CARSON, CALIF. (May 27, 2021) – Mexico’s Alejandro Barrios and the Dominican Republic’s Juan Gabriel Medina will meet in an eight-round bantamweight attraction that highlights the non-televised undercard lineup this Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The undercard will also see unbeaten super lightweight Luis Salazar (15-0, 3 KOs) taking on Detroit’s Kevin Johnson (8-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round duel and Las Vegas-born Rey Diaz (4-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round super featherweight bout against California’s Sergio Gonzalez (3-4, 2 KOs).

Plus, highly decorated unbeaten amateur Otif Oberlton makes his second pro start in a six-round light heavyweight fight squaring off against Washington, D.C.’s Larry Pryor.

The non-televised undercard leads up to the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT that is headlined by WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali facing future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The 25-year-old Barrios (23-2-5, 12 KOs) enters this fight on a seven-bout winning streak, all coming since a split-draw in a 2018 super flyweight title bout against Jerwin Ancajas. The Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico native has fought professionally since 2012 and is unbeaten since his 11th pro fight. Barrios has also fought to draws against then unbeaten fighters Antonio Nieves and Jose Martinez and will be fighting in the U.S. for the third time on May 29. He will be opposed by the 28-year-old Medina (12-6, 11 KOs), who has split a pair of fights in 2021 so far, defeating Euclides Carcamo and losing a split-decision to Omar Cuello. The La Romana, Dominican Republic native has faced a series of big names throughout his career, including matchups against former champion Rau’shee Warren and contenders McWilliams Arroyo and Joshua Greer Jr.

ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE
Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

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.

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 27, 2021): Golden Boy is proud to announce two spectacular additions to the Zurdo vs. Barrera undercard as Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (20-0, 8 KOs) challenges Tenkai Tsunami (28-12-1, 16 KOs) for the WBO Light Flyweight Championship and Hector Tanajara Jr. (19-0, 5 KOs) faces William “El Camaron” Zepeda (22-0, 20 KOs) in a lightweight clash.

The event will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

“When it comes to undercards, nobody does it better than we do,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “For all of us at Golden Boy, it is very important for fans to get their money’s worth when attending our events or watching from the comforts of their home. That’s why we are committed to providing a full night of competitive action featuring the likes of Seniesa Estrada, Hector Tanajara Jr., William Zepeda and many more.”

Estrada is a 28-year-old world champion from East Los Angeles, California whose immediate goal is to capture gold in three divisions. In March, she faced Anabel “La Avispa” Ortiz to capture the WBA Minimumweight World Title. Now, she looks to capture a belt a 108 pounds to be one step closer to achieving her goal.

“I’m very excited to be fighting in Los Angeles again,” said Seniesa Estrada. “Fighting at home with my family, friends and fans there is the best feeling. LAFC is going to be a great venue for Golden Boy boxing. I can’t wait to win another world title in a second division.”

Tsunami, who will be defending her 108-pound title, is a two-division world champion who has a lot of experience fighting at a world championship level. Although making her United States debut, Tsunami feels she is not at a disadvantage because she has fought over a dozen times in foreign countries.

“I am excited to accept the challenge of young and fast-rising Estrada,” said Tenkai Tsunami. “I know Estrada is a good boxer. But I have superior experience and skills that I have gotten throughout my 16-year career and which I wish to use to be victorious. This is my first fight in the United States, but have fought in Mexico seven times, once in Chile and six times in Korea.”

As mentioned above, Hector Tanajara Jr. of San Antonio, Texas will face fellow Golden Boy contender William Zepeda of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico in a 10-round lightweight battle.

“These are the kinds of fights that will take my career to the next level,” said Hector Tanajara Jr. “A win against a tough, undefeated southpaw contender will show everyone that I am ready for a world title opportunity. I believe in my skills and my talent, and on July 9, I will put them on full display at Banc of California Stadium.”

“I’m ready to face the most difficult challenge of my career in Hector Tanajara Jr.,” said William Zepeda. “I have worked all my life to be able to fight on big stages such as the Zurdo vs. Barrera event. I know that Tanajara Jr. very elusive fighter, but I will do everything in my power to make him stand in the center of the ring and give a real show to all the fans.”

Diego De La Hoya (22-1, 10 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will face Bryan Chevalier (15-1-1, 12 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a 10-round featherweight fight.

In a historic bout for women’s boxing, Naoka Fujioka (18-2-1, 8 KOs), Japan’s only five-division world champion, will defend her WBA Flyweight World Championship against Mexican standout Sulem Urbina (12-1, 2 KOs).

Former world title challenger Lamont Roach Jr. (20-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will participate in a 10-round super featherweight battle.

Explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (19-3, 16 KOs) will return in a 10-round super bantamweight fight.

Heavyweight standout Mihai Nistor (2-0, 2 KOs) of Bucharest, Romania will fight in an eight-round bout against Colby Madison (9-2-2, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland.

Miguel Gaona of El Sereno, California will make his pro debut in a four-round lightweight battle.

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Zurdo vs. Barrera is a 12-round special attraction in the light heavyweight division presented by Golden Boy in association with Zurdo Promotions. Diaz Jr. vs. Fortuna is a 12-round battle for the vacant WBC Interim Lightweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Sampson Boxing. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Friday, July 9 at Banc of California Stadium in Downtown Los Angeles and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Barrera will go on sale Wednesday, June 2 and are priced at $150, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges. In an effort to promote social distancing, tickets will initially be sold in pods/groupings of 2, 3, 4 and 6 people only, subject to change with local and state guidelines. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.bancofcaliforniastadium.com or www.ticketmaster.com. The Banc of California Stadium is located in historic Exposition Park, 3939 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90037.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoBarrera

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/ZurdoBarrera into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

Philadelphia, PA (May 27, 2021)– A huge day and night of professional boxing is now set for Saturday June 5th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

King’s Promotions will present two shows that will begin at 3 PM and 8 PM ET respectively.

Headlining the afternoon card will be super middleweight’s Devar Ferhadi (8-0, 7 KOs) of Frederick, Maryland and Blake Mansfield (7-3-1, 4 KOs) of Burlington, North Carolina in a fight scheduled for eight-rounds.

In six-round bouts:

Greg Outlaw (8-0, 3 KOs) of Bowie, Maryland taking on Andrew Rodgers (4-9-2, 2 KOs) of Elkhart, Indiana in a junior welterweight fight.

Joseph Jackson (16-0, 12 KOs) of Greensboro, NC battles Terrance Williams (5-4-1, 1 KO) Harrisburg, PA in a junior middleweight contest.

Edgar Torres (8-0-1, 4 KOs) of Springfield, VA. fights Keshon Hutchinson (7-5, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a junior middleweight contest.

In four-round Contests

Lawrence Murtagh will make his pro debut against Christian Bermudez (2-0, 2 KOs) in a battle of Brooklyn based junior welterweights.

In a battle of first-timers, Isaac Haynes of Albany, New York will fight Quadir Albright of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.

The night action will feature a much anticipated eight-round super middleweight clash between Brandon Robinson (15-2, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia and Genc Pllana (8-1-1, 4 KOs) of Hagerstown, Maryalnd.

In six-round bouts:

It will be a battle of Keystone state lightweights as Osvaldo Morales (4-0, 2 KOs) of Harrisburg, PA fights James Bernadin (3-0-1, 2 KOs) Lancaster, PA

Jonathan Rodriguez (8-1, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA fights Sebastian Baltazar (1-4) of Tacoma, Washington in a bantamweight fight.

Rasheed Johnson (7-3, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia squares off with Rafiq Muhammad (4-0, 2 KOs) of Richmond, VA in a welterweight fight.

Khainell Wheer (4-1, 4 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA takes on Vincent Baccus (4-2-1, 3 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a super middleweight affair,

In four-round fights.

Elijah Morales (7-0, 4 KOs) of Trenton, NJ fights Andres Abarco (2-4) of Normandy Park, Washington in a welterweight contest.

Pro debuting Eric Monroe of Philadelphia fights Roudly Lolo (0-0-1) of Harrisburg, PA in a middleweight fight.

Both cards will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com

ONLY A LIMITED AMOUNT OF $50 General Admission Tickets remain for both shows, and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or at Pivott Boxing (2807 North 6th Street in Philadelphia, 215-398-5766)

BOGDAN DINU has brought in the world’s most controversial boxer Jarrell Miller to help cause the downfall of Daniel Dubois.

The Romanian powerhouse challenges Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim Heavyweight title at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5, live on BT Sport.

