Sioux Falls, SD. – BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov will be broadcast LIVE tomorrow, Friday, August 20 on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, while preliminary bouts will stream on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, and on Pluto TV beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

The welterweight bout pitting number five ranked Logan Storley (11-1) against the debuting Dante Schiro (8-2) has been elevated to the co-main event slot following the cancellation of Adam Borics versus Jay-Jay Wilson.

BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov Main Card:

Friday, August 20 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Heavyweight Bout: #3-Cheick Kongo (247) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (264.8)

Welterweight Bout: #5-Logan Storley (170.4) vs. Dante Schiro (170)

Heavyweight Bout: Marcelo Golm (252) vs. Billy Swanson (265.6)

140-Pound Contract Weight Bout: #6-Jornel Lugo (137.4) vs. Keith Lee (140)

Scratched: #3-Adam Borics (145.6) vs. #5-Jay-Jay Wilson (150.4)*

Preliminary Card:

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

6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Middleweight Bout: Taylor Johnson (185.8) vs. Fabio Aguiar (184.6)

Lightweight Bout: Mike Hamel (155.4) vs. Bryce Logan (155.8)

Welterweight Bout: Archie Colgan (169) vs. Ben Simons (170.4)

Middleweight Bout: Duane Johnson (185.6)vs. Deven Fisher(184.4)

225-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Bailey Schoenfelder (224) vs. Kory Moegenburg (214.8)

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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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. 

NEW YORK (August 19, 2021) – SHOWTIME, the longest-tenured network covering the sport of boxing, has assembled an all-star team of International Boxing Hall of Famers, versatile combat sports personalities and high-profile sports media commentators to present the blockbuster SHOWTIME PPV^® event headlined by Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley on Sunday, August 29, (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer will host the telecast with special guest commentators Logan Paul and newly crowned BELLATOR MMA featherweight world champion AJ McKee. Themost versatile voice in combat sports Mauro Ranallo, and International Boxing Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein will call the action at ringside. Leading mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani will serve as a special guest analyst at ringside and handle in-ring post-fight interviews. 

Barstool Sports President Dave “El Presidente” Portnoy and the host of its hit podcast Pardon My Take Dan “Big Cat” Katz will join the team as part of a unique and fully integrated sponsorship from Barstool Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of the event. In addition to the exclusive category sponsorship and the in-arena and telecast branding, Barstool Sportsbook will have a branded desk on the set in the arena and Barstool’s two most popular personalities Portnoy and Big Cat will host sports betting segments throughout the telecast.   

Multi-faceted TV personality and MMA reporter Phoenix Carnevale will serve as a roving reporter, providing behind-the-scenes access to the event and pre-fight interviews with the fighters and celebrities in attendance.

The in-ring announcer will be International Boxing Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. who will be backed up by Cleveland’s own nationally renowned electronic dance music artist E-V who will spin music in the arena. 

The pay-per-view telecast is executive produced and directed by David Dinkins Jr. and Bob Dunphy, respectively, the tandem behind all of SHOWTIME Boxing’s biggest events including the two biggest pay-per-view events in television history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and Mayweather vs. McGregor.

The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted by Holden Productions. The pay-per-view is available for purchase now for $59.99 at SHOWTIME.com/PPV and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada.

Tickets for the event at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, are still available starting at $25 via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com.

The five-fight SHOWTIME PPV event will feature a complete undercard of world-class professional boxing including Puerto Rican star and WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado of Mexico in the co-featured bout. Former junior welterweight world champion Ivan Baranchyk will step into the ring to face the unbeaten Cleveland-native Montana Love in a 10-round showdown. Rounding out the PPV telecast will be two U.K stars making their stateside debut as the hard-hitting heavyweight Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois, who is ranked No. 1 by the WBA, will face Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano in a 10-round matchup, and Tommy “TNT” Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, will square off against combat sports veteran Anthony “Pretty Boy” Taylor in a six-round, 180-pound catchweight fight to open the pay-per-view telecast.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LAS VEGAS (August 19, 2021) — Detroit super middleweight Winfred Harris, Jr. (19-1, 9 KOs) is aware of future implications regarding his August 26th match against Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander (15-6, 9 KOs) in the 8-roiund co-featured event on the next installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGH PASS®.

Presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing in association with Next Up Fight and the World Cup Boxing Series, the Aug. 26th event will stream live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from Humble Civic Center in Humble, Texas.

Texas rivals Eridson Garcia (13-0, 9 KOs) and Armando Frausto (9-1-1, 5 KOs) headline in the 10-round main event for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super featherweight title.

Harris’ most impressive victories to date have been a pair of 2017 8-round unanimous decisions over former California State welterweight and New England middleweight champion, Chris Chatman (14-7-1), and veteran Lanardo Tyner (32-10-2) for the vacant UBF All American middleweight title.

St. Louis’ Alexander is the brother of 3-time, 2-division World champion Devon Alexander. In 2017, “The Animal” stopped former IBF World Middleweight Champion Elvin Ayala in seven rounds and two years later, Alexander took an 8-round majority decision from previously undefeated prospect Money Powell (10-0, 7 KOs).

“I’ll probably come out boxing him, beat on him a little, and then see from there,” Harris predicted. “He may take me the distance, but I’m going to win easily. I’ll have 20 wins and that should position me at the next level, especially fighting on UFC FIGHT PASS. I’ve never fought on a televised (or streamed) show before.

“I’m a boxer-puncher with real good power and speed. I’m a big guy for my weight class and smart. I do a lot of different things and I definitely have a lot of heart.”

Undefeated Austin (TX) super lightweight Robert Kevin Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs) will meet Antonius Grable (3-1, 3 KOs), of Sarasota (FL), in a 6-round match.

Opening the UFC FIGHT PASS stream is a 4-round middleweight bout between Houston prospect Eugene Hill, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) and Shane Hall (0-1), of Clovis, New Mexico.

Former WBA World light welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout will join veteran James “Smitty” Smith on the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS announcing team for this show.

Priced at $800.00 (VIP table of 6), $75.00 (reserved) and $50.00 (general admission), tickets are available to purchase online at https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/nextfightup-xiii—ufc-fightpass-humble-august-815051

INFORMATION:

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

Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre

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

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

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

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

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

London, UK (19 August 2021) Coventry puncher River Wilson-Bent is hell bent on knocking out Sladjan Janjanin after the Bosnian hardman fired a salvo of posts on Instagram calling him a ‘little girl’.

Undefeated middleweight Bent takes on Janjanin at his fort at the Coventry Skydome Arena on Friday 10th September, headlined with Sam Eggington’s WBC Silver Middleweight title defence against Bilel Jkitou, exclusively live and free on Channel 5.

Sparks are expected to fly when they collide as both men carry iron in their fists in the ring and also in their jobs. Hammer fisted River, who has KO’d five out of his nine opponents, works as a roofer, while heavy-handed Janjanin, with a frightening 23 KO’s from 29 wins, is a miner in his homeland.

Bent has impressed with dynamite KO performance in his last three fights that also sent shivers down the back of Stoke rival Nathan Heaney causing him to pull out of their recent English title purse bids.

The 27-year-old from Exhall who’s unbeaten in nine fights with five KO’s takes a big step up when he faces the experienced Janjanin, who has 37 fights under his belt in their ten-round International contest.

Janjanin, 30, extended four-time World Title challenger Martin Murray the eight-round distance when they fought in November 2019 in Liverpool and is threatening to knockout Bent on his UK return.

