George Acosta won a 10-round unanimous decision over Gadwin Rosa in a junior lightweight contest.

Acosta, 128 lbs of Sinaloa, MEX won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 and is now 12-1. Rosa, 130 lbs of Vieques, PR is 11-2.

Pedro Salome won a four-round split decision over Hector Bayanilla in a super bantamweight contest.

Salome won two cards 39-37; Bayanilla won a card 39-37.

Salome, 123 lbs of Los Angeles is 3-0-1. Bayanilla, 123 lbs of Ponce, PR is 2-1-1.

FULL LINE UP

Alejandro Paulino vs. Earnest Walls
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Danny Robles vs. Michael Gaxiola
4 Rounds, Super Featherweights

Harry Gigliotti vs. Jader Oliveria
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Brandon Higgins vs. Calvin Glover
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Kris Jacobs vs. Robert Bricks
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Travis Gambardella vs. Antonio Chavez Fernandez
6 Rounds, Middleweights

Matt Doherty vs. Paulo De Souza
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Joshua Raineri vs. Montoyia Swilling
4 Rounds, Super Middleweights

Nick Molina vs. Bruno Dias
4 Rounds, Super Featherweights

James Perkins vs. Jesus Cintron
4 Rounds, Cruiserweights

Rico Depaolis vs.Francisco Neto
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Laquan Lewis vs. Nate Charles
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Michael Bulger vs. Jay Gregory
4 Rounds, Middleweights

Kevin Walsh vs. Henry Garcia
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Christian Andrade vs. Kyle Massoth
4 Rounds, Bantamweights

Aaron Bernardo vs. Andrew Nolan
4 Rounds, Heavyweights
ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic, last August when they held an empty venue show in Windham, New Hampshire that was broadcast for free on YouTube and watched live by thousands of boxing fans worldwide. After the successful event, that featured numerous safety protocols including Covid-19 testing, Boston Boxing Promotions returned with 2 more matinee events again for free and broadcast online at www.youtube.com/bostonboxing. May 8th will be Boston Boxing’s final empty venue event before returning this July with back to back weekend shows with fans back in attendance.

Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!

First Bell – 4.35pm CT

LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL ON THE MATCHROOM YOUTUBE CHANNEL 

4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest

Kelvin Davis 143.8lbs  vs      Jan Marsalek 140.4lbs
Norfolk, VA                              Pardubice, Czech Republic

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Welterweight contest

Christian Alan Gomez Duran 146.4lbs    vs.     Xavier Wilson 147.8lbs
Guadalajara, Mexico                                            San Antonio, TX

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Lightweight contest

Keyshawn Davis 138lbs        vs.     Jose Antonio Meza 138lbs
Norfolk, VA                                        Gomez Palacio, Mexico

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest

Marc Castro 132.4lbs  vs.     Irving Macias Castillo 127.6lbs
Fresno, CA                             Monterrey, Mexico

MAIN CARD LIVE ON DAZN FROM 7PM CT

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest

Frank Sanchez 237.6lbs        vs. Nagy Aguilera 238.2lbs
Guantanamo, Cuba                       Houston, TX

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title

Kieron Conway 154lbs          vs.     Souleymane Cissokho 153.6lbs
Northampton, UK                               Bagnolet, France

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBO World Light-Flyweight title

Elwin Soto 107.8lbs     vs.     Katsunari Takayama 107.6lbs
Baja California, Mexico            Osaka, Japan

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC, WBA Super, WBO and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight unification

Canelo Alvarez   167.4lbs    vs.     Billy Joe Saunders 167.8lbs
Guadalajara, Mexico                        Hatfield, UK

PHILADELPHIA (MAY 7, 2021)–Weights for Saturday night’s RDR Promotions at the 2300 Arena

Rashiem Jefferson Jr. 127 lbs – Diuhl Olguin 127.9
Edgar Cortes 117.9 – Alexander Castellano 119.6
Shinard Bunch 142.2 – Diego Vicente Perez 142.7
Donald Smith 127.2 – Jonathan Lecona Ramos 127.3
Mark Dawson 147.5 – Rodrigo Solis 147.8
Rasheen Brown 129 – Nathan Benichou 129.8
Tahmir Smalls 148.2 – David Veras Pena 154
Christian Bermudez – 141.3 – Joseph Santana 135.2

PROMOTER: RDR Promotions
Venue: 2300 Arena
1st Bell: 7:30 PM ET
STREAM: BXNGTV.COM

PHILADELPHIA (MAY 7, 2021)–TOMORROW NIGHT, undefeated featherweight prospect Rashiem Jefferson Jr. takes a step up in competition when he takes on upset-specialist Diuhl Olguin in a six-round bout that will headline a big night of boxing at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The eight-bout show is promoted by RDR Promotions and be streamed live on BXNGTV.com

Jefferson, still just 19 years-old, has been a professional for one year, and defeated undefeated Nathan Benichou in pro debut on March 7, 2020.

Jefferson is 5-0 with one knockout and is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Darel Harris on March 6th in Feasterville, Pa.

Olguin of Guadalajara, Mexico has a record of 15-16-4 with 10 knockouts.

The 32 year-old is in his 13th year of a professional career, and has upset wins over Horacio Garcia (32-2-1), Kevin Rivers Jr. (14-1) and his last bout when he stopped top-rated prospect David Navarro in six-rounds on March 10th in Uncasville, Connecticut.

In a co-feature bout, Edgar Cortes of Millville, New Jersey takes on undefeated Alexander Castellano in a bantamweight fight.

Cortes is 7-6-1 with one knockout. The 26 year-old is an eight-year professional, and is coming off his 1st stoppage win as he got Michael Stoute out of there in five rounds on March 6th in Feasterville, Pa.

Castellano of Tornawanda, New York is 4-0 with two knockouts.

The 28 year-old is a two year professional and is coming off a first-round stoppage over Raymond Locker on February 20th in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

In six-round bouts:

Donald Smith (11-1, 7 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jonathan Lecona Ramos (18-20-5, 6 KOs) of Mexico City in a featherweight bout.

Shinard Bunch (14-1, 12 KOs) of Trenton, NJ takes on Diego Vicente Perez (13-12-1, 12 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina in a junior welterweight bout.

Mark Dawson (7-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Rodrigo Solis (4-6-1, 2 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico in a welterweight bout.

Also seeing action in a four-round bout will be undefeated featherweight Rasheen Brown (7-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia against Nathan Benichou (2-3, 2 KOs) of Pueblo, MEX.

In four-round bouts:

Christian Bermudez (1-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY takes on Joseph Santana (0-3) of Providence, Rhode Island in a junior welterweight contest.

Welterweight Tahmir Smalls (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia, against David Vera Pena (0-4-1) of Annapolis, MD

Tickets are $50, $75, $100, $150 and $250 and can be purchased from the fighters or emailing rricerivew@yahoo.com

1st Bell is at 7 PM

All Covid-19 Protocols will be followed, and masks must be worn at all times.

