TAYLOR VS. GUTIERREZ + UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Eddie Hearn:
“It’s great to be back inside the bubble. It is unquestionably the best bubble in boxing. It is definitely the most expensive bubble in boxing! We do it properly. It is great to see all of the fighters here looking fit, well and healthy ahead of a huge night of boxing on Saturday back at Wembley Arena. A World Championship triple-header and a great opportunity for women’s boxing to carry on progressing. We’re live on Sky Sports in the UK and live across America on DAZN as well. The beauty of this card is although we have three women’s World Title fights, we also have three really good men’s fights. Domestic fights, young talent coming through, a big Super-Middleweight clash too.”
Katie Taylor – Bray, Ireland – 16-0, 6 KOs – defending her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles against Miriam Gutierrez:
“I never get sick of looking at all the belts – it’s something I’ve worked extremely hard for. The journey has definitely been more exciting that I could have expected.
“One punch can change a fight in professional boxing. She is an unbeaten fighter and better than people expect.
“Hopefully I will do a bit of everything – outbox her and outfight her. There are no easy fights at this stage. This is a huge opportunity for her.
“Complacency is very, very dangerous. I’m ready for whatever comes my way. People haven’t seen the best of me.
“Every belt is on the line. She has a lot to fight for. But this is the position I’ve always wanted to be in, defending my titles. I’m prepared to walk away the Undisputed Champion.
“It’s a privilege to be headlining such a big show, an historic show. I never thought when I turned pro that we would see three women’s World Title fights on a show.
“I want to make history and create legacy and, to do that, you have to be active and take risks. We’re in this sport to inspire the next generation. It’s incredible to me that female fighters are household names now.”
Miriam Gutierrez – Madrid, Spain – 13-0, 5 KOs – challenging Katie Taylor for her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Titles:
“I’m really looking forward to the fight coming around. It has been a long wait, particularly being in a bubble, it’s a bit different but I’m really looking forward to the fight. I can’t wait for it to come around.
“Of course I am really focused, that’s not to say I don’t admire her, I have followed her career both in the amateur ranks and now in the professionals. We’ve been working really hard for this so I am totally focused.
“It’s a lovely situation to be in and it’s a big opportunity for me. I have been working really hard for it so hopefully I can take advantage of this.”
Terri Harper – Denaby, England – 10-0-1, 5 KOs – defending her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Katharina Thanderz:
“I’m still as hungry as ever. This is only the beginning for me. I want to get out there and fight the other champions, the best in my division.
“I’ve seen a few people on social media saying I can’t box! I’m not doing badly for someone who can’t box. A mistake we’ve made in the past was to look past the fight that was coming up towards future plans.
“The fight I had with Natasha Jonas? I learned a lot. That fight was a blessing in disguise which brought me back to reality, slowed me down, made me realised that I needed to make changes and improvements.
“Thanderz will throw the kitchen sink at me but I have to make sure that I stay champion. She’s very good at coming forwards, very game. I need to use my long arms and not get dragged into a scrap like I did [against Jonas].”
Katharina Thanderz – Oslo, Norway – 13-0, 2 KOs – challenging Terri Harper for her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles:
“It’s great to be here and it is a great opportunity. I’ve been waiting a long time for this, I’m really excited. It’s an amazing thing to see how female boxing is growing. It’s always good to have great examples like the current fighters we have to look up to. Of course in Norway for many years we had Cecilia Brækhus. She did a lot for boxing in Norway and Scandinavia. It’s great to be part of this.
“To become WBC World Champion on Saturday would mean everything. It is what I have been working towards for years. I really enjoy training, that’s what I enjoy the most. For me it isn’t hard work, I really enjoy it. It would mean a lot.”
Rachel Ball – Aldridge, England – 6-1 – fighting Jorgelina Guanini for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title:
“Every time I hear people say it, it gets more and more real. It’s still crazy and I’m just so grateful to be here. I’ve taken this opportunity with both hands. I’ve done everything that I can. I’m not going to leave anything in there on Saturday.
“It’s a fantastic time to be a part of women’s boxing – there’s loads of great girls coming through, now it’s time to live up to the expectations, to step up and deliver. Expect an all action fight from me every time. Expect fireworks, I’m definitely going to deliver them.
“I’ve got a 10-round fight ahead of me so I won’t be daft in the first few rounds but I’m not scared of tearing it up. I’m a very resilient person so I don’t think the pressure affected me [in my last fight]. This time, I’m more prepared.
“People will remember these kinds of shows forever. Katie and Terri will go down in history and hopefully I will too. People will look back and say: ‘That set a precedent like Jane Couch back in the day’. What she did for women’s boxing, hopefully we will too.”
Jorgelina Guanini – Buenos Aires, Argentina – 9-1-2, 1 KO – fighting Rachel Ball for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title:
“First and foremost thank you for the compliment on my new haircut! This is an incredible opportunity for me and it’s an opportunity that I’m really looking forward to. I’m really grateful for this. It’s true that I am pretty small. I have been smaller than all of my opponents I have faced. I have probably never faced someone as tall as Rachel but I am up for fighting whatever opponent that is put in front of me.”
John Docherty – Montrose, Scotland – 9-0, 7 KO’s – fighting Jack Cullen in an Eliminator for the British Super-Middleweight Title:
“He’s just another man in my way. This takes me a step closer to the British Title and he’s in my way. He’s not stopping me and I’m going to go through him like Felix Cash did. I’m going to go through Jack Cullen on Saturday night and put on a good performance. I’m going to put on a standout performance in the Super-Middleweight division. I’m not taking anything away from Jack Cullen but I’m levels above him. I know I can’t say that in the pro game because I haven’t showed it yet. I’m going to put him to sleep, it’s as simple as that.”
Jack Cullen – Little Lever, England – 18-2-1, 9 KOs – fighting John Docherty in an Eliminator for the British Super-Middleweight Title:
“I’m not taking it personally, I think it’s a load of shit to be honest with you. What he’s got to realise is I’m not a Middleweight anymore, I’m a Super-Middle and I’m a big Super-Middle. I’m coming to win. Obviously you’ve given me another chance, Matchroom have given me another chance and I’m here to prove a point. In beating John Docherty I will prove my point. I’m going to show how good I really am. He’s fought journeymen. He’s not fought anyone decent yet. He’s going to see on fight night how good I am.”
Kash Farooq – Glasgow, Scotland – 13-1, 6 KOs – fighting Angel Aviles for the vacant WBA Continental Bantamweight Title:
“Fingers crossed everything goes well and you’ll see me in the ring on Saturday night putting on a good performance. Friday night was a long night for me. I brushed myself down and went back to the gym on Sunday morning and carried on. I’ve got to thank everyone for getting me on this bill. Every fight is hard and I’m expecting a tough challenge against Angel. He’s going to be there all night and he’s going to bring the best out in me. I expect myself to be the winner.”
Angel Aviles – Altamirano, Mexico – 20-5-1, 1 KO – fighting Kash Farooq for the vacant WBA Continental Bantamweight Title:
“You can expect a good fight from me. I have to say thank you very much for brining me to this city to fight. I have had some good fights and I’ve had four fights at championship level so I’m used to going the distance and I expect to win this fight.”
Thomas Whittaker-Hart – Liverpool, England – 4-0, 2 KOs – fighting Jermaine Springer in an eight round Light-Heavyweight contest:
“I’m made up to have someone that’s coming to win against me. I feel like you’ll get more out of me if you’ve got someone in front of me who’s ready to push me. I’m excited to show what I can do. I know Jermaine is going to come to win and it’s going to be exciting. It’s not about the pressure, I don’t really think too much into that. I’ve been doing this since I was a young boy so I’m just taking things in my stride and going with it.”
Jermaine Springer – Bradford, England – 7-1, 1 KO – fighting Thomas Whittaker-Hart in an eight round Light-Heavyweight contest:
“There’s no pressure on me. I’m coming here to fight. I rate Tom, he’s a good fighter. I’m going to bring the fire. I’m here to spoil the party. I can’t leave the ring disappointed or having regrets. I need to give it everything that I’ve got. I’ve got to put the pressure on and turn it into a real fight. I’ve fought unbeaten fighters before and I’ve gone there to win. This will be the first time that he’s thought someone with my mindset.”
Undefeated Cuban prospects to be showcased on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®
LAS VEGAS (November 12, 2020) – An undefeated trio of Cuban prospects will be showcased Thursday night, November 20th, on another installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, at Marinaterra Hotel Spa & Event Center in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.
RJJ Boxing, presented by Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions and De La O Promotions, will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com or download the UFC app.
The 10-round main event pits undefeated Californian Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) against Mexican knockout artist Bruno “Tiburon” Sandoval (21-4-1, 17 KOs), for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Latino super middleweight title.
Barajas, who won 27 of 30 amateur matches, takes advantage of his unusual size for a super middleweight, standing 6′ 3″ with an 80″ reach. Sandoval was the Interim WBC Latino super middleweight champion after defeating 24-8 Deivas Casseres (24-8) in 2 ½ years ago by way of a first-round knockout.