Wilson erupted after reading the messages on Instagram, he said, “I’m going to do a real good job nailing this guy flat to the canvas,”

“I’m pleased that he’s really confident and talking big ahead of the fight because he’ll be falling from a great height when I knock him out,”

“Janjanin is the type of opponent I wanted to fire me up and get me in the right frame of mind to do some damage. He’s a step up for me, he’s very experienced, he took Murray the distance when they fought and it will be a big statement if I can get him out of there quicker,”

“He’s coming over here to break my clean slate but there’s no way he’s going to do that in front of my loyal home fans who’ll be packing out the Coventry Skydome Arena to the rafters on the night,”

“He won’t have felt power like what’s in my fists when I land cleanly and precisely on his jaw, it will be just like hitting a nail perfectly square-on with a hammer with one shot, he’ll go.”

“I’ll be leaving Janjanin in the gutter at the end of the night. I can’t wait for it.”

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 faces Italian Dario Morello in a 10-round international contest; 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.

THE OPENING NIGHT of Queensberry’s series of shows with the spotlight placed on top prospects will take place at the Copper Box Arena on Friday September 10, live on BT Sport. The show will also be available live and free on the BT Sport Boxing YouTube channel.

To mark the occasion, two unbeaten young featherweights will top the bill with the WBC International Silver title at stake and thrills and spills guaranteed.

The champion, Louie Lynn (9-0, 7 KOs) from South London will defend against Bradford’s Amin Jahanzeb (8-0, 2 KOs) over 10 rounds in a fight that will bring about a fascinating clash of styles.

‘Loco’ Lynn, 25, is a relentless volume puncher who goes for the jugular, whereas Jahanzeb, also 25, likes to employ slick skills and clever footwork to unpick his opponent.

Peacock Gym man Lynn won his WBC strap last time out in a big step up against the 12-1 Spaniard Sebastian Perez in March, also at the Copper Box. Jahanzeb last fought in September and recorded a points victory over six rounds against Jamie Quinn at York Hall.

Hackney’s Frank Arnold (7-0-1, 1 KO) will take a dangerous fight himself when he meets Tipton’s Lee Glover (11-5-0, 3 KO’s) in a 6 round Super-Featherweight contest.

Also on the bill, which falls the night before Sunny Edwards makes a first defence of his IBF world flyweight title against Jayson Mama, former Olympic Youth gold medallist Karol Itauma in his fourth professional fight.

The Chatham light heavyweight has enjoyed a successful introduction to the pro ranks and has executed knockout finishes to his last two fights.

The card also features the super welterweight cousins Josh and Levi Frankham, who will be taking part in their fourth and third fight respectively, while super bantamweight Adan Mohamed from Buckhurst Hill will have his third fight over four rounds. Middleweight Jonathan Kumuteo from Muswell Hill will make his second appearance as a professional.

Two highly-anticipated professional debuts complete the card, with Rotherham’s double National champion and former England international Junaid Bostan taking his first step as a pro. The 19-year-old boxes out of the Steel City Gym in Sheffield, where he works alongside Sunny Edwards under the stewardship of leading trainer Grant Smith.

Former Team GB ace Callum Thompson also makes his debut. Thompson, 22, won a Three Nations gold medal twice and five bronze medals for Team GB in six international competitions during his two years on the squad.

The Liverpool boxer, 22, who had 96 amateur bouts, is trained by Joe Gallagher in Bolton.

“I am delighted to be launching our new series of shows on September 10 ahead of world title action the following night,” said promoter Frank Warren. “It will give the fans a double helping of boxing to look forward to and, on the Friday, our young stars will have the show to themselves and a big chance to shine.

“I would like to again thank BT Sport for getting behind this project and supporting the sport at another level. This is an opportunity for people to identify talent at an early stage and get behind the ones who catch their eye.

“I am thrilled that we are kicking off with a cracking prospect v prospect battle between Louie Lynn and Amin Jahanzeb and I hope we get to see more of this type of match as we move forward. Viewers will have seen a bit of Louie previously, but this is his chance to headline the show and adapt to a different set of circumstances. For Amin it is a huge opportunity for him to show us what he’s got and stake his claim for a higher place in the pecking order.

“I am also looking forward to seeing the continued development of the other fighters on the bill and officially welcoming Junaid Bostan and Callum Thompson to the Queensberry fold.”

Tickets for LYNN vs JAHANZEB are available here

Floor Seating £110.00
Floor Seating £66.00
Tiered Seating £55.00
Wheelchair Accessible Companion Seat £55.00
Accessible Seating (bought in multiples of two) £27.50

LAS VEGAS (August 18, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before they meet in the highly anticipated FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event this Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT as Pacquiao, already a legend in the sport, can break his own record as the oldest fighter to ever win a welterweight championship, while Ugas looks to take advantage of the biggest opportunity of his career in his first world title defense.

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, along with their esteemed trainers, had to say Wednesday:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I didn’t like that someone took my belt without challenging me in the ring. Both of us are champions, but we’ll see who has the belt after Saturday.

“I’m praying for a fast recovery from Errol Spence Jr. and that he can fight again soon. I of course felt bad when I first heard the news, but it’s a good thing that Ugas was ready to challenge me for the world title. I’m glad that we can settle that dispute about the WBA title. It’s always better to talk in the ring.

“It only took me two days to adjust to fighting Ugas. I have fought a lot of right handed fighters before. It would have been harder switching from preparing for a right hander to a southpaw. Most of my opponents have been right-handed, so there’s nothing to worry about.

“I feel young right now. I’m just happy with what I’m doing, because boxing is my passion. I enjoy training camp and I’m excited to sacrifice and be disciplined every day to prepare for a fight like this.

“For the Keith Thurman fight I would do about 25 rounds a day, and now for this fight I’m doing 30 or more rounds a day. The coaches have had to try to stop me because I want to keep going.

“If there’s a chance for a knockout, then I’ll go for it because that’s what I want to give to the fans. I’m not underestimating Ugas though. He has a lot of experience in boxing and fought in the Olympics. I know I have to be very good to win this fight.

“I never imagined what I would have accomplished in boxing from the beginning of my career leading up to now. I went from nothing to something in order to be an inspiration for people both inside and outside of the ring. This is going to be a good action fight and I’m going to do my best Saturday night because I love to make the fans happy.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“This has been a long road for me. Obviously it is short notice that I learned I was fighting Pacquiao, but I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to take advantage of it.

“We made the adjustments we had to in the last two weeks so that I’m ready for Pacquiao. We’ve done everything we had to and we’re 100% ready to go Saturday night.

“There are no excuses heading into this fight. I’ve been in this position taking a short-notice fight before, although obviously never against a fighter the caliber of Pacquiao. I have no concerns though, and I believe both of us are going to be prepared for this fight.

“I’m certain that he cannot knock me out. I’ve done all the preparation over these past six years to get in this position, I’ve hit my stride and I just don’t believe I can be stopped by Manny.

“I have prepared for 12 hard rounds. If this is Pacquiao’s final fight, then he’s going to be up against a guy who brought his best and who is a world-class fighter.

“I want to thank my whole team for this great opportunity. More than anything, I am a fighter who represents my country of Cuba. This fight is dedicated to all the people who are fighting for freedom in Cuba, I’m fighting for all of them.

FREDDIE ROACH, Pacquiao’s Trainer

“Manny Pacquiao has been the best fighter I’ve ever trained. To win titles in eight divisions and be in fights here at MGM so many times, has been a dream come true. I’ve trained over 40 world champions throughout my career, but no one competes with Manny Pacquiao.

“We’ve had a good training camp and Manny has worked really hard for this fight. Putting a sparring partner on the canvas was a motivation for all of us. We’re going to bring that into this fight.

“His work ethic today is as good as it was 20 years go. He’s been unbelievable in training and sparring for this fight. I don’t know if it was a bigger confidence boost for me or Manny, but I’m expecting this fight to end in a knockout the way he’s been looking.”

