Beginning her career as a nurse, Kim Clavel left the profession to pursue her dream of boxing, but as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across North America, Clavel returned to nursing to look after the most vulnerable patients. For her dedication to serving others, Clavel will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service sponsored by MassMutual at The 2020 ESPYS presented by Capital One airing June 21, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

“It is an honor to receive the Pat Tillman Award on behalf of all the healthcare workers battling COVID-19 on the frontlines,” said Kim Clavel.  “Just as Pat put his NFL career on hold to serve his country, I felt the same duty to serve my community. Although recently I have pursued my dream of boxing, helping people is my passion and I’m proud to be able to make a difference.” 

Hailing from Joliette, Quebec, Kim Clavel made her professional boxing debut on December 16, 2017. She took a year-long leave from nursing last August to focus on her emerging boxing career as a light flyweight. Clavel proved her passion for the sport, compiling a record of 11-0 with two knockouts and winning her first professional title via unanimous decision to become the North American Boxing Federation flyweight champion in December 2019 in Montreal. Scheduled to defend her title on March 21, 2020, Clavel’s match was cancelled as COVID-19 began escalating in North America. Instead of lacing up her boxing gloves, Clavel made the choice to return to her scrubs. Since then, Clavel has worked tirelessly as an overnight nurse at retirement and elderly care centers. She’s acutely aware that her patients are vulnerable not only to the virus, but to the isolation and loneliness it imposes. It’s exhausting, challenging work. But she knows she’s making a difference – a fighter-turned-caregiver, serving where she’s needed most. 

“Choosing to return to the front lines of healthcare amid an unprecedented global pandemic, Kim personifies the spirit of service, duty and selflessness that Pat embodied,” said Marie Tillman, board chair and co-founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “In spite of the dangers from COVID and delays to her budding boxing career, Kim chose to focus her energy on those most in need. In Pat’s name, we are honored to present the Tillman Award to Kim for her service and leadership in her healthcare work and throughout this crisis.” 

The Pat Tillman Award for Service was established in 2014 to commemorate the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger’s legacy, and honoring an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes Tillman’s legacy. Kim Clavel will be presented with the award during The 2020 ESPYS in conjunction with the Pat Tillman Foundation, a national leader in providing academic support and scholarships to veterans, active-duty service members and their spouses. Past honorees include U.S. Paralympic gold medal sled hockey player and Purple Heart recipient Josh Sweeney (2014), and former Notre Dame basketball player, Iraq war veteran and Purple Heart recipient Danielle Green (2015), U.S. Army Sgt. and Invictus Games gold medalist Elizabeth Marks (2016), and Purple Heart recipient and Invictus Games gold medalist Israel Del Toro (2017), Navy-Marine Commendation Medal recipient, Sergeant and founder of Team Rubicon Jake Wood (2018) and former Marine and founder of the Kristie Ennis Foundation, Kristie Ennis (2019).

The 2020 ESPYS will include the Sports Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, with several key awards including the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award presented by Anthem Foundation and the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award presented by Dove Men+Care, among others. 

The ESPYS helps to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS back in 1993. ESPN has helped raise more than $116 million for the V Foundation over the past 27 years.

ABOUT THE PAT TILLMAN FOUNDATION

In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation unites and empowers remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of public and private sector leaders committed to service beyond self. For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the impact of the Tillman Scholars, visit www.PatTillmanFoundation.org.

Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellew are back with the sixth and final instalment of our ‘Talk the Talk’ series, which airs tonight at 7pm (BST) on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel.

This week the duo are joined by UFC President Dana White – the kingpin behind creating the world’s biggest MMA events and fights. White discusses a number of topics from the world of boxing and MMA ahead of this weekend’s UFC 250 showdown in Las Vegas. 

“It’s been some series and what a way to finish, having Dana on Talk The Talk was great,” said Eddie Hearn. “His drive and passion speaks volumes, I’m so pumped after speaking with him to return to live action.”

“Dana’s grown and evolved MMA over the years, it’s incredible what he’s done and it was brilliant to speak with the UFC President on our season finale,” added Bellew.

Talk The Talk premieres tonight at 7pm (BST) tonight

In line with the latest BBBofC and Government guidelines relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have taken the decision to reschedule their events due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday June 27th and Cardiff on Saturday July 11th, while the event taking place at Manchester Arena on Saturday July 4th has been cancelled.
 
Subject to the developing situation, Lee Selby’s IBF Lightweight World Title Final Eliminator against George Kambosos Jr at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff has been rescheduled to Saturday October 3rd, while Lewis Ritson’s clash with former World Champion Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle has been rescheduled to Saturday October 17th.  
 
Tickets will be valid for the rescheduled dates in Cardiff and Newcastle or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Tickets for the cancelled Manchester event will be available from your point of purchase.

DETROIT, MI (June 2, 2020) – Top Rank’s undefeated WBO Featherweight World Champion, Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs), is this week’s featured guest on “Stars and Champions”, airing Friday, May 29, 2020, on the Impact Network. Veteran boxing writer Dan Rafael will host the 30-minute broadcast beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT.

Stevenson captured the vacant WBO crown when he defeated Joet Gonzalez (23-1 14 KOs) in November of 2019. His next fight, a 10-round main event bout against Felix Caraballo (13-1-2, 9 KOs), is scheduled for June 9, 2020, live on ESPN. Stevenson will be making his super featherweight debut. This will be the first live main event boxing match broadcasted on national television amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact Network will air “Stars and Champions” across all major cable, satellite, and digital channels. Impact is now broadcasting 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and can be viewed on DIRECTV’s Channel 380 or Channel 268, DISH Network’s Channel 268, Fios TV Channel 787, Verizon Website and Comcast’s Xfinity TV’s Channel 400. In addition, Impact Network can be viewed digitally on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, and Sling. “Stars and Champions” can also be viewed on the Impact Network website and mobile app. Please check local listings in your area for more information.

