Alexander Besputin won the WBA Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Radzhab Beutaev in Monte Carlo.

Besputin won by scores of 116-112 on all cards, and is now 14-0. Butaev is 12-1.

Cecilia Braekhus retained her undisputed welterweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Victoria Bustos.

Braekhus of Norway won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice, and is now 36-0. Bustos of Argentina is 19-6.

Joe Cordina remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Enrique Tinoco in a super featherweight bout.

Cordina, 129.4 lbs of Wales won by scores of 98-92 twice and 96-94 and is now 11-0. Tinoco, 129.6 lbs of Mexico is 18-6-4.

Zhelei Zhang won a 10-round unanimous decision over Andriy Rudenko in a heavyweight bout.

Zhang had Rudenko in trouble several tomes during the bout and cruised home with the victory by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 to raise his perfect mark to 21-0. Rudenko of Ukraine is 32-5.

Thulasi Tharumalibgham won a six-round unanimous decision over Alexander Benidze in a super welterweight bout.

Tharumalibgham of Germany won by scores of 58-55 and 57-56 twice, and is now 7-0. Benidze of the Georgia Republic is 13-28-3.

MONTREAL (November 29, 2019) – The Dooly’s Boxing Series will be held at Cabaret du Casino de Montréal, presented by Mise-O-Jeu, in association with Videotron and in partnership with Boxing Canada, returns in 2020 with five events on February 8, April 4, June 6, October 17 and December 5.

In 2019, The Series has enjoyed unprecedented success during five events that saw IBF world champion Marie-Eve Dicaire successfully defend her title twice, Mikael Zewski consolidate his position as a world contender, David Theroux’ triumphant comeback, and Shakeel Phinn becoming NABF champion, in addition to allowing many Quebec hopefuls to stand out. It should be noted that GYM has already organized 73 events in the Casinos du Québec since 2004.

The year 2020 will mark an important turning point in the annals of this popular series. GYM and Boxing Canada are proud to officially announce a unique and creative agreement that will allow three or four members of the Canadian National Team, at each event, to face International teams from Puerto Rico, United States, France, Italy and others in Olympic-caliber clashes.

”This partnership is certainly one of the most exciting announcements in decades,” said Pat Fiacco, President of Boxing Canada. “This opportunity will allow national team athletes to demonstrate their Olympic boxing talent at the highest international level, in front of professional boxing fans, and broadcast viewers. These recurring events will certainly generate exponential visibility for our Olympic hopefuls and our sport.”

“The future and present elite of Canadian boxing in the same ring, a super exciting winning combination,” added Bernard Barré, vice president and head of recruitment at GYM.

GYM President Yvon Michel makes no secret of his enthusiasm: “Our roots at GYM are very deep with amateur boxing in Canada. We have always encouraged boxers to go to the end of their Olympic dreams before embarking on a professional career. This project will allow Canada’s best hopes to grow against the world’s elite, in front of family and friends, giving them the visibility and notoriety they deserve.”

On the professional side, spectators will have the chance to see the work of hungry boxers filled with hope and determination such as Wilfred Seyi, Francis Lafrenière, Ayaz Hussain, Terry Osias and David Théroux, among others.At each event four to six professional fights will take place.

In 2020, the Pro-Am combination will give the public an opportunity to watch the cream of Canadian boxing, and professionals who will do everything to avoid being overshadowed!

All this in the warm and unique atmosphere of the prestigious Casino Cabaret of Montreal, where the proximity of the ring and fighters provides a perspective and sensations that can not be found anywhere else.

GYM and Boxing Canada Presidents, respectively, Yvon Michel and Pat Fiacco, have agreed to hold ahistoric press conference on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 11 a.m. ET at the Westin Hotel in Montreal.

In the meantime, the entire population of Canada is invited to attend the Canadian Olympic Qualifiers at the Westin Hotel, Dec. 17-20, the first stop on the road to Tokyo 2020. More than 100 of Canada’s best boxing prospects will try to earn a spoton Team Canada to represent the nation at the continental Olympic qualifiers next March in Argentina.

Tickets will be available starting Dec. 7 at Ticketmaster.ca 514-790-1245 / 1-855-790-1245, starting at $60.00, or directly at the Casino de Montréal box office.You may also purchase your seasonal table for all five events and enjoy a 10% discount by contacting Groupe Yvon Michel directly at 514.383.0666, ext. 5.

Contest # 1 – 16:25 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

RIVER WILSON-BENT v ZYGIMANTAS BUTKEVICIUS

Contest # 2

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest

GEORGE DAVEY v DALE ARROWSMITH

Contest # 3

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Lightweight Contest

EITHAN JAMES v DARYL PEARCE

Contest # 4

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Featherweight Contest

SHABAZZ MASOUD v STEFAN NICOLAE

Contest # 5 

THE BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

CHRIS JENKINS (10st 6lbs) v LIAM TAYLOR (10st 6lb 5oz)

Contest # 6

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Bantamweight Contest

DENNIS McCANN (8st 9oz) v STEFAN SLAVCHEV (8st 13lb 4oz)

Contest # 7 

THE BRITISH SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

SAM BOWEN (9st 3lb 6oz) v ANTHONY CACACE (9st 3oz)

Contest # 8 

THE WBO EUROPEAN SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds

SAM MAXWELL (9st 13lb 3oz) v CONNOR PARKER (9st 13lb 4oz)

Contest # 9 

THE WBO WORLD BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

ZOLANI TETE (8st 4lb 3oz) v JOHN RIEL CASIMERO (8st 5lb 4oz)

Contest # 10 

THE VACANT WBO EUROPEAN SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 154 lbs

HAMZAH SHEERAZ (10st 13lb 2oz) v RYAN KELLY (10st 13lb 2oz)

Contest # 11 

THE COMMONWEALTH & VACANT BRITISH SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

12 X 3 Minute Rounds

LERONNE RICHARDS (11st 13lb) v LENNOX CLARKE (11st 13lb)

Contest # 12 (Floater)

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest

NATHAN HEANEY                V        NELSON ALTAMIRANO

Oscar Valdez 129.8 lbs vs. Adam Lopez 126 lbs
(WBC Super Featherweight world title eliminator — 10 Rounds)
* Lopez stepped in to face Valdez after original opponent Andres Gutierrez missed weight by 11 pounds 
Judges/Referee: Glenn Feldman, Dave Moretti and Max De Luca/Russell Mora

    Carl Frampton 128 lbs vs. Tyler McCreary 127.5 lbs
(Super Featherweight — 10 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: Eric Cheek, John McKaie and Steve Weisfeld/Kenny Bayless

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

    Carlos Adames 153.5 lbs vs. Patrick Teixeira 153.25 lbs
(Interim WBO Junior Middleweight world title — 12 Rounds)
Judges/Referee: Tim Cheatham. Glenn Trowbridge and Julie Lederman/Robert Byrd

                Arnold Barboza Jr. 140 lbs vs. William Silva 139.5 lbs
(Jr. NABF Super Lightweight title — 10 Rounds

Guido Vianello 237 lbs vs. Colby Madison 239 lbs
(Heavyweight — 6 Rounds)

        Andy Hiraoka 140 lbs vs.  Rogelio Casarez 139.5 lbs
(Super Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

        Brian Mendoza 146.2 lbs vs. Larry Gomez 146 lbs
(Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

SWING BOUTS

  Xander Zayas 146.6 lbs vs. Virgel Windfield 148 lbs
(Welterweight – 4 Rounds)

      Jared Anderson 237 lbs vs. Stephen Kirnon 214 lbs
(Heavyweight – 4 Rounds)
 Use the hashtags #ValdezLopez and #FramptonMcCreary to join the conversation on social media.

