Las Vegas – The fourth season of the hit show Dana White’s Contender Series continues with Episode 7, featuring a lineup of rising athletes looking to make their dreams come true by impressing UFC President Dana White and earning a spot on the UFC roster.

The seventh episode of season four takes place on Tuesday, September 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all five bouts streaming exclusively on ESPN+ in the US.

ESPN+ is available through the ESPN.com, ESPNPlus.com or 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. Fans can sign up for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, with no contract required.

To support your coverage, please find the download link to the season four sizzle reels here and here. In addition, please find the download link for the season four athlete feature here, which highlights some of the participating athletes, their backgrounds and what competing on Dana White’s Contender Series means to them.

Season 4, Episode 7 – Confirmed Bouts:

Middleweight

Gregory Rodrigues vs. Jordan Williams

Featherweight

Muhammad Naimov vs. Collin Anglin

Welterweight

Korey Kuppe vs. Michael Lombardo

Women’s featherweight

Danyelle Wolf vs. Taneisha Tennant

Featherweight

Dinis Paiva vs. Kyle Driscoll

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

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 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 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer 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 through offering fans thousands of live 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 $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ — all for just $12.99/month

•     Egidijus “Mean Machine” Kavaliauskas 146.5 lbs vs. Mikael Zewski 147 lbs 
(Zewski’s NABO and vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

•    Miguel Marriaga 125.9 lbs vs. Joet Gonzalez 125.8 lbs 
(Vacant WBO Intercontinental Featherweight Title — 10 Rounds)

•    Aleem Jumakhonov 126.5 lbs vs. Jorge Ramos 127 lbs 
(Featherweight — 8 Rounds)

•      Manuel Flores 117.3 lbs vs. Jonathan Rodriguez 118 lbs 
(Bantamweight — 6 Rounds)

•     Anthony Chavez 129.1 lbs vs. Adan Gonzales 129.1 lbs 
(Jr. Lightweight— 6 Rounds)

•    Eric Puente 137.7 lbs vs. Luis Norambuena 135.6 lbs 
(Lightweight — 4 Rounds)

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.

Las Vegas – UFC^® will close out its latest string of events at UFC APEX with a heated welterweight clash that will see former interim champion and No. 2 ranked contender Colby Covington take on former champion and No. 5 Tyron Woodley. In another thrilling welterweight bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, long-time UFC fan favorite Donald Cerrone faces fellow finisher Niko Price.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: COVINGTON vs. WOODLEY will take place Saturday, September 19 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas with all fights carried exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with the prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

Covington (15-2, fighting out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) aims to get the last laugh after trading numerous verbal barbs with his former training partner, Woodley. A NCAA Division I wrestler who pushes a relentless pace, Covington has delivered memorable victories against former UFC champions Robbie Lawler and Rafael Dos Anjos, as well as perennial contender Demian Maia. Covington now hopes to add yet another former UFC titleholder to his hit list to once again secure a shot at the championship.

Woodley (19-5-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.), who held the belt for almost three years, will go down as one of the most dominant titleholders in UFC welterweight history. After dethroning Robbie Lawler via first-round knockout, Woodley netted memorable title defenses against Stephen Thompson, Demian Maia and Darren Till. Woodley now plans to put his most heated rivalry to bed by delivering another sensational knockout win.

Cerrone (36-15 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.), the UFC recordholder for most wins (23) and finishes (16), has long been dazzling fans with spectacular performances inside the Octagon. Throughout his legendary career, he has secured highlight-reel finishes against Matt Brown, Rick Story, Jim Miller and Edson Barboza. Cerrone will now make his record 36^th UFC appearance and aims to deliver another vintage ”Cowboy” performance against one of the division’s most dynamic finishers.

Among the most exciting athletes in the welterweight division, Price (14-5 1NC, fighting out of Cape Coral, Fla.) now looks to capitalize on the biggest moment of his career. Price has won over fans since joining the UFC roster in late 2016 with jaw-dropping knockout victories against James Vick, Tim Means, Randy Brown and Alan Jouban. Price now hopes to earn his most important win yet by taking out a legend in his first UFC co-main event appearance.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Khamzat Chimaev (8-0, fighting out of Stockholm, Sweden by way of Chechnya, Russia) aims to continue his incredible streak against tough veteran Gerald Meerschaert (31-13, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
• In an exciting battle of light heavyweight contenders, No. 11 ranked Johnny Walker (17-5, fighting out of Montreal, Que., Canada by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) locks horns with surging No. 12 Ryan Spann (20-5, fighting out of Beaumont, Texas)
• Entertaining grapplers meet when Mackenzie Dern (8-1, fighting out of Long Beach, Calif.) takes on Randa Markos (10-9-1, fighting out of Windsor, Ont., Canada)
• Rising middleweights collide when Kevin Holland (19-5, fighting out of Fort Worth, Texas) meets Darren Stewart (12-5 1NC, fighting out of London, England)
• Mirsad Bektic (13-3, fighting out of Montreal, Que., Canada) faces Eduardo Garagorri (13-1, fighting out of Rivera, Uruguay) in an exciting featherweight bout
• Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Mayra Bueno Silva (6-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) goes for another slick submission when she meets Mara Romero Borella (12-8, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Ponte dell’Olio, Italy)
• Jordan Espinosa (15-7 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) hopes to build off the momentum of his recent victory when he squares off with streaking David Dvorak (17-3, fighting out of Horice, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic)
• Jessica-Rose Clark (9-6 1NC, fighting out of Innisfail, Australia) aims to return to her winning ways against Dana White’s Contender Series signee Sarah Alpar (9-4, fighting out of Edmond, Okla.)
• Journey Newson (9-2 1NC, fighting out of Portland, Ore.) takes on Randy Costa (5-1, fighting out of Taunton, Mass.) in an entertaining bantamweight bout
• Andre Ewell (16-6, fighting out of Riverside, Calif.) squares off with Irwin Rivera (10-5, fighting out of Hudson Valley, N.Y. by way of Mexico City, Mexico) in a clash of bantamweight hopefuls
• Darrick Minner (24-12, fighting out of Nebraska City, Neb.) goes for his first UFC win against recent Dana White’s Contender Series signee TJ Laramie (12-3, fighting out of Windsor, Ont., Canada)

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

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 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 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service 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.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

NEW YORK – September 11, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports announced today the price and programming lineup for the first-of-its-kind pay-per-view doubleheader on Saturday, September 26, featuring two stacked fight cards each headlined by one of the world champion Charlo twins in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The SHOWTIME PPV^® event, CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER, is available for purchase at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $74.95 and includes six compelling fights, five of which are world championship bouts.

The CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER, which begins at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, can be purchased for live streaming and via cable and satellite pay-per-view providers. Viewers can purchase the CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER in the SHOWTIME app on Apple tvOS and iOS devices, FireTV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Chromecast, Xbox One and contemporary Roku players and Roku TVs. The event is also available for purchase online at SHOWTIME.com and through cable and satellite pay-per-view distributors.

THE EVENT

The first card of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast will be headlined by undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo defending his title against Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener. Following the main event and a 30-minute intermission, the second three-fight card headlined by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo facing unified 154-pound World Champion Jeison Rosario will begin. Luis Nery will battle Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-feature, while former unified champion Danny Román faces former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator bout to open the second three-fight card of the pay-per-view.

TELECAST TEAM

The announce team for the SHOWTIME PPV telecast is comprised of the most experienced and decorated boxing team on television. Veteran sportscaster Brian Custer is the host. Versatile combat sports voice Mauro Ranallo handles blow-by-blow action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and four-time world champion Abner Mares. Two Hall of Famers round out the telecast team: boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. 

The executive producer of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast is four-time Emmy award winner David Dinkins, Jr. The director is Bob Dunphy, son of legendary Hall of Famer Don Dunphy. The pair has been guiding SHOWTIME Sports’ flagship series SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® since its inception in 1986 and has produced the three highest-grossing pay-per-view events of all time (Mayweather-Pacquiao, Mayweather-McGregor, Mayweather-Canelo).

THE JOURNEY: CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER and DIGITAL PROGRAMMING LINEUP

In the leadup to the unprecedented two-event pay-per-view, SHOWTIME Sports will produce and premiere THE JOURNEY: CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER, a 30-minute show that chronicles the unique story of Jermall and Jermell, twins born one minute apart in Houston, Texas, as they rise through the ranks and put themselves in position to become global boxing stars. Voiced by SHOWTIME boxing host Brian Custer, THE JOURNEY: CHARLO DOUBLEHEADER features rarely seen footage and gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at their most pivotal career moments, motivations, and life outside of the ring.

THE JOURNEY will premiere on SHOWTIME on Sunday, September 13 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT and will be available for free on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and all SHOWTIME On Demand platforms.

SHOWTIME Sports^® will also release new episodes of the original, digital franchise RING RESUME which examines the career progressions of boxing’s top stars, available on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel. Beginning Monday, September 21, the SHOWTIME Boxing Snapchat page will focus on high-energy fight and training camp highlights featuring the Charlos. In addition, the Snapchat page will feature the Charlos’ RING RESUMES and THE JOURNEY to expand reach to young audiences with short-form, fast-paced storytelling. Plus, Brendan Schaub and Kenny Florian will preview the keys to the fights on BELOW THE BELT BREAKDOWN, available on the BELOW THE BELT YouTube channel.

MORNING KOMBAT INTERMISSION

Combat sports aficionados Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host a 30-minute intermission show after the conclusion of the Charlo vs. Derevyanchenko main event and the start of the second three-fight card. The duo, hosts of the popular live combat sports talk show and podcast MORNING KOMBAT, will also host live streams of the main events press conference and official weigh-in in addition to providing in-depth coverage on MORNING KOMBAT throughout the week. The official weigh-in and main events press conference will stream live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. 

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

Now that all the participants are weighed-in, and confirmed covid-free, Hall-of-Fame Promoter Frank Warren’s incredible run of shows can continue live, tomorrow night on BT Sport 1 from 7.30pm.

In the main event of the evening, ‘The Beast from the East’ Anthony Yarde will meet one of Britain’s hardest men Dec Spelman, before hopefully moving on to a domestic dust-up with Commonwealth Champion Lyndon Arthur later in the year.

Elsewhere on the card, Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley will do battle in a British eliminator for the Middleweight crown currently worn by Welshman Liam Williams.

The vacant IBF European title will also be on the line at welterweight when Cedrick Peynaud meets English champion Ekow Essuman. Lightweight Bilal Ali, featherweight Amin Jahanzeb and debut making super-welterweight Josh Frankham round out the card.

Official photos from todays weigh-in can be found here

Official weights below:

Anthony Yarde 12st 11lb 12oz
Dec Spelman 12st 12lb

Mark Heffron 11st 5lb 9oz
Denzel Bentley 11st 5lb 4oz

Ekow Essuman 10st 6lb 11oz
Cedrick Peynaud 10st 6lb 5oz

Mohammed Bilal Ali 9st 8lb 4oz
Ed Harrison 9st 5lb 9oz

Josh Frankham 11st 8oz
Kev McAuley 11st 2lb

London, UK (11 September 2020) It’s on! Shakan Pitters will defend his British Light-Heavyweight title against Craig Richards on November 14, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

The British Boxing Board of Control today confirmed that the fight has been confirmed and approved with the release of the latest Championship Circular with only the venue to be announced. Richards and his manager/trainer Peter Sims have also accepted the terms and agreed to the fight.

Newly crowned Pitters, who claimed the title with a decision over Chad Sugden last month, makes the first defence of his Lonsdale belt against his fierce London rival in a clash of styles that could be another potential fight of the year.

Promoter Mick Hennessy’s last two shows featuring Alex Dilmaghani against Samir Ziani just last week and Francisco Fonseca last November, both live on Channel 5, have been fight of the Year candidates.

Hennessy said, “I’m delighted to announce that Pitters versus Richards is finally on and will be free to watch live on Channel 5. This is a great fight that the public really want to see and I believe we could be in for a real treat with these two proud warriors. Shakan isn’t taking an easy first defence and he said that he would put the title on the line against him first if he defeated Sugden and he’s done that. I know that Craig will be really up for the fight, he was devastated to pull out of the first fight and will now be desperate to get his hands on the British title. After the last two shows on Channel 5 with the barnstormers between Dilmaghani and Ziani and Fonseca, I have a feeling Pitters v Richards could match them.”