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About Impact Network: The Impact Network provides family friendly entertainment and educational themed inspirational content through its many distribution platforms. Broadcasting in over 88 million homes, Impact endeavors to be the foremost innovative inspirational network both locally and abroad. The Impact Network is the fastest growing and largest black owned faith-based TV network spanning across the united states, the Bahamian Islands and parts of Africa!

LAS VEGAS (June 1, 2020) — It can all be summarized in three long-awaited words: boxing is back.
 
Top Rank on ESPN returns Tuesday, June 9, as WBO featherweight world champion Shakur Stevenson will take on Puerto Rican contender Felix “La Sombra” Caraballo in a 10-round super featherweight bout. Stevenson-Caraballo will kick off a blockbuster June boxing lineup, which will include multiple cards each week on the ESPN family of networks. Specifics on ESPN platforms and tune-in times to be announced soon.
 
Stevenson-Caraballo will be the first of multiple June events to take place at the MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom. The action will continue Thursday, June 11 when former junior featherweight world champion and top featherweight contender Jessie Magdaleno faces Dominican puncher Yenifel Vicente in a 10-rounder.
 
These events will be closed to both the public and the media, as only essential fight camp members and event staff will be permitted on site.
 
“I would like to thank MGM Resorts and the Nevada State Athletic Commission for their assistance in helping to bring back world-class boxing,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are all looking forward to a spectacular summer of live boxing across ESPN platforms. Shakur is among the best young talents I’ve ever promoted, and he is going to put on a show on June 9.”
 
ESPN’s Top Rank play-by-play commentator, Joe Tessitore, will be calling the action from ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., studios.  Andre Ward (analyst), former #1 pound-for-pound two-division world titleholder and 2004 Olympic gold medalist, Tim Bradley (analyst), former two-division world titleholder and boxing insider Mark Kriegel, will join from their home studios. Boxing reporter Bernardo Osuna will be on-location in Las Vegas. 
 
June 9 
MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom
Main Event
Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs) vs. Felix Caraballo (13-1-2, 9 KOs)
10 rounds, Super Featherweight
 
2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Stevenson, the pride of Newark, New Jersey, is testing the waters at super featherweight following his featherweight title-winning effort over Joet Gonzalez last October. He went 4-0 in 2019, flashing the skills and athleticism that have many experts pegging him as a future pound-for-pound superstar. Caraballo has won five fights in a row and will be fighting for the first time away from Puerto Rico.
 
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and return live boxing to ESPN,” Stevenson said. “I was really disappointed when my fight got canceled in March, and I said then that I wanted to be one of the first fights back. I stayed in shape so when that call came, I was ready. The atmosphere might be different on June 9, but I’ve fought in unique situations all over the world before so it won’t affect me. Regardless of who’s in the building, you’ll see another great performance, and I’ll remind everyone why I’m the best young fighter in boxing.”
  
Co-Feature
Mikaela Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs) vs. Helen Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs)
10 rounds, Super Featherweight
 
Mayer, Stevenson’s 2016 Olympic teammate, has in short order become one of the faces of female boxing. The Los Angeles native is on track for a world title shot this year, but she must first defeat Joseph, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, who is coming off a competitive decision loss to former lightweight queen Delfine Persoon.
 
“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be fighting on the first boxing card since the pandemic shutdown,” Mayer said. “I was set to travel to New York City for a fight March 17, but the quarantine went into effect the day before I was supposed to fly out. So, despite having a long, hard 10-week camp, I was unable to perform and showcase the work I had put in. I feel like I’ve leveled up my skill set, and I’m eager to show that on June 9 and capture my 13th win. It’s also great to see ESPN and Top Rank having a woman headline their first card back. I have been in camp with Shakur, and we’re ready to bring boxing back to television with exciting wins.”
 
Undercard
 
Undefeated heavyweight knockout artists Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (3-0, 3 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, will face Johnnie Langston (8-2, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Anderson recently served as Tyson Fury’s chief sparring partner for the Deontay Wilder rematch.
 
Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (6-0, 6 KOs), a 2016 Italian Olympian, will fight Don Haynesworth (16-3-1, 14 KOs) in a six-rounder at heavyweight.
 
Robeisy Ramirez (2-1, 2 KOs), the two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba who bested Stevenson in the 2016 gold medal match, will seek his third straight win as a pro in a six-round featherweight bout against Yeuri Andujar (5-3, 3 KOs).
 
In a middleweight tilt set for six or four rounds, Calvin Metcalf (10-3-1, 3 KOs) will face Atlanta native Quatavious Cash (11-2, 7 KOs).
 
June 11
MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom
Main Event
Jessie Magdaleno (27-1, 18 KOs) vs. Yenifel Vicente (36-4-2, 28 KOs)
10 rounds, Featherweight
 
Top-ranked featherweight contender Magdaleno has defeated veterans Rafael Rivera and Rico Ramos since moving up from the junior featherweight ranks. The Las Vegas native will be fighting in his hometown for the first time since he dethroned four-weight kingpin Nonito Donaire in November 2016. Vicente, the author of numerous highlight-reel knockouts, is 11-1 with 11 knockouts in his last 12 fights.
 
“It feels great to be one of the first fighters back,” Magdaleno said. “I’m excited to get back in the ring, especially after my last fight was canceled. I didn’t get discouraged. I am even more ready now. I can’t wait to showcase my talent to the ESPN audience. What better way to show that the champ is back?”
 
Co-Feature
Adam Lopez (13-2, 6 KOs) vs. Louie Coria (12-2, 7 KOs)
10 rounds, vacant NABF Featherweight title
 
Lopez, a native of Glendale, California, is back following his seesaw throwdown against Oscar Valdez last November, a bout he took on a day’s notice after Valdez’s original opponent missed weight. Despite a 3.5-pound weight disadvantage, he knocked down Valdez in the second round before being stopped in the seventh. The “Glendale Gatti” will have a tough task in Coria, a Robert Garcia-trained fighter who has won three straight since a split decision loss at super featherweight.
 
“I will put a show on for all the fight fans around the world and show them what I’m made of,” Lopez said. “The Valdez fight was an incredible experience. I’m ready to get what’s left of 2020 going and move toward a title shot.  The whole team is working hard and preparing well. Tune in. I’m going to put on a show.”
 
