LOS ANGELES, CA (October 19, 2020) – Thompson Boxing’s former unified WBA and IBF super-bantamweight world champion, Danny “The Baby Face Assassin” Roman (28-3-1, 10 KOs), is back in the gym and making it clear who he wants next, and that’s WBC super-bantamweight champion Luis Nery (31-0, 24 KOs).

“My last fight against (Juan Carlos) Payano was a WBC final eliminator and I am back in the gym with the goal of getting the green belt against Nery,” said Roman, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Since I started boxing, I have always wanted to win it and I’d like to make that a reality. I am more focused than ever as I wait for the opportunity to fight for WBC super-bantamweight title. I want to be a champion again and I will prepare harder than ever.”

“Daniel Roman can’t be written off at all, he has proven he is still at the top of his game,” said Alex Camponovo, general manager for Thompson Boxing. “Danny is making it clear that he wants the WBC strap and when he sets his mind on something, he finds a way to get it.”

“Daniel Roman is a consummate professional,” said Eddie Gonzalez, Roman’s manager and trainer. “He was right back in the gym after his win over Juan Carlos Payano and is more focused than ever. He wants Nery because he wants to win the green belt and I think that would be a great action-packed fight for the fans.”

“My desire to be a world champion once again is what’s fueling my hard work in the gym,” Roman concluded. “I know what I am capable of and I fought on the same night as Nery so we should both be ready at the same time. It makes sense and will be great fight for the fans.”

Philadelphia, PA (October 19, 2020) – It has been eight-months since boxing was staged in Philadelphia. It was RDR Promotions presenting a sold out card in it’s inaugural outing that thrilled fans at the 2300 Arena.

On Saturday night, November 7th, RDR Promotions will be back presenting the 1st card since that night as the promotional company will bring back boxing with a six-bout card at the 2300 Arena.

In the six-round featured bout, undefeated Mark Dawson of Philadelphia will take on cross-town rival Vincent Floyd in a welterweight contest.

Dawson, who is signed to Split-T Management, has a record of 6-0-1 with three knockouts.

The 23 year-old, is a four-year professional, and is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Jordan Morales on March 29, 2019 in Philadelphia.

Floyd has a record of 4-9-1 with two knockouts. The 32 year-old is a seven year veteran has faced six undefeated opponents.

In four-round bouts:

Brandon Mullins (6-0, 2 KOs) of Newark, DE fights Bryant Costello (1-1,1 KO) of Liberty, NY in a super middleweight fight.

Daiyann Butt (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia will fight Dieumerci Nzau (11-12, 8 KOs) of Silver Spring, MD super lightweight fight.

Dylan Price (10-0, 7 KOs) of Sicklerville, NJ takes on an opponent to be named in a super flyweight contest.

Nafear Charles (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia battles David Veras Pena (0-2-1) of Odenton, MD in a super lightweight contest.

Naheem Parker (1-0) of Camden, NJ will fight Joseph Santana (0-3) of Providence, RI in a Lightweight bout.

Tickets are $100 and $75 and must be purchased in groups of four for table seating and can be purchased by emailing rricereview@yahoo.com

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

George Kambosos Jr says he has been training ‘like a man possessed’ ahead of his crucial IBF Lightweight World Title Final Eliminator showdown with Lee Selby on the Usyk-Chisora undercard on Saturday October 31, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

A win for the undefeated Australian (18-0, 10 KOs) would see him become Mandatory Challenger for newly-crowned Unified Lightweight King Teofimo Lopez, who brilliantly overcame Vasiliy Lomachenko by a unanimous points decision in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Hailing from Sydney, 27-year-old Kambosos Jr announced himself as a rising contender in the 135lbs division by defeating former World Champion Mickey Bey on away territory at Madison Square Garden in New York last time out.

‘Ferocious’ will be aiming to make it two wins in two against former champs when he meets Wales’ former long-reigning IBF Featherweight ruler Selby next weekend on an unmissable evening of Halloween fight action.

“Beating Lee Selby means everything to me,” said Kambosos Jr. “I’m hungry, focused and have trained like a man possessed to handle business on October 31st. This is a young man’s sport and Lopez proved that against Lomachenko when he became the Unified Lightweight World Champion and I will prove it once again against Lee Selby.

“This hungry young lion will become Mandatory, that is my complete focus, this is why I have sacrificed so much and then you best believe that ‘Ferocious Kambosos’ will be primed and ready to take all the belts off another hungry, young lion in Teofimo Lopez. Let’s see who the real king of the jungle is.”

Selby (28-2, 9 KOs) edged out Scottish legend Ricky Burns via a majority decision at The O2 in London last October to stay in line for another World Title shot and now finds himself within touching distance of becoming a two-weight World Champion. 

“He’s very confident in himself,” said Selby. “If you listened to him talk you’d think he’s the next Muhammad Ali – which he’s not. Looking at his record, it’s difficult to gauge how good he really is. His best win came against Mickey Bey when he was past his best at 36 and inactive. The rest of his record is padded. 

“This fight has been a long time coming and I’m glad we’re just over a week away now. I’m one step away from a shot at the IBF Lightweight World Title and my dream of becoming Wales’ first ever two-weight World Champion.”

Selby vs. Kambosos Jr is part of a huge night of boxing as pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk (17-0, 13 KOs) faces his first real Heavyweight test in Derek Chisora (32-9, 23 KOs), Heavyweight fan favourite Dave Allen (18-5-2, 15 KOs) collides with Christian Hammer (25-6 15 KOs), Belfast’s Tommy McCarthy (16-2, 8 KOs) meets Belgium’s Bilal Laggoune (25-1-2, 14 KOs) for the vacant European Cruiserweight Title and Amy Timlin (4-0) faces off with Carly Skelly (3-0) for the vacant Commonwealth Super-Bantamweight Title.

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 18, 2020)–Split-T Management’s IBF Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez became the youngest undisputed champion in the four-belt era by dominating the Pound-for-Pound number-one fighter in the world, Vasiliy Lomachenko over 12-rounds to add the WBC Franchise; WBA and WBO Lightweight world titles in a fight that took place at the MGM Conference Center, AKA “The Bubble” on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Lopez raced out to an early lead as he set the tone by using a sharp jab, and precision right hands to the body. His offense made Lomachenko very wary to have any aggression of his own as punch stats showed that Lomachenko only threw 58 total punches over the first half of the fight. Lopez continued working behind a nice jab that set up some blistering power shots. Lopez put on a boxing display and beat Lomachenko at his own game.