ISMAEL SALAS, Ugas’ Trainer

“The experience that Ugas has from the Olympics and over 500 amateur bouts is going to be the most important thing for him in this fight. We’ve been on a roll for these last 12 fights since Ugas has started working with me. We’re going to keep it going on Saturday.

“To fight Manny Pacquiao is an honor. To me, he’s a legend and a person who is an inspiration for millions of fighters. But when you look back at his recent fights, he hasn’t delivered a knockout in a long time. He’s dropped guys, but it’s been a while since he’s knocked someone out.

“Ugas fights for his pride and for his love of the sport. For a long time he has been struggling here in the United States. We are immigrants, and every immigrant has to adjust to the way of living. Despite all of the changes he has been through, he has had success. He needs to keep working for what he loves, which is boxing.

“Pacquiao comes from a lot of angles, but so does Ugas. Ugas has mastered fighting southpaws, so we’ll see who is going to be able to see their opponent’s punches coming.”

Feasterville, PA (August 18, 2021)-RDR Promotions has announced that due to unforeseen circumstances the August 28th fight card at The Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA has been cancelled.

RDR Promotions will be making a major fight announcement next week about the next show that will take place on Friday, September 17th in Philadelphia.

NEW YORK – August 18, 2021 – Puerto Rican star and unified WBC/WBO Featherweight World Champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano plans to take full advantage of her opportunity on the SHOWTIME PPV event headlined by Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley when she faces super bantamweight world champion Yamileth Mercado on Sunday, August 29 from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

“It means a lot to women’s boxing for me to be in this position to perform on this stage,” said Serrano. “We deserve to be in the spotlight. I’ll perform like I always do and represent for women’s boxing the best way I know how. I’m very excited that they chose me for this event.”

In an event headlined by the renowned content creator and pro boxer Paul, who will be taking on his toughest test to date in the ring against the former UFC champion Woodley, Serrano knows that her style will help her gain fans on this big platform.

“Expect this to be a war, because I always bring the fireworks,” said Serrano. “I have a fan-friendly style and I’m going out there to finish my opponent. That’s what the fans want to see.

“Don’t blink during this one, because even though she’s a tough fighter with a lot of heart, this could be a short fight. I give her a lot of credit for accepting this fight right away. I know that I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter, but I’ll beat her at her own game!”

Already the most-decorated fighter in women’s boxing, having won world titles at every weight class from 115 to 140 pounds, the Brooklyn-based fighter currently has her sights set on becoming undisputed at featherweight, which means eventually luring the other 126-pound titlists into the ring with her.

“If Erica Cruz and Sarah Mahfood want to be considered the best, they have to face me,” said Serrano. “Each of them was offered the biggest purse of their career to face me on August 29, and they turned it down. I want to be undisputed in this division, but they refuse to take any chances. All I can do right now is train to be at my best and make another statement against Mercado.”

Throughout her training for this fight, Serrano has had the opportunity to train side-by-side with the event’s headliner in Paul. While she sees Paul doing what is necessary to reach his ultimate dreams, she too is intrigued by his matchup against the very tough Woodley on August 29.

“Jake is an up-and-coming fighter who’s taking all the right steps,” said Serrano. “He’s learning on the job and he’s shown that he’s a very hard worker. He’s got a positive team around him and I’m excited to see how he fights Tyron Woodley. Woodley is a great fighter and I’m looking forward to seeing how that matchup plays out.”

Tickets starting at $45 are still available via RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com. The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted by Tony and Bryce Holden of Holden Productions. The pay-per-view telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV. Barstool Sportsbook is the official sports betting partner for the event and will be incorporated in a unique, fully integrated brand activation that is to be announced in more detail.

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About Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley:
Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley is the headline attraction atop a stacked evening of professional boxing action presented by SHOWTIME PPV® and Most Valuable Promotions in association with Holden Promotions, live from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, on Sunday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The SHOWTIME PPV is available for purchase now at SHOWTIME.com and via the SHOWTIME app, and is available to order through all major cable, satellite and telco providers in the U.S. and Canada. Renowned content creator and undefeated professional boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul will take on the toughest challenge of his budding career in the former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley. Featured on the undercard is unified featherweight world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano defending her titles against super bantamweight champion Yamileth Mercado and the U.S. debuts of popular U.K. attractions Daniel Dubois and Tommy Fury in separate bouts.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, follow on Twitter via @JakePaul, @TWooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, on Instagram via @JakePaul, @Twooodley and @ShowtimeBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Italian star Daniele Scardina continues his hunt for a World Title fight when he takes on Juergen Doberstein for the WBO Intercontinental Super-Middleweight Title at the top of an action-packed night of boxing at the Allianz Cloud in Milan on Friday October 1, with all of the action shown live on DAZN.

Scardina (19-0, 15 KOs) produced a dominant performance to extend his unbeaten record at the expense of Cesar Nunez last time out in February, stopping the Spaniard in eight rounds to claim the vacant EBU European Union Super-Middleweight Title.

‘King Toretto’, who trains out of the 5th Street Gym in Miami, currently sits at No. 11 in the world with the IBF, No.13 with the WBO and No.15 with the WBA, and the 29-year-old can take a step closer to his dream of a World Title opportunity in the 168lbs division by defeating Doberstein (26-4-1, 7 KOs).

In the chief support bout, former EBU European Lightweight Champion Francesco Patera (23-3, 8 KOs) looks to extend his six-fight winning streak against Italian veteran Devis ‘Boom Boom’ Boschiero (48-6-2, 22 KOs) as they battle for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title.

‘The Good Boy’ Nicholas Esponsito (14-0, 5 KOs) puts his Italian Welterweight Title on the line for the first time against Emanuele Cavallucci (12-4-1, 4 KOs), former Team GB standout Sandy Ryan (1-0) looks to build on her debut win at Fight Camp last month, undefeated Super-Welterweight talent Samuel Nmomah (15-0, 4 KOs) steps up against Ireland’s Craig ‘The Iron’ O’Brien (12-2, 1 KO), ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (10-0, 7 KOs) sees action for the second time this year and undefeated Super-Bantamweight Vincenzo La Femina (9-0, 4 KOs) looks to go 10-0.

“Italian boxing’s flag-bearer Daniele Scardina headlines an action-packed card in Milan as we continue to deliver on our long-term commitment with DAZN to grow boxing globally,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Scardina vs. Doberstein quickly follows on from our European Title double-header in Barcelona on September 11 and is another great addition to our busy upcoming schedule as we cement our position as the No.1 promotional company in world boxing.”

“We are very happy to finally have fans back at the Allianz Cloud in Milan,” said Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82. “This is a stacked card featuring three title fights with Italy’s rising star Daniele Scardina topping the bill as he goes for the WBO Intercontinental Title against Juergen Doberstein. Francesco Patera against Devis Boschiero is a great fight for the WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title and Nicholas Esposito vs. Emanuele Cavallucci is a great battle for the Italian Welterweight crown. Samuel Nmomah steps-up against Irishman Craig O’Brien plus there’s action for prospects Vincenzo La Femina, Reshat Mati and Sandy Ryan. Don’t miss it live and on-demand on DAZN!”

Tickets will be available soon on ticketone.it

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT STAR Callum Johnson makes his return to the ring on the undercard of Sunny Edwards’ first defence of his IBF world flyweight title at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday September 11, live on BT Sport.

Edwards goes in against mandatory challenger and also 16-0 Jayson Mama from the Philippines following his epic seizing of the title from former long-standing champion Moruti Mthalane back in April.

