and ready for the title shot.

“I want to achieve my goals and Kyrone is standing in my way. He knows that this is a fight that he needs to win to continue fighting at this level. He’s got a lot of good experience, but I’m hungry too. I train really hard to win. 

“I’m proud of where I’m from. I wear 602 on the beltline of my trunks and that’s because I’m proud to represent Phoenix.”

JORGE GARCIA, Elijah’s Father and Trainer

“We’re excited to keep being in big fights and performing well. It’s important for us to stay humble. We want to entertain the fans, that’s the most important thing.

“It’s great to see Elijah’s support, especially here in Arizona. There’s a lot of great fans here who love boxing. It’s motivating to have your people behind you.”

#         #         #

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




FOLLOW JOSHUA – NGANNOU LIVE

Follow all the action as Antony Joshua takes on Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight slugfest. The packed undercard includes a heavyweight tussle between Zhieli Zhang and Joseph Parker. Plus two world title bouts Rey Vargas vs Nick Ball for the WBA Featherweight Title and Israil Madrimov and Magomed Kurbanov for the WBA Super Welterweight title

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATCIALLY. NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

10 Rounds–Heavyweights–Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) vs Francis Ngannou (0-1)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Joshua* 10 KO                     10
Ngannou 8                       8

Round 1:Jab from Nagannou..jab from Joshua..Right from Nagannou..HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES NAGANNOU..Left from Nagannou
Round 2 Solid right from Joshua..HUGEN RIGHT THAT PUT NGANNOU DOWN AGAIN…ANOTHER PERFECT RIGHT AND NGANNOU IS KNOCKED OUT COLD

12 ROUNDS–INTERIM WBO HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE–ZHIELEI ZHANG (26-1-1, 21 KOS) vs JOSEPH PARKER (34-3, 23 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
ZHANG 9 10 10 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 10 10 114
PARKER* 10 10 8 10 10 10 9 8 10 10 9 9 113

ROUND 1 Right hand from Parker…Left to the body..Left from Zhang…

ROUND 2 Overhand right from Parker…Left From Zhang…

ROUND 3 Right to body from Parker…Right..Left From Zhang..Jab to body from Parker..BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES PARKER..Big Left 

ROUND 4 Right drives Zhang back

ROUND 5 Right to the body from Parker..Right from Zhang…Right from Parker

ROUND 6 Left to body from Parker

ROUND 7 Nice short left uppercut from Zhang…Big left..

ROUND 8 Perfect right to the head from Parker..LITTLE RIGHT HOOK ON THE INSIDE AND DOWN GOES PARKER

ROUND 9 Body shot from Zhang..Right from Parker..Jab..

ROUND 10 1-2 from Parker…

ROUND 11 Right hook from Zhang…Right from Parker

ROUND 12 Right from Parker..

113-113….114-112…115-111 FOR PARKER

12 ROUNDS–WBC FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE–REY VARGAS (36-1, 22 KOS) VS NICK BALL (19-0, 11 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
VARGAS 10 10 10 10 9 10 9 8 10 10 8 9 113
BALL 9 9 9 9 10 9 10 10 9 9 10 10 113

ROUND 1: Right to body from Vargas..Right..

ROUND 2: Jab from Vargas..Body shot..Right to body..

ROUND 3: Ball throws Vargas to canvas..Right from Ball..right to body from Varhas..Left to body..Good uppercut..Left

ROUND 4 Jab and uppercut from Vargas

ROUND 5 Left hook from Ball..Right

ROUND 6 Good right from Vargas..Left from Vargas..

ROUND 7 Right from Ball..Right…Big right rocks Vargas..Left hook buckles Vargas..Right…Right

ROUND 8 Ball flinged Vargas and THEN LANDS A LEFT AND DOWN GOES VARGAS

ROUND 9 Vargas lands a body shot..Right…Left from Ball

ROUND 10 Left hook stuns Vargas..Body shot..Jab from Ball

ROUND 11 Left from Ball..Counter right..BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES VARGAS 

ROUND 12 Right from Ball..Nice jab

114-112 VARGAS….116-110 BALL…113-113

12 RUNDS–WBA SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–ISRAIL MADRIMOV (9-0-1, 6 KOS) VS MAGOMED KURBANOV (25-0, 13 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
MADRIMOV 10 10 10 10 TKO               40
KURBANOV 9 9 9 9                 36

ROUND 1 Jab to body from Madrimov…right..Right..