Miller is currently banned from boxing after a string of failed drug tests, but has been flown from the United States to Bucharest by Dinu (20-2, 16 KOs) for sparring ahead of the big Dubois showdown.

Dinu who will be risking his number two ranking for the WBA world title held by Anthony Joshua when he meets Dubois was beaten by Miller in 2018.

“Jarrell has a great style and I needed him for this fight,” said 34-year-old Dinu

“The preparation has been one of the best I have had. It has been a great training camp with good sparring, good coaches and I’m healthy.

“It has been good having Jarrell Miller in camp. He puts good pressure on, is heavy handed and is a strong guy. That is what I need for big fights like this.

“He is a nice guy, a funny guy and we train together. After every spar he gives me advice on what he believes will work in the fight

“I think it is a big difference between Dubois and Jarrell. Jarrell has power, skills, experience.”

Dubois is returning after suffering an injury loss against Joe Joyce last November and still holds a healthy world ranking with WBA and WBO.

The Londoner will be hoping that 6ft 5in Dinu goes the same way as his previous Romanian opponent, Razvan Cojanu who he toppled inside two rounds in March 2019.

Dinu told the Unibet Lowdown: “Cojanu never had a good strategy against Daniel. I will have a better one. I will get revenge for my old amateur team-mate.”

To watch the Unibet Lowdown with Bogdan Dinu click here

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 
 

Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of undefeated super featherweight puncher DeMichael “Triggerman” Harris to a promotional contract.

Despite weighing just 130 lbs., Harris (3-0, 3 KOs) stands an imposing 6’ tall and, with his incredible punching power and above-average hand speed, reminds many of the great Thomas Hearns.

The 24-year-old is a native of Cleveland, but now lives and trains in Atlanta. A born fighter, Harris was a latecomer to boxing and had only 15 amateur bouts before close friend and multi-weight world champion Gervonta Davis convinced him to take his heavy-handed style to the professional ranks in 2019.

“When I was younger, my dad would always bring up boxing to me, but I never went into a gym. I was into other sports,” recounted Harris. “One day, when I was 19, I decided to go to a gym and try it. My first time going, I wasn’t very good, but I liked it and just kept going and I got pretty good pretty fast.”

Harris went on to fight on the undercards of two of Davis’ high-profile title fights and is already generating strong buzz for his immense size and pulverizing power. Signing with Cohen, Harris says, is a key piece of the puzzle toward winning a world championship like his friend Davis.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m very excited to work with him,” said Harris of Cohen. “I hope to get my name out there and be named Prospect of the Year next year. That‘s what I’m aiming for. I think I can do it.”

The hard-working Harris recently spent time with former featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson but does most of his preparatory work at Champs Boxing and Fitness in Atlanta with his long-time coach and father figure, Pete Crumpley.

Crumpley, a friend of Cohen’s and a former fighter himself, says Harris was showing signs he was something special from very early on.

“I remember when he first came to the gym,” he recalled. “I noticed he had a great jab for a kid just starting out and pretty soon he was sparring with pros all the time and giving them good work. He would stop some of them with body shots. He liked going downstairs and everybody he hit to the body would quit. And for him to be able to work with Shakur in camp when he’s just a 3-0 pro with only 15 amateur fights. That says a lot. I think he has the potential to be a world champion.

“I think he can compete with the best of them right now,” Crumpley continued. “Some fighters are born with it and some are taught. DeMichael is an animal. When you find a kid who can punch with his amount of heart and guts, it’s something very special. He’s literally willing to do whatever it takes to win a fight.”

Promoter Cohen, who has taken a number of unknowns to the boxing promised land, says Harris impresses him with his physical gifts and his seemingly unending heart in the ring.

“He’s got unbelievable power and he just keeps coming,” said Cohen. “He soaks up knowledge like a sponge and he’s also got a very strong chin. It’s going to be hard for anyone in his weight class to do anything with him. He’s a very quiet guy outside the ring, but he turns on a switch when he fights, and he wants to kill you.”

Cohen says Harris will make his GCP debut on June 12 in Chattanooga, against an opponent to be named soon.

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About Greg Cohen Promotions

One of boxing’s premier promotional outfits, Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP) is a well-respected name for staging world-class professional boxing events and promoting elite professional fighters throughout the world.

Founder and CEO Greg Cohen has been involved with professional boxing in various capacities since the late 1980s, honing his craft and establishing himself as a shrewd international boxing businessman.

Distinguished by his ability to spot and develop raw talent, Cohen is lauded for his expert guidance of, among many others, current WBA Middleweight Champion Rob Brant from Minnesota, top-rated heavyweight contender Jarrell “ Big Baby” Miller from New York and former WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout of New Mexico. All three fighters, under Cohen’s promotional watch, went from unknowns to prospects to national television stars.

In addition, Greg Cohen Promotions has worked with established names such as former unified and two-time heavyweight champion Hasim “The Rock” Rahman and all-time-great multiple-weight class world champion James “Lights Out” Toney, as well as former WBA World Champion Ismael Barroso and former WBO-NABO Super Middleweight Champion “Mean” Joe Greene.

Greg Cohen Promotions has hosted world-class boxing events in the finest venues throughout the United States and the world and has also proudly provided talent and/or content for several television networks including HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, CBS Sports, MSG and FOX Sports Net.

NATHAN HEANEY insists fighting at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium next summer for the British Middleweight title is more than a dream.

The biggest ticket seller in British boxing believes that signing with Frank Warren makes it a realistic target.

The Stoke-on-Trent hero is back in action at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5 when he faces Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs), live on BT Sport.

COVID regulations allow just 1000 fans at the show, but Heaney’s allocation of 600 tickets was sold in minutes.

Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) who lives on the same road as his beloved football team’s ground said: “All the way through my career people have asked me about boxing at the Bet365.

“I didn’t have a major promoter then although I had a great one in BCB, most of their shows are small hall.

“Now I have Frank Warren behind me, people have asked would you have to fight for a World or European title to get a fight there?

“I think there is something special going on in our city and I really believe that if Frank put me in a British title fight it could happen.

“You would need the Queensberry superstars on there to make it a real event, but I really do think the city is going crazy for my fights.

“I want to push for Frank and Queensberry to put on a show at the Bet365 Stadium. I do think it is possible in the Summer of 2022.

“The location is fantastic for getting to and from Liverpool and Manchester. London is only 90 minutes on a train and the atmosphere it could create will be the best boxing atmosphere ever in a football stadium.

“I have to keep winning, moving up the rankings and hopefully get that British title shot.”

Heaney is under no illusions that he must progress and show Warren that he can deliver on a gigantic stage.

As well as his performances adding to his fan base, clips of his walk out to Stoke City anthem Delilah have gone viral.

Nathan, 32, added: “I am realistic and know the score. Felix Cash’s British title winning performance against Denzel Bentley was dangerous.

“If any British Middleweight looked at that and thought; ‘I’m having him next week,’ they’re lying.

“That is why I say next summer for the British title because I can have some good step up fights between now and then. I could have three or even four fights in that time.

“More than anything in the world that is what I want. To be British champion would be amazing.

“I have visions in my head of what the walk out would be. It would be one of the greatest things ever, but I need to speak with Frank about this sort of stuff.

“We will get together soon and see what the plans are.”

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 

CORONA, CA (May 26, 2021) – Junior welterweight, Michael Dutchover will return on Sunday, June 6th, 2021,as he faces Ivan Leon Benitez in a eight-round main event bout of a Thompson Boxing promoted 3.2.1 Boxing event at The Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, California.

Dutchover (14-1, 10 KOs), of Midland, Texas, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing, is eager to return to the ring as the man known to fans as the “West Texas Warrior” will look to continue his ascent up the rankings.

“I am happy to be back in the ring, making my 2021 debut. I have been training all year, but a couple dates fell out and finally looking to showcase my skills. I have not seen much of Benitez, but I know, he is game, and he is looking to take my spot,. He has nothing to lose, so I will have to take it to him. It’s all part of the game..”

Dutchover’s opponent, Benitez (14-4-1, 6 KOs), of Cancun, Mexico, is looking to spoil the show.

“People are largely discounting me in this fight,” said Benitez. “I have wins over two undefeated opponents and am coming off a draw against Francisco Corrales, in which I felt I won in December. I have never felt this good in my career and I am ready upset the house fighter.”

