DALLAS, TEXAS (Jan. 27, 2021): A hometown battle between two Dallas, Texas natives will take place on March 20 as Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16 KOs) and former world champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (27-1-3, 19 KOs) clash in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO International Welterweight Title. The bout will headline a card that includes the Unites States debut of heavyweight monster Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov and a world title clash between Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz and Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada.

Information regarding the venue will be announced shortly as it is pending commission approval. The fights will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico and Russia.

“On his rapid ascent from prospect to contender, Vergil has absolutely blown away everyone we have put in front of him, including a former world champion,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “But with a win over Maurice Hooker, just one fight removed from a significant title reign, on March 20, Vergil can stamp his ticket to a world championship fight.”

Since debuting as a professional in 2016, Ortiz Jr. has knocked out every single person who has stepped into the ring with him. The native of Grand Prairie, Texas, who has roots in Michoacan, Mexico, has scored stoppage wins against the likes of Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera, Antonio “Relentless” Orozco, Brad “King” Solomon and Samuel Vargas. The 22-year-old contender has been wanting to fight Hooker for some time, and he’s eager to demonstrate his abilities against a former world champion.

“First and foremost, I’m really grateful to be fighting back at home again,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “Not only that, but I’ll be fighting another Dallas native in Maurice Hooker. I’ve known Hooker since back in the amateur days. I know we’re going to give the fans back at home a fight to remember.”

Hooker is a 31-year-old former world champion who traveled to United Kingdom to defeat Terry “Turbo” Flanagan and capture the 140-pound WBO title. Then, Hooker scored big wins against undefeated contenders Mikkel “Slikk Mikk”LesPierre and Alex “El Cholo” Saucedo before suffering his first loss in an epic unification fight against Jose Carlos Ramirez. Now at welterweight, Hooker plans to derail Ortiz’s meteoric rise by putting an end to their long-standing rivalry.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from a fight,” said Maurice Hooker. “The decision to fight Ortiz was an easy one as it allows me to prove to the world something that I already know—that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world. I have a new team around me who has taken my game to a whole new level, and I feel amazing at this weight class. I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans on March 20. Dallas, get ready!”

In the co-main event, Arslanbek “Lion” Makhmudov (11-0, 11 KOs) will make his highly anticipated United States debut in a 10-round defense of his NABF heavyweight title in a bout presented by Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management. The 31-year-old Russian is on the fast track to a world title, and he already has his eyes set on the biggest names of the division.

Two-division champion Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-3, 4 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico and former flyweight champion Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (19-0, 8 KOs) of East Los Angeles, California will meet in an epic 10-round fight for Ortiz’s WBA Minimumweight World Title. Ortiz is eager to make a statement in her United States debut, while Estrada looks to accomplish her dream of becoming a world champion in more than one division.

Luis “Matador” Hernandez (21-0, 19 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will participate in a 10-round super lightweight battle against Alex Martin (15-3, 6 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois.

George Rincon (10-0, 7 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in an eight-round super lightweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Hector Valdez (13-0, 8 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will face Alberto Torres (11-3-3, 4 KOs) of Sacramento, California in an eight-round super bantamweight battle.

Oscar Acevedo (7-0) of Garden City, Kansas and James “Crunch Time” Willkins (9-1-0, 6 KOs) of Staten Island, New York will meet in an eight-round super featherweight bout between two Golden Boy prospects.

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 in Dallas, Texas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, including the U.S., Mexico and Russia.

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.

January 26, 2020 (New York, New York)–JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR. had a spectacular 2020, consecutively dominating two #1 world rated light heavyweight challengers on ESPN in Jesse Hart and Eleider Alvarez, and was nominated as the BWAA 2020 Fighter of the Year. Now the #1 world rated light heavyweight, Smith Jr. (Long Island, NY 26-3 21KO’s) is working hard again in his native Long Island hometown preparing for his WBO World Championship title bout against Russian veteran MAXIM VLASOV (Samara, Russia 45-3 26KO’s).

Incredibly, since Smith Jr.’s two impressive victories in 2020, not much has changed in terms of the current COVID world we are all faced with. Social distancing, masks and testing still reign supreme, especially in the worldwide attempts in the sports world to trudge on through the pandemic. How does an elite athlete work around these conditions? This “Common Man,” who has become an elite beloved fighter, gets back to his roots.

“I just train because there is nothing else to do,” said Smith. “I can’t go to the movies, I can’t go bowling, so while I sit at home, there are no distractions, that’s for sure. As far as conditioning, I do a lot outside and at home.”

In an attempt to keep the circle small, Smith Jr. and trainer Jerry Capobianco are lucky enough to have a key to a local Long Island boxing gym where they are able to put in work as Smith Jr.’s thudding punches echo across the otherwise empty gym. “As far as sparring, my sparring partner and his coach come down and opens their gym for us” said Smith. “It is one on one, and no one else is around.” Most recently Smith has continued sharpening his skills training with heavyweight Adam “Baby Face” Kownacki, UFC’s Randy Brown as well as Star Boxing stalemate, super welterweight Wendy Toussaint.

As for the fight, Smith Jr. knows the work that he is putting in now will pay dividends come fight night against Vlasov. “Anybody is a dangerous opponent, but I am confident that I am preparing the right way for a tough fight. I know Vlasov is a busy fighter so I will come into this fight in great shape.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, the Smith-Vlasov World Championship fight will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on February 13 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Julio Cesar Martinez will defend his WBC World Flyweight title against McWilliams Arroyo as the chief support to Canelo Alvarez’s defense of his WBC, WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Super-Middleweight titles on Saturday February 27 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, live worldwide on DAZN (except Mexico).

TICKETS GO ON PRE-SALE TODAY (TUESDAY JAN. 26) FROM 2PM ET VIA TICKETMASTER AND ON GENERAL SALE FROM 2PM ET ON WEDNESDAY JAN. 27 – TICKETS START AT $55 (PLUS FEES) – FANS CAN VISIT WWW.HARDROCKSTADIUM.COM/BOXING FOR MORE DETAILS

Martinez (17-1 13 KOs) puts his title on the line for the third time since landing the belt in December 2019 in a thrilling stoppage win over Cristofer Rosales, outpointing Jay Harris in Dallas in February and blasting away Moises Calleros in two rounds in Mexico City in October.

The all-action Mexican is raring to finally face his mandatory challenger Arroyo after having to pull out of a proposed clash with the Puerto Rican through illness in August. It is a huge night for the all-action champion, who turns 26 on Wednesday, as he finally gets to fight as the chief support to his stablemate Alvarez, whom he also shares a trainer and manager in Eddy Reynoso, after illness ruled him out of fighting on his card in December in San Antonio.

“I am so happy to be back in the ring again and I promise you a war with Arroyo in Miami,” said Martinez. “With the unification fights ahead of me, it is important to take care of my mandatory challengers and I expect a tough fight with Arroyo. I believe that 2021 will see me unify the division and become undisputed and I can’t wait put a smile back on boxing fans faces.”

Arroyo (20-4 15 KOs) has been ready to pounce on his shot at the title and win a World strap at the third time of asking. The decorated Puerto Rican amateur was edged out via split decision by IBF champion Amnat Ruenroeng in September 2014 and then fell to pound-for-pound star Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in April 2016 for the WBC and Ring Magazine crowns in California.

The 34 year old ranked at number one in the WBC enters the bout on the back of three wins in 2019 having returned to Flyweight from a brief stint at Super-Fly, and the former World Amateur Champion is determined to end the talented Mexican’s reign in Miami.

“Finally, the fight is near, and I am sure the fans will enjoy another classic between Mexico and Puerto Rico,” said Arroyo.

“This will be another great classic between Puerto Rico and Mexico,” said Arroyo’s co-promoter, Miguel Cotto. “I am sure they will provide the fans a great fight and McWilliams will be prepared to rip that title away and bring it back to Puerto Rico.”

A stacked undercard in support of Alvarez also sees Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang make a quick return to action over ten rounds against Jerry Forrest.

Zhang (22-0 17 KOs) is back in the sunshine state after stopping Devin Vargas in four rounds in their clash in Hollywood, Fl. in November, and the 37 year old giant will look to take another step towards securing a huge fight in the glamour division with victory over Forrest (26-4 20 KOs), who took Carlos Takam the distance in his last outing in July.

