AUDIO: Andy Ruiz Jr. – Chris Arreola Press Conference






VIDEO: Andy Ruiz Jr. – Chris Arreola Press Conference




ANDY RUIZ JR. VS. CHRIS ARREOLA VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

CARSON, CALIF. (March 30, 2021) – Former unified heavyweight world champion Andy “The Destroyer” Ruiz Jr. and all-action heavyweight Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola previewed their heavyweight showdown during a virtual press conference Tuesday before they battle in a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View main event Saturday, May 1 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California,

The pay-per-view action begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see this clash between two Mexican-American heavyweights top a jam-packed all-Mexican boxing extravaganza. The stacked pay-per-view undercard co-feature will see former world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa, Jr. clash with Abel Ramos in a 12-round welterweight bout. 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, Jr. duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action.

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.

The heavyweights were joined by their renowned trainers during the press conference, with Eddy Reynoso discussing Ruiz’s current camp, and Joe Goossen analyzing Arreola’s preparations. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday:

ANDY RUIZ JR.

“I’m really motivated for May 1. We’re both training hard and working every day for this one. My mentality is where it needs to be and I’m ready to put on a great performance.

“Eddy sees the potential that I have and he told me that I needed to be disciplined if I was going to work with him. I don’t think I’ve ever been truly 100 percent dedicated until now. I’m surrounded by great champions like Canelo Alvarez, Oscar Valdez and Ryan Garcia, who help motivate me and it’s a blessing to be learning from Eddy every single day.

“Working with Eddy has helped change my mentality. His mentality is that we can’t take anything for granted in this sport. We’ve been working on a lot of different things and I have the ability to do a lot of new things with Eddy. I can’t wait to show everyone the new Andy Ruiz Jr. on May 1 because I’m more motivated right now than I ever have been before.

“I learned a lot from every trainer that I’ve had and I’m grateful for all of them. With Eddy, he likes to perfect every single punch and every movement in the ring. That level of detail is something that I’ve never had on this level.

“Arreola is a warrior who can take a lot of punches. He’s strong, but we’re going to stick to the game plan and remain disciplined.

“Losing my last fight was devastating. I didn’t do the things that I was supposed to do. That was the most important fight of my career. I had been waiting to become champion my whole life and I started doing things I never thought I would be able to do. I don’t want to make those same mistakes again, and that’s a big part of what’s motivating me.

“Now that I’ve been dropping weight the right way, I feel amazing. I feel like I can do a lot more things that I couldn’t do before because of my body. The sky is the limit for me.

“I still have a grudge inside of me about the second Anthony Joshua fight, because I don’t want to go down that path again. I just want to stay disciplined for this fight and all of the big fights coming up in my future.

“I learned from sparring with Arreola that we’re both warriors. We don’t give up. We love to receive punches and give them back. When we’re in that ring, it’s just business.

“This is going to be an all-action fight. I know Arreola is training really hard and I’m excited for whatever he’s going to bring. I can’t wait to show the people out there all of my improvements.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“This is a fight that I’ve seen coming since the first time I ever sparred Andy. Back then he was just a pudgy kid and I thought nothing of him, until he threw those hands. Those hands were fast and lethal. I knew at that point that one day this fight would come.

“I’ve been ready for this fight for a while. At one point he wanted to be like me, and now I want to be like him and become heavyweight champion. He deserved everything he got, and now it’s my time to do everything to change history and prove I’m an elite heavyweight.

“I’ve been giving it my all in training, but we’re going to keep working. I’m excited for May 1 because this is definitely going to be a rock ‘em sock ‘em type of fight.”

“I know Andy is looking strong and that’s going to make this a great fight. This is a fight people should be talking about. There’s more work to be done, but I’ll be ready to shock the world on May 1.

“It wasn’t so much the punch output that improved for me in the Adam Kownacki fight, but it’s the fact that I could throw combos when I wanted to. I believe the worst I should have gotten in that fight was a draw. Either way, my plan is to be in even better shape for this fight against Ruiz.

“There are not too many things that I regret in my life. Yes, I found more discipline later in my career, but I’m not one who draws on the past too much. There’s nothing I can change except what happens tomorrow.

“Now that I have this new added energy inside of me and really this new love for the game, it makes it easier for me to get in the gym and listen to Joe.

“Andy was very unassuming when I first sparred him. I didn’t think he was going to have the hand speed and skills that he had. I had a rude awakening that day. We were putting hands on each other. Instead of quitting, he kept coming. It was a fun sparring session. That’s why I was one of the people who predicted that he was going to beat Joshua the first fight.

“I know that I have to bring a smart game plan. At the end of the day, we’re going to have the rock ‘em sock ‘em moments. Andy has great hand speed. So I know that if I don’t bring my hands back, I’ll get caught.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Ruiz’s Trainer

“Andy has given so much time and has been so dedicated to his work inside the gym. We’re excited for May 1. He is motivated and learning a lot every day.

“We know that on May 1 we’re going to be dealing with an aggressive fighter who is going to bring his best. Andy is excited about the challenge that Arreola presents.

“May 1 is going to be the second beginning of Andy’s career. This is the start of his pursuit to become champion again. We respect Arreola, but we’re going to go in there to get the job done on May 1.

“Andy is strong and he has a tremendous focus. I have to congratulate Andy on his effort and dedication so far. I do believe that on May 1, everyone is going to see a much different and improved Andy Ruiz Jr.

“I talked with Andy and his entire team and they gave us the confidence that Andy would work hard. He’s done exactly that. The focus is for him to once again become world champion. There are a lot of great fighters at heavyweight, but we all believe that with this hard work Andy is going to show who he really is.”

JOE GOOSSEN, Arreola’s Trainer

“These are two fighters known who are noted for what they do best, and that’s going for the knockout. They let it fly right away from the opening bell.

“Eddy is training Andy right now and that’s a great match, just like me and Chris are a great match. I expect both fighters to be in fantastic shape. I know that Eddy would not be training Andy unless he was dedicated to the program.

“We’ve been training for months now. Chris has been very dedicated and honing his skills getting ready for May 1. Both guys want to win. The pressure is on both guys to work hard for that. Neither guy believes they’re the ‘b-side’ and that’s how they should feel. When you have two skilled fighters with that mentality, it’s going to be a great fight.

“When have you ever seen either Chris or Andy in a bad fight? They both give it their all and if I wasn’t training Chris, I’d definitely be watching. When it’s all said and done, I believe this is going to be a fight that goes down in the history books.

“Andy’s style is Andy’s style. Like he said himself, the difference is what he can do with a different body. It’s going to be a new and improved style. It’s hard to change your whole style, but he’s going to show that he’s added on to his style.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Dignity Health Sports Park is the premier outdoor boxing venue in the U.S. It’s been home to some true modern classics. Something special happens when fighters walk down that tunnel. It’s like gladiators entering the Colosseum.

“Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Chris Arreola is guaranteed to be another great battle between two Mexican-American warriors from Southern California. Throughout their history, the minute they stepped into the ring, these fighters have electrified boxing fans.

“This fight will be a slugfest. Both fighters have fan friendly, all-action styles and it’s safe to say that both Ruiz and Arreola have never walked into the ring just to win—they want the knock-out. So It’s going to be bombs away on May 1.

“We’re really excited about this pay-per-view card with four all-action toss up fights. We open the action with the young top prospect Jesus Ramos taking on Javier Molina in a matchup that’s boxing’s future versus a veteran Olympian. We also have a rising star in Sebastian Fundora against a real contender in Jorge Cota. Plus, the co-main event with Omar Figueroa against Abel Ramos has the potential to be a Mexican-style Gatti vs. Ward type of fight.”

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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, Jr. duels U.S. Olympian Javier “El Intocable” Molina for 10-rounds of welterweight action in the pay-per-view opener.

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.




Three Undefeated Boxers Highlight Triller Fight Club Undercard Expansion For April 17 in Atlanta

LOS ANGELES, March 30, 2021 — Triller Fight Club today announced the latest additions to a world-class lineup of boxing for its April 17 event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Joining the global PPV boxing and entertainment extravaganza will be three undefeated boxers, including welterweight Quinton Randall (Houston, 7-0), super middleweight Junior Younan (Brooklyn, N.Y., 15-0-1) and middleweight Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson (Baltimore, Md., 9-0). Simpson will meet Francisco Torres (Buenos Aires, 16-3-1), while Younan will meet Jeyson Minda (Quito, Ecuador/Salem, Mass., 14-4-1) with an opponent TBD for Randall. Triller Fight Club is a partnership between leading music and social media platform Triller and Snoop Dogg, and is spearheaded by visionary producer Ryan Kavanaugh.

“Nowhere will you find this mix of world class fights mixed with some of the biggest names in entertainment,” said Peter Kahn, Triller Fight Club Chief Boxing Officer. “The undercard we have built continues to stoke the fire for boxing fans, who will come for the action and love the music, while our audience coming for our elite music talent will be enthralled by the hard hitting, fast paced mix of legends and rising stars in the ring. Everyone learns, we grow audiences together and our vision of four quadrant entertainment reinvents the pay per view experience, with more to come.”

As revealed least week, the card will also have another fan favorite, hard hitting Steve Cunningham (Philadelphia) replacing Antonio Tarver in the previously announced fight against Frank Mir.

These world class additions help round out Triller Fight Club’s first in a series of 2021 special events. In the headline matchup April 17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Jake Paul takes on former Bellator and OneFC champion Ben Askren, while Regis Prograis (New Orleans), a former world champion and arguably one of the top two super lightweights in the world, takes on Ivan Redkach (Shostka, Ukraine); heavyweight MMA Bad Boy Mir (Las Vegas) will battle Cunningham (Philadelphia); and Joe Fournier (London) will challenge music icon and worldwide star Reykon (Envigado, Colombia).

Since turning professional shortly after his 18th birthday in 2013, the Brooklyn born Younan (15-0-1, 10 KOs) has stopped all opponents in the first two rounds. In his last start on March 9, 2019, he won a dominant unanimous decision over Derrick Findley in Verona, N.Y. Prior to turning professional Younan was a very highly decorated amateur including a 2011 National Junior Olympic Championship, a four-time National Silver Gloves champion, a three-time National PAL champion and a two-time National Junior Golden Gloves champion.

The former U.S. national boxing champion, Randall (7-0) turned pro in February 2019 and has quickly racked up seven victories, including two by way of stoppage. The 30-year-old native of Houston last fought in The Bubble at MGM Grand in Las Vegas on October 17, 2020, a unanimous decision over Jan Carlos Rivera. He is one of boxing’s great redemption stories, having overcome a series of personal tragedies, including the death of his eight year old son in a car accident, to turn his professional career around and put him in a position for continued success, now with TFC.

Minda enters at 14-4-1 with nine KO’s. The native Ecuadorian will bring a loyal and diverse Latino fan base to the card as well for his fast rising undefeated opponent.

The 20-year-old (9-0, 5 knockouts) Simpson made his pro debut in December 2018, and last fought in October, scoring a unanimous decision over Sonny Duversonne. Simpson is a 12 time National Champ and six time Silver Gloves winner, who many have dubbed “The Future of American Boxing.”

