London, United Kingdom (July 25, 2021)

In what was a spectacular 5 rounds, CARLOS TAKAM traveled to the UK, the home of opponent and undefeated heavyweight JOE JOYCE, as a 7-1 underdog and took the fight right to the man known as “The Juggernaut” for the WBO International, WBC Silver and Commonwealth Heavyweight Championships.

Takam immediately found a home for his overhand right, setting up the power punch with stiff jabs to the body. In the first two rounds, Takam was agile on his feet while throwing two and three punch combinations to the head and body of Joyce. A back and forth third round, saw Takam continue his assault with the same overhand right that seemed to land every time it was thrown, while Joyce finally began to establish his jab, and dug to the body. Takam’s right hand began causing swelling under Joyce’s eye.

The thrilling action continued in the fourth and fifth round, with Takam maintaining he lead.

In the sixth round, Joyce came out of his corner quickly and hurt Takam. Joyce rocked Takam and sensing an opportunity, put together sequence of punches as Takam parried, slipped and blocked in an attempt to avoid the onslaught. Although Takam seemed alert and able to defend himself, he didn’t return punches and referee Steve Gray stopped the fight. The stoppage was premature in the eyes of an outraged Takam, who immediately protested the stoppage. As the fight was waved off, the shocked and disappointed Takam was shouting ‘why, why, why’ to the referee. It was an exceptionally entertaining heavyweight fight that Carlos Takam and the fans that filled the SSE Arena wanted to see continue. At the time of the stoppage Takam was up on all three judges’ scorecards.

Carlos Takam had this to say on the premature stoppage, “Joe Joyce was punching at me yes, but I see that he was getting really tired, so I tried to keep my hands up, that was my strategy, to come back after he was tired and put him out. He stopped the fight and I ask [the ref] why? Why? I used my experience, I know what I am doing, but he stopped the fight.” Takam felt that Joyce was punching himself out in the sixth round barrage and was planning a counterattack.

CEO of Star Boxing JOE DEGUARDIA was disappointed in the outcome, “[Takam] was alert. You could see in his eyes he was aware of what was going on, and was defending himself. While certainly a factor, it’s not just about whether a fighter is throwing punches back. When you have an experienced veteran fighter like Carlos, who is clearly winning an important heavyweight fight, it’s important to get it right. The referee must also know who is in that ring, his acumen, experience, basically his ring generalship. These are things that must be taken into consideration in order to make the right call. Unfortunately for Carlo’s tonight, we believe the wrong decision was made and that he was alert and defending himself while waiting to launch his counter-attack at the right precise moment. We think a rematch is warranted.”

As for what’s next for Carlos Takam, that remains to be seen. He once again established that he can go toe to toe with the top heavyweights in the world.

CARLOS TAKAM REACTS TO FIGHT RESULTS:
Carlos Takam Reacts to Premature Stoppage Against Joe Joyce
PRESS RELEASES:
Joyce-Takam Announced for July 24
Joyce-Takam Begins to Heat Up
Joyce-Takam Press Conference
Joyce-Takam Weigh In

PHILADELPHIA–It was a battle of undefeated welterweights that highlighted RDR Promotions 2nd night of back-to-back shows as Mark Dawson won an eight round unanimous decision over towering Ivan Pandzic at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

The opening rounds saw Pandzic trying to use his 6’4″ frame with shots from the outside. His shots were largely ineffective, and Dawson was able to get to the distance where he was able to land solid counter shots. Pandzic was drawn into a firefight on several occasions, which was much to the delight of Dawson as he got the better of the exchanges which led to Pandzic being sent home with his first loss by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-74.

Dawson, 148 lbs of Philadelphia is 9-0-1. Pandzic, 146.2 lbs of Rancho Cucamonga, CA is 13-1-1.

Sean Hemphill remained undefeated as he systematically beat down Robert Burwell in a super middleweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 2:39 for Hemphill, 171 lbs of New Orleans, LA who is now 13-0 with eight knockouts. Burwell, 173 lbs of Orlando, FL is now 9-5.

Jabril Noble made a successful pro debut with a second round stoppage of Deijerro Revello in super featherweight bout.

Noble dropped Revello in round two with a left hook. he finished it up secons later with another left hook that dropped Revello and the fight was halted at 1:12.

Noble, 132.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-0 with one knockout. Revello, 131.2 lbs of Brighton, CO is 0-2.

Rasheen Brown remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Prisco Marquez in a featherweight fight.

Brown dropped Marquez with a straight left at the end of round one.

In round five, it was a left to the body that put Marquez on the deck.

Brown, 129 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-52, 59-53 and 58-55 and is now 10-0. Marquez, 127.9 lbs of Austin, TX is 4-4-1.

Edgar Joe Cortes won a six-round unanimous decision over Roberto Pucheta in a super bantamweight bout.

Cortes, 122.8 lbs of Millville, NJ won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 9-6-1. Pucheta, 121.9 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 10-19-2.

Joe Jones took out veteran Dhafir Smith in round three of a scheduled six-round cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Jones dropped Smith with a hard right hand. In round three, Jones landed 10 consecutive blows that forced referee Shawn Clark to stop the bout 18 seconds into the round.

Jones, 194.6 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 12-4 with nine knockouts. Smith, 198.6 lbs of Upper Darby, PA is 28-26-7,

David Stevens remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Montrel James in a light heavyweight fight.

Stevens, 174.8 lbs of Reading,, PA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 6-0. James, 173.8 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 1-6.

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 24, 2021) – Fernando “El Feroz” Vargas, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) and brother Amado “El Malvado” Vargas (3-0, 2 KO), the sons of former two-time light middleweight world champion, Fernando Vargas, returned to action last night, Friday July 23, 2021, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. The card titled, “Campeonata Nacional “Mosca” Cuentas Pendientes”, was presented by GRAND MEX-ENT, in association with the WBC.

Middleweight Fernando Vargas Jr., won his bout against Abel Luna by way of a third-round technical knockout in impressive fashion

“I wanted to put on a show, and give those who were here live as well as those who paid for the PPV a great show,” said Vargas Jr. “This is just the beginning, I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I am very focused and want to achieve my life-long goal of becoming a world champion.”

Featherweight Amado Vargas won his bout against Fernando De La Cruz by way of a first-round KO.

“It is a good feeling to know that all the hard work I put into training camp paid off and that the result I wanted occurred,” said Amado Vargas, after his first-round knockout. “Fighting is the family business, and I am glad to have been on the same card as my brother, as I continue to grow as a fighter, I will take it one step at a time with short-term goals that lead to bigger goals.”

“We’re really excited about the future of both Vargas brothers,” said Jose De La Cruz, who is the co-manager of the Vargas brothers with Egis Klimas. “A lot is asked of them because of their last name, and the expectations that come with it, but each and every time they step up they deliver. The future looks bright for both of them.”

THE IBF WORLD flyweight champion Sunny Edwards will make a first defence of his title against the unbeaten Filipino Jayson Mama at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday September 11.

For ‘Showtime’ Sunny, 16-0, this mandatory challenge for his belt comes just over four months after his exquisite skills proved simply too much for the former long standing and decorated champion Muruti Mthalane at York Hall, where he became his promoter Frank Warren’s 149th world champion a matter of months after the Hall of Famer celebrated 40 years in the professional sport.

