Filip Hrgovi? (9-0, 7 KOs) came face to face with his opponent Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) for the first time at today’s ‘Clash On The Dunes’ press conference at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia ahead of Saturday night’s historic boxing event.

Hrgovi?, who won Bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, continues his global tour of 2019 by boxing in a third different country, having already claimed memorable knockout wins over Gregory Corbin and Mario Heredia in the United States and Mexico earlier this year.

The 27-year-old, defending his WBC International Heavyweight crown, must now overcome his toughest career test as he goes in search of his tenth professional victory against the former two-time World Title challenger Molina.

“He trained for eight weeks, I trained for twelve,” said Hrgovi?. “That’s a good thing for me! I trained like never before with my coach Pedro Diaz in Miami for eight weeks, and I had four weeks with my assistant coach Yousef Hasan in Zagreb, Croatia.

“I’m feeling very good and I’m ready for my biggest fight so far. Thank you to Matchroom Boxing, Eddie Hearn, Team Sauerland, Zeljko Karajica, Sky Sports and DAZN. It’s an honour for me to be part of this great event.”

The experienced American Molina has already fought twice for the World Heavyweight title, facing both Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, and is confident his resilience can see him cause an upset on Saturday night.

“This is an iconic sporting event. An iconic rematch,” said Molina. “I’m extremely thankful to be part of this event. When you start your career 0-1 this is all just a bonus, it’s just beautiful to experience.”

“I’m the guy in the heavyweight division that just doesn’t go away. I call it the art of bouncing back. I find a way to stick around and on Saturday night I will find a way to stick around.”

The Croatian heavyweight sensation known as ‘El Animal’ is putting together an impressive resume after nine fights, and promoter Nisse Sauerland believes Hrgovi? is already the biggest talent in boxing’s glamour division.

“The biggest problem we have with Filip is finding heavyweights that will fight him,” said Sauerland. “Eric looks in great shape and we look forward to seeing his performance on Saturday, but I believe Filip is the best heavyweight out there.

“It’s great to be back in Saudi, last time I was here the crowd was great and I expect the same on Saturday night. I’m looking forward to showcasing Filip on such a great event and we are excited to end this years world tour with a big bang!”

Eddie Hearn for Matchroom Boxing says he is excited to see the 27-year-old Croatian in action in Saturday’s intriguing heavyweight clash.

“Filip Hrgovi? is one of the top young fighters coming through in the division right now. He was an outstanding amateur and he has great skills and a great team. I am delighted to be working with Team Sauerland co-promoting Filip and he’s up against a fighter who believes this is his time to relaunch himself on the world heavyweight scene.”

Hrgovic-Molina features on the undercard of the unified World Heavyweight Championship fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua which tops a stacked event at the Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia. Also on the card are heavyweight clashes between Alexander Povetkin and Michael Hunter, Dillian Whyte against Mariusz Wach, Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little and more. All the action will be available to watch on DAZN in the US and other territories, RTL in Croatia and Sky Sports in the UK.

Mashantucket, CT (December 4, 2019) — Fan-favorite Peter Manfredo Jr., “The Pride of Providence,” and rising featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez headline CES Boxing’s special matinee showcase Saturday afternoon at Foxwoods Resort Casino.2

The event streams live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS® beginning at 2 p.m. ET as Manfredo Jr. (41-7-1, 22 KOs) returns to the ring for the second time in two weeks to face hard-hitting Colombian veteran Milton Nunez (37-22, 32 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Manfredo Jr., the star of Season 1 of the reality television series The Contender and former IBO world middleweight champion, ended a three-year layoff November 23 in Rhode Island with a first-round knockout win over Melvin Russell, his first victory since 2013.

Starring in the co-main event, Worcester, MA prospect Gonzalez (12-2, 9 KOs) returns to Foxwoods for the third time in 2019, this time in a six-round bout against Omar Ethridge (3-2-1, 3 KOs) of Greensboro, NC. Saturday’s fight is Gonzalez’s third appearance with CES Boxing and first since 2016.

Doors open at 11 a.m. ET for this special afternoon event beginning with a spectacular amateur card at noon followed by the main card at 2 live on UFC FIGHT PASS. Tickets start at $47 and are available online at www.cesboxing.com and www.foxwoods.com or by phone at 401-724-2253. The UFC FIGHT PASS stream features CES Boxing publicist and matchmaker Michael Parente handling play-by-play with “Sucra” Ray Oliveira providing color commentary. UFC FIGHT PASS subscriptions are available at www.ufcfightpass.com.

In anticipation for Saturday’s season finale, CES Boxing will host a final press conference and weigh-in Friday at the Fox Theater. This event is open to the public.

New York, NY (December 3, 2019) Popular New York City prospects will be featured this Thursday, December 5, at Terminal 5, as DiBella Entertainment presents their Annual Holiday Broadway Boxing card from the Hell’s Kitchen section of Manhattan. The 112th edition of Broadway Boxing will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Advance tickets, priced at $175, $110 and $70 (Standing Room Only), may be purchased by calling 212-947-2577 or visiting HERE. Terminal 5, one of the premier live music venues in New York City, is located at 610 W. 56th Street (11th Avenue) in New York City. Doors on the night of the event will open at 6:30 p.m. ET. For further information, please visit their website, www.Terminal5NYC.com.

Commentating on UFC FIGHT PASS will be Women’s WBA Super Middleweight World Champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon-Espinosa, former lightweight contender and Director of the New York Golden Gloves Brian Adams and New York Yankees Digital Host and Reporter Justin Shackil.

As part of the special Broadway Boxing Holiday Show, Chris Algieri Promotions is offering Fight Club: The Premier VIP Boxing Ticket, providing fans an exclusive opportunity to watch the fights with the former world champion, which includes a premium open bar along a gourmet food selection. The VIP Boxing Ticket, priced at $350, is available for purchase by calling 212-947-2577.

Stated Algieri, “I’m looking forward to putting on my promoter’s cap and bringing new energy to the East Coast boxing scene. Chris Algieri Promotions is looking to deliver a unique and exclusive boxing experience with the idea to combine New York City Nightlife with thrilling boxing action like never before. This is Fight Club: The Premier VIP Boxing Ticket.”

Undefeated welterweight prospect Mathew “Lefty Gunz” Gonzalez (9-0, 6 KOs), of Ridgewood, NY, clashes with Minneapolis, MN, veteran Rondale Hubbert (13-10-2, 8 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder. The 24-year-old Gonzalez looks to cap off a terrific 2019 campaign, which included a third-round knockout of Gabor Kovacs on March 8 and a first-round stoppage of Federico Malespina on July 12.

In the light heavyweight division, undefeated southpaw Frederic “The French Revolution” Julan
(11-0, 9 KOs), a native of Paris, France, now residing in Brooklyn, NY, battles Jeyson “Verdugo” Minda (14-2-1, 8 KOs), of Quito, Ecuador. The heavy-handed Julan, who continues to impress fans in the United States with his world class knockout power, returns to the ring following a fourth-round stoppage of Colombia’s Milton Nunez on March 23, in Atlantic City, NJ.

Cruiserweight newcomer Matthew Tinker (1-0, 1 KO), of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, now fighting out of Long Island City, NY, faces Dylan Bryson (0-1), of Port St. Lucie, FL. The 28-year-old Tinker was an acclaimed amateur reaching the finals of the 2018 New York Golden Gloves. Prior to moving to the United States, he competed in the United Kingdom winning the London and Southern area titles in 2015, the Haringey Box Cup in 2014 and was also a Junior ABA Champion. Additionally, he was a Senior Elite Finalist in 2014 and 2015. Tinker made his professional debut with a first-round knockout of Shawn Nelson on November 9.

Brooklyn, NY’s Christian Bermudez (1-0, 1KO) will compete in a scheduled four-round lightweight bout. The 23-year-old impressed in his professional debut with a second-round knockout of Jonathan Conde on September 13, at Madison Square Garden, a devastating left hook to the body proving to be the finisher.

Puerto Rican lightweight prospect Victor “El Turu” Padilla (6-0, 5 KOs), of Berlin, NJ, will face Fredric Bowen (6-3-1, 3 KOs), of Jackson, TN, in a six-round tilt. The 20-year-old Padilla, recently signed to DiBella Entertainment, has looked sensational in 2019 thrilling crowds with his world class skills. Competing on August 1, he knocked out Benjamin Borteye in the first round in Monroeville, PA. In his last start on October 4, the southpaw won a six-round shutout decision versus Romain Tomas in Philadelphia, PA. Bowen hits the ring following a third-round knockout against Ronald Rivas on April 27, 2019 in Joliet, IL.

Headlining the event streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS, O’Shaquie “Ice Water” Foster (16-2, 10 KOs), of Houston, TX, will defend his WBC Silver Super Featherweight Title in a 10-round clash against Alberto “The Transformer” Mercado (16-3-1, 3 KOs), of Humacao, Puerto Rico.

Co-featured in a 10-round women’s world championship bout, former world champion Ana Laura “La Monita” Esteche (14-5-3, 2KOs), of Buenos Aires, Argentina, faces former world title challenger “Merciless” Mary McGee (25-3, 13 KOs), for the vacant IBF Super Lightweight World Title.

Top heavyweight prospect Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw (12-0, 9 KOs), of St. Louis, MO, clashes with Gregory “Bad News” Corbin (15-2, 9 KOs), of Dallas, TX, in a scheduled 10-round bout.

Former world title challenger Mikkel “Slikk Mikk” LesPierre (21-1-1, 6 KOs), Brooklyn, NY, squares off against Roody Pierre “Rude Boy” Paul (16-5-2, 6 KOs), of Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Philadelphia, PA (December 3, 2019)– THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at 2300 Arena, world-ranked welterweight Mykal Fox will make his debut at the famed fight facility when he takes on Johnny Arellano in the 10-round main event.

The bout will headline a seven-bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.

“Camp has been very good. I have had excellent sparring, and I am excited to showcase myself in Philly on Friday,” said Fox, the 24 year-old native of Forestville, MD.

In Arellano, he is taking on another tall welterweight. Fox, who stands almost 6’4″ will taking on a fighter just two inches shorter in this important matchup.

“From what I have seen of him, he wings a lot of his shots. At 6’2″ he is my tallest opponent, but I will be his tallest opponent, and he is a brawler. Let’s see how that plays out for him being the shorter man.”

Now ranked number-14 by the IBF and Number-15 by the WBA, Fox knows that big opportunities are just around the corner and he would like to put in a great performance to end the year.

“I think next year, I will get more big opportunities. I have fought on ShoBox and have a win over an Olympic Gold Medal winner that was on ESPN +, I see more fights like that and even bigger fights in 2020. I see what my brother is going through, he is the number-one middleweight contender by the WBO. I see fighters not wanting to risk their records against him, and hopefully it won’t be the same when it comes to me as I climb the rankings,” Fox said speaking about his brother Alantez.

Fox, who has fought in The City of Brotherly Love once, is excited to fight at The 2300 Arena.

“I loved fighting in Philly the 1st time, and I have been to the 2300 Arena many times, and I love the environment and excitement that the building has for fights. I look forward for Friday night, where I will be the reason that is creating that environment and excitement.”

The co-feature will pit undefeated super middleweight, Kalvin Henderson (12-0, 8 KOs) of Fayetville, AR against Genc Pllana (7-1, 4 KOs) of Hagerstown, MD, in a eight-round bout.