The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages. 3.2.1. and will start at 2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. ET.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

CARSON, CALIF. (May 26, 2021) – WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire shared insight into their training camps and their long-awaited showdown that headlines action live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, May 29 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see hard-hitting contender Subriel Matias taking on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in an IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. In the telecast opener, unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell will face Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Oubaali and Donaire will finally meet in the ring after they were originally scheduled to square off last year in a SHOWTIME main event. Oubaali will seek a career-best victory over a future Hall of Famer, while Donaire looks to add another triumph to his sterling career resume. The winner of this fight will have their eye on the winner of the upcoming showdown between former unified champion Guillermo Rigondeaux and WBO Bantamweight Champion John Riel Casimero, who are set to meet on SHOWTIME on August 14 in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

Here is what the main event fighters had to say leading up to Saturday’s showdown:

NORDINE OUBAALI

On Training Camp:

“This has been a very long training camp. I was supposed to fight Nonito a few times last year, and every time I had a camp leading up to a new date. First May, then December. Now, it’s finally time to fight.

“I had a lot of really good sparring in France and in Los Mochis, Mexico. It’s a nine-hour time difference coming from France, so I wanted to make sure I could get acclimated. I left France on May 1 and I’ve been able to adapt to the time and the conditions that I’ll be fighting in on May 29.”

On facing a future Hall of Famer in Nonito Donaire:

“Nonito Donaire is a big name and he’s been a world champion in a lot of different divisions. He’s strong, but I know what he can do and I know what my strategy is. I think we have similar styles, because we both like to stand and fight.

“He’s a strong fighter with a great technique, but I’m just going to do my best with whatever situations present themselves on fight night. My strength is being able to adapt to any style. I will feel the fight out. For me, boxing is like chess. Every time he makes a move, I have to counter it. I will respond to however Nonito comes forward and make the fight go the way I want it to.”

On being the betting favorite in this fight:

“For me, I don’t worry about who is the favorite or the underdog. I stay focused on the fight. The favorite is whoever has their hand raised at the end. I’m the champion and in my mind, I’m the best fighter in the division. I know why I came here, and that’s to get the job done. I came here to stay champion.”

On how having over a year knowing Donaire was next will help or hurt him on fight night:

“Having all of this time for preparation has been good, but I think the strategy I have will beß the same now as it would have been any other time we fought. It’s not anyone’s fault that the fight got pushed back, it’s just what we’ve all had to deal with the past year. We both have had plenty of time to prepare and I’m just excited that now the time is here.”

On his message to the rest of the bantamweight division:

“I’m the best bantamweight in the world. I’m going to give a great fight on Saturday so that everyone knows. I want all the bantamweights to know that I’m ready for them. I want to fight the best. I’m ready for the winner of John Riel Casimero vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux or Naoya Inoue. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. I know that I’m the best. Now I need to win and show the world.”

NONITO DONAIRE

On Training Camp:

“When I got back into the gym for this fight, I could feel that the power, the speed, the explosiveness was all there again. I felt like my body had time to heal properly for this training camp. I am very confident going into Saturday night.”

On what he expects from Oubaali:

“He’s very technically sound. You can’t underestimate a guy like him who has that amateur pedigree and who has worn that belt on his waist. We are not underestimating him. He is smart and sound, but I have the experience, the power, the speed and all the motivation to beat him. I will be looking for the knockout like I do every fight.”

On the longest layoff of his career:

“It’s been frustrating at times but it has given me the time to recover and refresh my body. I feel great right now and felt amazing going into training camp. I have been able to get closer to my kids, my wife, and get closer to myself through spirituality. The time has given me a chance to heal and be youthful all over again. The layoff really refreshed my mentality and my body. I feel great. I don’t expect any ring rust on Saturday.”

On increasing his intensity in sparring:

“For the past four or five years, maybe even longer, I have been sparring to just work with guys. The mindset was not about destroying someone. But in this training camp, I have had great sparring where I am going at my pace and no longer holding back. I have been going all out. This has been the biggest key in reclaiming the killer instinct that I had in the past. I was very aware after the Inoue fight that I needed to make a change in sparring. When I would hurt a guy, I would step back. That showed in the ring when I hurt Inoue, I stepped back a little bit instead of going for the kill.”

On the possibility of passing Gerry Penalosa to become the oldest bantamweight champ:

“Gerry is a good friend of mine. It would be so significant to me. I am still competing; I am still performing at a very high level and it proves that age is not a factor when you are healthy. When you keep yourself motivated and healthy, it all counts. I am really proud of where I’m at and what I can still achieve.”

On facing a southpaw:

“The layoff has given me a lot of time to really study and assess fighting southpaws. Of all of my losses, half of them were southpaws. I have learned a lot about southpaws during this layoff and I feel great. I feel like I could beat any southpaw at this moment.”

On being an underdog:

“I have been an underdog a few times. It’s a challenge for me and it motivates me a little bit but do I really care about being an underdog? No, because in my career I just make things happen. It’s not to prove anyone wrong but just to prove that I am still here. All that talk just flows past me and it doesn’t get into my head. The motivation for me is defeating this guy.”

ABOUT OUBAALI VS. DONAIRE
Oubaali vs. Donaire will pit undefeated WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali against future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire in a long-awaited 12-round championship showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 29 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, hard-hitting contender Subriel Matías takes on undefeated Batyr Jukembayev in a 12-round IBF Junior Welterweight Title Eliminator, while unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell faces Jovanie Santiago in a 10-round super lightweight clash to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

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.

Cyrus Pattinson has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and will make his professional debut on the Lewis Ritson vs. Jeremias Ponce undercard at the Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle on Saturday June 12, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories. 
 
The former Team GB amateur standout from Alnwick in Northumberland will fight out of Birtley Boxing Club under the guidance of long-time coach Graeme Rutherford, making his debut at Super-Welterweight with a view to move down to Welterweight. 
 
Now managed by Charlie Sims, Pattinson, 27, won gold medals at the 2017 Tammer and 2016 Feliks Stamm international tournaments during a successful stint in the amateurs and represented the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing between 2016 and 2018. 
 
“I want to push myself as far as I can go,” said Pattinson. “I’m going to bring an exciting style to the pro scene. Being from Team GB, I’ve showed plenty of times that I can box – use space well and close down space. I can fight as well. I’ve been in many wars in competitions and in the gym. I know I’m capable of doing both. I’d say I’m made more the pros. 
 
“Signing up with Eddie and Matchroom is something that I have always wanted and thought about – to the point where I even created my own ‘Welcome to the Team’ graphic a few years ago to keep myself motivated and positive when I was going through one of my surgeries. 
 
“To be honest I was looking to start my professional journey at the beginning of 2020. I was ready to turnover from Team GB and I’d already had discussions with Charlie Sims. I found myself more motivated by the pro game than the amateur scene. Amateur boxing is very political and there’s so many gold medals and fights that I should have won. 
 
“There was a lot of bad decisions when I was boxing abroad. My opportunities were limited, they could only send one boxer to the majors and that wasn’t me at the time. I’ve been ready to turn pro for a while and start a new chapter for myself. Being 27 I’m a man now and all of the experiences that I’ve endured have prepared me for the pro game.
 
“Graeme Rutherford has taken me from the grass roots level all the way through to the international scene. I feel like he’s done the most for my career. He’s the person that I trust more than anyone. I think that’s crucial for me moving forward. I couldn’t have wished for a better stage to make my professional debut on with fans finally returning. I can’t wait to get in there and start my new chapter.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome former Team GB standout Cyrus Pattinson to Matchroom and look forward to his pro debut on the Lewis Ritson vs. Jeremias Ponce undercard in Newcastle next month,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Cyrus has proved his ability during his time with Team GB and the British Lionhearts and I expect him to make a real impact in the pro ranks. There’s some huge nights ahead in the North East for Cyrus and it all starts at the Vertu Motors Arena on June 12, don’t miss it!”
 
“Cyrus is one of the hottest prospects in the UK right now,” said Charlie Sims. “Southpaw, angles and a slick boxer. There’s no doubt he has an incredibly deep amateur pedigree that Team GB alongside Birtley have helped facilitate for the last 6 years. Cyrus has a loyal fan base in the North East and now with the support from Matchroom he can go on to achieve great things globally. He is walking into a stacked division domestically and worldwide, I’m sure the North East will see some great nights watching this young man.”
 
