NEW YORK and LONDON, (March 2, 2020) – DAZN, the leading global sports streaming service, will dramatically increase its presence in 2020, expanding to more than 200 countries and territories.

The first global event on DAZN will be Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez’s soon-to-be-announced fight during Cinco de Mayo Weekend, which will take place on Saturday, May 2.

This first phase of DAZN’s global expansion will be an English-language service focused on boxing, building on the company’s significant investment in the sport over the past two years. DAZN holds international rights to many of the world’s top promotional companies including Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom Boxing USA and GGG Promotions. Fighters such as Alvarez and Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin will be part of a robust year-round portfolio of premium fights and original programming on the new service.

“Beginning this spring, most of the world will have access to DAZN and its unmatched schedule of boxing events,” said DAZN Group Executive Chairman John Skipper. “Our roster of championship fighters represents some of the world’s most popular athletes and we’ll be working with them to stage spectacular international events for years to come.”

“Since our launch in 2016, we’ve seen an encouraging level of interest around our key events from both international fans and potential partners, which highlighted the opportunity to capitalize on our existing rights portfolio within boxing to fuel our expansion,” said DAZN EVP Joseph Markowski, who will oversee the global service. “Establishing DAZN as the global home of fight sports is just the first step and we couldn’t think of a better attraction for our inaugural event than Canelo’s traditional Cinco de Mayo Weekend fight.”

In addition to live sporting events, DAZN offers an ever-growing archive of classic fights, athlete features and a slate of original programming featuring 40 DAYS, The Making Of and ONE NIGHT.

To date, DAZN has debuted services in nine countries – Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United States – across four continents.

The DAZN app will be available globally on most internet-connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs, and living room devices such as smart TVs, streaming sticks and game consoles.
Pricing by market will be announced in the coming weeks.

For fans outside of DAZN’s existing markets that are interested in gaining early access to the service via the DAZN beta community, registration is open at DAZN.com. Official invites will be sent out later this month.

About DAZN Group
DAZN Group is one of the fastest growing sports media companies in the world. Headquartered in the UK and with 2,800 employees in over 25 countries, our businesses touch every aspect of the way fans engage with sports; from production, through to content distribution and commercialisation. DAZN Group is home to DAZN, the leading global sport streaming service, as well as some of the most popular sport portals, including DAZN News, Goal, Sporting News, and Spox.com. DAZN is leading the charge to give sports fans around the world access to sport anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees affordable access on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles. DAZN is live in Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. In 2020, DAZN will dramatically increase its presence, expanding to more than 200 countries and territories. Visit https://media.dazn.com for more information.

Former Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has exercised his rematch clause with Tyson Fury and promoter Bob Arum said July 18th is the working date for the Trilogy in Las Vegas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Now we will sit down and go through all the details for the fight,” Arum said, adding that the task would fall largely to Top Rank president Todd duBoef and Bruce Binkow of Premier Boxing Champions. Before Wilder made it official, Arum said he was open to shifting the third fight to the fall if that is what Wilder and PBC wanted. But on Sunday, he said the fight would indeed be July 18 and that it again would be a joint pay-per-view between ESPN, Top Rank’s broadcaster, and Fox, one of PBC’s broadcasters.

“We realized that date was the favorite of both ESPN and Fox because it comes at a dead time in sports, which is good for the fight,” Arum said. “It’s after the basketball playoffs, baseball is in the middle of the season and there’s no football. It’s the ideal time. The hotel, MGM Grand, also believes it to be an ideal time.”

“I figured he would do it because I have had enough experience with rematches to know that anything can happen and guys can change their strategy and want the opportunity to [avenge] the loss,” Arum said.

Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s co-manager, confirmed the decision to go forward with the third fight. “We did exercise it,” Finkel told ESPN. “We want to fight Fury next and we wanted to make sure we sent the letter and that it was done.”

Scott Quigg hopes that a win over Jono Carroll at Manchester Arena on Saturday March 7, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, will fire his name into the World Title mix as he looks to begin his 2020 campaign in style.  CLICK HERE TO WATCH SCOTT QUIGG’S EPISODE OF ‘BORN FIGHTER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Former WBA Super-Bantamweight ruler Quigg (35-2-2, 26 KOs) returns to Manchester to pursue his dream of becoming a two-weight World Champion. He made five defences of the WBA crown before losing out to Carl Frampton in a Unification battle at Manchester Arena in 2016.

The Bury man was outpointed by Oscar Valdez in an attempt for the Mexican’s WBO Featherweight World Title at the StubHub Center in Carson in March 2018 but now has his sights set on a World Championship at Super-Featherweight after teaming up with Joe Gallagher again. 

“I respect any fighter that gets through the ropes. It only takes one punch to change a fight. He’s the slightly bigger man. I’m strong enough, I hit hard enough, I’m tough enough, and the main thing is I’m more than smart enough to deal with the bigger guys.

“I proved that day in day out at the Wildcard. People like Jono come through the Wildcard door every day and I’ve sparred and dealt with many people like him. I’m not taking it lightly, but I know what I need to do. I’ve put the right preparation in and I’m more than ready.

“The amount of nonsense he talks, because he talks that much, he starts to believe it. If he didn’t believe it he’d start going into himself, he’d start having the doubts. He hopes I’m scared. Unfortunately for him, I’m not scared of him.

“When I beat him, this will put me back where I want to be, at the forefront of getting a World Title shot. The big thing I’m happy about is being back at home, showing the public I’m back. I’d love rematches with the two people that beat me, Frampton and Valdez, I’d love to get rematches with them. All of my focus at this moment is on Carroll. Once I’ve dealt with him, that’s when I’ll think about what’s next.”

 Quigg vs. Carroll tops a big night of action in Manchester, the No.1 and No.2 WBO Super-Middleweight contenders Zach Parker (18-0, 12 KOs) and Rohan Murdock (24-1, 7 KOs) collide, Anthony Fowler (11-1, 8 KOs) defends his WBA International Super-Welterweight Title against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs) Manchester Heavyweight contender Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs meets Pavel Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), Liverpool Super-Lightweight contender Robbie Davies Jr (19-2, 13 KOs) fights for the first time under new trainer Dominic Ingle, Bolton’s Jack Cullen (17-2, 8 KOs) returns after his FOTY contender with Felix Cash, Sheffield Super-Lightweight ace Dalton Smith (4-0, 3 KOs) keeps busy, ‘The Albanian Bear’ Reshat Mati (6-0, 4 KO’s) makes his UK debut in a Welterweight contest, Ricky Hatton-trained Super-Featherweight Ibrahim Nadim (1-0) looks to impress and there’s action for Oldham Lightweight Aqib Fiaz (4-0) and Liverpool Super-Flyweight Blane Hyland (2-0).

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).  

New York, February 29, 2020–Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” series was yet again a thriller. Boxing fans around the world were treated to a sensational night of fights from start to finish at the sold-out Paramount, in Huntington, Long Island. If you missed the action, be sure to catch up via FITE.TV, HERE.

Long Island’s, NABA Super Lightweight Champion, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (now 25-1 21KO’s) and LUIS FLOREZ (now 25-16 21KO’s) fought an electric battle. Seldin came out swinging, in classic “Hebrew Hammer” fashion. Florez, a late replacement, was able to weather the early Seldin storm, and settle in for what would be a gritty seven rounds. Seldin continued his come forward attack, controlling the action, while Florez attempted to counter with bombs, using his length and reach advantage to keep Seldin at bay.

In the 6-round, a vicious cut opened over the left eye of Florez, turning the already competitive fight into a bloodbath. Pinning the Colombian in the corner, Seldin landed a massive right hand that sent blood gushing. As Seldin continued the onslaught putting together combinations to both the head and the body, Florez’s cut worsened and the effect of Seldin’s relentless pressure on Florez was evident. Referee Al LoBianco had seen enough, calling a halt to the action at the 1:11 mark in the 7th round. With the victory Seldin defended his NABA title and improves to 25-1 (21KO’s).

Seldin had this to say about the victory, “I want to thank you all for coming out. This guy was a short notice, tough dude. My trainer said you have to dig deep and stay in his face and that’s what I did. That guy [Florez] can take a punch. Let’s get to the next one, let’s go.”

In the co-main event, world rated heavyweight CARLOS TAKAM (now 38-5-1 28KO’s) went to battle with Brazilian, FABIO MALDONADO (26-4 25KO’S). Takam established himself as the superior skilled fighter from the opening bell, but Maldonado, to his credit, was a warrior, eating shots, and waving on Takam to bring more. Takam’s game plan was clear, attack the body and work his way up. In the 5th, Takam landed three consecutive thudding body shots that even had the sold-out crowd groaning in pain. Takam dominated the fight with a commanding performance, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 100-89 (x2), 100-90. Takam improves to 38-5 1 (28KO’s).

Takam was direct in speaking about his victory, “Thank you all for the support. We keep on going!”

ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (now 6-0 1KO) took a step up against veteran ANTONIO SANCHEZ (now 6-9-1 3KO’s) in a 6-round welterweight bout. The rowdy crowd were on their feet as El Toro and Sanchez went to war over the full six rounds. The sensational final twenty seconds of round six saw both men trading shots at will, caution thrown to the wind and only the desire of victory left in the ring. See the final twenty seconds of the fight HERE. At the final bell the judges found in favor of Vargas by unanimous decision. (60-54 (x2), 59-55).