This time around, the 25-year-old Edwards will have the additional boost of crowd support inside the Copper Box on a show that falls squarely near the beginning of the traditional boxing ‘season’.

It should make for a spectacular start to the new campaign, with Edwards up against a 16-0 challenger, whose KO-record justifies his stage name of ‘Smasher’. The 24-year-old has stopped nine of his 16 opponents and hails from a nation with a rich pedigree in the lighter weight classes.

Promoter Frank Warren commented: “This is a bit of a step into the unknown against an unbeaten fighter who will be as confident of victory as Sunny was against Mthalane. Jayson Mama was good enough to step aside to allow Sunny his shot at the South African great and now it is his turn to attempt to upset the odds.

“To my mind though, Sunny is the best flyweight on the planet and this is just the beginning of a glorious reign as champion. He wants to unify and win the Ring Magazine belt and we will look to do that, but he has this mandatory obligation to navigate through first and he cannot take anything for granted.

“After winning his title in an eerie atmosphere, it would be fitting if the public really come out in their numbers to support Sunny on his journey as world champion and I hope the Copper Box is full to the rafters in recognition of his achievements.”

Ticket information to follow next week.

PHILADELPHIA (July 24, 2021)–Weights for TONIGHT’s RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Mark Dawson 148 – Ivan Pandzic 146.2
Dhafir Smith 198.6 – Joe Jones 194.6
Paul Koon 251.4 – Michael Glasscox 221.4
Edgar Joe Cortes 122.8 – Roberto Pucheta 121.9
Rasheen Brown 129 – Prisco Marquez 127.9
Sean Hemphill 171 – Robert Burwell 173
Jibril Noble 132.2 – Deljerro Revello 131.2
David Stevens 174.8 – Montrel James 173.8

PROMOTER: RDR Promotions
STREAM: BXNGTV.COM
1ST BELL: 6 PM ET

Nahir Albright scored the biggest win of his career as he pounded out an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeremy Hill to capture the NABA Lightweight Title at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

There were some close rounds with each guy pressing the action at different points of the fight. Albright seemed to get the better of the action as they headed down the stretch. The final rounds saw Albright take control and clearly get the better of the action and he came home with the victory by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74.

Albright, 133.6 lbs of Sicklerville, NJ is 13-1. Hill, 135.2 lbs of New Orleans, LA is 15-2.

Muhsin Cason demolished Tristan James by scoring a third-round stoppage of their four-round cruiserweight fight.

Cason landed a left hook that put James down hard on the canvas and the bout was stopped.

Cason, 197.3 lbs of Las Vegas is now 8-0 with five knockouts. James, 194 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 4-4-.2

Julian Smith scored an explosive first round stoppage of Derrick Whitley Jr in a scheduled welterweight.

Smith landed a booming overhand right that sent Whitley down for the count at 2:58.

Smith, 144.8 lbs of Country Club Hills, IL is 5-0 with four knockouts. Whitley, 147.6 lbs of Springfield, MA is 6-2-1.

Ryan Schwartzberg scored an upset as he stopped previously undefeated Ryan Umberger in the 2nd round of their four-round junior middleweight clash.

Schwartzberg caught Umberger with a big left hook that hurt Umberger. Schwartzberg continued to batter Umberger, but Umberger caught Schwartzberg with several hard shots of his own. Umberger was still wobbly from the first barrage and got caught with several hard shots on the ropes and the bout was stopped at 1:41.

Schwartzberg, 156.3 lbs of Dania, FL is 1-1-1 with one knockout. Umberger, 155.3 lbs of Bensalem, PA is 4-1.

Du-Shane Crooks won a six-round majority decision Bernard Thomas in a super middleweight bout.

Crooks, 167.7 lbs of May Pen, JAM won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 57-57 and is now 16-2. Thomas, 168.8 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 6-11.

Steve Galeano remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Marquis Hawthorne in a junior welterweight bout.

Galeano, 143.1 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 8-0. Hawthorne, 138.8 lbs of Waco, TX is 8-15.

Raekwon Butler remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Diemerci Nzau in a welterweight bout.

Butler, who dominated the fight at range, was deducted a point for spiting out his mouthpiece in the final frame. He was also cut over his right eye in round three.

Butler, 138.8 lbs won by 39-36 scores on all cards, and is now 3-0. Nzau, 144 lbs of Silver Spring, MD is now 11-15.

NEW YORK (July 23, 2021) – TONIGHT!! Two undefeated members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action in the main event and co-main event of the ShoBox: The New Generation 20th anniversary card at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.

The SHOWTIME broadcast begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT.

In the main event, Split-T Management boxer Isaiah Steen will take on Kalvin Henderson in a super middleweight tussle of undefeated fighters that is scheduled for 10-rounds.

In the co-feature, Janelson Figueroa Bocachica battles Shinard Bunch in a 10-round welterweight bout.

Steen of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 15-0 with 12 knockouts. The 24 year-old is a five-year professional who has wins against Jamaal Williams (1-0), Carlos Ruiz (8-2), Gorjan Slaveski (5-0) and his last bout when he took out Juan De Angel in five rounds on November 6th in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Steen is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Henderson of Fayetville, Arkansas is 14-0-1 with 10 knockouts. The 31 year-old King’s Promotions fighter, is a five-year pro, who as defeated Cameron Burroughs (2-0), Bobby Taylor (4-0), Brandon Robinson (11-1), and his last bout when stopped Tevin Anderson in five rounds on June 5th in Springdale,h Arkansas.

Isaiah Steen Quotes

“I am very familiar with Kalvin Henderson. It’s a fight that’s been a long time coming. I know that he’s got a good straight right hand but I need to capitalize on his weaknesses and get him out of there. I just need to be busier and outwork him.

“I think my last fight was my best performance. Juan De Angel fought a lot of tough opponents and world champions like Austin Trout and Caleb Plant. I got him out of there and those guys couldn’t get him out. I threw a lot of good body shots. My body shots were there and I did a little more boxing. I showed off my boxing skills.

“I’m so happy to have this opportunity. This is a big step-up for me. It’s the biggest fight of my career so far. I’m ready for the spotlight.

“After this fight, I want people to know me for my own name. Everybody knows me as Charles Conwell’s brother. I want to make a name for myself.”

Steen was 168 lbs. at Thursday’s weigh-in. Henderson was 166.

Bocachica of Detroit is making his third ShoBox appearance, and has a record of 17-0 with 11 knockouts. The 22 year-old Bocachica is a five-year professional with wins over Pablo Sanchez (10-2) as well as his two previous ShoBox wins, which were a sensational 1st round knockout over Nicklaus Flaz (9-1). In his last ShoBox appearance, Bocachica took a 10-round majority decision over Mark Reyes Jr. (14-0) on February 17th in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Bocachica is co-promoted by King’s Promotions and Salita Promotions/

Like Bocachica, Bunch is 22 years-old. The Trenton, New Jersey native has been boxing’s busiest fighter in 2021 as Friday marks the 6th time that Bunch will step through the ropes in the calendar year.

Bunch has a record of 15-1 with 13 knockouts, and has won 13 straight contests. In his last bout, Bunch stopped Diego Vicente Perez in the opening frame on May 8th in Philadelphia.