LAS VEGAS (May 7, 2021) — There can be only one junior welterweight world champion. WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez (26-0, 17 KOs) will battle IBF/WBA king Josh Taylor (17-0, 13 KOs) for division supremacy Saturday, May 22 (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 8:30 p.m. ET) at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
 
Before they go toe-to-toe, go behind the scenes of both fighters’ training camps with “Blood Sweat & Tears: Ramirez vs. Taylor,” a two-part docuseries chronicling the buildup to this cross-continental showdown. Part 1 premieres this Sunday, May 9 at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on ESPN2, while Part 2 drops on ESPN2 the following Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
 
Immediately after the debut of each episode, they will be available for replay on-demand in the ESPN App and on ESPN.com.
 
Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, has been a world champion since March 2018. He unified world titles in July 2019 with a sensational knockout over Maurice Hooker and is coming off last August’s majority decision over former world champion Viktor Postol. The all-access cameras caught Ramirez at training camp in Riverside, California, and in the Central Valley as he led the charge with community leaders to make the COVID-19 vaccination readily available to the region’s agricultural workers.
 
Taylor, from Edinburgh, Scotland, hopes to become only the second undisputed champion in Scottish boxing history, following lightweight legend Ken Buchanan. “The Tartan Tornado” reached the division’s apex with title-winning efforts in 2019 over Ivan Baranchyk and Regis Prograis. The cameras followed Taylor from the start of training camp in London to the finishing touches in Las Vegas. Taylor’s head trainer, Ben Davison, helped guide heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s return to the ring in 2018 after a prolonged absence.

LENNOX CLARKE has revealed that he only became a boxer after getting bashed up when he was challenged to spar.

The British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight champion trained every day after clocking off from his job as an apprentice mechanic at his Dad’s garage.

Although Clarke trained in a boxing gym, fighting wasn’t on the agenda and he preferred to pump iron.

Clarke who upset Willy Hutchinson to win the vacant titles in March explained: “Straight from work I’d go to a gym where a few Travellers trained.

“I was lifting weights there. One day, a Traveller called Isaac asked me to spar so I got in the ring with him.

“The first time he blacked my eye and I vowed I would get him back for that.

“Every day I would go to the gym and spar with Isaac. After three weeks I was smashing him about.

“After I started getting the better of him he didn’t want to spar again and used to hide round the back of the lockers.

“I’d ask, ‘Where’s Isaac gone?’ but he would be hiding.”

Clarke had the bug and moved into white collar boxing before deciding to turn professional after being told he could crack it in the toughest sport of them all.

The Halesowen man said: “I started sparring Kevin McCauley who is a professional and he used to beat me up even though I was a much bigger lump.

“Eventually he said he wouldn’t be able to spar me because I was learning so much. I was bigger and a bit too heavy-handed.

“Kev sent me to Errol Johnson and we have been together ever since. It was a case of me learning on the job and sparring the pros.”

Clarke toiled on the small hall circuit for six years before promoter Frank Warren offered him a crack at Lerrone Richards for the vacant British and Commonwealth titles in November 2019.

He just fell short that night, dropping a split decision. But, when Warren gave him a chance to face Hutchinson when those belts were vacated, Clarke made the most of the opportunity in devastating fashion.

He added: “I’ve been on the small halls and it is hard what we go through at grass roots level by selling tickets.

“Sometimes I have thought; ‘Is it ever gonna happen for me? Is it ever gonna be worth it? Am I ever gonna get on telly? There are always a lot of questions.

“Now I have had my chance. I’ve been able to level my loss to Lerrone by knocking out Willy.

“I did a video chat with Frank after the fight with Willy and it was nice to speak with him. He accepted I was right when I said I would win. I know Frank is behind me.”

Warren has told Clarke he hopes to give him a defence of his titles this summer and the double champion is more than ready for the best in Britain before switching his attention even higher.

“Frank is looking at getting me out soon. There have been a few names mentioned, but I will fight anyone,” insisted Clarke who still helps out at his Dad’s garage.

“I am a white collar kid so all the pressure is on them. I just go in the ring, give my all and hopefully my best is enough.

“Who knows what is next. It’s nice to be the wanted man, but at British level I will knock them all out and I am being honest.”

London, UK (7 May 2021) Red hot Irish prospect Stephen McKenna has just completed the most beneficial sparring camp of his career with IBF & WBA Super World Super Lightweight Champion Josh Taylor ahead of the Scotsman’s mega fight with the WBC & WBO World Champion Jose Ramirez.

The undefeated young talent from Smithborough, County Monaghan, has been racking up the rounds with Taylor this last week in Las Vegas before the two unified World Champions collide in one of the biggest fights of the year on Saturday 22nd May.

‘The Hitman’ has previously shared two training camps with Ramirez where he sparred nearly 100 rounds in total with the American, which has given the fast-rising young star plenty of crucial and valuable learning experiences as he makes rapid progress in his own career.

McKenna won’t be at the fight, though, as he has his own fight lined up on the same night back in the UK when he features on his promoter Mick Hennessy’s big show at the Coventry Skydome Arena, headlined with the all-out war between Sam Eggington and Carlos Molina for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship, live and free on Channel 5.

Along with father and trainer Fergal and younger brother and top undefeated super-welterweight prospect Aaron, the fighting family first went to Mexico to train before heading to Los Angeles and then finishing off in Las Vegas.

McKenna is now desperate to get back in the ring with his last fight in December ending in a third round knockout of Devon’s durable Des Newton and hopes to show off what he’s learnt and the improvements made from his sparring with Taylor.

He said, “It’s great to be a part of Josh’s preparations for his fight with Jose Ramirez and it’s fantastic work for me to get in there with someone of Josh’s calibre, a man who’s a unified World champion and going for all the titles. It’s brilliant experience for me and I couldn’t be getting any better work in the gym than with him and I’m really in top form for my fight on May 22nd,”

“I’ve also sparred with Ramirez for a few training camps so I’ve been in the ring with the both of them. They’re two different style of fighters and its going to be a cracking fight and a fight of the year contender, no doubt about it, I’m really looking forward to it. It’s hard to say who’s going to win it but all I know is that it’s going to be a great, great, fight.”

“With Josh I’ve done nearly forty rounds and with the two training camps with Ramirez, nearly eighty rounds, so I I did a lot of work with Ramirez also, he’s a great fighter, the same with Josh. I know that I can go in and mix it with these guys and I’m up there at that level, I’m just really looking forward to getting up to the next level and then fighting for world titles.”

The 24-year-old has raised eyebrows with his ice-cold demeanour and frightening display of power-punching that has seen him establish a perfect seven fight record with seven knockouts. All of his wins have come inside five rounds with four of those in the opening round that has singled him out as one of the best and most exciting young fighters to keep an eye on in 2021.