WENDY “HAITIAN FIRE” TOUSSAINT (now 11-0 5KO’s) picked up exactly where he left off, with a devasting knockout victory over the extremely tough, JERMAINE “REAL STEEL” CORLEY (now 3-9-1 1KO). Corley has battled with top prospects, five of his last six being undefeated. Upsetting two of those prospects, Corley entered with same mindset, however Toussaint would have none of it, landing a devastating right hand that sent Corley to the canvas. To Corley’s credit he got up ready to fight, however referee LoBianco did not like what he saw, and called a stop to the fight at 1:52 in the 2nd of the scheduled 6-round fight. Toussaint improves to 11-0 (5KO’s).

Union electrician (local 3) BARKIM “BARBELIEVES” LOGAN (now 1-0 1KO) battered JACKSON DE SOUZA (now 0-2) over their 4-round fight, as Logan earns the victory in his pro-debut via 3rd round TKO.

PRINCE SLAUGHTER (now 1-0 1KO)impressed in his pro debut, defeating decorated amateur, AHMET “THE TURKISH WOLF” TUNCEL (now 0-1) by a 2nd round TKO. AFUNWA KING (now 2-1 1KO) defeated NADIM SALLOUM (now 1-1) by majority decision. (39-37 (x2) King, 38-38 draw).

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about last nights “Rockin’ Fights” 38, “The action definitely lived up to the hype. Cletus Seldin once again showed his relentless determination, pressure and power in a war with Luis Florez. Carlos Takam dominated, and is on the sure path to a major heavyweight showdown, and Wendy Toussaint was able to display his skill, and show why we we believe he will be a future world champion. Thank you to all of those that came out to The Paramount and tuned in around the world on FITE.TV and FightNetwork. We are looking forward to the next “Rockin’ Fights” on May 8th – we hope to see you there!”

Mikey Garcia returned from his 1st professional loss by winning a 12-round unanimous decision over Jessie Vargas at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

After winning the first four rounds, Vargas was caught by a big right that wobbled him. Garcia followed up with another booming right that put Vargas down in the corner.

Garcia took over and won the next several rounds and gained control of the fight. Vargas tried to make a last stand and landed a couple decent shots in the closing rounds, but was wobbled again in round’s 10 and 12.

Garcia, 145.8 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 116-111 twice and 114-113 and is now 40-1. Vargas, 147 lbs of Las Vegas is 29-3-2.

Former Pound for Pound King Roman Gonzalez won the WBA Super Flyweight title with a 9th round stoppage over previously undefeated former champion Kal Yafai.

Gonzalez beat up and wore down Yafai and in round eight dropped Yafai with a combination. Gonzalez ended things with a perfect right to the jaw that plummeted Yafai to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 29 seconds of round nine.

Gonzalez, 114 lbs of Managua, NIC is 49-2 with 41 knockouts. Yafai, 114.8 lbs of Birmingham, UK is 26-1.

Julio Cesar Martinez retained the WBC Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Jay Harris.

It was a close fight that saw both men have their way during the encounter.

In round five, Harris started to bleed around his left eye.

In round ten, Martinez dropped Harris with a hard body shot.

Martinez, 111.4 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 118-109, 116-111 and 115-112 and is now 16-1. Harris, 111.6 lbs of Wales is 17-1.

Former heavyweight titlist, Joseph Parker stopped Shawndell Winters in round five of a scheduled 10-round bout.

In round three, Parker dropped Winters with a hard right. In round four, Parker was cut under the right eye. In round five, Parker landed a ripping three punch combination to the head that sent Winters to the canvas. The fight was stopped at 2:40

Parker, 245.4 lbs of New Zealand is 27-2 with 21 knockouts. Winter, 208 lbs of Illinois is 13-3.

Israil Madrimov stopped Charlie Navarro in round six of a scheduled 10-round junior middleweight elimination bout.

Madrimov dominated the action and dropped Navarro twice in round six. The first was a hard left to the body. Navarro looked done, and he was seconds later as Madrimov landed a hard right to the body that sent Navarro down again and the fight was stopped at 2:24

Madrimov, 153.2 lbs of Uzbekistan is 5-0 with five knockouuts. Navarro, 153.2 lbs of Panama is 29-10.

Good looking super middleweight prospect Diego Pacheco won an easy six-round unanimous decision over Oscar Riojas.

Pacheco was dominant with right hand and staggered Riojas in the final moment of the fight.

Pacheco, 167.4 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 60-54 and is now 9-0. Riojas, 167.4 lbs of Mexico is 21-13-1.

Alexis Espino won a six-round unanimous decision over Delvecchio Savage in a super middleweight bout.

Savage began to bleed from the nose in the 5th round.

Espino, 165 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice and is now 6-0. Savage, 163.6 lbs of Tuscaloosa, AL is 3-6-1.

Follow all the action as Mikey Garcia takes on Jessie Vargas in a welterweight showdown.  The action starts at 6 PM eastern with an undercard that features two world title bouts that will have WBC Flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez taking on Jay Harris; WBA Super Flyweight champ Kal Yafai takes on former champion Roman Gonzalez

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Round 1: Left hook from Vargas..Straight right..hook to body..quick hook…each land a jab

Round 2 Hard 1-2 from Vargas..Jab from Garcia..Hook from Vargas.Hook from Garcia..2 right to body from Vargas..

Round 3 Jab from Vargas..Jab from Garcia..Right from Vargas..1-2 from Garcia..Jab from Vargas..Jab from Garcia..Good right from Vargas

Round 4 Hard jab from Garcia..Counter left..Hook from Vargas..Hard left from Vargas..Hard right from Garcia..Jab to Body from Vargas..Right to body

Round 5 Right to body from Vargas..Jab to body,,,body and head…Blood from nose of Vargas..Hook from Garcia..Big right wobbles Vargas…RIGHT AND DOWN GOES VARGAS…Hard body shot from Garcia

Round 6 Uppercut from Garcia..Jab from Vargas..Good jab..

Round 7 Good right from Garcia..Hook from Vargas..Big right from Garcia..Big right wobbles Vargas again and in trouble on the ropes

Round 8 Right from Garcia…Left hook..2 jabs from Vargas..Right from Vargas

Round 9 Good Jab from Vargas..Chopping right from Garcia..

Round 10 Vargas lands a right to the jaw..Hard right from Garcia hurts Vargas..1-2 to the body..Body shot

Round 11 Right from Garcia

Round 12 Right from Vargas..Left wobbles Vargas..Vargas right eye swelled up..Right from Vargas

114-113, 116-111 twice for GARCIA

Round 1 Hook to body from Gonzalez..Body and Head

Round 2 Right from Gonzalez..Body and Head..Body..Body shot and uppercut..Body shot from Yafai

Round 3 Right from Yafai..Good hook to body from Gonzalez…right to head

Round 4 Good jab from Yafai..Right from Gonzalez..Good combination..3 punch combination

Round 5  Yafai lands a right to the body..Body shots..good action on inside..

Round 6 Gonzalez cut over right eye..Good uppercut from Gonzalez..Good body shot from Yafai..Right from Gonzalez..Good uppercut..Left hook..Bidy shot from Yafai

Round 7 Hard shot from Gonzalez..Gonzalez landing barrage..Yafai looking tired..Body from Gonzalez

Round 8 Uppercut from Gonzalez..Hook..Big combination..HUGE FLURRY AND DOWN GOES YAFAI

Round 9 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES YAFAI…FIGHT OVER

Round 1:  Harris jabs..Good Jab..Hard shot and good uppercut from Martinez..Nice 1-2..Harris lands a good jab and right hand…Quick combination..Hook to the head from Martinez..Straight right and a barrage 

Round 2 Jab and Body shot from Harris…3 punch combination..Good right,,Martinez land a good right..1-2

Round 3 Good left from Martinez..Good left from Harris..Body shots from Martinez..Uppercut..Good right from Harris

Round 4 Hard body work from Martinez..Good body shots..Body and head..Right to body..Hard jab from Harris..Good hook to the body..Hook from Martinez..Blood around left eye of Harris..Good combination and right to head from Harris..jab and good right from Martinez.Good hook from Harris

Round 5 Hook from Harris…Hard body shots from Martinez..Body attack from Harris..Uppercut and body shot

Round 6 Harris doing well with body shots

Round 7 Hard power shots drives Harris back..3 punch combination from Harris..Hard jab drives Harris back..Good left..Good combination from Harris..Harris gets driven back from a jab..good body work from Martinez..Right from Harris..Right from Martinez…Harris snaps Martinez head back..Left hook and right

Round 8 Good combination from Martinez..Good right from Harris..Combination from Martinez..Good combination for Harris..Right from Martinez

Round 9  Hard right from Martinez..3 hard shots..Good back in forth..3 punch combo from Harris..Hook

Round 10 BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES HARRIS..Right from Harris..good hook..Body shot.Body shot and hook to the head