Feeling a sense of desperation, Lomachenko started to up his pace over the 2nd half of the fight. That led to some good exchanges between the two combatants.

Despite being headbutted that caused a cut over his right eye, Lopez was in control and closed the show in round 12 as he landed a fight high 50 punches in round 12.

Lopez won by scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112 to capture the belts.

Said Lopez, “I had to dig deep, man. I’m thankful. I’m grateful. And each and every day, I take that in. I thank God first because I couldn’t do it without him.

“I’m a fighter. I got to dig in deep. I knew he was coming. I didn’t know if they had him up on the scorecards or not, and I love to fight. I can bang, too. I don’t care, man. I’ll take one to give one. That’s what a true champion does. I find a way to win.

“You just got to keep pressuring him, press the gas, stick the jab and don’t really give him that opportunity to set up. Every time he did want to throw, I had something ready for him.”

“Teofimo was totally dominant, and Lomachenko had no answers for him. Boxing has a new king, and the sport will be better for it. Long live the King!” said Split-T Management’s David McWater.

Photos by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

(October 17, 2020) — The pound-for-pound king is set to reclaim his throne. WBO welterweight world champion Terence “Bud” Crawford will defend his title against former welterweight world champion Kell Brook in a special edition of Top Rank on ESPN Saturday, Nov. 14.
 
In the world championship co-feature, Joshua “El Profesor” Franco will defend his WBA super flyweight title against former world champion Andrew “The Monster” Moloney in a rematch of their June bout, won by Franco via decision.
 
Promoted by Top Rank and sponsored by GEICO, ESPN and ESPN Deportes will televise Crawford-Brook and Franco-Moloney 2 beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, while a full slate of undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

Venue information for Crawford-Brook will be announced soon.
 
“Kell Brook is one of the elite fighters in the world. He has faced so many of the top boxers,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is a real test for pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford. This is another premium fight that will be available to boxing fans for no extra charge live on ESPN.”
 
Crawford (36-0, 27 KOs), the pride of Omaha, Neb., has reigned as WBO welterweight world champion since June 9, 2018, when he stopped Jeff “The Hornet” Horn in nine one-sided rounds. He has since defended that world title three times, including a sixth-round demolition over former unified junior welterweight champion Amir “King” Khan in April 2019. Crawford has not fought since last December’s ninth-round TKO over Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas and will enter the ring against Brook coming off a career-long 11-month layoff. He has won seven straight bouts by knockout since a one-sided decision over Viktor Postol in a July 2016 junior welterweight unification bout. Prior to his welterweight world title campaign, Crawford was the lineal lightweight and undisputed junior welterweight world champion.
 
Brook (39-2, 27 KOs), from Sheffield, England, is a former welterweight world champion who made three successful defenses of the IBF title he won from Shawn Porter in 2014. His only defeat at welterweight came to Errol Spence Jr. in May 2017, a competitive fight that ended in the 11^th round after he suffered a broken orbital bone. Since the Spence defeat, “The Special One” has won three bouts at junior middleweight, including February’s seventh-round stoppage over Mark DeLuca. Brook has long campaigned for the Crawford bout, and earlier this year, he ran into Crawford at the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II weigh-in.
 
“You gonna make weight?” Crawford asked Brook.
“You’re running out of opponents,” Brook responded. “I’m here.”
 
Brook said, “I would just like to say a big thank you to Bob Arum and his team at Top Rank and to Baz Kandiara and my management team for getting the ?ght made. Thank you also to Terence Crawford and his team. It’s a fantastic ?ght, a proper ?ght for the fans to get excited about. I’m sure it’s one that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, whichever side of the pond they’re from.
 
“I’ve been told there are people writing off my chances, questioning my age, and my ability to make the weight. Well, let them talk. Some people focus on reading headlines, I focus on making headlines. Those people writing me off as a big underdog? No problem. I guess this big dog will be making a few people richer during a difficult time.
 
“Terence isn’t too much younger than me. They know that I’ve never ducked a challenge, and they should know that I’ve never failed to make 147 on the scales. With age comes experience. My knowledge and experience make me a di?erent ?ghter, a more mature ?ghter. Couple that with a happy fighter, and you’ve got yourself a dangerous fighter.”
 
Moloney (21-1, 14 KOs), from Melbourne, Australia, won the interim world title with a knockout over Elton Dharry last November and was subsequently elevated to world champion. In his first world title defense, June 23 from the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, he was upset via unanimous decision at the hands of Franco (17-1-2, 8 KOs), a native of San Antonio, Texas, who was previously best known for his action-packed trilogy with Oscar Negrete.

Said Moloney, “I am extremely excited and motivated for my rematch with Franco. I’m very grateful that Top Rank has given me the opportunity to get my revenge and reclaim my world title. I have been working extremely hard every day to make sure that world title is strapped back around my waist on Nov. 14.”
 
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.
 

Teofimo Lopez won the undisputed Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Vasiliy Lomachenko at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

Lopez dominated the first seven rounds as he boxed well and kept Lomachenko from the outside. Lopez featured some solid body work and landed some quick combinations that forced Lomachenko to do next to nothing.

Lomachenko came alive in the middle to late rounds and landed some quick shots that edged him closer in the fight. Lopez bit down and had a big final frame that solidified the victory by scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116–112/

Lopez landed 183 of 659 punches. Lomachenko was 141 of 329.

Lopez is now 16-0. Lomachenko is 14-2.

Said Lopez, “I had to dig deep, man. I’m thankful. I’m grateful. And each and every day, I take that in. I thank God first because I couldn’t do it without him.
 
“I’m a fighter. I gotta dig in deep. I knew he was coming. I didn’t know if they had him up on the scorecards or not, and I love to fight. I can bang, too. I don’t care, man. I’ll take one to give one. That’s what a true champion does. I find a way to win.
 
“You just gotta keep pressuring him, press the gas, stick the jab and don’t really give him that opportunity to set up. Every time he did want to throw, I had something ready for him.”

Barboza Decisions Saucedo

Arnold Barboza Jr. scored the biggest win of his career as he remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Alex Saucedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Saucedo began to bleed from the nose that was caused by a headbutt.

In round seven, Barboza slipped, but it was correctly ruled a knockdown when officials went to the instant replay.

That was the only blip for Barboza, as he won by scores of 97-92 twice and 96-93.

Barboza landed 218 of 941 punches. Saucedo was 183 of 691.