Undercard
 
Bryan Lua (5-0, 2 KOs), from California’s Central Valley, will return following a more than two-year layoff against Dan Murray (5-3, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder at lightweight.
 
Bantamweight prospect Gabriel Muratalla (2-0, 2 KOs) will make his 2020 debut in a four-rounder versus Fernando Robles (2-2, 0 KOs).
 
In a battle of unbeaten California-based lightweights scheduled for six or four rounds, Eric Mondragon (3-0, 2 KOs) will face Mike Sanchez (6-0, 2 KOs).

Sampson boxing proudly announces the re-signing of featherweight contender Eduardo “Zurdito” Ramirez and super welterweight contender Jorge “Demonio” Cota, both of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, to exclusive long-term promotional contracts.

Ramirez (23-2-3, 10 KOs) is a 27-year-old, highly skilled southpaw with fast hands and super defense. He was last seen stopping formerly undefeated Cuban Leduan Barthelemy in four impressive rounds last November in Las Vegas. The pair had previously fought to a controversial draw, but this time Ramirez left no doubt.

Cota (30-4, 27 KOs) is a 27-year-old perennial contender with powerful fists and a hard-nosed relentless free-swinging style. Cota was last seen at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia where he scored a TKO 5 over popular contender Thomas LaManna on the undercard of promotional stablemate Jeison Rosario’s title-winning stoppage of Julian Williams in January of this year.

Both fighters are trained by Pedro and Eduardo Montiel and managed by Manuel Montiel Jr., brothers of five-time world champion Fernando Montiel.

“I have been given many good opportunities in my career and look forward to many more with Sampson Boxing,” said Ramirez. “Sampson told me if I work hard and do my job, he will get me in the right fights and we have both kept our word.”

“I am happy to continue to fight under the Sampson banner,” said Cota. “Sampson never gave up on me. I will continue to fight hard and work to win a world championship for my team.”

Lewkowicz says he’s happy to be continuing his promotional relationship with both Mexican warriors.

“Both of these fighters are from the toughest parts of Mexico and they work everyday for more for themselves and their families. I am honored to remain part of their team and helping them fight their way to better lives. They are both good men who always show up to fight. They are both coming off big victories in their careers and when boxing starts up again, they will both see good opportunities to come.”
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to UFC APEX in Las Vegas with a thrilling women’s featherweight championship bout that will see No. 1 ranked women’s pound-for-pound fighter Amanda Nunes defend her featherweight belt against top contender Felicia Spencer. In a blockbuster bantamweight bout, No. 5 ranked contender Raphael Assuncao battles former champion and No. 9 ranked Cody Garbrandt.

UFC^® 250: NUNES vs. SPENCER will take place Saturday, June 6 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.

Fans will be able to purchase UFC^® 250: NUNES vs. SPENCER online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN and on ESPN Deportes (in Spanish) starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the early prelims simulcast on UFC Fight Pass, ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes (in Spanish) at 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT.

The greatest women’s fighter of all-time, Nunes (19-4, fighting out of Coral Springs, Fla. by way of Bahia, Brazil) looks to continue cementing her legacy by securing her first successful featherweight title defense. Throughout her storied career, Nunes has delivered spectacular first-round finishes against Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Holly Holm and Miesha Tate. Nunes now looks for another show-stealing performance to further etch her name in the history books.

A former Invicta FC featherweight champion, Spencer (8-1, fighting out of Orlando, Fla. by way of Montreal, Canada) aims to send shockwaves throughout the sports world by dethroning Nunes. A talented grappler, the Canadian-born submission specialist has delivered spectacular finishes against Megan Anderson, Zarah Fairn and Pam Sorenson. Spencer now aims to capture her first UFC championship by handing Nunes her first loss in over five years.

A perennial bantamweight contender, Assuncao (27-7, fighting out of Alpharetta, Ga. by way of Recife, Brazil) has fought the top names at 135 pounds in the UFC. A talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has earned impressive wins against TJ Dillashaw, Marlon Moraes, Aljamain Sterling and Pedro Munhoz. He looks to add another former champion to his resume and re-assert himself as a title threat.

Former champion Garbrandt (11-3, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) turned heads by winning his first 11 consecutive outings and dethroning long-time champion Dominick Cruz in 2016. Over the course of his career, he has netted memorable KO wins against Thomas Almeida, Takeya Mizugaki and Augusto Mendes. He looks to take his next step back into title contention with another highlight-reel finish.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In a pivotal bantamweight bout with title implications, No. 2 ranked contender Aljamain Sterling (18-3, fighting out of Uniondale, N.Y.) takes on No. 4 Cory Sandhagen (12-1, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.)
• Neil Magny (22-8, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) squares off with Anthony Rocco Martin (17-5, fighting out of St. Cloud, Minn.) in a thrilling welterweight contest
• Former WEC bantamweight champion Eddie Wineland (24-13-1, fighting out of Chesterton, Ind.) locks horns with undefeated upstart Sean O’Malley (11-0, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.)
• In an exciting featherweight bout, Alex Caceres (15-12 1NC, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) takes on undefeated Chase Hooper (9-0-1, fighting out of Enumclaw, Wash.)
• Ian Heinisch (13-3, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.) squares off with Gerald Meerschaert (30-12, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) in an entertaining middleweight bout
• Cody Stamann (18-2-1, fighting out of Sparta, Mich.) takes on Brian Kelleher (21-10, fighting out of Selden, N.Y.) in an intriguing featherweight bout
• Charles Byrd (10-6, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) meets Maki Pitolo (11-5, fighting out of M?kaha, Hawaii) in a clash of middleweight finishers
• In a battle of flyweight contenders, No. 4 ranked Jussier Formiga (23-7, fighting out of Natal, Brazil) faces No. 9 Alex Perez (23-5, fighting out of Leemoore, Calif.)
• Alonzo Menifield (10-0, fighting out of Dallas, Tex.) looks to remain undefeated when he takes on tough Devin Clark (11-4, fighting out of Sioux Falls, S.D.)
• Evan Dunham (18-7-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) returns against Herbert Burns (10-2, fighting out of Lantana, Fla. by way of Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in a 150-pound catchweight bout

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

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 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 Disney’s Direct-To-Consumer & International

Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment includes Disney’s international media operations stretching from Europe to Asia to Latin America and the Company’s direct-to-consumer streaming businesses, including Hulu, Hotstar, ESPN+, and the recently launched Disney+ service. DTCI also manages global advertising sales and ad technology for Disney media properties which include ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX Networks, National Geographic, and the Disney Channels. The Company’s media distribution operations are also part of the Direct-to-Consumer & International business segment.