Janelson Figueroa Bocachica Quotes

“From my last fight, I learned not to be showboating so much. I was comfortable. But you can’t be showboating like that, that’s for sure. I can’t let that happen.

“To me, I felt like I won all 10 rounds in my fight against Mark Reyes. He caught me with clean punches but he never hurt me. He was a strong dude. He didn’t have a ton of power on his shots but he could pick me up, that’s for sure. I had fun the whole 10 rounds, I controlled the fight and it’s something I wouldn’t mind doing again.

“I had never heard of Shinard Bunch until my fight with Mark Reyes. I know that they are sparring partners and teammates. I don’t know why they came for me. They must have heard of me. It’s not a problem, though. I’ll shut down their gym.

“I think Mark Reyes is going to tell Shinard Bunch to run. To not stand there and bang with me. Shinard Bunch isn’t Mark Reyes. Mark Reyes was a shorter, compact fighter. Shinard Bunch is taller and I think he’s going to try to use the jab. But that jab isn’t going to stop me from doing anything.

“I sparred with Tony Harrison and that was great work. I’m getting work from taller guys and guys with a lot of experience. I don’t think this fight is going to be as easy as Shinard Bunch thinks. I saw he was quoted as saying he’s going to fight a smart fight against me. There is no smart fight against me. If he would have had a smart fight, he would have chose somebody else.”

At Thursday’s weigh-in, both Bocachica and Bunch tipped the scales at 146 1/2 lbs.

Photos by Esther Lin / SHOWTIME

Hall-Of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren’s Queensberry are bringing a stacked card, including THREE British title fights, to the Utlilita Arena, Birmingham on Saturday August 28, live on BT Sport.

Anthony Cacace will defend against Lyon Woodstock, Akeem Ennis-Brown against Sam Maxwell and Ijaz Ahmed and Kaisy Khademi will contest the vacant British Super-Flyweight title.

Other big names on the blockbuster bill includes Anthony Yarde and boxing’s biggest ticket seller Nathan Heaney.

Former World Light-Heavyweight title challenger Yarde (20-2, 19 KOs) has a warm-up ahead of his likely rematch against Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur, who controversially outpointed him last December.

Akeem Ennis-Brown (14-0, 1 KO) will risk his British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight championships against Liverpool’s former amateur superstar Sam Maxwell (15-0, 11 KOs).

The Gloucester man hasn’t boxed since winning his title in a points win against Philip Bowes last September.

He had been due to face Maxwell in March, but was injured and his challenger had to be content with a points win against late sub Ben Fields.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7 KOs) will finally get to defend his British Super-Featherweight crown against Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5 KOs).

Injuries and illness has prevented the fight taking place since it was first scheduled last August, and it promises to be a cracking 12 rounder.

In a fourth title fight Telford’s Liam Davies (9-0, 4 KOs) will make his first defence of the English Bantamweight title he won so impressively against Sean Cairns last November.

Warren added: “Ennis-Brown v Maxwell and Cacace v Woodstock fights promise and will deliver excitement for those lucky enough to be there and BT Sport viewers.

“Ahmed v Khademi was a closely fought contest first time out, I can only imagine fans will be treated to much the same this time around.

“This is a card that no one can have any complaints about.”

Stoke Middleweight Heaney(12-0, 4 KOs) will have his raucous army behind him when he boxes a ten rounder in his third fight under the Queensberry banner.

Warren hopes that next summer, Heaney will be fighting on an open air show at the bet365 Stadium, home of his beloved Stoke City.

Northampton Super-Lightweight Eithan James (5-0) will box a six rounder on the bill.

Dublin’s Willo Hayden a training partner of Conor McGregor makes his professional debut in a four round Super-Lightweight contest.

Also in four round action is Nottingham Light-Heavyweight Ezra Taylor (1-0, 1 KO) and Telford debutant Super-Lightweight Macauley Owen.

Chris Billam-Smith has predicted that he will “take out” Tommy McCarthy “in the mid to late rounds” when the Cruiserweight rivals collide for the European, British and Commonwealth Titles on the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Gentleman’ used the power of social media to help secure a shot at the European and British Titles when he sent the following Tweet to McCarthy on May 12: “Stop trying to avoid me. I’d punch holes in you. Don’t bottle it”. Just more than a month later, the pair went face to face with their bout confirmed for July 31.

Billam-Smith was made to work as he dropped the Czech Republic’s Vasil Ducar twice during a hard-fought points victory that saw him claim the vacant WBA Continental Cruiserweight Title and progress to 12-1 (10 KOs) at The SSE Arena, Wembley in March. 

The former Poole ABC man, who blasted out Nathan Thorley in two rounds last year at Fight Camp, believes he will eventually wear down McCarthy to deliver another stoppage triumph as he continues to build towards a World Title shot under the guidance of trainer Shane McGuigan.

“We were calling out Tommy McCarthy after my fight at Fight Camp last year,” said Billam-Smith. “I was getting interviewed after that and we were talking about it. It’s been a year in the making. Obviously with Tommy boxing on Matchroom shows and myself wanting bigger Titles and him picking up the European – it was a fight that made sense. I believe it’s a really fan-friendly fight and a great one for my career. I’ve been asking for it for a while and we’ve finally got it. 

“I’ve seen Tommy and I’ve watched him for a few years now. He’s a very decent fighter. He’s got quick hands and a very good boxing IQ. It’s an exciting challenge for me. Winning the European Title will be a massive achievement for me and it’s one that I’m really looking forward to, but also, it’s a step that you plan to make on the journey. 

“You can’t take too much from his last fight. He did exactly what he had to do. He boxed well, he hurt him to the body, but unfortunately there wasn’t much coming back so there’s not much you can really take from that win. There will be a lot of other fights of his from the past that you can watch that are better wins for him because the opponents brought out more of him. 

“I sent that one Tweet out which got a lot of traction, a lot more than I expected to be honest. I’m just glad he took the fight and it’s got him right up for the fight which is great to see. That’s what fans want to see. They want to see two domestic fighters going at it, and in the press conferences as well.

“It looks like I’ve riled him up a bit so he’s going to be fired up for this fight. He’s going to be training very hard. I expect a very good performance from him. The fight will definitely catch fire. Every fighter wants to win with a knockout and I think this is a really good opportunity for me to put all of my skillset to work. I can box, I can break him down and I believe that I will take him out in the mid to late rounds.”

McCarthy vs. Billam-Smith is part of a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, rising Welterweight star Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs) puts his WBA Continental Title on the line against Adrian Grandos (21-8-3, 15 KOs), WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) defends his Title against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), former World Title challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

London, United Kingdom (July 23, 2021)

After yesterday’s tense press conference that saw a colorful exchange of victory declarations, questions of power and espionage, with only one nights sleep from Joyce-Takam fight night, it was time for the big boys to tilt the scales at the Brent Civic Centre in Wembley. Undefeated heavyweight, JOE JOYCE (12-11KO’s) came in at 268.14 lbs. and heavyweight title contender, CARLOS TAKAM weighed in at a shredded 248.8 lbs.

To no surprise, an intense stare down ensued as the two fighters faced off for the final time. No words were spoken, but their eyes said all that needed to be said – a war is upon us and only one man will have his hand raised with major stakes in the heavyweight division up for grabs.