Barboza, 140 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 25-0. Saucedo, 140 lbs of Oklahoma City is 30-2.

Barboza said, “This was like a championship fight to me. It’s all because of my father {head trainer Arnold Barboza Sr.}, not me. I did this for kids and my father. My dream is to get a house for my kids. I came that much closer today.
 
“I want a championship fight. No more messing around. No more tune-up fights.”

Berlanga stops Bellows in 1st; Keeps KO streak alive

Edgar Berlanga made it 15-for-15 in opening round stoppage as he took out Lanell Bellows in their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

Berlanga cut Bellows with a hard left hook. Bellows was hurt, and Berlanga smelled blood and landed some more heavy shots and the fight was stopped in 79 seconds.

Berlanga, 169 lbs of Brooklyn is 15-0 with all 15 knockouts in the 1st round. Bellows, 169 lbs of Las Vegas is 20-6-3.

Berlanga said, “I saw with the first shot that I cut him open and the look in his eyes, he didn’t want to be in there. From the beginning, once I got in the ring, I looked in his eyes… he didn’t want to be in there. So I had to get him out.”

Vargas Decisions Casteneda

Josue Vargas won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kendo Casteneda in a junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Vargas dropped Casteneda with a straight left. Later in round three, Castenda began to bleed from his nose.

In round six, Casteneda started bleeding from his mouth.

Vargas outlanded Casteneda 226-112

Vargas, 142 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 to raise his mark to 18-1. Casteneda, 142 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 17-3.

Vargas said,“He was a tough customer, tougher than I thought he was going to be, but my father told me to stay composed, stay calm. I dropped him, but that doesn’t mean nothing, just stay relaxed because that’s how I got disqualified when I was 18 years old.
 
“I’m very close to fighting these guys, like Zepeda, Pedraza, any of these guys. You name it, I’ll get in there with them.”

Enrique Vivas stopped John Vincent Moralde in a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

In the opening seconds, Vivas dropped Moralde with a body shot. Vivas then landed a huge right that drove Moralde back to the ropes. Two hard body shots later sent Mralde down and the fight was stopped at 1:16.

Vivas, 128 lbs of Motebello, CA is 20-1 with 11 knockouts. Moralde, 127 lbs of the Philippines is 23-4.

Quinton Randall won a six-round unanimous decision over Jan Carlos Rivera in a fight featuring undefeated welterweights.

Randall, 147 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice and is now 7-0. Vivas, 146 lbs of Puerto Rico is 4-1.

In a battle of undefeated welterweights, 17 year-old Jahi Tucker won a four-round unanimous decision over Charles Garner.

In round two, Garner started bleeding from the nose.

Tucker, 145 lbs of Deer Park, NY won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 2-0. Garner, 142 lbs of Buffalo, NY is 1-1.

Follow live as Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez get it on for FOUR Lightweight titles in the most anticipated fight of 2020.  The action begins at 7:30 PM ET with undercard bouts featuring Edgar Berlanga as well as Arnold Barboza Jr. taking on Alex Saucedo.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1 Combination from Lopez..Right to body..Jab

Round 2 Right to body from Lopez..2 body shots..Right..Left from Lomachenko..Good exchanhe

Round 3 Left from Lopez..Body shot..Left..Combination..Left from Lomachenko..

Round 4 Jab from Lomachenko..Right from Lopez

Round 5 Right from Lopez..Body shot..More body work

Round 6 1-2 from Lopez..Left from Lomachenko….Short left..Hook from Lopez..Right to body…Right

Round 7 Left from Lopez…Right to body..

Round 8 Headbutt…Right from Lopez..Straight right..Left from Lomachenko..Left..Jab..Right from Lopez..

Round 9 Combination from Lomachenko…Lead uppercut from Lopez

Round 10 3 punch combination from Lopez..Left from Lomachenko..Jab..Left..right to body from Lopez,,Low blow committed by Lopez…

Round 11 Great exchange with Lomachenko getting the better..Body shot..Short left and over hand right..right..Left to body..Body shot by Lopez..

Round 12 Good right from Lopez..Left from Lomachenko..Good body shot from Lopez..Left…left hook..Letf from Lopez..Hard right and left..Accidental headbutt opens a cut around right eye of Lopez…

116–112; 119-109; 117-111 FOR LOPEZ

Round 1 Saucedo lands a right..Left hook..Blood from nose of Saucedo..Left from Barboza..Right

Round 2 Left hook from Saucedo…3 punch combo from Barboza..Right uppercut..Right from Saucedo…

Round 3 Saucedo lands a left hook to the body..Barboza lands a right..short right..Body shot

Round 4 Barboza landing body shots…Good combination from Saucedo..

Round 5 Barboza being active

Round 6 Left from Barboza..Body from Saucedo..Barboza lands a right

Round 7 Barboza slips…Jab from Saucedo…AFTER REPLAY, THE SLIP WAS RULED A KNOCKDOWN FOR SAUCEDO

Round 8  3 punch combo for Barboza

Round 9 Right from Barboza…

Round 10 Snapping jab from Barboza..Trading rights..

96-93, 97-92 TWICE FOR BARBOZA

Round 1: Left hook from Berlanga…HARD LEFT HOOK AND BELLOWS IS BLEEDING TWO MORE HARD SHOTS AND THE FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Vargas lands a combination…Left to the body..3 Punch combination..
Round 2 Straight LEFT AND DOWN GOES CASTENEDA..combination from Vargas
Round 3 Straight from Casteneda…Body shot from Vargas…Blood from nose of Casteneda
Round 4  Hard combination from Vargas…Right Hook..Counter right from Casteneda…Good right hook from Vargas…Body work..Good combination..3 punch combination…Vargas outlanding Casteneda 98-40
Round 5 3 punch combination from Vargas..Right to body and head..Jab from Casteneda…Double right from Casteneda..Good body work
Round 6 Good right from Casteneda..Right..Bllod from Mouth of Cateneda..Nice right from Casteneda
Round 7 Good exchangetwo body s
Round 8 Left to body from Vargas..Straight left to the head…Jab..2 body shots..Good combination
Round 9 Right from Vargas…Good left..Combination..Body shot
Round 10 Body shot from Vargas

Vargas outlanded Casteneda 226-112

98-91, 100-89 and 99-90 FOR VARGAS

Round 1: BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES MORALDE….HARD COMBINATION AND BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES MORALDE AGAIN AND FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Jab from Randall..
Round 2 Right from Randall
Round 3 Rivera lands a left
Round 4
Round 5 Jab from Randall…Combination from Randall
Round 6  Right from Randall

59-55, 58-56 TWICE FOR RANDALL

Round 1: Hook from Tucker..Tucker working on the inside..Body shots from Garner
Round 2 Nice uppercut from Tucker…1-2..Garner bleeding from the nose..Nice right from Tucker..Body from Garner…Nice right from Tucker..Garner’s mouthpiece falls out..Body from Garner..
Round 3 Nice hook from Tucker…Body work from Garner..Double left from Tucker..
Round 4 Right from Garmer..Body work..Uppercuts from Tucker..

