BOSTON (August 5, 2021) – Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker enjoyed a hot July with four members of its stable winning fights, as well as signing an Irish amateur boxer, and being represented by three at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Back on July 10th in Miami, undefeated featherweight prospect Daniel “G.D.F.E.” Bailey (7-0, 4 KOs) took a 4-round unanimous decision from Mike Fowler. Bailey is scheduled to fight in his first scheduled 6-round bout August 28th against Donte Dunnaville (3-0, 2 KOs) on a Hall of Famer Christy Martin-promoted show in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Miami-native Bailey is training in Tampa.

Another undefeated fighter, “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (8-0, 4 KOs) captured the ABF American West Super Middleweight Champion with a 6-round unanimous decision on July 10th in Cheyenne (WY) over Vaughan Alexander (15-5, 9 KOs). McCalman fights out of Aurora, Colorado.

Two Fighter Locker stable members were victorious this past Saturday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Albany, NY junior welterweight RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 KOs) became the NBA Continental champion with a third-round knockout of Bergman Aguillar (15-8-1, 5 KOs) in the main event. Bermudez is also the ABF America West Super Lightweight Champion.

Weymouth, MA junior welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (3-0, 2 KOs) was impressive, stopping Austin Reed Ward in the opening round.

Fighter Locker also recently signed Irish amateur boxer Thomas O’Toole to an exclusive managerial contract. The 23-year-old southpaw O’Toole is a promising light heavyweight prospect who captured top honors at the 2019 Irish Elite Championships.

Fighter Locker had three representatives in this year’s Olympics. Colombian flyweight Yuberjan “El Tremendo” Martinez, who captured a silver medal at the 2018 Olympics in Brazil as a light flyweight, reached the field of 8 before being eliminated.

Two-time Olympian is Dominican Republic lightweight Leonel de los Santos, who is 3-0 (3 KOs) as a pro fighting in the welterweight division, and Colombian middleweight Jorge Vivas were eliminated in the field of 32.

Fighter Locker fighters will remain busy as California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs) takes on Jeronil Barnes (11-5, 8 KOs) on August 21st in Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Florida. Miami light heavyweight Robert Daniels, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs), the son of former WBA cruiserweight World champion Robert “Preacher Man” Daniels (49-10-1, 41 KOs), is slated to make his Fighter Locker debut on the same card.

“It has been a busy summer for my fighters,” Fighter Locker president Ryan Roach remarked. “I have been fortunate enough to keep them rolling. I am very impressed with all of their performances. Shawn McCalman was very impressive against Alexander. He is a very tough boxer. I had matchmakers and promoters calling me the next day saying your guy beat Alexander, which means he can fight. Daniel Bailey was also impressive in his homecoming. He boxed very well. We had a few takeaways. He really wanted the KO for his fans, but Mike Fowler hung in there. RayJay capturing the NBA title was a big win because he jumped in the rankings. He looked great delivering some vicious body shots. I am looking forward to Rocco and Robert stepping back in the ring August 21st at Gulfstream Park & Casino in Florida.

“On the Olympic side, we didn’t bring home any medals, but we were close with Yuberjen. I think boxing politics got in the way of Leonel and Jorge, but that is part of the game. I am proud of my guys, and they are looking forward to turning to the professional ranks. They will be going home to rest for a few weeks, and we will get to work planning out their future.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers include California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), Troy, NY NBA Continental and ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (13-0, 10 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. (8-0, 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), Utah brothers, ABF American West lightweight champion Ignacio Chairez (8-1-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (4-0-1, 2 KOs), and Weymouth (MA) junior welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (3-0, 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.

(ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)

    •   Michael Conlan 124.2 lbs vs. TJ Doheny 123.8 lbs 
(WBA Interim Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)

•     Lee McGregor 117.7 lbs vs. Vincent Legrand 118 lbs 
(McGregor’s European Bantamweight Title— 12 Rounds)

•    Tyrone McKenna 139.3 lbs vs. Jose Felix 135.5 lbs 
(Vacant WBO Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•    Paddy Donovan vs. Jose Luis Castillo
(Welterweight  — 6 Rounds)
* Donovan and Castillo will weigh in Friday morning
   •    Sergei Gorokhov 167 lbs vs. Padraig McCrory 167.9 lbs
 (Gorokhov’s WBC International Silver Super Middleweight Title — 10 Rounds)
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 13.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 5, 2021) – One of New England’s most promising prospects, as well as arguably the region’s most powerful puncher and charismatic boxer, undefeated Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera, returns August 14th to where it all started for him in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Rivera (19-0, 14 KOs) will take on his Mexican opponent, Ernesto “Gatti” Berrospe Rivas (11-17, 6 KOs), in the 8-round co-featured event on the “New England’s Future VII card, presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) in association with Shearns Boxing Promotions, in one of three slated title fights at the famed Worcester Palladium. Rivera vs. Rivas will fight for the vacant NBA Americas cruiserweight title.

The Star Boxing-promoted Rivera made his pro debut on an RPE event at the Worcester Palladium on January 19, 2017, returns to fight New England for the first time since December 13, 2019. This will be his fourth fight in Worcester, third at The Palladium.

“Rivera Promotions and the fans in Worcester have always treated me like family,” Rivera said. “They adopted me. I’m dying to fight again in the ring again in Worcester; it’s fairly close to my home (Hartford, CT). I love fighting there! I’m so happy to be fighting there again, surrounded by my fans who all want me to be the best I can. I’ve received so much love in Worcester, my home away from home. The crowd goes crazy when I enter the ring. It’s crazy!”

During the pandemic, Rivera moved to Orlando, Florida and stayed busy fighting in the Sunshine state and Mexico. “Popeye” has returned home to Hartford with a new head trainer in his corner, John “Iceman” Scully.

“I loved the weather in Florida but, career-wise, I’m on the cusp of a breakthrough,” the 30-year-old Rivera explained. “I’m back in Connecticut to get to the next level. I feel strong, physically, and mentally, and age doesn’t cross my mind, because my soul is good. “I’ve been doing yoga, stretching more, and training hard in the gym. I’m really a light heavyweight going up to cruiserweight. I’ll fight there until a good payday comes at light heavyweight. I don’t mind dropping back down or fighting as a cruiserweight. I’m a fighter. Just give me a can of spinach and I’m good to the finish.”

Rivera has a solid relationship with RPE matchmaker AJ Rivera (no relations), who has gotten three title fights (including the NBA Americas on Aug. 14) for ‘Popeye,” who is a former UBF Light heavyweight and ABF Continental Americas cruiserweight champion.

“It is an honor for RPE to have ‘Popeye’ back on our ‘New England’s Future 7’ boxing event,” promoter Jose Antonio Rivera commented. “It was just a few years ago when he made his pro debut on our first show and now, he’s at 19-0 and getting ready for his 20th pro fight. Richie is a great person and boxer, and we are very proud of his hard work and dedication to his craft. We visualize ‘Popeye’ fighting for a World title shortly, because of his hard work, dedication, and talent. ‘Popeye’ has given us some great fights through the years and fans have seen some sensational wins and knockouts. We wish him nothing but the best and we are glad to give him the opportunity to flourish in front of the fans. You cannot say this about every boxer, but he is really great for the sport of boxing.”