Johnson, 19-1 (14 KOs), made an emphatic return to the Queensberry ranks in April with an explosive destruction of Croatian tough man Emil Markic in the second round. Now the 35-year-old former world title challenger will look to remain on course for a second shot with a convincing performance against the Serbian Marko Nikolic, 27-1 (12 KOs).

Nikolic has previously held the WBC Mediterranean light heavyweight title and, in his last fight, suffered his only defeat in a challenge for the WBC International Silver title.

Also on the card, popular middleweight Denzel Bentley (14-1, 12 KOs) gets back into the fighting fold with a domestic dust-up against experienced campaigner Andrew Robinson (24-5-1, 7 KOs).

Bentley suffered his only reverse last time out when defending his British title against Felix Cash and will be seeking to quickly restore himself into title contention.

Some of the finest young talents in British boxing take their place on the Copper Box card with ferocious lightweight Mark Chamberlain (8-0, 5 KOs) back in action and looking to prove himself as the No.1 young lightweight on the Queensberry books.

In March, Chamberlain, 22, demolished the usually resolute Jordan Ellison inside 90 seconds with a sickening body shot and will now be aiming to continue his trail of destruction.

His stablemate in  Southampton, Ryan Garner (10-0, 6 KOs), is also no stranger to concussive finishes and ‘The Piranha’ will be taking the next step before closing in on the super featherweight title challenges his huge ability warrants.

Multi-titled former amateur star Charles Frankham (3-0, 1 KO) will have his second fight as a Queensberry fighter after a successful introduction at the SSE Arena, Wembley in July at lightweight, with former senior ABA champion Masood Abdulah (1-0) also in action at super featherweight.

Super bantamweight Umar Khan (1-0), Super Featherweight Masood Abdulah (1-0, 1 KO), Cruiserweight Ellis Zorro (9-0, 4 KO’s) and the debut-making welterweight Khalid Ali complete the card.

LONDON, UK – A women’s featherweight fight will serve as the co-main event for BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 on Friday, October 1 when No. 5 ranked Leah McCourt (5-1) meets Jessica Borga (3-3) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in London.

The bout will sit atop the card alongside a must-see rematch between No. 1 ranked Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (32-9) and No. 2 ranked Michael “Venom” Page (19-1) where the stylish striker from London will look to avenge the lone blemish on his record in front of his home crowd. 

BELLATOR MMA 267: Lima vs. MVP 2 main card action will kick off at 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET, while the preliminary card begins at 5:30 p.m. BST/12:30 p.m. ET. BELLATOR fans can watch the event live on SHOWTIME (US), BBC iPlayer (UK), as well as both Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Sport (Ireland).

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online from axs.com/uk and BELLATOR.com.

Currently riding a four-fight win streak, Northern Ireland’s Leah McCourt returns to action following a stunning come-from-behind victory against Janay Harding during her last outing at BELLATOR 259 in May. Now sitting at No. 5 in BELLATOR’s featherweight rankings, a win at the expense of her opponent on Oct. 1 will go a long way in moving “The Curse” one step closer to a BELLATOR world title shot against incumbent champion, Cris Cyborg.

Making her third appearance for BELLATOR, Jessica Borga will be competing for the second time in 2021. Most recently, “The Black Widow” went 15 minutes with former title challenger Talita Nogueira, following up an impressive submission triumph over Amber Leibrock in her promotional debut. 

Additional bouts have been added to the fight card, which can be found below.

Updated schedule of BELLATOR MMA events

Fri. Aug. 20 // BELLATOR 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov //Sanford Pentagon // Sioux Falls, SD

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

BELLATOR  MMA 267 Lima vs. MVP 2 MainCard:

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

Friday, October 1 – 9 p.m. BST/4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Welterweight Main Event: #1-Douglas Lima (32-9) vs. #2-Michael Page (19-1)

Featherweight Bout: #5-Leah McCourt (5-1) vs. Jessica Borga (3-3)

Featherweight Bout: Robert Whiteford (16-4))vs. Andrew Fisher (18-8-1)

Lightweight Bout: Yves Landu (16-8) vs. Tim Wilde (13-4)

Light Heavyweight Bout: Luke Trainer (4-0) vs. Yannick Bahati (9-5)

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. BST/12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Welterweight Bout: Lewis Long (18-6) vs. Uros Jurisic (11-1)

Lightweight Bout: Kane Mousah (13-3) vs. Davy Gallon (18-7-2)

Flyweight Bout: Lucie Bertaud (3-2) vs. Elina Kallionidou (7-4)

Lightweight Bout: Charlie Leary (17-11-1) vs. Gavin Hughes (10-2)

Featherweight Bout: Fabacary Diatta (7-0)vs. Nathan Rose (7-3)

Strawweight Bout: Chiara Penco (5-3) vs. Katherina Dalisda (5-2)

Bantamweight Bout: Khurshed Kakhorov (7-0) vs. Mike Ekundayo (8-1)

Welterweight Bout: Jack Grant (17-7) vs. Nathan Jones (13-10)

LAS VEGAS (August 17, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás made their grand arrivals in Las Vegas Tuesday ahead of their FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View showdown this Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena.

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.

Pacquiao seeks to add another piece of history to his already legendary resume Saturday night, while Ugas will look for a career-defining victory in his first world title defense. Ugas will be defending the same title that Pacquiao won when he defeated Keith Thurman in his last fight in July 2019.

Here is what Pacquiao and Ugas had to say Tuesday from Toshiba Plaza:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I am excited to win another world championship on Saturday. I don’t care who has the belt right now, we’ll see who walks out of the ring with it.

“Being out of the ring has given me time to rest, but also to get motivated like in my early days. I can’t wait to display it all on fight night.

“Boxing is my passion. That’s why I’m still here giving inspiration to the boxing fans and bringing honor to my country. I’m happy doing my job and working hard. They have to try to slow me down in training, because I always want to go more rounds.

“This could be my last fight, or there could be more. I’m turning 43 in December, and my plan has always been to just go one fight at a time. I encourage the fans all over the world to watch this fight, because you never know.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m here to wreck any future plans Manny Pacquiao has in the ring and make sure that Saturday is his last fight.

“It feels great to be in the main event Saturday night against a true legend like Pacquiao. I can’t wait to get in the ring on Saturday night.

“I didn’t hesitate at all when I got offered this fight. I knew right away what a big opportunity it would be and what a win like this can do for my career.

“I always work hard and give it my all every day in training camp. We were already working for the Fabian Maidana fight. Of course, once I knew I was fighting Pacquiao, I was motivated even more, but I always give it my all in training camp.”

#

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

Suggested retail price: $74.99 (U.S. & Canada)

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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.

August 17, 2021, Miami, Florida — This Friday, August 20, recently turned professional, Luis Rodriguez, (3-0, 3 KOs) from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, seeks a 4th straight knockout victory in Miami, Florida at the Doubletree Hilton.

At the young age of 24, this wouldn’t be the first time that Luis is doing things that already set him apart from the pack. As an amateur star in Puerto Rico, he amassed a record of 78 wins and was a five time Puerto Rico National Champion. Having set his eyes in the professional ranks, he decided to bypass the Tokyo Olympics to turn pro instead and made his professional debut on June 11, 2021. In that fight, against Alberto Delgado, Luis won by scoring a phenomenal knockout.

Luis and his team, renowned boxing attorney Tony Gonzalez, and his promoter, Rivalta Boxing, followed up his pro debut with another two bouts, on June 26 and July 3, each of them knockout victories. “The idea of fast tracking Luis’ career is not a novel concept,” said Gonzalez. “In fact, back in the day, professional fighters use to fight every week. Also, highly decorated amateur stars are used to fighting in every day in tournaments like the Pan Am games or the Olympics.”

