WHAT: “Boxing Under The Stars: Clavel vs. Vargas”

WHEN: Saturday, August 28, 2021

WHERE: IGA Stadium, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

WHO: MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC SILVER FEMALE LIGHT FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)

              Kim Clavel (13-0, 2 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada

vs.

              Maria Soledad Vargas (15-3-1, 1 KO), Morella, Michoacán de Ocampo, México



              CO-FEATURE – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (8)

              Mikael Zewski (34-2, 23 KOs), Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada

vs.

              Dilan Loza (15-4-1, 9 KOs), Mexicali, Baja California, México

FEMALE WELTERWEIGHTS (6)

              Marie Pier Houle (3-0-1, 1 KO), Terrebonne, Québec, Canada

vs.

              Jeanette Zacarais Zapata (2-3, 0 KOs), Villa de Puertecitos, Aguascalientes, México

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

              Alexis Barriere (2-0, 2 KOs), Saint-Jean-Sur Richelieu, Québec, Canada

vs.

Angel Gabriel Barron (1-1, 1 KO), Hermosillo, Sonora, México

              SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)

              Mazlum Akedniz (13-0, 7 KOs), Montréal, Québec, Canada

vs.

              Giovanni Martinez (7-11-1, 4 KOs), Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico    

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)

Samuel Lajoie-Dery (Pro Debut), Montréal, Québec, Canada

s.

Patrick LaFleur (1-3-1, 1 KO), Sheerbrook, Alberta, Canada

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)

Petar Gavrilovic (Pro Début), Montréal, Québec, Canada

vs.

Ruben Mejia (1-5-1, 0 KO), México City, Distrito Federal, México

(card subject to change)

PROMOTER: Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with Lee Baxter Promotions

HOW TO WATCH: “Boxing Under The Stars” will also be available via pay-per-view on Canal Indigo, Bell TV, Shaw TV and on Fite.TV (www.FITE.tv) for $ 49.99, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

TICKETS: GYM has obtained authorization to sell 5,000 tickets for the occasion, available on ticketmaster.ca or at GYM (514) 383-0666. Priced at $35, $??50, $90 and $150 in the stands, tickets are available to purchase on ticketmaster.ca or by calling GYM at (515) 383.0666. Tables for 6 people are also available for $ 2,500, including a served hearty meal and wine.

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About Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM): Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are all still active in the most prolific organization in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its founding, GYM has organized 155 events in Quebec, all broadcasted in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, and participated in 37 international events outside Quebec. Six boxers became world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Sixteen of the organization’s boxers have fought in 48 world championship bouts with an excellent record of 24 wins, 22 losses and 2 draws. During this period major American television networks were more active than ever in going to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization. On 34 occasions, the major American networks presented a GYM gala, an exceptional showcase of Quebec knowledge including HBO (8), Showtime (7), ESPN2 (10), Wealth TV (4), Spike TV (2), ESPN (1), CBS (1) and NBC Sports (1).

Facebook: @groupeyvonmichel

Instagram: @groupeyvonmichel

Twitter: @yvonmichelGYM

Source : Groupe Yvon Michel

PHILADELPHIA (August 24, 2021)-Former world-title challenger Jesse Hart returns to Philadelphia to take on Mike Guy in an eight-round super middleweight battle that will headline a huge night of boxing that will take place on Friday night, September 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The special event is promoted by RDR Promotions.

Hart of Philadelphia has a record of 26-3 with 21 knockouts. The 32 year-old has twice battled for the super middleweight championship of the world only to fall just short to Gilberto Ramirez in fights that were decided by just a couple of points.

After a stellar amateur career, Hart turned professional on June 9, 2012 with a 1st round stoppage of Manuel Eastman in Las Vegas. That led to Hart winning his first 22 fights (20 by knockout), with victories over Tyrell Hendrix (10-2-2), Samuel Clarkson (10-2), Roberto Acevedo (8-2), Mike Jimenez (17-0), Andrew Hernandez (16-4-1), Alan Campa (16-2). Hart also has victories over Demond Nicholson (18-2), Mike Gavronksi (24-2-1) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2). Hart is coming off a loss to current WBO Light Heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. that took place on January 11, 2020 in Atlantic City.

Guy of Sacramento, California, has a record of 12-6-1 with five knockouts.

Guy, 40, is a 12 year-professional, who has wins over Jose Hernandez (6-1-1), Justin Thomas (12-0), Marco Delgado (5-0), Eric Moon (11-1). Guy is coming off a decision loss to world-title challenger John Ryder on December 18th in Hollywood, Florida.

Besides Hart-Guy, a loaded undercard has been assembled with an outstanding co-feature that will pit Samuel Teah taking on Larry Fryers in a Junior Welterweight bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

Teah of Philadelphia, has a record of 17-4-1 with seven knockouts. The 34 year-old Teah has been a staple on Nationally-Televised events has wins over O’Shaquie Foster (8-0), David Gonzales (8-0-2), Maynard Allison (9-2) and Kenneth Sims Jr. (13-1-1). Teah is coming off a defeat to highly regarded Brandun Lee on March 10th in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Fryers of Yonkers, New York via Clones, Ireland, has a record of 11-4 with four knockouts.

The 31 year-old Fryers is a five year-professional, who has a win over Charles Natal (9-0-2). In his last bout, Fryers lost talented prospect Xander Zayas on June 12th in Las Vegas.

In six-round bouts:

Romuel Cruz (5-0-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Roberto Pucheta (10-19-2, 6 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico.

Muhsin Cason (8-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas takes on an opponent to be named in a cruiserweight bout.

In Four-round bouts:

Jabril Noble (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights David Boria (0-2) in a super featherweight bout.

Nicholas Sullivan (3-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, VA will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight affair.

Jerrod Miner (1-12-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles debuting Josh Aarons of Williamsport, PA in a bantamweight contest.

Boimah Karmo (1-0) of Sharon Hill, PA fights Raymond Kupula (9-9-1, 4 KO) of Monterrey, Mexico in a welterweight fight.

Brandon O’Callaghan (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia rumbles with Clifford Johnson (0-1) of Ashtabula, Ohio in a middleweight tussle.

Isaiah Johnson (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Llamar Kelly (0-1) of Lawrence, Massachusetts in a lightweight fight.

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

PHOENIX (August 24, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion and Phoenix-native David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will battle former world champion Jose Uzcategui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator in his hometown on Saturday, November 13 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center in Phoenix.