“Richard Rivera is an entertaining fighter both in and out of the ring,” Rivera’s promoter Joe DeGuardia added. “His ‘Popeye’ persona is endearing. We have big plans for him in the light heavyweight division and welcome his Northeast homecoming on August 14.”

Former University of New Haven basketball star, New London’s (CT) undefeated heavyweight Cassius “C.O.G.” Chaney (20-0, 14 KOs), who is promoted by Main Events, will fight in the 10-round main event versus former NABA Heavyweight Champion Shawdell Terell Winters (13-5, 12 KOs).

2012 Puerto Rico Olympian Enrique Collazo (15-1-1, 10 KOs) will fight for the vacant NBA Americas Super Middleweight Championship against TBA in an 8-round bout.

Southbridge’s (MA) Wilfredo “Sucra” Pagan (6-1, 3 KOs) faces Carlos Marrero III (2-6-1), of Connecticut, in a 6-round fight for the vacant New England junior welterweight title.

Also scheduled to fight in 4-round bouts include Worcester heavyweight Bryan Daniels (5-1, 3 KOs), a 2-time New England Golden Gloves champion, vs. Corey Morey (1-4); Hartford bantamweight and 3-time New England Golden Gloves and 2-time Ringside Nationals champion Angel “Set It Off” Gonzalez (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Worcester junior middleweight Eslih Owuso (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Eean Chappell (0-1-1), Boca Raton, Florida junior middleweight Josniel “TG” Castro (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Anthony Everett (1-8), Worcester cruiserweight and 3-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, and former Team USA Boxing member Bobby “BH3” Harris III (2-0-1, 1 KO) vs. super middleweight Juan Celin Zapata (6-18-2, 4 KOs)..

Card subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $70.00 (ringside), $55.00 (mezzanine) and $35.00 (general admission), are on

sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net, the Palladium box office, or by

contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera

(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

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

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PHILADELPHIA (August 5, 2021)–THIS SATURDAY, Jeter Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena on Saturday night, August 7th.

Seeing action in the featured contest will be popular featherweight Brandon Chambers.

Chambers of Gwynn Oak, Maryland is undefeated with a record of 4-0-1 with two knockouts. Chambers, who brings fans from all over the East Coast is looking to capitalize on the impression that he made with the Philadelphia audience on April 24th, as he took out Jonathan Gray in three rounds.

The 10-bout show will feature competitive and fan-friendly four rounds, will showcase fighters from throughout the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Naheem Parker (2-0, 1 KO) of Camden, NJ; super lightweight Tyhler Williams (4-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia; super welterweight Victor Williams (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, DC; bantamweight John Leonardo (2-0-1, 2 KOs) of Englishtown, NJ; super middleweight and Penn State graduate AJ Williams (3-1, 2 KOs) of Cockeysville, MD; super bantamweight Jaqeem Hutcherson (1-0) of Forestville, MD; pro debuting super welterweight Matthew Castro of Glendale, NY; and lightweight Evan Harker (0-1) of Baltimore, MD, welterweight Steve Moore (4-8)

A Press conference will take place on Friday, April 6th at the 2300 Arena, beginning at 3 pm ET with the weigh-in following at 5 PM

Tickets can be purchased at the 2300 Arena and can be purchased for $100.

BBC Radio 5 Live will see out a great summer of sport with a flurry of top-flight fight nights, after signing an exclusive deal with Matchroom Boxing.

It all kicked off at the weekend with Saturday’s Fight Camp opener at the stunning Matchroom HQ in Brentwood, Essex, which was headlined by Xu Can’s WBA Featherweight World Title defence against Leigh Wood.

Nottingham boxer Wood came out on top with a sensational 12th-round stoppage of China’s Xu Can to become his city’s second ever World Champion.

Coming up this weekend, Saturday August 7, it’s the mouth-watering vacant IBF World Featherweight Title clash between old rivals Kid Galahad and Jazza Dickens. On Saturday August 14 Joshua Buatsi will go up against Ricards Bolotniks, for the WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title. Then on Saturday September 4 Josh Warrington faces Mexico’s Mauricio Lara in a must-win rematch at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds. 

Sheffield’s Galahad (21-1, 16 KOs) and Liverpool’s Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) fought for domestic honours at Super-Bantamweight back in 2013, with Galahad winning. But Dickens insists that encounter will have no bearing on this weekend’s fight, coverage gets underway on BBC Radio 5 Live at 10:30pm on Saturday night.

The bill will also see an explosive English Heavyweight Title battle between Fabio Wardley (11-0, 10 KOs) and Nick Webb (17-2, 13 KOs). While the ‘Blonde Bomber’ Ebaine Bridges (5-1, 2 KOs) faces up against Swindon’s ‘Lady Luck’ Bec Connolly (3-9, 0 KOs) 

On August 14 it’s a huge night for former Olympic bronze medallist Buatsi (14-0, 12 KOs) as he goes into battle against the experienced Latvian Bolotniks (18-5, 8 KOs). The night will also see the classy young American Raymond Ford (8-0-1, 4 KOs) take on the more experienced Reece Bellotti (14-4, 12 KOs).

On Saturday September 4 Leeds legend Warrington (30-1, 7 KOs) will attempt to avenge his one and only defeat with a rematch against Lara (22-2, 15 KOs). Ireland’s Katie Taylor (18-0, 6 KOs) will face Texan Jennifer Han (18-3-1, 1 KO).

Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing, said: “I am delighted that BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will be covering these three massive nights of action as we close out a huge summer of boxing. The all-British clash for the IBF Featherweight World Title between Kid Galahad and Jazza Dickens is set to be a cracker at the top of Fight Camp Week 2 this weekend and rising Light-Heavyweight start Joshua Buatsi takes a huge step up when he takes on Ricards Bolotniks at the top of Week 3. Then it’s Leeds on September 4 for Josh Warrington’s huge rematch with fearsome Mexican puncher Mauricio Lara.”

Louise Sutton, 5 Live Sport Editor, said: “BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing has provided superb live coverage of some colossal fights over this past year, with many more to come.

“This deal with Matchroom confirms another series of thrilling nights of action for fans to enjoy. We’re delighted to be providing UK boxing fans with live free-to-air coverage of each head-to-head, alongside expert analysis, opinion and some special guests.”

Fans can listen live, on BBC Radio 5 Live or via BBC Sounds app.

• Kid Galahad vs Jazza Dickens BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds 10:30pm Saturday August 7

LOS ANGELES – BELLATOR MMA announced this morning that the greatest heavyweight mixed martial artist of all-time, Fedor “The Last Emperor” Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) will take on number two ranked heavyweight Tim Johnson (15-7) in the main event of BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the VTB Arena.

Tickets for the highly anticipated event are on sale now and can be purchased at Kassir.ru. Additional matchups and SHOWTIME telecast details will be revealed soon.

Widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in mixed martial arts history, Fedor Emelianenko returns to the BELLATOR cage for the first time since his dominant first-round TKO victory over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in 2019. With an illustrious career that has seen him earn 30 stoppages in his 39 victories over legendary opposition, the former PRIDE FC Heavyweight World Champion will be fighting in his home country of Russia for the first time in five years. A four-time combat sambo world champion, “The Last Emperor” put together an insane eight-year unbeaten streak on his way to becoming an international MMA icon. Emelianenko has established Team Fedor, which features several top Russian fighters including BELLATOR’s Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov and BELLATOR’s Interim Heavyweight Champion Valentin Moldavsky. With his last three victories coming by way of first-round finish, Fedor is looking to add another exciting chapter to his storied fighting career on October 23.

2020 was a huge year for Johnson, as the UFC vet notched three wins in as many fights with impressive first-round finishes over Matt Mitrione and Tyrell Fortune and a decision victory over Cheick Kongo during the historic, first-ever major MMA event in France.  The Xtreme Couture-product showed that he’s got the skill and stamina for championship rounds as he went the full five with Team Fedor’s Valentin Modlavsky (11-1) this past June. Proudly hailing from North Dakota, Johnson is a current member of the United States National Guard who won two national championships while wrestling at Minnesota State University.

Updated BELLATOR Moscow: Fedor vs. Johnson Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (39-6, 1 NC) vs. #2-Tim Johnson (15-7)

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*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. 

London, UK (5 August 2021) Promoter Mick Hennessy welcomes the WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Sam Eggington to the distinguished Hennessy Sports team after the Birmingham star signed a long-term promotional agreement with his first fight under the new deal on Friday 10th September, live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

All-action Eggington will return to headline a huge night of boxing at the Coventry Skydome Arena in a Championship contest to be announced shortly. The night of action titled Hennessy All-Stars also features some of the promoter’s stable of talent from champions and prospects all showcasing their skills: Isaac Chamberlain, Stevie McKenna, Shakan Pitters, River Wilson Bent, Kaisee Benjamin, Idris Virgo, Brett McGinty, Tommy Welch and Michael Hennessy Jr.

Known as the the ‘Savage’, Eggington was last out in May and a scored a resounding points victory over the hard-as-nails Mexican former World Champion ‘King’ Carlos Molina. The win saw Eggington lift the WBC Silver title and also claim a world ranking as he closes in on a World title shot with his future now secure under Hennessy’s guidance.

Eggington said, “It’s fantastic to have a promoter like Mick behind you who’s fully backing you and working for you, believes in you and is giving your career a real push which is why I’m thrilled to sign this promotional deal with him. I’ll do everything I can in the ring to prove him right, he’s placed his faith in me and I’ll give that back to him one hundred percent. The only path left now is the World title and I believe I can win it.”

Hennessy said, “I’m delighted to officially welcome Sam to the team, although he was already in our team as his last two fights were with us, but it’s fantastic that he’s put pen to paper and signed the deal. I’m really pleased to be working with a World class fighter of Sam’s calibre who’s on the cusp of challenging for a long deserved and overdue World title shot. He’ll be headlining again at the Coventry Skydome Arena on Friday 10th September, live on Channel 5, where he had a great victory over Molina in May.”

Jon Pegg, who has managed Eggington from the start of his career, added, “Mick’s promoted Sam’s last two fights and he was over the moon with his treatment as it was all about Sam, he was made to feel like a champion. With the win over Molina last time he’s gone up another level and he’s in such a great place. Sam has the best team around him as he homes in on the world title.”

Still just 27-year-old, Eggington has not had it easy in his near nine-year and 37-fight career despite winning British, Commonwealth, European and International titles. Now with Hennessy’s promotional firepower behind him, his dream of challenging for a World title will soon be realised.

The working class warrior is a real fight fans favourite and has faced anyone and everyone put in front of him, regardless of being in the home or away corner on these shores or abroad. Whilst being on the end of wrong decisions, he’s also caused big upsets by defeating the home fighter, all of which has forged a steely determination to become a World champion.

In recent years, key victories have seen him end the career of former Two-Time World Champion Paulie Malignaggi with a devastating eighth round KO in March 2017; win the European title with a tenth round KO of Ceferino Rodriquez in May 2017; destroy local hero Orlando Fiordgiglio inside two rounds away from home in Tuscany, Italy in November 2019; involved in the 2020 Boxing News British Fight of the Year for his thrilling fight against Ted Cheeseman last August, although he lost a close and highly debated points decision, the fight is remembered for an epic final round.

Eggington has previously featured twice on Hennessy’s shows and immediately raised his profile to the mainstream audience through his exposure on free-to-air Channel 5 with a sixth round blow out of former World title challenger Ashley Theophane with a crushing body shot that promptly pushed the Londoner into retirement. Followed by his clinical performance to shut out the vastly experienced and tricky Molina on the scorecards, displaying his astute boxing brain to match his brawn.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

LOS ANGELES (August 4, 2021) – Eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao held a media workout that streamed live on the Premier Boxing Champions YouTube channel Wednesday, as he prepares to take on unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The replay of the live streaming workout can be watched in its entirety HERE. Already a legend in the sport, Pacquiao seeks one more monumental win on August 21 to add to his first ballot Hall of Fame resume.

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

Here is what Pacquiao, Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez had to say Wednesday:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I’m expecting a good fight. Spence is an aggressive fighter and I know that we can create a lot of action in the ring for all of the fans watching. I have lots of advantages in this fight. My speed and power, along with my strategy and experience, are all advantages for me.

“I never imagined being at this point now, when I started my career. Especially to be here now and still fighting the best. It’s truly a gift that I’ve received.

“It’s been two years since I’ve been in the ring and it was good for me to have that rest. It helped my body and my mind a lot. This time around, I’m as excited as ever and feeling like I’m young again.

“I could have fought several easy opponents. I picked the best opponent because I want to add more to my legacy and accomplishments. I have to prove that I’m not done yet.

“We have a strategy that we know how to use against a southpaw. He wants to fight toe-to-toe and that’s going to be to my advantage. We’re prepared for anything. If he wants to use his reach advantage instead, we are ready.

“My family is so supportive of me, because they know that I want to fight and bring honor to my country. At the same time, I’m also here to show for myself that I can still do it at 42-years-old.

“This could be my last fight, or there could be more. Like I’ve always said, it’s one at a time. After the fight, I’ll talk about the plan and see if there’s another fight coming.

“I’m happy to have been doing this for so long with the same coaching staff. I know that they’re happy with my preparations for this fight. The fire in training is still there. It’s the same as it’s been these last 15 years.

“I know my career will not last forever, that’s why I’m starting to help the young fighters in this sport who want to follow in my footsteps. It’s very important to me at this point in my career.”

FREDDIE ROACH

“We took this fight because we think that Errol Spence Jr. is one of the best fighters out there. I’ve talked with Manny throughout the years and he’s always said that he wants to be the best at what he does. There’s no sense in getting in there with some popular fighter who’s no good. We want to fight the best. I congratulated Many when he chose to fight Errol.

“Being out of the ring for a little while can go either way with someone like Manny. The thing is, he’s working out all the time. He shows me everything that he’s up to when he’s in the Philippines and I just give him little adjustments. When he shows up here, he’s ready to go.

