Josh Warrington has been given a massive boost by his huge army of fans who bombarded him with messages over the weekend.

‘The Leeds Warrior’ has received thousands since his first ever professional defeat against Mexican Mauricio Lara at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday night.

Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Warrington said: “I am so thankful for the incredible support I have received since Saturday night.

“The support from the public in Leeds has been overwhelming. Also, boxing fans from all over Britain have shown concern and sent lovely messages.

“It’s not been the best weekend, even Leeds United were beaten at Arsenal but I just wanted to take time to say how much these positive messages and social media posts are appreciated.”

Warrington travelled back home to Leeds with his wife, Natasha in the early hours of Sunday Morning to celebrate the third birthday of their twin daughters, Eliza and Olivia.

He added: “Being around my wife and my girls on their third birthday was special. They will always make me smile.

“Their birthday and hearing from so many well-wishers has been a great boost.

“Obviously, I’m hurting inside. I’ve lost my unbeaten record. That’s something I have treasured and it is a dent. Anyone who knows me can tell you I stand proud.”

Warrington, 30, will see a shoulder specialist this week, but doesn’t expect any long-term issues from that or other injuries he sustained in the fight.

When the all-clear is given Josh, father and trainer Sean O’Hagan, manager Steve Wood and promoter Eddie Hearn will map out plans for a ring return.

“I have a small, close-knit team around me and it will not be long before I am ready to start the climb back to the top of the Featherweight division,” says Warrington.

“I may not have to prove myself to my fans, but I want to show them and my rivals that I still belong at the very highest level.

“Good luck to Mauricio Lara who is a serious opponent for anybody. He is heavy-handed and holds power that will trouble any Featherweight.

“Will we meet again in a boxing ring? Who knows. We only fought a couple of days ago. But, if the chance comes I will jump at it.

“It’s now about having a break after 15 months in the gym, recharging my batteries, letting the injuries heal and becoming a two-time World Champion.

“I thank everyone again from the bottom of my heart and I can’t wait until we’re lifting the roof off Leeds Arena once more, singing ‘Marching On Together.’”

WORCESTER, Mass. (February 15, 2021) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs) truly lives up to his nickname in and out of the ring as a skilled boxer, union carpenter, and much more.

Fighting out of Worcester, Massachusetts, the poised beyond his years Ortiz is making waves in the loaded lightweight division, especially after his scintillating 8th round knockout of Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs), who had never been stopped, last November on the Tyson-Jones, Jr. PPV card for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) Silver lightweight title.

Ortiz, who is a former WBC Youth World lightweight titlist, has moved up in ratings to No. 5 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), as well as No. 31 in the WBC world lightweight rankings.

Ortiz’ apt nickname, “The Technician”, came out of a conversation between Jamaine and a good friend from Worcester, retired 2-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera, a few years ago when they were training with their strength-and-conditioning coach in Boston.

“Right away,” Ortiz said, “I thought it made sense. People were telling me I needed a nickname like all boxers and ‘The Technician” fits my style. Right away, I knew it would be my nickname, because a technician cares about his craft like I do in and out of the ring. I’m very technical in everything I do.”

In 2015, Ortiz because a New England-based union carpenter, although he hasn’t been working often lately due to his rising boxing career. Ortiz noted his work as a carpenter helped his conditioning for boxing by using his muscles to carry tools and wood.

“Being a technician is second nature to me,” Ortiz explained. “I need to cut on the line in finished carpentry. Even if it’s only one-eighth of an inch off, it’s a big deal, and the same in boxing. I need to be at the right distance from my opponent and it has to be fluid: timing, distance and measurement. ‘The Technician’ is self-explanatory. It is who I am – very skilled in my craft! And boxing is the Sweet science.”

Ortiz, however, isn’t your typical boxer. He is focused on his boxing career, but he has other interests as well. In the past, he talked about going to medical school to become a doctor or medical researcher, but his construction work as a carpenter led him to real estate, and now he’s into finance.

“As a kid I was always involved in being everything and anything I could,” Ortiz remarked. “I have settled on what I’m really good at right now and that’s in the ring. Boxing is No. 1! In the future, after boxing, I may go to medical school, but I’ve ben spending a lot of time trading and investing. When I retire from boxing, I may get a license to be a financial advisor and start ‘The Technician Brokerage’ to help athletes invest in the market so they have money after they retire from their sport.

“I have a mentor who I’ve learned from in real estate. I bought a three-decker (house) a few years ago as an investment and I’ve done well. I’ve learned that cash flow is most important, making money while I sleep, as they say. I’m just doing what comes naturally.”

“Jamaine is in the gym and still training hard to keep fit for his next fight,” Ortiz co-manager Dick Shappy added. “So far, he seems to be weathering the storm. He is anxious to get out there and show the world that he is the real deal and given the opportunity, he will prove that he is a force to be reckoned with boxing’s best at the highest levels.”

Jamaine Ortiz is “The Technician” with tremendous upside in the ring and business. And remember, he’s only 24 years old, yet he’s still learning every day about boxing and life to prepare for his future.

Follow all the action as Joseph Diaz takes on Shavkat Rakhimov in an IBF Jr. Lightweight Title bout. (Diaz lost the belt on the scales).  The action begins at 8 PM ET and will include the WBO Junior Middleweight world title bout between Patrick Teixeira and Brian Castano.

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Round 1: Nice Left from Diaz

Round 2 Left from Diaz knocks Rakhimov off balance…Another left..Body punching…Big Left

Round 3 Blood from Nose of Diaz…Straight left from Diaz..Straight left..Good body shots..Combination that is finished by a left…

Round 4 Jab from Diaz..Body shot from Rakhimov…

Round 5 Counter left from Diaz…Combination from Rakhimov…Body shot..Body shot..Overhand left from Diaz..

Round 6 Combination from Rakhimov

Round 7 Counter right from Diaz..Good Lefr from Rakhimov…Left from Diaz

Round 8 Nice Left from Diaz..Nice left from Rakhimov..Right hook

Round 9 Body shot from Diaz…

Round 10 Good Jab by Rakhimov

Round 11 Nice left from Diaz…Good left from Rakhimov..Counter righ from Diaz

Round 12 Diaz lands a straight left…Nice right hook..Nice right…Left from Rakhimov…Left

115-113 FOR DIAZ…114-114 TWICE — A DRAW

ROUND 1 Jabbing from Teixeira

ROUND 2 Catano starting to land…Left from Teixeira..

ROUND 3 Catano getting more aggressive..Pressuring against the ropes..Nice Right from Teixeira

ROUND 4 Good Body shot from Teixeira..Good left from Castano…

ROUND 5  2 Good left uppercuts from Teixeira…left..body shot..Counter right from Castano

ROUND 6 Good right from Castano..Another Good right at the bell

ROUND 7 Left from Teixeira

ROUND 8 Good body shot from Castano..Counter right from Teixeira

Round 9 Combination from Castano..Countering..

Round 10 Right to body from Castano..Big right buckles Teixeira..