Also in an eight-round contest, WBA Number-10 ranked super bantamweight, Marcus Bates (10-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, DC fighting Francisco Pedroza (13-9-2, 7 KOs) of Tijuana Mexico.

In six-round bouts:

Shinard Bunch (4-1, 4 KOs) of Trenton, NJ fights Vicente Morales (3-4-2, 3 KOs) of Matamoros, MX in welterweight contest.

Shamar Fulton (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tyrome Jones (4-6-1, 1 KO) of South Bend, IN in a lightweight bout.

Devar Ferhadi (7-0, 6 KOs) of Frederick , MD takes on Vincent Baccus (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a super middleweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Martino Jules (7-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Eric Manriquez (7-9-1, 3 KOs) of Houston in a featherweight bout.

Tickets are $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.2300arena.com

THE WEIGH-IN WILL BE THURSDAY AT THE LA QUINTA SUITES (53 Industrial Highway, Essington, Pa.) at 5 PM ET

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Ray Flores
Thank you very much, operator. We want to thank the media for joining us wherever they are around the world. For those of them here in the United States, we hope all of you had a happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

We are looking forward to this Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of Brooklyn Boxing, for an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. We have the undefeated WBC Middleweight Champion of the world Jermall Charlo putting his title on the line against the highly ranked contender Dennis Hogan. This Saturday we go live on SHOWTIME starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

We also have a tremendous supporting undercard. We have the British star Chris Eubank Jr. making his United States debut as he battles Matt Korobov for the interim WBA Middleweight Championship. Also, to begin the night we will have Marlon Tapales going head-to-head against Ryosuke Iwasa for the interim IBF Super Bantamweight Championship.

Tickets for the event at Barclays Center are going quickly promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. They are on sale now and you can get them at Ticketmaster.com or Barclayscenter.com. Or if you are in the Brooklyn area you can go to the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Now, let’s meet some of the luminaries that are on the call today as we have a man who has been a part of some of the biggest names and the biggest events in the history of combat sports. He is the President of Sport and Event Programming for Showtime Championship Boxing, here is Mr. Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much Ray. We are very much looking forward to this weekend as the Middleweight Division takes center stage. Two high stakes, 160-pound fights on SHOWTIME as part of the three-fight televised card opening up with an intriguing matchup between two former world champions.

Our main event must-see attraction is undefeated Jermall Charlo, the star of the 160-pound division, defends his WBC Middleweight Title against highly ranked contender Dennis Hogan.

This will be Jermall’s 10th appearance on SHOWTIME from ShoBox through ShoExtreme, through SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. This will now be his second consecutive SHOWTIME headline fight of 2019. And whenever he is on SHOWTIME or anywhere else for that matter Jermall is most definitely must-see TV. One of the most impressive and athletic fighters in any division.

Dennis Hogan for his part, he is coming off a controversial majority decision loss to Jaime Munguia that I think most people who were looking at it objectively believed that he won. Certainly, I believe that he won. He is a very aggressive fighter with a strong chin.

As he will tell you himself he believes that a move up in weight is going to benefit him greatly and make him stronger. In other words, we’ve got the makings of a great match up, stylistically and personally and we are looking forward to a great fight this Saturday.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Stephen. Greatly appreciate that. And yes, as Stephen mentioned, Dennis Hogan originally from Ireland and now fighting out of Queensland, Australia having come off a, you know, highly controversial loss against Jaime Munguia back in April.

Before that he came into the fight riding a 6 fight win streak. He has fought – I mean, this is a guy who takes on any and all combats he has spotted. Super Welterweight, Middleweight, Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight during the course of his career. And also for the media if you want to know we actually have Glenn Rushton his trainer also on the call as well.

But ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the rising contender, 28 wins, 2 losses, one draw, 7 wins coming by way of knock out. Here is Dennis Hogan. Dennis, opening comment.

Dennis Hogan
Hi guys. I want to thank everybody for making this possible. Very happy to be speaking with you guys and very, very excited to be a main event with Charlo at Barclays Center in Brooklyn this weekend.

Training is going on very well and I just can’t wait to get in there and put on a show for everybody. So thank you very much.

Q
What were your options for your next fight after Munguia? Did you try to see if you can get a title fight against any of the other champions at 154 or was the move to middleweight always there after what happened?

D. Hogan
Yes. I mean, we did chase the rematch and then we found out that was a dead end. So we actually had someone locked in for a title eliminator fight but that fight fell through. And we were lucky enough then that Jermall Charlo being the champion that he is offered me to fight for the WBC.

So it was a tough couple of months trying to make that fight happen and then having another fight fall apart but again, you know, we kept our head down, kept the faith and luckily my team was able to pull off this fight. And big credit to the team, Jermall Charlo also and to everybody for making this fight and I have certainly put my hand up to take it and here we are now ready for a cracking fight.

Q
Is the loss to Jaime Munguia still sort of fresh on your mind? Do you use it as motivation or have you sort of just moved past it and found it is what it is and you are focused now solely on Jermall Charlo?

D. Hogan
Yes. Look, I mean, I put it in the past. But again as everybody says, you know, it was a controversial decision. When I left there I really genuinely felt like I won. So it’s not like, you know, I have had a loss before and, you know, I had to do some soul searching and all the rest. But from this I genuinely felt like I won so my chin and my head was held high and I said okay, I can come back up and I can make it. I can do better than that.

And so I got back into training. I had a couple of weeks off. When I got back into training we worked hard to become a better fighter all around and now this opportunity is showing up. So I mean, that’s in the past. I have no resentments with all of that. It is what it is. It just set me up for a bigger success story for the future.

Q
Is there a sort of something different that’s being done to sort of get accustomed back to 160-pound compared to when you were just solely focused on being at 154?

D. Hogan
Look, it’s not a big difference. In terms of strengths we have been able to keep my muscle build. My strength stays a little bit longer. But we had a lot of time for this fight so we actually were able to keep that going and gained another kilo of muscle.

I mean, that’s all I need because now it’s really about not having to dehydrate so much. I’m very good at doing this and I can still perform very well. But I have always wondered, do I punch as hard as I used to when I was middle welter-super middleweight before? On Saturday night we are going to find out. I’m excited.

Q
Is it more difficult to get past a loss that everybody believed that you won or is it easier to take a loss that you felt like, okay, I can go back to the drawing board and I can get better?

D. Hogan
Yes. I mean, it’s a good question. But the thing about me is that I’m very goal oriented and my goal was always to be world champion. And even when they announced it, I’m still in the ring. Even then my head was booming with just a lot of positives that can come from this because, you know, my goal is to being world champion. For me I felt like this may actually, even though I didn’t get the decision, this may actually set me up for bigger and better.

I always have faith and a belief when following goals and so I was right. I mean, after that, you know, the whole world took notice. The boxing world took notice of what went down and what happened and then here we are.

For me right now if you ask me what your idea was to win your first world title, I would have told you in New York. I would have said, you know, Barclays Center, Madison Square Garden. One or the other. I would have stayed with all my family and friends there, you know, from a six-hour flight from Ireland. I would have stayed with a good team around me like I have got.

Everything around me is exactly as I would have wanted it to be. So you know what, a little bump in the road down in Mexico set me up for something greater. You watch Saturday night and you will see that I will be taking this with everything I have got.

Q
Do you see any similarities with Charlo and Munguia or are they just like two completely different sorts of fighters?

D. Hogan
There are similarities. Me and my coach here Glenn have certainly spoken about them and in great detail and I can see there is. So there are little things that we can utilize but overall I mean there is a few good similarities but we have changed a lot up and not a whole lot. I mean, we changed a bit up. We have changed a bit up and that we will be utilizing that but there are a few little differences there for sure.

Q
Do you kind of feel with the way that you were treated in the Munguia fight that you kind of have to probably be a little bit more aggressive than you naturally are or do you feel that you will get a fair shake in terms of a decision over here?

D. Hogan
Well, I mean, after the Munguia fight in training we actually pumped up a lot so and you can see that I will be actually twice as fitter as I was for the Munguia fight and I have made all the changes to become a much more rounded fighter.

This is hurricane 3.0 right now. I have put so much work into it to even to get to this point right now, till we finish all the hard work and it being title week I’m actually proud of myself and I have never said that before. The amount of work that I have put into this through sweat and tears to become a better fighter, I’m already proud of myself. So going in there on Saturday night it’s going to be good for me.

But again, you know, with the Munguia fight I put it behind me. You know, I still get tagged and polished like all the time about how they reckon I had won. It’s a little bit heart breaking every now and again. I have to put that to rest in my mind.

But you know what, that has just made me train harder every time that happens so it’s brought something in me every time I get tied in those things and I channel that energy into my training. So on Saturday night you will see that difference in me. No doubt.

Q
After the Munguia fight did it kind of change your perception of like how you need to approach each fight knowing that an opportunity like this is always going to come?

D. Hogan
Yes. You know I certainly have. You know what I mean? Again I was fighting a fighter with a six-fight win streak and, you know, I was just so used to being in there and winning. But we have added a lot more ferocity and fearlessness to what I’m doing there. So you will see that and, you know, obviously that will help.

And also the way we train up and try to change for the best to become a lot more competitive up there and in terms of winning rounds and, you know, not just getting worked on. So we have certainly seen that come inside me also to help me be a better fighter and more aggressive in terms of hitting and not being hit. So you will see that on Saturday.

Q
Do you see this as like the pathway to even bigger opportunities and therefore reason to stay at middleweight?

D. Hogan:
I didn’t really think about it but to be honest right with the power I’m getting in my shorts I think that we are going to make a big statement here on Saturday night and that’s going to be my way. You know, that’s really how I’m feeling right now. You know, for me there is no plan B until that opportunity comes along.

So right now plan A is go out there Saturday night and put on a great fight, become the WBC Middleweight Champion of the world and go on from there. And again my goal is always to be unified world champion. So there are some big fights in that division and right now that’s all I’m focused on. But first and foremost I’m focused on Jermall Charlo only.

Q
Can you tell us about the response you are expecting on Saturday at Barclays Center when you make your ring walk trying to make, you know, your dream become a reality?

D. Hogan
I mean, if you look at what happened in Monterrey. It was a 16,000 stadium and you could hear at least 15,000 Mexicans there, you know, shouting and I got, you know, 30 to 50 Irish-Australian that were there was just so loud. You know, they were closer to the ring obviously but any time I landed a shot, you would know about it. And that was down in Mexico.

Right now there is friends that I had in play school that have been hitting me up on Twitter that they are all going and flying over. And wait you’ll see it. You will be able to hear the atmosphere on the TV and I can guarantee you it will sound like I’m the A side fighter on Saturday night. It’s something incredible but it truly is something magnificent and it makes me rise to the occasion every single time.

R. Flores
Well Dennis, we know that you have been – we appreciate you being so generous with your time as you get set for your world championship opportunity on Saturday Live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 9:00 Eastern, 6:00 Pacific from Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Dennis, if you have any final comments as you get set for your match up on Saturday evening against Jermall Charlo?

D. Hogan
Again, you know, I’m about to make a dream come true so I want to thank everybody involved, my team, all you guys, everybody that makes this possible I want to thank everybody. I’m very grateful and I’m going to put on a big performance for everybody and walk away with the world title. I want to thank SHOWTIME also Stephen Espinoza, PBC and Tom Brown, Charlo’s team and everybody. But you know what, I’m going to win the world title Saturday night.