Tomorrow’s Joyce-Takam fight card can be watched on BT Sport Boxing (7:15 PM GMT +1) and in the USA on FITE.TV (2:15PM ET)
Joyce-Takam is promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

CARLOS TAKAM REWIND:?
Carlos Takam vs Jerry Forrest (Highlights)
PRESS RELEASES:
Joyce-Takam Announced for July 24
Joyce-Takam Begins to Heat Up
Joyce-Takam Press Conference

FULL LINE UP

Harry Gigliotti, Haverhill, MA.
vs. Brandon Higgins, Chelmsford, MA.
8 Rounds, Merrimack Valley Welterweight Title

Danny Robles, Oxnard, CA.
vs. Juan Bryand, Laredo, TX.
4 Rounds Super Featherweights

Shayna Foppiano, Everett, MA.
vs. Vanessa Grimes, Abilene, TX.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Alejandro Paulino, New London, CT.
vs. Celiel Castillo, San Juan, PR.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Nick Molina, Lowell, MA.
vs. Mike Taylor, Cortland, NY.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

David Tubbs, Ventura, CA.
vs. Thomas Haney III, St. Louis, MO.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Stephen Langlais, Acushnet, MA.
vs. Rico Depaolis, Watertown, MA.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Sean Bey, Providence, RI.
vs. Gary Cameron, Wilmington, VT.
4 Rounds, Cruiserweights

Alexis Flores, Ojai, CA.
vs. Carlos Galindo, Woburn, MA.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Mitch Louis Charles Boston, MA.
vs. Aguilando Brandao, Woburn, MA.
4 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

Bryce Davis, New Rochelle, NY.
vs. Fernando Perez, Haverhill, MA.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

The Great American Boxing Bash presented by Boston Boxing Promotions takes place Friday, July 23rd, Friday, July 30th and Friday August 6th at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Tickets for July 23rd are completely sold out. Very limited tickets remain for July 30th and August 6th and are available at www.boxingnh.com. All three nights will be aired live on www.YouTube.com/BoxingBoston

ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic, last August when they held an empty venue show in Windham, New Hampshire that was broadcast for free on YouTube and watched live by thousands of boxing fans worldwide. After 4 empty venue events for free and broadcast online at www.youtube.com/bostonboxing Boston Boxing Promotions returns with The Great American Boxing Bash, three consecutive Friday Nights of boxing July 23, July 30 and August 6. All three events will be broadcast live and for free on www.youtube.com/bostonboxing

Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!

DAVID ADELEYE would be forgiven for doing a double take on his ring walk when he sees several thousand fans this weekend.

The Notting Hill banger was Britain’s most active boxer during lockdown, fighting FIVE times behind closed doors.

When Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs) boxes at SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday (July 24) it will be the first time he has fought in front of a live crowd since his professional debut in December 2019.

Excited Adeleye, 24, said: “It’s going to be electric fighting in front of a few thousand fans. I am going to thrive off the atmosphere.

“I am not used to a crowd anyway. When I was an amateur I was always last on when people were going home, so the behind closed doors shows were like being back in the amateurs in that respect.

“Now, I have to get used to fighting in front of crowd and I am going to love every minute of it.

“I will go out there enjoy it, have fun. A lot of fighters don’t enjoy big nights. They look back on it when they retire and regret not enjoying these big Wembley nights.

“I heard I was the busiest boxer in Britain when there were no fans in. Credit to Frank Warren. He kept me active and I am grateful.

“I would love to be 10-0 by the end of the year. Then, we can start looking at some of these boys and start fighting for some titles.”

When he boxed before fans on his debut, Dmitrij Kalinovskij was blown away inside a round and Adeleye predict’s an explosive performance, live on BT Sport this weekend.

Kamil Sokolowski took him the distance in his last fight and Adeleye brushed off unfair criticism after his six round points win against a solid opponent.

Adeleye who is trained by Frank Greaves added: “I am looking at getting back to knockout ways. That is in my nature.

“My brother was at the last fight and he said afterwards that it was the worst he has seen me perform amateur or professional.

“There were some underlying problems, but that is no excuse. This week, I will show my skillset and go from there.

“A lot of things have gone better. We hit a few brick walls but we got through it. It was tough getting sparring partners as the country was locked, but we got the good work in and I’m raring to go.

“Heavyweights knock someone out and people moan, ‘You aren’t learning,’ or go the distance, and critics say, ‘You’re no good.’

“Heavyweights get ridiculed, but I do not let it get to me.”
 

Joe Joyce v Carlos Takam for the WBC Silver and WBO International titles takes place at the SSE Arena, Wembley on July 24.

Hamzah Sheeraz (12-0, 8 KOs) makes the third defence of his WBO European title against Spaniard Ezequiel Gurria (15-1, 3 KOs).
 
Swansea’s Chris Jenkins (22-3-3, 8 KOs) will finally defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Nottingham’s Ekow Essuman (14-0, 5 KOs) after recovering from injury.
 
In a well matched fourth title fight, Peacock gym ace Chris Bourke (9-0, 6 KOs) defends his WBC International super-bantamweight title against Bloxwich’s James Beech Jnr (12-1, 2 KOs).
 
There is also heavyweight action featuring David Adeleye (6-0, 5 KOs), while Mill Hill’s George Fox (3-0) will make his Queensberry debut. Reading super-featherweight hope Charles Frankham (2-0, 1 KO) has also been added to the stacked bill., along with ‘The Gent’ Micky Burke Jr (4-0, 1 KO) who also returns after his first stoppage victory in November last year.

Tickets are available NOW from AXS.com. Click here to buy tickets.

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GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – July 22, 2021 – Exciting undefeated super middleweight prospects Kalvin Henderson and Isaiah Steen both made weight a day before their main event showdown headlining a special ShoBox: The New Generation 20-year anniversary telecast tomorrow night, Friday, July 23, live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Neb.

Just as it has for the past 20 years, Friday’s tripleheader features prospects matched tough. Henderson (14-0-1,10 KOs) meets knockout artist Steen (15-0, 12 KOs) in the first 10-rounder for both fighters. The co-feature pits ShoBox veteran Janelson Bocachica (17-0, 11 KOs) of Detroit against 21-year-old Shinard Bunch (15-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight bout. In a battle of unbeatens, Martino Jules (10-0-2, 2 KOs) faces Aram Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight affair.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout
Kalvin Henderson – 166 pounds
Isaiah Steen – 168 pounds
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minn.) Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Mike Contreras (Neb.), Jeff Sinnett (Neb.)

Welterweight 10-Round Bout
Janelson Bocachica – 146 ½ pounds
Shinard Bunch – 146 ½ pounds
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minn.) Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Mike Contreras (Neb.), Jeff Sinnett (Neb.)

Featherweight Eight-Round Bout
Martino Jules – 125 ¼ pounds
Aram Avagyan – 129 pounds*
*Avagyan came in over the featherweight limit. The fight will proceed as scheduled.
Referee: Mark Nelson (Minn.) Judges: Josef Mason (Colo.), Mike Contreras (Neb.), John Klemiato (Neb.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Kalvin Henderson

“Boxing is a numbers game. To get to the bigger stage you have to look good on paper. It doesn’t make sense for me to be 13-0 and fight Canelo. So, we have to keep the numbers up. I’ll plan to fight two or three more times this year alone, to make up for 2020 and the pandemic year and being inactive.