“I’m very excited about this fight,” said Zhang. “February 27 is the highest profile card of the first quarter of 2021, and it will be an honor to be part of it. I can’t wait to get in the ring and wish the best of luck to my opponent Jerry Forrest. I am training full force. I will be ready.”

“Zhang is a good fighter with great size and technique, but I’ll be ready for this fight,” said Forrest. “2021 is a new beginning for me. Covid has made training difficult with many gyms shut down, but I’ve stayed in shape since my last fight. I’m now up at my manager’s gym in Ashburn, Virginia, and my trainers have been creating a game plan while bringing in sparring partners to match Zhang’s size and style. I’m excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to ending Zhang’s unbeaten streak.”

A host of young talents get the chance to shine on the card, led by Diego Pacheco. The rangy teen has raced to 10-0 with eight wins inside the distance, and the Super-Middleweight sensation will look to add another impressive win when he takes on Rodolfo Gomez Jr (14-4-1 10KOs) over eight rounds.

“I am excited to be back under the bright lights,” said Pacheco. “2021, it’s time to show everyone I’m here and I’m a problem for anyone at 168lbs.”

Alexis Espino (6-0 4 KOs) had a frustrating end to 2020 after losing out on two fights, but the 21 year old is ready to put that behind him and get 2021 off to a flier against Ashton Sykes (5-3 KOs)

“I am more than ready to fight on this amazing card and show what I been working on aside from the time I spent away,” said Espino. “it was a frustrating time for me at the end of 2020, but I am itching to finally show how much work I have been putting into this since I haven’t been in the ring due to recent cancellations.”

Former amateur sensation Marc Castro got his pro career off to the perfect start on Canelo’s undercard in San Antonio with a KO win, and the Fresno star goes again in Miami against Lester Brown (4-2-3 1 KO).

“I am ready to get back in the ring and I want thank God and my team for making it possible for being a part of the pound-for-pound king Canelo’s undercard once again,” said Castro.

Another successful amateur making his second appearance in the paid ranks is Miami’s own Aaron Aponte. The 19 year old won via stoppage on debut in October, and Aponte will showcase the his talents on a huge platform in his hometown.

“I’m super excited to be fighting at the Hard Rock Stadium on February 27 on the undercard of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez” said Aponte. “It’s an honor to fight on such a massive event in my hometown and I’m very grateful to Matchroom and DAZN along with my manager Peter Kahn and the Fight Game Advisors Team for this opportunity. Stay tuned for the rise of Aaron ‘Alien King’ Aponte!!”

“This is a stacked undercard in support of the pound-for-pound king,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Julio Cesar Martinez is fast becoming a must-see attraction in the sport and an impressive win here will take him to another level – but McWilliams Arroyo is up for the challenge and is a dangerman.

“Zhilei Zhang can stake his claim for a massive fight at Heavyweight later in the year with victory over Jerry Forrest, and it is fantastic for the young talents on the card to be able to perform on this huge stage.”

Undefeated Welterweights Chris Kongo and Michael McKinson will collide for the WBO Global Title on the undercard of Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte 2 on Saturday March 6, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all other markets excluding the UK and Ireland.

Bermondsey’s Kongo clinically dispatched Luther Clay in nine rounds to win the WBO ranking Title at Fight Camp last summer, taking full advantage oh his first opportunity of the big stage to extend his unbeaten record to 12-0 with seven knockouts.

Portsmouth’s McKinson has won all nineteen of his professional contests, with two of those wins coming via knockout, and the 26-year-old prospect has picked up the WBC Youth World, WBC International Silver and WBO European Welterweight Titles in an impressive run. 

“I’m very excited, this is a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Kongo. “He was saying that he was far ahead of me, but now I’ve got the belt, the tables have turned.

“Michael has said he’s the most avoided, but I know I’m the most avoided, so we have to make it happen. The two most dangerous fighters in the division – we’re both getting it on now – so it’s a big fight.

“It’s not, can I solve ‘The Problem?’ I will solve ‘The Problem’ on March 6, guaranteed. In the Luther Clay fight, I said before it, someone is going to go down, and I definitely know it’s not me. Same way someone is going to go down in this fight, and it’s definitely not me again.

“It’s going to be an explosive win for me. This is what we train for, this is what we work for. I want the big risk fights. If you don’t take risks in life, you won’t get anywhere, so it’s all about taking another risk in my career.”

“I’m very pleased with this Chris Kongo fight,” said McKinson. “It’s a fight I have called for and I’m over the moon to get a fight that I want. I’ve wanted a big fight for a long time. I deserve one and I’m buzzing.

“It’s a massive platform and one that I need in my career. I believe I was born to be on the big stage and I can’t wait to show that on March 6. Chris Kongo is a dangerous fighter and a talented fighter, but there is no fighter like Michael McKinson. You can throw me in with anybody and I’d come out victorious.

“I’ve told Chris before many times that all they needed to do was make the call and the answer would be yes. Winning a fight like this can change my life and change my daughter’s life, it can catapult me to even bigger things. That’s why I’m in this sport, to do big things for my city of Portsmouth and big things for my daughter and make people proud, and that’s what I’ll do on March 6.”

Povetkin vs. Whyte 2 tops a huge night of action, 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 Wembley Super-Featherweight Youssef Khoumari ( 11-0-1, 4 KOs) faces Birmingham’s Kane Baker (14-7).

Miami, Fla. – Light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera had a very frustrating 2020 campaign.

He spent most of the year training for a showdown against Sergey Kovalev that failed to materialize because of the coronavirus pandemic and other factors. With Kovalev having since failed a test for PEDs, that fight won’t be a possibility anytime soon.

The promotional free agent is really baffled that he hasn’t been able to make a meaningful fight in the division.

“I wasted a lot of time and energy for the Kovalev fight. I just want to fight and I have called out all of the champions, contenders and top prospects and no one wants to fight me,” Barrera explained.

Barrera has never had any issues making weight and has decided that the best way to make a meaningful fight is to drop down to the super middleweight division. He wants to make it clear he is available for any top contender or prospect at 168 pounds.

“I am going to move down in weight. It won’t be a problem for me. I am a free agent so making a deal is easy. David Benavidez, Caleb Plant, Billy Joe Saunders, Callum Smith and even young fighters like Edgar Berlanga are all on my radar. I would fight any of them. They say I am old and washed up so I should be easy for them,” said Barrera.

The former Cuban amateur standout has continued to train and is ready to fight right now. There are several interesting options in the super middleweight division. Barrera just needs one to accept his challenge.

“I think I have a good resume. I have fought several top fighters. My win over Joe Smith looks better all the time. If I am so easy then these guys should accept my challenge. Who wants to meet me in the ring?” Barrera stated.

LOS ANGELES (January 25, 2021) – Former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy takes on All Rivera in a 10-round welterweight match headlining FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, January 30 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and features exciting light heavyweight prospect Atif Oberlton making his pro debut against Nathan Sharp in a four-round special feature and Brandyn Lynch taking on Mark Hernandez in an eight-round middleweight duel to open the telecast.

FS1 PBC Fight Night precedes the FOX PBC Fight Night broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant defending his title against former champion Caleb Truax.

The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing and will take place without fans in attendance at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Rances Barthelemy (27-1-1, 14 KOs) is a decorated Cuban amateur who hails from a boxing family that includes his older brother, Olympic Gold Medalist Yan, and younger brother, featherweight Leduan. A two-division world champion, the 34-year-old Barthlemey is moving up to welterweight after campaigning at lightweight where he won a 135-pound title against Mickey Bey in 2016.

Barthelemy won a 130-pound championship by defeating Argenis Mendez in 2014 and attempted to become the first Cuban three-division champion when he moved up to 140-pounds for his first fight against Kiryl Relikh, a title eliminator that he won by decision. He returned to lightweight in his last match and fought to a split draw against Robert Easter Jr. in 2019.

Rivera (21-4, 18 KOs), a 27-year-old southpaw from Bobon, Philippines, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Rodel Wenceslao last February. This will be the second time that he has fought in the U.S. He lost against Malik Hawkins in Las Vegas in 2019.

Lynch (10-1, 8 KOs) scored a KO victory over Bernard Thomas in his last fight. The 29-year-old Lynch is from Englewood, New Jersey, and is the nephew of famed entertainer Eddie Murphy. He will be making his debut on FS1 in the toughest fight of his pro career, which began in 2016.

