(August 10, 2020) – Midweek boxing comes to ESPN+ this Wednesday with the return of former world title challenger Jono Carroll, who will face off against veteran Maxi Hughes in the 10-round lightweight main event.
 
The closed-door #MTKFightNight event will take place at Production Park Studios in Wakefield, England, and will stream live beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Carroll (18-1-1, 4 KOs), from Dublin, lost a unanimous decision to Tevin Farmer for the IBF junior lightweight world title in March 2019, but he’s since won two consecutive bouts. The southpaw pressure fighter kicked off his 2020 campaign in March with a knockout over former world champion Scott Quigg in Manchester, England. The result sent Quigg into retirement and re-inserted Carroll into the world title picture. Hughes (20-5-2, 4 KOs) is a two-time British title challenger who is best known to UK fight fans for his action-packed trilogy against Martin Joseph Ward. He is 3-2 in his last five bouts, including a decision loss to former world title challenger Liam Walsh last November.

In other action on the ESPN+ stream:

• “Sugar” Sean McComb (10-0, 5 KOs), aka “The Public Nuisance,” will fight former  Southern Area champion Siar Ozgul (15-4, 3 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight bout. McComb announced he will campaign at lightweight following the Ozgul fight.
   
• In an eight-round battle featuring a pair of unbeaten welterweights, former British amateur sensation Sahir Iqbal (7-0, 1 KO) will take on Welsh prospect Maredudd Thomas (11-0, 2 KOs).
   
• Dublin-born prospect Pierce “Big Bang” O’Leary (4-0, 1 KO) will face off against Jacob Quinn (4-0) in a scheduled six-rounder contracted for 143 pounds.
   
• Craig MacIntyre (11-0-1, 4 KOs) will fight Ishmael Ellis (11-2) in an eight-round welterweight tilt.

The full card is taking shape for the historic “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK” event at Detroit’s Kronk Gym on Thursday, August 20, 2020.

In support of the 10-round super middleweight main event featuring undefeated Vladimir Shishkin (10-0, 6 KOs) of Detroit via Russia, taking on Mexico’s battle-tested Oscar “El Monstruo” Riojas (21-13-1, 10 KOs), promoter Dmitriy Salita has put together a six-fight undercard featuring several important professional debuts and noteworthy appearances by top up-and-comers.

The entire “DETROIT BRAWL AT THE LEGENDARY KRONK” event will be livestreamed exclusively on the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, UFC FIGHT PASS® (7pm ET/4pm PT).

In the night’s 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). The fight will be the US debut for Kerefov, a highly touted professional prospect and former heavily decorated amateur who won several important tournaments and 298 of his 310 unpaid fights. Already designated a prestigious Master of Sports in Russia, the southpaw Kerefov is blessed with excellent hand and foot speed and the fast-twitch reflexes that only come from a lifetime in the sport.

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. With over 400 amateur fights (325-80), the promising Stewart was a member of team that included notable professionals including Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Sadam Ali, and former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. Stewart was a seven-time National Golden Gloves Qualifier and a runner-up in 2017, as well as runner-up at the Augusta Open Invitational, losing to current boxing superstar Danny Garcia in the finals.

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. The hard-punching Perkins was a four-time national champion as an amateur, as well as a Continental and Spain Bexem gold medallist. The former college basketball player improved on her 2018 bronze medal and became the first American amateur world champion in three years by defeating world champion Yang Xiaoli of China 5-0 in October of 2019.

In a four-round heavyweight battle, Tulsa, Oklahoma, heavyweight Jeremiah Milton will make his professional debut against an opponent TBA. The 6’ 4? 230-lb. 26-year old Milton was a Silver Medalist at the 2019 Olympic Trials, the 2019 Western Qualifier Champion, and took Bronze at the 2018 US Nationals.

Additionally, junior middleweight Morris Young Jr. is set to bring his fan-friendly, pressure style of boxing with his four-round debut against also debuting San Jose, California native Andrea Topping. A 2019 National Golden Glove Champion, Young possesses a grit and tenacity that embodies his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan. His relentless approach in the ring helped lead him to the top of the amateur ranks, earning a spot at the 2019 USA Olympic Trials.

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.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®:
UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, UFC FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. UFC FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. UFC FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 20,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access UFC FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com.

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.

CARL FRAMPTON WILL now face Scotland’s Darren Traynor when he returns to the ring on BT Sport this Saturday.

The two-weight world champion, who is lined up for a tilt at a third world title at super featherweight against Jamel Herring towards the end of the year, is looking to retain his ring sharpness after his scheduled shot at the WBO belt held by Herring was pushed back due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Jackal, 33, was initially booked to fight Vahram Vardanyan over 10 rounds in the fourth of Frank Warren’s summer series of post-lockdown promotions but the Armenian, who is based in Riga, encountered visa issues and was denied entry into the country.

The 33-year-old Traynor, known as ‘Trayn-Wreck’, has stepped in to fill the void and the 16-3 will view taking on a ring legend such as Frampton as an unexpected and golden opportunity.

A former Scottish champion, Traynor was undefeated in his first 11 fights before coming up against Ryan Walsh for the British featherweight title and was stopped in five rounds. He has previously challenged for the WBA International super featherweight title and was stopped by Frampton’s countryman, the big-punching James Tennyson.

Traynor has recorded seven KOs from his 16 wins.

Promoter Frank Warren explained: “The complex travel restrictions currently in place made it impossible to guarantee the arrival of Vardanyan, along with complications regarding his requirement for a visa when the agencies responsible for issue at his end are at not at the moment fully operational.

“It is disappointing for Carl and ourselves but we couldn’t allow any uncertainty to extend into fight week because Carl does not need any distractions ahead of what is an important fight for him.

“Carl is gunning for a third world title at a third different weight and cannot afford any mishaps on Saturday night. Darren Traynor is ready to step in and fully prepared to give Carl the competitive fight he needs before heading into WBO world championship battle against Jamel Herring, hopefully, later this year.”

Also featuring on the card is Michael Conlan taking on former world featherweight title challenger Sofiane Takoucht, Archie Sharp defending his WBO European super featherweight title against Jeff Ofori and Troy Williamson defending his IBF European super welterweight title. Top prospects Dennis McCann (bantam) and Paddy Donovan (welter) have their seventh and fourth professional fights respectively.

LOS ANGELES (August 8, 2020) – FOX Sports and Premier Boxing Champions announced today an exciting slate of boxing shows that will include action in some of the sports’ hottest divisions and is highlighted by the highly anticipated showdown between unified welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. and two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia headlining the first in a series of FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-Views on Saturday, November 21.

The FOX PBC Fight Night return schedule kicked off tonight with Jamal “Shango” James taking on Thomas Dulorme for the WBA Interim Welterweight title from AEG’s Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The schedule includes six events that will be broadcast on FOX, one FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View and 11 shows on FS1, running from August 8 through the end of the year. Initially the live events will be held without fans in attendance at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

“The PBC back on FOX Sports is what we’ve all been working towards,” said Bill Wanger, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming and Scheduling, FOX Sports. “We’re looking forward to showcasing some of the top boxers in the sport on FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes and PPV throughout the rest of the year.”

See below for the FOX, FOX Deportes and FOX PPV Schedule for the remainder of 2020.