Benavidez and Uzcategui were originally scheduled to meet on Saturday, August 28, before the fight was pushed back due to a positive COVID-19 test for Benavidez.

Also featured on the card will be longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, making his much-awaited return facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in a 10-round super welterweight duel.

Tickets purchased for the August 28 event will be valid for the newly scheduled November 13 event date. If you are unable to attend the newly scheduled date, tickets will be refundable at your point of purchase.

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

CHEATHAM COUNTY, TN (August 24, 2021) – Undefeated lightweight prospect, Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (11-0, 7 KOs), of Cheatham County, TN, is looking to keep the forward momentum going on his promising professional boxing career as he faces, Ira “Mr. Showtime” Terry (27-16, 16 KOs), that on paper is Tomlin’s toughest fight of his career. The bout scheduled for eight-rounds will take place this Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Oak Grove Racing and Gaming Hotel in Oak Grove, Kentucky.

“I am now signed with DiBella Entertainment, and having a major promoter means I have to step my game up as I will now be getting bigger fights,” said Tomlin. “Ira Terry has fought a lot of really good fighters like Jorge Linares, Francisco Vargas and Claudio Marrero, and I look forward to showing the world where I stack up against these legends in boxing. This is the toughest test of my career and I’m looking to have a performance that gets people talking about me.”

Tomlin, who was an offensive wrecking ball from the opening bell, landed some vicious body blows early, in addition to some powerful overhand rights, that led to his opponent’s demise in his last fight against Tyrone Luckey. Tomlin is looking to repeat that performance against Terry.

“Ira Terry is a golden glove winner and he’s coming off a big win in his last fight, and we’re taking him very seriously,” said Darryl Tomlin, Tyler’s coach, and father, who co-manages is son with Peter Fernandez. “We’re grateful to Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment for keeping us active and we are looking to put on a great show for all of those who will be traveling to the fight to support Ty. I want everyone to know we have trained for a knockout, and we’re looking to close the show in this fight.”

Tomlin is a massive draw, and despite the fight being in Kentucky, it is a mere 30-minutes from his residence in Tennessee, meaning Ty will have a lot of familiar faces in the crowd.

“This bout is 30-minutes from where I live, and I am excited to have tremendous support from my family and friends as I move forward on my journey towards becoming a world champion,” said Tomlin. “This will be a sold out show and I want to make everyone proud who is coming to see me. I’m going to bring it in this fight and put on a great show for the fans.”

DUBLIN – After more than 18 months away from the 3Arena, BELLATOR’s return to the iconic Dublin venue is set for Friday, Nov. 5, when Ireland’s own No. 6 ranked James “The Strabanimal” Gallagher (11-1) faces the No. 2 ranked Patchy Mix (14-1) in a huge bantamweight main event to headline BELLATOR 270.

In the co-headliner, No. 4 ranked lightweight and Dublin’s very own Peter “The Showstopper” Queally (13-5-1), will be looking to bring the house down again when he faces 23-time BELLATOR veteran and No. 1 ranked Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (23-10) in a highly anticipated rematch. An additional five preliminary matchups for BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix are also confirmed below.

Tickets to BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix go on general sale on this Friday, Aug. 27, with an exclusive presale on Thursday, Aug. 26, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.ie and Bellator.com.

Fans in Ireland will be able to watch the event on both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport, while those in the UK can watch the event live on BBC iPlayer. Meanwhile U.S. fans will be able to enjoy the main card action live on SHOWTIME at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, with a replay at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The eagerly awaited bantamweight matchup between Gallagher and Mix has the potential to go down as one of the all-time great fights in BELLATOR history. It was originally due to take place in May at BELLATOR 258, but injury forced Gallagher out of the encounter. Now, in front of what is guaranteed to be an electric Irish crowd, the “Strabanimal” will finally get his chance to silence Mix as he looks to earn the biggest win of his career to date.

“I’m so grateful to be back as the headline in Dublin,” said Gallagher, “I’ve moved to America to take my mindset and skill set to another level and I’m happy I can show my work to my home fans! Welcome to the Jimmy Show! ”

Patchy Mix is currently the #2 ranked bantamweight and fights out of Extreme Couture in Las Vegas. Like Gallagher, Mix has made a name for himself in the BELLATOR cage by displaying impressive submissions, including the rare Suloev Stretch.

Mix said of his long-awaited matchup: “I’m going to walk into James’ home country and put him away in the first round.”

After a series of lively back-and-forth trash talk encounters and cancelled bouts due to injury, Queally and Pitbull finally met in the BELLATOR cage in May earlier this year, with the Irishman causing a huge upset, securing a hard-fought TKO victory due to a doctor’s stoppage following a cut Patricky sustained in the second round. 

Queally, meanwhile, who trains alongside Gallagher out of Ireland’s famous Straight Blast Gym, will be looking to once again use the might of the home-crowd to help him secure a decisive win over his bitter rival, Pitbull.

“I can’t wait to get back out there again to settle this once and for all with Pitbull and really give the 3Arena crowd something special,” Queally said. “Patricky is such a perfect opponent, there has been so much that has gone on with me and him that I think the crowd will be even more invested than normal this time. Expect an all-out war – I’m going to beat him, and the lightweight belt is next.”

Freire – the older brother of BELLATOR lightweight champion Patrício – has competed professionally since 2005, earning a fearsome reputation as a knockout artist. Living up to the moniker “Pitbull,” Freire will be looking to even the score with Queally, silence the home crowd and get back to his winning ways.

“He knows he was getting beat up in the first fight,” said Pitbull. “He felt pain in his legs and body, I’m gonna make him feel even more pain now. The Irish fans are very loud and passionate, but when I knock him out, you will be able to hear a pin drop in that arena.”

The news of a return to Dublin rounds off a trio of BELLATOR MMA events confirmed on European soil in 2021, with the cage setting down in London on October 1 and Moscow on October 23 before heading to the Irish capital on November 5.

BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix MainCard:

SHOWTIME (US) / BBC iPlayer (UK) / Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

Friday, October 1 – 9 p.m. GMT/5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Bantamweight Main Event: #6-James Gallagher (11-1) vs. #2-Patrick Mix (14-1)

Lightweight Co-Main Event: #4-Peter Queally (13-5-1) vs. #1-Patricky “Pitbull” Freire (23-10)

Preliminary Card:

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

BBC iPlayer (UK) | Virgin Media Two & Virgin Media Sport (IRELAND)

5:30 p.m. GMT/1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT

Lightweight Bout: Daniele Scatizzi (10-5) vs. Brian Hooi (16-7, 1 NC)

Featherweight Bout: Ciaran Clarke (3-0) vs. Jordan Barton (6-1-1)

Strawweight Bout: Danni Neilan (4-0) vs. Audrey Kerouche (7-5, 2 NC)

Featherweight Bout: Junior Morgan (3-0) vs. Darragh Kelly (Pro Debut)

Welterweight Bout:Stephen Costello (Pro Debut) vs. Yusuf Nazokatov (Pro Debut)

**** 

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR events

Sat. Sept. 18 // BELLATOR 266: Davis vs. Romero //SAP Center // San Jose, CA

Fri. Oct. 1 // BELLATOR 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 //The SSE Arena, Wembley // London, England

Sat. Oct. 16 // BELLATOR 268: Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals // Footprint Center // Phoenix, AZ

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

Fri. Nov. 5 // BELLATOR 270: Gallagher vs. Mix // 3Arena // Dublin, Ireland

****

About BELLATOR

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

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium service SHOWTIME^®, which features critically acclaimed original series, provocative documentaries, box-office hit films, comedy and music specials and hard-hitting sports. SHOWTIME is available as a stand-alone streaming service across all major streaming devices and Showtime.com, as well as via cable, DBS, telco and streaming video providers. SNI also operates the premium services THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, as well as on demand versions of all three brands. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

London, UK (24 August 2021) Red hot Irish prospect Stevie ‘The Hitman’ McKenna has turned to horsepower as he gallops towards his first championship title.

The undefeated super-lightweight KO king and his equally talented brother Aaron, an unbeaten super-welterweight talent, have both taken up horse riding to aid in their active recovery from arduous training sessions.

Front runner McKenna features on promoter Mick Hennessy’s big bill on Friday 10th September at the Coventry Skydome Arena, headlined by Sam Eggington’s defence of his WBC Silver Middleweight Championship against undefeated French sensation Bilel Jkitou, exclusively live and free on Channel 5 in the UK and Ireland.

The County Monaghan ace has shot out of the starting gates as a pro, racing to a perfect 8-0 and flattening all by knockout – with five coming in the opening round – and is in the saddle on the fast track to his first championship title.

Stablemates Stevie, 24, and Aaron, 22, recently took to the Sport of Kings on their return to Ireland after the lockdown and the brothers are now regulars at the Mullaghmore Equestrian Centre at the luxury 5 Star hotel Castle Leslie in Monaghan.

He said, “It started when Aaron and I came back to Ireland from America after the lockdown and we were looking for something to do at the weekends and we just hit on the idea of doing some horse riding,”

“Back In Los Angeles we were jet skiing and shooting on our days off, we were always out and about doing some type of active recovery from our training sessions so back home in Ireland we chose horse riding and I’m glad we did,”

“It’s a very exciting and we get a great thrill out of it. We get an adrenaline rush out of it, just like you do in the ring, once you get the horse going up fast to a canter and then once you start getting it galloping, it’s a truly amazing feeling,”

“It’s a dangerous sport, but we’re not afraid of anything and we have great instructors to do it safely. We decided to pick it up and we learned pretty quick, it didn’t take us long to get on the horse and get used to it and we’re really enjoying it,”

“It’s hard on the legs and you have to use your core and balance so it works everything. Instead of lying up on a Sunday on the couch and doing nothing you’re out horse riding and we’re really feeling the benefits when we’re back in the gym,”

“Balance is key when you’re standing up on the horse and using the core so it helps us as well when we’re taking a rest day and also getting in some active recovery. It fits well as part of our training schedule.”

“We’re hoping to do anything on the horse like galloping, jumping as high as we can get them, we’re up for anything, we’re still just learning really and it will happen over time, but for now we’re just really loving the excitement.”

The McKennas are even eying up owning a stable of champions horses one day, but for now Stevie has got the blinkers on as he focuses on becoming World Champion.

He added, “Hopefully some day we can own a few horses ourselves, but our focus right now is to become World champions first,”

“We’re both a bit tall to be jockeys, I’m 6’ 1” and Aaron’s 6’ 2”, so we’d probably need to get a jockey in, our brother Gary is a wee bit shorter so we may use him!”

“Watch out Paul Townend and Rachael Blackmore, in the future who knows, we might give them a run for their money!”

Tickets are available to purchase now from only £40* from the Coventry Skydome Arena website https://iceaccount.co.uk/championship-boxing

Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against unbeaten French star Bilel Jkitou headlines an action packed card Hennessy All-Stars featuring some of the stars from the promoter’s stable including big-hitting Brixton star Isaac Chamberlain; Irish KO king Stevie McKenna; Birmingham’s Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters; Coventry’s dynamite-punching middleweight sensation River Wilson-Bent takes on Bosnian hardman Sladjan Janjanin in a 10-round international contest, Birmingham welterweight ace Kaisee Benjamin; Birmingham’s flash and brash Love Island and super-middleweight star Idris Virgo; red-hot Irish super-welterweight talent Brett McGinty; Brighton heavyweight destroyer Tommy Welch and the silky skilled Sevenoaks prospect Michael Hennessy Jr.

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 24, 2021) – Cuban sensation and undefeated super bantamweight prospect, Ariel “The Machine” De la Torre (6-0, 5 KOs), has arrived in Las Vegas, NV, to start training with famed boxing coach, Ismael Salas. De La Torre, who is managed by Jesse Rodriguez, is co-promoted with Warriors Boxing and Boxing Major League.

De La Torre, age 23, stands 5’5, and was born in Camaguey, Cuba. With an exceptional pedigree, De La Torre had an excellent amateur record and is considered one of the top global blue-chip prospects in boxing. In addition, he was the 2018 Super Flyweight Cuban National Champion.

“I’m very happy to be training in Las Vegas with Salas, who is one of the best boxing coaches in the world,” said De La Torre. “I know there will be a lot of great fighters in the gym, so I want to learn as much as possible form everyone, especially Salas. Training with world class fighters is only going to elevate my career.”

Ismael Salas is known as an elite coach having guided multiple fighters to world titles. His recent victory with WBA welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas, who defeated boxing legend and 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao this past Saturday, will go down in history as one of the best upsets of all time. Rodriguez is thrilled to have his fighter training with the best.

“In my opinion, Ismael Salas is a future Hall of Fame boxing coach, who is globally recognized for his great work, having build many world champions,” said Jesse Rodriguez. “Ariel De La Torre is a tremendous talent, and his punching power is immense for this division. I believe De La Torre will be a future champion and I can’t wait to get him his first fight in the United States.”

