BANTAMWEIGHT PRODIGY Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann has bemoaned the lack of fighting spirit amongst his fellow British Bantamweights, saying ‘They don’t want it, do they?’

At a press conference earlier this week, Hall-of-Fame promoter Frank Warren referred to McCann as one of the “best young talents” that he’d seen in “many, many years”  and said that Dennis had “the potential to be one of the outstanding British fighters of his generation.”

That message has clearly resonated with the British Bantamweight division as, according to McCann, not one of them was in a hurry to take the fight.

“We went down through the whole of BoxRec and we said ‘we’ll get him’ and we’d ring them up and it was no good,” he said. “Literally, we went through fifteen opponents with good records. All good kids… fought for good titles and they all turned it down.”

“Every single one of them.”

McCann is only six fights into his young career, but with four decisive finishes to his name has already earned comparisons to the great Prince Naseem Hamed.

Similar to Naz, who Warren also guided to the top of the boxing world, the young man from Kent’s confidence knows no bounds. However, he has insisted that he is “not the next Naz” and that he is “the first Dennis McCann.”

With that confidence, plus an abundance of scintillating speed and crushing power, this Maidstone mauler is considered by many to be a future world champion at his weight class.

But for Dennis? That’s simply not enough.

“I want a couple of world titles at a couple of weights, then I’ll be happy. When I’m training I picture those titles in my head. 

“I left school at ten years of age… I knew I was destined to box.”

McCann boasts a boxing intellect that is mature beyond his years and is fully aware that promoter Frank Warren houses British and Commonwealth Champion within his Queensberry stable.

With his limitless ambition, it would only make sense that Dennis already has at least one eye on Foster’s titles.

Whilst he is respectful of Brad’s ability, ‘The Menace’ is clear that a future bout is a very real possibility.

“Brad Foster boxed very well last time and is getting better and better every fight. He’s really improved. It’s nice to see. 

“That could definitely be a potential match-up down the line.”

Before that though, Dennis must take care of business live on BT Sport this Saturday night where his opponent will be tough, battle-hardened veteran Brett Fidoe.

In over 80 professional bouts Fidoe has only been stopped once, in 2016 against Andrew Selby, and has been christened by Steve Bunce as “the best journeyman in Britain.”

As tough a test as it might prove to be, Dennis sees only one outcome now that someone finally agreed to fight him.

“I cannot wait… i’ll steal the show as usual”

DENNIS MCCANN RETURNS ON SATURDAY NIGHT, LIVE ON BT SPORT.

The broadcast team has been named for Salita Promotions’ “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK” event at Detroit’s Kronk Gym on Thursday, August 20, 2020, and livestreamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS® (7pm ET/4pm PT).

Doing the play-by-play and in-ring interviews will be capable broadcast veteran Ray Flores of PBC fame, while well-known color man Corey Erdman will provide context and round-by-round scoring. Serving as roving reporter doing between-round and locker-room interviews will be Detroit’s own former world champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage.

For more than a decade, Ray Flores has been a play-by-play man and/ or ring announcer for some of the largest mixed martial arts and boxing organizations worldwide including Premier Boxing Champions, TGB Promotions, Mayweather Promotions, Banner Promotions, World Boxing Super Series, Warriors Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions and many more.

In 2017, Ray was the in-arena host for the Mayweather/McGregor world press tour seen all over the world. Over the past several years, Flores has been featured ring announcing on networks such as Fox, NBC, ESPN, CBS, NBCSN, PPV, FS1, MSG, Setanta Sports, SKY Sports, BoxNation, the Active Channel, AXS TV, Galavision, Telefutura, as well as doing play-by-play work on FS1, and Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Ray also spent five years as a sports anchor for ESPN Radio Chicago.

“It will be an honor to call the action from the legendary Kronk Boxing gym in Detroit,” said Flores. “It’s not easy putting on events during this time, but Salita Promotions has put together a terrific card and are taking all the necessary precautions to keep us safe. Expect an entertaining night of boxing from the Motor City on August 20.”

Canada’s Corey Erdman is a televised boxing veteran commentator having worked for ESPN, NBC, CBS, SpikeTV, BoxNation, DAZN and SNY, as well as UFC Fight Pass’ recurring series Broadway Boxing. Erdman is also a lead columnist for Boxing Scene, and a regular combat sports contributor to VICE.

“I’m beyond excited to get back to calling fights after six months,” said Erdman. “Anyone who knows me knows my attachment to the city of Detroit, so it’s a particular honor for me to be broadcasting fights happening at the historic Kronk Gym. I like to think we have some innovative and interesting things in store for the boxing fans at home as we all continue to adapt to a totally new era of broadcasting.”

During his impressive career, two-time former IBF Junior Middleweight Champion Cornelius “K9” Bundrage (36-6, 20 KO’s) has shared the ring with seven former world champions. Bundrage was also a competitor on ESPN’s “The Contender” Season 2 boxing reality television show in 2006 with Hall of fame host Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone and was named “fan favorite” out of sixteen boxers from all over the United States. Outside the ring Detroit native Bundrage is a motivational speaker and mentor.

“This is a very exciting time for the city of Detroit,” said Bundrage, “bringing boxing back to where it all started at the legendary Kronk gym. Emanuel would be proud. I take my hat off to everyone involved in making this fight happen. You can’t imagine how excited I am to be part of this. In the words of Shannon Briggs ‘Let’s Go Champ!’”

Mark Taffet, President of Mark Taffet Media, will be Executive Producer of the telecast and consultant on the event. Taffet brings his extensive boxing event and business experience to the Salita Promotions/UFC Fight Pass effort.

“For the UFC Fight Pass viewers, we intend to provide an entertaining, fast-paced seven fight card which will include talent in two locations and some intense live corner and locker room interviews at the most dramatic moments of a boxing event,” said Taffet.

“I am honored to be working with an all-star cast headlined by one of the long-time leaders of the boxing business in Mark Taffet with some of the world’s best broadcasters,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita. “Although we are all going through a challenging time, we wanted to give the boxing community a special show from the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit.”