Fighting out of Fresno, California, Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) has faced excellent competition in his career, battling a litany of tough, fellow rising contenders. The 27-year-old Hernandez has twice faced former unified super welterweight champion Jeison Rosario, fighting to a draw in their first meeting before losing the rematch. He most recently lost a decision to Kevin Newman in November 2019, a rematch of a fight Hernandez won in 2017. He defeated then unbeaten fighters in Newman and Thomas Hill in 2016.

Oberlton was the No. 2 ranked light heavyweight amateur in the U.S. before deciding to turn pro. With over 100 amateur bouts under his belt, he had placed second at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2020. The 22-year old Oberlton hopes to be in the long line of other greats from Philadelphia. Sharp (4-2, 4 KOs), who is from Merced, California, will be a hard-hitting test for Oberlton. All of his victories have come by KO and he will be looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss to Burley Brooks in his last fight in 2019.

In off-TV undercard action, sensational lightweight prospect Fernando Molina (4-0, 2 KOs) battles James De Herrera (4-5, 3 KOs) in a four-round match and lightweight prospect Daniel Garcia of Denver, Colorado will make his debut against Joseph Quintana of La Junta, Colorado in a four-round bout.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

WORCESTER, Mass. (January 25, 2021) – Success in amateur boxing doesn’t necessarily insure a great professional career. Some fighters are much more suited to be better pros than amateurs, most often power punchers, but it’s usually clear early on if a fighter is especially skilled or not.

Undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Worcester, MA, displayed his tremendous gifts in the amateurs against some of today’s most talented, young boxers.

Back in 2012, for example, 14-year-old, 106-pound Ortiz defeated the hottest pro prospect in the world today, 16-0(16 KOs) Edgar Berlanga, of Brooklyn, at the Junior Olympics National Championships held in Lake Placid, New York. Ortiz went on to win 100 of 114 amateur matches, Berlanga finished with a 162-17 amateur record. All 16 of the latter’s pro fights ended in the opening round.

Ortiz never dreamed that Berlanga would become the super middleweight monster that he is today for a good reason. “I didn’t have pros on my mind,” Ortiz remembered. “My goal was to win an Olympic gold medal. I didn’t see him at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but I did at a few national tournaments.”

Another Brooklyn-born fighter, unified world lightweight champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs), the 2020 Fighter of the Year, handed Ortiz a 3-0 loss on points at the 2015 National Golden Gloves Championship.

“If I had my coach in the corner – Rocky Gonzalez had to leave because of a pro commitment – I think I would have been able to beat him. He’s a power puncher now, but not when I fought him. I hope to fight him sometime because he holds the belts. I want to fight the top dogs.”

In Ortiz’ final amateur fight, he won a 2-1 decision against Abraham “El Super” Nova (19-0, 14 KOs), the former NABF super featherweight champion in the pro ranks, to be crowned New England Golden Gloves champion

“We’ve sparred after that,” Ortiz noted. “We go to his trainer’s (Hector Bermudez) gym in Boston a lot to get good work.”

Two other undefeated contemporary pros who were also standout pro prospects that Ortiz defeated in the amateurs are former NABF super lightweight Luis Feliciano (14-0, 8 KOs) and yet another Brooklyn native, super lightweight Richardson Hitchins (12-0, 5 KOs). Against Feliciano, Ortiz won 3-0 at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, and he edged Hitchins, 2-1, at the Olympic Qualifier.

“The Feliciano fight was fairly easy for me,” Ortiz noted. “I’m not surprised by his success as a pro because he was a recognized amateur on Team USA. The Hitchins fight was competitive and he probably thought he won.”

Two losses in the amateurs against undefeated rising pro stars, welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) and bantamweight Gary Antuanne Russell (18-0, 12 KOs), only enhanced Ortiz’ potential as a prizefighter. Both fights were scored 3-0 for Ennis in the Olympic Qualifier and Russell in the semifinals of the Olympic Trials.

“I fought Ennis in his hometown, Philadelphia, and he beat me,” Ortiz commented. “He turned pro and started knocking out everybody. He didn’t stop me, though. I haven’t seen Russell fight in the pros.”

Ortiz is promoted by Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES). “I’ve been in this business a long time and affiliated with thousands of athletes,” CES founder/CEO Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. commented. “Jamaine has it all! He’s a perfect gentleman who has all types of experience against practically every type of boxer. Anybody who truly understands boxing can tell the difference about the special ones. He reminds me a little of Sugar Ray Leonard and looks like Oscar de la Hoya. He is the whole package with everything needed to be world champion.

“I love working with his team, Rocky Gonzalez and Carlos Garcia. They’ve all bonded. Team Ortiz is great to work with and I believe Jamaine has an unbelievable career ahead of him. Athletes of the 21st Century need more than in the past like a strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist. We have that for Jermaine.

Ortiz understands that there’s a world of difference between the amateurs and pros. “Styles make fights and pro versus amateur boxing is different,” he remarked. “We didn’t wear headgear in the Olympic Trials, but nobody stopped me. It seems like a lot of those guys I fought in the amateurs gained power in the pros and aren’t fighting as lightweights anymore (other than Lopez).”

The 24-year-old Ortiz is the reigning World Boxing Council World Youth and USNBC (U.S.) Silver lightweight champion. His stocked has skyrocketed since his spectacular performance this past November on the Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. PPV, in which Ortiz stopped Sulaiman Segawa (13-2-1, 4 KOs) in the seventh round of their high-profile fight.
“I’m back in the gym staying sharp and in shape,” Ortiz concluded, “working hard for whatever comes.”

Burchfield added, “Since his great performance on the Tyson-Jones PPV, we have been receiving all kinds of good offers for him. Jamaine Ortiz is a future boxing star.”

Ortiz’ special gifts were developed in the amateurs fighting opponents such as Lopez, Berlanga, Ennis and Co. Now, he’s making waves in the pro ranks, ranked No. 5 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF), and cracking the WBC world lightweight ratings at No. 28.

Stephen Fulton Jr. showed his versatility as he outpointed and outpunched Angelo Leo to capture the WBO Super Bantamweight title at the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

In round one, Leo was cut over his left eye as the result of an accidental headbutt. The two fought inside for much of the bout, which would have seemed to favor Leo, but Fulton beat the now-former champion Leo at his own game as he was much quicker and active. Leo would attempt to work the body, but it was Fulton who showed the class in this bout.

Fulton landed 364 of 1183 punches; Leo was 262 of 810.

Fulton had answers for any and everything that Leo threw at him, and he cruised home with the victory and title by scores of 119-109 twice and 118-110.

Fulton of Philadelphia is now 19-0. Leo of Albuquerque, NM is 20-1.

Stephen Fulton Jr., Quotes:

“It feels good. I told you that I would engage more in this fight. I boxed a little but I engaged more to show him that I’m better than him at what he does best. They didn’t know I was going to come and engage in a fight like this. I’m used to dealing with fighting inside the gym, inside the ring. Everyone I’ve fought tried to bully me. This time I did to them what they try to do to me. And I got the job done.

“At some point I felt like I touched him but he didn’t show that he was ready to go although he might have been ready to go. His face showed that he was surprised by my punching power.

“I wore him down by attacking his body and pushing him back. I had to change the whole narrative, push him back and dropping those uppercuts in. That’s how I got the job done.

“From like the fifth round, that’s when I knew I was going to take off. I never got tired from engaging. This fight I was prepared and I knew that’s what I came to do. So by the fifth, I knew I was taking the fight away from him.

“Early on, I noticed he was landing a lot of good right hands as I was pulling back – and that’s one of the things my trainer told me not to do in the dressing room. I made the adjustments and smothered the shots to make sure I wouldn’t get caught again.

“I would like to fight another title-holder. I’d like to show I’m the best in the weight division. I am just a better fighter and I’m better at what he does. I just showed I was better overall and I’m going to continue to show that. I’m just lost for words right now. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer but I had to force the issue. I am a great body puncher. I’m so used to boxing but I had to show y’all the other side to me.

“After a year off, I feel I did a good job but I could be a lot better, a lot sharper. I want Luis Nery, Brandon Figueroa…I want all the champions. I want to be undisputed.