“I’m looking forward to making my USA debut by the end of this year,” De La Torre continued. “Everyone will see the explosiveness that God has blessed me with. My goal is take over the super bantamweight division.”

LAS VEGAS (August 23, 2021) – Undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (42-0, 28 KOs) feels he’ll get his first World light heavyweight title shot because he believes in himself, his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, and his Mexican heritage.

The former World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight World champion is a leading light heavyweight contender, currently rated No. 2 by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and No. 5 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF), as well as No. 9 in The Ring independent rankings for the first time in the 175-pound division.

After Ramirez’ recent knockout victory over Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs), positioning him for a World title shot, the boxing world looked forward to “Zurdo” challenging World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol later this year. Bivol had all but assured a showdown with Ramirez through social media posts, but suddenly he changed his tune and was dreaming of a match this November that isn’t going to happen against WBA and WBC Super Middleweight Champion “Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs).

The 30-year Ramirez has openly called for a fight with Bivol or either of the other World light heavyweight title holders, Artur Beterbiev (WBC/IBF) and Joe Smith, Jr. (WBO), whose rumored unification fight doesn’t appear to be on the horizon.

Meanwhile, all three reigning World light heavyweight champions have gone dark, at least in terms of fighting Ramirez. Is “Zurdo” too risky for them, or are they just hesitant to fight a proven Mexican challenger?

“I leave my opponents to my promoter, Golden Boy, and its matchmaker, Robert Diaz,” Ramirez explained. “They’re aware of what I want, and I trust they are diligent and will do whatever is best for me. As a fighter, I’ve been clear that all the World light heavyweight champs are on my hit list; and I don’t retract my statement or shy away from the fights as most of them have. In this world, all I have are my word and balls, and I don’t break ‘em for anyone. I fight not just for myself, but for my pride and the spirit of Mexican people. We are proud of our heritage and have been the best fighters. Russians know I will take out both Bivol and Beterbiev; Joe Smith, Jr. is just an appetizer.”

“Canelo” and Julio Cesar Gonzalez (2003) are the only native Mexicans to be crowned World Light Heavyweight Champions, but everybody in boxing knows Mexican boxers are called warriors for a good reason.

“I think they’re all reluctant to fight a Mexican light heavyweight like me,” Ramirez added. “There’s a reason why Bivol is retracting his statement and staying quiet after all his social media antics. If he was serious, it’s an easy fight to make, and he knows it (both fighters have fought on DAZN). I’m also hearing (Joshua) Buatsi’s name in the mix, but I would absolutely destroy him. All these guys talk the talk but rarely walk the walk. I am a Mexican warrior; everybody knows the way we are built!”

Other potential contenders in the mix, excluding the reigning world champions, may include Badou Jack, Eleider Alvarez, Maxim Vlasov (Ramirez defeated him as super middleweights), and Lyndon Arthur.

“My time will come, Ramirez concluded. “I know Golden Boy is working hard on making this a reality and when that time comes, all these guys will have nowhere to run or hide. I leave who I fight next up to my matchmaker, Robert Diaz. I trust that Golden Boy will do whatever is best for my career.

“I’m not frustrated, this is part of the process. I’m a veteran in this game. Many will talk, but they will fall when it’s time to act. Again, I trust Golden Boy will do what has been promised and I look forward to what fight they will present me with.”

INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

‘JUGGERNAUT’ Joe Joyce has signed a multi-fight contract extension to continue his journey towards becoming world champion under the promotional banner of Queensberry.

Unbeaten in 13 professional fights, the 2016 Olympic silver medallist has committed his fighting future to Frank Warren and Queensberry, who he linked up with in May 2019 and launched the promotional partnership with a resounding stoppage of another world title challenger, Alexandr Ustinov.

Since this time, the now 35-year-old has recorded impressive victories over Bryant Jennings and German Michael Wallisch.

Joyce then propelled himself into public prominence as a professional when he took the unbeaten record of young heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois in late November and, in turn, took over the high WBO ranking accumulated by the 23-year-old.

In his most recent bout Joyce overcame an early onslaught with typical tenacity to finish the durable former World Title challenger Carlos Takam.

He is now in pole position to fight the winner of the forthcoming heavyweight title fight between unified champion Anthony Joshua and former cruiserweight ruler Oleksandr Usyk.

Joyce said: “I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be extending my promotional deal with Queensberry. I believe with my management S-Jam, Queensberry and BT Sport I’m in the right place to achieve my dreams and become a World Champion.”

Hall-Of-Fame Promote Frank Warren said: “I am delighted Joe has agreed a long-term contract renewal with us at Queensberry for the period of time where we are confident he will be crowned WBO world champion.

“He hasn’t put a foot – or a fist – wrong since teaming up with us and he is now getting the exposure and attention his boxing exploits deserve. 

“We worked very hard in lobbying the WBO to recognise Joe as No.2 in the world rankings and the governing body will enforce the mandatory challenge to the winner of Joshua-Usyk in 2022.

“So there are exciting times ahead in the heavyweight division for Queensberry fighters, with Tyson Fury leading the way as WBC champion, Joe poised to challenge for the WBO title and Daniel Dubois now WBA Interim champion.

“It means we will be all set for some massive fights and huge occasions across the rest of this year and next and Joe will play a big part in it all.”

Follow all the action as Manny Pacquiao and Yordenis Ugas fight for the WBA Welterweight title.  The action begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT with a three fight undercard featuring Robert Guerrero and Victor Ortiz; Mark Magsayo and Julio Ceja plus Carlos Castro against Oscar Escandon

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Double Jab from Ugas..Combination by Pacquiao…Hard right from Ugas..Jab from Ugas

Round 2 Counter jab from Ugas..Right from Ugas…Good uppercuts from each…

Round 3 Pacquiao lands a combination on inside…Quick right from Ugas..Another right…Left from Pacquiao..Combination…Right from Ugas…

Round 4 Double jab from Ugas…Left to body from Pacquiao…Ugas warned for low blow..Left from Pacquiao…Counter right from Ugas..Right..3 jabs from Pacquiao..Right and jab from Ugas…

Round 5 1-2 from Ugas…Right…3 punch combination from Pacquiao

Round 6 Right from Ugas..Hard counter right…Double jab…Jab and right

Round 7 Jab from Pacquiao…Flurry..Right from Ugas…Right to the body..Right down the middle…double jab/right hand…2 rights…

Round 8 Counter right from Ugas..Right to the body…Ugas cut over the right eye..God right from Ugas..