So far, Luis is passing the test with flying colors and shows much promise in becoming boxing’s next superstar. As Rodriguez continues to humbly make a name for himself in the sport. Gonzalez added, “This Friday Luis will be seeking his 4th win by KO in two months and the team is very excited about the future. All indications are that he will be ready for whatever test is laid next. Expectations are high for he and his team, and more importantly for Puerto Rico.”

El Cajon, CA (August 17, 2021) International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella announced today that top Mexican heavyweight prospect Elvis “Semental” Garcia (11-0, 8 KOs), of Tacoma, WA, by way of Puerta de Mangos, Nayarit, Mexico, will take on Joel Shojgreen (10-2, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, in a scheduled eight-round battle for the WBC Continental Americas Bridgerweight Title. The event, headlined by world champion Kali Reis defending her crown, 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.

Garcia vs. Shojgreen is one of the featured fights on Friday, August 20, on the Broadway Boxing event from the beautiful Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, CA. Promoted by DiBella Entertainment, tickets, starting at $69, may be purchased HERE. The Sycuan Casino Resort is located at 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019, thirty minutes from Downtown San Diego. Doors will open on the night of the event at 7:00pm PT.

Elvis Garcia has dedicated himself to a long-term, impactful fitness and nutrition program, which will see him enter the ring on Friday night in the best condition of his professional boxing career that began four years ago. The WBC’s Bridgerweight division has a weight limit of 224 pounds. Known for his heavy hands, the charismatic Garcia last fought on June 26, earning an eighth-round stoppage win against Daniel Cota Peinado. 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. Fighting for the third time in 2021, the powerful Shojgreen returns to action following two first-round knockouts earlier this year in Mexico.

“One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned from my coach, Joel Diaz, is the need to pay close attention to the things outside the ring. I have focused on proper nutrition and a fitness plan that I adhere to every day, and not just when I have a fight scheduled, that I feel has made me a much better fighter and athlete,” said Garcia.

“I am very excited to be fighting Joel Shojgreen for the WBC Continental Americas Bridgerweight title, live on UFC Fight Pass. All of the work that my team and I have put in at the gym will show on Friday night and I feel confident that, at the end of the night, the belt will be mine. Being Mexican, the green belt holds a special significance to me and a victory will get me one step closer to accomplishing my dream of becoming a WBC world champion. I want to thank Lou DiBella and Mauricio Sulaiman for this tremendous opportunity.”

Headlining the broadcast, WBA 140lb. World Champion Kali “K.O. Mequinonoag” Reis (17-7-1, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia, PA, who is the first female Native American boxing world champion, makes the first defense of her world title against Los Angeles-based Australian veteran and former world champion Diana Prazak (14-3, 9 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout. The division’s vacant IBO Title will also be at stake.

Fighting in a scheduled eight-round WBA 147lb. World Title Eliminator, dubbed the “Thrilla for CasKilla”, Alma “The Conqueror” Ibarra (8-1, 4 KOs), of Monterrey, Mexico, faces Kandi “Krush” Wyatt (10-2, 3 KOs), of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The winner will become the mandatory challenger for undisputed world champion Jessica McCaskill.

In a scheduled 10-round bout, Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (8-2), of Montreal, Canada, will face former world champion Victoria Bustos (21-6), for the vacant WBO 140lb. World Title. Camara’s world title opportunity follows her victory against former world champion Heather Hardy on May 14, 2021.

The off-TV undercard features plenty of local talent. Cruiserweight newcomers will battle in a four-round bout as Ben Alvarez (1-0, 1KO), of San Diego, CA, faces Jerell Nettles (0-1), of Denver, CO. In the super featherweight division, San Diego’s Austin Brooks (1-0, 1KO), takes on Jesus Torres Beltran (4-0, 3 KOs), of San Bernardino, CA. Over four rounds in the super lightweight division, pro debuting William King, of Perris, CA, challenges Oscar Mendoza (0-1), of San Rafael, CA. Welterweight pro debuters Jacob Macololooy, of San Diego, and Oscar Mendoza, of San Ardo, clash in a four-rounder. Junior welterweight Joel Diaz Jr. (25-2, 21 KOs), of Palmdale, CA, and San Diego pro debuting bantamweight Jennifer Chieng are also expected to compete.

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

UFC Fight Pass
Instagram: @UFCFightPass
Twitter: @UFCFightPass
Facebook: @UFCFightPass

PHILADELPHIA (August 17, 2021)–King’s Promotions returns to the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia with a jam-packed night of boxing on Friday night September 10th.

In the main event, welterweight Greg Outlaw will compete against Edgar Torres in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Outlaw of Bowie, Maryland, has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts. The 28 year-old Outlaw is a five year-professional. Outlaw has wins over Kashon Hutchinson (2-0) and Mack Allison IV (8-1-1). Outlaw is looking to get back in the win column after suffering his first defeat, which came on June 5th against Andrew Rodgers at the 2300 Arena.

Torres of Woodbridge, Virginia, has a record of 8-1-1 with four knockouts. The 38 year-old is a 14 year-professional. Torres is coming off his first loss, when he was stopped by Hutchinson on June 5th at the 2300 Arena.

The six-round co-feature will mark the much anticipated return of popular bantamweight Christian Carto.

Carto, 24 years-old of Philadelphia is 17-1 with 11 knockouts. Carto, who turned professional in 2016, won his first 17 bouts, which were highlighted by a win over Alonso Melendez (14-1). Carto suffered his only loss on February 8th, 2019 to Victor Ruiz at the 2300 Arena.

Carto’s opponent will be announced shortly.

Also in six-round bouts:

Elijah Morales (8-0, 4 KOs) of Trenton, NJ takes on Kevin Davilla (5-8-3, 1 KO) of Lakeland, Washington in a welterweight contest.

Kashon Hutchinson (8-5, 2 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a welterweight fight.

Kenny Robles (8-1, 3 KOs) of Staten Island, NY takes on an opponent to be named in a junior welterweight scrap.

Jonathan Rodriguez (9-1, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight fight.

In Four-Round Bouts:

Quadir Albright (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles debuting Humberto Camareno Jr. of Lakewood, Washington in a junior welterweight fight.

Julian Gonzalez (1-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight contest.

Bilal Quintyne (1-0, 1 KO) of Atlanta, GA fights an opponent to be named in a middleweight tussle.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling King’s Promotions at 610-587-5950

QUINCY, Mass. (August 17, 2021) – New England Heavyweight Champion “Fly” Mike Marshall has the right attitude as he prepares to headline “The Come Up” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, on August 28th at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

“The Come Up’ is the name of the professional card being held during the afternoon session of a day-night doubleheader, separate admissions. The championship final of the inaugural “Granite Chin Invitational” will headline the evening portion of Pro-Am doubleheader.

Marshall (5-1-1, 4 KOs), fighting out of Danbury (CT), who was supposed to fight on the Fury-Wilder III card July 24 in Las Vegas, which was postponed until October 9th due to members of Fury’s camp contracting COVID-19. Instead of playing things safe, avoiding risk and waiting to hear if he’ll be fighting on the rescheduled Tyson-Wilder III PPV, Marshall is fighting Jose “Olimpico” Corral (20-27, 12 KOs), in the August 28th 10-round, non-title fight main event.

“I was super excited to be on Fury-Wilder III so I could show everybody what I am capable of,” Marshall remembered. “When I heard Tyson had COVID and the fight was postponed, it disappointed me, but I got that opportunity and figure others will be coming. I stayed in the gym. I’m very happy Chris (promoter Traietti) got me on the card in the first place.

“This is the hurt business and I’m not one of those guys afraid of a challenge. I’m a fighter. The opportunity came up for this fight and I took it. I’m not one to sit at home waiting for a call. This is what I get paid to do. I’m focused on my job and not concerned about the uncontrollable.”

