HEAVYWEIGHT banger David Adeleye insists he is ready to let Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman feel his power.

Adeleye has shown he can pack a punch and knocked out his first five professional opponents in style.

The Notting Hill man is back in action on Saturday (April 24), live on BT Sport.

Adeleye, 24, has oozed potential in his string of wins and is happy to be pushed by promoter Frank Warren who is matching the former ABA Junior and Senior Novices champion well.

Allen is returning to boxing following a short retirement and Gorman is closing in on a second British title shot after suffering his only career defeat against Daniel Dubois.

Adeleye said: “Dave Allen and Nathan Gorman are fights I think I can take. I am confident in myself, I believe in myself and I can beat them.

“Dave would be a good contest for me. He has been in there with some great fighters.

“It would be a good fight and it is one I would take.

“Dave is talking only boxing four or six rounders so I could get to stage that I have gone passed him.

“Credit to Nathan. He is a good fighter and you can see that, but he is someone I believe I can take on.

“I don’t just ask for these fight to say it. If they got made there wouldn’t be a ‘no’ from me.

“My development has been perfect and I know there is no rush, but if it was down to me I would want these fights.”

Four of Adeleye’s wins have come inside two rounds, and usually durable Phil Williams was stopped in three.

“As fights get longer the opposition will be better. I will get more time to break opponents down and box instead of just trying to blast them out,” added Adeleye who studied at the University of Wolverhampton, where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Business Management.

“There have been opponents who were meant to give me rounds, like Williams. He was tough and I had to do a few things different to get him out of there, but it came together.

“I am disciplined and an all year round fighter. I don’t train in seasons. I always stay ready. After each fight I have a week off and then I’m back in the gym, improving.

“Nothing comes easy. As long as I stay grounded and guided I know I can go all the way.”

He might be in a hurry to make his name in the boxing business, but trainer Frank Greaves ensures Adeleye remains focused.

Adeleye says: “It’s easy to get knocked off your high horse and why I always mention staying disciplined and grounded.

“It must be hard for fighters when they are suddenly earning big money and  having big fights. At the same time, it’s easy because if you want something you stay disciplined.

“I have good people around me who will keep me in check like my family and coach, Frank Greaves.

“I think Frank likes me saying these names. He doesn’t want be with a fighter who doesn’t believe in himself.

“He does the training and might say something on opponents because he knows where I am at, but doesn’t bother when I call someone out.”

Denzel Bentley (14-0-1) vs Felix Cash (13-0) for the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles headlines a bumper night of boxing, live on BT Sport on April 24.

 Also on the card, light heavyweight star Callum Johnson (18-1) marks his return to the ring with a battle against the experienced Emil Markic (32-2) for the WBO Global championship.

 Other Queensberry prospects besides Adeleye (5-0) on the show are George Davey (3-0), Henry Turner (4-0), James Heneghan (4-0) and Karol Itauma (1-0).

Kings Promotions and Salita Promotions proudly announce signing a co-promotional agreement with undefeated welterweight prospect Janelson Figueroa Bocachica.

The 5? 10? and 22-year-old Figueroa Bocachica (17-0, 11 KOs) is a proud Puerto Rican/American who hails from Southwest Detroit. Before turning pro at the tender age of 17, Figueroa Bocachica scored victories over current fellow undefeated professional prospects Charles Conwell and Brandun Lee, while winning multiple city/state titles. He finished the unpaid ranks with a record of 60-5.

Describing himself as an “aggressive technician,” Figueroa Bocachica trains with his father, Nelson Figueroa, at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit.

“Man, big things are going on in Detroit,” said Bocachica of signing with Michigan-based New Yorker Salita. “They are doing big shows and I want to be a part of that, so I’m in the right spot to prove myself against every opponent I face. I want all the belts in multiple divisions!”

Figueroa Bocachica has come up big in nationally televised showcases in his last two fights. In October 2020, he needed less than a round to stop and drop Puerto Rico’s then 9-1 Nicklaus Flaz. The capable Flaz was down three times from the accurate bombs of Figueroa Bocachica. And then, in February of this year, he took an entertaining majority 10-round decision over formerly undefeated Mark Reyes Jr.

“I’ve always known that Janelson was a special kid – I just didn’t realize how quickly he’d prove it to everybody else!” said his manager, David McWater. “He’s the rare type of the fighter that not only has devastating one-punch power but can really box as well. Teaming with Salita Promotions will allow Janelson to get all the right opportunities to become the next big Detroit boxing star and we’re just thrilled for the future.”

Both of Figueroa Bocachica’s co-promoters say they are pleased with the deal and looking forward to pairing up on more exciting prospects.

“I’m happy to be partnering with Salita Promotions in helping to develop one of the very best Welterweights in the world,” said Marshall Kauffman, President of Kings Promotions. “I look forward to doing more business with Dmitriy in the near future with many more boxers.”

“Janelson Figueroa is one of the best American prospects,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “He got his start at the Kronk Gym in Detroit and I believe that he has all the tools to be the next welterweight world champion from Detroit. I’m happy to be working with Marshall Kauffman on building the next great champion from the Motor City.”

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Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular video updates of boxing’s greatest legends, its best fighters, toughest contenders and brightest prospects in action.

CALLUM JOHNSON is hoping for the first crack at new WBO World Light-Heavyweight champion Joe Smith.

Fan-friendly Johnson excited American fans on two previous appearances in the United States and hopes Smith’s promoter Bob Arum contacts Frank Warren about the fight.

The former British and Commonwealth champion said: “I have seen loads of comments on social media saying,  ‘Joe Smith v Callum Johnson, what a fight,’ and it is one that excites me.”

New York’s Smith won the vacant title earlier this month when he snatched a majority decision against Russian Maxim Vlasov.

Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) impressed in Verona, New York when he last boxed in March 2019 demolishing Sean Monaghan inside three rounds.

Five months earlier in Chicago, he lost a World title war in four rounds against the division’s top man Artur Beterbiev, but floored the IBF Champion before losing for the only time as a professional.

Johnson’s reputation soared and he returns against Emil Markic (32-2, 24 KOs) in a vacant WBO Global title clash in London on Saturday April 24, (live on BT Sport).

Boston’s Johnson said: “It’s an interesting division and there are a few of us who want to get that shot at Smith.

“If Bob Arum called Frank and offered me the fight — one million per-cent I would take it in a heartbeat.

“I wouldn’t need to think twice. That is where I want to go and I would jump straight in with Smith next if I could.

“If Frank wants to push me for WBO title I am all up for winning it against Smith and coming back to face Lyndon Arthur and Anthony Yarde.