Round 11 Big Right counter from Castano

Round 12 Teixeira lands a left hook…Good uppercut and body shot from Castano..Teixeira is in trouble…Hard left to the body

120-108; 119-108 AND 117-111 FOR BRIAN CASTANO

Round 1: Good right from Rios..Nice left hook…Head and body shots..Body shots
Round 2 Body shot from Rios…Nice Combination..Left to body…Uppercut…Body shot..Right…Body shots..Rios is cut on the forehead from a headbutt
Round 3 Nice combination…Uppercut..Right cross
Round 4  Nice uppercut and left from Rios
Round 5 Combination from Rios
Round 6 Sharp Shots from Rios…Negrete lands a body shot..Body shot from Rios..
Round 7 Right from Negrete..2 sweeping rights from Rios..
Round 8 Right and left from Rios…Body shot
Round 9 Good combination from Rios…Right from Negrete…
Round 10  Right from Negrete

100-90 TWICE AND 99-91 FOR RIOS

Round 1 Chopping right from Olivas
Round 2 Good left hook from Mosley…Body shot on the inside
Round 3 Olivas swelling around the Right eye..Right from Mosley…Left
Round 4 Nice left hook from Olivas…Big Right
Round 5 Doctor Checking’s Olivas Eye before round..Left from Mosley..Olivas Eye is basically shut…2 lefts from Mosley..Right..Left hook from Olivas….FIGHT IS STOPPED AS OLIVAS CANT SEE

Round 1: Right to body from Melikuziev…Straight Right
Round 2: Right to body from Melikuziev..Right hook hurts Fitch..Fitch bleeding from the nose..combination
Round 3 Straight left to the head from Melikuziev…Another…LEFT AND FITCH TAKES A KNEE…Good body shot..HARD LEFT TO THE BODY…DOWN GOES FITCH AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Joseph Diaz Jr. and Shavkat Rakhimov fought to a 12-round majority draw in an IBF Junior Lightweight world title clash at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Diaz was the reigning champion, but he lost his title on Friday when he was more then three pounds over the 130-pound weight limit.

It was a close fights with each guy having good stretches of success with the left hand. The fight was a mirror image as they both landed some solid body blows. The was some solid in-fighting with Rakhimov pulling ahead towards the championship rounds. Diaz had a good 12th and the fight was judged 115-113 for Diaz and 114-114 twice.

Diaz landed 233 of 740 punches; Rakhimov was 213 of 951.

Diaz, 133.6 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 31-1-1. Rakhimov, 129.8 lbs of Ekaterinburg, RUS is 15-1.

“I’m a little upset. I felt I had done enough to win the fight,” said Joseph Diaz Jr. “It was a close fight. It wasn’t my best performance. I didn’t make weight. I lost the belt on the scales. I want to apologize to everyone. I want to apologize to all my fans. It was a mistake on my behalf. No excuses, but I’ll be back. Rakhimov threw a lot of combinations. But a lot of them landed on the gloves. I felt I threw more shots and landed more body punches. I thought I should have won the fight.”

 “I did everything I was supposed to do,” said Shavkat Rakhimov. “Victory was on my side. I feel I won the fight. There were a few mistakes, and we need to work on it. I did everything that was possible. There were a few mistakes, but I will work on that. There is no perfect boxer, and I hope to gain more American fans.”

Castano Decisions Teixeira; Wins WBO Jr. Middleweight title

Brian Castano won the WBO Junior Middleweight title with an emphatic 12-round unanimous decision over Patrick Teixeira.

Castano was relentless in his output by landing hard shots to the head and body for which Teixeira had little answer for. Castano hurt Teixeira badly in round 12 as he landed a hard right that had Teixeira trying to run from Castano. Castano battered him until the final bell.

Castano landed 373 of 1136 punches; Teixeira was 197 of 972.

Castano, 153.8 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG won by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 117-111 and is now 16-1-1. Teixeira, 153.4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 31-.2

“I am very happy. We did a great job with my team,” said Brian Castaño. “It was a good fight. We all mistakes, and I have to fix things here and there, but a fight is a fight. Each fight is different, and I understand that. I knew Teixeia very well going into this fight. He is very strong, and he has a lot of heart. He is a great person. This was one of the greatest wins of my career. Not anyone can be a world champion, and I was able to do it twice. So I am very happy.”

Rios Decisions Negrete

Ronny Rios won a 10-round unanimous decision over Oscar Negrete in a super bantamweight fight.

Rios landed 290 of 880 punches; Negrete was 150 of 830.

Rios, 121.4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 33-3. Negrete, 121.6 lbs of Tierralta, COL is 19-3-2.

“I should have sat down more on my punches,” said Ronny Rios. “I went in a little bit too much with my head, and I kind of waited too long. But I’m happy with the win. I really want a world title shot for my next fight, and I think this fight was a necessary step in that direction.”

Mosley stops Olivas after 5!

Shane Mosley Jr. stopped Cristian Olivas after round five of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

In round three, Olivas started to swell around his right eye. The eye kept getting worse as Mosley pounded him repeatedly with left hand, and the fight was stopped by the corner following the 5th frame.

Mosley, 161.6 lbs of Pomona, CA is 17-3 with 10 knockouts. Olivas, 161.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 19-8.

“I had a really tough opponent in there. But I went in there, looked sharp and got the job done. These are the kinds of fights that I need in order to show people that I am ready for a world title.”

Melikuziev stops Fitch in 3

Bektemir Melikuziev stopped Morgan Fitch in round three of their scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, the nose of Fitch started to bleed. In round three, Melikuziev dropped Fitch with a straight left. He ended things with a vicious left to the body that sent Fitch down and the fight was stopped at 2:08.

Melikuziev, 170.6 lbs of Indio, CA is 7-0 with six knockouts. Fitch, 170.5 lbs of New Orleans is 19-5-1.

“Despite everything that happened, I think it was a good performance,” said Bektemir Melikuziev. “I wish I could have lasted longer and gotten a few more rounds in, but I think it was a good performance. I’m ready for any of the big names in my division.”

Azat Hovhannisyan stopped Enrique Bernache in round eight of their scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Hovhannisyan dropped Bernache.

Bernache, who was complaining of headbutts throughout the fight, bowed out in round eight.

Hovhannisyan, 122.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 19-3 with 16 knockouts. Bernache, 123 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 24-13.

“I’m very happy,” said Azat Hovhannisyan. “It’s my first time with Robert Garcia. We had a lot of good sparring. I’m No. 1 in the WBA. I want to fight a world champion.”

Victor Morales won an eight-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Guerrero featherweight bout.

Morales, 125.8 lbs of Vancouver, WA won by scores of 80-72 an is now 14-0. Guerrero, 125.8 lbs of Mexico City is 26-10-2.

“After 16 months away from the ring, it feels great to be back,” said Victor Morales Jr. “I knew he was going to be very tough. He is a former world champion, so I knew it was going to be a difficult bout. Either way, I was able to fight either on the outside or on the inside.”

Dalis Kaleiopu made a successful pro debut with a 3rd round stoppage over Eduardo Sanchez in a four round super lightweight bout.

Kaleiopu dropped Sanchez with a hard right uppercut and the fight was stopped 48 seconds into the round.

Kaleiopu, 136 lbs of Waianae, HI is 1-0 with one knockout. Sanchez, 135.6 lbs of Corocoron, CA is 2-4.

“It’s been a long time because of COVID,” said Dalis Kaleiopu. “So, it felt great to finally make my pro debut. I hurt him many times, but I let him go. But then I landed a shot he couldn’t come back from, so it feels good to stop somebody that has never been stopped.

NEW YORK (February 13, 2021) – Tonight, two lightweight prospects under the Split-T Management banner will be in action on two separate cards.

In Las Vegas, undefeated Eric Puente makes his first start of 2021, when he takes on Sergio Vega at the MGM Grand Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble.”