“He had probably his best sparring yesterday, we went ten rounds and he got two knockdowns. It was the old Manny Pacquiao from 10 years ago. He’s not as big of a puncher usually at welterweight, but those knockdowns yesterday were a great boost for him.

“Spence is a good boxer, but he’s a very good puncher. We know that when we get inside, we have to be smart getting back outside. It has to be quick combinations and then out right away.

“I told Manny that knocking down Keith Thurman early gave him a lot of momentum in that fight and I’d like to see that again in this fight. He knows that he has to use his speed to do that. He understands completely what I want.

“Manny Pacquiao has always loved to fight southpaws. He understands how they work and what they want to do. That’s really one of the big reasons we took this fight.

“I think Manny is going to out box Spence. His footspeed is unbelievable and much better than his opponent’s. Spence follows you around and is heavy on his feet. He seems very set to the ground. Manny’s speed will overwhelm him. I’m really happy with the game plan so far.”

BUBOY FERNANDEZ

“I was very excited when I heard about this fight because Errol Spence Jr. is a great fighter. I was only surprised because Manny hasn’t fought in two years. But I knew right away that this is going to be an exciting fight.

“Obviously there is a different Manny because of his age, but his mind is always on the sport. Before we arrived in the United States, we had already been sparring and training in the Philippines.

“The team has been very happy with Manny’s performance in camp. The conditioning is going perfectly and we just need to continue. This is going to be 100% Manny Pacquiao on August 21.

“I can’t decide if this is going to be Manny’s last fight. Only he can decide if he wants to continue his legacy or not. If it were up to me, I’d want him to fight one more time in the Philippines for his people. It’s all up to Manny though.

“I have respect for Errol Spence Jr. He’s a good fighter and a world champion. We know we can’t underestimate him. He’s an intelligent fighter, so we know Manny has to be 100%. I think this is going to end up being a great toe-to-toe fight.”

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ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. SPENCE JR.
Pacquiao vs. Spence will see eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao face unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. in the blockbuster FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event on 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 features WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás squaring off against Argentina’s Fabián “TNT” Maidana in the co-main event, while former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a 10-round attraction.

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 2, 2021) – Split-T Management has signed lightweight Kevin Montano

The 23 year-old Montano is from Sacramento, California and had a distinguished amateur career that saw him rise to the number-two ranked lightweight in the United States.

“Leading up to the end of my amateur career, Split-T Management CEO David McWater was there for me in so many ways. Dave gave me so much advice, and seeing how he treated me in amateurs, I feel that I am in the right spot. He has so many great fighters like Teofimo Lopez , I feel that Dave has the power and intelligence to move my career with success,” said Montano

“I grew up in a bad town that was on par section A Housing, My family and friends wanted me to stay out of trouble, so my they kept me in the gym. When I won my 1st fight at nine, I loved the feeling of winning. Nothing compared to performing in front of a crowd, and have your named announced as a winner.”

Montano started boxing at the age of eight under coach Gary Sullenger. Sullenger has remained with Montano through his amateur and now into his professional career.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in 2021 Nationals.

Montano, who is fluent in both English and Spanish is a graduate of Sacramento State, with a degree in Kinesiology.

He lists Roberto Duran, Pernell Whitaker, Teofimo Lopez and Canelo Alvarez as favorite fighters.

He will make his pro debut this Friday night, August 6th in Sacramento.

Mark Bennett has refused to be drawn into any trash talk with Alen Babic ahead of their eight round Heavyweight clash on the undercard of Kid Galahad vs. Jazza Dickens this Saturday August 7 at Matchroom Fight Camp 2 in Brentwood, Essex, live worldwide on DAZN. 

‘Bad News’ Bennett (7-1, 1 KO) heads into this weekend’s bout with ‘The Savage’ coming off the back of a points loss to Nick Webb in the Ultimate Boxxer 6 final back in December 2019 – a fight that the 33-year-old would like to revisit if he makes it past Babic. 

Croatia’s Babic has been his usual vocal self in the build up to his latest challenge, questioning Bennett’s record and accusing the former soldier of being scared, but the Yorkshire hard man insists that he will let his fists do the talking when they collide at Matchroom HQ. 

“I do think that I’ve got a bit of an advantage over his previous opponents,” said Bennett. “For one, I’ve had seven weeks’ notice. I’ve been at it for the last seven weeks in the gym training hard. I’m bigger as well. I’ll tell you the truth – I’m there to fight. I’m turning up on Saturday night to actually have a fight. I’m not just turning up to take a payday. We’re going to have a good tear up. 

“I know he’s had seven fights. He’s doing alright. I don’t think he has given any of his opponents decent notice. I just think he’s been pulling people off the settee. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s got good stock. When I win it will raise my stock massively. I want to be active. Hopefully I get signed to someone and we can go from there and get some bigger fights on a decent platform. That’s the dream.

“I’ll be honest with you; he can do him, and I’ll do me. If he wants to stand there and shout his mouth off and talk sh*t constantly then let him do it. He’s done that throughout the whole camp if I’m honest. I’ll just let him crack on with how he goes about it and I’ll just keep myself to myself. 

“I’m there to have a fight. We’ll have a scrap and then that will be it. I’ve got no hard feelings. I don’t dislike the bloke. Obviously he’s been talking a lot of sh*t about me but that’s just the way he wants to come across. It’s the way he wants to sell himself. That’s not how I do my business but obviously that’s how he does his. 

“If you’ve watched any of my fights, I’m probably the same type of fighter as Babic. We’re probably just going to meet in the middle and stand and trade. I’m not going to take a backwards step, and I say that with my hand on my heart. It will be a good fight. In his fights that I’ve seen he has been tagged a few times. I think that he’s got flaws.”

Babic vs. Bennett is part of a huge night of action, Sheffield’s Kid Galahad (27-1, 16 KOs) and Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens (30-3, 11 KOs) meet in an all-British clash for the vacant IBF Featherweight World Title at the top of the bill, Ipswich knockout artist Fabio Wardley (11-0, 10 KOs) defends his English Heavyweight Title against Nick Webb (17-2, 13 KOs), popular Australian Ebanie Bridges (5-1, 2 KOs) returns to the UK to face Bec Connolly (3-9) over eight rounds, Romford Heavyweight Johnny Fisher (2-0, 2 KOs) goes for another knockout against Danny Whitaker (4-3) and Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (6-0) takes on Kevin Baldospino (9-5-2, 1 KO) over eight rounds. 

Chicago, IL.– On the heels of a sold-out, action packed event on July 17th in Rosemont, Illinois, Chicago’s top and busiest promoter, Hitz Boxing has been making moves and some of it’s top fighters in upcoming bouts.

—On August 21st undefeated cruiserweight Alante Green (8-0-1, 5 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio is back in action on August 21st against the well-regarded Nick Kisner in a 10-round bout Columbus, Ohio.

Green, who has come down in weight nicely after his first six-bouts at heavyweight, takes on Kisner, who was an amateur star out of Maryland.