You can follow Pattinson’s journey on Twitter: @CyrusRamone and Instagram: cyrusramone

LAS VEGAS (May 26, 2021) — The 10-round featherweight showdown between NABF champion Adam “BluNose” Lopez and former junior featherweight world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe will now open the ESPN telecast Saturday, June 19 from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
 
The main event marks the return of undefeated WBA/IBF bantamweight world champion and pound-for-pound elite Naoya “Monster” Inoue against Michael “Hot and Spicy” Dasmarinas, while WBO female junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer will make her first title defense in the co-feature versus former two-weight world champion Erica Farias.
 
Inoue-Dasmarinas, Mayer-Farias and Lopez-Dogboe will air live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $300, $200, $125 and $75 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Etix.com.
 
Lopez (15-2, 6 KOs), from Glendale, California, is coming off decision victories over Jason Sanchez and Louie Coria, two of the best bouts to emanate from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. He steps up against Dogboe (21-2, 15 KOs), who bounced back from a pair of title fight defeats against Emanuel Navarrete to knock out Chris Avalos.
 
About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort. The property is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The integrated resort intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity; 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael and David Morton’s One Steakhouse, Kassi Beach House from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Justin Massei and Mikis Troyan of Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Asset Management, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground is located at 4455 Paradise Road. For more information, visit www.virginhotelslv.com.
 
About Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels is a lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service, straightforward value, and a seamless, personalized hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for 50 years. Each property intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. Virgin Hotels Chicago – named the “#1 Hotel in the United States” in 2016 and “#1 Hotel in Chicago” in 2016, 2017, and 2020 by the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards – Virgin Hotels Dallas – named the “#16 Hotel in Texas” – Virgin Hotels Nashville and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are now open. Locations in New York, New Orleans, Miami, Edinburgh and Glasgow to follow. Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel and office conversions and ground-up development in Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, Seattle, and London.
 
About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of nearly 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. Curio Collection properties offer travelers authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Read the latest brand and hotel stories at newsroom.hilton.com/curio, and connect with Curio Collection on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

HOUSTON – (May 26, 2021) – Former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson made a name for himself throughout his storied career by combining elite on-field production with highlight-reel celebrations and an outspokenness that made him a household name. Now, he will look to take that same formula into his boxing debut when he steps into the ring for an exhibition against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell on Sunday, June 6 as part of the Mayweather vs. Paul SHOWTIME PPV event at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

In addition to bringing his brand of entertainment to the event, Johnson compared his own boxing style to one of the sport’s most unique fighters.

“I’m transitioning that flair you saw from me on the football field all into this sport,” said Johnson. “To me, my style is like Emanuel Augustus. Once I got those basic fundamentals down to a tee, I could add that trickery to my game.”

A long-time fan and student of the sweet science, Johnson never believed that he’d have this opportunity to box on this stage. However, once he received word from Mayweather and knew how long he’d have to prepare, he jumped on the chance presented.

“I never thought about stepping in the ring,” said Johnson. “I never thought there would be an opportunity to do so. But I love boxing. I’m friends with every boxer out there because I love and study all of it. I didn’t expect anything like this to happen. When Floyd called, the first thing I wanted to know, was how much time I had to prepare. Once I knew that I had enough time that I could look like myself in there, I knew I could pull it off.”

Always pushing the boundaries of what the public expects from athletes, Johnson will add another feather into what has been a remarkable career as an athlete and entertainer with this fight on June 6.

“This is a one-time thing,” said Johnson. “I’ve done some crazy things in life, and this is one to add and scratch off the bucket list. I’m coming in there to have fun and entertain.”

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ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL
Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com and FANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul, www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.

NEW YORK – May 26, 2021 – SHOWTIME has set its all-star announce team for the blockbuster event headlined by boxing great Floyd Mayweather and worldwide social media sensation Logan Paul with a mix of International Boxing Hall of Fame talent, sportscasting veterans and entertainers. MAYWEATHER vs. PAUL: BRAGGING RIGHTS is being produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV and will take place Sunday, June 6, live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.

In advance of the event, the network will premiere an immersive 30-minute special titled INSIDE MAYWEATHER VS. PAUL on Saturday, May 29 at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME. To watch and share the promo: https://youtu.be/6MLn5hmaxlI

SHOWTIME, the longest-tenured network covering the sport of boxing, has tapped veteran sportscaster Brian Custer to host the unique event. He will be joined by the award-winning comedic duo Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, the hosts of the SHOWTIME hit late-night program DESUS & MERO, who will provide their unique and entertaining commentary throughout the event. Calling the action at ringside will be the most versatile voice in combat sports, Mauro Ranallo, alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Also joining the robust team will be former MMA fighter and comedian Brendan Schaub of SHOWTIME Sports’ digital series BELOW THE BELT, serving as roving reporter. The in-ring announcer will be world-renowned Boxing Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr.

INSIDE MAYWEATHER VS. PAUL takes viewers inside the training camps of both superstars from two different worlds as they prepare for the must-see showdown for sports and entertainment fans around the globe. The SHOWTIME cameras embed with the 44-year-old Mayweather, a 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, in Las Vegas as he readies himself for the exhibition bout. The cameras also follow the hugely popular Paul, who stands six inches taller than Mayweather and owns an 18-year age advantage, as he goes through a rigorous training camp in Puerto Rico and attempts to shock the world on June 6. INSIDE MAYWEATHER VS. PAUL also captures the moment when Mayweather and the Paul brothers met face-to-face for the first time and exchanged verbal jabs in Miami on May 6 during their kickoff press conference.

SHOWTIME Sports will also provide extensive coverage of fight week events with commentary from a wide array of the network’s top digital combat sports and entertainment personalities including contributions from Schaub, Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell of MORNING KOMBAT and Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson of ALL THE SMOKE to cover every angle of one of the year’s most anticipated events. Live coverage of fight-week events including Mayweather and Logan Paul media availabilities, the undercard press conference and the main event ceremonial weigh-in will stream live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube Channel. In addition, SHOWTIME Sports, in collaboration with Bleacher Report, will take fans inside the training camp of undercard fighter Chad Johnson, providing unique access to the highly entertaining NFL star as he prepares to enter the world of prizefighting on June 6.

The premiere of INSIDE MAYWEATHER VS. PAUL will immediately precede the Saturday, May 29 SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader headlined by WBC Bantamweight World Champion Nordine Oubaali and future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire meeting in a long-awaited championship showdown.

#

About Mayweather vs. Logan Paul:

Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com and FANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.fanmio.com, the Official Digital PPV provider. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @SHOWTIMEBoxing, @MayweatherPromo and @Fanmio, and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions and @Fanmio.

BOGDAN DINU is determined to show Daniel Dubois that actions speak louder than words in their big fight.

The pair clash for the vacant WBA interim Heavyweight title at Telford International Centre on Saturday June 5, live on BT Sport.

Dinu (20-2, 16 KOs) who is ranked number two in the WBA world rankings has been stung after Dubois (15-1, 14 KOs) said of him: “He’s a standard boxer, he’s not that good nor that terrible.”

The 6ft 5in Romanian who last boxed in October when he knocked out Frank Bluemie in two rounds snapped back: “It is easy to speak.

“Look at Daniel’s last fight against Joe Joyce. It is difficult when you’re in there and on the receiving end.

“He is talking before he has met me. As Mike Tyson says everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

Dinu, 34, has only had six more professional fights than Daniel but is much more experienced.

Britain will be the fifth country he has boxed in as a professional having fought in Bulgaria, Canada, United States and his homeland since turning professional 13 years ago.

His two defeats came in high calibre company against current sparring partner Jarrell Miller and two-time world title challenger Kubrat Pulev who he lost against in the seventh round of a contest where the cards were level.

As an amateur he also win a bronze at the World Junior Championships and a silver at the European Junior Championships.

Dinu told the Unibet Lowdown: ‘Daniel is coming back after a loss and he needs experience. You do that with years of work.

“Daniel lost a tough war last time he boxed, but in my opinion he needs more experience. I have the experience.

“I don’t know if they have made a mistake (picking me). I am prepared, coming to win and it will be a war from the first round.

“I am not surprised he has picked me for his return. If you want to win titles then you must always take on good fighters on big shows.

“Daniel is a good fighter, but he needs to learn and have more fights. Good fights, not just against regular fighters who lose in the first round.”

Dinu believes the years he has given up travelling around the world improving his skills will make a difference against British hope, Dubois.

He added: “In my mind I didn’t lose any fight. They are experiences and I am well prepared to get into the big and world championship fights.

“Boxing is low level in Romania and I have made sacrifices. Now is my time and I am ready for the World Heavyweight championship

“It will mean a lot to beat Daniel and people will be proud of me. I will be the winner and then on to the next opponent.”