Dalis Kaleiopu takes on Eduardo Sanchez at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Puente, 21 of Vista, California, and Vega take part in a four-round bout. Puente will be making his 3rd appearance in “The Bubble” as he is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Luis Norambuena on September 12th.

Puente was a 2016 National Youth Open Champion, and was a member of Team USA. Puente was a favorite to be a member of the 2020 United States Olympic Team.

Puente will be taking on his first undefeated opponent. Vega of Woodland, California is 2-0-1 with both wins coming via knockout. He is coming off a draw with undefeated Diego Elizondo on June 8, 2019.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Puente checked in at 137 lbs. Vega was 136 lbs,

The Puente – Vega bout will be part of an ESPN+ stream, beginning at 8:15. PM ET.

Puente is promoted by Top Rank.

??Kaleiopu will look to follow his fellow Waianae, Hawaii native and Split-T Stablemate, Asa Stevens in winning his pro debut in 202. Kaleiopu takes on veteran Eduardo Sanchez (2-3) in a four-round bout.

Kaleiopu, 21 years-old won the Western Elite championships in 2018, and in the same year, Kaleiopu was a National Championship runner-up.

Kaleiopu, who is under the guidance of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.,

Kaleiopu was 133.6 lbs. at Friday’s weigh-in. Sanchez was 135.6 lbs.

(ESPN, 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

    •     Richard Commey 136 lbs vs. Jackson Marinez 135.5 lbs 
(Lightweight — 10 Rounds)

•   Adam Lopez 126 lbs vs. Jason Sanchez 126 lbs 
(Lopez’s NABF Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•   Jared Anderson 249 lbs vs. Kingsley Ibeh 276 lbs 
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT)

•   Jahi Tucker 144 lbs vs. Eric Rodriguez 144.5 lbs 
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

•   Eric Puente 137 lbs vs. Sergio Vega 136 lbs 
(Lightweight  — 4 Rounds)

•    Troy Isley 157 lbs vs. Bryant Costello 158 lbs 
(Middleweight — 4 Rounds)

•        Floyd Diaz 117 lbs vs. Fernando Macias 118 lbs 
(Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

February 12, 2021–Acelino Freitas, who was one of boxing’s biggest stars, looked to reclaim the WBO lightweight world title when he fought the surging Zahir Raheem. Relive the match on tonight’s edition of Classic Fight Night on fubo Sports Network.

Freitas (37-1, 32 KOs) was riding a two-fight winning streak after dropping the WBO title to Diego Corrales. The Brazilian was considered one of the sport’s most exciting fighters based on his prodigious knockout power. Coming off the biggest win of his career by defeating Mexican legend Erik Morales, Raheem (27-1, 16 KOs) earned the shot at the vacant title.

The bout took place on April 29, 2006, at The Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

See if Freitas was able to catch Raheem tonight at 8 PM ET.

About fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming and partner content from CampusLore, FanDuel, Stadium, The Players Tribune, USA TODAY and VSiN, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, News on Tubi, Plex, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s base subscription package of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please like the Banner Promotions Facebook Page, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

NEW YORK – February 12, 2021 – Former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner will end his two-year hiatus from boxing when he faces Jovanie Santiago in a 12-round super lightweight bout Saturday, February 20 live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXINGtelecast also pits former heavyweight world title challenger Dominic Breazeale against highly touted contender Otto Wallin in the 12-round co-feature. The telecast opener features former world champion Robert Easter Jr. facing off against contender Ryan Martin in a 12-round super lightweight bout. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Breazeale vs. Wallin is promoted in association with Salita Promotions.

“February 20 is going to be an exciting night with the return of Adrien Broner, one of boxing’s ‘must see’ attractions,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “A former world champion in four weight classes, Adrien remains one of the sport’s most popular and well-known athletes. In the co-main event, we are guaranteed action as former heavyweight title challengers Dominic Breazeale and Otto Wallin seek another chance to compete for a world championship. Plus Robert Easter continues his campaign at super lightweight as he takes on Ryan Martin, a true 140-pounder with a score to settle from the amateurs. This event is full of intrigue from top to bottom and we can’t wait to see how it will unfold.”

“There is no question that Adrien Broner is a bona fide boxing attraction and he’s never in a boring fight. His credentials as a four-division world champion are unquestioned. It’s good to see him back and ready to go,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Dominic Breazeale and Otto Wallin promises to be a heavyweight firefight and Robert Easter Jr. and Ryan Martin are both looking to establish themselves as formidable championship contenders in the super lightweight division. This is a strong PBC card from top to bottom for the fans who tune-in to SHOWTIME on February 20.’’

Cincinnati’s Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs), is one of the most popular and colorful personalities in the sport. He quickly rose to prominence by combining supreme boxing with a brash outspoken personality. By the age of 26, he had captured world titles at 130, 135, 140 and 147 pounds, becoming one of only eight active fighters to win a world championship in four divisions. Broner has faced several multi-division world champions such as Paulie Malignaggi, Marcos Maidana, Mikey Garcia, Jessie Vargas and Manny Pacquiao. Broner returns to the super lightweight division where he dominated Khabib Allakhverdiev to win a 140-pound title in 2015.

“I can’t wait to get back into the ring. It’s been a while. This will give me a chance to display my talents and show everybody what they’ve been missing,’’ Broner said. “I’ve been training and working very hard and everybody will see all of that hard work come together on February 20 on SHOWTIME.’’

Hailing from Dorado, Puerto Rico, the undefeated Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will make his stateside debut against Broner just two months removed from a dominating first-round knockout victory over then-unbeaten Juan Zegarra in the Dominican Republic. In 2017, Santiago defeated former super lightweight world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley via unanimous decision, marking the only time he has allowed his opponent to go the distance since 2015. Known for his come-forward style, Santiago has campaigned at 140 pounds for the majority of his career and ascended to 14^th in the WBA’s super lightweight rankings.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to step into the ring against Adrien Broner. I believe our styles are perfect for each other. But I feel like I have the skills that are necessary to beat him. I just fought a couple months ago so I feel good with the way my training has gone. I’m going to shock everyone on February 20.”

Breazeale (20-2, 18 KOs) has an impressive knockout ratio and numerous memorable knockout victories, including stoppages of Amir Mansour, Carlos Negron, and then-unbeaten Izuagbe Ugonoh. The 35-year-old has come up short in two heavyweight title opportunities against Deontay Wilder and current unified world champion Anthony Joshua. Born in Glendale, Calif., and now living in Eastvale, Calif., Breazeale was an outstanding high school football player who played quarterback at Northern Colorado University before taking up boxing. The 6-foot-7 heavyweight was also a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic® boxing team.

“Camp has been great. I’m working with my new trainer, Abel Sanchez, up in Big Bear,” Breazeale said. “Otto Wallin is going against a big guy who can punch and throws punches in bunches, so he’s going to be in trouble. I’m going to bring the pressure from the opening bell until the moment he hits the canvas.”

Wallin (21-1, 14 KOs) makes his second appearance on SHOWTIME within the Mohegan Sun “Fight Sphere” after defeating Travis Kauffman via fifth-round TKO in August. Before that, he nearly upset Tyson Fury in September 2019, when he opened up a gruesome cut over Fury’s right eye with a legal punch that almost halted the fight. While the 30-year-old lost to the lineal heavyweight world champion via unanimous decision, he proved his mettle as a potential heavyweight champion. Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin trains in New York with former champion Joey Gamache.