Marshall has won three fights in a row, all at the same venue as his August 28th fight, including his New England title-winning performance last November, when he took a unanimous 8-round decision from defending N.E. heavyweight champion Justin Rolfe. In his most recent fight this past June, Marshal fought 13-1-1 Steve Vukosa to a 10-round draw, for the vacant NABA – USA crown.

“Winning the New England title meant a lot to be because it’s my first as a pro,” Marshall added. “A lot of people thought that he’d win, and he was the defending champ. I went in there and did what I had to do and took home the belt.

“I proved that I could go 10 hard rounds with a veteran like Steve. A lot of guys on TV can’t do that. I thought I won, but he’s a veteran who is well known up there. I took care of business and imposed my will on him. Steve is a good guy; I gave him a lot of respect. I watched his training wars with James Toney.”

Rising New England prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (5-0, 4 KOs), an undefeated welterweight from Holyoke (MA), is matched against 57-fight veteran Dewayne Wisdom in the 6-round co-featured event.

The Sumpter brothers from Pittsfield (MA), light heavyweight Steve (1-0, 1 KO) and pro-debuting heavyweight Quintin, will be in action in 4-round matches. Steve faces Tahlik Taylor and 2020 New England Novice Golden Gloves champion Quinn faces Wallace Nass Silva (0-1).

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-round bouts are Lynn, MA heavyweight Dennis Ventura vs. Andrew Nolan (0-1), Holyoke junior middleweight Carlos Castillo (2-0, 2 KOs), Florida middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (4-0, 3 KOs), Lawrence, MA lightweight “El Gallo” Kevin Rodriguez (0-1), Springfield’s pro-debuting middleweight Jamer Jones, Niagara Falls junior middleweight Anthony Leaks (17-7, 7 KOs), and Springfield (MA) super middleweight Laurent Humes (1-0, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

The championship finals of the “Granite Chin Invitational,” sanctioned by USA Boxing, with five title matches will highlight the all-amateur evening card featuring some of future New England future champions.

The most celebrated amateur in the finals, welterweight Arika Skkog (Nonantum Boxing Club), is the reigning USA Boxing Elite National champion, as well as a 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion. In the championship match, she will meet dangerous Emily Jones (Everybody Fights Rock), of Woburn (MA).

Nashua (NH) middleweight Mike Fontanez (Nashua PAL), a 2-time N.E. Golden Gloves Champion and 2-time USA Boxing Nationals silver medalist, takes on Portland’s (ME) Wade Faria (Portland Boxing Club).

Framingham (MA) welterweight Kenny Larson (Nonantum Boxing Club) is matched against faces Manchester’s (NH) Apostolus Lolas (Nashua PAL), Lawrence (MA) lightweight Jaydell Pazmino (Thrive Boxing) meets Worcester’s (MA) Jonathan Cortez (Worcester Boys & Girls Club), and Meriden (CT) featherweight Diego “King” Bengochea battles Framingham’s (MA) Fran Scata (Nonantum Boxing Club).

Matches subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now and priced at $35.00 (general admission, $45.00 ringside) and $240.00 for a ringside table of four for Day Show / $25.00 (general admission) and $35.00 (ringside) for the Night Show. Purchase tickets online at www.ticketriver.com (Search: The Come Up (day show) and Granite Chin Invitational Finals (night show).

Doors open at 1 p.m. ET (day) and 7 p.m. ET (night) with the first bouts, respectively, at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

BOSTON (August 18, 2021) – Undefeated junior welterweight prospect Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs) has found a new home having signed a managerial contract with Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker.

The 26-year-old Sosa, fighting out of Lawrence (MA), was a hot commodity after defeating previously undefeated Khiry Todd (7-0) in 2018 by way of a 6-round majority decision, which led to Sosa signing a promotional contract with DiBella Entertainment. Sosa was unhappy fighting about only four times against journeymen through mid-2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown boxing.

“I had issues with opponents who kept falling out,” Sosa explained. “Foxwoods is only 2-hours from Lawrence, and I was losing credibility with my fans because fights kept falling out. I wanted to step up to showcase my skills, but I wasn’t getting good fights, and then COVID hit. I called (Lou) DiBella and he gave me my release.

“That fight (vs. Khiary) is the biggest for me so far. People kept asking me why an undefeated fighter (6-0) would fight another undefeated prospect (Todd was 7-0). He wanted the fight and called me out in a disrespectful way on social media. I took the fight and knew I was faster than him. That fight led to me signing with DiBella.”

Despite his inactivity the past 2-plus years, in terms of fights, Sosa has kept busy in the gym, and he greatly benefited from four months in training camp this past May in Ft. Lauderdale (FL), sparring 50 rounds with George Kambosos, Jr. for his since postponed fight versus unified World lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Sosa used social media to get the sparring gig.

“I reached out to him on social media,” Sosa explained. “Every time he posted about his fight against Lopez, I replied asking him to bring me to his camp for sparring. One day I was DM’d by him on Instagram. He let me know his team watched my video and they wanted to bring me to his camp. I learned a lot there, more about my style, because I would just sit back as a boxer-puncher. I started to counter more, and my defense opened. I got a little more game from camp. When he did something, I wanted to come right back with it. The camp brought more of the fighter out of me. It opened my range and sharpened my defense.”  

Sosa is a promotional free agent who has a new manager, Ryan Roach. The junior welterweight prospect is expected to be back in the ring next month at a site and date to soon be announced.

“I signed with Ryan because he is genuine and has proven himself,” Sosa noted. “Some doors were open to me, but he kept showing interest in me, and he never closed the door. He’s trustworthy and I want to be part of what he’s doing, and sign with a major promoter.”

“Signing Adrian means a lot to me personally because it took a lot of work over the past year,” manager Ryan Roach commented. “We built a relationship and I’ve proven to him what I do for my fighters. Adrian is special; I believe he could be one of the best fighters to come out of this region. He is a quick, talented fighter who has power and can work off of his defense very well. He also has a great work ethic. Adrian has all the tools to be a world champion. I look forward to guiding him as we are looking for tough fights right out of the gate. He’s been inactive but he’s ready, he’s learned a lot in the last two years. He was in camp with George Kambosos getting him ready for Teofimo Lopez I think that proves what kind of fighter Adrian is. Tonka will be a household name soon.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers include California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), Troy, NY ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs), ABF USA super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (18-5-2, 6 KOs), ABF American West super middleweight champion “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (8-0, 4 KOs), super bantamweight Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey, Jr. (7-0, 4 KOs), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (3-0, 3 KOs), a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, Salt Lake City, 2016 Brazilian Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez, Brazilian Olympian Jorge Vivas, Colorado super middleweight Marvin “Too Much” Cordova, Jr. (23-2-1, 12 KOs), West Palm Beach, FL light heavyweight Robert Daniels, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs), pro-debut Irish light heavyweight Thomas O’Toole, and Utah brothers, ABF American West lightweight champion Ignacio Chairez (9-0-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (4-0-1, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:

WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com

FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker

TWITTER: @RoachRyan

INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

ABOUT FIGHTER LOCKER: Established in 2019, Fighter Locker is a comprehensive sports agency that manages professional boxers. Fighter Locker also helps to brand boxers by finding their voice with a 100-percent customized service. Fighter Locker does not really believe in working models. It believes in partnership optimization models in motion. 

Fighter Locker uses four creative steps because it believes in “the foundation is everything”: 1. wisely conceived, 2. creatively restrained, 3. Proudly judged, 4. sharply targeted.

WBA Featherweight World Champion Leigh Wood has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. 
 