“Stylistically, Joe and myself is a good fight. It has been talked about before, is easy to make and one that fans like.

“I do feel I would beat Joe and bring that title back, but I have to think about Markic.

“I am expected to win and confident I will win, but Markic is no slouch. I can’t look past him. At the same time fighters do think what might come.”

Markic is ranked 15th by the WBO and a lofty world ranking is at stake when Johnson takes on the Bosnian puncher.

“Markic is a decent opponent after a long lay-off. He has a good record and can obviously punch a bit looking at his knockout ratio,” added 35-year-old Johnson.

“He is an opponent that I am not looking past or taking lightly, that is for sure.

“When I re-signed with Frank I didn’t care who I fought. I just wanted to get out there.

“I am as fresh as a daisy, but not a young lad. I don’t want to come back with six and eight rounders because I am past all that. There is no point and I haven’t got time.

“It is straight back in and getting back to where I want to be.”

Heading the show is Battersea’s Denzel Bentley (14-0-1, 12 KOs) who makes the first defence of his British Middleweight title against mandatory contender Felix Cash (13-0, 9 KOs) whose  Commonwealth crown is also on the line.

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 is York Super-Welterweight George Davey (3-0) meets Jamie Stewart (2-1-1) and Super-Lightweight Henry Turner (4-0) who faces Clayton Bricknell (3-3-1).

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

Orlando, FL (April 20, 2021) – In 2003, Jose Antonio Rivera flew more than 3,000 miles from his backyard in Worcester, MA, to the middle of Berlin and won a narrow majority decision over unbeaten hometown fighter Michael Trabant to capture the vacant WBA world welterweight title, a rare – but not impossible – feat amidst the duplicity and deceit that often overshadows boxing.

Worcester is affectionately known as the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” an industrial city that earned its reputation at the turn of the century through long hours of physical, backbreaking labor by those who worked textile mills and factories, so it’s no surprise Worcester fighters do their best when forced to dig deep and grind when it matters most.

Worcester’s Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) – the brightest among a city filled with great up-and-coming talent – hopes to carry the torch Saturday, April 24 when he makes his long-awaited network television debut in an eight-round fight against fellow unbeaten lightweight Joseph Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs), streaming live on ESPN+ beginning at 6 pm ET from the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, FL.

Facing the greatest challenge of his pro career, the 24-year-old Ortiz must channel the soul of 19th century Worcester and deliver the type of performance one would expect from a hard-working father and union carpenter accustomed to putting his hands to use both in and out of the ring.

“I’m built for this,” Ortiz said. “Whether I have to fight on the road, or travel to fight in someone’s backyard, it’s a risk, but I’m not concerned about that. I’m just going to be the best I can be and never run away from any challenges.”

The card, promoted by Top Rank, features a handful of exciting bouts, including WBO World featherweight champion Emanuel Navarette (32-1, 24 KOs) defending his title against challenger Christopher Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs) and a 10-round super lightweight showdown between Josue “The Prodigy” Vargas (18-1, 9 KOs) and Willie Shaw (13-2, 9 KOs). The main card airs live on at 10 pm ET on ESPN.

To watch Ortiz-Adorno live, sign up for ESPN+ for $5.99 a month or $59.99 for an entire year at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com, or via the ESPN app for mobile and connected devises. ESPN+ is also available as part of The Disney Bundle, which also includes Disney+ and Hulu. Subscriptions range from $12.99 to $18.99 per month.

Why this fight – and why now – just six months after his scintillating knockout win over Sulamain Segawa in California on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. fight?

“My time is now,” Ortiz said.

The reigning WBC Youth and USNBC Silver champion turns 25 later this month. He’s in the fifth year of his professional career. Everything is lined up the way he wants it as he begins what he considers a make-or-break 2021.

Ortiz isn’t like those fighters who only talk the talk when it comes to dreaming of championship glory. Since his days as an amateur, trained by the great Carlos Garcia, traveling the world to fight the best in his weight class, Ortiz envisioned everything he’s experiencing now. When he talks about each step leading to something greater, each move as a building block for the future, his words carry weight – he knew at 18 what he’d experience at 21 and beyond.

Just days after his win over Segawa – a fight viewed by an estimated 1.6 million who purchased the card on pay per view – Ortiz achieved instant celebrity status in the boxing world; his followers on social media nearly tripled and his inbox flooded with hundreds of unsolicited messages, all clamoring to find out more about this soft-spoken “technician” from Worcester.

“My vision is just so far ahead, and I’m so far ahead of myself sometimes that none of it was surprising to me,” Ortiz said. “I’ve manifested all of this, day by day, fight by fight. I literally said before I signed my first professional contract that it would happen just like this. I’m just glad it’s finally coming to fruition.”

While some fighters speak with a level of confidence that borders on arrogance, Ortiz’s self-assurance veers in the opposite direction; there’s humility and gratitude in every word, enough to convince you Ortiz is not only two, three, or four, but rather several steps ahead of the competition. He genuinely believes the best is yet to come, not because he expects it to be handed to him, but because he’s worked for every inch and every advantage.

When talking about the opportunity ahead of him this weekend, Ortiz chuckles. He knows what’s at stake. Not everyone gets the chance to fight on this stage, even those with more accomplished amateur backgrounds, or lucrative financial backers. Ortiz earned it the hard way, and there’s zero chance he’s letting it slip through his grasp without leaving it all in the ring on Saturday night.

“I watched a video recently about how not everyone gets that turn in life, and how you have to take advantage of it. That really hit me,” Ortiz said. “This is my turn, and not everybody gets it, so you’ve got to make the most of it. I’m chasing a legacy, in a sense – a story. My story hasn’t been a cakewalk. I’m willing to face whoever I have to face to get to where I want to be.”

In boxing, where the athletes’ shelf lives are much shorter than in other sports, fights like this take on an understandable heightened sense of importance. Ortiz knows this. The plan he’s envisioned – the road he’s mapped out since Day 1 – also includes life after boxing, one in which a lengthy reign of dominance and potential earnings will make every current-day sacrifice worth the struggle. The “technician” who burst into living rooms across the world in November is poised to make an even greater impact Saturday against the dangerous Adorno, who, like Ortiz, built his foundation in the amateurs.

Worcester, no matter the generation, will always be the “Heart of the Commonwealth,” and its fighters don’t back down from a challenge, regardless of where their journey takes them. Ortiz has history – and an entire city – on his side this weekend.

“Boxing is time-limited. You can’t box your entire life,” Ortiz said. “You hit your prime and you have a couple of great years ahead of you, then you start to wind down. I hope to make a couple of bucks and make all of those beginning sacrifices worth it. I’m in this now 100 percent. It’s my time, and time is limited, so I have to get in early, chase those titles, and take over for as long as I can.”

