Chester, PA (January 15, 2021) – Weights for Saturday night’s card at Elevations Events Center in Chester, PA

Dylan Price 118.2 – Samuel Gutierrez 117.4
Shinard Bunch 144.1 – Diemerci Nzau 149.1
Nafear Charles 140.5 – Latorie Woodberry 140.5
Joshua Jones 145.8 – David Veras Pena 146.4

Promoter: RDR Promotions
1st Bell: 7 PM ET
Elevations Event Center is located at 51 9th Street in Chester, PA

A very limited amount of tickets can be purchased for $150 for Stage Seating; $125 for Ringside and $100 for General, and can be purchased at rricereview@yahoo.com or from fighters on the card

All Covid 19 Protocols will be enforced including wearing a Mask at all times and ID is required.

NEW YORK – January 15, 2021 – Undefeated 122-pound prospect Ra’eese Aleem previewed his upcoming showdown against fellow unbeaten Victor Pasillas before they battle for the interim WBA super bantamweight title Saturday, January 23 live on SHOWTIME® in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Originally from Muskegon, Michigan, Aleem (17-0, 11 KOs) now lives and trains out of Las Vegas, where he moved to years ago to further pursue his championship dreams. After a stoppage victory over Marcus Bates on SHOWTIME in August, Aleem now faces Pasillas with a chance to move one step closer to that ultimate goal.

The 30-year-old is trained by Bobby McCoy in Las Vegas as he nears that potential world title opportunity, including a possible showdown against the winner of the January 23 main event between WBO 122-pound champion Angelo Leo and unbeaten rising star Stephen Fulton Jr. Here is what Aleem had to say about training camp, Pasillas and more:

On his matchup with Victor Pasillas:

“Pasillas is a good fighter with a lot of skills, but he’s not on my level physically and mentally. I have the speed advantage, along with a better ring IQ, so I believe I’m the more polished fighter. This is going to be a dog fight and a lot of hard punches are going to be thrown by both of us. I envision myself dominating this fight and coming out victorious by any means necessary.”

On his recent training camp in Las Vegas with coach Bobby McCoy:

“Coach Bobby and I are working harmoniously together, and we put in a lot of hard work during this training camp. There’s no place like Las Vegas as far as training and sparring goes, so I’m going to be well prepared going into this fight. We have a solid game plan set in place and adjustments will be made as the fight goes on. We are making the final push and I’m in great shape.”

On fighting for the interim WBA 122-pound title:

“This fight is the turning point in my career being that it’s for the WBA interim title. I’ve always said I want to fight the best fighters in the division and that’s exactly what I’m doing when I step in the ring with Victor Pasillas. I’m coming for all the belts and it starts on January 23.”

On making his third appearance on SHOWTIME:

“There’s nothing like fighting on SHOWTIME and I hope they see that I’m a fighter that brings a lot of excitement to the big stage. I want to thank my manager Greg Hannley, my promoter Marshall Kauffman, and everyone else who has helped me get to the point. I’m honored that PBC and SHOWTIME are giving me this opportunity, and I can’t wait to see my hands raised in victory after this fight.”

#

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 Justin Pauldo in a 12-round lightweight bout for Romero’s interim WBA title.

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.

(January 15, 2021)–Sensational amateur boxers Nathan and Elijah Lugo have graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, appearing in the magazine’s long time favorite “Faces in the Crowd” feature detailing their amazing run of success in the ring.

Brothers Nathan,16, and Elijah, 14, of Marietta, Georgia, have more combined national titles (36) than they have combined losses (28). Coached by their father, Michael Lugo, the two brothers are widely considered to be the best young prospects in the United States amateur system. They have both been a part of USA Boxing since the age of eight.

Nathan has an amateur record of 219-9 and is a 21-time National Champion – and has the most stoppage victories in history by a USA Boxer (19).

Elijah is 151-19 and is a 15-time National Champion. He will be fighting in March for a chance to be on Team USA.

CLICK TO VIEW VDEO ON THE LUGO BROTHERS
Follow the Lugo Brothers on Instagram Nathan Lugo @thenathanlugo
Elijah @kaboomlugo
Mike @bigtio78

Providence, RI (January 15, 2021) – The region’s No. 1 combat sports promotion is continuing its partnership with the industry’s leading digital subscription service.

CES Boxing and CES MMA have signed a multi-year extension with UFC FIGHT PASS®, extending their partnership agreement and continuing the tradition of bringing competitive, high-quality fights to UFC FIGHT PASS with an expansive network covering more than 200 countries and territories.

The promotion’s 2021 schedule, streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, will be announced shortly.

CES MMA was the first to join the UFC FIGHT PASS family in January of 2019 with CES MMA 54, an afternoon matinee at Twin River Casino Hotel in Rhode Island featuring fan-favorite Nate Andrews in a submission victory over Bryce Logan.

To date, CES MMA and CES Boxing have promoted 12 events on UFC FIGHT PASS, including three in 2020 as part of a condensed schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. UFC FIGHT PASS has more than 30 live event partners across multiple disciplines – among them MMA, boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing – and will live stream more than 200 events in 2021. The streaming service is also home to the world’s largest fight library, including more than 20,000 individual bouts in addition to every fight in UFC history.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com, or download the UFC app.

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.

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 15, 2021) – The Kovalev vs. Melikuziev boxing event scheduled for Jan. 30 has been cancelled following a positive test for a banned substance on behalf of Sergey Kovalev through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).

Upon learning of Kovalev’s adverse finding, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) determined that they must cancel the event.

While we are crushed for “The Bully” (Melikuziev), we know that he will nevertheless have a tremendous year in 2021. We look forward to our next scheduled boxing event on Feb. 13.

Deerfield Beach, FL (January 15, 2021)—It’s a new year and the world’s greatest boxing promoter, Don King, is ready to present two world title fights at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL on Friday, Jan. 29.

While the boxing card will not be open to a live audience, King will present two world title fights–one for the WBA Heavyweight Championship and the other for the WBA cruiserweight championship plus three other classic fights of the past on Don King TV live streamed worldwide for $19.95 (www.donking.com).

King, who won the WBA purse bid back on March 2, 2020 for the heavyweight championship fight pitting WBA World Heavyweight Champion Mahmoud Charr (31-4, 17 KOs) from Germany via Syria and the number one contender in Trevor Bryan (20-0, 14 KOs) from Fort Lauderdale, FL via New York.

The WBA has mandated the fight to be held by Jan. 29^th and President Gilberto Jesus Mendoza has stated “should any or both of the fighters (Charr and Bryan) fail to sign the contract, they will lose their position as champion or/and mandatory challenger.”

Both fighters have gone through VADA testing via Dr. Margaret Goodman of Las Vegas, NV.

“I’ve won the purse bid and the WBA is mandating that this fight take place by Jan. 29^th and that is when we are having this boxing card in a bubble at the Hard Rock,” said King.

Prior to the main event, Beibut Shumenov, the WBA World Cruiserweight Champion (18-2, 12 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV via Kazakhstan, will defend his world title against Raphael Murphy (14-1, 11 KOs) from Harlington, TX in a 12-round bout.

A special heavyweight attraction will feature Bermane Stiverne (25-4-1, 21 KOs) from Las Vegas, NV via Canada, the former WBC Heavyweight Champion.

LAS VEGAS (January 14, 2021) — Undefeated super featherweight standout Gabriel Flores Jr. will fight former world title challenger Jayson Velez in a 10-round tilt Saturday, Feb. 20, as the co-feature to the highly anticipated all-Mexican showdown between WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt and former featherweight kingpin Oscar Valdez.

Velez replaces former world champion Andrew Cancio, who suffered a back injury.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Berchelt-Valdez and Flores-Velez will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Velez (29-7-1, 21 KOs), from Juncos, Puerto Rico, makes a quick comeback to the ESPN airwaves following his spirited effort against Valdez last July. He lost via 10^th-round TKO after suffering a pair of knockdowns in that round. A 14-year pro, Velez has victories over former two-weight world champion Juan Manuel Lopez, former WBC super bantamweight world champion Victor Terrazas and then-unbeaten prospect Alberto Mercado.