Torres (16-3, 5 KOs) has won his last eight bouts, two by KO, since April 2-18. He last fought on February 20, taking a unanimous decision from Louis Hernandez in Shelbyville, Ohio. Last August he claimed the WBA Fedecaribe super welterweight title with a win over Cleotis Pendarvis in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The lineup for the four-hour Pay Per View show will include performances by Justin Bieber, The Black Keys, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Diplo, Major Lazer, and the exclusive world premiere of the hip hop supergroup Mt. Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too $hort and E-40) performing for their first time ever together. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Bert Marcus will lead and direct the creative storytelling for the Triller Fight Club event.

The lead up to April 17 officially also includes an original series exclusively on Triller and FITE. “PRBLM CHILD” is a raw, all-access look into the life of one of the world’s most polarizing and controversial personalities, YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, as he trains for his fight vs. Askren. The series also will include boxing legends Mike TysonEvander Holyfield, Ryan Garcia, Jorge Masvidal and Snoop Dogg, among many more.

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

iNDemand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and PPV programming provider in North America, will serve as the exclusive U.S. and Canadian cable, satellite, and telco PPV provider for the event. Fans will be able to order the event on PPV through their existing cable, satellite and telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum in the U.S., as well as leading providers in Canada.

FITE, the premier PPV digital platform, will handle worldwide live pay-per-view streaming distribution online, and via FITE mobile and Smart TV apps, game controllers and all major OTT devices as well as power TrillerFightClub.com.

The suggested PPV retail price for the event is $49.99 (U.S. & Canada). Fans outside North America can check the FITE link at https://www.fite.tv/watch/jake-paul-vs-ben-askren/2p8y0/ for international pricing. All fight information can be found at TrillerFightClub.com, which features fight news, announcements, promotional videos, and the digital portal to buy the event.

**HOW TO WATCH THE APRIL 17, 2021, TRILLER FIGHT CLUB PPV EVENT**

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, DIRECTV & U-Verse TV, Fios, and Optimum (U.S.), as well as leading providers in Canada.

Worldwide Streaming: FITE.TV and all FITE mobile, Smart TV, game controller and OTT apps as well as the event microsite hub: TrillerFightClub.com

Triller Fight Club, April 17, 2021

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Bout Schedule as of March 30, 2021

Main event:

Jake Paul, Cleveland (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Ben Askren, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (pro debut/boxing, 19-2-0, 6 Kos/MMA), 8 rounds, cruiserweight

Undercard:

Regis Prograis, New Orleans (25-1, 21 KOs) vs. Ivan Redkach, Shostka, Ukraine (23-5, 18 KOs), 10 rounds, super lightweight

Steve Cunningham, Philadelphia (29-9-1, 13 KOs), vs. Frank Mir, Las Vegas (pro debut/boxing, 18-11-0, 14KOs/MMA), 8 rounds, heavyweight

Joe Fournier, London (8-0, 8 KOs), vs. Andres Felipe Robledo Lodono (“Reykon”), Envigado, Colombia (pro debut), 6 rounds, light heavyweight

Junior Younan, Brooklyn (15-0-1, 10 KOs), vs. Jeyson Minda, Quito, Ecuador (14-4-1, 8 KOs), 8 rounds, super middleweight

Lorenzo Simpson, Baltimore (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Francisco Torres (Buenos Aires, 16-3-1) 8 rounds, middleweight

Quinton Randall, Houston (7-0, 2 KOs) vs TBD 8 rounds, welterweight

About Triller:

Triller Network is a consolidation of companies, apps and technologies and the first of its kind leading the move into Internet 3.0. Triller Network pairs the culture of music with sports, fashion, entertainment and influencers through a 360-degree tech and content-based vertical. The Triller Network—which includes the globally popular Triller app used by musicians, celebrities, athletes, and overall culture setters—has more than 300 million users worldwide. Unlike other apps it is often compared to, such as TikTok, it encourages its users to post the content created utilizing the Triller app across other social media platforms and websites. The network owns proprietary ad-tech and ad AI which is uniquely tied to the content rather than as is traditional to the user. By tracking the content, the Triller Network empowers its tastemakers and users to push their content virally to affiliated and un-affiliated sites and networks reaching tens of millions of additional users daily. Data from its AI suite, direct influencer and artists relationships is generated from both the on app and on the on and off network information and used both to program longer-form content, connect users across the web with the content and provide monetization opportunities maximizing brand partnership integrations. Having launched Highly successful campaigns starting with the app, and continuing throughout the entire tech ecosystem, with some of the biggest brands in the world including Pepsi, McDonalds, Weedmaps, DraftKings, L’Oreal, and many others, the Triller Network offers brands a unique content and technology integration. Branded content is integrated at the Triller app level, making direct deals with the influencers and celebrities who post the content. This branded content is pushed to and through thousands of affiliated and non-affiliated sites, apps, social networks and is ultimately integrated into valuable long-form Triller Network content, such as boxing PPV, live fashion shows, and episodic reality content on TrillerTV. Some of the more than 50 original half-hour TrillerTV shows include The D’Amelios Family’s Must Haves, Jennifer Lopez In The Morning, Jake Paul: Staying On Top, 2 Chainz Let’s Do It, Hypehouse’s Hanging With The Hype, Ur Lov’d: the Noah Beck Show, Fat Joe’s Masterclass, The Perez Hilton Show, and Violet Benson’s Too Tired To Be Crazy, among others. Triller Network includes Triller Fight Club which launched last year with the highly-successful Tyson-Jones Fight which shattered digital PPV records and became the 8th highest selling Boxing PPV of all time.




MMA LEGEND, ANDERSON SILVA TO FACE JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. AT TRIBUTE TO THE KINGS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH ON ?PAY-PER-VIEW

Guadalajara, Mexico (March 30, 2021) – It is Official!! — The Legend Anderson Silva has agreed to fight Julio Chavez Jr. in “Tribute to the Kings” in a boxing match on Saturday June 19th to be broadcast on Pay Per View in North America.

Anderson Silva, considered by many to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, will take on former WBC Middleweight Champion of the world Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. in a boxing match on June 19th at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. Silva of Curitiba Brazil was the longest reigning middleweight Champion for the UFC and compiled a record of 34 victories with 11 losses and 23 stunning knockouts. His boxing record is 13 – 1. Chavez, Jr. has a record of 52-5-1 with 34 knockouts.

“When I look back at my journey, I see that nothing has been in vain!
I am extremely happy for the opportunity to test my boxing skills with Julio César Chávez Jr. I train continuously, always am striving for resilience and to overcome obstacles. Fighting is my everlasting breath,” said Silva.

““I have rededicated myself to the sport I love and I will be ready to face anyone in the Light Heavyweight division starting with Silva. I will be prepared to be victorious on June 19th,” said Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Keith Schoen, of Schoen Entertainment, working in concert with Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming (GSS) have secured the deal with Anderson Silva for this bout with Julio Chavez Jr. The promoter for this event is Jorge Toscano of Toscano Boxing Promotions and Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing Promotions who are represented by Attorney Gino Mazzanti.

“This promises to be an epic battle between two superior fighters with a global fan base. Everyone associated with this Pay-Per-View promotion, and fight fans from around the globe are super enthusiastic to see these two great fighters meet in the ring,” said Keith Schoen. Anderson Silva is represented by ICM Partners, and managed by Talize Sayegh of Ducais Talent Management.

Said Jorge Toscano of Toscano Promotions, “We are excited to complete this deal and bring an entertaining night of boxing for the combat sport community.”

Fellow co-promoter Saul Rios of Borizteca Boxing said, “Anderson Silva is the greatest MMA fighter, and a great boxer so to have him fight Chavez Jr. for his first fight after leaving the UFC makes for an intriguing night of boxing.”

Armando Bareño of Global Sports Streaming stated, ““When you hear the names Chavez, Camacho, & Alvarez you know those are big names in boxing. Now adding Silva’s name to boxing; this made a special night even bigger with the GOAT of MMA fighting in a boxing match.”

This Massive Event “Tribute to The Kings” will be live on Pay-Per-View and will also feature a special Exhibition bout that will see Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. make his final ring appearance against Hector Camacho Jr. Camacho will be honoring the legacy of his late Hall of Fame father.




Fighter Locker inks 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez

BOSTON (March 30, 2021) –Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker has signed 2016 Olympic silver medalist Yuberjen Martinez to an exclusive managerial contract.

The 29-year-old Colombian light flyweight has a 7-0 (2 KOs) record in the World Series of Boxing.

“After having a beautiful amateur career,” Martinez announced, “we have decided to go pro and signed a managerial contract with Fighter Locker. I still plan to represent my country again at the Olympics this year in Tokyo. It is a pleasure for me to sign with Fighter Locker and Ryan Roach, who comes from a boxing family of tradition. I am sure that this new career change will be successful.

“I want to thank all those who have supported me as an amateur boxer and member of Team Colombia. I have learned a lot and put the name of country, Colombia, at the top through discipline. I will continue to count on their continued support throughout my professional career.”

Martinez lost in the championship final of the 2016 Olympics on points to Hassanboy Dusmatov, of Uzbekistan, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

In addition to winning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, Martinez was a bronze medalist at the 2017 World Amateur Championships in Hamburg Germany. His other amateur boxing highlights include a gold medal at the 2018 South American Games, silver at the 2019 Pan American Games in Brazil, and gold and silver, respectively, at the 2018 and 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games.

“I have signed a good number of top amateurs in their respective divisions, but none as decorated as Yuberjen,” Martinez’ new manager Ryan Roach said. “This is a unique opportunity as he heads back to the Olympics and is favored to medal once again. He truly is a special fighter: fast, strong, and relentless. Once he finishes the Olympics, we will get right to work and focus on the professional ranks. I think it speaks volumes of my company and my reputation to sign such an outstanding fighter who could have previously signed with other managers. He’s a great addition to our fight family at Fighter Locker.”

Fighter Locker’s growing stable of gifted boxers include California super flyweight Rocco “So Cal Kid” Santomauro (21-1, 6 KOs), Troy, NY ABF American West super lightweight Ray Jay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (12-0, 9 KOs), Toronto, Canada welterweight West Haven, CT super welterweight Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (16-5-2, 5 KOs), super middleweight “The Amazing” Shawn McCalman (7-0, 4 KOs), U.S. Army super bantamweight Daniel Bailey, Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs), lightweight Leonel de los Santos (2-0, 2 KOs), a 2-time Dominican Republic Olympian, Boston featherweight Troy Anderson, Jr. (1-0, 1 KO), pro-debuting Dominican Republic welterweight Juan Solano, and Salt Lake City, Utah brothers, super lightweight Ignacio Chairez (8-0-1, 5 KOs) and lightweight Gabriel Chairez (3-0-1, 2 KOs).

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

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

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




Well-rested, battle-tested Cordova ready to put it all on the line

Pueblo, Colo. (March 30, 2021) – Not all fairytale stories in boxing have a happy ending. Some chapters close long before they’re expected to, and others benefit from a much-needed plot twist along the way, but the defining characteristic in boxing’s most appreciated narratives is the fighter’s never-ending will to succeed.