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ grew quickly to 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.
 
Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com.  It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.
 
About The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 29, 2019) — Andres Gutierrez was removed from Saturday’s main event against former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez, as he weighed in at 141 pounds, 11 pounds above the contract weight.

Featherweight contender Adam Lopez (13-1, 6 KOs), from Glendale, Calif., stepped up to replace Gutierrez, and he will be in the opposite corner at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in a WBC super featherweight world title eliminator. Lopez was originally set to defend his Jr. NABF featherweight title against Luis Coria, but he jumped at the opportunity to face Valdez, who will be making his super featherweight debut.

Valdez-Lopez and Carl Frampton-Tyler McCreary will headline a super featherweight doubleheader live on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

“I trained hard for three months making the sacrifices, and I am very upset with Andres Gutierrez,” Valdez said. “He was unprofessional. As soon as I heard 141 pounds, I still wanted to fight him, but my team and Bob Arum said Gutierrez was out. I give credit to Adam Lopez for stepping up. It will be a great fight tomorrow night.”

“It was surreal when I got the offer to fight Oscar,” Lopez said. “I‘ve known Oscar for a long time and I‘ve wanted this fight for a long time. I’m ready for it.

“Deep down, I’ll take anyone. Ultimately, I left it up to my trainer {Buddy McGirt}, and he gave the fight his blessing.
 Use the hashtags #ValdezLopez and #FramptonMcCreary to join the conversation on social media.

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ grew quickly to 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.
 
Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com.  It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.
 
About The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a unique luxury resort and casino that offers a decidedly different perspective. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s distinct vertical multi-tower design features more than 3,000 guestrooms with residential living spaces, private terraces and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Luxury amenities include a premier lineup of world-class culinary experiences; an intriguing mix of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues; 100,000-square-foot-casino; award-winning spa, salon and fitness center; unrivaled pool district and an eclectic line-up of hand-selected boutiques. For more information visit: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

18:00 DOORS

18:30 FIRST BELL

6 x 2 mins Super-Featherweight contest
VICTOIRE PITEAU 60.8kg v RAPHAELLE LACHAUME 59.8kg
(Monaco)                                (France)

4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
NAYAN DESLION 66.4kg v JOSE DOMINGO PEREIRA MENDOCA 65.3kg
(France)                                (France)

3 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight Amateur contest
HUGO MICALLEF 70.2kg v PETAR CETINIC 69.5kg
(Monaco)                              (Croatia)

6 x 3 mins Super-Welterweight contest
THULASI THARUMALINGAM 10st 12lbs 12oz v ALEXANDER BENIDZE 11st 0lbs 2oz
(Germany)                                                               (Georgia)

20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

10 x 3 mins WBO Oriental Heavyweight Title
ZHILEI ZHANG 19st 12lbs v ANDRIY RUDENKO 17st 6lbs 11oz
(China)                                   (Ukraine)     

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Super-Featherweight Title
JOE CORDINA 9st 3lbs 7oz v ENRIQUE TINOCO 9st 3lbs 10oz
(Wales)                                     (Mexico)

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
HUGHIE FURY 16st 10lbs 2oz v PAVEL SOUR 17st 2lbs 1oz
(England)                                      (Czech Republic)

10 x 2 mins IBF, WBO, WBC, WBA, IBO & Ring Magazine Welterweight World Titles
CECILIA BRAEKHUS 10st 6lbs 10oz v VICTORIA BUSTOS 10st 4lbs 10oz
(Norway)                                                  (Argentina)

12 x 3 mins WBA Welterweight World Title 
RADZHAB BUTAEV 10st 6lbs 5oz v ALEXANDER BESPUTIN 10st 6lbs 9oz
(Russia)                                               (Russia)

Former WBC World Heavyweight Title Challenger and WBA International Heavyweight Champion Johann Duhaupas has compared Filip Hrgovi? (9-0, 7 KOs) to legendary three-time World Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko.

The experienced Frenchman has been in Miami sparring Hrgovi?, alongside undefeated British heavyweight prospect Fabio Wardley and top Belgian cruiserweight Joel Tambwe Djeko, ahead of his WBC International Title clash with Eric Molina (27-5, 19 KOs) on December 7th at the purpose built Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia.

Duhaupas, who first encountered Hrgovi? at a Wladimir Klitschko training camp in Austria, says he has been impressed with the fast rising Croatian star, and states his ‘style and ability’ are similar to the elder Klitschko brother Vitali.

“I first met Filip at the Klitschko camp in Austria and he impressed me,” said Duhaupas. “He has a good right hand, fast and strong, and you can see he aims to become a World Champion. I smell it in him. His style and ability are similar to Vitali Klitschko.

Duhaupas is renowned for fighting some of the heavyweight division’s elite talent having faced the likes of Deontay Wilder, Alexander Povetkin and Jarrell Miller, and believes Hrgovi? is now ready to face similar big names.

“Deontay is a killer, but Filip already has a good right hand and maybe in one year with more muscle and power he could punch as hard as Wilder,” says Duhaupas. “With good mental and physical preparation, I believe Filip could win by KO against Miller or Povetkin.”

Hrgovi? must first overcome two-time World Title Challenger Molina from Texas, USA. A challenge Duhaupas believes the Olympic Bronze Medalist is ready for.

“It’s a really big opportunity for him,” he says. “When you are a good boxer with a good team you don’t care about travel, you only care about winning your fight. Filip wants to fight and he knows what he wants to achieve, I am very happy to train with him because his mentality is similar to mine.”

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.

AHEAD OF HIS HUGE RETURN on December 21st Tommy Fury has assured fans that he is 100% ready to get back in the ring.

At a media workout at the Henrietta Street Gym in Birmingham he said it was “all systems go” for his return and rubbished any idea that he might have stayed away from boxing for good.With his famous girlfriend Molly Mae-Hague looking on, Tommy told IFL TV that “a lot of people ask me why I’m doing it, why I’m going back to boxing. It’s because it makes me happy.” 

“It’s all I want to do!”

He admitted that he’d had offers to capitalise on the good looks that brought him legions of fans throughout his stint on ITV’s Love Island but insisted “I’ve never wanted to be a model. I couldn’t care less.”

After an action packed workout which featured appearances from Sunny Edwards and Liam Williams, Tommy was put through his paces by dad John Fury.

When asked by IFL about his current training situation, and why former coach Ricky Hatton wasn’t present, he said his newfound celebrity status brought with it a schedule that made training tricky and only his dad was able to work around that.

“My schedule is so busy, I can’t make the same time every day. I have other commitments.”He continued “Life is not the same as it was 6 or 7 months ago. It’s very different and I’m fortunate to have my dad there as he helps train me around my hard schedule.”

“It is hard, not everybody can adapt to the schedule but my dad has.”

After a long layoff, during which time he has become a reality TV star and household name, questions of ring rust are only natural but Tommy is adamant he is approaching the fight like a true professional.

He said “I’ve been out the ring for 10 months living the life of a rockstar but I’ve trained hard for this. There’s no lying about it, I’ve trained hard.”

Clearly buoyed by the success of his brother Tyson, who he revealed would be ringside for the fight, Tommy vowed to treat all of his fights like a World Title fight.