Birmingham’s ’Big Shak’ is cleaning up the domestic division after defeating Dec Spelman to win the English 175lb title in September 2019 and now has similar intents to make the Lonsdale belt his own property with three defences, starting with Richards. Standing at 6ft 6in, the towering Pitters, 31, has amassed a perfect 14-0 record with four knockouts since making his pro-debut in March 2017.

From Crystal Palace, Richards, 30, was originally due to face Pitters for the British title in March but withdrew due to a viral infection and Sugden stepped in. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, the Pitters-Sugden bout went ahead in August with Hennessy ensuring the winner faced Richards for the first defence.

A former Southern Area and WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight Champion, this will be Richards’ second attempt at the British title after he pushed then Champion Frank Buglioni the distance in October 2017 – and rocked Buglioni in the third round – when he took the fight at just five days’ notice.

Hennessy will release further details on the show next week with quotes from both camps.

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

LAS VEGAS (September 10, 2020) — Three former world title challengers and a longtime contender met the media for a Zoom press conference Thursday afternoon ahead of their can’t-miss doubleheader Saturday from the MGM Grand Conference Center (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET ).

In the 10-round welterweight main event, the man known as “Mean Machine,” Egidijus Kavaliauskas, will take on Canadian contender Mikael Zewski in his first bout since challenging Terence Crawford for the WBO world title last December. 

The co-feature will see three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga battle recent world title challenger Joet Gonzalez in a crossroads featherweight tilt scheduled for 10 rounds.

Here is some of what they had to say to the media.

Mean Machine

“I want to face the best opponents at welterweight. My goal is to become mandatory and fight for another world title. I would like to fight the top names at 147.”

“Zewski is also a pressure fighter like me. I think we have similar styles, and I really believe we will make a very entertaining fight on Saturday. I know the fireworks will begin in the very first round. This will be an action fight!”

“If I get the opportunity to fight Crawford, I would do it all over again. I want to face him again. I know he is beatable. Everyone is. I liked how the fight started, but not how it ended. I lost focus in the middle of the fight. At the end of the day, that fight gave me more confidence. I was definitely in the fight. It made me a better fighter. I corrected the mistakes I did make, and now I’m coming stronger.”

Zewski

“I would love to fight the top guy in the division. That’s Terence Crawford, but I’m not really thinking about that right now. The guy that I have to beat right now is Kavaliauskas, and I have my total focus on him. I’m not looking at the future. Mean Machine is the present and I’m going to beat him. This will be a great fight. This is a fight that could get ugly, and it could be a war, for sure.”

“I’ve been here before. I feel like I’m home. There is no added pressure. Kavaliauskas is the perfect opponent for me right now. He is the kind of top fighter that will give me the challenge that I want. He is a great fighter and did a great job against Crawford. I want to show everyone that I’m at that level. I have a lot to win. I’m here to get the respect I know I deserve.”

Marriaga

“I have had the opportunity to fight for a world title three times, and I have not been able to be crowned as champion, but we hope that this time around I can finally conquer a world title. I’m hungry! I really want it. On Saturday night, Joet Gonzalez will face a very strong Miguel Marriaga. I have a great hunger for triumph. The motivation has always been there. I will not rest until I am champion. We will give everything on Saturday to get a big win for Colombian boxing.”

“It would be great to face the winner of the vacant WBO title fight between {Emanuel} Navarrete and {Ruben} Villa, but if that doesn’t happen, I’m ready to face any of the champions in the division.”

Gonzalez

“I told my team that after the world title loss against Shakur, I wanted to get right back in and face the best and biggest names in the division.”

“I want to show everyone that I’m a real contender and a top guy in the division. That’s why I took this challenge against Marriaga. He is one of the best, and I want to show that I’m a real fighter. I want to fight the biggest names possible. I would like to face the winner of Navarrete and Villa. I know I can compete with all these top guys at 126.”

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.

NEW YORK – September 10, 2020 – Unbeaten Aaron Alameda shared updates from his training camp and stated his intention for a career-defining win as he prepares to take on former champion Luis Nery for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in part two of a first-of-its-kind SHOWTIME PPV doubleheader Saturday, September 26 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“This is my first time on a card of this magnitude, so I’m going to come with everything I’ve got on September 26,” said Alameda. “I’m ready to put on a great show for the fans. After I beat Luis Nery, everyone is going to know my name.”

Alameda and Nery were originally scheduled to fight in a bantamweight bout in March on SHOWTIME before the event was delayed because of the pandemic. With Rey Vargas forced to vacate his WBC 122-pound title due to an injury, Alameda and Nery now have the opportunity to fight for the vacant belt, a change that only adds to Alameda’s inspiration during training.

“Now that this is a title fight, I’m even more motivated,” said Alameda. “I’m training very hard and I’m ready to win. I know Nery was a big puncher at 118-pounds, but he’s moving up in weight, we’ll see if he can bring that power up to 122-pounds. We’re also going to see if he can take my power.”

Along with his trainer Arnold Bravo, Alameda has trained in Bell Gardens, Calif. for the September 26 fight. Although there have been hiccups because of the pandemic, the fact that Alameda has known his opponent would always be Nery has made the process smoother.

“Training during a pandemic has been difficult, but we’ve essentially been training since January for this fight,” said Alameda. “When the March date was called off, we took a very short amount of time off, but then got right back into training for whenever it was going to happen.

“It’s been a very uncertain time and a lot of fighters haven’t really been training or sparring because they weren’t sure about the timing of their next fight. But because we’re in Los Angeles, we have a lot of local fighters to spar with. We were able to find three fighters to help us out with sparring and preparing to face a southpaw.”

The 27-year-old from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico took a slightly different route than many Mexican fighters to reach this point, opting for an extensive amateur career instead of turning pro as a teenager. Alameda embarked on his pro career in 2014 after competing in nearly 150 amateur fights, including a stint with the Mexican national team, but knew that eventually turning pro would be the only way to prove himself against the best in the world.

“I was very proud to be on the Mexican national team and I had a lot of fights for them,” said Alameda. “Eventually I decided that I wasn’t getting the opportunities I wanted as an amateur. I waited for the time to be right and that’s when I decided to turn pro. From there it was just a matter of time and building myself up toward a world title fight.”