The three unbeaten Cuban fighters on the Nov. 19th card, all living in Guatemala, are middleweight Yoevel “La Joya” Gomez (2-0, 2 KOs), super bantamweight Ariel Perez De La Torre (3-0-0, 3 KOs) and heavyweight Geovany “L Bestia” Bruzon (2-0, 2 KOs).
A natural junior middleweight, the 22-year-old Gomez agreed to take his 6-round fight against unbeaten Mexican Jesus “Mazo” Moroyoqui Palomares (5-0-1, 4 KOs). Gomez is a technically sound, aggressive power punched. The 2-time Cuban Youth champion is the son of 1980 Olympic gold medalist Jose Gomez.
De La Torre, who had more than 150 amateur matches, is dropping down from junior lightweight to super bantamweight, assuring undefeated Mexican Jesus “Panterita” Daniel Tamez (6-0, 5 KOs) a significant size advantage in their 6-round fight.
Bruzon, 22, was the 2014 Cuban National Youth champion. A southpaw with great hand speed and power, Bruzon faces Jose “El Titan” Vazquez (6-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 6-rounder.
Unbeaten California welterweight Raiden “Mortal Kombat” Jace Martinez (5-0, 5 KOs) is also scheduled to fight in a 4-rounder against TBA off-UFC FIGHT PASS.
Card subject to change.
INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Facebook: /UFCFightPass, /KeithVeltre
Twitter: @UFCFightPass, @Keith_Veltre, @RoyjonesJRfa @RoyJonesJrOfficial
Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @RoyJonesJrBoxing
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 20 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico
Dec. 9 & 10 – RJJ Boxing in Mexico
Thrilling flyweight championship bouts headline UFC 255 in Las Vegas
Las Vegas – UFC® will continue its year-end run of shows at UFC APEX with two exciting world championship bouts in the 125-pound divisions. Deiveson Figueiredo will look to secure his first successful flyweight title defense when he takes on No. 4 ranked contender Alex Perez. Women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko hopes to continue her dominant reign when she faces Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and No. 3 ranked contender Jennifer Maia.
UFC® 255: FIGUEIREDO vs. PEREZ will take place Saturday, November 21 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas 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.
ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the U.S. as part of an agreement announced in 2019.
Fans will be able to purchase UFC® 255: FIGUEIREDO vs. PEREZ online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.
Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN2 and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes, as well as being 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, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (Spanish) and ESPN+ (in English and Spanish) at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
Figueiredo (19-1, fighting out of Soure, Pará, Brazil) is coming off his dominant submission win over Joseph Benavidez to capture the vacant flyweight championship in July. A heavy-handed striker and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has also earned thrilling victories against Tim Elliott, Alexandre Pantoja and John Moraga. Figueiredo now aims to secure his first successful title defense with another show-stealing performance.
Perez (24-5, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) has wasted no time since joining the UFC roster in 2017, as he becomes the first Dana White’s Contender Series signee to challenge for a UFC title. Following exciting wins against Jordan Espinosa and Mark De La Rosa, Perez turned heads with his calf-kick TKO victory over perennial contender Jussier Formiga in June. Perez now aims to continue his rapid ascent by dethroning Figueiredo to achieve his dream of being UFC flyweight champion.
No. 3 ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Shevchenko (19-3, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) hopes to continue her dominant title reign with another highlight-reel finish. Throughout her career, she has netted impressive wins over Holly Holm, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Julianna Pena and Jessica Eye. Shevchenko now has her sights set on delivering a spectacular victory to secure her fourth consecutive title defense.
Skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Maia (18-6-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) feels she has the tools to shock the world and dethrone Shevchenko. An 11-year MMA veteran and former Invicta FC Flyweight champion, Maia has secured sensational victories against Joanne Calderwood, Alexis Davis and Roxanne Modafferi (twice). Maia now aims to take home UFC gold by becoming the first fighter to defeat Shevchenko at 125 pounds.
Additional bouts on the card include:
- No. 2 ranked contender Katlyn Chookagian (14-4, fighting out of Amity Harbor, NY) squares off with No. 4 Cynthia Calvillo (9-1-1, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) in a pivotal women’s flyweight contest
- No. 2 ranked flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (17-5-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 6 Brandon Royval (12-4, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) in a bout with serious title implications
- No. 14 ranked light heavyweight contender Shogun Rua (27-11-1, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) runs it back with No. 15 Paul Craig (13-4-1, fighting out of Coatbridge, Scotland) following their entertaining draw one year ago
- Hot on the heels of his viral spinning back kick KO victory over Impa Kasanganay, Joaquin Buckley (11-3, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) makes a quick turnaround against unbeaten Jordan Wright (11-0 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) in a middleweight clash
- In a welterweight bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, Mike Perry (14-6, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.) takes on Tim Means (30-12-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)
- No. 15 ranked contender Antonina Shevchenko (8-2, fighting out of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan) faces Ariane Lipski (13-5, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) in what is expected to be an entertaining women’s flyweight bout
- Middleweight hopefuls collide when Kyle Daukaus (9-1, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) meets Dana White’s Contender Series signee Dustin Stoltzfus (13-1, fighting out of Germersheim, Germany)
- Alan Jouban (16-7, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.) returns against debuting Jared Gooden (17-4, fighting out of Atlanta, Ga.) in a welterweight bout
- Daniel Rodriguez (13-1, fighting out of Alhambra, Calif.) steps in to face Nicolas Dalby (18-4-1 1NC, fighting out of Copenhagen, Denmark) in an entertaining welterweight bout
- Recent Dana White’s Contender Series Louis Cosce (7-0, fighting out of Arcata, Calif.) takes on Sasha Palatnikov (5-2, fighting out of Hong Kong, China) in a battle of welterweight newcomers
For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
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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.
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Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC events, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, college sports (including football, basketball and nearly a dozen other sports from 20 conferences), top domestic and international soccer (Bundesliga, Serie A, FA Cup, MLS, Copa Del Rey, EFL Championship, Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), Golf (coverage from PGA Tour, The Masters and PGA Championship), Top Rank Boxing, Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series and studio shows (including ESPN+ NFL PrimeTime, Peyton’s Places, Detail, Bettor Days, ESPN FC, Our Time, Dana White’s Contender Series, and many more), plus exclusive access to the entire library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.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.
HEFFRON v BENTLEY 2 WEIGHTS
HEFFRON v BENTLEY 2 RUNNING ORDER:
Fight # 1
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
MICKEY BURKE JR. (10st 8lb 8oz) v THOMAS BROADBENT (10st 9lb 6oz)
Fight # 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest
HENRY TURNER (10st 2lb 5oz) v DES NEWTON (10st 2lb 4oz)
Fight # 3
10 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest
CAOIMHIN AGYARKO (11st 9lb 10oz) v ROBBIE CHAPMAN (11st 11lb 10oz)
Fight # 4
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Heavyweight Contest
TOMMY FURY (12st 13lbs 6oz) v GENADIJ KRAJEVSKIJ (12st 13lb 8oz)
Fight # 5
The Vacant British Middleweight Championship
12 x 3 Minute Rounds @ 160lbs
MARK HEFFRON (11st 5lb 4oz) v DENZEL BENTLEY (11st 5lb 2oz)
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Heffron v Bentley 2 is live from BT Sport Studio @ 7.30pm on BT Sport 1 HD
SPRINGER: I’M GOING TO BRING THE FIRE!
Jermaine Springer insists that all of the pressure is on Matchroom new boy Thomas Whittaker-Hart ahead of their eight round Light-Heavyweight battle on the Katie Taylor vs. Miriam Gutierrez undercard this Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley, shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN.
Liverpool’s Whittaker-Hart, managed by former WBC Cruiserweight king Tony Bellew, signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn last month and will be hoping to impress on his Matchroom debut as he kicks off a huge night of World Title action, but Bradford’s Springer has other ideas.
Trained by Al Osta at the Ultra Flex Gym in Leeds, ‘Showtime’ heads into his first TV appearance sporting a record of seven wins and one loss since turning pro in March 2018, and the 32-year-old says he is ready to cause an upset against former amateur standout Whittaker-Hart.
“I’ve got nothing to lose,” Springer told Seconds Out. “He’s just signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom, he’s managed by Tony Bellew and he’s the amateur star that has all of the pressure and expectation on him. For me, I’ve just got to go out there and have a fight. It’s a much more simple situation for me. It’s a lot more complicated for him.
“I’ve seen more of his amateur stuff. We know what he’s about. I think it will be a good fight. He’s not just a one trick pony. He’s an all round good fighter. He’s got good speed, good power and a good jab. He can fight at distance and he can fight up close on the inside. I think our styles will gel.