McKenna continued, “I’m getting all the experience I need in the gym, when I go into a fight I go in there to knock people out and get the job done. I’m not really interested in going rounds in fights because I’m getting it in the gym sparring with world class fighters and I have been for the last couple of years to really learn the the game. Anytime I go into fight I’m going in for the knockout,”

“Just sharing the ring with Josh, he’s a different style of fighter to Ramirez, he’s a southpaw and very sharp. It’s about adapting to change my style of fighting, I can box on the front foot, I can stand off, I can change. I have many different ways of fighting different guys, southpaw or orthodox, I can box when I need to box and fight when I need to fight, it’s just about learning from Josh and seeing what level I’m at to be sharing a ring with him,”

“I’ll be heading back to Ireland on Sunday. On this trip we’ve been to Mexico, LA and finished in Vegas. I’m in the best shape of my career, I’ve improved so much, I just can’t wait to be back in the ring and live on Channel 5.”

Fergal is delighted with the trip and believes the experience will have benefitted his son no end as Stephen’s career steps up towards Championship contention. He said, “Stephen has been a benefit to Josh, he’s similar to Ramirez with his aggressive nature. When you bear in mind he helped Ramirez prepare, Stephen’s in a unique position to know both fighters, Ramirez is rough and rugged whereas Josh is very technical and has the speed,”

“It has given Josh a good opportunity to practice for the fight. It’s really interesting to see how Josh prepares and handles things and it’s another learning experience for Stephen to be mixing in this calibre. It’s only a matter of time until Stephen’s there at the top,”

“This was a real good move for us to come down to Vegas to get Josh. It was getting a bit stale in LA, no one wanted to spar and they were asking for money to spar with Stephen. When we got the offer to come down and spar with Josh, we said we’ll take it as it will fix the problem we have and we tied in with another gym to accommodate Aaron,”

“It’s the confidence the fighter gains for mixing at that level and it is what someone like Steven gets out of this training camp so he’s coming away knowing that in his next fight he’s been in Josh Taylor’s training camp. Stephen’s in tremendous shape, he’s probably in the best shape I’ve ever seen him in and probably at the fittest I’ve ever seen him in.”

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with William Hill, Infinitum, Numan, Everlast and King Carlos Promotions, Eggington v Molina will headline the exciting nine-fight card exclusively live and free-to-air across the UK and Ireland on Channel 5.

Main event features Birmingham warrior Sam Eggington (29-7-0, 17 KO’s) against Mexico’s hard-as-nails Carlos Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) for the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship. Chief support features a cracking showdown between Birmingham’s Kaisee Benjamin (11-1-1, 2 KO’s) and Dumbarton’s Martin Harkin (13-1-0, 5 KO’s) in an Eliminator for the British Welterweight Championship (Subject to BBBofC approval).

Also on the card, Coventry sensation River Wilson-Bent (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) makes the first defence of his Midlands Area Middleweight title against Derby’s George Farrell (5-0-0, 1 KO). Former British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters (14-1-0, 4 KO’s) has his first back against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-2-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder since losing his title to Craig Richards last December. County Monaghan super-lightweight dynamo Stephen ‘The Hitman’ McKenna (7-0-0, 7 KO’s) features in a six-rounder, but the undefeated red-hot 24-year-old prospect has not needed to go the distance yet with all his fights ending inside. Birmingham middleweight bombshell Idris ‘The Bodybreaker’ Virgo (9-0-1, 1 KO) goes in over six-rounds. Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings. Irish super-welterweight ace Brett McGinty (1-0) follows up his thrilling pro debut last December when he features in a four-rounder against Birmingham’s Josh Hodgins. Brighton heavyweight talent Tommy Welch (1-0-0, 1 KO), son of the former British, Commonwealth and World Heavyweight title challenger Scott, follow’s up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest.

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

Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders are set to smash the record for the biggest indoor attendance for a boxing event in America as they prepare to meet in a Super-Middleweight unification battle at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday May 8, live worldwide on DAZN and distributed by TV Azteca in Mexico and Latin America.

LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM

Alvarez and Saunders already broke the pre-sale records for their clash on Saturday night and with over 65,000 tickets now sold with limited remaining, their tasty battle is set to overtake the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks at the Superdome in New Orleans in 1978 that drew 63,352 fans.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has been the driving force behind some of the biggest crowds in British boxing history, starting with Carl Froch and George Groves at Wembley Stadium in London, and then Heavyweight ruler Anthony Joshua OBE filling the same stadium against Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin and also the Principality Stadium in Cardiff against Joseph Parker and Carlos Takam – and Hearn is thrilled to be putting boxing under the best of spotlights on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

“It’s one of the biggest events I’ve ever been involved in and this morning, we officially broke the record for the biggest indoor crowd in American boxing history,” said Hearn.

“We will have 70,000 people in the AT&T Stadium on Saturday night – I am absolutely buzzing for this, I think this could be the best atmosphere we’ve ever seen.

“The numbers for this fight are tracking great, and I think that this is just great for everyone – the biggest live event since the pandemic struck, and boxing has done that. It just shows that when you get it right, we have a monstrous sport on our hands.

“Boxing is being showcased on Saturday. We can be as proud as peacocks on the night as everyone around the world will be watching, they will see the atmosphere and say ‘wow, this is boxing!’ People have to tune in to watch this atmosphere and product and say, ‘this is the place to be’. And everyone watching on Saturday will be in awe of it – the event, the fight, the ring walks, everything.  

“I’m excited for Billy to be able to go out there and show what he’s said he’s always been able to do, and I am excited for Saul because the atmosphere for him is going to be incredible – so may the best man win.”

Alvarez and Saunders clash on a huge night of action in Texas with a stacked undercard in support of the mammoth main event, with Elwin Soto (18-1 12 KOs) defending his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama (32-8 12 KOs).

Kieron Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs), Eddy Reynoso trained Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) meets Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs), Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) fights on his third Canelo undercard, Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds and it’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks, with Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) celebrating Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

MIAMI, FL. (May 6, 2021) – All-time boxing great and 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Floyd “Money” Mayweather and social media sensation Logan “The Maverick” Paul met face-to-face Thursday at a media event to preview their special exhibition match that headlines a SHOWTIME PPV event on Sunday, June 6.

The event is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Fanmio and Mavathltcs and will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Mayweather and Paul gave their initial thoughts on the showdown and traded trash talk during the event that took place at Hard Rock Stadium. After the formal portion of the press event, a scuffle between the two camps ensued following an incident between Mayweather and Logan’s brother, Jake Paul (watch HERE).

“It’s one thing to sell a fight, and people can say what they want, but one thing no one is going to do, is disrespect me,” said Mayweather.

“Floyd came out of retirement, just to get re-retired,” said Paul. “I’m about to beat the greatest fighter of all time.”

Thursday’s event also included former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson, who will be making his boxing debut in an exhibition match against an opponent to be announced on the pay-per-view undercard.

The pay-per-view begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also include a pair of intriguing professional boxing showdowns, as WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal and two-division world champion Badou Jack meet in a 12-round rematch in the co-main event. Plus, former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd returns to the ring to face Luis Arias in a 10-round bout.