“Training has been going very well. I’m in a good place,” said Wallin. “Breazeale is a tough customer that’s always in firefights and is entertaining to watch. I believe it’s going to be a good fight. I’m pretty sure that he’s going to try and come out and go after me, so I don’t think I’ll have to look for him. I’m in great shape. I believe I’ll be able to break him down and take him out.”

A former IBF lightweight world champion, Easter (22-1-1, 14 KOs) won the vacant belt with a split decision victory over future world champion Richard Commey in 2016. The 30-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, successfully defended the title three times before losing it to four-division world champion Mikey Garcia in a 2018 unification clash on SHOWTIME. Following a split-draw against Rances Barthelemy in April 2019, Easter made his super lightweight debut on SHOWTIME in October 2019 with a unanimous decision victory over Adrian Granados. 

“My last fight against Adrian Granados helped me get used to fighting at 140 pounds. The time away from the ring has helped me to get comfortable at the weight,’’ Easter said. “Martin has been active and he’s fought some good competition at 140 pounds, and I expect he’ll be at his best when we fight. But I’m going to be ready for anything that he brings to the ring on February 20.”

Martin (24-1, 14 KOs), who hails from Chattanooga, Tenn., has remained active during the COVID-19 pandemic with two stoppage victories since June 2020 including a first-round knockout over Hevinson Herrera in October. Similar to Easter, the 27-year-old has moved to the super lightweight division after many years at 135 pounds. Martin was handed the only loss of his career in 2018 to now-unified 140-pound world champion Josh Taylor. As an amateur, he lost a decision to Easter in the 2012 Olympic qualifiers and was denied an opportunity to represent the United States at the Summer Games in London as an alternate.

“I’m excited to be fighting on PBC on SHOWTIME,” said Martin. “It’s a great opportunity for me to redeem myself for a bad performance overseas against [Josh] Taylor. That experience is going to help. I’m coming to fight and to win.”

Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer hosts the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast while versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and three-division world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. The executive producer is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. Former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez and sportscaster Alejandro Luna serve as expert analysts in Spanish on Secondary Audio Programming (SAP).

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

Both the undefeated sons of former two-time and undisputed heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman were victorious in fights last week, as heavyweight Hasim “Gold Blooded” Rahman Jr. (10-0, 5 KOs) notched a second-round TKO over Mexico’s Alejandro de la Torre at the Salon de Eventos in Heroica Matamoros, Mexico and on Friday, February 5, and younger brother Sharif “C3” Rahman (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a third-round TKO over Haitian opponent Gladimir Jacinto at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday, February 6.

The brothers, both signed to New York-based promoter Greg Cohen’s GCP, say it was nice to get back in the ring after an extended Covid-related period of inactivity.

Splitting his training time between the Upton Boxing Gym in his hometown of Baltimore with Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis and DLX Boxing in Las Vegas, where he’s trained by Dewey Cooper and his father, Hasim Sr., Rahman says he stayed ready the whole time for the chance to get back in. “Whenever it was open, I’ve been in the gym the whole time and looking forward to getting back. It felt great to get in there and get one that counts.”

A four-year pro and an accomplished amateur before that, Rahman Jr. says 2021 is the year he levels up in the family business. “This year, I want some better competition,” he said. “It’s clear that I can handle myself with B and C level opponents, so I’m looking to go ahead and get some more competitive fights this year and hopefully get on TV. I feel like I was born ready.”

Often on the smallish side, especially weight-wise, for today’s big men, Rahman says he’s looking forward to testing the waters in boxing’s newest weight class.

“My entire career has already been at bridgerweight,” he said. “I love everything about this new division. If you look at the top-50 heavyweights, you’d have to stretch to find more than a few that weighed under 225. That tells you they made this new weight class for a reason, to make it more competitive for guys around the cruiserweight limit. I think it’s perfect and I’ll definitely be campaigning at bridgerweight. If I don’t get a crack at that title, I’ll make my way down to cruiserweight. It’s not too far. I’m comfortable in either division.”

Sharif Rahman, who recently signed and joined his brother and his father before them as a member of the GCP stable, says the victory, his first in nearly three years, was a homecoming, even though it was in Mexico. “It’s rough getting fights in the US right now, so it felt great,” said Rahman. “In the ring is home for me. As far as my performance, it was good, but I can do a lot better.”

Rahman says his other family members’ experiences with GCP put him at total ease with his new promoter. “I’m looking to get to 10-0 this year,” he continued. “I hadn’t fought for a while because I had no backing and a lot of my scheduled bouts have fallen out, but I’ve known Greg since I was an amateur and I’ve got nothing but good things to say. He takes care of me well. I could have signed with Greg a while ago, but he didn’t want me to fight at 168 lbs. Now that I’m 100% disciplined and have made the sacrifices, he agreed to promote me at 154 lbs. and 147 lbs. as more appropriate weight classes. That’s fine with me because I want to be a multi-division champion.”

Like his brother, also a decorated former amateur, Rahman says fighting as a professional out of DLX Boxing in Las Vegas with trainer Chris Catalan and signed to GCP will finally allow him to let his true talents shine. “I’ve always had more of a pro style. Growing up watching my father train with fighters like Zab Judah, William Joppy and Floyd Mayweather, I would watch them and model my style after them. I’m more calculated and selective than an amateur.”

Father Hasim Rahman Sr. watched both his sons’ fights and indicates he is happy with the way things are going. “I was pleased with both outcomes to say the least,” said the elder Rahman. “I’m not concerned with rushing them. I feel like as long as they are progressing and moving forward to their goals, I’m happy. I’m also glad they are both signed to Greg Cohen now. Greg is an extended member of our family. I could have found a more prominent promoter to sign them with, but I know Greg has their best interests at heart, even beyond boxing. And I know for a fact Greg can get the job done because he got it done for me on several occasions. I have another son Hasan coming up and every one of us are going to sign with Greg automatically.”

Promoter Cohen says both brothers have big years in store for them under his guidance.

“Hasim Jr. is ready for another level,” said Cohen. “He is walking through the preliminary level of opponents. We hope to have him in with another prospect or a solid contender soon. And Sharif, he has turned his whole career around by focusing all his efforts. He looked terrific last week. I’ll be looking to continue his development by keeping him much more active in the next 12 months.”

INDIO, CALIF. (Feb. 11, 2021): Joseph Diaz Jr. (31-1, 15 KOs) and Shavkat Rakhimov (15-0, 12 KOs) hosted their final press conference today at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino ahead of their 12-round fight for Diaz Jr.’s IBF Junior Lightweight Championship.

The fight, which will headline a stacked card of action, will take place this Saturday, Feb. 13 and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

Below is what both fighters had to say at the presser:

Joseph Diaz Jr, IBF Junior Lightweight World Champion:

“I’m focused on going out there and performing at my best. I want to entertain fight fans and show them what I am all about. I want to show that I am the best at 130 pounds.”

“It’s been a year-long layoff, but it’s been a great year-long layoff. I was able to witness the birth of my son, and I was able to spend some time away from boxing. I was able to enjoy life as a normal person.”

“But now I have this tough challenger ahead of me. We’ve taken this fight very seriously. We know exactly what he is all about. We know what he’s capable of doing, and we know he is a serious threat, but we know we’ll be able to adapt to anything on Saturday night.”

“I don’t feel like I get the respect that I deserve in this division. In my career in general, I haven’t gotten the respect that I deserve. But it’s all good. I’ve already dealt with so much adversity in my life. I’m already immune to it. I just focus on training as hard as I can to get the job done that night.”