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.

Gilbert Burns got the biggest win of his career as he dominated former welterweigh champion Tyron Woodley over five round to rack up an easy unanimous decision at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

In round one, Woodley was dropped and cut above the left eye. Burns landed three-times the amount of strikes and had two take-downs as Woodley seemed faded and was never in the fight.

Burns, 170 1/2 lbs of Brazil, who came in with a number-four ranking, won by scores of 50-45 and 50-44 twice to raise his mark to 19-3. Woodley, 170 1/2 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 19-5-1.

Augusto Sakai won a split decision over Blagoy Ivanov in a heavyweight bout.

Sakai, 259 1/2 lbs of Brazil won two cards by 29-28 tallies. Ivanov won a card 30-27.

Sakai is 15-1-1. Ivanov, 255 1/2 lbs of Sofia, BUL is 18-4-1.

Billy Quarantillo won a unanimous decision over Spike Carlyle in an action filled 150 lb catchweight bout.

Quarantillo, 149.5 lbs of Tampa, FL won by scores of 29-28 on all cards, and is now 14-2. Carlyle, 150 lbs of Del Mar, CA is 9-2.

Roosevelt Roberts submitted Brok Weaver in round two of their lightweight bout.

Roberts dominated and was able to finish Weaver with a rear-naked choke at 3:26.

Roberts, 156 lbs of San Bernadino, CA is 10-1. Weaver. 157.5 lbs of Micintosh, AL is 15-5.

Mackenzie Dern submitted Hannah Cifers in the 1st round of their strawweight bout.

Cifers landed some punches early, and was even attempting Ground and Pound on Dern when Dern was able to take Cifers down with a leg-lock that made Cifers tap at 2:36.

Dern, 115.5 lbs of Long Beach, CA is 8-1. Cifers, 115.5 lbs of Wake Forest, NC is 10-5.

Kaitlyn Chookagian got revenge, sort of as she beat up and battered Antonina Shevchenko in their flyweight bout.

Chookagian had Shevchenko on the ground and pounded away at her for most of the 15 minutes of the fight.

Chookagian who lost to Shevchenko’s sister, Valentina in a world title clash, got the revenge by scores of 30-25 on all cards.

Chookagian, 126 lbs of Amity Harbor, NY is 14-3. Shevchenko, 125.5 lbs of Kyrgyzstan is 8-2.

Daniel Rodriguez won a unanimous decision over Gabriel Green in a welterweight fight.

Rodriguez, 170 lbs of Alhambra, CA won by scores of 30-27 on all cards, and is now 12-1. Green, 170.5 lbs of San Pedro, CA is 9-3.

Jamahal Hill stopped Klidson Abreu in the opening round of their light heavyweight bout.

Hill dropped Abreu with a vicious knee, and then landed several punches with Abreu on the ground, and the bout was stopped at 1:51,

Hill, 205.5 lbs of Grand Rapids, MI is 8-0. Abreu, 206 lbs of Brazil is 15-5.

Brandon Royval choked out Tim Elliott in round two of their flyweight bout.

Elliott dominated the first round-plus with some solid takedowns, but in round two, Royval was able to turn the tide and get Elliott to tap out from a cArm-Triangle at 3:18.

Royval, 125.5 lbs of Englewood, CO is 11-4. Elliott, 126 lbs of Lee’s Summitt, MO is 15-11-1.

Casey Kenney choked out Louis Smolka in the 1st round of their bantamweight fight.

Kenney dropped Smolka with a left hook and was able to sub,it Smolka with a one-armed Guillotine at 3:03.

Kenney, 136 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 14-2-1. Smolka, 136 lbs of Kapolei, HI is 16-7.

Chris Gutierrez stopped Vince Morales in the 2nd round of their featherweight bout.

In round two, Gutierrez hurt Morales repeatedly with a plethora of leg kicks. Gutierrez continued to land low leg kicks that beat up the legs of Morales until the fight was stopped at 4:27.

Gutierrez, 145.5 lbs of Englewood, CO is 15-3. Morales, 145 lbs of Las Vegas is 9-5.

Over the next few weeks the sport of boxing will finally resume after a lengthy hiatus caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

While the action in the ring was on hold, there still was plenty going on outside of the ring.  Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson was trending after setting the social media world fire after posting a short training video clip.

Whispers of a comeback by Tyson ensued and he fueled the fire more by stating that he would like to comeback to the ring in a series of exhibition bouts to raise money for charity.  

Tyson’s announcement set off a chain reaction, as he inspired several other legendary names in the combat sports world to throw their names in the mix. Long time Tyson rival Evander Holyfield, James Toney and MMA legends such as Wanderlei Silva and Tito Ortiz were among the fighters to state their interest in fighting the youngest heavyweight in the history of boxing.

However, the interest in comebacks isn’t limited to only heavyweight fighters.  A former Mexican superstar has reached out to Impact Boxing to gauge their interest in potentially televising his comeback fight.  

Impact Boxing is a newcomer to the sport, having joined the boxing world earlier this year and is interested in helping retired fighters continue to earn money to support their families but only if it can be done in a safe manner.

In similar fashion to senior leagues in professional golf and tennis, Impact Boxing would only be interested in televising these “legends” fights if strict rules are adhered to for each bout.

Impact Boxing would like to propose the potential creation of a veteran’s league that would allow former ring idols to return against their colleagues with modified rules. These rules are outlined below:

VETERAN BOXING LEAGUE

The Veteran Boxing League (the “VBL”) is a proposed specialty boxing league specifically established for former professional boxers from ages 45-60 years. The VBL would follow traditional boxing weight classes and work with established sanctioning bodies to establish a ranking system and championship structure for each weight class. 

