FORMER AMATEUR STAR Levi Frankham has joined his cousins – Josh and Charles Frankham – in signing a promotional agreement with Frank Warren to fight under the Queensberry Promotions banner.

Frankham, 20, from Cranleigh, is preparing to make his professional debut following a lengthy application process to obtain his professional licence. He began training to join the pro ranks in late 2019 and applied for his licence in early 2020. Then lockdown came into force and all applications were placed on hold until late in the year.

Frankham bided his time and used the opportunity to further learn his craft and now finds himself on the cusp on making his professional introduction.

The super welterweight, coached by leading South Coast trainer Wayne Batten, brings with him a strong amateur background, with him having won two Junior ABA titles, a Three-Nations, an NABC title, along with being a National amateur champion.

“I am over the moon to have been signed by Frank Warren,” said Levi. “He is one of the best promoters in the world and his track record in developing young fighters is second to none.

“I am blessed to start off my professional career with the best promoter and a top TV platform. I can’t wait to get going and I can promise I will bring excitement for the fans watching.

“It is amazing that three Frankhams, three cousins, are all signed by the same promoter and it would be a dream for us all to appear on the same show at some point.

“It was frustrating having to wait for so long to get going, but it could also be a blessing because it has given me the time to make improvements in the gym that will serve me well when I step into the ring.”

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren added: “I am thrilled to add another Frankham to our ranks and Levi is a quality young fighter who we have had great reports on. He is an impressive young man who is totally dedicated to the sport.

“We have known about Levi for some time since he started working with Wayne down in Southampton and I am looking forward to setting him off on his pro journey. He has been forced to be patient to get going due to the pandemic delaying his licence application last year, but he has used the time well and has worked hard in the gym preparing for his first professional fight.

“Wayne is delivering quality young fighters to our platform – such as Mark Chamberlain, Ryan Garner and Josh Frankham – and I expect Levi to enjoy similar success as he sets about making his mark in the sport.”

LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2021– Triller Fight Club today announced that Peter Kahn has been named to the newly created position of Chief Boxing Officer. Kahn, a Boxing Writers Association of America 2019 and 2020 Manager of the Year nominee, is an industry veteran who has worked both on the promotional side and management side at the highest level for 25 years. Triller Fight Club is a partnership between Triller and Snoop Dogg spearheaded by Ryan Kavanaugh.

“We are excited have Peter formally join us in this critical role as we expand and advance the boxing side of Triller Fight Club,” Kavanaugh said. “In a very short period of time as we set up for our April 17^th, June and July events it became clear that he is one of the smartest, most respected people in the sport, as well as someone who shares our vision for changing the way boxing can be presented as a sports and entertainment property. His input to date has been invaluable, and it will continue to grow as we expand our business this year and beyond.”

“I am looking forward to adding quality fights and providing the fans with matchups that will appeal to the hard-core and casual boxing fans alike to complement the four-quadrant model of Triller Fight Club that consists of influencers, legends, music artists and contemporary fighters.” Kahn said. “I will work closely with the major promoters and managers in the sport to find ways to elevate the profiles of the fighters while providing entertainment to the pay-per-view audience. The Triller platform itself is an excellent vehicle for the fighters to grow their brand, connect with fans and build their social media following as they progress in their careers.”

Kahn’s role as Chief Boxing Officer will consist of overseeing all boxing related aspects to the Triller Fight Club events that will include incorporating high-level matches at the world championship, contender and top prospect level. Kahn is a boxing contributor to Forbes and Associate Producer of Original Netflix Series “Fightworld.”

The Florida resident is the manager of George Kambosos Jr, who will be fighting Teofimo Lopez on the Triller Fight Club event in June for the undisputed lightweight championship of the world as part of Triller Fight Club’s second event of 2021.

The April 17 card will be Triller Fight Club’s first in a series of 2021 special events, following the debut record setting Tyson vs. Jones PPV fight in 2020, which shattered all digital fight PPV records and became the 8th most successful Fight PPV in history. In the headline matchup April 17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Jake Paul takes on former Bellator and OneFC Championship champion Ben Askren, with all bouts seen on the main Pay Per View card. The event will also feature super lightweight Regis Prograis (New Orleans) taking on Ivan Redkach (Shostka, Ukraine); heavyweight MMA Bad Boy Frank Mir (Las Vegas) will battle legendary light heavyweight Antonio Tarver (Orlando, Fla.); and Joe Fournier (London) will challenge music icon and worldwide star Reykon (Envigado, Colombia).

The PPV will also include an unparalleled music and entertainment experience, including 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.

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, Fios, and Optimum in the 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

About Triller:

The 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.

LAS VEGAS (March 22, 2021) — RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® returns to Mexico for the first time in 2021 on Thursday, April 1st – no April Fool’s jokes – presented by Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, at Polideportivo Centenario, Los Mochia, Sonora, Mexico

A pair of Latino title fights will showcase a quartet of gifted boxers in the main event and co-feature, other fights are loaded with talent as well. The action will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. To sign-up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

“We love promoting in Mexico with our friend, promoter Emanuel Romo (De La O Promotions),” RJJ Boxing CEO/co-founder Keith Veltre said. “This is unquestionably RJJ’s best show ever in Mexico. It’s stacked from top to bottom, including two title fights, and showcasing several potential stars of the future.”

World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight champion Antonio “Paulinho” Soares (11-1, 8 KOs), fighting out of Brazil, defends his crown against his Mexican challenger, Alan “Lachorro” Solis (12-0-1, 7 KOs), in the 10-round headliner. The Brazil vs. Mexico rivalry will certainly be heated inside the ring.

In the 8-round co-featured event, World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title holder Mauricio “Trompas” Pintor (23-3-1, 14 KOs), of Mexico, will defend his title against San Antonio’s Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (17-3, 8 KOs), a former NABA super lightweight champion. Pintor is the nephew of Hall of Famer and -2-division World champion Lupe Pintor.

Mexican fan favorite Luis “Koreano” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), the reigning WBC Youth Silver lightweight titlist, takes on his dangerous fellow countryman Jose “Cuate” Paez (13-1-1, 10 KOs) in an 8-round, non-title fight. Torres vs. Perez is an elimination bout with the victor advancing to the inaugural World Cup Boxing Series starting in June.

Undefeated Cuban super welterweight prospect Yoelvis “La Joya” Gomez (3-0, 3 KOs), living out of Guatemala, steps up in terms of quality opposition in an 8-roumd bout versus Mexican knockout artist Luis “Desarmador” Pina (20-4, 15 KOs). A technically sound, aggressive power puncher, the 2-time Cuban Youth National champion Gomez is the son of 1980 Olympic gold medalist Jose Gomez.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard, off-UFC FIGHT PASS, is a trio of Las Vegas-based boxers in 4-rounders against opponents to be determined: flyweights Kevin Urrutia (1-0, 1 KO) and pro-debuting Yarida Bustillos, as well as super bantamweight Andy Beltran (1-0, 1 KO).

Card subject to change.

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.

Philadelphia, PA (March 19, 2021) – A special Day-Night Doubleheader of boxing is planned for Saturday afternoon and evening at the 2300 Arena, where local favorites, Donald Smith & Dylan Price will headline respective shows.

The shows, which are promoted by Price Promotions, will begin at 4:30 and 8 PM

Headlining the evening card will be super flyweight Dylan Price taking on Gabriel Bernardi for an NBA Regional Super Flyweight title.

The eight-round bout will feature the undefeated Price, who has a record of 12-0 with nine knockouts.

The 22 year-old Price is a four-year pro and is coming off a fourth-round stoppage over Samuel Gutierrez on January 16th in Chester, Pa.

Bernardi of Puerto Rico is 5-1 with two knockouts. Bernardi is also a four-year pro, and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Jose Ocasio on October 4, 2019 in Kissimmee, Florida.

Also in the evening session, Rashan Adams takes on Da’vaughtae Bess (0-1) of St. Louis in a super lightweight bout.

David Pena (0-4-1) of Annapolis, Md. takes on Antonio Allen (1-11-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.

Boimah Karno takes on Rasheem Cook in a battle of pro debuting welterweights.

All three of those bouts are scheduled for four-rounds.

Headlining the afternoon session will be featherweight Donald “No Love” Smith taking on Braulio Avila in a fight scheduled for six-rounds.

Smith of Philadelphia, has a record of 10-1 with six knockouts, is a five-year veteran. Smith is looking to get back in the win column following dropping a six-round unanimous decision to William Foster III on February 6th at the 2300 Arena.

Avila of Tiaxcala, Mexico is 3-7 with one knockout. The 35 year-old is a seven year pro, and has faced four undefeated opponents. He is coming off a decision loss to undefeated Angel Israel Rodriguez on January 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

In four-round bouts, Isaiah Johnson of Sicklerville, NJ makes his pro debut against an opponent to be announced.

Sharif Rahman (4-0, 3 KOs) of Las Vegas takes on an opponent to be named in a super welterweight contest.