R. Flores
Thank you very much to Dennis Hogan. We appreciate it. We look forward to seeing him as fight week progresses.

Now let’s meet his adversary, the champion who is trained by renowned trainer Ronnie Shields, 29 years of age was a world champion first at 154 pounds before coming up to the middleweight division. As you heard on the call here he is no stranger to Barclays Center and he actually won the Interim Middleweight Championship with the highlight real knock out over Hugo Centeno Jr. last year.

After being made the actual the full middleweight champion he defended his championship down in his hometown of Houston live on SHOWTIME against Brandon Adams where he looked tremendous.

This man, undefeated 29 by 29 victories, 21 of those coming by way of knock out. He loves the City of Houston. He represents it everywhere he goes and he is making Barclays Center a second home. Please welcome the World Champion Jermall Charlo. Jermall?

Jermall Charlo
I’m ready December 7. I’m going to deliver something explosive. Something that Dennis Hogan is going to remember for the rest of his life. I promise to give my fans a better Jermall Charlo, the best Jermall Charlo that there is. I have been working hard at my camp.

I want to thank my whole team. I want to thank SHOWTIME for doing this, Ronnie Shields and everyone in camp. Anybody who has been involved in Jermall Charlo from this point on, it means so much to me and for everyone that stayed on my side and hoed me down I want to give you all the biggest hug and the biggest thank you.

Q
In your eyes why does Dennis Hogan standout against any other contenders that may or may not have been on the table when looking at this upcoming title defense?

J. Charlo
Dennis Hogan, possesses a lot of skills and a lot of natural attributes that we can exploit and he makes a great opponent for me as far as he wants to fight me and he is a tough guy who wants to be in that fight. I think he makes for a great fight.

Q
Do you feel like you getting this title is being overshadowed because of the whole Canelo Alvarez franchise situation that you pretty much had no control of?

J. Charlo
No. Real fans and real boxing fans not the casual or just people who don’t know boxing, they understand and they know that I had nothing to do with it. The WBC calls its own shot and makes their own rules and they have been doing that for years.

I absolutely had nothing to do with Canelo moving up to the franchise but if you think about it – if they say hey, you won a lottery you are like, I forgot I played the lottery. You are not going to like not take the money, right? So think about it like it’s just a world title trophy to me. My legacy means more than me just having a belt.

Everyone in boxing they understand, so for anyone who don’t, they will understand later.

Q
Do you feel like you are now fully integrated as a middleweight fighter and your body is at the best it could possibly be fighting at this division?

Jermall Charlo
I’m one of the biggest middleweights out there. I’m the best middleweight out there and that’s why I’m the WBC Champ. I have things that these other middleweights haven’t been able to show in years. So yes, I’m getting acclimated to the weight.

Of course I have been making 160 pounds for quite some time now because when I was at 154 that wasn’t my natural weight. That’s why I moved up in weight. You only get older and stronger and grow and I have grown to the middleweight division. Me and my team have executed a great game plan to get down to the weight division and we are going to compete at the highest level.

Q
What are the specific challenges that Dennis Hogan presents to you?

J. Charlo
Every fighter trains to become the world champion so he is going to be there to fight me. He is going to give his all. I know he is going to be in shape so what does the world champion do? We learn how to keep them off and we learn how to fight to the best of our ability. Don’t worry. I’ll get in there and I will be the best Jermall Charlo and no one dare to beat Jermall Charlo.

Q
What do you think you need to do to further cement that legacy?

J. Charlo
As I grow you guys are going to be saying what a legacy I have and what it means to me. I’m young. I’m still learning. I’m still having fun. I’m enjoying my job and I’m continuing to win. So it’s obvious when I say legacy that I mean my whole career and to make a statement in my career is to get to the biggest fights and to capture the world titles that I’m presented with.

Q
We all know that you really want to get the stoppage but isn’t it a good thing to continue to build a full program just to build on that experience? Or would you rather just get in and get out?

J. Charlo
I don’t know. I guess that that’s a question for Dennis Hogan. Do you want to stand in there and try to fight with a Jermall Charlo or do you want to try to box and survive? I’m here to deliver the most explosive shots that I have. I’m going to be at my fastest. I’m going to be on my feet.

Me and my team have done a great job in camp to exploit the mistakes that Hogan makes. If you can take the shots then I’m here for 12 rounds and if you can’t, you know I’m one of the best finishers in boxing and I will get the job done and I will get him out of there.

Q
How would you say your relationship with the fans in New York is?

J. Charlo
I love Brooklyn. Brooklyn is almost my second home now. Lately I have been fighting here in some big fights in Brooklyn. I had some explosive knockout nights in Brooklyn. I have been 12 rounds in Brooklyn, it’s been a journey.

I’m from Houston so I’m bringing something to Brooklyn that I don’t think, they have seen in a while since the Mike Tyson days, something really explosive. TGB Promotions and SHOWTIME have done a great job of bringing some amazing fights to Brooklyn and I just happen to be a part of it. I like to call it Brooklyn, Texas.

Q
Do you feel that you get the recognition that you should deserve and do you even care at this point as long as you just keep getting the wins?

J. Charlo
Not really but I care about it because you care about it. I care about it because you are asking me about it. I’m one of the best fighters in the division. I’m the WBC champ. I’m 29 and 0 with 21 knockouts. I have had my share of greatness. I feel good about where I’m at. I’m avoided.

This is not something that’s overnight, so like throughout the term of my career I’m enjoying the fact that you can get your ups and your downs and I can’t knock everybody out. Some people have got great game plans.

You have seen in my last fight. Brandon Adams really didn’t want to sit there and trade shots with me. This fight is different. I have somebody that wants to sit there and trade shots with me and he is going to want to fight different. Every fight is different. Some of them at the top of the division are fighters and some of them are boxers. I have to be able to do what Jermall Charlo does best and that’s to make the best adjustment.

Q
Talk about how you keep your focus on looking at Dennis Hogan first as you have other bigger fights that are looming with your division?

J. Charlo
I don’t want you all to think that I’m overlooking Dennis Hogan. He has been on the calendar for a while now. I haven’t looked at any other fighter outside of Dennis Hogan. My job is to break Dennis Hogan down completely and take him out completely.

Like I said, when I’m the best Jermall Charlo, some of my best fights that you have seen, guess where they end in, knockouts. Dennis Hogan can talk the good game about wanting to be a world champion because that’s what you are supposed to do when you are hungry and you want to be the world champion.

You want to fight against the world champion but you have to make sure the mistakes that you make aren’t the same mistakes that you have been making.

He is not going to be a different fighter than he was in his last fight. He could be the A side, B side it doesn’t matter. I can fight on any side. It’s my ability that will not let him win and will not let me get touched in that ring and make sure that I do what I’m best at.

So don’t think I’m overlooking Dennis Hogan, I’m just looking for the best Jermall Charlo there is.

Q
How did it feel for you and your brother to promote your own show on October and just take ownership of like a real promotional company?

J. Charlo
Lions Only is going worldwide. Lions Only is everywhere. When you hear Lions Only you think of some ferocious boxers who stand up and they want it all. So to be underneath that banner, to put on our own show, it means a lot to see other fighters coming up from beneath us.

Me and my team have done a great job of letting the world know what Lions Only meant to us so we have a great following outside of us being the competitors.

Q
Something like this where you have ownership of a company, is that a key reason why you are able to stay put where you are, since this is an opportunity that other platforms can’t present to you?

J. Charlo
No. It’s not about our platform. It’s not about any of that. I’m the WBC champ. I’m supposed to be able to call some shots and make my moves the way I make my moves. I have got the best team behind me. My manager has done a great job up to this point. I’m loyal so I’m going to continue to keep my loyalty and I’m going to continue to win and I’m going to prosper.

Q
Do you kind of like having that next opportunity up close and personal, with Chris Eubank Jr. on this card, where you can kind of weigh your options or moving forward?

J. Charlo
Yes. I see him talking and saying everything that he was saying. It doesn’t matter. He wanted to talk himself into a fight with me or someone bigger because he is running out of time. Like he ran out of gas, he is going to run out of time and before you know it, I’m going to be right there in his face.

When I get in his face they don’t ever say any of that. They all talk over the Internet and they say these things but they know what’s really up. It’s Jermall Charlo. I’m not one of those fighters who’s going to do the bumping and grabbing and stuff like that. We are going to fight. So let him talk. I’m not from the U.K. I’m from Houston, Texas. You have got to do your research.

They can say whatever they want to say but when it’s time to fight I want to see them talk that same game. Everybody that’s been saying this and that about Jermall Charlo, they have got to live up to it.

R. Flores
All right. Jermall, we appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule as you are ready for fight week as you defend your championship on Saturday night against Dennis Hogan live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Jermall, if you have any final comments for the media that are on the call.

J. Charlo
Thank you all for tuning in. December 7 on SHOWTIME is going to be an explosive night. I promise to give Dennis Hogan something he will remember for the rest of his life and that’s it.

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ABOUT CHARLO VS. HOGAN
Charlo vs. Hogan will see WBC Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo defend his title against highly-ranked contender Dennis Hogan live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features features middleweight star Chris Eubank, Jr. and top contender Matt Korobov squaring off for the Interim WBA Middleweight Title plus former world champions clash when the Philippines’ Marlon Tapales and Japan’s Ryosuke Iwasa meet for the Interim IBF Super Bantamweight Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on-sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

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

The Special Episode of Que Momento Airs Friday, December 6 at 11:35 p.m. ET on Telemundo and the Telemundo Deportes App Ahead of the Historic Rematch Andy Ruiz vs. Anthony Joshua on Saturday in Saudi Arabia

Telemundo Deportes Goes All in for the Historic Rematch with Titulares y Más and Karim Mendiburu Reporting From Saudi Arabia to Provide Extensive Pre and Post-Fight Multimedia Coverage

Miami – December 3, 2019 – Telemundo Deportes presents Que Momento – Andy Ruiz Jr.: Corazón de Campeón (Heart of a Champion), the story behind the historic win of Andy Ruiz against Anthony Joshua this past June, making boxing history as the first Mexican heavyweight world champion. The show airs this Friday, December 6 at 11:35 p.m. ET on Telemundo and via the Telemundo Deportes app,  just a day before the historic rematch between these two fighters who meet again on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Universo will re-air the special on Saturday, following Premier League at 12 p.m. ET and will be available on Telemundo Deportes digital platforms ahead of the rematch. In addition, Telemundo Deportes’ Youtube will present additional short-form content of stories around Andy Ruiz not included in the show.

Que Momento – Andy Ruiz Jr.: Corazón de Campeón brings viewers back to June 1, 2019 when unknown and pudgy heavy weight boxer Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked the world by defeating world champion Anthony Joshua, making boxing history at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. A true underdog story, Ruiz was the third choice to fight Britain’s Joshua and came in as a replacement only a month prior to the fight.  Beating 30 -1 odds, Ruiz proved to all you can’t judge a book by its cover when he stripped away Joshua’s three titles by TKO on the 7th round becoming the Unified WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight champion of the world.