“It hasn’t hit me yet. When it hits me, I’m going to act the fool. Dancing, going crazy. This is a dream come true right now. I’m a world champion. Not everyone can be a world champion.

“This was the first fight I wasn’t really nervous. I knew I was in shape. I barely got tired. The ring rust was there somewhat but I kinda feel like I broke out of that. Just going through everything I went through, COVID and all, getting through that helped me.

“The bully got bullied. It always happens. I’m the new! The game plan was to box at first, but when I got in there and when I saw that I made a couple of mistakes and he was landing the right hand cleanly, I had to get a little dirty and fight his fight. I had to show him that I’m the better man to fight his style. I had to flip the script a little bit and I knew I had to continue to bang with him, and I did.

“Probably around the fifth or sixth round I started to see he was breathing a little heavy.

“There wasn’t any ring rust because of all the things I’ve been through; in 2020 we’ve all been through some crazy things and it’s been a rough year for all of us. But I felt that’s what changed my mind set and made me love the sport even more. Because I felt like I lost my opportunity and it gave me the chance to see that when something is taken away from you, you find that love and that love was boxing.

“It feels good because I’m the only world champion of any sport in Philadelphia. A lot more of us will have our hand raised, like Jaron Ennis and other talented fighters from Philadelphia.

“There’s a lot more that I can work on and I see that in the ring, but as long as I came and took the title from the world champion I just got to get back, and relax at this point.

“Maybe a unification belt is next. I want to pursue my goal of that and that’s why I was screaming ‘Undisputed!’ That’s what I want to do. That’s what I’m here for and what I want to do.

“I showed I was the better man. I met his promoter Floyd [Mayweather] at the Wilder fight, and he said he didn’t know me. But I bet he knows me now. I wish he would give me that bonus he said he was going to give Leo.”

“Philly, we back. That’s all I’ve got to say. I made my name in the books, I made history.”

Aleem Stops Pasillas in 11

Ra’eese Aleem won the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight Title with an emphatic 11h round stoppage over Victor Pasillas in a battle of undefeated fighters.

In round two, Aleem dropped Pasillas with a hard left hook. In round six, Aleem dropped Pasillas again with a left hook.

In round nine, Pasillas showed some life, but then Aleem landed a left that made the glove of Pasillas touch the canvas for a knockdown. In round 11, Aleem landed a perfect left hand that sent Pasillas to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 1:00

Aleem, 121 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Pasillas, 122 lbs of Redwood City, CA is 15-1-1.

Ra’eese Aleem Quotes:

“I feel great. We had a good camp. I was dominant. I wanted to put an exclamation point with this performance. It feels absolutely amazing. It just confirms what I knew in my head, that I have elite power. He’s one of the top fighters in the division so to knock him out, it means I’m a true threat.

“I think a lot of people were sleeping on me and my power. I wasn’t surprised that I stopped him. I didn’t think he’d be able to go the distance with me. I think a lot of the fighters in this division should really be on notice.

“I wanted to knock him out. But I wasn’t necessarily trying to go for the knockout early. I was just seeing the openings and everything came together.

“It doesn’t matter who I fight next. I’m ready to fight any world champion. Whether it’s the winner of Leo-Fulton or if Murodjon Akhmadaliev wants to come out of hiding.

“Any current world champion that’s willing to fight, I’m ready. I’ve got the pen, send the contract. Whether that’s Brandon Figueroa, Akhmadaliev – he has two of the belts and is a tremendous fighter. He hasn’t defended his belts yet. Any one of those fights would be a great fight.

“I couldn’t feel his power. There wasn’t like one punch he hit me with and I was like, ‘Damn, I got to watch out.’ I knew he was a hard hitter but I didn’t feel his power tonight.

“I’m a diverse fighter. Coming into this fight, I didn’t know what kind of fighter I was facing. But I pride myself in being able to adapt. I’m not one-dimensional: I can brawl, I can box. I just took what he gave me.

“I was able to give him different looks. And being able to explode in those small spaces, I feel I was able to capitalize.

“Early on, I was touching him and he could feel my power. He was grunting when I hit him in the body. So I knew he didn’t want to be aggressive because he could feel it.”

Romero stops Sparrow in 7

Rolando Romero stopped late-replacement Avery Sparrow in round seven of their 12 round non-title bout.

Seconds into the fight, Romero dropped Sparrow with a hard left hook to the side of the head. In round six, Sparrow was deducted two points for low blows.

With the fight getting out of hand, the corner of Sparrow stopped the bout at 43 seconds of round seven.

Romero, 134 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Sparrow, 136 lbs of Philadelphia is 10-4.

Rolando Romero:

“I was very disappointed, I really wanted to fight Justin Pauldo. But things happen – at least I had another opponent.

“I fought a dirty fighter. He hit me with a dozen, if not more, low blows, back of the head, trying to wrestle but it is what it is. I got the victory. I dropped him with that hook in the opening round. I thought it would be over but he’s slick – he knows how to survive.

“I didn’t really get to showcase the angles. I believe it was the last round, I started letting off. My defense was sharp, I was just sharp in general. I wouldn’t say it was improvement from my last fight; just showing more of what I have.

“The person that fought Jackson Marinez wasn’t me. I had a bad camp, I didn’t do the things I was supposed to do. The big part, he fought scared and made it very difficult. Marinez was supposed to rematch me. He decided not to even though we offered more money.

“With Sparrow, he fought like a coward. He just wanted a street-fight because he knows he wasn’t going to do anything to me. It came to low blows, hitting behind the head. His corner did the right thing by stopping it. In that last moment before they stopped the fight, he was hurt again and there was a lot of time left in the round. He’s lucky they stopped it.

“You guys said you want to see me box and you saw me box. At the end, his corner quit and he fought like a coward. I boxed good.

“I thought I had him out in the first but he’s really good at surviving.

“I’m a growing fighter. I came into this game eight years ago, I started boxing late and didn’t have much of an amateur career. I’m learning on the job. The old me would have went in there to destroy him.

“Boxing fans are the most bi-polar people I’ve ever seen in my life. There are so many fighters that have gone through the things I’ve gone through. Boxing is a very toxic sport. I just want the best and I just want the best for the future. I hope I keep entertaining you guys because at the end, that’s all that matters—and entertaining myself.

“I want that WBC belt. That’s what I want. I want a fight with Devin Haney.”

Follow all the action as Angelo Leo defends the WBO Super Bantamweight title against Stephen Fulton Jr.  The co-feature will be the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title match as Ra’eese Aleem takes on Victor Pasillas.  The show begins at 9 pm ET with a light fight featuring Rolando Romero and Avery Sparrow.

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Round 1: Jab from Fulton..Left hook to body from Leo..Jab from Fulton..Leo cut over left eye (Accidental headbutt)

Round 2 Sharp jab from Fulton..Double left hook from Leo…

Round 3 Double-Jab from Fulton; Body shot from Leo…Lead left hook and right to body from Fulton..Body shot from Leo…Right uppercut from Fulton

Round 4 Right from Leo…Left hook to the body..Jab from Fulton..Right uppercut..Right and left from Leo..Good right from Fulton..Right from Leo stuns Fulton

Round 5 Nice right from Leo…Body shot from Fulton..Chopping right from Fulton..Right uppercut..

Round 6 Short left and uppercut from Fulton..Big right uppercut

Round 7  Right to head from Fulton…Right uppercut..Nice left hook from Leo..Right uppercut from Fulton..Right hand..Body Punch from Leo..Right..combination from Fulton…

Round 8  Uppercut from Fulton..Choppimg right…Body shot from Fulton

Round 9 Good jab from Fulton…

Round 10  Fulton jabbing.Bidy work from Leo..Fulton working on the inside

Round 11  Good right from from Fulton

Round 12 Fulton jabbing from distance

118-110; 119-109 TWICE FOR THE NEW CHAMPION STEPHEN FULTON

Round 1 Combination from Aleem..Body shot..Right hand

Round 2 Pasillas lands a left.. Jab and body combo from Aleem…SWEEPING LEFT AND DOWN GOES PASILLAS…Right buckles Pasillas….Hard left to the body

Round 3 Body work from Aleem..Counter left from Pasillas

Round 4 Double left hook from Aleem..Left followed by left to body..2 short left hooks..Pasillas lands a counter

Round 5 Straight right from Aleem..Double left and right..Counter right from Pasillas..Counter left from Aleem

Round 6 Double left hook from Aleem..Lead Right…LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES PASILLAS…Lead left from Pasillas…

Round 7 Big left rocks Pasillas…Hard body shot..Big Right..