“I’m not sure how he’ll fight me. When you look at film of him, he’s always walking forward and letting his hands go. But when I’ve seen him spar he likes to use his jab and use his feet. So we’re prepared for both. It’s all about adjustments and adapting.

“I don’t think he is my toughest opponent, but we’ll see Friday night. I feel like I have to win every fight, but this one especially. This is the third time Steen and I have been matched up, so third time’s a charm. We gotta make this happen.

“I graduated in 2012 with my music degree from the University of Arkansas. As a music major you have to learn every instrument, so I dabble in a lot of them, but my main instrument is percussions. I kind of put everything on hold in 2013 and put all my energy into boxing. But I used to do both. I used to teach part-time at the high school in Fayetteville. And I was also teaching at the gym. But I sat down with my coach and prayed about it and said I can’t be a part-time boxer. So I put everything I had into it. But can I still play drums? Most definitely.

“I think it comes down to whoever imposes the most force will win. He’s skilled, I’m skilled. I’m undefeated, he’s undefeated. When you fight someone who is undefeated you have to break their will because they think they should win too. I really think it will come down who wants it more.”

Isaiah Steen

“I am very familiar with Kalvin Henderson. It’s a fight that’s been a long time coming. I know that he’s got a good straight right hand but I need to capitalize on his weaknesses and get him out of there. I just need to be busier and outwork him.

“I think my last fight was my best performance. Juan De Angel fought a lot of tough opponents and world champions like Austin Trout and Caleb Plant. I got him out of there and those guys couldn’t get him out. I threw a lot of good body shots. My body shots were there and I did a little more boxing. I showed off my boxing skills.

“I’m so happy to have this opportunity. This is a big step-up for me. It’s the biggest fight of my career so far. I’m ready for the spotlight.

“After this fight, I want people to know me for my own name. Everybody knows me as Charles Conwell’s brother. I want to make a name for myself.”

Janelson Bocachica

“From my last fight, I learned not to be showboating so much. I was comfortable. But you can’t be showboating like that, that’s for sure. I can’t let that happen.

“To me, I felt like I won all 10 rounds in my fight against Mark Reyes. He caught me with clean punches but he never hurt me. He was a strong dude. He didn’t have a ton of power on his shots but he could pick me up, that’s for sure. I had fun the whole 10 rounds, I controlled the fight and it’s something I wouldn’t mind doing again.

“I had never heard of Shinard Bunch until my fight with Mark Reyes. I know that they are sparring partners and teammates. I don’t know why they came for me. They must have heard of me. It’s not a problem, though. I’ll shut down their gym.

“I think Mark Reyes is going to tell Shinard Bunch to run. To not stand there and bang with me. Shinard Bunch isn’t Mark Reyes. Mark Reyes was a shorter, compact fighter. Shinard Bunch is taller and I think he’s going to try to use the jab. But that jab isn’t going to stop me from doing anything.

“I sparred with Tony Harrison and that was great work. I’m getting work from taller guys and guys with a lot of experience. I don’t think this fight is going to be as easy as Shinard Bunch thinks. I saw he was quoted as saying he’s going to fight a smart fight against me. There is no smart fight against me. If he would have had a smart fight, he would have chose somebody else.”

Shinard Bunch

“This fight means everything to me. Growing up, it was always a dream of mine to fight on ShoBox or SHOWTIME. Showtime is my actual middle name, so it was always a dream and it was destiny. When I was born, my mom said he’s going to be a star one day and gave me the middle name Showtime.

“I would definitely say that I’m an aggressive boxer. But we take every fight differently. Every fight is different so we come in with a certain game plan for each fight. Sometimes you may see me more relaxed and sometimes you may see me aggressive.

“I was in the same training camp as Mark Reyes and that was my first time hearing about Bocachica. I’m not too familiar with him. I watched his fight against Reyes. I know he likes to get into fire fights, but I need to outwork him. I think my power is severe and it’s real.

“I feel confident going 10 rounds. We’ve been training for that. I’m confident in myself. And as far as the weight, my first six fights were all at 147 pounds. Then I went down and tried 140. The jump in weight isn’t too drastic. I feel more comfortable at 147 pounds but if we get a fight after this at 140, that’s not a problem either.

“I’ve been working with Chino Rivas for eight months. I feel like I benefitted all-around working with him. He put me around some great people, great mentors. He’s always there for me, he cares for me as a person outside of boxing. It’s not just about boxing with him. He’s in my life personally and as a father-figure, it’s definitely benefitting me and it makes me want to work harder. He took Jason Sosa and turned him into a world champion, he took Tevin Farmer and turned him into a world champion so I know he has the ability and the mindset to turn me in to a world champion. He always tells me if I follow his lead, he’ll take me to the promised land.”

Martino Jules

“I describe my style as being a boxer-puncher. As for my opponent, from what I’ve seen I’m a better boxer than he is. He has two more knockout wins than me, so pretty much he knows how to punch. He wants his opponents to stand in front of him and not moving around. Aram opens up a lot, and relies on his power punches.

“I was supposed to fight on ShoBox back in October, but my opponent got sick the day of the fight. It will be great to finally be back in the ring and know that all my hard work and sacrifice has paid off.

“I don’t really know what the future holds or what to expect next. I’m just looking forward to winning and whoever they want to bring to me next, I’ll be ready for them. I’m in the gym every day and training hard to get better. Just like any fighter, I’m ready for the next step. So whatever it is, I’ll be ready for it.”

Aram Avagyan

“I’m a slow starter so I plan to come out a little quicker. Maybe I’ll shadow box two rounds in the locker room before I go out there. After the third and fourth rounds I start to feel better. The longer the fight goes, the better I fight.

“I have observed my opponent and I know his strengths and weaknesses. I don’t want to leave anything to the judges’ decision so I’m looking for the knockout. The public loves an all-action fighter, and that’s what they will see on Friday night. I’m a warrior and I love action.

“Boxing is a mental sport and if you can control your emotions, you can control anything. You can win the fight before the fight. You can mentally break your opponent down.”

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About ShoBox: The New Generation
This year, the critically acclaimed prospect developmental series, ShoBox: The New Generation, celebrates its 20th anniversary on the air as it continues to match top young talent tough. Since its inception in July 2001, the ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 84 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

PHILADELPHIA (July 22, 2021)–Weights for Friday night’s RDR Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Nahir Albright 133.6 – Jeremy Hill 135.2
(NABA Lightweight title)
Muhsin Cason 197.3 – Tristan James 194
Derrick Whitley Jr. 147.6 – Julian Smith 144.8
Ryan Umberger 155.1 – Ryan Schwartzberg 156.3
DuShane Crooks 167.7 – Bernard Thomas 168.8
Steve Galeano 143.1 – Marquis Hawthorne 138.8
Raekwon Butler 138.8 – Diemerci Nzau 144

PROMOTER: RDR Promotions
STREAM: BXNGTV.COM
1ST BELL: 6 PM ET

NEW YORK (July 22, 2021) – Friday night at the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, top featherweight prospect David Navarro returns to action in a six-round bout against Jayron Santiago Lopez.