ROUND 2 Straight fright from Madrimov..Jab to body..Left hook..

ROUND 3  2 Rights from Madrimov..Overhand right…

ROUND 4 Left hook from Madrimov…Good left from Kurbanov…Madrimov lands a right…Jabs to the body..Good right from Kurbanov..Right from Madrimov

ROUND 5Right from Kurbanov..Right from Madrinov..Right from Kurbanov..Good right from Madrimov that drives Kurbanov back to the ropes…HUGE RIGHT HURTS KURBANOV…2 MORE RIGHTS AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

10 Rounds–Lightweights–Mark Chamberlain (14-0, 10 KOs) vs Gavin Gwynne (17-2-1, 5 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Chamberlain* 10 10 10 TKO                 30
Gwynne 9 9 9                   27

Round 1: Good left from Chamberlain…Gwynne has some swelling around right eye…
Round 2 Good counter left from Chamberlain…
Round 3 Doctor looks at Gwynne’s eye..Big combination from Chamberlain..Doctor looking at eye again, which is rapidly shutting…Straight left from Chamberlain…
Round 4 Counter left from Chamberlain…Big lead right hook, follow up flurry and THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

10 Rounds–Heavyweights–Justis Huni (8-0, 4 KOs) vs Kevin Lerena (30-2, 14 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Huni * 9 9 10 9 9 10 9 10 10 9     94
Lerena 10 10 9 10 10 9 10 10 9 10     97

Round 1 Left from Lerena…Straight left..Jab to the body..Right from Huni…
Round 2 Nice uppercut from Lerena…Left wobbles Huni..Huni Holds on..Body shot and uppercut from Huni..Right..
Round 3 Good right from Huni…
Round 4 Right to body by Huni…Good left to body and jab from Lerena…
Round 5 Good straight right from Huni…Combination from Lerena…
Round 6 Right from Huni…Right
Round 7 Big left from Lerena
Round 8 Straight left from Lerena…Right to body from Huni..
Round 9 Big Left from Huni..Lead right from Lerena..Straight left buckles knees of Lerena
Round 10  Straight right from Huni…Left rocks Huni..Huge flurry and Huni has no legs left…

98-92 AND 96-94 TWICE FOR HUNI

 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
                           
                           

Round 1:

 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
                           
                           




Joshua Brutally Knocks Out Ngannou in 2

Former unified Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua scored a brutal second round stoppage over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in a scheduled 10-round bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

In round one, Joshua landed a perfect right to the jaw that put Ngannou on the deck. In round two, Joshua landed a perfect counter right that put Ngannou in the canvas aagain. Ngannou was clearly clearly hurt with a bloody lip and then ate a humongous right hand that bent him over his right leg and out cold at 2:31.

Joshua, 252.4 lbs of London is 28-3 with 25 knockouts. Ngannou, 272.6 lbs of Cameroon is 0-2.

Parker Decisions Zhang; Captures WBO Interim Heavyweight Title

Joseph Parker survived two knockdowns and won the WBO Interim Heavyweight totle with a 12-round majority decision ovr Zhilei Zhang.

In round three, Zhang landed a little left hand that put Parker on the seat of his pants.

In round eight, Zhang landed a little right hook on the inside that put Parker down for a second time.

Zhang did not capitalize on the knockdowns and Parker did a little more to win by scores of 115-111, 114-112 and 113-113.

Parker, 247.6 lbs of South Auckland, NZ is 35-3. Zhang, 291.6 lbs of China is 26-2-1.

Vargas and Ball Battle to Draw in Featherweight Title Bout

Rey Vargas built up a nice lead, and he needed it as Nick Ball scored two knockdowns in the second half of their fight and battle to a split draw. Vargas keeps his WBC Featherweight title.

Vargas dominated the first half of the fight as he landed hard body shots. The fight started turning in the second half of fight.

In round seven, Ball rocked and buckled Vargas on two occasions. In round eight, Ball was able to register a knockdown when he was off balance and Ball landed a left hook. Ball continued to sure forward in the ensuing rounds. In round 11, Vargas was dropped again as Ball landed a hard right on the chin.