Naheem Parker (1-0, 1 KO) of Camden, NJ takes on an opponent to be announced in a lightweight contest.

Also now available is the 3rd episode of Dylan Price 7on7

Tickets for this special night range from $250 VIP (which includes food and beverage) and $50-1$150 for the evening show; And $200 for VIP and $50-$150 for the afternoon show and Tickets can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577 or pboxingpromotions.com

San Juan, Puerto Rico – March 22, 2021 – Ring City USA has announced a loaded seven-fight undercard for this Thursday’s event, the third and final of the boxing outfit’s residency in Puerto Rico, which will be presented live from Plaza del Quinto Centenario in Old San Juan. The March 25 event will be broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Network and NBC Sports app in the United States and Puerto Rico. Outside the United States, Ring City’s undercard action will be available on Twitch.

Headlining Thursday’s event from Old San Juan is the previously announced 10-round title fight featuring seven-division world champion and future Hall of Famer Amanda Serrano (39-1-1, 29 KOs) defending her WBO and WBC featherweight world titles against current two-division titlist Daniela Bermudez (29-3-3, 10 KOs).

Co-featured on the NBC Sports Network broadcast, in an eight-round bantamweight clash, Puerto Rico’s Abimael ‘Manos de Piedra’ Ortiz (8-0-1, 4 KOs) battles Mexico-born Eduardo ‘Lalo El Gemelo’ Baez (18-1-2, 6 KOs), who now fights out of Calexico, Calif. A resident of Cidra, Puerto Rico, Ortiz has won six fights in a row, including a ten-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Chris Avalos in his most recent start on November 30, 2019. Baez is undefeated over his last ten bouts and returns to the Ring City USA ring following an eight-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Narek Abgaryan on the December 17, 2020 card at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles.

Also featured on the NBC Sports Network card is an eight-round battle in the super-bantamweight division when hard-hitting Carlos ‘Purin’ Caraballo (13-0-0, 13 KOs) of Ponce, P.R., hits the squared circle against Leonardo ‘Leon’ Baez (18-3-0, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico. The 25-year-old Caraballo has earned a well-deserved reputation for his show-stopping knockouts, eight of which have come in the first three rounds. He returns to action following a first-round knockout of perennial contender Mike Oliver in February 2020 in San Juan, P.R. Also 25-years-old, the upset-minded Baez looks to return to the win column after suffering a loss to Jason Moloney in June 2020 following a six-fight win streak.

Headlining the Twitch portion of the broadcast, Juan Carlos ‘El Indio’ Camacho (11-1, 6 KOs) of Juana Diaz, P.R., clashes with Marvin Solano (23-5, 8 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout. The 24-year-old Camacho anxiously returns to battle following a 15-month layoff. His last fight against Lucas Fernandez Leone in October 2019 was cut short in the fourth round due to a cut suffered by Leone as a result of an accidental headbutt. Fighting out of the boxing hotbed of Managua, Nicaragua, Solano is victorious in two of his last three fights, including a 10-round unanimous decision over contender Dewayne Beamon in November 2019.

Competing in an eight-round junior middleweight bout, two San Juan natives will battle when Luis Midyael ‘Diamante Negro’ Sanchez (8-1, 6 KOs) faces Ryan Pino (8-5-2, 4 KOs). The 26-year-old Sanchez, victorious in his first eight professional bouts, looks to re-enter the win column following a hotly contested eight-round defeat against Patrick Cora. The Bronx, New York-bred Pino also looks to hit the win column after an eight-round decision loss to Kevin Johnson in February 2020.

Hitting the squared circle in a six-round flyweight bout, highly touted prospect Oscar Collazo (2-0, 2 KOs) of Villaiba, P.R. challenges veteran Francisco ‘El Remanche’ Bonilla (6-9-3, 3 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico. Following a heralded amateur career including a gold medal at the 2019 Pan American Games, the Newark, New Jersey born Collazo has quickly impressed in the professional ranks, most recently scoring a second-round knockout against Kevin Jusino in December 2020.

Fighting in an eight-round women’s flyweight bout, former three-time world champion Arely ‘Ametralladora’ Mucino-Reyes (28-3-2, 10 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico battles Lucia ‘Maravilla’ Hernandez-Nunez (7-10) of Mexico City, Mexico. Victorious in her last seven fights, Mucino-Reyes is coming off of a nearly two-year layoff as she starts the path toward regaining a world championship. In her last start Hernandez-Nunez won a hard-fought six round decision over Esmeralda Torres on November 16, 2019.

Opening up the action on the Twitch portion of the broadcast in a four-round lightweight bout,

19-year-old Angel Carranza-Jimenez (1-0, 1KO) of Hatillo, P.R. faces off against battle-tested veteran Eduardo Melendez (5-29, 1 KO) of Ponce, P.R.

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

About Ring City USA

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 22, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions’ bantamweight contender, Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (16-1, 9 KOs), is looking to fight for a bantamweight world title by the end of the year. Sanchez, who is trained by Manny Robles, is currently on a four-fight win streak and ranked #3 in America on BoxRec.com for bantamweights.

This past Friday, March 19th, Sanchez defeated Frank “El Castigador” Gonzalez (8-2, 4 KOs), by way of a first-round knockout on a card promoted by All Star Boxing. Sanchez, who showed utter dominance in the bout, is now looking for the top names in the division.

“I am open to any and all world champions in the bantamweight division,” said Sanchez, who won the WBA Fedecentro Bantamweight Title on Friday. “Whether it is Naoya Inoue, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Reymart Gaballo, or any of the other world champions – I am ready! I have trained my whole life for this moment, and I am prepping to seize upon the opportunity.”

“Saul has come along way since he suffered his only defeat, which was a split decision loss,” stated promoter Ken Thompson, “Sanchez is on a nice winning streak and we will do out part to get him in position to fight a top name. His future is bright.”

“We believe Saul has made that turn in his career, where he is ready for the championship level,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager. “Right now, we are looking at the landscape of the bantamweight division with the goal of getting Sanchez in a big fight.”

“I know that I have made great strides to get to the highest levels of the sport, and I feel that after this past performance, I am putting myself in the best position for a world title,” continued the 23-year-old Southern California boxer. “I have a great promoter in Thompson Boxing, and I know my time is coming soon.”

ELITE FORMER AMATEUR and 2-0 professional Charles Frankham has signed with Frank Warren to fight under the Queensberry banner.

‘Boom Boom’ began life in the pro ranks in May 2018 with a points victory over Tzemal Xouseinoglou in Nottingham before returning to the ring the following month to score a first round stoppage over Ilgvars Krauklis at York Hall.

Prior to turning pro, the 21-year-old enjoyed a hugely decorated stint in the amateurs that yielded 11 National titles – including the junior ABAs and the Three Nations twice – along with a World Youth Championship bronze medal and gold at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

Frankham trains in Loughborough under the stewardship of Angel Fernandez.

“I needed a change and Frank is a great promoter,” said Frankham, grandson of former British light heavyweight champion Johnny Frankham. “He has got so much great talent at the moment – including another Frankham (Josh) as well – and at this point in time, and in the future, Frank is right for me.

“Queensberry and Frank is definitely the place to be for young fighters, one million per cent. Frank has been getting all his fighters out during this difficult period and, now I am part of the team, I am looking forward to getting back in the ring myself.

“I am still young and I have got a load of time to achieve my goals. I just want to be active and I have said all along that if I just get a couple of fights then I will fight anyone. I think I settled into the pro style pretty well and I believe I was always suited to it, although I know every young fighter says that when they turn over.”

A rare blot on Frankham’s amateur card came in the 2018 senior ABAs when he was defeated over three rounds by now promotional stablemate Mark Chamberlain. Frankham doesn’t rule out a revenge mission in the paid ranks.

“Definitely, that is not a problem and it will be a good fight down the line. A card with us Frankhams on would be a good one too.”

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to welcome Charles to the team. He was an exceptional amateur and he clearly has a bright future as a professional.

“He wants and needs to be kept busy and our track record over recent times during this pandemic has demonstrated our total commitment to the ongoing development of our young fighters and we will quickly get Charles’ career back on track and guide him towards a successful future.”

MIAMI (March 22, 2021) – Representatives of Evander Holyfield expressed frustration after Mike Tyson’s representatives refused to accept a $25,000,000 guarantee from Team Holyfield to participate in Tyson v Holyfield 3 at the Hard Rock Stadium to kick off Memorial Day weekend. The parties have been in intense negotiations for several months and Team Holyfield sincerely believed a deal was imminent, especially after the Hard Rock threw its support behind the project, and there were multiple other offers conveyed to Team Tyson. However, Team Tyson’s demands recently became untenable, and not what Mike Tyson had originally agreed on in direct conversations with Holyfield.

The event was to occur at the beautiful Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins NFL franchise, Super Bowl games, and many other world class sporting events and entertainment, and would have been the ideal setting for the trilogy finale of this great rivalry between two of the greatest legends in the history of boxing. While neither side has announced publicly that the fight is not going to happen, with negotiations at a standstill and the date rapidly approaching, it seems unlikely that this fight will occur as planned.