The story of “Much Too Much” Marvin Cordova is similar to many you’ve probably heard in the past, but with its own unique peaks and valleys. One third of the way through 2021, the 36-year-old Colorado native is steadily preparing for a year he expects to be the official relaunch of his career, one in which he can bury his past for good and set sail toward much greener pastures.

Cordova (23-2-1, 12 KOs) hasn’t fought since January of 2020 – a victim, like many, of COVID-19’s crippling effect on the industry – and only twice since 2010, the longer layoff stemming from two separate trips to prison totaling eight years during the prime of his career, the result of what he calls “bad decision-making” in his early 20s.

Teamed with living legend Jimmy Burchfield Sr., longtime promoter and CES Boxing president who is often lauded for his knowledge, wisdom, and relationships in building world champions, Cordova is confident the best is yet to come.

“Before I took on this project, I wanted to make sure Marvin was serious about this comeback,” Burchfield said. “Once I heard that passion in his voice, I was all in. He has a beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters. Now the team is all set to go.”

With his deep-rooted amateur background and experience as a pro, it’s not inconceivable for this lifelong journey to feature a Hollywood ending. Cordova could be the next real-life Rocky Balboa – a story that will pique the interest of network executives and boxing media alike.

The way he sees it, he has “six good years” left in the tank, which gives him plenty of time to achieve his dream of winning world titles in multiple weight classes. Whoever stands in his way, he intends to mow down, whether it’s the Charlo brothers – unified light middleweight champion Jermell and WBC middleweight title-holder Jermall – or even Rhode Island’s Demetrius Andrade, reigning WBO middleweight champ.

“I can compete with any of these guys,” said Cordova. “I’m going to be on top of the boxing world for a long time, and it’s going to be a great story along with a great run.”

The journey began decades ago when Cordova, the great grandson of the late Rafael Garcia – longtime cutman for Floyd Mayweather Jr. – thrived on the amateur circuit, fighting 242 times with wins over two-time middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs, 31-fight vet Willie Nelson, and former WBA 154-pound champ Austin Trout. He won a bronze medal in the 2002 U.S. U-19 Championships and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials, competing mostly in the 152-pound range.

After turning pro in 2004 at the age of 19, Cordova won his first 12 fights, including eight by knockout, and 16 of his first 17 with the only blemish a draw against eventual welterweight world champion Virgil Ortiz, a fight that was stopped early due to an accidental head butt. He lost hotly-contested battles with Filipino sensation Dennis Laurente and world-title challenger Josesito Lopez in 2009 and 2010, respectively, before his legal troubles began in 2012.

An extended period of time away from the sport would deter many fighters, especially those in their mid- to late 30s, but Cordova remains optimistic knowing the worst is behind him. He draws inspiration from the great Bernard Hopkins, who spent six years in prison, turned pro at 23, lost his first fight, and still went on to win multiple world titles in two weight classes in addition to becoming the oldest fighter to capture a world title at the age of 49, breaking his own record twice.

Time may not necessarily on Cordova’s side, but his health and wellbeing are; with seven years off between 2010 and 2017, the 5-foot-9 right-hander has not sustained as much damage as most fighters his age, which he believes will be beneficial as he continues his second comeback later this year. Older athletes succeeding late in their careers is not unprecedented, as Cordova points out; the iconic Manny Pacquiao upended Lucas Martin Matthysse, Adrien Broner, and Keith Thurman between the ages of 39 and 40, and NFL legend Tom Brady just won his seventh Super Bowl ring at 43. Why not Cordova?

“I’m faster now than when I was younger,” Cordova said. “I’m wiser in the ring, and I’m just as hungry as I’ve ever been. I don’t have a lot of wear and tear. I’m going to prove a lot of people wrong. My ring generalship is second to none.”

Assembling the right team was the first priority. In 2019, Cordova joined forces with Burchfield, who has a strong reputation throughout the sport for bringing fighters to the top of the mountain and taking a gamble on what some would consider reclamation projects. As a father figure to many boxers, Burchfield brings a calming influence and an air of confidence unmatched by most promoters. Cordova affectionally refers to him as “Uncle Jimmy.”

“I love him,” Cordova said. “I’m so happy to be signed by CES, and thankful for this opportunity. He always tells me, ‘Just dedicate yourself your craft, and every time you fight, it’s your time to go out and shine. The only thing he can’t do for me is go out in the ring and fight.’ He will take care of the rest.

“Our goal is to win these titles, get this money, and set myself up for the long haul. There’s no way we can lose.”

Cordova also has the undying support of his wife, Lori, who’s also his manager and a former Golden Gloves champion from her own amateur days. The two have been together since they were 16 years old and now have two daughters together, 14 and 15 years old. Everyone in the family except Marvin caught COVID-19; his daughters came down with it last summer and Lori had it roughly three months ago. To make matters worse, Marvin and Lori were forced to shut down their gym during the pandemic, which is a major source of their income. Like many families, they dealt with the physical and financial effects of COVID, which brought them closer together and forced them to rethink their priorities.

Now, with his family and promoter in his corner, a strong team in the gym that includes head trainer and strength coach Paul Andrada and assistant Arron Bencomo, and several sponsors – A to Z Towing in Pueblo, Randy Lopez CDL Training & Testing, Arlene’s Bail Bonds, among others – Cordova already feels like he’s conquered the hardest part of the climb. The rest comes naturally.

The last time he stepped in the ring, his CES debut more than a year ago, he stopped former world-title challenger Hector Velazquez within four rounds. He was well on his way to a busy 2020 before the pandemic struck. Even though the past year and a half has forced him to hit the reset button, the goal remains the same; campaigning in the 160-pound range, Cordova is confident he can compete either at middleweight or junior welterweight – wherever “the money is right” – and he also hasn’t ruled out dropping back to 147, where he campaigned during the prime of his career between 2005 and 2007.

“Much Too Much” remains as confident as ever, one of many champion hopefuls aiming to emerge from this long pandemic to recapture past glory and write new chapters in their ever-evolving sagas. With the right script, Cordova may someday be the one fighters look up to for inspiration, delivering a powerful message of perseverance against all odds.

“As long as you keep pushing and keep working hard, anything can happen,” he said. “Hard works makes easy work.”

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.




VIDEO: TSZYU v HOGAN Weigh-in






WASSERMAN ACQUIRES BOXING GIANTS TEAM SAUERLAND DEAL SET TO BE A MAJOR STATEMENT IN THE BOXING WORLD

30th March 2021; London, UK: Wasserman has announced the acquisition of Team Sauerland, one of the world’s leading boxing promoters. The deal also catalyses the creation of WASSERMAN BOXING, an exciting new boxing focused marketing and promotions offering within Wasserman’s industry leading global sports’ company.

This addition is also a major statement of intent by Wasserman within the Boxing industry, thereby supplementing its internationally acclaimed representation business. At present Wasserman comprises 2000 plus clients across 42 different sports including renowned names such as Steven Gerrard, Russell Westbrook, Rickie Fowler, Megan Rapinoe, Marshawn Lynch and Jamie Vardy.

Team Sauerland, founded in 1978 by Hall of Fame legend Wilfried Sauerland, is led by brothers Kalle & Nisse Sauerland, and has been a leading presence in world boxing for over five decades. They have promoted more than 50 world champions across multiple weight classes. Their history within the sport is unrivalled having promoted thousands of championship events worldwide, breaking box office records in Europe, Asia, Africa, the US and Latin America. During this time that have worked with top fighters such as David Haye, Evander Holyfield and Mikkel Kessler as well as current stars that include World Champion Mairis Briedis, Filip Hrgovic and Chris Eubank Jr.

This new announcement has greatly enhanced the reputation of  Wasserman’s current Boxing division, having successfully represented a number of leading athletes including former super middleweight world champion George Groves and London 2012 medalist Anthony Ogogo.  

Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman, said, “We are delighted to welcome Kalle, Nisse and their team to Wasserman. Their expertise and history within the sport is unrivalled and we are incredibly excited about the formation of Wasserman Boxing. We believe that together we can make a positive contribution to the boxing industry with plans to deliver world class promotions and shows to fans around the world”.

Kalle Sauerland said “We believe Wasserman is the ideal company to not only develop what we’ve achieved at Sauerland but take it to the next level. My brother Nisse and I have been big admirers of what they do, quite simply, they’re the best. The thought of having the power of Wasserman and our Boxing expertise should excite the fighters, the TV companies and most importantly, the fans, in what is going to be an adventurous future for the sport. We are going to take this to a whole new level.” 

Nisse Sauerland: We are extremely excited to be joining forces with Wasserman. They are industry leaders, unmatched in the marketing and representation of the biggest names and events in the world of sport. Working together, through Wasserman Boxing, we will provide fighters with life-changing opportunities, and boxing fans with unforgettable fights and events.”

Dean Baker, EVP and Managing Executive, Global Football and Boxing said “When the opportunity presented itself to expand our Boxing business it seemed a very appealing prospect, I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in Boxing at Wasserman within a relatively short period. I’ve personally known and worked with the Sauerland brothers for a number of years. Their hard work, commitment, combined with their experience in Boxing and ability to put on spectacular events is unparalleled. I look forward to adding what we can deliver at Wasserman to create another exciting chapter for Boxing, particularly in the UK”.

—ENDS—

About Wasserman 

Wasserman is a partner to the world’s most iconic brands, properties and talent in their endeavors across sports, entertainment and culture. Our purpose is to transform the businesses and careers of clients. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman operates globally in more than 20 cities, including London, New York, Toronto, Raleigh, Carlsbad, The Hague, Portland and Shanghai. Learn more at TeamWass.com and follow us on TwitterInstagram and LinkedIn.




UNDEFEATED JOSHUA WAHAB SEALS PROMOTIONAL DEAL WITH DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT

New York, NY (March 29, 2021) – Rising African prospect Joshua Wahab (20-0, 13 KOs) put pen to paper on a three-year promotional deal with DiBella Entertainment, signing on the dotted line at The Golden Tulip Hotel, in Accra, Ghana.

Wahab, born in Lagos, Nigeria, spoke of his immense pride at sealing his contract and excitement at linking up with world-renowned trainer Manny Robles.

“I want to thank almighty Allah for getting me this opportunity and I want to thank my manager Michael Amoo-Bediako for getting me this promotional deal with Lou DiBella,” the undefeated super featherweight stated.

“I am pleased to be with them because I know the good work they have done with Richard Commey and I know that with this team, along with my new trainer Manny Robles, I will become a world champion,” continued Wahab. “I want to thank Charles Quartey and Kamel [who formed my previous team] for all the hard work they have put into my development over the years, and I will not let them down.”

It was a coming together of Amoo-Bediako and Lou DiBella that started Richard Commey’s rise to prominence and world championships, with Michael taking Commey from the streets of Accra to Madison Square Garden.

Amoo-Bediako’s new management contract with Wahab excites him just as much and reminds him of the early days with his former IBF lightweight world champion.

“I am really pleased to add 20-0 super featherweight Joshua Wahab to our growing number of fighters that will be plying their trade stateside with DiBella Entertainment,” said Amoo-Bediako. “My relationship with Lou since the signing of Richard Commey has grown into an understanding of what it takes to make an African fighter a world champion.

