NEW YORK – December 16, 2020 – ShoBox: The New Generation kicks off its 20^th anniversary year showcasing boxing’s rising stars matched tough with a four-fight card headlined by a battle of unbeaten prospects as Patrick Cora and Hurshidbek Normatov meet in a 10-round super welterweight bout Wednesday, January 20 live on SHOWTIMEat 9 p.m. ET/PT from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The inaugural 2021 boxing event on SHOWTIME will feature eight prospects with a combined record of 93-1-3, 45 KO’s in their toughest tests to date. Seven of the fighters are currently undefeated and six will be making their ShoBox debuts.

The quadrupleheader also features Yeis Gabriel Solano making his ShoBox return against fellow unbeaten Mykquan Williams in an eight-round super lightweight bout and Panama’s unbeaten Jose Nunez facing decorated amateur Aram Avagyan in an eight-round featherweight matchup. Featherweight prospects Martino Jules and hard-hitting Pedro Marquez Medina meet in the eight-round telecast opener.

“We are excited to ring in the new year with a ShoBox event that brings together five promoters and features eight fighters with only one loss amongst them,” said Gordon Hall, executive producer for ShoBox: The New Generation. “Each fight presents prospects in both corners in their toughest tests to date with all looking to continue their quest to turn from prospect to contender. Our 2021 kickoff event speaks to SHOWTIME’s commitment to work with all promoters and managers to develop the stars of tomorrow.”

The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Paco Presents Boxing, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Kings Promotions and Salita Promotions.

Cora vs. Normatov – 10-Round Super Welterweight Main Event Bout

Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Cora (10-0, 7 KOs) aims to follow in the footsteps of fellow Puerto Rican world champions Felix Trinidad and Miguel Cotto, both of whom competed in the super welterweight division during their legendary careers. As an amateur, Cora amassed a 65-19 record and captured a Puerto Rican National Championship.

The 21-year-old turned pro in 2017 and quickly built a perfect 10-0 record, highlighted by six flawless outings in 2019. Additionally, the southpaw is coming off back-to-back victories over undefeated fighters, including a fourth-round stoppage victory against Geronimo Nahuel Sacco in December 2019. January 20 will be his first fight in the mainland United States though he has spent time training in Florida and sparred with the likes of Erickson Lubin and Jeison Rosario.

“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a dream come true and being put in the main event is just beyond words,” said Cora, who will be making his ShoBox debut. “At the end of the night, I will prove I belong there with the best of the best. There are no excuses. I am ready for war and to win for Puerto Rico. My opponent had a great amateur career and he’s talented. It will be a great experience for sure, but I have worked hard for these types of fights and the hand they will raise at the end of the fight will be mine.”

Also holding the designation of being his home country’s top-ranked super welterweight, Uzbekistan’s Normatov (10-0, 3 KOs) who now resides and fights out of Brooklyn, N.Y., will face the toughest challenge of his professional career when he meets Cora. Normatov, 28, finished his amateur career in 2016 with a 190-40 record. In his first ten fights as a pro, the southpaw has faced seven fighters with winning records including two undefeated prospects. Normatov is trained by Andre Rozier who has trained several world champions including Richard Commey, Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko.

“I hope this fight will be a key one on the way to a world championship,” said Normatov, who will also make his ShoBox debut. “I am happy to be fighting on ShoBox as more than 80 ShoBox fighters have become world champions.”

Solano vs. Williams – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Making his super lightweight debut after campaigning primarily at 135 pounds over his first 15 professional fights, Solano (15-0, 10 KOs) returns to ShoBox to face the first undefeated fighter of his career. Solano, 28, who fights for Paco Presents Boxing, was impressive on the amateur boxing circuit in his native Colombia, notching a 118-12 record prior to turning professional in 2015. Fighting primarily in Colombia as a professional, the southpaw made his U.S. debut on ShoBox in June 2019 against Elias Damian Araujo, who he handed just his second career loss via split decision.

“I am excited to be back on ShoBox,” said Solano. “Training this time has been a bit different, due to the pandemic, however, we are training very hard and preparing for a battle. I know my opponent will do the same, so expect a war.”

Solano will face his toughest test yet when he meets Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) who was featured in Ring Magazine’s “New Faces” column in 2019, which highlights the sport’s rising prospects. The 22-year-old was an amateur standout, earning three Ringside Championships and a Silver Gloves Championship in his home state of Connecticut. Williams is a natural super lightweight and is coming off a hard-fought majority draw against Tre’Sean Wiggins. 

“I’m excited about this fight and am looking forward to showcasing my skills on a major platform like ShoBox,” said Williams. “I’m expecting Solano to be in great shape, but I will be ready. Thank you to DiBella Entertainment for getting me this opportunity.”

Nunez vs. Avagyan – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout

Hailing from Curundu, Panama, Nunez (11-0-1, 4 KOs) turned pro in 2016 and has built a solid resume en route to his U.S. debut on ShoBox on January 20. Nunez started boxing at 10 years old and competed in 45 amateur fights in Panama. In his last fight, the southpaw conquered Francisco Martinez via unanimous decision in Panama City, handing the tough Mexican fighter his second professional loss. Only 22 years old, Nunez is promoted by Sampson Boxing and has garnered buzz from many boxing insiders during his professional ascension.

“I am incredibly happy to be able to fight outside my country, with an opponent that will demand my best,” said Nunez. “Nevertheless, I have no doubt of my preparations and I have faith that I will be victorious. A victory will open many doors for me in the United States.”

Fighting under the Salita Promotions banner, Avagyan (10-0-1, 4 KOs) returns to ShoBox for the second time after surviving two early knockdowns in his debut against then-unbeaten Dagoberto Aguero in the last ShoBox telecast before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sports world for several months inMarch 2020. Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, and now residing in California, Avagyan is a decorated amateur with more than 300 fights. He captured two Bronze Medals at the European Championships and represented Armenia at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The 29-year-old has faced undefeated fighters in his past three bouts.

“For every fighter, being able to show their skills, character, heart and fighting spirit on SHOWTIME is a goal, a dream and a great honor,” said Avagyan. “I want to convey to the fans that this will be a spectacular battle. I am hungry. I want to get in the ring and fight like a warrior!”

Jules vs. Medina – Eight-Round Featherweight Bout

Fighting out of his hometown of Allentown, Pa., Martino Jules (10-0, 2 KOs) is making his ShoBox debut as he continues to rise in the featherweight rankings. In his 90 amateur bouts, the southpaw won 75 fights prior to hitting the professional ranks in 2016. In his last fight, Jules, 23, beat the betting favorite Aleen Jumakhonov via majority decision in Las Vegas.

“I’m very excited to showcase my talent on SHOWTIME,” said Jules. “My opponent is world ranked by WBO so I’m expecting a tough fight. I’m very grateful for my manager Trifon Petrov, Marshall Kauffman and Sampson Lewkowicz for giving me the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME. I view this fight as a step up which is all I want at this point in my career but it’s also a fight where I can learn what I have to strengthen for myself and also in my future training camps. I have no doubt that I will win this fight, I’m only focused on coming to fight night as the best version of myself.”    

Living and training in his hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Medina (12-1, 8 KOs) enters this fight as the more experienced professional fighter. In 2018, Medina bested Felix Caraballo, handing him his first professional loss. In January 2020, the 26-year-old captured the WBA NABO featherweight title via third-round technical knockout over Juan Carlos Pena who was 30-1.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to fight on SHOWTIME and in the United States for the first time,” said Medina. “My job is to train hard and meet the demands of my trainer Ricky Márquez. My opponent is good; he has solid boxing skills and throws a lot of punches, but I have no doubt that after this fight, many more opportunities will arise for me.”