And when asked for a prediction for Tyson’s next fight, an actual World Title fight, he was clear there was only going to be one winner: “Deontay (Wilder) can’t live in Tyson’s world.”

But that is a question for 2020, for now fans are ready to see what’s going on in Tommy’s World when he returns to the Light Heavyweight Division on December 21st at the Copper Box Arena.

Tickets for Dubois vs Fujimoto, plus the return of Tommy Fury, are now on sale via Seetickets and via Ticketmaster

PICTURES FROM THE WORKOUT AVAILABLE HERE COURTESY OF ROUNDNBOUT MEDIA

TOMMYS WORKOUT VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE

————————————————-

Today’s hosts for the media workout were the Henrietta Street Gym in Birmingham, ran by former professional Heavyweight Neil Perkins. The workout was held in association with the JQ Community Project, an initiative spearheaded by Neil to help keep local kids on the right track.

In his own words:

“Our JQ Community Boxing project piloted this September and it’s been a huge success. We have been running an after school club for the local Jewellery Quarter Academy. The catchment area for this school and the others in the city centre is very much deprived communities predominantly from the black and Kurdish community. 

The project has been an eye opener from me as to the level of deprivation in the city. Many of these children are failing academically and we are giving them an incentive to stay in education, equally they all complete a sports leaders award and upon completion suitable candidates will be invited into the JQ Amateur Boxing Club.

The Project was a joint idea bewteen myself and the then Deputy Head Teacher at the school, Iffy Islam. It was generously funded by local  property developer Patrick O’Donnell. We never envisaged the level of impact it would have or were prepared for the possible outcomes. We have children ready to move into the amateurs off this project and they will end up competing.”

For more information please contact the gym on 0121 233 3696 or via email – info@henriettastreetgym.com

————

Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions are heading to the Copper Box Arena to stage a bumper night of boxing 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.

Light Heavyweight prospect and Love Island star Tommy Fury (2-0) makes 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 via Ticketmaster

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

Eddie Hearn:

“It’s unbelievable that a year has passed since our last tournament here in Monte-Carlo and it really is a privilege to keep returning here to this incredible place. How often do you get to experience boxing in a place of such beauty, this is something completely different.

“This event has grown and one of the biggest names in women’s sport features with a great main event which in my opinion is the best main event we have had here in Monte-Carlo.

“We won the purse bid for Butaev vs. Besputin and this is a historic fight for the WBA World Welterweight Championship, a belt that was just held by Manny Pacquiao contested by two outstanding Russians with amateur records of over 700 fights between them.”

Radzhab Butaev:

“First of all I want to say thank you to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for promoting this show. It’s a privilege to be on this show in the casino, especially as the main event. I’ll do my best to make a beautiful show and come Saturday night you won’t regret watching. I hope it is going to be a war. I hope he is going to stay and not quit.”

Alexander Besputin:

“It’s a really good fight between to great fighters with brilliant amateur careers. We both have a little bit of history. We were both in the Russian team but we never met in the ring. I think it’s going to be a very interesting fight for the Russian fans and many people in Russia will be watching this fight. On November 30th it’s going to be a great night.”

Egis Klimas, manager of Besputin:

“This is a wonderful fight. It’s two unbeaten professional fighters coming into the ring challenging for the vacant WBA Welterweight World title. I want to thank Matchroom, I want to thank DAZN for giving him this opportunity to show the world what he can do. I want to thank our promoter Top Rank for bringing Alexander Besputin to this point and for giving him the opportunity to fight for the Championship. It’s a pleasure to be here in Monaco, it’s a dream of a venue for a promoter. I’m sure Saturday is going to be an unforgettable night. Make sure you don’t miss it, it’s going to be a good one!”

Cecilia Braekhus:

“Firstly I want to say thank you so much. Me and my team have received the royal treatment since we landed in Monaco. I want to thank the Matchroom team, I want to thank all of the locals. There’s really not much for me to say, I’m here to beat Bustos on Saturday and I want to make a statement. The door to the Olympics was closed for women and you had to fight for a spot on a television show. What has happened in recent years is a pleasure to be a part of.”

Tom Loeffler, advisor to Braekhus:

“This is a huge opportunity but a tough fight. Under promoter Eddie Hearn’s guidance, if Cecilia is successful on Saturday, there will be some of the biggest fights in the history of women’s boxing next year.”

Victoria Bustos:

“I am thankful to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for the opportunity. I feel very confident with all of the work I have been doing in the gym together with my team. I know that Cecilia is going to perform like a champion on Saturday night but I am well prepared. I am powerful and I am quick. I am ready to become a World Champion again. Thank you very much.”

Hughie Fury:

“First of all, it’s nice to be back in Monte-Carlo. I’ve fought here once before and grew up here as well. It’s a pleasure to be back here and fighting here. I’ve been in big fights but you will see a big difference on Saturday. We have fixed a lot of problems. I’m looking forward to getting back in the mix. I’m not afraid to get in with anyone. It’s about learning, taking the positives from those fights, building and getting better. They were all good learning experiences and you’re going to see a big difference on Saturday night.”

Pavel Sour:

“Thank you for the invitation to fight on this car. It’s a brilliant occasion and I would like to make trouble for Hughie!”

Dino Duva of Roc Nation Sports:

“He has been out of the ring for a little while and has faced unfortunate obstacles but, on Saturday, he will make his mark. He is a force to be reckoned with.

“With so much action in the heavyweight division right now, Zhang will be right in the mix. People will be talking about him, trust me about that.

“Last year in Monaco, Zhang was supposed to fight Alexander Ustinov [but withdrew]. Michael Hunter ended up fighting Ustinov and is now right in the mix for the heavyweight championship. On Saturday, Zhang will make up for that and be right in the mix also.

“He’s got a really solid team around him and we’re confident this is his time.”

Zhilei Zhang:

“I would first like to say sorry to Eddie Hearn and Matchroom because I should have fought here last year but I didn’t. Now I am here I want to showcase to everybody what I can do in the ring. I would also like to say thank you to my coach, my advisors and my promoter. Everyone around me has been pushing me really hard and motivating me so I can’t wait until Saturday. You will see Chinese power!

Joe Cordina:

“He’s been in with some good fighters – Devin Haney being one of them, and he stopped Jordan Gill and I know he’s been in with a lot of other good fighters. But I’m a different fighter altogether. I’m not saying I’m miles above everyone he’s fought but I know I’m different class.

“I’ve been to an Olympic Games, I’ve fought all around the world, I’ve boxed in a lot of tournaments around the world with some of the fighters on this table. I’m looking to go out and put on a show and get the job done.

“As a professional I’ve boxed in many great venues, the Principality Stadium twice, Wembley Stadium, Bramall Lane, The O2 Arena. Like I said I’ve boxed all around the world in amateur tournaments where there might have only been 10 or 20 people there. I’ve boxed in little town halls that hardly hold any fans. Whether there’s an atmosphere here in the casino or not – it’s nothing new to me.”

Enrique Tinoco:

“First of all we want to thank Matchroom for having us here. I am in great spirits and I have trained really hard for this fight. I’m happy to move up in weight and fight at 130lbs. I want to prove that what I did to Jordan Gill in England wasn’t just a fluke. I am here to win again.”

Thulasi Tharumalingam:

“It’s a pleasure for me to fight on such a big event and I’m looking forward to showing the fans, my friends and family especially, a great performance for all those who have supported me. I’m looking forward to having more fights like this. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Heavyweight World Champion Andy Ruiz Jr has been knocked out…by the iconic venue in Saudi Arabia where the Clash On The Dunes, his colossal rematch with Anthony Joshua, is set to take place. 