In the night’s 10-round super middleweight main event, undefeated Vladimir Shishkin (10-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit via Russia, will take on Mexico’s battle-tested Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (21-13-1, 10 KOs). In the eight-round middleweight co-main event, Russian middleweight Timur Kerefov (8-0, 4 KOs) of Detroit via Shalushka, Russia, takes on Kansas City, Missouri veteran Calvin Metcalf (10-4-1, 3 KOs).

Also appearing will be undefeated super middleweight prospect Cruse “Hitman” Stewart (7-0, 6 KOs) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in a six-rounder against rugged Mexican veteran Jose Manuel Medrano of laquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico, and in a notable women’s match-up, Houston via Brooklyn light heavyweight Danielle Perkins will make her highly anticipated six-round pro debut against undefeated fellow prospect Monika Harrison (2-0-1, 1 KO), also of Houston.

In a four-round heavyweight battle, Tulsa, Oklahoma, h6’ 4? 230-lb. heavyweight Jeremiah Milton will make his professional debut against an opponent TBA. Junior middleweight Morris Young Jr. will make his four-round debut against also debuting San Jose, California native Andrea Topping.

Opening up the action will be a middleweight four-rounder featuring Detroit’s Marlon Harrington (1-0, 1 KO) looking to spoil the pro debut of San Antonio’s Ricardo Medina.

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

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YouTube Channel for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

Eddie Hearn:

“Thanks Chris, thanks Darren, and thank you everybody for tuning in across this stream joining us on Sky Sports News and of course Matchroom Boxing socials as well. Wow. What a couple of weeks we’ve had. You know I was thinking the other day, Fight Camp is unquestionably the standout performer across all sports in my opinion, not just boxing, but all sports coming out through lockdown. It has been absolutely fantastic and I believe this week we have the best week of the three so far from top to bottom. Compelling fights. We’re expecting a few thunderstorms, we’re expecting a little bit of rain, it’s all going to add to the drama of Fight Camp as it unfolds at Matchroom HQ this Friday live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN across America.”

John Docherty – Montrose, Scotland – 8-0, 6 KO’s – fighting Anthony Fox in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“I’ve put my body through hell in this training camp. I’ve taken Anthony Fox very seriously. He’s a tough opponent and I’ve not taken him lightly. Those boys he’s beaten in the past might have overlooked Anthony Fox. I’ve not overlooked Anthony Fox. I’ve put 100% into training. I’ve done more rounds of sparring in this camp. The boys I’ve been sparring are a lot better than Anthony Fox and I’m handling them in sparring. I’m looking forward to fight night and putting on a show. I’ve not taken this fight lightly. You’ll see that on Friday night. I’ll put on a performance. I’ll shine on Friday night and I’ll show what level I’m at. There’s levels to this boxing, and I’m levels above Anthony Fox. My amateur pedigree backs that up but obviously I’ve got to do that in the pros. I’m going to knockout Anthony Fox on Friday night. Mark my words I will.”

Anthony Fox – Westbury, England – 8-12-4 – fighting John Docherty in an eight round Super-Middleweight contest:

“We’re focused on this fight. That’s it really. I know he hits hard, but I hit hard as well. 100%, I don’t think it’s going eight rounds. Either I’m getting stopped or he’s getting stopped. That’s it.”

Kieron Conway – Northampton, England – 14-1-1, 3 KOs – fighting Navid Mansouri for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title:

“It’s a huge fight for me. I’m here to put a dominant display on. When people start talking about Cheeseman, Fitzgerald and Fowler, my name is going to be in that mix every single time after a real strong dominant performance. A lot of people see me as the back up and on the sidelines. I’m here to prove that I’m the top of that list. I’m not here to make up the numbers. I want to end this fight inside the distance and make a statement. I do believe that I’m a level above Navid but he seems to think that I’m overlooking him. I’m not overlooking him at all. I’m focused. I’m ready. If anything he’s overlooking me. I’m really looking forward to it. The set up looks unreal. The Cheeseman rematch is definitely the one I want. I want to put the record straight.”

Navid Mansouri – Rotherham, England – 20-3-2, 6 KOs – fighting Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title:

“I’ve had a great training camp and I’m ready to take on Kieron and push on to more big fights. I can adapt to any style. I can have a war for sure. I don’t shy away from a battle, I can box as well. We’re going to do what we need to do to get the win. This is the best camp that I’ve ever had. I couldn’t ask for anything better. With the position that I’m in now, physically and mentally, I feel 100%. I feel super confident and I can’t wait to get out there and showcase my skills. The Super-Welterweight division is booming and there’s some great fights to be made. Every one of those domestic fights will make for a great fight. Ted Cheeseman vs. Sam Eggington – what a fight that was! Anthony Fowler, what a great fighter he is as well. Get this win, and I’ll move into that mix.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – 5-0, 2 KOs – fighting Rachel Ball in an eight round Super-Bantamweight contest:

“I feel in the best shape of my life. I’m actually embracing the pressure. Pressure creates diamonds, and on Friday night I will shine. I’ve had opponents before that haven’t brought the heat to me and I may have not performed to the best of my ability. I know for a fact that Rachel will be my hardest fight so far and because of that, that will bring out the best in me and you will see the very best version of myself. I can’t take anything for granted. I can’t switch off. I’ve got to stay focused 100%. Camp has been the hardest camp I’ve ever had but the best camp I’ve ever had. The sparring we’ve had has been sensational. I’ve had girls, some taller than Rachel, some that want to fight on the inside and some that keep me long. We’ve had every type of sparring partner that you can imagine and it’s the best that I’ve ever looked in the gym.”

Rachel Ball – Aldridge, England – 5-1 – fighting Shannon Courtenay in an eight round Super-Bantamweight contest:

“It’s a massive opportunity for me. I’ve come from fighting on small hall shows. I fought in Norway on a Team Sauerland show which was a really good promotion. For me it’s a massive opportunity and I want to prove that I belong on this platform. It’s nice to be Rachel the social worker when I’m at work and then when I’m in the gym I’m Rachel the boxer. I’m happy having that separation. Coming into this fight, a lot of people don’t know who I am and that’s fine. I’ve got to leave everything in there. I can’t take a second off. I’ve really got to give everything I can. I’m feeling confident. Even with the global pandemic I’ve had the best fight camp I could have ever had and I’m feeling great. I’m in great shape. I’ve got all of the confidence in the world.”