Round 11 Hard right to body from Martinez..Good right to body

Round 12 2 body punches from Martinez…5 punch combination

Round 2 Right from Parker..Chopping right..Nice hook from Winter..Good right..Hook from Parker

Round 3 HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES WINTERS

Round 4 Double left hook from Parker…Hook from Winters..Parker cut under the right eye…Body shots from Parker

Round 5 Big right from Parker..hard right..RIPPING 3 PUNCH COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES WINTERS…FIGHT OVER

Round 1: Good left hook from Madrimov..Solid right..Counter right from Navarro..
Round 2 Good left hook hurts Navarro..Nice Combination..Right to the head..Navarro holding his eye
Round 3 Counter right from Madrimov..Nice Jab..
Round 4 Overhand right from Madrimov…Combination…Good jab..Hard Hook..Hard right
Round 5 Good right to the body
Round 6 Right hook snaps the head back of Navarro..Body shot..Head shot..Jabbing to the head..HARD BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES NAVARRO..RIGHT AND DOWN GOES NAVARRO…FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Right from Pacheco
Round 2 hard right from Pacheco…3 more rights
Round 3  Pacheco continuing to land the right
Round 4 Straight right from Pacheco..Right to the face..Jab..
Round 5 Good right from Pacheco..Good hard right..3 punch combination
Round 6 Body shot from Riojas..Hard right staggers Riojas..2 more rights..Another right

Former 115-pound world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai will return to action on April 4th against former flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng  in Rungvisai’s native Bangkok, Thailand.

“For this warm-up fight with Amnat, I want to show my physical ability to Estrada that I still have the thirst for a third fight with him because I want to bring my championship belt back to my home country,” Sor Rungvisai said in translated remarks. “I am counting the days to part 3, but before I get there I have this fight which I know it is not easy, because (Ruenroeng) is a great fighter and a former world champion and I can’t underestimate him. Guarantee that it will be a fun fight for sure.”

WORCESTER, MA (Friday, February 28) – Four Worcester fighters. Four knockouts. Four successful homecomings.

In front of a packed house at The Palladium in downtown Worcester, CES Boxing kicked off its 2020 schedule with a wild showcase of talent live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, highlighted by four hometown fighters earning knockout victories.

Unbeaten lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (13-0, 7 KOs), the reigning WBC World Youth Lightweight Champion, stopped hard-hitting Mexican Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-6) in the main event while stablemate Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (14-2) dazzled in the co-feature with a knockout win over Yeuri Andujar (5-3) to capture the vacant WBC World Youth Featherweight Title.

Gonzalez became just the fourth Youth champion in CES Boxing history, joining an exclusive list that includes Ortiz, Matt Remillard and former pound-for-pound king “Bad” Chad Dawson. He and Ortiz, both of whom competed together at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials before turning pro, are now the only American-born WBC Youth title-holders.

Fighting for the first time since August, Ortiz kept his perfect record intact and lived up to his nickname, “The Technician,” picking apart the taller Castillo before two knockdowns in the second round ended the fight at the 2:11 mark. Ortiz, who entered ranked No. 15 in the NABF, expressed his desire to fight for a world title before the end of next year.

Gonzalez added the famed WBC Youth title to his resume in a thrilling showdown with Andujar, a smaller 126-pounder who bumped up in weight for the opportunity to bring a championship back home to Reading, PA. Andujar came out firing, turning the match into a slugfest early on, but Gonzalez used his jab, grew more comfortable as the fight wore on, and sent his opponent crashing through the ropes with a straight left hand early in the sixth round that put the wheels in motion for a monster finish.

Gonzalez finished the fight with a second knockdown at the 43-second mark to secure his second consecutive victory. CES Boxing is now the only promotion with two WBC Youth title-holders on its roster.

Also on the televised main card, fellow Worcester native Kendrick Ball Jr. (14-1-2, 10 KOs) made quick work of 50-fight veteran Ulises Jimenez (24-26-1) of Mexico City, clubbing his opponent with an overhand right that ended the bout 51 seconds into the opening round. Undefeated super welterweights Jalen Renaud (5-0) of Springfield, MA, and San Diego’s Laured Stewart (3-1) kicked off the broadcast with a spirited four-round battle with Renaud earning the win by majority decision, 39-38, 39-37, 39-37.

On the preliminary card, Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (3-2, 3 KOs) kicked off the hometown frenzy with a second-round knockout win over Rogerio Dionizio (0-2), scoring multiple knockdowns before referee Kevin Hope waived it off at the 41-second mark. New Haven, CT, flyweight Marisa Belenchia (2-0) opened the event with a split-decision win over the game Shawna Ormsby (1-0).

Visit CESBoxing.com, Twitter.com/CESBoxing or Facebook.com/CESBoxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. 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. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

Keith Hunter won a 10-round unanimous decision over Sanjarbek Rakhmanov in a junior welterweight rematch at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas.

In round three, Hunter dropped Rakhmanov with a body shot.

Hunter, 141 1/2 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92 and is now 12-0. Rakhmanov, 143 lbs of Las Vegas is 12-3-1.

“I really wanted to stop him but the judges saw the effort I put in,” said Hunter. “I gave it my all and even though we didn’t close the show, I think we stole the show. I think I improved from the last fight to this fight and made more of a statement this time.

“The 140-pound division is stacked and I think I put the rest of the division on notice that I’m here. I’m not going anywhere and we’re definitely a threat.”

Richardson Hitchins won a 10-round unanimous decision over Nick DeLomba in a junior welterweight bout.

Hitchins, 141 1/4 lbs of New York, NY won by shutout scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 11-0. DeLomba, 141 1/2 lbs of Cranston, RI is 16-3.

“I’d rate my performance an 8.5 out of 10,” said Hitchins. “I got hit with little petty shots I could’ve avoided. I thought I could get him out in the second or third round, but I knew he could take a punch.

“He’s fought a couple a big hitters at 147, they knocked him down and he came back up. I knew his game plan was to keep the pressure on me. He was a durable opponent. I wanted to show a different side of my skillset and I think I did that

Genc Pllana scored an upset 10-round majority decision over Kevin Newman II in a super middleweight.

Pllana used his awkward style to thwart Newman and won by close scores of 96-94 on all cards.

Pllana, 168 lbs of Kosovo is 8-1-1. Newman, 167 3/4 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-2-1.

“I’m very happy with my performance but in the fourth round he poked me in my eye,” said the Albanian Pllana, who fights out of Hagerstown, Md., under the tutelage of former two-division world champion Simon Brown. “For the next three rounds, I was seeing three people. In the seventh round, I finally saw one man and started seeing straight again. My style caused big problems for him but if I didn’t get poked in the fourth round it would have been a stoppage.”

“I don’t have anyone to blame but myself,” said Las Vegas’ Newman, who is trained by future Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. and former world champion Bones Adams. “I was in shape and out of focus, period. I beat myself tonight, but I’ll bounce back.”

NEW YORK (February 28, 2020) -One of boxing’s hottest and most active prospects, 18 year-old Diego Pacheco makes his 2020 debut this Saturday night when he takes on grizzled 34-fight veteran Oscar Riojas when they meet at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

Pacheco is managed by Split-T Management.

Pacheco of Los Angeles, will bring in a record that reads 8-0 with seven knockouts. Pacheco enjoyed a banner 2019 as he exploded on to the scene by registering six knockouts in his seven outings. Some of those six knockouts where explosive, and the young Pacheco has shot up he prospect rankings where he is considered in the top handful of prospects as he enters the new year.

Pacheco is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Selemani Saidi on December 7th on the Andy Ruiz – Anthony Joshua undercard in Saudi Arabia.

The former amateur standout has already defeated four undefeated foes, and will now look to stop the durable Riojas.

Riojas has only been stopped three times in 34 fights. He has taken world title challenger Ronald Gavril as well as puncher Immanuwel Aleem the distance.

Riojas has won three in a row.

Both Pacheco and Riojas weighed in at 167.4 lbs.

The fight can be seen live on DAZN at 6 PM ET

Pacheco is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Photo by Melina Pizano / Matchroom Boxing USA

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder will keep trainer Mark Breland after rumors that Wilder would jettison Breland for throwing in the towel in Wilder’s loss to Tyson Fury.

“I’m a warrior. I feel the same way I felt on fight night — if I have to go out, I want to go out on my shield,” Wilder told ESPN in a statement Friday night. “But I understand that my corner and my team has my best interest at heart. Mark Breland is still a part of Team Wilder and our team looks forward to preparing for the [trilogy fight].”

“For Mark to do it, I was very heartbroken,” Wilder told ESPN earlier this week. “If I say statements like I want to kill a man [in the ring], then I have to abide by those same principles in the ring of him doing the same thing to me. I’d rather die than go out with someone throwing the towel in.

“He knows these things. It’s been premeditated. I’ve said this for many years. I told all my trainers, no matter how it may look on the outside, no matter how you may love me or have that emotional feeling, don’t make an emotional decision and do not ever throw that towel in because my pride is everything. I understand what it looks like but when you have power like me I am never out of a fight, no matter what the circumstances. I’m never out of a fight.”