“I’m going to bring the fire. This is my opportunity. I don’t get opportunities like this. I’m used to fighting at small hall shows. This is what I dream about, fighting on Matchroom shows live on Sky Sports. I’m normally watching them on TV.
“I’m a massive boxing fan. It’s a dream come true and I’m going to give it everything that I’ve got. I 100% believe in myself and I am going there to cause the upset. I can’t leave anything in the ring and end up disappointed. I have to put on a good show and get the win.”
Taylor vs. Gutierrez tops an historic night of World Title action in the Capital, Denaby’s Terri Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) defends her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Titles against Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs), Rachel Ball (6-1) faces Jorgelina Guanini (9-1-2, 1 KO) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, big-punching John Docherty (9-0, 7 KOs) steps up against ‘Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (18-2-1, 9 KOs) and Glasgow Bantamweight talent Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs)makes his Matchroom debut against Angel Aviles (20-5-1, 6 KOs).
JOYCE JOSTLING FOR PROMOTIONAL PRIORITY ON NOVEMBER 28th, UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED

JOE JOYCE BELIEVES he is fighting for promotional priority, as well as the British and European titles, when he takes on Daniel Dubois in a huge heavyweight collision on November 28.
Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren has been in the corner of Dubois since setting him on the road to professional stardom in April of 2017 at the age of 19. The Peacock Gym product has more than lived up to his Dynamite billing and is, by common consensus, the best young heavyweight in the business.
‘Juggernaut’ Joyce, who joined the Queensberry ranks in May 2019 when he was first mandated to fight Dubois for the British title, wants a piece of the action and intends to ambush the ambitious plans laid out for his in-house rival.
“Right now, Daniel is a top boy for Queensberry and BT Sport so if I beat him, or when I beat him, I will be one to watch,” considered the 35-year-old Olympic silver medallist.
“According to Frank, the winner could potentially get a world title shot and that is definitely what I am in boxing for, so I am looking forward to beating Dubois and being No.1.”
Dubois enjoys a lofty No.2 ranking with the WBO behind only Oleksandr Usyk, who occupies top spot and mandatory position by virtue of moving up from cruiserweight as an undefeated champion.
Usyk is entitled to enforce a fight with the WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, but the Englishman first must negotiate an IBF obligation against Kubrat Pulev in December. If he then intends to enter into a two-fight booking with Tyson Fury, the WBO belt could well become up for grabs.
Enter Dubois or Joyce against Usyk.
“I know, imagine that, it would be unbelievable,” stated Joyce in eager anticipation. “I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself though because I’ve still got Dubois in my face to take on.”
Joyce, of course, suffered a defeat to Usyk in the World Boxing Series as a GB amateur and taking revenge as a pro, with a world title at stake, would be ideal retribution.
“I definitely wouldn’t be afraid of his power, more his skill really because he’s got good head movement. When I fought him it was quite an even fight, although he did catch me clean a few times, I had less defence and I was still a bit novicey back then.
“He was fresh off winning gold at London so he is a good fighter and I think the later rounds, especially with pro gloves on, would be the deciding factor if we got in the ring again.
“He wouldn’t be able to hurt me, which would be very dangerous for him.”
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Dubois vs Joyce headlines a great night of boxing action, live on BT Sport 1 HD on November 28th.
On the undercard, highly touted Ilford youngster Hamzah Sheeraz (11-0-0, 7KO’s) will defend his WBO European Super-Welterweight title against canny Spaniard Guido Nicolas Pitto (26-7-2, 8KO’s). Sheeraz was last seen on 10th July 2020 when he impressively cut through 12-1 Scotsman Paul Kean in 6 comfortable rounds.
Jack Catterall (25-0-0, 13KO’s) will take on the French-based Tunisian Abderrazak Houya (14-2-0, 2KO’s) in a 10 round Super-Lightweight contest.
Catterall is the #1 ranked contender for Jose Ramirez’s WBO title and intends to challenge the winner of the potential unification fight between Ramirez and WBA/IBF Champion Josh Taylor, but only if he can overcome the challenge of Houya. The Tunisian-born fighter boasts a respectable professional record and represented his country at the London 2012 Olympics.
London Heavyweight David Adeleye (3-0-0, 3KO’s) returns to behind-closed-doors action for the third time when he battles Silsden’s Danny Whittaker (4-1-0). Whitaker is coming off a points win over Chris Healey and has previously beaten Jonathan Palata.
Jack Massey (16-1-0, 8KO’s) returns to action in an 8 round Cruiserweight contest against a fearsome puncher from the UAE, Mohammad Ali Bayat Farid (16-1-1, 16 KO’s).
Joshua Frankham (1-0-0) will return to Super-Welterweight action, Louie Lynn (7-0-0, 6KO’s) will look to follow up his 2nd round TKO from the 25th July and Henry Wharton backed Heavyweight Mitchell Barton will make his long awaited pro-debut.
VIDEO: Katie Taylor vs Miriam Gutierrez plus undercard press conference
HEFFRON v BENTLEY 2 PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
DOMESTIC MIDDLEWEIGHT RIVALS Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley are all set to repeat their thrilling September encounter on Friday night – live on BT Sport – and this time the coveted British title is on the line.
Heffron (25-1-1) and Bentley (13-0-1) were given the opportunity today for a final say on how they think this highly-anticipated collision will play out in the ring and the questions and answers are detailed in full below.
Photos from today’s live Q and A available here
The judges scored the first fight 95-95, what went through your head when you heard that?
DB: I was disappointed because I thought I nicked it and I thought the last round would give me the decision. At the end of the day we are in a better position now and I’ve got to make this one count.
Were you disappointed with the scores or a little bit disappointed with yourself?
DB: That is a good question. Maybe a bit of both, but the scores mainly. I thought I did what I needed to do apart from falling asleep in the middle rounds and allowing him to come back into the fight. Other than that, more so the scorecards.
A clear Denzel Bentley win in your eyes?
DB: Yes.
Mark, how many times have you watched the fight back?
MH: I’ve watched the fight 10 or 11 times now and I see the same thing every time. I think I won the fight.
What makes you think you did more than Denzel?
MH: I just feel like I landed the much bigger shots, the more work and the cleaner shots.
Talk us through the knockdown. Were you hurt?
MH: Not at all. Not one bit was I hurt because I was more off-balance than anything. I got straight up and straight back on with it and I feel like I won the rest of the round.
You’ve gone on record saying Denzel is deluded because he says he won. Why is he so far wrong?
MH: He is deluded because I clearly won the fight and he thinks he won it.
Are you deluded, Denzel?
DB: Listen, there is one person saying he won every round of that fight so there is only one person that is deluded here.
You scored the knockdown in the fight. Did you think you had hurt him?
DB: No, I know I didn’t hurt him. He just walked into a shot, panicked and went down. I knew he wasn’t ready to go and that is why I didn’t jump on him. He is right, he wasn’t hurt.
There was a point in the fight when it looked like you were hurt with a clean shot landed by Mark. Were you hurt?
DB: It was a good shot. I wasn’t hurt, but it buzzed me a bit, my chin was in the air and I was a bit tired. It was a good shot that took me two seconds to recover from.
What can Mark do differently in the rematch?
DB: You have to ask him. I have no clue.
What can you change Mark? Do you feel you need to change anything?
MH: We’ve made a few changes that you will see on the night.
You have been with Michael Jennings a little bit longer. How much of a difference is that going to make?
MH: I’d been in the gym with Michael for one week and then we got the fight date. The last camp was more just getting fit for the fight. This camp we have got a good, good game plan and we’ve made a few changes.
Denzel, you are fighting a lot right now. You might be the most active fighter in lockdown, with also fighting in July against Mick Hall. Are you tired?
DB: No, I am alright, I’m happy, I’m active and a lot of people don’t have the opportunity to fight at all. I am grateful, happy and I appreciate it.
It felt like you changed your style from what we are used to. It felt like you went from being a big power puncher to a bit of a mover. Talk us through that?
DB: I didn’t change anything, it is just a side you haven’t seen before. Unless you have seen me in the gym or in the amateurs, you won’t know that I can do whatever I want to do in the ring. That is just the side I decided to show that day, the side I felt would win the fight. You don’t just go in there and think you will run through everyone. You’ve got to pick and choose.
Can you improve on the first performance? Do you have to improve? What do you need to do differently?
DB: I think I can improve in general and not just because of the first fight against Mark. I am going to improve throughout my career. I have only been a pro for three years and got to this level quickly despite not having a deep amateur career. I have improved quickly and there are more improvements to make.
Ahead of the first fight, you were saying; ’I’ll win”. This time you’re saying; ‘Tune in because I will stop him.’ Where has this confidence come from?
DB: It is not about finding confidence, but knowing what I can do. I feel like I am going to stop him and that is it.
Were there chinks in Mark’s armour in the first fight that maybe you didn’t exploit?
DB: You find that in anyone. I just feel I will stop him.
Has Mark got the power to stop you?
DB: He couldn’t finish me in the first fight and he isn’t going to finish me now.