Zelfa Barrett – Manchester, England – 23-1, 14 KOs – fighting Eric Donovan for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“I’m buzzing about this opportunity. Respect to Eric, I really appreciate him taking the fight. I’m under no illusion, he’s there trying to beat me and I’m here to do a job on him. No disrespect to the guy. I’m going to look good doing it. The better he is, the better I’ll be. I’m ready. I’m excited. I’m ready to go to Ireland and back to beat this guy. I’ve trained too hard. I’ve dedicated my whole life towards boxing. I’ve moved in with my Uncle Pat for this camp, that was the hardest! I’ve not come this far to be put aside. I’m here to stay. I’m going to be fighting for World Titles at the M.E.N. No disrespect to him but he’s in my way.”

Eric Donovan – Athy, Ireland – 12-0, 7 KOs – fighting Zelfa Barrett for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here. Honestly, I’m very grateful for the opportunity. You’re dead right. I think in life if you want to be successful, no matter what, you have to take risks. You also have to be able to back it up. You have to be good enough and you have to prepare well. When this opportunity was presented to me I knew that chances and opportunities for me are few and fare between. Nobody has the balls to fight Zelfa at Super-Featherweight in Britain. So when Mark put it to me I said yes Mark, I’ll step up to it and I’ll take that because I see an opportunity. I believe in myself and I believe if I can get a good camp, good preparation, then I can put in a good performance and win this fight. So far we have done that. If I can perform to the best of my ability on Friday night I think I can do enough to win.”

Felix Cash – Wokingham, England – 12-0, 8 KOs  – defending his Commonwealth Middleweight Title against Jason Welborn:

“Jason has been around. He’s a good fighter. He’s a strong fighter. I’ve got a lot of respect for Jason as a fighter. I believe I’m a level above him. I’m better than him and I’m going to show that on Friday night. I’ve left no stone unturned. I haven’t overlooked Jason. I’ve done everything right in the gym, trained hard and I’m ready to go on Friday night and move on after him, use him as a stepping stone to bigger and better fights. I’m planning to go all of the way. I’ve got to be dealing with people like Jason. This is a big night for me to showcase my skills. This is what it’s all about. This is what boxing is all about.”

Jason Welborn – Tividal, England – 24-8, 7 KOs  – challenging Felix Cash for the Commonwealth Middleweight Title:

“I’m back at Middleweight and I’m comfortable. I’m back enjoying the sport now. I had two losses at Light-Middle. I’ve had a few things going on in life but I’m back here now and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to experiencing Fight Camp. The key is with me is my strength. I’m a different fighter. I’ve had the wars and I’ve had the tests, I’ve been there. We’ve got to put on a good fight and I think it will be. With his style and my style, I think we’re going to clash. This is my time, and if I want to stay on these shows I’ve got to win on Friday night.”

Hamburg, 12th of August 2020 – Swedish heavyweight Adrian Granat will makes a comeback to professional boxing next month – over two years since he surprisingly retired after losing ‘Battle of the Vikings’ against fellow Swede Otto Wallin. Granat lost the match after an unanimous decision and while Wallin went on to fight Tyson Fury in Las Vegas, Granat felt he’d had enough of boxing. A bumpy life on the pro circuit and turbulence behind the scenes in Hamburg had slowly killed the love for the sport he had grown up with. He decided to finish his degree in economics and is today a qualified accountant. But the story doesn’t end there…

Granat:“I felt disillusioned and decided to do something else. But a  few months ago I was talked into a few rounds of sparring…and it awakened something deep inside of me. I’ve boxed my entire life, it’s in my blood.”
With a new team supporting him and a new base in his hometown of  Malmö, Sweden – Adrian Granat is now ready for a comeback. A two-match contract is agreed with promotor Erol Ceylan and the first step back to the top will be in Istanbul in October.

Granat:“I’ve increased my training during the last couple of months. My current weight is 107 kg and it’s all muscle – I feel stronger than ever. I am definitely not done with boxing and there is still plenty of the desire in me. I was born a warrior and I can’t wait until I’m back in the ring!”

Maxi Hughes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Former world title challenger Jono Carroll in a lightweight bout in Yorkshire, England.

Hughes, 136 1/4 lbs won by scores of 96-95 twice and 97-93 to go to is 21-5-2.Carroll, 137 3/4 lbs is now 18-2-1

Sean McComb won a 10-round unanimous decision over Siar Ozgul in a super lightweight bout.

In round six, McComb started to bleed from the nose and over his right eye.

McComb, 139 1/4 lbs of Belfast won by scores of 99-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 11-0. Ozgul, 140 1/4 lbs is 15-5.

Shair Iqbel won a eight-round unanimous decision over Maredudd Thomas in a welterweight bout.

Iqbel, 147 lbs of Bolton won by scores of 78-75, 78-76 and 78-74 and is now 8-0. Thomas 146 3/4 lbs is 11-1.

Pierce O’Leary stopped Jacob Quinn in round four of their scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

O’Leary ended things with a hard left hook that sent Quinn to his knees. The bout was stopped upon Quinn getting to his feet at 24 seconds.

O’Leary, 142 1/4 lbs of Dublin, IRE is 5-0 with two knockouts. Quinn, 141 3/4 lbs is 4-1.

Craig McIntyre stopped Ishmael Ellis in round five of their scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout

In round four, Mcintyre dropped Ellis with a body shot.

In round five, Mcintyre continued to land hard right hands, and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Mcintyre, 143 1/2 lbs is 12-0-1 with five knockouts. Ellis, 141 3/4 lbs is 11-3.

Cecilia Brækhus says her experience will be the key as the undisputed Welterweight champion puts her titles on the line against Jessica McCaskill on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday August 15, live on DAZN.

Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) is gunning for history on Saturday night as she looks to surpass Joe Louis’ 72-year record for World title defenses and is brimful of confidence that she has seen too much in the sport for the tenacious McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) to dethrone her.