For more information about ticket on-sale, please visit https://hardrockstadium.com/mayweather-v-paul/

#

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.

Canelo Alvarez
 
“I feel really thankful with the response of the people and that boxing is a sport that brings everything back to normal. I’m ready for this fight.”
 
“He’s a great fighter, he has a lot of ability and he’s a southpaw. I’m not the same fighter I was six or seven years ago, this Saturday I will show that.”
 
“I’ve been involved in a lot of big fights and this is just another day at the office. I come to win, like I said boxing is my life and I come here to win.”
 
Eddy Reynoso
 
“It’ll be a great fight, two of the best middleweight fighters in the world in front of 70,000 people – especially after the pandemic. It gives me a lot of joy and honour to be there as a Mexican in the ring.”
 
“He’s a great fighter, he’s a two-time champion for a reason. He has a good trainer, he knows how to defend, he moves around really well. We know it’s going to be a good fight on and off the ring.”
 
Billy Joe Saunders
 
“I’ve been boxing all my life, I’ve been boxing since I was five years old, I’ve dragged up – on the gypsy camps. We can all have the rough, tough talk growing up as kids. I’m here for a reason, there’s no other reasons for me to be here apart from to win. Not about fame or anything else, to win.
 
“I don’t think we’ve had somebody come to win for a very long time. We’ve had a lot of people turn up, collect cheques and fly out but we haven’t had the heart, soul and IQ that I’ll bring to the ring on Saturday night to win.
 
“I can’t talk what he’s done down, he’s done brilliant things for boxing. He’s a good champion but like I said, there’s a time in life where you get tested, sometimes when you forget where come from and forget all those hard things that’s brought you to where you’re at sometimes that can make it difficult on yourself. I think he’s going to be bumping into the wrong man Saturday night to be going home with titles. I’m looking forward to a very good fight but most definitely the win.
 
“I think I’ve been up against the crowds before; I’ve travelled as an amateur to the Olympics game at 18, there’s no bigger pressure on someone’s shoulders when they’re stepping in front of millions of people there.
 
“There’s added pressure coming for both of us for this fight because both of us don’t want to go home the loser. At the end of the day, half the Mexican people like him, half don’t, so hopefully half that don’t like him will be supporting the Gypsy boy, we’ll get it rocking and rolling. This is for all the Gypsies back home, everyone in the UK, plus half the Mexicans, get behind me.”
 
Tom Saunders
 
“He’s been boxing since he was five years old, he’s amateur pedigree is second to none. Everything is there and we’re ready for the job.
 
“This is what we’ve been waiting for, he’s trained all his life for it. We’ve left no stone unturned and on fight night you’re going to see something special. There’s only one winner, that’s Billy Joe Saunders.
 
“I’ve been speaking to a lot of people back home and the UK’s right behind him. There’s a lot of gypsy magic in this fight, there’s a spell been cast so we’ll definitely see something special.”
 
Elwin Soto
 
“I’m very happy for this opportunity, he’s a really good fighter and we’re going to come out here and try to do a good job.”
 
“It’s a great emotion inside, it’s a great opportunity that was given to be and I have to take advantage. I’m very happy inside.”
 
“I want to come out victorious this Saturday and after that maybe think about unify at 108 pounds and continue to move forward.”
 
Katsunari Takayama
 
“First of all, thank you for giving me this great opportunity. On Saturday, I look forward to giving back the title from two different divisions.
 
“Soto is a very angry and aggressive fighter, very strong punches. I’m ready to fight on Saturday.” 
 
Kieron Conway
 
“If I didn’t believe I could win I wouldn’t be here. It’s good to finally be here, it took a long time to get that visa – I didn’t think it was going to happen. If anything, it’s made it better for me, we’re getting the job done, looking to put in a decent performance on Saturday night and really impress.
 
“That’s what it’s all about, taking the opportunity. I’m not nervous yet, this is my job – it’s boxing. I’ve got nothing to be nervous about, this is what dreams are. I came from small hall boxing, making no money when I was fighting, sometimes even losing money to fight.
 
“Now I’m here, there’s no pressure on me, I’m here to put on a real solid performance on and come out with the win. I’m excited and ready to go.
 
“All those guys are looking for the right route, the easy route, the one they think is comfortable. Including Ted with Metcalfe, it is what it is with that fight. I’m here to test myself, Soule is a very good fighter, I’m here to show I’m the best of that division.”
 
Souleymane Cissokho
 
“I’m very excited, I take this fight very serious. I know he’s a good fighter, he’s confident so I’m ready to go.
 
“We had good preparation for this fight, a good camp, the sparring was good. Josh is ready, more than ready for his next fight. I’m ready to go for Saturday and next for Josh.
 
“In front of 70,000 people, that’s amazing. This is a big blessing for me, this is a huge card and I’m very happy to be here. My first international belt on the line, that’s very good for me – I’m more than ready.”
 
Marc Castro
 
“All I can say is, I’ve been blessed. I had a lot of major setbacks in 2020 but to be on my third Canelo card I feel like this is all God’s plan all along.
 
“I feel good with this opponent, it’s a major step up – I feel like we had lost ground from my last fight but I’m happy with this opponent. I work hard every fight so it’s going to show.”
 
Frank Sanchez
 
“Truth is, I’ve come to do my job. I want to show everything but I’m going to do my fight and if the knockout comes, it comes.
 
“I feel really happy with the preparation, everything come out okay and I’m happy with the work we’ve done.
 
“I feel ready to face them whenever that happens, whenever it is, when it happens, I’ll come out, do my job – I feel ready for anything right now.”
 
Nagy Aguilera
 
“It’s a huge opportunity for me, I’ve been training really hard. I was training for another fight, but it got cancelled twice. Three weeks out they call me, and I really liked this fight. I stayed in shape and accepted the fight – I really like this match.
 
“This is a good opportunity, he’s a good fighter – top of the world right now. This will change my whole career and life. I’m been training, I’ve been doing my thing, I’m healthy and I’ll have to do what I have to do.”
 
Keyshawn Davis
 
“I’m glad I’m back here, with DAZN, makes me feel like I’m at home for some reason. I appreciate the love you’ve been showing me and my brother – life is great right now.
 
“I feel like my major statement is going to be this Saturday. I want to show my comfortability in the ring, I want to show that I’m progressing each fight. I’m pretty sure I’m going to show that this Saturday.
 
“I want to start looking like a real professional fighter in there only going six rounds. I want to show these top guys right now that Keyshawn Davis is here, he’s coming and he’s on your heels.
 
“Kelvin’s a great fighter, he’s 1-0 fighting a fighter who’s 8-2. I feel like that speaks a lot about him, I feel like Kelvin is going to shock a lot of people. He’s 6’0, 140, southpaw, lengthy, power, strength, he really has everything I have except from the big opportunities that I had. Now he’s got one this Saturday and I feel like he’s going to show everything he can come to the table with.”
 