Alameda and Nery are joined on the stacked September 26 lineup by top fighters at the 122-pound and 118-pound division, all of whom loom as potential future opponents for whoever emerges with the WBC title. Although Alameda is focused on his task against Nery, he is prepared to step in against any of the other top fighters around his weight class.

“Right now, I’m not thinking ahead,” said Alameda. “I’m only focused on Nery and winning this title. But I want to prove that I’m the best. After September 26, I’m willing to fight anyone they put in front of me.

“I understand that I’m the underdog in this fight, but that’s only making me hungrier to win. I’m going to go in there and show people who I am. I’m going to win and give the fans a good action fight.”

The unprecedented pay-per-view twin bill features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins live at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with the three-fight card topped by unbeaten WBC Champion Jermall Charlo facing top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

Following a 30-minute intermission, the second three-fight card, headlined by the historic unification matchup between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario, will begin. Unbeaten former champion Nery will battle undefeated Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-feature, while former unified champion Danny Román faces off against former champion Juan Carlos Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator bout to open the second installment of the pay-per-view.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

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

BRITISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION Liam Williams is tipping former foe Mark Heffron to ‘chin’ Denzel Bentley when the pair’s eagerly awaited collision comes around on Saturday night, live on BT Sport.

Despite his heated history with hardman Heffron, Williams reserved his most stinging comments for Denzel ‘2Sharp’ Bentley who he referred to as “reckless and sloppy”.

The much-anticipated tear-up between Heffron and Bentley is an eliminator for the British title held by Williams, who is no stranger to the two potential challengers.

‘The Machine’ has in-ring experience battling Heffron and shared social media barbs with Bentley in the past.

In the ring, Williams became a two-weight British champion at the expense of the then unbeaten Oldham man Heffron, who now clocks in with a record of 25-1.

Heffron came up against Williams on December 2018 after his mandated match for the Lonsdale belt – Jason Welborn – withdrew from the contest following the purse bid process. It caused more than a few ripples of anticipation when Williams was tempted to step up from super welterweight and take on the challenge against a known heavy puncher.

The fight was the catalyst of a run of form from the Welshman that saw him soar to mandatory position for the WBO world title held by Demetrius Andrade in the space of four fights – all spectacular stoppages.

Nobody could really have known, least of all Heffron, that we were to witness the birth of a middleweight force of nature.

That being said, Williams holds his former opponent in a high regard and strongly suspects he will have the beating of the hitherto unbeaten Bentley, who is also a known knockout merchant, with 11 from his 13 wins.

Williams believes there are weaknesses Heffron will exploit.

“I think it will be a good fight – a very good fight,” considered the 28-year-old, who works out of the Ingle Gym in Sheffield.

“I think Heffron will probably end up chinning him. Bentley is very reckless and a bit sloppy, I think so, from what I have seen.

“He is a little bit sloppy and, as everyone knows, Heffron is a very big puncher. I was actually sparring with Mark the other day and it was a good old dust-up. You would never expect anything less of Mark because he is a top fighter who comes to give it.”

Williams acknowledges that Heffron was unfortunate to come up against a man possessed when he introduced himself to the middleweight division.

“This is it, if it wasn’t for me being on my A-game or if he was against anybody else he would have become British champion. He just came up against the wrong person that night because I was hungry and firing on all cylinders.

“He came up a bit short, but I think he will become British champion another time. I actually think as soon as he challenges again he will become champion.”

So has Williams noted a narrowing of the gap between himself and Heffron from their recent spar-wars?

“No comment!

“With me and Mark, with the build-up we had and stuff, at the time I genuinely didn’t like the boy and I wanted to hurt him. But, in all fairness to him, I do think he is a sound lad and we get on good now because it is just a sport and we had to put that behind us.

“He is fighting to provide and so am I. We just happened to come up against each other and it was me that came out on top.”

Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley will fight live on BT Sport this Saturday on a card that also features the return of Anthony Yarde to light heavyweight action against Dec Spelman.

The vacant IBF European title will also be on the line at welterweight when Cedrick Peynaud meets English champion Ekow Essuman. Ellsewhere, lightweight Bilal Ali, featherweight Amin Jahanzeb and debut making super-welterweight Josh Frankham round out the card.

London, UK (9 September 2020) British Light-Heavyweight Champion Shakan Pitters is set to defend his title on November 14 on Channel 5 as he looks to get the first notch on his prized Lonsdale Belt.

Pitters claimed the title with a clear points victory over tough rival Chad Sugden just over two weeks ago and was back in front of Channel 5 cameras last weekend as a special guest presenter on the thrilling Samir Ziani-Alex Dilmaghani European title fight.

Promoter Mick Hennessy has lodged the date with the British Boxing Board of Control and has proposed Craig Richards as the intended challenger for the title. Hennessy won the original purse bid to stage Pitters v Richards back in December with a substantial bid, but Richards withdrew from the contest after suffering from a viral infection.

However, Hennessy kept to his word that Richards would get the first shot at the winner and he has made a very good offer to Richards’ team that reflects the original purse bid. He is currently awaiting confirmation if they intend to accept the fight as the Board are meeting today to formerly sanction the bout. If Richards declines, then Hennessy has a number of options to move forward with.

Also set to feature on the card will be the return of cruiserweight hot-shot Isaac Chamberlain who has racked up two sensational quick fire KO wins in two weeks’ and is firmly on his comeback into championship contention.

Birmingham ace and former Love Island star Idris Virgo, who has also had two wins in the last two weeks’, including a sensational first round body shot KO win, will return to action.

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

NEW YORK, – September 9, 2020 – Former unified super bantamweight champion Danny Roman anticipates an action packed showdown as he previewed his upcoming WBC super bantamweight title eliminator bout against former world champion Juan Carlos Payano taking place Saturday, September 26 in part two of a first-of-its-kind SHOWTIME PPV doubleheader presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“Payano is one of the toughest and roughest fighters in the division,” said Roman. “His only losses are to elite fighters. This fight will be all action because Payano likes to mix it up, as do I. The fans will get to see two warriors going at it as I’m fully prepared for a grueling fight. This will be an explosive twelve-round battle, and that’s if it goes the distance, which I highly doubt.”

Roman and his longtime trainer Eddie Gonzalez have prepared for the Payano fight at the Fundamentals Gym in Los Angeles, studying their opponent and aiming to put on an impressive performance on September 26.