Navarro (2-1, 2 KOs) will be making his first appearance in the ring since his controversial loss to Diuhl Olguin on March 10th at the Mohegan Sun Arena. In that bout, Navarro was comfortably ahead before suffering a cut late in the 5th round by what appeared to be a non-punch. The fight was ultimately stopped by the ringside doctor with 20 seconds remaining in the final frame, with Navarro winning fourteen out of a possible fifteen rounds on the judges scorecards to that point.

The result of the bout was formally protested to the Mohegan Sun Commission, but the result stood.

Still just 21 years old, Navarro began training in the sport at the age of five and left behind his childhood long endeavor of becoming an Olympian to enter the professional ranks. During his time in the amateurs, David won 15 National titles and competed in over 170 amateur bouts. Navarro was one of only eight boxers in his weight division to compete for a spot on Team USA’s Olympic squad at the 2020 Olympic Trials. During the 10-day event, he made it all the way to the finals by upsetting top seed Duke Ragan and in January was named as an Olympic Alternate for the 2020 Olympics, now rescheduled to take place in 2021.

The Boyle Heights, Los Angeles native’s return to the ring will take place before the 20th anniversary ShoBox: The New Generation card on SHOWTIME, with Navarro’s Split-T Management stablemates Isaiah Steen and Janelson Figueroa Bocachica featured on the televised portion of the show. (9 PM ET / 6 PT)

Navarro weighed in Thursday afternoon at 127.5 lbs while his opponent, Santiago Lopez of Bayamon, Puerto Rico (7-7, 5 KOs), weighed in at an even 129 lbs.

BOSTON (July 22, 2021) – Undefeated ABF American West super lightweight champion RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs) will headline “Fight Night on the Charles at Mosley’s,” presented by Vertex Promotions, in Massachusetts’ first professional boxing match event in 1 ½ years, at Mosley’s On The Charles in Dedham, Massachusetts.

The 23-year-old Bermudez, fighting out of Albany (NY), faces Bergman “The Snake” Aguillar (15-8-1, 5 KOs), the former WBA FEDALATIN Super Featherweight Champion, in the 8-round main event for the vacant NBA Continental junior welterweight title in what will be the first pro boxing show ever in the neighboring Boston town of Dedham.

“I’m excited to be headlining for the first time,” the former upstate New York amateur standout Bermudez said. “I’m going to put on a good fight for the fans and do my thing. My opponent is a southpaw and I’ve fought three southpaws. Straight right hands, go left not right, and stay away from his left is the plan. I want to get him out no later than five rounds. I’ll box, set him up, and hopefully get him out.”

Hector Bermudez, who Hector has trained several world champions including TJ Doheny and Javier Fortuna, is his nephew RayJay’s head trainer. He treats me like anybody else, no special treatment,” RayJay explained. He pushes me to the limit and doesn’t take it easy on me. That’s good for me.”

Undefeated welterweight prospect James “The Slim Reaper” Perella (7-0, 5 KOs), of Mansfield (MA), is a 4-time USA New England Championships and 4-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, who will take on Indiana’s Rakim Johnson (6-12-1, 5 KOs) in the 6-round, co-featured event.

Another undefeated prospect, Weymouth (MA) middleweight Francis “Frank The Tank” Hogan (6-0, 6 KOs), faces Isiah Hart (6-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 6-round Special Middleweight Attraction. Hogan is the reigning New Hampshire Silver Welterweight Champion.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in 4-round bouts, are Dorchester (MA) featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Lucinei Santos, Weymouth (MA) welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff (2-0, 2 KOs), vs. Austin Reed Ward (0-6), Boston lightweight Jonathan de Pina (4-1, 3 KOs) vs. Mike Fowler (7-37, 2 KOs), Boston welterweight James Murrin vs. Concord’s (NH) Maycon Oller in a battle of pro-debuting welterweights, Worcester’s (MA) pro debut junior lightweight Alex Rivera vs. Hawaiian Richard “Hit To Hard” Bernard (1-3-1), and Dorchester cruiserweight Bernard Joseph (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Francisco Neto (1-13-1, 1 KO), of Woburn (MA) by way of Brazil.

Bouts subject to change

Championship final matches of the New England Silver Gloves Tournament will precede the evening’s pro card, during the July 31st afternoon segment, between 2-5 p.m. ET ($20.00 admission fee at door).

Limited tickets for the evening’s pro card will be available at the door for $95.00 (row 1), $85.00 (2nd row), $65.00 (3rd row), $55.00 (general admission) and $45.00 (standing room).

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

Las Vegas – UFC^® delivers another action-packed night at UFC APEX in Las Vegas, set to be headlined by a clash of top 15 middleweight stand-up artists as No. 8 ranked Uriah Hall takes on No. 11 ranked Sean Strickland. In the co-main event, fan favorite Sam Alvey faces off with rising prospect Roman Kopylov.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: HALL vs STRICKLAND will take place Saturday, July 31 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. All bouts will be available on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes beginning with the prelims at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT and followed by the main card at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

Elite striker Hall (17-9, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) aims to deliver another spectacular knockout in his third UFC main event. Currently on the best win streak of his UFC career, Hall recently secured stoppage victories over former UFC middleweight champions Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva. He now looks to keep his momentum going against Strickland while making a case to break into the Top 5. 

Strickland (15-4, fighting out of Corona, Calif.) intends to make a statement in his first UFC headlining effort. Known for his confident fighting style, Strickland is undefeated since returning to the Octagon after a two-year layoff, including victories over Jack Marshman, Brendan Allen and Krzysztof Jotko. He now has his sights set on snapping Hall’s win streak and cementing himself as a top contender in the division.

Alvey (33-15-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) returns to action looking to secure another classic stoppage victory in a pivotal UFC bout for the popular knockout artist. A member of The Ultimate Fighter season 16, he has been a part of the UFC roster since 2014 and owns wins over Rashad Evans, Nate Marquardt and Eric Spicely. Alvey now seeks to keep Kopylov from earning his first UFC victory and show that he is still part of the elite.