You landed a big shot in round nine of the first fight. You have a big reputation as a fearsome puncher. What does it do for your confidence when you land clean and he’s still there?
MH: When you step up levels one shot doesn’t knock opponents out. That is where I have gone wrong in the past – admiring my shots and stuff like that. I have been working with Michael Jennings on not admiring my work, but putting shots together.
Are you looking to take the decision out of the judges’ hands and getting the job done early?
MH: I am ready for a good, solid 12 rounds, but if I can take it out of the judges’ hands I will.
Has he got the power to stop you?
MH: He definitely hasn’t got the power to stop me.
It’s your first 12 rounder and first crack at a British title. You have been accused of taking rounds off. This is 12 rounds. How can you not take rounds off?
DB: I will do what I need to do and be in that fight every round. It is not a matter of taking rounds off. It’s a matter of boxing how I feel is appropriate on the night. I did ten rounds last time and finished strong so the extra two rounds won’t hurt.
What will becoming British champion mean to you?
DB: It would mean a lot to me. I have been calling for this title for a while so to finally get a chance to fight for it is good. I’m happy for the chance and excited. Being champion of your home country is something else.
You have a WBO ranking, number 14 so there is a lot at stake.
DB: They saw the last fight.
What are you going to do differently?
MH: You’ll see how I am going to finish him on the night.
What does it potentially mean to you to win the British title?
MH: To win the British title on Friday means the absolute world to me. I can’t wait and I am buzzing. A British title is what every domestic fighter wants and I feel I should be British champion now if Jason Welborn hadn’t pulled out. Instead, I moved up a few levels and fought Liam Williams.
What do you think of that world ranking on the line?
MH: It’s a massive opportunity because there will also be a world ranking.
What is your final message?
MH: I hope he has worked hard, because I know I have. I can’t wait.
Anything you want to say to Mark?
DB: Just show up on Friday, Mark.
Pound-For-Pound: Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford Set for Kell Brook Challenge

LAS VEGAS (November 11, 2020) —The pound-for-pound king, WBO welterweight world champion Terence Crawford, renewed acquaintances with Kell Brook Wednesday afternoon, nearly nine months after they had a brief conversation at the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury 2 weigh-in inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This time, they sat six feet apart on a socially distanced press conference dais three days before their championship showdown, which will air LIVE on ESPN and Deportes (10 p.m. ET), and exclusively on Premier Sports in the UK. When it came time to face off, they edged closer, neither man willing to give an inch.
In the co-feature — a rematch of one of the most memorable Bubble bouts — WBA super flyweight world champion Joshua “El Profesor” Franco will attempt to repeat the deed against Andrew “The Monster” Moloney. Franco upset Moloney via unanimous decision on June 23, as Moloney faded in the later rounds after suffering a pair of perforated eardrums.
At the press conference, this is what they had to say.
Terence Crawford
“I’ve always felt that I’m number one pound-for-pound in the world. This is what I do.”
“I’m not the one to quit on a fight, but I can’t say the same about him. I wish him the best.”
“At the end of the day, this is nothing new to me. I have fought in an arena where there are 50 people. I’ll go in there and get the job done as I always do.”
Kell Brook
“I’ve been after this fight for a long time. I’m more than ready! I’m in the best condition of my life, and I’m ready to become a two-time world champion. I’m like fine wine. I’m getting better as I get older. I’m ready.”
”I think Terence knows I’m not an easy fight. I want him to bring the best out of me. I’m pushing myself to perform the best I can. I pulled myself away from my family and from all the distractions. I’m making the sacrifice of being away from my family because I want to be great.”
“It will be great for the UK for me to come through and become world champ against the number one fighter in the world. I know who Terence is, and that’s why I have prepared the way I have. I’m a big welterweight, and I can punch with both hands. This is what I do. The talking is done. All the work has been done. It’s time to perform.”
Joshua Franco
“It’s great to be back in The Bubble, and now that I have the title, it is even better. I have more confidence and I’m getting better. I have the confidence of having Robert (Garcia) in my corner. That is great. He has great experience. We are looking for better opportunities after Saturday.”
Andrew Moloney
“I’ve never been so determined to do something in my life. I’m thankful for the opportunity to redeem myself. For the past five months, I have prepared myself to leave with that belt around my waist. That belt means everything to me. It’s my son’s future. I’m not leaving without it.”
“It wasn’t my best night, but you are going to see a much better fighter this time around. He is going to think he is in the ring with a different fighter.” SATURDAY’S CARD
ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
Terence Crawford vs. Kell Brook, 12 rounds, Crawford’s WBO welterweight world title
Joshua Franco vs. Andrew Moloney 2, 12 rounds, Franco’s WBA super flyweight world title
ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Edwin Rodriguez , 8 rounds, bantamweight
Tyler Howard vs. KeAndrae Leatherwood, 8 rounds, middleweight
Duke Ragan vs. Sebastian Gutierrez, 4 rounds, featherweight
Vegas Larfield vs. Juan Alberto Flores, 4 rounds, bantamweight
Raymond Muratalla vs. Luis Porozo, 6 rounds, lightweight
EROS CORREA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES
LOS ANGELES (November 11, 2020) – Unbeaten featherweight prospect Eros Correa shared updates from his training camp as he prepares to take on fellow unbeaten Henry Arredondo in FS1 PBC Fight Night action and on FOX Deportes this Saturday, November 14 from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
FS1 PBC Fight Night is headlined by undefeated middleweights Amilcar Vidal and Edward “The Hunter” Ortiz squaring-off in a 10-round showdown. The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten Nigerian cruiserweight Efetobor Apochi dueling Joe Jones in the 10-round co-main event.
The event will be promoted by TGB Promotions and will take place without fans in attendance at STAPLES Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Here is what Eros had to say about training camp, Arredondo and more:
On his recent training camp.
“I spent the first month of camp in Las Vegas with Bob Santos, training and sparring with the Barrientes Twins (Angel and Chavez) and a few others. When my fight got pushed back, I finished off camp in my hometown of San Jose and got good work with Victor Pasillas, as well as some other top fighters in the Bay Area. My coach Martin Nunez, who has been with me since I turned professional, is making sure I’m peaking on fight night. It’s been a long camp and I’m in the best shape of my life.”
On his matchup with Henry Arredondo.
“I know he’s a solid fighter with a lot of power. We’ve sparred before so I know what I need to do to be victorious. This by far will be the toughest fight of my career. We are both undefeated so fans can expect to see two warriors giving it their all. When the final scorecards are read, I believe my hands will be raised in victory.”
On making his PBC televised debut.
“This is the turning point in my career being that it’s my televised PBC debut on FS1. I’m in the prime of my career and I’ll be at my best. I’m going to make this fight a war by bringing a lot of pressure, making it a fan friendly fight.”
On what a win will do for his career.
“A victory against Arredondo will put me in position to climb up the rankings. In addition, a win will give me an opportunity to fight back on PBC. I know what is at stake and I’m not cutting any corners. I’m going to get this win and march toward my dream of becoming a world champion.”
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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.
LIVE VIDEO: Crawford vs Brook: Final Press Conference
ESPN Offers Extensive Crawford vs. Brook Fight Week Programming

Livecoverage of Top Rank on ESPN continues this Saturday, Nov 14, when WBO welterweight champion and pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford returns in an action packed main event against former welterweight world champion Kell Brook, live from the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Live coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET with undercard action on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The Crawford-Brook main event card airs on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET.
Crawford-Brook will feature a WBA super flyweight world title rematch between champion Joshua Franco and the man he defeated to win the title, Andrew Moloney.
Calling the action for ESPN from site will be Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), former #1 pound-for-pound two-division world titleholder and 2004 Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward (analyst), and former two-division world titleholder Tim Bradley (analyst). The on-location desk team will feature analysis from Bernardo Osuna and Mark Kriegel.
Fight week coverage includes:
- SportsCenter segments: segments for ESPN’s flagship news and information program from Las Vegas
- Crawford vs. Brook Final Press Conference (Wed at 3:10 p.m. ET, live ESPN’s YouTube Channel))
- Crawford vs. Brook Official Weigh-In: (Fri at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2): Joe Tessitore, Andre Ward, Tim Bradley, Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna reporting live from site
- Max on Boxing Weigh in Special (Fri, Nov 13 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2): ESPN’s boxing series hosted by Max Kellerman airing live following the weigh-in, which will include 1-1 interviews with Crawford and Brook
ESPN.com
- Brook confident of Crawford upset by using size, experience to his advantage
- Real or not: Can Terence Crawford get a unification fight? Where does Devin Haney stand at 135?