To watch the full interview with Bogdan Dinu click here

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 

ARCHIE SHARP WILL challenge for the vacant WBO Global super featherweight championship when he returns to the ring on Saturday June 5, live on BT Sport.

The 19-0 ‘Sharpshooter’ takes on Marcio Soza, 21-6-2 in his first fight since August of last year following his recovery from an arm injury.

The former WBO European champion, ranked at No.4 in the world by the governing body, will be entering into his first fight since switching his training base to Alan Smith’s Queensberry iBox Gym in Bromley and he is up against a Nicaraguan on an 11-fight winning streak and the holder of the WBA Fedelatin title, which he won in December of 2020.

“We are under two weeks out now and I literally cannot wait – I am very excited,” said the 26-year-old Sharp on his bid to win a second professional belt. “I’ve had a good 10-12 weeks camp after my injury and it has gone well

“I am fighting for the WBO Global title and it is what I needed really. I talk about trusting the process and I was going to be out on the Carl Frampton show before that got moved, I got injured and then this belt became vacant and I am now fighting a tough kid for a bigger title.

“It will put me in very good stead for where I want to be. Shakur Stevenson is fighting the No.2 (Jeremiah Nakathila) and I will be right there amongst it. I have defended the European belt three or four times now and I did get a little bit complacent in a couple of the fights. Having a new belt on the line is what I thrive on and I am buzzing for it.

“Marcio Soza is a tough kid and hasn’t been beaten since 2016. He has mixed with the likes of Francisco Fonseca and has been at a very good level, with over 20 wins and 12 stoppages. His losses came very early in his career and he is a 30-year-old man, so it is gonna be good and I am looking forward to it.

“He is definitely a Mexican-style fighter and I have watched a couple of little clips. He will certainly want to go toe-to-toe.”

Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

WBO ranked number four featherweight, Archie Sharp (19-0, 9 KOs) returns in his first fight under new trainer Alan Smith, while Belfast Middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko (8-0, 5 KOs) will be aiming for his fifth successive inside the distance win. Stoke-on-Trent’s huge popular middleweight Nathan Heaney (11-0, 3 KOs) has his second fight under the Queensberry banner when he meets Bulgarian Iliyan Markov (6-14-2, 3 KOs).

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 

Jorge Linares has warned Devin Haney that he is stepping up to a whole new level as he prepares to challenge the WBC World Lightweight champion on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV, live worldwide on DAZN, in association with Golden Boy Promotions.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM AXS.COM

 Former three-weight world king Linares (47-5 29 KOs) is looking to kickstart the latest chapter of his storied career by picking up the WBC belt that he owned in 2014 to 2016 from Haney (25-0 15 KOs).

The 22 year old champion has admitted that the Venezuelan star is the toughest fight of his career and has vowed to prove that he’s the man to beat at 135lbs, but Linares believes that he has the goods to end the rising star’s title reign and return to the summit on Saturday.

“It’s a big fight and a new challenge for me,” said Linares. “I have a lot of respect for Devin. He’s a young guy, a World champion, but on Saturday the respect goes, and I am ready for an amazing fight, and I hope he’s ready too. He knows who he is fighting – a four-time World champion. I have a lot of experience and that’s the most important thing in this fight to win the fight. He doesn’t have that. He has talent, he has youth and hunger, and the belt.

“A fight with me is a different level. I can show so many styles, I’m naturally fast and strong, I don’t have a lot of KOs, but he knows I can punch. I think he will run all night, but I will be waiting for him, I will follow him. If he wants to fight inside, I am ready for him. He’s going to have big problems on Saturday night, he knows I can do everything, and he knows I have to timing to put him down.

“I know his style, I trained with him a long time ago in Vegas and we did some sparring. He was a baby then! But he’s a champion now and I hope he’s ready for a tough fight.

“I don’t need to say anything about what he’s said. I just think about myself and what I need to do, not what he says or does. I don’t like to talk too much, I don’t need to talk to get fans or followers or anything, I just need to go out and do my job and put on a great fight.”

Linares’ clash with Haney tops a stacked card of action in Sin City, as Chantelle Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) will defend her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez  (23-7-3 7 KOs) in more World title action.? ?

There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title and it’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) as he faces Azinga Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title.

There’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe, Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the night, Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Amari Jones (1-0 1 KO) fighting in the paid ranks for the second time after his debut in April.

LAS VEGAS (May 25, 2021) – Undisputed Lightweight World Champion, ‘The Takeover’ Teofimo Lopez, (16-0, 12 KOs), swung open the doors to his training camp, City Athletic Boxing Gym in Las Vegas on Tuesday afternoon for a huge amount of media. Lopez is training for his highly anticipated clash with Undefeated Mandatory Challenger, ‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos Jr., (19-0, 10 KOs), set for Saturday, June 19 at Miami’s loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlines and live on Pay-Per-View.

Below are quotes from Lopez at the media workout.

“It feels great to be fighting on the Triller platform, something different with different musical artists. It’s going to be the greatest show this year and I’m excited to show everybody what I’m all about.”

“I don’t look at who I’m fighting, I heard the Selby fight was a close fight. However, Kambosos got the win, got the job done and became my mandatory.”

“One thing I’d like to clear up, the other guys in my division had four months to send me a contract and not one did. So, it all became George Kambosos at the end. I became world champion and undisputed and I want to let everyone know, I don’t duck or dodge anyone. With Kambosos, I’m not overlooking my competition but I’m looking straight through him.”

“I’ve been so focused on myself lately but as far as Josh Taylor or Jose Ramirez put them in front of me and I’ll beat them. Josh Taylor did what he to do, it was a great fight and a great event. The whole thing for me is making those type of fights happen. Sixteen fights in, I never said no to any fight. It’s up to these other guys to step up. They’re already talking about moving up to 147 and I can already sense the urgency in not wanting to fight me.”

‘I’m undisputed at 135, Taylor is undisputed at 140. Hopefully we can make that fight happen and I can become two-time undisputed. That’s the goal.”

“Triller is very driven and they really want to make their mark. We can talk about different things on the promotional side and they make it happen. With the boxing and the artists performing it’s a phenomenal collaboration. It’s great for the sport of boxing, it’s all entertainment at the end of the day. I’m not a fighter or a boxer, I’m an entertainer.”

“I just have to laugh at Lomachenko’s comments. It’s someone who never took a loss and especially the way I beat him. He’s in the past now. I took his heart, if we were to fight again I’d knock him out. My win over him elevated me to a whole other level.”

“It’s too late now for everyone, the amount of knowledge and ring IQ that I possess and have been working on, there’s no limit to me and I can’t wait to show that on June 19. It’s not about proving anybody wrong, it’s about proving me right.”

Among the others boxers at the media workout to greet Lopez were IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb Plant and undefeated welterweight contender Conor Benn.

                                                 —————————————————-

The four-hour show, which will kick off at 8:00pm EDT with the live PPV main card starting at 9pm EDT, will also feature a WBA World Title Heavyweight Eliminator bout between Michael Hunter (19-1-1, 13 KOs) and Mike Wilson (21-1, 10 KOs), as well as the WBC International Super Featherweight Silver Championship matchup between Andy Vences (23-2-1, 12 KOs) and Ireland’s Jono Carroll (19-2-1, 5 KOs). Additional fights will be announced in the coming weeks.

López, 23, (16-0, 12 KOs) is the current undisputed lightweight world champion, having held the IBF title since 2019 and the WBA, WBO, WBC and Ring magazine titles since defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020. López is considered to be one of, if not the, best active boxers, pound for pound, by ESPN and Boxing Writers Association of America, and The Ring. He is also ranked as the world’s best active lightweight by BoxRec, ESPN and the TBRB. The Australian Kambosos has held the IBF Pan Pacific lightweight title since 2017. Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) became the IBF mandatory challenger after defeating Lee Selby by split decision in October.  

The co-main bout will feature a four-belt undisputed super middleweight championship between WBC/WBO titlist Franchon Crews-Dezurn and Elin Cederroos, who holds the WBA and IBF belts. The winner will become a true women’s undisputed champion in the sport.

In a heavyweight clash, Las Vegas, NV resident Michael ‘The Bounty’ Hunter II will battle Michael ‘White Delight’ Wilson, of Medford, OR in a ten-round WBA Heavyweight World Title Eliminator.

Competing for the WBC International Super Featherweight Silver Championship, Andy ‘El Tiburon’ Vences of San Jose, CA meets Jono ‘King Kong’ Carroll of Dublin, Ireland in a scheduled 10-rounder.