The VBL would hold events and mini-tournaments featuring a “who’s who” of retired professional boxers that would allow these retired pros to come out of retirement and
recapture their former glory in the ring. The VBL would provide a high level of competition for former fighters in a setting that allows for competition and safety.

VBL Fight Structure:
? No more than 6 rounds per bout
? 2 minute rounds
? 90 second breaks between rounds instead of the usual 1 minute for professional fights in order to allow proper recovery time and also additional medical supervision from ringside doctors between rounds
? Fighters would use 12 oz. gloves at the heavier weight classes and 10 oz. gloves at the lighter weight classes
? Stringent medical requirements pre-bout to ensure physical fitness to compete in VBL
? All other aspects of the fights to be governed by the ABC rules
? Tournaments may be held with seeding established based on fighter’s prior professional success, alternatively fighters could be ranked in conjunction with an established sanctioning body

Steve Marcano of SMM Boxing believes that the VBL will provide a high level of competition for former fighters that still desire to fight in a setting that allows for competition and safety. “This structure will allow retired fighters to compete against each other and avoid mismatches where retired fighters are fighting boxers who are much younger than them, which increases the potential risk of injury and is something that no one wants to see,” he stated.

According to Marcano, Impact is in discussions to hold its first VBL event with a main event featuring 2 boxing hall of famers as soon as regulations preventing fans from attending events are lifted.

“As soon as we are up and running we are expecting to get this new platform off the ground in conjunction with Impact’s regular boxing programming,” Marcano revealed

Ricky Burns says it would be fitting to draw the curtain on his illustrious career in Glasgow when the time is right, but the Coatbridge hero is confident he still has plenty more great nights left in the tank as he spoke with Chris Lloyd in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s podcast ‘The Lockdown Tapes’.
THE LOCKDOWN TAPES WITH RICKY BURNS IS ALSO ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW!
Burns (43-8-1, 16 KOs ) created history by becoming Scotland’s first three-weight World champion in May 2016 when he added Super-Lightweight glory to his Super-Featherweight and Lightweight titles by stopping Michele Di Rocco for the WBA title at the SSE Hydro.

‘Rickster’ joined the paid ranks at the age of 18 in October 2001, decisioning Woody Greenway at Kevlin Hall in Glasgow, 51 fights and almost 20 years later the ultimate professional insists that he is still going strong following a close defeat to Welshman Lee Selby in London last October. 

“I just felt as if I had done enough to win in that fight,” said Burns. “It wasn’t just the Selby fight but over the last year and on social media, I had lots of people asking me if I was still fighting. After the fight it was things like that going through my head but I’m not ready to retire yet. If I had went in and Lee had punched the face off me I would have said no more. 

“As I say, I thought I had done enough to win and I do think I have a couple of good fights left in me so let’s see what happens! I was 36 at the time, I am 37 now and I don’t kid myself. I know I have got a year or two left of my career. I’ve always said I will decide when the time is right, I just don’t like it when people are trying to force it upon me.

“I started ticking over in the gym up here and had to shake off a few injuries after the Selby fight. All the scans have come back clear and I have been back to normal doing marathon runs, the body is all good. 

“We’ve not spoken about dates or opponents yet but I would love to finish my career in Glasgow and have one more big night up here. Throughout my career the fans have always turned up and showed great support so I would love to put on one last show for them up here before I call it a day.

“I don’t really want to think about life after boxing until I’ve decided that’s it. I see myself staying within boxing and getting an amateur club started. Getting my pro license would be great and I think I would make a good coach and a good trainer.”

As well as reflecting on his glittering career and looking ahead to what comes next, Burns discusses his amateur days in Scotland, dealing with losses, what it takes to maintain his incredible fitness, as well as the future of Scottish boxing. 

Fans can find Burn’s episode plus previous episodes with Joshua Buatsi, Devin Haney, Joe Cordina, Joseph Parker, Josh Warrington, Daniel Jacobs, Liam Smith, Demetrius Andrade, John Ryder and more here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matchroom-boxing-podcast/id1506174562

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5YRAWQS5JXB0OvM8vCqZxq

Matchroom Website: https://www.matchroomboxing.com/lockdown-tapes-podcast/

Interim WBC Heavyweight World Champion Dillian Whyte and Heavyweight UFC star Francis Ngannouwill come together for a special ePress conference at 7pm (BST) tomorrow (Saturday May 30) on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.

In partnership with StubHub, Sky Sports and VOW, Eddie Hearn hosts the fifth edition of our ‘Rivals’ series following the first four instalments featuring Lee Selby, Anthony Fowler, Ohara Davies, Terri Harper, Fabio Wardley and more. 

Hearn revealed that he has received huge demand to stage an explosive battle between the big-hitters, and is planning on holding talks with UFC boss Dana White with an eye to putting on the fight at the back end of 2020.

Whyte is currently training for a rescheduled clash with Russian danger man Alexander Povetkin that is due to conclude Matchroom Boxing’s groundbreaking ‘Fight Camp’ this summer, but ‘The Body Snatcher’ could then turn his attention to a fight with Ngannou before the end of 2020. 

Ngannou is the No.2 ranked contender in the UFC and the 33-year-old’s mettle has already been tested inside the boxing ring by British Heavyweight Joe Joyce when the big men shared eight rounds of sparring in Las Vegas earlier this year.

“Whoever wants it, can get it,” said Whyte. “We can do two fights, one in the ring and one in the cage. We’ve both got power, we’re both in our prime and one punch can end it. I want to get it on and rock the world.”

“People have been talking about this potential fight for months now,” said Ngannou. “This makes sense down the line, me and Dillian are going to cross paths. I don’t back down from a challenge.”

“Dana loves great fights, so I’ll try to make this happen. This isn’t a gimmick, this is two of the best and baddest in the world. Whyte vs. Ngannou would be huge,” added Hearn. 