“It’s been a very productive training camp thus far,” said Roman. “We’ve been going strong, but smart, since early August. Coach Eddie has been studying Payano and we see some flaws in his game that we feel we can capitalize on. I’m in great shape and its full steam ahead for Payano showdown.”

The Los Angeles-native Roman will return to the ring for the first time since dropping a narrow split-decision, and his super bantamweight titles, to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in January. Roman knows that with a win in this title eliminator, he will be in a prime position to regain his status in the division.

“A victory will put me right back on the doorstep for a world title,” said Roman. “I feel that I’m still one of the best fighters at super bantamweight, but I must get past Payano. There are so many big fights at super bantamweight, because this division is one of the deepest in boxing. My mind is set on becoming a world champion again, and a victory against Payano will bring me closer to that goal.”

The September 26 doubleheader is stacked with champions and top talent in the 122-pound division, presenting an abundance of opportunities for Roman should he emerge victorious. The 30-year-old relishes the opportunities in front of him to fight for the top spot at super bantamweight.

“I’m excited about this next chapter of my career with PBC and fighting on SHOWTIME®,” said Roman. “I know there will be a lot of big fights that can be made, and I want to thank my promoter Thompson Boxing for always believing in me. At the end of the day, I’m an entertainer and I want to give the fans great fights.”

The unprecedented pay-per-view twin bill features six compelling fights in all, five of which are world title fights, on the same night for one price. Part one of the SHOWTIME PPV telecast begins live at a special time of 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with the three-fight card topped by unbeaten WBC Champion Jermall Charlo facing top contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Brandon Figueroa will defend his title against 122-pound contender Damien Vázquez in the co-featured bout, while WBO Bantamweight World Champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the pay-per-view opener.

Following a 30-minute intermission, the second three-fight card, headlined by the historic unification matchup between WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo and IBF and WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario, will begin. Unbeaten former champion Luis Nery will battle undefeated Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship in the co-feature, while former unified champion Román faces off against former champion Payano in a WBC Super Bantamweight title eliminator bout to open the second installment of the pay-per-view.

The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.

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

DENNIS MCCANN will box his first ever eight rounder next month when he steps up in class and faces Pedro Matos.

The brilliant bantamweight prospect will tackle his Portuguese rival on Frank Warren’s triple title bill at BT Sport studio on Saturday October 10.

Unbeaten McCann, made it seven wins out of seven as a professional last month when he became only the second man to stop 82-fight veteran Brett Fidoe.

And the Maidstone traveller is more than confident that his eighth professional win will follow in his second fight behind closed doors.

It will be the third consecutive fight in Britain for Matos who performed well against Sunny Edwards and Quaise Khademi in title contests.

McCann, 19, who was boosted by a recent Facetime call from Naseem Hamed, the man many compare him with, has stopped five of his professional opponents and is confident of adding Matos to the list.

‘Dennis The Menace’ said: “This year has been very big one for me and I will do the exact same thing against better opposition as what I’ve been doing to most opponents.

“I will be putting them to sleep, never mind just stopping them. I believe Matos will be going that way.

“You either have it or you don’t although you have to live the life and be dedicated. The best like Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford and Vasyl Lomachenko were born with that talent. 

“The elite fighters are born with it and I was also 100 per-cent, for sure.”

Matos (7-3, 1 KO) was stopped on his feet in round eight when he challenged Edwards for the WBO European Super-Flyweight championship at Wembley Arena in April 2019.

The Lisbon man returned to London last December when he met Khademi for the same belt, but lost a close unanimous decision although he believed he did enough to win at the final bell.

Hall of Fame promoter Warren said: “The L plates are starting to be torn away from Dennis and he is moving on to the next stage of his career.

“Matos will fight with ambition and for a teenager to be taking a solid European opponent says a lot about the belief we have in Dennis.

“There are a lot of great young boxers around the world with the same aspirations as Dennis, but I can’t think of many prospects who have had less than ten fights as good as him.”

Heading the show is Welsh ace Liam Williams who defends his British Middleweight crown against mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson.

Belfast’s Anthony Cacace makes the first defence of his British Super-Featherweight championship against Leicester’s Leon Woodstock.

Nathan Gorman returns to action in a Commonwealth Title Eliminator against Ghana’s Richard Lartey.

Liverpool’s James Metcalf is back in action and risks his Commonwealth Super-Welterweight title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley.

Elsewhere, Mark Chamberlain looks to keep his unbeaten record and Bexley Welterweight Micky Burke bids for his fourth win since turning professional last year.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – 2020 has been a tough year for most of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down several sports leagues and brought the sport of boxing to a grinding halt. The sport is back but without fans and higher level fights are still a few weeks away from taking place.

Sullivan Barrera is one of the fighters that has been adversely affected. The former world title challenger was scheduled to face former champion Sergey Kovalev on April 25th in a DAZN streamed main event. This fight was among the spring events that were scrapped due to the coronavirus. Efforts to reschedule the fight for the summer and fall have so far failed to bear fruit.

Ever the consummate professional, Barrera has stayed active in the gym and is in great shape. He is looking to return to the ring in either November or December.

“I trained hard for the Kovalev fight. That was the fight to get me right back in the mix to fight for a world title,” said Barrera. “I only took a week off when the fight was canceled and I got right back in the gym.”

At this point in his career the former Cuban amateur standout is only interested in meaningful fights. With the Kovalev fight looking less and less likely, he is interested in facing any of the champions or top rated fighters in the loaded light heavyweight division.

“I am ready to fight any world champion and the best challengers in my division. I am a free agent and it is easy to make a fight with me. Just call my manager and show me where to sign,” Barrera stated.

Barrera holds a win over surging light heavyweight Joe Smith Jr. and also has faced elite fighters like Andre Ward and Dmitry Bivol. He feels rejuvenated and believes that he can produce another performance similar to his win over Smith when he knocked him down and broke his jaw.

“I am very hungry and can’t wait to get back in the ring. It has been too long. Hopefully one of these guys steps up to the plate so I can prove that I still have it,” Barrera stated.

MARK HEFFRON BELIEVES his hugely anticipated showdown with Denzel Bentley will develop into the shootout everyone expects, but reckons a few cagey rounds could precede the firefight.

The middleweight bangers collide inside the BT Studio on Saturday night – live coverage begins on BT Sport 1 from 7.30pm – and the 25-1 Heffron was forthright in his initial assessment of how the fight will go against the unbeaten Bentley, 13-0.