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

NEW YORK – January 14, 2021 – Undefeated 122-pound prospect Victor Pasillas shared insight into his training camp and more as he prepares to take on fellow unbeaten Ra’eese Aleem for the interim WBA super bantamweight title Saturday, January 23 live on SHOWTIME® in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Fighting out of his native Los Angeles, Calif. the 28-year-old Pasillas (15-0, 8 KOs) had an extensive amateur career and burst onto the scene with a career-best victory in September 2020, as he knocked out the previously unbeaten Ranfis Encarnacion in the sixth round.

With a victory on January 23, Pasillas puts himself into position for a world title shot, potentially against the winner of that night’s main event that pits WBO 122-pound Champion Angelo Leo against unbeaten rising star Stephen Fulton Jr. Here is what Pasillas had to say about training, his upcoming showdown against Aleem and more:

On his recent training camp in Redwood City, Calif., with coach Brian Schwartz:

“I’m having a really good training camp and I’ve been getting great sparring from my boys Eros Correa and Arnold Dinong. These guys are pushing me to the limit. In addition, my coach Brian Schwartz is right on point with everything we’ve been working on. I’m feeling great as we enter the final days of training camp.”

On his matchup with Ra’eese Aleem:

“I keep telling everyone that this fight is going to steal the show. I’m ready to put a beating on him and have the world witness a major beatdown. You have two pit bulls who are going to leave everything in the ring, and this pit bull will not be denied. This is going to be an all-out war and I can’t wait. I’m coming to knock his ass out.”

On making his SHOWTIME debut on January 23:

“I’m so grateful to my manager Greg Hannley and everyone at PBC and SHOWTIME for giving me this opportunity. Ever since I was a little kid, I always dreamed about what it would be like to fight on the big stage and here we are. Words cannot describe how I’m going to feel when I step in that ring on fight night. I’m getting butterflies just thinking about it. I’ll be ready to show out and show the world that I’m elite. Everyone should be tuning into SHOWTIME on January 23, because the goblin will be let loose.”

On what a victory will do for his career:

“Because this fight is for the WBA interim title, when I beat Aleem, it’s going to put me next in line to fight for the regular world title, so this fight means everything to me. I’m going to eliminate Aleem from the path, and I won’t stop until I become the unified champion at 122-pounds.”

#

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 2021begins 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 Justin Pauldo in a 12-round lightweight bout for Romero’s interim WBA title.

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.

LAS VEGAS (January 14, 2021) — The first super middleweight world champion of Mexican decent, undefeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) is all in for a potential World Boxing Council (WBC) Interim light heavyweight World title fight against 2012 U.S. Olympian “Sir” Marcus Browne (23-1, 16 KOs).

The WBC ordered Ramirez vs. Browne this past Monday because reigning WBC light heavyweight World champion Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) hasn’t defended his title since capturing it October 18, 2019, due to getting COVID-19 during training camp, as well as for other pandemic related restrictions. Beterbiev is also the reigning International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight World champion.

Ramirez is the No. 1 light heavyweight contender in the WBC ratings, while Browne is ranked No. 4. Team Zurdo and Team Browne have until February 5th to work out a deal before it’ll go to purse bid. Martinez is promoted by his own company, Zurdo Promotions, while Browne is represented by PBC.

“This is an interesting opportunity and I’m ready to fight anyone in the light heavyweight division to leave my mark on the sport,” Ramirez said. “I know Marcus has been out of the ring for a while, but he’s a U.S. Olympian and still one of the best in the game. I know he’s wanted this fight for a while and hopefully we can make something happen.

“In addition, it’s always been my dream to get the green belt (WBC) and bring it back to Mexico. I have a lot of respect for the WBC and Mauricio Suliman and I am grateful for all their love and support throughout my career.”

Last month, Ramirez fought for the first time in 20 months, stopping defending champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-4, 25 KOs) in the 10th round of the “Battle of Rio Grande” main event, which marked the debut of Zurdo Promotions.

The 29-year-old Ramirez became the first Mexican fighter to capture a world super middleweight crown in 2016, when the ultra-gifted, athletic southpaw pitched a complete shutout against defending title holder “King” Arthur Abraham
(44-4), winning each round for a 12-round unanimous decision (120-106 X 3) to become the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champion.

Ramirez successful defended his WBO title five times against 33-4-1 Maksym Bursak (DEC12), 22-0 Jessie Hart (DEC12), 25-0-1 Habib Ahmed (25-0-1), 23-0 Roemer Alexis Angulo (DEC12), and Hart again in a rematch (DEC12). “Zurdo” moved up to the light heavyweight division in 2019, destroying 29-6-1 Tommy Karpency, who was unable to continue fighting after four rounds.

A talented southpaw as well, Browne was a decorated U.S. amateur out of New York City, who won gold medals at the 2010 U.S. National PAL Championships and 2012 U.S. National Championships, prior to representing the U.S. at the Olympic Games in London.

Browne, 30, is a past WBA Interim light heavyweight World champion. He has beaten a pair of word champions, 22-1-3 Badou Jack (DEC12) and 25-7-1 Gabriel Campillo (25-7-2). Other notable opponents he has defeated include 21-0 Radivoje Kalajdzic (DEC8), 20-2 Thomas Williams (KO6), 28-0 Sean Monaghan (TKO2), and 18-1-1 Lenin Castillo (DEC10). Browne’s last fight was August 3, 2019, when he suffered his first loss as a professional to former world champion Jean Pascal
(33-6-1) via an eight-round technical decision, after Browne suffered a severe cut over his left eye from an accidental head-butt.

“There are always challenges to making a fight become reality,” Ramirez concluded, “but me being both the fighter and sole promoter, I’m flexible on the common problems that takes to make a fight. I’m not sure how much time Marcus will need to be ready, but both time and location can be determined when the other preliminary items are agreed upon. If it goes to a purse bid, I’m ready for the process and, hopefully, this fight can happen for both of us.”

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Las Vegas – The first UFC^® Pay-Per-View of 2021 will feature a thrilling lightweight contenders’ bout that will see No. 2 ranked Dustin Poirier look to even the score with No. 4 Conor McGregor. In the co-main event, No. 6 ranked lightweight contender Dan Hooker looks to spoil the highly anticipated debut of Michael Chandler.

UFC^® 257: POIRIER vs. MCGREGOR 2 will take place Saturday, January 23 at Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island and will stream live on Pay-Per-View, exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes, as well as be simulcast in both languages on ESPN+ starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ (in English and Spanish) at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. The event is in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

ESPN+ is available on ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com and the ESPN App for mobile connected TV devices.?To subscribe, visit?espnplus.com/ufc.

Former interim lightweight champion Poirier (26-6, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) looks to continue his momentum following his thrilling victory against Dan Hooker. Throughout his decorated career, Poirier has also secured impressive victories over Max Holloway (twice), Anthony Pettis and Justin Gaethje. Poirier now aims to make the most of his 25^th UFC appearance by taking out one of the biggest names in MMA history.

A former two-division UFC champion, McGregor (22-4, fighting out of Dublin, Ireland) returns to action for the first time since his spectacular KO win against Donald Cerrone one year ago. As charismatic as he is skilled in the Octagon, McGregor has delivered iconic KO victories over Eddie Alvarez, Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes. McGregor now has his sights on once again stopping Poirier to stake his claim for another lightweight title shot.

Hooker (20-9, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) has proven himself to be among the most dangerous finishers in the lightweight division. During his run in the UFC 155-pound division, he has stopped Gilbert Burns, Jim Miller and James Vick in emphatic fashion. He has also netted impressive wins over contenders Paul Felder and Al Iaquinta. Hooker now hopes to kick off 2021 with another vintage performance by derailing Chandler to re-assert himself in the title picture.