“We thought this was a done deal but it quickly fell apart when Tyson’s people declined all offers,” said Kris Lawrence, Evander Holyfield’s manager. “We were negotiating in good faith all along and it appears we just ended up wasting our time.”

BoxNation and Premier Sports have today announced live coverage of the rescheduled fight between Joe Smith Jr. (26-3, 21 KOs) and Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) for the vacant WBO Light Heavyweight Title in Tulsa, OK including top heavyweight prospect Efe Ajagba in the co-feature. Vlasov had to pull out last month when he tested positive for Covid-19 but having recovered, the fight with Smith Jr is back on and scheduled for April 10^th.

Smith, the 31-year-old native hailing from Long Island, rose to prominence when he brutally knocked out the legendary Bernard Hopkins in 2016. In 2020, he began the year off with a split-decision victory over Jesse Hart and ended it with another vicious knockout victory over former world champion Eleider Alvarez. 

34-year-old Vlasov, meanwhile, is a veteran of the sport who previously established himself as a contender in the Cruiserweight division, where he challenged for an interim world title. Since moving down to Light Heavyweight, he’s gone 3-0, knocking out Omar Garcia before scoring back-to-back decision victories over Issac Chilemba and Emmanuel Martey.  

In the 10-round co-feature, unbeaten heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba will take on Brian “MVP” Howard. Ajagba (14-0, 11 KOs), a 2016 Nigerian Olympian, is one of world boxing’s most accomplished young heavyweights. At 26 years old, he’s already knocked out the likes of longtime contender Amir Mansour and former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu. He made his Top Rank debut last September and outlasted veteran Jonathan Rice via decision over 10 rounds. Howard (15-4, 12 KOs) is an 11-year pro who has split a pair of bouts since moving up to heavyweight. In August 2019, he knocked out 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron in the first round.

New customers signing up to watch this event can do so easily via the Premier Sports website. More upcoming fights for April and May are expected to be announced shortly.

ENDS

ABOUT PREMIER SPORTS

Premier Sports was founded in 2009 is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. In the Premier Sports bundle on Sky, Virgin TV and Premier Player, customers can enjoy Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2, BoxNation and LaLigaTV.

Premier Sports 1 is on Sky channel 412 and Virgin channel 551. Premier Sports 2 is on Sky channel 435 and Virgin Channel 552. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and on Freesat Channel 252.

The channels are also available to pubs, clubs and other commercial premises throughout the UK.

Premier Sports also broadcast LaLiga, Serie A, Scottish Cup football, 152 games from the Guinness PRO14, 15 games a week from the NHL, GAA and the home of NASCAR in the UK.

ABOUT BOXNATION

BoxNation began broadcasting in 2011 and has featured some of the best fights from home and abroad in the 9 years it has been on air. BoxNation is currently available on Sky channel 427, Virgin TV channel 546, BT TV and Talk Talk channel 415.

Premier Sports: www.premiersports.com                                            FreeSports: www.freesports.tv

Los Angeles, CA (March 22, 2021) – This past Saturday, heralded featherweight prospect Jalen Walker remained perfect by stopping veteran Julian Aristule in round three of a scheduled six-round bout at the Airport Hilton in Miami.

Waker came out very composed as he calmly landed solid combinations to the head and body of Aristule.

In round two, Walker began to pick up the pace and then placed a nice left to the body that put Aristule down to a knee. With Walker in control, he came out in round three and landed another perfect right to the body that sent Aristule down for a second time, and the bout was halted.

With the win, Walker continues to ascend, and the native of Los Angeles raises his perfect mark to 8-0 with seven knockouts. Aristule of Argentina, falls to 34-15.

“I’m happy with my performance. When I was in there, I had seen how I improved since my last fight, especially with the combination punching and the body shots I was landing in there,” said Walker.

“After the first knockdown, I knew that it was a matter of time it was going to be over with. I just want to get back in there and I want to fight again soon very soon.”

“It’s always good to see and gauge progress with a young fighter like Jalen, and we’re very happy with what we saw. We thank Aristule and his team for taking the match,” said Clemente Kwan of Waterfront Management.

Co-manager Rene Symonds stated, “This was a very composed performance against a 48-fight veteran. He put money In the bank by going to the body, and eventually knocking him out with a stabbing punch to the mid section. Jalen showed ring IQ, and real power on Saturday!”

Vergil Ortiz Jr. remained perfect by stopping former world champion Maurice Hooker in seven entertaining rounds at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

The two stood toe-to-toe for most of the fight Ortiz landed the harder blows as he rocked Hooker several times. Hooker was able to get in some good shots of his own and the effects of those punches showed on the swelled up face of Ortiz.

In round six, Ortiz landed a hard right that sent Hooker back to the corner and eventually down.

In round seven, it was a right to the side of the head that sent Hooker to a knee, and the fight was over at 36 seconds.

Ortiz, 147 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX is 17-0 with knockouts, Hooker, 147 lbs of Dallas, TX is 27-2-3.

Estrada Decisions Ortiz; Wins WBA Minimumweight title

Seniesa Estrada won the WBA Minimumweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over long reigning champ Anabel Ortiz.

In round two, Estrada put Ortiz on the deck with a big left hand.

Estrada landed 163 of 511 punches; Ortiz was 102 of 373.

Estrada, 104.4 lbs of E. Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 100-89 twice and 99-90 and is now 20-0. Ortiz, 105 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 31-4.

Marcelino Lopez stops Jairo Lopez in five

Marcelino Lopez stopped Jairo Lopez in round five of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Marcelino dropped Jairo with a left hook. In round three, it was a right that sent Jairo to a knee. In round four, Jairo went down from what looked like a push, yet was scored a knockdown. In the same round Marcelino was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round five, Marcelino dropped Jairo in the corner for the 10-count, and the fight was over at 1:24.

Marcelino, 140.8 lbs of Arribenos, ARG is 37-2-1 with 22 knockouts. Jairo, 139.2 lbs of Apodaca, MEX is 27-12.

Kalkreuth Blows Out Long in 1

Tristan Kalkreuth destroyed Dustin Long in round one of a scheduled six-round cruiserweight fight.

Kalkreuth landed a huge barrage of punches in the corner and finally sent Long to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:18.

Kalkreuth, 198 lbs of Duncanville, TX is now 8-0 with six knockouts. Long, 199.8 lbs of Johnson City, TN is now 4-2-2.

Alex Martin won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Luis Hernandez in a junior welterweight bout.

Martin, 140 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 16-3. Hernandez, 139.4 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 21-1.

George Rincon won a eight-round unanimous decision over Luis Solis in a super lightweight bout.

Rincon, 139.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is 11-0. Solis, 139.8 lbs of Merida, MEX is 25-12-4.

Hector Valdez won a eight-round unanimous decision over Alberto Torres in a super bantamweight bout.

Valdez, 121.6 lbs of Dallas, TX is 14-0. Torres, 121.4 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 11-4-3.

Lawrence Okolie scored a 6th round stoppage over former world champion Krzystof Glowacki to win the WBO World Cruiserweight championship at the SSE Arena in London, England.

In round five, Glowacki started to bleed over his right eye. In round six, Okolie landed a stabbing right to the body that sent Glowacki on his back. He got up but the fight was stopped.

Okolie, 199.6 lbs of Hackney, England is now 16-0 with 13 knockouts. Glowacki, 195 lbs of Walcz, POL is 31-3.

“I don’t think it has sunk in yet,” said Okolie. “It’s nice hearing you say it. I’m happy. For me, it’s more of a relief. The potential has been there for over a year. I’m happy to get the victory. Now and forever, I’ll be a World Champion.

“I was just really focused on putting on a good performance. I’m physically very strong and punch hard. I’m very fit, so I can win on just those attributes at a certain level. I really focused on not rushing any shots because he’s very dangerous with counter shots and he’s very heavy-handed. His jabs were very solid, so I had to be very meticulous in keeping the distance. It was a good clean performance.

“All of the British former World Champions wishing me good fortune really touched me – shout out to them. From every run that I ever did, losing all of that weight, deciding to take a risk, having my parents support me financially when I couldn’t afford to get the bus down to the gym for training. To see it all pay off with a World Title is a dream come true – never give up. We can just go on from here. I need to keep pushing myself to prove myself as the best.”

Cordina Decisions Kourbanov

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by winning a 10-round majority decision over Faroukh Kourbanov in a junior lightweight bout.

Cordina, 132,4 lbs of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 98-93, 96-95 and 96-96 and he is now 12-0. Kaourbanov, 130.5 lbs of Liege, BEL is 17-3.

“I didn’t think it was close at all,” said Cordina. “I think he nicked one or two rounds, maybe three. I was comfortable and I didn’t really get out of second gear. I let him work a couple of times throughout the rounds, maybe I shouldn’t have. I got a good valuable ten rounds out of that and it’s something to build on. I’ll put on a better performance in my next fight.