“I faced a bit of adversity in the Gary Russell Jr. fight. I learned a lot that night. But I won’t let anything else prevent me from being what I want to be and doing what I want to do I the ring.”

“I’m ready for anything this Saturday. I’m ready for anything that he will bring to the table. If he thinks he will come in here and overwhelm me with his power–that is not going to happen. I’m strong and I’m big just like him. I will be able to take his shots and give them back. I worked my ass off to get this belt, and I’m not letting go.”

Shavkat Rakhimov, World Title Challenger:

“I have been waiting for this moment for a long time. My dream has finally come true, so I am very glad.”

“Our game plan this Saturday is to do anything possible to win the fight. The key is to do anything that needs to be done to win. Diaz is going to be in for a big surprise on Saturday.”

“JoJo is a good boxer. But he will not be able to handle my power.”

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Diaz Jr. vs. Rakhimov is a 12-round fight for the IBF Junior Lightweight World Title presented by Golden Boy in association with RCC Boxing Promotions. Teixeira vs. Castaño is the 12-round co-main event for the WBO
Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with TGB Promotions. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts,” and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Better Parts, Better Prices…everyday! The fight will take place Saturday, Feb. 13 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN in more than 200 countries and territories, including the U.S., Mexico, Russia, Tajikistan, Brazil and Argentina.

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 #DiazRakhimov

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

HOLLYWOOD, CA (February 11, 2021) – Unbeaten super bantamweight prospect, Katsuma Akitsugi (4-0, 1 KO), is ready for his showdown with fellow undefeated foe, Arnold Dinong (7-0, 1 KO), scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2021, on Thompson Boxing Promotions first 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. The 6-round co-main event is expected to be a war.

Unbeaten middleweights Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (8-0, 4 KO) vs. Nathan Weston (6-0-2, 2 KOs) will serve as the in a 6-round main event bout. In the opening 4-round bout, Nelson Oliva will be making his pro debut against Uriel Gonzalez (5-6-1, 5 KOs) in the middleweight division.

The free stream will air live on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and
YouTube pages, in addition to Fight Hub TV. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET.

Here is what Katsuma Akitsugi had to say about his upcoming fight with Dinong, training camp with coach Eddie Hernandez, and more.

On his recent training camp:
“I’ve been training non-stop since my last fight in September and now it’s time to get busy again. I feel I’m hitting with more power as I’m learning to sit on my punches and my coach Eddie Hernandez is working on a lot of fundamentals. I stay ready all the time so fans can expect me to be at my best when I step in the ring. All the hard work will be on display on fight night.”

On his matchup with Arnold Dinong:
“This will be my toughest opponent to date, but it’s a fight I believe I can win. Dinong is undefeated for a reason, he’s a very skilled fighter and I’m going to make this fight a war and force him to clash with me. I hope he’s ready for a dog fight because I’m not going to let him breathe.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A win against Dinong will certainly put propel me to bigger opportunities. I’m hoping a victory will get me one step closer to being ranked in the top 15 of a sanctioning body and I know I have a long way to go, but a win against another undefeated fighter can only help my career.”

On fighting on 3.2.1. Boxing for the second time:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Thompson Boxing Promotions has given me once again. I know right now it’s very difficult to get a fights, so I’m very thankful. I’m going to make the most out of this opportunity so I can comeback as soon as they want me to step back in the ring but first I have to beat Dinong.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer and the returning Steve Kim. Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.
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3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.

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

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

LAS VEGAS (February 11, 2021) — Saturday’s Top Rank on ESPN main event between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov — for the vacant WBO light heavyweight world title — has been postponed after Vlasov tested positive for COVID-19. 

Vlasov said, “I am devastated with the postponement of my world title fight against Joe Smith Jr. I have been following strict protocols, I have done regular testing with negative results, and I have no symptoms. I am well prepared and had an excellent training camp. I look forward to the rescheduling of the fight and the opportunity to display my world class skills.”

The Richard Commey-Jackson Marinez lightweight bout has been elevated to the main event and will headline the ESPN-televised tripleheader beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. In the new co-feature, action star Adam Lopez will defend his NABF featherweight belt in a 10-rounder against former world title challenger Jason Sanchez. The ESPN telecast will open with Toledo heavyweight sensation Jared Anderson (7-0, 7 KOs) against Kingsley Ibeh in a six-rounder.

Undercard bouts, including the professional debut of former U.S. amateur star Troy Isley, will stream live on ESPN+ at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT.

Providence, RI (February 11, 2021) – The “hardest working promoter in combat sports,” an eclectic personality in and out the ring, father figure to fighters young and old, and a spirited ambassador for women’s boxing – Jimmy Burchfield Sr.’s list of accolades has grown exponentially over the course of his marvelous, five-decade career.

As he closes in on 30 years as a licensed promoter, the World Boxing Council is paying Burchfield the ultimate honor, awarding the CES Boxing and CES MMA president with its Green and Gold WBC World Champion Belt as part of a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his vast contributions to the sport.

“We are honored to present the WBC Green and Gold belt to ‘Uncle Jimmy,’ as he is a champion of life and has dedicated so many years to change the lives of many fighters through his relentless will to promote our sport,” said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. “He is an inspiration to many by living a meaningful, successful life.”

“My relationship with the WBC, starting with the late, great Jose Sulaiman and continuing with his son, Mauricio, spans several decades, so to receive this award is a tremendous honor,” added Burchfield. “I am incredibly humbled to be recognized by a sanctioning body that has crowned so many noteworthy champions throughout boxing’s illustrious history. I will cherish this for the rest of my life.”

Known affectionally throughout the sport as “Mr. B,” Burchfield first became involved in boxing as a judge, traveling internationally to score world title bouts in Sicily and Paris. As a promoter, Burchfield guided five-time world champion Vinny Paz, promoting his 50th and final win, and launched the careers of many of the northeast region’s greatest fighters, including “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Peter Manfredo, Scott Pemberton, Matt Godfrey, and former U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, among others.

The tradition has continued into the new millennium, too, as Burchfield is the only promoter in the world to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions, including undefeated lightweight Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz of Worcester, MA, who recently dazzled in front of a worldwide audience on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. showcase in November. At 14-0, Ortiz is on the fast track to stardom and, perhaps, a shot at a world title, continuing Burchfield’s legacy is one of the sport’s top talent evaluators.

One of his greatest achievements is his dedication to promoting women’s boxing and serving as a pioneer in the sport during a time in which many promoters refused to take such risks. Burchfield helped launch the career of former three-time world champion boxer Jamie Clampitt, former world lightweight title-holder Elizabeth Mueller, two-time world champion Missy Fiorentino, former World Boxing Council middleweight world champion Kali Reis, world-title challenger Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes, and two-time world champion Shelly Vincent.

After promoting his first event in 1992 at the Rocky Point Palladium in Warwick, RI, Burchfield continued to develop champions well into the 21st century and earned several noteworthy awards, including the NABF Promoter of the Year in 2004 in addition to his 2011 induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Burchfield also promoted Oliveira’s epic 2001 showdown against Ben Tackie at Foxwoods Resort Casino, which set a modern-day CompuBox record for most punches thrown.

As the landscape of combat sports began to change, Burchfield adapted, making history in 2010 with the launch of his mixed martial arts division, CES MMA, and promoting Rhode Island’s first sanctioned event later that year at Twin River Casino Hotel. Years later, he continued his reign in the northeast by guiding hard-hitting Polish heavyweight Mariusz Wach to the top of the division, culminating in a world-title showdown against Vladimir Klitschko in Germany. His development of Philadelphia lightweight “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy led to Lundy’s No. 1 world ranking and eventual world title shot against pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford at Madison Square Garden in 2016.