SHOWS ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Jamal James vs. Thomas Dulorme – Interim WBA Welterweight Title
David Morrell Jr. vs. Lennox Allen – Interim WBA Super Middleweight Title
Omar Juarez vs. Willie Shaw – Super Lightweight Special Attraction

Top welterweight contender Jamal “Shango” James (26-1, 12 KOs) meets Thomas Dulorme (25-3-1, 16 KOs) for the Interim WBA Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. James of Minneapolis has battled his way through a string of tough opponents to get to the threshold of a welterweight championship and will have to defeat Dulorme of Puerto Rico to take that last big step. In just his third pro fight, David Morrell (2-0, 2 KOs), who had an outstanding amateur career in the Cuban system, will meet Lennox Allen (22-0-1, 14 KOs) of Brooklyn for the Interim WBA Super Middleweight championship in the co-feature. Exciting super lightweight prospect Omar Juarez (7-0, 4 KOs) clashes with Oakland’s Willie Shaw (12-1, 8 KOs).

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Shawn Porter vs Sebastian Formella – WBC/IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator
Sebastian Fundora vs. Nathaniel Gallimore – Super Welterweight Co-Main Event
Joey Spencer in a Six-Round Super Welterweight Special Attraction

Two-time welterweight champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter (30-3-1, 17 KOs) will take on Germany’s Sebastian Formella (22-0, 10 KOs) in a WBC/IBF eliminator headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Porter, who was born in Akron, Ohio and lives in Las Vegas, is coming off a 2019 Fight of the Year contender against Errol Spence, Jr., where he dropped a narrow split decision for the WBC and IBF titles. The undefeated Formella of Lauenburg, Germany will be making his U.S. debut. In the co-feature undefeated super welterweight sensation Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (14-0-1, 9 KOs) takes on Nathaniel Gallimore (21-4-1, 17 KOs) in a major step up fight. Sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (10-0, 7 KOs) will also appear on the card in a six-round special attraction.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
Erislandy Lara vs. Greg Vendetti – WBA Super Welterweight Title
Alfredo Angulo vs. Caleb Truax – IBF Super Middleweight Title Eliminator

Former super welterweight champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (26-3-3, 15 KOs) battles Greg Vendetti (22-3-1, 12 KOs) for the WBA Super Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Lara, a former Cuban amateur standout, has fought all of the top 154-pound boxers in the sport, including Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Vendetti of Stoneham, Mass., will be looking to earn his first world championship. The co-feature will see battle-tested veteran Alfredo Angulo (26-7, 21 KOs) take on former super middleweight champion Caleb Truax (31-4-2, 19 KOs) in a 168-pound title eliminator. A special six-round attraction will also be announced for the broadcast.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Yordenis Ugas vs. Abel Ramos – WBA Welterweight Title
Rances Barthelemy vs. Alberto Puello – Interim WBA Super Lightweight Title
Jesus Ramos in an Eight-Round Super Lightweight Special Attraction

Top welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas (25-4, 12 KOs) takes on Abel Ramos (26-3-2, 20 KOs) for the WBA Welterweight Title headlining a broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Ugas, who was born in Cuba but now lives and trains in Las Vegas, has been one of the most active welterweights in the sport the last three years and will look to capture a welterweight title in his second attempt. The only man standing in his way is Ramos, who scored a stunning victory with a TKO stoppage that came with one second left in his fight against Bryant Perrella on FOX in February. In the co-feature, former two-division champion and super lightweight contender Rances Barthelemy (27-1, 14 KOs) clashes with unbeaten Alberto Puello (17-0, 9 KOs) for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim title. Hard-hitting, undefeated prospect Jesus Ramos (12-0, 11 KOs) will also appear in an eight-round super lightweight special attraction.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
FOX PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SHOW ON FOX SPORTS PBC PPV

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 on FOX SPORTS PBC PPV
Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Danny Garcia – WBC & IBF Welterweight World Titles

Undefeated unified welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence, Jr. (26-0, 21 KOs) returns to defend his titles against two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-2, 21 KOs) in one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year headlining a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Spence of Desoto, Texas will be entering the ring for the first time since being involved in a horrendous single-car accident where he was thrown from the vehicle before it crashed in Dallas last October. Philadelphia’s Garcia, a former unified super lightweight champion and a welterweight champion, aims to reclaim the WBC title he lost in a disputed decision to Shawn Porter and also pick up the IBF belt

SHOWS ON FS1 & FOX DEPORTES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
The FS1 broadcast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT after the FOX PBC Fight Night broadcast and features welterweight Mykal Fox (22-1, 5 KOs) taking on Lucas Santamaría (10-1-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round fight, sensational 18-year-old prospect Vito Mielnicki Jr. (5-0, 3 KOs) battling Chris Rollins (3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super welterweight bout, and in an eight-round clash of unbeaten heavyweight prospects, Luis Peña (6-0, 6 KOs) faces Michael Coffie (9-0, 6 KOs) to kick off the action.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT following FOX PBC Fight Night.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3
FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21
The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT preceding FOX Sports PBC PPV.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
FS1 PBC FIGHT NIGHT SHOW TO BE ANNOUNCED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
The FS1 telecast is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT preceding FOX PBC Fight Night.

Jamal James won the WBA Interim Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Thomas Dulorme at The Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

In round two, James started to bleed under his nose.

James was dominant as he boxed well from the outside and was efficient with solid right hands throughout. Dulorme tried and had moments but they were too few and too far between as he was not able to get on the inside enough to discourage James.

James landed 204 of 772 punches. Dulorme was 115 of 771.

James, 145.8 lbs of Minneapolis, MN won by scores of and is now 27-1. Dulorme, 146.2 lbs of Carolina, PR is 25-4-1.

“I’ve been working so long for a title shot,” said James. “So being able to get this opportunity and then actually following through and winning, it just meant the world to me. It’s been a crazy journey, with this with COVID-19, and then the George Floyd incident and starting camps and then stopping and so forth. “My grandmother ended up passing away when I was in camp for this fight. So it was a lot of mixed emotions for me. It just feels good to be able to bring this back home for my city. Now we’ll see how much farther I can go.”

“I landed a good shot on him in the second round, but I couldn’t land it again,” said Dulorme. “I couldn’t get inside on him the way that I wanted to after that round, and that made it a tough fight.”

“Dulorme brought the heat tonight,” said James. “I thought I was going to be able to move around a little bit more but he caught me with a couple of nice shots. He caught me with a good shot on the nose and it started leaking pretty bad. He’s a strong fighter, so I just had to be careful not to get hit too flush with anything. Luckily, I’m able to take a hard shot. “I knew that he kind of gets tired in the later rounds from the fights that we watched. So, I was really just trying to let him throw, stop the shots, then maybe catch him with something in between his shots. I kind of wanted to rope a dope him a little bit. But he was in shape. He was pushing in those later rounds.”

“Obviously, I would like to get a shot at Manny Pacquiao, he’s got the WBA super title,” said James. “But I know he’s such a big name, so it really doesn’t matter. I want any of the big name welterweights, we can really put on a good show.”

Morrell Decisions Allen to Win Interim Title

In an entertaining scrap, young prospect David Morrell Jr. won the WBA Interim Super Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Lennox Allen.

The bout saw both guys land solid shots, with the difference being Morrell’s superior punch output and landing more and the better punches.

In round five, Allen was cut over his right eye from an accidental clash of heads. Morell was very consistent with Allen trying until the end.

Allen landed 207 of 631 punches. Allen was 90 of 522.

Morrell, 164.6 lbs of Minneapolis, MN won by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110 and is now 3-0. Allen, 166.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 22-1-1.

Omar Juarez remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Willie Shaw in a super lightweight bout.

Juarez outlanded Shaw 61-38.

Juarez, 140.6 lbs of Brownsville, TX won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 and is now 8-0. Shaw, 140.8 lbs of Oakland, CA is 12-2.