Round 8 Ringside Doctor looks at Pasillas in between rounds….Left from Pasillas..Left..Good right hook..Left knocks Aleem off balance..

Round 9 Left from Pasillas…ALEEM LANDS A LEFT THAT MADE PASILLAS GLOVE TOUCH CANVAS..Aleem lands a left uppercut and left to head

Round 10 Straight left from Pasillas…Double Jab from Aleem…Good right..Body shot

Round 11 BIG COUNTER LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES PASILLAS…FIGHT OVER

Round 1: Right AND BIG LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES SPARROW..1-2 from Romero
Round 2 Short left hook from Romero….Combination on the ropes
Round 3 Counter jab from Sparrow… Good left hook from Romero
Round 4 Combination from Romero
Round 5 Jab from Romero…1-2 from Sparrow…Good right from Romero..Right
Round 6 Good combination from Romero…Sparrow hurts leg and goes down..no knockdown..SPARROW DEDUCTED  2 POINTS FOR A LOW BLOW
ROUND 7   FIGHT STOPPED BY SPARROW’S CORNER

Dustin Poirier shocked Conor McGregor in he 2nd round of their lightweight in Abu Dhabi.

McGregor had a solid round one with his strikes. In round two, Poirier started to get on track with Calf kicks. Poirier landed a hard shot that hurt McGregor. One more hard punch sent McGregor down, and the fight was stopped at 2:32.

Poirier, 156 lbs is 27-6 with 14 knockouts. McGregor, 155 lbs is 22-5.

Chandler Knocks Out Hooker in 1

Michael Chandler made a spectacular UFC debut with a 1st round stoppage over Dan Hooker in a lightweight bout.

 Chandler dropped down with a left hand and then and drilled Hooker with some hard Ground-and-Pound and the fight was stopped at 2:30.

Chandler, 156 lbs is 22-5 with 10 stoppages. Hooker of New Zealand is 20-10.

Calderwood Decisions Eye

Joanne Calderwood won a unanimous decision over Jessica Eye in a flyweight fight

Calderwood outlanded Eye 214-104 and won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 and is now 15-4. Eye is 15-9.

Muradov stops Sanchez in 3

Makhmud Muradov stopped Jason Sanchez in round three of their middleweight bout.

In round three, Muradov landed a big right hand that hurt Sanchez and then he landed flying knee and that pushed Sanchez up on the cage Muradov landed a big flurry, and the fight was stopped at 3:00.

Muradov, 186 lbs of Tajikistan is now 25-6 with his 17th stoppage. Sanchez, 186 lbs is 12-6.

Rodriguez stops Ribas in 2

Mariana Rodriguez stopped Amanda Ribas in round two of their flyweight bout.

Rodriguez dropped Ribas with a hard right. Several Ground-and-Pound shots later, and the fight was stopped at 54 seconds.

Rodriguez, 116 lbs of Brazil is now 13-2 with six stoppages. Ribas, 116 lbs of Brazil is 10-2.

Arman Tsaryukyan won a unanimous decision over Matt Frevola in a lightweight bout.

Tsaryukyan landed 116 of 185 punches; Frevola landed 51 of 95.

Tsaryukan, 155.5 lbs of the Georgia Republic won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 16-2. Frevola, 155.5 lbs is 8-2-1.

Brad Tavares won a unanimous decision over Antonio Carlos Jr. in a middleweight bout.

Tavares landed 75 of 139 strikes. Carlos landed 58 of 143.

Tavares, 185.5 lbs won by scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28 and is now 18-7. Carlos, 185 lbs of Brazil is 11-5.

Juliana Pena submitted Sara McMann in round three of their bantamweigh clash.

Pena was able to make McMann submit from a rear-naked choke at 3:40.

Pena, 136 lbs of Chicago is 11-4 with her 5th stoppage. McMann, 135 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 12-6.

Marcin Prochnio won a unanimous decision over Kahlil Rountree Jr. in a light heavyweight bout.

Prachnio landed 108 of 229 strikes; Rountree was 59 of 155.

Prachnio, 205 lbs of Warsaw, POL won by scores of 29-28 on all cards, and is now 14-5. Rountree, 206 lbs of Las Vegas is 9-5.

Movsar Evloev won a split decision over Nik Lentz in a catchweight bout.

Lentz had swelling under his right eye in the opening round. By the end of round three, Lentz’ face was a bloody mess.

Evloev landed 124 of 234 strikes; Lentz was 50-143.

Evloev won two cards 29-28. Lentz on the strength of a good 1st round where he almost was able to be successful on a couple of choke attempts, took a card 29-28.

Evloev, 150 lbs of Russia, won by scores of and is now 14-0. Lentz, 150 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL is 30-12-2

Amir Albazi won a unanimous decision over Zhalgas Zhumagulov in a flyweight bout.

Albazi landed 101 of 209 strikes; Zhumagulov was 72 of 149. Albazi had several near-miss choke opportunities in the 3rd round.

Albazi, 126 lbs of Iraq won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 14-1. Zhumagulov, 126 lbs of Kazakhstan is 13-5.

WBO Junior Featherweight World Championship – 12 Rounds

Angelo Leo – 121 ½ lbs.

Stephen Fulton, Jr. – 122 lbs.

Referee: David Fields (N.J.); Judges: Frank Lombardi (Conn.), Waleska Roldan (N.Y.), Steve Weisfeld (New Jersey),

Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title – 12 Rounds

Ra’eese Aleem – 121 ½ lbs. 

Victor Pasillas – 122 lbs.

Referee: Danny Schiavone (Conn.); Judges: Glenn Feldman (Conn.), John McKaie (N.Y.), Don Trella (Conn.)

Lightweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Rolando Romero – 134 ¼ lbs.

Avery Sparrow – 136 lbs.

Referee: Johnny Callas (Conn.); Judges: Tom Carusone (Conn.), Waleska Roldan (N.Y.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

Note: Romero was originally scheduled to defend his interim lightweight title against Justin Pauldo, who exceeded the 135-pound limit. Avery Sparrow will take Pauldo’s place in the bout. Romero’s title will not be on the line.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say during Fight Week:

Angelo Leo

“Training at Mayweather’s Gym has really helped me just for the fact that you get so many different fighters coming in from all over the world, and you see so many different styles and different looks. So it’s great for me. It really pushes me. It’s a great experience for any fighter to train there.

“The one thing Floyd told me is that he was going to make me a champion in two years. He kept his word, two and a half years or less I became a world champion. He wasn’t as present for this camp, but at my last camp he deeply impacted me with tips on how to approach the fight with Fulton and his style. Tips that carried over into this camp.

“Fulton’s a good fighter. He’s got his style down pat. He likes to use his jab and control the distance. You can’t take anything away from him. He was out for a year, so I’m taking advantage of that.

“My advantages are my pressure, my work rate and my boxing IQ. I think a lot of people underestimate that about me.

“It means a lot to be the first champion from Albuquerque since Johnny Tapia. I looked up to Tapia and Johnny Romero, so to be the next is an honor. Albuquerque is a fight town, but it’s not the biggest city so there’s a lot of unseen talent there.

“The 122-pound division is stacked with a lot of talent. There’re a lot of fighters who are still undefeated, and I just want to fight the best. This fight against Fulton has taught me a lot already; it’s a huge fight for me. I know that winning this already solidifies my spot. Then, I can focus on who is the next big fight.”

Stephen Fulton Jr.

“Some of the fighters I like are Bernard Hopkins, [Joe] Frazier, and Meldrick Taylor. They mean a lot to me, and to the sport of boxing and the history of Philadelphia. I watched the guys who were leading and now I’m leading. It’s just a big accomplishment to say you’re trying to lead the new era for your city.

“I don’t think much of Angelo Leo. I wasn’t impressed with his last fight. Just pressure. That’s about the only thing he brings. There are things he’s probably never seen before. I come with angles and my ability to punch off angles.

“Not fighting back in August kind of pushed me. It didn’t have a bad effect. It made me push myself to the limit in training just knowing that it was all taken away that first time.