40-36 on ALL CARDS FOR TUCKER

Lewis Ritson won a dubious 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Miguel Vazquez in a junior welterweight bout in Peterborough, England/

Vazquez landed 193 of 1001 punches. Ritson was 141 of 544.

Ritosn, 139.3 lbs of Forest Hall won by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and Vazquez won a card 116-113 to go to 21-1. Vazquez, 139.3 lbs of Mexico is 42-10.

“It just depends what you like doesn’t it,” Ritson told Matchroom afterwards. “He was tapping me and running away. I was hitting him with the cleaner jabs. It was very frustrating being out the gym a year and then facing that style.

It was probably more awkward than I thought it was going to be. The more the fight went on the more frustrated I got. It was a big eye opener. We’ve been mentioning the Prograis fight, tonight was a bit of an eye opener that we’re a million miles off that fight.

“We need a couple more fights like Vazquez, maybe not his style. That’s what you get when you step up. We had a hard job doing it. I’m improving as a fighter but I’ve got a lot more improving to do.”

Leach Decisions Ashfaq

Marc Leach won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Qais Ashfaq in a super bantamweight fight.

In round four, Leach dropped Ashfaq with a hard right off the clinch.

In round seven, Ashfaq was dropped with counter left that was followed by a left inside.

Leach, 121 lbs of Salford won by scores of 96-92, 95-92 and 95-93 and is now 15-1-1. Asfaq, 121.7 lbs is 9-1.

“I’m feeling over the moon,” Leach told Matchroom afterwards. “I’ve said before in previous interviews, the underdog tag means I’ve got nothing to lose and lots to gain. I felt good in there. Mine, Jamie’s and Nigel’s tactics worked to a T. Happy days.

“I felt like I had had him in trouble. Nigel and Jamie know that I’ve got power behind me. We moved up a weight as well. I presume he didn’t know I had that power. I believe in myself and it worked. Even at my weight, Bantamweight, I’m supposed to be next in line for the British Title. Whichever one comes first, I’ll happily take.

“Hopefully after one or two more fights at this level I won’t have to work anymore. This is the life I have chosen. I work nights, six until two. It’s not ideal but I’ve got kids to feed and a family to look after. Hopefully this turns into more opportunities for me.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Rylan Charlton stopped Joe Laws in round three of scheduled six-round super lightweight.

In round one, Charlton dropped Laws with a left hook to the chin. In round three, it was another left hook that sent Laws down again. Carlton finished Laws off with a combination that sent Laws down for the 10-count at 1:39.

Charlton, 144.4 lbs of Norwich is 6-0-1 with three knockouts. Laws, 146.9 lbs of Benwell is 9-1.

“It’s what I expected,” said Charlton afterwards. “I’ve been training my ass off for this. No disrespect to Joe, I think he’s a great guy, a great boxer, but he’s a ticket seller. He sells loads of tickets to get into the positions that he gets in. He’s a good fighter and he’s a very nice guy. I have been training my ass off. I can’t really sell that many tickets. I’m the fighter. I’m just pleased I got the opportunity to showcase my skills. 

“I felt like it got a little bit scrappy at some point. I was trying to stay as composed as possible. I saw the opening and I stuck it up there. That’s all she wrote. I always knew that this would be the result. I trained too hard for it not to be the result. My power was too much.

“Pint Size Powerhouse all the way! He’s got a massive following and this won’t be the end of Joe. He’ll be back. This has just rocketed my career in the right direction. Eddie get this contract, and let’s go! Get me out before Christmas.”

Thomas Patrick Ward and Thomas Essomba fought to split technical draw in a super bantamweight fight.

In round seven, Ward was cut over the left eye from a hard head clash The got was bad with the eyelid split open and the fight was called after eight.

Essomba won a card 88-85; Ward won a card 88-84 and a 3rd card was even at 86-86.

Ward, 123.3 lbs of West Rainton is 29-0-1. Essomba, 123.2 lbs is 10-6-1.

“To be honest, the fight was close, but I knew I was better than him,” Essomba said afterwards. “We had the accident, and then the judges decided the outcome, I have to respect their decision. I didn’t see the head clash. I don’t know who’s fault it was.

“I’ve had a really long and good camp since my last fight against Sunny Edwards. If I would have had two or three more weeks’ notice then I could have prepared more for Tommy. I had six days’ notice. I know if we fight again the fight will be totally different. I will give him a rematch, any time and anywhere.”

Kane Baker won a six-round decision over previously undefeated Meshech Speare in a super lightweight bout.

In round two, Baker was cut around the left eye.

Baker, 138 lbs of Birmingham won by a 5-56 score and is now 14-7. Speare, 138 lbs of Liverpool is 5-1.

“I’m floating,” said Baker afterwards. “It’s amazing. I’ve been here a few times. That winning feeling is something else. When I fought Fiaz two weeks ago my corner was quite confident in how I was doing. Tonight, they were telling me I was losing every round! I did think I’d won, but you just don’t know.

“When I heard Birmingham first, I knew then and it was amazing. He caught me twice to be fair. He caught me with two good shots. He’ll be back again, he’s a strong kid. I hope it was a good fight for the fans. It was a lot tougher this time than it was two weeks ago. The two weeks off didn’t recharge me as much as I’d have liked. It was tough but I was never going to say no to being here. I bit down on the gumshield and toughed it out.”

Ellie Scotney made a successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Bec Connolly in a super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Scotney put Connolly on the canvas from a right hand that was followed by a perfect left hook to the head.

In round five, Connolly started to bleed around the right eye.

Scotney, 125.9 lbs of Catford won by a score of and is now 1-0. Connolly, 125.2 lbs is 3-8.

