Emanuel Navarrete made the 1st defense of the WBO featherweight title with a 12th round stoppage over Christopher Diaz at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida.

In round four, Navarrete landed a leaping left uppercut to the bottom of the Diaz chin and put him on the seat of his pants.

In round seven, Diaz was deducted a point for hitting in the back. In round eight, Navarrete landed a left uppercut followed by a right hand that sent Diaz down. Seconds later, a ripping combination sent Diaz, who was now bleeding around his left eye, down again. In round 11, Diaz was bleeding from the nose and mouth.

A furious 12th round saw both guys stand toe-to-toe with both Navarrete and Diaz landing huge shots until a big right stopped Diaz in his tracks which gave Navarrete the opportunity to land some hard shots to the open face of Diaz. Diaz ate a big barrage of punches that finally sent him to the canvas. The fight was stopped by bith the corner and the referee at 2:49.

Navarrete, 126 lbs of Mexico is now 34-1 with 29 knockouts. Diaz, 125.8 lbs if Barranquilla, PR is 26-3.

Berlanga Goes Past one; Drops Nicholson Four times and wins Decision

Edgar Berlanga was finally forced to go past one round. In-fact he was taken the full eight-round distance and won a unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson in a super middleweight bout.

Berlanga was dominant in dropping Nicholson in rounds one, five, six and an almost fight ending right hand that put Nicholson down in round eight..

Berlanga landed 110 of 306 punches; Nicholson was 82 of 392.

Berlanga, 168.4 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 79-68 and 79-69 twice and is now 17-0. Nicholson, 168.2 lbs of Laurel, MD is 23-4-1.

Brandon Chambers remained undefeated as he stopped Jonathan Gray in round three of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Chambers landed a perfect straight right to the head that put down Gray. Gray got uo, but was in no condition to continue at 1:20.

Chambers, 125.6 lbs of Baltimore is 4-0-1 with two knockouts. Gray, 125.5 lbs of Waldorf, MD is 0-2.

Colby Madison stopped Antwaun Tubbs in round two of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Madison dropped Tubbs with a a right hand in the corner and the fight was stopped at

Madison, 235.3 lbs of Owings Mills, Maryland is now 9-2-2 with six knockouts. Tubbs, 231.2 lbs of Cincinnati is 5-15.,

Josh Clark won a four-round unanimous decision over Evan Harker in a fight featuring pro debuting lightweight.

Clark, 138.1 lbs of Minnesota won by scores of 39-36 on all cards, and is now 1-0. Harker, of Baltimore via Canada is 0-1.

In a battle of pro debuting super bantamweights, Jaqeem Henderson won a four-round unanimous decision over Jeffrey Williams.

Henderson, 121.6 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD won by scores 39-37 on all cards and is now 1-0. Williams, 118.9 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-1.

Ray Cuadrado needed just 45 seconds to dispose of Alexis Chavarria in a lightweight bout.

Cuadrado landed a vicious left hook that sent Chavarria to the deck. Cuadrado finished the fight by scoring another knockdown.

Cuadrado, 132.4 lbs of New York is 1-0 with one knockout. Chavarria of Houston is 1-2.

Christopher Brooker stopped Damion Damion Hill in round two of their scheduled six-round super middleweight contest.

In round two, Brooker dropped Hill with a barrage of punches in the corner. The fight did not last long after that as Brokker landed a series of left hooks to the body sent Hill down again and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Brooker, 168.9 lbs of Philadelphia is 15-7 with six knockouts. Hill, 164 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-14.

Chantelle Cameron will defend her WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Melissa Hernandez on the undercard of Devin Haney’s WBC World Lightweight title defense against Jorge Linares on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN – with more tickets to go on sale at 10am PT tomorrow (April 25).
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10AM PT ON SUNDAY VIA AXS.COM
Cameron (13-0 7 KOs) makes the first defense of the title she won with a shut-out points win over Adriana dos Santos Araujo in Milton Keynes, UK in October, and the talented 29 year old fights in the States for the first time in the paid ranks against Hernandez (23-7-3 7 KOs).

The Puerto Rican veteran is fighting for a World title at a third weight class after been the WBC Featherweight ruler and having also challenged for the WBC Lightweight strap.

There’s a fascinating battle between two Golden Boy Promotions stablemates as Jason Quigley and Shane Mosley Jr go toe-to-toe for the WBO NABO Middleweight title. Quigley (18-1 14 KOs) is back on the winning path with back-to-back wins after his setback against Tureano Johnson in July 2019, and a third win on the spin for the decorated Irish amateur would catapult him into the mix for more big fights and titles at 160lbs.

That’s exactly what Mosley Jr (17-3 10 KOs) is hunting too, and the son of the former three-weight king Shane Mosley is in fine form himself and has boxed more recently than Quigley, forcing the retirement of Cristian Olivas after five rounds in Indio, California in February. That was a fourth win on the bounce for the 30 year old, and he’ll be out for a statement win over Quigley to emerge into the mix at Middleweight.

It’s a huge night for Martin J. Ward as he faces Azinga Fuzile in a final eliminator for the IBF World Super-Featherweight title. Ward (24-1-2 11 KOs) is edging closer to his World title dreams and the #4 ranked Briton enters the biggest fight of his career to date on his American debut and a welcome return to action for the 29 year old whose last fight was a shutout win over Jesus Amparan in Sheffield, UK in February 2020.

Fuzile (14-1 8 KOs) also fights in America for the first time in his career, and the South African ranked one spot lower than Ward at #5 is taking a second bite at the cherry having faced Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in an eliminator in September 2019 in East London, South Africa, with Fuzile ahead on the cards before the Russian recorded an eight round stoppage. ‘Golden Boy’ has not boxed since that night but can get back on course for a world title shot in what promises to be an exciting clash.

At the other end of the spectrum, there’s a professional debut on the card for Eddie Hearn’s latest American signing, Khalil Coe. The 24 year old Jersey talent will kick life off in the paid ranks at Light-Heavyweight before eyeing a move down to 168lbs, and his journey will begin in Las Vegas.