Luke Santamaria scored an upsetting by taking a 10-round unanimous decision over Mykal Fox in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Santamaria put Fox on the canvas with a left hook in the corner. The two took turns trading on the inside, with both having success throughout. They were separated by one punch as Santamaria outlanded Fox 171-170.

Santamaria, 145.8 lbs of Garden Grove, CA won by scores of 99-90, 97-92 and 96-93 to go to 11-1-1. Fox, 145.8 lbs of Upper Marlboro, MD is 22-2.

Vito Mielnicki Jr. stopped Chris Rollins in round two of a scheduled six-round welterweight fight.

Mielnicki outclassed Rollins, and in round two, Mielnick landed a right hand that buckled Rollins. Mielnicki followed up with a hard combination and the fight was stopped before any further damage could be inflicted at 2:19.

Mielnicki, 147.8 lbs of Roseland, NJ is 6-0 with four knockouts. Rollins, 147.4 lbs of Charlottesville, VA is 3-2.

Michael Coffie remained undefeated with a 5th round stoppage over Luis Pena in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

In round three, Coffie scored a knockdown when he landed a left hook to the top of the head.

In round five, Coffie dropped Pena with two booming left hooks to the head. The fight ended with Coffie landing another flush left and the fight was stopped at 1:35.

Coffie, 279 lbs of Bronx, NY is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Pena, 232 lbs of Ventura, CA is 6-1.

Moscow (Aug. 8, 2020) – Uprising Promotions cruiserweight Rashid Kodzoev (7-0, 4 KOs) will be returning to action this Tuesday at Vegas City Hall in Moscow, Russia. Standing opposite of him will be Dmitry Sukhotskiy (23-8, 16 KOs), who is a durable veteran of 31 bouts.

“We are very excited to see Rashid back in the ring this Tuesday,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “Rashid is a determined and tenacious fighter who is hungry to prove himself. He has the type of mentality that is going to take him far in boxing, and he has the heart and will to become a champion. Our job as a promoter is to make sure we put him a position to make that happen.”

Kodzoev was set to arrive in the United States this past March, right as the global COVID-19 pandemic began to spread. Unfortunately, the coronavirus directly resulted in the cancellation of multiple bouts for the undefeated Russian. Additionally, COVID-19 has delayed the VISA process, which has prevented him from being able to make the move to New York.

As far as Tuesday goes, Kodzoev expects it to be a quick night.

“I am going to try and knock out my opponent as soon as I can, preferably in the first round,” he said from Russia via a translator. “I promise that it will be a very good performance.”

Kodzoev says that his favorite boxer is heavyweight legend Joe Frazier, and he can oftentimes be found studying the all-time greats. Growing up in the town of Nazran in Russia, Kodzoev had a difficult upbringing, but that experience helped to shape him into the person he is today.

“In my area of Russia, you learn how to fight before you learn how to walk,” he laughed. “Fighting is in my culture, so becoming a world champion is my dream. If someone from my region were to become a world champion, he would immediately become more popular than nearly anyone in the country. After this fight, my main goal is to move to the United States so I can start on my mission to become a world champion.”

Over the course of his professional career, Kodzoev has fought just one opponent who did not have a winning record. He has victories over the likes of 21-bout winner Tamas Polster, then-unbeaten Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko and 16-fight victor Andrei Kniazev. In just his fifth professional contest, he also became the first man to finish Ukrainian Vitaliy Nevesiliy, needing less than two rounds to earn the stoppage. Most recently, he fought 14-bout veteran Juan Ezequiel Basualdo in Estosadok, disposing of the Argentinian in the first frame. Known as a boxer-puncher who has power in both hands, Kodzoev had an accomplished amateur campaign in his native Russia before turning to the professional ranks in 2016.

Keep it locked to UprisingPromotions.com and @UprisingNYC for all of the latest information from Uprising Promotions.

Terri Harper and Natasha Jonas battled to a 10-round split draw in a terrific action fight for Harper’s WBC Super Featherweight title fight at Matchroom HQ in Essex, England.

In round two Jonas was cut over her right eye. The two battled at close quarters with each taking turns seizing the upperhand. Harper came forward, but Jonas landed the more telling blows including rocking Harper on at least two different occasions. The two battled down the stretch and gave it their all in the ring. In the end, both Harper and Jonas won a card via 96-94 scores, and a 3rd card was 95-95.

Harper, 129.3 lbs of Denaby is now 10-0-1. Jonas, 129.6 lbs of Liverpool is 9-1-1.

Fowler stops Adam Harper in 7

Anthony Fowler stopped previously Adam Harper in round seven of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Harper was deducted a point for low blows. He was also cut under his left eye in the round. In round four, Fowler dropped Harper with a booming right to the chin.

In round six, Fowler was cut above his right eye. That did not deter Fowler as he came out in the following round and landed a hard 1-2 combination that froze Harper. A follow up flurry forced referee Ian-John Lewis to stop the bout at 1:34.

Fowler, 155.7 lbs of Liverpool is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Harper, 156.4 lbs of Tewkesbury is 9-1-1.

IN EARLY ACTION

Hopey Price won a decision over Jonny Phillips in a six-round featherweight fight.

Price, 126.9 lbs of Leeds won by a 60-54 tally and is now 3-0. Phillips, 128.8 lbs of Sandhurst is 5-5.

Chris Billam-Smith stopped previously undefeated Nathan Thorley in round two of a scheduled 12-round cruiserweight bout.

In round one, Billiam-Smith sent Thorley to the canvas, after absorbing three lefts to the head. In round two, a barrage of punches that was concluded by two huge rights put Thorley on the deck for a 2nd time. Minutes later, Billam-Smith landed a booming right that sent Thorley to deck again. Thorley got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Billam-Smith, 199.9 lbs of Bournsmouth is 11-1 with 10 knockouts. Thorley, 199.9 lbs of Cardiff, WAL is 14-1.

Friday, August 7, 2020 (Dublin, Ireland)

Undefeated 21-year-old, super lightweight, RYAN O’ROURKE (3-0) has officially put pen to paper on a promotional agreement with JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING.

In signing with Hall of Fame Promoter, Joe DeGuardia, O’Rourke has his sights set on growing his fan base internationally, which is already supported by a strong contingent of fans in Ireland.

CEO of Star Boxing, JOE DEGUARDIA, had this to say on the signing, ‘Ryan had an impressive amateur career and since making the switch to the paid ranks, it is clear to see he is very suited to the professional game. He is still only 21 years of age and has a lot of potential. It looks as though he will be a very entertaining fighter in the years to come.”

O’Rourke joins a talented stable of fighters, represented by Star Boxing, including former world title challenger JOE SMITH JR (25-3 20KO’s), who makes his return August 22 in a WBO Title Eliminator on ESPN against Eleider Alvarez, former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion CHRIS ALGIERI (24-3 9KO’s), former heavyweight world title challenger CARLOS TAKAM (39-5-1 28KO’s), amongst many other talented fighters.

Known as ‘The Silent Assassin’, Ryan O’ Rourke has shown his quality in the ring, notching 3 quick wins in January, February, and March of this year before the world came to a stop due to the global pandemic.

However, O’ Rourke will look to add to his impressive undefeated resume on September 11th in Spain where he steps up for his first 6-round contest.

Ryan O’ Rourke had this to say about signing with Star Boxing, “I am delighted to have signed with one of the biggest promoters in the world. I can’t thank Joe and Star Boxing enough for the opportunity and I am looking forward to getting started and kicking on in America. My career has been mapped out brilliantly, and I am building up a wealth of experience and fighting regularly. This opportunity is what dreams are made of.”

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow Ryan O’Rourke on Social Media:
Instagram: @RyanOrourke99
Twitter: @RyanOR12345

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. 