“Bec is a tough person and she came to fight,” Scotney told Matchroom afterwards. “It was brilliant to share a ring with her. She gave it her all. She’s a nice woman. I feel like I’ve got a lot to work on still. I’m 22 and boxing at the weight above, so now I’ll be going down to the weight I should be at and I’m so looking forward to getting out again.

“I rushed it a little bit. I got a bit carried away when I landed a shot. I’ve got a lot to work on. I’m buzzing to get the first one out of the way. It’s been a long time coming. I’m going to get back in the gym on Monday if Adam lets me. I love boxing.”

Antonio Moran stopped Emanuel Colon in round six of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

In round six, Moran landed a hard barrage of punched the hurt Colon. That barrage was finished up with a big right hand that sent Colon to the canvas, and the fight was stopped when Colon got to his feet and wobbled at

Moran, 139 lbs is 26-4-1 with 19 knockouts. Colon, 140 lbs is 17-2-1.

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with a 1st round stoppage over Anthony Curtiss in a welterweight fight.

Zayas overwhelmed Curtiss with a speed and hard power shots, and the fight was stopped with Curtiss on his feet.

Zayas, 146 3/4 lbs is 6-0 with five knockouts. Curtis, 145 1/4 lbs is 2-5.

Aaron Aponte made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Jonathan Conde in a welterweight bout.

Aponte floored Conde with an uppercut for the 10-count.

Aponte, 141 1/4 lbs is 1-0 with one knockout. Conde 140 lbs is 2-5.

Rafayel Simonyan stopped Eric Abraham in the 6th and final round of their cruiserweight bout.

In round six, Simonyan dropped Abraham three times and the bout was stopped.

Simonyan, 182 lbs is 8-0 with seven knockouts. Abraham, 187 lbs is 6-7.

Rudy Ochoa Jr. (9-0, 5 KOs), Oxnard, CA.
vs. Matt Doherty (8-7-1, 4 KOs), Salem, MA.
8 Rounds, Lightweights

Mike Marrone (21-11, 15 KOs), Vero Beach, FL.
vs. Daniel Martz (19-9-1, 16 KOs), Clarksburg, WV.
10 Rounds, Heavyweights

Brandon Berry (17-5-2, 11 KOs), West Forks, ME.
vs. Bryan Timmons (6-12-1, 5 KOs), St. Joseph, MO.
8 Rounds, Welterweights

Harry Gigliotti (5-1, 3 KOs), Haverhill, MA.
vs. Devin Christie (0-1), Cortland, NY.
6 Rounds, Welterweights

Matthew Tinker (3-0, 3 KOs), Yorkshire, UK.
vs. Jesus Cintron (1-14-2), Springfield, MA.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Brandon Higgins (4-1, 3 KOs), Chelmsford, MA.
vs. Bruno Dias (0-8), Woburn, MA.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Danny Robles (3-0-1, 3 KOs), Oxnard, CA.
vs. Antonio Lucaine (0-4), Mt. Vernon, NY.
4 Rounds, Featherweights

Josh Raineri (1-0, 1 KO), Haverhill, MA.
vs. Kyle Cusick (pro debut), Fall River, MA.
4 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

David Tubbs (2-1, 2 KOs), Ventura, CA.
vs. Stephen Stengel (0-1), Windchedon, MA.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights
?
Laquan Lewis (4-12-2, 2 KOs), NY, NY.
vs. Shaquan Moore (pro debut), NY, NY.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Greg Bono (0-1), Watertown, MA.
vs. Robert Bricks (0-3), NY, NY.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Tyrone Luckey (10-12-4), Galloway, NJ.
vs. Johnny Campbell (pro debut), Whitman, MA.
4 Rounds, Welterweights
ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event, post pandemic, this past August when they held an empty venue show in Windham, New Hampshire that was broadcast for free on YouTube and watched live by thousands of boxing fans worldwide. After the successful event that featured numerous safety protocols including Covid-19 testing, Boston Boxing Promotions is returning with another matinee event on October 17th once again for free and broadcast online at www.youtube.com/bostonboxing.

NEW YORK (OCTOBER 16, 2020)–Tomorrow night at the MGM Grand “Bubble” in Las Vegas, IBF Lightweight world champion, Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) squares off with WBA/WBO/WBC Franchise world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) in the most anticipated bout of 2020.

Lopez is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank.

The fight, which will be shown live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN + (Prelims at 7:30 PM ET, with the main card beginning approx. at 10 PM) has been front and center in the minds of boxing fans from all over the world for nearly a year when Lopez won his title with a sensational 2nd round destruction of Richard Commey on December 14, 2020 at Madison Square Garden.

Lomachenko, who many have at the top of the Pound-for-Pound rankings, will be facing his toughest test, when he looks across the ring at the brash 23 year-old Brooklyn native in Lopez.

At Friday’s weigh in, which was highlighted by a piercing stare-down, both fighters checked in at the lightweight limit of 135-pounds.

“Tomorrow night will be Teofimo’s coming out party. It will be the culmination of all the hard work he and his father have put in over eighteen years. It has been an honor for me and the entire Split-T family to have worked with him these last few years, and look forward to him being the youngest undisputed World Champion of the four belt era,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

Teofimo Lopez Press Conference Quotes:

“Hard work pays off. Eighteen years in, and it’s just the beginning, You haven’t seen anything yet.”

“The Takeover is not just a phrase we throw out there. This is the part where I’m leading the new generation. Winning this is a stamp and a mark to put on for the new era.”

“Get your popcorn ready and just enjoy the show. It’s ‘The Takeover.'”

“A true champion can adapt to everything. It goes for both of us. He fought in arenas sold out. I fought in arenas sold out. My job and my thing are having all of these belts wrapped around me.”

(October 16, 2020) — Unbeaten welterweights Michael McKinson and Martin Harkin will face off in a special edition of #MTKFightNight on Sunday, Oct. 18 from Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England.

The McKinson-Harkin card streams live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, and it will close out a historic week of fight action on the ESPN family of networks, highlighted by Saturday’s lightweight unification battle between WBC Franchise/WBA/WBO world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko and IBF kingpin Teofimo Lopez (ESPN,  ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+, coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT).
 
McKinson (18-0, 2 KOs) had a step-up year in 2019, winning the vacant WBO European title over Russian veteran Evgeny Pavko and besting the previously undefeated Luis Alberto Veron by one-sided decision. He makes his 2020 debut against Scottish upstart Harkin (13-0, 5 KOs), who knocked out the then-unbeaten James Moorcroft back in January.