The American-Mexican fighter – known as ‘The Destroyer’ – toured the custom-built Diriyah Arena in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site ahead of the epic bout on December 7.

The 15,000-seater stadium has been constructed in the ancient remains of Saudi Arabia’s first capital, a place fittingly known as the ‘home of kings and heroes’.

Touring the Diriyah Arena, Andy Ruiz said: “It’s amazing man, it’s crazy how they built everything in a month and a half. It’s amazing to be fighting over here, it’s going to be really historic and I’m planning to make history over here.”

The World Champion first visited Diriyah for the official launch press conference in September, but since then 175 workers have created the arena in the 10,000 sq m site using 295 tonnes of steel.

Ruiz said: “It’s a lot different. When I first got here none of this was here so it’s unbelievable. All the workers and all the people who have put their efforts in, their designs in, this event and this arena is just something amazing.” 

Ruiz arrived in the Kingdom early Monday morning to set up his training camp ahead of his rematch with Joshua, with the US boxer determined to keep hold of the WBO, WBA, IBF and IBO belts he snatched from the Briton when they faced off in New York earlier this year.

“Right now, we are meditating, we are preparing, we are getting sharper in the ring and training as well. We are visualising the fight and becoming victorious,” said Ruiz.

“To all my fans please come and support me, it’s going to be a huge fight, it’s the Clash On The Dunes. We are two big guys fighting each other looking to be the Heavyweight Champion of the World.

“He’s trying to take my belts away so I’m going to do everything that’s possible to win and I’m going to do it for all my people.

“They can expect to see someone who is not giving up and doing everything possible to win, God willing we are going to take this victory.”

Fans will approach the Diriyah Arena via the Diriyah Oasis, a huge sprawling entertainment hub which includes ice-skating outdoors, sky diving, jetski-ing and ziplining among a host of activities on offer. The Diriyah Oasis is split into the four zones – Nature, Imagination, Reflection, Excitement- giving families a place to come together, and at its heart lies an astonishing grand installation by world-renowned Italian artist, Edoardo Tresoldi.

The Clash On The Dunes forms part of the Diriyah Season, 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.

The Diriyah Season is also supported by the Diriyah Music Festival with huge concerts taking place around the event. On December 6, the night before the Clash On The Dunes, major artists who are yet to be announced will perform. So far artists such as Imagine Dragons, DJ Alan Walker, Clean Bandit and Maluma have performed to 40,000 concert goers.

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.

About Diriyah Season

Diriyah Season is an unmissable set of international sports and entertainment events, happening at the historic city of Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sports fanatics, entertainment seekers, foodies and shoppers, are invited to a month of energy, excitement, elegance, and memorable moments as the world comes to Diriyah! 

Watch the world’s top sporting events:

·       Diriyah E-Prix 2019: The thrilling electric race returns with a double-header race weekend – 2 Races on Friday and Saturday, November 22 & 23
·       A Historic Clash, known to the world as ‘Clash On The Dunes’ where Andy Ruiz Jr defends his title against Anthony Joshua for the World Heavyweight Championship 
·       A Battle for Glory as 8 of the world’s top Tennis stars compete for the ‘Diriyah Tennis Cup’ 
·       Diriyah Equestrian Festival on December 12^th, 13th, 14th, 19^th, 20^th and 21^st , where contestants from all over the world will be one with their horses to qualify for TOKYO 2020 

Tourist Visa Entry to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has changed for tourists visiting the country and the process is a simple online application.

Available to complete online, visitors can follow four easy steps which take just a few minutes to complete.

• Step One: visit www.visa.visitsaudi.com
• Step Two: Fill the application
• Step Three: Pay the Visa fee 
• Step Four: Get your online Visa

Applications are often processed within a 48 hour period, with residents from 49 approved countries worldwide having their visas available through the fast track system.

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 27, 2019) — Four days before they let their fists fly at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, former two-weight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton and former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez paid a surprise holiday visit to Opportunity Village, a nonprofit serving Southern Nevadans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Frampton and Valdez toured the campus Tuesday morning, held a meet-and-greet with Opportunity Village clients, and visited the renowned and newly renovated Magical Forest.

In separate 10-round super featherweight bouts, Valdez will make his division debut against former world title challenger Andres Gutierrez, while Frampton will battle the unbeaten American Tyler McCreary (ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT).

Frampton (26-2, 15 KOs) is coming off nearly a one-year absence from the ring, as his planned August comeback bout was postponed after a freak accident at the fight hotel left him with a broken hand. Valdez (26-0, 20 KOs) made six defenses of his WBO featherweight world title before moving up to seek challenges against the likes of Frampton and WBC world champion Miguel Berchelt.

This is what Valdez and Frampton had to say about their upcoming bouts and their visit to Opportunity Village.

Oscar Valdez

On moving up to 130

“Making weight won’t be as difficult for me at 130 pounds. It won’t be easy, but not as hard as it was when I was fighting at 126. I have more energy in the gym and I feel healthy, which is the most important thing. You’ll see the difference in my fight Saturday against Andres Gutierrez.”

“I’ve been fighting at 126 my whole career, so it’s a long time coming. My last camps were more about cutting weight rather than training. It wasn’t healthy for me. I wasn’t eating much two, three days before the weigh-ins, so now I am in a much healthier position.”

On the future

“I want to fight Miguel Berchelt. Listen, there’s no personal beef there, but I feel like he’s the top guy at 130 pounds. I want to fight the best, and Berchelt is the best. I’m only focused on Gutierrez for now, but I also visualize the future.”

On Saturday’s fight

“Fans know I always give 100 percent in the ring, so you can expect a great battle on Saturday night. Andres Gutierrez is a tough guy who cannot be overlooked.”

On the visit to Opportunity Village

“Seeing this makes everyone want to be a better person and try and help our loved ones. If we can, why not support the great people at Opportunity Village? I thank them for their hospitality.”

Carl Frampton

On the injury that postponed his August fight

“I was upset at the time. I felt like a whole camp had been wasted, time away from my family had been wasted. Look, you just have to deal with it and move on and kind of try and forget about it and move on. I’m looking forward to the fight. By the time the fight comes around, it will be {nearly} a year since I’ve been in the ring.”

On McCreary

“McCreary is a good, hungry, young, undefeated kid, and this is his big chance. If he beats me, I’m pretty sure in his next fight he’ll fight for a world title. It’s not going to happen. I’ve prepared very hard for this fight. I’ve prepared like I’m an underdog, and I am going in to put on a show. To be honest, I want to win this fight, but I want to knock this kid out.”

On his future plans

“I’ve had some huge fights in my career. No matter who the opponent is, it’s always going to be the biggest fight because of the situation I’m in now. It’s a must-win. I have to win this fight to fight a champion in my next fight. I want to fight for a world title in my next fight, so I must beat Tyler McCreary.”

“The plan is to become a three-weight world champion. That’s my goal. Ireland has a rich history in boxing champions. We’ve produced so many great fighters — and we’re still doing it — but to be the guy on top and be the first and only guy to win three titles in three different divisions, it would mean the world to me. I want nothing more than my kids to be proud of me and say that their dad is a three-weight world champion.”

On the visit to Opportunity Village

“Many of us have loved ones who may not be as able-bodied as we are. This facility is fantastic. It was great to take a look around see all of the amazing work they do. You should give back to the community when you are in a position to do it.”

ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Oscar Valdez vs. Andres Gutierrez, 10 rounds, super featherweight

Carl Frampton vs. Tyler McCreary, 10 rounds, super featherweight

ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT

Carlos Adames vs. Patrick Teixeira, 12 rounds, interim WBO junior middleweight world title

Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. William Silva, 10 rounds, Barboza’s Jr. NABF super lightweight title

Adam Lopez vs. Luis Coria, 10 rounds, Lopez’s Jr. NABF featherweight title

Guido Vianello vs. Colby Madison, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Andy Hiraoka vs. Rogelio Casarez, 8 rounds, super lightweight

Brian Mendoza vs. Larry Gomez, 8 rounds, welterweight

Swing Bouts

Xander Zayas vs. Virgel Windfield, 4 rounds, welterweight

Jared Anderson vs. Stephen Kirnon, 4 rounds, heavyweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Queensberry Promotions and MTK Global, tickets priced at $100, $85, $65, $45 and $20 (general admission) are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000.

Use the hashtags #ValdezGutierrez and #FramptonMcCreary to join the conversation on social media.

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

LAS VEGAS (November 27, 2019) — History will be made on Saturday, December 7, when RJJ Boxing Russia presents its first professional boxing event streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT from RCC Martial Arts Academy in Ekaterinburg, Russia.

Living legend and RJJ Boxing Promotions co-founder, Roy Jones, Jr., is wildly popular in Russia, and RJJ Boxing Russia will officially launch Dec. 7 with the inaugural RJJ Boxing Russia on UFC FIGHT PASS.

“Roy is in Russia half the year promoting what we are doing there,” CEO and co-founder Keith Veltre said. “Roy has been in Russia for a while promoting our December 7th show. As a USA promoter, conducting business there is extremely rare and a privilege. We will be working with our partners to bring Russian fighters to American soil, so that they can compete at the highest level. We plan to promote multiple shows in Russia throughout the year on UFC FIGHT PASS, which will also be televised in Russia on UFC TV Russia.”

Undefeated Russian cruiserweight prospect Alexey Egorov (9-0, 7 KOs) will be showcased in the 10-round main event against his Ukrainian opponent, Sergey Radchenko (7-4, 2 KOs). Egorov, the European and Russian National amateur champion, stopped two-time, two-division world title challenger Lateef Kayode (21-3) last year in his most notable clash.

In the 8-round, co-featured event, undefeated Ukraine-native Mukhamad Shekhov (6-0, 3 KOs) takes on Panamanian veteran Juan Aaron Suarez (15-6-3, 4 KOs), a former World Boxing Association (WBA) Fedecentro titlist, for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Intercontinental Cruiserweight Championship.

In a rematch that ended in a majority draw last February, Russian super featherweights Ruslan Kamilov (7-0-1, 3 KOs) and Evgeniy Shirnov (13-0-3, 3 KOs) throwdown in a 10-round bout.

Russian light heavyweights Ali Izmaylov (2-0, 1 KOP) and Mark Chemidov (5-6-2, 2 KOs) open the UFC FIGHJT PASS stream in a 6-rounder.

INFORMATION:

Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass

New York, NY (November 27, 2019) Training over the long Thanksgiving weekend, three of the top boxers on the upcoming DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing card shared their thoughts on the family holiday as they prepare for battle on Thursday, December 5, at Terminal 5 in Manhattan, NY. 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.

Presented by DiBella Entertainment in association with Chris Algieri Promotions, advance tickets for Broadway Boxing, priced at $350 (VIP), $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 6:30pm ET. For further information, please visit their website, www.Terminal5NYC.com.

Headlining the event, world ranked contender 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.

“Thanksgiving is all about family,” said the 26-year-old Foster. “I am thankful for the family that I have. We never had much growing up, but they’ve always been very supportive of my boxing career from my very first bout starting as an amateur.

“I am also thankful for my team that supports me in and out of the ring. We have been working hard the last few years through each Thanksgiving and every holiday and it’s definitely paying off. I’m getting a great deal more recognition from the fans and media, but they haven’t even seen half of what I can do.

“I am also thankful just to be alive. There was a dark time when things were going the wrong way quickly. I was into all sorts of things I had no business doing; I wasn’t exactly obeying the law. But I’m happy for the man I am today. I formed my own team and they have had my back ever since. The future seems very bright and I’m going to keep shining on Thursday, December 5. Wishing everyone the very best family Thanksgiving.”

Co-featured in a 10-round women’s bout on December 5, 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), of Gary, IN, for the vacant IBF Super Lightweight World Title.

“Thanksgiving means being thankful to my promoter Lou DiBella and my manager Brian Cohen for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to win the IBF 140lb. title,” said McGee. “I’m very thankful that this will position me to provide a better life for my son.

“Training on the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, is something I’ve always done throughout my career. I’ve always understood the challenges it takes to be a world champion and this is something I’ve dreamed about since I started boxing. Thursday, December 5, will be the culmination of all my hard work and truly be the best holiday season for me. Wishing everyone a joyous Thanksgiving. Tune in on UFC FIGHT PASS to watch me win the world title.”

Undefeated heavyweight prospect Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw (12-0, 9 KOs), of St. Louis, MO, also spoke about Thanksgiving prior to his fight on December 5 against Gregory “Bad News” Corbin (15-2, 9 KOs), of Dallas, TX, in a scheduled 10-round bout.

“I’m very thankful to be alive, healthy, pursuing my dreams and making them a reality with each fight,” said the 27-year-old Shaw. “I’m thankful for my wife and two sons, my family means the world to me. Thanksgiving to me also means being thankful for my parents raising me the right way. I’m thankful for God’s grace and mercy. I’m overall thankful for the life God has given me.

“Finally, I’m very thankful to Lou DiBella for taking me under his wing and continuing to help me build my career. Being part of his team has allowed me to be more focused on training and preparing for each fight.”
———————————-

Two tremendous undercard bouts will also be part of the UFC FIGHT PASS stream on December 5. Popular 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.

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

Other top prospects seeing action in separate bouts on the stacked card include lightweight Christian Bermudez (1-0, 1 KO), of Brooklyn, NY, light heavyweight Frederic Julan (11-0, 9 KOs), of Brooklyn, NY, cruiserweight newcomer Matthew Tinker (1-0, 1 KO), of Long Island City, NY, and undefeated welterweight prospect Mathew Gonzalez (9-0, 6 KOs), of Ridgewood, NY. More information on these bouts will be announced shortly.

Shaun Palmer has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and Chris Provino appointed as the Head of Event and Fighter Marketing of Matchroom Boxing USA.

Palmer will assume overall leadership of Matchroom Boxing USA, reporting to Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith. In addition to his new responsibilities as COO, Palmer continues his legal duties, formally taking on the role of General Counsel for the Matchroom group of companies. 

Palmer joined Matchroom Boxing in 2018 having previously worked as an attorney in private practice at the international law firms of Debevoise & Plimpton and Jones Day, specializing in international commercial law.

Matchroom Boxing USA also continues its expansion with the appointment of Chris Provino as Head of Event and Fighter Marketing. Provino previously worked at the UFC as Senior Director of Athlete Marketing and Development and prior to that at WWE as International Relations and Affiliate Marketing Coordinator. 

Provino brings a wealth of marketing, advertising and brand development experience at the very highest level and will play a critical role as Matchroom Boxing USA consolidates its operations in the U.S. and expands to new markets.