Boston (February 28, 2020):

Murphys Boxing is proud to announce the full line up for their 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash which will take place on Saturday, March 14th once again at the House of Blues in Boston.

Headlining the already near sold out event will be New Haven, Connecticut’s Charles Foster (19-0, 8 KOs). Foster, the current NABA Light Heavyweight Champion will defend his title against Mexico’s Manuel Ceballos (17-2, 11 KOs) in a 10 round bout.

Foster, who has been quietly climbing the ranks while putting on a series of flawless performances on platforms like Showtime and UFC Fight Pass over the past two years, is now ranked #4 in the world by the WBA and ready to fight for a world title in 2020.

“It’s been a childhood dream of mine to reach this level of the sport.”, explains the soft spoken and humble 29 year old southpaw.

“It’s surreal to think that I’m ranked in the Top 5 and in a position to fight for a world title. It does keep me humble and focused though knowing I’m so close. It makes me work that much harder in the gym. I know I need to make a real statement on March 14th to get one of the top tier light heavyweights in the ring with me for a title or for a title eliminator.”

Having appeared on Murphys Boxing’s last St. Patrick’s Day event, Foster is well aware that it isn’t the average boxing card.

“This is my second time fighting on a Murphys Boxing St. Patrick’s Day card. It’s a wild energy from the crowd. Fighting on stage with the audience looking up at you like a concert is amazing. It was easily my favorite venue and event of all my pro fights and I’m really excited to be part of it again.”

In the first of the dual co-main events, it’s a bona fide Irish grudge match when Islandeady, Ireland native and Murphys Boxing’s own Ray Moylette (11-1, 4 KOs) takes on Clones, Ireland’s Larry Fryers (11-2, 4 KOs), who now lives and fights out of New York City.

The two prospects, with their nearly identical records, were scheduled to face each other this past summer but visa issues prevented Moylette from entering the country just days before the fight which created a friction between the two fighters.

Now ‘Sugar’ Ray and ‘Lethal’ Larry, who have each been each adopted by the rival sports cities of Boston and New York, will settle their differences in the ring on St. Patrick’s Day weekend with the New England Lightweight Title on the line in an 8 round bout.

The night’s other co-feature will see the return of Murphys Boxing’s popular Irish heavyweight, Niall Kennedy (13-1-1, 8 KOs).

Kennedy is coming off his first loss this past summer when he was upset by USA Olympian, Devin Vargas in a back and forth brawl. Despite the setback, the big man from Gorey, Ireland will not face a soft touch in his comeback fight as he takes on the heavy handed North Carolina brawler, Don Haynesworth (16-3-1, 14 KOs) in an 8 round bout.

Kennedy, who is a police officer in his hometown, has been become a fan favorite in Boston having fought almost his entire professional career in the New England area including several past appearances at the annual Murphys Boxing holiday event.

The Clash will also feature a sensational undercard of local and international fighters including:

Murphys Boxing’s Carlos Gongora (18-0, 13 KOs), an Ecuadorian Olympian and the #13 ranked middleweight in the world who will face Argentina’s Gonzalo Coria (16-3, 6 KOs) with the WBC Fecarbox Title on the line in a 10 round middleweight bout.

Irish amateur sensation and the jointly promoted Murphys Boxing and DiBella Entertainment fighter, Joe Ward (0-1), whose highly anticipated debut last year ended with a freak knee injury, will return looking for his first professional victory vs Woburn, Massachusetts’ Leandro Silva (2-3, 3 KOs) in a 6 round light heavyweight bout.

Murphys Boxing’s local favorite, Mike Ohan Jr. (9-1, 5 KOs) a second generation professional fighter from Holbrook, Massachusetts will take on Jersey City, New Jersey’s Jordan Rosario (3-10) in a 6 round welterweight contest.

Power punching prospect, Luis Arcon Diaz (10-0, 10 KOs), a Venezuelan Olympian and recent Murphys Boxing signee will face Brazil’s Rodrigo Tatijewski (8-1, 7 KOs) in a 6 round junior welterweight bout.

Last but not least, the night will be kicked off by the east coast debut of Oxnard, California’s, Danny Robles (2-0-1, 2 KOs), who has displayed unnatural power in his first 3 professional fights. ‘The Dawg’ will take on Framingham, Massachusetts’ Jader Alves de Oliveira, an MMA veteran who will be making his professional boxing debut in the 4 round super featherweight contest.

“The St. Patrick’s Day Clash is my favorite promotion of the year and one that our fighters and fans really look forward to.”, explains, Murphys Boxing founder and Dropkick Murphys frontman, Ken Casey.

“The atmosphere that’s created when you put boxing on in a general admission, standing room only concert venue, let alone on St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Boston, creates a unique and intense experience.”

As for the incredibly busy and successful year the promotional company is coming off of, Casey, who will also play 5 consecutive shows with Dropkick Murphys throughout Boston during St. Patrick’s Day week, including an acoustic set in ring on fight night, is even more excited about what the new year holds for Murphys Boxing.

“2020 is just getting started and it’s already been an amazing year for Murphys Boxing. First we had Spike O’Sullivan in the year’s first high profile fight, when he went up in weight to face Jaime Munguia at the Alamodome. Spike made it an exciting war that already has him in line for a title shot back in the junior middleweight division. Then of course just last month, Mark DeLuca, one of our most popular fighters, traveled to Kell Brook’s hometown and put on a gutsy performance in what was a massive event in the UK. That fight earned Mark a lot of new fans and opportunities. In 2020, we’re expecting two of our Top 10 ranked fighters, Charles Foster and Abraham Nova to fight for, and win, world titles and we also plan on putting our undefeated prospects like Carlos Gongora, Luis Arcon Diaz and William Foster III in position to enter the world rankings.”

Murphys Boxing’s 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Clash takes place on Saturday, March 14th in Boston, Massachusetts at the House of Blues (15 Lansdowne Street). Doors open at 7pm. The night will also feature a special “in ring” acoustic performance by Dropkick Murphys and an appearance from Belfast rappers, Kneecap.

ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING

Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 6 years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features Top 10 world ranked champions like Charles Foster, Abraham Nova and Mark DeLuca, Top 20 world ranked contenders like Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan, Carlos Gongonra and Greg Vendetti and undefeated prospects like William Foster III, Luis Arcon Diaz and more!

For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (Feb. 28, 2020): Golden Boy has added another elite athlete to its stable as IBF Light Flyweight World Titlist Felix “El Gemelo” Alvarado (35-2, 30 KOs) has signed a promotional agreement with the company. Alvarado is set to return at a soon-to-be-announced date.

Felix Alvarado is the 31-year-old twin brother of WBA Super Featherweight world champion Rene Alvarado. A native of Managua, Nicaragua, Felix debuted in 2010 and spent the next few years moving up the rankings before having two back-to-back world title opportunities against Kazuto Ioka in 2013 and Juan Carlos Reveco in 2014. Though unsuccessful, he was not deterred as he scored 15 straight victories before defeating Filipino Randy Petalcorin on enemy territory to become the IBF Light Flyweight World Champion. Alvarado is ready to take his career to the next level by joining his brother Rene in the Golden Boy stable.

“Golden Boy is one of the biggest promoters in boxing,” said Felix Alvarado. “So, I have no doubt that this is the home where I belong, especially since my career will be guided by the legendary Oscar De La Hoya himself. At the same time, this signing is doubly satisfying because my brother Rene is also promoted by Golden Boy, and that’s where he became a world champion. That’s why I am confident that I made the right decision by signing with them.”

“Our stable just keeps getting better and stronger,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This signing demonstrates that not only can we develop world champions like we have done with Canelo Alvarez and Joseph Diaz Jr., but we can also recruit them in order to take their careers to the next level. We are happy that Felix Alvarado is accompanying his brother Rene by joining the Golden Boy stable. It really is an impressive feat that we have two world champions who are also twin brothers. Expect them to fight on the same card very soon.”

About Golden Boy
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming for RingTV.com and international channels across the globe. The company holds the exclusive rights to top boxers and has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike through its 2019 partnership with streaming platform, DAZN.

Unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev are close to finalizing a deal that would pit them against each other in June, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Assuming the deal is signed, promoter Eddie Hearn said the fight will take place June 20 at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in 2019 and seats more than 60,000.

“The terms are agreed and we’re papering the deal as we talk,” Hearn told ESPN in Frisco, where he is promoting the Mikey Garcia-Jessie Vargas welterweight fight on Saturday night.

“It’s just been stuff like tickets, officials — because we’ve got to make sure they want neutral officials and we’d have to speak to the [British Board of Boxing Control] about that, and it could take two or three days,” Hearn said. “But everything has been really smooth. It’s really, really minor details. We’re re-drafting and re-drafting and re-drafting [the contract], and every time there’s a re-draft two of the problems disappear. So it’s travel, officials, press conferences, [does Top Rank] get a slot on the undercard. It’s so minor now, it’s just making sure there are no arguments when we get it done.”