Budding contender Kopylov (8-1, fighting out of Bachatsky, Kemerovo, Russia) enters his sophomore UFC bout aiming to show off the skills that garnered his status as one of the top Russian prospects. A multiple-time world champion in hand-to-hand combat, he joined the UFC with an undefeated record of 8-0 with all but one of those finishes coming by knockout. Kopylov is now gunning for the biggest win of his career and begin his journey towards the Top 15.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Dana White’s Contender Series alums battle as strawweights Cheyanne Buys (5-2, fighting out of Irving, Texas) and Gloria de Paula (5-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) vie for their first UFC victories
• Kyung Ho Kang (17-8, 1 NC, fighting out of Busan, South Korea) seeks to extend his win streak when he faces off with grappling specialist Rani Yahya (27-10-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) at bantamweight
• Former women’s flyweight champion Nicco Montano (5-3, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) ends a two-year layoff to clash with Wu Yanan (11-4, fighting out of Xi’an, China) at bantamweight
• Welterweights Bryan Barberena (15-7, fighting out of Gastonia, N.C.) and Jason Witt (18-7, fighting out of Overland Park, Kan.) clash
• Niklas Stolze (12-4, fighting out of Magdeburg, Germany) intends to secure his first UFC victory when he takes on highly-touted Mounir Lazzez (10-2, fighting out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates) at welterweight
• Strawweights Jinh Yu Frey (10-6, fighting out of Arlington, Texas) and Ashley Yoder (8-7, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) lock horns in an entertaining matchup
• In a pivotal heavyweight contenders’ bout, No. 7 ranked Shamil Abdurakhimov (20-5, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) faces No. 10 Chris Daukaus (11-3, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.)
• The Ultimate Fighter veteran Chris Gruetzemacher (14-4, fighting out of New Bern, N.C.) meets Rafa Garcia (12-1, fighting out of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico) in a lightweight bout
• An exciting featherweight bout sees Danny Chavez (11-4, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) meet Kai Kamaka (8-4, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) who replaces Dooho Choi on short notice due to injury
• Ronnie Lawrence (7-1, fighting out of Deerfield Beach, Fla.) looks to stay undefeated in the UFC when he takes on Trevin Jones (13-6, 1 NC, fighting out of Maite, Guam) at bantamweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series signees Collin Anglin (8-1, fighting out of South Lyon, Mich.) and Melsik Baghdasaryan (5-1, fighting out of Glendale, Calif., by way of Yerevan, Armenia) aim to impress in their UFC debuts at featherweight
• Dana White’s Contender Series veterans Philip Rowe (9-3, fighting out of Ocoee, Fla.) and undefeated Orion Cosce (7-0, fighting out of Orangevale, Calif.) meet at welterweight
• Veteran flyweight Ryan Benoit (10-7, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) competes in his ninth UFC contest against Zarrukh Adashev (3-3, fighting out of New York, N.Y. by way of Samarkand, Uzbekistan)

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

Conor Benn is aiming to take another step towards a World Title shot when he puts his WBA Continental Welterweight Title on the line against Adrian Granados at the top of the first week of Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex on Saturday July 31, live worldwide on DAZN.

‘The Destroyer’ lived up to his name last time out in April when he took just 1 minute and 20 seconds to wipe out Samuel Vargas inside the opening round and improve his unblemished record to 18-0 with twelve knockouts, sending out a brutal warning to his Welterweight rivals. 

The rapidly improving 24-year-old has promised more fireworks when he meets Mexico’s Granados – a 33-fight veteran who is no stranger to boxing’s biggest platforms having gone the distance with former two-time Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and former multi-division World Champion Adrien Broner in losing efforts.

“Last time out – big statement,” said Benn. “Would I have liked to get more rounds in? Of course, but I’m not going to complain about knocking him out in one round! I was straight off to have my Ruby Murray. I’m looking for world honours. I’m knocking on the door for World Titles. For me to be headlining the first Fight Camp show, live on DAZN, is a blessing. Entertainment is what you’ll get from me. Value for money. Expect fireworks every single time I fight. I don’t care who you are, nobody wants to watch a boring fight. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. 

“I’m interested to see how much further we can go. Do I believe I can win a World Title? 100%. There will always be critics. There will always be naysayers. It’s impossible for them because that’s their mindset. That’s why they sit on social media projecting their faults. I don’t think anything is impossible. If I wanted to switch and do whatever it is – it could be absolutely anything – I’ll make it successful. It’s not just boxing. It’s my mindset, it’s what I do. 

“I’ve had a target on my back ever since I turned pro because my dad is Nigel Benn. It’s as simple as that. ‘The Dark Destroyer’, the legend. People like to call me silver spoon, but I’ve chosen the hardest sport in the world. I don’t have to be here. I have everything to lose. I’m a winner – all round. Of course I want the big fights. I want to be the best fighter in Britain – which I believe I am. The rankings don’t lie and I’m number one. 

“We’ve seen all of the Mexicans come over around derail some of the Brits. It’s about time I set the score straight. Granados presents a different struggle. He’s saying he wants to box and all of that. Alright then mate – try me. He can prepare for King Kong, he can prepare for whoever he wants, it doesn’t bother me. Do what you’ve got to do. Do what you want. Prepare how you want. It isn’t going to make any difference come fight night. I’m up for it – more than ever. I’m hungrier now more than ever, and if he thinks I’m going to let him get in the way of me getting my World Title he’s got another thing coming that’s for sure.”

Benn vs. Granados tops a huge night of action as Fight Camp returns with a bang, WBA Featherweight World Champion Xu Can (18-2, 3 KOs) puts his Title on the line against Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (24-2, 14 KOs), Tommy McCarthy (18-2, 9 KOs) and Chris Billam-Smith (12-1, 10 KOs) collide in a massive showdown for the European, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Titles, former World Title challenger Avni Yildrim (21-3, 12 KOs) aims to bounce back from his loss to pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez when he takes on ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (19-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (14-1, 11 KOs) promises to build on his huge third-round knockout win over Jorge Fortea when he takes on Roberto Garcia (44-5, 27 KOs), Manchester Lightweight Campbell Hatton (2-0) continues his young journey in the pro ranks against Jakub Laskowski (4-4-1, 2 KOs) and former amateur star Sandy Ryan makes her highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight against Kirstie Bavington (3-1-2, 2 KOs).

CLEVELAND (July 22, 2021) – Tickets are now available for purchase for the highly-anticipated pro boxing showdown between renowned content creator, pro boxer and Cleveland-native Jake “The Problem Child” Paul and former UFC champion Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley as the fierce rivals headline a SHOWTIME PPV event on Sunday, August 29 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tickets for the live event can be purchased through RocketMortgageFieldHouse.com. Prices start at $10 with VIP packages also available for purchase.

Today, Paul is sharing a series of content across his social media platforms with a potential reach of tens of millions worldwide in promotion of tickets going on sale, including this video from his YouTube page. He created this video* for media use: Click HERE.

*This video is available for media use in coverage of today’s announcement.

The 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. The undercard also will include a pair of rising prospects from Cleveland in separate bouts—top-10 ranked junior middleweight and former U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell and undefeated junior welterweight Montana Love. Additional bouts are to be announced.

The event is co-produced by SHOWTIME PPV and Most Valuable Promotions and promoted in association with Tony 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 contribute to a unique, fully integrated partnership.

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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.

London, United Kingdom (July 22, 2021)

A tense press conference came to a close at The Landmark in London in advance of the highly anticipated heavyweight bout on Saturday night (7/24) between undefeated and #1 World Rated (WBO) JOE JOYCE (12-0 11KO’s) and heavyweight title contender, CARLOS TAKAM (39-5-1 28KO’s).

Things got off to a smooth start, as Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA explained the importance of this fight for Carlos Takam, “Joe [Joyce] is in a great position. He’s about to fight for the championship of the world, but he’s got to get through Carlos first. A win for Carlos puts him in that position.”

It didn’t take long, however, for the jousting between Carlos Takam and Joe Joyce’s manager, SAM JONES to begin. When questioned about Jones’ previous comments in regard to having a mole in the Takam camp, Jones replied cheekily “It’s not moles, it’s just the morning report.” Takam, in response said, “Sam doesn’t know my game plan,” to which Jones replied, “I do [know your game plan], I’ve watched all of your spars.” Takam promptly snapped back, “Why you watch my sparring? Maybe you are scared of me or what?”