The Norwegian star has been lacing them up as a pro for over 13 years following a successful amateur career, and dwarfing her Chicago rival who has achieved so much in just shy of five years as a pro – and Brækhus believes that gulf in experience will be key to adapt to the unique conditions of boxing around the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I know the drill; it’s not the first time a fight has been cancelled for me,” said Brækhus. “Of course, these are some extraordinary circumstances, but as soon as the fight was off, we wound down a little bit and had some time off before slowly starting back up again. I think we’ve done the right thing, we haven’t over-trained, but we’ve stayed in shape.

“I will get win 37 in Tulsa. Being in Big Bear for so many months has given me another life in boxing, before I have been in meetings, on the phone, flying back and forth, LA-Norway, Norway-LA, but I’ve been just completely focused on my boxing and I am in the best shape, I cannot remember the last time I was in such great shape and I cannot wait for Saturday.

“Where I box doesn’t matter to me, I just get in the ring and I’m excited to share the ring with a great fighter. I’ve travelled the world and boxed indoors and outdoors; this is my job and it’s what we do. We have our routines and we are following them; we’re going to do the work inside the ring and that’s all the matters. The set up in Tulsa looks great and I’m excited to be a part of it, it’s completely new.

“I feel great knowing that we’ve both stayed in camp and so we’ll both be the best versions of ourselves. I think that it’s one of the best fights that Matchroom could come back with in the States.

“The best fighters will adapt to the new conditions. When I go into the ring I just focus on my opponent and nothing else, so it will be different but I have experienced a lot of weird stuff in my career, it’s been many years now and I honestly think that I have experienced everything so I don’t think no crowd being there will be an issue at all. I am there to do a job and that’s where my focus is.

“It’s a huge fight. The setting, being the main fight, a tough opponent in Jessica who we all know from her fights with Erica Farias and Katie Taylor; I think we’re opening boxing for Matchroom with a bang in America.”

Brækhus-McCaskill tops the bill on a massive night of action in the unique setting of the downtown Tulsa streets as Matchroom return Stateside.

Rising Super-Welterweight Israil Madrimov (5-0 5 KOs) can close in on World title honors as he meets Eric Walker (20-2 9 KOs) in a final eliminator for the WBA World title while Madrimov’s fellow countryman ShakhramGiyasov will now face Wiston Campos (31-7-6 19 KOs) after second replacement opponent Rey Perez was ruled out following original opponent Francisco Rojo being forced out of the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 during his training camp in his home city and a trio of young talents complete the card in Nikita Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs), Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs) and the debut of amateur star Marc Castro.

LAS VEGAS (August 11, 2020) – Undefeated super middleweight prospects Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) and Jose “Toro” Resendiz (11-0, 8 KOs) headline the August 27th RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event, starting at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

RJJ Boxing’s first show since January 30th at Yakima Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington, will be held two nights prior to this event, Aug. 25th at the same venue, headlined by undefeated Mexican knockout specialist Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (21-0, 16 KOs) against Jose Rosario Cazarez (20-5-1, 10 KOs), also streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Barajas, fighting out of Victorville CA, is a relatively tall super middleweight, standing 6′ 4″ with an advantageous 80″ reach, whose should feel at home fighting for the 8th time in Mexico. Barajas registered his statement victory, to date, back in May 2019, when he won a 10-round majority decision against 18-4-3 Lanell Bellows in Memphis. In his UFC FIGHT PASS debut a year ago, Barajas followed up with an impressive 8-round unanimous decision win versus 20-7-1 Fidel Hernandez in Tucson, AZ.

Upset-minded Resendiz, who hopes to take advantage of this great opportunity, is riding an 8-fight knockout streak into this battle of undefeated prospects.

Juan “Just Business” Barajas (L) will put his 11-0 record on the line Aug. 27 against undefeated super middleweight Jose “Toro” Resendiz

Another power puncher, Mexican lightweight Luis “Sparring” Gallegos (16-0, 15 KOs) steps up in terms of fighting a quality opponent in fellow Mexican Oscar “Terrible” Flores (12, 12 KOs) in the 8-round, co-featured event. This fight doesn’t figure to go the distance, because the two Mexican fighters have 27 combined knockouts in 28 wins. 15 for 16 (Gallegos) and 12 12 (Flores). Gallegos, 22, was a 14-time Mexican National champion who was unable to qualify for the Mexican Olympic Boxing Team due to an unfortunate injury.

Rising-star Lester Martinez (4-0, 4 KOs) faces Abraham “Pan” Hernandez (8-2, 4 KOs), of Mexico, in a six round lightweight fight. Last year, Martinez made his pro debut at home in Guatemala City under extremely rare conditions, taking on 3-time, 2-division Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga (32-11-1, 26 KOs), who hasn’t fought again since he was stopped in the second round by Martinez. The 24-year-old Martinez, who was a standout amateur boxer, is on a mission to become World champion prior to his 10th pro fight.

Undefeated Colorado welterweight Jose Arellano (8-0, 5 KOs), a Mexico native, meets Flavio Cesar Santos (6-1) in a 6-round match opening live UFC FIGHT PASS streaming.

Also scheduled to fight on the card, off-UFC FIGHT PASS, is Phoenix’ pro-debuting lightweight Jose Miguel Valenzuela against his Mexican opponent, Guillermo “El Gratano” Borboa (1-2-1, 1 KO), in a 4-round bout. Other undercard fights will soon be announced.

Card subject to change.

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Miami – August 11, 2020 – “Boxeo Telemundo,” the #1 Spanish-language boxing program in the U.S., makes its return to Telemundo this Friday, August 14 featuring the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latin Champion and Tijuana, Mexico native, Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza against Colombian and recently undefeated fighter, Brandon “El Metrallo” Valdes for the vacant WBO Youth Super Bantamweight World Title. The event will broadcast live on Telemundo and live stream on the Telemundo Deportes app this Friday night at midnight, 12 a.m ET, from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla.

For four consecutive weeks, all fights will be broadcast live on Telemundo and live streamed on Telemundo Deportes En Vivo app with additional extensive news and content on TelemundoDeportes.com, including access to the weigh-in and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. In addition, short form content that include fighters, behind the scenes and news will be produced exclusively for Telemundo Deportes’ social media platforms using the hashtag #BoxeoTelemundo.