Chandler (21-5, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) looks to make an immediate impact in his UFC debut by stopping Hooker to send a message to the lightweight division. A three-time champion outside the UFC, he has delivered memorable victories over Benson Henderson (twice), Eddie Alvarez and Patricky Freire (twice). Chandler now aims to take advantage of his biggest spotlight yet by staking his claim as the next UFC title challenger.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Women’s flyweight contenders collide when No. 6 ranked Jessica Eye (15-8 1NC, fighting out of Cleveland, Ohio) squares off with No. 7 Joanne Calderwood (14-5, fighting out of Glasgow, Scotland)
• Exciting lightweights meet when Matt Frevola (8-1-1, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) faces undefeated Ottman Azaitar (13-0, fighting out of Rabat, Morocco)
• No. 8 ranked women’s flyweight contender Marina Rodriguez (12-1-2, fighting out of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil) faces surging No. 9 Amanda Ribas (10-1, fighting out of Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil)
• Arman Tsarukyan (15-2, fighting out of Krasnodar, Russia, by way of Phuket, Thailand) goes for his third consecutive win against KO artist Nasrat Haqparast (12-3, fighting out of Hamburg, Germany)
• No. 14 ranked middleweight contender Brad Tavares (17-7, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) returns against submission ace Antonio Carlos Junior (11-4 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. and João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil)
• Women’s bantamweight contenders meet when No. 7 ranked Julianna Pena (10-4, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) locks horns with No. 9 Sara McMann (12-5, fighting out of Gaffney, S.C.)
• Khalil Rountree Jr. (9-4 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) takes on Marcin Prachnio (13-5, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) in an exciting battle of light heavyweight strikers
• The Ultimate Fighter season 23 winner Andrew Sanchez (13-5, fighting out of Montreal, Canada) goes for another highlight-reel finish against Makhmud Muradov (24-6, fighting out of Bukhara, Uzbekistan)
• Nik Lentz (30-11-2 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) faces Movsar Evloev (13-0, fighting out of Sunzha, Republic of Ingushetia, Russia) in an exciting featherweight bout
• Amir Albazi (13-1, fighting out of London, England by way of Baghdad, Iraq) takes on Zhalgas Zhumagulov (13-4, fighting out of Aktobe, Kazakhstan) in an entertaining flyweight bout

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

A full line of UFC FIGHT ISLAND products, including t-shirts, hats, water bottles, tote bags, and more are available now on UFCStore.com.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 126 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 171 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 72 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 11.5 million subscribers.

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

About ESPN

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

NEW YORK – January 13, 2021 – WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Angelo Leo and unbeaten rising star Stephen “Cool Boy” Fulton Jr. previewed their long-awaited championship showdown during a virtual press conference Wednesday as they prepare to battle 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 2021begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a co-main event pitting two more undefeated 122-pound boxers against each other as Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas face off in a 12-round bout for the interim WBA title. In the telecast opener, rising prospect Rolando Romero squares off against Justin Pauldo in a 12-round lightweight bout for Romero’s interim WBA title. The combined ring record of the six fighters on the card is a remarkable 96 wins with just one loss.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Leo and Fulton were originally scheduled to meet on SHOWTIME for the vacant title in August, before Fulton received a positive COVID-19 test. Leo went on to defeat Tramaine Williams by unanimous decision to capture the title and will now make his first defense against the unbeaten Fulton.

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

ANGELO LEO

“This is going to be a great fight. I know Fulton is coming to fight and I’m coming to fight too. We have two contrasting styles. I see it sort of as an East Coast vs. West Coast thing, so it’s going to be fireworks. This is going to be one of the best fights of the year and I can’t wait for you all to see it.

“I’m not surprised at all that Vegas has Fulton as the slight favorite. I know that he has a lot of supporters. I’ve been an underdog before. I’ve been in these shoes before, so it’s no surprise to me. It just gives me more fuel for the fire. I’m not at all offended that he’s the favorite. This is boxing and Fulton is a good fighter, but I’m looking to prove on January 23 that I’m where I belong and that I’m world champion for a reason.

“I’m known for throwing a lot of body punches and for my pressure. That’s no secret. I feel like people haven’t seen all of me yet. I have a lot to prove. I still have a lot of looks to show and come January 23, I think Stephen Fulton will bring that all out of me. I think it’s important, in every fight, to go to the body. Like they say, go to the body and the head will fall, but if he wants to move around and put pressure, I have a remedy for all that.

“Floyd [Mayweather] has been in my ear, solidifying the game plan with me. He’s been telling me exactly what I need to do to win this fight. I saw him quickly on Monday. It was brief but he just stopped in to say hello and see how I was doing.

“Being champion is something that I always wanted to be so now that I have the belt, I have the confidence I need. But I don’t take my foot off the gas just because I’m champion. They say that once you’re champion, it’s actually harder. As bad as you want it, now everybody else wants it just as bad as you do. My mentality is the same now that I’m world champion and I’m gunning for more world championships. I’m not the hunted. I’m still hunting.

“I’m going to show Stephen that it’s different when you get in the ring. There’s a lot more factors that play out. Not just pressure. Not just body work. There are a lot of things I have up my sleeve that a lot of people haven’t seen yet and I’m going to showcase all my skills on January 23.

“Johnny Tapia is the pride and joy of Albuquerque. He’s one of the greatest fighters from that city and to be mentioned with his name is an honor. Johnny Tapia was a good person, very charismatic and he showed everybody love.

“This fight is great for boxing. You have two undefeated fighters, both in their prime – what more do you want from two fighters in this boxing era? This is the marquee fight right here. This is the fight fans want to see.

“With this performance I want to let everybody know that I’m here to stay. I think a lot of people are doubting me just because I fought Tramaine Williams and they say he just had three days’ notice. But he was getting ready for a fight as well. I have a lot of doubters that I want to prove wrong and in this fight, I think I’ll have the opportunity to.”

STEPHEN FULTON

“January 23 is going to be fireworks. Leo is the champion and has that spark and fire. We’re both coming hungry and prepared to make this a great fight. This fight is actually a bit underrated because we’re smaller guys, but we’re both in the top five of this division. Leo and I both have something to prove and I’m ready to get it on.

“I don’t think the layoff will affect me at all. I think it makes me even more ready. I can’t wait to get in the ring and get back to doing what I love.

“My game plan remains the same as if I was fighting him in August. We’re always ready to make adjustments, but I believe I’m much better than if I had fought in August. From losing that opportunity and now coming back, it’s made me better physically, mentally and emotionally.

“Going through the experience of having the fight against Leo cancelled just changed my mindset. I felt like I lost everything. It made me train even harder. I took that rage and anxiety and used it every day in training. I’m just ready to fight.

“To me, it means everything to be a world champion from Philadelphia. This is what I’ve been working for my whole career. To my city, it would show people from my neighborhood that there’s a way out. But I don’t feel any pressure because of it. This sport teaches us the discipline to perform in moments like this. The pressure is just a part of my job.

“My streak of taking fighters’ ‘0’ is going to continue on January 23. Fighters have their thing that they’re known for: Gervonta Davis knocks people out, Chris Colbert shows off his flashy skills, and I take fighters’ ‘0’s. Come fight night, we’ll both be prepared and ready. I’m ready to put on a show and I believe Leo will be ready to do the same.

“I’m one of the guys leading the new era of Philadelphia boxing, but I can’t get ahead of myself. I just have to stay smart, calm and do my job. It’s all about doing what I came there to do.

“I am that next wave and I’m just ready to stamp it by getting this belt. I’m going to solidify what everyone already knew about me. I have the superstar quality in me and I’ll show it in this fight.

“Leo’s performance against Williams was what I expected. I knew he was going to come forward and be a dog, but I don’t think Williams expected it. He’s a good fighter, he earned his way here, and now we just have to fight.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“In this main event we have a highly anticipated fight that the fans have been waiting for since it was first announced. This is a meaningful fight for the 122-pound division. This is one of the hottest divisions in boxing, with a number of fighters that you can mix and match to make numerous great matchups.

“Angelo Leo is coming off a tremendous victory to win this title against Tramaine Williams. That was his coming out party. He was really impressive and made a big statement. When it comes to Fulton, you know he doesn’t lack confidence. He’s young, undefeated, talented and he feels like this will be his easiest payday to date. He believes he’s going to walk through Leo.

“This main event has two young undefeated fighters facing each other in their primes. That’s what makes a great fight. It’s also interesting that Fulton is actually a slight betting favorite, despite Leo being the champion.

“We open the telecast with Mayweather Promotions’ own Rolando Romero. ‘Rolly’ is coming off a less than impressive performance when he won the interim title, so he’ll be looking to make a big statement for fans. This is going to be a great card from top to bottom and we can’t wait.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“You won’t find many young fighters that have been against as much impressive competition as Stephen Fulton has. Seven of his victories out of his 18 wins are over undefeated fighters. It’s very impressive. He’s coming to grab what he believes is his and what should have been his back in August.

“The co-feature is the fight I’m really excited about with Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas. This is a very important matchup with very legitimate contenders. A 50-50 fight between two undefeated prospects in the hot 122-pound division. Both fighters have made it clear that they want the elite of the division and they are willing to put it all on the line January 23 to make that happen. The winner of this fight will be in the driver’s seat for any of the 122-pound champions.

“In the opener, they say styles make fights and Justin Pauldo has a style that could really give Rolando Romero some fits. He’s got a great jab and he’s in great shape and down in Houston training with Ronnie Shields. He’s coming to win. Out of the six featured fights we have only one loss between them, so we are going to see some ‘0’s go on January 23. We’re looking forward to it.”

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.

anuary 13, 2021–TONIGHT!!! A terrific doubleheader featuring some of the biggest names in boxing will be streamed on fubo Sports Network.

In the main event, two of the sport’s most exciting fighters squared off in a junior welterweight thriller, as former world champion Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) battled John Molina Jr. (28-6, 23 KOs) in a 12-round clash.

It was the final bout of Provodnikov’s electrifying career, made more memorable by the fantastic show he and Molina put on for the nearly sold-out crowd at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

The card, which took place on June 11, 2016, also featured former WBO junior middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade (22-0, 15 KOs) against the capable Willie Nelson (25-2-1, 15 KOs) in what was a very entertaining bout with a spectacular ending.

The action begins 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

CARL FRAMPTON WILL bid to become a three-weight world champion when he takes on the WBO world super featherweight champion Jamel Herring on February 27 in London, live on BT Sport in the UK.

The special occasion of ‘The Jackal’ bidding to make boxing history will be Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions’ first show of 2021, in association with MTK Global.

The Frampton-Herring showdown was originally scheduled for the middle of 2020 before being delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, which led to both taking interim fights, with Herring overcoming Jonathan Oquendo following a disqualification in Las Vegas, while Frampton kept busy defeating Darren Traynor via a seventh round stoppage in London.

Belfast’s favourite son became world champion at super bantamweight back in September 2014 when he overwhelmed Kiko Martinez on an emotional night outdoors in the Titanic Quarter.

Two successful defences followed – against Chris Avalos and Alejandro Gonzalez – before the now 33-year-old unified his IBF belt with Scott Quigg’s WBA title in Manchester, where Frampton clearly prevailed on points.

Then followed two memorable encounters with Leo Santa Cruz up at featherweight, where in the first of which Frampton became a two-weight world champion at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, only to come off second best in the rematch at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Frampton set about a rebuild following his Santa Cruz setback and teamed up with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren. He was quickly back in the title mix and won the WBO interim world featherweight title with a comprehensive defeat of the decorated Nonito Donaire at the SSE Arena in April 2018.

In August of the same year he got to fulfil a childhood dream of boxing at Belfast’s Windsor Park and his Interim status was maintained with a ninth round stoppage of the Aussie Olympian Luke Jackson.

In December came the huge collision with Josh Warrington, with the Leeds man’s IBF world featherweight title at stake at the Manchester Arena. A barnstorming start put Warrington firmly on the front foot and, despite gamely sticking in there, Frampton was unable to reverse the momentum.

After considering his future, Frampton decided to go again at super featherweight and got back to winning ways with a clear points victory over Tyler McCreary in November of last year in Las Vegas.

Former Marine Herring, 34, carries a record of 21-2 (10 KOs) and he upset the odds in May of last year by defeating the defending WBO world super featherweight champion Masayuki Ito in Kissimmee.

Prior to this his only title action came with a challenge for the vacant USBA title in September 2018, which he won by defeating John Vincent Moralde on points.

Southpaw Herring defended his world title in November 2019 against mandatory challenger Lamont Roach and won comfortably via decision.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “I am thrilled we are able to deliver this huge opportunity for Carl to reinforce his position as the top Irish fighter of his or any other generation.

“Carl has been and is a tremendous ambassador for the sport and his huge following is testament to the qualities he shows in and out of the ring. The only downside to this fight coming about now is that he will be going into battle without his legion of Belfast fans roaring him on.

“For Carl to become a three-weight world champion would really be something else and in many ways a fitting finale to a magnificent career, although it might not quite be the end of the story.

“Herring is a top fighter and a gentleman who we are looking forward to welcoming over for a huge night on BT Sport.”

MTK Global CEO Bob Yalen said: “February 27th promises to be a spectacular night of boxing for all fight fans as the ‘Pride of the Marines’ defends his title against the ‘Pride of Belfast’.

“Carl is bidding to become only the fourth fighter from the UK, and the very first from Northern Ireland, to win World Titles in three weight divisions, and so history beckons him and will drive him in his bid to win that third crown.

“This is an excellent match-up of two outstanding ring technicians and well worth the wait.”

Jamel Herring said: “I’m really excited that the fight is finally happening, more importantly it’ll be an honor to share the ring with a true warrior, and class act such as Carl Frampton. It may be the biggest fight of my career to date, but I’ll be more than ready for the task ahead.

“There’s a lot on the line, and I know he’s aiming to make history, but he’ll have to wait another day, because I plan on returning home with my title in hand. I’ve been training very hard for this fight, and went back to what got me to my world title from sparring the likes of Terence Crawford and other top talent across the nation. I can’t wait to put on a great show!”

Carl Frampton said: “I’m delighted to finally get a date nailed down for this fight that has now been talked about for over a year.

“I have the upmost respect for Jamel as a fighter and as a man but there is nobody stopping me on becoming the island of Irelands only ever 3 weight world champ, one of Britain’s only ever 3 weight world champions and potentially have one foot in the hall of fame.”

————–

To see Carl Frampton’s first interview since his World Title fight was confirmed, click here

NEW YORK – January 12, 2021 – In the long-awaited battle between undefeated rising junior featherweight stars, WBO 122-pound World Champion Angelo Leo meets Stephen “Cool Boy” Fulton Jr., in the main event of the first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast of 2021 Saturday, January 23 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The co-main event pits two more undefeated 122-pound boxers against each other as Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas face off in a 12-round bout for the interim WBA title. The telecast opener features rising prospect Rolando Romero against Justin Pauldo in a 12-round lightweight bout for Romero’s interim WBA title. The combined rng record of the six fighters on the card is a remarkable 96 wins with just one loss.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.

“We’re rolling straight into 2021 ready to keep creating as many opportunities as we can for our fighters,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Angelo Leo and Rolando Romero will both be defending their titles for the first time and will be put to yet another test in their respective bouts. Everyone has been working hard and fine-tuning in preparation for January 23, and it’s going to be another great night of boxing filled with very exciting talent to kick off the new year.”

“Leo vs. Fulton is a true 50-50 matchup between two rising stars entering the primes of their careers,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Fulton’s chance at capturing the title was delayed but his opportunity finally comes January 23 on SHOWTIME. Leo worked incredibly hard to capture the world championship in August and will come prepared and determined to defend it successfully.

“The super bantamweight division will have a clear world title contender emerge from the co-main event, a battle of unbeatens between Aleem and Pasillas. Add in the opening bout of ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Justin Pauldo, a fight that can launch a prospect into a contender, and we have an excellent fight card to kick off the year.”

Leo (20-0, 9 KOs), who fights out of the Mayweather Promotions stable, became the first world champion from his hometown of Albuquerque, N.M., since legendary three-division champion Johnny Tapia when he defeated Tramaine Williams by unanimous decision in August. The 26-year-old was originally scheduled to face Fulton for the vacant WBO junior featherweight world title that evening in the first SHOWTIME boxing event following the pandemic shutdown of the sport, but Fulton was forced to withdraw following a positive COVID-19 test.

“It’s been a crazy year for everyone but to say I walked out of 2020 a world champion is truly incredible and humbling,” said Leo. “I spent 16 years training for that moment to become a champion, and here I am, preparing for my next camp for my first defense top of 2021. That’s a blessing, and I thank Mayweather Promotions and my team for that. My experiences with Floyd last camp going to really put me in a great position going into this fight.

“My father Miguel has been instrumental in keeping me grounded and reminding me that all of these fighters are eyeing my spot. My goal in 2021 is to remain champion and get more belts and Fulton is that next test.”

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pa. Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) has faced impressive competition in his young career while rising up the 122-pound ranks, where he is currently rated No. 1 by the WBO. In his last 12 professional fights, the 26-year-old has beaten seven unbeaten fighters, including Josh Greer, Adam Lopez and Luis Saul Rosario. Fulton’s two most recent wins are a knockout over Isaac Avelar in August 2019 before most recently scoring a dominant 12-round unanimous decision victory over Arnold Khegai in January.

“Training is going great,” said Fulton. “I feel like everything happens for a reason because I’m 10 times more ready now than I was the first time around. I’m excited to fight for the title and I expect nothing but Angelo Leo to be himself and fight his fight on January 23.”

Ranked in the top-10 by the WBA and IBF at 122 pounds, Aleem (17-0, 11 KOs) can take a big step closer to a world title shot when he faces fellow unbeaten Pasillas for the interim WBA strap on January 23. Raised in Michigan and training out of Las Vegas, Nev., Aleem, 30, has stopped his past six opponents inside the distance as he continues to step up his competition.

“This is a high-stakes fight and the winner will get a guaranteed world title fight,” said Aleem. “It’s going to be a good fight, but I am at the top of the heap. I knew I belonged at the top a long time ago and after my last fight that was proven. Winning this fight makes me the number-one contender, and the only thing left after this is to win the world title.”

Pasillas (15-0, 8 KOs), who hails from East Los Angeles, is fresh off a dominating sixth-round knockout over then-unbeaten Ranfis Javier Encarnacion in September 2020 which launched him into the WBA’s top-10 rankings. Like Aleem, the 28-year-old Pasillas also carries significant power. He has stopped his four most recent foes including a first-round knockout of Ernesto Guerrero.

“I’ve envisioned being in this position since I first stepped into a boxing gym at age eight and now it’s time to seize the moment,” said Pasillas. “I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity and show the world, and everyone watching on SHOWTIME, that I belong on the big stage with the elite fighters at super bantamweight. Aleem is a good fighter, but he won’t be able to hang with me. I’m going to punish him until I knock him out. East L.A. in the house, let’s go!”

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nev., Romero (12-0, 10 KOs) returns to SHOWTIME following his controversial unanimous decision victory over Jackson Marinez in August. The 25-year-old captured the interim WBA lightweight title with that win and went the distance for just the second time in his professional career. Fighting under the Mayweather Promotions banner, Romero has been matched tough early in his career with just two losses among his four most recent opponents including the once-defeated Pauldo.

“I’m going to approach this fight like I do any other fight, I don’t feel the need to sell myself,” said Romero. “I’m thankful for my fans who have been with me since day one. I fight for them, because a fan of Rolly is to be an underdog, to be doubted, and that’s all I have ever been. Whether you’re with me on January 23 or against me, I know you will be watching.”

Following an impressive unanimous decision victory over a tough Josec Ruiz in August 2020, Pauldo (14-1, 7 KOs) returns against the stiffest test of his career when he faces blue-chip prospect Romero. Hailing from Orlando, Fla. and training in Houston, Texas, Pauldo, 26, owns a four-inch reach advantage over Romero, who is the third unbeaten foe of his career.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity and I’m excited for all of my years of hard work to pay off on January 23,” said Pauldo. “I was already training and in shape when I got the call for this fight, so I’m going to be 100% on fight night. Romero is a one-gear type of fighter who comes straight forward. I believe that I have the better skills and am the better all-around fighter. This is definitely going to be an interesting fight with contrasting styles, and I can’t wait to show off my skills and bring this title home.”

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 former junior middleweight world champion Raúl “El Diamante” Marquez. 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. Alejandro Luna and Felix DeJesus will 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, @MayweatherPromo and @TGBPromotions on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromotions and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Isaac Munoz Gutierrez is looking to become a big star in the sport of boxing.

The 28 year-old heavyweight from Mexico City is primed and ready to compete with the biggest names in the biggest division in the sport.

With a record of 12-0-1 with 10, knockouts, and a successful amateur career,  Issac is not far from competing with the top of the division.

He is hoping to come to the United States this Spring and face significant challenges to propel himself into the top-five.

With top promotional companies Banner Promotions and United Boxing Promotions behind him, an ascension to the top can come sooner rather then later, as he will have a platform to display the skills that made him a Mexican amateur champion.  He also competed in the World Series of Boxing where he compiled a record of 5-3.

Isaac started boxing at the age of 12 after his father took him to a fight card in Mexico City.  After spending time in the Mexican Army, where he was an accomplished parachute jumper, Isaac began his professional career in 2011 with a 1^st round stoppage over Misael Chavez.  After another 1^st round stoppage, Isaac suffered his only career blemish, which was a draw with another undefeated opponent.  

Since then, Isaac has won 10 straight bouts, and he started to get on the radar of many boxing pundits.

“Isaac is a tremendous talent,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.  “I am looking forward to getting him here and matching him with some of the top contenders in the heavyweight division.  I feel within a couple of fights he will win a regional title, which will put him in line to fight for the heavyweight title.”

At 6’2” and 250 pounds, Isaac has the size and speed to compete with the top of the heavyweight division.  All he needs is that opportunity.  That opportunity lies in America, and soon the world will find out about one of the best kept secrets in the heavyweight division.

WBA interim Middleweight World Champion and PPV star Chris Eubank Jr. (29-2, 22 KOs) has joined forces with European powerhouse promoter Team Sauerland as the British boxer looks to take over the Middleweight division. 
 
Having previously campaigned at Super Middleweight, Eubank Jr. is a former two-time IBO Super Middleweight World Champion. He captured the IBO crown with a stoppage win over Renold Quinlan in 2017, before defending the belt against German legend Arthur Abraham and Avni Yildirim. Following a blockbuster clash with George Groves, Eubank Jr. reclaimed the IBO Title in 2019 with a spectacular performance against rival James DeGale at the O2 in London. 
 
Returning to the Middleweight division, Eubank Jr. claimed the WBA interim Middleweight World Title for the second time with a TKO win over former World Title challenger Matvey Korobov in December 2019, while making his US debut at the Barclays Center in New York.
 
Currently based in the United States where he is training with the boxing great Roy Jones Jr., the second-generation fighter says he is delighted to have signed a long-term deal with Team Sauerland and is targeting all the top names at 160 lbs.
 
“I’m thrilled to have signed a promotional deal with Team Sauerland,” said Eubank Jr. “I look forward to working with such a historic stable that has created so many legends in the sport over so many years. I look forward to the big fights that I crave. I’ve spent the last 12 months in the gym and I feel better than ever. I’m ready to take over the Middleweight division. I want all the champions – Murata, Charlo, Andrade, Golovkin – put me in the ring with any of them. I only want to fight the best. This is my time. If you have a belt, I’m coming for you.”
 
Having followed Eubank Jr.’s career, promoter Nisse Sauerland says he is delighted to have secured his signature and is looking forward to forging a successful relationship with the charismatic boxer.
 
“We’ve been long time admirers of Chris. He fought on one of our shows back in 2012 and we’ve followed his career closely since then,” said Sauerland. “He’s got all the attributes needed to establish his position as one of the biggest names in world boxing. Our first priority is cleaning out the Middleweight division.”

NEW YORK (January 8, 2021)–In 2020, Split-T Management continued to reign supreme as the top management company in boxing.

With nearly 70 top fighters under contract, the New York based outfit headed by David McWater, continued to produce the best fighters in the sport culminating in the undisputed Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez winning both The Ring Magazine and The Athletic’s 2020 Fighter of the Year award.

While 2020 saw only 13% of the total number of fights it had seen in 2019, Split-T outperformed the industry in featuring its fighters in 40% of the bouts it had participated in the year prior. Split-T Management fighters amassed a record of 44-6-1, winning four world titles and 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.

Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) scored the sport’s biggest win of the year when he won a unanimous decision over top Pound-For-Pound fighter Vasiliy Lomachenko on October 17th in Las Vegas. With the win, Lopez captured the WBO, WBA and WBC Franchise titles to go along with his IBF championship.

It was a brilliant performance from Lopez, who outboxed what many believed was the top talent in the sport. The win, which amassed over 4 million viewers on ESPN, took Lopez from being a star to superstardom, and will look to compete in the biggest events as the calendar turns to 2021.

Less than a month later, Kali Reis captured the WBA Junior Welterweight championship under the guidance of Split-T’s Brian Cohen, earning a 10-round unanimous decision over Kandi Wyatt in Saint Petersburg, Florida. In capturing this title, Reis joined middleweight Raquel Miller as well as fellow junior welterweight world champions Mary McGee and Christina Linardatou as current female World Champions under Brian Cohen and the Split-T Banner,

Former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion Ivan Baranchyk earned The Ring Magazine and The Athletic’s 2020 Fight of the Year. Baranchyk’s October 3rd eight-knockdown thriller with Jose Zepeda was broadcasted on ESPN+ had fans in awe in one of the brutal and exciting fights in recent memory. Baranchyk displayed both the renowned heart and tenacity that has made him beloved by fans.

2020 was a year in which many of Split-T’s top prospects made the transition to bonafide World Title contenders.

At the head of that list is 23-year-old super welterweight Charles Conwell. Conwell (14-0, 11 KOs), a 2016 United States Olympian, registered three big wins in 2020. Two of those were stoppages over undefeated opponents (Wendy Toussaint and Madiyar Ashkeyev) in fights that were showcased on SHOWTIME and NBC Sports respectively. Conwell, the USBA and WBC USNBC Welterweight Champion, is ranked #8 by the IBF and has put the entire division on notice with his thudding power and brick wall-like defense.

Split-T’s lead Agent Tim VanNewhouse roster of clients continued their growth and embarked on an impressive 12 fight win streak, highlighted by the continued ascendance of highly rated contender Abraham Nova, who is knocking at the door for a World title shot in 2021.

Nova is ranked as the #4 Super Featherweight with the WBA and #7 with the WBO. In 2020, Nova went 2-0 with wins over Pedro Navaratte and Avery Sparrow each on ESPN+.

Brian Ceballo also emerged as a rising contender in the welterweight division. Ceballo of New York City was very impressive in his only outing of the year when he won a 10-round unanimous decision over the tough Larry Gomez to win the WBO Intercontinental Title and raise his perfect record to 12-0 with six knockouts.

Middleweight teenager Diego Pacheco continues his rise and reaches 10-0 with 8 Ko’s. Pacheco went 2-0 with wins over Oscar Riojas and Juan Mendez each broadcasted on DAZN.

VanNewhouse’s streak doesn’t end there. He’s racked up big hits this year with the debuts of many of his recent signees from the 2020 Olympic Class – David Navarro, Javier Martinez, Omar Rosario, Marques Valle, Kahshad Elliott & Asa Stevens; complimenting Split-T’s deep commitment and support to the amateur program.

This year also witnessed the debuts of amateur standouts Haven Brady Jr and Morris Young Jr. Brady was featured twice on ESPN+ telecasts, recording knockouts in both bouts while still only 18 years old.

2020 also marked the continued ascent of major prospects in heavyweights Stephan Shaw and Sonny Conto, super-middle Isaiah Steen, middleweight Tyler Howard, and junior lightweight Otha Jones III. Rounding out this pack of prospects is welterweight Janelson Bocachica who improved to 16-0 (11Ko’s).

Bocachica’s year was highlighted by his sensational stoppage win over recently undefeated Nick Flauz (9-1). The fight was aired live on Showtime apart of it’s ShoBox series.

2021 looks to be the year that fighters such as Christopher Pearson, Ray Robinson and Willie Monroe Jr. inch closer to world title shots and bigger fight opportunities for Ievgen Khytrov, Ivan Golub, Erick DeLeon and many others on the Split-T roster.

A Split-T Management fighter was involved in boxing’s “Feel Good Story of The Year”.

Super Middleweight and Toledo Firefighter DeAndre Ware was moments away from weighing-in for his September 5 bout with Stephen Nelson, when Top Rank’s event coordinator Pete Susens suddenly collapsed. Eyewitnesses painted a bleak picture as to Susens’ condition. That’s when Ware jumped into action by performing chest compressions and revived Susens.

McWater, who was recently nominated for the prestigious BWAA Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year Award, continues to build a diverse, talented team, combined with decades of experience in the fight game. 2020 saw the valuable addition of multiple new members to the Split-T team.

Ron Rizzo, who has worked in multiple capacities across the sport for over two decades, most recently as VP of DiBella Entertainment and Producer for the long-running Broadway Boxing series and as a director for the New State Athletic Commission prior to that, joined Split-T as their Chief Operations Officer in February. Split-T also added prominent female boxing manager Brian Cohen and Brendan Segalas as associates to the firm. Cohen is one of the most respected figures in women’s boxing, having guided an astounding thirty female fighters to World Championships. Segalas has an investment background and a Masters Degree in Sports Business Management from New York University. In September, he brought in his first client, highly touted Greek middleweight Andreas Katzourakis. Segalas recently passed the Major League Baseball Player Agent certification exam along with CEO David McWater and they will work to expand and build on Split-T’s baseball division.

In addition, with the increasing importance of social media in the sports industry, Split-T brought on Ryan Rechten to serve as the company’s Social Media Manager to help it’s clients engage with existing fans, new audiences and develop influencer opportunities outside of the ring. Additionally, Rechten brought in his first client to the company Willie Monroe.

This dynamic group of industry professionals will fulfill Split-T’s initiatives across the sport for many years to come.

2020 was not the most ideal year, but with the calendar flipping to 2021, Split-T Management will continue to grow into the powerhouse and premier management company in the sport.

Split-T’s staff concludes 2020 with the following members.

David McWater, CEO, Ron Rizzo – Chief Operating Officer, Joe Quiambao, Director of Operations, Tim VanNewhouse – Agent, Brian Cohen – Associate, Brendan Segalas – Associate, Ryan Rechten -Social Media Mgr., Otha Jones USA Scouting Dir., David Berlin Legal Counsel and Marc Abrams – Publicity Director

Las Vegas – UFC^® kicks off its third run on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with two pivotal main event clashes guaranteed to deliver action. First, two of the best featherweights on the planet face off, as former champion and No. 1 ranked contender Max Holloway looks to earn another shot at the title by taking out No. 6 Calvin Kattar. Next, top welterweight contenders collide looking to break into the top 5 as No. 8 ranked Michael Chiesa meets No. 9 Neil Magny.    

UFC^® FIGHT NIGHT on ESPN+: HOLLOWAY vs. KATTAR will take place Saturday, January 16 on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. For the first time ever, the main card will be televised live on ABC and simulcast on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes (Spanish), beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. The prelims will kick things off at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT, exclusively on ESPN+.

Holloway (21-6, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) intends to start the New Year by delivering another vintage performance and returning to the winner’s circle. Arguably the greatest featherweight in UFC history, he owns the division’s records for most stoppage victories, most wins and the longest win streak. During his reign as champion, Holloway defeated Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar in dominant fashion. He now aims to cement himself as the clear No. 1 contender by becoming the first person to stop Kattar in the UFC.

Fan favorite Kattar (22-4, fighting out of Methuen, Mass.) looks to step up and impress in the biggest fight of his career and inject himself into the title conversation. An exciting and dangerous striker, Kattar rose through the featherweight ranks with memorable knockouts over Shane Burgos, Ricardo Lamas and Jeremy Stephens. He now looks to stay undefeated on UFC FIGHT ISLAND and prove that he is one of the best in the world against his first former champion.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Welterweight veterans finally meet as former interim champion Carlos Condit (31-13, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) faces off with Matt Brown (24-17, fighting out of Denver, Colo.)
• Welterweight standout Santiago Ponzinibbio (28-3, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) returns to action for the first time in over two years when he takes on the durable Li Jingliang (17-6, fighting out of Beijing, China)
• 2020 breakout star Joaquin Buckley (12-3, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) intends to keep his momentum going when he battles Alessio Di Chirico (12-5, fighting out of Rome, Italy) at middleweight
• Undefeated Dana White’s Contender Seriesveterans lock horns as Punahele Soriano (6-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) faces Dusko Todorovic (10-0, fighting out of Belgrade, Serbia) in a middleweight contest
• Rising women’s bantamweight prospect Wu Yanan (10-3, fighting out of Xi’an, China) looks to deliver her most impressive performance yet against newcomer Joselyne Edwards (9-2, fighting out of Panama City, Panama)
• Dana White’s Contender Series standout Phil Hawes (9-2, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) seeks to hand Nassourdine Imavov (9-2, fighting out of Paris, France) his first UFC loss
• No. 13 ranked middleweight Omari Akhmedov (20-5-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) plans to defend his place in the rankings when he battles Tom Breese (12-2, fighting out of Birmingham, England)
• Heavyweights Carlos Felipe (9-1, fighting out of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil) and Justin Tafa (4-1, fighting out of Brisbane, Australia) intend to steal the show
• Featherweight grapplers go to war as Nik Lentz (30-11-2, 1 NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) and Mike Grundy (12-2, fighting out of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England) look to bounce back into the win column
• Jacob Kilburn (8-3, fighting out of Woodlawn, Tenn.) and Austin Lingo (7-1, fighting out of Mesquite, Texas) battle to secure their first UFC wins in a featherweight bout
• Women’s bantamweight veteran Sarah Moras (6-7, fighting out of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada) intends to stop Vanessa Melo (10-8, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) from achieving her first UFC victory
• David Zawada (17-5, fighting out of Düsseldorf, Germany) and Ramazan Emeev (19-4, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) clash in an exciting welterweight bout

UFC^® FIGHT NIGHT on ESPN+: CHIESA vs. MAGNY will take place Wednesday, January 20 on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. All bouts will air live on ESPN, ESPN Desportes and ESPN+ in the U.S. with the main card beginning at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT and the prelims starting at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT.

Chiesa (17-4, fighting out of Spokane Valley, Wash.) has his sights set on continuing his ascent up the welterweight ranks by taking out one of the division’s toughest competitors. The winner of The Ultimate Fighter season 15, Chiesa established himself as one of the best lightweights in the world with victories over Beneil Dariush and Jim Miller before moving up to welterweight in 2018. Since the move, Chiesa has gone undefeated with wins over Rafael Dos Anjos, Diego Sanchez and Carlos Condit. He now looks to make it four in a row and stake his claim for a spot in the top 5. 

A member of the UFC roster since 2013, Magny (24-8, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) has faced the who’s who of the welterweight division. Among the most active athletes on the roster with a record-tying five wins in a calendar year in 2014, Magny’s resume includes victories over former UFC champions Robbie Lawler, Johny Hendricks and Carlos Condit. He now seeks to begin the New Year with a major win and work his way towards his first UFC title shot.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 winner Warlley Alves (13-4, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) matches up with Mounir Lazzez (10-1, fighting out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
• Featherweight standout Lerone Murphy (9-0-1, fighting out of Manchester, England) plans to stay undefeated when he takes on durable veteran Douglas Silva (26-3, 1 NC, fighting out of Castanhal, Para, Brazil)
• Ike Villanueva (16-11, fighting out of Katy, Texas) faces Dana White’s Contender Series: Brazil veteran Vinicius Moreira (9-4, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) at light heavyweight
• In a middleweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Dalcha Lungiambula (10-2, fighting out of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa) takes on submission artist Markus Perez (12-4, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
• No. 8 ranked women’s flyweight contender Roxanne Modafferi (25-18, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) meets No. 9 Viviane Araujo (9-2, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) in a battle to break into the top 5
• In a contest of flyweight prospects, Su Mudaerji (13-4, fighting out of Chengdu, Sichuan, China) aims to stop Zarrukh Adashev (3-2, fighting out of New York, N.Y. by way of Samarkand, Uzbekistan) from earning his first UFC win
• Francisco Figueiredo (11-3-1, fighting out of Belem, Para, Brazil), brother of UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, intends to make a statement in his debut against Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Jerome Rivera (10-3, fighting out of Santa Fe, N.M.) at flyweight
• Lightweight Mike Davis (8-2, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) looks to spoil the highly anticipated debut of Mason Jones (10-0, fighting out of Blaenavon, Wales)
• In an exciting matchup of top 15 flyweights, No. 9 ranked Matt Schnell (14-5, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) meets No. 13 Tyson Nam (20-11-1, fighting out of Wahiawa, Hawaii)
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Victoria Leonardo (8-2, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) and Manon Fiorot (5-1, fighting out of Nice, France) battle at flyweight

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 126 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 171 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 72 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 11.5 million subscribers.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported).

About ESPN

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

HARTFORD (January 7, 2021) – Last month, hours after receiving the disappointing news that his first fight in 14 months had been scraped, unbeaten East Hartford (CT) super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) received word that instead of fighting in relatively obscurity in Cancun, he would be making his ShoBox: The New Generation” debut, January 20th at nearby Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Williams, 22, will headline against undefeated Colombian knockout artist Yeis Gabriel “El Tigre” Solano (15-0, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event on SHOWTIME, airing live at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m., to kick off ShoBox’s 20th season. Mohegan Sun is only a 45-minute drive from Williams’ home, but his fan-base won’t be there rooting him on, unfortunately, because COVID-19 restrictions ban attendees.

ShoBox is renowned for building future world champions, 83 to date and counting, including Andre Ward, Errol Spence, Jr., Nonito Donaire, Deontay Wilder, and Williams’ fellow Nutmeg State fighter, Chad Dawson.

“I was upset to learn a week before my fight in Cancun that it was canceled,” Williams explained. “I’ve been out of the ring for a while. I had trained hard and was in the zone. But the same day I found out that my fight in Cancun had been canceled, I learned that I’d be fighting on ShoBox at Mohegan Sun. It was a curse and blessing. The opportunity to fight on ShoBox only a few weeks later, on a bigger and better platform, is a great opportunity for me.

“At least I don’t have to travel now and my opponent’s coming in, I believe, from California where he’s training. Fighting on ShoBox completely elevates my exposure. I have a chance to show the nation, if not the world, who I am and how good a fighter I am. I’ll be showcasing my skills on a great platform. It just came about. I think I’m the B side fighter, but that doesn’t bother me.”

Williams’ head trainer since he was an amateur and throughout his 4 1/2-year pro career is Paul Cichon. “This is like a blessing in disguise,” Cichon commented. “We went from losing the fight in Cancun and to Mykey now fighting in the main event on ShoBox, It’s great for Mykey and our team. This change is perfect for us. If Mykey performs like he think he will, doors will open-up for him once the gates open for boxing, after he beats this kid who has a good record. This is the right time!”

The 28-year-old Solano is a southpaw who is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedebol lightweight champion. He’s fought only once outside of Columbia or Mexico, back on September 6, 2019 in his most recent action, when he won an 8-round split decision against 20-1 Elias Damien Araujo in Iowa. Solano’s other 14 opponents had an accumulative record of 67-227-12.

“Mykey has fought better opponents,” Cichon noted. “Solano is a strong southpaw with a 15-0 record and 10 knockouts. We expect him to come out blazing. I don’t think he’s fought anybody of Mykey’s caliber. Mykey has been moved much better.”

“I don’t know too much about him other than he’s a lefty and coming up in weight,” Williams added “They wanted to fight at 135 and agreed to fight at 138. I don’t have any issues fighting southpaws. I’ve fought five left-handers.”

Williams had been frustrated but he became more patient in terms of being unable to fight during the pandemic. Because he turned pro at 18, he’s had 16 pro fights to date, and he’s still only 22, and experiencing a lost year doesn’t adversely affect him as much as older fighters.

“I’m still young and don’t think about running out of time,” Williams concluded. “There’s nothing we could have done differently during the pandemic.

Williams is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and managed by veteran Jackie Kallen.

“I am thrilled that Showtime is giving Mykquan this opportunity to show the boxing world what he can do,” Kallen remarked. “This is his coming out party and I think he’ll now begin to make some serious noise in the 140-pound weight class. This is an important step on his journey toward a world title. I’m very excited and proud of him.”

If you believe in things happen for a reason, Mykquan Williams could very well be “Marvelous” on Jan. 20th, and his already bright career will be even more illuminated.

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams
Twitter: @MarvelousMyke
Instagram: @M.MKW_

LAS VEGAS (January 6, 2021) — The 2021 Fight of the Year race has officially started, as Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez will face off in one of the most anticipated all-Mexican fistic showdowns in years.

Cancun’s Berchelt will defend his WBC super featherweight world title against Nogales native Valdez in a special Top Rank on ESPN telecast Saturday, Feb. 20.

The 10-round super featherweight co-feature will see rising 20-year-old Gabriel Flores Jr. against former world champion Andrew “El Chango” Cancio.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Berchelt-Valdez and Flores-Cancio will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“Miguel Berchelt and Oscar Valdez are two proud Mexican warriors who will give boxing fans a memorable fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Top Rank promoted all three bouts between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and I view Berchelt-Valdez as this generation’s Barrera-Morales.”

Berchelt (38-1, 34 KOs) has held the WBC super featherweight title since January 2017, when he knocked out Francisco Vargas in the 11^th round. His last five title defenses have ended via the quick route, including a ninth-round TKO over Miguel Roman, a sixth-round TKO over Vargas in their May 2019 rematch, and a fourth-round knockout over former world champion Jason Sosa. He fought last June in a non-title bout and knocked out Eleazar Valenzuela in six one-sided rounds.

“This fight is the one that I dreamed of since we were both amateur fighters,” Berchelt said. “Valdez is a great fighter, and it will be a great fight. I am preparing with everything to win by knockout and leave no doubt that I am the best super featherweight in the world.”

Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) is a two-time Mexican Olympian who vacated the WBO featherweight world title last year after six title defenses, which included scintillating 12-round barnburners against the likes of Scott Quigg, Genesis Servania and Miguel Marriaga. He suffered a severely broken jaw against Quigg in March 2018, returned 11 months later, and has since won four consecutive bouts. Since moving up to 130 pounds, Valdez has scored stoppage wins over Adam Lopez and Jayson Velez.

Valdez said, “Whenever there are two Mexicans in the ring, it is a guaranteed war, and it will be an honor for me to bring a great war to my fans.”

Flores (19-0, 6 KOs), from Stockton, Calif., signed a professional contract with Top Rank at 16 years old and went 3-0 in 2020 as he graduated from prospect to contender. He started the year Feb. 22 on the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II undercard and dominated Matt Conway over eight rounds. Flores shined on a pair of occasions inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, winning decisions over Josec Ruiz and Ryan Kielczweski. Flores now steps up against Cancio (21-5-2, 16 KOs), a fellow Californian who formerly held the WBA super featherweight world title. Cancio knocked out Alberto Machado in February 2019 to win the title and repeated the deed with another knockout over Machado that June. Rene Alvarado ended Cancio’s ascension with a seventh-round knockout in November 2019, and early last year, Cancio inked a promotional contract with Top Rank.

“My main goal is to win a world title,” Flores said. “Dominating a former world champion will put me in a great position to challenge for a title soon.”

Cancio said, “I’m very excited to return to battle on February 20 against Gabriel Flores Jr. I’m working hard in the gym, and I know that this fight is the first on my path to becoming a two-time world champion. I would like to thank my fans, who have been so incredibly supportive. I’ve heard you loud and clear and can’t wait to put on another great show for you.”

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

January 6, 2021 (New York, New York)

Star Boxing is pleased to announce the signing of Danbury Connecticut fan-favorite OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY (10-1 3KO’s). At 25-years-old, Bordoy stands at 5’5″ and matches his nickname in the ring, unleashing his inner ‘Beast’ fighting much bigger than his frame would suggest.

Bordoy is no stranger to Star Boxing events, having made his pro debut at Star Boxing’s “Slugfest at the Sun” on the undercard of Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Inductee, Delvin Rodriguez vs Courtney Pennington. Bordoy pitched a shutout, winning by unanimous decision, “Joe DeGuardia gave me my pro debut back in 2017,” said Bordoy, “I never forgot him giving me the chance to begin my career and now giving me the opportunity to further my career.”

Team Bordoy with Star Boxing
CEO Joe DeGuardia
Bordoy would later make an appearance at Star Boxing’s acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington, New York, where he went to war with Terrell Bostic on the undercard of Long Island’s former World Champion, and “Rockin’ Fights” alum, Chris Algieri vs Angel Hernandez. Bordoy would drop Bostic in the third-round of the scheduled six-round fight, which proved to be the difference earning the decision in a thrilling fight.

Bordoy had this to say about signing with NY Hall of Fame promoter, Joe DeGuardia, “I couldn’t be more excited to sign a contract with Star Boxing. I’ve always been an underdog and I come from nothing, so I’m looking forward to showing the world that from nothing you can become something. The confidence Star Boxing is showing me only makes me hungrier and I look forward to having an explosive year in 2021.”

Trainer and Manager, AJ GALANTE echoed Bordoy’s sentiment, “Star Boxing consistently puts their fighters in positions to be successful. I look forward to continuing to help further guide Omar’s career, and with Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing in our corner, the sky is the limit.”

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA stated, “Omar’s development from his pro debut at Mohegan Sun, to his electric victory at The Paramount has been impressive. I believe together with his team, we can continue to develop Omar, and get him the opportunities he needs to make real noise in the super lightweight division. We are happy to welcome him to Star Boxing.”

NEW YORK (January 5, 2021)–This past Saturday, bantamweight prospect Asa Stevens was successful in his pro debut as he pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over veteran Francisco Bonilla at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Stevens, who is managed by Split-T Management under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse, was impressive as he showed off the boxing skills that catapulted him to become a National Golden Gloves champion and World Amateur champion.

It shows that type of aspirations that Stevens has, as he took on a 17-fight veteran in Bonilla, who himself, has quality wins on his ledger.

Stevens of Waianae, Hawaii won by scores of 39-37 on all scorecards to open up his career at 1-0. Bonilla of Chihuahua, Mexico is 6-9-3.

“The fight was a good fight. I fought a 17- fight veteran, and he was tough. This was my 1st fight in over a year. I boxed well. I made him miss and made him pay. It was a good experience. We are only going to excel from here,” said Stevens.

Stevens is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated IBF #1, WBO #13 and Ring Magazine #8 welterweight contender Kudratillo “The Punisher” Abdukakhorov to an exclusive, multi-year promotional contract.

Originally from Uzbekistan, but currently training at the Elite Pro Boxing Gym in Santa Fe Springs, California, under trainer Armando Valenzuela, Abdukakhorov (17-0, 9 KOs) has already held the WBC Silver welterweight Championship and is now the IBF mandatory for unified champion Errol Spence Jr.

Abdukakhorov was a four-time national Uzbekistani champion as an amateur, finishing with an impressive record of 170-10. The 27-year-old was originally signed with Bob Arum’s Top Rank and had his first two fights in the US under their banner. In March 2019, he took a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Keita Obara. And then in October 2019, Abdukakhorov became the IBF’s #1 by winning a clear-cut 10-round technical decision over former world champion Luis Collazo.

Abdukakhorov was scheduled to face Russia’s Sergey Lipinets for the interim world championship last year, but the fight never materialized because of visa difficulties and the ongoing pandemic. Citing diverging business concerns, Abdukakhorov and Top Rank amicably parted ways recently.

“I’m every excited to sign with Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing,” said Abdukakhorov. “I’ve been the mandatory for Errol Spence for the past 19 months. I want to fight the best and working with Sampson and the PBC, I will get the shots I’ve been waiting for.”

Abdukakhorov’s Malaysia-based manager, Vikram Swapragasam, says the move to Sampson will open new doors for his young fighter.

“Sampson can provide us more opportunities to have more fights and work with the PBC,” he said. “That’s where all the welterweight champs are. I’ve known Sampson for years and he has a great reputation. He keeps his word.”

Lewkowicz says the plan is to give Abdukakhorov one keep-busy fight around March and, after that, face Spence or fight for the interim championship if Spence declines the bout.

“There will be many opportunities for this future champion from Uzbekistan,” said Lewkowicz. “His manager, Vikram, and I share the vision to let him shake of the rust for one fight and then we will be looking to finally put him in his dream fight. A shot at a world championship. He’s a very skilled and strong fighter with the potential to become a star in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.”
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.