FITE, the world’s premier streaming PPV platform for sports and entertainment recently acquired by TrillerNet, will handle worldwide live pay-per-view streaming distribution online for the June 19 event, and via FITE mobile and Smart TV apps, game controllers and all major OTT devices as well as power TrillerFightClub.com.

The PPV retail price for the event is $49.99 (U.S. & Canada) plus processing fee. Fans outside North America can check the FITE link at https://www.fite.tv/watch/teofimo-lopez-vs-george-kambosos/2p97b/ for international pricing.

In addition to being a co-owner, Snoop also provides strategic counsel to Triller Fight Club, helping to select fighters and musical acts for the show-stopping events. An entertainment expert who has successfully maneuvered through a range of projects in a variety of different fields, Snoop secured his spot as a fan favorite during Triller’s first sporting event, Tyson vs. Jones.

About FITE:

FITE is the premier global platform for live sports and entertainment offering many of the industry’s marquee PPV events and SVOD packages with over 4.4MM registered users. FITE is available worldwide through its iOS and Android mobile apps, Apple TV, Android TV, ROKU, Amazon Fire TV and Huawei apps. In addition, FITE supports Samsung, LG, Cox Contour, Vizio SmartCast™, Foxxum, Chromecast, PS4, XBOX, ZEASN, Netrange, Vidaa/Hisense, VEWD, Netgem TV, Virgin Media, Comcast’s Xfinity 1 and Xfinity Flex as well as 7,000 models of Smart TVs. Available online at www.FITE.tv. Follow FITE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If it Happens, it’s on FITE.

About loanDepot park:

loanDepot park is a state-of-the-art retractable roof ballpark located in the heart of Miami. Built in 2012 and located fewer than two miles from downtown Miami, loanDepot park’s uniqueness and attractiveness, including unobstructed views of Miami’s skyline made possible by six operable glass panels, have made the venue a go-to destination for world-class entertainment, hosting a variety of sporting events as well as many business and entertainment events.

About TrillerNet:

FITE and Triller Fight Club are owned by TrillerNet, a first-of-its-kind company consolidating technology and content platforms to lead the move to Internet 3.0. TrillerNet pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology. TrillerNet—which owns the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. The Triller app—unlike other popular short-video apps it is often compared to, encourages its users to post the content created on the app across other social media platforms and websites. The app uses proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology which is uniquely tied to the content rather than the user. By tracking the content, Triller empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks reaching hundreds of millions of additional users. Data and insights gleaned from the Triller network, its creators, artists and users (from the app and off network) are used to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content, and provide unprecedented opportunities for engagement and monetization. TrillerNet has developed highly successful campaigns that begin with the app and continue throughout the entire content and technology ecosystem with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others. TrillerNet offers brands a unique content and technology solution, including direct deals with the influencers and celebrities. This branded content journey starts with short-form video and can easily expand into valuable long-form content distributed through the Triller Network, such as live-event boxing and music PPVs, fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 65 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s “Ask a DAM Question,” Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, DJ Khaled’s Spreading Love, Hype House’s Thomas Petrou’s Coffee Talks, Josh Richards’ Josh Pong, Ur Lov’d: the Noah Beck Show, Fat Joe’s Masterclass, The Perez Hilton Show, and Violet Benson’s Too Tired To Be Crazy, among others. TrillerNet additionally owns Verzuz, the massive live-stream music platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, and Triller Fight Club (www.TrillerFightClub.com), which launched last year with the highly successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records. Other holdings include leading AI-powered customer engagement platform Amplify.ai, and FITE, the premier live event and PPV, AVOD, SVOD streaming platform.

Chantelle Cameron plans to shine in Las Vegas and punish trash-talking challenger Melissa Hernandez when she defends her WBC World Super-Lightweight title on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM AXS.COM

 Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) makes the first defense of the title that she won in October in a clash that was due to take place in March, but the Briton suffered whiplash from a car accident during training camp and the fight had to be pushed back.

Cameron says Hernandez (23-7-2 7 KOs) doubted that the injury was legitimate, which has lit a fire inside the champion, who wants to put the Puerto Rican away in style – but she won’t get reckless as the Northampton, England ace wants to cement her place at the top table before targeting her domestic rivals in huge dust-ups back home.

“She’s just a hype job, she chat’s shit saying I pulled out because I wasn’t ready and the injury was a lie,” said Cameron. “Listen, if I wasn’t ready and was making excuses, I could have just said I had COVID instead of a car crash. Who lies about having a car crash? That’s just stupid.

“That has put a bit of fire in me and I’m glad, because it’s given me an extra hunger and I will make her eat her words because she’s nothing to be scared of. She’s a trash talker, I’m not, I do my business in the ring. Let her do her thing and I’ll do mine, but as soon as that bell goes, I’ll turn savage.

“It’d be lovely to stop her, and if I do that, I want it to be a proper stoppage, not the referee stepping in, I want to stop her on her feet. But I’m not looking for it, Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis have been amazing with my tactics, so I am not going to go in there and ruin my plan. She’s a tricky opponent, she’s slippery, smart, experienced, and if I go in there looking for a KO she could nick it on points, and that’s not happening, that belt is coming back home with me.

“We don’t overlook anyone, I’m not disrespectful and I’m zoned in on her. I have to get through Melissa, she’s tough, but I feel my journey isn’t stopping here, it’s going forward. I refuse to lose. Whatever it takes, I will do it to win, because I know what the future can hold for me if I perform well and win.

“Lose, I go back to the drawing-board, and I can’t think about that. I want to be in the big fights, Katie Taylor, Natasha Jonas, Terri Harper, Shannon Courtenay, Ebanie Bridges, all those fights, because I don’t feel like I have had my moments yet.”

Cameron faces Hernandez on a stacked card in Las Vegas, topped by unbeaten WBC World Lightweight champion Devin Haney (25-0 15 KOs) defending his title against former World ruler Jorge Linares (47-5 29 KOs).

There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) and Shane Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title and it’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) as he faces Azinga Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title.

There’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe, Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the night, Ramla Ali (2-0) has been impressive in her two fights since turning pro in October and the first pro female fighter from Somalia gets an introduction to American fight fans on the bill, a card that is rounded off by Devin Haney Promotions’ Amari Jones (1-0 1 KO) fighting in the paid ranks for the second time after his debut in April.

NEW YORK – (May 25, 2021) – WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal andtwo-division champion Badou Jack, plus former unified world champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd and veteran contender Luis Arias, previewed their respective showdowns on a virtual press conference Tuesday before they step in the ring as part of the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul taking place Sunday, June 6 from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Pascal and Jack will meet for a championship rematch in the co-main event of the pay-per-view, while Hurd and Arias square off for a 10-round bout also on pay-per-view. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson making his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

JEAN PASCAL

“I’m very excited about the rematch. I’ve been training in Puerto Rico since December. I’ve been waiting this whole time for the rematch and I’m ready. I respect Badou, but he’s always whining after he loses. The judges said I won the fight and that’s it.

“The first fight, in the first six rounds I did everything well. I might have gotten a little overconfident. I took it a bit too easy after that. The fight got close because of that knockdown he got that wasn’t from a real punch. Without that, it wouldn’t have even been close. We’re going to settle this June 6 in Miami.

“I think I just have to pace myself a little better this fight. I got over excited because I’ve sparred with Badou before and know what I can do. I am a veteran, so I shouldn’t have gotten too excited like that. As far as knocking him down again in this fight, my mom taught me that anything you can do once, you can do twice.

“I do believe that Badou respects my power. If he doesn’t, then he better watch that fourth round again. But I also have skills with my power. I am naturally-gifted and I have the better skills. I was born for this sport and built to win.

“I really think the work in the gym will help so I don’t have ring rust. I’m a veteran. I’ve been here and done that. At this age, it’s better to have more rest than to be over trained. I had the right intensity in camp to make sure I’m not over trained. 

“He’s coming for revenge and I’m coming with bad intentions. It’s going to be a great show, so make sure you tune-in for this one.”

BADOU JACK

“I’m feeling great with my new trainer Jonathon Banks. Physically I’m in amazing shape and I can’t wait. Another week and a half and it’s all going to happen.

“This has been in the works since our first fight. Last year Floyd called me and said, ‘it’s on.’ Then the pandemic hit and it got pushed back. There is a reason there is a rematch, because everyone knows who won that fight. It’s better late than never. I was back in the gym Monday after the first fight.