“I’m gonna demolish him!” was his opening gambit.

“I don’t even know how it will play out… It could be a bit of a chess match at first but after a few rounds it will get lively.

“I don’t think he is the best of boxers, to be honest,  and he was all over the place when Mick Hall put it on him. I think the only thing he can do is come forward, basically.

“I don’t think he has been hit before, but I have definitely got to be smart in what I do.

“This will get me right back on track, get a good win over Denzel and it should put me forward for big titles. I 100 per cent still want the British. Hopefully, after beating Denzel, I will be fighting for the British in December.”

The 28-year-old Heffron has resisted a recently stated intention to move up to super middleweight and has instead been going over some old ground in the gym with the only man to have beaten him as a pro. What he doesn’t intend to do, unlike against Liam Williams, is engage in any verbal warfare with Bentley because this really is a fight that speaks for itself.

“I have sorted my diet our properly now and my weight has come down by itself. It is almost bang-on already.

“We had a good spar, me and Liam, but I didn’t chin him and we did eight rounds. In one of the rounds they had to stop it and tell us both to calm down a bit.

“I’m just going to keep myself to myself and do my thing in the ring. I did call him a silly sausage once but I’ve got no hard feelings towards Denzel and he has not said anything bad about me.

“He seems like a nice lad but, obviously, this is business and he is in my way,” added the Oldham man, who is fully embracing the prospect of fighting without his army of fans urging him on.

“I am ready for all the new stuff and I am looking forward to just chilling out in the hotel. I think fighting behind closed doors might be better for me because when all the crowd are going mad you are not as focused.

“This time you will see the best of me even though I would have done hundreds of tickets for this one. This camp has actually been a lot easier with not messing around so much sorting out tickets.”

Without having to cater for the ticketing demands of the Oldham public, Heffron has been able to settle into a routine with his latest trainer in Michael Jennings, the former British welterweight champion and world title challenger.

“I’ve had a few, haven’t I…” conceded Heffron on his multiple moves.

“Obviously I am happy now 100 per cent and this is me now with Michael. I am buzzing with him and I have learned so much over the last seven or eight weeks. I am just ready now to go and I can’t wait.

“For this fight, with Michael, we have got an absolute banging game plan and everything is working. We’ve and the perfect sparring for Denzel and I have been putting the plan into action during the sparring.”

Mark Heffron and Denzel Bentley will fight on BT Sport on Saturday September 12 on a card that also features the return of Anthony Yarde to light heavyweight action against Dec Spelman.

The IBF European title will also be on the line at welterweight when the holder Cedrick Peynaud defends against English champion Ekow Essuman. Nathan Gorman returns to the heavyweight picture against Richard Lartey, with lightweight Bilal Ali, featherweight Amin Jahanzeb and debut making super welterweight Josh Frankham also on the card.

Live coverage begins on BT Sport 1 at 7.30pm

Millville, NJ (September 8, 2020) – It’s been a little over a week since Jr. Middleweight Contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna and once beaten Brian “La Bala” Mendoza squared off in the PBC on FS1 Main Event from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. Uncertain as to why and how, judges Edward Hernandez Sr. (98-92), Steve Morrow (96-94) and Pat Russell (98-92) all saw the bout in favor of Mendoza. Ironically, Hernandez Sr. was one of the judges from this past Sunday’s WBA Welterweight championship fight between Yordenis Ugas and Abel Ramos.

“This is a huge problem with boxing, these judges are ruining the careers of many young fighters who are just trying to make it. fortunately, the right person won in the Ugas fight, but they tried robbing that man of a World Title, it’s gross”. LaManna quoted in a very “torn” voice.

When asked about the fight, the scoring and “the bubble”, LaManna had no problem speaking his mind.

“The world knows I won; shit Brian Mendoza knows I won. The look on his face on National TV after they announced him the winner speaks for itself. I don’t have a problem with the kid, I wish him nothing but the best, he’s a good fighter and he gutted it out after being badly hurt in the 3rd round, but facts are it shouldn’t of been enough to win the fight and the judges are completely foul for scoring the way they did. There’s no need for a rematch, I’m still at a loss for words, but I’m able to sleep well at night knowing that I won that fight, and it’s probably haunting Mendoza because he knows he got an early Christmas gift”.

“The whole fight week was smooth, but it was not easy for everyone. We are basically locked in our room for maybe 20 hours out of the day, only allowed out to use the gym at a set time and to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was well run by the security team and the PBC staff was tremendous. It’s just a shame that a different, but good fight week was ruined by the decision”.

“I guess the biggest mistake that I made was having too much fun in the fight. I was the aggressor, I threw more punches, I landed more punches, I was making him miss and just displaying my experience. My trainers both told me that we didn’t know what the judges were looking at, so let’s close the fight out, Mendoza doesn’t belong in there with me”.

That didn’t turn out the way LaManna had hoped as he was cut in the 9th round for the first time in his almost 10-year career after a fierce exchange. “That sucked” LaManna quoted laughing. “The cut probably threw me off my game and I wasn’t happy with my mental conditioning, but now it’s something I’ve now experienced and thankfully there was only a round and a half left. My cutman Mike Rodriguez did an excellent job with the cut, I just let it get the best of me”.

“Boxing is all about being able to make adjustments in the moment, being smart and sharp, swimming without getting wet as Brother Naz (Late trainer Naazim Richardson) always said. God willing I’ll be back, PBC treated me good and gave me another opportunity after my poor performance against (Jorge) Cota back in January. I watched the replay once and listening to hall of famers Lennox Lewis and Joe Goossen, who both had me winning comfortably along with Brian Kenny, really lit a spark and I realized that I should have just kept doing what I was doing, boxing and making Mendoza look lost but based on the judges scores, would it have really mattered though?”

THE HEAVYWEIGHT RETURN of Nathan Gorman against Richard Lartey will now take place on October 10, having been pushed back from its original date of September 12.

The Ghanaian’s medicals have not been supplied in time for him to enter the fighter bubble tomorrow and as such the fight will be moved to the undercard of Liam Williams’ mandatory defence of his British title against Andrew Robinson.