“I would like to get past this and unify. Fights like against Leo and [Luis] Nery are easy fights for me. Their styles and my styles are tailor-made for each other. What they both do fits my style perfectly.”

Ra’eese Aleem

“Myprevious manager wasn’t doing much as far as getting me fights, so I had to take matters into my own hands, and that’s when I decided to leave Michigan for a new life in Las Vegas. I had $3,000 in my pocket with no family or friends. I just had faith in myself and started to make my own way. It was rough in the beginning, but I made it work, and now I’m a better man, and a better fighter because of that decision. It forced me to be responsible, hence me being more mature. There was not time for games in my plan. 

“Fighting an undefeated fighter like Pasillas is what great fighters do. I want to fight the best now, and Pasillas is one of the best fighters in the division. I’m not ducking or dodging anyone. I’m going to be a world champion by all means necessary. Once I beat Pasillas, I’m coming for [Murodjon] Akhmadaliev, then all the other champions.

“Fighting in the bubble was something new, but this is COVID time, so we have to get used to it. To me it’s not a problem. I’m a fighter and I don’t care if fans are there or not. I’m just ready to dominate.

“As far as the main event fighters, neither of them will be able to hang with me. I’m the best fighter in the division period!”

Victor Pasillas

“Representing East Los Angeles means everything to me because I have so many people back home in East L.A. who believe in me. When I was coming up in the amateurs, I always had a big crowd attending my fights. East L.A. has always been a city known for its great boxers, and I want to continue that tradition.

“I’ve always been a monster in the weight room. I’m just a gym rat who loves to work out. My whole life outside of home is in the gym, either boxing or in the weight room. My power has improved as I’ve grown into my man strength, and right now I think I’m at my peak as a man. Everyone will definitely see some serious power coming from me on fight night.

“I don’t know much about [Aleem] personally, but I know he’s a good fighter who is ranked higher than me. We both have the same Prince Ranch Boxing manager in Greg Hannley, but I’ve never met him.

This is my second fight in the bubble. I actually love fighting in the bubble. I get so much rest, it’s very refreshing. Usually, I have my wife and kids with me, but to be honest, I need that peace and quiet and being in the bubble forces you to be by yourself, and in return I get great rest. As far as no fans in attendance, I like that as well, because I can hear my coach’s instructions. I feel I can concentrate more and relax better when there are no fans. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing like fighting in front of a big crowd as well. I was built for this, fans or no fans. 

“By far this is the biggest fight of my career because I’m right around the corner of becoming a world champion. Once I get that strap, I’m going to unify all the belts and do the same at featherweight, super featherweight and maybe even bantamweight. All I know is I’m coming for everyone. 

“I don’t want to give up my game plan but best believe I’m going to do whatever it takes to win this fight. If he wants to bang, then we’ll bang, if he wants to box, we’ll box. I’ve seen so many different styles in the amateurs, there is nothing that he brings that I haven’t seen. My power is what he’s going to have to deal with.”

Rolando Romero

“To those that think the scorecards were off in my last fight, I’d say watch the fight again without any commentary and then see what they’d say.

“It’s simple, I like knocking people out. Fans wanna see a knockout. I don’t think it hurts my chances at landing the big fights in the future, but I know there are fighters in the division who don’t want to step up. 

“I’ve remained focused. I know what I want in life. I’m not a weak-minded sheep that needs an outside force to make me want something. I’m ranked No. 1 by the WBA and I know I’m looking up at champions Gervonta Davis and Teofimo Lopez. But I’m still No. 1, pound-for-pound.”

Avery Sparrow

“I knew this opportunity would come to me, so I have been staying well prepared. I was already on weight. I didn’t need to struggle to make weight this week. I came in here well prepared in case they needed me. Nothing was out of the ordinary for me as I prepared for this.

“I had a full camp. I was already in the gym and they called me about three weeks ago. My manager was talking to me about a fight in February so I was preparing for that. I have been getting ready to fight. I only had to cut about seven to 10 pounds over the last three weeks. I am strong, I am solid, and I am mentally prepared. Justin Pauldo was an easier fight for Romero but now I am here and it’s my turn.

“Rolly is a solid fighter but he makes a lot of amateur mistakes. He relies on his power. He lost his last fight, I believe, but the politics of boxing let him proceed with the victory. It’s in the back of our minds that we need to take over the fight to win on the scorecards. I am so blessed and grateful for this opportunity. The universe is working in my favor and I believe that if I win the fight in the ring then I will be awarded the right decision.

“I am going to take full advantage of this opportunity. I lost a tough decision against Abraham Nova in June that I thought really went my way, but I won’t cry over spilled milk. The fight was on TV so everyone saw what happened. I put seven rounds in the bank that night. But I am going to put on a great show for SHOWTIME.

“I am going to step to Rolly Romero and definitely try to knock him out. I am going out there looking for the knockout. Philly is going to have a big night between me and Stephen Fulton.”

# # #

ABOUT LEO VS. FULTON

Leo vs. Fulton will see WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Angelo Leo take on unbeaten rising star Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton Jr. in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, January 23 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast of 2021 begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a co-main event between unbeaten 122-pounders Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas for the interim WBA title. In the telecast opener, rising prospect Rolando Romero squares off against Avery Sparrow in a 12-round lightweight bout.

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

Jessica McCaskill and Cecelia Brækhus will rematch for the undisputed World Welterweight title on a stacked card on March 13 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, live worldwide on DAZN, on a stacked card topped by the rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez.
AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON TICKET ON-SALE DATES AND PRICES WILL BE MADE IN DUE COURSE
McCaskill (9-2 3 KOs) ripped the belts from the Norwegian star on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in August, snapping the long-standing unbeaten via majority decision and becoming a two-weight World champion in just her 11^th pro fight in the process.

Brækhus (36-1 9 KOs) was denied a record-breaking night with McCaskill preventing her from recording her 25^th consecutive successful World title defense, but she activated the rematch clause and will now go for revenge in the Lone Star state against the Chicagoan – but the champion was succinct in her belief that the belts will remain hers.

“I interrupted her career in the first fight,” said McCaskill. “I will end her career in the rematch.”

“I’m very focused on regaining all of my undisputed belts on March 13 in the rematch against Jessica,” said Brækhus. “It will be a very special night in Dallas for my supporters and for all of my worldwide fans who can watch the fight on the DAZN.”

On a huge triple-header of World title action, new Matchroom signing Hiroto Kyoguchi will defend his WBA and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight titles against Axel Vega.

Kyoguchi (14-0 9 KOs) makes his third defense of the WBA crown having stopped Heikke Budler for the strap in December 2018 to become a two-weight World ruler and then seeing off the challenges of Tanawat Nakoon and Tetsuya Hisada in June and October of 2019. In December, Matchroom announced a multi-fight promotional deal with the Japanese star, working with Clase Y Talento and manager Eddy Reynoso, and that relationship kicks off with his clash with Vega.

Kyoguchi fights for the first time in the States against the 20 year old Mexican (14-3-1 8 KOs) who gunning for a World title in his second attempt having challenged for the WBO Minimumweight strap in October 2019.

“I’m very happy to make my debut in the US under the guidance and management of Eddy Reynoso and with my promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Kyoguchi. “I want to thank them for the chance to prove that Japanese boxing is the best in the world. I am very grateful to them and we will put everything into becoming a star in the boxing world.”

“I’m very happy to receive this world title shot,” said Vega. “Kyoguchi is a great champion but I’m a hungry young contender and will conquer the championship on March 13. I want to thank my promoter Tuto Zabala Jr (All Star Boxing) for turning around so quickly, one week after signing and here is my chance, also to my manager Joe Gonzalez and to Eddie Hearn.”

“This is a huge night of boxing in Dallas,” said Hearn. “Cecilia and Jessica will put it all on the line in their rematch for the undisputed Welterweight title and Hirotu is a fighter that I am excited to see explode onto the big stage under the guidance of his manager Eddy Reynoso and Matchroom.

“With a brilliant main event in the rematch between Estrada and Chocolatito and plenty of young talents to be added to the card, this is an unmissable feast of fights for the fans in Dallas and on DAZN.”