“There were three judges and Julie Lederman had it for me and the two other guys had never judged a big fight before. We have two judges for this fight: the right hand and the left hand. That’s it. I’m very confident for this fight and I’m not worried about the judges. I know Jean Pascal is a warrior, and I’m a warrior. I’m just ready to fight.

“Looking at the past, yes, I need to start faster. Every fight, that can apply. I will listen to my corner, and we’re going to figure out how to win the fight. By any means we need.

“He can say whatever he wants about when I knocked him down. I hit him five straight times and he swung and missed and I hit him. That’s why he went down.

“This is going to be a firefight. We already know that. Tune in to this fight. Boxing is not a game and I’m going to show everyone that and try to steal the show.

“I’ve watched the last fight once or twice, maybe three times. I just need to make some small adjustments. You can always do better. I’m more confident than last time. I know we are both warriors. We’ve fought everyone. We’re the same age (Jack is 37; Pascal 38), even though I look a little bit better. I’m looking younger. Nobody has seen my birth certificate. I’m not really 37. I’m 27.”

JARRETT HURD

“Training camp has been great. I haven’t fought in a year and a half, so I had a chance to really take my time with this camp. I’ve had a lot of time to put in the work. I’m training with fighters like Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Troy Isley and a lot more. We’re all out here working day after day.

“Arias is a great fighter. This is going to be the type of toe-to-toe fight I like. He’s going to be there in front of me and ready to fight. He’s never been stopped, so I’ll be prepared to go the distance.

“We’ve seen this story before from Arias. He talks a big game but look at his fights against top fighters. It doesn’t matter what weight I’m at, Arias knows what’s coming. I suffered a loss, but I got the win in my last fight and I’m on my way back.

“I just need a dominant win on June 6. Luis Arias can make it ugly, but I have to go win convincingly and let everyone know I’m back. I don’t want to win in a sloppy way, I want to look good doing it.

“He might think he’s catching me at the right time, but it’s not going to be a good time for him on June 6. I can box and I can bang, it doesn’t matter. We’ll decide on fight night which style I’m going to use. I know that I can beat him either way.

“I tried to work on my bad habits after my loss. I was a straight-forward guy who just came at you. I wanted to show in my last fight against Francisco Santana that I can use my height and range if I need to. I wanted to box all 10 rounds and I did that. 

“I still have too much unfinished business at 154-pounds. I have a lot of fights, including my rematch against Julian Williams, that I still want to get. I want to regain my titles. Me and Jermell Charlo is probably the biggest fight at 154 right now. I want to handle that before I move up in weight.”

LUIS ARIAS

“Camp has been excellent. I’m excited for the fight. I think this is a perfect fight and a perfect opportunity. It’s a great matchup. I’ve been working on the right things to make sure I’m one hundred percent prepared for this fight and I think I’m catching Jarrett Hurd at the right time. He’s switching styles. He really doesn’t know how he wants to fight.

“When this fight was brought to me, he was ranked No. 1 at the Ring Magazine at 154 and that’s part of why I wanted this fight. Leonard Ellerbe asked if I was willing to fight Hurd, and I said one hundred percent. It’s all about challenging yourself. This is another challenge and I never turn down a challenge. I’ve been in there with the best and there’s nothing that Jarrett Hurd can bring to the table that I haven’t already seen.

“A win puts me right back in the mix. I’ve always been just one step away from really getting into the mix with the big guys. My last couple fights have all been just one fight away from getting that world title fight. Once I beat Jarrett Hurd on June 6, I’ll be right there with the big dogs. He’s calling out Jermell Charlo and he wants to fight all these other big names, but he’s going to have to get through me. If he loses to me, I’ll be in position for the fights that he wants.

“It’s going to be a hard fight. If he wants to bang, we can bang. If he says he wants to box, he’s not the better boxer. But there’s only one way to find out and we’re going to find out in two weeks. I have to do everything that I can do to make sure that I show up and I impress.

“I’m still young and I’m still fighting my way through. I just needed to make the proper adjustments. I’m not going to be a desperate fighter. I’m going to go in there and fight the way I fight. I’ve always had championship-level fighting in me, but I just haven’t shown it. This is a perfect opportunity for me to show it.

“I’m coming after him. I have to win. He’s not going to have to find me. I’m going to be right there. If I have to box him in the middle of the ring or if I have to put my head in his chest and dog him out, then that’s what I got to do. From the opening bell to the final bell, if we make it to the final bell, I’m going to be on him. We’ll see what type of adjustments he makes, but I don’t feel he’s a better inside fighter than me and I don’t feel like he’s a better boxer than me.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“The world is buzzing about this whole event, including our terrific undercard with two great professional bouts. Hurd vs. Arias is going to be a scintillating bout. I’ve seen Luis up close and personal during this training camp and I know that he’s 100% prepared and ready to pull off the upset. Hurd on the other hand is looking to maintain his footprint in the 154-pound division and prove he’s the best at that weight.

“Pascal and Jack had a fantastic bout a year and a half ago on SHOWTIME. From the opening bell, those guys proved they are great warriors and we expect nothing less in the rematch on June 6. The fans are truly in for a treat on that night.

“The energy between these four fighters today has been incredible. As the promoter of this event, I’m excited, so I can only imagine what the fans are in for. Hurd and Arias are both looking to make a statement, and that’s going to roll right into Pascal against Jack, who are going to pick up right where they left off in their first fight.”

ABOUT MAYWEATHER VS. LOGAN PAUL

Mayweather vs. Logan Paul is a special exhibition bout presented by Mayweather Promotions, FANMIO and Mavathltcs that will take place on Sunday, June 6 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. The telecast, which is being produced by SHOWTIME PPV, will air live beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and can be purchased now at SHOWTIME.com and FANMIO.com. The undercard will feature WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal vs. two-division world champion Badou Jack in a 12-round rematch, plus former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd against Luis Arias in a 10-round bout and in a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against versatile fighter Brian Maxwell. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit bit.ly/mayweatherpaul,  www.SHO.com/sports, www.FANMIO.com. Follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromo, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO and on Instagram @FloydMayweather, @LoganPaul, @MayweatherPromotions, @ShowtimeBoxing and @FANMIO.

LAS VEGAS (May 25, 2021) – Back in February of 2019, World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez had made a decision to move up to fight in the light heavyweight division, and he was searching for a new head trainer.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) immediately connected with a then 28-year-old Julian Chua, a former amateur boxer who had been training boxers at Freddie Roach’s famed Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. “Zurdo” and Chua are now 2-0 (2 KOs) and preparing for a mega-fought later this year, ideally, against undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs).

How Ramirez ended up with Chua as he head trainer isn’t a typical boxing story. After all, “Zurdo” was the first Mexican world super middleweight champion, sporting a 29-0 pro record, and only 27 when they first met.

Ramirez’ manager, David Suh, conducted a search to hire Ramirez’ chief second. He had a list that included some of the top trainers in the industry, as well as a young, relatively unknown – at least outside of southern California – in Chua.

“I don’t know how I got on that list,” a humble Chua said. “There was going to be a tryout of sorts to determine who would work with ‘Zurdo.’ We trained together in Long Beach (where Ramirez was training) and then I met with David for coffee. He asked if I was interested in becoming the head trainer. We trained together a little more. He liked the way I trained, and we got along well. I texted David saying we liked working together and that I was interested in becoming his head trainer.

“We clicked right away, and we learned things about each other and how we liked to train. I study a lot and do a lot of research of how he had been trained, because I wanted to help him to improve. I was getting four fighters ready in LA and “Zurdo” couldn’t go there for sparring. I said I couldn’t leave these fighters and go to Santa Barbara. “Zurdo” respected me even more for not jumping ship from those four fighters for a better opportunity. We still wanted to work with each other, and ‘Zurdo’ made it work. I went to Long Beach twice a week, he came to Wildcard three times.”

Ramirez won his light heavyweight debut April 12, 2019, when Tommy Karpency (29-6-1) was unable to continue after four rounds, followed last December 18th with a 10th round stoppage of Alfonso Lopez (32-3) to capture the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) title.

Chua was trained by Roach when he was an amateur from Indiana, but when Chua started at Wildcard, Roach’s assistant Eric Brown became Chua’s mentor. During his training career at Wildcard West Boxing, known now as Churchill Boxing in Santa Barbara, Chua has trained several world champions in boxing and MMA.

The 29-year-old Ramirez, who recently signed an exclusive promotional contract with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA and WBO. “Zurdo” returns to action July 9th in Los Angeles against Sullivan Barrera (22-3, 14 KOs).