International Boxing Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with fellow Hall of Famer and boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 83 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

London, UK (16 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight title challenger Craig Richards aims to close the final domestic boxing show of the year with a knockout of Champion Shakan Pitters and claim the Lonsdale belt.

Richards and Pitters collide this Friday night at the Fly By Nite TV studio in Redditch, exclusively LIVE and FREE in the UK on Channel 5.

With the recent shock defeats of heavyweight Daniel Dubois and light-heavyweight Anthony Yarde to Joe Joyce and Lyndon Arthur, respectively, the Crystal Palace hotshot says it will not be an upset when he defeats the unbeaten Birmingham stylist.“I don’t believe it will be an upset when I beat Pitters. I’m a better fighter than him, I’ve boxed at a higher level and I’m just going out to get the job done,” Said Richards.

“I’ve had the right preparation and I’m ready to get the job done. I just to go out and show my abilities and what I’m capable of,”

“I’ve found sparring partner similar to his stature and attributes so I’ve been quite fortunate. I’ve had loads of differing sparring partners like Lawrence Okolie and Mark Williams, cruiserweights to tall light-heavyweights.”

“First thing I’m thinking about is December 18, before I think of anything else, so that’s my main focus. I’ve been thriving on this and looking forward to it for a long time,”

“It’s the fight I’ve been waiting for to really get the performance out of myself and it will be a win by KO or just the win.”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Plymouth’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

London, UK (16 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters and challenger Craig Richards checked into their fight hotel in Redditch today with their respective training teams to undertake the mandatory COVID-19 test.

Birmingham’s Pitters put his title on the line in his first defence against London rival Richards this Friday (18 December) at the Fly By Nite TV studio, exclusively LIVE and FREE on Channel 5 in the UK.

After taking the COVID-19 test, both fighters and teams headed to their rooms to quarantine and await the vital all-clear results.

Hennessy Sports has again appointed the world leading genetics testing and digital health testing company Prenetics to undertake the integrated testing. Prenetics have successfully provided their services to the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ and The England and Wales Cricket Board.

Other boxers featuring on the undercard are River Bent, Troy Coleman, Sammy Cantwell, Ricky Little, Stephen McKenna, Michael Hennessy Jr., Idris Virgo and their opponents also took the mandatory test before quarantining in their hotel rooms.

Promoter Mick Hennessy applied stricter shielding measures for his boxers’ featuring on the event last Friday (11 December) to minimised their exposure to the coronavirus to ensure the boxers’ would be able to feature on this Friday’s show.

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Birmingham’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

CORONA, CA (December 15, 2020) – Unbeaten middleweight prospect, Louis Hernandez (8-0-1, 6 KOs), is set to face Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) on Thompson Boxing Promotions final 3.2.1. Boxing event of 2020. The 6-round opening bout will be part of a three-fight card scheduled for December 20, 2020.

Ruben “Ace” Torres (13-0, 11 KOs) will battle Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (23-13-1, 13 KOs) in the main event, scheduled for 8-rounds in the super lightweight division. The 8-round co-main event will feature Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (14-1, 8 KO), of Pacoima, CA, taking on Mario Hernandez (10-1-1, 3 KOs), of Santa Ana, CA, in a super flyweight bout.

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

Here is what Louis Hernandez had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Brewart Jr., and more.

On his recent training camp.

“Training camp has been very difficult because of the COVID restrictions, but I put in a lot of hard work that I know will get my hands raised in victory. I’ve been working on a lot of foot work drills but that main attribute I’ve enhanced is sitting on my punches and delivering powerful body shots. All my tools will be on display and I am focused on beating my opponent, who I think has never fought anyone like me.”

On his matchup with Brewart Jr.

“I am not impressed at all with him. I think he is taking me far too lightly and he will pay on fight night. He hasn’t fought anyone yet who has been a true threat to him, this will be a big wake-up call. I don’t think he’ll make it to the final bell.”

On fighting on 3.2.1 Boxing

“It is an honor to fight on a Thompson Boxing Promotions card, and especially one in which all my friends and family can easily watch it. I am going to make the most of this opportunity and take this momentum into 2020.”

On being the underdog.

“I embrace being in the underdog role because I haven’t had my opportunity yet. I view this as when Terence Crawford had to fight overseas and beat Ricky Burns to become a world champion. I am having to go into Brewart’s hometown, to beat him and earn my respect in the boxing world.”

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

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.

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

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, watch our media partner Fight Hub TV and follow us on
Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (December 15, 2020) – Interim WBA Super Middleweight Champion David O. Morrell Jr. will face Mike Gavronski in the 12-round main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 26 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will feature the return of renowned knockout artist James Kirkland dueling hard-hitting Juan Macias Montiel in the 10-round middleweight co-main event while unbeaten young rising star Jesus Ramos battles Naim Nelson in a 10-round super lightweight bout that will kick off the broadcast.

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

“Cuban sensation David O. Morrell Jr. burst onto the scene in 2019 and followed that up in August this year by putting on a great performance to capture his interim super middleweight title,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He will look to continue his rapid rise at 168-pounds with a battle-tested challenger in Mike Gavronski. James Kirkland has entertained fans with his aggressive style and prolific power for years, and seeks another chance to face the best in the sport beginning December 26. Adding in the scintillating rising star Jesus Ramos returning to action against Naim Nelson, and fight fans can expect a late present the day after Christmas on FOX PBC Fight Night.”

Morrell (3-0, 2 KOs) arrived in the U.S. last year and immediately began to show the same prodigious talents that made him a standout in Cuba’s iconic amateur scene. In August he became interim champion by scoring a dominant decision victory over then unbeaten Lennox Allen on FOX. Now fighting out of Minneapolis, Morrell made his pro debut there in August 2019, stopping Yendris Valdez in the first round. The 22-year-old followed that up in November 2019, knocking out Quinton Rankin, who entered the fight with a 15-6-2 record and had most recently gone the distance with former champion Chad Dawson five months before facing Morrell.

“I feel very happy about being able to fight before the year is out,” said Morrell. “I want to reach the goals I set for myself and continue to provide for my family. I’m working toward being the best in my division and I know I will get there. I’m also thankful for my team’s efforts and trust in my talent. I’m ready to take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Originally from Bellevue, Washington and now fighting out of Lockport, Illinois, Gavronski (26-3-1, 16 KOs) has won back-to-back fights since dropping a 2018 contest to top super middleweight Jesse Hart in 2018. Gavronski owns victories over Brian Vera, then unbeaten Jake Carr and Geraldo Ibarra, in a career that has also seen him face Tureano Johnson. Gavronski’s 2019 victories came in a decision over Emmanuel Sanchez and a stoppage of Tommy Hughes.

“I’m very grateful for an opportunity in a big fight like this,” said Gavronski. “I’ve watched film on David O. Morrell Jr and I have great respect for his abilities. My team and I have put together a great game plan and we believe it’s going to get me victory and the title on December 26 on FOX.”

Born in Austin and fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting and explosive fighters in the sport in a long career that’s only seen him defeated twice. The 35-year-old returned to the ring in 2019 with two knockout victories, his first action since losing to Canelo Alvarez in 2015. Kirkland sports an 83% knockout rate and has previously picked up notable wins against former champion Carlos Molina and Alfredo Angulo.

“Pressure is a blessing,” said Kirkland. “I can’t wait to go in there on December 26 to display all my skills and put on a great performance for all the fans watching.”

The 26-year-old Montiel (21-4-2, 21 KOs) steps back into the ring after his U.S. debut saw him fight Hugo Centeno Jr. to a split-draw on FS1 in December 2019. Representing his native Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Montiel had previously stopped Marco Reyes and Gustavo Castro to bounce back from a defeat to former champion Jaime Munguia in 2017.