Gorman, 16-1, will now feature on a show that also includes Anthony Cacace defending his British super featherweight title against Lyon Woodstock and the Commonwealth super welterweight title clash between the holder JJ Metcalf and challenger Jack Flatley.

Promoter Frank Warren commented: “Since returning post-lockdown we have always been ready to react to issues as and when they arise. We have been clear that we will always act with fighter and event safety in mind.

It is disappointing that we can’t put on this great fight for fans this weekend, but the show is still an exciting prospect for boxing fans, headlined by the return of Anthony Yarde.

“It is a pity for Nathan that he doesn’t get to fight this weekend, but it is only a short delay to what will be a good fight that will go ahead on another strong card on October 10.”

Las Vegas – UFC^® continues its September run of shows at UFC APEX with a thrilling strawweight clash as No. 8 ranked contender Michelle Waterson and No. 13 Angela Hill meet in a five-round main event guaranteed to deliver action.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: WATERSON vs. HILL will take place Saturday, September 12 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas with all fights carried exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with the prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.

Waterson (17-8, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) heads into her third UFC main event looking to show off the skills that won her an Invicta FC championship. A talented striker and grappler, she holds entertaining wins over Paige VanZant, Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Angela Magana. Waterson now plans to re-insert herself into the strawweight title conversation with another exciting performance.

Also a former Invicta FC champion, Hill (12-8, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) has become a fan favorite for being among the most active athletes on the entire UFC roster. Hill holds the record for the most fights in UFC women’s strawweight history with 15, which she earned with recent trademark wins over Loma Lookboonmee, Hannah Cifers and Ariane Carnelossi. She now aims to claim the biggest victory of her career in her first main event and break into the division’s top 10.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Ottman Azaitar (12-0, fighting out of Rabat, Morocco) takes on Khama Worthy (16-6, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Penn.) in a battle of lightweight prospects
• Top 10 women’s flyweights rematch as No. 8 ranked Roxanne Modafferi (24-18, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) looks to replicate her 2014 win over No. 9 Andrea Lee (11-4, Shreveport, La.)
• Light heavyweight strikers clash as veteran Ed Herman (26-14, fighting out of Portland, Ore.) takes on Mike Rodriguez (11-4, fighting out of South Easton, Mass.) on short notice
• Dana White’s Contender Seriessignee Billy Quarantillo (14-2, fighting out of Tampa, Fla.) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC when he clashes with well-rounded Canadian Kyle Nelson (13-3, fighting out of Huntsville, Ontario, Canada)
• No. 9 ranked flyweight contender Matt Schnell (14-5, fighting out of Shreveport, La.) meets fellow finisher Tyson Nam (19-11-1, fighting out of Wahiawa, Hawaii)
• No. 14 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Julia Avila (8-1, fighting out of Oklahoma City, Okla.) and No. 15 Sijara Eubanks (6-4, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) seek to break into the top 10 with a standout performance
• Matt Frevola (8-1, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y.) aims to steal the show against fellow lightweight contender Roosevelt Roberts (11-2, fighting out of San Bernardino, Calif.)
• Bobby Green (26-10-1, fighting out of Fontana, Calif.) competes for the third time in four months as he looks to finish Alan Patrick (15-2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• In a lightweight bout guaranteed to deliver action, Brok Weaver (14-5, fighting out of Mobile, Ala.) locks horns with Frank Camacho (22-9, fighting out of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands)
• Bryan Barberena (14-7, fighting out of Gastonia, N.C.) and Anthony Ivy (8-3, fighting out of San Antonio, Texas) look to make a statement in a clash at welterweight
• Women’s flyweight prospect Sabina Mazo (8-1, fighting out of Fountain Valley, Calif.) aims to extend her win streak when she meets veteran Justine Kish (7-2, fighting out of Cramerton, N.C.) 

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 102 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 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service 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.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

LAS VEGAS (September 8, 2020) — Four belts, one champion. A universally recognized lightweight king will be crowned Saturday, Oct. 17, live on ESPN from MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.  

WBO/WBA/WBC Franchise world champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko, the pound-for-pound “Boxing Baryshnikov” from Ukraine, will fight unbeaten IBF world champion Teofimo Lopez, the knockout artist from Brooklyn who has lobbed verbal haymakers at Lomachenko for more than two years. The two will fight from the MGM Grand Conference Center aka the “Las Vegas Bubble.”   Promoted by Top Rank, Lomachenko-Lopez (ESPN and ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET) headlines a can’t-miss month of boxing on the ESPN family of networks, which also includes the long-awaited return of Japanese pound-for-pound superstar Naoya “Monster” Inoue, who will defend his WBA and IBF bantamweight world titles on Halloween evening, Saturday, Oct. 31, against Australian contender Jason “Mayhem” Moloney.  

“Lomachenko-Lopez is the best fight that can be made in boxing, and we are delighted that it will be available to fans for no extra charge live on ESPN,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Teofimo and Vasiliy demanded the fight, and we are glad we could make it happen. Vasiliy has never backed down from a challenge since he turned pro under the Top Rank banner, and Teofimo is a fearless young champion daring to be great. This has all the makings of a modern boxing classic.”  

Lomachenko said, “Teofimo Lopez can talk all he wants. He’s very good at talking. He has done nothing but say my name for the past two years. I am a fighter, and my goal is to win another world title. Good for Teofimo. When we fight in Las Vegas, he will eat my punches and his words. I will be the better man, and four world titles will come home with me to Ukraine.”

Egis Klimas, Lomachenko’s manager, stated, “Nobody has seen Lomachenko at 100 percent inside the ring. If Teofimo can push Loma to at least 80 percent, it means Teofimo is the best opponent Loma has faced.”  

Lopez said, “I will beat up Lomachenko and take his belts. Simple as that. I’m coming to Las Vegas to make history. I don’t like the guy, and I’m going to have fun as Lomachenko’s face is beaten and marked up by my hands. The Takeover is here, and the reign of Lomachenko, the little diva, is coming to an end.”  

Added Matt Kenny, Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN: “Boxing has long been part of the fabric of our company and we could not be more excited for the October schedule on ESPN platforms, which includes the highly anticipated lightweight title bout between Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez on October 17. Top Rank was one of the very first organizations to safely stage live events during the pandemic and as the calendar turns to fall, ESPN will be home to fights that will excite boxing enthusiasts and capture the attention of casual fans.”  

Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) enters this bout coming off a scintillating decision win over British star Luke Campbell last August in front of a sold-out O2 Arena in London. A two-time Olympic gold medalist who went 396-1 in the amateur ranks, Lomachenko tied a boxing record by winning a world title in his third pro fight. He is a former featherweight and junior lightweight world champion who won the lightweight crown in May 2018 with a body shot knockout over Jorge Linares. In seven years as a pro, Lomachenko is 13-1 with 9 knockouts in world title fights and is ranked by many pundits as this generation’s most accomplished pugilist. From 2016-2017, he made four consecutive fighters quit on their stools, earning him the “No-Mas-chenko” moniker.   

Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs), the brash Brooklynite who initially gained attention because of his post-fight “Fortnite” dances and backflip celebrations, soon emerged as boxing’s most charismatic young superstar following his 2016 pro debut. He was the consensus 2018 Prospect of the Year, a campaign punctuated by a one-punch, first-round knockout over Mason Menard on the Lomachenko-Jose Pedraza undercard. Following the Menard knockout, he donned the jersey of Kyler Murray, who’d won the Heisman Trophy earlier that evening. Lopez climbed the rankings in 2019 with wins over Diego Magdaleno, Edis Tatli and Masayoshi Nakatani.  

Last December, Lopez knocked out Richard Commey in two rounds to win the IBF world title. Sitting ringside was Lomachenko, who entered the ring during the post-fight pandemonium. Arum waved him over to take a photo with the newly crowned champion. The stage had been set. #LomaLopez was going to happen.  

The lightweight unification battle is only the tip of the Top Rank on ESPN boxing iceberg. Here’s what else is in store in October.  

Saturday, October 3

Jose Zepeda (32-2, 2 NC, 25 KOs) vs. Ivan Baranchyk (20-1, 13 KOs)

MGM Grand Las Vegas

10 Rounds, Junior Welterweight

ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT  

Zepeda and Baranchyk were scheduled to meet inside the “Bubble” July 7, but a training injury to Baranchyk forced a postponement. Zepeda, a two-time world title challenger, instead fought Kendo Castaneda on July 7, cruising to a unanimous win. Baranchyk formerly held the IBF junior welterweight world title, defeating Anthony Yigit via seventh-round TKO to pick up the vacant title in October 2018. In May 2019, he was dethroned by current WBA/IBF world champion Josh Taylor in a competitive 12-round battle. He rebounded last October with a fourth-round stoppage over Gabriel Bracero at Madison Square Garden. The winner of this bout will be ranked No. 1 by the WBC at 140 pounds for the belt currently held by Jose Ramirez.  

Friday, October 9

Emanuel Navarrete (32-1, 28 KOs) vs. Ruben Villa (18-0, 5 KOs)

MGM Grand Las Vegas

12 Rounds, Vacant WBO Featherweight World Title

ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT  

After five defenses of his WBO junior featherweight world title, Navarrete is ready to conquer the featherweight division. The “Mexican Iron Man” and boxing’s most active world champion, Navarrete fought six world title bouts in just over 14 months (December 2018 to February 2020). He last fought a non-title bout against Uriel Lopez on June 20 in Mexico City, scoring a sixth-round TKO. The WBO No. 1 featherweight contender, Navarrete has won 27 consecutive bouts, including 14 of his last 15 by stoppage. Villa, from Salinas, Calif., has defeated contenders Alexei Collado, Jose Enrique Vivas and Luis Alberto Lopez in his last three bouts to earn the world title shot.  

Friday, October 23

Artur Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) vs. Adam Deines (19-1-1, 10 KOs)

Moscow

12 Rounds, Beterbiev’s WBC/IBF Light Heavyweight World Titles

ESPN & ESPN Deportes, 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT

Undercard: ESPN+, 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT  

Boxing’s only world champion with a 100 percent knockout ratio, Beterbiev will fight for the first time since knocking out Oleksandr Gvozdyk in a highly anticipated world title unification bout last October. A two-time Russian Olympian, Beterbiev has never fought in his home nation as a professional and will do so against Deines, a fellow Russian who now calls Germany home. Deines has won two in a row since a decision loss to Meng Fanlong, while Beterbiev has made three world title defenses since winning the vacant IBF world title with a 12th-round stoppage over Enrico Koelling in November 2017.  

In the ESPN-televised co-feature, a WBO light heavyweight world title eliminator, No. 1-ranked contender Umar Salamov will face No. 2-ranked contender Maxim Vlasov, with the winner expected to fight Joe Smith Jr. for the vacant world title. Both Salamov and Vlasov recently signed promotional contracts with Top Rank.  

Saturday, October 31

Naoya Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs) vs. Jason Moloney (21-1, 18 KOs)

MGM Grand Las Vegas

12 Rounds, Inoue’s IBF/WBA Bantamweight World Titles

ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT  

A three-division world champion and a consensus Top 5 pound-for-pound fighter, Inoue makes his Las Vegas debut and his fourth bantamweight world title defense against a man who is ranked in the Top 5 by every major sanctioning organization. Inoue is coming off a unanimous decision over Nonito Donaire last November, a fight named by many outlets as the Fight of the Year. Prior to the Donaire bout, Inoue knocked out four consecutive opponents in three rounds or less, including a second-round stoppage over Emmanuel Rodriguez to win the IBF world title. Inoue’s ring return was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he has a stiff test in Moloney, an Australian boxer-puncher who made his “Bubble” debut June 25 with a knockout over Leonardo Baez. Moloney has won four straight bouts, all by knockouts, since a controversial split decision loss to Rodriguez for the IBF world title.  

NEW YORK (Sept 7, 2020) – Marques Valle made a splash in his pro debut, as the 21 year-old Welterweight needed just 93 seconds to take out Jernato Harris this past Friday night at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

The former Team USA member is the latest of Split-T Management’s Tim VanNewhouse’s growing roster of clients to make their professional debuts. Despite having less than 50 career amateur fights, Valle made it all the way to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where he impressed with his ability to consistently walk down more experienced opposition.

Valle dropped Harris with a hard body shot in the opening minute of the contest. Valle ended things by landing a barrage of punches that was punctuated by a vicious left to the body that had Harris riding in pain under the bottom rope, and the fight was stopped at 1:33.

WATCH KNOCKOUT

Valle of Wesley Chapel, Florida is 1-0 with one knockout.