Joe Joyce was finally able to tune in and said, “training camp has gone really well… I have done all that I can in the training camp leading up. The camp has been good, I have had great sparring. I am in a good place, he’s in a good place, we are going to have a car crash Saturday night, we are both going to go at it, and I am going to win.”

In parting, Takam said, “To Joe, I want to say good luck, and to Sam, no, I have nothing to say to Sam…” Needless to say, there is no love lost. The tension and energy will look to spill over into the ring on Saturday night at the SSE Arena, with major heavyweight stakes on the line.

The Joyce-Takam fight card can be watched on BT Sport Boxing (7:15 PM GMT +1) and in the USA on FITE.TV (2:15PM ET).
WATCH: JOYCE-TAKAM PRESS CONFERENCE
Joe Joyce and Carlos Takam Face-Off for the First Time at the Final Presser
Joyce-Takam is promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

CARLOS TAKAM REWIND:?
Carlos Takam vs Jerry Forrest (Highlights)
PRESS RELEASES:
Joyce-Takam Announced for July 24
Joyce-Takam Begins to Heat Up

On the back of announcing a new series of prospect-centric shows to air on BT Sport and for free on the BT Sport Boxing YouTube page, Queensberry are unhappy to unveil another trio of new young signings hoping to impress and forge impressive pro careers. This follows yesterdays trio of new signings – Macauley Owen, Callum Thompson and Junaid Bostan.

Today’s signings can be confirmed as Khalid Ali, Frank Arnold and Arnold Obodai.

For more information on each, read on.

KHALID ALI

REPTON BOXING CLUB graduate Khalid Ali is set to turn professional having signed a promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The welterweight, who is nearly 20, hails from the heart of Brick Lane in London and is trained in Bethnal Green by Roger Hunt – a nephew of former world champion Maurice Hope – and his own father, Wolid.

“The fans can expect someone strong and confident,” pointed out Khalid, by way of an introduction. “I want to be the best out of the young crop. Frank signs a lot of young people and amateur stars and I want to prove I am one of the best.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for myself and it is great for my community. Hamzah Sheeraz, his father and the whole team, helped me get this opportunity and I am so grateful. I cannot wait to showcase my skills.”

Khalid is following in his father’s footsteps, who was also a product of the Repton and steeped in the sport.

“I started off at Newham ABC when I was eight or nine and had my first four amateur fights from there. In my fourth fight I fought a multi-national champion and lost, due to being cocky! After that I had a bit of a gap year and trained in my dad’s gym, working with top pros to learn my trade.

“When I was 15 I went to Repton and had around 25 fights, losing something like five. I won the Londons, boxed for England and suffered a bad decision in the Haringey finals. I was on the same amateur team as Dennis McCann, Adan Mohamed, Henry Turner and all the other Repton boys.

“My father is a boxing man and has been in the game since he was 16. He used to be at Repton when he was younger and always said to the coaches that he would bring his son down eventually. My dad is one of the most important people in my boxing career and has taught me so much, everything really.”

Khalid states that his style of fighting is anything but basic, but insists he did not model himself on the obvious Asian inspirations. In fact, he might well be one of a kind in being a Bengali turning professional in boxing.

“Oh yeah, I am flashy! I also hit hard and look good as well. It just comes naturally, I watch fights but I don’t try to be like anyone. I think some fighters watch Prince Naseem too much and want to be like him instead of being themselves.

“As far as I am aware, I will be one of the first British Bengalis to be signed by Frank Warren. Hopefully I can inspire other kids because loads of Bengali kids are good and just don’t get the opportunity.

“Naseem was the first to inspire Asian kids, Amir Khan was the second and Hamzah will be the third. Hopefully I will help other Bengali kids to turn professional and be successful,” added Khalid, who will get to launch his professional journey in early 2021.

“I am always in the gym. I just need six weeks to turn up the oven and I will be ready to go.”

FRANK ARNOLD

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT Frank Arnold has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren to fight under the Queensberry banner.

The 22-year-old from Hackney holds a record of seven wins, with one draw, having made his professional debut in December 2017 at York Hall. Arnold is trained by Gareth Lawrence and managed by Tunde Ajayi.

“I am pretty happy, yeah, and it is my first big opportunity,” said Arnold, who trains in Lakeside, West Thurrock. “I am 100 per cent buzzing to get started.

“Back in the amateurs I only had 15 fights. I wouldn’t say I wasn’t dedicated, but I wasn’t all there. I boxed in the national finals and turned pro because my brother was doing it at the time.

“It has been slow and steady so far, but I didn’t have the right people with me at first to get me going, like the right promoter. This will be a springboard for me, I have been sparring with good people and now I want to get in there with them.”

Parental guidance pushed Arnold towards the gym while growing up and, in his case, it wasn’t love at first fight, although he indicates a preference for getting stuck in these days.

“My dad and mum forced me to go and I didn’t really like boxing. After a couple of years I did like it after only sticking with it because my brother was going.

“I can box on the back foot, but I am mainly aggressive. I think I punch hard, although my knockout count says otherwise. Hopefully I will get a fight in August and show people what I can do.”

ARNOLD OBODAI

TWO-time National amateur champion Arnold Obodai has signed a promotional contract with Queensberry.

The Londoner gave up a promising basketball career in the United States and could have been playing in the NBA, but for his boxing love affair.

“I played college basketball in North Carolina, but I was torn between that and boxing. I picked boxing because I don’t have to rely on team-mates,” said the athletic Cruiserweight who was awarded a collegiate scholarship.

“In boxing it’s down to the individual. You either crumble or rise to the occasion. I will never let myself down.

“I got a basketball scholarship and perhaps I could have gone on to play in the NBA where some of my mates are.

“One of my best mates Rayjon Tucker plays for Philadelphia 76ers and another friend Bam Adebayo is with the Miami Heat.

“You can make it as an individual in the NBA, but your team also carries you in a way. In boxing the pressure is on you.

“You can have an exceptional basketball game, but if your team-mates don’t play as good as you, then you can still lose and it takes away how well you played.”

Obodai took up boxing, aged 19, when he returned home from the USA in what he expected to be a brief visit.

Obodai who often spars with close friend Lawrence Okolie, the WBO World Cruiserweight champion explained: “There was an issue with some documents when I was in the United States.

“When I came back to England to sort out the issue too much time had lapsed to go back and do collegiate and basketball.

“I decided it was too late and put all my eggs in one basket and that is boxing.”

While boxing in the world famous Repton ABC vest, Obodai won a NABC title and the Class B 91kg+ crown at the National Development Championships in 2018.

Obodai who will trains under Will Jones hopes to make his debut next month after injury wrecked his Olympic dream.

He added: “My heart isn’t in the amateurs anymore so this is the right time to turn professional.

“I had a goal that I wanted to achieve and go to the Olympics, but I ruptured my Achilles in early 2019 and that didn’t allow me to do that.

“When I had the injury I looked at the time frame and my age so I decided to turn professional.

“I am still a baby in boxing terms, but if I waited until the 2024 Olympics I would be nearly 28.

“I am ambitious, don’t mind the pressure and I want the world. But, I am young. I don’t want to rush and I’ve only been boxing five years.

“As long as I do what I need to do and do things right we can start looking at belts in 18 months, but who knows what can happen or how soon.”