“I know that a win on December 26 will catapult me into even bigger fights,” said Montiel. “I’ve prepared better than ever before leading up to this matchup. I’m more than ready to make the most of this tremendous opportunity.”

The nephew of welterweight contender Abel Ramos, Jesus Ramos (13-0, 12 KOs) has steadily increased his competition as 2020 has seen him deliver knockouts of Ramal Amanov, and most recently then unbeaten Esteban Garcia in action on FOX in September. The 19-year-old from Casa Grande, Arizona has scored three-straight knockout wins following his only pro fight that has gone the distance, which came in a June 2019 unanimous decision over Kevin Shacks.

“I’m super excited to be back in the ring a day after Christmas,” said Ramos. “I’m looking forward to closing out this year strong. I have a tough opponent in Naim Nelson. He’s been in there with some great fighters, but I’ve been working hard to prepare as best as I can. I’m confident that with the work we’ve been putting in, we’re going to get the result we want and in impressive fashion once again.”

A native of boxing-rich Philadelphia, Nelson (14-4, 1 KO) has challenged WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario Barrios and former champion Mickey Bey throughout a career that dates back to 2011. The 30-year-old won his first 12 pro fights and most recently earned a unanimous decision over Roy McGill in October 2019.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to fight this year,” said Nelson. “I’ve done my best to stay safe and healthy amidst the pandemic by continuing to train hard. I never took a break away from the gym. I knew that when the call to step on the big stage, I’d be more ready than ever. I’ve been in this position before against a young knockout artist, and I love these kind of challenges. It’s my job to go in there and use all of my experience to show him another level and bring home the win.”

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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.

NEW YORK (12/14/20) – Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (38-1-1, 28 KOs) has traveled to the Dominican Republic for a Wednesday night rematch with Dahiana Santana (36-12, 15 KOs) at Santo Domingo’s Hotel Catalonia Malecon Center. It will be the seven-division champion’s first fight since January, despite several high-profile bouts being knocked out by Covid-19.

Serrano has twice been scheduled to fight Katie Taylor, a fight that is widely considered the biggest fight in women’s boxing. The bout was announced in late March, just before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down New York City, and kicked off a spate of event cancellations. The May 2nd bout was rescheduled for July in England. Once again, the bout was sidelined by Covid, and rescheduled for August. Unable to go to the gym due to Covid restrictions in New York City, and unwilling to travel and fight, without proper sparring, literally in her opponent’s promoter’s backyard, with no neutral officials, during a pandemic, Serrano and her team decided to move on from the Taylor bout.

A unique and exciting opportunity then seemed to present itself – a historic, all-women event, set to take place in December on a new major platform, that would have seen Serrano unify her WBO featherweight title with Sarah Mahfoud’s IBF featherweight title. That event was canceled largely due to the rise of Covid-19 cases.

“We had to get Amanda in the ring,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment (DBE). “I then happily made a deal with the new Ring City series to feature her on their December 17 card, which already included Jelena Mrdjenovich.”

Serrano was set to face Taynna Cardoso, of Brazil, in an eight-round bout, when Cardoso’s pre-fight Covid test came back positive. Undeterred, Serrano kept training, and a replacement opponent, Argentinian Ana Romina Guichapani, was secured.

“We got word that the airport closest to Guichapani in Santa Cruz, Argentina, was closed due to Covid,” said DiBella. “In order to get to the States, she would have to fly out of Buenos Aires, which is a two-and-a-half day drive for her. We couldn’t make it work, but Amanda needed to fight.”

DiBella then secured a rematch with Dahiana Santana, the only opponent available on short notice. Serrano had stopped Santana at Barclays Center, in their first hard-fought fight, with a TKO in the eighth round. To benefit Dahiana and to make the rematch a bit more interesting, the fight was moved to the Dominican Republic, Santana’s backyard, on a card promoted by Shuan Boxing Promotions.

“I have the best promoter, the best team, that have been trying to put me on multiple cards in December,” said Serrano. “I did my medicals, I have continued training. I’m doing my part, and am looking forward to getting back in that ring and fighting again.

“I definitely want to unify with the IBF champion Sarah Mahfoud, as well as the WBC and WBA belts with Jelena Mrdjenovich,” Serrano continued. “Hopefully, that will happen in 2021.”

Mrdjenovich is scheduled to face Iranda Paola Torres on Thursday’s Ring City card on NBC SportsNet. In the main event, DiBella Entertainment’s rising star Charles “Bad News” Conwell will be facing Madiyar Ashkeyev and DBE’s undefeated heavyweight prospect Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw will be fighting Lyubomyr Pinchuk on the same card.

“What a long, strange trip 2020 has been,” said DiBella. “Amanda and her manager, Jordan Maldonado, have been so patient and cooperative, and it’s been frustrating to face so many roadblocks this year. Amanda is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. We’ll get through this fight, and focus on 2021. It is Amanda’s desire to unify the featherweight division. That’s what we are aiming to do. Amanda’s on a collision course with Jelena Mrdjenovich and Sarah Mahfoud.”

Serrano’s fight will stream live on Facebook on both DiBella Entertainment’s and Shuan Boxing Promotions’ pages. The card begins at 5:00pm EST and also features a world title fight. Puerto Rico’s WBO minimumweight world champion Wilfredo Mendez will defend his title for the third time against Venezuelan Alexis Diaz in a 12-round contest.

NEW YORK – December 15, 2020 – Exciting unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis will look to continue his 16-fight knockout streak when he faces veteran Chris van Heerden in the 12-round co-main event live on SHOWTIME (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) Saturday, December 19 from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) faces the all-action South African native van Heerden (28-2-1, 12 KOs), who is on a bit of a roll himself winning 14 of his last 15 fights since his first professional defeat in 2010.

Ennis, who made his SHOWTIME debut in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation, is trained by his father Bozy Ennis at Bozy’s Dungeon in Philadelphia, Pa.

“I’ve been sparring with some of my dad’s fighters, but we’ve had trouble finding guys to spar because of the virus,” said Ennis. “We just want to keep everyone safe and healthy. But we’re definitely ready. I’m ready to rock and roll and keep my knockout streak going with No. 17 on December 19.”

Ennis is currently ranked WBO No. 7, IBF No. 10 and WBC No. 11 at 147 pounds. He knows he competes in boxing’s glamour division with superstars like Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford, Manny Pacquiao, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia.

“I just want to fight the world champions,” said the power-punching Ennis, who has recorded 16 knockdowns in his last seven fights. “I want to fight the top five guys. I’m ready, and I’ve been ready to make a big statement. I just have to stay focused and do what I have to do and handle my business and then it’s on to bigger and better things.”

Even though his last seven fights were scheduled for 10 rounds, Ennis has only gone six rounds once in his professional career. “We prepare ourselves for 12, 15 rounds,” he said. “I can go all day long. I get stronger as the fight goes on. I know people haven’t gotten to see that side of me yet. If it goes past six rounds, then I’m in shape for it. I’m always in shape, and I’m ready to go. No matter many rounds I have to go.”

Ennis believes that a big fight against a top 147-pounder is in his near future. “At the end of the day people are seeing that it’s not my fault I’m not getting these big fights,” he said. “These guys are hopping around me and don’t want to fight me. I can only fight who they put in front of me. I definitely think I need to make a big statement on December 19 so that in 2021 I can start getting the big fights. I will be a world champion in 2021!”

Ennis is a natural right-hander who fights from the southpaw stance. “Everybody knows I love to fight southpaws,” he said. “Early in my career I fought four or five southpaws back-to-back. I love it. It’s easy for me and they don’t give me any problems. I know southpaws don’t like fighting other southpaws, but I love fighting them.”