“There are many stereotypes when it comes to African fighters and we are working hard to break those down. I believe, with Joshua Wahab, we have another potential champion from the motherland. He will be training with world-renowned trainer Manny Robles, who I know is excited to be linking up with Joshua. We look forward to his progress in what is a very hot division with the likes of Oscar Valdez, Shakur Stevenson, Joseph Diaz, Carl Frampton, and DiBella’s own Tevin Farmer, to name but a few.”

The relocation stateside will be one of the largest obstacles for the Ghana-based Nigerian native, and the culture change has presented issues for those who’ve completed it in the past. Wahab is a determined individual, desperate to seize his opportunity, but the trainer plotting his route to the top knows it’s one step at a time.

“I am definitely looking forward to working with Joshua,” added new trainer, and Los Angeles-based creator of champions, Manny Robles. “I’m excited to have Joshua arrive in America and initiate training. I’m looking forward to the journey and we will take one fight at a time.”

Fellow Amoo-Bediako/DiBella stablemate and friend Richard Commey had some words of wisdom for the WBA Pan-African champion.

“It’s great that Joshua will be joining me in America. I have sparred with him in Ghana on a couple of occasions and I can tell he is going to be a problem for anyone in the 130-pound division,” said Commey. “He now has the right promoter and, of course, the best manager and now teaming up with Manny [Robles], I think he has a great opportunity to become a world champion. But he must listen and work hard and not be distracted by outside influences once he reaches America.”

As the deal was finalized, the final word went to Lou DiBella, Wahab’s new promoter. DiBella has specialized in taking the sport’s underdogs or unfancied and has reveled in playing a part in their success. In Wahab, he believes he has the chance to do it all over again and that excites him.

“Joshua Wahab is one of the top super featherweights in Africa. After developing himself locally, building his record to 20-0, Wahab has been scouted by Michael Amoo-Bediako, who is one of the premier managers in the game and one of the most influential people in the African boxing scene,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“Many African fighters throughout boxing history have left home to test themselves against the best and now, it’s Wahab’s turn. Amoo-Bediako, who helped introduce former world champion Richard Commey to an American audience, has teamed up with DiBella Entertainment to bring Wahab to the United States. I am excited to work with Wahab as he reaches his full potential.”

The journey truly starts now.




RJJ BOXING FACT SHEET

WHAT: Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions (RJJ Boxing) streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Mexico


                   MAIN EVENT – WBO LATINO FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)*

Antonio “Paulinho” Soares (11-1, 8 KOs), Champion, Socrocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil
vs.
Alan “Lachorro” Solis (12-0-1, 7 KOs), Challenger, Ciudad Juarez, Chichuahoa, Mexico

CO-FEATIURE –WELTERWEIGHTS (8)*
Mauricio “Trompas” Pintor (23-3-1, 14 KOs), Cuajimalpa, Distrito Federal, Mexico
vs.
Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), San Antonio, Texas, USA

LIGHTWEIGHTS (8)*
Luis Koreano” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
vs.
Jose “Cuate” Paez (13-1-1, 10 KOs), Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

FLYWEIGHTS (4)*
Kevin Urrutia (1-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
vs.
Manuel Ruiz (1-0), Costa Rica, Sinaloa, Mexico

FEMALE FLYWEIGHTS (4)
Yadira Bustillos (pro debut), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
vs.
Maria Guadalupe Martinez (1-3-1), Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS (4)
Andy Beltran (1-0, 1 KO), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
vs.
Emmanuel Reyes (0-0-1), Cuidad Obregon, Sonorta, Mexico

(card subject to change)
*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS


WHERE: Polideportivo Centenario in Los Mochia, Sonora, Mexico

WHEN: Thursday, April 1, 2021

CO-PROMOTERS: RJJ Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions

LIVE STREAM: Streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, boxing starts at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

BROADCASTERS: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow) and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Lupe Contreras

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing

ABOUT ROY JONES JR, BOXING PROMOTIONS: Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for UFC Fight Pass, CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: NABF super flyweight champion, IBF #8 and WBC # 14 Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (15-0, 10 KOs); two-time world title challenger, bantamweight “Mighty” Aston Palicte (26-4-1, 22 KOs); NABF welterweight champion, WBC #15 and Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs); former NABA welterweight champion Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), former Interim World middleweight title challenger John “The Phenom” Vera (20-1, 12 KO), unbeaten super middleweight prospect Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0-1, 7 KOs), and former WBC World Youth heavyweight titlist Alexander “The Great” Flores (18-3-1, 16 KOs).

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®: UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.




Former Boxing manager, Adrian Clark leaving Fight Network; PYaAT series to air in April.

Dallas, Texas (March 29, 2021) -Former Boxing Manager, Adrian Clark is leaving the Fight Network after spending a year as the Content/Business Advisor to the Anthem Sports & Entertainment owned subsidiary.

“I appreciate the entire Anthem Sports & Entertainment family for their hospitality. I gained some valuable knowledge and connections while working with their conglomerate.” Clark stated.

In an interview via phone, Clark stated that it was his decision to leave Fight Network to focus more on Protect Yourself at All Times (PYaAT) and other related projects. He also mentioned that Fight Network will still air the seven -episode series titled Protect Yourself at All Times in April, despite his departure (see air-dates below)

Clark created the Protect Yourself at All Times initiative in 2016. The purpose of PYaAT is to educate & inform boxers on the nature of the boxing business (i.e signing contracts, understanding money, taxes, etc).

Air Dates for Protect Yourself At All-Times on The Fight Network (Youtube Channel)
(All Episodes begin at 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT)

April 6 – Episode 1
April 8 – Episode 2
April 13 – Episode 3
April 15 – Episode 4
April 20 – Episode 5
April 22 – Episode 6
April 27 – Episode 7
April 29 – Special Episode

Adrian Clark was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016. He created AC Sports Management, LLC in 2012 and later sold the company to Ballengee Group in 2019. Clark managed the careers of Jerry Belmontes, James de la Rosa, Willie Monroe Jr and Frank Galarza. He is also closely linked to current unified Welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr.




Whyte Gets Revenge; Stops Povetkin in 4

Dillian Whyte got his revenge as he stopped former world champion Alexander Povetkin in round four of a scheduled 12-round fight and win the WBC Interim Heavyweight title at the island of Girbralter.

Whyte rocked Povetkin from the outset as the former champ looked unsteady on his legs in almost every round. In round four, Whyte landed a big right hand that sent Povetkin sprawling into the ropes, and a wicked left hook sent a prone Povetkin down to the canvas just as the towel from Povetkin’s corner came flying in and the fight was stopped at 2:39.

Whyte was knocked out by Povetkin last August, but now the Englishman is back in line to get a world title shot. The 247.2 pound native of Brixton, ENG is 28-2 with 19 knockouts. Povetkin, 228 lbs of Russia is 36-3.

“I’m happier for my team than I am for me because some of my staff missed Christmas with their families,” Whyte told Matchroom. “They stayed back to help me train. They did so much behind the scenes to get me into the position for a World Title fight.

“I was so close, and then one lapse in concentration and I made a mistake. Tonight, I was like ‘yo’, I’m looking to beat some a** tonight. I was trying to get it done in the first round but then I had to relax. Anybody on the planet that gets hit with that left hook, they’re going down. Some of them might get up but most will stay down. He was kind of badly hurt. Now I feel bad. I want him to go home to his family healthy. 

“Everyone says a lot of things about me like I’m not this and I’m not that. These guys don’t know me. These guys don’t know what I’m capable of and what I can do. When I read the comments about me, I just laugh. I just laugh at these guys because I’m as strong as steel.

“One loss, two loss so what. It was a good learning fight for me because I had to think in there. I was rushing him but I had to think also. He’s still very heavy-handed and he’s still very good. I’m going to spend some time with my family and just relax. I’ll probably call Eddie tomorrow and ask him what we’re doing next. I want to make the most of it now and retire good and healthy.”

Wardley Stops Molina in 5

Fabio Wardley remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over former two-time-world title challenger Eric Molina in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round five, it was actually Molina who was pushing Wardley back by landing some good right hands. Molina was on the offensive when Wardley landed a short left that was followed by a right that put Molina on his back for the 10-count at 52 seconds.

Wardley, 232 lbs of Ipswich, ENG is 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Molina, 251.5 lbs of Texas is 27-7.

“My corner weren’t too happy because sometimes I get a little bit, not lose my head, but I get a little bit bored of playing the long game and waiting it through in the tactics side,” Wardley told Sky Sports. “My heart won over a bit and I got stuck into a little bit of a war.

“I’m by no means the finished article. I’ve still got a lot to learn and that’s why we need fights like that because in other fights I’ve had where I’ve hit people, I’ve stuck it on them and they’ve gone missing. Molina didn’t go missing until we really had to dig it out.

“There was a few lessons there for us to watch back and for us to tick off. We’ll go back to the drawing board and figure them out. I needed this type of fight at this stage of my career. You can do it as much as you want in sparring and all of those type of things but it’s different when you get here under the bright lights.

“You need to test yourself in different ways and that’s what tonight was all about. I don’t go hunting for names, that’s not my style. I don’t go calling people out. I’m going for Titles, belts and accolades. That’s where we’re going next. We’re still trying to build and get those good level of opponents. At the same time, I’m now looking for that next step up. European, Commonwealth or British, something like that.”

Cheeseman stops Metcalf in 11

In a terrific back and forth brawl, Ted Cheeseman stopped previously undefeated James Metcalf in round 11 of their scheduled 12-round junior middleweight fight.

Both guys were hurt during the entertaining fight. Cheeseman seemed to have the fight in hand on several occasions, yet Metcalf would fight back with heart and desire each time. In round 11, Cheeseman landed a perfect left hook just as the bell sounded that sent Metcalf to the deck. Metcalf got to his feet, but stumbled forward, and the fight was stopped at 3:10.

Cheeseman, 154 lbs of Bernmondsey, ENG is 17-2-1 with 10 knockouts. Metcalf, 154 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 21-1.

“Again and again I’m in exciting fights,” said Cheeseman. “I’m always in entertaining fights. I’m improving and maturing. I’m working hard in the gym. Everyone doubted me and thought that I had a lot of miles on the clock. I’m still fresh as a daisy, and again I’ve cemented myself as the number one domestic Super-Welterweight.

“I felt I won the first five or six rounds. I nearly had him out of there in the fourth. I thought to myself, ‘I’m not going to waste too much energy’. I used my experience and had a couple of rounds off. I don’t think he’d ever done the 12 rounds. Then it was time for me to step it up, bully him and push him back.

“It’s great to be in these fights because they’re entertaining. I’m looking forward to the future now. For a long while I was down, and everyone thought I was out. Now I’m flying again. The bookies had me as an underdog and a lot of people thought that I was going to get beat. I outboxed him, I outfought him and I knocked him out. I showed how good I am, and I showed how much I’ve improved.”

Campbell Hatton wins Pro Debut

Campbell Hatton made his pro debut and won a decision over Jesus Ruiz in a four-round lightweight bout.

Hatton, who is the son of former two-division world champion Ricky Hatton and is trained by uncle and former world title challenger Matthew Hatton won by a score of 40-36. Ruiz of Spain is 0-11.