Reshat Mati (9-0 7 KOs) enters double figures in the pro game on the card, with the New Yorker looking to extend his KO run to six fights, having added two KOs in quick succession in November and December, both in Hollywood, Fl.

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’ Darren Cunningham (13-0 7 KOs) continuing his pro rise.

“This is a stacked card in support of a brilliant main event – and our first promotion in Las Vegas,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for Chantelle Cameron to showcase her skills in the States and stake her claim for the unification fights she craves, against a tough competitor in Melissa Hernandez.

“Quigley vs. Mosley Jr has the feel of a must-win crossroads fight for the pair, while Ward vs. Fuzile has plenty at stake and is sure to catch fire.

“What a night for Khalil Coe to make his debut, this young man can become a star, and the pro journeys of Reshat Mati, Ramla Ali and Darren Cunningham continue on the bill. This is an unmissable night of boxing in Las Vegas.”

Two-time world champion Javier Fortuna, his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and their entire team sincerely wish fellow lightweight contender Ryan Garcia a speedy recovery.

Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) and Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) were to have faced off in a July 9 blockbuster showdown streamed live on DAZN, however, Garcia announced to his 8.6 million followers today that he is withdrawing from the fight to recuperate his health and wellbeing.

“I wish Ryan Garcia a speedy recovery,” said Fortuna. “There are things more important than fighting and I hope he is able to quickly recover. We can reschedule our fight for a time when I can face and beat a 100% prepared version of Ryan Garcia.”

Fortuna, rated #2 by the WBC and the #6 135-lb fighter in the world by Ring Magazine, says he’s not sure yet if he’ll be facing a different opponent next.

“At the end of the day, your health is what truly matters,” added Lewkowicz. “I commend Ryan Garcia for having the courage to admit he needs to focus on his life away from the ring. We will be ready to reschedule when he is and our whole team wishes him well.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

PHILADELPHIA–Victor Williams needed just 50 seconds in his pro debut to destroy Leonidias Flowers in a junior middlweight bout that capped off the matinee portion of a day-night double header at the 2300 Arena.

Willaims dropped Fowlkes with a big overhand right that sent Flowers to the canvas. Williams jumped on Flowers and the bout was stopped just 50 seconds into the contest.

Williams, who was a Wide Receiver at Dartmouth is 1-0. Flowers of Maryland is 2-2.

Dewayne Williams stopped Stephon Morris in the 2nd round of their middleweight bout.

In round two, Williams dropped Morris with a left hook. Willams hurt Morris again on the ropes, who took an eight count. Williams ended the fight by dropping Morris with a big hand and the fight was stopped at

Williams, 160.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 3-3 with three knockouts, Morris, 158.1 lbs of Baltimore is 4-2.

Mike Lee stopped Roy McGill in round three of a scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

Th time was 2:26 for Lee, 142.6 lbs f Orange, NJ who is now 8-1 with six knockouts. McGill, 139.4 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 6-4.

Jahvel Joseph remained undefeated and won a four-round unanimous decision over Carl Murphy in a super middleweight bout/

Joseph, 165.5 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is nw 4-0. Murphy, 174.5 lbs of Harrisburg, PA is 2-3.

Steve Moore won a four-round unanimous decision over Phillip Davis in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Moore scored a knockdown with a hard right hand.

In round three, Moore sent Davis down with a right hand. Those two knockdowns were the difference as Moore, 143.4 lbs of New Jersey won by scores of 38-36 twice and 38-37 to raise his record to 6-8. Davis, 142.3 lbs of Massachusetts is 0-3.

John Leonardo destroyed Willie Anderson with the 1st punch and scored a knockout just seconds into their featherweight bout.

Leonardo landed a booming right that sent Anderson to the deck and the fight was stopped at 14 seconds.

Leonardo, 126.1 lbs of Englishtown, New Jersey is 1-0-1 with one knockout. Anderson, 123.3 lbs of Paulsboro, NJ is 0-5.

Nick Vitone and Matt Gaver fought to a four-round majority draw in a welterweight contest.

Vitone won a card 39-37. that was over ruled by two cards that were 38-38.

Vitone, 143.8 lbs of New Jersey is 4-0-1. Gaver of California is 1-5-2.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (April 23, 2021) – Former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. took fans inside his training camp Thursday during a virtual media workout that streamed live on the PBC YouTube page, as Ruiz prepares to take on Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola Saturday, May 1 in the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

The full workout stream can be watched in its entirety HERE, as Ruiz showed off his skills alongside his renowned trainer Eddy Reynoso.

The May 1 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.

Ruiz will return to the ring for the first time since his pair of fights against Anthony Joshua that saw him shock the British heavyweight via a knockout victory in their first matchup, which made Ruiz the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent. To regain the title, Ruiz joined up with Eddy Reynoso and will step into action under his guide for the first time on May 1.

Here is what Ruiz and Reynoso had to say Thursday:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“It’s great to be back. I feel really good right now with all the hard work we’ve put in at the gym. I know Arreola is training hard as well and looking good, so we’re ready for whatever he brings on fight night.

“I chose Eddy because this is where the champions train. Everyone here is dedicated and disciplined. I felt like I needed to make this change and it’s really something that I should have done a long time ago.

“The main thing I’ve learned here is discipline. That’s something you can’t buy, you have to do it on your own. You have to want it.

“I’ve learned so much here. We try to perfect every punch and every movement. I’m not just a fighter who comes forward. I have more abilities. Losing weight is going to let me show more of what I can do.

“Chris and I sparred when I was 16-years-old. We’ve both had the same dreams and the same vision. We’ve had great careers. My dad has always said that me and him were going to fight one day and now it’s right around the corner.

“I come to the gym with a smile on my face now. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m a lot better than I was before. I just have to keep working and stay disciplined. I have to be in the gym, even when I don’t have a fight date. It’s got to be a lifestyle.