Kelvin Davis
 
“This is a really big for me. I’ve been fighting all my life for an opportunity like this, so I’m really blessed for the opportunity. This is my time to showcase my talent and what I can really do.
 
“We competed in any sport we played before we got into boxing. When we got into boxing and fighting, we pushed each other, competed at home, just got each other better – mentally stronger and physically stronger to be able to fight on a stage like this.”
 
Christian Alan Gomez Duran
 
“Truth is, it’s a great opportunity and I want to thank you for allowing me to be on this card. I’m going to give it my all on Saturday, show all the preparation that’s gone in and hopefully have a good result.
 
“The plan for me is to do as much as I can in boxing and if there’s something more than being the champion of the world, we’re going to work towards achieving that as well.”

NEW YORK – (May 6, 2021) – All-time boxing great and 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Floyd “Money” Mayweather will make his return to the ring as the undefeated, 12-time, five-division world champion squares off in an exhibition bout against social media sensation and pro boxer Logan “The Maverick” Paul, headlining a blockbuster SHOWTIME PPV event on Sunday, June 6. The anticipated clash pits superstars from two different worlds in a must-see showdown for sports and entertainment fans around the globe.

The event is presented by Mayweather Promotions, Fanmio and Mavathltcs and will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The pay-per-view event also will feature a pair of intriguing professional boxing showdowns, as WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal and two-division world champion Badou Jack meet in a 12-round rematch in the co-main event. Plus, former unified super welterweight champion “Swift” Jarrett Hurd returns to the ring to face Luis Arias in a 10-round bout.

In a fourth PPV bout, former NFL star wide receiver Chad Johnson will make his boxing debut in an exhibition match against an opponent to be announced. After years of off-season training with Mayweather in Las Vegas, the man once named Chad Ochocinco will test his skills in the boxing ring and bring his unique brand of fan-friendly entertainment to the star-studded event.

The pay-per-view telecast will begin live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Sunday, June 6.  Tickets for the live event at Hard Rock Stadium will go on sale next week with additional details regarding tickets and the pay-per-view telecast to be announced shortly.

Mayweather, who was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020, has a perfect 50-0 record with 27 knockouts. He racked up 12 world titles in five weight divisions during his illustrious career that spanned three decades. His brilliant boxing resume includes 24 wins over world champions, including Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez. During his career, he was named the world’s highest paid athlete multiple times by Forbes, Fortune and Sports Illustrated. Mayweather has accumulated numerous “Fighter of the Year” awards, including five ESPY Awards and two Boxing Writers Association of America awards. His 2015 showdown with Pacquiao shattered the all-time pay-per-view television record with 4.6 million buys, a record that still stands. Mayweather last fought in a boxing exhibition on New Year’s Eve 2018 in Japan. His last professional boxing match was his 2017 stoppage win over Conor McGregor, the second biggest pay-per-view event in television history. 

As Mayweather dominated boxing en route to a perfect professional record and international stardom, Paul rose to fame on the internet. Paul, 26, welcomed the world into his life on various social media platforms including YouTube, where he has amassed more than 20 million subscribers. His legions of devoted fans supported him as he stepped into professional boxing in 2019 and sold out the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in his six-round debut against fellow YouTube star KSI. The Ohio native is a former high school wrestling standout and has been training for more than two years. Now, he readies himself to face an undefeated boxing legend. While Paul stands six inches taller than Mayweather and owns an 18-year age advantage, the social media sensation will be challenging the best boxer of his generation, in his arena.

Pascal (35-6-1, 20 KOs) earned a narrow split-decision victory over Jack in their December 2019 title showdown that saw both men hit the canvas. Prior to that fight, Pascal captured his interim title by handing Marcus Browne the first defeat of his professional career. Pascal scored four knockdowns in that fight, eventually earning a close technical decision when a cut suffered by Browne on an accidental head butt stopped the fight after eight rounds. The 38-year-old has been in the ring with the top fighters of his era during his brilliant career, including Bernard Hopkins, Sergey Kovalev, Carl Froch, Lucian Bute, and Chad Dawson. Pascal, who was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and now lives in Laval, Quebec, won his first light heavyweight world title with a unanimous decision over Adrian Diaconu in 2009.

Jack (22-3-3, 13 KOs) will look to avenge the razor-thin defeat he suffered to Pascal in their first match. Jack mounted an impressive rally on the scorecards that nearly turned the match in his favor. Born in Stockholm, Jack (who represented his father’s home country of Gambia in the 2008 Olympics) now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the 168-pound world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the belt three times before being handed a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one of 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against then WBC champion Adonis Stevenson in May 2018. In his most recent outing, Jack won a unanimous decision over Blake McKernan in November 2020.

The 30-year-old Hurd (24-1, 16 KOs) unified the WBA and IBF 154-pound titles in 2018, dropping longtime champion Erislandy Lara in the final round to win a close decision in a fight that was the unanimous 2018 Fight of the Year. The Accokeek, Maryland native lost the titles in one of 2019’s best fights, dropping a decision to Julian Williams. Hurd first became champion in February 2017 when he stopped former champion Tony Harrison in the ninth round, before going on to defend the title against another former champion in Austin Trout. Most recently, Hurd scored a unanimous decision victory over Francisco Santana in January 2020.

Born in Milwaukee, Arias (18-2-1, 9 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since August 2019 when he takes on Hurd on June 6. The 30-year-old has faced some of the best in the middleweight division, including going the distance with former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs in a 2017 duel. Arias racked up wins in his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2012 and is now training in Las Vegas as he prepares for this fight.

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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.

About Showtime Networks Inc.

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

About Mayweather Promotions

Based in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, Mayweather Promotions was established in 2007 by 12-time World Champion and undefeated boxing icon, Floyd “Money” Mayweather. Mayweather Promotions seamlessly promotes all forms of live entertainment. We are the past, present & future of sports & entertainment.

About Fanmio

Fanmio, an online platform that connects fans with celebrities by creating one-of-a-kind, online fan experiences, was founded in 2017 by its CEO Solomon Engel.  In 2020, Fanmio Boxing was born when Engel connected with 12-Time and Five-Division World Champion Floyd Mayweather and social media phenomenon Logan Paul to negotiate and sign their exhibition bout.  Now partnered with renowned boxing promoter Mayweather Promotions and leader in televised boxing SHOWTIME, Fanmio Boxing is the official digital pay-per-view provider of Mayweather vs. Logan Paul through its online platform www.fanmio.com as well as its mobile and smart TV apps which are available worldwide.

About Mavathltcs

MAV Athletics is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of apparel, accessories, and services.