The show will be hosted by five-time Emmy winner Andres Cantor  and will feature exclusive interviews with Andy Ruiz Jr. and father, current trainers Manny Robles and the entire Ruiz Team, renowned trainer Freddie Roach, Mexican champions Canelo Alvarez, Abner Mares, Jessie Vargas, Oscar Valdez, and four-time heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield among others boxing experts. Viewers will get to know the champion’s uplifting story before the much-anticipated rematch.

Que Momento is a quarterly special program that takes an in-depth journalistic look at some of the greatest and most memorable moments in sports history. The show will return with new episodes in 2020.

Telemundo Deportes’ nightly show Titulares y Más and co-host Karim Mendiburu travel to Riyadh to present complete pre- and post-fight coverage and expert analysis of the much-anticipated sequel match. On Friday, Dec. 6, Karim Mendiburu will host a digital special of TYM+ covering the weigh-in, starting at 10 p.m. ET. Coverage will continue Saturday with post-fight analysis following the bout on Titutales y Mas at 11:30 p.m. ET. Throughout the week, Mendiburu will also create special reports for social media including live updates and all the color around the event and the fans.

Ahead of thehighly-anticipated rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua this Saturday December 7, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US, all fighters from the stacked card worked out in front a lively crowd in Riyadh this evening. In June, Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) spoiled the U.S. debut of then-undefeated Heavyweight kingpin Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs), leaving New York as the unified IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Heavyweight Champion. The upset is considered one of the largest upsets in Heavyweight boxing history, drawing comparisons to other historic heavyweight upsets such as Buster Douglas’ shocking victory over Mike Tyson and Hasim Rahman’s knockout win over Lennox Lewis.

Free to use images from today’s public workout are available to view and download HERE. Please credit Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing. If prompted enter the password: RuizJoshuaII2019

Watch the full Ruiz Jr vs. Joshua 2 + undercard public workout on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube page HERE

Andy Ruiz Jr interview:

On fans loving him in Saudi Arabia: “It’s not going to be first or my last timing fighting here. They will see a lot more of Andy Ruiz here in Saudi Arabia.”

On keeping the same hand speed: “No, I didn’t want show off too much on what we’re working on. I wanted to give a little mix there. We’ve been training really heard, working on different stuff, so the speed, the pressure, the angles, everything we’ve been working on, hopefully December 7 we will get that victory.”

On what he has does differently this time around: “The same thing, training, making some adjustments, but we got all the tools, all the same things, so we’re focused mentally and ready for December 7.”

On having a psychological advantage: “I could but I don’t want to underestimate any fighter because I respect every fighter that comes into the ring. We all risk our lives here to provide for our loved ones, so I’m just excited for Saturday to have a really good fight.”

On confidence getting another KO: “I’ll never predict a KO, but if it comes it comes, I’m just prepared to win and use all the tools I have and take advantage of being here.” 

On being proud of bringing the belts to Saudi Arabia: “I’m really proud. I’ve been working really hard my entire life to become the first Mexican Heavyweight Champion of the World. I came a long way, been through a lot of obstacles in my life. I just thank God, and I’m really excited to be here. Everybody please tune-in December 7 this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Get your app. Check out the channel on DAZN. Let’s do it baby, we’re going make history again!”

Anthony Joshua interview:

On his preparations: “It’s been about being confident, about knowing my capabilities. I’ve had a great training camp, I am well prepared, and ready to showcase my skills.”

On what change we will see Saturday night: “I’m forever changing, that’s what training camp is about, evolution, like night and day. I shed the skin from last time, re-built myself, and all I’m doing is going to win, that’s what I’m focused on.”

On looking to have more speed in this fight: “I’m quick anyway. I’m not looking for anything except the win, that’s the objective. It’s about speed, it’s not about nothing else, the objective is just to win, win, win.” 

On how much Andy Ruiz had been on his mind since the first fight: “He’s been on my mind five weeks prior to June 1 because that’s when he came in as my replacement, and he will be on my mind forever. If Andy Ruiz is dedicated to the game we will see each other a third time down the line as well. This won’t be the last time I see Andy Ruiz in the ring.”

On a third match with Andy Ruiz: “Yes because I think we make for good fights. I think there will definitely be a knockout, and people want to see bloodshed and a knockout. I think we will see each other a third time.” 

On getting the victory: “If God calls it that’s what’s going to happen. I feel it in my heart, and believe in myself, so yeah I’ll be victorious. Shout out to all of my sparring partners for preparing me. You are going to see fireworks on Saturday. This is an important fight and like I said, this fight isn’t going 12 rounds.”  

PHILADELPHIA (December 3, 2019) – Unified 154-pound champion and Philadelphia-native Julian “J-Rock” Williams and hard-hitting contender Jeison Rosario went face to face at a press conference Tuesday as they previewed their showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, January 18 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.

Williams will make a homecoming defense of his WBA and IBF titles after taking the belts from Jarrett Hurd in their May battle that is a frontrunner for 2019 Fight of the Year. It is Williams first fight in front of his hometown crowd since 2011, while the Dominican Republic’s Rosario brings an eight-bout winning streak into his first world title fight.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated rising star Chris “Prime Time” Colbert taking on former champion Jezreel Corrales for the Interim WBA Super Featherweight Title as the co-main event.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at http://www.liacourascenter.com/events (direct link HERE) or by calling 800-298-4200.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from Temple University’s Liacouras Center:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“It took a lot for us to get the title. We had some bumps in the road. But me and my team, we just kept battling and fighting through. We finally got our breakthrough fight and got the titles, and we wanted to bring the titles right back to Philadelphia. It’s amazing to have this opportunity to come back home and perform in front of my home crowd.

“Rosario is a really good fighter and I’m not just saying that. They’ve been matching him tough and he’s been coming through fights he wasn’t supposed to win. I’m expecting a really tough fight and for him to be in shape. He’s got 36 minutes to change his life forever. I was in his exact same position very recently. It would be extremely arrogant for me to think I can’t lose.

“I’ve been training hard like I always do. I’m in extremely great shape. On January 18, I’m going to win. I don’t know how, but I’m going to come out on top.

“I haven’t actually thought about fight night and what it will feel like. I can only imagine it will be amazing seeing the people who have watched me fight since I was a teenager. I’m pretty sure as it gets closer to the fight, I’ll start thinking about it and it will give me an extra push in camp.

“Our approach is not like the new age way. This is the microwave era, everything’s got be quick and glossy, but that’s not the way boxing is supposed to be. In this era there’s a lot of pressure to be undefeated and act a certain way. But we see boxing as just like life. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and we just take it all in stride.

“I watch a lot of boxing so I’ve seen this run that Rosario is on and I’ve seen his loss. He’s been on a good streak so I immediately knew this would be a good fight. I know he’s going to try to come and take my belts.

“I can see the look in his eye and it reminds me of the look I had in my eye earlier this year against Hurd. I know he’s got a game plan to beat me, so I have to be fully prepared.”

JEISON ROSARIO

“I’m excited to have this fight and thankful to Julian Williams for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime. He’s the best 154-pounder in the world but we’re coming January 18 to take the titles back home to the Dominican Republic.

“We’re working hard to put on a great fight and we want everyone who watches this fight to get their money’s worth. We’re going to scrap it out all the way through.

“Philadelphia is known for tough fighters and tough fights and we’re going to give them more of that on January 18. We’re not going to leave anyone disappointed who watches this fight.

“This fight means everything to me. Ever since a kid I’ve been fighting. All of those years combine to one night on January 18. We’re preparing very well to take advantage of the moment. This all started when I was eight-years-old and I can’t wait to get in the ring.

“The loss that I had made it so that I can stand here right now. It made me realize what I needed to do. I had the skills, but I had to learn the work ethic. I learned what I was supposed to do and how I was supposed to be training.

“My loss was really a blessing. If I had never lost, I would have never trained the way that I am now and I wouldn’t be the fighter that I am today. I’m just getting better and I’ll be at my absolute best on fight night.

“On January 18, it’s going to be like a ‘Rocky’ movie, we’re going to scrap it out from start to finish. I’m going to end up as the new Rocky in Philadelphia that night.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ Trainer

“We finally made it back home with the title after we had to go on the road to get it. A lot of people didn’t think we’d come back with it, but Julian took care of business. It was a big deal for us to get a chance to return back home and give our fans who have supported Julian a chance to see him live and in person.

“I think it’s going to be a really good fight. We’ve been watching Rosario for a while. They might think they’re sneaking up on us, but they’re not. He’s a really good fighter with some really good victories. We don’t believe in underdogs, because when two men get in the ring anyone can win.

“I’m really proud of what Julian did and I think he’s going to put on a great performance on January 18 and I expect Jeison to come to fight as well.

“I think Julian is the best 154-pounder in the world. So there aren’t any opponents I think Julian couldn’t handle. Rosario hit the lottery. Julian is better when he feels threatened, so I know that he’s going to train hard and do everything he needs to do.”

LUIS PEREZ, Rosario’s Trainer

“The people in Philadelphia have been very nice and we’re happy to be here. We worked very hard to get to this position and earn this opportunity. Most of all, we want to thank Julian for giving us the fight. We appreciate it and we have a lot of respect for him.

“We know we’re the underdog and we embrace it. Williams knows himself how to go to the champions’ hometown as the underdog and we’re planning to do the same.

“We’re training hard for a great fighter like Williams. We’re going to leave it all on the line. We won’t leave January 18 saying what we could have done better. We’re doing everything in our power to give the best performance.

“We think Julian is the best fighter in the division and we embrace the positon we’re in. It’s going to be a great fight for the city of Philadelphia because we always come to fight.”

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

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

MANCHESTER, Conn. (December 3, 2019) – If everything goes according to plans, 2020 will be a breakout year for unbeaten prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs), the World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion.

Williams, fighting out of East Hartford, CT, is arguably one of the most gifted 21-and-under fighters in the world, and he won’t turn 22 until April 6.

In 2019, he won two of three rights with a questionable draw in his last fight in October against Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-3, 6 KOs), in the “Broadway Boxing” main event held at Generoso Pope Athletic Complex on the campus of St. Francis College in Brooklyn.

The highlight of 2019 was capturing his title belt last May with a 10-round unanimous decision victory against Ricky Edwards (12-2) at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Overall, Williams was happy with 2019 performances, although he only fought three times as opposed to four the previous two years, and failed to register a knockout.

“I kept my belt (he retained it vs. Wiggins),” Williams spoke about 2019. “I probably would have fought four times again, if the dates were spread out a little more having my first fight in February and last in November. Quality is more important than the number of fights.

“I always look at knockouts as a bonus, if it comes, good. Not everybody goes down. I’m happy winning and looking good. I do know that my opponents felt my power and were stunned in all of my fights this year.”

Williams’ head trainer, Paul Cichon, believes his rising star is on schedule. “He’s only 21 and still has a lot to learn,” he explained. He’s right on schedule. The more experience, obviously, the better he gets. His last fight opened some eyes. He’s normally a slow starter, but now he knows that he has to start quicker. The number of fights he has is , in part, determined by who he fight and how far it goes. It could be a 10-rounder, or he could stop his opponent in three, four rounds. His last was 10 a tough, good fight.”

Williams and Cichon are looking forward to making a splash in 2020. “This coming year is going to be big for me,” Williams commented. “I’m going to be stepping up against opponents in terms of quality. I’d like to get more television exposure, too. But I’m happy with the way my career is going with 16 fights in four years.