“Boxeo Telemundo” is hosted by veteran boxing expert and Florida Boxing Hall of Famer Rene Giraldo, alongside Edgar Lopez and World Boxing Champion and former Olympian Abner Mares.

In the season opener, Mexican Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza, 24-3 (21 KOs), will take on the Barranquilla, Colombia native, Brandon “El Metrallo” Valdes, 13-0 (11 KOs), for the WBO Youth Super Bantamweight World Title. The event marks both Hindu Espinoza’s and “El Metrallo” Valdes’ first fight this year. In addition to the WBO title, Friday offers an opportunity for Espinoza to avenge his 2019 loss to John Riel Casimero for the interim WBO World Bantam Title, while Valdes looks to maintain his undefeated streak from the previous year. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds in the Super Bantamweight division with the WBO Youth title in play. The showdown will mark the return of the series live on Telemundo every Friday until the closing fight on September 4th. Each fight will be broadcasted live from Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla.

Highlighting the action during the series, fans can expect to see WBO Jr. Welterweight NABO Champion, Yomar “The Magic” Alamo, WBO Jr. Flyweight Champion, Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez, Ranked #7 WBA, #13 WBO, Internationally recognized Top Prospect from Colombia Flyweight Jose Soto, Mexico’s prospect Antonio “Tony” Moran and many more Boxeo Telemundo’s favorite.

Debuting in 1989, “Boxeo Telemundo” has grown to become the #1 combat sports program in the U.S. among Hispanics, across broadcast and cable landscape. Since its launch, “Boxeo Telemundo” has broadcast over 350 title fights, showcasing some of the biggest boxing stars as they rose to stardom and won their first championship titles, earning a reputation as the show “where champions are born.” Among these stars is Saúl Canelo Alvarez, who won his first pro boxing title on “Boxeo Telemundo” in 2008. Other notable Champions featured include?Juan Manuel Marquez,?Diego Corrales, Carlos Maussa,?Floyd Mayweather,?Israel Vázquez,?Wilfredo Vázquez,?Rafael Ruelas,?Jorge Solis and many others. In addition, renowned boxing Hall of Famers have also appeared on the show including?Erik Morales,?Marco Antonio Barrera and?Felix Trinidad.?

About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises:
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a world-class media company leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. This fast-growing multiplatform portfolio is comprised of the Telemundo Network and Station Group, Telemundo Deportes, Telemundo Global Studios, Universo, and a Revenue Strategy & Innovation unit. Telemundo Network features original Spanish-language entertainment, news and sports content reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic TV households in 210 markets through 30 local stations, 50 affiliates and its national feed. Telemundo also owns WKAQ, a television station that serves viewers in Puerto Rico. Telemundo Deportes is the designated Spanish-language home of two of the world’s most popular sporting events: FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Summer Olympic Games through 2032. Telemundo Global Studios is the company’s domestic and international scripted production unit including Telemundo Studios, Telemundo International Studios, Telemundo International, Underground Producciones, an internationally renowned production boutique based in Argentina as well as all of the company’s co-production partnerships. As the #1 media company reaching Hispanics and millennials online, the Revenue Strategy & Innovation unit distributes original content across multiple platforms, maximizing its exclusive partnerships with properties such as BuzzFeed, Vox, and Snapchat. Through Telemundo Internacional, the largest U.S.-based distributor of Spanish-language content in the world; and Universo, the company reflects the diverse lifestyle, cultural experience and language of its expanding audience. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Felix Cash says he will ‘deal with’ Jason Welborn in style this Friday August 14 at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, before turning his attention to a shot at the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt. 

Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) puts his Commonwealth Middleweight Title up for grabs against former World Title challenger Welborn, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, following his thrilling toe-to-toe battle with Jack Cullen last time out at Manchester Arena in November. 

Wokingham’s Cash, trained by Tony Sims in Essex, forced an eighth round stoppage to settle an explosive Fight of the Year contender with Cullen on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s WBO Super-Lightweight World Title triumph over Greece’s Christina Linardatou.

The 27-year-old is promising more fireworks this weekend as he takes centre stage at the top of a bill for the very first time in his career, looking to make a big statement against Birmingham’s former British Middleweight Champion Welborn. 

“Every time he goes up against a top operator he comes up short, and I believe I’m a top operator,” said Cash. “He might make it tough for a few rounds but I’ll get him in the end. I’m zoned in, ready to do some damage and retain my Commonwealth Title. He’s been in with top names, so I’ll have a look at him during the first couple of rounds and then go to work on him.

“He may have the experience over me but I’ve got the skill. He’s going to need to be the very best he can be. He’s going to have to raise his game, and I hope he does. He’s a tough, strong and game lad. He’s been around for a while and fought for World Titles. I’m here to take on all challengers and take them all out. It will be a good fight while it lasts. 

“I’m headlining for the first time and hopefully it won’t be the last. It’s a great platform for me to be on and a great show for me to put on a top performance and a clinical display. This will really raise my profile and get my name out there for more big fights in the Middleweight division.

“I’ve got to deal with Welborn first but I want a shot at the Lord Lonsdale Belt next. It’s a lovely belt, it’s one of the greatest domestic belts you can own. I’d love to fight for that next and win it. I’ll fight anyone out there in Britain for it, and then anyone out there in the world for more titles after.”

Cash vs. Welborn lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title, Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway (14-1-1, 3 KOs) takes on Rotherham’s Navid Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs) for the WBA Intercontinental Title, Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).

Las Vegas, Nevada – Last year Sugar Boxing signed undefeated super featherweight prospect Misael Lopez to a multi-year managerial contract. As part of the agreement the Denver resident received a signing bonus and was relocated along with his family to Las Vegas, Nevada.

He made his Sugar Boxing debut on a Premier Boxing Champions card in Texas last October. He would end up winning a unanimous decision over Nestor Robledo but the decision was overturned to a no contest when Lopez tested positive for marijuana.

Lopez, who is 24 years old, doesn’t appear to be grateful for the support that he has received and there are rumors that he is trying to breach his contract.