“It wasn’t about just going out there and trying to blow him out of there. We knew he was tough, that’s why we chose him. Both of his losses before me were to European Champions. He’s gone the distance a lot of times, we knew he was durable. We got the rounds under our belt and I felt I hurt him a couple of times. He was cute at times.

“I had 16 months out of the ring. He came to win and that’s what I wanted. The hand felt fine, I let it go a few times. I didn’t want to overdo it. Tony told me to let the shots flow so that’s what I did. I shouldn’t have any problems with my hand now. It’s time to build on that. If I want to be a World Champion, I have to get past people like Kourbanov. I didn’t really get out of second gear.”

Fowler Takes out Fortea in 3

Anthony Fowler stopped Jorge Fortea at in round three of a scheduled 10-round super welterweight fight.

At the end of round three, Fowler landed a booming right hand that sent Fortea to the canvas. With Fortea hurt, Fowler was able to land a hard combination that crashed Fortea down againm and the fight was stopped at 3:08.

Fowler, 153.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 14-1 with 11 knockouts. Fortea, 152.9 lbs of Sueca, SPA is 21-3-1.

“I surprised myself, I’m not going to lie,” said Fowler. “I thought it was going to go to points. I half play myself down. He just went 12 rounds with a Russian 18-0 killer, IBF No.1. I’m boxing at a much lower level. I’m the first one to admit that.

“I get a few trolls sometimes telling me that I’m boxing at English Title level and they’re right, it’s not my fault. I’m asking for these big fights. I haven’t been getting them. I’ve said to Eddie, ‘throw me in mate, let’s see what I’m made of’. Try and get me smashed and let’s see how I get on.

“He went down from a stiff jab which I was surprised about. I heard Shane say, ‘don’t rush it’, but I knew there was ten seconds left so I thought ‘f*ck it’. I had to throw one bomb at least, luckily enough it landed. He was actually better than I thought he was going to be.

“The first round was even and in the second round he caught me with a good shot. The jab was landing but he was quite tricky. I started throwing to his body to slow him down. The finish was nice, it was a nice straight hand. I was glad he stayed down; it could have been a long night that.

“I could have cried in that ring; it means that much to me. My coach genuinely believes in me more than me. I’ve got the power in both hands and I’ve got the ability. Me and Metcalf is an unbelievable fight. I know he wants it; I’ve heard him talking about it. The whole city would be buzzing. Put me in with Garcia and I’ll beat him too.”

Scotney Decisions Gangloff

Ellie Scotney won a six-round unanimous decision Mailys Gangloff in a featherweight bout.

Scotney, 123 lbs of Catford, ENG won by a 59-55 score and is 2-0. Gangloff, 119 lbs of France is now 4-2.

“It was definitely a learning fight for me for sure,” said Scotney. “Normally in your second fight you’re going to box someone that’s not coming to win. She wasn’t an idiot; she’d had five fights. I learnt a lot from that and there’s a lot to build on. I’m thankful for that.

“She was very angry wasn’t she. She’s as tough as they come, and I think I’m going to benefit a lot from it. It’ll give me a kick up the backside. I’ve got a lot more work to put in, which I love doing. I’ve got a long way to go.

“It was my birthday this week, I’ve just turned 23, I want to push on and I know I’ve got it in me. Now it’s time to start delivering. Women’s boxing is going from strength to strength. Hopefully I can get on the undercard of one of the big ones in May.”

Billam-Smith Decisions Ducar

Chris Billam-Smith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vasil Ducar in a cruiserweight bout.

In round two, Billam-Smith started bleeding from the mouth. In round four, Billam-Smith hurt Ducar with a counter right and then jumped on him with solid punches for a knockdown.

In round six, Billam-Smith dropped Ducar with a body shot.

Billam-Smith, 199 lbs of Bournemouth, ENG won by sores of 99-90 twice and 97-92 and is now 12-1. Ducar, 198.8 lbs of Brno, Czech Republic is 9-4-1.

“I felt comfortable in there at all times, even when he had his little spurts,” said Smith. “It was really good for me. I thought I was going to become the first man to stop him. I had him down a couple of times, but he was a tough tough man. If I was going to rate it out of ten, I’d probably give myself a 6.5 or 7 out of ten.

“I’ve got plenty to work on in the gym and I can improve a lot. The main thing was getting the win. I got that and I’m happy. I hit him with a great body shot, I felt it really sink in, and then I dropped him to the head as well. He was dipping and I was trying to hit him just over the top of his gloves. Those Czechs are tough and all respect to him.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the stoppage, but the main important thing was the win. I switched off a couple of times during the fight because I felt very comfortable. I let my hands get leaky probably two or three times during the fight and he clipped me, but I wasn’t buzzed or hurt at all. I saw everything coming so you can always take something out of the shots.

“I’ve definitely got improvements to make. That was my 13^th fight and I’m always about improving every day in the ring. I’m very grateful to have such great stablemates and such a great coach. I’d love to get the Tommy McCarthy fight as soon as possible.”

Ali Decisions Connolly

Ramla Ali remained undefeated with a decision over Bec Connolly in a sex-round featherweight bout.

In round five, Ali was cut around her left eye from an elbow.

Ali, 126.6 lbs of Bethenal Green, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 2-0. Connolly, 126.5 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 3-9.

“Apart from the shiner on my face I’m very satisfied,” Ali told Matchroom. “Regardless of what the scales said, I gave away about half a stone. I weighed-in in like two pairs of jogging bottoms just so I could match the weight. I felt the weight difference for sure, but I tried to not let her use her weight advantage against me.

“I tried to maintain the centre of the ring as much as possible, which I did. I’m really satisfied with how I performed. She’s tough but I got it done. Jobi always says you can’t beat the feet – and he’s right! I was always moving off from the double jab. We work a lot on footwork, and I feel like I did really well with my footwork.

“She was the one calling me out saying that she wanted to fight me. Don’t then turn around and complain that you’ve had short notice. You’re a professional, if I was calling someone out, I’d be ready any time. She said she had a couple of days’ notice. I don’t know what to say about that really.

“Everyone is nervous before getting in the ring because it means so much to you. You want to prove yourself and you want to show all of your friends and family that are watching at home that you’re worthy of watching. You want to put on a good performance and have a good fight. The moment that bell went all of the nerves went and I was razor focused on getting the job done. The Olympic dream is still alive and I’m still hopeful to go, and hopeful to compete. I’m still hoping to progress in my professional career.”

Arthur Beterbiev retained the IBF/WBC Light Heavyweight titles with a 10th round stoppage over Adam Deines in Moscow, Russia.

At the end of round one, Beterbiev dropped Deines with a grazing right to the top of the head.

In round 10, Beterbiev dropped Deines with a perfect left hook to the jaw and the fight was stopped.

Beterbiev is now 16-0. Deines of Germany is 19-2-1.

Silyagin Decisions Abdugufurov

Pavel Silyagin won a 12-round unanimous decision over Azibek Abdugufurov in a super middleweight featuring undefeated fighters.

Silyagin landed 189 of 704 punches; Abdugufurov was 119 of 485.

Silyagin, 167 3/4 lbs won by score of 120-108, 119-109 twice and is now 7-0. Abdugufurov, 167 3/4 lbs is 13-1.

Kahriton Agrba stopped Helber Rojas in round two of their super lightweight fight.

Agrba pounded away at Rojas until the bout was stopped at 2:30 of round two.

Agrba, 140 lbs of Russia is 5-0 with two knockouts. Rojas, 138 1/4 lbs of Venezuela is 13-4-2.

Alexander Besputin remained undefeated by stopping Viktor Plotnikov after round two of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Besputin, 150.6 lbs of Russia is now 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Plotnikov, 149.5 lbs of Ukraine is 33-11.

Vladimir Mironchikov stopped Elvin Akhundzada after round one of their scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Mironchikov landed a hard right that forced Akhundzada to take a knee. The fight was halted after the round.

Mironchikov, 173 lbs of Russia is 3-0 with three knockouts. Akhundzada, 160.6 lbs of Azerbaijan is 4-6.

Vladimir Ivanov stopped Alexander Stepanov in the opening round of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Ivanov, 234 3/4 lbs of Russia is 4-0 with three knockouts. Stepanov, 249 1/2 lbs of Russia is 2-4.

Rakhman Akhmetkhanov stopped Adam Karpets in round two of their six-round middleweight bout.

Akhmetkhanov dropped Karpets with a left to the body for the 10-count.

Akhmetkhanov was making his pro debut. Karpets is 21-16.

Saul Sanchez stopped Frank Gonzalez in round one of a scheduled 10-round bantamweight fight at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC in Tampa, Florida.

In round one, Sanchez dropped Gonzalez with a hard right. A follow-up flurry sent Gonzalez into the ropes for an eight-count/ Gonzalez was not steady and went down again, and the fight was stopped.