The 28 year-old Green is coming off a unanimous decision over another highly-regarded fighter in Stivens Bujaj (17-3-1) on June 4th.

Kisner (22-5-1, 6 KOs) is a former USA-NABA cruiserweight champion is coming off a win over previously undefeated Sam Crossed (9-0) on on February 28, 2020

–After a lengthy court battle, Hitz Boxing has undefeated light heavyweight Taylor Duerr back in the fold.

Duerr (10-0-2, 7 KOs) of Detroit will be back in action very soon.

“I am very happy to have this behind us. We are back on the same page, and I have already fielded calls and am working on getting Taylor back in the ring to get him the opportunities that a fighter with his record deserves,” said Bobby Hitz

–Hitz Boxing also announced the signing of lightweight Daniel Buenaventura.

“Daniel has a very deceiving record, but he has been on the bad end of some questionable decisions. We see a great future with him, and now that he has people behind him who can help move him the right way. He has been the Fight of the Night many times before, and I was very impressed when he fought on July 17th. We see something in him that he could be one of those real diamond-in-rough fighters. He is just 19, so he has a bright future,” said Hitz

(Aug. 4, 2021) — Russian junior welterweight contender Fedor “Knockout Man” Papazov hopes to add a signature win to his ledger this Saturday, Aug. 7, when he takes on countryman Arslan Magomedov in the 10-round main event from the RCC Boxing Academy in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
 
Papazov-Magomedov will headline a scheduled six-fight stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT.
 
Papazov (22-4, 13 KOs), from Tuapse, Russia, is a 12-year pro who has never been knocked out. He holds a 2017 victory over Isa Chaniev, who challenged Richard Commey for a lightweight world title in 2019. Papazov last fought in April and lost a competitive decision to Yauheni Dauhaliavets, a rising prospect from Belarus. Magomedov (7-1-1, 5 KOs), from Makhachkala, Russia, is 6-0-1 since dropping a six-round decision in his second pro bout. Last October, he notched a career-best win over Zhora Hamazaryan, who is known to American fight fans for his two fights against Thomas Mattice.

In other streaming action on ESPN+:

• Armenia’s Zhora Hamazaryan (10-3-2, 7 KOs) will face Erzhan Turgumbekov (8-2-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round junior lightweight bout. Hamazaryan knocked out the previously undefeated Dmitry Yun in January.
   
• Junior welterweight prospect Oganes Ustyan (6-0, 2 KOs), a one-time Russian amateur standout, will face Ukraine’s Oleksandr Abramian (5-1-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-rounder for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Youth title.
   
• Bantamweight prospect Narek Abgaryan (14-1, 6 KOs), who competed for Armenia at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will fight South African veteran Sabelo Ngebinyana (13-4, 10 KOs) in a bout scheduled for eight rounds. Abgaryan is hoping to bounce back from last December’s decision loss to Eduardo Baez.
   
• In an eight-round duel of unbeaten middleweights, Vadim Tukov (4-0, 1 KO) will take on Mikalai Vesialou (11-0-1, 5 KOs), a former amateur star from Belarus.
   
• The ESPN+ stream will kick off with an eight-round junior bantamweight battle between Zafar Parpiev (10-2, 3 KOs) and the unbeaten Artem Tkachenko (6-0-1, 4 KOs). 

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 13.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

NEW YORK (August 4, 2021)–Ivan Golub captured the USBA Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Eric Walker in a bout that took place on Tuesday night at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

With the win, Golub who is managed by Split-T Management, will now get a high-ranking by the IBF.

Walker came out fast, and tried to set a pace in the opening two frames. Once Golub was able to make the slight adjustments, he was able to dictate the fight on his own terms. He began to take control in the third round, and was able to put Walker on the canvas twice.

In round five, Golub landed a crisp right hook that put Walker on the deck.

In round nine, it was a left to the head that put Walker on the canvas, and that all but locked the fight up for Golub.

Golub of Brooklyn via Golovka, Ukraine won by scores of 98-90, 97-91 and 96-92 to raise his record to 20-1. Walker falls to 20-4.

Golub is promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

One of the brightest prospects in world boxing Dalton Smith has signed a new five-fight deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. 

Sheffield’s most successful amateur boxer of all time has carried his electric form into the professional ranks, winning all but one of his eight contests inside the distance. 

‘Thunder’ claimed his first pro title last time out at Manchester Arena in May – dominating Lee Appleyard and forcing a punishing sixth-round stoppage to earn the vacant English Title.

Trained by his father Grant at the Steel City Gym and managed by STN Sports, 24-year-old Smith is hungry for more titles and believes he is in the perfect place achieve all of his goals with Matchroom. 

“I am delighted to make it three deals in only eight fights with Matchroom,” said Smith. “Alongside STN Sports, who have been outstanding managing my career, I have the team in place that will give me the opportunity to achieve all my dreams.

“I want to bring World Championship boxing to Hillsborough and this next five-fight roadmap feels like a big step towards that. Fans can expect to see me next year in tougher domestic challenges, competing for more titles and headlining in Sheffield.”

“I’m delighted to extend our promotional deal with Dalton Smith who I believe is a World Champ in the waiting,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Dalton has been faultless so far as a professional and I look forward to building him in Sheffield but also seeing him fight all over the world as we move forward as a team to the top of the 140lbs division.”

NEW YORK–Top-10 Heavyweight Michael Hunter scored a sensational fourth round stoppage over Mike Wilson in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

In round four, Hunter uncorked a crushing right to the face that put Wilson on the deck. The punch opened up cuts on the face of Wilson. Wilson got up at the count of nine, but the fight was rightfully stopped at

Hunter, 217 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas is 20-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Wilson, 224 1/4 lbs of Medford, OR is 21-2.

Former world champion Chris Algieri won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Mikkel LesPierre in a junior welterweight bout.

Algieri landed 242 of 609 punches; LesPierre was 142 of 430.

Algieri, 142 3/4 lbs of Huntington, NY won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 25-3. LesPierre, 144 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 22-3-1.

Aponte stops Gonzalez in 2

Aaron Aponte destroyed Gerardo Gonzalez in round two of a scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Aponte dropped Gonzalez with a hard straight right. In round two, Aponte dropped Gonzalez with a blistering combination, and the fight was stopped at 30 seconds.

Aponte, 139 3/4 lbs of Hialiah Gardens, FL is 4-0 with two knockouts. Gonzalez, 138 3/4 lbs of Las Vegas is 2-1.

Highly decorated amateur Christina Cruz made her long-awaited pro debut in the flyweight division winning a spirited four-round decision over Indeya Smith, (1-3-1, 1 KO), of Dallas, TX. The New York City native Cruz was victorious by majority decision scores of 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38.

Undefeated light-heavyweight prospect Matthew Tinker, (7-0, 6 KOs), of Yorkshire, UK stopped Utica, New York’s Michael Rycraft, (4-2-1, 3 KOs) by technical knockout. Following two rounds of one-way traffic from Tinker, Rycraft’s corner stopped the bout before the third stanza started.