- Scouting report from Timothy Bradley on both fighters
- Friday: Expert Picks (streaming on ESPN+)
- Terence Crawford is the pound-for-pound boxing king of the world, but he has one soft spot – dogs (Thursday)
- Expert picks for Crawford-Brook (E+) (Friday)
- Ringside seat (Friday)
Social:@ESPNRingside Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Schedule of Live Crawford vs. Brook Content on ESPN Platforms (All Times ET)
| Wed, 11/11 | 3:10 p.m. | Crawford vs. Brook Final Press Conference (LIVE) | ESPN’s YouTube Channel |
| Fri, 11/13 | 5:00 p.m. | Top Rank on ESPN: Crawford vs. Brook Weigh-In Special (LIVE) | ESPN2 |
| 5:30 p.m. | Max on Boxing: Crawford vs. Brook Weigh-In Special (LIVE) | ESPN2 | |
| Sat., 11/14 | 7:00 p.m. | Top Rank Boxing on ESPN: Crawford vs. Brook (Undercard) (LIVE) | ESPN+ (English & Spanish) |
| 10:00 p.m. | Top Rank on ESPN: Crawford vs. Brook (Main Card) (LIVE) | ESPN, ESPN Deportes |
Kulakhmet Decisions McGowan
Tursynbay Kulakhmet won a 10-round unanimous decision over Macaulay McGowan in a super welterweight fight in Wakefield, England.
Kulakhment, 154 lbs of Kazakhstan won on all cards by 99-89 scores and is now 2-0. McGowan, 153 lbs of Manchester, UK is 14-1-1.
Rafferty decisions Hill
Jack Rafferty won an eight-round decision over Tom Hill in a welterweight fight.
Rafferty, 150 lbs of Manchester, ENG won by a 78-75 score and is now 3-0. Hill, 150 lbs is 9-2
Paddy Donovan remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Jumaane Camero in a welterweight bout.
Donovan, 146 lbs of Limerick, IRE won by a score of 60-55 and is now 5-0. Camero, 146 lbs of Mitcham. ENG is 10-7.
n a fight featuring undefeated super welterweights, Jack Martin won a decision over Inder Bassi.
In round three, Bassi started to bleed around his nose. In round’s five and six, Martin began to batter Bassi that opened a cut around the left eye.
Martin, 155.4 lbs of Essex won by a score 59-55 and is 4-0. Bassi, 156 lbs is 2-1.
Lewis Edmonson stayed perfect by pounding out a four-round decision over Scott Williams in a light heavyweight bout.
Williams started bleeding from the nose in the final round.
Edmondson, 173.3 lbs of Southampton, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 3-0. Williams, 171 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 0-9.
LIVE VIDEO: Taylor, Harper, Ball Workout LIVE!
Dawson, Price, Butt and Charles Register wins in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA (November 10, 2020) – This past Saturday night, boxing returned to Philadelphia after an eight-month shutdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic with a four-bout card promoted by RDR Promotions.
All Covid-19 protocols were followed as a limited, yet capacity crowd was on hand to witness the first card in the city since RDR Promotions staged a sold-out full capacity show eight months to the day.
In the main event, Mark Dawson Jr. remained undefeated with six-round unanimous decision over cross-town rival Vincent Floyd in a welterweight contest.
Dawson, who was making his 1st start in 20 months, showed no signs of ring-rust as he landed a some solid over hand lefts and right hooks against the tall southpaw Floyd.
Dawson, is managed by Split-T Management, won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55, to raise his mark to 7-0-1. Floyd falls to 4-10-1.
Daiyann Butt of Philadelphia remained perfect with a four-round unanimous decision over Dieumerci Nzau.
Butt of Philadelphia is now 6-0. Nzau of Silver Spring, MD is 11-13.
Dylan Price remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Jose Rodriguez in their scheduled four-round bantamweight bout.
Price registered three knockdowns and the Sicklerville, NJ native raised his record to 11-0 with eight-knockouts. Rodriguez of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin is 4-4.
In the opening bout, Nafear Charles needed just 85 seconds to take out David Vera Pena in a junior welterweight bout.
Charles of Philadelphia is 5-0 with five knockouts. Pena of Annapolis, MD is 0-3-1.
RDR Promotions will be announcing it’s next events in the coming week
SHOW MUST GO ON: HEFFRON vs BENTLEY 2 STILL ON, UNDERCARD CHANGES
QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS can confirm that three positive coronavirus tests have been returned after the most recent batch of testing carried out by Prenetics.
The positive tests have come from the camps of Michael Rambaletsa, Kaisy Khademi and Masood Abdulah.
Consequently, the scheduled bouts between Michael Ramabaletsa and Chris Bourke, Kaisy Khademi and Ijaz Ahmed and Masood Abdulah and Levi Dunn have now been cancelled in line with the protocols of the British Boxing Board of Control and the Promoter.
The rest of the show’s participants, who have been isolating at a London base this week, have tested negative and the show will continue as planned with Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley still main eventing for a chance to claim the vacant British Middleweight title.
Promoter Frank Warren said: “These are unprecedented times, and it is a huge shame to lose three great fights. I’m obviously gutted for the boys who have worked had for this week but I am pleased to see the excellent safety measures implemented by my team and the board are working so effectively.
“I am thankful to our partners at BT for working with us to ensure the event can continue safely, and fans can look forward to a cracking main event between Mark and Denzel.
“We wish those affected a speedy recovery.”
AUDIO: Errol Spence Jr. – Danny Garcia Press Conference
Terence Crawford & Kell Brook: Welterweight Forces Collide

LAS VEGAS (November 10, 2020) —The pound-for-pound king, Terence “Bud” Crawford, is set to return to his throne. Crawford will defend his WBO welterweight world title against former welterweight world champion Kell Brook on Saturday evening from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble. In the co-feature, Joshua “El Profesor” Franco will defend his WBA super flyweight world title against the man he dethroned in the Bubble back in June, Andrew “The Monster” Moloney.
Crawford-Brook and Franco-Moloney 2 will air LIVE on ESPN & ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET, with undercard action to stream live on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET. UK fans can watch all the action on Premier Sports 1 starting at 12 a.m. Sunday morning.
This is what Crawford, Brook, Franco and Moloney had to say during Monday’s Zoom press conference.
Terence Crawford
“He’s not the only opponent that went into the fight thinking they were going to stop me or knock me out, so that’s nothing new for me. He’s just going to have to live up to his words.”
“I actually can’t rate him because I’ve never been in the ring with him. Actually, he was never on my radar from the jump. This was a fight that he wanted, that he kept calling for. Once the Pacquiao fight fell through, he was the next option given the circumstances of COVID and whatnot. I must’ve been on his radar. He was never on my radar. He’s on my radar now, and we’re fighting this weekend. That’s what it is.”
“Me, I go about fights to get the win, no matter how they come. I’m not going out there to try and outdo previous performances or any other fighter. My thing is to go out there and make sure I get the win and secure that first and everything else can come second. If the knockout is there, of course I’m going to go out there and take it. But if it’s not, then like I said before, we’re prepared for 12 rounds.”
“Well, he’s never faced nobody like me. He can say I never faced nobody like him, and I can say he’s never faced nobody like me. I don’t know what he brings to the table because I haven’t been there. I haven’t been in the ring with him, so we shall see come this week.”
Kell Brook
“I stop him, or he quits on the stool. I’m fully focused. I’ve never been ready for a fight like this before. Looking forward to whatever Terence brings because I can match him. I’m ready for a war.”
“I’ve been here before. I’ve been on this stage. I’ve been in there with pound-for-pound top fighters like Golovkin and Errol Spence. I took the title away from Shawn Porter in America. I know what it takes to be champion.”
“He’s going to have a rude awakening, I’ll tell you that. He’s going to have a rude awakening Saturday night when he gets in there.”
“I hope he’s {overlooking me}. I hope he is because I’m coming with force. Trust me.”
“I’m in a great, great place in my mind, and my weight is fantastic for this fight. Forget the weight. The weight’s made.”
“I think {winning this fight} would rank above Shawn Porter given everything I’ve been through, everyone writing me off. I think you gotta put it up there because this is the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. You’ve gotta put him as number one. Nobody has done that in history from Britain, and I’m glad that all the fans will be able to see it on Premier Sports. They’re going to stay up and enjoy me become two-time world champion.”
“My body clock has adjusted to the Vegas time now, so everything is on point. The sleeping, my body clock is there. Everything’s there that’s needed to win this fight.”
Joshua Franco
“I could slow down my work rate or I could pick it up whenever I want. I just feel like that’s going to be an advantage, for sure.”
“I feel confident because I’ve been in the ring with Andrew Moloney before. I know what he has. I’m always confident, of course. My training went well. I had a tough training camp, and that also brings my confidence up. I’m just ready for whatever.”
“Very tough preparation in the gym. Eight hard weeks of training. I’m more than ready.”
Andrew Moloney
“It’s not so much weaknesses in Franco’s game, I just believe all around I’m a better boxer than he is. And I know that I didn’t show that in the first fight. But I believe I will show that this Saturday night. Tune in because you are going to see a much better performance from me this time around.”