“I’ve learned different abilities that I can do during this training camp. I can throw different punches and combinations fighting at this weight. I was always a fighter who could come forward, but now I can switch it up. I can’t wait to show it on May 1.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Ruiz’s Trainer

“The most important thing for Andy is the discipline and his mentality. Those are the main aspects we’ve been working on. From there, we have the building blocks to get better each and every day with everything we want to do

“The talent and intelligence has always been there for Andy. It’s a pleasure to work with him. He’s done everything I’ve asked of him so far.

“I’m really excited for this fight. You’re going to see a new Andy Ruiz Jr. both physically and mentally. You’re going to see him become champion again. I can’t wait for this step on May 1.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough fight against Arreola. These are two fighters who had the same upbringing. There’s going to be nowhere to hide in the ring and they’re going to bring out the best in each other.”

#

ABOUT FOX SPORTS PBC PPV: RUIZ VS. ARREOLA
Ruiz vs. Arreola will see former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz, Jr. battle all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare’’ Arreola in the main event of an all-Mexican boxing extravaganza on Saturday, May 1 headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clashing with Abel Ramos in the 12-round welterweight co-main event. Sensational super welterweight contender Sebastián “The Towering Inferno’’ Fundora takes on hard-hitting Jorge “El Demonio’’ Cota in a 12-round battle and rising welterweight star Jesús Ramos duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

The FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View is priced at $49.99. Buy now on foxsports.com/ppv and watch on any screen!

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

NEW YORK (April 23, 2021)- Undefeated brothers, Joseph and Jeremy Adorno of Split-T Management, will be back in action against undefeated foes at the Silver Spurs Arena tomorrow night in Kissimmee, Florida.

The two fights will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 6 PM ET

Joseph (14-0-1, 12 KOs) takes on fellow undefeated Jamaine Ortiz in a eight-round lightweight bout.

Jeremy (4-0, 1 KO) fights fellow another undefeated foe in Ramiro Martinez in a four-round super bantamweight tilt.

Joseph of Allentown, Pa. will be back in the ring for the first time since his draw with Hector Garcia on January 11, 2020.

The 22 year-old Adorno has a wins over Marco Antonio Ocano (1-0), Kevin Cruz (8-0) and Damian Alejandro Sosa (9-2).

Ortiz of Worcester, Mass. is 14-0 with eight knockouts.

The 24 year-old Ortiz has wins over Clinton Miller (2-0), Glenn Mitchell (2-0), Derrick Murray (13-3-1), Ricardo Quiroz (10-0), Romain Couture (8-1-1), Luis Castillo (22-5) and his last bout when he stopped Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1) on November 28th in Los Angeles.

Jeremy Adorno, 20 of Allentown, Pennsylvania is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Fernando Ibarra on January 11, 2020 in Atlantic City.

Martinez of Hurst, Texas is 2-0-2 with one knockout, and will be facing his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent.

The 22 year-old is 1-0-2 against those undefeated opponents, with his victory in his last bout over Tevin Moore (1-0) on November 20th in Irving, Texas.

Joseph and Jeremy Adorno are promoted by Top Rank

Undefeated Welterweight Michael McKinson has signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing following his breakout win over Chris Kongo on the Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte II undercard in Gibraltar last month. 

The Portsmouth southpaw (20-0, 2 KOs) stunned Kongo with an aggressive start, flooring the Bermondsey fighter in the opening round as he edged a closely contested encounter to secure the WBO Global Title with scores of 97-93, 96-94, 95-94.

Prior to that win the 27-year-old, who is trained by his father Michael Ballingall and managed by MTK Global’s Lee Eaton, had picked up the WBO European, WBC International Silver and WBC Youth Welterweight Titles since turning professional in October 2014. 

‘The Problem’, ranked at number 6 in the world with the WBO, hasn’t been shy in calling out the top names in the domestic Welterweight scene, including new stablemates Conor Benn, Josh Kelly and Florian Marku in the aftermath on his most recent win, and the Pompey fanatic feels he can no longer be overlooked. 

“Signing with Matchroom is the best thing that’s happened to my career,” said McKinson. “It’s been frustrating times for a while, but I got my chance against Chris Kongo, and now I’m in the position where I want to be in my career, so I’m really excited.

“I’ve worked hard for a long time. This is my seventh year as a professional and I have finally got something that I want. When we were on the plane out to Gibraltar, Eddie Hearn said to go out there and chase your dreams, and I made it clear all week that it was going to be the Michael McKinson show. I’m here to stay and it feels good that everything I’ve said has come true.

“None of this would be possible without MTK Global too. I’m blessed to have them backing me and supporting me, and for the first time in my career I’m not worried about getting big fights. I’ve got full faith and trust in Matchroom to get me these big opportunities.

“For a long time, my name was never mentioned alongside some of the other Welterweights, but now my name is in the picture. It’s no secret I want to face all of the guys out there, so let’s all fight each other.

“My biggest goal is to one day fight at Fratton Park in Portsmouth. Every little bit of success I have is making that dream come true little by little, so hopefully it gets done one day and I can make history for my city.”

“As I always say, ‘winner stays on’, and I’m delighted to be working with Michael McKinson,” said Eddie Hearn. “For a long time he has been an avoided fighter and now after his huge win in Gibraltar, he is ready to move onto World level. Michael has a great mindset and a huge fan base in Portsmouth, we are already planning a major step-up for him in the summer. Next summer we want to be at Fratton Park in a blockbuster – exciting times ahead!”

Lee Eaton said: “I’m over the moon for Michael for earning a promotional deal with Matchroom. He has come up the hardest route possible and has produced some fantastic performances over the last few years.

“He came to us when he was 13-0 and has fought anybody that was put in front of him, so I’m so pleased that all of his hard work over the years is finally paying off.”