LAS VEGAS (August 6, 2020) — Ramirez-Postol, Take 3! The long-awaited showdown between WBC/WBO junior welterweight world champion Jose Ramirez and former world champion and WBC mandatory challenger Viktor “The Iceman” Postol will take place at the MGM Grand Conference Center Saturday, Aug. 29.
 
Ramirez and Postol were set to fight February 2 in China and May 9 in Fresno, Calif., but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both were subsequently canceled. This time, they will enter the “Bubble.
 
In the 10-round junior welterweight co-feature, unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr., from South El Monte, Calif., will fight Canadian veteran Tony “Lightning” Luis in his toughest test to date. Ramirez-Postol and Barboza-Luis will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m ET, with undercard action to stream live at 7:30 p.m. ET.
 
“Jose has stayed in the gym with his great trainer, Robert Garcia, throughout the pandemic,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I have no doubt we will see the best version of Jose Ramirez, a wonderful young man and one of the world’s best fighters. He will need to be on his game because Postol is a worthy contender who has proven himself at the world-class level.”
 
Ramirez (25-0, 17 KOs) enters the fight coming off a career-high 13-month layoff. Last July, he knocked out Maurice Hooker to unify the WBC and WBO titles and stake his claim as the world’s best 140-pounder. Since winning the vacant WBC title against Amir Imam in March 2018, Ramirez defeated the previously undefeated Antonio Orozco, top contender Jose Zepeda and Hooker. The Orozco and Zepeda title defenses took place in front of more than 10,000 fans at Fresno’s Save Mart Center, a short drive from his hometown of Avenal.
 
During the early stages of the pandemic, Ramirez teamed up with Central Valley community leaders to assist the region’s agricultural workers. With Ramirez leading the way, they donated essential supplies and more than 1,000 wellness boxes, which included N95 masks, paper towels, toilet paper, rice, masa, beans and hand sanitizer. Ramirez now turns his focus to Postol (31-2, 12 KOs), a former WBC world champion whose only two losses have come against current IBF/WBA junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor and pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford. Postol has won two bouts since the Taylor defeat, most recently topping Mohamed Mimoune via decision last April in Las Vegas.
 
“I’m excited to finally be back. It’s always an honor stepping into the ring, fighting a guy like Postol and defending my belts,” Ramirez said. “God knows that my goal is to become the undisputed champion, and this gets me one step closer to my goal.”
 
Postol said, “I’m just looking forward to fighting. I’m coming to win those world titles. I have been training since this fight was first announced, so I’m focused and ready to go.”
 
Barboza Jr. (23-0, 10 KOs) makes his 2020 debut following a 2019 campaign that saw him climb the world rankings with three statement-making wins. He knocked out former world champion Mike Alvarado on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Anthony Crolla undercard at Staples Center, stopped veteran Ricky Sismundo in four rounds at Banc of California Stadium, and scored a body shot knockout over William Silva last November in Las Vegas. Barboza is currently ranked eighth by the WBC and 10th by the WBO at 140 pounds. 
 
“Tony Luis is as tough as they come. He won’t lay down for me. He sees this as a big opportunity, and I can’t let him take it,” Barboza said. “To be honest, the whole no fans thing, I’m more curious than anything. I’ve fought in front of limited fans deep on undercards before. Once you’re in the ring, there’s no difference. I am happy to be part of this ‘Bubble’ experience because it will go down in history.”
 
Luis (29-3, 10 KOs), from Cornwall, Canada, is a volume puncher with a knack for upsetting undefeated fighters. Since 2014, he has taken the ‘0’ from three then-unbeaten prospects, including a nationally televised decision over Karl Dargan in January 2015. Luis has won 10 consecutive fights since an April 2015 decision loss to Derry Matthews for an interim lightweight world title in Matthews’ hometown of Liverpool, England.
 
Luis said, “I want to thank Top Rank and my promoter, Liveco Boxing, for this amazing opportunity. I’m proud of myself for not giving up throughout all the uncertainty over the past several months. I knew this pandemic would be a test of character, and I forced myself to stay dedicated, knowing that if an opportunity arose, I’d be ready to strike. I have not lost in over five years, I’m in the best shape in my life, and I feel that Arnold Barboza Jr. is the perfect opponent to showcase my skills and take my career to the next level. Everyone dreams of fighting in Las Vegas. On August 29, my dream will come true, and I plan to make the most of this opportunity. For a small-town kid, we proved a lot of people wrong. Let’s get it on.”
 
Use the hashtag #RamirezPostol to join the conversation on social media. For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Jessica McCaskill has the biggest fight of her career against undisputed Welterweight ruler Cecilia Brækhus on the streets of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 15, live on DAZN – and McCaskill believes that victory would lead to even more mega-fights.

McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) has been a revelation in her last four fights, first travelling to the UK to give Katie Taylor the sternest of tests in her in the Irish star’s first defense of her WBA World Lightweight title in December 2017 in London.

The Chicagoan then became World champion herself in her next fight, moving to Super-Lightweight and taking on WBC title holder Erica Farias on home turf in the Windy City in October 2018, ripping the title from the Argentine in Matchroom and DAZN’s first fight night in the US.

McCaskill unified the division in her next outing when she added the WBA strap to her WBC belt against Anahi Sanchez in Maryland in May 2019 and held onto the titles in a gripping rematch with Farias back in Chicago five months later.

‘CasKILLA’ can now become a two-weight champion and undisputed 147lber in just her 11th pro outing, but while her focus is on the tough task of dethroning the unbeaten Brækhus (36-0 9 KOs) and the trappings of success that would come with the win, the ambitious 35 year old knows that even bigger fights would come next as women’s boxing continues to rise.

“We’ll be in the Hall of Fame after winning this, that’s the big prize in the fight,’ said McCaskill. “After that, we move on to more history, to bigger and more fights with the top tier names.

“The ultimate opportunity and reward in the fight is beating Cecilia, getting the belts and being in the history books. Then we’ll move on and things will be bigger and broader and we’re just continuing to look for the levels and the steps in female boxing.

“This is a massive step from even the last fight, we just want to continue to conquer every challenge that comes our way. Winning on August 15 is everything, it opens up more mega fights; the Katie Taylor rematch, Amanda Serrano, Claressa Shields at 145lbs – there’s so many doors that can be opened by beating Cecilia.

“I’m happy to be back and to be boxing on August 15 and headlining. We’ve headlined before so it’s exciting to add another one to the resume and this is a major fight but it does get bigger than this and that’s something that we’ll have to see once this one is done.

“We’ve fought at higher weights and lower weights, the adjustment is minimal and with every fight I’ve had, my body has developed more and more. The transition has been smooth and easy and we haven’t had to do much as far as weight is concerned.

“I am not approaching the fight any differently with their being no fans, I just feel it’s going to be a more focused and intense fight. I’ll be able to hear every word from my coach, I won’t have to bring myself down from the energy of the crowd, I’ll be able to go in focused and ready to fight.

“We’re under the Tulsa city lights and the stars in an outdoor event, it’s a spectacular venue and I’m excited to be part of it.”

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) puts his WBA International Super-Lightweight title against Rey Perez (24-11 8 KOs), after original opponent Francisco Rojo was 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 6, 2020) – Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions returns August 25th & 27th in Mexico with a pair of rescheduled events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from Marinaterra Hotel & Spa in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico.

RJJ Boxing has been a trailblazer of sorts, in that it was the first to stream a complete boxing card on UFC FIGHT PASS from the United States, Japan, Russia and now Mexico.