Round 9 Combination from Ugas,..Counter..Right

Round 10 Right from Ugas…Right to the body…right….Right to the head…Hard right

Round 11 Right from Ugas..

Round 12 2 hard counter rights from Ugas…Body shot..Good right and left from Pacquiao…Right

115-113; 116-112 TWICE FOR YORDENIS UGAS

Round 1 Left from Ortiz…Combination from Guerrero…
Round 2 Left from Ortiz..Good Exchange……Hard left from Guerrero…Combination from Ortiz
Round 3 Nice left from Ortiz…Right hook to the body…Blood over right eye of Ortiz…Body shot from Guerrero
Round 4 Good body work from Ortiz
Round 5 Left from Guerrero..Good body shot from Ortiz..Right eye of Guerrero closing…
Round 6 Nice left from Ortiz…
Round 7
Round 8 Pushing left from Ortiz…Uppercut..Right from Guerrero…
Round 9 Nice combination from Guerrero…Combination
Round 10 

96-94 FOR GUERRERO ON ALL CARDS

Round 1: BIG LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES CEJA 30 SECONDS INTO THE FIGHT..Hard combination…Good hook from Cejas..Left hook kfrom Magsayo…
Round 2 Left hook from Magsayo…Left hook from Cejas…Combination from Magsayo..Uppercut from Cejas…2 body shots from Magsayo..Left to body..Nice right from Ceja
Round 3 Good Body work from Ceja…Combination from Magsayo..Right from Ceja…
Round 4 Body shot from Ceja…Right from Magsayo..Left to body from Ceja..Good uppercut
Round 5 Magsayo lands a body shot..Blood from nose of Magsayo…Body shots from Ceja…Magsayo has unsteady legs…BIG BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES MAGSAYO…
Round 6 Ceja digging to the body..More hard body shots..3 punch combination..Left hook from Magsayo
Round 7 Right from Ceja..Right from Magsayo…Ceja lands a body shot
Round 8 Combination from Magsayo…Long right…
Round 9 Right from Ceja…Good body shot..5 Punch combination…Good right from Ceja…
Round 10 6 Punch flurry from Magsayo..HUGE DOUBLE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES CEJA AND HE IS KNOCKED OUT

Round 1 Big right from Escandon..Counter from Castro..Body shot from Escandon….Big left hook rocks Castro at the bell
Round 2 Right from Castro….2 jabs…Right from Escandon
Round 3 Good Jab from Castro…Right to body from Escandon..Uppercut from Castro..Right from Escandon..Left hook…Left from Castro..Chopping jab..
Round 4 Jab from Castro…Left to bodyUppercut from Escandon…Uppercut…Body shot from Castro…Nice right from Castro…Right
Round 5 Right from Castro…Right from Escandon…Counter right from Castro
Round 6 Left hook from Escandon…Left hook from Castro…Right hand…Uppercut..Good uppercut
Round 7 BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES ESCANDON….Big right from Castro..Left hook…..Big right from Escandon..B1g left hook from Castro..Right from Escandon..Left to body…Right..Toe to toe action…Uppercut and hook from Castro…REPLAY SHOWED THAT IKNOCKDOWN SHOULD HAVE BEEN A SLIP…AND IT IS REVERSED
ROUND 8 Uppercut from Castro…
Round 9 Right from Castro..Nice right…
Round 10 Right from Castro rocks Escandon…he is hurt…BIG FLURRY AND DOWN GOES ESCANDON…HE GETS UP BUT THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

#3-Cheick Kongo (31-11-2, 1 NC) defeated Sergei Kharitonov (32-9, 2 NC) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of round two

#5-Logan Storley (12-1) defeated Dante Schiro (8-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Marcelo Golm (9-3) defeated Billy Swanson (4-1) via TKO (strikes) at 4:57 of round one

#6-Jornel Lugo (7-0) defeated Keith Lee (7-4) via technical submission (rear-naked choke) at 5:00 of round one

Preliminary Card: 

Fabio Aguiar (18-2) defeated Taylor Johnson (7-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Mike Hamel (8-5) defeated Bryce Logan (12-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Archie Colgan (3-0) defeated Ben Simons (3-3) via TKO (punches) at 00:00 of round one

Duane Johnson (6-2)defeated Deven Fisher(4-9) via submission (D’arce Choke) at 1:04 of round one

Bailey Schoenfelder (2-0) defeated Kory Moegenburg (1-3) via TKO (strikes) at 4:11 of round one

NEW YORK (August 20, 2021) -TONIGHT! at the Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, California, Split-T Management’s Kali Reis will make the first defense of her WBA Super Lightweight world title when she takes on Diana Prazak in the headline bout of a UFC Fight Pass streamed card (11 PM ET / 8 PM PT).

Reis of Providence, Rhode Island, has a record 17-7-1 with five knockouts.

Reis, who is managed by Brian Cohen, won the title on November 6, 2020 with an exciting 10-round unanimous decision over Kandi Wyatt in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Reis, who is also a former WBC Middleweight world champion has wins over Maricela Cornejo (4-1) and Patricia Juarez (4-1).

Prazak of Melbourne, Australia has a record of 14-3 with nine knockouts, won the WBA Super Featherweight title with an 8th round stoppage over Frida Wallberg on June 14, 2013 in Sweden. She defended the title once with a 5th round stoppage over Shannon O’Connell (8-2). Prazak also has wins over Siriphon Chanbuala (10-0-1) and Fatuma Zarika (23-5-1). Prazak is coming off a unanimous decision over Milagros Gabriela Diaz on March 13th in Tijuana, Mexico.

At Thursday’s weigh-in, Reis weighed 139.2 lbs. Prazak was 138.2 lbs.

Reis is promoted by Dibella Entertainment.

Tijuana (August 20, 2021) – 19-year-old female fighting sensation Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (2-0) will return to action tomorrow night in Tijuana, taking on Mexico’s Karol Mazariegos (1-0-1, 1 KOs) in a super flyweight four-rounder to open festivities at the Najera Boxing Promotions’ event at the Round 13 Big Punch Arena.

The younger sister of world-ranked super welterweight contender Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Gabriela Fundora, is a lofty 5’ 9” former amateur standout, trained by her father, Freddy, at his increasingly popular gym in Coachella, California. The skilful southpaw says her busy schedule since turning professional is all part of a larger plan.