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ABOUT RODRIGUEZ VS. GABALLO
Rodriguez vs. Gaballo will see former bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodríguez take on unbeaten former interim WBA bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo for the vacant interim WBC Bantamweight World Championship in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The action-packed tripleheader will feature unbeaten welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis taking on his toughest opponent to date in veteran contender Chris van Heerden in a 12-round co-main event. Plus, unbeaten bantamweight Antonio Russell will face former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in a 10-round showdown to kick off the telecast.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Rodríguez vs. Gaballo is promoted in association with Warriors Boxing and Fresh Productions. Ennis vs. Van Heerden is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

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

London, UK (15 December 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters hasn’t taken challenger Craig Richards for granted after seeing recent high profile defeats involving Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois.

Undefeated Pitters makes the first defence of the Lonsdale belt against Londoner Richards this Friday (18 December) at the Fly By Nite TV Studio in Redditch, live and free in the UK on Channel 5.

Earlier this month Yarde was turned over by Lyndon Arthur to win the Commonwealth and WBO Intercontinental 175lb titles and heavyweight Dubois lost to bookies’ underdog Joe Joyce in their British, Commonwealth and European title scrap.

The Birmingham ace won the British title in a tough twelve round battle against Chad Sugden and isn’t prepared to let the titles go without a fight and realises the threat Richards presents.

“Those results show how tough this sport is to hold onto the titles and to take nothing for granted,” Said Pitters.

“Richards is a dangerous challenger and I’ve not looked beyond this fight against him. Everything has been focused on this fight only and retaining my title in my first defence,”

“Whilst they were upsets, I wasn’t completely surprised by the Yarde and Dubois loses. Arthur is a top quality fighter and vastly underrated, whilst Joyce was a class former Olympian and I couldn’t understand why he was installed as the underdog by the bookmakers,”

“Knowing that Richards wants to rip the title from me, take away my career, future earnings and being able to feed my family is all the motivation in the World I need to win and keep hold of this title.”

The Pitters-Richard showdown has been a long time coming. They were due to meet for the British title in March this year after promoter Mick Hennessy won the purse bid, but Richards withdrew with a viral infection and Sugden stepped in to replace him – with Hennessy giving Richards the first shot at the winner.

Pitters v Sugden was then postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the ensuing national lockdown, but then with the recommencement of sport behind closed doors they finally clashed in August and Pitters won widely on the scorecards with a superb boxing display.

Hennessy then delivered on his word and gave Richards his chance with the bout set for November 14, but then Pitters suffered an injury in training and the fight was rescheduled for this Friday.

Despite the turbulent year, Pitters aims to end they year on a high by beating Richards and move into a positive 2021.

He added, “This time last year nobody could have predicted the way this year has turned out. Coronavirus has turned the World upside down and caused so much disruption and pain to everything we took for granted in our everyday lives,”

“I think one of the biggest factors in fighting the pandemic is the human fighting spirit, not giving in and coming together to battle the disease and we are starting to turn the war more in our favour with the vaccine roll out,”

“Through it all, I’ve kept the faith, kept me and family safe and just believed that things would eventually start get back to normal. Whilst we’ve still got a long way to go, I’m a positive believer and things will change next year,”

“I’ve not let the coronavirus derail me and I certainly won’t let Craig Richards on Friday night.”

The British Light-Heavyweight title showdown between Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters against Crystal Palace’s Craig Richards headlines the Hennessy Sports fight night, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5. Chief support features the Midlands Area Middleweight Title between Coventry’s River Bent and Burntwood’s Troy Coleman, plus the Southern Area Super-Flyweight Title between Bexleyheath’s Sammy Cantwell and Southampton’s Ricky Little. The undercard features unbeaten Irish super-lightweight sensation Stephen McKenna who takes on Birmingham’s Des Newton; Sevenoaks super-welterweight Michael Hennessy Jr. and Birmingham middleweight Idris Virgo takes on Walsall Kearon Thomas.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports

LOS ANGELES (December 14, 2020) – Rising welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis will battle Colombia’s Janer González in the 10-round main event of FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Wednesday, December 16 from Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles.

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see featherweight prospect José
Perez battle José Edgardo Garcia in an eight-round attraction to kick off the telecast, and Philippine Olympian Eumir Marcial makes his pro debut in a six-round special feature against Andrew Whitfield.

In addition, unbeaten lightweight prospect Fernando Molina faces Teodoro Alonso in a six-round affair, and super bantamweight prospect Michael Angeletti makes his pro debut in a four-round contest dueling Jerrell Barbour.

The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, an AEG venue, in Los Angeles.

“Eimantas Stanionis continued his ascent up the welterweight rankings with an emphatic victory in November and will return to FS1 on December 16 with a sturdy test in Janer González,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In addition, José Perez vs. José Edgardo Garcia is a 50-50 matchup of hungry featherweights that’s sure to deliver action. Adding in a trio of exciting prospects looking to make nationally televised statements will make December 16 a great night for boxing fans on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

A native of Lithuania who now lives and trains in the U.S., Stanionis (11-0, 8 KOs) is one of the most promising fighters to come out of the 2016 Olympic Games and has continued to impress in the pro ranks. The 26-year-old scored a dominant knockout victory over Justin DeLoach on November 4 on FS1. Stanionis picked up three victories in 2019, beating Samuel Figueroa in March, before stopping Julio Cesar Sanchez and Evincii Dixon. He will be making his second headlining appearance and his fourth overall on an FS1 telecast.

Fighting out of his native Barranquilla, Colombia, González (19-3-1, 15 KOs) has been battle tested in his last three contests, facing top welterweight Jamal James in an action fight on FS1, in addition to contenders Ivan Golub and Radzhab Butaev. The 33-year-old has fought professionally since 2011, and delivered knockout victories in his first eight pro fights.

The 25-year-old Perez (8-1-1, 3 KOs) returns to the ring after his most recent outing saw him stop Jesus Manuel Sandoval in the second round in November 2019. Born in Gardena, California and now fighting out of Oak Hills, Perez is unbeaten in his last seven fights, with his only blemish coming via a majority draw against Mario Ayala in June 2019.

Born in Honduras and now fighting out of Houston, Garcia (13-0-2, 9 KOs) returns to action after most recently fighting to a split-draw against Francisco Gabrial Pina in March. Prior to that 2020 debut, the 32-year-old scored five knockout victories in 2019.

A native of Lunzuran, Zamboanga City, Philippines, Marcial makes his pro debut on December 16 after an impressive amateur career. The 25-year-old qualified for the 2020 Olympics before it was postponed, and won the silver medal at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships. The youngest of five siblings, Marcial is trained by renowned coach Freddie Roach. He will be opposed by the 29-year-old Whitfield (3-1, 2 KOs), a Lewiston, Idaho native who enters this fight having won his last two bouts.

The 18-year-old Molina (3-0, 2 KOs) made his U.S. debut on FS1 on November 21, dropping Jose Zaragoza on his way to a unanimous decision victory. The Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico native had previously scored knockout victories in his first two pro fights, both coming in 2019. He takes on the Los Angeles native Alonso (3-2), who rides a three-bout winning streak heading into December 16. The 22-year-old made his pro debut in February 2018.

Born in New Orleans but now living in Spring, Texas, Angeletti will make his pro debut following an amateur career that saw him ranked as the top flyweight in the country. The 24-year-old was a strong contender for the eventually postponed 2020 Olympics, after winning the Elite National Championships and placing third in an international tournament in 2018. His pro debut will see him square off against the 29-year-old Barbour (1-0). A native of Tacoma, Washington, Barbour’s amateur career included a points loss to top super bantamweight Stephen Fulton.

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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.