Sanchez, 118 lbs of Pacoima, CA is 16-1 with nine knockouts. Gonzalez, 118 lbs of Hialeah, FL is 8-2.

Marcus Willis won a six-round unanimous decision over Aaron Garcia in a middleweight bout.

Willis, 160 lbs of Fort Myers, FL won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 20-7-2. Garcia, 158 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 16-10-1.

Julio Solis destroyed Nicholas Collins inside of a minute of their scheduled four round lightweight bout.

Solis dropped Collins in the opening seconds with a left hook. Seconds later it was a booming right to the head that put Collins down and out and the fight was stopped.

Solis, 135 lbs of Caguas, PR is 4-0 with all of his wins coming via stoppage. Collins, 137 lbs of Wasila, AK was making his pro debut.

Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker will collide in a huge Heavyweight clash on a blockbuster night of action that sees Irish star Katie Taylor defend her Undisputed Lightweight crown against former amateur rival Natasha Jonas and undefeated WBA Light-Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol put his Title on the line against Craig Richards, as well as the return of Chris Eubank Jr, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all markets excluding the UK, Ireland, China, New Zealand and Samoa.

Former World Title challenger Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) was last seen pushing Ukraine’s pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk all of the way in their 12-round battle for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title at The SSE Arena, Wembley last October, and the fan favourite is chomping at the bit for his next challenge.

A meeting between the pair scheduled for October 2019 fell through at three-and-a-half weeks’ notice when Parker’s team revealed he was suffering from the aftereffects of a spider bite. Chisora, who was unconvinced with Team Parker’s reasons for pulling out in 2019, has labelled Parker a ‘chicken’ in recent weeks and says he has unfinished business with the Heavyweight contender. 

Former WBO World Champion Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) is fresh off a hard-fought 12-round decision over long-time amateur nemesis Junior Fa at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand last month that settled an 11-year old rivalry with his compatriot, a win that he hopes will kickstart his route back to the top of the Heavyweight division. 

Ranked at No.3 with the WBO, New Zealand’s Parker is well known on these shores having defended his WBO Title against Hughie Fury at Manchester Arena in September 2017, before taking unified ruler Anthony Joshua the distance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in March 2018. His last appearance in the UK came against Dillian Whyte in a dramatic points loss in July 2018.

“We’ve been here before, in 2019 I flew to Vegas to film the ‘Face To Face’ with Parker, I called Haye as soon as I left and told him, ‘This guy isn’t going to get in the ring with me’, I could see the fear in his eyes,” said Chisora. “Now, second time around I hope he fights, I’m looking forward to the fight, I cannot wait to get back in the ring! I love fighting, it is what I love the most. Good luck to Joseph Parker and his new team, we shall see you for WAR on May 1^st!”

“I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career with a new coach and some fresh ideas,” said Parker. “I’ve settled in and Andy and I are bonding well. Chisora and I have unfinished business and inside the ring one of us will get the job done. I am well aware that a win on British soil and on world-wide television will put me in pole position whereas a loss will be catastrophic.  I am more than up for the challenge. Bring it on Del Boy.”

Taylor (17-0, 6 KOs) defeated Jonas (9-1-1, 7 KOs) in the quarter-final stages of the London 2012 Olympic Games on route to capturing Ireland’s first gold medal of the summer. The pair will meet again nearly ten years down the line with Taylor’s WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles on the line. 

Since their first meeting in the amateurs, Taylor has gone on to cement herself as the best female fighter on the planet by winning World Titles in the Lightweight and Super-Lightweight divisions and remaining undefeated in all 17 of her professional contests. ‘KT’ was last seen outclassing her WBA Mandatory Challenger Miriam Gutierrez with a masterful display in November. 

‘Miss GB’ came agonisingly close to winning her first World Title at the age of 36 last summer when she battled to a thrilling draw with WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Champion Terri Harper at Matchroom Fight Camp. It was the first time that two British women had competed against each other for a Word Title, and the all-action fight more than lived up to the occasion. 

“Natasha proved in her last fight that she is still performing at the highest level so it’s a great challenge for me and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Taylor. “It’s a fight that people have been asking for and those are the type of fights you want to be part of.

“People still talk about our fight in the 2012 Olympics and I think that proved to be a real eye opener for people in terms of what women’s boxing is all about. I’m expecting another tough fight on May 1^st and I’m looking forward to successfully defending my Titles.”

“I’m really excited about getting the fight, I made a lot of noise about not wanting to go down in level or class after establishing myself on the world stage in my last fight,” said Jonas. “I know Katie is a different type of animal to Terri Harper, but I believe every time I’m asked to step up, I do. I said I wanted to be a champion and anybody at 130 to 140 was in my sights, I know I’m a world class boxer and I can win a World Title. 

“From the minute Eddie signed me this fight has been on the cards. Me and Katie had a great story from the Olympics, and we have both been pioneers in our own way. I’m glad that it’s happening and it’s a great fight for women’s boxing and for British and Irish boxing.”

Russia’s Bivol (17-0, 11 KOs) is regarded as one of the best technical boxers in the sport, mixing his dazzling skills with KO power. The 30-year-old was elevated to full WBA 175lbs World Champion from interim champion ahead of his 12th pro fight with Trent Broadhurst in Monte Carlo in November 2017 and celebrated with a devasting one-punch KO in the first round.  Bivol has subsequently defended his crown five times, but has been away from the ring since October 2019 when he widely outpointed Lenin Castillo at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Richards (16-1-1, 9 KOs) delivered a Fight of the Year contender last time out in December against fierce rival Shakan Pitters as he stopped the Birmingham man in nine rounds to earn the British Light-Heavyweight crown. ‘Spider’ is ranked at No.8 in the WBA world rankings and has earned his shot by remaining undefeated since sole career loss against former World Title challenger Frank Buglioni in October 2017.

“I have been out of the ring for a year and a half and I have sorely missed boxing,” said Bivol. “I can’t wait to step through the ropes for my next fight on May 1^st. I have always wanted to fight in the UK and I’m happy to tick that box. Craig Richards is a fast and technical boxer and I’m expecting a great fight as I make another defence of my World Title.”

“I feel good and I feel very confident,” said Richards. “I know that he’s renowned as one of the best fighters out there, but I just believe that I’ve got the tools to beat him and I’m very confident in my abilities. I know I’ve got power as well, and I’ve got a very good chin. We’ve been planning for everything and anything.

“We know he’s been operating at world level for a long time and can bring different things to the table. I raise the level of my performance against my better opponents. The bigger the fight the better I perform. A fight like Bivol will allow me to go through my gears to show what I’m really about.”

Having previously campaigned at Super-Middleweight, Eubank Jr (29-2, 22 KOs) returned to the Middleweight division to claim the WBA Interim Middleweight World Title for the second time with a TKO win over former World Title challenger in December 2019, while making his US debut at the Barclays Centre in New York. In what will be his first fight back in the UK in over two years, the Brighton man faces Manchester’s Marcus Morrison (23-3, 16 KOs), who is enjoying a seven-fight winning streak that stretches back to June 2018.

“This is a good fight for me,” said Eubank Jr.  “Since signing with Sauerland my camp has been firing on all cylinders, I’ve been training with Roy in Miami and focussing on improving my game. I have the absolute best people around me, I have everything I need to push on to that next level and dominate the Middleweight scene.

“People have a lot to say about me and my career. There’s talks about why fights haven’t happened previously, but all I’ve been doing is focussing on number one, training hard and making sure I’m always ready. I’m now in the best place I can be and I’m ready to take what is mine.”

“I’m well aware that this is a massive opportunity and fight for me and my career,” said Morrison. “I got into boxing at the age of 7, and these are the type of fights I’ve always wanted to be involved in. Chris is a very good fighter, and I know what he brings to the table. I honestly believe the best version of me is still to be seen, and I look forward to showing it on the night. I can’t afford to not leave everything in there on May 1.”

“This is one of the strongest shows we’ve promoted and there is still even more to come,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Chisora vs. Parker is a brilliant style match up that has been brewing for years and Taylor vs. Jonas is one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing. The Eubanks are always box office and it’s a massive chance for Marcus Morrison after his brilliant win in Italy. Craig Richards goes for World Title glory against the brilliant Russian Dmitry Bivol and there are further announcements to follow. Buckle up and enjoy this one!”

“WAR Chisora realises this is a massive opportunity to gate-crash the Heavyweight division,” said David Haye of Hayemaker Promotions. “He has come close, in his last battle against unified Cruiserweight World Champion and No.1 ranked Heavyweight Usyk, two of the judges’ score cards had it 7 rounds to 5 –  winning just one more round would have captured a draw and Derek would have retained his WBO International Title that night. Since, he has been working, living the life of a professional. Derek doesn’t simply want to beat Joseph Parker, he wants to make a statement to the world. This is his time.”