Las Vegas, Nevada – American Dreams Presents have teamed up with Don King Productions to add a special heavyweight attraction to Don King’s January 29th pay-per-view. The event takes place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The card is headlined by the WBA heavyweight showdown pitting Manuel Charr against Trevor Bryan. In the co-feature bout Beibut Shumenov and Raphael Murphy will fight for the WBA cruiserweight title.

American Dream Presents’ CEO Ronald Johnson will appear on the pay-per-view portion of the undercard against veteran heavyweight Raphael Zumbano.

“I want to face the winner of Charr-Bryan and what better way to get ready for that fight than to be on this undercard. I don’t really care who wins but may the best man win and give me my shot next,” The heavyweight veteran stated.

In order for a title fight to become a possibility, Johnson knows he must take care of the task at hand and is 100% focused on his upcoming opponent.

“Zumbano is a guy who has been in with most of the top heavyweights and I know he is going to come right after me. He’s known for being very durable and tough. I plan on putting on a show for all the fans that will be tuning in,” said Johnson.

“This is just the first step. We are taking it one step at a time and we won’t stop until we win a world title,” Johnson explained.

Both Johnson and Love have been out of the ring since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans on making up for lost time with a big year in 2021.

This will also be the legendary Don King’s first event in several years and Johnson said it has been great working with him.

“Don King is one of the greatest promoters of all time. He has promoted several of the top names in the sport over the past 50 years. It is a pleasure doing business with him. January 29th can’t come soon enough. I can’t wait until I get my hand raised,” Johnson stated.

“Boxing can be a lonely sport, support is key to getting to this opportunity of where I am in my career right now. That’s why I’m so thankful for my long time partner Ronn Bailey who has always believed in me and even built me a private gym 10 years ago. He’s always talked highly of Mr. King and he approved of me doing business with Mr. King.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 22, 2021) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and former world champion Caleb “Golden” Truax previewed their world title showdown on a media conference call Thursday before they headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes, Saturday, January 30 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

In the co-feature, Michael Coffie and Darmani Rock clash in a 10-round battle of unbeaten heavyweights. Super welterweight sensation Joey Spencer takes on Isiah Seldon in an eight rounder to open the telecast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and Sweethands Promotions, in association with Warriors Boxing, and will take place without fans in attendance at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, an AEG venue, in downtown Los Angeles.

Here is what the conference call participants had to say Thursday:

CALEB PLANT

“I can honestly say this is one of my best camps. I’ve had great sparring. I haven’t had any restrictions as far as COVID-19 goes when it comes to sparring partners or strength and conditioning or being in the gym. So I’ve been really focused on what I need to do and I’m just ready to go in there and handle business.

“It’s hard to say where Caleb Truax ranks in terms of past opponents. I have to get in there with him. Styles make fights so after January 30, I’ll have a better idea. I know he’s a veteran, has a lot of experience and is a former world champion who has upset people before, so he has to be taken seriously.

“I’m fully focused on January 30 and when that bell rings so I can do what I do best. I’m not looking past him, but I am looking through him. I’m looking to end this fight early. I don’t see it going 12 rounds, so whether they throw in the white towel, I throw in the white towel for him or the ref steps in to do his job, I’m looking for a stoppage. This ends with me getting my hand raised in spectacular fashion.

“I know what I need to go in there and do. At the end of the day, I can have a game plan but that may not be how the fight is going to go. So I’ll have to make adjustments as needed and I feel that’s one of the things I’m best at. Whatever is needed for the job, I can pull it out of my toolbox and put it to work.

“Me against Jose Uzcategui, they had me the underdog and they had it wrong. So I don’t pay attention to numbers, betting odds—that’s not how I became a world champion and how I’m going to stay world champion. My job is to go in there fully focused on the task at hand. I could care less what the odds say, I know what I need to go in there and do because betting odds don’t win or lose fights.

“I feel like there are unification fights to be made and I feel like they will happen. But as of now, January 30 has my full attention. After that, we’ll have a better understanding of how the cards will fall in the super middleweight division and we’ll be ready to make our next move.

“I think people tend to forget I only have 20 fights. So within 21 fights to not only win a world title from a champion but then have another former world champion under my belt, I feel like I’m off to a great start in my career and I think there are big things ahead.

“I love the team that I have around me. I know that my team has supreme confidence in what I can do in this sport. Not only am I betting on myself, but I know for a fact the rest of the team is betting on me as well. And we’re betting big. We’re not looking to jump on something quick for a quick payday and ride off into the sunset. We’re looking to take this thing all the way to the top and sometimes that requires patience. I know in due time, after I handle business on January 30, when those fights do happen, everything will come to fruition just like we imagined.

“Like most boxers, I don’t come from much and I wanted more than I had. I wanted a better life for the loved ones around me. So I set my mind on a mission and when I put my mind to something, no matter what it is in life, when I say I’m going to do it, I do it. And when I say I want something, I get it. So it doesn’t matter what life tosses my way, it doesn’t matter what I’m up against, once I set my mind to it, I assure you it will get done. I’m fully motivated for this fight, fully focused and, again, I can’t wait to get in there.

“It was a goal to become world champion but it’s not the goal. I’m still far from where I want to be. I’m still far from everything I want to accomplish and to keep that hunger, that motivation, you have to be honest with yourself about who you are and where you’re at. I know where I’m at in my career and how much farther I want to go so it’s no time for me to let my foot off the gas. I need to keep my foot on their necks and I need to keep pushing because, as I’ve said, I’m looking to become the first undisputed world super middleweight champion of all time and you can’t do that with just one world title.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I’m very grateful and fortunate to be in this spot. I’m feeling fantastic. Everything is going as planned as far as camp. I’ve had some great sparring over the past five or six weeks. I’m feeling healthy for the first time in a couple years. I was talking to my trainer this morning when we were working out and I’m almost paranoid that something is going to go wrong in the last nine days. I’m feeling so good right now. I’m just excited and ready to take on this challenge.

“I didn’t have my greatest performance in my last fight but the most important thing I took from it was that my Achilles was healthy after eight or nine months of recovery. It held up perfectly and that was the most important thing. I’m ready to move forward.

“I’ve had some elbow problems the past couple years and that has seemed to have cleared up. My Achilles is healthy as I said before and I’m just feeling really good. I’ve been feeling great in sparring. I’m getting paranoid that I’m feeling too good almost but, I’m focused, feeling great and ready to put on a great performance.

“It’s hard to say if Plant is the toughest opponent of my career until we get in the ring. He’s not the most experienced guy, he’s not the most highly-vaunted guy that I’ve fought. Probably Danny Jacobs was and even James DeGale. So that’s to be determined until we get in the ring and mix it up.

“I’ve always been the underdog and I embrace that role. I fight my best when I’m in that spot and I look forward to proving all the naysayers wrong again.

“At my age, at 37, there is no telling when I’ll be able to get a world title fight again. So I’ve been approaching it as if this is my last shot. I’ve been very focused in camp and just determined to leave it all in the ring and get my belt back.

“I’m going to win because I’m the most experienced and the best fighter that Plant has ever faced. I believe my experience, my pressure, my conditioning and just my determination will be the factor in getting the win and I expect to do so on January 30.

“I’m so used to training through the holidays after doing it for 14 years that it doesn’t affect me too much. The only challenges this time around was that we had a one month shutdown of my gym due to COVID-19. Thankfully it’s a semi-private gym and I have a key to it so I was able to have access. This winter in Minnesota has been very mild so I’ve been able to get some roadwork in and chop some wood without freezing my a— off so it’s been pretty easy to get stuff done.

“Everything has gone great. Preparing for Caleb Plant is a little different than normal; trying to get good boxers with real good speed and just trying to find sparring partners to emulate his strengths. We got a couple guys in, got some really good rounds in. I’ll have my last sparring session tomorrow then I’ll taper down next week and get ready for the fight.

“My hard-working mentality is my character. My mother was a single mother working her butt off to provide for my sister, my brother and I. But I also started my career late in boxing. I had to mitigate the experience my opponents had over me and I had to do that through hard work.