Whether it’s Bivol, or the other world light heavyweight champions — Artur Beterbiev and Joe Smith – “Zurdo” and Chua are preparing to beat the best for Ramirez to wear the coveted World championship crown in a second division.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

TOMMY FURY has leapt to the defence of Queensberry stablemate Daniel Dubois and backed him to bounce ‘back stronger’ from his injury setback.

Dubois suffered his only career defeat against Joe Joyce in ten rounds last November when he took a knee having suffered a broken eye socket.

He has now been cleared to fight by doctors and Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) headlines on Saturday June 5 when he challenges Romanian Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16 KOs) for the vacant WBA interim Heavyweight title, live on BT Sport.

Fury, 22, is in action on the same bill and told host Dev Sahni on Queensberry’s The Lowdown: “I wasn’t in Daniel’s position. I’m not in that fight. You can only answer those things when you’ve been in that position yourself.

“I’m not gonna sit here after five professional fights, all four rounders saying what I would do in that scenario with a broken eye socket.

“I’d like to think I know what I’d do, but when you’re in that scenario it is a different story.

“Health is before wealth and I think Billy Joe Saunders did the right thing and lives to fight another day.

“I think Daniel is going to come back stronger with a knockout and back in the mix for some great fights. He just needs to keep building.

“It is so good to be on the undercard of such a good main event. It is a privilege to be on the card. I’m just looking forward to showing my skills on the night and what I’ve been learning.”

Fury (5-0, 4KOs) is wrapping up training for his contest next month with older brother Tyson Fury in Miami.

It’s looking increasingly likely that WBC World Heavyweight champion Fury will face Deontay Wilder for the third time later this summer.

If that happens, young Tommy fancies making it a family double on the undercard by meeting Wilder’s brother Marsellos.

He added: “That fight would make headlines. It would be a privilege to fight on Tyson’s undercard and both of us getting victories.

“I am up for that fight. I am up for anything. I am over here training, in shape so whatever comes I will be ready for.

“I’ll have a piece of him. I called him out before and he never replied.”

To watch Tommy’s full interview with Dev Sahni on The Lowdown click here

 Daniel Dubois (15-1, 14KOs) returns to the ring on Saturday June 5 when he takes on Bogdan Dinu (20-2, 16KOs) for the WBA Interim heavyweight title. Light heavyweight favourite Tommy Fury is also in action in his sixth fight as a professional.

Also on the show are unbeaten English bantamweight champion Liam Davies (8-0, 3 KOs), featherweight Adan Mohamed (1-0)  and 18-year-old decorated amateur George Bance, who makes his professional debut after signing with Queensberry. 

BOSTON (May 25, 2021) – Veteran boxer Marvin “Much Too Much” Cordova, Jr and promising prospect Robert Daniels, Jr. (pictured below) are the latest additions to Ryan Roach’s growing Fighter Locker stable.

“Mr. (Jimmy) Burchfield (Cordova’s promoter) linked me up with Marvin,” Roach said. We had a few short conversations on the phone, and it just happened. Marvin is very passionate about the sport, and he’s read to show the worked he still has a lot left in his tank. He truly is a special fighter with a high-caliber resume including opponents like Victor Ortiz and Joselito Lopez. He has a great team around him now and we are really looking forward to getting him going.

“Robert is a great young man coming from a family just like mine. I am ready to get him going with a great trainer in Kevin Cunningham. I am proud to add him to the Fighter Locker team. He is really a talented fighter that had a few bad breaks early on in his career. He had managerial issues and so forth. Look for Daniels Jr. during the next year!”

The 36-year-old Cordova (23-2-1, 12), is a super middleweight from Pueblo, Colorado. A solid amateur who was a bronze medalist at the 2002 U.S. Under-19 and 2003 Police Athletic League, Cordova turned pro in 2014, but his pro career has been interrupted because spent 8 years in prison. He also defeated future pro world champion Daniel Jacobs

“I’m 36 but a young 36,” Cordova said. “I started boxing at 4. I had 242 amateur fights and was chosen as one of the top amateur boxers in the country. I spent 8 years in prison, and it made me a better person and hungrier fighter. I have some unfinished business to take care of. I really beat Joselito Lopez (Lopez won an 8-round decision). I hit him with a big shot in the sixth round, but they let him stay down for 4 minutes, claiming he was hit low.”

In his last fight this past January, Cordova captured the NBA super middleweight title by stopping 56-30-3 Hector Velazquez in round four, adding to his awards display case that also includes his Interim WBC Youth World, WBA NABA U.S. light welterweight, and GBU Youth light welterweight title belts.

“Ryan Roach believes in me,” Cordova noted. “I’m stronger and ready for the next step. I had talked with a friend, Jimmy Williams, about signing with a good manager. He told me Ryan was a good manager who loves his fighters and really cares about him. My promoter, ‘Mr. B’ (Jimmy Burchfield), hooked me up with Ryan. He calls to make sure I’m good and he can get me to the elite level once again.”

Daniels (4-0, 4 KOs) is the son of former WBA cruiserweight World champion Robert “Preacher Man” Daniels (49-10-1, 41 KOs), who became world champion in 1989, when he decisioned the future Hall of Famer Dwight Muhammad Qawi.

“There’s a little bit of added pressure as the son of a world champion boxer,” southpaw Daniels admitted. I’ve heard things like ‘he’s not going to be like his father, he doesn’t have what it takes to be world champion.’”

Now fighting out of West Palm Beach, Florida, Miami native Daniels is now trained by Cunningham. Managerial issues resulted in him fighting only four times as a pro during his nearly 5-year career.

“I was introduced to Ryan by my friend, Daniel Bailey (a member of Fighter Locker), and I believe Ryan can get me to a world title,” Daniels remarked. “The main reason I signed with Ryan is I like his personality. He’s easy to talk with and before I even signed with him, he reached out to me to see how things were going. And that’s a big reason why I did sign with him.

“I was supposed to sign with managers are few times, but it never went anywhere, and I wasn’t getting fights. I have this great opportunity now and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers include California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), Troy, NY ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (17-5-2, 6 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (7-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (5-0, 4 KOs), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs), a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0-1, 2 KOs).

INFORMATION:
WEBSITE: fighterlocker.com, punch4parkinsons.com
FACEBOOK: /fighterlocker
TWITTER: @RoachRyan
INSTAGRAM: @RyanRoach82

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

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

Lewis Ritson will face Jeremias Ponce in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Super-Lightweight World Title at the Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle on Saturday June 12, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

‘The Sandman’ won a controversial split decision against Miguel Vazquez behind closed doors at the East of England Arena in Peterborough last time out in October to claim the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title and improve his record to 21-1 (12 KOs).

In his last fight in front of his Newcastle faithful, Ritson produced a career-best performance to beat bitter rival Robbie Davies Jr in an enthralling Fight of the Year candidate, and the 27-year-old says he can’t wait to get back in front of his fanatical support against undefeated Argentinian Ponce.  

The 24-year-old, from Buenos Aires, won the South American Title in 2019 by outpointing fellow Argentine Leonardo Amitrano, and became IBO Champion later that year with a points win in Berlin over Germany’s Rico Muller on his debut outside the Americas.

He boxed twice in late 2020, both all-Argentinian confrontations, firstly stopping Ruben Lopez in 90 seconds before being pushed all the way by southpaw Jonathan Eniz over 10 tough rounds, and heads into his showdown with Geordie favourite Ritson on the back of a 27-fight winning streak. 

“It was a strange experience behind closed doors last time so I’m thrilled fans will be returning, it’s always loud in Newcastle and I’m proud to have them behind me cheering me on,” said Ritson. 

“Ponce likes to come forward, throw a few good body shots and he’s got a decent jab. We’re expecting and have prepared for a tough fight and it should be given what’s at stake.

“I’m one or two fights away from being World Champion now, that’s the dream for any boxer and to be in touching distance now is spurring me on with this Final Eliminator locked in.”

“I’m really looking forward to the fight,” said Ponce. “I’ve already become World Champion in Europe when I won the IBO crown against Rico Mueller and after my win against Ritson on June 12 I am aiming to win another World Title. I’m ready to box anyone in my weight class.”

“This is a huge fight for Lewis Ritson, he is one fight away from a shot at the undisputed championship,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “We should be having the full 9,000 in Newcastle but right now 1,000 is going to feel like a full house and I can’t wait to see the fans again in Newcastle – I expect this main event to be a war.”

A limited number of tickets will be made available for this event and further details will be released on Thursday May 27.