Fighting in the heavyweight division, Brooklyn’s Robert Sabbagh improved to 3-0 with a four-round unanimous decision over Cleveland Billingsley III, (3-6, 3 KOs), of Chattanooga, TN. Scores for the impressive victory over the valiant Billingsley were 40-36 twice and 39-37.

Opening the show in a tremendous battle of undefeated super welterweight prospects, Guido Schramm, (12-0-1, 8 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA won a six-round unanimous decision over Nikoloz Sekhniashvili, (7-1, 5 KOs), of Gori, Georgia. Scores for the fight which featured excellent two-way action throughout were 59-55, 58-56 and 58-55 for Schramm as both combatants raised their stock.

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 3, 2021) – Undefeated bantamweight prospect,
Joahnys Argilagos (7-0, 3 KOs), who is managed by Jesse Rodriguez, will return this Saturday, August 7th, on the Premier Boxing Champions “Stanionis vs Collazo” undercard, taking place from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Argilagos’ opponent will be tough Mexican veteran Jose Alfredo Chanez (8-12, 4 KOs), who fought Michael Conlan in the professional ranks. The 8-round bout will be off TV.

“I am happy to make a quick return to the ring,” said Argilagos. “This is a very good opponent to show what level I am on and compare my performance against other great fighters. I am ready to make a statement in this fight with a dynamic performance.”

“As a team, we believe in him, but we also know we have to keep him busy so he will be ready for whatever comes his way,” said his manager, Jesse Rodriguez. “Argilagos is a special fighter, and we have big plans for him, but the plan begins with allowing him to develop, and gain experience in the ring, so then he can translate that to the fights the fans want to see.”

This will be Joahnys Argilagos first time fighting on a PBC card, and that is something he is not taking lightly.

“I think PBC does a great job broadcasting their shows while making incredible boxing matches, so to fight on one of their cards is something special,” continued Argilagos. “I have a tough opponent who is trying to make me look bad, so I have worked non-stop from my last fight which was one month ago, July 9th, to have a great performance.”

PHOENIX (August 3, 2021) – Unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez and former champion José Uzcátegui previewed their upcoming WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they meet in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, August 28 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features the much-anticipated return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is undefeated contender Carlos Castro taking on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round super bantamweight bout. The Benavídez brothers and Castro all hail from Phoenix and have their sights set on impressing their hometown fans.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Sampson Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

DAVID BENAVÍDEZ

“I’m very excited for this fight. I’ve been training for eight weeks and I can’t wait. Uzcátegui is not an easy fighter. He’s an ex-world champion looking to be champion again, so we’re at a crossroads, and whoever wins knows they have a big fight coming.

“I’m motivated not just because of Uzcátegui, but to fight in Phoenix again. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in my hometown. I’m feeling fast and strong and ready to get in there and put on a show.

“I don’t put any extra pressure on myself fighting at home. I’m excited to be back fighting in front of a live crowd. I think this is going to be my best fight ever too, just like Uzcátegui said, so the winners are going to be the fans on August 28.

“I see the fire in Uzcátegui’s eyes and that motivates me. This might be the Fight of the Year. Don’t blink, because this one is going to be explosive.

“I think this will be a harder fight for me than Caleb Plant would be. I think Uzcátegui won the second round of that fight against Caleb and I don’t think Caleb has been the same since that fight.

“This is a big opportunity for whoever wins this fight. He’s been in this sport for a long time and has a lot of experience. This is the kind of fight we both need to get to the bigger dogs. I’ll fight whoever I have to in order to get back to the world title. I’m going to earn my opportunity any way it comes.

“It’s a dream come true for me to have my first main event at the Phoenix Suns arena, Footprint Center. Having my brother fighting in the co-main event is a very big deal for me and my family. We’ve been putting in hard work for our whole lives in this sport and it’s paying off. I’m proud of my brother and the work we’ve done.

“I take my career fight-by-fight and I of course want to get back in the ring as soon as possible after this fight. Right now, August 28 is the only thing on my mind. I can’t overlook anybody, especially an ex-champion like Uzcátegui.

“I want to be in the game for 10 more years. So it doesn’t matter when the belt comes back to me. I have to keep taking it fight by fight and let the rest take care of itself.

“We both throw good power shots and we’re very similar fighters. When two bulls go toe-to-toe you’re going to get a war. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year. It’s a guaranteed war.

“I know that I can hurt anybody. I’ve hurt everyone I’ve ever faced. I’m not ignorant though, I know that he has power too. I think if I follow my game plan, I can definitely knock him out. No one has knocked him out, so I’m training hard to be the first person to do that. I go for the stoppage in every fight and I know he’s going to come for the same thing.”

JOSE UZCÁTEGUI

“I think this is going to be the best fight of my career, even more than winning the title. I have a great opponent across from me and that’s going to bring out the best in me.

“It makes me more motivated to be fighting in his hometown. I know that we’re both great warriors. This is going to be an exciting fight, and you’re going to make sure you don’t want to miss it.

“This fight was talked about back when we were both champions. It didn’t happen then but it’s happening now. A lot of fighters run and don’t want to get in there with Benavídez, but we stepped up.

“I want the big challenges like Canelo Alvarez, and I know I have to win fights like these to get there. I want the tough fights. That’s what makes this a great fight for the fans.

“Winning the world title was one of the best nights of my life. But I didn’t do the proper things I had to after winning to remain world champion, and you saw the results. But I still believe in myself and you’re going to see me back to my best on fight night.

“Obviously we both hit hard. The difference in this fight is going to be who can stand there and take it better. It’s going to come down to preparation and who can stand up for 12 rounds.

“I never really committed to going up to 175-pounds. That was just for one fight. Super middleweight is my division and that’s where I’m trying to win a title at. We’ve wanted to fight David forever and once the fight came to us, we jumped at it.

“I expect the same David we always see. He’s a great fighter who comes forward. But that’s what I’m going to show you as well. It’s definitely two fighters who love to come forward.

“We know what’s in front of us. We have trained 100% every day, as hard as we can, because he’s coming to throw bombs.”

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ABOUT BENAVIDEZ VS. UZCATEGUI
Benavidez vs. Uzcategui will see unbeaten two-time world champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez square off against former champion José Uzcátegui in a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator as Benavídez returns to his hometown of Phoenix for the first time in six years in the SHOWTIME main event on Saturday, August 28 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Footprint Center – home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature the much-awaited return of longtime contender José Benavídez, the older brother of David Benavídez, facing Argentina’s Francisco Emanuel Torres in the 10-round super welterweight co-main event. Kicking off the telecast is undefeated contender Carlos Castro taking on former title challenger Óscar Escandón in a 10-round super bantamweight bout.

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.

LAS VEGAS (August 3, 2021) – Three exciting matchups have been added to the stacked FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View undercard headlined by eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao facing unified WBC and IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. on Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

WBA Welterweight World Champion Yordenis Ugás will square off against Argentina’s Fabián “TNT” Maidana in the co-main event, while former world champions and all-action brawlers Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero and “Vicious” Víctor Ortiz will meet in a 10-round welterweight duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, unbeaten featherweight contender Mark Magsayo battles former world champion Julio Ceja in a 10-round attraction.