At first, I was a little bit disappointed in myself,” said Hatton. “I spoke to Matt and he’s always dead honest with me. A bit brutal at times. He said I could have done better but I definitely didn’t box badly. He said I boxed really well in patches and I should be pleased with it.

“There was a lot of pressure. I did the one thing I said all week that I didn’t want to do, I let the occasion get to me a bit. Now that occasion is out of the way, it can only get better. I’m pleased and I’m buzzing. It’s a dream come true. There’s no feeling like it. You always hear people say it on the telly. I didn’t realise how true it was.

“When the music started coming on, I think everyone could see how fired up I was. That’s probably what made me put the performance in that I did. I smothered myself a little bit, but I feel on top of the world. Eddie said there that I’d be out next on the Chisora undercard. I’ll have a couple of shandies tonight and then straight back into the gym next week. I think the second fight is going to be ten times better now I’ve got that first taste of things.”

McKinson Decisions Kongo

In a battle of undefeated welterweights, Michael McKinson won a 10-round unanimous decision over Chris Kongo.

In round one, McKinson dropped Kongo in round one with a left on the inside.

McKinson, 146.2 lbs of Portsmouth, ENG won by scores of 97-93, 96-94 and 95-94 to raise his mark to 20-0. Kongo, 147 lbs of Bermondsey, ENG is 12-1.

“I feel on top of the word,” said McKinson. “I’ve done things the hard way in my career. For many years I’ve been calling for my shot on the big stage and I never thought it would happen. I’ve been beating people for hardly anything to work my record up to 20-0.

“Fair play to Chris, Dillian and Eddie for giving me the opportunity. I didn’t think it was ever going to happen. A big shout out to my management team MTK Global and Lee Eaton for securing me this. I believe that my career starts tonight. There was a lot of people in the boxing world that didn’t have me down as the favourite. All of my mates have made money tonight! I’m happy. I’m bringing this belt back to Portsmouth.

“In the week we’ve had a lot of hype around this fight. Everyone has been talking about it. I know he’s a respectful lad deep down, and so am I. But it did get a bit heated and everyone was questioning if it was going to live up to the hype. I think it was a bit boring, but I did what I had to do to win. Great champions do what they have to do to win and I did that tonight.

“I hope Eddie can give me the opportunities; its winner stays on. I just hope I can get on one of these shows again. Like I said in all of my interviews before, Chris is the most dangerous Welterweight out there I the UK I believe but he has his weaknesses. I believe in myself. I’ve got a great team around me. I’ve given my life to this sport and it’s paid off tonight.

“I believe I’m top of the tree. There’s a lot of talk. I’ve got respect for all of the other Welterweights. Josh Kelly, Conor Benn and Florian Marku. It’s a great time to be a Welterweight domestically at the moment. I deserve the Conor Benn fight more than any other domestic fighter.”

Webb Stops Pfeifer in 2

Nick Webb stopped Paul Pfeifer in round two of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round two, Webb sent Pfeifer down with a hard right hand. Webb dropped Pfeifer two more times, and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Webb, 262 lbs of Surrey, ENG is 17-2 with 13 knockouts. Pfefier, 246.2 lbs of Germany is 7-1.

“I feel on top of the world,” said Webb..“Tonight before we went in we had a talk – start fast, get him out of there, we don’t get paid for overtime.  

“Everyone doubts me, but I have come here and made a statement. So, don’t doubt me no more. I want more belts, more Titles, get me out. I always believed in my self and my team believed in me too.

“It’s indescribable. I’m so happy. I’ve been through so much pain and hurt. I put everything into that. Everything into my training camp. To get a win like that is sending the right message. It’s a big win.

“Pfeifer is a great man; he was a great amateur and he had some great fights and great wins as an amateur. We knew what was in front of us, and we knew that we didn’t want to get involved with a boxing match. I just wanted to go in and destroy him.

“We said in the changing room to start fast and hit him quick, and that’s exactly what we did. Everyone overlooks me and everyone doubts me. It’s all about self-belief and mind games. When you’ve got bombs to back the mind games up, it’s all good.”




VIDEO: Jaron Ennis vs. Sergey Lipinets Media Conference




AUDIO: Interview with Junior Lightweight Contender Alycia Baumgardner






VIDEO: Interview with Junior Lightweight Contender Alycia Baumgardner




JARON ENNIS VS. SERGEY LIPINETS VIRTUAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

NEW YORK – March 26, 2021 – Rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and former world champion Sergey Lipinets previewed their upcoming 12-round showdown during a virtual press conference Friday before they square off in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see Ennis face his toughest test to date on his pursuit of a world title shot, while Lipinets looks to make a statement on his quest toward becoming a two-division world champion, having previously captured a title at 140 pounds.

The action will also feature unbeaten Eimantas Stanionis taking another step up in class in the co-main event, as he faces former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. In the telecast opener, IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas makes the ninth defense of his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Friday:

JARON ENNIS

“Training camp has been going well. I’m ready to rock and roll, ready to shine and take over this division. It’s my time and this is the fight that’s going to take me to the next level and bring out the skills and ability that you’ve never seen before. You will see an amazing, strong, sharp fighter ready to put on a punishing performance and get the knockout at the end of the night.

“I know Sergey Lipinets is going to come forward and be right in front of me. That’s his style and it’s perfect for me. His style clashes perfectly with mine and he’s going to be running into shots all night long.

“It’s a great feeling to be fighting in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING for the first time. I’m excited and it’s just my time. After this fight, it’s on to bigger and better and I just can’t wait.

“Whatever he brings, I’m going to be ready for it. We don’t look at anybody as a stepping stone but this fight is going to take me to the next level. I can do a bunch of different things and my opponent doesn’t know how I’m going to come out. He just needs to know I’m ready and this is the hardest I’ve ever worked to get ready for a fight. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and I finally got a guy with a name and now it’s my time to shine and show the world my talent and show them that I’m not to be played with. I’m a dangerous man and they will see on April 10.

“Every time I fight, they always say it’s a step-up. And then when I do what I do, they say I need to fight somebody better. At the end of the day, I just work for myself and my family and my team. I’m just focused on getting better each and every fight and I just work harder and harder every time so I can perform to the best of my ability and show the world that with each fight, I’m getting better, stronger and smarter.

“Beating Lipinets would take my career to the next level because he’s a former world champion at 140 pounds and he fought a lot of top guys. Making a statement against him is definitely a whole different level and it would boost me all the way up the rankings. I feel like after this fight, it’s on to bigger and better things. But we have business to handle on April 10 first.

“I don’t watch tape of the guys that I fight. I leave that up to my team because you never know how a guy is going to come out. Just because he did one thing against one opponent doesn’t mean he’s going to do the same thing with me. You have to prepare yourself all the way around and that’s what we do. I do know that he’s a great fighter, but it’s my time.

“Not looking past Sergey Lipinets, but with me doing my thing on April 10, I definitely feel like I’ll be ready for a world title shot by the end of the year. You know me. I’ll fight anybody and everybody. All they have to do is call. I’m hungry and I’ve been waiting for these types of fights. All I want to do is fight, be great, be a legend and a multi-division world champion.

“Everybody has different roads to a world title. Mine is taking a little longer than some others but I don’t mind it. I’m still learning. I’m young and I’m getting better each and every fight. I’m fine with the way that my career is progressing. Everything is happening for a reason. It’s perfect timing for this opportunity.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“I’m a hard worker and I’m not afraid of anything. Nothing is going to scare me when I step into a ring. This ‘stepping stone’ is going to be too high for Ennis. I’m going to go in there and give him a hell of a night.

“If you look at my career and how I went through the ranks, I did something that a lot of people didn’t. I was a world champion 13 fights in. I like to fight and I like challenges. Ennis is the challenge this time. I’ve never hesitated or thought twice about taking a fight. I wanted to fight the best, and Ennis is one of the best out there right now. If I win, it will further prove that I belong where I am right now.

“I’m learning with every fight that I have. The question is how to correct the mistakes you make. Before I even knew I would fight Ennis, I was already back in the gym working on correcting little mistakes from the Custio Clayton fight.

“We’ve watched Ennis’ fights and this is a guy who’s not going to shy away or just stay on the outside. He’s going to come to fight and that appealed to me. That’s what I like and I’m looking forward to it.

“Ultimately, we all want those world titles. This is the kind of fight where the winner can’t be denied anymore. Ennis is not a boogeyman, he’s another fighter with two hands and two feet.

“I’m sure that he’s training hard for 12 rounds. We’re both going to be ready. Ultimately, our main goal is to put on a great show. May the best man win. It’s hard to predict how he’ll do in the later rounds, because it does look like he belongs with me at the top of the division. We’ll find out on April 10.

“I’m not thinking about anything that’s going to happen after this fight. I’m just worried about April 10. I have to deal with Jaron Ennis, and that’s not an easy task. After this fight, we can have that conversation about the other big names at welterweight.

“It may look like I’m a fighter who’s standing there in front of you, but I’m good at working hard, getting into my opponent’s chest and doing what I do best, which is throw punches from every possible angle. The punch that is really going to hurt you, is the one that you don’t see coming.

“It’s been a hard training camp because it’s probably easier for Ennis to get a sparring partner who is like me, than it is for me to get someone like Ennis. We’ve had to get a lot of fighters in here and it’s made it a hard camp. I’ve been digging real deep every day in training.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is really is a fantastic main event. Ennis is one of boxing’s fastest-rising talents. He has the kind of style that just makes great fights. He has tremendous hand speed, punching power and he can switch styles from orthodox to southpaw, which makes it very hard for opponents to prepare for him.

“Ennis is taking a big step up in class against the former world champion Sergey Lipinets, who always comes to fight. He’s a seasoned aggressive fighter with serious punching power. In his only loss, a world title defense against Mikey Garcia, you could see that he landed the bigger, harder, more punishing shots and you could tell by looking at Garcia’s face after the fight.

“Lipinets can make it a tough night for anyone. This fight will show us if Ennis has the goods to be the next big thing at 147 pounds.

“This is a tremendous tripleheader starting out with a great world title fight. With Eimantas Stanionis stepping up against Thomas Dulorme in the co-main event, we see another rising star in the division. I think that Stanionis and Ennis might be the two guys a notch ahead of the other rising contenders at 147-pounds. Plus the all-action main event, it’s going to be great for the fans watching on SHOWTIME.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“We are really excited about this card and the whole weekend. For SHOWTIME, it is a big fight weekend. Friday night, we’ve got the launch of our Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix from BELLATOR MMA as part of our three consecutive weeks of BELLATOR MMA on SHOWTIME. I can’t think of a better way to top this whole weekend off with two of the most exciting fighters in the 147-pound division. Two of the most fan-friendly fighters in the division. This is guaranteed to be an exciting fight.

“We have three intriguing, meaningful fights on Saturday April 10. We open with a world title fight and that shows the depth of this card and the quality of the card. You can look across the networks and all the various platforms, you don’t see many cards with a world title fight three fights down. It should be an all-action world title fight with Jerwin Ancajas and Jonathan Rodriguez. In the co-feature, fast-rising young welterweight Eimantas Stanionis against the veteran Thomas Dulorme. Given those two styles, I’d expect all action.