“A lot of people forget I’m 21; they think I’m 22-23. I have no regret turning pro (rather than staying in the amateurs to try and make the USA Olympic Boxing Team) because I’ve been around for four years. Everything is going on schedule with 16 fights in three-plus years. I’d like at least three fights in 2020, one against a rated fighter, and a fight for another title by my last fight of 2020.”

Williams manager, Jackie Kallen, wouldn’t be happier with the way Williams has progressed this year and she’s looking forward to more in 2020.

“Everything is going right on schedule,” she remarked. “Mykquan has a solid team behind him and this coming year should be a stellar one. He has grown with each fight and has learned something new from each opponent. This has prepared for him for whatever lies ahead in 2020. He remains involved in his community and finds ways to give back whenever possible. He is a positive role model and a well-rounded fighter. I could not be prouder.”

Pioneer of Saudi Arabian boxing Zuhayr Al Qahtani has his eyes set on becoming the country’s first title holder on Saturday night when he faces off against fellow unbeaten Lightweight Omar Dusary for the WBC Middle East Title on the undercard of the colossal rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua.

Already recognised as Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer, ‘The Arabian Warrior’ can also become the Kingdom’s first professional boxing champion with a win in front of his compatriots this weekend. 

Al Qahtani, now 30, had an unconventional route into the realms of professional boxing, first taking the sport up as a means of self defence, during a difficult period for him when he was studying in London.

Since making his professional boxing debut in April 2017, the southpaw has won seven on the bounce, the highlight coming in September of 2018 when he secured a points victory on the undercard of the World Boxing Super Series Final in his homeland, a bill topped by George Groves vs. Callum Smith. 

On Saturday, he features once again on the world stage, admitting it is a dream come true to be a part of an event of this magnitude.

“I can’t really express how I feel, I just want to get in the ring, get that win and when I have the belt in my hand I will tell you how I feel” said Al Qahtani. “I actually met Anthony Joshua after his fifth fight and told him he would one day become a World Champion and that I would fight on his undercard, so this is a dream come true.

“I want to win this title for Saudi Arabia and become the first champion in the country’s history, for me to get this title will be a starting point. I don’t take any fight lightly, I want to win this fight and then move on to the next one. Everything has gone to plan and I can’t wait to get in there, I want to fight today! My sparring partners have been amazing so anything he can bring will be nothing to worry about.”

Al Qahtani vs. Dusary is part of a huge night of boxing in Saudi Arabia. 

Main event sees Andy Ruiz Jr (33-1, 22 KOs) and Anthony Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) rematch in a colossal battle for the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles, Brixton Heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte (26-1, 18 KOs) takes on Poland’s former World Title challenger Mariusz Wach (35-5, 19 KOs), Tom Little (10-7, 3 KOs) will be targeting a huge Heavyweight upset as he takes on former Amateur Word Champion Mahammadrasul Majidov (1-0, 1 KO), and the talented young duo of Leeds Super-Bantamweight Hopey Price (1-0) and Los Angeles Super-Middleweight Diego Pacheco (7-0, 6 KOs) will also be eager to impress at Diriyah Arena and UAE Lightweight Majid Al Naqbi (3-0, 1 KO) aims to improve his perfect record.

The Clash On The Dunes presented by PIF forms part of the Diriyah Season, an epic month of sports which kicked off with Formula E at the weekend, the Diriyah Tennis Cup featuring eight of the best men’s players on the planet, and the Diriyah Equestrian Festival, an elite competition with Tokyo Olympics 2020 qualifying points on the line.

Tickets for all of the Diriyah Season’s spectacular events, concerts and entertainment will be available at www.diriyahseason.sa. Follow Diriyah Season’s news and announcements on the official social media pages on twitter and Instagram @diriyahseason.

Filip Hrgovi? (9-0, 7 KOs) has arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of his WBC International Heavyweight Title clash with Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) on Saturday night at the Diriyah Arena on the undercard of the huge rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua for the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO World Titles.

The Croatian star says he is excited to showcase his skills on the biggest stage as he looks to claim his tenth professional win and continue his World Title push with victory over two-time World Title challenger Molina.

“It feels great to be here in Saudi Arabia,” said Hrgovi?, who took part in a public workout today with his coach Pedro Diaz. “I’m looking forward to fighting on such a big event. The whole world will be watching so this is a big opportunity for me to show everybody what I can do, and prove I’m ready to fight the best!

“I’ve had a great training camp. I spent four weeks in Zagreb with my conditioning coach Igor Cordas and boxing coach Yousef Hasan followed by eight weeks in Miami with Pedro Diaz. We trained like never before.

“To be a World Champion you have to be willing to fight all over the world. It is part of the job, and as I always say a ring is a ring no matter where it is. I’ve boxed all over the world as an amateur and I’m excited to fight in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m very satisfied with how my career is going. To have my tenth fight on such a big event is like a dream and I would like to thank my promoter Team Sauerland, Matchroom Boxing and my manager Zeljko Karajica for doing a great job.

“I have always said I want to fight the best in the division and me and my team will not avoid anyone. We offered Chisora to fight me when Joseph Parker cancelled their fight and they refused so I would like to fight him next.”

Hrgovic-Molina features on the undercard of the unified World Heavyweight Championship fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua which tops a stacked event at the Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia. Also on the card are heavyweight clashes between Alexander Povetkin and Michael Hunter, Dillian Whyte against Mariusz Wach, Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little and more. All the action will be available to watch on DAZN in the US and other territories, RTL in Croatia and Sky Sports in the UK.

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO (Dec. 3, 2019): Fresh off his gold medal win at the 2019 Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru, standout Puerto Rican prospect Oscar “The Pupil” Collazo has decided to set aside his Olympic aspirations and begin his professional career by signing with Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment in association with Golden Boy. Collazo, who was one of six athletes to bring a gold medal to Puerto Rico from Lima, Peru and the only one to have done so in the sport of boxing, will make his professional debut on Feb. 15 during the first Miguel Cotto Promotions card of 2020.

“I’m a little anxious for my debut. I have great plans,” said Collazo, who had over 140 fights as an amateur. “I want to be the face of boxing in Puerto Rico, and I have the tools to do that. By signing with Miguel Cotto Promotions, I have come to the right places to accomplish those plans.”

“We had many offers on the table, but the best offer was definitely from Miguel Cotto Promotions. Aside from the fact that Miguel had a great career as a boxer, I think we have joined a promoter that can help develop us. It’s enough to see how many world champions they’ve had in [Angel] “Tito” Acosta and [Alberto] Machado, along with many various regional champions. They have a great squadron of prospects. Being with a promoter like that really motivates me.”

Indeed, having someone like ‘Tito’ Acosta is one of the aspects that intrigues Collazo, as he is a fighter who has campaigned on world level in the division that he aspires to reign over in the future. “Acosta would be a great training and sparring partner. He has already been on big stages in professional boxing, and now I have someone I can learn and gain experience from,” opined the 22-year-old native of Villalba.

“We have always been a faithful believer that as an amateur boxer you must have a complete experience because it gives you the tools to be successful at a professional level. Oscar Collazo is a natural talent and has what it takes to be a world champion in the near future,” said Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions.

“Oscar Collazo has great talent, and we are very content and enthused that he has put his trust in us to work together. Oscar Collazo will be a world champion,” said Héctor Soto, Vice President and promoter of Miguel Cotto Promotions y H2 Entertainment.

“Golden Boy has crowned several Puerto Rican world champions in the past few years because of our great partnership with Miguel Cotto Promotions,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “And now with this new signing, I’m sure that we’ll be developing several more in the near future. Oscar Collazo is a standout talent at mini flyweight, a division where we have hosted many exciting fights in recent months. We look forward jointly promoting this young boxer with our friends at Miguel Cotto Promotions.”

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

Undefeated welterweight Jacob Bonas will continue his determined return to boxing this Saturday 7, December, just three weeks after his previous fight.

Fighting in a four-round supporting bout of Second 2 None Promotions’ event at the Performance Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Bonas (5-0-1, 2 KOs) will face Palmdale, California’s Hector Torres.

26-year-old Bonas scored a four-round shutout decision over Missouri’s Noah Kidd on November 22 but says he’s ready to go again.

“Three weeks is a very short time to recover from a fight, but the support I get from my Romanian community gives me all the energy I need,” said Bonas, one of the last of the young fighters formerly trained by the late, great Emanuel Steward. “When I came back, I told my promoter Dmitriy I wanted to stay busy and that’s what we are doing. I’m sharper than ever and looking forward to a very big 2020.”

“Jacob is looking to end the year strong and take a shot at a top prospect next year,” said Salita. “And when it happens, my goal will be to bring the fight to Detroit. Jacob’s popularity in this area will generate the fan interest that helps lead the city back to more glory days of boxing.”

NEW YORK, NY (December 3, 2019) – In Demand, the leading transactional video-on-demand and pay-per-view (PPV) programming distributor owned by Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications, announced that it has finalized a deal with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) for a programming output deal that guarantees In Demand a long-term slate of PPV boxing events over the next several years, it was announced by Mark Boccardi, In Demand’s SVP, Programming & Marketing. “PBC has the best fighters and most anticipated bouts in the boxing world today,” said In Demand’s Boccardi. “We’ve been distributing PBC’s exciting matches on pay-per-view for some time, but we’ve now cemented our alliance for the next several years. It’s gratifying that Premier Boxing Champions recognizes the benefits of commiting to a long-term partnership, and reaping the rewards that In Demand offers our PPV content providers: revenue, distribution, and marketing support.” “We’re very excited about this new arrangement with In Demand,” said Tim Smith, VP of Communications for Haymon Boxing and a representative for PBC. “It means that Premier Boxing Champions will continue to be able to deliver the best, most compelling matches in boxing on pay-per-view for the next several years.”About In DemandIn Demand is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.-Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. In Demand is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. In Demand delivers great content to more than 60 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 200 companies. For more information, go to indemand.com. About The Premier Boxing Champions SeriesPremier Boxing Champions is a live boxing television series that features the greatest array of boxing talent in all weight divisions, with fighters representing over 10 countries including the United States and Mexico. From former Olympians to Champions of all nationalities, the series can be seen on various networks in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and many other countries. For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com

ECCENTRIC JAPANESE HEAVYWEIGHT Kyotaro Fujimoto has left the jokes behind as he gets serious ahead of his December 21st battle with Daniel Dubois.

After igniting a war of words with the Greenwich bruiser following a bizarre Tokyo press conference, Fujimoto has promised that he is getting himself in “top physical condition” for the Heavyweight scrap.The 21-1 contender got himself some serious attention after the press event in his native Japan as he compared Daniel to a “bear” and unveiled a man in a panda suit as his “sparring partner”.

But once ‘Dynamite’ snapped back by threatening a “show-stopping performance” and warning Fujimoto should “be careful” it appears the Japanese fighter knuckled down to the task at hand.

Asked how his preparations had been going, Fujimoto revealed he had upped sticks to America and added: “Since coming to the US for training camp I’ve been getting in top shape both mentally and physically.”

“This fight is very important for me. I’ve come a long way to get here and I believe it is going to be a very tough fight.”

Fujimoto, the #13 ranked Heavyweight with the WBA, admitted watching videos of Dubois’ fights in the lead up to the Copper Box showdown but said he hadn’t been doing anything particularly special in training.