“We are delighted to announce Shaun’s new role at Matchroom Boxing and welcome Chris to the company,” said Frank Smith, CEO, Matchroom Boxing. “Shaun has played a pivotal role in both the launch of Matchroom Boxing USA and in his legal capacity across all our deals across the globe.

“Chris brings an unrivalled body of work and experience in combat sports in the key areas of marketing, brand development and advertising. Chris’ expertise will prove vital as we grow the Matchroom Boxing brand in all our territories, and boost the profile of the company and our fighters in America.”

PHILADELPHIA (November 27, 2019) – Unified 154-pound world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams will defend his WBA and IBF titles in a Philadelphia homecoming against the hard-hitting Jeison Rosario on Saturday, January 18 in the FOX PBC Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes live in primetime from Temple University’s Liacouras Center.

The action 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 of the broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale Friday, November 29 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased at http://www.liacourascenter.com/events (direct link HERE) or by calling 800-298-4200.

“Julian Williams earned one of 2019’s most thrilling victories in May against Jarrett Hurd, and there’s no better way for him to follow that up than by defending his WBA and IBF titles in front of his hometown fans in Philadelphia,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The great fight fans in Philadelphia are in for fireworks because Jeison Rosario hits hard and he comes to pull off the spectacular upset, and he only needs one punch to do so. Combined with the addition of one of boxing’s best young stars in Chris Colbert in his toughest test to date against Jezreel Corrales, FOX PBC Fight Night will be must watch from start to finish on January 18 at Liacouras Center.”

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) captured his world titles in a FOX main event in May when he upset Jarrett Hurd’s homecoming defense in a fight that is a frontrunner for 2019 Fight of the Year. Williams took full advantage of his second title opportunity with a spirited performance and an impressive game plan that negated the hard-charging and physically bigger Hurd.

The 29-year-old will now headline in his hometown, marking the first time he’s fought in Philadelphia since a 2011 victory over Eberto Mendoza. Williams earned his title opportunity by winning four-straight fights after a defeat to Jermall Charlo in 2016, including wins over former champion Ishe Smith and Nathaniel Gallimore.

“This is going to be great having a homecoming fight back in Philadelphia,” said Williams. “I’m excited for the crowd that’ll be at the Liacouras Center and to be back fighting on FOX. I haven’t fought in Philadelphia since 2011, so I can’t wait to get back in the ring in front of all my people. Rosario is a good fighter and I’m very familiar with him. I know he packs a solid punch and that he’s been on a tear ever since his lone loss to Nathaniel Gallimore. So he’ll be a stiff test for me, but I’m prepared to win. Most of all, I’m just excited to defend my titles and as a unified champion in front of my hometown crowd.”

Born in the Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs) will take an eight-fight unbeaten streak into his first world title fight on January 18. The 24-year-old has taken down a slew of contenders and rising prospects including Jamontay Clark, Justin DeLoach and Mark Anthony Hernandez, all of whom were either stopped or knocked down against Rosario. Most recently, Rosario won a decision over veteran contender Jorge Cota in April.

“I’m very thankful and excited for this opportunity,” said Rosario. “I’m going to take advantage of it. I plan to bring these titles back to the Dominican Republic by knockout, but if I have to go 12 rounds, I’m ready. I learned a lot from my first defeat, and it will never happen again. I also want to thank PBC, my promoter Sampson Boxing and my manager Caesar Mercedes for putting in this position. I can’t wait to make the most of it.”

One of boxing’s top rising prospects, Colbert (13-0, 5 KOs) showed off his emerging power with a sensational one punch knockout of Miguel Beltran Jr. in the first round of his most recent fight in September on FS1. The 23-year-old from Brooklyn, New York had an impressive amateur career and has already taken down three unbeaten fighters in his short pro career. He will look to kick off a big 2020 on January 18 after earning four wins in 2019.

“This is the stage that I’ve been waiting for,” said Colbert. “My last fight was the co-main event on FS1 and now we’re moving up to FOX. It’s time to show out! I’m going to show the world what the hype behind me is all about and prove that I’m a soon-to-be champion of the world. All I know about Corrales is that he’s a former champion who’s going to bring his A-game, but I’m looking to get him out of there. I’m excited to be back in Philly and I’m definitely going to have my crew and fans coming down from New York to show support.”

The 28-year-old Corrales (23-3, 9 KOs) will look to rebound after a narrow split-decision defeat to Ladarius Miller in July. Fighting out of San Miguelito, Panama, Corrales won a super featherweight title in 2016 when he went to Japan and knocked out Takashi Uchiyama before winning a decision in their rematch. He also owns victories over current 130-pound champion Rene Alvarado and Robinson Castellanos.

“Colbert is a good fighter but he’s not ready for what I can do in the ring,” said Corrales. “I’m going to show that I’m still one of the best in the division. This is a great opportunity to prove that. I’ve been training hard to be the best Jezreel Corrales. Thank you to my whole team for helping me get this fight. You’re not going to want to miss my performance on January 18.”

#

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.

Top Rank on ESPN returns to Las Vegas, the Boxing Capital of the World, this Saturday, November 30 for a Thanksgiving Weekend super featherweight doubleheader at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.  Former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez makes his long-awaited super featherweight debut in a 10-rounder against former world title challenger Andres “Jaguarcito” Gutierrez in the main event.  

The co-feature of the evening will see the fighting pride of Belfast, former two-division world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton, take on the unbeaten Tyler “The Golden Child” McCreary in a 10-round super featherweight contest.  

Valdez-Gutierrez and Frampton-McCreary will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 10 p.m. ET (undercards beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET). The undercards will feature junior middleweight contenders Carlos Adames and Patrick Teixeira for the WBO interim title.  

Calling the action will be Bernardo Osuna (play-by-play), former two-division world titleholder Timothy Bradley Jr. (analyst) and former pound-for-pound #1, two-division world titleholder and 2004?Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward (analyst).   

Top Rank on ESPN: Oscar Valdez vs. Andres Gutierrez on ESPN+ (All times Eastern) 

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ grew quickly to 3.5 million subscribers in 18 months, offering fans thousands of live events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, thousands of college sports events (including football and basketball) from more than a dozen sports at 20 conferences, hundreds of MLB and NHL games, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, Bundesliga – beginning in 2020, EFL Championship and Carabao Cup, Eredivisie), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, exclusive ESPN+ Original series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films.

Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) through the ESPN App, (on mobile and connected devices), ESPN.com or ESPNplus.com.  It is also available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+ ­— all for just $12.99/month.

Queensberry Promotions today hosted the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s (November 30) huge Midlands Mayhem show at Arena Birmingham, live on BT Sport.

** Photography from today’s press conference is available on this link to use with credit to Round ‘N’ Bout Media **

**Head to head videos are available on this link to use with credit to Queensberry Promotions**

In a magnificent world title fight South Africa’s Zolani Tete (28-3, 21KOs) risks his WBO bantamweight title against Filipino interim champion John Riel Casimero (28-4, 19KOs) where the winner will be likely to face IBF and WBA title holder Naoya Inoue in 2020.

Lerrone Richards (12-0, 3KOs)  takes on Halesowen’s Lennox Clarke (19-0-1, 7KOs) for the Commonwealth and vacant British super-middleweight belt in a battle of unbeaten boxers.

Sam Bowen (15-0, 11KOs) defends his British super-featherweight championship against Anthony Cacace (17-1, 7KOs).

Swansea’s British and Commonwealth welterweight champion Chris Jenkins (22-3-2, 8KOs) makes a defence against Middleton’s Liam Taylor (21-1, 10KOs). 