“This is a fantastic pay-per-view undercard that is worthy of the highly-anticipated main event between Manny Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr.,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Yordenis Ugás has established himself as an elite fighter in the star-studded welterweight division, and he will have to make sure he comes at his best for the always tough Argentine, Fabián Maidana. Robert Guerrero vs. Víctor Ortiz is a real treat for boxing fans as two of the sport’s most exciting veterans will battle looking to prove themselves ready for one more run at the world title. And in the opening bout, the extremely promising featherweight contender Mark Magsayo of the Philippines will be up against his stiffest test to date in the former champion Julio Ceja.”

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

The 35-year-old Ugás (26-4, 12 KOs) has established himself as an elite welterweight since returning from a layoff in 2016, and was elevated to world champion in January after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos last September. Ugás, who is from Santiago, Cuba and now lives in Miami, Florida, was on an eight-fight winning streak before losing a narrow split-decision to Shawn Porter in a world title fight in March 2019. The Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“Everyone knows I’m a warrior and will fight anyone on any given day, so when they presented me with this fight against Fabián Maidana, I accepted with no hesitation,” said Ugás. “I’ll be defending my WBA title and the world will see why I am must-see T.V. This will be one of the best FOX Sports PBC pay-per-view events in recent history with some of the biggest names in boxing, all fighters who are known for leaving it all in the ring. I know one thing for sure, I’ll be letting my hands fly with bad intentions on August 21. I also want to dedicate this fight to all the brave men, women and children who are fighting for their freedom in Cuba. Patria y Vida!”

Born in Santa Fe, Argentina, Maidana (18-1, 13 KOs) will look to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, former two division champion Marcos Maidana, and become the latest Argentine world champion on August 21. The 29-year-old was unbeaten in his first 16 pro fights, capping off that run with a knockout of Andrey Klimov in July 2018. Since dropping a January 2019 decision to Jaider Parra, Maidana has bounced back with a knockout of Ramses Agaton in September 2019 and a 10-round decision victory over Carlos Cordoba in April of this year.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for all my life,” said Maidana. “I’m thrilled to be part of such a huge fight card. I’m a man of few words, so all I can tell you is that Ugas is a great fighter but you guys will see the ‘TNT’ I have in each hand exploding on Ugas’ face on August 21.”

Guerrero (36-6-1, 20 KOs) is a three-time world champion who has won world titles at featherweight and super featherweight, and has fought a stacked lineup of elite fighters, including Floyd Mayweather, during a superb career. The Gilroy, California native returned from a 2017 defeat to Omar Figueroa Jr. to win his last three contests. After stopping Adam Mates in December 2018 and Hevinson Herrera in March 2019, Guerrero most recently won a unanimous decision over Gerald Thomas in September 2019.

“It’s great to be back in the ring, especially on a big card like Pacquiao vs. Spence,” said Guerrero. “It was an honor to kick off the first PBC fight on network television and here I am once again, ready to put on a spectacular show for the fans. Víctor Ortiz and I were always on a collision course to fight, and now it’s finally happening. One thing I know for sure, we are going to throw blows and the fans are going to see an all-out war. My time out of the ring has only fueled my desire to give the fans a great fight. Everyone should order this pay-per-view and get their popcorn ready, because it’s going to be fireworks from top to bottom.”

Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs), a former 147-pound champion, will return to the ring for the first time since a February 2018 draw against two-division champion Devon Alexander. The 34-year-old native of Garden City, Kansas, who now lives in Ventura, California, has faced some of the top names in the 147-pound division during his career. Ortiz won the welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Andre Berto in April 2011, before losing the title to Floyd Mayweather.

“I am thrilled to be back in the ring on this Pacquiao vs. Spence Jr. pay-per-view undercard August 21,” said Ortiz. “Robert Guerrero is a legend who I’ve always admired. I look forward to competing against him and giving fans the toe-to-toe battle they’re expecting. I’ve had a great camp and I’m so excited to be part of this enormous event. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, I’m ready to make history again!”

The Filipino sensation Magsayo (22-0, 15 KOs) fights out of Pasig City, Metro Manila and most recently knocked out Pablo Cruz in four rounds in April 2021, following his U.S. televised debut in October 2020 that saw him defeat Rigoberto Hermosillo on FS1. The 26-year-old fights in the U.S. for the fifth time overall on August 21 and against his toughest competition to date in the former champion Ceja. Magsayo owns 12-round decision victories over Shoto Hayashi and Jose Robles Olvera, and a sixth-round stoppage of former title challenger Chris Avalos.

“This is going to be a very good matchup against a world class fighter in Ceja,” said Magsayo. “I have been waiting for a chance like this and I am thankful to my whole team for this opportunity. It’s a dream come true to be on the undercard of my number one idol, Senator Manny Pacquiao. On August 21, I’m going to show people what I can do. This is going to be a classic Philippines vs. Mexico war.”

A former super bantamweight champion, Ceja (32-4-1, 28 KOs) will move up to featherweight as he seeks an opportunity to capture a championship in a second division. Ceja’s 2019 saw him engage in two action-packed battles, dropping a June contest to former champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and most recently fighting unbeaten super bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa to a draw in November. The 28-year-old captured his 122-pound title with a stoppage of Hugo Ruiz in 2015, and has also challenged for a bantamweight title throughout his career.

“I’m back and I’m more than ready to return to the ring,” said Ceja. “A Mexican vs. a Filipino is always guaranteed to be an exciting bout. I have even more motivation than ever being on a card headlined by Manny Pacquiao vs. Errol Spence Jr.. This fight is going to get me back into contending for a championship where I belong.”

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DANIEL DUBOIS AND Tommy Fury faced the media today to officially confirm their forthcoming appearance on the Showtime PPV headlined by Jake Paul and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, live on Sunday 29 August.

For their US debuts, Dubois takes on Joe Cusumano, with Fury going into battle with experienced MMA fighter Anthony ‘Pretty Boy’ Taylor in a light heavyweight contest.

Below is a selection of quotes from today’s event from promoter Frank Warren, Dubois and Fury.

Frank Warren
This has come about for two reasons. One, Showtime have been onto us constantly about Daniel coming over to the States and making his debut there. Simultaneously, the situation was developing between Tommy and Jake Paul, with them calling each other out, so Tommy called me a couple of months ago and said if you can make that fight, let’s do it.

We worked hard at it and it basically all dovetailed into place. It seemed like a great idea to get them both on the card over there, one for great exposure for both of them, then from Daniel’s point of view to break into the American market and from Tommy’s he will be sitting at a table with Jake Paul so he can’t run away from him.

If they want this fight, and Tommy does the business over there, there ain’t nowhere to go. You can’t keep calling people out and not doing it. It is something that I know Tommy wants badly and we’d like to see it and I won’t step in his way, even though I have made various comments over the years about YouTubers. I’ve got no problem with anyone who gets fit and well to get into the ring and God bless them for doing so, but now is the time for fighters I am promoting to capitalise on this.

This is a big chance for both of them to make a statement, increase their visibility in the States and move forward, provided they do the business at the end of this month.