“Not really no” he said, “mainly just sparring with big guys like Dubois”.

At 6’5” and weighing over 17st at the last count, Daniel will be one of the bigger men Fujimoto has ever faced.

The smaller man did suggest however that he was looking at ways of making his experience pay dividends once the two square off.

“He’s a very young fighter, so he fights energetically. I’m working on how to overcome that.” he said cryptically.

That energy has led Daniel to be considered by many to be the most exciting young prospect in the sport and helped him accumulate a record of 13-0 with 12 KO’s – a staggering 92% knockout ratio.

Besting ‘Dynamite’ is no easy feat, but one thing that Fujimoto is keen to do is put on an impressive display for the UK fans and make his home support proud.

“In a country like England, where boxing is very popular, I want to make a good impression.”

He continued: “I’m going in there to fight and make everyone in Japan proud. I promise to put on a good fight and win.”

With the serious business having begun, fans across the world have less than 3 weeks to wait to find out whether Fujimoto is the man to stop the feared Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois.

——–

 ALSO ON THE SHOW

Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.
Sunny Edwards (13-0) fights for the vacant British super flyweight title against former amateur teammate Marcel Braithwaite (9-1), with Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) making his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and will be available via Ticketmaster shortly

Ticket prices:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier  

Philadelphia, PA (December 2, 2019)– THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, King’s Promotions will put on a loaded eight-bout card that will feature a plethora of world-ranked and undefeated combatants. 

In the main event, IBF-Number 14 and WBA Number-15th ranked welterweight contender Mykal Fox (21-1, 5 KO’s) of Forestville, MD.  takes on Johnny Arellano (10-1, 9 KOs) of Conroe, TX in a eight-round contest.
The co-feature will pit undefeated super middleweight, Kalvin Henderson (12-0, 8 KOs) of Fayetville, AR against Genc Pllana (7-1, 4 KOs) of Hagerstown, MD, in a eight-round bout.

Also in an eight-round contest, WBA Number-10 ranked super bantamweight, Marcus Bates (10-1-1, 8 KOs) of Washington, DC fighting Francisco Pedroza (13-9-2, 7 KOs) of Tijuana Mexico.

In six-round bouts:
Shinard Bunch (4-1, 4 KOs) of Trenton, NJ fights Vicente Morales (3-4-2, 3 KOs) of Matamoros, MX in welterweight contest.

Shamar Fulton (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Tyrome Jones (4-6-1, 1 KO) of South Bend, IN in a lightweight bout.

Devar Ferhadi (7-0, 6 KOs) of Frederick , MD takes on Vincent Baccus (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Okmulgee, OK in a super middleweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Martino Jules (7-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights Eric Manriquez (7-9-1, 3 KOs) of Houston in a featherweight bout.

In four-round bouts:
Izim Izbaki (3-0, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia gets it on with Larry Knight (4-22-1, 1 KO) of Birmingham, Georgia in a Heavyweight bout.

Tickets are $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.2300arena.com

THE WEIGH-IN WILL BE THURSDAY AT THE LA QUINTA SUITES (53 Industrial Highway, Essington, Pa.) at 5 PM ET
TO FOLLOW KING’S PROMOTIONS, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING ICONS:

PREPARATIONS HAVE BEGUN in earnest for Liam Williams’ December 21st eliminator against 6’5” Alantez Fox as pictures emerged of him sparring with Light Heavyweight Shakan Pitters.

Explaining the decision to seek out the 6’6” Brummie, Williams said: “He’s two weights above me, a good two stone heavier than me and he’s taller than my opponent.”He added: “You’ve got to train for worse than what you’re going to get, it makes it easier on fight night.”

Asked how he found sparring someone so much bigger, he confidently declared himself “comfortable with it”.

“It can be difficult,” he admitted, “you can think you’re out of range and then get pinged with silly shots but for my first spar with a guy that size? It went very well!”

The bout with the WBOs #1 ranked Middleweight Fox was only announced yesterday and already the war of words between the two world class fighters has begun.

When questioned as to why he had referred to Fox as a ‘rat’ on social media, the Welsh banger quipped: “he’s just a skinny little rat, isn’t he?”

“When I say things I mean business. I’m willing to back it up. He’s just one of those who chats sh*t to build buzz for a fight. When I say I’m going to smash him up I really mean it.”

Liam, 21-2-1 with 16 KO’s, is on a five fight finishing spree and is convinced that he can add another knockout to his record come December 21st.

“All he has is height and reach. It’ll be a difficult fight but as long as I come fully prepared, and stick to my game plan, I believe I’ll walk away with an easy victory.”

And his prediction for how it’ll end?

“I always enter the ring with bad intentions. I want to stop him inside the distance.”

With a #1 ranking with the WBO up for grabs it’s difficult not to ask ‘The Machine’ his thoughts about a potential 2020 battle with World Champion Demetrius Andrade.

Williams is a fan of the champs skill in the ring, saying: “He’s very good – He’s an awkward, tall southpaw.”

Never failing to get a dig in on his next opponent, though, he’s quick to point out that he believes Andrade “brings a lot more to the table than Fox” and is a “two weight world champion for a reason.”

But Williams also sees holes in Andrade’s game that he believes will give him a chance when they finally meet: “He usually looks good for the first couple of rounds, but then he goes to sleep for a bit.”

“At times it’s like watching paint dry” he added. “It’s boring!”

Before he can tackle the “boring” Demetrius Andrade and reach his goal of being World Champion, however, he must first tackle the tall order that is Alantez Fox.

And with tough sparring in the shape of 6’6” Light Heavyweights like Shakan Pitters on-hand, Williams and his team are confident he won’t fall short come December 21st.

——–

 ALSO ON THE SHOW

Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.
Sunny Edwards (13-0) fights for the vacant British super flyweight title against former amateur teammate Marcel Braithwaite (9-1), with Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) making his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and will be available via Ticketmaster shortly

Ticket prices:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier  

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (December 2, 2019) — New England’s most powerful puncher and one of the area’s most popular pro boxers, undefeated RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (15-0, 12 KOs), returns to the ring Friday, December 13 on “New England Explosion”, presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“New England Explosion,” sponsored by MGM Springfield, will air live for the first time on New England Sports Network (NESN), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, NESN is available nationally on a sports subscription basis.

Rivera will be fighting near his Hartford, Connecticut home (25-minute drive) for the first time in 1 ½ years. The charismatic Rivera, whose “Popeye” persona has endeared him to fans everywhere, has already fought six times in 2019, expanding his growing fans base in Mexico, Florida, and New York (two fights in each), plus North Carolina.

“I’m thrilled to be fighting in my backyard again,” Rivera said. “To get the job done I take each fight like it’s my hardest. I feel like this will be an exciting victory for me.”
“I believe that I’ll be just as busy in 2020 as I’ve been this year. I want to keep fighting a lot for fans to think of me as one of the most active fighters in the game.”

Rivera will take on cruiserweight “MIGHTY” JOE JONES (11-1, 8 KOs), fighting out of Leesburg, Virginia, in the 8-round, co-featured event. Rivera was able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal, because he’s fighting as a full-fledged cruiserweight (200 lbs.), rather than in his natural 175-pound light heavyweight division, or the 185-pound catchweight he’s fought at so many times.

“I’m going up in weight,” he noted, “so I didn’t have to hold back on turkey. I figure that the light heavyweight division is slowly picking up, but that the cruiserweight division is on a dying cycle. I’m going to make a name at cruiserweight before dropping down to my regular weight (light heavyweight) and I can out-punch any light heavyweight. I’ll continue to train hard and eat well, as always, but still bring my power to cruiserweight.

“This is a huge fight for Richie,” his head trainer TONY BLANCO commented. “Fighting a good, quality opponent who is a natural cruiserweight will be his toughest test to date. Jones is a solid pro, young (24), and he packs a good punch. An impressive victory for Richie will open doors for him to make a big splash in 2020. We’re right there at the door.

“I think Richie will be able to climb the ladder (ratings) faster as a cruiserweight than light heavyweight. He’s going to bring excitement to the cruiserweight division and make his mark there before easily going back to light heavyweight.”

“Richie Rivera is an exciting prospect and I look forward to his fight on December 13that the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. The fans are in for an exciting fight in the ring, and his ‘Popeye’ persona is also entertaining”, stated JOE DEGUARDIA, President of Star Boxing.

The Rivera vs. Jones bout will be co-promoted by Hartford Boxing Promotions, which is owned and operated by Rivera, Blanco and MICHAEL TRAN.

Blanco and Rivera agree that “Popeye” has gained invaluable experience sparring the past year with his stablemate and one of the many stars of Star Boxing, union worker and former WBC International light heavyweight champion JOE SMITH, JR. (Mastic Beach, Long Island, 24-3, 20 KOs), who is training for his January 11thshowdown in Atlantic City versus JESSE HART(26-2, 21 KOs) on ESPN.

“I love working with Joe,” Rivera added. “He has tremendous power. Joe’s a light heavyweight who definitely has pop. If I can take Joe’s punches, I can’t think of a better way for me to get ready to fight a good cruiserweight. Every time I spar with Joe – right now, about once a week – it’s a learning experience for me.”

Rivera is part of a Nutmeg State triple-header in Springfield. East Hartford super lightweight “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (12-0, 4 KOs) returns home in an 8-round tilt against ANGEL “AZTEC WARRIOR” HERNANDEZ (17-14-2, 11 KOs), while Danbury super lightweight OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY (9-1, 3 KOs) steps up to take on Dublin, Ireland’s undefeated “SLICK” VICTOR RABEI (8-0, 2 KOs) in what will be Bordoy’s first scheduled eight-round bout.

Tickets prices start at $40.00 (excludes facility fees and convenience charges) and can be purchased now, HERE or at the MassMutual Center Box Office. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7:30 p.m. ET and the NESN broadcast commences at 9 p.m. ET.

Follow on @Starboxing for more information and join the conversation by using #NewEnglandExplosion.

WORCESTER, Mass. (December 2, 2019) – Undefeated World Boxing Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) is on a mission to become the first Worcester-native to become world champion.

The second-largest city in New England, Worcester is located in Central Massachusetts, and it has a rich boxing history dating back nearly a century: two-division world champion Lou Brouillard, a Canadian import and International Boxing Hall of Famer, 1928 Olympic bronze medalist Leo Sawicki and, more recently, three-time, two- division world champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera, plus Worcester-born fighters Sean “The Irish” Express” Fitzgerald, four-time national amateur champion Bobby Harris and Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez, a two-time national champion.

Orttiz started boxing when he was only six years old at the Worcester Boys and Girls Club, under the expert guidance of National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame trainer Carlos Garcia, who has directed the boxing program there for nearly 40 years.

Garcia is on record saying the best boxer he’s ever worked with, including Rivera, is the naturally gifted Ortiz, who had an outstanding 100-14 amateur record, highlighted by a silver medal at the 2015 National Golden Gloves Tournament, losing to Teofimo Lopez (14-0,11 KOs) in the championship final. Ortiz turned pro after he lost to Gary Russell in the semifinals of the 2016 Olympic Trials. Lopez, incidentally, challenges International Boxing Federation (IBF) World lightweight champion Richard Commey on December 14 at Madison Square Garden.