Vargas landed 118 of 536 punches. Ball was 111 of 472.

Scores were 114-112 for Vargas, 116-112 for Ball and 113-113.

Vragas, 125 lbs of Mexico is 36-1-1. Ball, 125 lbs of Liverpool is 19-0-1.

Madrimov Stops Kurbanov in 5 to win Super Welterweight Title

Israil Madrimov won the WBA Super Welterweight title with a fifth round stoppage over Magomed Kurbanov.

Madrimov dominated the action by landing some hard right hands over the first four frames. Kurbanov showed some life but that was short lived as in round five, Madrimov landed a hard right that rocked Kurbanov to the ropes. Madrimov followed up and landed two more hard overhand rights that forced a stoppage at 2:20

Madrimov, 153.6 lbs of Uzbekistan is 10-0-1 with seven knockouts. Kurbanov, 153.6 lbs of Ekatinberg, RUS is 25-1.

Mark Chamberlain stops Gavin Gwynne in 4

Mark Chamberlain stopped Gavin Gwynne in round four of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Gwynne started to swell around his right eye. In round three, Gwynne’s eye was shutting rapidly. Chamberlain continued to pour on the offense and in round four, landed a hard right hook that drove Gwynne to the ropes. Chamberlain followed up with a flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:46.

Chamberlain, 134.6 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG is 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Gwynne, 134 lbs or Treharris, WAL is 17-3-1.

Huni Hangs on and Decisions Lerena

Justis Huni was hurt bad in the 10th and final round but was able to hang on and defeat Kevin Lerena via 10-round unanimous decision in a heavyweight bout.

The bout was close throughout. In round 10, Lerena landed a huge left that rocked Huni across the ring on bad legs. Lerena followed up but was not able to put him down.

Huni, 243.2 lbs of Brisbane, AUS won by scores of 98-92 and 96-94 twice and is now 9-0. Lerena, 232.4 lbs of Johannesburg, SA is 30-3.

Louis Greene scored an emphatic first-round stoppage over Jack McGann in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

Greene landed a booming right hand that put McGann hard on his back. McGann got to his feet, but the fight was waved off at 1:29.

Greene, 153.2 lbs of Kent, ENG is 17-4 with 11 knockouts. McGann, 153.4 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 9-1-1.

In a battle of undefeated heavyweights, Roman Fury won a four-round decision over Martin Svarc.

Fury, 224 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 39-37 score and is 4-0. Svarc, 225 lbs of CZE is 2-1.

Fury is the brother of WBC Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who was ringside.

Ziyad Almaayouf remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Christian Lopes Flores in a super lightweight contest.

Almaayouf, 144.4 lbs of Riyadh, SA won by a 60-54 score and is now 6-0. Flores, 142 lbs is 14-36-2.

Andrii Novytskiy scored a third-round stoppage over Juan Torres in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

Novytskiy, 239.4 lbs is now 10-0 with nine knockouts. Torres, 255.6 is 11-6-1.




FORD: I WOULD UNIFY AGAINST NICK BALL

Raymond Ford will be more invested than most when he watches Nick Ball challenge Rey Vargas for the WBC World Featherweight title tonight, live worldwide on DAZN PPV – and told Matchroom’s ‘Flash Knockdown’ Podcast that he’ll be rooting for a Ball win to set up a unification battle.

Ford became WBA champion in stunning fashion last weekend, stopping Otabek Kholmatov with just seven seconds left in the fight to claim the title and become Matchroom’s first World champion from debut in the States.

‘Savage’ had stated before the fight that a tough weight-cut for the bout would see him move up for his next outing, but the 24 year old has adjusted his thoughts and believes he can still make 126lbs – for the right fight and money.

Enter Nick Ball. The Briton takes on the rangy Vargas in Riyadh tonight, part of the stacked bill for ‘Knockout Chaos’, headlined by former two-time Heavyweight ruler Anthony Joshua taking on UFC legend Joshua Ngannou, with the Liverpudlian in his first World title tilt against the Mexican two-weight king.

Boxing is abuzz with talk of the ‘5 v 5’ tournament between the stables of Hearn and Warren on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, and Ford told Matchroom’s ‘Flash Knockdown’ Podcast that a unification clash with Ball is exactly the type of occasion that could see him make the Featherweight limit one more time.