Liverpool puncher Sam Maxwell (12-0 (10KOs) defends his WBO European super lightweight crown against unbeaten Connor Parker (12-0, 1KO) from Derbyshire.

Ilford prospect Hamzah Sheeraz (9-0, 5KOs) will fight for his first title against Ryan Kelly (14-2, 7KOs).

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s press conference

ZOLANI TETE

“I have been out injured because of shoulder tendonitis, but the way I have been training it shouldn’t bother me. I didn’t need surgery, but it took a couple of months to get it right.  Mentally and physically I am still there and the injury will not stand in my way.  It was frustrating getting injured in the World Boxing Super Series and pulling out, but Casimero is one of the best.

Hopefully after this defence my next fight will be Naoya Inoue. If I beat Casimero that fight is a step closer. It is possible to meet Inoue next year.

My promoter Mr Frank Warren will do his best to make the fight happen. My shoulder will not come off, but you will see punches bouncing off Casimero’s head. He is a good fighter though who can come forward and has power, but we will deal with those things.

JOHN RIEL CASIMERO

“This is a good fight and I will give a good performance. My advantage is power and stamina. My promoter Manny Pacquiao had told me that if I’ve worked hard I can win. This is my second time boxing here and in the first fight Charlie Edwards was beaten. I am a better fighter now. Zolani is a good boxer and tough, but second to me. I will do my best to knock him out.”

SEAN GIBBONS (President, Manny Pacquiao Promotions)

“To have Senator Manny Pacquiao behind you tells you how good Casimero is. The Senator can sign a lot of fighters, but only goes with good ones. Casimero has travelled the world and feels comfortable here. He is one of the top three or four fighters in the Philippines.”

LERRONE RICHARDS

“Lennox talks a little bit too much and is about to find out what Lerrone Richards is all about. There are more strings to my bow than just boxing. I work hard and I don’t want anyone to think I’m lazy.

“I was at York Hall watching my friend box and Lennox was there giving me screw faces from the other side, but no problem. This is strictly business. I have trained for a hard night, but I’m anticipating victory.”

LENNOX CLARKE

“I am not looking at my home advantage. Lerrone is very professional, but I have done the hard work. No matter how good his boxing ability is he has to be prepared to go where I am prepared to go.

“His boxing is boring. I am gonna bring excitement and fireworks. I believe it will be a 12 round fight and he will try and nick it because that is how he fights. I am going to be to relentless and cause him nightmares. I believe I will be British and Commonwealth champion on Saturday.”

SAM BOWEN

“I am sure Cacace fancies it, but I will show what I am about and win. He is a good rangy fighter, but I have to rough him up and hurt him which I will do.

“I have left my full-time job and I am a lot more refreshed. I don’t have the flu or cold like I normally before fights because I am drained from training and working. There are competitive British fights, but I want to push on with the WBO and get a world title fight.”

SAM MAXWELL

“People talk about the dramas of my last fight and some fighter learn from a loss, but I learnt from a win. I know I need to be switched on from the first bell.

“I will get to the top. I am feeling fresher and moved to Scotland for my camps. My Mum beat cancer and I have that strength in me as well to battle through. She never loses faith in me and its great to have someone like that.”

CONNOR PARKER

“Sam won his last fight, but it might have been an off night. I am just ready for the best Sam Maxwell. I know what I am capable of and confident of winning. The only way Sam beats me is to knock me out.”

HAMZAH SHEERAZ

“I don’t want to fight journeymen, build up a padded record and then fail when I fight for a big title. I feel this is the time and I am ready. I can bang on about how good training is but the proof is Saturday. Ryan is a solid step up and is someone who will get the best out of me.”

RYAN KELLY

“I am here to win. I am never just gonna be the opponent and I am the home fighter in Birmingham. Hamzah is a good talent, but he is stepping up through levels. I am looking forward to getting in there and going to work. I am looking forward to an exciting fight against a hungry fighter.

CHRIS JENKINS

“Liam has got a win over Tyrone Nurse and I lost to him even though I thought I won. He is tall, rangy and deserves his shot. This fight should have happened before.

“I have had some good sparring with Robbie Davies Jr who is rangy like Liam. Everything has been done and on Saturday I will win, simple as.

“I lost my best friend 12 months ago. I was getting cut and thought; ‘do I need this,’ but look where I am now? I could write a book on it.”

LIAM TAYLOR

“Chris is a very good fighter and I have seen a lot of him. I didn’t expect him to beat Johnny Garton to become British title holder, but that win proves he is a very worthy champion.

I have to do what I do best and box at range. It will be a good tactical fight, but I believe I am better in every department. I was mandatory challenger and deserve this shot.”

Tickets are available now from £40 via Ticketmaster and TheTicketFactory

Ticket Prices:
£250 – Inner Ring Hospitality
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor
£75 – Floor
£50 – Lower Tier
£40 – Upper Tier

Chinese Heavyweight star Zhilei Zhang has promised to return from his 14 month absence from the ring with a “bang” when he takes on Andriy Rudenko in a ten round contest at the Casino de Monte-Carlo on Saturday November 30, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘Big Bang’ had been previously touted to fight in Monaco but a visa issue prevented him from tackling Alexander Ustinov here in November last year. American  Michael Hunter stepped in to replace Zhang and stopped Ustinov to announce himself on the Heavyweight scene, subsequently beating Fabio Maldonado and Sergey Kuzmin and will face former World title challenger Alexander Povetkin next weekend in Saudi Arabia on the undercard of the blockbuster rematch between Andy Ruiz and Anthony Joshua. 

This time it is Zhang that has a replacement fight to contend with. He was meant to face Kuzmin this weekend, but now meets teak tough Ukrainian Rudenko (32-6, 20 KOs). The 36-year-old has taken big punchers like Povetkin, Agit Kabayel, Hughie Fury and Lucas Browne the distance – but Zhang is not worried about the change of opponent and is planning to return with a bang. 

“This is my time – I’m thrilled to be fighting in Monaco on this Matchroom Boxing card,” said Zhang. “It has always been a dream of mine to chase greatness and make the world aware that the Chinese Heavyweight is coming to do damage. I have been preparing and training hard for whoever they put in front of me. The Heavyweight division is wide open now and I’m here to make my presence known. 

“The replacement opponent doesn’t make any difference to me. I have prepared for every style in training camp and I have been training extra hard putting a lot of work in. Rudenko has a good record. It might be a tough fight. I hope we both can deliver an exciting fight. 

“I’m not worrying about ring rust at all. I’m prepared anytime and I love boxing. It kept me going. Winning this fight will mark as a turning point. Being on Sky Sports and DAZN is a privilege. I’ll make the world see ‘Big Bang’ is coming.” 

The world will stop next weekend when Ruiz and Joshua clash once again in the Middle East, with the consequences of repeat or revenge unknown until they happen. With WBC king Deontay Wilder destroying Luis Ortiz in Las Vegas last weekend and set to rematch Tyson Fury early in 2020, contenders will be circling to land their own shot. Zhang cannot pick a winner for next weekend’s bout, but believes that the fight taking place in Saudi Arabia could be the catalyst for him to take elite level Heavyweight boxing to his home country. 

“I see both Ruiz and Joshua as true champions,” said Zhang. “Both of them need to pay attention to details because in this division it takes only one punch, just like Wilder-Ortiz. It’s hard to predict but I wish the best of luck to them. 