“We fully understand that safety must come first,” RJJ Boxing CEO and co-founder Keith Veltre said. “Now that Sonora has implemented a safe plan to return, we’re fully confident to move forward. We will literally take over the resort to keep our fighters, staff, and production crew safe. We have two great main event fights (11-0, 7 KOs Juan Jose Barajas vs. 11-0, 8 KOs Jose Resendiz headline the Aug. 27th show). We have two great main events with two RJJ fighters (Dominguez and Barajas) who are close to going up to the next level. We expect two great shows.”
.
RJJ Boxing’s first show since January 30th at Yakima Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington, will be headlined by undefeated, rising Mexican knockout artist Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (21-0, 16 KOs) versus Jose Rosario Cazarez (20-5-1, 10 KOs), who is riding a 7-fight win streak, in the Aug. 25th 10-round main event.

The 28-year-old Dominguez, fighting out of Orebreon, Sonora, Mexico, will defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States and WBC FECARBOX welterweight titles. “It’s been a long wait to get back in the ring and I have improved with the help of my new coach, Alfredo Ozuna,” the WBC #20-ranked Dominguez commented. I will not disappoint UFC FIGHT PASS and its subscribers. It’s always an honor! Thanks to Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing Promotions and Emmanuel Romo at Del La o Boxing.”

THE NEWEST MEXICAN BEAST: (L) Santiago Dominguez will be fighting for his 22nd victory and 17th KO Aug. 25 vs. Jose Rosario Cazarez

The 10-round co-featured event is a rare match-up of two highly regarded Mexican prospects – a standard for RJJ Boxing’s co-features on UFC FIGHT PASS – undefeated Luis “Koreano” Torres (9-0, 8 KOs) and Jose Luis Vasquez (10-1, 3 KOs). Torres requested the toughest fight of his young career and he got that in Vasquez for what promises to be an extremely entertaining stylistic match-up.

Dominguez’ younger brother, welterweight Marco “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs), is matched against fellow Mexican fighter Salvador “Changuito” Tapia (9-3-1, 8 KOs) in an 8-round bout.

In the UFC FIGHT PASS opener, undefeated Phoenix, AZ welterweight Jerome Jones, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs), who thus far has stopped each of his opponents in the opening round, plans to keep his perfect pro record intact versus pure Mexican boxer Mario “Cachalote” Israel Vera (6-1, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder. Vera’s only loss came in his last fight on short notice against 19-1 contender Hector Zepeda by way of a 10-round decision on March14.

Also scheduled to fight on the card, off-UFC Fight Pass, are Las Vegas-based Mexican super bantamweight Ezequiel “La Brukena” Borrero (2-0, 1 KOs) vs. Jhoan Cano (1-1, 1 KO), of Mexico, and Mexican welterweights, Jesus “Fierro” Lopez (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Bryan Joel Morales (0-3), in 4-round fights.

Card subject to change.

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

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

19:15 FIRST BELL

8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest 
AQIB FIAZ 9st 7lbs 12ozv KANE BAKER 9st 5lbs 4oz                  
(Oldham)                             (Birmingham)

Followed by

12 x 3 mins Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title 
CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH 14st 3lbs 12ozv NATHAN THORLEY 14st 3lbs 12oz
(Bournemouth)                                         (Cardiff)

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Featherweight contest 
HOPEY PRICE 9st 0lbs 9ozv JONNY PHILLIPS 9st 2lbs 8oz
(Leeds)                                     (Sandhurst)

Followed by

10 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
ANTHONY FOWLER 11st 1lbs 7oz v ADAM HARPER 11st 2lbs 4oz
(Liverpool)                                          (Tewkesbury)

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles 
TERRI HARPER 9st 3lbs 3ozv NATASHA JONAS 9st 3lbs 6oz
(Denaby)                                     (Liverpool)

JOE DEGUARIDA’S STAR BOXING is pleased to announce the signing of two Ukrainian standouts in undefeated super bantamweight OLEH “UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN (10-0 3KO’s) and heavyweight LYUBOMYR “DEMOLITION MAN” PINCHUK (12-1-1 7KO’s), who both now live, fight and train out of Pittsburgh, PA.

OLEH “UKRAINIAN PITBULL” DOVHUN
Undefeated 122 lb. southpaw, Oleh Dovhun, began boxing in his hometown of Stebnyk, Ukraine at 10-years-old where he amassed an impressive 347 amateur fights, was a member of the Elite WSB Ottoman Team, which produced greats like Vasyl Lomenchenko, and won 5 Ukrainian National Titles.

Photo Credit: Valerie Tamburlin

Now, at 26 with an undefeated professional record of 10-0, Dovhun, made the move to Pittsburgh, PA and has been training out of the Conn-Greb Boxing Club under trainer MICHAEL MCSORLEY. “Oleh is the slickest fighter I have ever worked with,” said McSorley, “he is hard to hit and punishes you at obscure angles.” Through 10 fights, Dovhun’s marquee win came in March of 2019 when he defeated then undefeated prospect Daron Williams (then 7-0 4KO’s) for the ABF Super Bantamweight Title.

LYUBOMYR “DEMOLITION MAN” PINCHUK
Lviv, Ukraine native, Lyubomyr Pinchuk banked over 250 amateur fights before making the move to Pittsburgh, PA.

Photo Credit: Brett Rothmeyer
The 24 year old prospect fought 6 times in 2019, winning the ABF Cruiserweight Title, and defending it three times in the same year. In July of 2019, Pinchuk defeated then undefeated prospect Johnnie Langston (then 7-0 3KO’s) by decision for the ABF Continental America’s Cruiserweight Title. Trainer Michael McSorley said this about Pinchuk, “Pinchuk is a throwback fighter who is a fearless and relentless terminator. He is a punishing counter puncher.” Pinchuk who tries to emulate himself after his favorite fighter, heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, will now be campaigning at heavyweight heading into the second half of 2020.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the signing of Dovhun and Pinchuk, “I am very excited to add Oleh and Lyubomyr to the talented stable we have at Star Boxing. Oleh is an exciting fighter in a hot 122 lb. division, and Lyubomyr is a good prospect in a hot heavyweight division. With their skill set, we know with the right opportunities both Oleh and Lyubomyr will prove they belong in the ring with the elite in their respective divisions. I look forward to working with them and for what is to come.”

SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow Oleh Dovhun on Social Media: Follow Lyubomyr Pinchuk on Social Media:
Instagram: @Ukrainian.pitbull Instagram: @lyubomyr_pinchuk

Las Vegas – Recognition as the greatest heavyweight in UFC^® history is on the line, as champion Stipe Miocic and former champion and No. 1 ranked contender Daniel Cormier battle in a rubber match main event for the ages. In the co-main event, budding superstar and No. 14 ranked bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley takes on the toughest test of his young MMA career when he meets proven finisher Marlon Vera.

UFC^® 252: MIOCIC vs. CORMIER 3 will take place Saturday, August 15 at UFC APEX in Las Vegas and will stream live on Pay-Per-View, exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the U.S. as part of an agreement announced in 2019.

Preliminary fights will air nationally on ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish), and ESPN+ (English, Spanish), starting at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT, with the first four bouts also simulcast on UFC Fight Pass.

The most successful heavyweight champion in UFC history, Miocic (19-3, fighting out of Independence, Ohio) looks to cement his legacy with another statement win over Cormier. Owner of the most total post-fight bonuses in the heavyweight division with nine, Miocic has earned career-defining stoppage victories over fellow legends Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum and Mark Hunt. He now intends to add another finish to his resume and defend his belt for a record-setting fourth time.

Competing for the final time, former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Cormier (22-2 1 NC, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) aims to end his career on a high note by once again defeating Miocic and recapturing the heavyweight crown. A former Olympic wrestling team captain, Cormier has established himself as one of the best mixed martial artists in the world with marquee wins over Anderson Silva, Derrick Lewis and Anthony Johnson. He now looks to further solidify his future hall of fame status.

