VAN NUYS, CALIF. (April 21, 2021) – All-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola showed off his skills in the ring during a virtual media workout Wednesday, which streamed live on the PBC YouTube page, as he nears his clash against former unified heavyweight champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The full replay of the workout, which includes interviews with Arreola and his famed trainer Joe Goossen, can be watched HERE.

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.

Arreola’s workout took place at the Ten Goose Boxing Gym in Van Nuys, California where Arreola is participating in his second training camp with Goossen. Arreola’s first fight with Goossen saw the veteran former title challenger set numerous CompuBox heavyweight records in a narrow decision loss to Adam Kownacki.

Here is what Arreola and Goossen had to say Wednesday:

CHRIS ARREOLA

“I’m ready for this fight. I’ve been waiting for this fight for four or five months. This one is going to be a barnburner for sure.

“This fight is important for my legacy. I want to make the fans happy they bought this fight. I don’t fight for paychecks. I’m a fighter for the fans. So I hope they enjoy this fight and buy this pay-per-view.

“I love what I do. I’m a fortunate person to have been a fighter since a young age. I bleed boxing. I put my whole self out there every time I fight. I know that I owe it to the fans to give them a great fight.

“Defensively I’ve grown so much working with Joe. He’s taught me a lot about keeping my hands up and countering. He hasn’t reinvented the wheel, he’s just made sure the wheel is round.

“I was able to keep up the pace against Kownacki because I did everything I had to do in the gym. I could have given three more rounds at the end of that fight too. The fight is always won in the gym and we put all of the work in to win that fight. I thought I won that fight. Despite not getting the decision, it was a fun fight for me.

“I feel great. I’ve been working hard for months. I know that I have to make this a great fight for the fans and for myself. I know how crucial this fight is for my career.

“I don’t pay attention to the odds. If people want to make me the underdog, I’m comfortable with that. I’ve been an underdog my whole life.

“I’ve had some long layoffs before, so I know how to get back into it when the time comes. The sparring helps you know where your timing is at. That’s the best way to gauge where you’re at in your training camp.

“It’s a beautiful venue at Dignity Health Sports Park. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Every time I go there I love to sit up there with all the fans and enjoy the fights. It’s going to be a fun night of boxing on May 1 and I can’t wait.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Arreola’s Trainer

“Chris and Andy are veterans. They’ve been around a longtime. They know how to turn on the switch when the time comes. We’re preparing for a great fight on May 1.

“When you have two guys of the same talent, how do you determine who wins the fight? It’s the fighter who’s in better shape. That’s the underlying thought process here. Both Chris and Andy have talent, but our goal is for Chris to be in the best shape possible. The difference plays itself out in those last few rounds of the fight.

“You’re going to have the best Andy Ruiz that we’ve seen in this fight. And we have the same on our side. Our team has been working hard as well. I don’t expect anything but a great fight. However many rounds this goes, it’s going to be fireworks.

“We’ve been training for around four months but he hasn’t peaked too early because we’ve been consistent. Once we built up to a certain point, we’ve kept it there. He’s not worn out at all. This is what fighters are supposed to do. They’re supposed to be in the gym training.

“I’m very confident and calm heading into this fight, because Chris has been doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing. That’s all you can ask for.”

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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.

HALL OF FAME PROMOTER Frank Warren today hosted the final head-to-head press conference between British Middleweight champion Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) and Commonwealth title holder Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs).

Both titles will be on the line when the bitter rivals meet on Saturday (April 24) live on BT Sport.

Here is a selection of quotes from today’s presser.

FRANK WARREN

This fight came about because the British Boxing Board of Control ordered it. Denzel and Felix didn’t want to withdraw from it. It went out to purse bids which we (Queensberry) won and it’s on.

I don’t think it gets any better than this. Both guys are undefeated, they have similar records and I think you are going to see something a little bit special. I understand there is no love lost from sparring, and was there unofficial sparring out of the ring? This has got the hallmarks of a classic fight in a division that Britain has always flown the flag in. You can go back over the years and look at some of the great British and Commonwealth Middleweight title fights. This, definitely has a great chance of being up there as far as quality and action are concerned. As a boxing fan I’m looking forward to it. There was a lot of talk, that Tony Sims (Felix’s trainer) said he was considering not taking the fight and moving on, but hats off to them. We won the purse bids and they are having the fight. From the 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. Denzel hasn’t come through the easy way. It has been tough. I lost a main event on a televised dinner show on the day. Denzel had been sparring ten rounds, but he jumped at a fight that night and stopped Serge Ambomo. That tells me a lot about him. It shows me a guy who believes in himself. He has looked better and better. He is a credit to himself and his trainer Martin Bowers. If good guys win he comes through this weekend. Fans are going to see something special between two talented fighters. There is competition between them, their promoters. The whole thing smacks of electricity. It will be exciting while it lasts.

DENZEL BENTLEY

I am very proud to be British Middleweight champion. I have been everywhere with the belt. I’ve shown it off to let everyone know about my achievements. I am proud. I think Felix will regret taking this fight. Felix believes he is world level, but go through his opponents and there is nothing to suggest he is at that level, but every fighter needs to believe they are. I believe I am world level and he believes I’m not, so we will see. There is the sparring story with Felix. 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 before. 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.

FELIX CASH

Every British fighter wants to win the British title and that is what I want to do. Denzel is in my way so let’s get it on. I cannot wait to get my hands on the British belt. There were other options on the table, but we sat down and spoke as a team. We had a look at Denzel and just said, ‘Let’s go for it.’ I would have preferred it was on a Matchroom show, but it doesn’t make any difference to me, a ring is a ring and the best man will win on the night. I believe I am world level and I don’t believe that Denzel is. He is a decent domestic fighter. I believe I am a level above him and I will show him on Saturday night. Styles make fights. I believe I am better and I will prove that. We will sort it out man to man and the best man will win. I believe that man is going to be me. He has been doing a world tour with that belt. I hope he has enjoyed it because it is leaving him on Saturday night. I am going to be in front of him and he will have to deal with it. 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. Let’s just put on a good fight for the fans.

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.

Also in six round action, York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) who meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1) and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0).

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

WEST POINT, N.Y. (April 21, 2021) –  All fighters successfully weighed in today ahead of Thursday’s Ring City USA event headlined by the high-stakes world title main event between WBA Featherweight World Champion Jelena Mrdjenovich and Erika Cruz, live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. The main card on NBC Sports Network will feature two additional bouts beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a three-fight professional undercard and amateur bouts featuring West Point cadets beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch.

In the co-main event of the evening on NBC Sports Network, the heavy-handed Juan Pablo Romero (13-0, 9 KOs) will take on veteran Deiner Berrio (22-2-1, 13 KOs) in a ten-round welterweight clash which marks both fighters’ U.S. debut.  Rounding out the NBCSN telecast is an eight-round welterweight fight featuring Kazakhstan’s Bobirzhan Mominov (12-0, 8 KOs) facing the most difficult test of his professional career when he takes on Angel Ruiz (16-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, now residing in Los Angeles, Calif.

Headlining the Twitch undercard broadcast, which begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, 25-year-old Christian Mbilli (17-0, 16 KOs) will return to take on rugged ring veteran Jesus Antonio Gutierrez (27-4-2, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a super middleweight fight scheduled for eight rounds. Highlighted on the Twitch undercard is undefeated phenom Jalan Walker (8-0, 7 KOs) who will battle Angel Antonio Contreras (11-4-1, 7 KOs) in a featherweight fight scheduled for six rounds. In the opening professional fight of the evening, undefeated prospect Daniel Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs) faces Luis Alvarado (1-2) in a four-round junior lightweight fight.

Official weights and officials from West Point:

WBA Featherweight World Title Fight – 10 Rounds

Jelena Mrdjenovich – 125.2 lbs.

Erika Cruz – 125. 8 lbs.

Referee: Benjy Esteves

Judges: John Basile, Glenn Feldman, Robin Taylor

Welterweight Fight – 10 Rounds

Juan Pablo Romero – 143 lbs.

Denier Berrio – 141.8 lbs.

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez

Judges: Mark Consentino, Allen Nace, Steve Weisfeld

Welterweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Bobirzhan Mominov – 146.2 lbs.

Angel Ruiz – 146.6 lbs.

Referee: Charlie Fitch

Judges: Ken Ezzo, Eric Marlinksi, James Pierce

Super Middleweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Christian Mbilli – 167.4 lbs.

Jesus Antonio Gutierrez – 167.4 lbs.

Referee: Jamil Antoine

Judges: Ken Ezzo, Eric Marlinski, James Piece

Featherweight Fight – 6 Rounds

Jalan Walker – 125.8 lbs.

Angel Antonio Contreras – 126.4 lbs.

Referee: Ricky Gonzalez

Judges: Mark Consentino, Allen Nace, Steve Weisfeld

Junior Lightweight Fight – 4 Rounds

Daniel Bailey – 129.6 lbs.

Luis Alvarado – 130 lbs.

Referee: Jamil Antoine

Judges: Mark Consentino, Allen Nace, James Pierce

Catch up on fight week in West Point ahead of tomorrow’s stacked card with in-depth features now available on Ring City USA’s YouTube Channel.

Subscribe to Ring City USA on Twitch for undercard action and an exclusive post-fight presentation following the evening’s main event. Follow Ring City USA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates during fight week in West Point or visit www.ringcityusa.com for more information. 

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

WEST POINT, New York – April 21 2021 – WBO Super Featherweight World Title Jamel Herring will serve as a guest commentator on Ring City USA’s Thursday night telecast, live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and around the United States on NBC Sports Network.

Herring enters the broadcast booth fresh off a career-defining win on April 3 when he knocked out two-division world champion Carl Frampton in the sixth round to successfully defend his super featherweight title for the third time. Herring was the captain of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team and a proud member of the United States Marine Corps, having served two tours of duty in Iraq.

On Thursday night, he will join the Ring City USA team to present a six-fight event that is headlined by Jelena Mrjdenovich making the sixth defense of her WBA Featherweight World Title against Erika Cruz Hernandez. The main card on NBCSN will feature three fights beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a bonus three-fight undercard beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch. Additionally, the presentation will include West Point cadets facing off in amateur bouts beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on Twitch.

The Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific will also make the broadcast available to U.S. Forces serving overseas on AFN TV. Thursday’s event will mark the first professional fight card in New York since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020

Herring spoke with the media to share insights on his legacy as a Marine, his role as a guest commentator on Ring City, his next fight and more. Below are highlights from his conversation:

JAMEL HERRING

On his journey from the Marines to a World Championship: “I was thinking about my time from Iraq to where I am at now and it feels like a dream at times. I know fellow Marines who love the sport of boxing as well who used to dream about being in the position I am in. I remember clearly back in 2007, I was literally in Iraq during the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather fight. I remember thinking I need to get back into the sport of boxing, I need to get back in the sport when I get home to America. Just to remember that day clearly and to see where I am at now – it’s a blessing.”

On a future broadcasting career: “I love the commentating aspect of the sport because it allows me to speak on my public opinion and give my knowledge of the sport as well. I can definitely see myself doing this as a career in the future but right now I am just taking full advantage of the opportunity and the moment. I am glad to be a part of it.”

On working with Ring City: “I am close with Seniesa (Estrada) and Shawn (Porter). Shawn is the one that motivated me to get into broadcasting, especially being an active fighter. Seniesa did a great job, especially giving her opinion from a women’s aspect and what to look at. She’s very knowledgeable of the sport. It comes natural with Shawn, so it’s great having him on board.”

On training to fight vs. studying to announce a fight: “It’s definitely different. For the most part in camp, you know yourself. You know what to expect going into training camp. All week I have been looking at my notes and studying the fighters and where they are from, and all the different aspects. It’s fun. I get to learn something new with each fighter. Commentators also get to see the fighters grow throughout their career.”

On the amateur fights between West Point cadets on the undercard: “As a Marine Corps Sergeant, I am going to be hard on them because I expect nothing but the best effort from them. I know what it takes to even get to that level, not even just in the Marines but in the military in general. A lot of people don’t see it but during the amateurs, we have a target on our backs because they feel that we are privileged, I guess. That we had a ‘free ride,’ they would say, to the national tournaments. But in order for you to get to that level on any of the Armed Forces teams, you have to be the best of your branch. I am just happy for them and hope they take it as far as they want to take it.”

On developing military boxers at the professional level: “It is hard for us in the military to get to the highest level in boxing. I remember I met Ken Norton before he passed when I was an active duty Marine in 2006. I was also very close with Leon Spinks who recently passed away. I look back at those two individuals and I think that I am only one of the remaining marines to carry a world title – it means a lot to me but I would also like to see more follow my path. I looked up to Spinks and Norton, they have wins over the greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali, and they were marines. I took the fight with Carl Frampton very, very seriously and I just feel like there are a lot of Marines and veterans out there who are looking up to me and that’s why I always carry myself as a Marine to this day.”

On Thursday’s main event: “I have always been a big supporter of women in the sport of boxing. They are fighters. Most people see around my camp, and in my camp leading into Carl Frampton, Mikaela Mayer was in the gym with me for the most part. She works just as hard as the men. I am a huge supporter of women’s boxing and it is good to see them get the proper respect that they deserve. Women’s boxing has come a long way from let’s say the Laila Ali days. Now, amateur boxing is growing and more girls are getting involved, so you are seeing the amateur pedigree behind them.”

On the postponement of the heavyweight main event: “I know Stephan (Shaw) and his trainer personally. He actually was basically an alternate on the 2012 Olympic team and a lot of people don’t know that. He helped a lot of us prepare for the Olympics. I know him from way back and he was young then. It’s a bummer that the fight fell through, but I wish them well. It gave us an opportunity for women to showcase what they can do – their skills and ability. Amanda Serrano just showed what she could do on the same platform. I would have loved to see Shaw vs. Franklin on Thursday though.”

On the importance of AFN: “When I was over in Iraq in 2007, I got to witness one of the biggest fights of that time, of that era, between De La Hoya and Mayweather, thanks to AFN. They definitely play a huge role. They aired all of my Armed Forces bouts as well and they’ve aired some of my own fights. Our service men and women get to see individuals like myself representing them on a bigger stage. It means a lot for them to know that there is someone out there who represents them. Even though I am not active duty – you know the motto, ‘Once a Marine, Always a Marine.’ And I carry myself like that. It gives them the boost of morale.”

On his next fight: “I look at all roads and options, to be honest with you. I don’t count anything out. I don’t even count out the Shakur Stevenson fight. It’s just about what is available and what makes the most sense. Not even on the business side but in terms of my own legacy. Of course, I want to win another world title. I want to win more world titles. If those opportunities come first at super featherweight or lightweight, then that’s what I am going to go for. Right now, I am enjoying the time off from training, but I am always thinking about what’s next. I am already over the Frampton fight. I am glad I got the respect that I was looking for. It was an honor to share the ring with him but now I am looking for the next big thing. The Valdez fight would be the smart choice. But I just want to continue conducting myself as a Marine and bringing more prestigious titles to the Marines and be known as the one of the best to do it. I think that a fight with Oscar Valdez and a big win over him would at least put me in the best conversation for being Fighter of the Year.”

Follow Ring City USA for live updates from West Point on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates or visit www.ringcityusa.com.

About Ring City USA

Ring City, which launched in 2020, is boxing’s newest sports media platform. Working in tandem with a variety of promoters and talent, its new boxing series places an emphasis on competitive matchups that genuinely test the fighters and excite the fight fans. Ring City provides great fights in the ring and compelling shoulder programming outside of the ring. Ring City is the proving ground where up-and-coming talent can earn their stripes and launch themselves into the upper echelon of boxing stardom. 

New York, NY (April 21, 2021) International Boxing Hall of Famer Lou DiBella announced today the newest addition to the DiBella Entertainment roster of world class boxing talent: undefeated lightweight Tyler “Short Fuse” Tomlin (10-0, 6 KOs), of Cheatham County, Tennessee.

Tomlin will make his DiBella Entertainment debut in a special attraction eight-round bout on Friday, May 14, 2021, in Murfreesboro, the sports capital of Tennessee, featured on Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight. Tomlin’s bout will not be streamed on UFC Fight Pass®, so local fans wishing to see his fight are encouraged to buy tickets well in advance to ensure entry.

Tickets, starting at $35, are On Sale Now and can be purchased online at Broadway Boxing Tickets. Fans wishing to support Team Short Fuse should purchase seats or tables labeled “Tomlin.” The event is co-promoted by Matt Young’s Tri-Star Boxing. Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE is located at 1200 Conference Center Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, just outside of Nashville, TN. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:30 p.m. local time.

“Over the last 18 years, Broadway Boxing has become a global brand and I am so excited to bring the series to Murfreesboro on May 14,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Tyler Tomlin is already a star in Tennessee and has the potential to carry his stardom onto the global stage. Starting May 14, we will begin the process of making Tyler Tomlin a prominent name in the boxing world. Cheatham County has my word, he will not forget where he came from and will continue to be active in the Tennessee boxing scene.”

Just 21 years old, Tomlin has already made a huge splash on the Tennessee boxing scene since turning professional in May 2019. He has won his first 10 bouts, while cultivating one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases anywhere in professional boxing. Tomlin began boxing at age nine and was a touted amateur, compiling a 65-15 record. He won gold at the Tennessee Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves tournaments six times each, became a four-time Regionals champion, and won bronze at the 2015 Junior Olympics. He is trained by his father, Darryl Tomlin, at the Team Tomlin Gym, built four years ago on the family’s home estate.

“I’m extremely happy that I’ve signed with an experienced promoter like Lou DiBella, who has been in the boxing business for many years,” said Tyler Tomlin. “I believe that we will do incredible things together as I ascend to the top of the boxing world. We’ve discussed building my career in my home state of Tennessee and that’s an attractive part of our agreement. I want to bring big fights to Tennessee and I’m looking forward to taking my career to the next level. I know DiBella Entertainment can make that happen.”

“After going back and forth with negotiations, Lou DiBella gave us many of the terms we were seeking,” said Darryl Tomlin, Tyler’s father and trainer/co-manager. “Ty has built a tremendous fan base here in his hometown of Cheatham County and Lou agrees that we should continue to fight in Tennessee and maintain the momentum. We want to have a great working relationship with DiBella Entertainment and it’s truly a blessing for Ty and our family to be with Lou, who has also been involved in some of my favorite boxing movies like ‘Southpaw’, ‘The Fighter’ and ‘Rocky Balboa’.”

Tomlin is co-managed by noted boxing manager Peter Fernandez, of Tampa, Florida.

The remainder of the May 14 event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading streaming service for combat sports, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT, and will feature a world class, historic evening of exclusively women’s boxing. Broadway Boxing Presents: Ladies Fight is headlined by an eight-round lightweight contest between popular, former WBO featherweight world champion Heather “The Heat” Hardy (22-1, 4 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, and Montreal, Canada’s Jessica “The Cobra” Camara (7-2).

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS®, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

Social Media
DiBella Entertainment
Instagram: @DiBellaEnt
Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

Tyler Tomlin
Instagram: @_TyTomlin
Twitter: @_TyTomlin
Facebook: @TyTomlin123

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of a pair of undefeated 21-year-old Dominican prospects, super featherweight Edwin De Los Santos and super bantamweight Luis Reynaldo Nunez to promotional agreements.

A crow-pleasing puncher with tremendous will, the southpaw De los Santos (9-0, 8 KOs), from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, started boxing at the age of eight and went on to win numerous national amateur championships in his boxing-rich homeland. At age 14, he joined the Dominican’s prestigious National Boxing Team and, at 18, made the move to professional ranks. De Los Santos has already captured the WBA Fedecaribe and WBC Latino Super Featherweight Championships in his young career.

“It motivated me seeing how so many other great Dominican fighters have reached places they never dreamed of under the guidance of Sampson Boxing,” said De Los Santos of the signing. I am committed to bringing another world championship home to my country, defending it with pride and courage as many times as possible and improving the economic situation of my family.”

Also a decorated amateur in the Dominican, Puerto Plata’s Luis Reynaldo Nunez started boxing at age six and went on to win a number of national and international championships all over the world as a member of the elite Dominican national team. A fan-friendly pressure fighter with heavy hands, Nunez turned professional at 18 under the guidance of manger Antonio Tineo and trainer Vicente De La Cruz, best known as the trainer of former unified world champion Jeison (el Banana) Rosario. Nunez won the Dominican Republic Super Bantamweight Championship in 2019 and has successfully defended it once. He added the WBA Fedelatin Super Bantamweight Title in December of last year with a fourth-round stoppage of Nicaragua’s Giovanni Gutierrez. Gutierrez had previously gone the 10-round distance with top contender Mike Plania.

“I am grateful to Mr. Antonio Tineo, who is like a father to me. I’m also excited to work with Sampson Boxing and all the opportunities he wins for his fighters. I will be a proud world champion from the Dominican Republic. I also want to improve the economic situation of my family (grandparents and parents) who have given everything to me without asking for anything in return.”

A staunch advocate of Dominican boxing, Lewkowicz has expertly guided the careers of esteemed Dominican champions Jeison “Banana” Rosario, Javer “El Abejón” Fortuna, Jonathan Guzman, Dahiana Santana and Katy Wilson Castillo. He was introduced to Tineo through his long-time Dominican talent scout Cesar “Manguita” Mercedes.

Lewkowicz says he’s looking forward to working with the two young talents and to partnering with Tineo on several more promising fighters in the future.

“I have always supported Dominican boxers and have helped several of them become world champions,” said Lewkowicz. “I thank Cesar Mercedes for introducing me to Mr. Tineo and I look forward to helping establish several more Dominican champions during our work together. Both Nunez and De Los Santos are elite-level fighters who will be contenders in their divisions in the near future.”
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.

Las Vegas – UFC^® kicks off its May run of events at UFC APEX with a clash of top five light heavyweight contenders, as No. 3 ranked Dominick Reyes takes on No. 5 Jiri Prochazka. In the co-main event, an exciting featherweight bout pits the always-entertaining Cub Swanson against rising prospect Giga Chikadze. 

UFC FIGHT NIGHT^®: REYES vs. PROCHAZKA will take place Saturday, May 1 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The main card will be available on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT, with the prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

Reyes (12-2, fighting out of Victorville, Calif.) intends to deliver another statement victory to remind the rest of the light heavyweight division that he is still one of the best in the world. A two-time title challenger, Reyes rose through the 205-pound ranks with standout wins over Jared Cannonier, Ovince Saint Preux and Chris Weidman. He now looks to reinsert himself into the championship conversation by becoming the first man to defeat Prochazka in the UFC.

Exciting striker Prochazka (27-3-1, fighting out of Brno, Czech Republic) burst onto the UFC scene with a Performance of the Night bonus-earning knockout over former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir. A Czech national Muay Thai champion, he holds an incredible 96 percent finishing rate in MMA with 24 of his 27 victories coming by knockout, including his last nine wins in a row. Prochazka now plans to keep the momentum from his debut going by finishing Reyes and declaring himself as the next challenger for the belt.

Fan favorite Swanson (27-11, fighting out of Palm Springs, Calif.) aims to deliver another vintage performance in his 20^th Octagon appearance. The record owner for most total fight night bonuses in UFC featherweight history, Swanson established himself as one of the most exciting athletes on the roster with victories over Dustin Poirier, Dooho Choi and Charles Oliveira. He now has his sights set on handing Chikadze his first UFC loss in spectacular fashion. 

Chikadze (12-2, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC and secure the biggest victory of his MMA career. A former GLORY kickboxer, he has won all five of his UFC bouts, including wins over Brandon Davis, Jamall Emmers and most recently Jamey Simmons. Chikadze now attempts to show that he can compete with the elite of the division and cement himself as a 145-pound contender.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top 15 bantamweight grapplers face off as No. 12 ranked Merab Dvalishvili (12-4, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia) meets No. 13 Cody Stamann (19-3-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.)
• Ion Cutelaba (15-6, 1 NC, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova) takes on Dustin Jacoby (14-5, fighting out of Springfield, Ill.) in a light heavyweight bout guaranteed to deliver action
• No. 15 ranked middleweight contender Sean Strickland (22-3, fighting out of Corona, Calif.) locks horns with Krzysztof Jotko (22-4, fighting out of Orneta, Poland)
• Poliana Botelho (8-3, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Luana Carolina (6-2, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) battle in a flyweight bout
• Veteran Randa Markos (10-11-1, fighting out of Windsor, Ontario, Canada) looks to spoil the UFC debut of Dana White’s Contender Series signee Luana Pinheiro (8-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Featherweights Gabriel Benitez (22-9, fighting out of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico) and Jonathan Pearce (10-4, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) plan to steal the show with an impressive performance
• Kai Kamaka (8-3, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) plans to stop TJ Brown (14-8, fighting out of Little Rock, Ark.) from earning his first UFC victory
• Women’s strawweight standout Loma Lookboonmee (5-2, fighting out of Phuket, Thailand) goes for her first UFC finish against Sam Hughes (5-2, fighting out of Everett, Wash.)
• Middleweights Andreas Michailidis (12-4, fighting out of Athens, Greece) and KB Bhullar (8-1, fighting out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) both vie to secure their first UFC wins

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

LAS VEGAS (April 20, 2021) – Cuban star and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara previewed his quest to become a three-time, two-division champion as he prepares to take on Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna for the WBA Middleweight Title headlining FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Lara vs. LaManna serves as the main event of a broadcast beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT preceding the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event headlined by former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. battling all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola, which tops a stellar boxing extravaganza all taking place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Lara will make his 2021 debut after his last fight saw him defeat Greg Vendetti by unanimous decision on FOX in August, making it three-straight fights without a loss combined with his knockout victory over Ramon Alvarez in August 2019 and a split-draw in a 2019 action fight against current 154-pound champion Brian Castaño.

Prior to narrowly dropping 2018’s Fight of the Year to Jarrett Hurd, Lara was established as the longest-reigning 154-pound champion, owning six title defenses. Lara has faced a slew of top names in the division throughout the years, including Canelo Alvarez, Austin Trout, Alfredo Angulo, Paul Williams, Ishe Smith and Vanes Martirosyan, in addition to Hurd and Castaño.

Here is what Lara had to say about training camp, moving up to middleweight and more:

On this recent training camp:
“Training camp has been hard. I am working with my coach Ismael Salas, and things have just been very calculated and scientific. We got great sparring and I’m feeling young in my mind, body, and soul. I like the way the camp is being managed, and I expect to have a lot of success in this fight based on the preparation I have had in Las Vegas.”

On his matchup with LaManna:
“Thomas LaManna is really big and tall and brings a unique style to the ring. This is not an easy fight at all, and I know I will have to be my very best to come out victorious. He has never fought for a world title so I am fighting a person who is looking to accomplish his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion. I am fully prepared, focused, and I’m expecting a tough fight.”

On fighting for the vacant WBA middleweight title:
“I’m looking to become a two division and three-time world champion. I take great pride in being a fighter that puts everything on the line. I want to face any-and-all challengers, and this will continue May 1. My goal is to be an all-time great and a legend in the sport. I’m moving up in weight to become a world champion and show the world I’m ready for new challenges.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A victory against LaManna will put me in position to challenge the other champions at middleweight. I am looking at unification bouts, I want the biggest bouts possible, but I must win this fight first. There are a lot of meaningful fights at middleweight, and I want them all. I want to be a Hall-of-Famer and go down as one of the best Cuban boxers to ever do it. For my legacy to be thought of that way, I have to fight the best.”

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

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

Preceding the pay-per-view, FOX PBC Fight Night will begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT headlined by Cuban star and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara seeking a third world title in a second weight class when he faces veteran contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna for the WBA Middleweight Title. In the co-main event on FOX, top featherweight contender Eduardo Ramírez takes on hard-hitting Isaac Avelar in a 12-round fight for the vacant interim WBA Featherweight Title.

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.

Terri Harper will put her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles on the line against undefeated WBA World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi on a huge night of action at the AO Arena, Manchester on Saturday May 15 that also sees the return of rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi plus three European Title fights, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US and more than 200 countries and territories.

Harper (11-0-1, 6 KOs) looked sensational as she stopped Norway’s Katharina Thanderz in nine rounds to retain her WBC and IBO 130lbs crowns last time out in November at The SSE Arena, Wembley on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s win over Miriam Gutierrez. 

‘Belter’ clung onto her belts after a thrilling draw with Natasha Jonas at Matchroom Fight Camp back in August, but the 24-year-old produced a far more composed performance to ruthlessly halt her mandatory challenger Thanderz in just her 12^th fight. 

Choi (18-0-1, 4 KOs), the longest-reigning world ruler in women’s boxing, beat China’s Chunyan Xu on her professional debut in October 2008 to claim the vacant WBA Featherweight crown before making seven defences of her World Title in the following five years. 

The South Korean became a two-weight World Champion when she landed the WBA Super-Featherweight Title against Thailand’s Siriwan Thongmanit in May 2014, and most recently defended it against Calista Silgado on her Matchroom debut at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“It’s exciting that our dream of becoming Undisputed Super-Featherweight World Champion is taking a step closer to reality with my first unification fight,” said Harper. “I’m looking forward to the step-up and fighting an undefeated champion.

“Choi is the longest-reigning female World Champion and it will be an honour to share the ring with her. I’m more than ready. I’ve been training for this fight since the new year, even with my broken hand. I don’t just want to win; I want to win in style and make a statement.”

“I have waited a very long time for the opportunity to fight for the WBC belt,” said Choi. “I am so excited and looking forward to it. My goal has been to unify my weight division for many years and now the time has finally come.

“I know this fight in England will not be easy. Fighting in another country is extremely difficult but I am prepared for this adventure and challenge. I truly hope the best fighter will win. I have prepared for this opportunity my whole boxing career.”

Croydon’s Buatsi (13-0, 11 KOs) came through the toughest test of his career as he stopped brave Croatian Marko Calic in seven brutal rounds to retain his WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title in the main event at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes last October.

The 28-year-old has since switched trainers and will now be guided by Virgil Hunter in San Francisco, the renowned coach who oversaw Andre Ward’s legendary career that ended with a perfect 32-0 record and World Titles in two divisions. 

Undefeated Super-Middleweight talent Lerrone Richards (14-0, 3 KOs), the former British and Commonwealth Champion, steps up his pursuit for world honours as he takes on Italy’s Giovanni De Carolis (28-9-1, 13 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Title.

Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (17-2, 18 KOs) captured the vacant EBU European Cruiserweight Title after a hard-fought majority decision victory over Bilal Laggoune – he makes the first defence of his belt against Romania’s Alexandru Jur (19-4, 7 KOs).

Birmingham’s Gamal Yafai (18-1, 10 KOs) puts his EBU European Super-Bantamweight Title on the line for the first time against Jason Cunningham (28-6, 6 KOs) after claiming it with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Italy’s Luca Rigoldi at the Allianz Cloud in Milan.

Fast-rising Super-Lightweight star Dalton Smith (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Doncaster’s Lee Appleyard (16-5-1, 5 KOs) for the vacant English Title after their February clash fell through at short notice due two positive COVID tests in Appleyard’s camp. 

“This is a cracking card and most likely our last in the U.K. behind closed doors,” said Eddie Hearn. “As Terri Harper continues her quest for Undisputed, she takes on the unbeaten champ Hyun-Mi Choi in a brilliant unification match-up. Joshua Buatsi returns to action under new trainer Virgil Hunter and we have three European Title match ups with champions Tommy MCarthy and Gamal Yafai defending and Leronne Richards going for the Super-Middleweight Title. Electric prospect Dalton Smith also steps-up in a great fight vs. Lee Appleyard for the vacant English Title as he continues his charge.”

Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development for Sky Sports, said: “Terri Harper tops a superb night of action, live on Sky Sports, in a high-class unification clash with rival World Champion Hyun-Mi Choi.

“Terri is one of our leading women’s fighters – we’ve followed her journey closely – and now she aims to propel herself into elite company as a unified champion.

“Joshua Buatsi continues his explosive pursuit of a World Title fight and it will be fascinating to see the influence of America’s highly-regarded trainer, Virgil Hunter.

“Lerrone Richards, Tommy McCarthy and Gamal Yafai also return in a triple-header of European Title action, while Dalton Smith against Lee Appleyard should be an enthralling domestic clash.”

BOSTON (April 20, 2021) – Recently discharged U.S. Army specialist 4th class Daniel Bailey Jr. will be fighting in front of soldiers this Thursday night at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

The 24-year-old Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Tampa (FL), will face Luis Alvarado (1-2) in a 4-round featherweight bout on a Ring City USA card, the first live boxing in New York since before the pandemic.

All the action will be streamed live (9 pm. ET / 6 p.m. PT) on the Twitch.tv app, starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, as well as via the Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific (AFNTV).

“I’ve never been to West Point,” Bailey said. “I’m excited to fight there in front of other soldiers. I’m honored. We’re all brothers and sisters in arms and I want to put on a great show for them. I’m bringing the heat!”

“This is a great opportunity for Daniel,” Bailey’s manager Ryan Roach (Fighter Locker) commented. “Ring City USA has really taken over during the pandemic, putting on some really great shows. Ring City reached out to me looking to get some U.S. Army veterans on the card and Daniel answered the call, as always. I’m excited for this and Daniel is ready for the big stage.”

Born in Miami, Bailey’s cousin is Randall “The Knock-Out King” Bailey (46-9, 39 KOs), the 2-division World champion who was considered one of the hardest pound-4-pound punchers of his era (1996-2016).

Bailey was honorably discharged from the military this past March 19 after serving a 6-year stint. He was a 4-time U.S. Army champion rated as high as No. 1 in the country as an amateur boxer. He was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs (CO), where Daniel was enrolled in the special soldier-athlete program there, World Class Athlete Program (WCAP).

Bailey made his pro debut November 7, 2020, when he stopped Noe Marquez Talamantes in the second-round of their fight in Mexico. His last action was an opening-round knockout of Jahterris Lewis last month in Alabama.

During his solid amateur boxing career, Bailey benefited from sparring world champions Terence Crawford and Jamel Herring, among the more notables.

“I’ve become a much more complete fighter since I turned pro,” Bailey explained. “I have more control, like fully hydrating after a weigh in. I’m like a kid in a candy store now. I’ve made changes and sparring top guys has really helped my conditioning.

“This is the right place, right time for me,” Bailey concluded. I’m already on weight and ready to fight. It was a good time for me to get out of the army to pursue my dream.”

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

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

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