“I was a big fan of Jose, Bobby and Edwin,” the 23-year-old Ortiz said. “I just want to prove it (best in Worcester) by becoming world champion soon, to be called (the best) that, not only by people close to me, but by people around the world.
“Right now, I believe I’m the best, not only in Worcester, but one of the top fighters in the New England area, no doubt about it.

Rivera and Fitzgerald are two of his most ardent supporters.

“Jamaine Ortiz is a future world champion,” Rivera predicted. “Boxers come up through different paths; some rely on pure talent, others through hard work and a lot of heart. Some may be more defensive, others are all offense, or those relying on their conditioning to get them to the top. Jamaine is the total package! At only 23, he is still learning and growing. When you combine his hunger, determination, hard work, talent, brains and heart, you have the recipe for a special champion.”

“The sky is the limit for Jamaine,” Fitzgerald added. “He has great ring awareness with fast hands. The best thing about Jamaine is that he is a great kid, well respected, and he doesn’t run the streets. It’s tough to win a world title, but I believe he has the best chance of doing it. I’m looking forward to seeing him reach the top of the mountain.”

Today, Worcester hosts a minor league hockey and indoor football teams. The city is changing rapidly and in 2021, it will be the new home of the Boston Red Sox’ AAA organization at Polar Park, which is being constructed now for an estimate construction cost of $100-million.

The Worcester dream for Jamaine’s promoter, Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports), co-advisers Richard Shappy and Eddie Imondi, and all of Worcester is for Jamaine Ortiz to capture or defend his world title right there at home in Polar Park.

Hanover, MD (December 2, 2019) — Jeter Promotions is proud to announce the signing of super featherweight Blaze Fidler Hernandez.

Hernandez of Arnold, Maryland has a professional record of 0-0-1, as he turned professional with a draw with Antonio Dunton-El Jr. on October 18th at the Live Casino and Hotel in Hanover, Maryland. The event was Jeter Promotions 4th card at the Live Casino and Hotel in Hanover, Maryland.

Hernandez had an amateur record of 20-8 and he was a 2016 Novice Golden Gloves champion of D.C., Maryland and Delaware. The very next year, Hernandez fought through a broken foot and still placed 2nd in the tournament.

In 2018, Hernandez competed in the United States Eastern Regional Tournament in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hernandez made it to the quarterfinals. Along the way he defeated a two-time Texas Golden Gloves champion, and a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion. Hernandez eventually lost to Bruce Carrington in a close bout that many thought Hernandez won.

Hernandez spent 8 1/2 years in the United States Navy as he was deployed twice. He is a graduate of UMUC with a degree in Cyber Security Polices & Management.

“It is huge to have signed with Jeter Promotions. I have known Tony Jeter since I was an amateur , and it means a lot knowing that I will get the right fights. It is a benefit for us to build me the right way, and I see a lot of positives in being signed to Jeter Promotions,” said Hernandez. “I see myself fighting five or six times a year.”

Hernandez wanted to box since he as young, but as a child, Hernandez was told by Doctors that his bone structure was not strong enough for contact sports.

Hernandez wrestled for 10 years and then joined the Navy at 17. Before that Hernandez learned Jiu-Jitsu at age 16, but his heart was still in boxing.

Hernandez worked odd jobs to pay for his time at the boxing gym.

While in the Navy, Hernandez won a grappling tournament where he defeated 12 other opponents in the same day of a service tournament. He is the 1st member of the Navy to win that tournament on two occasions.

The 26 year-old Hernandez was deployed twice, once in the Middle East and once in Asia.

At the age of 18, while living in Washington State, Hernandez met former professional Bret Summers. Summers became his 1st trainer.

Up until recently, Hernandez trained at the Hillcrest Gym in Maryland, where he trained next to former unified Junior Middleweight World champion Jarrett Hurd,

Hernandez, who considers himself as an aggressive counter-puncher, will be back in action on February 28th.

LAS VEGAS – For the first time ever, UFC^® heads to PNC Arena in Raleigh, N.C. with a pivotal bout in the heavyweight division as No. 3 ranked contender Curtis Blaydes looks to secure the most important victory of his career when he takes on former UFC heavyweight champion and No. 4 ranked Junior Dos Santos.Also on the card, former UFC lightweight champion and featherweight title challenger Frankie Edgar drops down for his first fight at bantamweight when he takes on top up-and-coming contender, No. 3 ranked Cory Sandhagen.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: BLAYDES vs. DOS SANTOS will stream live from PNC Arena with all fights carried exclusively on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. The main card begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, with the prelims kicking off at 5 p.m. ET.  Doors open at 4 p.m. ET.

The record-holder for most takedowns in UFC heavyweight history, Blaydes (12-2, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) returns to action following a dominant victory over fellow top-ranked contender Shamil Abdurakhimov in September. Still one of the youngest heavyweights on the roster, Blaydes already holds a number of impressive victories over legendary names such as Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt. He now looks to secure the first title shot of his career by taking out his first former champion. 

Former champion and perennial fan favorite Dos Santos (21-6, fighting out of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) looks to get back into the title conversation with another signature knockout victory. The record-holder for the most knockdowns in UFC heavyweight history, Dos Santos has wins over some of the biggest names in the sport, including former UFC champions Fabricio Werdum, Cain Velasquez and Frank Mir, as well as current champion Stipe Miocic. He now aims to secure his 16^th victory in the Octagon and stake his claim as the next title contender.

Undefeated in the UFC, Sandhagen (12-1, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.) goes for the most significant win of his young career. A professional mixed martial artist for less than five years, Sandhagen has already proven himself with wins over Raphael Assuncao, John Lineker and Iuri Alcantara. With his biggest challenge yet in front of him in former champion Edgar, Sandhagen looks to rise to the occasion and secure the next shot at the bantamweight title.

Always looking for a new challenge, Edgar (22-7, fighting out of Toms River, N.J.) wastes no time by jumping straight into the deep end of his new division. One of the biggest fan favorites on the roster, Edgar holds some of the most iconic wins in UFC history, including those over B.J. Penn, Gray Maynard and Urijah Faber. With a win over Sandhagen, Edgar looks to become the first athlete in UFC history to challenge for a title in three different weight classes.

Announced bouts on the card include:

• Top featherweight contenders look to extend their win streaks and climb into the title conversation when No. 10 ranked Josh Emmett (15-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) meets No. 14 Arnold Allen (15-1, fighting out of Trimley St. Martin, Suffolk, England)
• Former Olympic silver medalist and No. 9 ranked women’s bantamweight contender Sara McMann (11-5, fighting out of Gaffney, S.C.) returns to the Octagon after almost two years off to take on No. 11 ranked Lina Lansberg (10-4, fighting out of Malmo, Sweden)
• Dana White’s Contender Seriesveterans meet in a battle of ranked flyweights as No. 10 Jordan Espinosa (14-6, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) and No. 11 Alex Perez (22-5, fighting out of Lemoore, Calif.) look to break into the top of the division.
• Hannah Cifers (10-3, fighting out of Durham, N.C.) aims to make her home state fans proud by snapping the win streak of former Invicta FC strawweight champion, Brianna Van Buren (9-2, fighting out of Gilroy, Calif.)
• Debuting featherweights look to impress as Dana White’s Contender Series signee Herbert Burns (9-2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by way of Lantana, Fla.) takes on Nate Landwehr (13-2, fighting out of Clarksville, Tenn.)
• Brett Johns (15-2, fighting out of Swansea, Wales) intends to bounce back into the win column against debuting Dana White’s Contender Series signee Tony Gravely (19-5, fighting out of Radford, Va.)
• Montel Jackson (9-1, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) and Felipe Colares (9-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) meet in a clash of bantamweight prospects
• Dana White’s Contender Series signee Jamahal Hill (6-0, fighting out of Kentwood, Mich.) looks to remain undefeated when he battles hard-hitting Darko Stosic (13-3, fighting out of Belgrade, Serbia)
• Bevon Lewis (7-2, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) and Alen Amedovski (8-2, fighting out of Rome, Italy) look to snap their losing streaks in a critical middleweight bout
• Women’s flyweight action seesJustine Kish (6-2, fighting out of Cramerton, N.C.) defend her home state against Lucie Pudilova (8-5, fighting out of Pribram, Czech Republic)

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Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+^®: BLAYDES vs. DOS SANTOS go on sale Friday, December 6 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase at ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club^® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, December 4 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, December 5 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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Andy Ruiz Jr has warned Anthony Joshua that he could beat him “even faster” than he did when he ripped the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO belts from ‘AJ’ on a memorable night at Madison Square Garden in New York back in June. 

The pair collide for a second time at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on Saturday December 7 in one of the most highly-anticipated Heavyweight rematches in decades, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US. 

‘The Destroyer’ believes Joshua will aim to regain his crowns by adopting a cautious in-ring strategy following their explosive first meeting that saw Ruiz knock down Joshua four times on route to a monumental seventh round stoppage win.

“I’m expecting that,” said Ruiz Jr. “But if he wants to bang, it’s better for me. I love to bang because that’s the fighter that I am. December 7 we have to pressure, work the body, break him down. Especially his mentality.

“We’ve got to see where he’s at because all the pressure is on him. The pressure isn’t on me because I followed my dream, made my dreams come true. Of course I want more though – I want the legacy of Andy Ruiz Jr.”

Ruiz Jr had previously explained that his sparring partners were being “slick” in anticipation of Joshua trying to be elusive.

“People haven’t seen me cut off the ring,” Ruiz Jr warned. “I actually break them down even faster when they try to box me around. We all have a plan until we get hit, like Mike Tyson would say. I’m pretty sure he will want to box me around.

“One punch can change the fight. That’s what happened on June 1. It might be a little harder than the first time. I’ve got to show my skills, my talent.”

Ruiz Jr’s only defeat in 34 fights came via majority decision to Joseph Parker in 2016, a verdict he still disputes. He insists that his style will always be a problem for Joshua.

“Especially me staying small. I don’t think he likes fighting against that style. I don’t think he’s ever fought a short guy that pressures, and is pretty slick. I felt like I was boxing him around even though I was the shorter guy. I was counter-punching him. When he would throw, I would throw back with more punches.

“He saw something that he’s never seen before. People said before, who would you rather fight: Joshua, Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury? I always said Joshua because of his style. Styles make fights. His style was perfect for me to become the unified Heavyweight Champion.”

Ruiz vs. Joshua 2 tops a huge night of boxing in Saudi Arabia. 

Russian powerhouse Alexander Povetkin (35-2, 24 KOs) returns from his August triumph over Hughie Fury to take on USA’s fast-rising Heavyweight talent Michael Hunter (18-1, 12 KOs) in an Eliminator for the WBA World Title, Brixton Heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte (26-1, 18 KOs) takes on Poland’s former World Title challenger Mariusz Wach (35-5, 19 KOs), undefeated Croatian Heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (9-0, 7 KOs) steps up to face former World Title challenger Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) as he puts his WBC International Championship on the line for the third time, Tom Little (10-7, 3 KOs) will be targeting a huge Heavyweight upset as he takes on former Amateur Word Champion Mahammadrasul Majidov (1-0, 1 KO), and the talented young duo of Leeds Super-Bantamweight Hopey Price (1-0) and Los Angeles Super-Middleweight Diego Pacheco (7-0, 6 KOs) will also be eager to impress at Diriyah Arena, Zuhayr Al Qahtani  (7-0) clashes with Omar Dusary (7-0-1, 1 KO) for the WBC Middle East Lightweight Title and UAE Lightweight Majid Al Naqbi (3-0, 1 KO) aims to improve his perfect record.
 