One of the fastest rising superstars on the UFC roster, O’Malley (12-0, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.) seeks to show that he has the skills to justify his hype. An undefeated signee first discovered on Dana White’s Contender Series, O’Malley burst onto the MMA scene with impressive wins over Alfred Khashakyan, Jose Quinonez and Eddie Wineland. He now goes for his most crucial win yet on the biggest stage of his career.

A member of the UFC roster since 2014, Vera (15-6, fighting out of Chone, Manabi, Ecuador) looks to secure the biggest win of his career and announce himself as the next true contender in the bantamweight division. Still only 27 years old, Vera has competed 14 times under the UFC banner with all but one of his wins coming by finish, including victories over Brian Kelleher, Brad Pickett and Andre Ewell. He now aims to derail the hype train of O’Malley by handing him his first professional loss.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Top heavyweight contenders faceoff in a battle of formidable strikers as former champion and No. 5 ranked Junior Dos Santos (21-7, fighting out of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) meets No. 6 ranked Jairzinho Rozenstruik (10-1, fighting out of Paramaribo District, Suriname)
• No. 12 ranked bantamweight John Dodson (22-11, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) aims to halt the momentum of No. 15 ranked Merab Dvalishvili (11-4, fighting out of Long Island, N.Y. by way of Tbilisi, Georgia)
• A highly-anticipated light heavyweight rematch sees No. 14 ranked Magomed Ankalaev (13-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) take on Ion Cutelaba (15-5 1 NC, fighting out of Chisinau, Moldova)
• Fan-favorite lightweight Jim Miller (32-14 1 NC, fighting out of Sparta, N.J.) looks to add another finish to his impressive resume in a contest with fellow veteran Vinc Pichel (12-2, fighting out of Simi Valley, Calif.)
• Decorated grapplers Ashley Yoder (7-5, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) and Livinha Souza (13-2, fighting out of Araraquara, State of São Paulo, Brazil) clash in a women’s strawweight bout
• Fast-rising featherweight Herbert Burns (11-2, fighting out of Latana, Fla. by way of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC when he battles Daniel Pineda (26-13, 2 NC, fighting out of Houston, Texas)
• No. 15 ranked women’s strawweight Felice Herrig (14-8, fighting out of Crystal Lake, Ill.) looks to defend her spot in the rankings against Virna Jandiroba (15-1, fighting out of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil)
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee TJ Brown (14-7, fighting out of Little Rock, Ark.) looks to spoil the debut of UFC newcomer Danny Chavez (10-3, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) in a featherweight bout

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

###

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 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, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com.  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

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 – August 5, 2020 – Undefeated WBC Super Middleweight World Champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavídez will defend his title against former world title challenger Alexis Angulo in a Premier Boxing Champions event Saturday, August 15 live on SHOWTIME from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features rising lightweight Rolando “Rolly” Romero taking on fellow unbeaten Jackson Maríñez in a 12-round battle for the interim WBA Lightweight Title, while heavyweight contenders Otto Wallin and Travis Kauffman square off in a 10-round showdown.

“David Benavídez will look to keep his perfect record intact, continue to display his superstar potential and further cement his positioning in the stacked 168-pound division,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “As an undefeated world champ, Benavídez can expect a strong challenge from Alexis Angulo, which should create an action-packed main event on SHOWTIME. Combined with a battle of hungry unbeaten lightweights in ‘Rolly’ Romero and Jackson Maríñez, plus a heavyweight slugfest between Otto Wallin and Travis Kauffman, this shapes up to be another can’t miss night of high-stakes action.”

“It’s going to be great to be in the corner of David ‘El Bandera Roja’ Benavídez on fight night,” said Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, who is recovering from a recent surgery. “I feel so good and so strong and I truly can’t wait to be there to support the youngest super middleweight champion in history.”

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing. The Romero vs. Maríñez bout is co-promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

The 23-year-old Benavídez (22-0, 19 KOs) defends his belt after defeating two-time super middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell in September, stopping him in nine rounds. Benavidez is trained by his father José Sr., alongside his brother and former title challenger, José Jr. In 2017, he became the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history by defeating Ronald Gavril on SHOWTIME at just 20 years old. Representing his native Phoenix, Ariz. Benavídez went from a 15-year-old prodigy sparring with Gennady Golovkin and Peter Quillin, to world title contender with a 10-fight knockout streak from 2015 through 2017, including a highlight-reel knockout of Rogelio Medina with a seven-punch combination that earned him his first championship fight.

“It’s been almost a year since the last time I fought, so I’m very eager to get back in the ring and give the fans a great fight,” said Benavídez. “Training camp has been amazing. Fortunately, my dad opened his own gym just before the pandemic, so we’ve had private training and been able to safely bring in sparring partners to help me work. I’m facing a very tricky and rugged fighter, so I’m taking him very seriously. I feel like I can take advantage of some openings in his defense and look for the knockout like I do every fight.”

Born in El Bordo, Colombia and now fighting out of Miami, Fla., Angulo (26-1, 22 KOs) enters his second world title opportunity on a three-fight winning streak, including two triumphs over previously unbeaten fighters. Angulo stopped Reinaldo Gonzalez in 2018 in his first fight since losing a decision to then-super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez earlier that year. He scored a decision victory this January over Anthony Sims Jr. to put himself in position to again challenge the best in the division.

“I’m ready for anything that happens in the ring on August 15,” said Angulo. “This is going to be a great fight for the fans because of the style I bring to the ring. Benavidez is a strong champion, but my style will be too much for him and I will have my hand raised on fight night.”

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., Romero (11-0, 10 KOs) added three knockout victories to his tally in 2019 before his 2020 debut saw him stop previously unbeaten Arturs Ahmetovs in February. A fast-rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, the 24-year-old is ranked No. 10 by the WBA and will look to extend his six-fight knockout streak on August 15.

“It feels great to return to the ring and to be fighting for such a great opportunity,” said Romero. “This has been the best camp of my career, and I’ll just say this, if a pandemic is holding you back from training, then you don’t want it bad enough. I already believe I should be here with the top guys, but the world will actually get to see that I am who I say I am. I’m confident in my abilities as a fighter and I have the best in the business, Floyd Mayweather, behind me. I think this fight will end fairly quickly, but you will get to see the growth in me as a fighter. This is another fight that will further prove I’m here to stay. Sign up for KO’s!”

“This is a big step up for Rolando, and he’s been waiting for the opportunity to showcase his talent,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “He has a big test ahead to prove himself. This is going to be another one that you don’t want to miss, so tune-in to SHOWTIME on Saturday, August 15.”

The 29-year-old Maríñez (19-0, 7 KOs) holds the WBA’s No. 6 ranking, which he earned with victories over Rolando Giono and Kenin Betancourt while picking up eight wins between 2018 and 2019. Representing his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Maríñez was successful in his U.S. debut in December of last year, stopping Yardley Armenta Cruz in two rounds.

“I’ve had a great training camp for this fight,” said Maríñez. “I’ve been sparring with Vergil Ortiz and Jose Ramirez, plus other fighters in Robert Garcia’s gym, and it’s gotten me ready to step into the ring. I know that Romero is a tough and durable fighter, so it won’t be easy, but I’m going to do anything I can to bring the title back home.”

Wallin (20-1, 13 KOs) will return to the ring for the first time since he nearly defeated Tyson Fury in September 2019, when he opened up a gruesome cut over Fury’s right eye with a legal punch that nearly halted the fight. While the 29-year-old lost a decision, he proved his mettle as a potential future heavyweight champion. Representing his native Sundsvall, Sweden, Wallin trains in New York with former champion Joey Gamache.