You can follow McKinson’s journey on Twitter: @mikeytheproblem and Instagram: mikeytheproblem

PHILADELPHIA (April 23, 2021)–Weights for Saturday’s Jeter Promotions day-night double header at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

Evening card (7:30 PM 1st Bell)

Daniel Gonzalez 147.5 – Evencii Dixon 149.7
Brandon Chambers 125.6 – Jonathan Gray 125.5
Colby Madison 235.3 – Antwaun Tubbs 231.2
Evan Harker 135.7 – Josh Clark 138.1
Jaqeem Hutcherson 121.6 – Jeffrey Williams 118.1
Ray Cuadrado 132.4 – Alexis Chavarria 133.5
Christopher Brooker 168.9 – Damion Hill 164

Afternoon Card (3 PM ET 1st Bell)

Victor Williams 151.9 – Leonidis Fowlkes 153,2
Stephon Morris 158.1 – Dewayne Williams 160.5
Mike Lee 142.6 – Roy McGill 139.4
Jahvel Joseph 165.5 – Carl Murphy 174.5
Steve Moore 143.4 – Phillip Davis 142.3
Willie Anderson 123.3 – John Leonardo 126.1
Nick Vitone 143.8 – Matt Gaver 143.6

PROMOTER: Jeter Promotions
VENUE: 2300 ARENA
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT FOR BOTH SHOWS
STREAMS: FACEBOOK FIGHT NIGHT LIVE AND FLO SPORTS

Additional tickets will go on sale at 10am PT on Sunday April 25 for the blockbuster clash between WBC World Lightweight ruler Devin Haney and Jorge Linares on Saturday May 29 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, live worldwide on DAZN – after the initial allocation sold-out.

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE AT 10AM PT ON SUNDAY VIA AXS.COM

Haney (25-0 18 KOs) defends his title for the third time having seen off the challenges of Alfredo Santiago and Yuriorkis Gamboa with comfortable points wins, but now faces the toughest test of his pro career to date in the form of Linares in his first fight back in his Las Vegas backyard since May 2016.

Linares (47-5 29 KOs) is looking to become a two-time holder of the WBC strap that he won in December 2014 against Javier Prieto, with Haney the 15^th World title battle and 53^rd bout in over 18 years as a pro. The fight was a catalyst to a four-year run where the Venezuelan ace beat Kevin Mitchell, Ivan Cano, Anthony Crolla twice, Luke Campbell and Mercito Gesta as Lightweight king before he faced defeat in a to-and-fro clash with Vasiliy Lomachenko in New York in May 2018.

The undercard for May 29 will be announced tomorrow, and Haney says he’s excited to be facing Linares in Vegas – and has even admitted to having nerves about facing the storied Venezuelan.

“I’m very excited for this fight,” said Haney. “Very few fights in the past that I actually felt a bit nervous for. This fight I feel nervous and excited for and I look forward to it. I feel like this is a fight that I really get to showcase everything in my arsenal. I look forward to it.

“I do think that Jorge is a better fighter than Yuriorkis Gamboa, I think he’s at a better point in his career than Gamboa, and this is a fight where they should give me all my credit.”

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

    •    Emanuel Navarrete 126 lbs vs.Christopher Diaz 125.8 lbs 
(Navarrete’s WBO Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Chris Flores, Alexander Levin, and Patricia Morse Jarman
Referee: Samuel Burgos

•          Edgar Berlanga 168.4 lbs vs. Demond Nicholson 168.2 lbs 
(Super Middleweight— 8 Rounds)
Judges: Rodolfo Aguilar, Fred Fluty and Efrain Lebron 
Referee: Emil Lombardi

(ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT)

•   Josue Vargas 141.4 lbs vs. Willie Shaw 139.8 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•         Joseph Adorno 135.2 lbs vs. Jamaine Ortiz 136.2
(Lightweight  — 8 Rounds)

   •   Orlando Gonzalez 127.6 lbs vs. Juan Antonio Lopez 128.4
 (Featherweight   — 8 Rounds)

•       Xander Zayas 146.4 lbs vs. Demarcus Layton 146.2
 (Welterweight — 6 Rounds)
•      Jeremy Adorno 122 lbs vs. Ramiro Martinez 122.2
 (Junior Featherweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Jaycob Gomez 129 lbs vs. Mobley Villegas 129.4
 (Junior Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

London, UK (23 April 2021) Birmingham’s battle-hardened Sam Eggington will face teak-tough Mexican warrior ‘King’ Carlos Molina in a crucial showdown on Saturday 22 May at the Coventry Skydome Arena, with the Vacant WBC Silver Middleweight Championship on the line.

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.

Eggington (29-7–0, 17 KO’s), a former British, Commonwealth and European Champion, is now within touching distance of a World title shot and fulfilling his destiny of finally becoming a World Champion.

Last in action in December behind-closed-doors, Eggington put on a devastating display of power-punching to destroy former British Champion and World title challenger Ashley Theophane inside six rounds and bring to a close the colourful veteran’s 50-fight career.

In a 36-fight and near nine year career, the working-class hero has fought everyone; usually away from home at short notice in fights he wasn’t supposed to win and on the end of wrong decisions, but all that suffer and heartache will change with a victory over Molina.

Now in his prime of his life, Eggington, 27, will take the risk against dangerman Molina as he’s aware of the bigger reward that will see him placed in a primary position to challenge for the World title next if he wins the WBC Silver crown.

The fight against Molina (37-11-2, 12 KO’s) is the type of war that ‘The Savage’ will relish against a vastly experienced former IBF World Super-Welterweight Champion who has faced a Who’s Who of champions, including Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (twice), Mike Alvarado, Erislandy Lara, Kermit Cintron, James Kirkland, Ishe Smith, Cory Spinks and Cornelius Bundrage.

In a near 20 year career with 50 fights and 401 rounds under his belt, Molina, 37, has never been stopped in his eleven losses. His career highlight was defeating Ishe Smith to be crowned IBF World Champion in September 2013, but is also well known for highly controversial draws against Lara (March 2011) and Chavez, Jr. (December 2005), both fights that many felt Molina had won.