“He is problematic.  We have offered him multiple good fights on PBC cards and he hasn’t taken any of them.  We got him a fight last year and paid for his opponent and then he tested positive for smoking weed so all that money went down the drain,” said a Sugar Boxing representative.

Sugar Boxing wants to make it known that Lopez is under contract and interference will not be tolerated by anyone.  They are hoping to reconcile with the young fighter and get his career back on track.

“We have this kid 100% under contract.  We gave him a signing bonus and moved him out here and have invested several thousands of dollars in him. Now I hear through the grapevine that some other people are talking to him.  Anyone who interferes with our contract will be sued to the full extent of the law,” said the representative.

Sugar Boxing is a leading boxing managerial company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their stable of fighters includes fighters includes Damien Vazquez who fights for the WBA super bantamweight title on September 26th and several other top Latino prospects. 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 (New York, NY)

Undefeated, Haitian born, Long Island super welterweight WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (11-0 5KO’s) has been making a name for himself in the tri-state area since his pro-debut at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” series.

Now, the 28-year old Toussaint will lace them up in Las Vegas for the first time in his toughest test to date, against Detroit’s ISIAH JONES (9-2 3KO’s). The bout will take place on the undercard of Toussaint’s fellow Long Island sparring partner and Star Boxing stablemate, #4 world rated (WBO) light heavyweight, JOE “THE BEAST” SMITH JR.’s (25-3 2KO’s) WBO World Title Eliminator against #3 world rated (WBO) light heavyweight, ELEIDER “STORM” ALVAREZ (25-1).

Toussaint has found dynamite in his hands as of late, winning five of his last six bouts by knockout. This past February, Toussaint took on the always tough Jermaine Corley at The Paramount. With his full arsenal on display, Toussaint disposed Corley via second round TKO after a vicious uppercut, followed by a right hand.

Watch the full fight, HERE. Toussaint had this to say about the opportunity, “I am ready to fight. I am always ready to fight. Nothing changes for me. The Haitian Fire is ready, anytime, anywhere.”

Jones will be making his third straight appearance at The Bubble, against his fourth consecutive undefeated opponent. In his most recent bout, Jones earned a tough fought majority decision over previously unbeaten Donte Stubbs. The 26-year-old Detroit native will look to keep the momentum on August 22.

“Wendy is a talented boxer,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA, “he has a very high ring IQ and power in both hands. He has tremendous potential. Jones will be a great test for Wendy.”

Jack Cullen and Zak Chelli will meet over ten rounds in a Super-Middleweight contest on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s defence of his Interim WBC Heavyweight World Title against Alexander Povetkin at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Saturday August 22.
 
Former English Middleweight Champion Cullen (18-2, 9 KOs) was involved in a thrilling toe-to-toe war with Week 3 headliner Felix Cash at Manchester Arena in November last year, falling short in an explosive battle for the Commonwealth Title. 
 
Fulham’s former Southern Area Super-Middleweight Champion Chelli (7-1, 3 KOs) outpointed Umar Sadiq in his fifth pro bout before suffering his first defeat at the hands of Welshman Kody Davies last time out up at Light-Heavyweight.
 
Both men will be looking to impress on the big stage and kick on in a red-hot 168lbs domestic scene that contains the likes of British and Commonwealth Champion Lerrone Richards, No.2 rated WBO contender Zach Parker and heavy-handed Scot John Docherty.
 
Cullen vs. Chelli lands on a huge night of action that sees Irish legend Katie Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) put her WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight crowns on the line against Belgium’s Delfine Persoon (44-2, 18 KOs) in the biggest rematch in women’s boxing and Luther Clay (13-1, 5 KOs) defend his WBO Global Welterweight Title against Chris Kongo (11-0, 6 KOs), with more fights to be confirmed soon. 
 

Jessica McCaskill wants to tee up a blockbuster rematch with Katie Taylor by ending the reign of undisputed World Welterweight champion Cecilia Brækhus on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday August 15, live on DAZN.
 
McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) first gained attention when she travelled to London to take on Taylor in December 2017 to be the first challenger for Taylor’s WBA World Lightweight title, pushing the Irish sensation all the way in a grueling contest.
 
The Chicagoan dusted herself off and used that experience to great effect in her next outing, welcoming WBC Super-Lightweight champion Erica Farias to the Windy City in October 2018 in the first Matchroom and DAZN show in the US, and McCaskill ripped the title from the Argentine to become World champion in just her eighth pro fight.
 
McCaskill then unified the Super-Lightweight division in Maryland in May 2019 against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez before inviting Farias back for a rematch and triumphing once again to defend the titles, and now strives for greatness once again against Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs).
 
The Norwegian is hunting history as she looks to pass Joe Louis 72 year record of 25 straight successful World championship defenses, but McCaskill has her own legacy in mind ahead of the Tulsa tussle, and wants to extend her sensational run of form in the biggest night of her career to date.
 
“I would love the Taylor rematch and a chance to get my revenge, and definitely in a place like Wembley Stadium on a huge bill,” said McCaskill. “If we have fans again that stadium has 100,000 people and that’s the kind of crowd that needs to be at that kind of fight. I have my eyes on Taylor and I want that fight.
 
“Going to the UK for the Taylor fight, I didn’t know what to expect but it turns out that we have a ton of fans in the UK. I still hear from the UK fans on a regular basis and from the airport to the hotel to the venue, there were so many people that reached out and showed love to me and my team. Katie said that people were scared to fight her and of course, we weren’t, we took it and we learned that we were at that level.”
 
In order for the Taylor rematch to materialize, not only does McCaskill need to beat Brækhus but Taylor needs to get past Belgian foe Delfine Persoon at Eddie Hearn’s Fight Camp in Essex, England next Saturday in a rematch of their epic battle in New York in June 2019. 
 
Taylor and Persoon’s second meeting is the third huge women’s World title action in as many weeks following the fight of the year contender between Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas at Fight Camp on Saturday, and McCaskill expects both her clash with Brækhus and the Taylor-Persoon rematch to continue the high quality of the action between boxing’s elite female fighters.
 