“I’m very happy to finally be back in the ring,” said Wallin. “It’s been a long and crazy year in many ways and it feels great to be getting ready to step back into the ring. I’ve been training steady since the Fury fight and I feel like I’ve developed my game in a lot of ways. Kauffman is a tough veteran that can both come forward or box if he wants to. He’s a fan friendly fighter and I have to be ready at all times. We have a great game plan as always and I’m in excellent shape. I know I have all the tools to beat Kauffman.”

A veteran of the heavyweight landscape, Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) owns a ledger that includes challenges of top heavyweights including Luis Ortiz, Chris Arreola and Amir Mansour, amongst others. The Reading, Pennsylvania native lost his most recent bout to Ortiz, following a 2018 triumph over Scott Alexander.

“This is my first training camp in seven years without Brother Naazim Richardson, but I know that he wouldn’t want me to leave camp and he’d want me to stay focused,” said Kauffman. “Having him pass away while I was in camp was one of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with, but there’s adversity in every camp I’ve had. I wouldn’t feel right if there wasn’t adversity to overcome. My father, Marshall, stepped back in as my head trainer. We know we’re facing a young, hungry fighter, but I have more experience than him and I don’t think he can last 10 rounds with me when I’m at 100% like I’ll be on August 15.”

Additional non-televised action will include super middleweight contender Alantez Fox (26-2-1, 12 KOs) battling Ghana’s Habib Ahmed (27-1-1, 18 KOs) in an eight-round attraction.

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Cecilia Brækhus is ready to burst out of her Big Bear training camp and become a record breaker 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) tackles the unified Super-Lightweight champion McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) knowing that victory will see her pass Joe Louis 72 year record of 25 straight successful World championship defenses – but history isn’t in the Norwegian’s mind having had plenty of time to prepare for face the tenacious Chicagoan.
 
The pair were set to clash in April in Maryland but for the COVID-19 pandemic to put a halt to all sporting events. Brækhus started camp for that fight in January – her second outing with trainer Abel Sanchez – and believes an elongated spell in the Big Bear mountains with her esteemed coach will give her the edge in Tulsa.
 
“I’ve been in Big Bear since January because I wanted to be back in the ring as soon as possible and wanted everyone to know that I’d be ready at the first opportunity,” said Brækhus. “When I got the chance to be one of the first to fight for Matchroom on a big show I was very happy. 
 
“I’m in the best shape ever, I feel amazing. I feel strong, I’m in the best condition I’ve ever been in and I’ve worked great with Abel. We’ve made small adjustments; we’re not trying to make me a new fighter but just take the things that I’m already good at and adding things to it to make me a more complete and dangerous fighter.
 
“Working with Abel has been so much fun, I’m learning and developing every day and I’m having a great time.
 
“I’m in an amazing place in Big Bear, training in the heart of nature, with the mountains and the fresh air, it’s a home away from home as it’s what I grew up with in Norway. 
 
“I missed belonging to one gym, it’s been a good thing for me, not traveling around from country to country and gym to gym, it takes a toll on you. Being in Big Bear gives you more strength and power, and the high altitude has had a good effect on me. 
 
“Abel is so professional and has worked with so many champions, I don’t have to tell him anything or explain anything, we just get down to work. He is a great guy, a motivator and that’s something that doesn’t get mentioned very often. The training in Big Bear is brutal but Abel leads by example and that’s really important.”
 
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) puts his WBA International Super-Lightweight title against Rey Perez (24-11 8 KOs), after original opponent Francisco Rojo was 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.

(Aug. 5, 2020) — Top Rank announced today the signing of undefeated heavyweight knockout artist Efe Ajagba to a long-term promotional agreement. 

Ajagba, 26, the Nigerian-born former soccer player, turned pro in 2017 after a decorated amateur career that included a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics. A three-year professional, he has risen the ranks of the young heavyweights and is already rated in the top 15 by two of the major governing organizations. 

Ajagba will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in 2020 on a to-be-determined bill. He has also enlisted the services of manager James Prince and head trainer Kay Koroma.

“I made this decision to become a better boxer and to advance my career. That’s why I signed with James Prince and Top Rank,” Ajagba said. “When I return to the ring soon, you will see a new Efe Ajagba. Kay Koroma and I are working on my head movement and defense, as I seek to become a more well-rounded fighter.”

“Efe Ajagba is one of the most gifted young heavyweights I’ve seen in quite some time,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has immense physical tools and a great work ethic. I have the utmost confidence that we’re looking at a future heavyweight champion.”

At 6-foot-6 and 240-plus pounds, Ajagba (13-0, 11 KOs) is one of the division’s most intimidating physical specimens, a natural puncher with six-first round knockouts on his ledger. He holds the record for the fastest victory in boxing history when, in August 2018, Curtis Harper walked out of the ring one second after the opening bell sounded. The disqualification win ended Ajagba’s string of knockouts, and he would score four more knockouts before being taken the distance for the first time in his career. Ajagba last fought March 7 in Brooklyn, knocking out former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in nine rounds.

Eddie Hearn:

“Welcome everyone tuning it at home on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel and Sky Sports as well. Wow! What a start to fight camp last week. To be honest with you it couldn’t have gone any better. We had a great time in the bubble last week. The fighters all excelled. We had drama, we had Fight of the Year contenders and this week we expect another unbelievable night in Week 2 of Fight Camp this Friday at the Matchroom Headquarters live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN across America as well.”

Terri Harper – Denaby, England – 10-0, 5 KO’s – defending her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Natasha Jonas:

“I’ve been told a few times about Joe’s mind games so I switch off and don’t let it bother me. I don’t feel pressure compared to my World Title fight. I’m looking for the stoppage. Tasha has never done 10 rounds, she’s not proven that she can go the distance. If I land a good shot on Tasha? Lights out. Talking about Tasha’s knockout rate? She has fought nobodies. Who has she stepped in the ring with? Tasha has not proven herself. They will have a big shock on Friday. If I’m honest I’m just enjoying this journey. I popped up out of nowhere and here I am on the biggest stage. We’re not daft, we’ve prepared for the best Tasha.”Natasha Jonas – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 7 KOs – challenging Terri Harper for her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles:

“I had an extra three weeks to prepare. It was seven weeks the first time and ten weeks this time. I got time to be a little kid again with my little girl, and to be a teacher. The break away was good for me mentally. When I came back I hadn’t punched anything for two months. When I walked into the gym I told Joe ‘I’m never going to complain about being here again’. And I didn’t for the whole camp! I definitely feel like the underdog in this fight judging by the bookies and a little bit of social media. I think anyone that knows about boxing knows that you can’t write a person off just on one performance. I know I’ve done everything that I could possibly do in this camp and more. I’ve given 100% in every training session. I believe I can do it. Power is something I’ve always had, I have a good knockout percentage, I know that I carry power. If I land cleanly, she will go.”

Chris Billam-Smith – Bournemouth, England – 10-1, 9 KOs – defending his Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title against Nathan Thorley:

“I’m looking forward to the fight. I’ve now had Nathan in my sights since it got announced in March. I’m looking forward to the fight on Friday. I saw the show on Saturday and I thought it was a great show. I’m looking forward to putting on a performance on Friday. It’s been a hot division for a while now. We’re all fighting each other at the moment. I boxed Riakporhe, Riakporhe’s boxed Jack Massey, I’ve boxed Craig Glover and me and Nathan are fighting as well. Everyone is willing to put it on the line to prove who is the best. Obviously Lawrence Okolie at the moment is just a few steps ahead of us.   He’s moving on to world honours so it’s sort of the best of the rest when it comes down to us all and I believe that’s me.”