Even more controversial was the ending to his fight against Kirkland in March 2012 Molina completely dominated Kirkland up until the 11th round of the 12-rounder, but was disqualified at the end of the round when he was floored by Kirkland and while being counted by the referee, one of Molina’s cornermen entered the ring after the bell had rung to end the round.

Mexican born Molina holds no fear of coming to the UK to face Eggington having previously pushed Josh Kelly in their ten-round WBA International title fight in March 2018 in Cardiff. In addition to fighting in the US, Molina has also fought in France and Santa Domingo, with his last fight overseas in Germany in February 2019.

Since then Molina has kept very busy as he targets another World title fight. Despite the pandemic and lack of fight opportunities, Molina returned to Mexico and creatively turned promoter and fought under his own banner, King Carlos Promotions. He has put together an unbeaten eight-fight streak with his last fight in February registering a points win over Edgar Ortega.

Well aware of the danger Molina poses, Eggington is already deep in training at his Eastside Boxing Gym HQ in Birmingham with coach Jon Pegg to see off Molina’s thunder.

Eggington, recently picked up the British Boxing Board of Control’s Contest of The Year Award 2019/2020 for his pulsating fight with rival Ted Cheeseman, said, “There’s nothing like a hard Mexican fighter to really get the blood and adrenaline pumping and I can’t wait for this one. Molina is very experienced, he’s a former World Champion, he’s fought everyone and he’s still hungry and ambitious for another World title fight. I like the danger that he brings to the ring which will bring the savage out in me. I’m very close to my own World title fight and I can’t and won’t let Molina wreck that, so I’ll be going all out on him and if the knockout or stoppage comes and I’m the first man to do it to him, then that’s a bonus.”

Molina said, “My main goal when I started my promotional company was to make my own path to a world title. This is a great test for me and I’m looking forward to being the new WBC Silver Champion. It has come at a perfect time for me, having momentum coming off of eight consecutive wins and also to continue to build King Carlos Promotions by being associated as a promoter for this show.”

Promoter Mick Hennessy is excited to bring this show to Coventry as it begins its celebrations as the UK City of Culture 2021. The event will also be a public attended event, open on a restricted basis in-line with the government’s roadmap – Step 3. Tickets will go on sale shortly and will be available to purchase from the Coventry Skydome Arena Box Office. Hennessy Sports will release further information in due course.

Hennessy said, “Sam ended last year in explosive style when he dealt with the experienced Ashley Theophane very effectively and it was the perfect ending on his Channel 5 debut that greatly enhanced his profile. Now he takes on another tough and difficult challenge against Molina that is really going to test him. Molina has seen and done it all in his near two decades in the sport and been up against some of the best around the weight, but he is still very dangerous and he’ll have to be right on it with him. Sam is so close to a world title now and this will open the door for him.”

The undercard will feature 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). 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). Bent won the title last December with a brutal right hand that flattened rival Troi Wilson in the third round in one of the KO’s of the year. 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 and the Birmingham star is intent on reclaiming his Lonsdale belt. 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) had a great 2021 with four wins on Hennessy Sports shows and now the entertainer continues on his path towards a first domestic title. Sevenoaks all-action super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. (5-1-1) is in a six-rounder against Warminster’s Paul Cummings in his first fight of the year. Hennessy ended 2021 with a complete shut-out of Dale Arrowsmith to win every round of their six-round contest. 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, will follow up his explosive debut last December when he stopped Matt Gordon in the second round and features in a four-round contest.

Hennessy added, “This is a fantastic fight card stacked from top to bottom with quality talent and fights. I’m thrilled to have our young guns back out in action supporting Sam in the main event and the prospect of having fans back into the arena is very encouraging as we build towards a busy rest of the year with plenty of shows coming up.”

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

Boxing is back on BT Sport 1 HD TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7.30PM

In the main event Denzel Bentley defends his British Middleweight title against Felix Cash, who will be putting his own Commonwealth title on the line. Elsewhere on the card, Callum Johnson returns after a 2 year absence against Croatia’s Emil Markic. David Adeleye takes a step-up when he battles Kamil Sokolowski and Queensberry prospects Henry Turner, George Davey and Karol Itauma all return to action.

Worcester’s Owen Cooper makes his Queensberry debut.

Official photos from todays weigh-in can be found here

Felix Cash – 159lb 9oz
Denzel Bentley – 159lb 4oz

Emil Markic – 174lb 5oz
Callum Johnson – 174lb 6oz

Kamil Sokolowski – 230lb
David Adeleye – 225lb 7oz

Clayton Bricknell – 138lb 3oz
Henry Turner – 142lb 2oz

Jamie Stewart – 146lb 2oz
George Davey – 147lb 4oz

James Heneghan – 161lb 8oz
Dwain Grant – 161lb 6oz

Ryan Hibbert – 176lb 9oz
Karol Itauma – 176lbs

Daryl Pearce – 147lbs 5oz
Owen Cooper – 147lbs 6oz

DENZEL BENTLEY has accused big fight rival Felix Cash of being a “dirty fighter”.

He defends the British Middleweight championship against mandatory contender, Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) who will be risking his Commonwealth title on Saturday (April 24), live on BT Sport.

When Bentley (14-0-1, —12 KOs) sparred with Cash a few years ago things spilled over when Bentley got fed up with Cash’s roughhouse tactics.

He has admitted to pulling Cash into a headlock before being picked up by his rival. They ended up grappling on the floor before being pulled apart.

Bentley, 26, recalled: “We both did four rounds sparring then jumped back in with each other.

“We were going at it and he started hitting low and behind the head – all the little dirty tricks he likes to do. Then it got heated, he got upset and it turned into a little scrap but it’s in the past.

“He says I was clinging on for dear life – well we will see on Saturday.

“I do everything better than Felix. Is he gonna turn up with his dirty tricks? He is a dirty fighter. Everyone has seen it in his fights.

“He does it well and gets away with it a lot, but it’s not going to bother me. I reckon I am going to stop him even if he doesn’t have chinks in his armour.”