“I was in New York for the first Taylor-Persoon fight and it was massive,” said McCaskill. “There was a lot of contact and it was a lesson for Taylor that you cannot take people lightly, it was a close fight and she could’ve been on the wrong side of the result. I think the second fight will be another classic.
 
“There are a lot of people that are responsible for the rise of female boxing. Eddie Hearn has put a lot of money into female boxing and DAZN has been a great platform for us to perform on. 
 
“The Taylor fight was probably meant to be that way, nobody knew who we were, our background and our history, winning that fight could have probably massively disrupted the growth of women’s boxing. I don’t think anyone would’ve put a lot of money into me not knowing who I was. So, after Taylor won that fight, they put a lot of time and effort into Taylor and things developed from there.”
 
Brækhus-McCaskill tops the bill on a massive night of action in the unique setting of the downtown Tulsa streets as Matchroom return Stateside.
 
Rising Super-Welterweight Israil Madrimov (5-0 5 KOs) can close in on World title honors as he meets Eric Walker (20-2 9 KOs) in a final eliminator for the WBA World title while Madrimov’s fellow countryman Shakhram Giyasov (9-0 7 KOs) will now face Wiston Campos (31-7-6 19 KOs) after second replacement opponent Rey Perez was ruled out following original opponent Francisco Rojo being forced out of the bout after testing positive for COVID-19 during his training camp in his home city, and a trio of young talents complete the card in Nikita Ababiy (8-0 6 KOs), Raymond Ford (5-0 2 KOs) and the debut of amateur star Marc Castro.

Las Vegas – The fourth season of the hit show Dana White’s Contender Series continues with Episode 2, 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 second episode of season four takes place on Tuesday, August 11 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 2 – Confirmed Bouts:

Middleweight

Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Joe Pyfer

Bantamweight

Adrian Yanez vs. Brady Huang

Women’s Strawweight

Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Cory McKenna

Featherweight

TJ Laramie vs. Daniel Swain

Middleweight

Anthony Adams vs. Impa Kasanganay

Visit the UFC.com for information and additional 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, 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 quickly to 7.9 million subscribers in less than two years, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

(August 10, 2020) — Duke Ragan, the amateur fighting pride of Cincinnati, has elected to punch for pay. Ragan signed a multi-year professional pact with Top Rank, which will co-promote the 22-year-old with Antonio Leonard Promotions.

Ragan, who captured a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships in Hamburg, Germany, will make his professional debut in a four-round featherweight bout August 22 in Las Vegas on the Eleider Alvarez-Joe Smith Jr. undercard.

Ragan’s head trainer is Kay Koroma, a longtime USA Boxing coach who also works with Shakur Stevenson, Mikaela Mayer, Jarrett Hurd, Efe Ajagba and Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson.

“This opportunity means the world to me,” Ragan said. “Since I didn’t go to the Olympics, becoming a world champion is my next goal. My jab, counterpunching ability, and stamina are more suited to the pro game. When I fought with headgear, I was hurting guys but not knocking them out. You’ll see more knockouts from me as a pro.”

Said Bob Arum, Top Rank chairman: “Cincinnati has produced countless great fighters, and we believe Duke Ragan will be the next world champion from the ‘Queen City.’ He is mature beyond his years, and with Kay Koroma, James Prince and Antonio Leonard on his team, he has a wonderful support system.”

Cincinnati is the home of all-time greats Ezzard Charles, Aaron Pryor and Freddie Miller, and Ragan grew up around the city’s recent crop of world-class fighters. His boxing mentor is Rau’Shee Warren, a former bantamweight world champion who made history as the only three-time U.S. boxing Olympian. He sparred in Cincinnati gyms with the likes of Warren, four-weight world champion Adrien Broner, Gervonta Davis and WBO junior lightweight world champion Jamel Herring.

In addition to his silver medal at the 2017 World Championships, Ragan captured a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games. His amateur résumé includes victories over a plethora of future professional standouts, including Ruben Villa, Lee McGregor, Victor Morales Jr., Raymond Ford, Otha Jones III and promotional stablemate Adam Lopez. 

Despite a pair of close losses at the Olympic Trials last December, he still had a path to an Olympic berth. But with the Tokyo Olympics postponed until 2021, Ragan, who has a 3-year-old daughter, decided to get a head start on his professional career.

Said Ragan, “It’s finally my time to shine. I’m proud to be from Cincinnati, and I know bringing home a world championship will put me up there with the top dogs from my city.”

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CARL FRAMPTON takes on Darren Traynor in the fourth show of Frank Warren’s summer series, live on BT Sport on Saturday night. The Jackal is bidding to keep himself firmly on track for a WBO world super featherweight title showdown against Jamel Herring later this year, so he cannot afford any slip-ups against the tough Scot from Aberdeen.

Also on the card, Michael Conlan faces former world title challenger Sofiane Takoucht over ten rounds, with Troy Williamson also defending his IBF European super welterweight title against former English champion Harry Scarff. Archie Sharp defends his WBO European belt against Jeff Ofori, with elite level prospects Dennis McCann and Paddy Donovan making up the card.

Selected press conference quotes below.

All photos from today can be found here.

Frank Warren
We have already done three shows since lockdown and that was us dipping our toe back in the water. It was a case of getting the shows on and doing what we had to do as far as the safety aspect was concerned, while we got some of our young guys out and now we are stepping it up a gear.

Carl, a two-weight world champion, who was due to fight in the summer against Jamel Herring before the virus took hold, so now in the meantime he has got to keep busy and on Saturday he is fighting Darren Traynor as a replacement for his original opponent. Darren has been training very hard and fancies his chances.

It is something Carl has got to come through and not make any mistakes before getting to Herring in the autumn. Michael Conlan is not far off fighting for a world title and he is fighting Sofiane Takoucht, who has had 40 fights and won 35 of them. So he is very experienced and can give Michael a lot of things to think about.

If he is half the fighter we think he is then he is going to look good.

Dennis McCann is a great, young talent and that is what he is at the moment, a talent. He needs to work hard and have dedication because talent only gets you so far. For me he is one of the best young talents I have seen for many, many years.