“The main event is one of the premier fights on the schedule this spring. It’s something that fight fans have been looking forward to ever since it was first identified as a possibility. We’ve seen Sergey Lipinets on SHOWTIME several times. He is an aggressive fighter. You know exactly what he does when he gets in the ring. He’s all-action and he’s a big puncher. Jaron is the same type of fighter. This has the makings of a real war. Two highly accomplished guys in the welterweight division. We may just be seeing who is the future in the welterweight division when we’re done with this card.

“One of the things that we enjoy most at SHOWTIME is helping build a fighter. Our audience likes it when they can see guys over and over again and watch as a fighter matures. That’s what happened with Sergey. We had him on for one of his early fights and we saw him all the way through a world title and big fights. With ‘Boots’, we’ve been proud to work with him as he grows from a young fighter and highly regarded prospect on ShoBox to now seeing another big step in his career as a main event. If he’s able to win, his credentials put him up at the top of the division. The same goes for Sergey. The winner of this fight deserves a high-level fight. These are two guys at the top of the division, two of the most exciting guys in the division and whoever comes out on top is due for a world title shot in the very near future.”

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ABOUT ENNIS VS. LIPINETS

Ennis vs. Lipinets will see rising welterweight star Jaron “Boots” Ennis face former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 12-round showdown headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, April 10 from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, a pair of hard-hitting welterweights square off as Eimantas Stanionis takes on former world title challenger Thomas Dulorme in a 12-round WBA Welterweight Title Eliminator. The telecast opener features IBF Junior Bantamweight World Champion Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas defending his title against Jonathan Rodríguez in a 12-round bout.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Ennis vs. Lipinets is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sportswww.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.




April 30: Michael Conlan-Ionut Baluta Junior Featherweight Clash & Moruti Mthalane-Sunny Edwards Flyweight Title Bout Set for London Bill LIVE on ESPN+

LONDON (March 26, 2021) — The London spotlight will shine on Belfast’s Michael “Mick” Conlan and South African great Moruti Mthalane from Copper Box Arena on Friday, April 30.

Mthalane, who is undefeated since 2008, will defend his IBF flyweight world title in the main event against London native Sunny Edwards. In the co-feature, longtime featherweight contender Conlan will make his junior featherweight debut in a 12-rounder against noted spoiler Ionut Baluta.

Promoted by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, Mthalane-Edwards and Conlan-Baluta will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts are scheduled to begin live on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

“This is a big step up for Mick, as Baluta has pulled off quite a few upsets and is motivated to do so once again,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Mick is close to a world title shot, and I expect him to be at his very best April 30. I am also pleased that American fight fans will have an opportunity to watch the sensational Mthalane, who is in tough against the young Edwards.”

Conlan (14-0, 8 KOs) is back after a disappointing 2020 that started with the COVID-related cancellation of his annual St. Patrick’s Day bout in New York and ended with an ankle injury suffered while training in November. He knocked out former world title challenger Sofiane Takoucht last August and now sets his focus on the junior featherweight division. He is ranked No. 1 by the WBO and No. 8 by the WBA, and he could be in line for a world title shot with a victory over Baluta (14-2, 3 KOs), a Romanian who is used to overcoming long odds. Last March, Baluta stunned former junior featherweight world champion TJ Doheny via eight-round unanimous decision, and six months later, he knocked out Conlan’s 2016 Irish Olympic teammate Davey Oliver Joyce in the third round.

Conlan said, “I’m very excited to get back in the ring against Ionut Baluta on April 30. I know how tough of a fighter Baluta is, but I’ve been training hard since shortly after my last win in August and will be well prepared for victory. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show and can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

Mthalane, 38, won his first world title in November 2009 with a unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Miranda for the vacant IBF crown. He cemented his world-class status with successful defenses over countryman Zolani Tete (TKO 5) and current WBO bantamweight world champion John Riel Casimero (TKO 5). He reclaimed the IBF world title in July 2017 with a narrow decision win over Muhammad Waseem and has since defeated a trio of Japanese challengers: Masahiro Sakamoto (TKO 10), Masayuki Kuroda (UD) and Akira Yaegashi (TKO 9).

Edwards (15-0, 4 KOs) has fought his last two bouts at junior bantamweight, but he returns to flyweight for a crack at one of boxing’s most celebrated champions. He last fought at flyweight in September 2019, dominating Rosendo Hugo Guarneros to win the vacant IBF International and WBO Intercontinental straps.

“Moruti is the most criminally underrated fighter, having not lost in 13 years, and he is a proper, proper threat,” Edwards said. “This is no gimme or easy world title fight — it is very, very far from that. I asked for this fight and, if you look back at press conferences or interviews, you can see that I have wanted it for some time. In my head, this is what was coming to me and it is finally here, and I have got what I wanted.”

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SUNNY EDWARDS FIGHTS FOR WORLD TITLE ON APRIL 30

SUNNY EDWARDS WILL go into battle for the IBF world flyweight title against the formidable and decorated champion Moruti Mthalane on Friday April 30, live on BT Sport.
 
In what will be a high stakes card in London, Belfast star Michael Conlan (14-0) provides the chief support as he takes his first fight at Super-Bantamweight against the tough 14-2 Ionut Baluta. The Romanian is seeking to defeat a third consecutive Irish opponent after toppling TJ Doheny and David Oliver Joyce in his last two fights.
 
For ‘Showtime’ Sunny, 25, it will represent a first crack at world honours in his 16th fight as a professional, with the British super flyweight champion having won belts at both fly and super fly, including the IBF International and Intercontinental, along with the WBO International and European.
 
Since beating Ryan Farrag in October 2018, Edwards embarked on a run of six fights with titles on the line to cement his place in the world rankings.
 
Edwards is a confirmed admirer of his forthcoming opponent.
 
“Moruti is the most criminally underrated fighter, having not lost in 13 years and he is a proper, proper threat,” he pointed out. “This is no gimme or easy world title for Sunny – it is very, very far from that.
 
“I asked for this fight and, if you look back at press conferences or interviews, you can see that I have wanted it for some time. In my head, this is what was coming to me and it is finally here and I have got what I wanted.
 
“Now it is my chance to prove myself and this will be the best benchmark I could have. I have beaten Olympians and people who have mixed at European and world level, but this is real genuine world level. This is my introduction as I have not been there before.
 
“He is as legit as they come. A big puncher, 41 fights, 39 wins and 26 knockouts. If I go and do this, capture the world title in my 16th fight, nobody can really argue. This will qualify everything I have been saying – if I do it. Moruti is no pushover by any stretch of the imagination; he is a very, very, very good fighter.”
 
Mthalane, 38, is indeed recognised as one the greatest of all current champions, having won his first world title in November 2009 with victory over Julio Cesar Miranda for the vacant IBF flyweight title, which he followed up with successful defences over countryman Zolani Tete and current WBO world bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero.
 
After two further defences, the South African won the IBO flyweight title with a 2014 victory over Jetha Oliva and subsequently made three victorious defences of the belt.
 
He reclaimed his IBF title in July 2017 with a defeat of Muhammad Waseem and has since defeated Masahiro Sakamoto (TKO 10), Masayuki Kuroda (UD) and Akira Yaegashi (TKO 9).
 
“There can be no doubting that Sunny is up against a top-drawer world champion,” said promoter Frank Warren. “Mthalane possesses incredible experience and has beaten the leading guys around his weight, but I hope the timing is right for a changing of the guard at the top of the division.
 
“Sunny has demonstrated his readiness for taking on and, I hope, joining the elite and from his early days performing on our shows, I believed we had a special talent on our hands.
 
“It was up to us to recognise this by delivering the world title shot he craves and that is what we are doing. It will be a special night having Sunny fighting for a world title against a great champion.”
 
Edwards’ title tilt against Mthalane will represent the first fight of a new long-term promotional agreement with Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions.
 
“I am made up, I am absolutely made up,” reacted Edwards. “I have made it no secret that I wanted to be with Frank and I see my future with Frank. I am glad that, after months of back and forth, we have come to the agreement and we are both in a position where I am sure we are happy.
 
“Frank has given me the platform and helped me build my name so that anyone who tunes into BT Sport even semi-regularly will have probably seen one of my fights. Over the last year or two I have been on often and maybe BT lets me get away with being a little bit more cheeky than anyone else would!
 
“I like it, I like the relationship we have and I am looking to increase that going forward. I am a loyal person and, unless I am treated unfairly, I will never up sticks and leave on a whim. I have been with my trainer for seven years, my management team from the beginning and, ideally, I would like to be with the same promoter for my whole career.
 
“The fights and the opportunity I have had shows that my promoter and my network are happy with me so I can’t be any more happy with that and the position Frank has allowed me to put myself in. Without Frank, the platform of BT and my management it would have been hard for me to do so.
 
“I am grateful and delighted to have another long-term deal with Frank – my third one already and I am only 25! I genuinely mean this, I hope this is a relationship that lasts throughout my career.”
 
Frank Warren added: “I have never hidden my liking and admiration for Sunny and I am thrilled he is signed up with us for the long term. He is proving himself a major attraction on BT Sport, not just with his undoubted boxing ability, but also his personality that shines through in the way he goes about his work.
 
“Sunny is a character, no doubt about that, which is something the sport always needs and I shouldn’t think he ever finds himself lost for words. The thing with Sunny is he can back up what he says with huge natural talent that I am sure will excel on the world title stage.
 
“Operating at the highest level is the next step for Sunny and I am thrilled to deliver his world title shot on April 30. It is what he wants and what we want for him so all our efforts have gone into securing him his shot at the earliest opportunity and I cannot wait to see it happen and see another world champion added to our roll of honour.”




Tulsa Heavyweight Jeremiah Milton Excited to Make Hometown Debut on April 10th

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 26, 2021) – Undefeated heavyweight sensation, Jeremiah Milton (2-0, 2 KOs), is scheduled to make his hometown debut on Saturday, April 10 at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Milton will square off against Jayvone Dafney (2-2, 2 KOs) of McComb, Mississippi.

The 4-round bout, promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Tony Holden Productions, will air live and exclusive on ESPN+, with the broadcast set to start at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 pm CST.

Milton, who is trained by two-time world champion, Bones Adams, relocated from his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma to Las Vegas, NV, in 2020, to pursue his boxing career at the highest level. Having been in training camps with the likes of Luis Ortiz, Joy Joyce, and Michael Hunter, Milton feels convinced he has what it takes to be the next heavyweight standout. Fighting in Tulsa, his hometown, is something Milton has been envisioning since he turned professional.

“Maybe this is what it feels like to balance the highs and lows,” said Jeremiah Milton, from his Las Vegas training camp. “I’m a working man and not being able to fight or having fights getting canceled can test you. Despite that, I remain on the same path. The city of Tulsa created my mold, I woke up early mornings and you’d probably catch me running the town. April 10th I’ll be bringing back some of my new experiences for you to witness close up. Welcome to Dreamland.”

“We are ecstatic that Jeremiah will be fighting in his hometown because we know he’s very popular out there,” said Mike Leanardì, CEO of Victory Sports & Entertainment, who manages Milton. “We’ve had a few fights fall out, so we are hoping this one stays intact. The entire city of Tulsa is excited about boxing returning to it’s city and we want to thank Top Rank for putting him on.”

“With the pandemic coming to a close, we have big plans to keep Jeremiah busy in 2021,” said Rick Torres, of Victory Sports & Entertainment. “This will be the first fight of many this year and we are thrilled that it’s taking place in Tulsa, where all his family and friends can attend.”

Tickets priced $40, $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking HERE. Premium floor seats are sold out so get your tickets while they last.




Ruben “Ace” TorresHeadlines April 18th 3.2.1. Boxing Event

CORONA, CA (March 26, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions returns on Sunday, April 18th, 2021, with yet another action-packed night of fights as 3.2.1. Boxing returns with three exciting bouts.

The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube
pages. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET.

Thompson Boxing’s undefeated super lightweight, Ruben “Ace” Torres (14-0, 11 KOs), of South Central Los Angeles, will return in an eight-round main event bout against Diego Contreras (11-3, 5 KOs), of Monterrey, Mexico, as Torres looks to continue his momentous career into 2021.
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“I am excited to return to the ring and give the fans a great show,” said Torres. “This is my fifth scheduled eight-round fight, and I am excited to put on a great performance, as I have been training hard with my coach, Danny Zamora.”

“I’m going to make this fight ugly for Torres,” said Contreras. “I’ll be throwing a lot of punches and I’m not holding back. We will see what he’s made of. I’m coming to win.”

In the 6-round co-feature, lightweight George “El YuYu” Acosta (10-1, 1 KO), of Whittier, CA, takes on a fighter TBA.

“I happy to be making my 2021 debut on this card,” said Acosta. “My goal is to make a statement with an impressive knockout that will get people talking. Who ever they put in front of me will have to deal with a determined fighter in myself, that is going to be in tip top shape. I’m feeling great at this point in my career.”

The opening 8-round bout will see super lightweight, Petr Petrov (41-6-2, 22 KOs), of Madrid, Spain, take on Bergman Aguilar (15-6-1, 5 KOs), of San Jose, Costa Rica.

“It is a great honor to be featured on a Thompson Boxing 3.2.1 card,” said Petrov. “I am training hard and looking to put on a dynamic performance that gets the card off to a great start, with the goal to steal the show.”

“This is a fight I know I can win,” said Aguilar. “Although my record isn’t the best, I’ve been training hard during the pandemic and I’m in the best shape of my life.”

“We’re excited about this upcoming card as Ruben Torres is one of the most promising fighters in our company,” said promoter Ken Thompson. “We feel great about this event from top-to-bottom and I expect to see a lot of exciting bouts that are action-packed.”

“We’re glad to be back with another exciting 3.2.1 event,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager and creator of 3.2.1 Boxing. “Ruben Torres will look to continue to improve upon what he has done in the past, and each bout offers interesting contrasts in styles that will create interesting match-ups. I know he’s ready to bring forth a great performance.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and Steve Kim. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

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.




April 10: Heavyweight Sensation Jared Anderson to Battle Jeremiah Karpency on the Joe Smith Jr.-Maxim Vlasov Undercard LIVE on ESPN+

TULSA, OK (March 26, 2021) — The heavyweight division’s next king is taking his show on the road. Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, who knocked out five opponents inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, returns to action Saturday, April 10 against Jeremiah “The Bullfrog” Karpency in a bout scheduled for 8/6 rounds from Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Anderson-Karpency is among the undercard contests streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT), preceding the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title main event featuring Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov, and the 10-round heavyweight co-feature between Efe Ajagba and Brian Howard (ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Tony Holden Productions, limited tickets are available and can be purchased by visiting StubWire.com.

“Jared Anderson is a superstar in the making,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is the world’s most exciting young heavyweight, and I can’t wait to see what he shows next. When you watch Jared, you are watching a future world champion.”

Anderson (8-0, 8 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, turned pro with Top Rank following a stellar amateur career that included U.S. National Championship victories in 2017 and 2018. He has been spotless as a professional, notching five first-round knockouts and serving as Tyson Fury’s primary sparring partner before the Deontay Wilder rematch. He last fought Feb. 13 and created a viral moment with a left hook that knocked out Kingsley Ibeh in the sixth round. Karpency (16-2-1, 6 KOs), from Adah, Pennsylvania, is an 11-year pro whose only defeats have come against previously undefeated foes: Oscar Rivas (third-round TKO) and Sergey Kuzmin (sixth-round KO).

Anderson said, “I began 2021 on a high note against Ibeh, and I’m looking forward to carrying over my momentum against Karpency. The fans love big knockouts, and my goal is to deliver that every time I fight.”

In other undercard action:

Robson Conceição (15-0, 7 KOs) vs.Jesus Antonio Ahumada (17-3, 11 KOs)
8 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

2016 Olympic gold medalist Conceição, from Bahia, Brazil, cemented his status as a contender with last October’s gut check against Louie Coria. Conceição recovered from a knockdown and a pair of point deductions to squeak out a unanimous decision victory and preserve his unbeaten record. Ahumada, from Hermosillo, Mexico, is 3-1 since a 2018 TKO loss to Stephen Fulton, who went on to win a junior featherweight world title.

Albert Bell (17-0, 5 KOs) vs. Manuel Rey Rojas (20-4, 6 KOs)
8 Rounds, Junior Lightweight

The six-foot Bell, from Toledo, Ohio, makes his 2021 debut following last July’s 10-round shutout over Filipino veteran Mark Bernaldez. Bell, who is ranked in the top 15 by the WBO, holds a 2019 victory over longtime contender Andy Vences and is closing in on a potential world title opportunity. Rojas, from Dallas, Texas, is 8-1 in his last nine bouts, with his only defeat coming by 10-round decision in January 2020 to Puerto Rican star Felix Verdejo. He fought last September in Mexico and scored a second-round stoppage.

Sonny Conto (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Waldo Cortes (6-3, 3 KOs)
4 Rounds, Heavyweight

Conto returns for his first fight in 15 months against the man he was supposed to fight Feb. 20 inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. A medical issue forced Cortes out of the fight, but he is now recovered and ready to face the South Philadelphia native who has two consecutive first-round stoppages.

Troy Isley (1-0) vs. LaQuan Evans (4-1, 2 KOs)
4 Rounds, Middleweight

Decorated former U.S. amateur star Isley, from Alexandria, Virginia, turned pro Feb. 13 and shut out Bryant Costello over four rounds. Isley will step up in pro bout number two against Evans, a two-year pro who has won three straight bouts since a majority decision defeat.

Duke Ragan (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Charles Clark (3-6-1, 1 KO)
6 Rounds, Featherweight

Ragan, from Cincinnati, Ohio, signed a professional contract with Top Rank last year following an amateur run that included a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships. As a professional, he’s been perfect, following up a first-round knockout in his professional debut with a pair of shutout four-round decisions. He steps up to six rounds against Clark, who bested the 4-1 Malik Loften in his last fight.

Trey Lippe Morrison (16-0, 16 KOs) vs. TBA
8 Rounds, Heavyweight

Tulsa’s Morrison, son of the late heavyweight star Tommy Morrison, returns from a nearly two-year layoff intent on extending his knockout streak. A proven ticket-seller in Oklahoma, this will be Morrison’s 14th professional fight in the Sooner State.

Jeremiah Milton (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Jayvone Dafney (2-2, 2 KOs)
4 Rounds, Heavyweight

Tulsa native Milton returns home after a pair of stoppage wins to begin his career late last year. Dafney is coming off a first-round knockout Feb. 27 in Georgia.

Use the hashtag #SmithVlasov to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.comwww.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing;twitter.com/ESPNRingside.

About ESPN
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About ESPN+
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LIVE VIDEO: Jake Paul vs Ben Askren Press Conference





CANELO-SAUNDERS ON GENERAL SALE TODAY AFTER SMASHING PRE-SALE RECORD

All remaining tickets go on general sale today for the blockbuster unification showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders on Saturday May 8 at AT&T stadium in Arlington, TX, live worldwide on DAZN, after the event broke SeatGeek.com’s pre-sale record.

TICKETS GO ON GENERAL SALE AT 10AM CT TODAY (MARCH 26) AT SEATGEEK.COM

Over 40,000 tickets were sold in the pre-sale period, smashing the previous record for the best performing pre-sale sales for the mobile ticket platform, and the scramble for the remaining tickets will begin at 10am CT today (11am ET) when the rest of the tickets are released on general sale.

Canelo fights at the home of the Dallas Cowboys for the second time in his career and returns to his traditional Cinco De Mayo weekend date after COVID robbed him of that in 2020.

The Mexican superstar is aiming to take a massive step to becoming the first 168lb undisputed champion from his homeland and the stakes couldn’t be higher, as if he hands Saunders a first career defeat and takes his WBO crown, just one piece of the puzzle will remain.

Saunders, who will be completing his training camp in Las Vegas, will be looking to stop the rot for British fighters facing Canelo and grab the biggest win of his career to date against the 30 year old – and promoter Eddie Hearn says the pre-sale success reflects the appetite for fight fans to see Canelo and Saunders tangle on Cinco De Mayo weekend.

“The pre-sale numbers were fantastic, and I am sure that on Cinco de Mayo weekend, we’re going to have a full house to watch this massive unification fight,” said Hearn.

“It’s great to be able to stage a fight of such huge global significance to the home of the Dallas Cowboys and fill that wonderful stadium with fans. We’re going to be putting on a night that those lucky enough to be in there will never forget.”

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world.  Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world.  Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year-round.  The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue.  In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events.  For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.




BT SPORT FIGHT NIGHT LIVE: HUTCHINSON v CLARKE, WEIGH-IN

he huge Queensberry and BT Sport boxing double header will continue live tomorrow night at 7pm on BT Sport 1 HD.

Night 2 will be headlined by Willy Hutchinson challenging for the vacant British and Commonwealth Super-Middleweight titles against Lennox Clarke.

The main event, and the entire undercard, weighed in today inside the fighter bubble.