Nathan Thorley – Cardiff, Wales – 14-0, 6 KOs – challenging Chris Billam-Smith for the Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title:

“It’s a massive opportunity and one I’m grabbing with both hands. I’ve given it everything in the gym since January because obviously we were meant to fight in May. I haven’t stopped training. It’s good sparring and it’s good strength and conditioning. I’m fit and ready and just can’t wait for Friday now. It’s a bit of a blessing the virus, not a blessing for others but it’s a blessing for me. I’ve been furloughed from work so I’ve been able to train full time and get myself in incredible shape. I’m ready to go. I know Chris is big and strong, but I’m big and strong myself. We’re both two big strong fellas and I think it’s going to be a good fight. I’ve got a job to do first on Friday against Chris. I’m not looking past Chris. For me, Chris is my World Title shot. Roll on Friday.”

Anthony Fowler – Liverpool, England – 12-1, 9 KOs – fighting Adam Harper in a ten round Super-Welterweight contest:

“I’m really excited. I think Harper’s style will play into my hands lovely. He is a game kid but I don’t think that will work against me. I’m going to walk him onto some hard, hurtful shots early on and hopefully show some of my new skills I’ve learnt under my coach. Counter punching, being smart, picking my shots. I’m looking forward to it. I watched Cheeseman vs. Eggington and I was that pumped up afterwards I went for a run. That Cheeseman fight would be great at the end of the year but obviously Adam is here to gatecrash the party as he put in his own words. I’ve got to make sure that I do a job on him. I’m getting the win.”

Adam Harper – Tewkesbury, England – 9-1 – fighting Anthony Fowler in a ten round Super-Welterweight contest:

“I think I’m ready Eddie. First of all, apologies to you and thanks for not getting an injunction out on me. I think I hounded you and hounded you with about 30 unread messages. You finally answered. It’s nothing personal and there’s no disrespect to Anthony. I asked for any of your big names. I want to gatecrash the party. I’m a massive underdog here if you look at the betting odds. Fowler was the Team GB kid that we all used to look up to. I was in the ABAs the same year that he boxed Troy Williamson. We all know about Fowler and we all know how good he is. There’s no real pressure on me. I looked at the betting odds last night and I’m one to six to get knocked out. Fowler really needs to knock me out. I’m coming and I’m game. I’m super fit and I’m ready for this. This is a golden opportunity for me to gatecrash the party. Hopefully you’ll be signing me up after.”

Hopey Price – Leeds, England – 2-1, 1 KO – fighting Jonny Phillips in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of similarities between this show and the one I boxed on in Saudi Arabia even though there’s no crowd. When I watched Jordan on Saturday and he walked out to the ring it was just unbelievable to look at how it was set up. Dave phoned me and said we’re having a bit of trouble getting an opponent. I prefer to fight the better level opposition. I have to raise my game up and box better. I think that’s when you’ll see the best of me. I may have only had two pro fights but I was sick of those types of opponents just coming in to try to survive. It’s hard to show all of your skills and what you’re capable of against those opponents. I think it’s going to make for a better fight and I’m going to put on a good performance on Friday night.”

Jonny Phillips – Sandhurst, England – 5-4, 2 KOs – fighting Hopey Price in a six round Featherweight contest:

“I always take any opportunity that comes up. I snap at it no matter what. Within five minutes I say yes to anything. I’m in this game for opportunities like this. I don’t see the point, like Hopey said, in going round and boxing people that are only coming to survive. I like to box the best on the biggest platforms and there’s nothing bigger than this at the moment. It’s a great opportunity. I said yes to the fight in about thirty seconds. I’m game as ever. I’ve had nine pro fights and I’ve boxed in five different weight classes. I don’t think many professional boxers have done that! I’m game as anything and I’m coming to win. I’m coming to knock him out. I was in the gym the whole time anyway and then we had a weeks’ notice for this one just to get a bit of a gameplay together. We’ve got something in the bank that we’re going to try and pull out.”

Aqib Fiaz – Oldham, England – 5-0 – fighting Kane Baker in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“I boxed in March on the Jono Carroll vs. Scott Quigg card. I’m fighting again now in August and hopefully again by the end of the year. I’m spoilt to be fair. Thanks to Matchroom and thanks to Sky for the opportunity. I’ve watched him and I respect him as a fighter. He’s a good fighter. I’ve prepared really hard and I’m ready for this. I’m ready for this step-up. I believe it was my destiny to be here fighting with Sky and Matchroom. I’ve always watched these shows and I’ve always wanted to be here and nobody is taking that away from me. A fight is a fight. It doesn’t matter where it is. A real fighter will fight anywhere. I look forward to a good performance. It will be a standout performance.”

Kane Baker – Birmingham, England – 13-6 – fighting Aqib Fiaz in an eight round Super-Featherweight contest:

“It’ll be the third time you (Eddie Hearn) have watched me. Hopefully it doesn’t go as bad as it has gone. I’m just blessed to be here. I’m a hardcore boxing fan and to be here experiencing a set up like this is amazing. Last week was absolutely spectacular. I’ve improved a lot technically. I’d like to show some of my boxing skills as well. I’ve just got to stay in his face and show him what eight rounds is about. To be a part of this is amazing. I’m up for it now, I could fight today or I could fight tomorrow. When I get the win on Friday I’m going to be one of Eddie’s mates and not Aqib.”

Hopey Price says his vast experience in the amateurs will help him get the win against Jonny Phillips in their six round Featherweight clash at Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex, on Friday August 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

The slick southpaw, trained and managed by Dave Coldwell, landed gold at the 2018 European Youth Championships and 2018 Youth Olympics; becoming the first boxer from Great Britain to win gold at a Youth Olympic Games.

He signed promotional terms with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing in October 2019 before making his eagerly-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of Anthony Crolla’s farewell fight at Manchester Arena, outpointing Joe Sanchez. 

In his next fight he landed a spot on the undercard of the blockbuster Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua 2 World Title show in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, where he scored an impressive third round TKO over Tanzania’s Swede Mohamed.

‘Drago’ jumped at the opportunity to be involved in another historic event at the Matchroom HQ this weekend where he faces a big step-up in opponent against Phillips, but the 20-year-old says he is more than ready for the test. 

“I’ve had itchy knuckles for weeks,” said Price. “I was scheduled to fight in April and when that all fell through we all got put into lockdown. When I was allowed to get back in the gym with Dave it was full steam ahead, we got the date and now I’m ready to fight!

“I need to keep doing what I’m doing in this fight. What Dave has seen in the gym he has been happy with. For me, by fight night all the pressure is off and I can get down to business. I am super confident, Jonny has boxed some good names but you will see the level I’m at on Friday night.

“There is levels to boxing and I think I am a level above him. My performance on Friday will open people’s eyes. People say amateur and pro boxing is different but when you have been all around the world and boxed top kids, people don’t realise how much experience that gives you. For me, it’s about staying relaxed and winning.”

Price vs. Phillips lands on Week 2 of Matchroom Camp, main event sees Terri Harper (10-0, 5 KOs) defend her WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles against Natasha Jonas (9-1, 7 KOs)in an historic clash, Bournemouth’s Chris Billam-Smith (10-1, 9 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title against undefeated Cardiff man Nathan Thorley (14-0, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Welterweight Anthony Fowler (12-1, 9 KOs) gets his second outing of the year against Adam Harper (9-1) and Oldham prospect Aqib Fiaz (5-0) steps up against Birmingham’s former Midlands Area Champion Kane Baker.

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