About Hard Rock Stadium

Hard Rock Stadium is a global entertainment destination that completed a $755 million, multi-year renovation privately funded by Managing General Partner & Chairman of the Board Stephen Ross to transform the iconic venue into the best Miami has to offer in world-class fare, art, culture and an elevated guest experience. Home to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami college football, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, the Capital One Orange Bowl game, Jazz in the Gardens, Rolling Loud and the Miami Open presented by Itau, Hard Rock Stadium features world-class entertainment and demonstrates its versatility in hosting a wide variety of events. The stadium has hosted six Super Bowls (XXIII, XXIX, XXXIII, XLI, XLIV and LIV), the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl and five BCS National Championship Games (2001, 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2021). El Clasico Miami, the first meeting of soccer giants Real Madrid and Barcelona in North America, was hosted at the venue in 2017.

DENZEL BENTLEY IS banishing the demons of his bruising British title defeat against Felix Cash by quickly getting himself back to work at the new Peacock Gym in Epping.

Middleweight Bentley, 26, was parted from his treasured Lonsdale belt by Wokingham man Cash when referee Victor Loughlin stepped in to stop proceedings in the third round at York Hall 12 days ago.

While initially devastated over the loss of his belt and unbeaten record, Bentley is now able to look at the bigger picture and accept that in accepting highly competitive fights between unbeaten champions, something has to give.

“I’m alright, I’m good,” reflected the former champion. “I am just getting back to work and getting ready to go again, really. It would be nice and lovely to go through your career undefeated and stuff, but it is what it is.

“I am not one of these guys who has been boxing my whole life and I wasn’t expecting to go through my career without a defeat.

“He was big, but I still felt I could beat him, regardless of the size. I thought I could out-skill him but he made the decision to over-commit to his shots so when I was pulling out he could catch me.

“He obviously stunned me a bit and I do know when I pull out I do it with my hands down. It worked for him and there is nothing I can do about it now.”

Battersea boy Bentley now acknowledges that some sporting perspective is required in dealing with his disappointment.

“If I am being honest with you, I took that loss bad. Because of the way I lost and that I didn’t get to show what I can really do. Nowhere near did I show the best of myself and not even half of what I can do. I was in there, too over-reactive and didn’t get to settle.

“In my mind I thought as the rounds went on I would settle, but I didn’t get the chance to.

“That is probably what is most annoying and I took it really bad. After the fight my family and friends came over to the venue just to make sure I was okay and, at first, I didn’t want to see them. Martin and Ray (trainers) said I can’t do that so I went out and more people turned up.

“My brother said it, ‘you’d have thought someone had died – you lost a fight’, but I took it bad. One hundred per cent I need to put it in a sporting context, I get it, but it was my first loss and it was always going to be hard.

“I don’t plan on losing again and I will always put my all on the line, but I lost a 50-50 and somebody had to lose. A lot of people don’t take these fights. I’ve got to live with it and it doesn’t change my perspective because I still want to be in these fights.

“From the start I wanted to be one of the best in Britain and the only way I can do that is to be in these types of fights. Not by swerving guys and going different routes.”

OWEN COOPER started boxing to improve at football and impress his journeyman fighter Dad – now he has ambitions to fight at open air stadiums.

The Worcester Super-Lightweight prospect impressed on his Frank Warren debut last week knocking out Daryl Pearce inside a round.

Cooper, 20, who signed a promotional contract with Queensberry earlier this year, admitted he would have been lost to football had he not wanted to shed a few pounds as a boy.

He said: “From the age of eight to 12, I was a footballer and decent. I got scouted for Aston Villa, Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town and Walsall.

“I was quite a chubby kid so I went to the gym to lose a bit of weight and make myself more agile. I also wanted to impress my Dad all the time when I was a kid and boxing would do that.

“As soon as I started in the gym, I fell in love with boxing. I started going every day and said to my Mum: ‘I don’t want to play football anymore. I want to be a boxer.’ She didn’t like that.

“I was with Walsall for about a year and spent time at Cheltenham, but didn’t take the opportunities to go to Aston Villa or Bristol Rovers.

“Those chances came at the back end of playing football, but I wasn’t interested anymore.”

Owen’s Dad, Steve had 35 fights as a professional and retired in March 2009. The Father and Son team now run a painting and decorating business.

Owen who is managed by Errol Johnson of Black Country Boxing says: “I know this might sound silly, but my Dad is my boxing hero. He was a good amateur, but a journeyman on the professional scene.

“My Dad was happy on the road and I want the World as a boxer.

“Even when I was a footballer I would sit down with him and we would watch his fights, but he would never let me go because he was always losing.”

Cooper’s (4-0, 1 KO) first fight for his new promoter was a whirlwind. The fight was made at short notice, but the powerhouse performance that made people take notice was tinged with sadness

He explained: “When the MC was reading out the decision I was tapping on my chest because it was so close to the first anniversary of my best friend, Marlon Vella passing away.

“The anniversary was a few days after the fight and that was all that went running through my head. Inside I was all over the place.

“Before the fight I tried not to think about it too much and let my emotions get ahead, but afterwards I felt like breaking down.

“I couldn’t have ever imagined my first fight for Queensberry going so well in the ring. I knew Pearce was tough and thought it would be a nice shutout points decision, but I went a step ahead.

“I couldn’t believe it during one of the interviews. Frank Warren came up to me and said; ‘well done, what a shot.’

“I have known about Frank and his success as a promoter since I was a young kid. To have a chat with him was unbelievable.”

Worcester might be famous for a rugby union team, a picturesque cricket ground and sauce, but Cooper wants to bring some fighting spice to the city.

He added: “We haven’t had many boxers from Worcester. Paul Busby was the last one who had some big fights and won titles.

“I am trying to make a name for Worcester. There is Worcester Warriors rugby ground and I’m not that big yet, but in the future the dream is to fight there.

“I have ambitions and you have to dream of these things. Don’t get me wrong I’d love a British title, but if I can get further then that is what I am heading for.”

Evangelos Giovanis & George Giovanis have officially announced that they have entered the promotional ring, launching 15th Round Promotions, with their first show scheduled in Iowa for July. Filmmakers and boxing gym owners, the Giovanis brothers will mentor the careers of young fighters by maximizing their potential and providing them with the opportunities that may otherwise not be there for them. George Giovanis, a longtime boxing coach and gym owner will serve as 15th Round Promotion’s President and CEO, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

The brothers bring with them over a decade in coaching and managing experience in the boxing industry. “Boxing has and always will be my passion,” said George. “My brother and I look forward to developing talent into world champions.” Their fighters have already fought on prominent promotions such as Top Rank, 360, Red, Bash Boxing, All Star and more. 

“My brother and I intend to provide today’s fighters with the opportunities and guidance we didn’t have at the outset of our career. In the coming weeks, we will be rounding out our staff, expanding our stable of talented fighters and announcing several key initiatives and partnerships that will spur more regional growth and popularity in the sport of boxing.”

15th Round Promotions has already begun to scout for talent in an attempt to grow its roster. Highly touted prospect Alexander Enriquez (11-0-3) was climbing the ranks, until a career-ending injury suffered in sparring. The fearless, always-entertaining and true brawler Andre Marquez (8-2), is a fan-favorite whenever he fights and has moved with his team to South Dakota. “We anticipate our roster growing with many more male and female prospects working tirelessly to reach their goals.”