Wood (25-2, 15 KOs) stopped Xu Can in the 12th and final round to claim the WBA World Title in a big upset at the top of the bill on the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex last month. 
 
‘Leigh-thal’ created history by becoming only the second ever boxer from Nottingham to become a World Champion – following in the footsteps of former IBF Super-Middleweight World Champion Carl Froch who was watching on from ringside. 
 
After only competing at British level throughout his career, Wood was thought to be up against it against Can, but it was clear from the opening bell that the powerful Ben Davison-trained puncher belonged on the big stage. 
 
The 33-year-old Dave Coldwell-managed fighter is targeting unification fights in the 126lbs division after joining a thriving stable that boasts newly crowned IBF World Champion Kid Galahad and former World Champion Josh Warrington.
 
“I’m really excited to be working with Matchroom who in my opinion are leading the way in professional boxing,” said Wood. “I’m confident that they can deliver and help me achieve my dream on the biggest stage in boxing. Winning the WBA Title at Fight Camp was just the beginning for me. I want all of the big fights out there. I said I wanted the Emanuel Navarrete fight because he’s explosive like me, that’ll be absolute fireworks. Let’s unify the division. My best years are definitely ahead of me.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome Leigh to the Matchroom Boxing team after his stunning victory at Fight Camp,”  said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “The Featherweight division is on fire right now in the U.K. and there are some huge unification fights out there also. We have the platform to box Leigh anywhere in the world but I’d love to land him a big fight at the City Ground next year.”
 
“I’m delighted to see Leigh Wood rewarded for his history-making World Title win at Fight Camp with a well-deserved promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing,” said Dave Coldwell. “Leigh is one of the most improved fighters in the UK and has a brilliant team behind him in Ben Davison, Lee Wylie and Barry Smith. To go in at six weeks’ notice and turn in a performance like that shows that he belongs on the biggest stage. This is only the beginning for Leigh as he targets unification fights in the Featherweight division.”
 
You can follow Wood’s journey on Instagram: itsleighwood and Twitter: itsLeighWood

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 17, 2021) – After four weeks of conditioning in the Philippines and six weeks of hard training at world-famous Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Cub in Hollywood, California, eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao concluded his training camp on Monday and drove to Las Vegas to begin his fight week festivities.  This Saturday, he will challenge WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugás in a battle that will headline a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.  

So what can Ugás expect when he faces amazin’ Manny?  Hall of Fame trainer and boxing analyst Teddy Atlas had a front row seat on April 9, 2016, when he manned two-division world champion Timothy Bradley’s corner as head trainer in the rubber match of the Manny-Bradley welterweight trilogy.  Manny served up two knockdowns to the fellow future Hall of Famer Bradley, en route to a unanimous decision victory.  It would be the final fight of Bradley’s illustrious career and Manny would be the only man to defeat him professionally.

Here’s what Atlas had to say:

“We all know that saying; everyone has a plan until you hit them in the mouth.  But with Manny, it’s more like, until you hit that hornets’ nest, and Manny is literally everywhere.  Tim was great.  But legends sting.

“When I evaluate a fighter, I look for dimensions, and Manny is like watching 3D where everything comes at you fast and from all directions.  That’s the greatness of Manny, his combination of speed and power along with special instincts and a will to win.  He’s never forgotten what he didn’t have, and he fights like he’s still looking for it.

“You can look at Manny Pacquiao as a Force of Nature.  Like the ocean, he pulls you into counters, then pushes you back, catching you in retreat.  The tide moving a piece of driftwood.  His legs are the beach giving him the ability to strand opponents in space, while his hands crash like waves.  I’ve seen it up close.  And it’s no day at the beach.”

Teddy Atlas is the Chairman of the Dr. Theodore A. Atlas Foundation, which he founded in 1997 to honor the memory of his father.  The Foundation provides financial and emotional support to individuals in need and operates youth programs in Staten Island, New York.  He also hosts the popular podcast and YouTube show, THE FIGHT with Teddy Atlas.  Check out Teddy’s instructional videos at Dynamic Striking Dot Com (https://dynamicstriking.com/). 

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 a 10-round welterweight duel, 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

Suggested retail price: $74.99 (U.S. & Canada)

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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.

NEW YORK (August 16, 2021) -This past Saturday night, Abraham Nova remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Richard Pumicpic in a featherweight bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Nova is managed by Split-T Management.

Nova, 27 years-old, controlled most of the action as he used his length to outbox the veteran Pumicpic, who was making his American debut.

Nova was making his first start in 14 months after suffering an Achilles Tendon injury.

Nova, 127.2 lbs of Albany, NY won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 is now 20-0. Pumicpic, 127.1 lbs of Manila, PHL is 22-12-2.

The bout was streamed on ESPN +.

Nova is promoted by Top Rank, Murphy’s Boxing and 12 Rounds Promotions

Philadelphia, PA (August 16, 2021)–RDR Promotions has signed undefeated welterweight Raekwon Butler.

Butler of Brooklyn, New York, has a record of 3-0 with two wins coming via knockout.

I feel this is a great opportunity. It gives me stability to get fights, and have a good promoter behind me. I know Rodney believes in me. I am excited for what the future brings and holds,” Said Butler

Said Rodney Rice, CEO of RDR Promotions, “I am happy to sign Raekwon. I had heard great things about him, and he lived up to them when he fought in our show in July. We plan to keep him busy and develop him into the prospect and champion that I know he can be.”

The 26 year-old Butler fought three-times in eight months, as he turned professional with 2nd round stoppage over John Larkins on December 11, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Butler is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over 25 fight veteran Dieumerci Nzau on July 23rd in Philadelphia.

Butler is managed by Jason Scalzo.

Butler will be back in action on Friday. September 17th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

MINNEAPOLIS (August 16, 2021) – Unbeaten rising star Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. will duel super welterweight contender Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Sunday, September 5 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising lightweight contender Starling “El Poli” Castillo battling former title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in the 10-round co-main event, plus middleweight prospect Armando “El Toro” Reséndiz kicks off the broadcast against all-action Marcos “Madman” Hernández in a 10-round fight.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased at The Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“Jesús Ramos is primed to breakthrough into the next level of boxing’s rising stars and will look to make big steps towards his goal in a tough test against Brian Mendoza,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The fantastic fight fans at The Armory in Minneapolis will be in for a night loaded with young rising stars from start to finish, as lightweight Starling Castillo and middleweight Armando Reséndiz step in for difficult matchups against Juan Carlos Burgos and Marcos Hernández respectively. Sunday, September 5 is going to be a can’t miss lineup of action live in primetime on FOX.”

Ramos (16-0, 14 KOs), the nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, has paved his way to stardom with highlight-reel KOs. Most recently, he dominated Javier Molina on his way to a 10-round unanimous decision victory in May. Prior to that fight, he had scored five-straight knockout victories following his only other pro fight that had gone the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks. He has steadily increased the toughness of competition in 2020 and he has continued that trend in 2021 with Molina and now Mendoza.

“I’ve had a great training camp so far for this fight,” said Ramos. “I feel a lot stronger, a lot more mature and I feel like I learned a lot from my last fight that I’m implementing into this camp. I expect a tough fight from Mendoza. I’m sure he’s coming to win and to take everything I’ve earned, but I’m going to make sure he doesn’t. You have to tune in on September 5 because it’s going to be a good one!”

Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs) earned a career best-victory in his last outing, beating veteran contender Thomas LaManna by unanimous decision in August 2020. The 27-year-old has fought professionally since 2014, with his only defeat coming by a narrow split-decision in November 2019 against Larry Gomez. Mendoza was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he won two New Mexico Golden Gloves Championships as an amateur, and currently fights out of Las Vegas.