“The stage I am at right now is just thinking ‘what’s next?’ said Ford. “I’m not one of these guys that wins a World title and that’s it, I’m not satisfied with that. I want more belts, more big fights, more money – I’m not content, I’m destined for greatness and I’m chasing greatness. Saturday night was just the beginning, the start of it, I’m chasing legacy, big fights, entertaining fights, and I’ll be back real soon.

“I know Eddie was thinking about me fighting Nick Ball if he wins, that can be a big money unification. I read that there hasn’t been a unification bout at Featherweight between two champions since 2003 or something like that, so that could be another historic night to go and unify. 

“So I don’t know, it’s not going to be a long lay off where I have to get down to the weight, I’m still in shape, I’ll get right back into the gym, so it might be a little easier making the weigh one more time to unify with Nick, so hopefully he gets the job done and I can get down to the weight to make that happen.

“I know that a lot of guys are going to Saudi because there’s a lot of money over there and I want big money. It would make sense for me to unify in the division and make the most money at this time in my career and moving up in weight then making less money if i just move up right away, I out a little more respect on my name and be able to call more of the shots. 

“I haven’t really watched either guy but I’ll be tuned in and I’m pulling for Nick so we can make that big fight and unify.”

After a keenly fought first World title battle for both young men at Turning Stone in Verona, New York, Ford went into the final round with a nasty cut under his left eye, but the Camden talent came on strong in the 12th and with 30 seconds left in the fight, a huge uppercut had Kholmatov in all sorts of trouble. The Uzbek’s fall to the canvas was ruled accidental, but Ford smelt blood and went in for the kill, rocking Kholmatov, pursuing him around the ring and landing blows that the 25 year old couldn’t handle, with the referee stepping in to crown Ford as the new champion of the world. 

In the middle rounds, Ford was heard on TV saying he felt he would stop Kholmatov, and while his backers in the arena were urging him to step on the gas, he told Matchroom’s ‘Flash Knockdown’ Podcast that he always felt in control of the fight and his emotions, right until the moment he realized he had achieved his dream.

“I’ve watched it back twice,” said Ford. “I got emotional again the first time. I’ve been getting a lot of messages from people that got emotional watching it, shedding tears when I won the title because it was such a crazy moment. And when I watched it back, I was feeling the same way that they were, even though it’s me, because it’s a crazy story and it kind of made me want to root for me after seeing what i had to go through, not just in the fight but in life, how everything played out in the end, being emotional and falling to the ground, it makes you want to root for me.

“Seeing my mom crying in the crowd, I said that was going to happen in the interview before the fight. She has been through everything with me my whole life, she’s seen me at my lowest, she’s seen the highs, was there when it looked like I was going down the wrong path, she’s proud of me and I’ve come a long way so I understand where her tears come from, and to make her proud is the best thing in the world.

“It’s a better feeling than I could have ever thought it would be. I didn’t think I would be that emotional after winning the belt. The whole time before the fight I was like ‘I’m going to win this belt and I’ll just feel normal’. I’m not a person that shows a lot of emotion, so I just thought that I would be thinking ‘what’s next’, like I feel now, but in the moment, it was so different. A part of it was what I had to go through in the fight, it was a big moment, a tough one, and then all the things I had to go through in my life, so once I got the belt it’s like, I’ve come a long way and finally, the relief. 

“In the moment I was just fighting, I wasn’t thinking about scorecards or nothing like that. When I am in the ring, it’s just me locked in the moment. My team, Eddie, my management, the crowd; I could hear them panicking a little bit and I could hear everything they were saying but I’m in there fighting, I have to focus on this guy fighting me and making sure I get the job done any way possible. I said in the fifth or sixth round that I was going to stop him, I felt I was breaking him down. I said there was no need to panic, I was going to get it done and that’s what I did, I was being patient the whole time, a lot of times he was throwing a lot of punches but a lot of them weren’t connecting. I was allowing him to tire himself out, and waiting on the opportunity to get the right shot in so i could eventually get him out of there.

“I’m always happy to be part of history so I feel great to be the first from the US that Matchroom has built from the ground up to be a World champion. It means a lot, and it’s making me want to accomplish more.”