The Giovanis brothers also work in the entertainment industry and make award winning, feature films. “Bereave,” starring Malcolm McDowell, Golden Globe Winner Jane Seymour and Academy Award Winner Keith Carradine, was released on Amazon Prime domestically and MGM worldwide in 2021. 

We wish to deal with everybody. We’re looking for good fighters to put them on our cards. We’re looking for TV partners and aim to put on competitive and entertaining fights. Managers and coaches, feel free to reach out to us if your boxers need fights. The company is in talks to create a boxing series on a regular basis. The first boxing event will be held in Iowa on July 17, 2021.

Billy Joe Saunders says he has the boxing brain to dethrone pound-for-pound king Canelo Alvarez in their blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification battle on Saturday night (May 8), live worldwide on DAZN and distributed by TV Azteca in Mexico and Latin America.

LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM

Unbeaten Briton Saunders (30-0 18 KOs) puts his WBO strap on the line for the third time against the Mexican star and is aiming to add the WBC and WBA Super belts held by the Mexican sensation.

Saunders has been widely regarded as having the ring smarts to be the man to hand Canelo a first defeat in eight years and be the man to take the next step to being undisputed at 168lbs – and the 31 year old says fighting Canelo on Cinco de Mayo weekend holds no fear.

“This fight is all about the brain,” said Saunders. “Not about power, muscle or skill, it’s the brain and the game plan, and being able to execute that game plan.

“I brush opinions off because I know what goes through my head and my mind, and what I have done in my career is through the will and want to win, and the day I lose that, I won’t put a pair of gloves on again.

“I can only control what I am in control of and that myself, not what is outside the ring. It’s going to be a great fight it’s one I’ve wanted for years and it’s finally landed. There’s a lot at stake for both of us. Would I like my fans there? Yes. Would I like UK media there? Yes. If the fight was moved to the Mexican border I wouldn’t care.

“I have my own way of approaching the fight and Canelo will have too, he’s done this nearly 60 times. I’ll get in there as the best that I can be and that’s all I can control.

“I’ve been the underdog before, I’ve been the away fighter before, it’s not a new position, but I’m just in with a better opponent this time. 

“If I go in there and I win, I’m not going to run and say never again, I’ll fight him again, I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, it doesn’t bother me. It’s good for boxing sometimes when the underdogs come through, and I don’t just mean me here, because it puts the sport on a higher platform to be watched.

“I’m at the top of the tree where I’ve done it all as an amateur, I’ve had 30 fights, I’m unbeaten, won every title coming through, two-weight World champion – I can sit back at night and say I’m top of the pile fighting the pound-for-pound king.”

Alvarez and Saunders clash on a huge night of action in Texas with a stacked undercard in support of the mammoth main event, with Elwin Soto (18-1 12 KOs) defending his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama (32-8 12 KOs).

Kieron Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs), Eddy Reynoso trained Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) meets Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs), Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) fights on his third Canelo undercard, Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds and it’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks, with Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) celebrating Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will face off in front of the fans on Friday, with the official weigh-in open to 5,000 fans at AT&T Plaza at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, with the fighters hitting the scales from 2pm ahead of Saturday night’s action, live worldwide on DAZN and distributed by TV Azteca in Mexico and Latin America.

LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM

Alvarez (55-1-2 37 KOs) and Saunders (33-0 14 KOs) clash in a blockbuster unification battle on Saturday night with a stacked undercard in support of that battle, and fight fans can cheer their favorites onto the scales in the Texas sunshine.

Important notes for fight fans:

• Gates will open at 12.30pm for entry.
• No bags permitted
• First come, first served – attendance capped at 5,000

Alvarez and Saunders clash on a huge night of action in Texas with a stacked undercard in support of the mammoth main event, with Elwin Soto (18-1 12 KOs) defending his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama (32-8 12 KOs).

Kieron Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) defends his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs), Eddy Reynoso trained Cuban Heavyweight Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) meets Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs), Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) fights on his third Canelo undercard, Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) faces Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds and it’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks, with Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) celebrating Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

IRISH AMATEUR SUPERSTAR William Hayden has signed a promotional agreement to turn professional with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The 19-year-old from Crumlin has 11 Irish National titles to his name and also won gold at the 2016 European championships. Hayden, who will campaign at super lightweight, reports that he has had upwards of 300 amateur fights, including club shows, while also holding the remarkable record of being undefeated in 45 championship fights staged in his home country.

One decision did go against him, but the verdict was considered such an injustice that the authorities marked it down as a victory on his amateur card.

Hayden – “My name is William but I am becoming known as Willo and that is what Frank has taken to calling me” – intended to pursue senior experience before Covid-19 restrictions prevented amateur activity and resulted in major competitions being cancelled.

“I never got to fight at senior level, but I have sparred the seniors at my weight and I got the better of them, so I am very confident,” said Hayden, who is a product of Crumlin BC under Head Coach and two-time Olympian Philip Sutcliffe.

“I was preparing for the seniors before the pandemic kicked in and I also had the world championships lined up, but Ireland didn’t take part in the end.

“Staying in the amateurs would mean too much waiting around now and I am ready to get going in the pro game.”

He will embark on his professional journey with Hall of Fame promoter Warren in his corner and Hayden insists this represents the perfect scenario for his development.

“I am delighted with it,” said the big-punching youngster, who proceeded to explain how the connection came about. “If I had to choose any promoter he would always be my No.1.

“I was over in Portugal training with Conor McGregor in preparation for his fight with Dustin Poirier and cutsman Andy O’Neill was over there, who does Connor’s wraps. He was able to put me in contact with (Queensberry whip) Simon Legg, who got in touch with Frank and they were interested in promoting me.

“Andy and Connor come from the same club as me in Crumlin, so we are all fairly tight.

“Frank has a strong record with developing young fighters and that seems to be his strategy. He has got a lot of top young prospects who he is investing in to see how they turn out in the future.

“I think we are looking at six fights a year and that is what the aim is. I am delighted I am going to be busy and Frank is also going to get me over as often as he can for top quality sparring.

“I am also 100 per cent delighted over the prospect of fighting over in England,” added Hayden, before going on to describe what fans can expect from him when he steps into the ring as a professional.

“I am very hard-hitting and I have a good few stoppages on my card. I can adapt as well, I am not just a big banger and I have a good boxing IQ, so I can adjust to any opponent.

“There have been loads of times where I have gone in aggressive then come out for the second round completely different and fought off the back foot. So I am completely adaptable, but I am mostly aggressive, come forward and strong.

“I will be exciting to watch.”

Promoter Warren added on his new Queensberry charge: “I am both delighted and excited to be adding Willo to our ranks. He was undoubtedly the finest amateur talent in Irish boxing and I am looking forward to him showcasing his ability on our shows and to a wider audience on BT Sport.