“Martin Harkin is a dangerous puncher. It’s a dangerous fight for me, but I’ve proven before that I can swim with sharks,” McKinson said. “I’m excited about the challenge, and I’m very excited to fight finally.”
 
Harkin said, “I’m very excited to be fighting. This is a great platform to show people who I am. I’ve slipped under the radar and I’m mostly unknown, so I’m delighted with this chance and I’m going to grab it with both hands.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

• Commonwealth flyweight champion Jay Harris (17-1, 9 KOs) will defend his title in a 12-rounder against former English super flyweight champion Marcel Braithwaite (9-2). Harris last fought in February and dropped a unanimous decision to WBC flyweight world champion Julio Cesar Martinez in one of the best fights of 2020.
   
• Former IBF bantamweight world champion Paul Butler looks to extend his winning streak to six against Ryan Walker (11-2, 2 KOs) in an eight-rounder at bantamweight.
   
• Romanian former kickboxing world champion Amansio Aaraschiv (2-0) will face veteran Scott James (6-6-1) in a four-round middleweight tilt.
   
• In an eight-round welterweight bout, Jack “Demolition Man” Rafferty (12-0, 7 KOs) will take on Tom Hill (9-1, 2 KOs).

 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

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.

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, Approximately 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT)

    •     Vasiliy Lomachenko 135 lbs vs. Teofimo Lopez 135 lbs 
(Undisputed Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Steve Weisfeld, Julie Lederman and Tim Cheatham
Referee: Russell Mora

•    Alex Saucedo 140 lbs vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. 140 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight  — 10 Rounds)

•    Edgar Berlanga 169 lbs vs. Lanell Bellows 169 lbs 
(Super Middleweight — 8 Rounds)

(ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)

•    Josue Vargas 142 lbs vs. Kendo Castaneda 142 lbs 
(Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•   John Vincent Moralde 127 lbs vs. Jose Enrique Vivas 128 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Quinton Randall 147 lbs vs. Jan Carlos Rivera 146 lbs 
(Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

•    Jahi Tucker 145 lbs vs. Charles Garner 142 lbs 
(Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

Unified Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony JoshuaOBE will defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles against Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev at The O2 in London on Saturday December 12, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and on DAZN in all of its nine markets including the U.S., on a show promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Top Rank and Epic Sports and Entertainment.

Joshua (23-1, 21 KOs) recaptured his belts and position as the Unified Heavyweight World Champion with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on an historical night in December that saw the Heavyweight World Titles contested for the very first time in the Middle East.

December 12 will be ‘AJ’s’ first fight on UK soil in over two years, since he defended his crowns with a devastating seventh round knockout of Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, and the former Finchley ABC man will be aiming to deal with Pulev in style to set up an Undisputed showdown against WBC Champion and fellow Brit Tyson Fury in 2021.

Pulev (28-1, 14 KOs), the IBF’s No.1-ranked Heavyweight Mandatory Challenger, gets his second shot at World honours after his defeat to modern legend Wladimir Klitschko in 2014 – the only loss of his 29-fight professional career. He has won six fights in a row since then, including victories over Derek Chisora and an IBF Eliminator win over Hughie Fury in 2018.

The Bulgarian superstar was set to challenge Joshua at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in October 2017 but was forced to withdraw through an injury and will now get his opportunity to ruin the champion’s plans to face Fury in an all-British blockbuster showdown in the future.

“December 12 is the date and once again the Heavyweight belts go up in the air and it is my sole focus to make sure that come December 13 they are in their rightful place in the UK,” said Joshua. 

“The O2 is the original lion’s den, I have a lot of history with the arena, but without the fans something huge is missing. I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in, but we will have to see.  I respect every opponent and I respect Pulev. I wish him well during his preparation.”

“For a small country of Bulgaria to stand up for the Heavyweight Titles is a great accomplishment,” said Pulev. “This fight is for my late father and all Bulgarians around the world! I’m coming to London to seize the Heavyweight Championship of the World.”

“After a challenging year for everyone, to end with the unified World Heavyweight Championship is very special,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Over a year after regaining his crown, Anthony Joshua takes on yet another dangerous opponent in Mandatory Challenger Kubrat Pulev. AJ’s resume is unrivalled, and this is the final hurdle until we challenge for the undisputed crown next year. 

“Whilst it’s unusual to think of an AJ fight without tens of thousands of fans in attendance, we will be doing everything we can to lobby for the safe return of fans to this event, we have to move forward together. I know Team Pulev and Bob Arum will be doing all they can to become World Champion on Dec 12 but AJ constantly evolves and improves and I expect a dominant performance and a spectacular KO to close out 2020.”

Bob Arum, Top Rank Chairman, said: “Eddie Hearn better watch out. Kubrat Pulev is going to destroy his plan for a Joshua-Tyson Fury unification fight.”

258 Managing Director Freddie Cunningham said: “Anthony again shows his willingness and desire to chase the Undisputed Title with another tough mandatory fight and despite the challenges of making a fight of this scale during these times it is important for AJ to keep momentum. It will be an exciting way to end the year and unique in every way. We will be working with Matchroom to build a card full of 258 fighters to give the fans entertainment throughout the undercard.”

John Wirt, President of Epic Sports and Entertainment, said: “Crowd or no crowd, we are coming to AJ’s backyard to claim the titles. Come December 12, there will be no more excuses or delays. I guarantee that it will be an epic battle and that Kubrat will stop AJ inside the distance.”

“Anthony Joshua returns to the ring, a year after recapturing his World Titles from Andy Ruiz Jr, and Britain’s Unified World Champion will be determined to reign supreme in a hotly-contested Heavyweight division,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development. 

“Kubrat Pulev has proven pedigree, with just that sole defeat to Wladimir Klitschko, and he’ll be hoping to send more shockwaves through the sport with an upset victory, but I know that AJ has been training tirelessly, priming his explosive power for another night of fireworks.

“Tyson Fury will of course be watching – as an Undisputed World Title fight is within touching distance – and AJ cannot afford a slip-up in a blockbuster ending to the boxing year.”

“We’re thrilled to bring the Heavyweight Championship of the World to all DAZN subscribers,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski. “AJ-Pulev will have major consequences for the entire boxing landscape as both men aim to end the year in emphatic fashion.”

DAZN is currently available in the U.S., as well as Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and Switzerland.

Joe Laws is chasing the perfect 10 having made what he believes is the perfect move in his career.
 
The irrepressible ‘Benwell Bomber’ takes on fellow unbeaten Super-Lightweight Rylan Charlton on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, in his first bout since leaving behind his beloved Toon to base himself in Lanzarote.
 