Visit CESFights.com for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC Fight Pass, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience.

CORONA, CA (April 18, 2021) – Today at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, Thompson Boxing Promotions hosted the second edition of their popular 3.2.1. Boxing series of 2021.

In the 8-round main event, super lightweight prospect Ruben “Ace” Torres (15-0, 12 KOs) dropped Diego Contreras (11-4, 5 KOs) twice in the opening round. The first knockdown came when Torres landed a vicious left hook to the head, while the second one happened by way of a left hook to the body. The referee saw enough and stopped the bout at the 1:04 mark of round one. Torres remains unbeaten and will look to step up in his next fight, with the thoughts of getting ranked in the top 15.

“I was really sharp today and my timing was right on,” said Torres. “I’m very thankful to be staying busy and the support from my promoter, Thompson Boxing, is incredible. I’m ready for the next level and I can see myself in some big fights with the pandemic coming to an end. I’m gong to stay focused and get right back in the gym.”

In the 8-round co-feature super lightweight slugger, Miguel “El Explosivo” Madueño (23-0, 21 KOs) demolished, Bergman Aguilar (15-7-1, 5 KOs) by way of a brutal overhand right to the head during an exchange at the end of the opening round. Aguilar did not get up after being dropped and the referee officially called off the bout at the 2:59 mark of round one.

“I wanted to send a message to everyone in my division,” said Madueño. “I’m a power puncher with a lot of heart and fans will get to know me more each and every time I step in the ring. I believe I’m the top prospect in boxing and I’ll continue to prove that in each fight. I’m hoping to step up against a big name in my next fight.”

In the opening 6-round super lightweight bout, George “El YuYu” Acosta (11-1, 1 KO) was victorious, winning a unanimous decision against Edgar “Pito Lupillo” Ramirez (17-17-1, 14 KOs). Acosta outworked Ramirez from the opening round to the final bell, landing clean body and head shots throughout the fight. Scorecards read 60-54 across the board.

“I was in great shape going into this fight and I felt strong in there tonight.” said Acosta. “I was in control the entire fight and I almost got him out of there in the fifth round. Ramirez was a tough opponent who showed a lot of heart. I’m ready to get back in the gym to start training for my next fight, which will hopefully be sooner than later.”

?3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3, and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
Fight Hub TV is a proud Media Partner with Thompson Boxing’s 3.2.1. Boxing shows and a great resource for all things Boxing.

WORCESTER, Mass. (April 19, 2021) – Rarely do undefeated prospects with double-digit victories fight each other because of the perceived risk like lightweights Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) and Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno (14-0-1, 12 KOs) will do this Saturday night, April 24th, at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida.

The 8-round Adorno vs. Ortiz fight, streaming live on ESPN+, will be on the Top Rank card headlined (on ESPN) by WBO World featherweight champion Emanuel Navarette (32-1, 24 KOs) defending his title against challenger Christopher Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs).
Both young lightweights were decorated USA amateur boxers who are rising stars in arguably boxing’s most loaded division.

“I’m counting the days,” Ortiz said about his fight with Adorno. “I’ve trained hard my whole life. When an opportunity like this comes, I’m ready to prove myself. I think I’ll have a spectacular performance and impress the crowd like I usually do. I’m fighting on another big card; I’m going up not down.”

The reigning WBC USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion, in addition to being a former WBC World Youth lightweight titlist, the 24-year-old Ortiz recently cracked the top 40 in the WBC ratings at 31, and he’s also ranked No. 5 by the NABF.

Ortiz is coming off a sensational, high-profile knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, in the seventh round last November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event.

The lone blemish on the 21-year-old Adorno’s pro record came in his last fight, back on January 11, 2020, when he fought an 8-round split draw with Hector Garcia (14-7-3). Born in New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico, Adorno lives and trains in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Ortiz surprisingly may have what amounts to a “hometown” advantage, at least in terms of vocal support, largely because many of his New England friends and family are flying down to Florida to attend the fight, along with his Florida fans.
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“My father lived in Florida and I visited him during summers, and I went to second grade there,” Ortiz explained. “I have a big family-base in Orlando. A lot of family and friends from Worcester are going to the fight. I’m surprised by how many people will be there for me.”

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), which will co-promote Adorno vs. Ortiz with Top Rank, and managed by Dick Shappy.
“Both teams need to be complimented for taking a fight like this.” Burchfield commented. “Two undefeated, young boxers like this fighting each other is what real boxing is all about. Bob Arum, Carl Moretti and Team Top Rank have been friends of mine for so many years.

“We turned Jamaine pro and through all these years as a promoter (32nd), maybe, every decade or so you have a special one like Jamaine, who can become the future of boxing. When you find a fighter who can box, punch and set-up his punches very well, he’s special and I feel Jamaine is special like that, not only in the ring but outside as well. I don’t worry about getting a late-night call about him. He is a total professional, no distractions with him. Jamaine works as a carpenter, he’s learning the real estate business, and he’s also looking into the medical field in the future. He reminds me of Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De Lay Hoya. He has that charisma and is a technician in the ring. A very smart kid in the ring. He has a spectacular team of managers and trainer to work with, too.”

“For many years,” Shappy added, “our management team (including Eddie Imondi) had been searching for the right boxer to come along that had the potential to be a world champ. We are very confident that we have found that person, Jamaine ‘The Technician’ Ortiz.”

Rare as it may be in boxing, the reward is ultimately worth the risk for these legitimate fighters, Ortiz and Adormo.

CARSON, CALIF. (April 19, 2021) – WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Luis Nery and unbeaten rising star Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa will meet in a championship duel that will take place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California on Saturday, May 15 headlining action live on SHOWTIME® in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® televised undercard will feature former unified super bantamweight world champion Danny Roman facing the tough, hard-hitting Ricardo Espinoza in the co-main event and rising contender Xavier Martinez taking on the experienced Abraham Montoya in a WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator to kick off the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Tickets are on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. PT 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.

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Los Angeles – April 19, 2021 – On Thursday night, Ring City USA will return with another high-stakes world title main event when Jelena Mrdjenovich makes the sixth defense of her WBA Featherweight World Title against Erika Cruz Hernandez, live from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and on NBC Sports Network. The main card on NBCSN will feature two additional bouts beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, with a three-fight undercard beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT around the world on Twitch.

The previously announced main event heavyweight clash between undefeated contenders Jermaine Franklin (20-0, 13 KOs) and Stephan Shaw (14-0, 10 KOs) was postponed due to Franklin testing positive for COVID-19.