Although it is a mandatory fight, Hearn said there is “likely to be a rematch clause because it’s just how it is with AJ fights. It’s the same conversation I had with [Top Rank chairman Bob] Arum when we did [Vasiliy] Lomachenko-Luke Campbell and Lomachenko-Anthony Crolla [last year]. They were both mandatories but both had rematch clauses. If [Pulev] said no rematch clause then we wouldn’t take the fight and they’d lose the biggest payday of their career. They’d fight Charles Martin for [a vacant title] for $500,000. So the fight is nearly done. I just saw another draft. The discussion points are down to silly things.”

Charlotte, NC (February 27, 2020) – Undefeated Junior Welterweight prospect LaVonte Earley (10-0, 5 KOs) is fighting for more then a place on the elite list of fighters.

In fact, any accolade he shall receive maybe just a cherry on top of his real motivation.

The 25 year-old who has been a professional for four-years, is motivated by his promoter, who actually happens to be his mother, Lavonda.

Lavonda was diagnosed with stage-four Liver Cancer in 2011. That precipitated Lavonda to be more involved in her children’s endeavors, which included LaVonte’s boxing career, which began at the age of 15.

Lavonda started Vegas Grand Promotions, and LaVonte has been a staple on those shows.

“I am just promoting him for now, as we have interest from several well known and more established Promoters. Because of my diagnosis I know l won’t be able to continue to finance his career so my goal is to get him ready to move on to the bigger stage,” said LaVonda

“My mother literary gave up everything to help support me in my career, which is something I can never ever truly repay her back for. It’s super, super important to me that I not only do what I’m supposed to do, but I can make her proud and give her something to brag about at church,” Earley recently told Fox 46 News in Charlotte.

LaVonte will be back in action on March 28th atRocky River High School.

LaVonte was recently featured on FOX 46 in Charlotte, and that story can be viewed below.

To Visit LaVonda Earley’s Cancer Foundation

Watch the Fox 46 Story on LaVonte Earley

To Follow LaVonte Earley:

View on Instagram Like us on Facebook

For More Information, visit:

www.wcgsociety.com

NEWCASTLE, ENG- Lee Baxter Promotions’ talented prospect Lee Reeves (5-0) returns to action in Newcastle, England on February 29th at the Eagles Community Arena.

Even though it is Reeves’ birthday today, a professional takes no days off on fight week. Reeves jumped on the scale with an official weight of 142 lbs.

The native of Limerick Ireland is poised to add another spectacular victory against his opponent Artur Davydenko who weighed in at 144.8 lbs. The young Irishman possess all the ingredients to become a serious contender in the super lightweight division. With an undefeated record that includes 4 KOs, he has power, speed and the athleticism to match his Hollywood looks.

“2020 is gonna be massive for Lee Reeves. My best performance is ahead of me. This 2020 is about staying busy and get my name on the world scene,” said Reeves.

With all the buzz surrounding this kid and superstar endorsements from the likes of; Tyson Fury, Billie Joe Saunders and Kell Brook, Reeves is the real deal.

This show is the first of many to come between Lee Baxter Promotions working with MTK Global and IFL TV. The card can be streamed February 29th on the iFL TV YouTube channel starting 12:00pm EST. Click HERE to watch!

BROOKLYN (February 28, 2020) – Veteran heavyweight contender Robert Helenius shared updates from training camp as he prepares to battle undefeated Polish star Adam Kownacki in a WBA Heavyweight Title eliminator that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 7 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

“I spent four weeks of training camp at home in Finland, training in the Aland Islands, then I sparred for a week in Alabama at Deontay Wilder’s gym,” said Helenius. “It was a great experience and I learned a lot being around so many good fighters while working with my coach Johan Lindstrom. Sparring fighters like Robert Alfonso and Nathan Gorman will definitely help me be at my best on March 7.”

Helenius most recently knocked out Mateus Roberto Osorio in November, after an unsuccessful U.S. debut in July that he dropped to former title challenger Gerald Washington. Helenius is confident that he’s corrected the errors that led to that defeat.

“In the Washington fight, I relaxed in the later rounds,” said Helenius. “I got too comfortable and I know that I cannot do that again. I’m going to fight Kownacki from the first bell to the end and show the U.S. fans what I can do in the ring.”

In Kownacki, Helenius faces a tough challenge against an unbeaten rising contender. Kownacki brings an action packed style and relentlessly comes forward, rarely giving his opponent a chance to breathe.

“Adam is a heavy brawler and a good fighter, but his boxing skills are not that strong,” said Helenius. “That’s where I believe I have the advantage. I know that I can out box him if that is the best strategy on fight night. The fans are going to see two different styles collide.”

Another challenge that this fight presents is that Helenius will be fighting Kownacki in his hometown of Brooklyn, where Kownacki has shown he can create an unfriendly atmosphere for his opponents.

“I’m not worried at all about where the fight is taking place,” said Helenius. “I just have to stay true to my style and the rest will take care of itself. I can’t let the crowd force me to fight a style that is not mine. I’m going to use my skills to get this win.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase now at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

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ABOUT KOWNACKI VS. HELENIUS
Kownacki vs. Helenius will see undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki look to thrill his hometown crowd when he takes on Robert Heleniusin a 12-round WBA Heavyweight Title eliminator in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 7 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba facing former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in the 10-round co-main event and rising heavyweight Frank Sánchez stepping in to face Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko in the 10-round televised opener.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Undisputed World Welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus will defend her titles against unified Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on Friday April 17, live on DAZN.
 
Braekhus (36-0 9 KOs) will put her 147lbs belts on the line for the tenth time having claimed all the straps in September 2014, and victory for the ‘First Lady’ will see the Norwegian sensation break Joe Louis record of 25 consecutive World title defenses, with the 38 year old’s record stretching back to her first World title fight in her 11^thpro outing in March 2009.
 
McCaskill (8-2 3 KOs) will be desperate to snap that streak in Maryland though, and the Chicago star has undoubtably been one of the great success stories in the last year of women’s boxing. ‘CasKILLA’ bounced back from a close loss to then-WBA World champion Katie Taylor in London in December 2017 to win the WBC Super-Lightweight crown in October 2018 on her home turf and then unified the division in Maryland in May 2019.
 
Pound-for-pound star Braekhus will be out to make history on the night but McCaskill can become a two-weight World champion and continue her phenomenal run of form in this standout fight on the undercard of the clash of former World Super-Lightweight champions Regis Prograis and Maurice Hooker.
 
“I’m very excited to battle Jessica McCaskill on April 17,” said Braekhus. “She is a unified World champion and a formidable opponent for me. However, following my victory in November I only took a short time off from training and will be well prepared for this very tough challenge.
 
“Thanks very much to my team for their efforts in bringing me this opportunity and to my fans all over the world, I can’t wait to put on a great show for you in Maryland.”
 
“This is a fight I wanted,” said McCaskill. “I want to fight the biggest names and the best fighters. Nothing less. My name is up there with the best in female history and I want to continue on that path. Every time I fight its exciting and not only for female boxing but for boxing – period.” 
 
“This is a fantastic fight on what is going to be another brilliant night of boxing on DAZN,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Cecilia is one of the greatest female fighters of all time and still the ‘First Lady’ has huge ambitions to achieve even more greatness in the sport.
 
“But what a breakthrough star Jessica has become since landing her World title in Chicago – it’s been a fairytale rise and she wants to go onto achieve greatness like her foe in Maryland. Jessica always brings it on the night and victory over Cecilia would top everything she has done so far, and that’s saying something.
 
“We have so much more great action to add to this card and I cannot wait for a huge night on April 17 in Maryland.”
 
Further undercard action will be added in the coming days and an announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made early next week.

Saint Petersburg,FL (February 28, 2020) -This Saturday night, a rematch 10-years in the making as heavyweight’s Laura Ramsey and Gwendolyn O’Neil battle at the Saint Petersburg Marriott Clearwater.

The 11 bout card is promoted by T&K Boxing Promotions.

Both women got their final thoughts in, as they wind down training camp just two days before their encounter.

“I had a good training camp. She wanted the rematch, so we are going to do this. I feel that I have an advantage because I won the first fight,” Said O’Neil.

Said Ramsey, “My training camp did not go as planned. I had a death of a family friend, so that affected me. About two years ago, I wanted to retire and Gwendolyn reached out to me. Over the last couple of years, we spoke a few times about doing this rematch and she was interested.”

“We are both champions. She fought Laila Ali twice. In fact the 2nd time she fought Laila, it was supposed to me. I signed for that fight. We are the only two credible heavyweights out there, so if this is our last fights, we mind as well go out with a bang. It makes sense to have the fight here as I started my first amateur fight in Saint Petersburg, so I mind as well finish here. The first fight with Gwendolyn was on a card promoted by her people. so this fight is promoted by my desired promoters. This is a fight that I HAVE TO WIN. I want to even the score with her. We are both 50 years-old and the combined age has to be a record. I don’t think any fight has a combined age of 100, so not only will this be a great fight, but it will be historical.”

In a six-round bout, undefeated super middleweight Sonny Duversonne (10-0-2, 7 KOs) of Avon Park, Florida takes on 55-fight veteran Larry Smith of Dallas, Texas.

In four-round bouts:

Jasmine Artiga (7-0, 4 KOs) of Tampa, Florida takes on Myrka Aguayo (3-2) of Tijuana, Mexico in a super flyweight bout.