A fixture on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights for decades, Burchfield proudly promotes his fighters on various platforms. Within four years of its inception, CES MMA became a household name on AXS TV before signing a multi-year agreement with international streaming giant UFC Fight Pass, which now live streams both CES MMA and CES Boxing.

The history and pageantry of the WBC’s infamous green and gold belt is undeniable; the modern-day design first launched in 1976, the second generation of championship belts presented the WBC and the first of its kind with the green strap and gold emblem. The late, great WBC president, Jose Sulaiman, designed the second-generation belt, which was worn by the likes of Larry Holmes, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, and Alexis Arguello, among others. Today’s fifth-generation belt features the images of Jose Sulaiman and pound-for-pound great Floyd Mayweather, an ode to the sport’s most important personalities.

INFORMATION

CES MMA is a mixed martial arts promotional company based out of Providence, R.I., founded by legendary boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. It promoted the first sanctioned professional mma event in the state of Rhode Island on Sept. 17, 2010 at Twin River Casino Hotel. Since its inception, CES MMA has been a gateway to the UFC developing the careers of UFC contenders Calvin Kattar, Rob Font, Charles Rosa, William Knight, Mike Rodriguez, Tony Gravely, Andre Soukhamthath and others. In October 2012, CES MMA promoted its first pay-per-view event at The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, featuring the professional MMA debut of former WWE superstar Dave Bautista, and recently signed a two-year extension to broadcast exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions in the northeast and one of the few to successfully promote both mixed martial arts and professional boxing. Launched in 1992 by longtime boxing judge Jimmy Burchfield Sr., the promotion is the only in professional boxing to boast two reigning WBC Youth world champions in lightweight Jamaine Ortiz and featherweight Irvin Gonzalez. CES Boxing recently teamed with UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s No. 1 streaming platform for combat sports, to showcase its events to a worldwide audience, and worked as a promotional consultant for the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones Jr. pay-per-view event in November of 2020.

Eddie Hearn:

“Thanks Chris, Darren and Andy, joining us live on Sky Sports as well. We are so happy to be back! 2021 here we go. We’re back behind closed doors but it doesn’t matter. This is the biggest year yet for Matchroom Boxing as we go global. The start of twelve shows in eight weeks, in seven different countries. Firstly, this Saturday live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN around the world. The return of the No.1 Featherweight Josh Warrington against Mauricio Lara. Kiko Martinez against Zelfa Barrett, Reece Mould against Leigh Wood, Dalton Smith against Ishmael Ellis, Hopey Price against Mendoza and this one to kick us off, Ibrahim Nadim against Jonny Phillips.”

Josh Warrington – Leeds, England – 30-0, 7 KOs – fighting Mauricio Lara in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“He’s got a better knockout ratio than I have. But can he do the 12 rounds as well as I can? Has he got as much experience? I don’t think he can. But that’s up to me to expose that. He’s got punch power but, if I’m not there to be hit, he’ll be hitting thin air. It won’t go past six rounds. I strongly believe that. The way I’ve been hitting with 16oz gloves on? When I then put the 8oz gloves on and see the gaps in his defence, I expect an early night. But I’m experienced over 12 rounds. I’ve done marathons. I can do it at a good pace. This man here has no pressure. He is full of Mexican pride. I’m a big fan of Mexican fighters and how they wear their hearts on their sleeves. He will bring it but I wouldn’t want it any other way. This guy is a real puncher. He will bring it, which will tune me up nicely for the fights down the line. Make no mistake, I’m treating him like a monster because I can’t afford a slip-up.”

Mauricio Lara – Mexico City, Mexico – 21-2, 14 KOs – fighting Josh Warrington in a 12 round Featherweight contest:

“Thank you very much. Thanks for the invitation. It’s a lovely country that you’ve got here despite the fact that we haven’t been able to go out at all. It is a great opportunity for me and Josh Warrington is going to face a really tricky fighter in me. I’m also aware that I’m coming up agains the No.1 ranked fighter and it’s my opportunity to show the people of Mexico and everyone what I can do. I enjoy coming for war. We’re going to clash in the ring, that’s definitely going to happen. I’m looking forward to it. From the first bell I will be looking for the knockout. If it goes the distance I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready for whatever comes. I’d love to make history on February 13th, to take this victory home to Mexico City. It is a huge opportunity and I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of it.”

Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 24-1, 15 KOs – defending his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title against Kiko Martinez:

“I’m ready. I’m more than ready. I respect Kiko for what he’s done in the sport. He’s fought the best. I believe that I’m one of the best. It’s my time to shine and to show how good I am. Styles make fights. When I fight another guy like Eric Donovan, slick and tricky, I’ll learn from that. Kiko is coming, I know he’s coming, I can see him coming now! We’re ready for what he’s going to bring. Fight Camp was a good experience and Eric Donovan was a good fighter. I’m ready for anything. However he comes out I’ll just work on that. I’ll do what I’ve got to do. I know what he’s coming to do. He’s coming to fight. He’s coming for war. We’re ready. I know what I want and I know where we’re going. Kiko is a good fighter and beating him will put me in a good position.”

Kiko Martinez – Alicante, Spain – 41-9-2, 29 KOs – challenging Zelfa Barrett for his IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“It’s great to be here. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to be here again. It is true, we’ve had some great nights in the past. This is a huge fight for me, and the opportunity for me to make history, to be one of the few people that have won Titles in three different weight classes. I’m very excited and prepared to face a really good fighter in Barrett on Saturday. It’s to make history, to make history in the ring. I’ve never been content with money alone, the only thing that makes me happy is being active as a fighter. It’s about doing all that I can, and giving my all every time that I step into the ring. I’m super prepared. Extremely prepared.”

Leigh Wood – Nottingham, England – 23-2, 13 KOs – fighting Reece Mould for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“I’m extremely confident of winning that British Title on Saturday night. New trainer, not so much new things. Obviously there’s only so many punches in boxing that you can learn. The perception of it, how you look at it, how you view it, how you set things up, keeping my base, just fundamentals. Drilling it and drilling it thousands of times. I’m really feeling confident ahead of Saturday night. I’ve said a few things that he’s taken as disrespectful. I’m not disrespecting him. I rate him, he’s a good fighter, 13-0, in and out of a gym with a World Champion. I’ve heard a lot of sparring rumours as well. I just believe that anyone I’m in with on Saturday night, I’m coming away with the win. I spent most of my career on my back foot. Dancing around, switching and moving. It’s one way of boxing but with my power, Ben was scratching his head at why I wasn’t using it. We’ve changed things in sparring and it’s coming together. Everyone that has ever taken me on the pads can vouch for me that I’m a big puncher. There’s more to boxing than punching. You’ve got to set it up. You’ve got to be smart. That’s what we’ve been working on.”

Reece Mould – Doncaster, England – 13-0, 6 KOs – fighting Leigh Wood for the vacant British Featherweight Title:

“Boxing is all about timing and I believe this is the right time for this fight. I’m going to win this fight and go onto bigger things. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not expecting an easy night. I’ve said all along that it’s not going to be an easy fight. If Leigh comes to bring it and trade with me then I believe I’ll get him out of there early. We’re going to push him all the way. I’m expecting Leigh to bring his best. He’s got everything on his shoulders for this fight. He’s got to win the fight so he’s going to bring his best, but I believe my best beats Leigh Wood’s best.”