The Clash On The Dunes presented by PIF forms part of the Diriyah Season, an epic month of sports which kicked off with Formula E at the weekend, the Diriyah Tennis Cup featuring eight of the best men’s players on the planet, and the Diriyah Equestrian Festival, an elite competition with Tokyo Olympics 2020 qualifying points on the line.

Tickets for all of the Diriyah Season’s spectacular events, concerts and entertainment will be available at www.diriyahseason.sa. Follow Diriyah Season’s news and announcements on the official social media pages on twitter and Instagram @diriyahseason.

Legendary Cuban coach Pedro Diaz says fast rising heavyweight star Filip Hrgovi? (9-0, 7 KOs) is focused on the World Title as he prepares to defend his WBC International strap against Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) on December 7th at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.

The Croatian boxing sensation has been in Miami preparing under the tutelage of Diaz for the fifth time in his professional career, and is looking to make a statement on the biggest stage as he fights on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s hotly anticipated rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr for the status of Unified Heavyweight World Champion.

Ahead of his tenth professional fight, Diaz says Hrgovi? has had the perfect training camp and is promising fans a glimpse of the future success they will share together.

“Filip is one of the most serious and focused champions I have ever worked with. He enjoys training and is totally focused,” said Diaz.

“Training camp is going fantastic! Spirits are high and everyone’s goals are perfectly aligned, we are definitely on the hunt.

“Filip has developed into a greater technical, physical and mental fighter and with this being our fifth fight together I believe our chemistry has really grown into something that everyone will see on December 7th in the ‘Clash on the Dunes’.

“Everything happens when the time is right, for Filip and our team our focus is the World Title. Training is based on that goal.”

Hrgovic-Molina features on the undercard of the unified World Heavyweight Championship fight between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua which tops a stacked event at the Diriyah Arena, Saudi Arabia.

Also on the card are heavyweight clashes between Alexander Povetkin and Michael Hunter, Dillian Whyte against Mariusz Wach, Mahammadrasul Majidov vs Tom Little and more. All the action will be available to watch on DAZN in the US and other territories, RTL in Croatia and Sky Sports in the UK. 

LIAM WILLIAMS WILL fight in a shootout to determine No.1 spot in the WBO world middleweight rankings against the American Alantez Fox at the Copper Box Arena on ‘The Fight Before Christmas’ card on December 21.

Two-weight British champion Williams against the 26-1-1 Maryland man joins Daniel Dubois-Kyotaro Fujimoto for the WBC Silver and WBO International heavyweight titles and Sunny Edwards-Marcel Braithwaite for the British super flyweight title, along with light heavyweight and Love Island star Tommy Fury making his return to the ring.

Welshman Williams is on a blistering run of form since stepping up to middleweight and winning a second Lonsdale belt via a 10th round stoppage of the then unbeaten banger Mark Heffron. He followed this up with a first defence demolition of Joe Mullender inside two rounds, before taking only seconds longer to pummel the previously not-stopped Frenchman Karim Achour.

His exploits have been recognised and he gets the opportunity to take on the once-beaten 27-year-old, whose only reverse came on the cards when he took on the current WBO champion Demetrius Andrade in October 2017.

Williams and Fox are now effectively fighting for the right to challenge Andrade for his WBO world title.

“It is a decider for the WBO title so it is exciting stuff,” said Williams, also 27 with a record of 21-2-1. “I feel like I have been knocking on the door for a little while and I am just so happy to get this opportunity.

“I know he is very, very big at about 6ft 5”, also thin and rangy. He is what he is and that is good. When comes to shove though he is going to smashed the same as the rest of them.

“He has only lost to Andrade on points and it will be a good name to have on my record. I believe I am going to smash him and stop him. I need to get my head on the game now and put on a good show.

“It is a very, very nice Christmas present and after it I will get to go home to my family in good spirits and look forward to next year.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I am delighted to deliver this opportunity for Liam and it is one we had to work very hard on for him. It is also a fantastic addition to an already great show just before Christmas.

“Liam is on a terrific run and fighting at middleweight seems to have brought the best out of him because he is ferocious at the weight. He is up against a tricky customer now in Fox who is also used to winning, with the prize ultimately being a shot at the WBO world title held by Demetrius Andrade next year.

“We believe Liam has got what it takes to operate at the highest level, which is why we had no hesitation in pushing for this important fight.”

The WBO world middleweight title eliminator between Liam Williams and Alantez Fox is added to Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions bumper night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena on December 21st.
Unbeaten Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois (13-0) looks to continue his path of destruction against Japan’s Kyotaro Fujimoto (21-1). The WBC Silver Heavyweight championship and the WBO International Heavyweight belts will be on the line.
Sunny Edwards (13-0) fights for the vacant British super flyweight title against former amateur teammate Marcel Braithwaite (9-1), with Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) making his long awaited return to the boxing ring after winning the hearts of the nation on the popular ITV reality television show over the summer. 

Tickets from £40 are now on sale via Seetickets and will be available via Ticketmaster shortly

Ticket prices:

£250 – Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier  

Oscar Valdez survived a hard knockdown to comeback and stop late-replacement Adam Lopez in round seven of their scheduled 10-round junior lightweight bout at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

In round two, Lopez landed a perfect left hook that dropped Valdez.

In round seven, Valdez turned the tide when he landed a left hook that sent Lopez to the canvas. Lopez began to bleed from his nose. Valdez landed a hard right that sent Lopez back, and that gave Valdez the confidence to land a left and right that forced referee Russell Mora to stop the fight at 2:53.

Lopez took the fight on about 30 hours notice after original opponent Andres Gutierrez checked in at 11 pounds over the mandated 130-pound weight limit

Valdez, 129.8 lbs of Nogales, MX is 27-0 with 21 knockouts. Lopez, 126 lbs of Glendale, CA is 13-2.

The win sets Berchelt up for a spring battle with WBC champion Miguel Berchelt.

Former two-division world champion Carl Frampton introduced himself to a new weight class by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Tyler McCreary in a junior lightweight contest.

Frampton used his experience and made the fight an inside battle and started beating the body of McCreary.

In round six, Frampton sent McCreary to a knee from a left to the body. In round nine, it was a double left hook to the body that sent McCreary down.

While McCreary had some moments in the fight, Frampton was mostly dominant and won by scores of 100-88 on all cards.

Frampton, 128 lbs of Belfast, Northern Ireland is 27-2. McCreary, 127.5 lbs of Toledo, OH is 16-1-1.

Frampton will now look towards a showdown with WBO champion Jamel Herring.

Frampton landed 141-461 punches. McCreary was 77-412

Patrick Teixeira dug own deep and although bloodied, came back to win the Interim WBO Jr. Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Carlos Adames

Texieira started to bleed over his right eye in round five. Adames controlled the action through the first half of the fight.

In round seven, Adames came on and had Teixeira hurt on the ropes and bloodied both of his eyes. Somehow Teixeira was able to stage a huge comeback at the end of the round with some straight lefts and then a right hook put Adames down on the canvas. Teixeira continued on the momentum and won by scores of 116-111 and 114-113 twice.

Teixeira, 153 1/4 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 31-1. Adames, 153 1/2 lbs of Santiago, DR is 18-1.

“I am very happy to bring a world title back to Brazil,” said Patrick Teixeira. “I want to make boxing bigger in Brazil. Soccer is our biggest sport, and this is a great moment for boxing in my country. It was tough with the cuts, but I was able to get through it because of my experience. It was a little harder, but my corner did an excellent job on the cuts. I felt like I needed to win the last round. It was a close fight. Every point was crucial, and I won the final round to win the fight.” 

“We are so proud of Patrick Teixeira for capturing the interim WBO World Title at 154 pounds,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “It was a brutal and bloody war, but Teixeira really dug deep to earn himself the most important win of his career against a very dangerous fighter. We look forward to starting the new year with yet another champion in our stable.”

Arnold Barboza Jr. stopped William Silva in round five of a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Barboza dropped Silva with a left hand. In round five, Barboza landed a hard right hand to the body that made Silva crumple to the canvas for the 10-count at 2:59.

Barboza, 140 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 23-0 with 10 knockouts. Silva, 139 1/2 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is 27-3.

Larry Gomez won an eight-round split decision over Brian Mendoza in a welterweight contest

Mendoza started to swell around his left eye in round three.

Gomez, 146 lbs of West Jordan, UT won by scores of 77-75 on two cards. Mendoza took a card 77-75.

Gomez is 10-1. Mendoza, 146 1/2 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 18-1.

Guido Vianello remained undefeated with a one=punch stoppage over Colby Madison in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Vianello landed a hard right that sent Madison down for the 10-count at 45 seconds.

Vianello, 237 lbs of Rome, ITA is 6-0 with six knockouts. Madison, 239 lbs of Owings Mills, MD is 8-2-2.

Andy Hiraoka stopped Rogilio Casarez in round two of a scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Hiraoka dropped Casarez with a right hook, and then finished him off with a big flurry of punches at

Hiraoka, 140 lbs of Yokahama, JAP is now 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Casarez, 139 1/2 lbs of Batesville, AK is 13-9.

Xander Zayas stopped Virgil Windfield in round one of a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Zayas landed an overhand right that put Windfield on the canvas. It was another overhand right that sent Windfield down again, and the fight was stopped at 1:48,

Zayas, 146 1/2 lbs of Plantation, FL is 2-0 with two knockouts. Windfield, 148 lbs of Concord, NC is 2-3-1.

Lerrone Richards won a 12-round split decision over Lennox Clarke in a super middleweight in Birmingham, England.

Richards won by scores of 117-112 and 116-113. Clark won a card 115-113.

Richards is 13-0. Clarke is 19-1-1.

Hamzah Sheeraz stopped Ryan Kelly in round six of their scheduled 10-round super welterweight bout.

Sheeraz dropped Kelly three times in round six, and the bout was stopped at 2:58.

Sheeraz is 10-0 with six knockouts. Kelly is 14-3.

John Riel Casimero won the WBO Bantamweight title with a 3rd round stoppage over Zolani Tete.

Casimero dropped Tete with a short right to the head. Tete was was badly hurt and dropped again from a hard flurry in the corner. Casimero jumped all over Tete and the bout was stopped at 2:14.

Casimero of the Philippines is 29-4 with 20 knockouts. Tete of South Africa is 28-4.

In a battle of undefeated super lightweights, Sam Maxwell stopped Connor Parker in round seven of a scheduled 10-round bout.

Maxwell dominated the action, and in round seven landed a hard flurry of punches on he ropes, and the fight was stopped at 2:45.

Maxwell is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Parker is 12-1.

Anthony Cacace won a 12-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Sam Bowen in a super featherweight bout.

Cacace won by scores of 115-113 twice and 115-112 for Bowen,

Cacace is 18-1. Bowen is 15-1.

Nathan Heaney stopped Nelson Altamarro in round five of a scheduled six-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Heaney dropped Altamarino with a body shot.

In round five, Heaney continued to dominate and the bout was stopped at 2:02.

Heaney is 9-0 with three knockouts. Altamirano is 10-34-3