Already onto his third coach of his career, the 26-year-old (9-0, 5KOs) drops the ‘Jack-the-lad’ persona to say he is deadly serious that this is the route he needs to take to reach the top.
 
“I’ve moved out to Lanzarote where the training is mint and the lads are spot on,” he said Laws. “I’ve really felt the benefit of it. At home I think I was too much in the comfort zone, out there I train go back to my apartment, train again then back to my apartment and so on. I needed a bit of structure and it’s working well for me. To be honest, I can’t wait to get back out there.”
 
Laws will be guided by Champions Gym’s Jonathan O’Brien for the first time in the East of England Arena. The Irishman was a good fighter himself, winning nine and drawing one of his 12 contests. He is in the corner for an acid test with the undefeated Norwich fighter Charlton (5-0-1, 2 KOs) very much a live opponent. 
 
“It’s my hardest fight to date, a big step up, but I’m feeling good and can’t wait for Saturday,” said Laws. “With this pandemic, gone are the days when you are the 70 and the opponent is the 30. This is a good 50-50 fight, but I think that will be where you see the best of me. 

“I’ve been training hard, had some cracking sparring and come Saturday I’m going to perform. I’m going to knock him out, flatten him. I’m throwing with intent to hurt. He’s training to knock me out, know what I mean? Once I get in the ring, it’s personal. Come Saturday I will show no respect whatsoever.”

Even before moving from the Tyne to the Canaries, Laws had shown signs of an increase in maturity as he moves from crowd-pleaser to contender.
 
Gone in his last fight were some of the outrageous swings and he looked so much better for that in a second-round stoppage win against Jan Prokes at the Newcastle Eagles Community Arena at the start of March.
 
“When I hear people say, ‘Laws can’t box’ I laugh my bollocks off thinking ‘yeah, yeah’,” he said. “I’ve come from a very good gym at Birtley ABC. I’ve done hundreds of rounds with Pat and Luke McCormack, Callum French, Thomas Hodgson, Cyrus Pattison and more. Sparring with them has made me a teak-tough kid, but could I do it if I couldn’t box?”

Laws vs. Charlton is part of a huge night of boxing at the East of England Arena in Peterborough, Geordie favourite Lewis Ritson (20-1, 12 KOs) takes on former long-reigning World Champion Miguel Vazquez (42-9, 16 KOs), 2016 Rio Olympian Qais Ashfaq (8-0, 3 KOs) meets Salford’s Marc Leach (14-1-1, 3 KOs) in an Eliminator for the British Super-Bantamweight Title, West Rainton’s Thomas Patrick Ward (29-0, 4 KOs) fights Thomas Essomba (10-6, 4 KOs) over ten rounds at Super-Bantamweight, Birmingham’s Kane Baker (13-7) meets Liverpool’s Meshech Speare (5-0, 3 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Lightweight and Catford’s Ellie Scotney makes her professional debut against Bec Connolly (3-7).

19:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS ARENA

20:15 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS MAIN EVENT

6 x 2 mins Super-Bantamweight Contest 
ELLIE SCOTNEY 8st 13lbs 12oz v BEC CONNOLLY 8st 13lbs 2oz         
(Catford)                                           (Swindon)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
KANE BAKER 9st 12lbs 0oz v MESHECH SPEARE 9st 12lbs 0oz
(Birmingham)                            (Liverpool)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest 
THOMAS PATRICK WARD 8st 11lbs 3oz v THOMAS ESSOMBA 8st 11lbs 2oz         
(West Rainton)                                              (Wolverhampton)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest 
JOE LAWS 10st 6lbs 9oz v RYLAN CHARLTON 10st 4lbs 4oz
(Benwell)                              (Norwich)

followed by

10 x 3 mins British Super-Bantamweight Title Eliminator
QAIS ASHFAQ 8st 9lbs 7oz v MARC LEACH 8st 9lbs 8oz
(Leeds)                                      (Salford)

followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Title
LEWIS RITSON 9st 13lbs 3oz v MIGUEL VAZQUEZ 9st 13lbs 3oz
(Forest Hall)                                (Mexico)

LOS ANGELES (October 16, 2020) – Top heavyweight contender Luis “King Kong” Ortiz will headline a stacked night of heavyweight action when he takes on Alexander “The Great” Flores in the 10-round main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, November 7 from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see rising unbeaten heavyweight contender Frank “The Cuban Flash” Sánchez battle Brian Howard in the 10-round co-main event. Plus, undefeated Michael Coffie steps in to face hard-hitting Joey Abell in an eight-round heavyweight duel.

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

“Sports fans love the power and drama of the heavyweight division and this lineup on November 7 will provide both in droves,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “‘King Kong’ Ortiz has long established himself as an upper echelon heavyweight, and he will look to work his way back to another title shot against the hungry and game Alexander Flores. With unbeaten heavyweights Frank Sánchez and Michael Coffie in separate bouts on the undercard, this show is built for action from start to finish.”

With exceptional power and sublime technical skills, Ortiz (31-2, 26 KOs) has been a fixture atop heavyweight rankings for years, with his only defeats coming in memorable contests against former longtime heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Born in Camaguey, Cuba and trained by longtime coach Herman Caicedo in Miami, Ortiz won three bouts between Wilder contests, defeating Travis Kauffman, Christian Hammer and Razvan Cojanu. Prior to that run, Ortiz picked up victories over the likes of Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott to build up his heavyweight resume.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and put on a great performance for all my fans,” said Ortiz. “I’ve been training hard and I’m going to show why I’m still one of the most dangerous and avoided heavyweights around. Credit to Flores for stepping up to the challenge, but I’m planning on making a statement November 7 on FOX.”

The 30-year-old Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs) will return to action after his last outing saw him stop Mario Heredia in the sixth-round of their November 2019 affair. Fighting out of his native Rowland Heights, California, Flores has fought professionally since 2010, and has scored knockouts in his last 14 victories. The only blemishes on Flores’ record have come against former heavyweight champions Charles Martin and Joseph Parker.

“When I got the call for this fight, I immediately said yes and I was ready to go,” said Flores. “I’m always in shape throughout the year, so now we’re just sharpening the tools for November 7. Ortiz is coming off of a big fight, and I’m preparing for the best Ortiz we’ve ever seen. I don’t know if he’s overlooking me, I just know that I’m going to be ready to take advantage of a life changing opportunity.”