“It’s been public knowledge that both of my eardrums were perforated in that first fight. Look, I don’t want to make excuses, but it did affect my performance. My balance was affected quite a lot. it affected me from fighting at my best. But, look, he won the fight. There’s no excuses. I want to go into this fight and show that I’m much better than I was this first time around and win this rematch and put that behind me.”
“You’re going to see a much different performance from myself, a different game plan this time around, and I believe a much more dominant performance. I can’t give too much away, obviously, in terms of the tactics, but it will be a different fight this time around, and I believe a much more dominant performance from myself.”
Use the hashtags #CrawfordBrook and #FrancoMoloney2 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.
VIDEO: Errol Spence Jr vs Danny Garcia Press Conference
DOCHERTY: I’LL KO CULLEN QUICKER THAN CASH
Big-punching Scot John Docherty says he will knockout Jack Cullen before the eighth round of their British Super-Middleweight Title Eliminator this Saturday November 14 at The SSE Arena, Wembley, shown live on Sky Sports and DAZN.
Docherty’s gym mate Felix Cash stopped Cullen in eight rounds to retain his Commonwealth Middleweight crown in a Fight of the Year contender at Manchester Arena last year, but ‘The Doc’ wants to go one better than Cash to secure bragging rights at the Matchroom Elite Boxing Gym.
“On paper Jack Cullen is my biggest test to date,” said Docherty. “I’m going in there to do a proper job on him. I’ve got to put the Super-Middleweight division on notice on Saturday night and I’ll be doing that.
“I’ll definitely be looking for the knockout and I’ll be going for it early doors. My gym mate Felix cash knocked him out in the eighth round when they fought last year, and I’ll be doing it much quicker than Felix.
“On Saturday night you’re going to see a big Super-Middleweight absolutely demolish Jack Cullen. I want to win the British Title and he’s in my way. You’re a sorry man if you’re in my way and he’s in for one hell of a night.
“You can see the difference between Middleweights and Super-Middleweights. He still has the exact same frame as when he was a Middleweight. He hasn’t put any muscle on or anything, I don’t know what he’s playing at but he’s playing with danger against me.”
Cullen battled to a controversial split decision draw with Zak Chelli following a hard-fought encounter in Essex on the Matchroom Fight Camp finale earlier this year, but Docherty has no intention of leaving it to the judges as he looks to take a step closer to the British Title.
“He doesn’t bring anything different to the table each time he fights. He takes too many shots and he leaves himself open. Zak Chelli made him look very basic. I knew he was basic anyway, but he looked very bad in his last fight. No way it was a draw, he got beat fair and square.
“There won’t be any drama around the scorecards this time, I’ll be knocking him out. This isn’t going ten rounds. I’m ready to go now. I just want to get weighed in. I’ve had a good camp and I’m ready to unleash on Saturday night.”
Docherty vs. Cullen is part of a huge night of World Title action that sees Irish star KatieTaylor (16-0, 6 KOs) put her Lightweight crowns on the line once more against Mandatory Challenger MiriamGutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs), Denaby’s Terri Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) defends her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight Titles against Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs), Rachel Ball (6-1) faces Jorgelina Guanini (9-1-2, 1 KO) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, Liverpool Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to go 5-0 against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-1, 1 KO)and Glasgow Bantamweight talent Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs)makes his Matchroom debut against Angel Aviles (20-5-1, 6 KOs).
GOLDEN BOY AND DAZN TO RESCHEDULE GARCIA VS. CAMPBELL
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 10, 2020) – The Garcia vs. Campbell boxing event presented by Golden Boy and DAZN at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino has been postponed following a positive COVID-19 test result from Luke Campbell.
Campbell is doing well, but the fight will need to be rescheduled. As we know, fans are really looking forward to this great fight. All parties involved are working to get a new date scheduled as soon as possible.
Details for the new date will be announced shortly.
The DAZN global platform will still launch on Dec. 1 as scheduled.
MTK GLOBAL AND RICK MIRIGIAN SIGN UNDEFEATED VERGIL ORTIZ JR

Knockout king Ortiz Jr (16-0, 16 KOs) becomes the first new signing following the partnership between MTK, as advisors, and Mirigian as manager, which will see the two parties working together with Ortiz Jr over the next five years in a manager and advisor role.
Ortiz is ranked number two with the WBO and number five with the WBC and has won all 16 of his fights by knockout, including wins over the likes of Samuel Vargas, Brad Solomon, Antonio Orozco and Mauricio Herrera.
It sees MTK Global continue their expansion into the US, after signing world champions Jamel Herring and JoJo Diaz, and rising stars Lorenzo Simpson and Jonathan Lopez earlier in the year.
Speaking on the announcement, Vergil Ortiz Jr said: “I’m very excited to sign with MTK as an advisement group with manager Rick Mirigan, who also happens to be the manager of my favourite boxer Jose Ramirez. I’ve heard great things about Rick and MTK and I’m looking forward to the future.”
MTK Global CEO Bob Yalen said: “We are proud to be partnering with Rick Mirigian to work with the incredible Vergil Ortiz Jr.
“Rick is one of the leading boxing figures in the US, and what he’s managed to achieve in the sport shows that he’s guaranteed to be a valued strategic partner for MTK Global.
“Ortiz has had a sensational career so far and he’s destined to become a world champion, so we’re extremely excited to now be working with this superstar.”

Manager Rick Mirigian said: “There are plans for Ortiz to be the face of the 147 pound and a superstar in the near future. We want to build Ortiz outside of the ring and bring in landmark endorsement deals, and look to help put on major fights around him at Cowboy Stadium.
“I’m blessed and grateful to him and his team for giving me the chance to help guide this next chapter of his career, I will give them my all.”
Further news on the ground-breaking partnership with Mirigian will be announced in the coming days.
SKY SPORTS TO MAKE HISTORIC WORLD TITLE TRIPLE-HEADER AVAILABLE TO ALL AUDIENCES
Sky Sports has today announced that it will make this Saturday’s Fight Night boxing – including Undisputed Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor’s defence against Miriam Gutiérrez – available to all via multiple digital platforms.
Taylor’s Lightweight bout against Spaniard Gutiérrez – as well as Terri Harper’s WBC Super-Featherweight defence against Katharina Thanderz and Rachel Ball’s WBA Bantamweight Title fight with Jorgelina Guanini – will be available to Sky Sports customers and non-subscribers alike, this Saturday from 7pm on the broadcaster’s YouTube and Facebook channels as well as on www.skysports.com.
As part of Sky Sports’ commitment to women’s sport – first announced back in March – the move comes with the aim of ensuring elite women’s sport is more easily accessible to the public through both increasing its existing coverage and by strengthening its digital output.
Adam Smith,Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development said:“We’re delighted to be able to make Saturday’s triple-header of women’s World Title fights, a world first, available to a wider audience to showcase some of the brightest talents in the sport. We’ve been with Katie from the beginning of her journey and are proud to be a part of the boom we’re seeing in women’s boxing. Through live streaming the action, we are able to bring more boxing fans closer to the hard-hitting action than ever before with this world first.”
Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport said: “This is more ground-breaking news that helps us push women’s boxing to where it needs to be. The momentum of the last few years led by Katie Taylor has been special to watch but we have still got a long way to go. Nights like Saturday change the narrative of the sport, and as I have said before, it’s not men’s boxing and it’s not women’s boxing, it’s just boxing. Katie Taylor is a trailblazer and it is only right that she headlines this card on Saturday on a moment that we have all been working towards for a very long time. The key is to give these great fighters the platform to become stars and achieve their dreams. Without the support from Sky Sports this would not be possible and I’m so happy that so many people will be able to watch Saturday’s event.”
As always, Sky Sports will take fans to the heart of the sporting drama, follow @SkySportsBoxing or go to skysports.com/boxing.
To read more about Sky Sports’ commitment to women’s sport click here
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For more information:
Sky Sports Press Office
0207 032 1445
skypress@sky.uk
About Sky
With 24 million customers across seven countries, Sky is Europe’s leading media and entertainment company and is proud to be part of the Comcast group. Our 31,000 employees help connect our customers with the very best of Sports, News, the arts and to our own local, original content.
Following the success of Sky originals like Chernobyl, Patrick Melrose, Das Boot and Gommorah we launched Sky Studios and now plan to more than double our investment in original drama and comedy over the next five years.
Our technology allows customers to watch what they want, when they want, how they want, and as we connect millions of families to content they love, it is our responsibility to do it safely – that’s why we offer services like Sky Broadband Buddy and the Sky Kids app. And our online streaming service, NOW TV, brings viewers all the enjoyment of Sky with the flexibility of a contract-free service.
We also believe that a company of our scale has a responsibility that goes beyond our business, and into the community. Our Sky Ocean Rescue campaign has reached millions across Europe, we’re on track to be free of single-use plastic by 2020, we’re investing £25million over five years in ocean-saving tech and we’re a proud employer – recognised by The Times and Stonewall for our approach to inclusivity.