Mrdjenovich (41-10-2, 19 KOs) returns to the Ring City USA squared circle following her fifth world title defense, a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Iranda Paolo Torres on December 17, 2020 at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, Calif. The three-division world champion won the WBA world title in March 2016 defeating champion Edith Matthysse. A pioneer for women’s boxing in her home country of Canada, Mrdjenovich, 38, is currently the second-ranked featherweight in the world by Ring Magazine, behind only recent Ring City victor Amanda Serrano.

The upset-minded Cruz Hernandez (12-1-0, 3 KOs) will be challenging for her first world title. The 30-year-old southpaw is currently riding an 11-bout winning streak including victories over world ranked contenders Vissia Trovato and Jocelyn Morales Torres. As an amateur, the Mexico City native bested 2012 U.S. Olympian Queen Underwood.

Making his United States debut, heavy-handed Juan Pablo Romero (13-0, 9 KOs) arrives for battle following a ten-round unanimous decision over Sergio Torres on November 28, 2020 in Mexico City, Mexico. Prior to his most recent outing, Romero, 31, has faced top competition for a rising prospect and performed well by knocking out four consecutive opponents within the first four rounds.

Romero will face Deiner Berrio (22-2-1, 13 KOs) who returns to the ring following back-to-back knockout wins in his two most recent performances. In his last fight in August 2019, Berrio scored an impressive knockout of Gustavo Sandoval in the second round in his second career bout at 140 pounds. Thursday’s fight against Romero will mark his U.S. debut. Romero was previously scheduled to fight undefeated prospect Jonathan Navarro who was forced to withdraw with an injury.

Now added to the NBC Sports Network telecast, Kazakhstan’s Bobirzhan Mominov (12-0, 8 KOs) will face the most difficult test of his professional career when he takes on Angel Ruiz (16-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in a welterweight fight scheduled for eight rounds. Now fighting out of California, the unbeaten 29-year-old prospect notched two impressive decision wins in 2020 as he continues his ascension to contender status. Standing in his way is the hungry 23-year-old Ruiz, who is trained by Manny Robles out of Southern California and returns to the ring after a nearly 18-month layoff following his first professional loss in 2019.

Bonus undercard action will stream live around the world on Twitch with West Point cadets taking center stage in amateur contests at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.

Armed Forces Network Europe and Pacific will also make the broadcast available to U.S. Forces serving overseas on AFN TV. 

Main Card on NBC Sports Network

9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

WBA Featherweight World Title Fight  – 10 Rounds

Jelena Mrdjenovich (41-10-2, 19 KOs) vs. Erika Cruz Hernandez (12-1, 3 KOs)

Junior Welterweight – 8 Rounds

Juan Pablo Romero (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Denier Berrio (22-2-1, 13 KOs)

Welterweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Bobirzhan Mominov (12-0, 8 KOs) vs. Angel Ruiz (16-1, 12 KOs)

Bonus Undercard on Twitch

6:30 p.m ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Super Middleweight Fight – 8 Rounds

Christian Mbilli (17-0, 16 KOs) vs. Jesus Antonio Gutierrez (27-4-2, 14 KOs)

Featherweight Fight – 6 Rounds

Jalan Walker (8-0, 7 KOs) who will battle Angel Antonio Contreras (11-4-1, 7 KOs)

Junior Lightweight Fight – 4 Rounds

Daniel Bailey (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Luis Alvarado (1-2)

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

ANTHONY YARDE HAS unfortunately been forced to withdraw from his return fight against unbeaten German Emin Atra in London on Saturday.

The 29-year-old is suffering with a tooth abscess, meaning his 10-rounder against the 17-0 Atra is now subject to a short delay.

“I am frustrated but it is what it is and I won’t rush anything,” said the light heavyweight on his dental treatment. “It just makes me even more eager to get back out.

“It should take about two weeks, the tooth is next to my canine so I am going to have to use a denture for a little while before having an implant. I definitely won’t be out for long.

“The dentist lady literally laughed when I told her I had a fight coming up! She said if I got hit there – I joked that I don’t get hit… – because it is nerve endings, it could swell up in a way that is uncontrollable.

“It is one of those things and I have just got to deal with it.”

Promoter Frank Warren said: “It is disappointing for both Anthony and the viewers this time around, but the fight will go ahead on one of our forthcoming shows. However, we’ve got a great show to look forward to on Saturday, topped by the terrific British and Commonwealth middleweight title battle between Denzel Bentley and Felix Cash.

“I think everybody is looking forward to this one, plus we’ve got the return of Callum Johnson in a good fight against the experienced Emil Markic and our big heavyweight prospect David Adeleye back in action and looking to impress.”

LAS VEGAS – (April 19, 2021) – Undefeated 22-year-old middleweight boxing sensation Armando “El Toro” Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) shared his thoughts on his upcoming showdown against tough veteran Quilisto “Kilo The Kid” Madera (12-2, 8 KOs) before they meet in the eight-round co-main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Tuesday, April 20 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

Resendiz will be making his U.S. debut on Tuesday night against a formidable opponent in Stockton, California’s Madera, who enters this fight having won five of his last six contests.

The Compostela, Nayarit, Mexico native Resendiz has been training in Las Vegas at the Salas Boxing Academy with famed coach Bob Santos. Resendiz has notched knockout victories in his last eight bouts heading into Tuesday’s clash.

Here is what Resendiz, who is co-promoted by Warriors Boxing and ranked at #13 by the WBA, had to say about training camp, his matchup with Madera, making his U.S. debut, and more.

On his training camp in Las Vegas with Bob Santos:

“I recently started training with Bob Santos at the Salas Boxing Academy in Las Vegas and everything is working out great. Santos has a lot of knowledge and I am excited to show off my devastating power-punching style. I am grateful to my promoters for believing in me. I’m also grateful to the PBC for giving me this opportunity. I have given my all to this camp and I am ready for this fight.”

On his matchup with Madera:

“I have a lot of respect for my opponent, he is a really tough guy, and he always brings an exciting fight to the ring. I have nothing bad to say, but when we fight, I am going in there to let my hands do the talking. This is my U.S. debut and I want to make it memorable. On Tuesday night, I will show why I am the future of the division.”

What a win will do for your career:

“I believe a win against a rough fighter like Quilisto Madera would put me in the top five or at least top-10 of the WBA rankings. This is not an easy fight, and this is the fight I choose to debut in America with, because I wanted to make a statement. On BoxRec, I am rated as the #2 super middleweight in Mexico, behind only Canelo. I am looking to become one of the best fighters in the world, and it all starts on Tuesday.”