Dalton Smith – Sheffield, England – 6-0, 5 KOs – fighting Ishmael Ellis in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’d have like to have got out before the end of last year but I got COVID-19 so we had to take our time. I’m happy that I’m back out on the first card of the year. This isn’t the fight that we originally had scheduled in but again, we can’t argue with that, it’s nobody’s fault. Now I’m facing Ishmael Ellis who is a lively opponent. I didn’t want anyone to step in as just a knock-over. We managed to get a lively opponent and we’ve got a good fight on Saturday. These guys facing me have got everything to gain and nothing to lose. For me, mainly I’ve got everything to lose. There’s a lot of pressure in these fights but this is the game we’re in. I want to keep on propelling my career further and further up. I’ve got to take these challenges. I think the better my opposition gets the better you’ll see of me.”

Ishmael Ellis – Birmingham, England – 11-3 – fighting Dalton Smith in an ten round Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m 100% here to win this weekend. Thank you for the opportunity again. Thank you Dalton as well. It’s a massive opportunity for me. A lot of fighters have been turning these opportunities down but us underdog fighters can’t be turning down these opportunities. I do believe that I can give him a good fight on Saturday night. I took that loss last year. It was my own fault. I wasn’t really prepared for the fight, I was out of training. The opportunity came and I was just eager to fight. I just want to keep on going. I’ve had a bit more time to prepare for this one. I haven’t taken this fight just to go down in the first round and leave. I’ve come here to prove myself and gain something from this.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 3-0, 1 KO – fighting Daniel Mendoza in a six round Featherweight contest:

“We’ve been back and forth with a few different opponents. I’ve just got to concentrate on doing my job on Saturday night. Now I’ve finally got an opponent I can just go out there and do what I’ve been working on in the gym. Obviously we have to move a bit quicker because of the pandemic. Me and Dave feel like I’m ready to move quicker anyway. I think with my ability and my boxing brain I’m ready to do so. These sort of fights are great experience for me for when I do eventually step-up. Having Jonny Phillips as my third fight has helped me improve as a fighter. I think I just need to keep taking these step-ups. That’s what is going to get me to where I need to be in the end.”

Daniel Mendoza – Chichigalpa, Nicaragua – 11-11, 4 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’d like to thank god first and foremost for being here. Thanks also to the promoters. It is true that I really like tough fights and it is going to be another one on Saturday night but I’m really looking forward to it. Whenever I go into the ring it’s not about fighting, it is about winning. I always give my best and I have great heart. I will be doing that in the ring.”

Ibrahim Nadim – Keighley, England – 2-0 – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“Firstly I’d like to thank Matchroom and Sky Sports for the opportunity. It’s good to be back boxing again. It’s a tough test but I’ll be ready for whatever he brings. It’s been frustrating, but if you look at the positive side of things, it has given me more time to learn in the ring. I’m prepared for whatever he brings. I want to be in exciting fights like this.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-5, 2 KOs – fighting Ibrahim Nadim in a six round Featherweight contest:

“This time you’ve given me four weeks’ notice not four days! I’ve managed to make the weight quite comfortably. I made it at the start of the week. Mentally, we’re all there. Everything is in place now. I felt good in that last one but it was rushed and it was my first time being on Sky. That was hyped up. Now I’m used to it all. I’m buzzing, I cannot wait to get in there. I’m not in this game for money or fame. I want glory. I want to end my career with any belt. Beating him is going to hopefully put me a step closer to you offering me a Title fight.”

Matchroom Boxing Spain will return to the Pabellón de la Vall d`Hebron in Barcelona on Friday March 26 for a huge night of European Title action as local favourite Sandor Martin puts his Super-Lightweight crown on the line against Kay Prosper and Featherweight Champion Andoni Gago defends his Featherweight belt against Gavin McDonell, live on DAZN. 
 
Barcelona’s Martin (36-2, 13 KOs) claimed the European 140lbs Title by dominating Italy’s Andrea Scarpa and becoming the first man to stop him in July 2019, before widely outpointing Britain’s former champion Joe Hughes when he headlined the first-ever DAZN show from his home country in December that year.
 
Luton’s English Champion Prosper (14-1-1, 7 KOs) beat Sam O’Maison at London’s iconic York Hall in September 2019 at the second time of asking to become the town’s first ever national champion. ‘Special K’ had missed out to O’Maison earlier in the year, with a controversial draw, but the now 36-year-old took the rematch unanimously on points to claim his first professional Title.
 
Bilbao’s Gago (24-3-3, 7 KOs) won the 126lbs Euro Title in his home city back in June 2019, outpointing Madrid’s Jesus Sanchez to earn a split decision win. ‘El Macho’ won his next two contests early, stopping Carlos Arroyo in two rounds a year ago before earning a fifth-round technical decision against Brayan Mairena last October after an unintentional headbutt.
 
Doncaster’s two-time Super-Bantamweight World Title challenger McDonnell (22-2-2, 6 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight European Champion after winning and defending the 122lbs Title in 2015. The 34-year-old is looking to revive his career after moving up in weight following his loss to Daniel Roman in Chicago in 2018.  
 
Also on the card, Torrelavega’s European Super-Welterweight Champion Sergio ‘El Nino’ Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) keeps busy as he looks to defend his Title later in the year and Bilbao’s former European Welterweight ruler Kerman ‘Revolver’ Lejarraga (31-2, 24 KOs) aims to make it four wins in a row since losing his belt to David Avanesyan.
 
Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “This is a huge card for Spanish boxing and we can’t wait to return on March 26. As Matchroom Boxing continues its global expansion, Spain remains a big focus for us and this double European Title card features some of the country’s strongest talents with two hungry Brits looking to come and rip the Titles from them. Don’t miss all the action live on DAZN.”

DETROIT – February 8, 2021 – Undefeated three-division world champion Claressa Shields has left camp at the Jackson Wink MMA Gym in Albuquerque, N.M., working on her MMA training, and resumed boxing training in Florida with elite trainer John David Jackson.

Shields (10-0, 2 KOs) says she and Jackson are catering their training to the fighting style of upcoming opponent Marie-Eve Dicaire (17-0), whom she will face in a 10-round 154-pound unification showdown in the main event of “SUPERWOMEN: SHIELDS VS. DICAIRE,” a tribute to International Women’s Day, broadcast live on InDemand Pay-Per-View and livestreaming service FITE.TV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) on Friday, March 5 from the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan.

“Training has been going really well,” said Shields. “I was home in Flint for a week and now I’m back here in Florida reuniting with my coach, John David Jackson. It will be great to just focus on boxing training and get ready for my 2021 debut. We are working on a lot of different elements for this camp. Dicaire tends to move a lot, so I’m definitely working on my cardio. This week, I’m also focused on, getting my timing right, but I will be ready for whatever she brings.”

Shields, who will attempt to become the first boxer in the four-belt era, male or female, to be crowned undisputed world champion in two different weight divisions when she faces Dicaire, says the fight being rescheduled due to the pandemic has been frustrating, but she is feeling good and taking every precaution to ensure the potentially historical superfight happens in March.

“We’ve been waiting for this fight to happen for months, so I’m just excited to be back in a boxing training camp and preparing to step back in the ring. We are definitely being safe here in training camp. I’m taking a COVID-19 test weekly and wearing a mask everywhere I go. This fight date has been affected multiple times by the pandemic, but it won’t disrupt my training and preparation for my first PPV.”