“I go in there and give it my all and fight hard and try to put on the best performance I possibly can for the fans and come out with the win. In a perfect world, it’s a slugfest, a crowd-pleasing fight and I get the win in a 12-round decision. Actually, in a perfect world I go out there and knock him out with the first punch. But we all know that’s not going to happen. He’s a good fighter so I expect to go 12 rounds and just get the job done.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“Thank you for joining us on this call, for the battle of the ‘Caleb’s: Caleb Plant versus Caleb Truax for the 168-pound championship of the world. The 168-pound division is quickly becoming one of the hottest in the sport. I know both guys very well, I was involved in promoting both of their professional debuts. Caleb Truax back in 2007 at the Target Center in Minneapolis and Plant’s pro debut in May 2014 at the USC Galen Center. So it’s been a lot of fun watching them develop into world champions.

“Caleb Plant put the boxing world on notice with his exciting, title-winning performance in January 2019 and has established himself as the force in the division going into his third title defense. He’s on a mission to be the first undisputed super middleweight champion in boxing history.

“We all know what he has to go through to in order to make that happen. He has a stiff test in front of him in the upset-minded Caleb Truax, whose super middleweight glory came back in 2017 when he traveled overseas and pulled off a huge upset over James DeGale for the same IBF belt. He has vast experience against some of the best at 168 pounds: Jermain Taylor, Danny Jacobs, Anthony Dirrell, James DeGale—and Caleb, I thought you won both fights—Peter Quillin, so it’s going to be an exciting, can’t-miss night of primetime boxing on FOX.”

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @TGBPromotions become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions,
www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

NEW YORK (January 22, 2021) – Split-T Management was awarded the highest honors in the sport, solidifying itself as the premiere management organization by sweeping all of the major awards in an announcement by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) today.

Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez took home the coveted Fighter of the Year; Split-T Management CEO David McWater was named Manager of the Year; Ivan Baranchyk took part in the Fight of the Year, and Teofimo Lopez Sr. was named Trainer of the Year.

Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) took his honors on the strength of his sensational performance on October 17th when he added the WBC Franchise, WBA and WBO Lightweight titles to his IBF Championship. The win by Lopez further exemplified that Split-T Management is one of the most powerful entities in boxing as it now handles one of the top Pound-for-Pound fighters in the sport.

“I’m very appreciative of this,” Lopez said. “It’s been a long journey and this is just the beginning. What I can say is this is a true big win for us. It’s surreal. Sometimes I still think this is a dream for us, but we turned that dream into reality.

“When I look down on the list of past BWAA Fighter of the Year award winners, they are all in the Hall of Fame, or going into the Hall of Fame. Now I’m a part of that group and that history. It’s something no one can take away from me. And there is so much more that we will accomplish.”

Under McWater, Split-T outperformed the industry in 2020, featuring its fighters in 40% of the bouts it had participated in the year prior (the industry average was 13%). Split-T Management fighters amassed a record of 44-6-1, winning four world titles that included Lopez, Kali Reis, Raquel Miller and Christina Linardatou as well as four more regional titles, with fights televised or streamed on all of the major boxing platforms such as ESPN/ESPN+, SHOWTIME, DAZN, NBC Sports and FOX. Other Split-T boxers, such as Charles Conwell, Brian Ceballo, Abraham Nova, Stephan Shaw and Janelson Bocachica continued their rise in the sport from prospects to bonafide contenders.

“Getting this award is pretty exciting and very vindicating,” McWater said. “It involved a lot of hard work, and it’s especially sweet because I felt last year Keith Connolly (the 2019 BWAA Manager of the Year) deserved it so much, which I felt gave the award more credibility than in the past.

“It’s a tribute to our whole company at Split-T. Everyone at Split-T has so much to be grateful about for Teofimo and his father. Their awards couldn’t be more deserving.”

Baranchyk’s October 3rd eight-knockdown thriller with Jose Zepeda was broadcasted on ESPN+ had fans in awe in one of the most exciting and sensational back-and-forth fights in recent memory. Baranchyk displayed both the renowned heart and tenacity that has made him beloved by fans.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the BWAA as a participant in the Fight of the Year,” said Baranchyk. “I only watched the bout once so I can fix my mistakes and come back stronger for my next fight, which I would love to be a rematch with Jose – something I know the fans would also want.”

Lopez Sr. made good on his prediction of his son defeating the highly acclaimed Lomachenko. Lopez Sr. was magnificent in devising a game plan for which his son carried out almost flawlessly in the October 17th bout.

“I never expected this,” Lopez Sr. said. “This is a tribute to all of the hard work that we put in. I was thinking about my son. I wasn’t thinking about any awards, so to get this from the BWAA makes me a part of history and I’ll be in the boxing books forever. It’s a great honor and I don’t plan on letting anyone down.”

Los Angeles – January 22, 2021 – A bitterly disappointed Aram Avagyan says he’s willing to do a rematch of his exciting showdown with Jose “Magnifico” Nunez, but this time things have to be a bit different.

The two undefeated super featherweights, Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs) and Nunez (11-0-2, 4 KOs), fought to a fan-friendly eight-round majority draw this week, in the co-main event of Wednesday night’s edition of ShoBox: The New Generation from Mohegan Sun Arena.

But Avagyan, who was facing his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent, takes great exception to the outcome and feels the scores of judges Tom Carusone and John McKaie, who both scored the exciting fight 76-76, and especially Judge Peter Hary, who had it 77-75 in favor of Nunez, were way off base. Former champ Raul Marquez of Showtime, had it 77-75 for Avagyan.

“I was shocked,” said Avagyan from his adopted home in Los Angeles. “I thought I only lost round four and the last round. That’s all I give him, and I have 20 years’ experience in boxing. I know when I’m winning or losing.”

Avagyan says Panama’s Nunez must have been getting credit for punches that didn’t land throughout the fight.

“He didn’t hit me clean once!” Avagyan continued. “Every punch he threw, I blocked and then countered, and I caught him with clean power shots throughout. All he did was his slapping punch on my right arm over and over. The fight wasn’t even close. My coach told me don’t stop in the last round, but I said to myself that if I’m winning the fight, I don’t want to take a lot of risks because this is boxing. One lucky punch can end everything, so I just enjoyed myself for the last three minutes, knowing I had already won.”

Still stinging as he spends quality time with his family, Avagyan says he’d like the rematch with Nunez, but only under different circumstances with different officials.

“If the rematch is going to be like that, forget it. Were the judges watching my fight or another fight? The one who gave him 77-75 – was he just learning how to judge? I even knocked him down and they didn’t count it. It’s ridiculous.”

Avagyan’s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says the fight was close in his eyes, but his fighter should have gotten the nod. Salita says if Team Nunez want to do it again, things will have to be a bit different.

“It was a highly competitive fight, but I thought Aram pulled it out,” said Salita. “I had it 77-75 for Aram, same as Raul Marquez. It’s great for boxing when two undefeated fighters face each other, so if the boxing fans and his team want to do it again, we are willing as well. But this time, it should be scheduled for 10 rounds, not eight. Then we’ll know who the real winner is, and I know it will be Aram.”

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.

New York, New York – January 22, 2021 – Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter of undefeated Panamanian super featherweight Jose “Magnifico” Nunez (11-0-2, 4 KOs), says a rematch must happen between his fighter and Armenia’s Aram Avagyan (10-0-2, 4 KOs).

The pair of hard-nosed prospects fought to an action-packed eight-round majority draw this week in the co-main event of Wednesday night’s edition of ShoBox: The New Generation from Mohegan Sun Arena, as Judge Peter Hary had it 77-75 in favor of the Panamanian, but was overruled by Tom Carusone and John McKaie, who both scored the exciting fight 76-76. Showtime’s unofficial scorer Steve Farhood scored it 77-75 in favor of Nunez.

Lewkowicz, who places no blame at the feet of the judges, says there’s only one way to establish who is the better fighter between the two warriors… they have to do it again.

“I don’t blame the judges,” said Lewkowicz, “it was a close fight and difficult to score, but after his tremendous performance, my fighter deserves another chance for a victory,” said Lewkowicz. “A draw leaves no clear winner, so they must fight again.”

According to Lewkowicz, Avagyan and his team have an open invitation to do it again on any of his upcoming televised shows.

“It was a great fight and I congratulate both fighters, but I want to do this again as soon as possible,” said Lewkowicz, “The fans deserve to see them put on another great show and the only way to solve who is better is by doing a rematch.”

Lewkowicz says he hopes Team Avagyan have the same mindset and looks forward to beginning negotiations with them.

About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.