What can fans expect:

“This fight will be all-action as both Madera and I are true warriors that like to throw a lot of hard punches. I have power in both hands, and I like to throw a lot of power shots. This fight will be explosive, and all boxing fans should be turning in to see a great war.”

#

ABOUT FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT: MARTIN VS. PEREZ
Martin vs. Perez will see undefeated lightweight prospects Frank Martin and Jerry Perez go toe-to-toe in a 10-round battle that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes on Tuesday, April 20 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see unbeaten middleweight prospect Armando Resendiz square off against Quilisto Madera in the eight-round co-main event. The telecast will also feature exciting prospect Atif Oberlton in a light heavyweight attraction against Jesse Bryan, super middleweight prospect Burley Brooks taking on Cameron Rivera, the pro debut of Travon Marshall in a super welterweight showdown against Christian Marron, and Amon Rashidi meeting Jesus Silverya in a super lightweight bout to open the telecast.

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.

Elwin Soto will defend his WBO World Light-Flyweight title against Katsunari Takayama as the chief-support bout to the blockbuster Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on May 8 at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

TICKETS ARE ON SALE AT SEATGEEK.COM

Soto (18-1 12 KOs) fights under the Matchroom banner for the first time on the show having penned a deal with Eddie Hearn last week. The Mexican makes the third defense of the crown he ripped from Angel Acosta in dramatic fashion with a final round KO win in California in June 2019 and has seen off the challenges of Edward Heno in October 2019 and Carlos Butrago last October.

The 24 year old now puts the crown on the line against the seasoned Japanese Takayama (32-8 12 KOs). The five-time Minimumweight champion made his return to professional action in December in Osaka, Japan having left the paid ranks as a World ruler in 2017 to aim for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo – and now the 37 year old has switched his focus to becoming a two-weight World champion.

There’s a stacked card under the two World title fights, led by Kieron Conway defending his WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight title against Souleymane Cissokho.

Conway (16-1-1 3 KOs) picked up the title with an impressive win over Navid Mansouri at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex in August. Conway and Cissokho (12-0 8 KOs) were due to meet on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s win over Kubrat Pulev in London in December, but the bout had to be shelved, so Conway took his frustrations out on Macauley McGowan on that card instead, with a shut-out win over ten rounds.

French Olympian Cissokho shrugged off his pain at missing the original fight date on the undercard of his manager Joshua by recording his eighth KO win from 12 outings with a sixth round stoppage of Daniel Echeverria in Dallas in March, setting up a rescheduled clash with Conway that is full of intrigue and importance for their respective careers.

Frank Sanchez (17-0 13 KOs) let his hands go for a seventh round KO win over Julian Fernandez on the undercard of Alvarez’s win over Callum Smith in San Antonio, Texas in December, and the big Cuban Heavyweight will be looking to repeat that feat against Nagy Aguilera (21-10 14 KOs).

Sanchez is ranked at a lofty #6 with the WBO, and the 28 year old Eddy Reynoso charge will be plotting a route to the crunch clashes with his fellow big-hitters, but Aguilera will be planning to give him a tough night and the 34 year old comes into the bout on the back of a 21^st career win in November.

Mexican-American talent Marc Castro (2-0 2 KOs) makes it three Canelo undercard appearances from three since making his pro debut on the Canelo-Smith card in Texas. The stellar amateur recorded a third round stoppage that night and followed that with a second round KO in Miami on the Canelo-Yildirim bill – the 21 year old will be looking to shine on the biggest stage once again over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

Castro’s old amateur foe Keyshawn Davis (2-0 2 KOs) made his debut at the Hard Rock Stadium and he appears alongside Castro once again in his third pro outing. The Virginia starlet grabbed a second round win that night over Lester Brown and followed that by forcing Richman Ashelley to retire after four rounds of their battle in Dubai earlier this month, and Davis will face Jose Antonio Meza (6-4 1 KO) over six rounds. It’s a family affair on the night with Keyshawn’s brother Kelvin Davis (1-0 1 KO) fights for the second time in the paid ranks after a second round KO win on his debut in December in Los Angeles, taking on Jan Marsalek (8-2 7 KOs) over six rounds.

Rounding off the undercard, Mexican Welterweight Christian Alan Gomez Duran (19-2-1 17 KOs) is on another Canelo undercard after stopping Angel Hernandez in three rounds in San Antonio in December, and he’ll celebrate Cinco De Mayo weekend over eight rounds against an opponent to be named soon.

“It’s a stacked night of action at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco De Mayo weekend,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Elwin Soto is a great addition to our stable and the Mexican World champion will want to dazzle on the biggest stage against the experienced Takayama.

“The clash between Kieron and Souleymane is a cracker, and I am thrilled for both of them that they get to perform on this stage – there will be some spice there after it was postponed in December and now, they get their hands on each other in Texas.

“Frank always brings the heat and he’ll be eyeing a showstopping KO, and again, Marc and Keyshawn get to shine under the brightest lights – it’s going to be a spectacular night of action, leading to the big one between Canelo and Billy Joe.”

PARIS, France (April 18, 2021) – European Super Featherweight Champion Samir Ziani (32-3-1, 7 KOs) has called out Tervin “American Idol” Farmer (30-5-1, 6 KOs), former International Boxing Federation World Super Featherweight Champion, to fight June 5th for the WBC Silver belt in a World Boxing Council (WBC) elimination fight. The winner would position himself for a title fight against WBC World champion Oscar Valdez.

The battle of left-handed super featherweights would be on the June 5th Triller pay-per-view card in Florida, headlined by undefeated World lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (16-0) vs. George Kambosos, Jr. (19-0), supported by an exhibition fight between 4-time World heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson conqueror Kevin McBride.

According to Ziani’s manager Gary Hyde, was offered the WBC eliminator against Farmer and the Frenchman immediately accepted, while all has been quiet from Farmer.

“”I was excited to fight Farmer on a great Triller show,” Ziani said, “especially because it is my dream to win a World title in the United States. “I am surprised to hear that Farmer has chickened out of our fight, but I suppose je knows his boxing is slipping downwards.

“I want you, Farmer! Accept the fight and be a real warrior. Don’t run away from me. I want to box in the capital of boxing, the United States, to show American fans what I can do. They say you’re a technician, I will show you that I am a true warrior. The ring is for real men with the ambition to beat the best, not box the weakest, so, let’s give true value and pay respect to our noble art of boxing.”