“There’s definitely unfinished business between Parker and Chisora,” said David Higgins, Founder and Director of DUCO Events. “I think the fight will be a real fan pleaser. It could be the Heavyweight Fight of the Year. You’ve got Chisora who likes to stand and trade and come forward, and then you’ve got Parker who has the speed and the pedigree. This fight has got a bit of history and it has been building for a while. It’s fantastic that it’s finally happening. This is a proper 50-50 matchup where the winner could go on to a World Title shot and the loser will go to the scrapheap. Credit to both Parker and Chisora for putting it all on the line.”

Tickets for the huge Heavyweight rematch between Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte taking place at the Europa Point Sports Complex in Gibraltar on Saturday March 27 are on sale TOMORROW (Saturday March 20) at 10am GMT and 11am CET via www.buyticket.gi – Gibraltar’s first online tickets sales platform.
 
‘The Body Snatcher’ (27-2, 18 KOs) has a chance to exact revenge over Russia’s Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KOs) following his shock defeat to the former World Champion in the final weekend of Matchroom Fight Camp last August. 
 
Tickets for the much-heralded Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title clash are priced as follows:
 
VIP: £150 including Hospitality + £35 for a government-mandated Antigen test (provided locally by MMS) + a [£10] Booking Fee
 
VVIP: £350 including Enhanced Hospitality + £35 for a government-mandated Antigen test (provided locally by MMS) + a [£15] Booking Fee 
 
Doors for the event open at 5.45pm local time and bouts for fans will begin at 6pm. The Hospitality area will remain open from 6pm until 11pm. All interested ticket purchasers will be advised of all of the applicable conditions for attendance including the requirement to undertake a rapid test on Sat 27^th March.
 
 Ticket Purchase Requirements

• STRICTLY only those who are GIBRALTAR HEALTH AUTHORITY registered may attend this event 
• Negative lateral flow test on the day of the event
• Photo ID and Vaccination card or proof of contracting Covid 19 within the last 180 days by way of certificate from the GHA (please note this certificate can take up to 24hrs week days to receive). 
• Further requirements to attend this event are available on www.buyticket.gi

Povetkin vs. Whyte 2 tops a huge night of action in Gibraltar, Bermondsey’s Ted Cheeseman (16-2-1, 9 KOs) meets Liverpool’s James Metcalf (21-0, 13 KOs) for the vacant British Super-Welterweight Title, Ipswich Heavyweight talent Fabio Wardley (10-0, 9 KOs) steps-up again against USA’s former World Title challenger Eric Molina (27-6, 19 KOs), Manchester Super-Featherweight Campbell Hatton – son of British fight legend Ricky Hatton – makes his professional debut and undefeated Welterweights Chris Kongo (12-0, 7 KOs) and Michael McKinson (19-0, 2 KOs) will collide for the WBO Global Title.

Jamie Robinson and Billy Allington fought to a six-round draw in a junior welterweight contest.

The referee issued a 76-76 scpre.

Robinson, 141 3/4 lbs of Bolsover, ENG is 10-4-2. Allinson, 141 1/4 lbs of Echam, ENG is 8-1-3.

Nathan Bendon won a six-round decision over previously undefeated Erik Apresyan in a junior middleweight fight.

In round six, Apresyan was deducted a point for pushing Bendon down.

That was the difference as Bendon won by a 57-56 score.

Bendon, 155 lbs of Sutton Coldfiield, ENG is 4-3-1. Apresyan, 152 /34 lbs of Poland is 7-1.

Sean Duffy stopped Paul Holt in round three of a scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Holt was cut around the right eye and Duffy was cut around the left eye.

In round three, Duffy dropped Holt with a body shot for the 10-count at 1:03.

Duffy, 134 lbs of Keady, IRL is 4-0 with two knockouts. Holt, 134 lbs of Birmingham, ENG is 7-10.

Shabaz Masoud stopped Louis Norman in round four of their scheduled six-round super bantamweight bout.

In round four, Masoud landed a hard right that sent Norman to the canvas. Seconds later, Norman was knocked down again, and the towel from the corner was thrown in at 1:12.

Masoud, 122 1/4 lbs of Stoke-On-Trent, UK is 8-0 with two knockouts. Norman, 121 3/4 lbs of Shepsted, ENG is 14-9-1.

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
BRADLEY REA 11st 5lbs 0oz v LEE CUTLER 11st 4lbs 5oz
(Stretford, England)                    (Bournemouth, England)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS & DAZN

6 x 2 mins Featherweight contest
RAMLA ALI 9st 0lbs 6oz v BEC CONNOLLY 9st 0lbs 5oz
(Bethnal Green, England via Somalia)     (Swindon, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Cruiserweight Title
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH 14st 3lbs 0oz v VASIL DUCAR 14st 2lbs 8oz
(Bournemouth, England)                       (Brno, Czech Republic)

followed by

6 x 2 mins International Featherweight contest
ELLIE SCOTNEY 8st 10lbs 13oz v MAILYS GANGLOFF 8st 6lbs 13oz
(Catford, England)                          (Aix-les-Bains, France)

followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title 
ANTHONY FOWLER 10st 13lbs 13oz v JORGE FORTEA 10st 12lbs 7oz
(Liverpool, England)                               (Sueca, Spain)

followed by

10 x 3 mins International Super-Featherweight contest
JOE CORDINA 9st 6lbs 6oz v FAROUKH KOURBANOV 9st 4lbs 8oz
(Cardiff, Wales)                         (Liege, Belgium)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant WBO Cruiserweight World Title
LAWRENCE OKOLIE 14st 3lbs 6oz v KRZYSTOF GLOWACKI 13st 13lbs 13oz
(Hackney, England)                             (Walcz, Poland)

Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders will clash in front of over 60,000 fans in a World Super-Middleweight title unification blockbuster at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday May 8, live worldwide on DAZN. Pre-sales for the blockbuster fight will start on Tuesday March 23 with general sale beginning on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com. 
 
Mexican superstar Canelo puts his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine titles on the line at the Home of the Dallas Cowboys on Cinco de Mayo weekend, as British favorite Saunders brings his WBO strap across the pond and looks to extend his unbeaten pro record against the pound-for-pound king in front of the biggest sporting crowd for over a year in the US.
 
“We are proud to host a boxing match of this magnitude as we welcome back Canelo Alvarez to AT&T Stadium to take on Billy Joe Saunders,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “AT&T Stadium was built to house the greatest sporting events on the planet, and we feel we have another incredible boxing event on the horizon with this matchup taking place in Arlington on May 8th.”
 
Saunders is the fourth Briton to face the Mexican star and the second to do so at AT&T Stadium, after Canelo defeated Liam Smith there in September 2016. May 8 will also be the fifth stadium show for Canelo in the Lone Star state having fought twice at the Alamodome in San Antonio and at Minute Maid Park, Home of the Houston Astros.
 
“It’s an absolute honor to bring this huge event to the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on May 8,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “Last year Canelo missed out on his historic Cinco De Mayo fight, and to bring over 60,000 fans together at this iconic stadium this year is a dream come true.
 
“This fight is the biggest of 2021 so far with Canelo looking to unify the division once more against undefeated two-weight World champion Billy Joe Saunders. We want to thank Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium for their efforts to bring this global event to their stunning facility and we look forward to giving the fans a momentous occasion and a Cinco de Mayo celebration they will never forget.”
 
“For 2021’s biggest boxing event to date, it’s hard to imagine a better place than AT&T Stadium,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. “We look forward to delivering a world-class event from this world-class venue to DAZN subscribers across the globe.”
 
Tickets go on pre-sale on Tuesday March 23 from 10am CT, with tickets starting from just $40 (plus fees. Pre-sale ends at 10pm CT on Thursday March 25, and tickets then go on general sale at 10am CT on Friday March 26 at SeatGeek.com
 
 
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.

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)

    •    Artur Beterbiev 174.6 lbs vs. Adam Deines 174.3 lbs 
(Beterbiev’s WBC/IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles — 12 Rounds)

•      Azizbek Abdugofurov 167.9 lbs vs. Pavel Silyagin 167.9 lbs 
(Abdugofurov’s WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title — 12 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT)

•   Khariton Agrba 140.1 lbs vs. Helber Rojas 138.2 lbs 
(Jr. Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•     Alexander Besputin 150.6 lbs vs. Viktor Plotnikov TBA
(Jr. Middleweight  — 10 Rounds)
* Plotnikov’s official weight will be available later 

FORMIDABLE KAZAKH HEAVYWEIGHT Zhan Kossobutskiy has signed a co-promotional agreement with Queensberry as he seeks to close in on a shot at a world heavyweight title.

The 15-0 (14 KO’s) knockout-artist has stopped all but one of his opponents since turning professional in September 2017 and is considered as a heavyweight version of Gennady Golovkin in his homeland.

In August of last year the 32-year-old became only the third fighter to inflict a stoppage on the Brit-based Pole Kamil Sokolowski and his recent record features opponents heavily weighted in the winning column, such as the previously 15-0 Croatian Agron Smakici – who was dispatched inside one round – and the then 17-3 Ghanaian Abraham Tabul, who lasted until the halfway point of the second.