Fans can tune in to Rivals tomorrow at 7pm (BST) on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel here: Whyte vs. Ngannou Rivals 

Matchroom Boxing Light-Heavyweight stars Joshua Buatsi and Callum Johnson will speak to each other for the very first time on ‘The Boxing Show’ – a new dynamic weekly show presented by Anna Woolhouse alongside Matthew Macklin on Sky Sports.

Airing at 2.00pm (BST) today on Sky Sports News and Main Event, the British rivals will discuss the latest news and views from the world of boxing, with a focus on the thriving Light-Heavyweight scene and a potentially huge domestic clash with each other in the future. 

Rio 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Buatsi (12-0, 10 KOs) has already established himself as a must-watch fighter having scored a series of eye-catching stoppage wins so far in his professional career as he marches towards a World Title shot, most recently halting Ryan Ford in seven rounds at The O2.

Big-hitting Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) fell short in his first World Title attempt in 2018 when current WBC and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev inflicted his sole career defeat, but the Boston man is itching for another shot at the big time and believes that a meeting with Buatsi is inevitable down the line. 

Buatsi’s manager, two-time Heavyweight Champion of the World Anthony Joshua OBE, was full of praise for the undefeated Croydon sensation as he spoke to Andy Scott in an exclusive interview: “I know Buatsi for the man he is. He gives me advice as well before my fights, he reaches out to me. I think with Buatsi, why he will do great things in boxing is because of his belief in god.

“He has a reason, and his reason is bigger than boxing. Through boxing, he will use his platform to go on and do great things after. That rugged edge is only to fulfil his destiny and purpose, and he has to do it through fighting.”

Watch ‘The Boxing Show’ on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports Main Event from 2.00pm (BST) today!

NEW YORK (May 28, 2020) – Split-T Management has announced the addition of a second top amateur prospect this week, as 2020 Olympic hopeful Omar Rosario of Puerto Rico has signed with the company.

Rosario, of Caguas, PR, is the Puerto Rican Olympic Trial Champion at 152 lbs., and was the island’s favorite to win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However after many conversations with his coaches and family surrounding the uncertainty of the Olympic games due to postponement of the games due to COVID-19, Rosario has decided to make the transition to the pro ranks under the guidance of Split-T’s Tim VanNewhouse.

Rosario will campaign in the junior welterweight division.

“Although I am disappointed I won’t be able to compete for Puerto Rico in the Olympics this year, I feel that I am better able to represent my country in the pros. Puerto Rico is looking for their next superstar, and I am that guy,” said Rosario with a smile.

Rosario, 22, has come a long way since he began boxing at the age of seven after being inspired by the success of fellow countryman and fellow Caguas-native Miguel Cotto. Rosario has followed in Cotto’s footsteps ever since – winning six Puerto Rican National Championships and representing the National Team in various international competitions. In fact, Cotto’s father, Miguel Sr., was Rosario’s first trainer and Rosario describes him as being “like a second father” to him growing up.

“I am ready and working hard every day to build a great legacy in boxing and I know that Tim and the whole Split-T family will help me do that. I just want to make the people of Puerto Rico proud.”

Rosario’s current trainer, Joe Santiago, the coach of the Puerto Rican National Team and Miguel Cotto’s trainer for multiple world title bouts, commented that, “The Olympics are a myth right now and we are going to take advantage of this time to begin Omar’s journey into the pros. He has all the right tools and physicality to become a multi-divisional World Champ.”

According to VanNewhouse, Rosario is a complete fighter with good fundamental skills – honed by over 200 amateur bouts – with a particular fondness for attacking the body like his idol, Cotto.

“I’m really excited about adding Omar to our growing roster of young talent. He’s from a deep boxing culture in Puerto Rico that has great love and pride for the sport. Omar’s an outstanding talent and he can easily be described as a boxer-puncher with a beautiful, precise left hook – similar to Cotto’s when he was an amateur. With Omar’s ability and experience he has a maturity about him that should help him make a flawless transition to the professional ranks,” stated VanNewhouse.

Rosario enjoys a strong support system at home that includes his brother Jose, a 2015 Pan-Am Games Bronze medalist boxer for Puerto Rico, and is in the process of completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing & Finance at Ana G. Méndez Universidad.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (May 28, 2020) — Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), founded and operated by veteran boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., is offering “Iron” Mike Tyson $1,000,000 to square-off with Juiseppe Angelo Cusumano, plus a percentage of closed circuit receipts to be negotiated, as well a $200,000 donation to whatever charity Tyson’s wife prefers.

Jimmy Burchfield, Sr., known as “The Hardest Working Promoter in Combat Sports”
“If Mike Tyson is serious about making a comeback,” Burchfield said, “we’re prepared to make him a legitimate offer to fight Cusumano in a 6 or 8-round fight, whichever Mike chooses. After three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, boxing fans are hungry to watch real fights, not exhibitions. Tyson is a boxer and a damn good one at that! He’s not a bare-knuckle fighter or wrestler. A real boxing match is what we’re interested in promoting!”

Tyson (50-6, 49 KOs) hasn’t officially fought since June 11, 2005.

The 6′ 4″ Cusumano (18-3, 16 KOs) is an Italian heavyweight who fights out of Carini, Sicily.

CES needs to make sure that Tyson is medically cleared before proceeding. His complete medical exam results are required by CES to be submitted with a June 25, 2020 deadline. The date and venue for Tyson vs. Cusumano is to be determined, but open to negotiations once CES has spoken to Tyson or his representatives.

“Cusumano will be a true gauge for Tyson’s first fight in 15 years,” Burchfield added. “This is a fight boxing fans want to see, not an exhibition, because it will let everyone know exactly where he’s at today and whether or not he can truly challenge a (Tyson) Fury, (Anthony) Joshua, or (Deontay) Wilder. We’re ready to negotiate in good faith right now.”

CES has been promoting boxing events for nearly 30 years and its stable of fighters has included 5-time world champion Vinny Paz, who was a very close teammate of Tyson’s when they were amateurs, 3-time world titlist Chad Dawson, Peter Manfredo, Jr., Ray Olivieria, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Gary “Tiger” Balletto, and Matt Remillard, among the more notables.