Official photos from todays weigh-in will be uploaded here

Official weigh-in results below:

Willy Hutchinson 11st 13lbs 10oz
Lennox Clarke 12st

Louie Lynn 8st 13lbs 2oz
Sebastian Perez 8st 12lbs 8oz

Nathan Gorman 19st 6lbs
Pavel Sour 16st 8lbs

Mark Chamberlain 9st 12lbs 8oz
Jordan Ellison 9st 12lbs

Eithan James 10st 2lbs 8oz
Clayton Bricknell 10st 3oz

Umar Khan 9st 8oz
Levi Dunn 8st 12lbs 7oz

Stephen Adentan 14st 5lbs 12oz
Andrius Ruzas 14st 12oz




VIDEO: WEIGH-IN: Whyte vs Povetkin 2 plus undercard






POVETKIN VS. WHYTE II WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER

UK TIMINGS

16:55 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

10 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
YOUSSEF KHOUMARI 9st 4lbs 0oz v KANE BAKER 9st 2lbs 8oz
(Wembley, England)                              (Birmingham, England)

followed by

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE & DAZN

10 x 3 mins vacant IBO International Heavyweight Title
ERIK PFEIFER 17st 8lbs 2oz v NICK WEBB 18st 10lbs 0oz
(Germany)                                    (Surrey, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBO Global Welterweight Title
CHRIS KONGO 10st 6lbs 12oz v MICHAEL MCKINSON 10st 6lbs 2oz
(Bermondsey, England)              (Portsmouth, England)

followed by

4 x 3 mins International Lightweight contest
CAMPBELL HATTON 9st 10lbs 13oz v JESUS RUIZ 9st 10lbs 6oz
(Manchester, England)                            (Spain)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant British Super-Welterweight Title 
TED CHEESEMAN 10st 13lbs 10oz v JAMES METCALF 10st 13lbs 13oz
(Bermondsey, England)                       (Liverpool, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
FABIO WARDLEY 16st 8lbs 6oz v ERIC MOLINA 17st 13lbs 5oz
(Ipswich, England)                         (USA)

followed by

12 x 3 mins Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title
ALEXANDER POVETKIN 16st 4lbs 4oz v DILLIAN WHYTE 17st 9lbs 3oz                  
(Russia)                                                       (Brixton, England)




A Caged Animal No More, Vaughn Alexander is Ready to Devour WBO #1 Super Middleweight Zach Parker Tonight in London

(Friday, March 26, 2021) Super middleweight contender Vaughn “The Animal” Alexander says he can’t wait to make the most of his unexpected opportunity against WBO #1 contender Zach Parker tonight.

Alexander (15-4, 9 KOs) and Parker (19-0, 13 KOs) will clash for Parker’s WBO International Super Middleweight Championship in the 10-round main event of a Queensberry Promotions card tonight at the Copper Box Arena in London and live in the UK on BT Sport.

Saint Louis native Alexander says he has felt more like a caged animal for the last 15 months, due to the pandemic and a series of cancelled fights, but stayed in the gym with trainer and former world champion Montell Griffin the whole time, waiting to be turned loose on an opponent like the undefeated Parker.

“It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been out. He hasn’t fought in a while either. Expect nothing but explosiveness and fireworks from the first round until he breaks or until the final bell rings,” said an excited Alexander. “This is my opportunity and I have to go get it. It’s been 15 months of having fights fall through over and over, but I’ve been in the gym getting great sparring and doing non-stop work. I’m supposed to be here, and this is my time.”

The always game Alexander, who will be facing his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent against Parker, says he’s at too high a level for the highly rated but unproven Brit.

“No disrespect to him. I respect all fighters,” said Alexander, “this is just the honest truth. I see him (Parker) as someone with an undefeated record that hasn’t fought anyone of my caliber. He hasn’t fought the tough competition that I have. I don’t see him faring well with me. In fact, the fight I watched of him, he had problems with the guy. He won because the guy ran out of gas, but the guy took him 10 or 11 rounds and he had problems with him. I understand styles make fights, but he’s not ready for someone like me.”

The 35-year-old Alexander says victory over Parker will revive his stalled by career and finally put him in line for his dream of a world title fight. “It would be a gift from god because this is something that I’ve been dreaming of,” continued Alexander. “I can’t wait to get this win and put my career back where it should be.”

“This is the fight he’s been waiting for,” said Alexander’s promoter, Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions. “He’s been off for 15 months, but Vaughn never left the gym and has been waiting for an opportunity like this. And when it presented itself, he snatched it. There are huge stakes for Vaughn in this fight. A victory could lead to a world title opportunity. This is it for Vaughn and he plans on making the most of it!”
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GONGORA DEFENDS WORLD TITLE AGAINST PEARSON ON APRIL 17

Carlos Gongora will defend his IBO World Super-Middleweight title against Christopher Pearson as the chief support to Demetrius Andrade’s WBO World Middleweight title defense against Liam Williams at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida on Saturday April 17 in America, live worldwide on DAZN – with the main event set for 6pm ET/11pm GMT.
 
Gongora (19-0 14 KOs) returns to the scene of his finest hour, the dramatic 12th round KO of Ali Akhmedov in December, weathering an early storm to put the hotly fancied Kazakh away at the death to land the strap that he puts on the line in three weeks’ time.
 
The unbeaten two-time Olympian was fighting over 12 rounds for the first time against Akhmedov, and the Ecuadorian now wants to underline his credentials to land the big fights at 168lbs against Pearson (17-2 12 KOs).
 
Like Gongora, Pearson is entering into the bout on the back of his best win to date after he took the ‘0’ of Olympic gold medal man Yamaguchi Falcao in Las Vegas in May 2019. The Ohio man, a decorated amateur in his own right,
 
Gongora vs. Pearson leads a stacked card in support of the main event, with Mahammadrasul Majidov back in action and looking for a fourth straight KO win against Andrey Fedosov. Majidov (3-0 3 KOs) landed his third win inside the distance at the same venue in November and the former three-time World Amateur king now steps up into ten round action for the first time in the paid ranks against Fedesov (31-3 25 KOs), with the experienced Russian making a long-awaited return to the ring.
 
Otha Jones III returns to the ring in a rescheduled eight round clash with Jorge Castaneda. Jones III (5-0-1 2 KOs) was set to meet Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs) on the undercard of the epic rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in Dallas, TX earlier this month but illness ruled the Ohio talent out. Jones III has gotten over that non-COVID related blip and now steps up his pro journey against the dangerous Texan.
 
Another fighter stepping up after a shelved fight in the Lone Star state is Arthur Biyarslanov (7-0 6 KOs) as he faces fellow unbeaten man Israel Mercado (9-0 7 KOs). Biyarslanov landed a first round stoppage win is his last outing in November in the same venue and the Canadian now steps into his first eight round contest against the unbeaten Californian who won his first seven fights by KO before going the six and eight round distance in his last two outings.
 
Alexis Espino (7-0 5 KOs) was impressive in stopping Ashton Sykes in his first fight back in a year in February on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s win over Avni Yildirim and the Las Vegas talent returns quickly over six rounds and Florida native Aaron Aponte (2-0 1 KO) returns at the same speed for his third fight over four rounds, both with opponents to be named soon.
 
“Carlos pulled off a brilliant win in Florida in December, and now is the time for him to build himself into a massive threat in the 168lbs division,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Christopher is no stranger to upsetting the odds as he proved against Falcao, and he’ll look to do something similar again in Florida.
 
“Mahammadrasul is looking to make waves in the ever-changing Heavyweight division, and the likes of OJ3, Arthur, Alexis and Aaron will want to steal the headlines in the Sunshine State.”




Serrano Stops Bermudez in 9; Retains Featherweight Titles

Seven-Division world champion Amanda Serrano stopped three-division world champion retained the WBC/WBO Featherweight titles with a ninth round stoppage over Daniela Bermudez in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

It was an entertaining fight that saw Serrano land heavy punches throughout the contest.

In round nine, Serrano landed a perfect left to the body that sent Bermudez down on a delayed reaction for the 10-count at 1:33.

Serrano, 124.8 lbs of Carolina, PR is 40-1-1 with 30 knockouts. Bermudez, 125 lbs of Argentina is 29-4-3.

“I mean, this is boxing. I am not invisible, I get hit,” said Serrano who lives and trains out of Brooklyn, N.Y. “I knew I was a lot bigger than her. I was listening to my corner to box and I wanted to put on a show in front of my island and that’s what I did. The knockout came in the ninth which shows that I have power until the very end.”

“I want to become undisputed,” stated Serrano. “I want to be the first undisputed champion to come out of my beautiful island of Puerto Rico. That’s definitely my goal – IBF, WBA. Nothing against any champion but I want those belts. If they want to become undisputed champion, then they need to come through me too, so we need each other.”

Caraballo Stops Leonardo Baez in 4!

Carlos Caraballo stopped Leonardo Baez in round four of their scheduled eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round two, Caraballo put Baez on the floor after a vicious flurry of hard punches that was capped by three flush uppercuts. In round four, Caraballo pounded away with huge shots, and the towel was thrown in at 2:36.

Caraballo, 120.2 lbs of Puerto Rico is 14-0 with 14 knockouts. Baez, 119.4 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 18-4.

“I want to thank God, Ring City USA and NBC Sports Network for this opportunity,” said Caraballo. “What we did was worked that uppercut, we knew he was a big, strong guy. I knew I had to work that body and sooner or later the uppercut would come. When it did, we finished the fight.”

“I am 100% sure that I am the most distinguished prospect on the island,” boasted Caraballo. “My goal was to go in there and get a couple rounds in, and I got it done.”

Eduardo Baez Decisions Ortiz

Eduardo Baez won an eight-round unanimous decision over Abimael Ortiz in a super bantamweight bout.

Baez landed 366 of 1171 punches; Ortiz was 130 of 650.

Baez, 121.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 19-1-2. Ortiz, 121.6 lbs of Cidra, PR is 8-1-1.

“From the first to the last round we followed the strategy and that’s what gave us the victory,” said Eduardo Baez. “The strategy was to go forward without getting hit and that’s what we did.”

“Abimael is very strong physically and has power,” added Baez. “But I listened to my corner and have good physical condition and that was the key to win.”

“I wanted to show them that conditioning inside of the ring is key so I would throw a lot of punch combinations during sparring so that they would be used to that high intensity interval training in the ring,” said Chocolatito in a Ring City USA event earlier this week. “They always push forward in the ring and have great conditioning so that is a great factor.”

Juan Carlos Camacho won an eight-round split decision over Marvin Solano in a bantamweight fight.

In round eight, Camacho scored a knockdown with a right hand.

Camacho won two cards 76-75. Solano won a card 78-73.

Camacho, 116.4 lbs of Juana Diaz, PR is 12-1. Solano, 117.6 lbs of Juana Diaz, PR is 23-6.

Midyael Sanchez won an eight-round split-decision over Ryan Pino in a super welterweight bout,

In round two, Sanchez dropped Pino with a big left hook.

He needed that as Pino made a furious rally over the second half of the fight.

Sanchez, 149.6 lbs of San Juan, PR won two cards 76-75 while, Pino, 147.6 lbs of San Juan, PR took a card 76-75.

Sanchez is 9-1. Pino is 8-6-2.

Oscar Colllazo won a six-round unanimous decision over Francisco Bonilla in a flyweight bout.

Collazo, 111.6 lbs of Puerto Rico won by scores of 60-54 on all cards is now 3-0. Bonilla, 11.6 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 6-10-3.

Arely Mucino won an eight-round unanimous decision over Lucia Hernandez in a super flyweight bout.

In round eight, Mucino landed a short right that made the Glove of Hernandez touch the ground for a knockdown.

Muciono, 115 lbs of Monterrey, MEX won by scores of 80-71 on all cards, and is now 29-3-2. Hernandez, 109.2 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 7-11.

Angel Carranza won a four-round unanimous decision over Eduardo Melendez in a lightweight bout.

In round one, Carranza dropped Melendez with a short left hook.

Carranza, 131 1/2 lbs of Hatillo, PR won by scores of 40-35 on all cards, and is now 2-0. Melendez, 130 3/4 lbs of Santa Isabel, PR is 5-30.