Kossobutskiy recently beat Nigerian Abraham Tabul, who held a record of 18-1, for the vacant WBA International heavyweight title.

“The collaboration between Universum Box-Promotions and Queensberry comes at exactly the right time in my career,” said the southpaw Kossobutskiy.  “I want to compete for the World boxing championship this year and I’m looking forward to the big fights that are coming now.”

Francis Warren added: “I can’t wait to show people first hand what Zhan is capable of. I think UK boxing fans will really take to him. 

“I rate him massively and he is knocking people out for fun!”

Los Angeles, CA (March 19, 2021) -This Saturday night, one of the top prospects in boxing will be back in action at the Miami Airport Hilton in Miami, Florida as undefeated featherweight Jalen Walker takes on grizzled veteran Julian Aristule in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Walker of Los Angeles is 7-0 with six knockouts and is looking to add his most experienced foe to his resume.

After a successful amateur career that saw him amass a record of 108-13, and was a three-time National PAL champion; Two-Time Silver Medal winner in the Junior Olympics; Time-Time Silver Medal winner in the Adidas Nationals among his endless accolades. Walker turned professional at the age of 17.

Walker won his first six bouts in Tijuana, Mexico before winning his American debut, which was a unanimous decision over Diuhl Olguin.

“I am ready to put on a show. I have put in a lot of hard work for this fight. I have seen a little bit of Aristule. I do not look at too much of my opponents, I let my team do that, but what I have seen is that he is on his way out,” said Walker.

Aristule of Argentina has had a successful career by amassing a record of 34-14 with 17 knockouts, and is a former WBO Latino Super Bantamweight champion. He defeated two undefeated fighters, and has wins over several more quality opponents.

The ambitious Walker kept in good shape during the Coronavirus lockdown, and was ready for action when he took on Olguin last December 20th.

“I never stopped training. I stayed in shape, and continued to run and spar,” continued Walker.

Walker, who started boxing at age seven as he followed in the footsteps of his father Norman and grandfather, who were both amateur boxers.

Walker is one of the most followed boxers on social media as he boasts over 137,000 followers on Instagram knows that platforms like that are very important in today’s world of sports and entertainment.

“I think the key to that is consistency. When I first started getting 1,000 views or so, I thought it was a big deal. I had about 6,000 followers before my pro debut, and it has continued to grow. When I start to fight on bigger cards, I can see that even skyrocketing. There are many world champions that don’t get nearly the views that I get. I am just waiting patiently, and when everything happens, things will click perfectly, It is going to be big.”

Walker has gained valuable experience sparring with several world champions such as Danny Roman, Angel Acosta, Joseph Diaz Jr. and Murodjon Akhmadaliev .

Jalen is on the cusp of signing with a major promoter, and he knows that he brings a lot to the table both in and out of the ring.

“I bring what I can do as a fighter, but also with social media, that even helps promote their events when I am fighting. I am the total package

Walker is managed by Waterfront Boxing, which is headed up by the duo of Rene Symonds and Clement Kwan.

The pair see a huge future for Walker.

“Our job as managers to a top talent like Jalen is to build a foundation for him to showcase his talents, flourish as a brand and to develop as a young man,” said Kwan.

Symonds added, “Jalen is an incredibly exciting fighter who eats, sleeps and breathes boxing. We’re incredibly proud of how active he has been during the pandemic – with five outings last year. This bout against a 48-fight veteran is another step towards fulfilling his destiny”

Angel Fierro shrugged off two early round knockdowns to come back and stop former junior lightweight beltholder Alberto Machado in round six of their 10-round lightweight bout in Salinas, Puerto Rico

In round one, Machado dropped Fierro with a perfect counter right. In round two, it was another right that put Fierro on the deck.

Fierro started turning momentum in round four by working the body, and in round six, he landed a vicious left-right combination hat sent Machado crashing to the canvas. Machado could not beat the count and the fight was stopped at 47 seconds.

Fierro of Tijuana, MX is now 18-1-1 with 14 knockouts. Machado, 136 lbs of Rio Piedras, PR is 22-3.

“I’m happy, I faced a top-notch fighter tonight in Alberto Machado,” said Fierro, who was a three-to-one underdog. “He is world class and dropped me twice. But I am ecstatic that I was able to come back and beat a fighter of his caliber.”

“He dropped me twice in the beginning of the fight,” added Fierro. “When I got back to my corner, I told them, ‘remind me of my daughter.’ Because with this fight I can change her life and that’s exactly what they did after the third round. They motivated me and that’s exactly what I did.”

“We found a lot of gaps in Machado’s game in the sixth round,” stated Fierro. “I took advantage of them and I turned it around. I told you in the interview (before the fight), I didn’t come here to be a tourist in Puerto Rico. I came here to win.”

Ibarra Decisions Cornejo

Alma Ibarra won a eight-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo in a middleweight bout.

Ibarra, 156 lbs of Monterrey, MEX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 and is now 8-1. Cornejo, 158 1/2 lbs of Los Angles is 13-5.

“Now the world knows who Alma Ibarra is and what she is made of,” said the victor. “To everyone, I was a stranger. And to fight against someone who is very recognized worldwide in Maricela Cornejo and beat her, this opened many doors for us.”

“I felt very good, very strong, as this is a division that I am not used to,” said Ibarra. “I always fight in lower divisions, we had to go up two divisions to take this great opportunity, and well, I think we were not wrong to take this risk.”

Martinez and Gonzalez fight to Draw

Jose Martinez and Israel Gonzalez fought to a 10-round draw in a super flyweight bout.

Gonzalez took a card 96-94 while two cards read even at 95-95.

Martinez, 117 3/4 of Las Marias, PR is now 21-1-3. Gonzalez, 117 lbs of Las Cabos, MEX is 26-4-1.

“I felt his punches, but I was the superior fighter tonight,” said Gonzalez. “He might have won three rounds but it’s OK. I’m thankful to Puerto Rico and all of the people that gave me an opportunity to be here.”

“I feel happy, satisfied with the work I did,” said Martinez. “I understand that I was fighting against a strong opponent and that I won. I pushed more. I was on top of him, but these things happen in boxing. Now it’s a matter of continuing to train, maintain myself and seek that title opportunity.”

Former world champion Angel Acosta won an eight-round unanimous decision over Gilberto Mendoza in a flyweight contest.

In Round seven, Acosta dropped Mendoza with a left hook.

Acosta, 114 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 79-72 on all cards and is now 22-2. Mendoza, 113 lbs of Modesto, CA is 17-10-3.

Edwin Valentin stopped Hector Marengo at the start of round five of a scheduled six-round lightweight bout.

Marengo did not answer the bell to start the fifth round, but the official time was 11 seconds.

Valentin, 135 lbs of Salinas, PR is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Marengo, 135 1/4 lbs of Arecibo, PR is 7-15-4.

Jose Roman remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Roque Junco.

Roman, 146 1/2 lbs of Bayamon, PR won by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 twice and is now 11-0. Junco, 146 lbs of Cordobo, ARG is 10-8-1.

Joe Ward avenged his lone professional setback by pounding out a six-round unanimous decision over Marco Delgado in a light heavyweight fight.

Ward, 173.8 lbs of Moate, IRL won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 3-1. Delgado, 173.6 lbs of Turlock, CA is 7-2.

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its run of shows at UFC APEX with a highly anticipated main event that features a rematch between UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and No. 1 ranked contender Francis Ngannou. In the co-main event, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on one of his most dangerous opponents yet in No. 2 ranked Brian Ortega.

UFC 260: MIOCIC vs. NGANNOU 2 will take place Saturday, March 27 from UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Early prelims will stream on ESPN+ in English and Spanish beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT along with UFC Fight Pass. The prelims will continue on ESPN+ and simulcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and the ESPN+ Pay-Per-View main card will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Miocic (20-3, fighting out of Independence, Ohio) is widely recognized as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. The record holder for most title defenses and most post-fight bonuses in the division, he cemented himself as an all-time great by defeating former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier twice during their historic trilogy. Miocic also holds the record for most heavyweight strikes landed in the Octagon with an impressive 1,525, a number he accumulated with victories over former champions Junior Dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum and Andrei Arlovski. He now looks to improve upon his 2018 win over Ngannou by becoming the first man to finish him.

Devastating finisher Ngannou (15-3, fighting out of Paris, France by way of Batie, Cameroon) intends to make the most of his second shot at UFC gold by landing another signature knockout. Among the most feared athletes to ever compete in the UFC, Ngannou boasts an imposing 100 percent finishing rate, which includes first round stoppages over former champions Cain Velasquez, Junior Dos Santos and Andrei Arlovski. He now seeks to continue his current momentum by vanquishing Miocic and becoming just the third African-born champion in UFC history.

Undisputed UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski (22-1, fighting out of Windang, New South Wales, Australia) looks to continue building his legacy following two victories over former titleholder Max Holloway. Unbeaten in almost eight years, including nine straight wins in the UFC, he proved himself as one of the best with dominant performances over Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes and Darren Elkins. Volkanovski now plans to make an example out of top contender Ortega and remind the world why he is ranked as one of the top five male pound-for-pound fighters.