Ranked No. 11 by the WBC, as well as No. 9 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF), the 30-year-old Ziani is the reigning EBU European champion, riding a 10-fight win streak. In his most recent fight (Sept. 5, 2020) and second title defense, Ziani dropped a bloody Alex Dilmaghian (19-1-1) three times en route to a 12th round win by technical knockout with 9-seconds left in what was a Fight of the Year candidate.

Ziani’s last loss was 4 ½ years ago to World title challenger and fellow Frenchman, Guillaume Frenois (41-1), by a razor-thin margin, 115-113 three times, in Paris. Earlier in his career, Ziani also suffered a disputed 10-round loss by decision (97-93, 96-94, 96-94) in Denmark to current IBF World Lightweight Champion Richard Commey (18-0) in 2014.

“Ziani is an all-action fighter with an enormous work rate,” the Ireland-based Hyde added. “It would be a tantalizing match between two talented southpaws with the winner going on to fight for the WBC World title.”

The president of NoWhere2Hyde Management, Hyde has managed numerous world-class boxers during his career including world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux, Youri Kalenga and Simpiwe Vetyeaka.

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /SamirZiani, /nowhere2hyde
Twitter: @BoxeurProZiani, @nowhere2hyde
Instagram: @samir_ziani_boxeurpro, @gary_nowhere2hyde

DERRY, N.H. (April 18, 2021) – Former New England middleweight champion Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. turned in a career-best performance in last night’s main event against dangerous Bryan “The Warrior” Vera on the evening portion of the “Crossroads” day-night doubleheader, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at New England Sports Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

The pre-fight plan was followed as Ball (16-1-2, 11 KOs) boxed and moved, while Vera (28-17, 18 KOs) applied pressure, right from the opening bell. Ball took control in the second round, when he stayed in the pocket, snapping off crisp combinations. Ball fired more effective combinations in the third round as Vera started chasing his opponent. Ball started moving around the ring and fighting from the outside in the fourth and stayed on his toes the remainder of the fight.

Ball won an 8-round unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 78-74) to become the World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (United States) Silver Super Middleweight Champion.

“This was my best fight, because of who I fought, and the magnitude of the fight,” Ball commented. “The plan was to box and move because he was much smaller and slower. At times I banged, when I knew he wasn’t hurting me, but I shouldn’t have taken the risks.”

The 39-year-old Vera isn’t the same fighter he was when he beat three different world champions – Andy Lee, Sergio Mora (twice) and Serhiy Dzinziruk. The Texan needs to decide if it’s time to finally hang up his gloves.

“This was awesome, definitely our best show to date,” Granite Chin’s Chris Traietti declared after the show. “We feel great about stepping up to give these fighters, especially the locals, a platform to perform on in front of fans. I think a lot of promoters have gotten lazy. They gave us a lane and Granite Chin took advantage. This was our fourth show with fans during the last year. Brian fought hard and he’s a great guy, but he’s not the same guy he was in 2011. He needs to think about what he’s going to do.

“Granite Chin returns here June 26th with another doubleheader. The afternoon show will be the Granite Chin Invitational for open elite boxers. With the New England Golden Gloves canceled again there is a void to fill. If promoters are going to help amateurs, I certainly will, starting June 26th.”

Challenger Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs) dethroned defending New Hampshire Welterweight Champion Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO) via a sixth-round stoppage in an entertaining co-feature. A devastating overhand right from Bates gave him his new crown as the referee didn’t even count as the ring doctor quickly entered the ring.

Larry “Hitman” Pryor took the contract out on Scott Lambert and he wasted little time taking care of business to become the New Hampshire Cruiserweight Champion. Pryor took advantage of his decisive height and reach advantages, closing the show with a perfectly thrown left hook that sent Lambert to the canvas. Lambert managed to beat the count, but the referee stopped the fight midway through the opening round when he saw Lambert wobbling back and forth on rubbery legs.

Lanky left-handed Francis “The Tank” Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs) graduated last night with a brilliant performance against Larry “Slo Mo” Smith, who was in his 60th career fight. Hogan put down Smith early in the third round and caught the Texan late in the same round with a lefty-combination to the temple. Smith beat the count, but he was unable to answer the bell for the fourth round, and 20-year-old Hogan became the new New Hampshire Junior Middleweight Champion.

Former New England heavyweight champion Justin “Crazy Train” Rolfe (5-2-1, 4 KOs) positioned himself for another N.E. title shot with a spectacular knockout of Alfredo “Choncho” Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO). The 263-pound Rolfe, fighting out of Fairfield, Maine, charged across the ring at the bell and put his Arizona opponent to sleep right in his corner, when he was counted out at the 20-seconds mark.

The newest member of the fightin’ Whitley family from western Massachusetts, undefeated welterweight Denzel Whitley, cruised to his fourth victory with his fourth knockout. He drilled Aquilandro Brandao late in round one and the fight was stopped by the referee.

Undefeated Jahye Brown (9-0, 7 KOs) captured the vacant ABF Athletic junior middleweight title with a hard fought 8-round unanimous decision over a game Mexican opponent, Dormedes Potes (12-4-1, 9 KOs). The two fought toe-to-toe from the opening bell and Brown landed the more effective punches inside to earn the victory.

Promising middleweight prospect Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste improved to 2-0 with his second knockout, blasting out Bruno Dias in the third round.

Fighting for the first time in more than eight years, Fall River, MA welterweight Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs) won a 4-round unanimous decision over pro-debuting Anthony Andreozzi in what can best be called a rough and tumble match.

Junior middleweight Carlos Castillo’s professional debut was a gem as the Holyoke, MA fighter dropped Theo Desjardon twice, the last closing the show late in the first round.

“Cannon” Berry stops Ibarra in 5

UBO All-America Welterweight Champion Brandon “The Cannon” Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs) successfully defended in the afternoon card’s main event, overcoming a slow start in which he was buzzed to stop challenger Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs) in the fifth round.

Berry finished the fight in the fifth, when he unloaded twin barrages of unanswered punches on a trapped Ibarra until the referee waved off the fight.

“I’m glad it wasn’t a 4-round fight,” Berry said after the fight. “He was a strong guy. I was feeling it. He tested me. I want to thank my family and friends here, and Granite Chin and everybody involved in the promotion.”

In the co-featured event, New England heavyweight champion Mike “Fly” Marshall (4-1, 3 KOs), in a non-title fight, knocked out Tracey Johnson (4-10-6) in the third round.

Popular Boston Irishman Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs) – 6’ 6”, 269 lbs. – needed only 42-seconds and one big right to stop pro-debuting heavyweight Marco Nascimento.