Cash, 28,  hit back: “Am I a dirty fighter? I am what I am. I am a very good fighter and I am going to show Denzel. I will win the fight by stoppage.”

Bentley is making his first defence of the title he won by forcing Mark Heffron to retire in November and promoter Frank Warren has suggested his man is close to moving onto to the world stage.

The Hall of Fame promoter who won the purse bids to stage the showdown added: “There was talk that Tony Sims (Felix’s trainer) said he was considering not taking the fight and moving on, but hats off to them.

“From a fans point of view it doesn’t get any better than this. The one who has the skills and wants it the most will come through.

“I have an opinion about the fight and that is why we got behind Denzel in the purse bids. We believe in him.

“If Denzel comes through this as we expect him to then he will move on and into a position where he gets a world title fight.”

Also on the bill, former British Light-Heavyweight champion and world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenges Bosnia’s Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO Global title.

Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.

Over six rounds York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1), and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) keeps busy.

In four rounders are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan (4-0), Worcester Welterweight Owen Cooper (3-0) and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (April 22, 2021) — Central Florida will turn into Northern Puerto Rico on Saturday evening when two of the island’s favorite boxers look to make emphatic statements.

In the main event from a sold-out Silver Spurs Arena, two-weight Mexican world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title against Puerto Rican challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz. The co-feature will see Edgar “The Chosen One” Berlanga, 16-0 with 16 first-round knockouts, test himself against veteran contender Demond Nicholson in an eight-round super middleweight tilt.

Navarrete-Diaz and Berlanga-Nicholson will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with undercard action set to stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. At the final presser, this is what the fighters had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

“I know he has been fighting at 126 and even at 130. I think it will be tough to hurt a fighter that has fought at higher divisions, but I believe I have the punching power to knock him out.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in front of fans. I miss the vibes of having the fans in the arena. Even though 90 percent of the fans will be cheering for ‘Pitufo,’ I feel like the pressure is going to be on him because he needs to perform for his people, for his fans. I’ve always been a fighter that’s been on the road, fighting away from home. I feel like the pressure is on him.”

“I started training camp in Mexico. Things were not as tough there, and the hard part of training camp I did in Tijuana. I want to thank my co-promoter Zanfer for the help they’ve given me. This camp has been very good, unlike the last camp for {Ruben} Villa, where everything was closed. So it was really tough to train for that fight.”

Christopher Diaz

“I’ve been in the big arenas a lot of times {against} Shakur Stevenson, Masayuki Ito in front of 8,00 people. Sold out against Navarrete. I think I have the experience to become world champion Saturday night.”

“If you’ve seen my last two fights, I’ve been a different fighter. I go to the ring to perform, to show the people I can be a star. Navarrete is a great champion. It’s a pleasure for me to share the ring with him. We’re going to be in the history books as part of Puerto Rico versus Mexico, but again, there are levels to this. Navarrete has been in a lot of title fights, but this is my second one, and I can say my third one because the Shakur Stevenson was that level a fight.”

“{After the Stevenson fight}, when I came home and I saw my babies…I have three daughters and a beautiful wife. As a leader in my house, I have to bring the food to the table, and this is the easiest way. I mean, it’s not easy because you get hit, but at the end of the day, I go back to the gym with that mentality. I work hard.”

“I want to tell Navarrete that I respect him as a person. He’s a humble guy, a family man like myself. It’s tough to become a one-time champion. I had my opportunity already, and I just hope he brings his best so we can give the fans a great fight.”

“We’re fighting a 50-50 fight. I’m happy because he knows I’m the most dangerous fighter he’s fought to this day. I’m just comfortable. I got confidence in myself. My team believes in me. My family believes in me. That means a lot to me because it’s my family. That’s my team. That’s my daughters yelling to me. That’s the most important thing. I don’t think about Navarrete’s fans who are against me because he deserves that, he’s a two-time world champion.”

Edgar Berlanga

“With winning, all of that comes. The fame, the money… when you’re winning, and if you’re doing what I’m doing, all of that is going to come. So I don’t really pay mind to that. It’s cool to have that, to build a brand. You build the brand, you build the image, and that’s how you make more money. But at the end of the day, boxing is my number one priority. And you have to win at the end of the day.”

“He’s the right fight. We’re building something here. It’s brick by brick. Rome wasn’t built in a day. I know he’s a veteran. He has a lot of fights under his belt. He got a lot of experience, and these are the types of fights I need.”

“Like I always say, every fight is for Puerto Rico. It’s an island that hasn’t had a world champion and a superstar in a very long time, so for me, it’s going to be electrifying. I’m ready to tear the roof off. It’s going to be a good night Saturday.”

“We push in training camp to go those rounds in sparring. I make sure I’m ready to go 12 rounds, whether {the fight} is an eight-rounder or 10-rounder. And that’s the mindset you gotta have because there are killers out there. You have to train for that. When you’re on top and a target, everyone wants to take your head off, so you have to be 100 percent prepared. We’re in camp, and I push myself to the limit each and every time.”

Demond Nicholson

“When we got the call, {I thought} that’s not a bad fight. When we first got it, we turned it down. They called us in December or January. We turned it down. They didn’t offer the money that we wanted, and then they called us back and we found a conclusion and the fight is happening.”

On how he’s changed since his 2018 knockout loss to Jesse Hart

“I’m not mentally in the same place I was three years ago, financially and everything. I was facing some hard demons that I’ve pushed away and pushed to the side, overcame, and now it’s time to work. It’s my time to shine.”

“It’s going to be a boxing lesson. That’s all I can tell you.”

SATURDAY, April 24, 2021

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Christopher Diaz, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO Featherweight World Title

Edgar Berlanga  vs. Demond Nicholson, 8 rounds, super middleweight

ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Josue Vargas vs. Willie Shaw, 10 rounds, junior welterweight

Joseph Adorno vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 8 rounds, lightweight

Xander Zayas vs. Demarcus Layton, 6 rounds, welterweight

Jeremy Adorno vs. Ramiro Martinez, 4 rounds, junior featherweight

Jaycob Gomez vs. Mobley Villegas, 4 rounds, junior lightweight

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).