Kali Reis – Kandi Wyatt Championship Match to air November 14 on Impact Network
This past Friday night, Kali Reis won the WBA Super Lightweight world championship with a unanimous decision over Kandi Wyatt in an action packed fight in front of a sold out crowd in Saint Petersburg, Florida
The fight will air on Saturday, November 14 on Impact Network to 90 million homes. The start time is 10:30 PM ET.
Steven Marcano the programming partner to Impact Network stated “The Reis- Wyatt event was needed for us as we haven’t put a show since February 1st. That card saw Austin Trout headline to a sold out crowd in New Mexico. For this past weekend’s event, I wanted to showcase a championship bout with a crowd, and when this opportunity was presented, we decided to press re-start. We did the show in a smaller venue, and we had to downsize our production because because of the restrictions. We have to make sure that we are able to control the safety of fighters, fans and staff. That is our primary concern. We will be doing shows in 3,000-5000 seat venues as long it permits, and Impact Boxing will do an arena show Super Bowl weekend.. This is why we wanted to start off with a show at a smaller venue, yet still bring a championship fight.”
“We will put our fights in bigger venues and abide by all state and commission regulations. If we feel that the state or commission changes, we will abide.”
In 2021, Impact Boxing will start on January 9th, and following up on February 5th, with a show from an arena in Tampa, Florida that will be a big event that will coincide with the Super Bowl Impact Boxing is committed to airing only premium events.
“We have a great Impact Boxing team, and we have solidified a terrific commentary staff with Antonio Tarver, BJ Flores, Ryan Burton, Marc Abrams and Zach Hirsch. This show came to us quickly, and we aired it because it was a terrific opportunity to put on a great world title bout. In 2021, Impact Boxing’s 36-date calendar is filling up quickly. Stay tuned for high quality events from great venues all over the country. Impact’s sole goal is to compete with the highest level and give the best opportunity for promoters, fighters and all people in the boxing community.”
Look for the return of Stars and Champions hosted by Dan Rafael on January 8th at 10:30 PM ET. Also the Stars and Champions reality series to return that will document the careers of the Impact Boxing team Fighters, Promoters, Commentators and Executives.
On February 5th, Impact Network will launch it’s Super Saturday original programming lineup. On Super Bowl Weekend, which will feature all original programs from 4 PM ET until 7 PM ET, and will return at 10:30 PM that evening with the aforementioned championship fight card.
BALL: I’VE GOT TO STEP UP FROM THE COURTENAY FIGHT
| Rachel Ball is desperate to show fans a new and improved version of herself when she takes on Argentina’s Jorgelina Guanini for the vacant WBA Bantamweight Word Title on an historic night of action at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday November 14, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.
Despite dropping and outpointing popular Watford prospect Shannon Courtenay in a huge breakout win at Matchroom Fight Camp back in August, the 29-year-old care worker from Aldridge wasn’t completely satisfied with her performance and says she needs to improve if she is to defeat reigning IBF Super-Flyweight World Champion Guanini. “I’m pleased with my performance,” said Ball. “I’m very proud of myself, but I want to show more. Some people are still questioning my ability. I want to show them what I’m really about. “I know how hard it is to get those decisions away from home, so I was relieved when my hand went up. Shannon needs the rematch more than me. I’m not really that bothered, and that’s no disrespect to her. I just want to fight as many people as I can.” Ball (6-1) was originally scheduled to face Ebanie Bridges for the vacant Title before the Australian was forced to withdraw from their contest due to an injury, but the former three-time kickboxing World Champion isn’t fazed in the slightest by the change of opponent and says the outcome will remain the same. “I’ve got to take things as they come, and this is my next challenge. I’m just preparing as hard as I can for that. There’s no point me looking any further than that. I’ve been given a great opportunity and I need to grab it with both hands. I’ll see what happens afterwards. “I am overdue a stoppage. I need to get one. I know I am going to win this fight and I’m going home with that belt. That belt is not getting on that plane! It’s mine to win. I’m just overexcited that I’m back again so soon. I keep thinking about it and I don’t know if it’s real yet. “I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove in terms of stepping up from last time. I want to come out of the ring and have Matthew Macklin on the commentary saying, ‘this girl has really stepped up, she looks like a completely different fighter’. I want him to get excited over me, not my opponent. I want everyone to get excited about my performance, and to show how much I’ve been listening and implementing everything that I’ve been told. “I want fans to see a different Rachel Ball from the last one. I want them to see a whole new different level of strength, power and fitness. I felt like I had a really good fight camp last time. This time it has been even better. We’ve stepped it up a whole new level so I’m expecting that to be reflected in my performance.” Ball vs. Guanini is part of a huge night of women’s World Title action that sees Irish star Katie Taylor (16-0, 6 KOs) put her Lightweight World Titles on the line once more against Mandatory Challenger Miriam Gutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs), Denaby’s Terri Harper (10-0-1, 5 KOs) defends her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight crowns against Katharina Thanderz (13-0, 2 KOs), big-punching John Docherty (9-0, 7 KOs) steps up against Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to go 5-0 against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-1, 1 KO)and Glasgow Bantamweight talent Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs)makes his Matchroom debut against Angel Aviles (20-5-1, 6 KOs). |
THANDERZ: I’VE SEEN WEAKNESSES IN HARPER
Katharina Thanderz says she has seen weaknesses in Terri Harper’s game that she will exploit when they clash for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday November 14, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.
Unbeaten in thirteen professional contests, the former European and WBC International Champion got her first taste of World Title action last time out in November 2019 when she battled past Danila Ramos to claim the interim WBC Super-Featherweight crown.
Thanderz aims to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Cecilia Brækhus, the former long-reigning Undisputed 147lbs champion, who is considered one of the greatest female boxers of all time, and the 32-year-old plans on kicking off her road to Undisputed by dethroning rising star Harper in London.
“This is my moment, my fight, the night my whole career has lined up for,” said Thanderz. “To fight against such a competitor for a World Title unification, it’s the fight every fighter dreams of!
“My last fight was a hard one where I had to bite down on the gum shield, but this fight will be an even greater test. I came through in my last fight and had my hand raised, I’m confident that will happen again against Terri.
“After that fight, I called for Terri Harper, I’ve been studying her for a long time but I know she will have been studying for me. I’ve seen weaknesses in her game that I have been working on in training, I’ve put in extra hours to work on a specific game plan and now I just can’t wait to get in there with Terri and put into practice what we’ve worked on.
“Everything for this fight has been right. My training camp, my preparation could not have gone better. From diet and nutrition, physical training, sparring – my team has left no stone unturned; I am determined not to waste this opportunity. “We will entertain in this fight, we are two fighters that love to fight and have trained hard and prepared well. I can’t wait.”
Women’s boxing has never been in a stronger position, with World Title fights regularly featuring on some of the biggest shows around the globe, and Thanderz is pleased to be sharing a card with Ireland’s Undisputed Lightweight queen Katie Taylor, who has been instrumental in building the sport in recent years.
“This card is a great one to be a part of. What is happening for sport here is amazing, it shows the evolution of the sport of boxing and coming away from this fight night with the World Title around my waist will make it the biggest and most special night in my career.
“Fighting this year is important. After everything that has happened with the pandemic, we’ve seen how much we need sport, the fans need it, the fighters, sports stars we all need it. Something to deliver excitement, passion and something that gives fans a reason to cheer and shout!”
Harper vs. Thanderz is part of an historical night of women’s World Title action that sees Irish star KatieTaylor (16-0, 6 KOs) put her Lightweight World Titles on the line once more against Mandatory Challenger MiriamGutierrez (13-0, 5 KOs), Rachel Ball (6-1) faces Jorgelina Guanini (9-1-2, 1 KO) for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title, big-punching John Docherty (9-0, 7 KOs) steps up against Little Lever’s Meat Cleaver’ Jack Cullen (18-2-1, 9 KOs), Liverpool Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (4-0, 2 KOs) looks to go 5-0 against Bradford’s Jermaine Springer (7-1, 1 KO)and Glasgow Bantamweight talent Kash Farooq (13-1, 6 KOs)makes his Matchroom debut against Angel Aviles (20-5-1, 6 KOs).
Wednesday: Tursynbay Kulakhmet-Macaulay McGowan Junior Middleweight Showdown to Headline Afternoon of Boxing LIVE and Exclusively on ESPN+
(November 9, 2020) — Kazakh prodigy Tursynbay Kulakhmet looks to make another statement Wednesday when he faces fellow unbeaten Macaulay McGowan in a 10-round junior middleweight showdown from Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England.
Kulakhmet-McGowan headlines a special edition of #MTKFightNight, which will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
Kulakhmet (1-0, 1 KO), a 2019 World Championships bronze medalist, made his professional debut Aug. 23 and knocked out former amateur standout Sagadat Rakhmankul in four rounds. At 26 years old, he is taking the express lane to title contention, as the McGowan bout will be contested for the vacant WBC International title. McGowan (14-0-1, 3 KOs), from Manchester, England, has won four straight fights since a 2016 draw.