Providing he keeps doing what he’s doing and stays focused I think he has got the potential to be one of the outstanding British fighters of his generation.

Troy Williamson v Harry Scarff is a cracking fight on paper. Troy, last time out, pole axed his opponent with an amazing KO punch and now his name is in the limelight. This is a tough fight, but we believe in him and think he has a great chance of going all the way.

Archie Sharp is going from strength to strength and has pulled some big punches out of the bag in his last few fights. I know Jeff Ofori is going to be up for it but I believe in Archie and if he wins this fight, then has one more before Christmas, he could be mandatory for a world title shot, which could be the winner of Carl against Jamel Herring.

Dennis McCann
I will be going into the fight for the first time as a married man. I am trying to buy a house and that is the plan. It is the way forward because a lot of kids my age will spend £500-600 on a pair of shoes and I will invest in houses.

I’ve heard from Naseem Hamed as I know his son very well and I went training with him the other day in Sheffield when I went sparring. He is a very nice bloke and I told him I have a better screwshot than he did! He reckons I am top class and told me to keep doing what I am doing.

Troy Williamson
I don’t go looking for power punches, if they come they come. Scarf is very awkward but he can be that all he likes because I’ve got ten rounds to pin him down and I think I will in the later rounds. With the 10oz gloves on I just need to land because I punch very hard for my weight. It looked like Scarf froze against Anthony Fowler, but his feet were too slow on the night and he couldn’t cut the ring down. I’ve got faster feet than Fowler and I genuinely believe I will get him out of there.

I want to be the man at 11st and I am confident I will beat anyone domestically.

Darren Traynor
This is my opportunity and my chance of getting back on the big stage again. I never ever thought I would be getting in the ring with Carl Frampton but now it is happening. I have to believe I can do it.

Carl Frampton
I respect anyone who steps between the ropes and even more so when they are fighting me. I think Darren is better than the original opponent and he has certainly fought at a higher level. What was going to be my first fight at super featherweight is now going to be my first at lightweight.

Darren has been training on the off-chance there were problems and he has been working for a number of weeks now, so it is not going to be an easy fight. I know that he is coming with nothing to lose and everything to gain, which brings its own pressures.

I just can’t be complacent for one second and I am looking forward to putting on a good show. I need to win because, if I lose the fight, my career is over. I’m not prepared to do that.

Legacy is a big driving force for me and if I win a third world title it will cement my place as Ireland’s greatest ever fighter, ahead of Steve Collins, Barry McGuigan, Katie Taylor and a few others. That is what I want.

Archie Sharp
Fighting and winning a world title is what I came into boxing to do and to fight big names like Carl. No disrespect, but Carl is in a position where he has a target on his back and it is a fight I want. I am in the game to be the best.

Jeff was my sparring partner for the Lyon Woodstock fight two years ago. A lot changes in two years and I have grown into a different fighter and, no disrespect, in the two years I have picked titles up and unfortunately he hasn’t.

I know Jeff keeps himself in the best shape possible and it is going to be tough. He is probably thinking he will get in and give Archie a hard night’s work, but I have been boxing since the age of seven so it is nothing unusual to me.

He is fit and will be on his game, but I am in the best shape I have ever been.

Jeff Ofori
One hundred per cent I can cause an upset. Where I am from not many fighters get the opportunity so , for me, I will grab it with both hands. I’ve been training right through and I am ready to go. I don’t think he will underestimate me because he wants to keep the platform he’s got. I’ve got other plans and I am hungry to stay in the game and be in the best fights.

Winning would definitely change my life.

Navid Mansouri believes his ring craft will be too much for Kieron Conway when they meet over ten rounds for the vacant WBA Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Title at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Friday August 14, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former English Champion Mansouri (20-3-2, 6 KOs) hasn’t fought in the UK since July 2017 when he decisioned Jordan Grannum over six rounds, his first fight in over two years after an Achilles injury ruled him out of his scheduled British and Commonwealth Title fight with Welshman Liam Williams. 

Rotherham’s Mansouri made the decision to base himself out of Marbella, Spain, where he began to rebuild his career with three wins in 2018. ‘Nav’ lost out in a close decision for the IBF Intercontinental Title to Jorge Fortea in February 2019 before travelling out to Rotterdam to face Stephen Danyo for the WBA Continental belt, where he fell short again.

Despite his losses, 31-year-old Mansouri is convinced he will have too much in the tank for Northampton’s rising star ‘Too Class’ Conway on his big return to UK soil. Since making his pro debut in 2017, Conway has boxed 87 rounds in 16 bouts, compared to Mansouri’s 143 rounds in 25 bouts. 

“I think they’re overlooking me,” said Mansouri. “They think Nav is done, but this fight just brought me back to life. I need this win. I’m desperate to get this win. It puts that little bit extra fire into it. I’m confident. I’m well-schooled and experienced in this game now. We never stop learning. I think I’ll have too much experience for Conway when it comes down to it. 

“We shared some rounds a few years ago in Marbella but I can’t take anything from that. I can’t remember too much from the spar. It was a long time ago and he’s come on loads, and I’ve come on loads since then too. I was injured back then as well. He’s a really nice kid but this is business and it’s my chance to shine again in the UK. 

“We kind of box in similar ways. We’ll set traps for each other and it will be an intelligent fight. That’s the way I see it going. It’s all about the timing and speed, and the work rate we’re going to put into it. He’s tough and slick, it will be a great fight to watch. I haven’t boxed in the UK for a few years, now is the time to make a statement.”

Conway vs. Mansouri lands on Week 3 of Matchroom Fight Camp, top of the bill sees Felix Cash (12-0, 8 KOs) put his Commonwealth Middleweight Title on the line for the second time against former World Title challenger Jason Welborn (24-8, 7 KOs), recent Matchroom signing Zelfa Barrett (23-1, 14 KOs) meets Ireland’s undefeated Eric Donovan (12-0, 7 KOs) for the IBF Intercontinental Super-Featherweight Title, Watford Super-Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay (5-0, 2 KOs) faces the toughest opponent of her career in Rachel Ball (5-1) and hard-hitting Super-Middleweight menace John Docherty (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the tough and durable Anthony Fox (8-12-4).