UFC 261:  Usman vs. Masvidal 2will stream exclusively on ESPN+ PPV this Saturday, April 24, at 10p.m. ET from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL. The UFC 261 main card features three Championship bouts, topped by the highly-anticipated UFC welterweight rematch between champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman (18-1-0), defending his title in a against No.4-ranked contender Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (35-14-0), in a rematch of their meeting at UFC 251 on Fight Island last July – a fight Masvidal took on less than a week’s notice, and which was a unanimous decision victory for Usman.

Also on the main card are two fights, for two championship belts, featuring four of the UFC’s top five women’s pound-for-pound fighters. The Co-Main fight will be a battle for the Women’s strawweight title, with Champion Zhang Weili (21-1-0) facing no. 1 contender and former strawweight Champion “Thug” Rose Namajunas (10-4-0) in a showdown of the no. 3 and no. 4 pound-for-pound women’s fighters in the UFC.  In the third title fight of the night, Women’s Flyweight champion Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko (20-3-0) puts her title on the line for the sixth straight time – this time against no.1 contender Jessica Andrade (21-8-0).

UFC 261:  Usman vs. Masvidal 2will begin with early prelims at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 and ESPN+ (English and Spanish), prelims at 8 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, and the PPV main card at 10 p.m., exclusively on ESPN+ (English, Spanish).  Live coverage begins with UFC Live presented by DraftKings: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 on ABC at 4 p.m.. The Pre-Show provides fans with exclusive insights and views on the biggest stories heading into UFC 261. 

The no. 2 ranked men’s pound-for-pound fighter, Usman kicked off his 2021 campaign with an impressive TKO win over former teammate Gilbert Burns in February and now has his sights set on his fourth title defense by proving his first win over Masvidal was no fluke.

Masvidal aims to even the score with Usman and capture the UFC welterweight championship in his second crack at the title. Owner of the fastest KO in UFC history at six seconds over Ben Askren in 2019, he has also had wins against Nate Diaz, Donald Cerrone and Darren Till.

UFC 261 will be Zhang’s first appearance since her 2020 Fight of the Year win over Joanna Jedrzejczyk one year ago. Currently riding a 21-fight win streak, she is looking to take out another high-profile former titleholder and continue her run at the top of the strawweight division.

Namajunas is gunning to become the first ever two-time champion in UFC strawweight history. Originally featured as a cast member on season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter, Namajunas looks to become the first fighter to defeat Zhang in almost eight years.

Shevchenko seeks to continue her dominant title reign against one of her toughest opponents to date. Undefeated since moving to flyweight in 2018, she aims to add another former UFC champion to her resume and prove she is undoubtably the top women’s flyweight in the world.

Andrade immediately made an impact upon moving to the flyweight division by delivering a TKO win over top contender Katlyn Chookagian last October, and now hopes to become only the second female fighter in UFC history to win titles in two separate divisions.

The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN+

The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck (2010)andThe Ultimate Fighter 20: A Champion Will Be Crowned (2014)arenow available on ESPN+. TUF 12 features lightweights only, with rivals Georges St-Pierre and Josh Koscheck as coaches prior to their face off at UFC 124. TUF 20 is the first season to feature all female athletes and was used to create the UFC Women’s Strawweight division. Watch runner-up Rose Namajunas before she faces UFC Strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 261 on Saturday.  How to watch The Ultimate Fighter on ESPN+ and other MMA Stories.

UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2Original Content:

• COVER STORY: Kamaru Usman– “The Nigerian Nightmare” has a new act ahead of him, one rooted in the past: to not just win, but dominate and break souls. (Debuting Thursday across ESPN platforms)
• Baddest In The Game – A little more than a decade ago, the backyards of South Dade Miami provided the ultimate venue for Jorge “GameBred” Masvidal to showcase his skills. Now he’s getting a second crack at a UFC title. (Debuting Friday across ESPN platforms)
• El Guerrero de la Semana: Jeffrey Molina – The second instalment of the weekly ESPN Deportes cross-platform series highlighting Latinx combat sports athletes focuses on Colombian-American Jeff “El Jefe” Molina and how his love of Jackie Chan films inspired him to pursue a career in MMA. 

• UFC 261 Countdown: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 behind-the-scenes look at the training camps for the main and co-main fighters. Available on ESPN+.
• UFC 261: Embedded:  all-access series follows athletes throughout fight week, leading up to UFC 261. New episodes available on ESPN+ throughout fight week.
• Unlocking Victory: UFC 261 available now on ESPN+
• Ariel & the Bad Guy: Recent episodes available on ESPN+ 

ESPN Digital

• Jeff Wagenheim looks at how UFC 261 is a showcase of the increasingly undeniable power of women’s MMA
• MMA’s welterweight Mount Rushmore: Ranking Kamaru Usman among the greats
• An Oral History of the most impactful night of Masvidal’s career – when he defeated fellow welterweight contender Darren Till, and then served a “three piece with a soda” to Leon Edwards backstage. (Coming Friday)
• UFC 261 Viewer’s Guide (Coming Saturday)
• This week: How to watch and stream, plus expert analysis and predictions 
• ESPN’s UFC 261 Pick’Em – fans can play for FREE and compete for a chance to win $5,000 

Social: @ESPNMMA Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Fans can sign-up for ESPN+ at any time at ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com, or on the ESPN App and purchase UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2.

Programming (All times ET)

* immediately following main card

Main Card, Prelims and Early Prelims (All times ET)

Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2021) – Undefeated and heralded prospect Jalan Walker, and his opponent Angel Antonio Contreras weighed-in for the scheduled six-round featherweight bout that will take place tonight in West Point, New York.

Walker, 19 years-old of Los Angeles, tipped the scales at 125.8 pounds, while Contreras (11-4-1, 7 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico was 126.4 pounds.

The bout, which will be part of a Ring City USA card from the United States Military Academy, and will be streamed Live on Twitch beginning at 6:30 PM.