“I’ve been grinding in the gym nonstop preparing for an opportunity like this,” said Mendoza. “I’ve been learning a lot and I believe that it’s time for the world to see the fighter I’ve become. I can’t wait to put my skills on display. Don’t miss this fight on September 5, it’s going to be explosive.”

The 25-year-old Castillo (15-0, 12 KOs) scored an emphatic knockout in his U.S. debut in July, blasting out then unbeaten Miguel Contreras in the second round. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Castillo turned pro in 2017 and has delivered knockout wins in his last four fights heading into September 5, with three of those stoppages coming in 2021.

“I am very honored to be fighting on a great platform like FOX,” said Castillo. “It’s humbling to perform under the bright lights and I can’t wait. My team and I have been working very hard and we are laser focused on Burgos. We’re going to be prepared for anything he tries to throw at me on fight night.”

The Tijuana, Mexico native Burgos (34-5-2, 21 KOs) has faced an impressive resume of top fighters throughout his extensive career, dropping world title bouts to Mikey Garcia and Hozumi Hasegawa, in addition to a draw in a 130-pound title tilt against Roman Martinez. The 33-year-old ended up on the short end of decisions in challenges of unbeaten champion Devin Haney in 2018 and undefeated Hector Tanajara in January 2020. Most recently, he dropped a decision to unbeaten contender Xavier Martinez in May.

“This fight is mine for the taking,” said Burgos. “Training is going great and everything is on track for fight night. My sole focus is to win and make Mexico proud, while proving that I am still the real deal.”

The 22-year-old Reséndiz (12-0, 8 KOs) made a successful U.S. debut in April, earning a decision victory over Quilisto Madera. Fighting out of Nayarit, Mexico, Reséndiz entered the Madera fight having won eight consecutive fights by knockout, including five in 2019 before he stopped Joaquin Murrieta in his lone 2020 outing.

“Since my last fight, all I keep thinking about is how I’m going to be a more polished fighter when I step back in the ring,” said Reséndiz. “Now it’s time to show everyone that I’m the next big boxing star to come out of Mexico. Hernández is a durable fighter who has been in the ring with some top level fighters, but he’s never been in the ring with a puncher like myself. I have plans to stop him and send a message to all the fighters in my division. I want to thank my promoters Warriors Boxing and Boxing Major League for this opportunity. I’m going to make sure the world knows my name after this fight.”

Fighting out of Fresno, California, Hernández (14-4-2, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough fellow rising contenders. The 28-year-old has twice faced former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He has taken down then-unbeaten fighters in Kevin Newman and Thomas Hill, and most recently fought to a draw against Brandon Lynch in January.

“I know that I’m facing a tough fighter, but I believe that I’ve faced better competition than what Reséndiz brings,” said Hernández. “I’m training hard for this opportunity and I’m glad to be back in the ring. Fans can expect action in this fight. Our styles are definitely going to mesh and make for a memorable fight.”

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

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

Atlantic City, NJ (August 16, 2021)–Hard Hitting Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of welterweight contender Anthony “Juice” Young.

Young, 33 of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 22-2 with eight knockouts.

Young is a 10 year-professional who has developed into one of the most popular fighters in the Tri-State area.

“At this point in my career this is the right move. I am not a spring chicken and they know the direction that I need to go in my career. I want to make Atlantic City like Las Vegas. They have a great deal with the Showboat, and I feel that with me fighting in sold out shows there, I can help bring Atlantic City back as a big boxing destination,” said Young.

Said Manny Rivera of Hard Hitting Promotions, “We are excited and honored to sign Anthony “Juice” Young. We recognize that he is among the best 147-pounders in the world right now. Unfortunately he was not able to capitalize on that great win over Sadam Ali. Our goal and mission is to place him at the top of the welterweight division. He will be headlining our next event on September 25th,”

Young became a household name in the boxing world when he scored an emphatic 3rd round stoppage over former world champion Sadam Ali (27-2) on May 4, 2019 in Las Vegas. With that win, Young won the WBC USNBC Silver welterweight title.

Young is also a former New Jersey State Welterweight champion.

Young also defeated tough Jose Javier Calderon.

Young is coming off a unanimous decision over Todd Manuel on July 31st at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.

Young is managed by Carlos Rosario of STB Management.

Expect to see Young back in action on September 25th at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA has confirmed the full fight card for the BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs Kharitonov event taking place at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD and set to air live on SHOWTIME this Friday, August 20 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

With over 60 professional victories between the No. 3 ranked heavyweight Cheick Kongo (30-11) and Sergei Kharitonov (32-8), the BELLATOR 265 main event is a true clash of legends with major ramifications on the heavyweight title picture. Additionally, a number one contender fight pitting No. 3 ranked featherweight Adam Borics (17-1) against the undefeated No. 5 ranked featherweight Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0) and the hometown kid, No. 7 ranked Logan Storley (11-1) takes on Dante Schiro (8-2) in welterweight action.

Rounding out the SHOWTIME-televised main card, Marcelo Golm (8-3) makes his BELLATOR debut against submission specialist Kelvin Tiller (11-5) and undefeated No. 8 ranked bantamweight Jornel Lugo (6-0) squares up against “Killa” Keith Lee (7-4).

The preliminary card is set for seven must-watch bouts, highlighted by a middleweight banger between KO-specialists Taylor “Tombstone” Johnson (7-2) and Fabio Aguiar (17-2) as well as Mike Hamel (7-5) taking on Bryce Logan (12-5) in a 185-pound battle.

All BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov prelims will stream live at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on the BELLATOR MMA YouTube channel, SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

Full bout listings are below:

BELLATOR MMA 265: Kongo vs. Kharitonov Main Card:

Friday, August 20 – live on SHOWTIME

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT 

Heavyweight Bout: #3-Cheick Kongo (30-11-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (32-8, 2 NC)

Featherweight Bout: #3-Adam Borics (17-1) vs. #5-Jay-Jay Wilson (8-0)

Welterweight Bout: #5-Logan Storley (11-1) vs. Dante Schiro (8-2)

Heavyweight Bout: Marcelo Golm (8-3) vs. Kelvin Tiller (11-5)

 140-Pound Contract Weight Bout: Jornel Lugo (6-0) vs. Keith Lee (7-4)

Preliminary Card: 

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

6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Middleweight Bout: Taylor Johnson (7-2) vs. Fabio Aguiar (17-2)

Lightweight Bout: Mike Hamel (7-5) vs. Bryce Logan (12-5)

Welterweight Bout: Archie Colgan (2-0) vs. Ben Simons (3-2)

Middleweight Bout: Duane Johnson (5-2)vs. Deven Fisher(4-8)

Heavyweight Bout: Bailey Schoenfelder (1-0) vs. Kevin Childs (1-1)

Middleweight Bout: Jeff Nielsen (pro debut) vs. Kory Moegenburg (1-2)

*Card subject to change.

Please visit Bellator.com for additional information.

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About BELLATOR

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

About SHOWTIME

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ and FLIX^®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND^®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL^™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND^®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME^®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple^®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku^®, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox One and PlayStation^®4. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Viewers can also watch on computers at Showtime.com. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV^®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com. 

LAS VEGAS (August 16, 2021) – Undefeated 122-pound world champions are set to square off as WBC champion Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa and WBO champion Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. will meet in a title unification on Saturday, September 18 live on SHOWTIME in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the live event go on sale today at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Figueroa vs. Fulton has been a much-discussed potential showdown for several years prior to the two unbeaten fighters joining the world championship ranks with career-best performances in 2021. Fulton struck first, dominating then-unbeaten Angelo Leo to capture the WBO title in January, while Figueroa made his own statement in stopping two-division champion Luis Nery to capture the WBC strap in May.

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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.