Ortega (15-1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) believes he is more prepared than ever to make good on his second UFC title opportunity. Two years removed from his first title challenge, Ortega most recently defeated highly respected Chan Sung Jung in convincing fashion over five rounds. This was his first decision win in the UFC, having finished all of his previous victories by stoppage including Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson and Renato Moicano. Ortega now aims to become the first person to defeat Volkanovski in the UFC and begin his reign as champion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Former UFC welterweight champion and No. 7 ranked contender Tyron Woodley (19-6-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) intends to prove that he can still compete with the best in the world when he takes on dangerous No. 10 ranked Vicente Luque (20-7-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil)
• Bantamweight standout Sean O’Malley (12-1, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) looks to secure another highlight victory when he battles Thomas Almeida (22-4, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• In a lightweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Jamie Mullarkey (12-4, fighting out of Holgate, New South Wales, Australia) faces Khama Worthy (16-7, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Penn.)
• William Knight (9-1, fighting out of Vernon, Conn.) locks horns with Alonzo Menifield (9-2, fighting out of Dallas, Texas) in a clash of Dana White’s Contender Series veterans at light heavyweight
• UFC women’s strawweight Jessica Penne (12-6, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) returns to the Octagon for the first time in four years when she meets Hannah Goldy (5-1, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.)
• Welterweights Jared Gooden (17-5, fighting out of Duluth, Ga.) and Abubakar Nurmagomedov (15-3, fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia) vie for their first UFC victories
• Modestas Bukauskas (11-3, fighting out of Sarratt, England) and Michal Oleksiejczuk (14-4, 1 NC, fighting out of Leczna, Poland) face off in an intriguing light heavyweight bout
• No. 15 ranked UFC women’s flyweight Gillian Robertson (9-5, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) intends to defend her spot in the rankings against Miranda Maverick (10-2, fighting out of Suffulk, Va.)
• Shane Young (13-5, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) matches up with Omar Morales (10-1, fighting out of Miami, Fla. by way of Caracas, Venezuela) in an all-action featherweight bout
• Marc-Andre Barriault (11-4, 1 NC, fighting out of Quebec City, Quebec, Canada) seeks to secure his first official UFC victory when he battles Abu Azaitar (14-1-1, 1 NC, fighting out of Cologne, Germany)

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 12.5 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.

About ESPN

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

NEW YORK, NY (March 18, 2021) – Toronto’s Amanda Galle has conquered the national stage in Canada. Now she’s ready to conquer the world. Galle, one of the top female super bantamweight prospects in boxing, has signed a co-promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment and Lee Baxter Promotions.

The three-time Canadian National champion is now 4-0 as a professional and holds the Canadian women’s super bantamweight title, coming off of a dominant victory against Shelly Barnett in January of 2020. Like many fighters, her career has been slowed by the global pandemic, but an affiliation with DiBella Entertainment, perhaps the most committed promoter of women’s boxing in the United States, will correct that course. Galle’s amateur accomplishments also include four Ringside National titles. As a professional, she’s looking to meet up with some of her elite amateur contemporaries in pursuit of a world title down the road.

That road might not be particularly long for Galle, who showed in her shutout of Barnett that she is ready to be on the fast track. Barnett most recently went the distance with Olympic medalist Marlen Esparza.

“I am super excited to be working with the most renowned promoter of female boxing, Mr. Lou DiBella, with DiBella Entertainment out of New York, in a co-promotion with Lee Baxter from my backyard in Toronto,” said Galle. “The timing is in accordance with the huge leap forward that I’ve seen in women’s boxing, with the recent pay-per-view event featuring several prominent female fighters and all-women’s cards on the horizon. I have the best of both worlds, the ability to stay active locally with Baxter and DiBella matching me against international competition to move up the world rankings, as he has done with so many of his fighters.”

“Amanda is a very skilled fighter with the potential to become a world champion,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Under Lee Baxter’s guidance, she will be developed at home in Toronto and, with DiBella Entertainment, Amanda will expand her fan base and stature in the US and abroad, as she moves up the ladder facing top opposition.”

“We think that Amanda has all the tools to become the next breakout boxing star in Canada, regardless of gender,” said promoter Lee Baxter. “It’s obvious that she’s ready to be fast-tracked toward a world title, and she carries herself like a superstar. She’s a phenomenal fighter, but she’s also a big personality and an entertainer. She belongs on the big stage and, along with Lou DiBella, we’ll be able to give her the platform to truly shine.”

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (March 18, 2021): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16 KOs) and Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-1-3, 19 KOs) hosted a final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight Title. The action will take place this Saturday, March 20 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S. and Mexico.

Below is what today’s main event participants had to say at the press conference:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR, WELTERWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I’m very thankful to be fighting back at home again, especially after fighting in a bubble last year. It was a really cool experience. I found that I really love the fans. I enjoy the fans. So, what better place to come back and fight than in the Dallas Fort Worth area?”

“This fight is really special to me. I asked for this fight at 140 pounds. He was a good fighter then, and he is a good fighter now. I want to fight the best. The only way to be the best is to fight the best. I feel very confident. I have the confidence of my promoter and team behind me. I had a great camp, and I am ready to go.”

“We will find out on Saturday if my power and size will be too much for him. I have never been in the ring with him before, so I don’t know how he will take it. But it’s not just power with me. It’s not just my physical attributes. My best attribute is my thinking ability, and I’m going to do a lot of that on Saturday.”

“This is going to be one of the first fights in Dallas between two world class natives of the area. We are going to put a really great show. I’m really excited about it. We’ve trained really hard, and I hope you all enjoy the show.”

MAURICE HOOKER, FORMER WBO JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“This fight will mean everything to me. I’m happy to be back at home where fans at home can see me. And it’s great to give to the fans something special after all they have been going through.”

“I have been watching Vergil Ortiz for a while now. I have been supporting him since he started because he is from Dallas. His 16-0 with 16 knockouts don’t mean nothing to me until we get in the ring. I mean, it’s cute, but we will see in the ring.”

“I’m excited. My team is excited. I’ve worked hard. The fact that I’ve been called the underdog has pushed me more. I’ve prepared well for this fight. I’m going to go in the ring, do my business, and have fun with it.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“Everyone is saying that he is the next big thing in the welterweight division. And he is. But first he has to get past Maurice Hooker, and that is no easy test. This is a real fight and a tough test for him. If he beats him, then he is going straight to the top of the division, where are lots of big fights to make. I can’t say who I want him to see next because this Saturday’s fight is a big test.”

“Hooker’s style, abilities and experience make him dangerous. He’s going to show Vergil different angles. It’s a different style than what Vergil has faced in the past. But Vergil has a great corner. He is a great fighter and has great team. They’ve studied Maurice. So that’s why I feel this will be an amazing fight.”

Ortiz Jr. vs Hooker is a 12-round fight for the WBO International Welterweight Championship presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, March 20 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S. and Mexico.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs. Hooker are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $60 and $40, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.dickiesarena.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #OrtizHooker

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/OrtizHookerinto a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

MOSCOW (March 18, 2021) — After nearly 18 months, WBC/IBF light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) will make his first title defense as a unified world champion Saturday against Adam Deines (19-1-1, 10 KOs) from Megasport Arena in Moscow. Beterbiev, boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout rate, returns to his home country for the first time as a professional. 

Deines, who resides in Germany, has won a pair of bouts since the lone loss of his career.

Programming Note: Undefeated welterweight contender Alexander Besputin (13-0, 9 KOs), who was originally scheduled to fight Maximiliano Ricardo “El Picante” Veron, will now take on Viktor Plotnikov (33-10, 15 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Besputin-Plotnikov will open the ESPN+exclusive portion of the broadcast (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT). The 12-round super middleweight battle of unbeatens – Azizbek Abdugofurov vs. Pavel Silyagin — is the new co-feature and will air immediately preceding Beterbiev vs. Deines on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.
Here are some of Beterbiev’s thoughts before his showdown against Deines.

Artur Beterbiev

“It’s been a difficult year for everyone. Now, I’m feeling good. I had a very good preparation, very good camp in Russia. We’re ready for a fight.”

“I’m very happy to have a fight in my home country. We studied Adam. We watched some videos. We have a couple of strategies.”

“You never hear predictions from me. I’m a simple boxer. I’m not like Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali can say, I’ll knock him out in eight rounds, or 10 rounds, but I’m not like this. I’m focused on doing my best.”

SATURDAY, March 20, 2021

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT

Artur Beterbiev vs. Adam Deines, 12 rounds, Beterbiev’s WBC/IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles

Azizbek Abdugofurov vs. Pavel Silyagin, 12 rounds, Abdugofurov’s WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title

ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT

Khariton Agrba vs. Helber Rojas, 10 rounds, junior welterweight

Alexander Besputin vs. Viktor Plotnikov, 10 rounds, welterweight