Walker, who will be making his 6th start since the beginning of the Pandemic, was featured on major platforms during this fight week.

RINGTV.COM– JALEN WALKER IS LOOKING AT MORE EXPOSURE THURSDAY ON RING CITY USA

BOXINGSCENE.COM–Jalen Walker: Since Early On, My Main Objective Was Just Boxing
Interview with undefeated Featherweight Jalan Walker
Walker, is managed by Rene Symonds and Clement Kwan of Waterfront Management, and is a promotional free agent.

Photos by Tom Hogan–Hogan Photos / Ring City USA

Se ha celebrado el pesaje de la velada que organiza este viernes Matchroom Boxing en el Palau Olímpic Vall d’Hebron de Barcelona. DAZN retransmitirá en directo la velada desde las 20:00.

4×2 Peso wélter
April Hunter 66.200 kg (Reino Unido, 2-0, 0 KO) vs. Elsa Hemat 65 kg (Francia, 1-3, 0 KO)

6×3 Peso superligero
Luke Willis 63.500 kg (Reino Unido, 9-0, 1 KO) vs. Ricardo Fernández “Mateo” 63.100 kg (España, 9-5, 0 KO)

6×3 Peso pluma
Bernard Angelo Torres 57.800 kg (Noruega, 13-0, 5 KO) vs. Anuar Salas 59.300 kg (Colombia, 20-8-1 12 KO)

10×3 Peso superwélter
Kerman Lejarraga 69.650 kg (España, 31-2, 24 KO) vs. Jez Smith 69.500 kg (Reino Unido, 12-2-1, 5 KO)

12×3 Peso pluma. Título de Europa
Andoni Gago 56.600 kg (España, 24-3-3, 7 KO) vs. Gavin McDonnell 56.600 kg (Reino Unido, 22-2-2, 6 KO)

12×3 Peso superligero. Título de Europa
Sandor Martín 63.400 kg (España, 37-2, 13 KO) vs. Kay Prosper 63.300 kg (Reino Unido, 14-1-1, 7 KO)

Las fotografías del pesaje pueden verse y descargarse AQUÍ. Mención obligatoria: Matchroom Boxing

Hamburg, 22nd of April – EC Boxing is prepared to stage another thrilling fight night in the ECB Gym in Hamburg, Germany. As of now the main event on May 15 will be Mahmoud Charr vs. Christopher Lovejoy. A couple of days ago the news broke that DKP (Don King Promotions) would threaten to take legal action in order to stop Lovejoy from taking part in this bout, since according to DKP there still is a contract between them and the undefeated American.

Erol Ceylan, CEO of EC Boxing, is disappointed in this development, but willing to go ahead with the event regardless of the outcome of this legal situation: „We are not quite sure what Don King‘s intentions are at this stage. Instead of making fights happen, he tries to sabotage them. First he‘s getting Charr stripped off his WBA belt and now this. But we are still confident that Charr and Lovejoy will meet in the ring on May 15 and are willing to settle the situation with DKP. However: we are prepared to give a different opponent the chance to take on our guy if necessary.“

There are two possible substitute opponents who are both in training right now and willing to take on Mahmoud Charr. There won‘t be any legal situation stopping them from taking part. Charr, who is now called the „Heavyweight Champion in recess“ by the World Boxing Association (WBA), is eager to return to the squared circle, after spending 3 and a half years without having a fight: „I’m in great shape! Now it’s time to get back in the ring,“ Charr states.

UNBEATEN hopeful Owen Cooper is the latest top young talent to sign promotional terms with Frank Warren’s growing Queensberry stable.

Cooper (3-0) is straight into action and boxes a four rounder on Saturday’s big London card that is being televised by BT Sport.

The Worcester boxer, 20, is managed by Errol Johnson of Black Country Boxing who alerted the Hall of Fame promoter about his latest prospect.

Cooper said: “I can’t explain how much it means to me.

“I can’t thank Errol, everyone at BCB and ultimately Frank enough for giving me the opportunity to get out on this show.

“It is everything to me. When I started boxing at 14 years of age I couldn’t picture myself on a show like this.

“Hopefully I might get on TV, but just being on it and around the show this week means so much. I’m so grateful.”

As an amateur at Worcester City ABC, Cooper represented England and won the National Youth Championships title in 2018.

Although Saturday’s fight is made at Welterweight, Cooper will be moving down to Super-Lightweight in the future.

Cooper who is trained by former two-time British title challenger Malcolm Melvin explained: “I was told to stay ready and when I got in the gym on Monday I was offered my first fight for Queensberry. I couldn’t turn it down.

“There is no time to get nervous about an opponent which is a good thing. I do get nervous before fights, but once I am in the ring the nerves go.

“It’s great to have Malcolm training me. He has been there, done it before and knows what it takes. I couldn’t have anyone better.”

While he is still progressing, Cooper will continue working as a painter and decorator with his Dad.

Owen who turned professional in September 2019 added: “The dream is to be able to box full-time, but for now I can enjoy working with Dad and boxing.

“You don’t have to be training two or three times a day for four rounders. It is about staying sharp and focused.

“As time goes on and the rounds step up I will need to be in the gym more. Then, I will knock work on the head and go full-time.

“My dad supports me all the way. Even when I need to time off to spar now it’s no problem.”

Headlining bill is British Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) who defends his Lonsdale belt against Commonwealth title holder Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) whose crown is also at stake.

Also on the bill, former British Light-Heavyweight champion and world title challenger Callum Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) challenges Bosnia’s Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) for the vacant WBO Global title.

 Some of the best prospects in the Queensberry stable are also on show including London Heavyweight banger David Adeleye (5-0, 5 KOs) who boxes a six rounder.

 Over six rounds York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1), and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) keeps busy.

 In four rounders alongside Cooper are Liverpool Middleweight James Heneghan (4-0), and Chatham Light-Heavyweight Karol Itauma (1-0) a Youth Olympic Gold Medallist.