I go back a long way with Showtime – many, many years – and we brought Naseem Hamed and Joe Calzaghe, along with many others, through on Showtime. I was instrumental in getting the ShoBox series going over there. We were doing regular shows back here that were being broadcast over there, with the likes of Ricky Hatton. This may be the chance for us to re-engage and do that again. They have a massive audience over there and there will be a lot of eyeballs on this show and it will attract a new audience for our guys.

Hopefully, with Showtime, we can get another platform for people to see all our fighters.

Daniel Dubois
I feel good about this and I have been waiting for the chance to get over to America and make my debut. Now it is finally here, I can’t wait. I want to go over there to make a statement, come away with a good win and then see what is next. It is definitely the chance to show them a future world champions and I have made some changes to my team and I am ready to get back up there again and challenge for big belts. I want to be back in the firing line.

We will see how I look after more time with Shane McGuigan but in the gym I have been looking different and better. Now I can’t wait to show it all on fight night. I will be 100 % ready for it, while underestimating nobody, and will get the job done.

I am sure Joe Cusumano will come and bring his A-game and that is what I want because it makes a better fight. We will clash in there and the winner takes all. The name Daniel Dubois will crack America now.

Tommy Fury
It is a big show and I am very happy to be on it. Now it is about making my own way in front of a new audience that is not the one we normally get. I am over there to do one job and one job only, and that is to win and look good doing it.

I want to impress in America and get my name out there even more. I just see excitement around this fight and I can’t wait to get over there and take everything in. From being a small boy I used to see Tyson in his fight weeks and saw everything. Now it is my turn and I am over there in the limelight and it will be my fight week.

I am there to steal the show, get this idiot out of the way, then we can move on to the other fella and knock him spark out. If I get the opportunity to knock this fella out in 10 seconds I will take it with both hands because it is the fight game and I am not here to mess about. If Jake Paul then goes running, he goes running, but I am there to do a job and if he wants the fight he can have the fight.

I am going to get through this man, I am gonna make an example of him because I wouldn’t even use him as a sparring partner. I am a big light heavyweight and he is gonna know what it feels like on the night.

I think me just walking to the ring outperforms Jake Paul. The man is not a fighter, he is a YouTuber and I’m going to show the difference in levels between MMA fighters and professional boxers.

New York, NY (August 3, 2021) Following another shutout decision victory at the Tokyo Olympics, against India’s Satish Kumar in the super heavyweight Quarterfinals, “The Big Uzbek” Bakhodir Jalolov, of Uzbekistan, moves on to the tournament’s Semifinals tonight. He will face off against Frazer Clarke, of England, at Kokugikan Arena. Jalolov’s bout will broadcast as part of Boxing Session 21, which begins tonight at 10:00pm PT / 1:00am ET, streaming on the NBC Olympics Website. For the night owls on the East Coast, Jalolov is expected to be in the ring at 2:03am ET / 11:03pm PT.

Standing six-foot-six, the 27-year-old Jalolov, who holds a professional record of 8-0 with eight knockouts, is taking a break from the paid ranks to return to the Olympic stage seeking gold medal glory. Jalolov previously competed at the 2016 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He now has the distinguished honor of being the first athlete in the history of Uzbekistan to be the country’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies twice.

Born in Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan, the southpaw Jalolov has garnered tremendous accolades as an amateur, winning gold medals at the Asian Amateur Boxing Championships four times, World Cup Tournament, Liventsev Memorial Tournament, Great Silk Way Tournament, and Duisenkul Shopokov Memorial Tournament in 2015, and at the World Cup of Petroleum Countries Tournament in 2014, as well as winning numerous National championships. During his amateur career, Jalolov also focused on his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Science.

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FRANK WARREN IS delighted to announce the signing of teenage amateur superstar Royston Barney-Smith.

The two-time European championship gold medallist, 17, will turn professional with Queensberry upon his 18th birthday on January 4.

Barney-Smith, who will also be managed by Hall of Fame promoter Warren, has enjoyed a glittering stint in the amateur code of the sport, with 50 fights under his belt bringing about 45 wins. The product of Pinewood Starr has represented England at four international championships and worn the colours of his country on 37 occasions, winning 36.

The Poole-born youngster, who was raised in Southampton, diverted from his 2024 Olympic dream – where he was strongly tipped for success – after linking up with Southampton trainer Wayne Batten to increase his experience in tandem with his amateur activity.

Batten, who also trains Ryan Garner and Mark Chamberlain, will train Barney-Smith in the professional ranks from his new gym premises within the shadow of Southampton FC’s St Mary’s home ground.

A right-handed southpaw, Barney-Smith won gold at both the 2017 and 2018 Europeans, also collecting bronze in 2019. His gold medal exploits limited his participation in National championships, where he has two successes to his name.

“I cannot wait for it and I am itching to get going,” said Barney-Smith, who intends to initially campaign at super featherweight. “I was meant to go to the 2024 Olympics and then, obviously, Covid hit and messed things up. Then I started talking to Frank, took everything into consideration, and here we are.

“It was a very, very good offer and I took it with both hands. Coming to train with Wayne alongside my amateur work kind of clashed for me because I was watching all the pros like Mark Chamberlain and Ryan Garner before going back to the amateur gym. I was the top one and there was nobody to look up to or chase.

“So I have pushed my amateur career to one side to come over to the pros. It was a change of heart over a period of time, to be honest. Where I was dominating so much year upon year, it became like ‘what am I doing this for?’ and I fell out of love with it a little bit.

“Now I am turning pro, it is like a whole new chapter where I have got to accomplish things and be the best I can be.

“The way I fight really, even though it will sound cringey, it is a bit poetic. I don’t really get hit a lot, I don’t like getting hit even though I am a boxer and it is part of the job. I float across the ring, rather than step or plod, I glide and pull shots out of nowhere. He’s here, he’s there, bomb, and he’s gone again!

“There is definitely also power there and I have given the national champions of loads of countries standing eight counts fighting a year above my age group. I always push myself to be the best and always fought a year above.

“In the first 12 months we are going to take it steady and learn our craft. I am not scared of fighting anybody though and I have been sparring the likes of Martin J Ward, the current Spanish champion (Alejandro Moya), Ryan Garner and Lyon Woodstock.

“My dream is to be the youngest world champion.

“Frank Warren is a nice person and he believes in me personally – and I believe in him. There was an automatic connection between us, we clicked and he can get me to where I need to be and I will commit my full life and soul to it. It is going to happen.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am thrilled to bring Royston onboard and I cannot wait until January when we can unleash him on the professional ranks. He is a unique talent with an outstanding pedigree from the amateurs and a proven winner at international level.

“All the ingredients are in place for him to become the complete package as a pro and I have as much confidence in him as he rightly has in himself. It is going to be an exciting journey and it will be a privilege to manage and promote him as he takes the next big step on his career path.

“He has got himself a top trainer in Wayne, who is doing big things down in Southampton, building up a superb crop of young fighters including Ryan Garner, Mark Chamberlain and the Frankham cousins, Josh and Levi. So Royston will be working in good company and they will all push each other along.

“I feel sure the public and fans will warm to him and get right behind him in his quest to become a world champion at a young age.”