“I’m feeling very strong and fast and I’m excited getting back in the ring,” said Fundora, who was last seen in July of this year, taking a unanimous decision from Texas brawler Indeya Smith. “I don’t know much about Karol Mazariegos, but we are trying to stay super busy and get as much experience as possible.”

Like her brother, Fundora is promoted by Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. She says her busy schedule is part of a plan to take the fast track to a world championship fight.

“My brother and i are working extremely hard in the desert, trying to improve our craft,” she explained. “I want to get as much promotion as possible, to prepare for what my promoter has planned and that’s a world title by next year. The sky is the limit!”

From a boxing family where three of her brothers, her father and her mother were once fighters, the fighting female Fundora is the most heavily decorated member of the family while winning regional and national championships, including the 2017 USA National Junior Championship, where she was named “Boxer of the Tournament” as well as the Junior Olympics twice, and the 2017 USA Eastern and Western Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

Lewkowicz says that because of Fundora’s extensive experience, she is already an uncrowned world champion.

“Gabriela ‘Sweet Poison’ Fundora will be a world champion a year from now. I guarantee it,” said a confident Lewkowicz, known for finding unknown talent in gyms all over the world. “She is too much for most of the fighters in her division to handle, so we are taking a fast route to the top. We are keeping her sharp and ready for when the time comes to take her first belt from one of the current champions.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Kali Reis 139.2 lbs. vs. Diana Prazak 138.2 lbs.

Elvis Garcia 218.4 lbs. vs. Joel Shojgreen 197.6 lbs.

Alma Ibarra 146.2 lbs. vs. Kandi Wyatt 145 lbs.

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER

10 ROUNDS – WBA/IBO WORLD FEMALE SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION
Kali Reis vs. Diana Prazak
Philadelphia, PA Los Angeles, CA
17-7-1, 5 KO’s 14-3, 9 KO’s
139.2 lbs. 138.2 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Austin Brooks vs. Jesus Torres Beltran
San Diego, CA San Bernardino, CA
3-0, 1 KO 4-0, 3 KO’s
128.6 lbs. 130 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS BRIDGERWEIGHT TITLE
Elvis Garcia vs. Joel Shojgreen
Puerta de Mangos, Nayarit, Mexico Brooklyn, NY
11-0, 8 KO’s 10-2 (9 KOs)
218.4 lbs. 197.6 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – WBA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR
Alma Ibarra vs. Kandi Wyatt
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Calgary, Alberta, Canada
8-1, 4 KO’s 10-2, 3 KO’s
146.2 lbs. 145 lbs.

Photo Credit: Paul Gallegos/DiBella Entertainment

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DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

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El Cajon, CA (August 20, 2021) – Tune in TODAY at 11:00pm ET / 8:00pm PT to catch Kali Reis (17-7-1, 5 KOs), 139.2 lbs., defend her WBA Super Lightweight World Title against Los Angeles-based Australian Diana Prazak (14-3, 9KOs), 138.2 lbs., streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports. The IBO Female Super Lightweight belt will also be at stake in the 10-round bout.

On the UFC Fight Pass undercard, La Mesa, California’s Austin Brooks (3-0, 1 KO), 128.6 lbs., and 19-year-old Jesus Torres Beltran (4-0, 3 KOs), 130 lbs., of San Bernardino, CA, will put their undefeated records on the line in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Mexican Elvis Garcia (11-0, 8 KOs) meets Joel Shojgreen (10-2, 9 KOs), 197.2 lbs., of Brooklyn, NY, with the WBC Continental Americas Bridgerweight Title on the line. Referred to as Anthony Joshua’s “secret weapon”, Garcia served as Joshua’s main sparring partner in preparation for his world heavyweight championship rematch against Andy Ruiz in December 2019. With new dedication to health and nutrition, Garcia, who weighed in at 260 pounds for a fight just two years ago, hit the scales yesterday at 218.4 pounds.

In a fight dubbed the “Thrilla for CasKilla,” Mexican Alma Ibarra (8-1, 4 KOs), 146.2 lbs., will face Canada’s Kandi Wyatt (10-2, 3 KO’s), 145 lbs., in a high-stakes WBA welterweight title eliminator. The winner will challenge undisputed welterweight female champion Jessica “CasKilla” McCaskill.

Social Media
DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

UFC Fight Pass
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Facebook: @UFCFightPass

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (August 19, 2021) — The 5th Annual Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame event promises an action-packed weekend filled with interactive fan experiences, exhibits, live amateur bouts, and the must-attend Induction Ceremony on Sunday, August 22, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in the Sound Waves Theater.

The red-carpet formal celebration will honor and enshrine many great boxers and notable contributors who made Atlantic City the worldwide boxing mecca. Guests will enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with more than 20 special guests, including entertainers, sports icons, government officials, and more. From basketball star Lamar Odom to boxing legends Paulie Malignaggi, Michael Olajide, Ray Mercer, Michael Spinks, Tim Witherspoon, and Iran Barkley to Grammy award-winning songwriter Fred Jerkins, Hip Hop Legend and Sirius XM Radio Host Roxanne Shante and actor Daryl’ Chill’ Mitchell to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr., and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Victor Manuelle a Latin Grammy-nominated American salsa singer, known to his fans as El Sonero de la Juventud (“The Singer of Youths”) will sing the national anthem. Many other great fighters, both current & future stars and former World Champions, will be in attendance.

At the Induction Ceremony, which takes place from 4 pm to 8 pm, attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by an awards presentation filled with live music, tribute dance performance, and more.

The 2020 and 2021 inductees are:

Roy Jones Jr., Riddick Bowe, Pernell Whitaker, Al Cole, Ernest Bing, Tony Thornton, Sr., Calvin Grove, Percy Richardson, Tommy Parks, Earl Morton, Steve Weisfeld, Ron Katz, Murad Muhammad, Marc Abrams, Al Bernstein, and Ms. Laoma Byrd. Felix Trinidad, Kelly Pavlik, Simon Brown, Ivan Robinson, Aaron Snowell, Joey Eye, Frank Cappuccino, Ed Keenan, and Nino Delbuno.

To purchase tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime evening to remember, visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more program information, visit Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame at www.acbhof.com or call (609) 829-8711.

LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2021) – Fighters competing on this Saturday’s Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard went face-to-face and previewed their respective showdowns during a press conference Thursday before they square off in action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The press conference featured former world champions and all-action welterweights Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, who meet in a 10-round attraction, unbeaten contender Mark Magsayo and former world champion Julio Ceja, who duel in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated Carlos Castro and former title challenger Óscar Escandón, who battle in a 10-round featherweight bout that kicks off the pay-per-view telecast.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and MP Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through t-mobilearena.com and axs.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

ROBERT GUERRERO

“I feel like I’m 30-years-old again. I feel great. The time off allowed me to rest.
I couldn’t be happier. Training camp went great. Through the whole pandemic the past year-and-a-half I just stayed in shape. I have my own boxing gym at home so it was nice to be able to stay in the gym.

“I’ve been training out here in Las Vegas for a while now. It’s incredible to be on this card with Manny Pacquiao as it may be his last fight. I’m just excited for this opportunity and I’m ready to go.

“When I got the call to fight Victor Ortiz, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I got a lot of respect for Victor. He always brings it which means it’s going to be a great fight for the fans. I’ve put in the work I needed to put in.

“I’m expecting a good fight. I know Victor Ortiz is coming to fight. He’s always in great shape and brings it all the time. We had to prepare very well and not take it lightly. This is one of those fights that could catapult us into a world title bout. I know he’s coming and I’m coming so it’s going to be a great one.

“The goal is to fight the best fighters and the best fighters are the champs right now. I’m looking toward facing one of them and so I’m excited about that. I see myself taking care of business this weekend and going from there. In the past, I was looking to the future and not taking care of what’s in front of me. Now, we’re just looking to Saturday night and that’s it.

“You’re going to see a great fight no matter what. Whether it’s on the outside or inside. Myself and Victor come to fight every time so this fight might steal the show.”

VICTOR ORTIZ

“I really don’t have much to say. I’m just very grateful for this opportunity. I couldn’t have done it without my team. Coach Freddie Roach, Coach Marvin, Coach Pepe, and Marie of course. I feel the same, it’s like I never left.

“What gave the biggest motivation of my lifetime are my two boys, Royal and Casino. I’m here to make a statement and I’m not leaving without the victory.

“I’ve had big fights all around, I’ve been boxing as a pro since I was 17. Experience is the difference. I am an experienced veteran now.

“It’s a great pleasure to share the ring with another legend. That’s what boxing is all about. I’m only focused on what coach Freddie has me focused on and myself. At this point in time, we’re ready to go. We put in the work and we did the homework.

“I would never in a million years expect for Robert The Ghost” Guerrero to not prepare correctly. I expect the best of him. I looked up to him, a southpaw like me. I have great respect for him and his entire team.

“I am with the elite. Guerrero comes to fight. He comes with pressure and boxing, but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day I know what I’ve done in training camp, and I’ve obeyed my camp 100%. I was in bed at the correct times, I was dieting correctly, and running when I was supposed to. I am ready.

“I made a promise to my babies: I’m going to reign for a decade. I’m back.”

MARK MAGSAYO

“I want to thank God for putting me here and for the opportunity. I want to thank my promoters. I was dreaming and praying that I would be on the undercard of a Manny Pacquiao fight. Now my dream has come true. So, I’ve put my all into winning this fight and I will be victorious.

“I am thankful for Freddie Roach for this camp. I’m so thankful that I have a legendary coach. He teaches me so many things about boxing and points out my mistake. All of my punches now are accurate. I’m a better fighter now.

“If I win this fight – I’m sure I’m going to win this fight – my dream is to become a world champion. Let’s see what Ceja does. It’s a great fight. Am I going to knock him out? Of course.”

JULIO CEJA

“We had a great camp. I’m in great shape for this fight. I also want to thank Ismael Salas, Thomas Dulorme and all the team that prepared me for this fight.

“We’re motivated and ready to win on Saturday night. I’m really happy to be here on the Pacquiao-Ugas undercard. We’re going to take advantage of this opportunity and the only thing I can say is that we’re going to win on Saturday night.

“This is a great opportunity. I’m really motivated to become world champion. I’m ready to win this Saturday and a world title. Don’t miss this fight because we’re here to win. When it’s Mexico vs. the Philippines, you know it’s going to be spectacular.

“The way I see this fight is that I’ve been in the ring with better opponents. I will be stronger and more physical than Magsayo. We are going to win by knockout.”

CARLOS CASTRO

“It’s a dream come true to be on the stage with these great fighters. I’ve been training hard for something like this and I don’t plan to let it go.

“As the opening fight, I think we should bring a great show and show the people what we’re made of. I’m not taking Óscar Escandón lightly. He’s a former world title challenger and been on the same stage. It’s just great to be in this arena on a card with legends like Manny Pacquiao.

“Escandón is a great fighter, a strong fighter. He’s proven it in the ring. He said he had a great camp and I had a tremendous camp with my sparring partners and my trainer Manny Robles. It’s going to be a great fight. I hope you guys don’t miss it because we’re going to put on a show and I’m going to show everyone what I’m made of.”

ÓSCAR ESCANDÓN

“First of all, I want to thank God for this fight and for everything. I also want to thank my managers, coach Ruben Guerrero, Robert Guerrero and my team.

“We were training for August 28th but this is a bigger fight and I’m ready for this card to start. I’m excited, I’m just ready for the first bell to ring and I’m here for the ‘W.’ Thanks everybody for the opportunity to be in this great event.

“The fight with Jhack Tepora was an opportunity from God. It was an easy fight. I didn’t know I was going to beat him that quickly. Same thing with Castro. I’m prepared, here to beat him and give everyone a surprise.

“The hardest part was the camp and now I’m going to enjoy the fight. I don’t like to make predictions. I’m just going to go out there, do my job and let the crowd enjoy the fight.”

#

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. UGÁS
Pacquiao vs. Ugás will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao taking on WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz meet in the 10-round welterweight co-main event, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battle former world champion Julio Ceja in a WBC Featherweight Title Eliminator, plus undefeated contender Carlos Castro will take on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round featherweight attraction that kicks off the pay-per-view.

How to Watch the Saturday, August 21, FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Fight
Manny Pacquiao vs. Yordenis Ugas Main Card: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

TV: Available on all major U.S. & Canadian PPV providers, including
Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.);
as well as Rogers, Bell, Shaw, SaskTel and TELUS (Canada)

iNDemand is serving as the cable and telco distributor in North America.