With so much world-title-fight experience, despite having just 10 professional fights thus far, Shields says the unbeaten Dicaire will pose some challenges, but none that she can’t adjust to and overcome.

“Dicaire is my first southpaw, but she won’t be the first undefeated champion that I’ve been in the ring with. This will be another chance for me to show off my ring IQ and all of the tools in my arsenal. I’ve been out of the ring for over a year, but on March 5, I’m going to remind everyone why I’m the GWOAT.”

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About FITE.TV
FITE.TV is the premiere digital network for direct-to-consumer digital live streaming for combat sports, specializing in professional wrestling, mixed martial arts and boxing events. To millions of fans around the world, FITE.TV streams a rich array of live pay-per-view events, subscription packages and thousands of hours of live and on-demand free programs with a mission to help fans discover and watch premium live events. FITE.TV is the leading digital distributor for the industry’s marquee events, including AEW, Impact, WWE, KSI-Logan Paul 2 from Matchroom, Canelo vs GGG 1 & 2 from GBP / HBO, Pacquiao-Thurman from PBC / Fox, Top Rank / ESPN PPV, ROH, BKFC, NWA, GCW, ONE, Combate, RIZIN, MOTO FITE Klub and FMX FITE Klub, Rumble on the Rooftop, Major Concerts, Tennis, Basketball, Soccer events and more.

About International Women’s Day
The first National Women’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909. In 1910, Europe established a Women’s Day to honour the movement for women’s rights and to build support for achieving universal suffrage for women. After World War II, March 8 started to be celebrated in a number of countries. In 1975, during the International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating March 8 as International Women’s Day. In 1995 the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments, focused on 12 critical areas of concern; and the inclusion of Goal 5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year’s theme of #ChooseToChallenge looks to call out gender bias and inequity and celebrate women’s achievements.

For more information, please visit internationalwomensday.com.

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

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

HAYWARD, CA (February 10, 2021) – Undefeated WBA Super Lightweight Champion, Mario “El Azteca” Barrios (26-0, 17 KOs), has arrived in Hayward, California, to start training camp with coach Virgil Hunter. Barrios, who resides in San Antonio, TX, recently defended his title against Ryan Karl (18-3, 12 KOs) in October of 2020. Barrios is awaiting a fight date from the PBC to make his 2021 debut.

“Leaving home early to start training camp with Virgil has been the game changer in my career,” said Barrios, who has stopped nine of his last ten opponents. “It’s a sacrifice that I feel needs to be made as enter the second half of my career. All the fights from here on out will be against top level opposition, and there is no room for error. Everything is on the line each and every time I step in the ring so I’m doing everything in my power to stay on top.”

There are many big opportunities for Mario Barrios, who at 25-years old, is on the verge of super stardom.

“I know there are plenty of big names that for me to fight that the fans want to see,” Barrios continued. “After talking to my team, I’m excited about what lies ahead, and the possible names that have been presented. 2021 will be another monumental year in my career.”

Mauricio Lara says he is ready to go to war with former IBF Featherweight World Champion Josh Warrington at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday February 13, live on Sky Sports in the UK and on DAZN in the U.S. and more than 200 countries and territories.

The 22-year-old from Mexico City is ranked in the top ten in the world with the IBF and is currently enjoying a ten-fight winning streak that stretches back to May 2018 when he suffered only his second career loss at the hands of Eliot Chavez.

‘Bronco’ (21-2, 14 KOs) has only fought outside of Mexico on one occasion, a win over Eduardo Estela in Argentina in 2019, but the youngster is full of confidence and believes he can rip up the script by claiming the biggest scalp in the 126lbs division this weekend. 

“Initially when I heard it was a World Title fight, I was really excited and motivated,” said Lara on a recent media call. “When the news came that it was no longer going to be a World Title fight it didn’t change things. I remained just as motivated. We’ve prepared to do a job and that’s what we’re going to do. 

“Recently becoming a father to a daughter is an extra motivation for me. It’s always an extra motivation for me when I enter the ring, whether that is for training or fighting. I’ve prepared to come and win. I know that I am going to win. I’ve prepared really hard to go to war in the ring. 

“I’m not concerned about the decisions of the judges if it goes to points. We’ve come prepared to win, whether that is by knockout, which would be ideal, but if not, I’m going to make sure it is a clear victory so it doesn’t need to depend on the judges. Either way, I think they will do their jobs correctly. 

“It’s normal for fighters in Mexico to begin their careers very young and that was the case for me. I’m going to use that to my advantage when I go into this particular fight. Josh Warrington is seen as the world’s number one Featherweight fighter in Mexico, and he’s number one for a reason. They also believe in me, and they know that I am going to war in London on Saturday.”

Warrington vs. Lara tops Matchroom’s first show of 2021, Manchester Super-Featherweight contender Zelfa Barrett (24-1, 15 KOs) defends his IBF Intercontinental Title against Spain’s former Super-Bantamweight World Champion Kiko Martinez (41-9-2, 29 KOs) in the chief support bout, Nottingham’s Leigh Wood (23-2, 13 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Doncaster man Reece Mould (13-0, 6 KOs) for the vacant British Featherweight Title, fast-rising Sheffield Super-Lightweight talent Dalton Smith (6-0, 5 KOs) takes on Ishmael Ellis (11-3), Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (3-0, 1 KO) sees action and Keighley Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (2-0) steps-up against Jonny Phillips (5-5, 2 KOs).

Miami, Florida –  Super welterweight prospect Gorjan “Gogo” Slaveski (6-1) returns to the ring this Saturday night when he faces Antonio Hernandez in a bout scheduled for 6 rounds. 

Hernandez has faced several top prospects from the super welterweight division up to the super middleweight division.  In 2020 he went the distance with Lorenzo Simpson and upset a then 9-0 Destyne Butler. 

Like many fighters, Slaveski had his 2020 campaign effected by the coronavirus pandemic. He was only able to fight once, stopping Zachariah Kelley in 3 rounds in August. 

The Macedonia native has relocated to South Florida and has put together a new team. 

“I feel very fortunate to be working with my new manager Luis Molina, boxing coach Derik Santos and my strength coach Phil Daru. I also am working with Maureen Shea who advises me in both areas. I have worked in the past with other trainers but there has never been so much focus put on my boxing fundamentals.  I hope that one day Luis Molina will have the first Macedonian world champion. My goal is to make that history,” Slaveski stated. 

Slaveski’s only career defeat came against unbeaten prospect Isiah Stevens in 2019.  Even though he took the fight on only one day’s notice, he scored a knockdown on the way to losing a  controversial majority decision. 

New trainer Derik Santos believes the sky is the limit for Slaveski.   

“Gogo came to us and asked if we would be interested in working with him. I told him I’d give him a look and after a few workouts what I realized was that this kid is very athletic and has a ton of upside. He just did not yet have the knowledge of what to do with it. Even though he is a professional he had a very limited amateur career. I really kept coming back to his upside. The rest of the team came together and we all felt the same. For this weight division he has the speed, power, and athletic ability to compete at the highest level. So now he is doing his part and our part is to teach and guide him through with an on the job education,” said Santos. 

The plan is for Slaveski to fight 5 times in 2021 and get closer to being ranked by the major sanctioning bodies. He has fought the majority of his career at super middleweight and is now beginning the process of moving down to the 154 pound super welterweight limit.