London, UK (6 February 2020) Birmingham hero Sam Eggington will be one of the featured attractions on the undercard of the big showdown between Shakan Pitters and Craig Richards for the British Light-Heavyweight Championship on Saturday 28th March at the Coventry Skydome, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Eggington (28-6-0, 17 KO’s) is looking to finally secure a dream world title shot to top a celebrated seven-year and 34-fight career that has seen him win the British, Commonwealth, European and WBC International Silver Welterweight titles and more recently the IBF International Super-Welterweight title with a stunning second round KO win over Orlando Fiordigiglio in Florence.

The all-action 26-year-old from Stourbridge, known as the ‘Savage’, has carved a reputation as one of British boxing’s most exciting fighters for his thrilling blood ’n guts performances. His chilling power has overcome the likes of former British and Commonwealth Champion Frankie Gavin and Denton Vassell. One of his most high profile nights was when he ended the career of former Two-Time World Champion Paulie Malignaggi with a devastating eighth round KO in March 2017.

Although Eggington suffered a fifth round stoppage loss to rival Liam Smith last March, he has rebounded well with four solid wins, including the victory of Fiordigiglio last September, and his last fight was in November with a second round stoppage of Daniel Urbanski.

This will be the second time that Eggington has fought in Coventry with an early career visit to the city in his third pro fight resulting in a four-round points wins over Andrew Hardy at the Hilton Hotel.

On the world stage, the 154-pound division has gone through a dramatic change following Julian Williams’ shock fifth round KO loss of his WBA and IBF World titles to underdog Jeison Rosario last month and Eggington is hungry to get his opportunity.

“It’s great to be back out in action for the first time in 2020 and this is set to be my big year when I really feel I’ll get my dream world title shot,” Said Eggington.

He continued, “I’m thrilled to fight on a high profile card live on free-to-air Channel 5 and it’s a return to Coventry where I have some great fans. This will be my first fight since November and I can’t wait to make a real statement of intent and force that world title opportunity this year. Julian Williams lost his IBF and WBA world titles with a shock loss to Jelson Rosario recently. If I got the phone call to fight him I’d take it hands down and win. I’ll fight any of the other world champions Jermell Charlo (WBC) or Patrick Teixeira (WBO), I don’t care who it is, I just want the opportunity. I’ve done everything asked of me, fought my mandatories, lost some of the mandatory fights when I could have vacated the title, I’ve fought everyone asked of me. It’s now about getting the big one and that’s what I’ll be going for this year.”

Eggington’s manager Jon Pegg added, “People don’t realise he’s 26 and he’s still improving. He started his professional career when he was just 19 and he’s crammed in 34 fights. He’s still developing and believe me the best is yet to come. Nobody thought he could win the British, Commonwealth and European titles and my phone was off the hook with people saying how great he looked against Fiordigiglio. He’s worked his way up the hard way in his career and now we will push on and get his World title shot and when the opportunity comes he’ll win it.”

A top quality undercard features some great Midlands match ups that includes a feisty Coventry derby between welterweights Jordan Cooke and Michael Green over six-rounds; Birmingham’s Ishmael Ellis takes on Walsall’s Shaun Cooper over six rounds at lightweight; Coventry’s Dilly Singh against Birmingham’s Matt Sen at cruiserweight over six rounds; Coventry light-middleweight River Wilson Bent in a four-round contest; Birmingham lightweight Tom Collins in a four-round contest; Birmingham super-featherweight Lewis Coley in a four-round contest; Leamington Spa lightweight Danny Quartermine makes his pro-debut in a four-round contest.

Also on the card will be exciting middleweight prospect Michael Hennessy Jr. from Sevenoaks, Kent, in his fifth professional bout in a six round contest.

For further information go to www.hennessysports.com or social media: Facebook @HennessySports, Twitter @HennessySports and Instagram @hennessysports and join the conversation at #PittersRichards

BritishTitle

Atlantic City, NJ (February 4, 2020)– Popular South Jersey based super middleweights, Derrick Webster and Gabriel Pham will meet in the main event as Hard Hitting Promotions makes it debut at Ballys Atlantic City Hotel and Casino on Saturday night, March 7th.

The bout will highlight a eight-bout card.

Webster of Glassboro, New Jersey has a record of 28-2 with 14 knockouts.

The 37 year-old Webster is a 11-year professional who has wins over Obadai Sai (23-1), Thomas Awimbono (25-5), Frankie Filippone (22-5-1) & Francisco Cordero (38-9). Webster is coming off a decision loss to undefeated Lennox Allen on February 15, 2019 in Hinckley, Minnesota.

Pham of Atlantic City has a record of 11-2 with five knockouts.

The 30 year-old Pham is also a 11-year professional who has wins over Michael Glenn (2-0), Chauncey Fields (4-1), & Jaba Khositashvili (4-0). Pham is coming off a stoppage defeat to Ievgen Khytrov on August 1st in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

Fighters scheduled to appear on the undercard will be lightweight Jeremy Cuevas (12-1, 9 KOs) of Philadelphia; junior lightweight Christian Tapia (10-0, 9 KOs) of Coamo, Puerto Rico; light heavyweight Benny Sinikin (5-0, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia; junior welterweight Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-3, 6 KOs) of Newburgh, New York; super lightweight Jan Carlos Rivera (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia; middleweight Isiah Seldon (13-3-1, 4 KOs) of Atlantic City; super welterweight Jeff Lentz (5-1, 1 KO) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ. All opponents Plus more bouts will be announced Shortly.

Tickets are on Wednesday, February 5th for $100 for VIP, $65 for Ringside and $50 for VIP and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and at The Caesars Box Office.

LAS VEGAS (February 5, 2020) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant held a Las Vegas media workout Wednesday and previewed his homecoming title defense against mandatory challenger Vincent Feigenbutz which takes place Saturday, February 15 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes.

The Ashland City, Tennessee native will make the second defense of his 168-pound title in a homecoming attraction as he fights in his home state for the first time as a pro.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Sweethands Promotion, TGB Promotions and Sauerland Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Here is what the workout participants had to say Wednesday from City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

CALEB PLANT

“I feel great. Camp and sparring have been great and my strength and conditioning is spot on. I know everyone says they’re on weight, but if you check my track record, you know that if I tell you I feel good, that probably means it’s going great. We’re just finishing up camp with a bang and ready for February 15.

“Feigenbutz has a good record and a lot of knockouts. He’s been an interim champion before, and that’s more than a lot of top contenders can say. I know he’s coming to take what’s mine and I know this is the biggest moment of his life, but he’s going to fall short.

“Since I was little kid I’ve thought about wanting to bring a world title to the Bridgestone Arena. It’s the biggest venue in the city, so to be headlining there as a world champion, at this point in my career, its huge. I’m going to make the most of it.

“We’ve had some really good sparring for this fight. We brought in Ronald Ellis, who comes from a great boxing family. We’ve worked with a couple guys from Norway as well who are really strong and keep coming forward throwing punches. They’ve made sure that I’m always working in the ring.

“My offense and punching power is probably the best that its’ ever been. My defense and footwork is also just as slick as always. You saw the best Caleb Plant so far against Jose Uzcategui, and you didn’t get to see a whole lot of it, but I was a better Caleb Plant against Mike Lee. Now I’m going to show an even better version of myself on February 15.

“I’m boxing super sharply right now. This is probably the sharpest I’ve been heading into a fight. Even sharper than the Jose Uzcategui or Mike Lee fights. Everything is coming together.

“It’s exciting to be in this position. I feel like my career is right where I want it to be. I’m just taking it one fight at a time. We’re going to get this out of the way, then move on to what’s next.

“This fight is something I pushed for and something my whole team really wanted. Now that I have it, it’s not what I want to focus on. I’m focused on the fight and the task at hand on February 15. I know people are going to want to pull me in a lot of different directions, but I’m focused.

“This is a great gym with a lot of great fighters coming in and out. There are a lot of opportunities for me to get really quality sparring. It’s an exciting atmosphere here and I’m happy to have my camp here in Las Vegas.”

RICHIE PLANT, Plant’s Father & Co-Trainer

“Camp has been fantastic. The work that we’ve put in for this camp, is more than we’ve put in for any other camp. Caleb hasn’t missed a beat. There have been no hiccups and we’ve been working extra hard.

“We’re always looking into ways that we can improve. We want to continue to evolve. We’re better right now than we were last fight, and last fight we were better than the one before that. We just want to keep going. If we see a place where we might be lacking, we try to address it and get better.

“I feel like we have the best team in boxing. We all work together and we all have the same goal. We bring different experiences and expertise to the table, so we work together well. It’s really a team effort.

“Feigenbutz is a young guy who is big and strong. He’s got good reach and he’s got a lot of experience with a high knockout ratio. We’re expecting to fight a really tough opponent and we’ve prepared accordingly.”

#

ABOUT PLANT VS. FEIGENBUTZ
Plant vs. Feigenbutz will see undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant make a homecoming title defense against mandatory challenger Vincent Feigenbutz Saturday, February 15 in the FOX PBC Fight Night Main event and on FOX Deportes from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features welterweight contenders Bryant “Goodfella” Perrella and Abel Ramos battling in the 10-round co-feature plus lightweight contender and Nashville native Austin Dulay, who battles former title challenger Diego Magdaleno in the 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, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

NEW YORK (February 5, 2020) – Split-T Management has signed undefeated bantamweight Ebanie Bridges to a managerial contract.

Bridges of New South Wales Australia has a record of 3-0 with two knockouts.

Bridges will be in action this Saturday night when she takes on Crystal Hoy in a six-round bout at the Civic Center in Hammond, Indiana.

“I am Very excited to be signed with Split-T Management, I truly believe that I am in the best hands of the industry,” said Bridges. “Brian Cohen was always on my radar as he is well known in female boxing and has a very successful and popular crew of girls. I met with David McWater of Split-T Management in my most recent visit to New York and he informed me that Brian would be joining Split T to work along side Himself and the team. So there really wasn’t much hesitation when deciding who I wanted to sign with. David who has just been Nominated as one of the top five boxing managers of 2019, and Brian together will be a force to be reckoned with and I can’t be more excited to see what we as a team can achieve.”

Bridges started out in combat sports in her early years. At age five, she stated in Kempo-Karate and eventually received her black belt. Bridges then moved on to Kickboxing and Muay-Thai. Bridges never fought as it was illegal for females to fight in Australia Bridges then had a successful body building career. Bridges then went back to doing what she loved best, and that was hitting things, so she found a gym and she hasn’t looked back.

Ebanie turned professional on February 8, 2019 with a majority decision over Mahiecka Pareno. He has since racked up two stoppages with her latest bring a 2nd round win over Kanittha Ninthim on November 30th.

She will next ply her trade on American soil when she takes on 20 fight veteran Crystal Hoy on February 8th in Gary, Indiana.

“Anyone that knows boxing, will tell you that the United States is the place to be, and that’s why even a lot of the top Europeans end up fighting or relocating to America. Unfortunately boxing isn’t that big in Australia, let alone women’s boxing, and there is only a handful of females, which also makes matching fights hard and we are so far away from everywhere. There just isn’t a big enough market for it. I want to make waves, I want to smash stereotypes, I want to inspire as many people as I can and I think America is where I can do that”

Observers describe her fighting style as a heavy handed pressure fighter. Mexican Style.” I’m short and aggressive, and I love to fight on the inside.”

“As much as I love looking very girly and cute, I’m exciting to watch and my fights are always full of action,I’m a savage straight up.”

Bridges can be followed on the following social Media platforms

Facebook – Ebanie “Blonde Bomber” Bridges
Instagram – @ebanie_bridges
twitter – @EbanieBridges

Photos via of Ebanie Bridges Instagram

Sheffield Super-Featherweight prospect Donte Dixon has heaped praise on his manager Billy Joe Saunders ahead of his third professional bout against Eduardo Valverde on the undercard of Kell Brook vs. Mark DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Facebook.

The 20-year-old has made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks, outpointing Naheem Chaudry on his debut at the Civic Centre in Mansfield in October before stopping Vladislavs Davidaitis in two rounds at the famous York Hall just before Christmas.

Guided by undefeated two-weight World Champion Saunders alongside leading management company MTK Global, Dixon believes his career is in the perfect hands as he promises to deliver a memorable performance in his hometown this weekend.

“It’s my first fight in my city on Saturday and I’m looking forward to smashing it by putting on a punch perfect performance for all my supporters in Sheffield,” Dixon told MTK Global. “I’m very excited. I just love fighting and I can’t wait to show everyone my skills.

“I’ve been very pleased with my career so far, from my first fight it’s just got better and better. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds. It’s amazing having Billy Joe help guide my career because he’s someone I’ve always watched even when I was a kid coming up in the amateurs.

“He’s an undefeated two-weight World Champion and he’s been there and done everything, he’s the perfect man to have in my corner and an endless fountain of knowledge. I feel privileged to be working alongside such a professional outfit in MTK Global and I’m excited for my future in the sport.

“I look forward to stepping up in the ranks slowly but surely learning my trade as I go along and getting the right fights and stepping up the rounds. Fans can expect to see a boxing master class, you’ll see me boxing on the front foot, back foot, southpaw and orthodox. I’ll show all my skills in that ring.”

Dixon vs. Valverde is part of a huge night of action in Sheffield.

Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020 when he meets the USA’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) clashes with Finland’s Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) in a unification for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles, Anthony Tomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in an Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring, Brentwood Super-Featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) returns, Super-Middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title and Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.

Joseph Parker will return to action against Shawndell Winters at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday February 29, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $25 VIA SEATGEEK

Parker (26-2 20 KOs) is back on the hunt to regain his World champion status having been forced out of an October clash with Derek Chisora in London after a spider bite on his leg led to an illness that robbed the Kiwi of a fight with the all-action Brit.

The former WBO ruler had teed up a mouth-watering clash with ‘Del Boy’ having stopped Alex Leapai in the tenth round of their clash in Providence, RI in June, the first fight of a three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA.

Parker will look to reignite his charge to elite level and World title showdowns in Texas against Winters, the Illinois man ranked #14 with the WBA and looking to extend his KO run having taken the unbeaten record of Canadian-Ukrainian Oleksandr Teslenko to land the NABA title in Ontario, Canada in September and following that with another stoppage win on enemy turf with a fifth round victory over Poland’s Sergeij Werwejko in November.

Winters, who has KO’d 12 of his 13 wins, will be looking to continue his winning streak and scupper Parker’s plans to become a two-weight World champion, but Parker plans to make an explosive statement on a stacked card in the Lone Star State.

“I am delighted to be back in action on this huge bill in Texas,” said Parker. It was frustrating to be ruled out of the Chisora fight in October, especially in such an unusual way, but I have been on fire in the gym in Las Vegas and we’re ready to get back to business. The division is moving at a great pace and this is a perfect opportunity to show the world that I am one of the elite players in the division.

“Shawndell is on a great run and I know he’ll bring it on February 29 – but I am ready to show that I will become a two-time World champion in 2020 and that starts with a dominant and destructive display in Frisco.”

“This is the biggest fight of my career and I am going to make it count,” said Winters. “I am used to being the underdog, it’s something that I thrive on and if Joseph Parker underestimates me, he’s going to be in for a bad night – because I am going in there to take him out.

“I want to thank Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing USA, DiBella Entertainment and Be Def Sports for the opportunity and special thanks to champion Joseph for taking me as a worthy opponent – but he will live to regret it!”

“It’s great to have Joseph back in action early in the year,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The Heavyweight division is red-hot right now, and it’s important for Joseph to make a statement and remind the champions and fellow challengers that he’s coming for them – but Shawndell is on a roll and will. be desperate to take a huge scalp in the shape of the Kiwi on a massive night in Texas.”

“Shawndell is a very tough competitor who recently moved up to Heavyweight. He’s already pulled off two consecutive upsets against favored opponents, and the fight before that should have been a third,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He’s looking for his biggest upset yet against former World champion Joseph Parker. This is a tremendous opportunity for this ex-Cruiserweight Rocky from Harvey, Illinois. I believe he is a live underdog.”

Parker’s clash with Winters is part of a huge night of action in Texas topped by a mouthwatering Welterweight clash between Mikey Garcia (39-1 30 KOs) and Jessie Vargas (29-2-2 11 KOs).

Two huge World title bouts feature as Britain’s longest reigning World champion Kal Yafai (26-0 15 KOs) puts his WBA World Super-Flyweight title on the line against the former pound-for-pound king and four weight World ruler Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (48-2 40 KOs) and rising Mexican sensation Julio Cesar Martinez (15-1 12 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC World Flyweight title against unbeaten European champion Jay Harris (17-0 9 KOs) – with more fights to be confirmed for the card imminently.

ENDS

About The Star in Frisco
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and training facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco, Frisco ISD and the Dallas Cowboys, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games, other world class sporting events such as top flight boxing matches, concerts and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; the Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine; Twelve, a 17-story, luxury residential tower in partnership between Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Quarterback #12 Roger Staubach, and Dallas-based developer and former Dallas Cowboys center, Robert Shaw; Formation, a dynamic coworking experience offering a collaborative work environment of open workspace, dedicated desks and private offices; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options throughout The Star District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

• Three live events added to BoxNation schedule for February, including PBC and Golden Boy cards
• Gary Russell Jr defends World Featherweight Title this Saturday in Pennsylvania
• Second month of exciting new strategic partnership with Premier Sports

Featherweight star Gary Russell Jr defends his WBC World Title on the first of three live events coming up on BoxNation in February 2020, the second month of a new strategic partnership with Premier Sports.

Russell Jr is regarded as one of the best in the business and on Saturday night he faces Tugstsogt ‘King Tug’ Nyambayar, a 2012 Olympic silver medallist, in what could be one of his toughest tests. Double-Olympic gold medallist Guillermo Rigondeaux aims to win the WBA Bantamweight crown in the chief support bout.

BoxNation subscribers can look forward to a double header the following weekend, starting with rising star Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) headlining a Golden Boy bill against Francisco Fonseca on Friday 14th February, with former three-weight World Champion Jorge Linares boxing on the undercard.

On February 15th, unbeaten Super-Middleweight Caleb Plant defends his IBF belt in a homecoming bout against German mandatory challenger Vincent Feigenbutz, who boasts a 85% knockout ratio.

List of confirmed events on BoxNation

• Gary Russell Jr v Tugstsogt Nyambayar: Sunday 9th February at 2am (Saturday night show)
• Ryan Garcia v Francisco Fonseca: Saturday 15th February, time TBC (Friday night show)
• Caleb Plant v Vincent Feigenbutz: Sunday 16th February at 1am (Saturday night show)

In March, BoxNation will be available free of charge to current Premier Sports customers on Sky and the Premier Player. Customers subscribed to BoxNation via Sky will automatically get free access to Premier Sports 1, 2 and LaLigaTV.

New customers looking to sign up to BoxNation can do so via https://www.boxnation.com/subscribe/ and to Premier Sports via https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow.html.

ENDS

ABOUT PREMIER SPORTS

Premier Sports was founded in 2009 is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. In the Premier Sports bundle on Sky, Virgin TV and Premier Player, customers can enjoy Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2 and LaLigaTV.

Premier Sports 1 is on Sky channel 412 and Virgin channel 551. Premier Sports 2 is on Sky channel 435 and Virgin Channel 552. FreeSports is available free on Sky Channel 422, Virgin Media Channel 553, on Channel 64 on Freeview and BT and on Freesat Channel 252.

The channels are also available to pubs, clubs and other commercial premises throughout the UK.

Premier Sports also broadcast LaLiga, Serie A, Scottish Cup football, 152 games from the Guinness PRO14, 15 games a week from the NHL, GAA and the home of NASCAR in the UK.

ABOUT BOXNATION

BoxNation began broadcasting in 2011 and has featured some of the best fights from home and abroad in the 8 years it has been on air. BoxNation is currently available on Sky channel 427, Virgin TV channel 546, BT TV and Talk Talk channel 415.

Premier Sports: www.premiersports.com                                            FreeSports: www.freesports.tv

Kell Brook has admitted that nothing less than a “spectacular” win over Mark DeLuca at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield this Saturday will suffice as he looks to regain the attention of the World Champions at 147lbs and 154lbs after a lengthy hiatus from the ring. 

‘The Special One’ (38-2, 26 KOs) takes on ex-Marine DeLuca for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super-Welterweight Title in his first fight since December 2018, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, as he seeks an impressive win to stake his claim for a World Title fight in 2020.

“2020 I want to be two-time champion,” said Brook. “I’ve never been as driven, I’ve never been as focused in my whole career as I am now, because I want to mix it with the best. If I don’t have an unbelievable performance, it doesn’t count on February 8, I’m not happy.

“It’s got to be spectacular. You’ve got to go away and think ‘he’s back better than ever.’ That’s what I want people to say. I want to be on everybody’s lips, ‘I can’t believe what this guy’s done. I can’t believe it. What’s happened? He’s the main man again’. That’s what I’m aiming for.

“I want whoever holds a belt, I want to be a two-time World Champion this year. I could do Welterweight. For the right fight, I’ll do Welterweight. It would have to be a meaningful fight. A World Title fight, or a big meaningful fight.”

DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs) has already earned the respect of Brook’s trainer Dominic Ingle and the 31-year-old will be hoping to send the hometown hero into retirement and stake his own claim for a World Title shot in the biggest fight of his career.

“Dominic has seen the guy fight live a few times, it is a hard fight,” Brook added. “He’s tough, he’s an ex-Marine, he’s obviously into his fitness. He’s very determined. He knows this is a chance to make a name for himself. He’s going to give it his all.

“He’s learnt on the road. He’s got one defeat and the next fight he avenged the loss, so he’s obviously learning. Really he’s never lost, he’s a winner. He believes this is his chance. I need to listen to the game plan from Dominic and then it’s just about getting in there and executing it.”

Brook vs. DeLuca tops a huge night of action in Sheffield.

Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) clashes with Finland’s Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) in a unification for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles, Anthony Tomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in an Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring, Brentwood Super-Featherweight Martin Joseph Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) and Sheffield Super-Featherweight Donte Dixon (2-0, 1 KO)return, Super-Middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title and Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former junior welterweight Johnny Bumphus passed away from Cardiac Arrest at age 59 in Tacoma, Washington.

“‘Bump City’ was the very first of the 28 champions that Main Events has nurtured to world titles throughout our existence,” Main Events CEO Kathy Duva told ESPN. “In January of 1984, he became the first of four world champions to win titles with Main Events that year. Soon after, Johnny’s best friend, Rocky Lockridge, joined him in wearing a world title belt. Mike McCallum and Livingstone Bramble soon followed.

“The thing I remember best about Johnny was how much he loved music. He was the first person I ever knew who walked around with a Walkman in his ear virtually all the time. I used to think that it was as if he decided to set his life to music. And that smile! It was so beautiful.”

“Johnny was clever, playful and very funny,” Duva said. “Sadly, he was also the first fighter who, to my mind, made it obvious how dangerous the combination of substance abuse and extreme weight loss could be for a fighter. I believe that all of this abuse not only cut his career short, but caused Johnny to suffer through many physical problems throughout the rest of his life. I hope that he has finally found some peace.”

WBA Lightweight champion Gervonta Davis was charged in a domestic violence incident that happened over the weekend, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The Incident happened with the mother of his daughter at a charity basketball game on Sunday in Miami.

 Davis was seen approaching a seated woman and forcefully grabbing her near her neck and pulling her out of her seat during a charity basketball game that was set up around the Super Bowl festivities. Davis then walked her out of the arena as they appeared to argue.

“As a result of an ongoing investigation after being notified through social media and the victim, on February 1, 2020, (Davis) was observed battering his former girlfriend (with) whom have a child together,” Coral Gables police said in a statement. “(Davis) surrendered himself to Coral Gables police detectives assigned to the case.”

After the video surfaced, Davis, who has a history of legal issues, wrote on social media, “I never once hit her, yea I was aggressive and told her come on… that’s the mother of my child I would never hurt her other than that happy New Years.. January was trash.”

“It looks like it’s a legal matter. We don’t comment on legal matters,” said Tim Smith, spokesman for Premier Boxing Champions, which manages Davis.

BROOKLYN (February 4, 2020) – Undefeated heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba will take on former title challenger Razvan Cojanu in the 10-round co-main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, March 7 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The night of heavyweight action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by undefeated Polish star and Brooklyn native Adam Kownacki looking to thrill his hometown crowd when he takes on Robert Helenius in a 12-round WBA Heavyweight Title eliminator. The opening attraction will see rising heavyweight Frank Sánchez step in to face Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko in a 10-round battle.

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.

The non-televised undercard lineup will include exciting Brooklyn native Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa (20-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight fight and undefeated Cuban heavyweight Robert Alfonso (19-0-1, 9 KOs) in an eight or 10-round attraction against Puerto Rico’s Carlos Negrón (20-3, 16 KOs).

Rounding out the action is heavyweight prospect Steven Torres (2-0, 2 KOs) in a four-round bout and the pro debut of Boston’s Francis Hogan in a four-round middleweight fight.

Nigeria’s Ajagba (12-0, 10 KOs) has increased his opposition in his recent fights and passed those tests by getting off the canvas to stop Iago Kiladze in December 2019 and defeating fellow 2016 Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen by 10-round unanimous decision in July, both on FOX. The 25-year-old Ajagba gained widespread notoriety in August 2018 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. Ajagba won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified. Living in Stafford, Texas and training with renowned veteran trainer Ronnie Shields, Ajagba will make his 2020 debut and third career appearance at Barclays Center on March 7, after four victories in 2019.

Born in Romania and now residing in Burbank, California, Cojanu (17-6, 9 KOs) most recently won a decision over Tamaz Zadishvili in October 2019. The 32-year-old has fought professionally since 2011 and rebounded from a defeat in his first pro fight to win 16 of his next 17 bouts. He defeated Zhiyu Wu in 2016 to earn a title fight against Joseph Parker, which he lost by decision in 2017. Cojanu would then go on to challenge top heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz, plus rising contenders Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman, in three straight fights from 2018 until his most recent triumph.

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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.

NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 4, 2020) — Shakur Stevenson, the 22-year-old phenom on the cusp of pound-for-pound greatness, will make the first defense of his WBO featherweight world title Saturday, March 14, against three-time world title challenger Miguel “Escorpión” Marriaga at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Three days later, Irish featherweight Michael “Mick” Conlan will make his annual St. Patrick’s Day pilgrimage at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a 10-rounder against hard-charging Colombian veteran Belmar Preciado.

The Stevenson-Marriaga co-feature will see former junior featherweight world champion Jessie Magdaleno fight the unbeaten Sakaria Lukas in a 10-round featherweight showdown. Stevenson-Marriaga and Magdaleno-Lukas will be televised LIVE on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Conlan-Preciado and a 10-round female super featherweight showdown between the unbeaten Mikaela Mayer and former featherweight world champion Melissa Hernandez will stream live in English and Spanish on ESPN+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets for the Stevenson-Marriaga and Conlan-Preciado cards are priced at $200, $100, $70, $40 and $30 (not including applicable fees) and go on sale Friday, Feb. 7 at 12 p.m. ET. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

For a limited time, when purchasing a ticket online to one of these cards, you will then be given the option to purchase discounted tickets to the other event.

“What a great two nights of boxing on ESPN and ESPN+, as we get to see Shakur Stevenson defend his title against the big-punching Marriaga and Mick Conlan continue one of boxing’s great traditions,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “New York is going to turn out in force to watch two of boxing’s great young stars.”

Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs), the pride of “Brick City”, Newark, N.J., was the first male boxer from the 2016 Rio Olympics to win a professional world title. Last October, he bested Joet Gonzalez via unanimous decision to win the vacant WBO featherweight world title. The Gonzalez win punctuated a banner year for the Olympic silver medalist, who also defeated former world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz on the Terence Crawford-Amir Khan PPV undercard. Last July, he headlined an ESPN telecast in front of an adoring hometown crowd of more than 5,000 at Prudential Center, knocking out Alberto Guevara in three rounds.

“We’ve been trying to make this fight with Miguel Marriaga for a long time now,” Stevenson said. “I wanted a strong opponent for my first title defense. He’s been in the ring with multiple world champions, and I am ready to prove that I am the best featherweight in the world. This is my fourth fight at Madison Square Garden, but my first as a world champion, and it will be my best performance yet. I know all of my East Coast fans will come out and support on March 14.”

Marriaga (29-3, 25 KOs), one of the division’s hardest punchers, is hoping the fourth time’s a charm. He fell short in previous world title challenges against Vasiliy Lomachenko, Oscar Valdez and Nicholas Walters, but he’s riding a four-bout winning streak (all by KO). He last fought in December 2019, knocking out Alfredo Mejia Vargas with a body shot. A native of Arjona, Colombia, he’s been scouting Stevenson as a potential foe.

“I always wanted this fight, and the time is right now that he’s a world champion,” Marriaga said. “He speaks often about how people are ducking him, but here I am. Colombia will have a new world champion March 14.”

Magdaleno (27-1, 18 KOs) is 2-0 as a featherweight since losing his junior featherweight world title to Isaac Dogboe in one of the best fights of 2018. A native of Las Vegas, he is coming off a unanimous technical decision over Rafael Rivera last August in Los Angeles. Lukas (23-0, 16 KOs), from Namibia, is one boxing’s best-kept secrets, a nine-year pro who has three knockouts in his last four fights.

“The guys people don’t know about are the dangerous ones,” Magdaleno said. “With the mindset I have now, I don’t think anybody can beat me. “My trainer {Jorge Capetillo} and I are looking ahead. I’m just waiting on what’s next, but we have to take care of business against Lukas first. Once we do that, I have every right to call out all of the champions.”

“There is a Desert Storm coming to New York in the name of Sakaria Lukas, and this storm is targeting the destruction of Jessie Magdaleno,” Lukas said.

Conlan (13-0, 7 KOs) has made Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden his professional home, as he turned pro in front of a sold-out St. Patrick’s Day crowd there back in 2017. In the years since, he has graduated from prospect to contender, as he’s the No. 1 contender for the title held by Stevenson. He went 3-0 in 2019, including a decision win in December over Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin. Preciado (20-2-1, 13 KOs) will be making his third ring appearance outside of his native Colombia, and he has won two in a row since a KO loss to former world title challenger Hiroshige Osawa.

“I’m honored to return to the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, and fight for the fourth straight St. Patrick’s Day,” Conlan said. “I know how tough Preciado is, but this fight is a great test as I continue on my path towards becoming a world champion. Fighting in New York City is very special for me. The fans have been very supportive right from the beginning at my pro debut on St. Patrick’s Day in 2017, and I look forward to putting on another tremendous show for them this year.”

“The fans will be there to see Conlan, but mark my words, they will remember me,” Preciado said. “I am more than just another ‘opponent.’ When I win, I won’t be surprised. I am prepared for a hard 10 rounds.”

Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs), who turned pro in August 2017 after representing the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics, has been dominant in the paid ranks. One of the 130-pound division’s top contenders, she last fought Oct. 26 on the Shakur Stevenson-Joet Gonzalez undercard, knocking out Alejandra Zamora in six rounds. Hernandez (23-7-3, 7 KOs), winner of four of her last five, won the WBC female featherweight world title in 2012. Last April, she dominated then-unbeaten Selina Barrios over eight rounds.

“I’m excited to be fighting again in New York City, especially on St. Patrick’s Day at Madison Square Garden,” Mayer said. “I love that I’m going up against a former world champion because it’s going to make for a very competitive, exciting event. I’m also happy to be on a Mick Conlan card. He has a huge Irish and European fan base whom I hope to impress and turn into fans. See you at MSG!”

For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtags #StevensonMarriaga and #ConlanPreciado to join the conversation on social media.

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 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, 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.

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 4, 2020) – 16-year-old featherweight prodigy Demler (DJ) Zamora III (2-0, 2 KOs), who trains out of the Pound-4-Pound Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, continued his dominance in the ring as won via a first-round knockout last Friday, January 31st at the Big Punch Arena in Tijuana, Mexico.

DJ III landed a straight left that rocked his opponent and forced the referee to stop the contest. DJ Zamora III was a decorated amateur who now has started off his professional career with back-to-back knockouts

“The fight played out perfectly,” said DJ Zamora III. “I worked so hard in this camp and this performance shows just how much work I put in. I’m looking to go back to Mexico next month to continue my quest to become a world champion.”

“DJ trained hard for this bout and the goal is to keep him very active,” said Demler Zamora Jr, the father, and trainer of Zamora III. “He fights well beyond his age and it is showing early in his professional career with these types of performances.”

“DJ got great sparring this camp for this fight as he sparred Tugstsogt Nyambayar, who is fighting Gary Russell Jr for the WBC featherweight world title this weekend,” said Richard Barrientes Jr, DJ’s assistant coach. “DJ is a really good fighter who is getting better with each fight.”

Prodigy boxing twins, Angel Barrientes (1-0, 1 KO), and Chavez Barrientes (1-0, 1 KO), both 17-years old, didn’t get to fight as both of their opponents backed out at the last minute.

On February 28, JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING returns to The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island, for one of the most anticipated “Rockin’ Fights” to date. The return of CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (Shirley, NY 24-1 20KO’s) to where it all began has Long Island buzzing. Seldin will be defending his NABA Super Lightweight Title against Colombian veteran HUMBERTO “METRALETTA” MARTINEZ (Monteria, Columbia 33-9-2 17KO’s).

Seldin returns after an eight-month layoff due to his torn rotator cuff. The injury occurred during perhaps Seldin’s best win to date, an 11-round TKO upset victory over 6-time world champion ZAB “SUPER” JUDAH (44-9 30KO’S) at Turning Stone during the illustrious Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. Seldin is currently riding a three-bout knockout streak, which began at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma against NELSON LARA (17-10-4 9KO’s) on ESPN+, followed by a dominating TKO performance against ADAM MATE (28-13 21KO’s) on NESN at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Making his United States debut, Humberto Martinez will be challenging Seldin for his NABA title. Martinez is no stranger to big time fights, having challenged for the WBC Latino and Continental America’s as well as the WBO Latino Super Featherweight Titles. Taking on the likes of former world champion JORGE LINARES (then 46-5 28KO’s) and former WBC International Silver Lightweight Champion, DANTE JARDON (32-6 23KO’S), Martinez has the experience he feels is necessary to upset the hometown hero.

Seldin’s come forward, crowd pleasing, no breaks style always brings fans to their feet – especially the Seldin faithful who affectionately call themselves “Hamma Heads.” Known for his immense power, Seldin displayed improved footwork, boxing IQ and tactic during the Judah fight, which he hopes to continue to progress ahead of his February 28 bout.

Martinez believes he is up for the challenge, “I know Cletus is a very hard puncher, but we have fought hard punchers before. We are starting camp in Florida and I promise I will be in great shape and make a very good fight”

Seldin cannot wait to defend his belt in front of his Long Island faithful, “I am not only coming into this fight looking to put on a show, but what better way for me to return to The Paramount by also bringing my NABA belt home and defending it in front of my hometown fans. Be there February 28, you will not want to miss it.”

“As one of, if not the, hardest punchers at super lightweight, anytime Seldin steps in the ring, it is guaranteed to bring fireworks,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “We are excited to bring Seldin back to where it all began, at The Paramount. He has a very pleasing style that really excites the fans. You will not want to wait to get tickets to “Rockin’ Fights” as they are already moving fast.”

“Rockin’ Fights” 38 is presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING in a thrilling night of fights from The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island. For more information follow @StarBoxing and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – February 4, 2020 – Former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will seek to become a three-time, two-division world champion when he moves down to bantamweight to challenge former champion Liborio Solis for the vacant WBA title live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pa.

“I’m trying to make history by winning a third world title in a second weight class, while also matching my two [Olympic] Gold Medals,” said Rigondeaux, who will fight at bantamweight for the first time in his career. “I want to make a statement and solidify my legacy as one of the best Cuban fighters ever. I want the boxing world to be talking about me, as I seek to become a world champion once again. February 8 will be a special day for me and my family.

“I know at super bantamweight I am a force to be reckoned with. Now that I’m moving down to bantamweight, I feel stronger and I’m getting the most out of my skills. The bantamweight and super bantamweight divisions are filled with great fighters to test myself against. It’s a very exciting time and I am training very hard for each opportunity that is granted to me.”

This will be Rigondeaux’s second straight fight working with the renowned head trainer Ronnie Shields, and conducting training camp at Shields’ gym in Houston.

“Ronnie and I are working very hard and smart,” said Rigondeaux. “We have put together a great game plan that we are going to execute on fight night. All of my tools are getting sharpened up and everyone will see that the hard work we’ve put in will pay off. Ronnie is a great coach and I’ll be fighting with something to prove on fight night.”

“He is very focused, and one of the hardest workers in the gym,” said Shields. “Rigondeaux is so determined to become a world champion once again. He comes to camp every single day with that goal, and I don’t see any way he doesn’t achieve it.”

Rigondeaux is coming off an exciting knockout win over former world champion Julio Ceja last June. The Guantanamo, Cuba native will look to capture his next world title when he faces Solis, a former super flyweight world champion for the vacant WBA belt.

“Solis is a good opponent and a worthy challenger, but I am ready to reclaim my status as a world champion,” said Rigondeaux. “I’m going to show people why I am one of the best boxers of my generation.

“This is a very big deal for me. For years I was one of the best fighters in the world, if not, the best fighter in the world. When you’re a champion, you only fight the top opponents and those are the type of fights I want. I’m going to start another long reign as champion beginning February 8.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Kings Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through www.pplcenter.com/events (direct link HERE).

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ABOUT RUSSELL VS. NYAMBAYAR
Russell vs. Nyambayar will see WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. defend his 126-pound crown against unbeaten mandatory challenger Tugstsogt “King Tug” Nyambayar live on SHOWTIME on Saturday, February 8 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see former world champions Guillermo Rigondeaux and Liborio Solís battle for the vacant WBA Bantamweight World Title in the co-main event, plus Jaime Arboleda meeting Jayson Vélez in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title eliminator bout opening the telecast

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

Washington, D.C. (February 4, 2020)—On Friday, February 28, 2020, Greenbelt, Md., native Sam “The Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed (9-0, 5KOs) will face the toughest test of his boxing career when he squares off with Baltimore’s “Slick” Nick Kisner (21-5-1, 6KOs). The 10-round matchup for the vacant Maryland Cruiserweight Championship is presented by Jeter Promotions and will take place at the world class Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Md. The bout will serve as the chief support for the main event between super middleweights Demond Nicholson (22-3-1, 20KOs) and Mike Guy (12-4-1, 6KOs).

“It is a huge fight for me that could really change my career,” Crossed said. “A win over Nick puts me in position to fight on the world stage and I am not taking this opportunity for granted.”

While this will be their first sanctioned bout, it will not be the first time Maryland pugilists have faced each other as they have sparred hundreds of rounds preparing each other for different opponents throughout their respective careers. 

“We know each other very well,” the Greenbelt native said. “I have spent a ton of time in the ring with Nick over the years but this time we aren’t going to be wearing headgear and 16oz gloves.

“This isn’t going to be a sparring session and I plan to go out there and show how much I have improved from the fighter I was when I made my debut.”

The fan favorite Crossed hopes his 2020 is better than his 2019, a year in which he had a plethora of fights fall out due to issues beyond the fighter control.

“Last year was very frustrating; I had so many fights fall out,” Crossed explained. “I never lost focus though, and I feel great heading into this one.”

The Jeter Promotions card will be the first for the wildly popular Crossed’s bout at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, Md., which is just minutes from where the former Roosevelt High School football and baseball standout grew up.

“When I started this journey I figured I would have few pro bouts and then move on with my life,” the undefeated boxer stated. “To be in a position to fight for the Maryland Cruiserweight Championship in just my tenth fight in front of my hometown crowd at a venue like Live! Casino & Hotel is kind of surreal.”

Crossed previously fought on a Jeter Promotions card in 2018 and hopes to continue the relationship with world-class Maryland-based boxing promoter. 

“I would like to thank Tony and Christin of Jeter Promotions for the opportunity to fight on a platform like this and for a title at this early stage of my career,” Crossed said. “ I would also like to thank my sponsors for this fight Cloakroom D.C. and Jersey Mike’s.”

Brooklyn, N.Y. (Feb. 4, 2020) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions announced today that it has added middleweight Melody Popravak to its roster. After most recently competing in the Olympic Trials at 165 pounds, Popravak now has her sights set on making her professional debut under the Uprising Promotions banner this spring.

“Uprising Promotions has been an avid supporter of women’s boxing at our shows over the years, and we are excited to sign Melody as the first female boxer officially on our team,” said Ronson Frank, Uprising Promotions President. “Melody is a really hard worker who is dedicated to her craft. She is eager to fight, and we look forward to getting her into the ring as soon as possible.”

Originally from Fort Myers, Florida, Popravak now trains and resides in Brooklyn, New York. A high-level athlete throughout her life, she is a former NCAA Division 1 softball player at Boston University and Florida Gulf Coast University. Additionally, she achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Accounting and has her Personal Trainer Certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Popravak only started boxing a little over a year ago, but she quickly proved to be a fast learner. During a very successful amateur campaign, she won the 2018 New York Metros Championship, 2019 Ringmasters Silver, 2019 Eastern Qualifier Bronze and 2019 Last Chance Qualifier Silver, which solidified her spot in the 2020 Olympic Trials. She eventually placed fourth at the Olympic Trials, defeating some of the top competition in the country.

Now working towards her professional debut, Popravak is currently training under the tutelage of Steven Frank. A former IBF world title challenger and NBA super middleweight champion, Frank also competed in the 1984 Olympics and was recently inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame. Assisting him is Thomas Baldwin, who brings a high amateur pedigree and further professional experience to the team.

“I could not be in better hands than having Steven Frank as my mentor and trainer in boxing,” said Popravak. “To move into the professional ranks just as he did, and be working with Uprising Promotions as well, it is a dream come true! The entire female middleweight division is stacked with talent and excitement right now, and I am ready to add my name into the mix.”

Stay tuned as details begin to materialize on the professional debut of Popravak under the Uprising Promotions banner.

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

Vincent Feigenbutz (31-2, 28 KOs) hosted a press conference today in his home city of Karlsruhe ahead of flying out to Nashville, Tennessee, where he will challenge Caleb Plant (19-0, 11 KOs) for the IBF Super Middleweight World title at the Bridgestone Arena on February 15th. 

Known as the ‘KO King’ due to his 85% knockout ratio, Feigenbutz has worked himself into a mandatory position with the IBF following a run of ten consecutive victories – nine of which came within the distance. 

The 24-year-old German previously held the WBA World Super Middleweight title having stopped Mauricio Reynoso in the third round at the Gerry Weber Stadium in 2015. Feigenbutz successfully defended the title with a unanimous decision victory over Giovanni De Carolis, before losing a rematch the following year. 

Feigenbutz, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Max Schmeling by becoming only the second German boxer to win a World title in America, informed the gathered media that Caleb Plant can expect a tough night on February 15th. 

“I am pleased that we are so close to the fight now,” said Feigenbutz. “I’m feeling fantastic and very well prepared. Caleb Plant is a tough opponent, but I’m not going to give him anything.

“I will give everything I have and fight until the last second! I want to thank my whole team and Team Sauerland for making this dream a reality for me!”

Dr. Martin Lenz, the mayor of Karlsruhe, was also in attendance at the press conference and expressed the city’s pride and support of Feigenbutz.

“It is a great honour for the city of Karlsruhe that Vincent will represent us in the USA,” said Lenz. “We are very proud of him regardless of this fight! We would also like to thank his promoter Team Sauerland and manager Rainer Gottwald for bringing the city of Karlsruhe to this big stage.

“It’s remarkable that with Regina Halmich, Sven Ottke and now Vincent Feigenbutz we produce such great boxers. The city of Karlsruhe will have our fingers crossed for Vince!”

Feigenbutz’s promoter Nisse Sauerland is confident Germany will have a new World Champion come February 15th. 

“We are delighted to make this fight happen and reward Vince’s hard work with the opportunity of becoming a two-time World Champion,” said Sauerland. “This is a great opportunity for Vincent and also for German boxing – don’t miss Vincent make history on February 15th”. 

The World title fight takes place at the 20,000-seater Bridgestone Arena and all the action will be broadcast live on Fox in the US and other territories to be released shortly. 

Martin J Ward hopes that a standout performance against Mexico’s Jesus Amparan at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield this Saturday February 8, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, will get the ball rolling for a shot at one of the 130lbs World Titles in 2020.

Former European Super-Featherweight Champion Ward (23-1-2, 11 KOs) is undefeated in four fights since suffering his sole career loss to IBF World Title challenger James Tennyson back in May 2018, claiming the WBC Silver International crown against Devis Boschiero in Italy and stopping Josue Bendana in his last fight.

The Tony Sims-trained fighter is desperate for a shot at World honours having earned his stripes by taking the ‘traditional’ route, winning the British, Commonwealth and European titles since turning over in 2012. ‘Wardy’ believes that a World Title shot is on the horizon and admits any slip ups in Sheffield would be disastrous for him.

“I’m 28 years of age and I truly believe this year I will get my shot at a World Title and win a World Title,” said Ward. “That’s what it’s all about, that’s my main goal since I’ve been in boxing from the age of 8. I really feel like I’m going to have a good year this year.

“I’m going to stay in the gym, stay dedicated, keep on working hard as I do all of the time and the rewards will come. After this fight I want my shot at a World Title. I want to get this fight out of the way and look good. Hopefully we can get a title shot pencilled in after.

“I’ve got one eye on the guys that have the titles but I’ve been in camp for Jesus Amparan and my full attention is on him. There will be no slip-ups, none at all. I’m concentrating on getting the job done on him and looking good doing it.”

Talk of World Titles will come to a shuddering halt if Ward fails to impress against Amparan, a hungry 23-year-old with 14 big knockouts from 16 career wins, but Ward insists that he’s done his homework on ‘Toro’ and won’t be underestimating him in the slightest.

“He’s a big puncher, I had a little watch of him. He’s a typical Mexican fighter, all off the left hand work, it’s going to make for a good exciting fight. I need these guys coming to win to bring out the best in me and it’s a good test.

“If the stoppage comes it comes, if it doesn’t it doesn’t. He carries power as his record suggests but my speed is going to be a big factor in this fight. I’m going to put on a dominant performance so I’ve got the right to call out these big names for my next fight.

“I’ve been working a lot on my speed and putting my punches together with a different variety of shots. I’m going to put on an exciting performance. You’re going to see a better version of me, a faster version of me. I’m going to be dangerous on fight night. The big fights are coming, trust me.”

Ward has picked out Argentina’s WBA title holder Rene Alverado as a potential opponent in 2020. ‘Gemelo’ broke down and stopped Andrew Cancio in seven rounds at the Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in November to earn the title.

“Andrew Cancio was beaten by Rene Alverado at the back end of last year. Alverado is with Golden Boy. That’s definitely a fight that could happen. Matchroom and Golden Boy are working together with DAZN so that’s definitely a fight that could happen this year. Hopefully I can look good in this next fight and put myself in line for a shot at one of these champions.”

Ward vs. Amparan is part of a huge night of action in Sheffield.

Kell Brook (38-2, 26 KOs) will be aiming to shake off the ring rust and fire his name back into the mix for a Word Title shot in 2020 when he meets the USA’s Mark DeLuca (24-1, 13 KOs), Kid Galahad (26-1, 15 KOs) takes on Claudio Marrero (24-3, 17 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the IBF Featherweight crown, Terri Harper (9-0, 5 KOs) clashes with Finland’s Eva Wahlstrom (23-1-2, 3 KOs) in a unification for the WBC and IBO Super-Featherweight World Titles, Anthony Tomlinson (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Stewart Burt (13-1-1, 1 KO) in an Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles, Dave Allen (17-5-2, 14 KOs) makes his long-awaited return after eight months out of the ring, Super-Middleweight John Docherty (7-0, 5 KO) continues his march towards a first title, Leeds Featherweight Hopey Price (2-0, 1 KO) looks to go 3-0 and Sheffield Light-Heavyweight Callum Beardow (1-0) fights for the second time as a pro.

MONTREAL (February 3, 2020) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) confirmed today the signing of North American Boxing Federation (NABF) light flyweight, Montreal’s own Kim Clavel, (11-0, 2 KOs), to an exclusive, long-term promotional contract, allowing her to soon be positioned as a world title challenge.

After completing an outstanding amateur career highlighted by seven Canadian championships and a gold medal in the Continental Championship, the Canadian National Team member made her pro debut in 2017. In her last fight, Clavel took the measure of her Mexican opponent, Esmeralda Gaona Sagahon, by way of a unanimous decision to capture her first title (NABF).

Clavel will soon return to the ring where she’ll headline the March 21st Dooly’s Boxing Series at Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. Moreover, this 2020 GYM Series will be particularly devoted to Clavel, who is guaranteed to participate in at least four of the five planned events.

“When we learned that Kim Clavel had become a free agent, we expressed our interest as she is among the most talented pugilists in Canada, whatever the genre,” GYM president Yvon Michel (pictured tyo left with Kim) said. “We are convinced that Kim has the talent and team required to reach the highest peaks, and above all to have a major impact on the popularity of boxing in Quebec, thanks to her dynamism, charisma and endearing personality.”

The 29-year-old undefeated boxer is convinced that she made the right choice: “After analyzing my options,” she commented, “I concluded that the promoter who best suited my needs and my values was GYM. I want to thank them for their confidence and for this agreement which will give me the opportunity to fight as a headliner.”

Clavel trains at the Boxe Montréal gymnasium inside the Claude Robillard Centre. Her head trainer is former world super bantamweight contender, the excellent and experienced Danielle Bouchard. Her team of assistant coaches is composed of Sara Kali and Nathalie Forget, while Stéphane Larouche, Pierre Bouchard, and Carl Handy provide support as advisers.

“I am extremely happy to start this new adventure with GYM and people I have known very well for most of my life. As a coach, I love planning and I am happy to see that Kim now has a career plan designed specifically for her in order to become world champion,” Bouchard added.

Clavel is from Joliette and has a diploma in health and nursing assistance, which she obtained in Montreal in 2014. She worked in Joliette until 2019, but took an unpaid leave from work to devote herself full-time to her boxing career. Her sponsors included Christin Chevrolet, Buick and GMC.
The Dooly’s Boxing Series, held at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, which is a presentation of Mise-O-Jeu, in association with Videotron, is back in 2020 with five events on March 21, May 2, June 6, October 24 and December 12.

Tickets are available now on Ticketmaster.ca, 514-790-1245 / 1-855-790-1245 starting at $ 70.50 or directly at the Casino de Montréal box office. Season tickets or tables for the five events are available to a 10-percent discount by directly contacting Groupe Yvon Michel at 514.383.0666, extension 5.

: groupeyvonmichel
: @groupeyvonmichel
: @yvonmichelGYM

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 3, 2020): Three homegrown Golden Boy fighters will make their ring returns after challenging for a world title on the March 19 edition of Golden Boy and DAZN’s Thursday Night Nights at Avalon Hollywood. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

In the main event, Joet Gonzalez (23-1, 14 KOs) of Glendora, Calif, will take on Chris Avalos (27-7, 20 KOs) of Lancaster, Calif. in a 10-round featherweight fight. Gonzalez will return after challenging for the WBO Featherweight World Championship in October 2019.

“I can’t wait to step back into the ring,” said Joet Gonzalez. “I fought for a world title, so I know what it’s like to be at that level. Now, I’ll be coming back with an even stronger desire to become a world champion. I want to thank my manager, Frank Espinoza, and my promoter, Golden Boy, for the opportunity. This March 19, I will not disappoint.”

“We’re coming to win,” said Chris Avalos. “We’re back on track. The old Chris Avalos is back. You [Joet] may think I’m a joke. You may think I’m washed up. But I’m coming to kick your ass. Keep your hands or you will see what happens.”

In the co-main event, Lamont Roach Jr. (19-1-1, 7 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will fight against Filipino warrior Neil John Tabanao (17-7, 11 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight fight. Roach Jr. will come back after challenging for the WBO Junior Lightweight World Title in November 2019.

“I’ve been itching to get back in that square to show that I’m the best at 130,” said Lamont Roach Jr. “My last fight was just a glimpse, but this year it’s all the way up with me.”

“I’m looking forward to this fight against Lamont Roach Jr.,” said Niel John Tabanao. “I know that he’s coming off his first loss and that he wants to fight for a world title again. However, I more experience than he, and I know how to score an upset. We’ll see you all on March 19.”

Marlen Esparza (7-1, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas will participate in a six-round super flyweight clash against Lucia Nuñez (7-10) of Mexico City, Mexico. Esparza will return after fighting for the WBA Interim Flyweight Title in November 2019.

“I’m ready to get back in the ring,” said Marlen Esparza. “There were multiple factors that made this last fight a real learning experience, but this next round of professional boxing is just the beginning of much more. I’m looking forward to coming out with the new strategies that I’ve been learning and switching up my game a bit.”

“I’m coming to score the upset,” said Lucia Nuñez. “I know that Marlen Esparza is strong and that she has a lot of experience. But I also have those same qualities, and I’ll be coming with an even stronger will to win. We will see you all on March 19.”

The undercard of his event will be stacked with some of Golden Boy’s most promising rising stars.

Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (5-0-1, 5 KOs) of Garden City, Kansas will take on Jeremy Ramos (11-8, 4 KOs) of Colorado Springs, Colorado in a six-round super welterweight battle.

Rudy “El Tiburon” Garcia (10-0, 1 KO) of Los Angeles and Andrew Strode (6-0, 1 KO) of Denver, Colorado will meet in a six-round super bantamweight bout between two undefeated prospects.

Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (10-0-1, 9 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. will return in a six-round lightweight fight against Jose Meza (6-4, 1 KO) of Durango Mexico.

Nick Sullivan (2-0, 1 KO) of Norfolk, Va. will open the night in a four-round 135-pound clash against Marquese Steward (1-1) of Pflugerville, Texas.

Gonzalez vs. Avalos is a 10-round featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The fights will take place Thursday, March 19 at Avalon Hollywood. The event will be streamed live on DAZN, RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available
on Pluto TV’s FIGHT Channel and regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area click here.

Tickets for Gonzalez vs. Avalos go on sale on Monday, Feb. 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $30, $40, $50, and $80, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets will be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and the Golden Boy Facebook page.

Media interested in covering Gonzalez vs. Avalos must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, March 16 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #GonzalezAvalos, #ThursdayNightFights and #TNF.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/GonzalezAvalosinto a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (February 3, 2020) – Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) has announced it will bring professional boxing for the first time ever to Framingham, Massachusetts with “Fight Night In Framingham,” Friday night, March 20, at Sheraton Framingham Hotel.

Proceeds will benefit Fighting Life, an after-school youth boxing and academic empowerment program, available 100-percent free of charge, to students beginning in elementary school through high school education. With the continuous growth in technology and available access to various social media platforms today, children (especially those ages 11 to 18 years) are easily exposed to and influenced by various social pressures, such as but not limited to, hatred, drug availability, and everyday violence. Located out of UpperKuts Boxing Club in Ashland, Massachusetts, the Fighting Life Boxing Program was founded by owner and head coach, A.J. Thomas, as a resource and program to provide children with a positive outlet and outlook in life. Visit www.fightinglife.org to learn more about this organization.

“We are extremely happy to bring professional boxing to Framingham for the first time,” SBP president Chuck Shearns said, “in addition to teaming with such a great cause in Fighting Life. “We believe that there are plenty of boxing fans in the community who will enjoy a quality show. The early support for this event has been amazing and local businesses have been extremely charitable.

“On a personal note, SBP and Framingham have a very important history together. It is where I first met my wife, Karen, and lived when starting our family. I also boxed in Framingham when I was younger.”

The City of Framingham, located 20 miles southwest of Boston, dates back to the American Revolution and, perhaps, may be better known as being part of the famed Boston Marathon course. Framingham may never have had a pro boxing show held there, but it doesn’t necessarily mean boxing isn’t popular in the city of nearly 69,000 residents.

“We’ve had amateur boxing shows in Framingham, but this will be the first professional event,” Thomas explained. “Kids here are into boxing even though they may not be as knowledgeable about boxing as elsewhere. If more kids understand what boxing can do to better their lives, boxing would have and will get bigger with more exposure to the sport, and that’s why it’s so important to support this show.”

Framingham’s most notable boxer is 2008 USA Olympic Team alternate, Danny O’Connor, who has 30-3 (11 KOs) as a pro. Many Framingham-area boxers now have an opportunity to establish their own names in that market, starting with the March 20th show, including unbeaten super featherweight Timmy Ramos (5-0-2, 5 KOs).

Ramos, a two-time New England Golden Gloves champion, plans to grab the local spotlight in the 6-round, main event against Carlos Marrero, III (2-3-1), of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 2017, Ramos fought to a 4-round, majority draw with Philip Davis, who Marrero upset in his last fight by way of as 4-round, split decision.

In the co-featured event, undefeated super featherweight Nelson “Chino” Perez (2-0, 2 KOs) faces an opponent to be determined in a 6-tound match. Another New England Golden Gloves champion, Puerto Rico-native Perez fights out of nearby Marlboro, MA.

In a battle of quality MMA fighters in a boxing ring, Albania-born super middleweight Kastriot “Slaughterhouse” Xhema, fighting out of Greenwich, CT, makes his pro boxing debut versus Framingham favorite Saul “The Spider” Almeida (0-10-3, 20-11 in MMA), who hails from Brazil.

Also fighting on the undercard is Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (6-1, 3 KOs) vs. Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (9-12-4, 7 KOs), in a 6-round bout; Worcester, MA super welterweight Hansen Castillo (0-3), Worcester super featherweight Ranse Andino (1-1) and pro-debuting Hartford, CT super flyweight Angel Gonzalez, Jr. against opponents to be determined in 4-round fights.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices are $75,.00 ringside (rows 1-3), $60.00 (seated), $45.00 standing room, and VIP tables (of 10) for $1000.00 and may be purchased HERE, at UpperKuts gym, or from any of the local fighters on the card.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Street Light Ventures is the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Bernardi Auto Group, East Coast Herbalist, Tecate, Ashwood Advisors LLC and A Affordable Insurance.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing, @UpperKutsBoxing, @sheratonframingham

Instagram: @ShearnsBoxingPromotions, @Upperkuts_boxing_club, @sheratonframingham

Francesco Patera will face Devis Boschiero for the Interim WBA Lightweight World Title on the same night that Gamal Yafai challenges Luca Rigoldi for the EBU European Super-Bantamweight Title at the AGSM Forum in Verona, Italy on Friday March 27, live on DAZN.

Patera (23-3, 8 KOs) has been in red-hot form since he claimed the Vacant EBU European Lightweight crown against Lewis Ritson on away soil at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle back in October 2018.

The 26-year-old has made three successful defences of his title since, outpointing Marvin Petit in Belgium before stopping Paul Hyland Jnr in six rounds at The Allianz Cloud in Milan and most recently earning a unanimous decision against Domenico Valentino in October.

Boschiero (48-6-2, 22 KOs), a former European Super-Featherweight Champion, gets his second shot at world honours after falling short against Takahiro Ao for the WBC Super-Featherweight World Title in Tokyo, Japan back in 2011.

Yafai (17-1, 10 KOs) steps up to challenge Italy’s Rigoldi (22-1-2, 8 KOs) for the European Super-Bantamweight Title following three wins on the bounce since his first career loss to former World Title challenger Gavin McDonnell.

The Birmingham man, younger brother of undefeated WBA Super-Flyweight ruler Kal, can take a huge leap towards a World Title shot of his own should he get past Rigoldi, who is undefeated in 14 fights since March 2016.

Elsewhere on the card, Florence Cruiserweight Fabio ‘Stone Crusher’ Turchi (17-1, 13 KOs) returns following his first career loss to Tommy McCarthy in Trento, Serhiy Demchenko (22-15-1, 15 KOs) takes on Croatia’s Hrvoje Sep (10-0, 8 KOs) in an eight round Light-Heavyweight contest, Samuel Nmomah (13-0, 4 KOs) meets Christian Arvelo (12-4, 6 KOs) in an eight round Super-Welterweight contest and Roma’s unbeaten Super-Welterweight prospect Mirko Natalizi (7-0, 4 KOs) takes part in a six round contest.

Eddie Hearn said: “I’m delighted to promote the first World Title fight on a Matchroom Boxing Italy show as Franceso Patera and Devis Boschiero clash for the Interim WBA Lightweight crown. Patera has gone from strength to strength since beating Lewis Ritson in Newcastle and lands a golden opportunity against the experienced Boschiero. Gamal Yafai steps up to take on local favourite Luca Rigoldi for the European Super-Bantamweight title. Catch it all live on DAZN.”

Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82 said: “We are proud to deliver a WBA World Title fight to the beautiful city of Verona – the first in a long time. Patera and Boschiero collide in an exciting main event, European Super-Bantamweight Champion Luca Rigoldi looks to impress against mandatory challenger Gamal Yafai and we see the return of Fabio Turchi. This is a must-watch evening on boxing shown live on DAZN.”

Tickets will be available today from ticketone.it