CORONA, CA (December 14, 2020) – Undefeated middleweight prospect, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs), is scheduled to face fellow unbeaten foe Louis Hernandez (8-0-1, 6 KOs) when Thompson Boxing Promotions returns on Sunday, December 20, 2020, with their final 3.2.1. Boxing event of the year. Brewart Jr. vs. Hernandez, a 6-round bout, will be the opening fight on the card that will feature three action packed clashes.

Ruben “Ace” Torres (13-0, 11 KOs) will battle Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (23-13-1, 13 KOs) in the main event, scheduled for 8-rounds in the super lightweight division. The 8-round co-main event will feature Saul “The Beast” Sanchez (14-1, 8 KO), of Pacoima, CA, taking on Mario Hernandez (10-1-1, 3 KOs), of Santa Ana, CA, in a super flyweight bout.

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

Here is what Brewart Jr, who is hosting training camp in Riverside, CA, with coach Henry Ramirez, had to say about his recent training camp, his matchup with Hernandez, and more.

On his recent training camp.

“Camp with Henry Ramirez has been great and working with Mark Hernandez has gotten me ready. It’s been grueling camp, but I know all the hard work will pay off. I’ve been waiting since February to get back in the ring and I am prepared to stop this guy.”

On fighting Louis Hernandez.

“To be honest, I really don’t like him. Hernandez hasn’t done anything in the sport of boxing and is talking a lot of trash on the internet. He should be more humble about getting this fight, he has never been at this level. I’m ready to put a beating on him.”

On what fans can expect in this fight.

“I am going to come out firing big bombs as soon as the opening bell rings. I’m going to bring the heat, and he is going to question if he still wants to box after this fight. This will be a dominant performance that moves me into the conversation of the prospect of the year.”

On fighting on 3.2.1 Boxing.

“It is always great to fight on Thompson Boxing shows. I had a knockout of the year candidate on one of their events not long ago, and they always have great production value. Thompson Boxing Promotions is a very professional organization and fans from all over the world can tune in because it’s available to the public across many platforms.”

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

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.

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

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, watch our media partner Fight Hub TV and follow us on
Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

NEW YORK, NY (DECEMBER 14, 2020)–This past Saturday night, three members of the Split-T Management stable all gained stoppage victories on three cards around the United States.

In Las Vegas, featherweight Haven Brady Jr. stopped Michael Land after round two of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.  

	Haven Brady Jr. wins–Photo Credit- Mikey Williams-Top Rank via Getty Images

Brady beat up and battered for six-minutes until Land and his corner had enough, and the 18-year old native of Albany, Georgia raised his mark to 2-0 with both wins coming by knockout.

The fight was streamed live on ESPN+.  Brady is promoted by Top Rank.
Heralded amateur David Navarro also is now 2-0 with two knockouts as he took out Jason Vera in the opening round of their featherweight bout at The Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Navarro dropped Vera with a wicked overhand right.  Navarro followed that up with a vicious combination and the fight was stopped at 2:02.
Navarro, 21 years old of Los Angeles is under the guidance of Tim VanNewhouse, and the fight had highlights shown on the Showtime Boxing Special Edition broadcast.

CLICK TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF NAVARRO’S 1ST ROUND STOPPAGE OVER JASON VERA

In Miami, middleweight Andreas Katzourakis stopped Brandon Baue in round three of their scheduled six-round middleweight bout at the Airport Hilton.

In round one, Katzourakis dropped Baue with a hard jab.  Katzourakis dropped Baue again in the opening round with two hard body shots.  In round three, Katzourakis dropped Baue with a hard body shot.  It was one more left to the body that put Baue down for a 4th time, and the fight was stopped at 1:41.

Katzouraks of Athens, Greece is 6-0 with five knockouts.

WATCH ANDREAS KATZOURAKIS 3RD ROUND STOPPAGE OVER BRANDON BAUE

GALVESTON, Texas (December 14, 2020) — A strong undercard showcasing young, talented boxers from Texas and Southern California will provide support for this Friday night’s “Battle of Rio Grande” card, airing live on pay per view from Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.
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Former world super middleweight title-holder Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (40-0, 26 KOs) challenges North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez (32-3, 25 KOs) in the 12-round main event. Ramirez’
Zurdo Promotions is co-promoting “Battle of Rio Grande” with Lopez’ company, El Tigre Promotions.

World-rated heavyweight and 2012 U.S. Olympian, Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (18-1-1, 12 KOs) faces Shawn Laughery (10-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round co-featured event., who has replaced veteran Chauncy “Hillyard Hammer” Welliver.

“Battle of Rio Grande” will be available for live viewing on digital, cable and satellite, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on pay per view for a suggested retail price of only $24.99. FITE will stream worldwide on the FITE mobile apps, all major OTT apps and website (www.FITE.tv), and Integrated Sports Media will distribute throughout North America via DirecTV, iN Demand, and DISH in the United States, as well as in Canada on Shaw and SaskTel.

In addition, preceding the live pay-per-view broadcast at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, fans may view a free LIVE PPV PRE-SHOW featuring some undercard bouts. “Battle of Rio Grande” Pre-Show will be available at FITE, DirecTV, DISH, Shaw and select cable operators.

Los Angeles bantamweight John “Scrappy” Ramirez (no relations to Gilberto), the first boxer signed by Ramirez’ emerging promotional company, Zurdo Promotions, will make his professional debut in a 4-round bout against his Puerto Rican opponent, Jose “El Chavito” Solis (0-2).

The 24-year-old Ramirez, who has no formal boxing experience, played on an L.A. high school football team, which was featured on ESPN because the area from which student-athletes came from was riddled with drugs and gangs. “Scrappy” may not have boxed as an amateur, but he is a fighter.

“I’m still young in the sport but I love it,” ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez spoke about making his pro boxing debut. “I’m just a different breed when it comes to this. At the end of the day, it’s a fight and I’m here to take over not just take part in. Where I’m from past records, accolades and titles don’t mean s*it. It’s all about today and what lays ahead.

“Being around the Champ (Gilberto) and watching him firsthand, I’m more motivated than ever and know what it takes to succeed. The grind is different, and no one can outwork me.”

Unbeaten Pittsburg, CA featherweight Jose Maria Delgado (6-0-3, 2 KOs) faces Armando Frausto (8-1, 5 KOs), of Alvin (TX), in a 6-round match for the vacant American Boxing Organization (ABO) title.

Also scheduled to fight on the “Battle of Rio Grande” undercard in 4-round bouts are Houston middleweight Ivan Vazquez (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Charon Spain (2-14-2, 1 KO), Houston lightweight Juan Velazquez (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Breyon Gorham (6-0 (5 KOs) vs. TBA, Houston junior middleweight Raynard “Alief Ali” Talib, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) vs. Adam “AD” Ealoms (4-18-3, 2 KOs).

Pro-debuting fighters in additional 4-round undercard fights are Porter, TX junior middleweight Apostle Arias vs. Lucas “God First” McDonald (0-5), Trinity, TX middleweight Charles “Pretty Bad Boy” Baylor vs. Joel “The Assassin” Munoz (0-1), and Delmonte “Sugar Bear” Randle vs. Jarvis Lee (0-2).

Card subject to change.

Tickets are priced at $65.00, $135.00, $250.00 and $400.00 for VIP are on sale and available to purchase at www.zurdopromotions.events.com.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com
Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions, @eltigrepromotions, @bedefsports
Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez, MichaelHunterII, @Fitetv, @IntegratedPPV

Galveston, TX, December 14, 2020 — Undefeated former Super Middleweight World Champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez returns to the ring on Friday, December 18, challenging North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light heavyweight champion Alfonso “El Tigre” Lopez at Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas, live on pay-per-view. “The Battle of Rio Grande” will be co-promoted by Zurdo Promotions and El Tigre Promotions, the first promotion for each under their respective companies.
Tickets to are on sale and can be purchased here https://zurdopromotions.events.com/

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I’m extremely excited to back in the ring. It’s been a long year of ups and downs and we have been kind of unsure. At my age I’m saying this is not what a fighter needs. I am used to fighting on a consistent schedule. It’s unfortunate but I’m very grateful we got to pull this off.