Streaming: FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com, YouTube PPV, Fite.TV and Sony Playstation – Suggested retail price: $74.99 (U.S. & Canada)

#

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX in Las Vegas with a striking fans’ dream fight, as No. 9 ranked featherweight contender Edson Barboza clashes with No. 10 Giga Chikadze. Also on the card, The Return of the Ultimate Fighter middleweight and bantamweight tournament winners will be crowned.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: BARBOZA vs CHIKADZE will take place Saturday, August 28 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick off exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

KO artist Barboza (22-9, fighting out of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) has been thrilling fans for years with highlight-reel finishes. Throughout his UFC career, he has delivered memorable victories against Beneil Dariush, Terry Etim and, most recently, Shane Burgos. Barboza now aims to keep his momentum going by becoming the first fighter to stop Chikadze in the UFC.

Rising contender and former kickboxer Chikadze (13-2, fighting out of Tbilisi, Georgia) quickly climbed the featherweight ranks upon joining the UFC roster in 2019. Since then, he is undefeated in the Octagon with wins over Cub Swanson, Jamey Simmons and Omar Morales. Chikadze now goes for the biggest win of his career to continue his ascent up the 145-pound ladder.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: BARBOZA vs CHIKADZE will also feature the exciting finals of The Return of the Ultimate Fighter. The groundbreaking reality series made its triumphant return in June, featuring UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and No. 2 ranked contender Brian Ortega as coaches.

The Return of the Ultimate Fighter will conclude with an all Team Volkanovski finale. The final middleweight bout will see Bryan Battle (5-1, fighting out of Charlotte, N.C.) take on Gilbert Urbina (6-1, fighting out of Weslaco, Texas), who is replacing Team Ortega’s Tresean Gore due to injury. Also, Ricky Turcios (10-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) faces Brady Hiestand (5-1, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.) at bantamweight.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Kevin Lee (18-6, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) returns to welterweight to take on rising star Daniel Rodriguez (15-2, fighting out of Alhambra, Calif.)
• Team Ortega middleweights collide when Andre Petroski (5-1, fighting out of Springfield Township, Pennsylvania) faces Micheal Gillmore (6-3, fighting out of Charlotte, Michigan)
• Makhmud Muradov (25-6, fighting out of Bukhara, Uzbekistan) looks for another highlight-reel finish when he faces gritty veteran Gerald Meerschaert (32-14, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in a middleweight bout
• Antonio Braga Neto (9-3, 1 NC, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) intends to stop Abdul Razak Alhassan (10-4, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) from reaching his first win at middleweight
• Fan favorite Sam Alvey (33-15-1 1NC, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) returns against Wellington Turman (16-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) in a middleweight bout
• Dustin Jacoby (14-5-1, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) faces Darren Stewart (12-7 2NC, fighting out of London, England) in an exciting matchup of light heavyweight strikers
• Featherweight prospects collide when Jamall Emmers (18-5, fighting out of Redlands, Calif.) squares off with Pat Sabatini (14-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)

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

El Cajon, CA (August 19, 2021) When Alma Ibarra steps into the ring at Sycuan Casino Resort tomorrow night, as part of DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing event, live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world will meet a woman who has been dealt as tough a hand as anyone at the poker tables outside the doors of the casino’s Heritage Event Center. They will meet a fighter who has faced adversity at every turn throughout her boxing career and fights now for an opportunity to become the first Mexican female unified world champion.

Ibarra (8-1, 4 KOs) is set to face Canada’s Kandi Wyatt (10-2, 3 KOs) in an eight-round WBA welterweight title eliminator, dubbed the “Thrilla for Caskilla.” The winner of the bout will face Jessica “CasKilla” McCaskill, who currently holds the WBO, WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO female welterweight world titles. The event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, starting at 8:00pm PT / 11:00pm ET.

The 33-year-old single mother began fighting at 19 years old. She originally stepped into the ring to lose weight, but soon found her calling between the ropes. At age 25, she gave birth to a son, Matthias, who was born with hemophilia, a condition that prevents his blood from clotting properly, and makes every scratch a medical emergency.

“How can I keep him from being a kid?” Ibarra lamented. “He wants to skateboard. He wants to fight. When I told him he can’t skateboard, that he can get hurt, he reminded me that I get punched in the face for a living. How can I be his hero and then not allow him to do the things that I do?”

Matthias loves to skateboard, and in March 2020, he had a minor accident that landed him in the hospital for two weeks. It was during the time that Ibarra was fighting to qualify to represent Mexico in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The night before her qualifying bout in Veracruz, Mexico, Ibarra received a call to her hotel room from the police. There was a threat against her, and she needed to meet officers outside the hotel to ensure her safety. She did as she was asked, walking out the front door of the hotel and to a waiting SUV that signaled her with its lights.

Once inside, Ibarra quickly figured out that the people that had taken her were not, in fact, the police, but kidnappers, looking for ransom. They drove her to a hotel a few blocks away and took her phone to call her friends and family. Twenty hours later, and a ransom not secured, Ibarra asked for something to eat. Her captors ordered pizza, but the consummate athlete refused to eat it.

“I’m an athlete,” she told them. “I am fighting. I can’t eat pizza.”

The kidnappers who, until then, had been kind, all things considered, became angry, and began roughing her up, slapping her and throwing her against the wall. She stayed quiet from then on out, wondering if she’d survive the ordeal.

After looking at security camera footage, the real police tracked the SUV to a hotel just three blocks away from hers and rescued her.

Ready to get back to qualifying, Ibarra and her manager, Hector Fernandez de Cordova, implored the Mexican National Officials to allow her to fight, but they refused. Despite having been kidnapped and held for over 20 hours, she was deemed a “no call, no show,” and was disqualified.

After the ordeal, she returned to her son’s hospital bedside, and upon his release a week later, she implored Fernandez de Cordova to secure a fight as soon as possible.

“You don’t want to take a little time off after everything you’ve been through?” he asked her.

“No,” she answered. “I have a son and my parents to support. I need money. I need to get back in the ring. I need to break someone’s nose and get this anger out of my system.”

“She’s like Wonder Woman,” Fernandez de Cordova said of his charge. “She is so incredibly strong. She’s my hero and her son Matthias idolizes her.”

She and Fernandez de Cordova saw the light at the end of the tunnel when she defeated Maricela Cornejo in March. Both cried at the decision, not just because she had won, but because they knew the sacrifice and struggle had paid off.

This Friday, she carries the weight of her family, her team and her country into the ring as she seeks to secure the biggest fight of her career. The only thing standing in the way is Kandi Wyatt. Like all other obstacles, Ibarra plans to knock her down on her way to becoming a unified world champion.

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