Felix Santana (4-0, 3 KOs) of Ocala, Florida fights Ayron Palmer (0-3) in a super lightweight fight.

Jarred Jarvais (2-0) of New Port Richey, Florida battles Fernando Marrero (0-3) of Miami in a featherweight tussle.

Brandon Moore of Lakeland, Florida makes his pro debut against Nick Pinnock (0-1-1) of Tallahassee, Florida in a heavyweight affair

Iron Alvarez (9-0, 9 KOs) of Winter Haven, Florida squares off with Jorge Luis Santos Guzman (7-9-1, 2 KOs) of Monterrey, Mexico in a super featherweight bout.

Joseph Fernandez (12-3-3, 3 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Florida will take on Carlos Pena (5-26-2, 2 KOs) of Erie, PA in a super lightweight fight.

Armando Moran (2-1, 2 KOs) of Wahneta, Florida fights Matthew Knauss (0-1) of Fernandina Beach, Florida in a featherweight affair

Evander Lamourt (5-2, 1 KO) takes on Ubaldo Lara (1-1) of Indianapolis in a lightweight competition.

Arnold Hill (11-14, 6 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Florida takes on undefeated Ty McLoed (4-0, 4 KOs) of Bradenton, Florida in a light heavyweight fight.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are:

$40 for General Admission, $60 for Reserved, $70 for VIP Preferred, $80 per seat for 3rd and 4th row VIP table, $90 per seat for 2nd row VIP table, and $100 per seat for front row VIP table. (All tables are tables of 8)

Tickets can be bought online at https://tkallornothing2.bpt.me.

Tickets can also be purchased from all fighters on the card or at T&K Auto Collision at 2823 Overpass Road, Units 7&8 Tampa, FL 33619 or Main Events Boxing Gym @ 2575 28th Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713.

It all goes down TONIGHT on FITE.TV ($19.99 US & Canada, $9.99 outside the US & Canada)! Star Boxing’s critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series returns to The Paramount, featuring Long Island’s knockout artist, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER SELDIN, world rated heavyweight CARLOS TAKAM, and undefeated Long Island prospects, WENDY TOUSSAINT & ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS. All seven fights will be available via FITE.TV.

FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will stream all five bouts and be available for just $19.99 in the US & Canada and $9.99 outside of the US/Canada. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website.

If you are subscribed, you can catch all of the action on FIGHTNETWORK across the U.S., including Altice, Suddenlink, Centurylink, Shentel, Armstrong Cable, Grande Communications and Buckeye Cable systems.

Due to the extreme demand, Star Boxing has added limited tickets for tonight’s “Rockin’ Fights” which can be purchased, HERE.

The Paramount Doors open at 6:30PM, first bout at 7:30PM.
Bouts subject to change.

For Immediate Release Impact Boxing on the Impact Network premiered on February 1st with the triumphant return of former champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout. The New Mexico native’s 2nd round knockout victory capped a tripleheader in front of a sold out crowd in his native New Mexico.

Next up for Impact Boxing is the March 27th “Philly Special” card that is being promoted by Raging Babe in association with DiBella Entertainment with Hall of Fame promoter Russell Peltz in charge of the matchmaking.

Impact Boxing will return the following week on April 4th at a venue to be determined with another fight night promoted by Tapia Promotions.

Plans are underway for 5 more shows between now and June. The Impact Boxing series will officially kick off in June with a loaded schedule that includes 48 dates that will run through June, 2021. The official launch will take place in Detroit and a week of festivities are currently being planned to celebrate Impact’s foray into boxing.

In addition to working with Tapia Promotions, Raging Babe and DiBella Entertainment, Impact Boxing executive producer Steven Marcano said that they are also in negotiations with Main Events, Don King Productions and a major promoter that will be revealed in the near future.

Impact Network is available in over 86 million homes in the US and 3 million in the Caribbean. Stay tuned for more information.

LAS VEGAS – February 27, 2020 – Undefeated rising super lightweight prospect Keith “The Bounty” Hunter and talented Sanjarbek “War” Rakhmanov both made weight a day before their anticipated rematch and ShoBox: The New Generation 10-round main event on Friday, February 28 live on SHOWTIME (10:45 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Hunter (11-0, 7 KOs) and Rakhmanov (12-2-1, 6 KOs) first met on February 5, 2019, in an eight-round welterweight contest that resulted in a narrow-split decision victory for Hunter. Although Hunter controlled the action in the early rounds and scored a knockdown in the second, Rakhmanov recovered and landed some heavy blows in the later rounds. The scorecards read 77-74, 76-75 and 75-76.

In the ShoBox co-main event, 2016 Olympian and undefeated super lightweight prospect Richardson Hitchins (10-0, 5 KOs) takes on Rhode Island’s Nick DeLomba (16-2, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Once-beaten Las Vegas native Kevin Newman II (11-1-1, 6 KOs) faces Albania’s Genc Pllana (7-1-1, 4 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight matchup to open the telecast.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Super Lightweight 10-Round Bout

Keith Hunter – 141 ½ lbs.

Sanjarbek Rakhmanov – 143 lbs.

(Contracted weight is 143 pounds)

Referee: Robert Byrd; Judges: Lisa Giampa, Max DeLuca, Tim Cheatham

Super Lightweight 10-Round Bout

Richardson Hitchins – 141 ¼ lbs.

Nick DeLomba – 141 ½ lbs.

Referee: Russell Mora; Judges: Adalaide Byrd, Richard Ocasio, Chris Flores

Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout

Kevin Newman II – 167 ¾ lbs.

Genc Pllana – 168 lbs.

Referee: Jay Nady; Judges: Patricia Morse Jarman, Tim Cheatham, Glenn Trowbridge

Note: All refs and judges are from Nevada

FINAL QUOTES:

Keith Hunter

“I think I convincingly beat him the first time. It’s good that I’m getting him a second time because I’m going to show that it’s not even going to be close. I could see how some people thought it was a close fight the first time, but it won’t be close this time. He got some clean shots on me, but he never hurt me. I dropped him early. If I didn’t do that, it could have been a different story.

“I’m going to get him out of there. I think it’s going to be an exciting fight. I had unleaded gas the last time around, but I now have premium gas in the tank.

“He got me with one body shot. But there was really nothing up top that hurt me. With our styles, it’s always going to be the matador vs. the bull. The slugger vs. the boxer. I think this will be a similar fight as the last fight, but I’m going to be more effective this time. I’m going to hunt him. I’m a bounty hunter.

“I don’t really want to leave it to the judges. There will be a time in the fight where I’m going to hurt him. When I do, I have to assess my energy and how he takes it. From there, I will decide to apply pressure or just keep boxing him and beating him.

“I want anybody at 140. I want the top guys: Josh Taylor, Regis Prograis. But now, to be honest, I really want Malik Hawkins. Now it’s personal. He can fight for a tall guy. He can fight in the pocket but Darwin Price was beating him until his leg gave out. I want him next.”

Sanjarbek Rakhmanov

“I heard about the new opponent one week ago. I’ve been wanting this rematch forever. I one hundred percent feel that I won that fight. I was dominating for five or six rounds. I’m so happy that this will be a 10-round fight. The more rounds I have, the better my chance. We had him last time, and I let him off the hook. That was a mistake and I won’t let him off the hook this time.

“I was waiting too much in the first few rounds. I started too slow. This time, I will start fast. I give him respect for taking the rematch. I’m very motivated. I want to avenge the loss. I want to make everybody know that the judges made a mistake the first time. There is a lot on the line and this win will open many doors for me.

“I am more excited for this fight than for the first fight. This is my second time fighting on SHOWTIME and this is the main event. It’s a huge opportunity for me.

“I started so slow in the last fight. It wasn’t until I was knocked down until I woke up and realized that I was in a real fight. That’s when I started fighting my fight and started dominating. But it was really my own fault. The punch didn’t hurt me, but it woke me up. I think Hunter is a good fighter. He can take a punch. I hurt him with a couple body shots. I can’t wait for Friday night to show the world I am the better fighter.”

Richardson Hitchins

“I was pretty disappointed in the last few rounds in my last fight against Kevin Johnson. He capitalized on some mistakes I made, specifically with my left hand being down. I knew if I wanted to get better, that was just something I had to go back home and adjust on. That shouldn’t happen again. I think it was a good learning experience for me. It’s better that it happened early in my career so that I can learn from it.

“It wasn’t just my hand speed that won me the fight. I think I was smarter than him. I got hit with a couple right hands but I got the win. I went back and did my homework. Andre Ward is one of my favorite fighters and he got hurt early on in his career. He adjusted from that and that’s what I plan to do.

“I think you’re going to see a different Richardson Hitchins this fight. Based on DeLomba’s style and me studying the sport, I don’t think he has the defense that my last opponent had. His only chance is to come forward and make this a dog fight. It’s hard to make it a dog fight with me. I feel like I’m going to shine tomorrow.

“I think my last fight was a statement. That kid could fight. I may not have been at my best, but I fought a really good fighter. Even Floyd [Mayweather] was surprised that I took that fight, because he told me that kid could really fight. After the fight, I asked Floyd what I could do better. He just told me that there were some technical things I could switch up, but he said that both of us could really fight. I give so much respect to Kevin Johnson. I was able to learn a lot from that match. He’s only lost to two Olympians, so that says a lot about him.