In other action on ESPN+:
- Top Rank-signed Irish welterweight phenom Paddy Donovan (4-0, 3 KOs), who is trained and managed by former middleweight world champion Andy Lee, will fight Jumaane Camero (10-6, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Camero, who has won three consecutive fights, has never been stopped as a professional.
- In an eight-round junior middleweight tilt, Jack “Demolition Man” Rafferty (12-0, 7 KOs) will put his unblemished record on the line against Tom Hill (9-1, 2 KOs). Rafferty and Hill were supposed to fight last month, but Hill’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis postponed the bout.
- MTK Global signee Hassan Azim, a one-time British amateur star, will make his professional debut against 60-fight veteran MJ Hall in a four-rounder at welterweight.
- In a six-round battle of unbeaten junior middleweights, Inder Bassi (2-0) will fight Jack Martin (3-0).
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 8.5 million subscribers.
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 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.
Grand Slam Weekend For Split-T Management Fighters
NEW YORK (November 9, 2020)– This past weekend, Split-T Management fighters were perfect by winning four bouts, which included adding another world champion to boxing’s premier management company.
Friday night in Saint Petersburg, Florida, Kali Reis captured the WBA Super Lightweight World Championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Kandi Wyatt.
Reis was brilliant throughout the fight as she showed terrific boxing skills and the Providence, Rhode Island native was dominant with a piston-like jab and pinpoint left hooks. Reis moved around the ring with great footwork that set up her shots against the hard charging Wyatt.
Reis took the title by winning by scores of 97-93, 97-92 and 96-94 to become a two-weight division world champion as she had previously won the WBC Middleweight championship.
On the same card, super middleweight Isaiah Steen remained perfect by taking out veteran Juan De Angel in round five of their scheduled six-round bout.
Steen scored two knockdowns which included the final hook that sent De Angel down, and the fight was stopped at 23 seconds of the 5th round. De Angel had previously lasted the distance with world champions Caleb Plan and Austin Trout.
Steen of Cleveland is now 15-0 with 12 knockouts.
The wins by Reis and Steen were seen on Impact Network, and will be replayed on November 14th at 10:30 PM ET
Saturday night in Philadelphia, Mark Dawson shook off a 20-month layoff with a six-round unanimous decision over crosstown rival Vincent Floyd.
Dawson worked well as he was proficient with his overhand left and right hooks from the southpaw stance.
Dawson won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 to raise his mark to 7-0-1.
Also on Saturday night, prized amateur standout Tika Hemingway made her long-awaited professional debut with a four round unanimous decision over Miranda Barber in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Scores were 40-36 on all cards.
Hemingway, who was amateur rivals with Clarissa Shields, and has three wins over WBC and WBO World Champion, Franchon Crews Dezurn.
Top CES prospects to fight on highly-anticipated Tyson-Jones undercard
Providence, RI (November 9, 2020) – CES Boxing is stepping into the producer’s booth for its latest endeavor, embarking on a new journey and teaming with global venture creation group Eros Innovations in the production of the upcoming “Iron”Mike Tyson–Roy Jones Jr. megabout later this month to provide the opportunity of a lifetime for three of its top fighters.
Under the guidance of CES Boxing president and CEO Jimmy Burchfield Sr., reigning WBC World Youth Champion and NABF No. 10-ranked lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs), current WBC World Youth Featherweight Champion Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (14-2, 11 KOs), and hard-hitting heavyweight contender Juiseppe Cusumano (18-3, 16 KOs) will compete in separate 8-round championship bouts Saturday, November 28 on the preliminary card of the Tyson-Jones Jr. showdown in Los Angeles, presented by Tyson’s Legends Only League in association with entertainment platform Triller.
The event will take place at the Staples Center two days after Thanksgiving with boxing legends Tyson and Jones headlining a star-studded fight card beginning live at 9 pm ET on pay per view via FITE TV, or on the newly-launched Triller app, available both on Apple or Android devices. Visit tysonontriller.com for more information.
Tyson, the youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history and a dynamic box-office draw during his prime, returns to the ring for the first time since 2005 to face Jones, a pound-for-pound all-time great who boasts multiple world titles in four different weight classes.
Through CES Boxing’s collaboration with Eros, three of boxing’s top rising prospects will showcase their talents to a worldwide audience November 28. Ortiz, a Worcester, MA, native and 2015 National Golden Gloves silver medalist, battles 24-year-old Philadelphia native Nahir Albright (8-1, 2 KOs) for the WBC USNBC Silver Title.
The undefeated Ortiz captured the vacant WBC Youth title in 2019 and recently defended the belt in his 2020 debut at The Palladium in Worcester with a second-round knockout win over Mexican challenger Luis Ronaldo Castillo in February.
Ranked No. 9 among lightweights in the NABF, Ortiz enjoyed a stellar amateur career before making his professional debut in 2016, winning more than 100 fights and advancing to the semifinals of the U.S. Olympic Trials in Nevada. The 24-year-old right-hander is also an apprentice carpenter and member of the Local 107 carpenter’s union. In his third year as a pro, he won the Youth title with a dominant win over unbeaten California native Ricardo Quiroz, then blasted 15-4 Vitor Jones before piecing together another dominant against French challenger Romain Couture in August of 2019.
Cusumano, a winner of 16 of his last 18 bouts, faces Mississippi’s Nick Jones (9-3, 6 KOs), who has won his last two. The bout will be contested for the vacant WBC USNBC Heavyweight Title.
A native of Carini, Sicily fighting out of Danville, VA, the 6-foot-4 Cusumano won 13 consecutive bouts during an impressive stretch between 2012 and 2018, which included 11 knockouts – five in the first round. He joined CES Boxing in 2017 and made his promotional debut with a knockout win over Dan Biddle. Cusumano also notched impressive wins over 9-1-2 Fred Latham, whom he stopped in just under three minutes, and 8-3-1 southpaw Bernardo Marquez via fourth-round knockout. Since October, the heavy-handed Cusumano has lived and trained in Rhode Island under the tutelage of noted trainer Roland Estrada; and his son, former Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada.
Gonzalez, also from Worcester, battles undefeated Forth Worth, TX, prospect Edward Vazquez (8-0, 1 KO) for the vacant WBC USNBC Featherweight Title. The 24-year-old prospect signed a promotional agreement with CES Boxing in November and has since won back-to-back bouts, including a thrilling, sixth-round knockout victory over Yeuri Andujar to capture the WBC Youth title in February. Gonzalez amassed an amateur record of 90-15 and joined his CES Boxing stablemate, Ortiz, at the 2016 Olympic Trials in Nevada.
Vazquez earned his eighth win as a pro in September, recovering from an early knockdown to defeat Adan Ochoa by unanimous decision at the MGM Grand “Bubble” in Las Vegas live on ESPN. Nicknamed “Kid,” Vazquez began boxing at 8 years old, amassed an amateur record of 82-8 and advanced to the Junior Olympic semifinals before launching his pro career in 2016 under the guidance of Roy Jones Jr. Promotions.
In addition to the highly-anticipated Tyson-Jones exhibition bout, the main card November 28 features a cruiserweight showdown between unbeaten British prospect and internet personality Viddal Riley and former UFC mixed martial arts pro Rashad Coulter. YouTube sensation and unbeaten pro Jake Paul faces former NBA star and three-time Slam Dunk Contest winner Nate Robinson and former two-time world champion Badou Jack battles unbeaten California native Blake McKernan in an 8-round bout.
Visit CESBoxing.com for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter at @CESBOXING.
INFORMATION
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.
Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League is a sports league created and owned by Mike Tyson and Eros Innovations. The Legends Only League is a next-generation sports venture that provides full support and infrastructure to the world’s greatest athletes, bringing the best of the best back to the ring, onto the court, and back on the field. The league will span live sporting events including tennis, basketball, boxing, and more in addition to creating consumer products, live events, premium content, and full-service management for the greatest sports stars the globe has ever known.
Eros Innovations is a global venture creation group led by Sophie Watts that invests in and creates globally recognized businesses for celebrities across premium content, consumer products and live experiences.Owners of Eros Innovations include Eros Investments, a media and tech investment holding company whose affiliate companies include Eros Now, India’s leading OOT platform with 186 million registered users.
Triller is an entertainment platform built for creators. The app allows users to create music videos, skits, and lip-syncing videos containing background music. Launched in 2015 by co-founders David Leiberman and Sammy Rubin, Triller uses an AI-based video editing tool that automatically adds effects like overlays, fast or slow motion, and basic text to videos. Triller has more than 65 million active users and has been downloaded over 250 million times worldwide. It also boasts some big names among its users, like Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, DJ Khaled, Alicia Keys, and others. Triller is owned by Proxima Media, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and Universal Music Group with other investors like Snoop Dog, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and The Weeknd.