“We are continually looking to build young stars for the future and I am confident Willo possesses the application and natural ability to reach the very top of the sport. Much the same as with our other exceptional young fighters, our first job is to get him the experience he needs and he won’t be rushed.

“We will deliver the right fights for him at the right time and I am sure boxing fans will enjoy watching his development and progression towards title contention.”

TIJUANA, Mexico (May 5, 2021) – Two-division world champion and current WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Luis “Pantera” Nery will meet Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa in a battle of unbeatens for supremacy at 122 pounds in a 12-round battle that headlines action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 15 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The 26-year-old Nery will make the inaugural defense of his WBC crown in his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event. Fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, the undefeated champion has been training in his hometown just across the U.S.-Mexico border prior to relocating to Los Angeles this week ahead of his May 15 showdown with Figueroa. Now under the tutelage of his trainer Ismael Ramirez, Nery is confident ahead of this career-defining title fight which will set up a unification bout with WBO world champion Stephen Fulton, Jr. on September 11, live on SHOWTIME.

Nery shared his thoughts on training camp, the magnitude of his fight against Figueroa and more:

On what he’s done different in this camp:
“A lot has been different in this training camp. I am sparring against opponents that are very similar to Figueroa’s style. I am running more often. I am eating right. I am preparing in a very conscious manner. My knockout streak came to an end because I wasn’t fighting in my style. I am being more myself now like I was during my knockout streak. I have been loving how we have prepared for this fight as we continue on the road to success on May 15.”

On his mentality:
“My mentality is simple: It’s either me or him. I don’t get in the ring thinking of getting to the final bell and potentially losing because of the judges. I am not leaving anything in the hands of the judges. I am going to be aggressive and I will be myself. I plan to win fighting in my style.”

On his respect for Brandon:
“I have a lot of respect for Brandon, but inside the ring, I am going to be the rudest person he’s ever met. Respect goes out of the window inside that ring. I am going to do everything to get the win.”

On his sparring:
“I have not sparred with anyone that the general public would probably know but I have a lot of great competition with local guys here in Tijuana. They are very tough kids, very strong kids. They are probably stronger than the big name fighters.”

On Brandon’s reach advantage:
“Figueroa has long arms but I have fought against many fighters with long reach before. I have plenty of experience there. I will find opportunities and I will use those to my advantage.”

On the belief that Brandon is a ‘Pretty Boy’:
“I don’t care about how pretty his face is. I don’t care if he’s a sex symbol or if he’s someone who is very ugly. To me, bottom line, he is a threat. He is a threat to my career. He is a threat to my future plans. I need to eliminate that threat. Regardless of what he looks like or how pretty he might be, I am going to defeat him. I am not underestimating him in the least.”

On Stephen Fulton, Jr. sitting ringside ahead of a Sept. 11 unification bout with the winner:
“I really could not care less about Fulton being ringside on May 15. He’s a blabbermouth anyway. What I am focused on is beating Brandon Figueroa. The time will come to worry about Stephen Fulton. But for right now, I do not care about him.”

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ABOUT NERY VS. FIGUEROA
Nery vs. Figueroa will see two elite undefeated 122-pound champions meet as Luis Nery defends his WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship against Brandon Figueroa in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, former unified super bantamweight world champion Danny Roman faces Ricardo Espinoza Franco in a 10-round battle at 122 pounds, while undefeated rising star Xavier Martinez meets former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator scheduled for 12 rounds to open the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Martinez vs. Burgos is promoted in association with Mayweather 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.

LAS VEGAS (May 5, 2021) — Top Rank on ESPN boxing returns for a quartet of fight nights at Las Vegas’ newest world-class casino resort, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, owned by JC Hospitality, LLC.  
 
The debut event, Saturday, May 22 inside The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, features the previously announced undisputed junior welterweight world championship showdown between WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez and Scotland’s native son, WBA/IBF champion Josh Taylor (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT). In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, two-time world title challenger Jose “Chon” Zepeda will now face Philadelphia veteran “Hammerin” Hank Lundy.
 
The action continues three weeks later, Saturday, June 12, when undefeated former featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson, from Newark, New Jersey, fights Namibian contender Jeremiah Nakathila for the WBO interim junior lightweight world title. On Saturday, June 19, undefeated Japanese knockout sensation Naoya “Monster” Inoue defends his IBF and WBA bantamweight world titles against Filipino IBF No. 1 contender Michael “Hot and Spicy” Dasmarinas.
 
The grand finale at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas showcases the comeback of living legend and former three-weight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, who seeks to get back on the winning track against Masayoshi Nakatani in the 12-round lightweight main event.
 
Fans will be permitted inside the venue for all four fight cards at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. A limited number of tickets for Ramirez-Taylor, priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50, go on sale TODAY, May 5 at 12 p.m. PT, and can be purchased by visiting Etix.com. Ticket information for the final three fight cards will be announced shortly.
 
“Las Vegas is synonymous with world championship boxing and we are proud to bring that excitement to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas through our partnership with celebrated Top Rank, offering our resort guests and boxing fans an unforgettable experience,” remarked Gary Scott, COO of JC Hospitality, LLC, owner of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
 
“Top Rank is honored to debut boxing at the beautiful new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas with many of the sport’s biggest stars in sensational fights,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We begin May 22 with a genuine super fight, a precursor for the great action to come in June.”
 
June 12
Stevenson vs. Nakathila
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Stevenson (15-0, 8 KOs) will headline in Las Vegas for the third time as he seeks to capture a world title in a second weight class. One of the world’s top pound-for-pound talents, Stevenson is tasked with turning back Nakathila (21-1, 17 KOs), who has won 10 consecutive fights by knockout since the lone defeat of his career.
 
June 19
Inoue vs. Dasmarinas
ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Japanese star Inoue (20-0, 17 KOs) has already cemented his legacy as one of his nation’s great fighters, winning world titles in three weight classes and sporting a record of 15-0 with 13 knockouts in championship fights. He made his Las Vegas debut last October and knocked out Australian contender Jason Moloney with a straight right hand that became an instant viral highlight. Dasmarinas (30-2-1, 20 KOs) is 12-0-1 since the last defeat of his career, a run that includes a 2018 knockout over three-time European bantamweight champion Karim Guerfi.
 
June 26
Lomachenko vs. Nakatani
Streaming Exclusively on ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
“Loma” is back. The Ukrainian superstar and future Hall of Famer fights for the first time since last October’s showdown against Teofimo Lopez for the undisputed lightweight world title. Lomachenko’s return comes against Nakatani (19-1, 13 KOs), a longtime Japanese contender who most recently knocked out Felix Verdejo in one of the best fights of 2020. Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) won a pair of Olympic gold medals before turning professional in 2013, and he then proceeded to win world titles in three weight classes in his first 12 fights. The “pound-for-pound Picasso” will be giving up roughly five inches in height and six inches in reach to the naturally bigger Nakatani.
 
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.
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.1 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).