“I think I have a good inside game, but in a fight I’m more comfortable out-boxing you. It fits my skillset more. If I don’t have to get in a brawl, I’m not going to. Eventually, I’m going to have to show that I can do it.”

Nick DeLomba

“I feel good at 140 pounds. I’ve even fought at 137 before. I’m comfortable at lighter weights. I fought tough fights coming out the gates. I beat guys as the ‘B side’ fighter. I’ve taken the tough road. I’ve always wanted to fight on SHOWTIME. I made it to Vegas. I made it to SHOWTIME. It’s an honor to have this opportunity. There’s definitely a sense of urgency with this fight. This is make-or-break.

“I just need to fight my fight. I need to stay busy and give him trouble. Give him different angles. I’m tough to figure out. I just need to be that awkward fighter that he hasn’t seen yet. He’s fought on SHOWTIME before. He’s the prospect. I’m the guy being brought in to fight him. I need to show that I’m more than just a stepping stone for him. He’s never had to dig deep. I want to make him dig deep. I know my role, and I’m here to play spoiler.

“I’m proven. I’m tested. We’re going to test him. I have more fights. I have the experience. I think that is what will give me the advantage Friday night.”

Kevin Newman II

“You guys saw the real me the last time I was on ShoBox. As soon as I came out, I came out stepping to him and popping the jab. It was a totally different fight from the first time and I could tell immediately once he started backing up. Throughout the whole training camp, I knew I had to go and right my wrong. The first time I lost to him, I called Leonard Ellerbe immediately and told him I wanted the rematch. It took a couple years, but I was able to right that wrong.

“To this day, so many people tell me I look like Roy Jones in the way that I fight. I don’t want to be Roy Jones. I want to take certain things from his game and implement them into mine, but I want to be my own fighter. Who better than the man himself to bring in and help me? The same thing with Floyd Mayweather. I always watched him and I took a lot from his game that I liked, especially defensively. I still have more work cut out for me if I want to be mentioned in the same sentence as him. But in terms of talent, people see what they see. I take so much from Roy Jones. Sometimes, when I put the tassels on my boots, I feel like I’m him. He’s my idol. Everything he says to me is gold to me.

“I want to bring back the excitement to boxing. Even if you’re not knocking out everybody like Deontay Wilder or Tank Davis, I still want people to leave saying that I put on a show. There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’re going to get it done.

“I just need to stay focused and keep winning. I need to keep showing my talent and the skills that I have. I still feel like there’s another 60 percent that people haven’t seen from me. Roy Jones and the rest of my team are bringing that out of me. I just want to keep going out there and putting on a show and everything else will fall into place.

“He has an awkward, unorthodox style. But this is boxing, you have to go out there and be able to adjust. We have a great game plan. We’ve been working on that game plan in the gym so I’m going to go out there and do exactly what my team tells me. There’s not a guy in the division with faster hands than me. He won’t be able to handle that.”

Genc Pllana

“I had about two weeks’ notice for this fight. But I was ready for a March 14 fight, so I’m in good shape and right on weight. People think that I’m going to be an easy opponent based on my style, but I think I’m a really frustrating guy to fight.

“I’m already a confident fighter, and my last fight against Henderson gave me even more confidence. I think I could have stopped him in my last fight. Honestly, confidence has never been an issue for me. I believe I’ll be the first Albanian world champion. I believe I’d beat Roy Jones in his prime, so that really doesn’t bother me at all. If he thinks that’s going to bother me, he has another thing coming.

“I don’t care who I’m fighting, or who’s in the other guy’s corner. In the ring, it’s me vs. him. That’s all that matters. I think this will be a coming out party for me. After Friday night, fight fans will be saying that ‘The Sexy Albanian’ really is sexy.”

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For more information visit: www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter: @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, , @mayweathersprts and, Instaram: @mayweatherpromotions, @showtimeboxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions #ShoBox #SinCityShowdown

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Tommy Santiago, a standout high school football star and accomplished amateur boxer, will enter the ring for his first pro fight on March 27 at 2300 Arena, and his dad will be in his corner.

To spectators, it’s another father-son team, made slightly more interesting because Tommy is the second Santiago son to turn pro. Brother Milton, Jr., is an undefeated lightweight.

That Milton Sr., can walk up the steps and wave the towel for his son belies the real story — one about a father who died and was brought back to life less than a year ago, who is waiting for a life-altering call. It’s a story about a mother who pulls double-duty to provide for her family and care for her husband. It’s about the son, a prodigal football talent, who sacrificed his spot at a top football high school to help keep his family afloat, and now is embarking on a professional boxing career. It’s a story about their past and current struggles, and the grit, determination and faith that has seen them through a slow, grinding, water torture-style drip of pain and adversity.

A few years ago, the Santiago family had outgrown their two-bedroom home. With three teenage boys–Milton Jr., Tommy and young Nicco–they packed their home and moved into a fixer-upper in the suburbs. Milton, Sr., was a talented painter who had worked for some of the most prestigious home builders in Philadelphia.

Mom Brenda worked at a kitchen gadget manufacturing company for 20 years, where she climbed the ladder, wearing various hats and helping to provide a comfortable life for her family.

It was not long after their 2017 move that Milton Sr., began noticing he wasn’t himself. Over the next few years his health would deteriorate. Once a husky, active painter and boxing coach, he shriveled away. After bouncing from doctor to hospital, he received a dual diagnosis of kidney failure and an infection that had spread to his bones. Brenda went from being a working mom to a working mom and caregiver, waking up Milton, Jr., to help carry his dad to the car at 5:30 in each morning. She’d drive him to dialysis before work, and then take an early lunch each day to get him home.

Tommy enrolled at Archbishop Wood High School, a private, Catholic school in Warminster, PA, known for its elite football program; tuition was $9,000 per year. He was a star running back, scoring 20 touchdowns and gaining nearly 1700 yards as a Junior. His younger brother, a standout basketball player, also attended Archbishop Wood.

Wheelchair bound and unable to walk, Milton Sr., was embarrassed to go to his sons’ games. Brenda had to help him get to the bathroom and clean him. Milton Jr., put his career on hold to help care for his father. It was a dark time for the family; bills were piling up as Milton Sr., got sicker.

“I was embarrassed,” Milton, Sr., said of that time. “I was depressed and I kept wondering why this is happening to me and my family.”

Last May, Milton, Sr., went in for a procedure to biopsy a growth in his lungs. When the doctor came out of the operating room and asked Brenda if she would join him in a consult room, she knew something had gone wrong. Milton, Sr., had stopped breathing for nearly two minutes during the procedure and had to be resuscitated. The doctor warned that there may be permanent brain damage.

It was an earth-shattering moment for the family.

“It was the worst moment of my life,” recalled Tommy. “When I walked in and saw my dad in the ICU, knowing he might never be the same, I just started crying. I couldn’t handle it.”

After two days in a medically induced coma, Milton, Sr., began to recover. Doctors finally found the right combination of antibiotics to begin to cure the infection that had decimated his body. Effects from the procedure continued to affect his daily life. Excruciating headaches at all hours and short term memory loss became the new normal.

After Tommy’s record-breaking Junior year, and after seeing the stress that his mother was under, Tommy made a decision. He chose to transfer to William Tennent High School–also in Warminster–cutting his family’s tuition bill in half, but virtually guaranteeing that the college offers he and his parents had dreamed of would never come.

“My mom told me she would find a way, but I didn’t want her to stress,” said Tommy.

Brenda is pained when she speaks of Tommy’s departure from Wood: “Tommy is very strong, and he’s taken a lot for the family. It’s a burden I have on me because I want to be able to give them everything. Milton’s dream was for Tommy to go to Wood – it devastated Tommy and us when he had to transfer.”

As he recovered, Milton, Sr., learned to walk again. Milton, Jr., still administers his father’s dialysis five times per week for six hours and they wait to be added to the kidney donor list. Boxes of equipment line the walls of their home, and the improvements they’d planned on making to their home remain on hold.

“Milton doesn’t want us to be his donor,” said Brenda. “I’m the breadwinner and I can’t afford to be off work. Milton doesn’t want the kids to compromise their athletic careers. And after what happened when he went under in May, there’s a lot of fear. So we wait.”

Her voice breaks when she talks about the day they find a donor for her husband, but she doesn’t mention how it would take the pressure off of her: “The day that it happens, I’ll be ecstatic. He just wants to live a normal life. He wants to be able to do normal things – work, provide for his family. I will be so thankful to God that he answered our prayers.”

“It would mean the world to my family to find a donor,” said Tommy. “Everything he’s been through, the dialysis four hours per day, three days a week… it’s not easy. My mom stays up late to take care of him and gets up early the next day to go to work. She never gives up.”

The example that Milton Sr., and Brenda have set – one of sacrifice, mental strength, and unbelievable love and commitment to each other and their family has been ingrained in their sons.

“Seeing all they’ve been through has been hard, but it makes me want to go harder,” said Tommy. “I just want to be able to bring my family to the next level.”