Massachusetts welterweight Eric “Gladiator” Goff convincingly won his pro debut against Jader Alves (0-5) as he pitched a 4-round shutout

Three-time New England Golden Gloves champion Demek “Hightower” Edmonds had an awesome pro debut, dropping cruiserweight Francisco Neto twice in round one, the second a vicious body shot ending the fight. Edmonds, a southpaw from Worcester, MA, is a college graduate and bonafide prospect to watch.

In a non-title fight, New England welterweight champion Mike “Bad Man” Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs) schooled his 54-fight Las Vegas opponent, junior middleweight Rynell Griffin. Ohan decked Griffin three times in the first round, the third with a left hook to the body from which Griffin was unable to beat the count.

Canadian cruiserweight Yan “Wild Thing” Pellerin (11-1, 5 KOs) landed two stinging rights to the body of 63-fight veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker, both flooring the Missouri fighter, the second resulting in an opening-round knockout for the vacant ABF Atlantic title.

Connecticut welterweight Omar “The Beast” Borday, Jr. (1101, 3 KOs) dominated 65-fight journeyman Dewayne Wisdom en route to a one-sided 8-round unanimous decision.

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

NIGHT CARD

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBC USNBC SILVER SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Kendrick Ball, Jr. (16-1-2, 11 KOs), Worcester, MA
WDEC8 (79-73, 79-73, 78-74)
Bryan Vera (28-17, 18 KOs), Austin, TX
(Ball on WBC USNBC Silver middleweight title)

CO-FEATIURE –NEW HAMPSHIRE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Marquis Bates (8-4, 6 KOs), Taunton, MA
WKO6 (2 :26)
Ryan Dibartolomeo (3-2-1, 1 KO), Leominster, MA
(Bates won the N.H. welterweight title)

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Larry Pryor (14-23, 8 KOs), Frederick, MD
WTKO1 (1:50)
Scott Lampert (1-2, 1 KO), Dover Plains, NY
(Pryor won the N.H. cruiserweight title)

VACANT NEW HAMPSHIRE JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Francis Hogan (5-0, 5 KOs), Weymouth, MA
WTKO3 (3:00)
Larry Smith (12-46-2 (8 KOs), Dallas, TX
(Hogan won the N.H. junior middleweight title)

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jahyae Brown (9-0, 7 KOs), Schenectady, NY
WDEC8 (79-72, 77-74, 77074)
Dormedes Potes (12-3-1, 9 KOs), Woburn, MA
(Brown won ABF Atlantic junior middleweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Justin Rolfe (5-2-1, 3 KOs), Fairfield, ME
WKO1 (0:20)
Alfredo Trevino (9-9-1, 1 KO), Douglas, AZ

WELTERWEIGHTS
Denzel Whitley (4-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA
WTKO1 (2 :42)
Aquilando Brandao (0-4), Boston, MA

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Julien Baptiste (2-0, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA
WTKO3 (2 :26)
Bruno Dias (0-5), Boston, MA

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT
Carlos Castillo (1-0, 1 KO), Holyoke, MA
WTKO1 (2:16)
Theo Desjardin (0-7), Attleboro, MA

WELTERWEGHTS
Dustin Reinhold (6-4, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA
WDEC4 (39-36, 39-036, 39-37
Anthony Andreozzi (0-1), Swansea, MA
.
DAY CARD

MAIN EVENT – UBO ALL-AMERICA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Brandon Berry (21-5-2, 13 KOs), West Forks, ME
WTKO5 (1:29)
Gael Ibarra (5-3, 4 KOs), Bisbee, AZ
(Berry retained the UBO All-America welterweight title)

CO-FEATURE – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Mike Marshall (5-1, 4 KOs), Brooklyn, NY
WTKO3 (0:38)
Tracey Johnson, (4-10-6, 0 KOs), Boston, MA.

VACANT ABF ATLANTIC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Yan Pellerin (10-1, 4 KOs), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
WKO1 (1:02)
Steve Walker (26-37, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO
(Pellerin won the ABF Atlantic cruiserweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Jimmy Torney (3-0, 3 KOs), Boston, MA
WTKO1 (0:42)
Marco Nascimento (0-1), Bow, NH

CRUISERWEIGHTS
Demek Edmonds (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA
WTKO1 (2:56)
Francisco Neto (1-12), Woburn, MA

       JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Mike Ohan, Jr. (12-1, 6 KOs), Holbrook, MA
WTKO1 (2:52)
Rynell Griffin (8-46-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

WELTERWEIGHTS
Eric Goff (1-0, 1 KO), Weymouth, MA
WDEC4 (40-30, 40-34, 40-34)
Jader Alves (0-5), Woburn, MA.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Omar Borday, Jr. (11-1, 3 KOs), Danbury, CT
WDEC8 (80-70, 79-72, 78-72
Dewayne Wisdom (7-56-2, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Deerfield Beach, Fla. (April 19, 2021)—Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King has sent a Cease & Desist letter to undefeated heavyweight boxer Christopher Lovejoy, claiming he is under an exclusive promotional agreement with Don King Promotions and not permitted to enter any future fights without King’s consent.

Recent media reports have stated that Lovejoy is currently in Germany and has agreed to face the WBA champion in recess Mahmoud Charr on May 15 in Hamburg, Germany.

Trevor Bryan recently won the WBA heavyweight title after Charr disregarded the WBA and was not allowed in the United States due to Homeland Security visa denial of the Syrian. 

The letter demands that Lovejoy (19-0, 19 KOs), who had previously announced his retirement from boxing, not participate in the bout with Charr or any other future bout or opponent.

“It is unconscionable, illegal, and unethical for you to participate in this May 15, 2021 bout or any bout without DKP’s expressed, written permission and consent,” the letter from King’s lawyer’s states. “Participating in any bout without DKP’s expressed written consent is … willfully breaching the Promotional Agreement and exposes those you have entered into agreement with for your services as a professional fighter to extreme legally liability, as they too are aware that you are under contract to DKP.”

The letter goes on to state, “If you have in fact signed to fight Charr as you proclaim and has been reported in these media reports, you have intentionally, willfully, and maliciously breached your exclusive, world-wide promotional agreement with DKP.”

Lovejoy, 37, lives and trains in Las Vegas. All 19 of Lovejoy’s pro fights since February of 2016 have taken place in Tijuana, Mexico.

Las Vegas – The highly anticipated The Return of The Ultimate Fighter^®: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortegawill see UFC^® featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and No. 2 contender Brian Ortega coach men’s bantamweights and middleweights competing to make the UFC roster. Following the series, which exclusively debuts Tuesday, June 1 on ESPN+, the two coaches will prepare to square off for the featherweight title at a date that will be determined in the near future.