INFORMATION:
Website: www.CESBoxing.com
Twitter & Instagram: @cesboxing

NEW YORK – May 28, 2020 – SHOWTIME Sports^® has announced today its SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS June slate, featuring a collection of Mike Tyson fights, Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko and other memorable moments from the network’s deep archive of world championship bouts. SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS airs every Friday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and is also available via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

In June, the weekly series includes four nights of edge-of-your-seat boxing action featuring some of the most unforgettable bouts in recent years, including 2017’s unanimous Fight of the Year – Joshua vs. Klitschko – and a dramatic matchup between Adrien Broner and Marcos Maidana. In addition, Mike Tyson’s legendary knockout power will be on display with five fights in one night on June 12, and the semifinals and final of the Super Six World Boxing Classic will air on June 19 and June 26.

The full schedule is as follows:

• Friday, June 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Joshua vs. Klitschko
  • Broner vs. Maidana
• Friday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Tyson vs. Frans Botha
  • Tyson vs. Julian Francis
  • Tyson vs. Lou Savarese
  • Tyson vs. Brian Nielsen
  • Tyson vs. Clifford Etienne
• Friday, June 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Andre Ward vs. Arthur Abraham
  • Carl Froch vs. Glen Johnson
• Friday, June 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT
  • Ward vs. Froch

Combat sports analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host live companion episodes of their digital talk show MORNING KOMBAT on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel for select SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecasts. They will watch the fights along with viewers, give their real-time reactions and take questions from fans throughout the replay. Viewers can follow along and participate in the discussion by using the hashtag #FightFromHome on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS, and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Amazon, Apple^®, Google, LG Smart TVs, Oculus Go, Roku^®, Samsung Smart TVs and Xbox One. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Amazon’s Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Sling TV and YouTube TV or directly at www.showtime.com.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Las Vegas with a pivotal bout in the welterweight division as former champion and No. 1 ranked contender Tyron Woodley looks to work his way back to title contention by snapping the impressive winning streak of No. 6 Gilbert Burns.Also on the card, No. 2 ranked women’s flyweight contender Katlyn Chookagian aims to bounce back into the win column when she meets fellow striker No. 12 Antonina Shevchenko.This will be the first in a series of events set to take place at UFC’s Apex facility. Future cards will be announced at a later date. These events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance pursuant to a Health, Safety and Operations plan approved by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WOODLEY vs. BURNS will take place Saturday, May 30 at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. All bouts will air on ESPN and ESPN Deportes in English and Spanish, and be simulcast on ESPN+, beginning with the prelims at 6 p.m. ET and the main card at 9 p.m. ET.

Looking to make an emphatic return to action, Woodley (19-4, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) plans to remind the division of the skills that made him one of the most dominant champions in welterweight history. Competing for the first time in over a year, Woodley intends to add another signature win to his resume that already includes victories over Robbie Lawler, Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. He now aims to make a statement and stake his claim for another title shot.

Currently on the best winning streak of his UFC career, Burns (18-3, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) looks to secure his biggest victory yet. A multiple-time world champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Burns has earned wins over fellow grapplers Demian Maia, Gunnar Nelson and Olivier Aubin-Mercier. He now looks to take out his first former UFC champion and break into the top 5 of the division. 

Chookagian (13-3, fighting out of Kenilworth, N.J.) looks to take the lessons learned from her recent title bout and return to her winning ways. One of the most skilled strikers in the division, Chookagian has netted wins over Joanne Calderwood, Jennifer Maia and Irene Aldana. She now aims to defend her spot at the top of the rankings by defeating the sister of the champion. 

A multiple-time world champion in Muay Thai, Shevchenko (8-1, fighting out of Henderson, Nev.) aims to continue her climb up the women’s flyweight rankings. Despite being in the UFC for less than two years, Shevchenko has established herself as one of its top prospects with wins over Ji Yeon Kim and Lucie Pudilova. She now intends to replicate her sister’s victory over Chookagian and secure the biggest win of her MMA career.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WOODLEY vs. BURNS is also stacked with up-and-coming talent looking to make their mark on the sport, including Billy Quarantillo (13-2, fighting out of Tampa, Fla.) and Spike Carlyle (9-1, fighting out of Del Mar, Calif.), who intend to build off their impressive debuts in a catchweight bout at 150 pounds. Additionally, in a clash of Dana White’s Contender Series standouts, Brok Weaver (14-4, fighting out of McIntosh, Ala.) and Roosevelt Roberts (10-1, fighting out of San Bernardino, Calif.) aim to prove that they are the next top prospect in the lightweight division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• In a battle of heavyweight contenders seeking to break into the top 10, No. 12 Blagoy Ivanov (18-3 1NC, fighting out of Sofia, Bulgaria) aims to stop the rise of surging No. 13 Augusto Sakai (14-1-1, fighting out of Parana, Brazil)
• Submission ace Mackenzie Dern (7-1, fighting out of Long Beach, Calif.) faces Hannah Cifers (10-4, fighting out of Wake Forest, N.C.) in a women’s strawweight bout
• Jamahal Hill (7-0, fighting out of Grand Rapids, Mich.) aims to remain undefeated when he meets Klidson Abreu (15-4, fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil)
• No.11 ranked flyweight contender Timothy Elliott (16-10-1, fighting out of Lee’s Summit, Mo.) squares off with UFC newcomer Brandon Royval (10-4, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.)
• Chris Gutierrez (14-3, fighting out of Littleton, Colo.) looks to secure his third win in a row when he takes on Vince Morales (9-5, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
• Exciting bantamweight grapplers meet as Louis Smolka (16-6, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) battles Casey Kenney (9-2, fighting out of Tucson, Ariz.)
• In a welterweight bout, Daniel Rodriguez (11-1, fighting out of San Gabriel, Calif.) looks to remain undefeated in the UFC when he welcomes short-notice newcomer Gabriel Green (9-2, fighting out of Downey, Calif.)