He has aspirations of being an NFL player and professional boxer, concurrently. “I have received an offer from Villanova,” Tommy said. “I’ve applied at Temple and Penn State and plan to walk on to their football teams if I’m accepted.”

But first, another fight is on the horizon. A four-round, light-heavyweight contest with Angel Vasquez, of Springfield, MA, on March 27.

“Tommy told me that the reason he likes football and boxing is that he has a hatred inside, a frustration and resentment at everything our family has been through,” said Brenda. “I feel for the kid that’s going to fight Tommy. He’s training hard, and really wants it. He really wants to go out there and do things – He wants to help the family.”

When Tommy Santiago walks out to the ring on March 27, he walks with the burden of his family’s troubles, but with his father by his side. When the bell rings, he’ll hear only his father’s voice from his corner, and a new chapter begins in the complicated and painful story of the unbreakable Santiago family.

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Philly Special kicks off at 7:30 in the evening on Friday, March 27. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $125 are on sale now, and can be purchased by visiting 2300arena.com or by calling 267-273-0945.

WORCESTER, MA (Thursday, February 27) – Listed below are the weights for all of the participants in Friday night’s live championship boxing event at The Palladium in downtown Worcester, streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

The event features four up-and-coming stars from the fighting city of Worcester, headlined by undefeated prospect and reigning WBC Youth World Lightweight Champion Jamaine Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs), who puts his perfect record on the line against 21-year-old Mexican challenger Luis Ronaldo Castillo (22-5, 17 KOs) in the eight-round main event.

CES Boxing stablemate and fellow Worcester native Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (13-2, 10 KOs) stars in the eight-round co-main event against San Cristobal, Dominican Republic native and Reading, PA, resident Yeuri Andujar (5-2, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBC Youth World Featherweight Championship.

Tickets for the event are priced at $35, $45 and $85 (VIP) and are available online at CESBoxing.com or ShowClix.com, or by phone at 401-724-2253. Preliminary bouts begin at 7 p.m. ET with the main card streaming live on FIGHT PASS at 8. Subscriptions for FIGHT PASS are available online at UFCFightPass.com.

In addition to a dynamic fight card, former two-time world champion and Worcester Jose Antonio Rivera, who won 43 fights as a pro, two of which came in 2018 and 2019 following a seven-year layoff, will receive a ceremonial Key to the City from Mayor Joseph Petty. Partial proceeds from all sponsorships will be donated to the Worcester Boys & Girls Club and the March of Dimes.

Visit CESBoxing.com, Twitter.com/CESBoxing or Facebook.com/CESBoxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.
JAMAINE ORTIZ
Worcester, MA
12-0, 6 KOs
135
LUIS RONALDO CASTILLO
Sonora, Mexico
22-5, 17 KOs
138

IRVIN GONZALEZ
Worcester, MA
13-2, 10 KOs
126

YEURI ANDUJAR
Reading, PA
5-2, 3 KOs
126

KENDRICK BALL JR.
Worcester, MA
13-1-2, 9 KOs
168

ULISES JIMENEZ
Mexico City, Mexico
24-24-1, 16 KOs
174
JALEN RENAUD
Springfield, MA
4-0, 1 KO
155

LAURED STEWART
San Diego, CA
3-0, 2 KOs
153

JAKE PARADISE
Worcester, MA
2-2, 2 KOs
200

ROGERIO DIONIZIO
Revere, MA
0-1
188

MARISA BELENCHIA
East Haven, CT
1-0
110

SHAWNA ORMSBY
Orlando, FL
Pro debut
112

INFORMATION

CES Boxing promoted its first event in 1992 headlined by future Champion Sucra Ray Oliveira. Over the years, CES has earned the reputation as the Heart and Soul of boxing with a rich history that includes the development of former U.S. Olympian Jason Estrada, plus Vinny Paz and Rhode Island legends Gary Balletto and Peter Manfredo Jr., both of whom rose to fame on The Contender reality television series. Through the years, Jimmy Burchfield Sr has earned several noteworthy awards, among them the NABF Promoter of the Year, and 2011 inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. 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. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV

BROOKLYN (February 27, 2020) – Undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki will headline in his hometown on Saturday, March 7 when he takes on Robert Helenius in a WBA Heavyweight Title eliminator as the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Kownacki has proven himself as a popular draw in a borough full of heavyweight boxing history, and will look to continue to capitalize on that opportunity in this title eliminator.

“This will be my second time headlining at Barclays Center and having the whole New York community, especially the Polish fans, coming out to support me really feels amazing,” said Kownacki. “I grew up in Brooklyn, so seeing my face everywhere on ads and billboards is a great feeling. There’s definitely a little bit of added pressure being in that situation, but diamonds are made with pressure.”

For this fight, Kownacki has had to make the small sleep adjustments that come with having a six-month-old son, but he continues to feel strong in camp, even testing himself against another Polish heavyweight contender in Mariusz Wach.

“With the baby, I’m sleeping less for sure, but this has been a really strong camp,” said Kownacki. “It’s pretty much the same routine training-wise and it’s always the same dedication that we put in every day. We brought in Mariusz Wach for a few weeks of sparring to help me get ready for this one and I think that’s helped me a lot as well.”

The 30-year-old’s first headlining performance in his hometown came in August on FOX, when he won an exciting action fight against former title challenger Chris Arreola. Now he will face a new challenge in the veteran Helenius, who has faced top competition throughout the world and stands over six-feet six-inches tall, making him one of Kownacki’s most imposing opponents to date.

“Helenius is a totally different opponent than Arreola,” said Kownacki. “He’s much taller, which poses a new set of challenges. Against Arreola, it was easy to get on the inside. With Helenius’ height, I’m going to have to work behind my double-jab and then let my punches go.

“He’s very experienced and he’s been in there with a lot of talented fighters. He fought Derek Chisora and Dillian Whyte, going the distance with both, and he’s a former European champion. So, his experience is something I have to be careful with. I’m not looking past him at all.

“Helenius is going to come in with the mindset as if I’m a world champion. I know he’s going to try to take my spot in the rankings. I’m starting to feel like when fighters get in the ring with me, it seems like they’re extra-motivated. But I’m motivated too. I’m in shape and ready to showcase my skills next weekend at Barclays Center.”

This will be Kownacki’s 10th fight at Barclays Center, where he has not only become a fan-favorite, but established himself as a contender in the red-hot heavyweight division. March 7 gives Kownacki another chance to showcase that he has what it takes to end up on top of the heavyweight ladder, and become the first Polish heavyweight champion in boxing history.

“The division is wide open,” said Kownacki. “Right now, Tyson Fury is considered number one. But his previous two fights before the Deontay Wilder rematch weren’t that great. So how good is Fury really? If you look at the top-ten heavyweights, I’m the only one with a clean record, no losses or draws. On Saturday, March 7, I have to prove that I belong in a title fight.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets are also available for purchase now at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

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ABOUT KOWNACKI VS. HELENIUS
Kownacki vs. Helenius will see undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki look to thrill his hometown crowd when he takes on Robert Helenius in a 12-round WBA Heavyweight Title eliminator in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 7 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

FOX PBC Fight Night begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba facing former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in the 10-round co-main event and rising heavyweight Frank Sánchez stepping in to face Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko in the 10-round televised opener.

Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

There are few people on this earth who would contact undefeated Icelandic heavyweight boxer Kolbeinn “The Ice Bear” Kristinsson to tell him he’s too small and weak… but countryman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, aka The World’s Strongest Man and Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane on Game of Thrones, is one of them.

After his last fight, a second-round demolition of American Dell Long in January, Kristinsson (11-0, 5 KOs) says he was contacted by a mutual acquaintance of he and Björnsson’s and invited to the actor and strongman’s Thor’s Power Gym in Kópavogur, near Reykjavík, Iceland. In addition to playing one of the most feared and memorable characters on the HBO blockbuster series Game of Thrones for five seasons, Björnsson was five times named Europe’s Strongest Man and is the first person to have won the Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe’s Strongest Man and World’s Strongest Man in the same calendar year.

“I was embarrassed when I got there,” laughed the 6’ 5” 240-lb Kristinsson. “They said I was skinny and looked weak.”

Björnsson put Kristinsson on a strict diet and weightlifting program to improve his power. “He gave me access to the gym whenever I want. The weight program is different every day,” said Kristinsson, “but I’m surprised that the most important part of it is to be consistent with diet.”

Kristinsson, who recently signed with Salita Promotions, power manager Mark Taffet and has begun working with Detroit-based super trainer SugarHill Steward at Kronk Gym, says the gains in two months have been significant.

“I’ve been doing my strength and power work four times a week and training boxing six times a week since my last fight and I’ve already put on seven pounds of muscle,” said Kristinsson. “I can feel I’m a lot stronger and more solid with a noticeable difference in punching power.”

Kristinsson, currently on his way back to Kronk, says he’ll be looking to put his newfound power to good use in his next ring appearance, scheduled for March 20 in Detroit against an opponent TBA.

instagram.com/theicebearkristinsson; hafthorbjornsson.com; facebook.com/thorspowergym; facebook.com/SalitaPromotions;

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.