The Return of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF 29) will feature a dynamic cast of 16 ascending athletes in the men’s bantamweight (135 lbs.) and middleweight (185 lbs.) divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside for the chance to pursue their UFC dreams.

The entire twelve episode season of TUF 29 will be available exclusively on ESPN+, with one episode dropping each Tuesday beginning June 1. In addition, UFC fans can re-watch all 28 previous seasons of TUF on ESPN+, the industry-leading sports streaming service, with entire seasons premiering on the service each week through the end of May for bingeable viewing.

The Ultimate Fighter is the iconic reality television series that has introduced millions of new and die-hard fans to future UFC champions and top contenders. Those whose careers have been shaped by their participation in The Ultimate Fighter include: Kamaru Usman, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Rose Namajunas, Michael Bisping, Robert Whittaker, Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, T.J. Dillashaw, Matt Serra, Michael Chiesa, Al Iaquinta, Kelvin Gastelum, Uriah Hall and many others.

Undisputed UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski (22-1, fighting out of Windang, New South Wales, Australia) is unbeaten in almost eight years, including nine straight wins in the UFC. Volkanovski proved himself as one of UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighters with two title fight victories over Max Holloway, along with dominant performances against Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes and Darren Elkins. Volkanovski now hopes to experience the same type of success in his first opportunity as a head coach.

Ortega (15-1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) is determined to make 2021 the year his UFC title dreams become a reality. Two years removed from his first title challenge, Ortega hopes to apply the same skills that helped him defeat the likes of Chan Sung Jung, Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson and Renato Moicano, to foster the careers of future UFC stars.

Below is a full list of competitors scheduled to compete in The Return of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega (name, age, professional record and fighting out of):

MEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS

Daniel Argueta | 27 | 5-0 | Chicago, IL

Brady Hiestand | 21 | 4-1 | Spokane, WA

Dustin Lampros | 26 | 5-0 | Deerfield Beach, FL

Vince Murdock | 30 | 11-6 | Sacramento, CA

Mitch Raposo | 22 | 5-0 | Fall River, MA

Joshua Rettinghouse | 31 | 16-5 | Spokane, WA

Liudvik Sholinian | 30 | 9-1 | Kiev, Ukraine

Ricky Turcios | 27 | 10-2 | Houston, TX

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Aaron Phillips | 29 | 5-1 | Kotzbue, AK

Andre Petroski | 29 | 5-1 | Philadelphia, PA

Bryan Battle | 26 | 4-1 | Charlotte, NC

Ryder Newman | 25 | 3-1 | Las Vegas, NV

Tresean Gore | 26 | 3-0 | Decatur, GA

Miles Hunsinger | 30 | 7-0 | Las Vegas, NV

Kemran Lachinov | 30 | 10-3 | West Springfield, MA

Gilbert Urbina | 25 | 6-1 | Rio Grande Valley, TX

*All athletes are subject to change

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

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 142 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 70 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

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 $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features nine U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About Pilgrim Media Group

Pilgrim Media Group, headed by Emmy®-winning producer Craig Piligian, produces a diverse slate of unscripted and documentary projects. The company is behind hit series such as: “Ghost Hunters,” “American Chopper,” “Fast N’ Loud,” “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” “Dirty Jobs,” “Dodgeball: Thunderdome,” the “Street Outlaws” and “Wicked Tuna” franchises, and the World MMA Award-winner “The Ultimate Fighter.” Upcoming projects include “The Ultimate Surfer” for ABC and the Sundance Festival Favorite Award-winning documentary “Giving Voice” for Netflix.

Jake Paul destroyed Ben Askren in the opening round of their cruiserweight bout at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Paul landed a crushing right to the jaw of Asken that sent him plummeting to the canvas, Askren got to his feet, but was ruled unable to continue at 1:59.

Paul is 3-0 with three knockouts. Asken is 0-1.

Prograis wins Technical Decision over Redkach

Regis Prograis won a technical unanimous decision over Ivan Redkach in a junior welterweight bout.

Prograis dominated the action and in round six, it looked like Prograis landed a perfect body punch the sent Redkach to the canvas. Redkach rolled around the ring in “pain” claiming to be hit low. Replays showed it was a good body punch and they went to the scorecards as Redkach could not continue

What should have been a knockout was scored 60-54, 60-54 and 59-55 for Prograis who is now 26-1. Redkach is 23-6-1.

Cunningham Decisions Mir

Steve Cunningham won a six-round unanimous decision over former UFC champion Frank Mir.

Cunningham of Philadelphia won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 is now 30-9. Mir is 0-1.

Joe Fournier Stops Reykon after 2

Joe Fournier stopped Reggaetón singer Reykon after round two of their fight,

In round two, Fournier decked Reykon with a left hook to the head. Later in the round, Reykon took a knee. Reykin had enough after the round and the fight was stopped.

Fournier is 9-0 with nine knockouts. Reykon is 0-1.

Dylan Price thrilled his adoring fans and looked explosive in taking out Elias Joaquino in round two of their scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Price dropped Joaquino with a hard left uppercut in the 2nd frame that sent the visitor from the Philippines. It was a left hook that did Joaquino in as Price connected and the dumped his opponent on the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Pr

Donald Smith stopped Braulio Avila in four of their scheduled junior lightweight bout.

Smith dominated by pounding away at the ample body of Avila. Finally the fight was stopped at 1:51 of round four.

Smith of Philadelphia is 11-1 with seven knockouts. Avila of Mexico is 3-8.

Naheem Parker took out Matt Apolinaris in round three of their four-round lightweight bout.

Parker was rocked in the opening round by a left hook from Apolinaris, but was able to right himself and come back and hurt Apolinaris with several shots before the fight was stopped at 2:14 of round three.

Parker of Philadelphia is 2-0 with one knockout. Apolinaris is 1-1.

Isaiah Johnson looked explosive in taking out David Loueiro in the 1st round of their four-round super lightweight bout.

Johnson landed hard and flush shots to the face of Loureiro and the fight was tsopped at 1:14.

Johnson of Sickerville, NJ is 1-0 with one knockout. Loureiro is 0-1.

Boimah Karmo won a four-round unanimous decision over Rahiem Cooke in a welterweight bout.

Karmo won by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 1-0. Cooke is 0-1.

Ruben Torres 138 vs. Diego Contreras 137.1
Miguel Madueno 142 vs. Bergman Aguilar 141.8
George Acosta 135.8 vs. Edgar Ramirez 137.8

The 3-fight card will take place this Sunday, April 18, 2021, at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET. The free stream will air live on the Thompson
Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV.