(Jan. 29, 2020) — Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller, the big-talking, undefeated, 300-plus-pound heavyweight who hails from Brooklyn, has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Top Rank. Miller, who is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Salita Promotions, will make his Top Rank on ESPN debut in 2020.

“Jarrell Miller is serious about coming back, doing things the right way and becoming heavyweight champion of the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He is one of boxing’s most unique and exciting characters, but most importantly, he can fight.”

“Minor setback for a major comeback. I’m coming for everything and everyone. No one is safe. Say hello to the bad guy,” Miller said. “Everyone wants to portray the superhero. We don’t live in a sunshine world. I’ll never be the superhero. In my world, the majority of the time, the villain wins.”

“I couldn’t be happier that after months of hard work and perseverance, we were able to make this deal a reality,” said Greg Cohen, CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions. “Top Rank is the perfect partner and ESPN the perfect platform for Jarrell to realize his full potential and become the dominant force in the heavyweight division. Time for Big Baby to get back in the ring!”

“Top Rank was my first promoter when I was fighting, so I know firsthand that Bob Arum and his team will create the right opportunities for Jarrell,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Top Rank promotes many of the top heavyweights, including Tyson Fury, and Jarrell fits right in with all of the big names in the division. Since I started promoting Jarrell as a six-round fighter, I have been saying that he would be the next heavyweight champion from Brooklyn. Working with Top Rank, I am confident he will have the chance to realize that goal.”

Miller (23-0-1, 20 KOs) is one of boxing’s most polarizing figures, a combination-punching heavyweight who also went 22-2 as a professional kickboxer. Under the Marquess of Queensberry rules, he has won 19 consecutive bouts since a four-round draw in his fifth professional fight. From 2017-2018, he rose the ranks with dominant wins over Gerald Washington, Mariusz Wach, Johann Duhaupas and Tomasz Adamek, all of whom had previously challenged for a heavyweight world title. He last fought in November 2018, knocking out Bogdan Dinu in four rounds.

Miller signed to fight Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden for the unified heavyweight title last June, but he failed multiple VADA tests and was denied a license by the New York State Athletic Commission. Now, armed with a new long-term deal, Miller is determined to reclaim his status as one of the world’s best big men.

Las Vegas – UFC^® returns to Barclays Center with one of the most anticipated title fights in UFC history, as undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to defend his crown against No. 1 ranked contender Tony Ferguson. Also on the card, former strawweight champions rematch as Jessica Andrade and Rose Namajunas aim to secure another shot at the title.

UFC^® 249: KHABIB vs. FERGUSON will take place Saturday, April 18 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. and will stream live nationally on Pay-Per-View, exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the U.S.

Fans will be able to purchase UFC^® 249: KHABIB vs. FERGUSON online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English on ESPN2 and on ESPN Deportes (in Spanish) starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the early prelims simulcast on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT.

One of the most dominant athletes in UFC history, Nurmagomedov (28-0, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) returns to the arena where he captured the then-vacant UFC lightweight championship. The No. 2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Nurmagomedov holds victories over Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor and Rafael Dos Anjos. He now attempts to prove that he is the greatest lightweight of all-time by snapping the impressive winning streak of Ferguson.

A former interim lightweight champion, Ferguson (26-3, fighting out of Orange County, Calif.) aims to finally capture his first undisputed title. Currently on an incredible 12-fight winning streak, Ferguson has defeated the likes of Donald Cerrone, Anthony Pettis and Dos Anjos. He now aims to secure his greatest victory yet by becoming the first man to defeat Nurmagomedov.

The first Brazilian strawweight champion, Andrade (20-7, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) intends to replicate her spectacular knockout victory over Namajunas from 2019. The owner of the most knockouts in strawweight history, Andrade holds stoppage wins over Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Joanne Calderwood and Jessica Penne. She now seeks to get back to her winning ways and earn a shot at revenge against current champion Zhang Weili.

One of the biggest fan favorites on the roster, Namajunas (9-4, fighting out of Denver, Colo.) rose to fame by dethroning longtime strawweight queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Throughout her career, she has also delivered thrilling victories against Michelle Waterson, Paige VanZant, and Tecia Torres. She now aims to even the score with Andrade and secure the next shot at the 115-pound crown.

Additional bouts on the card include:

• Sijara Eubanks (5-4, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) and Sarah Moras (6-6, fighting out of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada) clash in a battle of women’s bantamweights
• Khama Worthy (15-6, fighting out of Pittsburgh, Pa.) looks to replicate his incredible knockout debut against the undefeated Ottman Azaitar (12-0, fighting out of Rabat, Morocco)
• Gian Villante (17-11, fighting out of Bellmore, N.Y.) makes his UFC heavyweight debut against veteran Ben Rothwell (37-12, fighting out of Kenosha, Wisc.)
• Top middleweights battle as No. 10-ranked Uriah Hall (16-9, fighting out of Queens, N.Y.) welcomes back Jacare Souza (26-8, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• No. 10-ranked heavyweight Shamil Adurakhimov (20-5, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia) will try to derail the hype train of undefeated Ciryl Gane (6-0, fighting out of Paris, France)

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

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

Tickets for UFC^® 249: KHABIB vs. FERGUSON go on sale Friday, January 31 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, January 29 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, January 30 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 80 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About Barclays Center

In the heart of Brooklyn, at the crossroads of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues, Barclays Center is home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the NHL’s New York Islanders, and boasts one of the most intimate seating configurations ever designed for a modern multi-purpose arena.

Since its opening on September 28, 2012 with the first of eight consecutive sold-out shows by JAY Z, Barclays Center has continued to host the world’s most renowned performers, including Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen. The success of these events has made Barclays Center one of the most popular arenas in the world, ranked top ten nationally in 2018 for gross revenue and attendance by Billboard and Pollstar.

Barclays Center opened to extensive critical acclaim and was recognized with several major awards, including the 2012 Pollstar Award for Best New Major Concert Venue, 2013 Sports Business Awards Facility of the Year, Architizer A+ Building of the Year Award and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Brooklyn Building Award for Economic Development.

A model for sustainable design and construction, Barclays Center has earned LEED© Silver Certification for New Construction from the U.S. Green Building Congress, becoming the first professional sports and entertainment venue in the New York metro area to achieve this status.

The arena offers 17,732 seats for basketball, 15,795 for hockey, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts, and has 101 luxury suites, and an array of bars, lounges and clubs including the 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant by American Express, and Qatar Airways Courtside Club.

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+ grew 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.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

TOPPENISH, Wash. (January 29, 2020) – The official weigh in was held today for tomorrow night’s RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® event at Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington.

RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

WBC United States Silver flyweight champion Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs) has withdrawn from his scheduled fight against Vitor Jones (16-5, 10 KOs) due to illness.

Official fighters’ weights:

MAIN EVENT – VACANT NABF SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)*

(L) Ernesto Delgadillo (11-0-2, 2 KOs), Dallas, TX 114.4 lbs.
(R) Jade Bornea (14-0, 10 KOs), General Santos City, Cota del Sur, Philippines 115 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)*
Connor Coyle (11-0, 4 KOs), Derry, Northern Ireland, UK 159.6 lbs.
Miguel Dumas (11-2, 8 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico 159.2 lbs.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6).8
Richard Van Sicien (7-0, 3KOs), Seattle, WA 170.4 lbs.
Abraham Martin (5-0, 5 KOs), Medford, OR by way of Mexico 171.4 lbs.

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Glenn Hagler, Jr. (4-1, 2 KOs), Daytona Beach, FL 163.8 lbs.
Charon Spain (1-13-1), Portland, OR 158.6 lbs.

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS (4)
Margarito Hernandez (0-0-1), Wapato, WA 139.2 lbs.
Joshua Wheeler (0-0-1), Blaine, WA 139.4 lbs.

William Hernandez-Gomez (3-0, 2 KOs), Burlen, WA 142.2 lbs.
Abdul Kamada (1-1), Vancouver, WA by way of Sierra Leone 141.6 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS – 4 ROUNDS
Jerrell Barbour (pro debut), Tacoma, WA 124 lbs.
Kendall Ward (0-5), Colorado Springs, CO 124.4 lbs.

(card subject to change)
*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

WHERE: Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington

WHEN: Thursday, January 30, 2020

PROMOTER: RJJ Boxing Promotions in association with Sanman Boxing

LIVE STREAM: Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, live from Legends Casino

BROADCASTERS: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow), and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Michael Vale

TICKETS: Range from $15.00 to $50.00 and are available for purchase by going HEREand also on fight night at the Legends Casino box office

OTHER: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT, first fight at 6:00 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)

INFORMATION:

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

New York, NY (January 29, 2020) Seven-division world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (37-1-1, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, will return to action Tomorrow Night, Thursday, January 30, at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, FL, in an eight-round non-title lightweight clash against Simone Aparecida Da Silva, of San Paulo, Brazil. The fight will be part of the stellar “Miami Fight Night” event presented by Matchroom Boxing.

Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Matchroom Boxing USA, the Puerto Rican native Serrano was excited about the opportunity, saying: “I was training for a mixed martial arts bout that was scheduled for January 25 in Puerto Rico and I was working super hard on my ground game. A few weeks ago, I was told the card was canceled, so I spoke with my promoter Lou DiBella. I told him that I wanted to stay active so I can be well prepared for the Katie Taylor fight later this year. My fans deserve for me to be in the best shape for that one. I only fought twice last year and those bouts were eight months apart. We both owe everyone that has been looking forward to the Taylor showdown to be 100% ready, and I promise that I will be.”

“Unquestionably, Amanda is one of the pound-for-pound queens of boxing. Her bout with Katie Taylor will be the Super Bowl of women’s boxing,” said 2020 International Boxing Hall-of-Fame Inductee Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “We’re thrilled that she will get another opportunity to showcase her talents against a quality opponent tomorrow night before she chases history.”

One of the most accomplished female fighters in history, Serrano unified the featherweight division on September 13, 2019, defeating fellow Brooklyn, NY, resident Heather Hardy via 10-round unanimous decision for the WBO featherweight world title. The victory, which took place at Madison Square Garden, also garnered Serrano the interim WBC featherweight world title.

Earlier in the year, Serrano stopped Eva Voraberger in the first round on January 19, 2019, winning the vacant WBO Super Flyweight world title.

In 2019, Da Silva battled with world ranked contenders Shelly Vincent and Tiara Brown, losing eight-round decisions.

WBC Lightweight champion Devin Haney had successful Shoulder Surgery and is due back sometime this Summer, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“My shoulder is good, it’s healing up,” Haney said from Miami, where he was doing media rounds along the Super Bowl’s radio row with plans to attend the fight card being put on there Thursday night by Matchroom Boxing, his promoter. “I started my physical therapy. Pretty soon I’ll be back in the ring, late June or early July.”

“There are so many big fights at 135 [pounds],” Haney said. “It would be kind of foolish to move up and skip these fights. There are bigger fights for me at 135 than at 140, so I want to come back at 135. But if I can’t get these fights at 135, then I will go up to 140. We’ll have to see.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a deal has been made for Patrick Teixeira to defend his WBO Jr. Middleweight title against Brian Castanao.

“We made a deal late, in the 11th hour. It will be a tough, competitive fight,” Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez told ESPN on Wednesday morning, after having previously termed the odds of a deal between the camps as “no chance.”

Gomez said the fight would take place on a Golden Boy card in April or May.

“We have a few options,” Gomez said.

Gomez, who declined to disclose terms for the bout, said of the breakthrough that led to an agreement: “They got off the million dollar boat.”

New York, NY (January 28, 2020) 2020 International Boxing Hall-of-Fame Inductee Lou DiBella and DiBella Entertainment present the long-running Broadway Boxing series TONIGHT, making its Toronto, Canada debut from Danforth Music Hall, in association with Lee Baxter Promotions. The 113th edition of Broadway Boxing will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning tonight at 9:00pm ET/6:0pm PT. Commentating on the broadcast will be former Women’s Super Middleweight World Champion Alicia Napoleon-Espinosa, noted boxing journalist Corey Erdman, New York Yankees reporter Justin Shackil and Dan Canobbio, of CompuBox.

Headlining the event in a scheduled 10-rounder, Custio Clayton (17-0, 11 KOs), 146.9 lbs., of Montreal, Canada, will defend his WBA NABA Welterweight title against Diego “El Chacarero” Ramirez (21-3, 6 KOs), 146.9 lbs., of Santa Fe, Argentina. The 25-year-old Clayton is coming off a stellar 2019, which included a sixth-round stoppage of former world champion DeMarcus Corley and a 10-round decision against Johan Perez on June 29. Following a five-fight winning streak, the 25-year-old Ramirez looks to bounce back from a hard-fought 10-round decision loss to Maximiliano Veron on November 2, 2019, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hometown favorite “Mr.” Steve Rolls (19-1, 10 KOs), 168 lbs., will battle Gilberto Pereira dos Santos (16-10, 12 KOs), 167.4 lbs., of Goiania, Goias, Brazil in the co-featured bout. Rolls is returning to battle following his challenge against pound-for-pound great Gennadiy Golovkin on June 8, 2019, at Madison Square Garden, losing the first bout during his nine years as a professional. Victorious in his last two fights, the upset-minded Pereira dos Santos stopped John David Martinez in the sixth round on July 26, 2019, in Miami, FL.

In a special-attraction women’s bout, Amanda Gale (3-0), 122.2 lbs., of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, faces off against Shelly Barnett (4-2-2), 121.8 lbs., of Toronto, Canada, in a scheduled eight-round bout. Gale won all three of her professional bouts in 2019 by four-round unanimous decision. Barnett looks to stop the Gale train, but is coming off of an eight-round split decision loss to Noemi Bosques on September 7, 2019, in Milwaukee, WI. The vacant National Championship Committee Canadian super bantamweight title is on the line but for Barnett only, as Gale weighed in above the limit.

Opening the UFC FIGHT PASS broadcast, in an eight-round middleweight fight, Hurshidbek “Hershey” Normatov (9-0, 3 KOs), 158.2 lbs., of Brooklyn, NY, clashes with Uriel “El Muneco” Hernandez (13-5, 7 KOs), 159 lbs., of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. A native of Uzbekistan where he had a stellar amateur career, the 27-year-old southpaw Normatov hits the ring following an eight-round decision versus Walter Wright on August 29, 2019, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT.

Toronto favorite Nick Fantauzzi (9-0, 5 KOs), 174 lbs., battles Aaron Crawley (6-3, 1KO), 173 lbs., of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, in an eight-round light heavyweight clash.

Junior welterweights will see action as undefeated prospect Will Madera (14-0-3, 7 KOs), 138.8 lbs., of Albany, NY, clashes with heavy-handed veteran Edgar Ramirez (17-15-1, 14 KOs), 138 lbs., of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico, in a scheduled six-rounder.

Rounding out the card in a four-round cruiserweight clash, popular Toronto resident Salar Gholami (3-0, 2 KOs), 199 lbs., hits the ring against Mateusz Kubiszyn (3-2, 2 KOs), 198 lbs., of Rzeszow, Poland.

Now in its 17th year, Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

LAS VEGAS (January 28, 2020) – Top welterweight Yordenis Ugas shared his thoughts on training camp and previewed his upcoming showdown against Mike Dallas Jr. before he steps into the ring this Saturday, February 1 in the FS1 PBC Fight Night main event and FOX Deportes from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.

“We are in the final days of a great training camp and I couldn’t feel any better going into this fight,” said Ugas. “Me and my trainer Ismael Salas are working on a great strategy that we believe will be successful. My timing is right on point and every round of sparring has been unbelievable. It’s been an outstanding camp in Las Vegas and I’m ready to go!”

Ugas will look to put on a performance worthy of his headlining slot the night before Super Bowl LIV, and further cement himself as a force to be reckoned with at welterweight.

“This is a huge weekend for sports fans,” said Ugas. “It’s very exciting to be in the main event one day before the Super Bowl. You know that when I get in the ring, you’re going to see action and great skill from start to finish. I always come to put on a great performance.”

Ugas will be challenged by the veteran Dallas, who has faced quality competition throughout his career and enters this matchup the winner of four of his last five bouts, with the only blemish a split draw in 2016 against Dusty Hernandez Harrison.

“Mike Dallas Jr. is a very skilled fighter who’s been in the ring with some very good opposition,” said Ugas. “He’s a crafty veteran who I know is coming to fight with all his heart. His only losses have come against top fighters. I’m taking this fight very seriously and I’ll have to be on my game to really make a statement.”

The Cuban-born Ugas believes that a statement on Saturday will put him back in position to challenge one of the welterweight elite for a second shot at a world title. In March 2019, Ugas came up just short of becoming champion, dropping a narrow decision to then WBC titlist Shawn Porter. Ugas returned to action for a WBC title eliminator in July 2019, and he performed impressively, dropping Omar Figueroa and handing him the first loss of his career.

“My lifelong dream ever since I first laced up a pair of gloves was to win a world title,” said Ugas. “I’ve come so close to accomplishing that dream, but for some reason I’ve come up short. I’m determined to be the best fighter I can be, and I know in my heart that I’m one of the best welterweights in the world. My goal is to become a world champion in 2020.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster.com.

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ABOUT UGAS VS. DALLAS
Ugas vs. Dallas will pit top welterweight Yordenis Ugas against Mike Dallas in a 12-round attraction that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, February 1 from Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, an MGM Resorts property, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The main telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features unbeaten top prospect Michel Rivera taking on veteran contender Fidel Maldonado Jr. in a 10-round lightweight duel, plus unbeaten prospect Omar Juarez in a super lightweight showdown against Mexico’s Angel Hernandez and hard-hitting prospect Raymond Guajardo in a six-round super welterweight affair against Clay Collard.

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.

Philadelphia / Orange, Ca. – January 28, 2020 – Undefeated featherweight and world-ranked Ruben Villa (17-0, 5 KOs) is winding down his training for his 10-round showdown with Cuban knockout artist Alexei Collado (26-2, 23 KOs), this Friday night at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, Louisiana. The bout will headline a three-fight telecast on ShoBox: The New Generation and live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET/PT).
Villa has been working hard just outside of his native Salinas, California.

“Training camp has been good. I have been training in Prunedale which is a little bit outside of Salinas, but its close enough, so in a way I am home, but I am not at home.”

In Collado, he is facing a tough veteran, who has an impressive knockout ratio.

“Collado is a real strong aggressive guy. He is a veteran. I have to be cautious because of his power and play it very smart on our end.”

With a winning performance on January 31st, Villa can see himself in the middle of the featherweight title chase as he looks to improve on his number-five ranking by the WBO.

“I feel like I’ve proven myself with the last couple of fights. I feel like I belong in the top-five if not higher. I feel that a win will set me up for bigger and better things. ”
Villa has been more them grateful to accelerate from prospect to contender on the series that has showcased more than 75 world champions.

“Another main event on ShoBox. I am excited to showcase my talents in Louisiana again. It’s motivation to prove myself to people that I should be the main event.”

“I am usually just real focused. I know the featherweight division is stacked, but I am really just focused on what is in front of me and focused for the fight. After we are finished on January 31st, my team and I can figure out what is next; however, I feel that I am close to competing for a world title.”

Villa is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Undefeated Ukrainian and 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist Taras Shelestyuk (17-0, 10 KOs) meets Argentina’s Luis Alberto Veron (18-1-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight matchup in the co-featured bout. The televised opener features an eight-round lightweight bout pitting ShoBox veteran Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1-1, 6 KOs) of Armenia against Sulaiman Segawa (13-2, 4 KOs) of Uganda.

The event is promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing and Bishop Promotions LLC. Tickets can be purchased at www.Bishoppromotions.com and prices are $20-$100.

(Jan. 28, 2020) —The 2020 premier of #MTKFightNight on ESPN+ will feature super lightweight sensation Sean McComb in a 10-round test Saturday against veteran Mauro Maximiliano Godoy from Belfast’s historic Ulster Hall.
 
McComb-Godoy will headline an action-packed fistic afternoon beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on ESPN+. The card will also be available in Spanish on ESPN+.

McComb (9-0, 4 KOs), also known as “The Public Nuisance,” will be making his eighth ring appearance in Belfast, where he has become a fan-favorite due to his outgoing personality and go-for-broke style. He went 4-0 in 2019 and was featured on the ESPN+ stream of Michael “Mick” Conlan’s Belfast homecoming card last August. In his last bout, he recovered from a fourth-round knockdown to easily outpoint Emiliano Dominguez Rodriguez over eight rounds. Godoy (32-5-1, 17 KOs), from Argentina, has won two of his last three and previously held the South American super lightweight title.
 
In other action on the ESPN+ stream:

• In a 10-round battle for the vacant Irish lightweight title, Gary “The Diva” Cully (9-0, 4 KOs) will fight Belfast native Joe “The Dragon” Fitzpatrick (10-0, 7 KOs), who has won three in a row by knockout.
   
• 2016 Irish Olympian Davey Oliver Joyce (11-1, 8 KOs) will look to bounce back from his first career defeat against former IBF bantamweight world champion Lee Haskins (36-4, 14 KOs) in a 10-rounder for the WBO European junior featherweight title. Joyce will be moving down from featherweight for this fight, while Haskins has won two straight since losing his world title to Ryan Burnett in June 2017.
   
• Belfast native Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (10-0, 6 KOs) will fight former British title challenger John Thain (17-4, 1 KO) in an eight-round welterweight tilt.

For more information, visit www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing. 
 
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. 
 
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JoJo Diaz is ready to rip the IBF Super-Featherweight title from Tevin Farmer and ending the war of words that sees him challenge for the belt at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday night, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
 Diaz (30-1 15 KOs) is hunting for a World title at the second attempt having fallen short against Gary Russell Jr for the WBC Featherweight strap in May 2018 and failing to make the weight against Jesus Rojas for the WBA crown three months later.

The Californian has found 130lbs to be his sweet spot with three wins in 2019 setting up his shot with Farmer (30-4-1 6 KOs), and tensions between the pair on social media and in a clash in Las Vegas during the Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs fight has stirred up huge interest in Thursday night’s clash.

Despite the tensions between them, Diaz has plenty of respect for the champion and knows he has to penetrate the ‘American Idol’s’ slippery defense if he is to take the title away from Farmer.

“I wanted to fight the best for a World title and that’s Tevin Farmer,” said Diaz. “I started calling him out because I knew I was going to climb up the rankings. I was talking shit to him at the press conference In Las Vegas, I threw the out my hook and he caved in and fell into my net, started talking shit back and everyone wanted the fight to happen. 

“Farmer could have chosen an easier fight, but he has a lot to prove to the critics and to himself that he’s the best in the division and I feel I have a lot to prove too. He’s talked a lot, so I hope he backs it up and brings it.

“I learnt a lot from the Russell fight, knowing that I have to take more risks in there. I could have had him and won the fight, I feel like I am a better fighter than him but I let off the gas and I wasn’t opening up as much as I should have but it was a learning experience for me and it’s made me the fighter that I am today. 

“I’m hungrier than ever. I know Tevin is a very good fighter, but I have a lot at stake and it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I have to go out and showcase to everyone that I am the next star of the sport.

“I can’t wait to shut this guy up. He’s a hell of a fighter though, don’t get me wrong. He’s a World champion for a reason, he knows how to win, he’s a talented defensive boxer, he knows how to dodge and make you miss and how to win rounds. But he’s never fought a guy as tough as me, his defenses have been against good fighters, but none of the level that I bring. I feel I am an elite level guy and I have championship pedigree and on Thursday night, it’s going to come out.

“I don’t want easy fights; I could have gone down an easier route but that wouldn’t satisfy me. I want to go out and prove that I will fight the best and I want to win a World title by taking it from the champ. Tevin is the best fighter at 130lbs now and I want to dethrone him and that would be the most satisfying way to achieve my dream.

“If he wants to bang in there that’s cool with me, that’s my cup of tea, but if wants to move around and create his angles and be slick how he is, trust me, I have got everything to capitalize and land the shots to hurt him, slow him down and land devastating shots. I don’t see it going 12 rounds, I think I will hurt him and make him feel my shots. I’m happy and ready to go 12 rounds with him though, I’m not going to go in swinging for the fence, that’s what he wants. I’ll fight a smart fight.”

Diaz and Farmer clash on a huge night of action in Super Bowl week as Demetrius Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight strap against Luke Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs), unified World Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clashing on their pro debuts.

Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

Toms River, NJ (September 30, 2019) – Toms River NJ’s, Chris “Sandman” Thomas 15-1-1, 10KO won by 1st rd knock out Saturday night at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton.

This win over Engleberto Valenzuela comes just two weeks after knocking out former regional WBC & WBA champion, Samir Barbosa in Atlantic City.

These back-to-back knockout victories should put Sandman right back into the super middleweight rankings?.

Thomas, 21 years-old and his manager Shawn Darling are finalizing the details on an April 4 regional championship fight in Atlantic City.

You can follow his career at Chris “Sandman” Thomas- NJ State Middleweight Champ on Facebook.

He trains at Lacey Township’s Gladiator Gym and is also trained by Darling.

Thomas is a Teamsters truck driver, and 2016 Toms River South graduate.

He’s a promotional free agent.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 28, 2020) — Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder and undefeated lineal heavyweight champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury continued their war of words at a special attraction press event on Saturday at FOX Studios in Los Angeles, as they near their highly anticipated showdown taking place Saturday, February 22 in a historic, joint FOX Sports PPV & ESPN+ PPV from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at www.mgmgrand.com or www.axs.com. The event is promoted by BombZquad Promotions, TGB Promotions, Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. A Premier Boxing Champions presentation.

The two gargantuan heavyweights traded words and shared updates on training camp leading up to one of the most heavily awaited fights in recent memory. A large media contingent was on hand to watch the undefeated titans square off once again, less than one month before they will finally meet in the ring to settle the score, 14 months after their unforgettable first clash.

Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday in Los Angeles:

DEONTAY WILDER

“Things are going amazing. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. To come from where I come from, it’s amazing to be here. When you get a happy Deontay Wilder in training camp, you can definitely expect great things from me. That’s’ what I’m going to give you.

“We haven’t seen his power displayed like he’s been talking about. It hasn’t been continuous, like mine. I think he has pillows as fists. That’s what I felt in our last fight.

“With the strategies that he’s talking about, I don’t really know how to take it. I don’t know if he’s trying to throw me off my game by saying he’s going to knock me out. But it’s exciting to hear and I’m looking forward to February 22.

“Everything on his body is a target, not just his cut. Everything that is permissible for me to hit, I’m going to hit it.

“When you fight someone like me, it’s a mistake to tinker around with your training camp. I’m unpredictable in that ring. When you have too many opinions and too many people who think they have the remedy, it usually backfires.

“I think this win will be more special than the others. Because of the history that we have, with that controversial draw. I consider Tyson a brother of this era, especially in the heavyweight division. The other fighters don’t want to let themselves loose and have fun. We’re both able to enjoy what we do day after day. Because when the bell rings, anything can happen.

“Fighting a guy like Fury, you have to be careful. Time goes by so fast in the ring. You’re trying to do everything that you prepared for. With what he brings to the table with his boxing skills, you have to have some awareness of the clock. But with my power, it’s his job to really watch the clock and try to avoid me for 36 minutes.

“We both have to come in like we did the first fight, with our hearts on our sleeves and the warrior mentality that we always bring. When you get to this point, the scenery itself makes for a great fight. We all know when I come to fight, I don’t play around. We can play around here today, but we’re going to have that killer mentality in the ring.”

TYSON FURY

“I’m born ready. I’m feeling good in training camp. Everything has been going really well. There’s no injuries or excuses. It’s all dedication and sacrifice, one day after another.

“The first fight I wanted to go in there and out box him. It didn’t work. No matter what people say, I didn’t win. I count a draw as a loss.

“We’re giant heavyweights. I’ve had 20 knockouts, so I’m very capable of knocking people out. When you underestimate someone else’s power, you usually end up unstuck. Whether I’m a great puncher or not, I don’t believe anybody else can match me with heart and determination. I’m going to put my iron will on Deontay Wilder.

“I felt that I needed to get an edge in this fight. It’s not personal with me and my trainers, cutmen and nutritionists. It’s business. If I think someone else is going to improve my business, I’ll do it.

“How do you beat a massive puncher? You have to back him up. He gets massive leverage in those long arms while coming forward. I have to put him on the back foot and make him absorb some of my power.

“I’m the Gypsy King. There’s only been one and there’s only likely to be one going forward. That’s one belt that Deontay Wilder can’t ever win.

“He had a great performance against Ortiz. He did what he was supposed to do. He knocks guys out. He was relaxed and calm under the pressure. I was impressed. Not by the knockout, but by the way he was conducting himself under pressure.

“I’m always real. Deontay Wilder has knocked out 43 opponents in a row. Even if I hate this guy, I respect that. He has amazing power and his name is up there with all-time greats. He’s a great puncher who gets the job done.”

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

London, UK (28 January 2020) Promoter Mick Hennessy brings big-time boxing back to Coventry at the Sky Dome for the first time in a decade with an exciting clash between bitter rivals Shakan Pitters and Craig Richards for the Vacant British Light-Heavyweight Championship on Saturday 28th March, exclusively live on free-to-air Channel 5.

Presented by Hennessy Sports in association with Ladbrokes, Channel 5, Infinitum, Everlast and Jon Pegg, tickets will be priced at Standard £40, Ringside £70, Inner Ringside £100. An on-sale date and full ticket details will be announced shortly.

The Sky Dome was a boxing hotbed in the early to mid 2000s with a host of popular local boxers, including Neil Simpson, Dean Pithie, Richard Evatt, Steven Bendall and Andy Halder all featuring in glorious fight nights at the venue.

With the last championship boxing event staged there almost 10 years’ ago – Leicester’s Rendall Munroe in a WBC World Super-Bantamweight title eliminator in April 2010 – and with Coventry leading up to its year as 2021 City of Culture, Hennessy felt it was the ideal time and location to bring boxing back and stage one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in British boxing.

Since the British title was vacated by Joshua Buatsi and the British Boxing Board of Control announced purse bids for Pitters v Richards – which were won by Hennessy – the the showdown has got the British fight trade divided. It’s a real 50-50 encounter with both fighters evenly matched and with plenty of pride at stake, neither man will want to come second in this crucial 175lb clash.

The towering 6ft 6in Pitters, 30, hasn’t put a foot wrong since making his pro-debut in March 2017 and has amassed a perfect unbeaten 13-fight career with four knockouts. The Birmingham talent first came to attention when he cruised through the Ultimate Boxxer 2 tournament in November 2018, defeating Dec Spelman, Georgii Bacon and Sam Smith all in one night to win the Golden Robe. In ‘Shaks’ last fight in September he again faced Spelman, who by then had become the English champion, and relieved him of the title in a thrilling 10-round war where he had to overcome some tricky moments to emerge the winner on the scorecards.

Pitters said, “I’m not like any of the guys he’s faced before. He keeps going on about Andre Sterling, Jake Ball and Frank Buglioni, he just living off those names. I can’t wait until I get in the ring with him and find out how adaptable he is, then he’ll realise how good I am. It doesn’t matter where the fight is taking place, I don’t care where the fight is, the result will always be the same, I will win. I’m the better boxer and he’s going to find that out. He goes on about me being hurt against Dec Spelman, but I proved I had a great chin. His last fight against Chad Sugden was awful, if that was me in with Sugden he would have been out of there. For me the fight doesn’t go the distance and I want to know what his excuse is going to be when he loses.”

Richards, 29, from Crystal Palace, has built a solid record in his five years as a professional. He’s captured the Southern Area Super-Middleweight title and the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title in his 17-fight career. This will be Richards second shot at the British Light-Heavyweight title after his points loss to then Champion Frank Buglioni in October 2017 at the Principality Stadium on an Anthony Joshua card. Richards took the fight at just five days’ notice after original opponent Callum Johnson withdrew, but he took the fight to Buglioni and at one point in the third round he looked like he was going to cause a huge upset. Since then ‘Spider’ has remained unbeaten in six fights, although his last fight was scored a surprised draw to Chad Sugden.

Richards said, “Pitters is not ready to challenge for the British title, he should have defended the English and then fought an eliminator to prove he’s ready. People are getting carried away with him. Just take a look at his record, his four knockouts have been against a guy who lost 72 fights; someone who only had three fights; another one with 29 losses and someone making his debut. He was badly hurt in his last fight against Spelman. Is the fight taking place in Coventry to give him some kind of advantage? It will work against him and the pressure will all be on him. I’ve fought on an Anthony Joshua show in front of 86,000 people against Frank Buglioni for the British title at just five days notice. Fighting in Coventry means nothing to me. It won’t go the distance unless he gets on his bike for twelve rounds. When I hit him on the chin and he lands on Big Ben he’ll wish the fight would have taken place in London.”

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.

Hennessy is thrilled to deliver the fight to the fans and for viewers live on Channel 5 and is expecting a memorable encounter between Pitters and Richards. He said, “It was a fight that really appealed to me when the purse bids were announced by the Board and I’m delighted to have won the rights to stage it. The once popular fight city of Coventry has been bereft of professional championship boxing for nearly 10 years and I felt that it was the ideal venue to host this cracking British title fight and bring boxing back once again and it will also be live on free-to-air TV on Channel 5. It’s a real 50-50 fight and has split the trade on who will win this one. Shakan is undefeated, skilful and with the physical advantages, but is facing his first big test and if he comes through he will really launch himself on the big stage. While Richards has the edge in experience having challenged for the British title before he is also highly regarded and skilled boxer, he’ll be hungry to get the victory over his rival. This has the makings of a great fight between the fierce rivals with plenty of pride on the line.”

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

PHILADELPHIA — “Raging Babe” Michelle Rosado returns to the 2300 Arena, with the second installment of Philly Special, on Friday evening, March 27. This boxing series showcases up-and-coming local talent in competitive matches. The action begins at 7:30 p.m.

The event will build on a successful 2019 for Rosado, which kicked off with her first self-promoted Philadelphia event–Philly Special on Feb. 8–and included her Oct. 4 card, “Blood, Sweat & 50 Years,” celebrating the 50th anniversary in boxing for Hall-of-Fame Promoter J Russell Peltz. Rosado was mentored by Peltz in Philadelphia until she struck out on her own. He will handle matchmaking duties for March 27.

“Philly Special will showcase the type of fights that make Philadelphia a legendary fight town,” said Rosado. “Fighters that would rather be carried out than quit, and fights that are more about left hooks, and less about managers’ checkbooks. Real fans, real fighters, real fights.”

Club shows have been Rosado’s passion since she promoted her first event in 2011.

“Not every fighter is getting signed to a big promotional agreement out of the amateurs,” said Rosado. “Not every fighter is going to have a manager throwing money at his career. These boxers deserve a platform and an opportunity to advance in boxing–fighters that work their day job during the day, and train at night…they all deserve a shot. Robert Hines, Gary Hinton, Jeff Chandler, Charlie “Choo Choo” Brown, Charles Brewer, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Bernard Hopkins, Jason Sosa, Tevin Farmer, and Julian Williams all began their careers fighting on the Philly club show circuit and went on to become world champions. Club shows matter.”

The Philly Special lineup will be announced Wednesday, February 5th. Boxing fans can visit www.ragingbabe.com/phillyspecial to sign up for news and ticket announcements.

Tevin Farmer is still craving unification fights at Super-Featherweight before a move to Lightweight as he prepares to defend his IBF title against JoJo Diaz at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
 Farmer (30-4-1 6 KOs) has enjoyed a spell as the most active World champion, with his clash in Super Bowl week his fifth defense of the title he won in Australia in August 2018.

The Philadelphia star dismissed the challenges of James Tennyson, Francisco Fonseca, Jono Carroll and Guillaume Frenois in a ten month period and now welcomes the test of Diaz (30-1 15 KOs), who is gunning to win a World title at the second attempt in a bout fueled by a war of words on social media.

The ‘American Idol’ knows his clash with Diaz is arguably the toughest examination of his championship reign to date, but the 29 year old is confident of retaining his title – and wants to add more belts at 130lbs before moving up to Lightweight.

“After I win, I think I have one or two more fights at 130lbs and then I’ll move up, especially if the big fights don’t happen,” said Farmer. “It’s not frustrating, I want the unification fights and I want to be undisputed, but as long as I am still fighting and feeding my family, I am OK with that. 

“I go out there and do my thing, I don’t listen to what people say as you can’t win, I just focus on my job and I know what that job is, I don’t need to be told – I bust my ass in the gym and we get popping. 

“Talk about overlooking people is overused as you have to plan for the future, but it’s my future and I won’t let any other fighter determine my career – you don’t want to fight me, we move on. I will make my legacy with what I do and who I fight, I don’t care what anyone else does, it’s all down to me.

“It’s going to be a hell of a fight, he’s going to come ready and I am always ready to fight. I’ve had a great camp and we’ve added some new things to what I already have so I can’t wait, it’s going to be fireworks. You can never learn enough. I’m the first in the gym and I’m the last out, I put the work in and cut no corners. 

“He started calling me out on social media, usually I don’t pay attention to people but I thought that he would be a good name on my resume, he’s a hell of a fighter and I wanted to give him a shot at the title. I knew the fight would happen, if I say the fight is going to happen, it’s going to happen.

“He’s going to come out and try to bang, throw a lot of power shots, maybe he could try to box too. But anything he brings I’m ready for it.”

Andrade and Keeler clash on a huge night of action in Super Bowl week with Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs), unified World Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clashing on their pro debuts.

Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

28 January 2020 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), today held the ONE: FIRE & FURY Official Open Workout in Pasay City. The world’s best martial arts talent came out to showcase their incredible skills in front of fans and media.

In attendance was reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines, who faced off with the challenger, former champion Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Brazil. Also at the open workout were top Filipino athletes Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Danny “The King” Kingad, Lito “The Thunder Kid” Adiwang, Gina “Conviction” Iniong, and Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres.

Athletes are set to compete at ONE: FIRE & FURY, scheduled for this Friday night, 31 January at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.

Photos of the event can be downloaded at this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-hha2Bci9wQgUMs4FGzkVO5jTAcTTap2

A high-res copy of the highlight video can be downloaded here: 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ot_J2M8d8OJuyJtd7cU4qq4KPPC_Mc1Z/

More information on ONE: FIRE & FURY is available at www.onefc.com.

Fight Club OC’s 10th Anniversary Year kicks off with a huge Boxing and MMA show on Thursday, February 20th in The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. And if that wasn’t a reason to celebrate, check our our all new and updated website at www.socafights.com.

Fight fans are in for a treat on February 20th as they will not only see three pro boxing bouts but also three pro mma bouts inside the 24’x24’ hybrid ring, ….win free pizza’s from Gina’s Pizza….rib dinners from Newport Rib Company….$200 in cash….great merchandise from the Kings & Legends booth….and free samples by Tong Jerky, the best beef jerky this side of Texas.

It all takes place on February 20th inside The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center. Also new for 2020 we are going back to our 6pm door open time and sticking with the 7pm start time. Tickets for this Feb 20th show are available now at www.socafights.com with all tickets priced at $60.

Season Seats with locations starting in the 3rd and 4th row, and free parking are on sale now by calling Drew at (949) 760-3131.

?FEATURED BOXING
BOUT OF THE NIGHT
Headlining the boxing side of things for opening night will be Newport Beach’s Andrew Segura 2-0 (2KO’s). As he is set to face the Huntington Beach legend in Guadalupe Arroyo, a veteran of 20 fights in a four round Super Featherweight boxing match! Segura hopes his undefeated record and brutal power can match the experience of the battle tested Arroyo.

FEATURED MMA
BOUT OF THE NIGHT
On the MMA side our Featured MMA bout will see Fullerton’s Trent Meaux 7-6 (3KO’s) as he battles Benji Gomez 9-12 (2KO’s) of Oxnard in a 3 round Bantamweight bout. The MMA action at Fight Club OC always goes off and we expect nothing less when Meaux and Gomez meet in the ring for this bout that was supposed to take place on our Dec 5th 2019 FCOC show.

Undercard Bouts Set For Opening Night 2/20/20
Uriel Villanueva of Santa Ana and John Ornelas of Lake Elsinore make their pro boxing debuts against one another in a 4 round Super Lightweight standoff! Both fighters come into this match with something to prove. They each want to impress as they embark on their pro careers and that means we’re in for a great fight!

Danny Silva 2-0 from Santa Ana vs. Chula Vista’s Dennis Fisher a veteran of two pro fights in a 3 round Featherweight match. Fight Club OC fighters always open the show with a bang. So get there early and get ready for an excellent night of boxing/MMA action from the only hybrid show in the southland!

Two more fighters will make their pro boxing debuts against one another as Vista’s Austin Brooks takes on Javier Francisco Navarro, in what should be a scintillating 4 round Featherweight war!

Opening the show will be the exciting and explosive Joey Dorado 1-0 from Santa Ana, CA as he goes up against San Diego’s Adrian Najera 2-0 in a 3 round Bantamweight encounter! Somebody’s 0 must go in what promises to be an MMA shootout!

Tickets for this Feb 20th show and all 2020 Fight Club OC and Garden Casino Fight Night shows are available now by visiting www.socafights.com with all tickets priced at $60!

Demetrius Andrade has laughed of Luke Keeler branding him ‘deluded’ as he prepares to defend his WBO World Middleweight title against the Irishman at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
 Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) puts his strap on the line for the third time having landed become a two-weight king having won the vacant title against Walter Kautondokwa in October 2018 in Boston and then seeing off Artur Akavov with a final round stoppage in New York in January 2019 and then thrilling his hometown of Providence, RI with a dominant points win over Maciej Sulecki.

‘Boo Boo’ has been hunting showdowns fellow champions and elite names like Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin and Jermall Charlo, but challenger Keeler (17-2-1 5 KOs) labelled those ambitions as delusional and believes the 31 year old is making the mistake of looking past Thursday night’s fight.

Andrade told Keeler he was wide of the mark with those comments as the pair faced-off for the first time today in Miami, and the champion wants to prove his credentials at the top level 

“Delusional? That’s a good one!” said Andrade. “I’ll give Luke credit where it’s due, it’s hard to get people to get in there with me and it’s his first World title fight, so I am expecting him to bring his A-game 

“I’m bringing mine too as I know what it’s like. I’ve been to the Olympics and to me there’s no bigger platform, but this is a massive stage and no other fighter or network has done this, I’m going to give him the beating of his life. He’s said that he would fight me for free, I’d say that you should want to get paid because these shots don’t come easy! I’m just very excited to get things in motion and prepare myself to get in great shape.

“I’ve never watched a lot of fighters, I just concentrate on me. It’s all about me and doing what I need to do to beat anyone that’s put in front of me, and that’s get in shape, stay fast, work on my range and timing. Whatever is being brought to me, through my work ethic and preparation I am able to weather any storm, adjust, land the shots I need to land and relax, because I’ve been doing this for a very long time and there’s nothing I haven’t seen style-wise. 

“I’ll never get too comfortable though and think ‘I’m better than you so I don’t have to train’ – every fight is a multi-million dollar fight because if I don’t perform and win, the opportunities go out the window. I don’t slack on one punch or one training session because of that.”

Andrade and Keeler clash on a huge night of action in Super Bowl week with Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs), unified World Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman (27-2-1, 10 KOs) defending his titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev (7-0, 6 KOs) and YouTube stars Jake Paul and AnEsonGib clashing on their pro debuts.

Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

WHAT: RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS professional boxing

MAIN EVENT – VACANT NABF SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)*
Ernesto Delgadillo (11-0-2, 2 KOs), Dallas, TX
vs.
Jade “Hurricane” Bornea (14-0, 10 KOs), General Santos City, Cota del Sur, Philippines

CO-FEATURE – WBC UNITED STATES SILVER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)*
Santiago Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs), Champion, Fort Worth, TX by way of Mexico
vs,
Vitor “La Amenza” Jones Freitas (16-5, 10 KOs), Challenger, Salvador Bahir, Brazil

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (8)*
Connor “The Kid” Coyle (11-0, 4 KOs), Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
vs.
Miguel Dumas (11-2, 8 KOs), Tijuana, Mexico

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (6)*
Richard Van Sicien (7-0, 3KOs), Seattle, WA
vs.
Abraham Martin (5-0, 5 KOs), Medford, OR by way of Mexico

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)
William Hernandez-Gomez (3-0, 2 KOs), Burlen, WA
vs.
Jerald Gregori (0-2), Grand Falls, MT 0-2

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Margarito Hernandez (0-0-1), Wapato, WA
vs.
Joshua Wheeler (0-0-1), Blaine, WA

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)
Jerrell Barbour (pro debut), Tacoma, WA
vs.
Steven Hellman (0-2), Grand Falls, MT

MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Glenn Hagler, Jr. (4-1, 2 KOs), Daytona Beach, FL
vs.
Charon Spain (1-13-1), Portland, OR

(card subject to change)
*denotes streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS

WHERE: Legends Casino in Toppenish, Washington

WHEN: Thursday, January 30, 2020

PROMOTER: RJJ Boxing Promotions in association with Sanman Boxing

LIVE STREAM: Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, live from Legends Casino

To sign up for UFC FIGHT PASS, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

BROADCASTERS: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow), and James “Smitty” Smith (color commentator)

RING ANNOUNCER: Michael Vale

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN
: Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the foyer of the Event Center at Legends Casino & Hotel

TICKETS: Range from $15.00 to $50.00 and are available for purchase by going HERE and also on fight night at the Legends Casino box office

OTHER: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. PT, first fight at 6:00 p.m. PT, and FIGHT PASS starts at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufcfightpass.com, www.yakimaNationalLegendsCasino.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @YNLegendsCasino
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Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

Murodjon Akhmadaliev is chasing history as he prepares to challenge WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)
 Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs) can equal Leon Spinks’ record of becoming a men’s unified World champion in just his eighth pro fight and will become the first unified ruler from Uzbekistan with victory over Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs).

‘MJ’ has blasted his way to the mandatory spot with the WBA since turning pro in March 2018 and for the 25 year old, his meeting with the Baby Faced Assassin represents an opportunity to become a hero in his boxing-mad country.

“It’s history in the making,” said Akhmadaliev. “To become a unified champion in just eight fights and the first from Uzbekistan is really some great history for me to make, I want to make my country proud. Boxing is the number one sport in Uzbekistan and with God’s blessing, I think everything will play out well. 

“It’s a dream come true for me. I have been climbing this mountain for 17 years, in the gym twice a day in that time. I’ve broken my wrists, my fists, my nose, bloodied face, had cuts; all that sacrifice is for fights like this. I know people think I am inexperienced and Danny will take me out or something like that, but trust me, I have given it my all for 17 years and it will be no different for fight night.

“This is the most important fight in my career so far. I’m fighting the unified champion, the best in the division, so it’s a big step up for me but we’re very well prepared for this fight with my coaches Antonio and Joel Diaz. 

“I’ve only had seven fights and I haven’t felt challenged in any of those fights. I am not comparing those fights to this one as I know they are different and this is a hard fight. All the talk about his experience that he brings to the ring is fine but it’s only when we get in the ring together that we will see who is the best fighter, the most experienced, who is stronger, faster, sharper and smarter. I don’t like to talk too much; I love to fight, and I can’t wait to fight him.”

Akhmadaliev’s clash with Roman is part of a huge night of World championship boxing as Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight title against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs).

YouTube sensations Jake Paul and AnEsonGib make their pro debuts against each other, Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

NEW YORK (January 27, 2020) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) has officially announced its 28-member Class of 2019. The ninth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), April 19, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

“I am proud that we are continuing to honor New York men and woman in boxing for their dedication to the sport that they’ve served,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “This is our way to thank them all and let each new inductee know that we do remember all that they did and continue to do. The Class of 2020 is strong across the board, boxers and non-participants, continuing the NYSBHOF tradition of honoring our own.”

Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include three-time World light heavyweight title challenger Jorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World Champion Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challenger Freddie “The Pitbull” Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Queens; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winner Dennis “The Magician” Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), of Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winner Lou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challenger Merqui “El Corombo” Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.

Posthumous participants being inducted are Brooklyn welterweight Soldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), who fought a reported 55 world champions; Bronx middleweight Steve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challenger Tami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), of Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlist Davey “Sensational” Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), of Bronx; and World lightweight champion Freddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales.

Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Oneida judge Don Ackerman, Wantah, Long Island journalist/producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Buffalo manager Rick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalist Jack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcaster Max Kellerman, Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical Director Dr. William Lathan, Orangeburg judge Julie Lederman, Hyde Park referee Ron Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainer Kevin Rooney.

Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn’s Ring Magazine editor Lester Bromberg, New York City sportswriter Dan Daniel, Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym founder Bobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writer Flash Gordan, Manhattan journalist A.J. Liebling, Long Island City’s NYSBHOF co-founder Tony Mazzarella and New York City manager Dan Morgan.

There are a number of firsts regarding some Class of 2020 inductees: husband-wife – Dr. William and Melvina (Class of 2018) Lathan; daughter-father – Julie and Harold (Class of 2012) Lederman. Bobby Jr. and Bobby Cassidy, Sr. (2013) are the fourth son and father inducted into the NYSBHOF, but the first boxer/journalist combination. The others are boxers Floyd and Tracy Patterson, executive administrators Bobby and Murray Goodman, and referees Arthur, Sr. and Arthur Mercante, Jr.

Welch is going into the NYSBHOF as a boxer, but he also managed fellow Class of 2020 inductee Goodrich.

Each attending inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

The 2020 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, Jim Monteverde and Neil Terens.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

Tickets are priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16) and includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as a full course dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 or depcomish@aol.com. Ads for the NYSBHOF program are available: half-page $100.00, full page $200.00 front and back inside covers are $400.00 each, and $500.00 for back cover. Mail checks and ads by the April 6 deadline to Bob Duffy, 1112 Whitewood Landing, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Checks should be payable to NY Stare Boxing Hall of Fame, call Duffy to charge on a credit card.

NEW YORK STATE BOXING HALL OF FAME

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.

CLASS OF 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein and Jimmy Jacobs.

CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan and Dan Parker.

CLASS OF 2018: Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Jake Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Billy Costello, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, Herb Goldman, Bobby Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Scott Stevens, Johnnie Addie, Johnny Bos, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar and Sam Taub.

CLASS OF 2019: Wilfredo Benitez, Dick DiVeronica, Rogelio Tuur, Davey Vasquez, Michael Olajide, Monte Barrett, Jimmy Carter, Al “Bummy” Davis, Marty Servo, Roland LaStarza, Paddy DeMarco, Sid Terris, Leach “The Fighting Dentist” Cross, Don King, John McKaie, Steve Albert, Arthur Mercante, Jr., Bob Jackson, Dewey Fragetta, Johnny LoBianco, Wayne Kelly, Harry Hill, Jimmy Cannon, and Joe Dwyer.

Anthony Tomlinson can take one step closer to fulfilling a promise to his son when he meets Stewart Burt in an Eliminator for the British and Commonwealth Welterweight titles at FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday February 8, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘The Truth’ (11-0, 6 KOs) steps up to fight former Scottish Champion Burt on the undercard of Kell Brook’s ring return against Mark DeLuca in what is a big breakthrough opportunity for the Sheffield born man and his toughest career test to date. 

Despite taking an unconventional route into the realms of professional boxing, 28-year-old Tomlinson has notched 11 straight victories since his 2017 debut points win in Doncaster, with his current knockout form seeing him climb the rankings and establish himself as a domestic force at 147lbs.

Having captured the Central Area title and the IBO Continental strap in his eighth and eleventh fights respectively, Tomlinson heads into February 8 on the back of four explosive KO wins, most recently dispatching of former Midlands Champ, Rob Hunt in the sixth of a scheduled ten. 

“Anybody that I fight I know that I have the power to get them out of there and I know if I do land it will be an early night”, said Tomlinson. “This fight brings me one step closer to where I want to be so it’s about overcoming this challenge and showcasing to everybody around the world what I can do.

“My skillset and awkwardness will cause anyone in this division problems and I don’t believe that Stewart Burt has been in the ring with anyone like me. The power and presence I have in the ring will be new to him and I’m more than confident of getting the win on February 8.”

Fighting out of Doncaster under the tutelage of Stefy Bull, Tomlinson is driven by a promise he made to his young son since turning his life around and believes his ability will soon see him fight the best Welterweights in the country. 

“My son was in the gym and he pointed to a photo and told me he wants that rainbow belt, so that is my motivation for him, to fulfil that promise to my son – I won’t stop until I win that belt”, he added. “I started boxing at 22 and had a troubled past, being involved with gangs and I was in and out of prison. When my son was born and I started boxing it changed my life and gave me that extra light. 

“I originally got into boxing to start MMA but everything seemed to fall naturally to me in the ring. I have great people around me who have helped me to be where I am now.

“I don’t call people out but I believe that I am at the level to be fighting the best in Britain. I feel we are all at a similar level and they also need to fight people like me to prove that they’re the best. If them big domestic fights come along then I will be more than happy to take them.

“I have never been hungrier for a fight than this one because I know how close I am to fulfilling a promise to my son. I am so thankful for everyone who supports me and has bought tickets because they are making my dreams come true.”

Tomlinson vs. Burt 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, 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, Sheffield Super-Featherweight prospect Donte Dixon (2-0, 1 KO) returns, 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.

THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED rematch between unbeaten super bantamweights Brad Foster and Lucien Reid with the British and Commonwealth titles on the line will take place at York Hall on February 22.

The stacked card also features an intriguing battle at super middleweight between the unbeaten former Team GB amateur Kody Davies and the exciting ‘Top Boxer’ Umar Sadiq.

Also on the bill is thrilling super bantamweight prospect Dennis ‘The Menace’ McCann for his sixth professional assignment, Southampton snapper Ryan ‘The Piranha’ Garner (8-0) aiming to make a timely return and make up for lost time at super featherweight, as well as featherweight starlet Louie Lynn (5-0) from Banstead looking to build on his impressive Queensberry Promotions debut in December.

Top drawer former amateurs and now new professionals Henry Turner (super lightweight, 1-0), Eithan James (super lightweight, 2-0) and Sam Noakes (lightweight, 2-0) get to take the next step towards early title contention, while Muhammad Ali – elite amateur and 2016 Rio Olympian – makes his professional debut at bantamweight.

News on further exciting additions to the bill will be confirmed shortly.

The majority draw declared between the champion Foster and Reid in mid-September proved to be a source of significant controversy, with many observers marking the challenger as the winner in his first 12 round assignment.

The 22-year-old Foster completed his third 12 round test of a productive 2019 and considered himself in need of some time out having suffered a cut above his left eye early in the second round.

The Lichfield man now makes a third defence of the British title he won by beating Josh Wale from the away corner in Barnsley in March of last year. It represents a second defence of the Commonwealth crown he prized via a 12th round knockout from Ashley Lane at Stevenage in May.

“It will be another good scrap and one where I need to put things right,” insisted the champion. “I need to win this one and close this book. Simple as that.

“A draw is not the way I want to keep my titles and it was disappointing to keep them with one. This time I’ve got to win the fight convincingly.

“I can take a lot from it but he can as well because he knows what I’m like now and that is what makes it a tasty fight.

“I’ve had a nice little break to get over a few injuries including a broken knuckle after the last one. I am back at it now and on February 22 I will be the winner.”

Reid, 26, insists he is on a mission to right a wrong and will carry a sense of injustice into the ring with him.

“A million per cent and I can’t wait to prove that I did win the fight and I will do it in a fine fashion,” said the pupil of the Queensberry iBox Gym. “I am not going in there to do anything less or the same as I did last time. This time you will see a totally different me as well and I will change it up.

“Every single person knows that even if I won it by one round I still won the fight. When I get in there with Brad I am going to old man him again, move him about and prove that I am the rightful champion.

“I am also going in there thinking he will come out unbelievable so I am looking forward to seeing that and how I adjust to it because I know I can.”

Tickets are available via TicketMaster

LAS VEGAS – UFC^® returns to Columbus, Ohio for the first time in 11 years with a thrilling heavyweight contenders’ bout featuring No. 2 ranked Francis Ngannou and undefeated No. 5 Jairzinho Rozenstruik. In an exciting clash of top bantamweights, No. 5 ranked contender Raphael Assuncao faces former champion and current No. 9 Cody Garbrandt.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: NGANNOU vs. ROZENSTRUIK will air live from Nationwide Arena on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 28. Prelims will kick off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Doors open at 3 p.m. ET.

A former heavyweight title challenger, Ngannou (14-3, fighting out of Paris, France by way of Batié, Cameroon) has delivered some of the most spectacular knockouts in the division’s history. Over the course of his career, he has earned stoppage victories over Junior Dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Alistair Overeem and Curtis Blaydes (twice). Ngannou now looks to be the first fighter to defeat Rozenstruik and re-assert himself as the top contender for a heavyweight title shot.

The breakout UFC star of 2019, Rozenstruik (10-0, fighting out of Paramaribo, Suriname) wasted no time cracking the heavyweight division’s top five. Since debuting on the roster last February, he has delivered four consecutive knockout victories—including a dramatic comeback win against Overeem with four seconds left on the clock. Rozenstruik now hopes to secure his first title shot with another show-stealing knockout against one of the division’s most feared strikers.

A perennial bantamweight contender, Assuncao (27-7, fighting out of Alpharetta, Ga. by way of Recife, Brazil) has bested many of the top 135-pound fighters in the UFC. Throughout his career, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has netted victories against TJ Dillashaw, Aljamain Sterling, Pedro Munhoz and Rob Font. With Garbrandt in his sights, Assuncao now looks to regain momentum by going behind enemy lines and taking out another former UFC champion.

A native of Uhrichsville, Ohio, Garbrandt (11-3, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) aims to begin his ascent back to the top of the 135-pound division with a highlight-reel win in his home state. Known for his spectacular knockout power, he has finished the likes of Takeya Mizugaki and Thomas Almeida. In 2016, he became the first fighter to defeat former champion Dominick Cruz in almost a decade. Garbrandt now aims to get back on the winning track and re-stake his claim as one of the top bantamweights in the world.

Announced bouts on the card include:

• In a pivotal clash of bantamweight contenders, No. 3 ranked Aspen Ladd (9-1, fighting out of El Dorado Hills, Calif.) meets No. 4 Julianna Peña (10-3, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.)
• Hard hitting heavyweights collide when Greg Hardy (6-2 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) squares off with Yorgan De Castro (5-0, fighting out of Fall River, Mass. by way of Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde)
• No. 12 ranked strawweight contender Tecia Torres (10-5, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.) takes on Mizuki (14-5, fighting out of New York, N.Y. by way of Fukuoka, Japan)
• 15-year MMA veteran, and Columbus’ own, Matt Brown (24-16, fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) looks to blow the roof off Nationwide Arena when he takes on undefeated prospect Miguel Baeza (7-0, fighting out of Davie, Fla.)
• Louis Smolka (16-6, fighting out of Kapolei, Hawaii) faces Davey Grant (11-4, fighting out of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, England) in an exciting bantamweight bout
• Khalil Rountree Jr. (9-4 1NC, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) locks horns with Sam Alvey (33-13 1NC, fighting out of Temecula, Calif.) in a battle of light heavyweight strikers
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Punahele Soriano (6-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) goes for another big finish against battle-tested Eric Spicely (12-6, fighting out of Olneyville, R.I.)
• Undefeated heavyweight Carlos Felipe (8-0, fighting out of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil) debuts against Ohio’s own Jeff Hughes (10-3 1NC, fighting out of Independence, Ohio)
• Laureano Staropoli (9-2, fighting out of La Plata, Argentina) squares off with Dana White’s Contender Series signee Philip Rowe (7-2, fighting out of Orlando, Fla.)
• Martin Day (9-3, fighting out of Kailua, Hawaii) takes on Randy Costa (5-1, fighting out of Taunton, Mass.) in a bantamweight bout

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

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

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN^®: NGANNOU vs. ROZENSTRUIK go on sale Friday, January 31 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com or through the Nationwide Arena box office. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, January 29 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, January 30 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

###

About UFC^®

UFC^® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 318 million fans and 80 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to nearly one billion TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 65 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS^®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR. UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena is the centerpiece of the downtown Arena District featuring an exciting mixture of restaurants, business, entertainment and residential space that attracts visitors from across the country.   Located on the corner of Nationwide Boulevard and Front Street, the venue opened to great fanfare in September of 2000 and has since hosted the NHL All-Star Game, regular season and playoff hockey, NCAA championships, local, regional and national conferences and a multitude of concerts and touring events.

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise features more than 50 assets – nine U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

Abass Baraou (9-0, 6 KOs) produced a devastating performance to claim a fifth-round TKO win over Abraham Juarez (16-5, 5 KOs) last night at the Work Your Champ Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

The historic evening saw Germany’s oldest promoters Team Sauerland and Universum co-promote a show for the first time in history, and Baraou, the headline act, put in a spectacular performance befitting of such an occasion.

From the first bell the 25-year-old demonstrated why many fight fans believe he is the man to restore German boxing to its glory days, showcasing slick combinations and unnerving power to unsettle his opponent and delight the crowd.

With just 10 seconds remaining in the fourth round, the WBC International Super Welterweight Champion produced an electric eight-punch combination to send Juarez crashing to the canvas, and as the fifth round approached, Juarez’s corner waved off the fight to seal Baraou’s sixth stoppage victory in nine pro fights.

“I started well and I wanted a fast knockout,” said Baraou. “I boxed cleverly and stuck to my tactics. When he met me in the ring I was angry and I wanted him to feel that.

“It’s a shame he couldn’t compete for longer but he was a tough opponent who deserved every respect. My goal for the rest of the year is to improve my boxing and to fight for more international titles!”

Team Sauerland’s Danish heavyweight Kem Ljungquist (10-0, 5 KOs) was also in action, boxing intelligently to win a wide unanimous decision over Ukraine’s German Skobenko (5-5, 2 KOs).

“I wanted the knockout and I know I can do better,” said Ljungquist. “I am a perfectionist so I will never be 100% satisfied, but a victory is a victory. I am ready for the next step and would like to fight for titles soon!’

Promoter Nisse Sauerland was delighted with the evening’s proceedings and predicted a big year ahead for both the Team Sauerland fighters.

“Every time Abass Baraou steps through the ropes you know he’s going to bring excitement,” said Sauerland. “It’s a delight to watch such a special talent in action. It was another sublime display from Abass and we truly believe he is going all the way to the top.

“Kem produced another assured performance to get his tenth victory tonight,” Sauerland continued. “He knows he can do the rounds so it’s time for him to step up and fight for titles.”

Mike Hilton remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Bladimir Hernandez in the main event of the inaugural ChampBox fight card promoted by Silver Bow at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey.

Hilton of Trenton, NJ won by scores of 60-54 on all cards to raise his record to 10-0. Hernandez of Chihuahua, Mexico is 20-15.

Shinard Bunch annihilated Fabian Lyimo in 35 seconds of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

Bunch dropped Lyimo in the opening seconds with a vicious left hook. Lyimo was in trouble and was stopped on a follow up flurry.

Bunch of Trenton is 7-1 with six knockouts. Lyimo of Tanzania is 23-12-2.

Frederic Julan remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Fidel Munoz in a scheduled six-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Julan dropped Munoz with a right hook that had him down for referee Alan Huggins 10-count at 38 seconds.

Julan of Brooklyn, NY is 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Munoz of Barranquilla, COL is 39-22-1.

Chris Thomas blew out Engelberto Valenzuela in round one of a scheduled six-round light heavyweight bout.

Thomas came out and was all over Valenzuela and dropped him in the corner. Thomas dropped him for a 2nd time with a perfect right to the head and the fight was stopped at 1:13

Thomas of Toms River, NJ is 15-1-1 with 10 knockouts. Valezuela Sonora. MEX is 12-17.

LaQuan Evans won a four round unanimous decision over Alberto Delgado in a middleweight bout.

Evans of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 3-1. Delagado of Roanoke, VA is 1-10-4.

Jakub Sowirko remained undefeated by stopping Mike Moore in the final round of their crusierweight bout.

The time of the stoppage was 32 seconds for Sowirko of Trenton who is now 2-0 with one knockout. Moore of Bristol, PA is 1-2.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 24, 2020): “It is extremely unfortunate to learn that WBC and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion Alejandra Jimenez (13-0-1, 9 KOs) has tested positive for banned substances after her title fight with Franchon Crews-Dezurn (6-2, 2 KOs) on January 11,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “As Franchon’s promoter, we are incredibly disappointed for her as she worked incredibly hard to defend her titles. However, our job is to ensure the safety of our fighters both inside and outside of the ring. Thus, we have always insisted and supported testing through the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) for all of our world championship fights. Jimenez’s fight against Franchon Crews-Dezurn is no exception. Now our job is to find justice for Franchon by working closely with the WBC and the WBO in order to re-instate her as a world champion.”