What did you do during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I stayed in the gym, lifting weights and hitting the bag. I made a little gym in the garage since all of the gyms had been shut down. A lot of running, keeping the body in shape and not overindulging on the food a deserts. We had to stay strict hoping the opportunity would come and here it is.

How do you plan to fight Zurdo?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In the fight, as the rounds go on, we are looking for consistency and great conditioning. We focused a lot on conditioning and our strength. I think as the rounds go on you are going to see patience and growth as a fighter from over the years and the wins that we have had and bring it all together on December 18.

It looks as though you two have respect for one another . . .

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: When you have tremendous respect for each other, what happens is both fighters bring their A-game to the table and you end up getting this amazing fight not only for yourself but the fans in general. It’s a blessing that we are both humble and respecting guys because the people that get to witness the fight we are about to put on are the overall winners.

Keys to victory?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: Just kind of being me. The keys are going to be you have to be in shape any time you are going to fight Zurdo. He is one of the best pressure fighters in the business – he stays on you and keeps driving. I have to be prepared mentally to deal with his strength and to really stay in there and bang it out with him. We’ll see how it turns out. We don’t know what’s going to happen until we get in there. 40 guys have gone in there against him and 40 have failed because he is legitimate – one of the best in the business. We’ll just get int here and see how the fight turns out and we’ll make adjustments as we go.

How is it promoting your own fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: As a promoter I have been in the business for 3 or 4 years now, so it was a little easier for me because we kind of had it all laid out so just making it on a larger scale. With Zurdo, that kind of added a little more stress because it is such a big event. We are fighting for a NABF title and we are both ranked in the top ten. There is more at stake here so creating it for the fans and a little more stress but he has a great team and I have a great team. I think we are going to do a great job and it’s an amazing even from the undercard to the main event.

What do you mean by “being me?”

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I am a boxer mover. You have seen me I can box and move around the ring to offset what he is going to pressure me with. Or at the end of the day, I am Mexican blooded and I can get in there and bang. If it has to turn into forehead to forehead, hey lets go for it. Being me is letting my competitive nature dictate what I do and not getting frustrated with anything.

What kind of challenges have you had to endure to train in the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: The challenges were you had to make your own gym. They had everything shut down so we created a gym in the garage and tried to do some bag work with the coaches but a lot of us were stuck at home, especially if we had close elderly family members. We really couldn’t get together and you find yourself doing long runs alone and bag work alone and strength work alone. It was a little difficult but here in Texas it opened up a little bit and we got to get out and get into some of the gyms as long as we stuck to the guidelines but I wouldn’t say it was the best case scenario for a training camp but we did the best could and we are going to be a in great shape.

What are you expecting on December 18?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: On December 18 I am expecting the best Zurdo that we have yet to see. He is going to bring a filled in light heavyweight body and he is going to use that size to his advantage and I think he is going to be better physically prepared since he has had time to settle into the light heavyweight body.

Did you train differently for this fight?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: In this training camp I made some adjustments to how I was conditioning compared to several of my other fights. I spent a lot more time doing road work and strength and conditioning and really focused on a lot of flexibility just to make sure that for the longevity of the sport we can be 100%. I know the dedication is there and the hunger is there and during a lot of my runs I just feel great and can’t wait to get back in there.

Do you have a message for Zurdo?

I ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: don’t have anything to say to Zurdo exactly. I am expecting Zurdo to be at 100% and may the best man win.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?
ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I like Canelo in a late round stoppage from some body shots.

How do you like being a parent?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: It is really interesting and different.

Why did you decide to go on your own?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been in boxing a long time but I think I made a lot of mistakes and that’s why I made my own promotion company because I want to help young fighters reach their goals as a fighter and as a businessman to let them know how negotiate to reach those goals.

How was the break with Top Rank?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We are still friends. My contract expired and I didn’t want to renew and that’s what happened but I think in the near future we can still work together because he has one champion and potentially another so we will see.

How did this fight come together?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: We reached out to the Tigre Lopez team and they agreed to a fight with us to do a co-promotion deal and it’s really good for me because I have been outside of the ring for almost two years and no I come back. Alfonso Lopez has the NABF title and I hope he’s coming really prepared to put on a great show for all the people and all the fans.

How has the pandemic affected you?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have been training the whole time, even during Corona. Before during training I was a little upset because of first my contract and then Corona but now everything is in place. I put all of the pieces in place and I feel ready now to get in the ring and put on a great performance.

Will we see anything new ion the ring?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes you are. I am going to put everything that I have done in training to put on a great show for the fans and that’s all I want is for people to watch the fight on December 18.

What do you have to say to Alfonso Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I hope El Tigre comes in in great shape to put on a great show and best of luck.

Who do you like in the Canelo-Callum fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I like Canelo because he is Mexican

What should we expect in the fight?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Expect a WAR, El Tigre has Mexican blood and inside the ring 2 Mexicans it’s guaranteed a WAR. My team and I worked on the game plan together. I believe he is real good he’s never been stopped and he has 10 victories in a row. I trained like a true champ not taking him lightly I think it’s a good for us both at this time.

Expecting a knockout?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: More than anything my hand will be raised I’m 41-0 and I think the KO will come on it’s own

How about Zurdo Promotions?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I feel happy and excited to help young fighters. I’m working hard with El Tigre Promotions. They have a good team as a promoter everything is working out as planned and as a fighter I’m gonna leave it all in the ring. That’s right my fight will be live only on Fite TV 24.99 make sure you guys go get it and don’t miss a fun night of action

You announced the fight on the 19th then changed it to the 18th and now you are on same night as GGG. . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Nothing controversial the fans know boxing they will watch both fights it really doesn’t matter we can both fight on the same day and people will still tune in boxing is what people want and they are getting it. And GGG, it’s a good thing because the fans want to see boxing it’s been needed and like I said the fans will be watching all 3 fights that weekend .

You and GGG training in the same place?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Yes, GGG and I have been in the same gym training for our fights

Canelo and Eddy Reynoso again said they will not face a Mexican opponent . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I know that fight will happen one day I’ll just keep winning and do what I do and that fight will happen. I also want to be the face of boxing and I know to be the face of boxing I will have to beat him down the line – I just gotta keep on winning.

How was training during the pandemic?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: We focused a lot on boxing and strength and conditioning because he is an amazing fighter and he brings a toughness to all of his fights. He world a world champion and he’s undefeated. We have prepared ourselves for the best fighter in the world and be ready the best that we can.

Will you try and go for early KO?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t think is the best way to jump into a fight with Zurdo. We both have a lot of experience and we both will rely, in the ring, on all of our experiences. He has never been hurt really – he has a heck of a chin.

Do you feel disrespected in boxing?

ALFONSO “El Tigre” LOPEZ: I don’t feel disrespected, Zurdo is a superstar in the sport. I know what he brings to the table and I know why kind of fighter I am because of what I have put into the sport of boxing. It’s the business of boxing if people don’t see you and you aren’t promoted everyone sees you as a guy that is just there and that’s the business of boxing.

There was some talk of you fighting Bivol . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: My team and I, we discussed it (Bivol fight) and decided that Alfonso was the best opponent for us right now but I think in the near future the Bivol fight will happen, but right now I don’t see beyond and I am focusing on Alfonso.

It seem throughout your career you have been having a tough time getting the top opponents . . .

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Right now I feel great and that’s why I started my own promotional company so I can choose my best path for my career and I will have control, after this fight, all those kind of fights will happen. At the beginning I was frustrated abut that (getting top fights) but all of the fighters want the big names. It didn’t happen during that time but now I can make that happen. I can work with different promoters but right now I have Alfonso Lopez and he has the NABF title and I have prepared for this fight because he has what I want.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have to be worried about the fight in the ring and be sharp. I don’t feel like I have to be worried about anything in particular because I have trained so long for this fight – I was my longest training camp in my life and I feel great. I feel ready to rumble. Ready to put on a great show in Galveston, Texas on December 18. I can’t wait to be in the ring as a fighter.

How is the promotional company coming along?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I have ten fighters in my promotion. Some of them fought in Mexico a couple weeks a go and some will be fighting on my card. We are going to have another show in February in Mexico. It is really interesting being a promoter because I want to help the fighters. I want to have champions to, obviously, but I want to teach them how the business is as a fighter and as a promoter. They have to know everything and I want to help them.

What do you want to accomplish against Lopez?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I want to send the message that I am the best light heavyweight in the world and everybody will see on December 18. Alfonso has been winning in his last ten fights in a row and he’s never been stopped and we are going to put on a great show for all the fans.

Can you make it back to 168?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: I could make 168 if I cut off my leg. But I don’t think I can go back to 168, it is too much on my body and I feel that I would rather move up. Move up to cruiserweight and then heavyweight – why not?

Do you think a Canelo fight will happen?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Of course a Canelo fight can happen. Like you say with me and him fighting back-to-back this weekend – people will watch Canelo and they will watch me, and if the fans want to see us fight then we could make that fight happen. Eventually I will reach out to his team and I want to propose to make the fight happen. He has his own promotional team and I have my own promotional team so we can make it happen. If the people want to see the fight and there will be belts, for sure.

What weight would a Canelo fight be at?

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: The Canelo fight would have to be at 175. He already fought at that weight against Sergey Kovalev and I don’t want to go back to that weight. We’d have to fight at the same weight with no rehydration clauses or any of that.

GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ: Don’t miss the fight on December 18 on FITE.tv. It is going to be a good fight and we are going to put on a great show for all of them and you will see a new Zurdo Ramirez, so don’t miss it!

WORCESTER, Mass. (December 14, 2020) – Prior to his sensational performance on the recent Mike Tyson-Roy Jones, Jr. pay-per-view event, undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz was boxing’s best kept secret. No more, though, as Ortiz firmly established himself as a rising star in front of countless fans among the 1.6 million PPV buys.

Ortiz flew from Boston to Los Angeles on Thanksgiving. He was driven to his hotel, where he immediately saw Jones, checked his weight, and walked to Staples Center. “I was comfortable from the start,” said the young fighter who was fighting for the first time as a professional outside of New England. “I was there to get the job done. I was on a mission. I walk to see the Staples Center and that was cool. I later took my run around the Staples Center and there were a lot of statues. It was beautiful. It was cool seeing the Lakers locker-room.”

The 24-year-old Ortiz (14-0, 8 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Youth World champion, knocked out Sulaiman Segawa (13-3-1, 4 KOs) with a bruising body attack, hurting his opponent in the sixth round, and closing the show in spectacular fashion in the seventh for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC (U.S) Silver lightweight title. Segawa had never been stopped before as a professional.

Ortiz displayed his overall arsenal: stiff jab, lightning quick hands and feet, switching back and forth effortlessly from orthodox to southpaw stances, punishing hooks up and down, and the most lethal body shots seen from a New Englander since “Irish” Micky Ward.

“I was calm and cool before the fight,” Ortiz added. “I like to go into a fight, mentally, like it was a sparring session and I always do good. I started out in an orthodox stance, established my jab and used it a lot. I think I should have used it more and could have beaten him with it. I listened to my coach (Rocky Gonzalez) and he told me when to switch. Body punching is the No. 1 thing with Rocky. I may not have shown it nearly as much in other fights, but he drills that into me all the time. In the sixth round, he told me to go more to the body, not looking to catch him, and in the seventh I really hurt him to the body.

“Segawa was definitely tough. He had beaten a lot of guys, including a few he upset. Every fight is a stepping-stone and I’m my worst critic. I felt that I could have knocked him out in the second round, but I didn’t want to go off the game plan.”

Ortiz set-up Segawa from the opening bell, broke him down, and finished the show in grand style as Seqawa was hurt and trapped on the ropes, drawing kudos from highly respected people in the industry such as “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Teddy Atlas, and others. Ortiz’ fan-base grew exponentially as boxing fans rushed to sign up to follow Jamaine during and after his breakout fight.

“Once people saw me perform and my style,” Ortiz continued, “they liked me. I could have shown more and thrown more combinations. I really needed to fight in front of the world. I got 5,500 new Instagram flowers that night. I guess, I’m no longer the best kept secret in boxing.”

“Our main goal is to win a world title,” Gonzalez commented. “This was fun and a great opportunity, but the motivation to be world champion is stronger. He dealt with this fight as just another fight, and he followed our game plan.

“His body shots set up the ending. I’m always telling him about Micky Ward’s body shots. You know, boxing is a dance, a salsa. Boxers need to dance; I don’t think they should just be orthodox. They all need to fight the other way and when Jamaine switched stances in the third, he never let up. I’ve trained him hard. I’m always on him and what better way to shut me up than ending it like he did on pay per view? It was a drop the microphone moment!”

Ortiz is promoted by Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports) and advised by Richard Shappy and Eddie Imondi.

Because of the uncertainty in boxing due to the pandemic, Ortiz’ 2021 schedule is unknown, but he isn’t boxing’s best kept secret anymore, “The Technician” is a bonafide rising star.

Chris Colbert retained the WBA Interim Junior Lightweight world title with an 11th round stoppage over Jaime Arboleda at the Mohegan Sun In Uncasville, Connecticut.

In round eight, Colbert was deducted a point for a low blow. In round nine, Colbert sent Arboleda down with a left hook. In round 11, Colbert sent Arboleda down with a hard combination. Colbert sent Arboleda down again with a snapping left that sent Arboleda down on his face. Colbert ended things with a crushing combination that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout as Arboleda was falling down at 1:37.

Colbert, 130 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 15-o with six knockouts. Arboledo, 130 lbs of Miami, FL is 16-2.

CHRIS COLBERT

“I felt like I put on a big performance tonight. This is one of the hardest training camps of my life because of the pandemic. We came in, got the job done and finished with a knockout.

“I saw that he said he was going to be the bull in this fight, so I had to show him what a real bull does. In Brooklyn, we don’t run.

“I knew that he was going to be slower and throw wide shots. I knew if I threw in between his shots, then I’d be able to clip him. I followed my game plan and got him out of there.

“I came to show the 130-pound division that I can punch. I’m here and I’m here to stay.

“I’m more than just a flashy boxer. I can stand in there and bang. I know there were close rounds in the fight, but I understood that as it was happening. It was part of the game plan. I knew what I was doing. I was wearing him down to knock him out late. I did what I said I’d do.

“I’ve been training since July. I’m going to rest for a little bit and wherever my team puts me next, I’m ready. I’m not ducking or dodging anyone. I want anyone in the top five.”

“I dominated the whole fight. I probably gave him two rounds, but that was by choice. I just wanted to build his confidence. Because I knew I was going to stop him in the later rounds. 

“I just kept my head up after the deduction and kept coming strong. I had to come out here and put on a dominating performance. I talk alot, so I had to make sure I backed it up. 

“I wanted to make a statement and let the whole division know that I’m here to stay. I showed everyone that I can do more than just punch and move, like people say I do. I showed everything tonight. 

“I feel like I always had some type of power, but I was punching and moving at the same time. If I sit down on my punches, I can really hurt guys. That’s what’s been happening in my last few fights. 

“Early on in the fight I hurt my left hand. So I couldn’t really use my jab without hurting myself. I just sucked it up and said that I was going to finish this fight strong. That’s exactly what I did. 

“Round nine he landed a lot of shots. I think it’s the most anyone has ever landed on me and I can’t say why I was letting that happen. I could have slipped a lot of them, but it’s boxing. I just made sure that I finished the fight strong.

“Arboleda was definitely a strong young fighter. I hope he keeps his head up and comes back stronger.”

Hitchins Decisions Mendez

Richardson Hichins won a 10-round split decision over former world champion Argenis Mendez in a junior welterweight bout.

Hitchins landed 117 of 333 punches; Mendez was 92 of 346.

Hitchins, 140 lbs of New York won by scores of 98-92 and 99-91, while Mendez won a card 97-93 and is now 12-0. Mendez, 140 lbs of Yonkers, NY is 25-6-3.

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“I rate my performance a B+. I think I might have lost one round. I could have gotten an A if I put a little more hurt on him, but I knew his defense would be tight. I’ve watched him since I was a kid. I knew he was a smart fighter. With the amount of experience I have compared to him, it was a great performance.

“Now I have my first world champion under my belt just 12 fights in. It’s a tremendous honor. I haven’t been boxing as long as he’s been professional. I’m proud of myself.

“He was a big step up from who I’ve been fighting. He felt disrespected when they sent him my name. He said he was going to use his experience to stop me, but I dominated the fight. I hurt him in the seventh, but he’s crafty and has enough pop so that I couldn’t be careless. I was happy to cruise to the victory and win almost every round.

“This fight went how I wanted it to go. I knew it would get tougher as the rounds went on. I believe that I dominated the fight. I knew he was going to get close and make it rough but I was ready.

“I could tell in the first round he wanted to see what I had and was feeling me out. The only way he was going to be able to beat me was by pressuring me and going for the knockout. I wasn’t going to let any of that work though.

“My jab couldn’t miss. I landed good overhand rights and short uppercuts. He was protecting his body very well, so I couldn’t go there like I wanted to. My jab landed every round. He couldn’t take it away from me.”

Ellis gets win over Korobov after Korobov hurts foot

Ronald Ellis was awarded one second into round five of his scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight after Korobov hurt his left leg.

This was the 2nd straight fight that Korobov had to bow out of. About a year ago, Korobov hurt his shoulder after the opening round with his fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

Ellis, who was five pounds overweight at Friday’s weigh-in is now 18-1-2-1 with 12 stoppages. Korobov, 160 lbs of Royal Palm Beach, FL is 28-4-1.

“I know he dies out in the later rounds so I was going to step on it in the second half of the fight. It’s been a while and I know that this wasn’t my best performance. He’s awkward, he’s a southpaw. I hardly fought lefties and I hate fighting southpaws.

“He wasn’t giving me that much but I was trying to beat him by a few punches each round. I heard the announcers say that I wasn’t throwing as much as I usually do but I was giving what I was getting. After I heard that, I stepped it up. Once I saw that his leg was hurt, I was nervous we were going to the scorecards because he might have grabbed early rounds.

“I can’t say it enough, I did what I had to do and he took the fight. I came here five pounds over and just couldn’t shake them off. I just have to tighten up the diet. I have been hearing from a lot of boxers about it. I promise that will be the last time that ever happens. I want to stay at 160 lbs. My power is there at 160 lbs. I was taking Korobov’s shots well and I just felt like 160 is where I belong, I’ve just got to get my fat ass working.

“He wanted Jermall Charlo, right? Well, I want Charlo then. But I will take anyone. I know that performance was not the best and I probably shouldn’t be calling people out but I am. I am going to be around for a long time and want the big names. “

Former featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson won an easy 10-round unanimous decision over Toka Kahn Clary in a junior lightweight bout at the MGM Grand Conference center in las Vegas.

Stevenson dominated the bout with Kahn Clary showing next-to-nothing in return.

Stevenson landed 151 of 514 punches; Kahn Clary landed 48 of 529.

Stevenson, 130 lbs of Newark, NJ won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 15-0. Kahn Clary, 129 lbs of Providence, RI is 28-3-1.

“He knew how to survive. He came in there to survive, and that’s what he did,” Stevenson said. “I want the WBO belt first. The winner of {Carl} Frampton and {Jamel} Herring have to come see me. After that, we want {WBC world champion Miguel} Berchelt.”

Nakatani stops Verdejo in 9

Masayoushi Nakatani shook off two early knockdowns and then stopped Felix Verdejo in round nine of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Verdejo scored a knockdown with a hard right hand. It was another right hand in round four that sent Nakatani down for a 2nd time

In round nine Nakatani landed a hard right that sent Verdejo down with a j on the chin. Then it was a right to the top of the head that sent Verdejo down face-first and the fight was stopped at 1:45.

Nakatani, 135 lbs of Osaka, JAP is 19-1 with 13 knockdowns. Verdejo, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR is 27-2.

After the bout, a jubilant Nakatani set his sights on a rematch with Lopez, now the undisputed lightweight world champion.

“I fought Lopez, and I wanted to fight him again, and that’s why I kept going,” Nakatani said. “I want to go for the knockout like I did today, and that’s going to be my style.”

Berlanga Keeps 1st round KO Streak intact; Stops Sierra

Edgar Berlanga kept his perfect 1st round knockout streak alive as he stopped Ulises Sierra in their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

He dropped Sierra with a hard right around the gloves. He sent Sierra down for a 2nd time with a vicious seven punch combination. Berlanga ended things with a vicious flurry that was punctuated by a hard right and the fight was stopped at 2:40.

Berlanga, 169 lbs of Brooklyn NY is 16-0 with 16 opening round knockouts. Sierra, 167 1/2 lbs of San Diego is 15-2-2.

Berlanga said, “{I want} rounds. The better competition, the better opposition we fight, I believe we’re going to get those rounds in. We ended 2020 with a bang. 2021 is a big year for us, and I’m looking forward to it.

“Tito Trinidad was my idol. He still is. Just being with him opened up my eyes as to what boxing is about, the dedication, the focus, leaving the streets and the bad people alone.”

Quincy LaVallais won a eight-round unanimous decision over feel-good Clay Collard in a middleweight bout.

LaVallais, !59 lbs of Kenner, LA won by scores of 78-74 and 77-75 twice and is now 10-0-1. Collard, 159 lbs of Burley, ID is 9-3-3.

Jesse Rodriguez stopped Saul Juarez in round two of a scheduled eight-round flyweight bout.

In round two, Rodriguez dropped Juarez with a crushing left uppercut for the count of 10 at 2:05

Rodriguez, 110.5 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 13-0 with nine knockouts. Juarez, 110 lbs of Mexico City, MEX is 25-14-2.

Former Olympic Gold Medal winner Robeisy Ramirez stopped Brandon Valdes in round six of a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

In round six, Valdes was deducted a point for a low blow. Later in the round, Ramirez landed a heavyweight combination on the ropes, and referee Russell Mora stopped the fight at 2:49.

Ramirez, 126 lbs of Cuba is 6-1 with four knockouts. Valdes, 127 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 13-2.

Haven Bardy Jr. made it two in a row with stoppage at the end of round two of a scheduled four-round featherweight bout over Michael Land.

Brady, 127 lbs of Albany. GA is 2-0 with both wins coming via stoopage. Land, 126 lbs of Cedar Hill, TX is 1-2.

Kasir Goldston stopped Llewelyn McClamy in a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Goldston dropped McClamy with a straight left hand. Goldston finished the bout just a few seconds later when he dropped McClammy again with a left and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Goldston, 142 lbs of Albany, NU is 2-0 with one knockout. McClamy. 142.5 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 2-1.