Visit the UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 80 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 170 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, 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

Carl Froch and Darren Barker own some of the best wins on away territory by British fighters, and the duo talk about fighting on the road with Chris Algieri on the latest episode of ‘The Rounds’.
WATCH EPISODE TWO OF ‘THE ROUNDS’ AS CARL FROCH AND DARREN BARKER JOIN CHRIS ALGIERI
Froch began life as WBC World Super-Middleweight champion with a thrilling final round win over Jermain Taylor in Connecticut in April 2009, and then in 2010-11, ‘The Cobra’ went on the road during the Super Six series to face Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Glen Johnson and Andre Ward.

Barker’s first World title action saw him face the formidable Middleweight king Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City in October 2011 and then returned to the same city in August 2013 to achieve his World title dreams in dramatic fashion against IBF king Daniel Geale.

Both men open up on those trips and more, including great stories on their sparring sessions together.

Carl Froch: “I enjoyed being on the road. When we boxed for England we were going to hostile environments and fighting top fighters back-to-back in nations tournaments, but I was always a nervous fighter. So, when I defended my title against Jermain Taylor in Connecticut, I was nervous about it all. 

“Not so much boxing abroad, but more that it was Taylor, a former undisputed Middleweight World champion. I saw him get out of this limousine for the press conference in NYC and he just looked like the don, he had this nice suit on and looked crisp and clean. I was just there with a hoodie and t-shirt and I was thinking ‘do I belong here?’ It was quite a daunting thing for me, and I was always quite nervous and apprehensive as a fighter, I was unsure of myself, and I was a new World champion and making my first defense. I didn’t really know if I belonged at World level and here I was fighting Taylor in America. I look back at that fight now and think how naive I was at that level and I just had to put all my trust in Rob McCracken and my fitness, my refusal to quit and my competitive nature, I like to win.

“[Kessler and the volcanic ash cloud] On Tuesday of fight week we had Sky News on and they were saying all the flights we grounded so I am thinking I am definitely not going, the US broadcasters aren’t going to be able to make it over, so it’s definitely off. We had a barbecue in the garden, I had a couple of cans of Guinness; I don’t drink much, and I had a couple of them in fight week! The next day my promoter rang me and said that the Sauerlands’s were sending a private jet and the flight was at 2pm. Private jet sounds glamorous but it wasn’t, it was a five-seater, it was bumpy all the way and Rob doesn’t like heights so he was white all the way and didn’t say a word, hanging onto the seat and looking at me, and I was winding him up saying ‘I think we’re bang in trouble here this plane is all over the place!’ 

“I crashed the weight which I never do, and at the weigh-in I felt weak. It’s the first and only time I ever did that, but I don’t want people to think I’m making an excuse, I felt good to fight and had a great 12 rounds against a brilliant fighter and I just didn’t quite do enough. But going over on the Wednesday under that ash cloud in fight week and being overweight, switching off, it was horrible. I believe that things happen for a reason though and in boxing you don’t win or lose, you win or learn. I learnt how to come back and in my next fight I fought Arthur Abraham and the WBC title was back up for grabs, that boosted my spirits and that loss then didn’t feel as bad. 

“The loss with Andre Ward felt worse. Andre is a fantastic fighter, very skillful, fast, hard to hit, good with his jab. I remember getting out of the fight thinking, I had a decent rounds in 10, 11 and 12, and I was getting into it and I thought, why didn’t I start earlier, why didn’t I get into it, why didn’t I believe in myself? But that’s what we do when we lose, we look for reasons.”

Darren Barker: “I never felt more nervous or under pressure in the States and I think a big part of that was the experience of fighting all over the world as an amateur.

“I flew into New York with Eddie Hearn and we were in and out for the Martinez press conference, I remember the American’s almost laughing at me for showing any confidence, even though I was undefeated and European champion, I just hadn’t fought anybody. I was confident in my ability, but it was the unknown, I had sparred hundreds of rounds with Carl, an elite level fighter, but it’s still sparring. I knew I was capable of being in there with elite fighters, but I didn’t quite understand where I was at the time. 

“I don’t have any regrets looking back at my career, but I have a slight one looking back at that fight because I think if I had believed in myself a little more, been more aggressive and forced the action more, then potentially I could have caused a huge upset. I’m not saying that it would have happened, I just wished I gave it a bit more. But the whole unbuild up was just the reason I chose boxing, I was on top of a huge skyscraper in New York for the presser and thinking, ‘this is it, I’ve made it’. I was walking up fifth avenue with Eddie and we walked past a shop with bright green trousers in the window and Eddie said: ‘you should buy them and wear them at the press conference for a laugh!’ I said: ‘no chance, I wouldn’t be seen dead in them!’ We got to the press conference and Sergio was wearing that exact pair of trousers! 

“The Repton club had a knack of churning out top quality Southpaws so I was never fazed at fighting them, I knew I would be able to compete with him and it was a great experience for me and one that was massively valuable going onto the Geale fight.

“I’d been to Atlantic City for the Martinez fight, so it wasn’t alien to me and I was driven to right that wrong. We had a similar game plan, to be aggressive but smart, on the front-foot and hold center of the ring. It wasn’t until I got in there that I realized how awkward he was, he had a knack of getting out of range, I was falling short and adopted a different plan to get on his chest and outwork him. 

“The moment I got put down in the sixth round, a lot of people know my brother Gary passed away, he was a very good fighter and if I had have lost that fight I would never have fought again, it would have been a box that hadn’t been ticked and it would have eaten away. So, I was just so prepared to leave everything in the ring that night that a body shot was never going to keep me down, fast-forward to the 12th round and hearing Michael Buffer say, ‘and the new’, I still can’t believe it. I achieved what I set out to do. 

“There were a lot of question marks over my toughness, but I always knew I was tough. You don’t do 12 rounds of sparring with Carl and not be tough! I always knew there was a fight out there to show everyone I was mentally and physically tough.”

Froch and Barker star in the second episode of ‘The Rounds’ and the first episode, featuring Mikey Garcia, Devin Haney and Daniel Jacobs talking about the highs and lows of boxing, can be found on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.