An amateur standout from his native Cuba, Sánchez (15-0, 11 KOs) now trains in San Diego with coach Eddy Reynoso. The 28-year-old added four victories to his ledger in 2019, including a stoppage of Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal. His 2020 debut saw Sánchez dominate tough contender Joey Dawejko in March on FOX on his way to a unanimous decision victory.

“I look forward to my return so that I can again showcase my skills and make the case that I am a future heavyweight champion,” said Sánchez. “Brian Howard is a very dangerous opponent, but I am even more dangerous. My trainer Eddy Reynoso is preparing me for a spectacular win. I’m a proud Cuban fighting in America in front of millions of people on FOX. It is a dream come true, but only half of the dream. The job will be complete once I become the heavyweight champion of the world.”

Howard (15-3, 12 KOs) made his heavyweight debut in style in August, scoring an impressive first-round knockout over Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos Negron. Fighting out of Atlanta, Georgia, Howard also owns knockout victories over previously unbeaten fighters Shawndell Winters and Alex Guerrero. Howard has won five of his last seven fights since returning from a layoff in 2015.

“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity on FOX against Frank Sánchez,” said Howard. “I’ve been training very hard to be at my best for this fight. I know that I’m going to come to California and be victorious on November 7.”

A Marine Corps veteran who picked up boxing after returning from overseas, Coffie (10-0, 7 KOs) quickly impressed in amateur tournaments enough to earn sparring assignments with Deontay Wilder and Adam Kownacki. The 34-year-old was born in the Bronx, but now fights out of Brooklyn. Coffie most recently emerged victorious in a battle of unbeatens when he stopped Luis Pena in the fifth round of their August matchup on FS1.

“This is going to be a great fight against a really good opponent,” said Coffie. “This is the first step toward getting to where I want to be. Abell is a very credible opponent, and a win will justify me being able to fight higher ranked contenders in the heavyweight division. I can’t wait to go out and put on a great performance on November 7.”

Born in Neenah, Wisconsin and fighting out of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Abell (35-10, 33 KOs) has faced an impressive lineup of top heavyweights while establishing himself as a tough veteran in the division. Abell has lined up against Tyson Fury, Tomasz Adamek, Oscar Rivas and Chris Arreola to name a few of his notable opponents. Abell owns a knockout victory in 2016 over then unbeaten Wes Nofire on FS1 and most recently stopped Quincy Palmer in the first round of their November 2019 contest.

“I’m blessed to get such a great opportunity to fight on this card,” said Abell. “It’s been a tough year for everyone but I’m looking forward to ending mine on a positive note. I’ve been training like never before. On November 7, I’ll be ready for war.”

#

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 – October 16, 2020 – Unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heraldez is deep into training camp and shared insights into his preparations as he nears a showdown against former champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis on Saturday, October 31 live on SHOWTIME PPV in a Premier Boxing Champions event headlined by Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz live from Alamodome in San Antonio.

“It’s been a long eight-week camp preparing for Prograis,” said Heraldez. “We’re fighting a different style of fighter, which is a good thing because he’s the type of fighter who comes to fight. A style like this makes it easier for me to train and prepare.

“Prograis has power, but you have to land it and that’s where my defense comes into play. My defense has always been a factor and it’s something we always tweak and find ways for me to be sharper. On paper his credentials are up there, but in the ring all of that goes out the door. When the bell rings, I’m not thinking about him being a former world champion. I fight and get the job done.”

Heraldez has adapted to the changes produced by training during the pandemic, and has been able to keep focused throughout camp. He credits the infrastructure at the Mayweather Boxing Club, where he trains in Las Vegas, for helping keep things running smoothly as he prepares to face his toughest opponent to date.

“The pandemic has had a slight effect on camp like it has with everything else,” said Heraldez. “There are so many protocols and safety measures, so you can’t just rotate sparring partners as easily as you could before. Adjusting to wearing a mask in the gym and getting tested constantly are things you learn to get used to. The Mayweather Boxing Club has done a great job of keeping the gym clean and safe for all of us. A lot of my stablemates are here in Las Vegas preparing for big fights, so it’s a great feeling knowing that we can come to a gym where safety is the top priority.”

The unbeaten Heraldez will return to the ring after fighting former world champion Argenis Mendez to a draw in May 2019 on SHOWTIME. Heraldez had put together an impressive string of victories dating back to a 2017 triumph over then-unbeaten Jose Miguel Borrego, and included a knockout win over Eddie Ramirez in February 2019 leading into the Mendez fight. Heraldez has continued to fine-tune his arsenal heading into the Prograis fight.

“My team and I have been working on various things such as my jab, but most importantly where I am in the ring at all times,” said Heraldez. “My ring awareness has elevated this camp. My coach and I keep things old school, we don’t have a strength and conditioning coach, we work on the basics and get better at them each camp. Boxing is simple. Stick and move and don’t get hit. The training I get from Coach Otis Pimpleton covers so many things such as cardio, technique, ring IQ, etc., so my job is just to listen to my team and trust them when I’m in camp and in the ring on fight night.”

While Heraldez is looking to improve on the draw in his last fight, Prograis will be seeking to bounce back from his first career defeat, a memorable 140-pound unification clash with Josh Taylor. With both fighters hungry for a win on October 31, Heraldez expects an exciting night for fans.

“On fight night, both of our styles are going to make for great action,” said Heraldez. “We both bring a lot to the ring. We’re both fighting to be the best, but on October 31, everyone will see what I’m capable of.”

ABOUT DAVIS VS. SANTA CRUZ

Davis vs. Santa Cruz will see three-time world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and four-division world champion Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz battle for the WBA Super Featherweight and WBA Lightweight Championships headlining a SHOWTIME PPV Saturday, October 31 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

The stacked undercard will feature unbeaten San Antonio native and WBA Super Lightweight Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios defending his title against hard-hitting Ryan “Cowboy” Karl in the co-main event and former super lightweight world champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis will take on unbeaten contender Juan Heraldez in a 10-round showdown. In the telecast opener, lightweight contenders Isaac Cruz and Diego Magdaleno will battle in an IBF title eliminator bout.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions, GTD Promotions and Santa Cruz Boxing Club. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. The Alamodome has implemented a comprehensive health and safety plan to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. All fans attending the event will be screened upon entry and are required to wear a mask as well as follow social distancing guidelines. Tickets will be distributed in seat blocks known as “pods” to maintain distance between groups not from the same party. For more information, visit Alamodome.com

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