“Chinese fans are starting to follow professional boxing a lot, plus China has great atmosphere for boxing. I’m the only Heavyweight people want to follow in China. I have a lot of fans from China asking me when my fight will be and what my training looks like. People want to know about me. This is one of my biggest motivations.” Zhang vs. Rudenko is part of a big night of boxing in Monte-Carlo.

Main event sees undefeated Russian Welterweight talents Alexander Besputin (13-0, 9 KOs) and Radzhab Butaev (12-0, 9 KOs) collide for the vacant WBA World title, Norway’s Cecilia Braekhus (35-0, 9 KOs) and Argentina’s Victoria Bustos (19-5) battle it out to become the number one Welterweight on the planet when they clash for the IBF, WBA, WBO, WBC and IBO crowns in a huge undisputed showdown, Manchester Heavyweight Hughie Fury (23-3, 13 KOs) takes on Pavel Sour (11-2, 6 KOs) and rising Welsh talent Joe Cordina (10-0, 7 KOs) steps down in weight to take on Enrique Tinoco (18-5-4, 13 KOs) for the WBA Continental Super-Featherweight title.

Long Island, NY, November 27, 2019

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing is excited to announce the return of the critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series on FEBRUARY 28, 2020, live, from The Paramount, in Huntington Long Island. The intimate venue makes it feel as if you are in the ring no matter where your seats are located. The “Rockin’ Fights” series has a history of bringing extremely action packed fights to Long Island, and the 38th edition of the fantastic fight series will be no different.

As a loyal fan of Star Boxing, and the Rockin’ Fights series, you will have access to tickets before anyone else. Get your tickets, on pre-sale, today, Wednesday, November 27 at 10AM until Thursday, November 28 at 10PM, by using code
‘STAR’ to gain early access before tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday,September 27th, at 10AM. Purchase your tickets HERE.

TICKET SCHEDULE:
Pre-Sale: Wed, 11/27, 10AM – Thurs, 11/28, 10PM by using code ‘STAR’
Public On-Sale: Fri, 11/29 at 10 AM

ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS:
Star Boxing’s series at The Paramount has developed some of Long Island and Star Boxing’s biggest stars, like former world champion Chris Algieri, light heavyweight star Joe Smith Jr. and jr. welterweight knockout artist Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin.

Star Boxing has also brought in talent from all over the world to the Paramount including two-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (Rhode Island), and former world champion, Joshua Clottey (Ghana, Africa).

Rockin’ Fights at The Paramount has continuously sold out (this is Star Boxing’s 38th show there) with a Long Island crowd that fills the venue with unrivaled energy. The series has even brought out the likes of celebrities such as actor Burt Young, famously known for his role in Rocky and hip-hop artist and actor LL Cool J, amongst many others.

The Rockin’ Fights series at The Paramount offers an affordable and extremely entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to see action packed professional fighting from the opening bout, through the main event.

On February 28, 2020, Star Boxing plans to make the 38th edition of “Rockin’ Fights” yet another thrilling night of entertainment.

Get your tickets early, before they sell out! This night of fights is something you will not want to miss. Get your tickets HERE.

A proud world champion once again, two-time WBC Super Middleweight Titleholder David “El Bandera Roja/Red Flag” Benavidez says he’s a stronger, wiser version of himself and has his sights set on the division’s other big names.

Benavidez (22-0, 19 KOs), from Phoenix, says he watched WBA Champion Callum Smith’s recent defense against fellow UK scrapper John Ryder and is licking his lips at the thought of facing his counterpart.

“He looked like he was having a really hard time with a guy who had lost to Rocky Fielding and been knocked out,” said Benavidez. “I thought he was going to look really impressive, but that’s not what happened. I’m obviously a better fighter than him and he’d be a perfect opponent for me. I saw things in his style I could really work with.”

22-year-old Benavidez is currently working hard in the gym with father/trainer José Benavidez Sr., waiting for his next fight to be announced. After sitting out a one-year suspension, he regained his WBC title in his last fight, a KO 9 last September in Los Angeles over interim champ Anthony Dirrell.

“It was a long road being out for a year and seeing my title get won by Dirrell and then getting back in there and winning it back,” said Benavidez of his year off and subsequent redemption. “I learned to be disciplined more than anything. I learned that everything can be taken away at any moment if I make the wrong decisions. Sitting out made me hungrier as well. Seeing everybody in there fighting, knowing I was up there with the best of them.”

Another foe the young champion says would end up a signature victory is current IBF boss Caleb Plant.

“I don’t feel like he’s true super middle,” said Benavidez of Plant. “I think he weighs 170 walking around. Once he gets in with a tough fighter like me, he won’t be able to keep me off of him. All I need is one punch and I don’t think he’d be able to keep me from landing it for 12 rounds. He’s a good boxer, but it’s a fight and I’m the bigger guy naturally and I hit a lot harder. That’s a fight we can make happen in a heartbeat.

A win over Smith or Plant, said Benavidez, would pave the way for his ultimate showdown.

“And then you have (multi-time world champion Saul) Canelo (Alvarez), the big dog. That’s my main goal right now. I want to be great in my sport and be the best of my generation. Beating him would take me a long way toward that. That’s what keeps me working hard every day. All I have to do is stay on track and I will make it all happen.”

To every bad experience, there is a positive side and Benavidez says he’s a much better fighter for having gone through all of it.

“The positive of all of it is the experience I gained. You can’t teach experience. I’ve had a lot of big fights and been in the spotlight and I’ve been on the sidelines having lost it all. You have to live through that yourself and be in those circumstances to know how important it is to do the right things.”

Benavidez’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, says he’s proud of the young champion’s ability to come back from adversity.

“It was a hard time when he got suspended,” said Lewkowicz. “As a team we all had to pull together and make a plan to come back better than ever and now here we are, stronger and wiser than before. David has a long, historic career in front of him and I’m honored to be helping him achieve it.”
About Sampson Boxing

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

Providence, RI (November 27, 2019) — Having barely broken a sweat in his highly-publicized return to professional boxing this past Saturday, “The Pride of Providence,” Peter Manfredo Jr., delivers another holiday treat to his loyal fans Saturday, December 7 at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Fresh off his 41st career win November 23, Manfredo Jr. (41-7-1, 22 KOs) steps back in the ring just two weeks later on December 7 to face hard-hitting Colombian Milton Nunez (37-22, 32 KOs) in the 10-round main event of CES Boxing’s season-ending matinee show at the historic Fox Theater.

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 streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the third event of the promotion’s year-end tripleheader.

Tickets for the event 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.

Manfredo Jr. ended a three-year layoff this past Saturday with a 79-second knockout win over Melvin Russell in Rhode Island, his first fight since a 2016 draw against Vladine Biosse. He steps up in class on December 7 to face the experienced Nunez, who enters having won back-to-back bouts and boasts 32 career knockouts.

The 10-round headliner is one of several intriguing bouts on CES Boxing’s year-end holiday bash. Worcester, MA, super featherweight Irvin Gonzalez (12-2, 9 KOs) returns to face Omar Etheridge (3-2-1, 3 KOs) of Greensboro, NC, in a six-round special attraction. Also highlighting the main card is a potential Fight of the Night candidate between standout featherweights Nathan Martinez (6-0, 2 KOs) and Reading, PA, veteran Yeuri Andujar (4-2, 3 KOs), who battle in a six-round bout, plus the long-awaited return of New London, CT, fan-favorite Marcia Agripino (3-2-1), who faces Massena, NY, native Michelle Cook (1-1-2) in a six-round rematch of their 2013 bout, which ended in a draw.

In another added attraction, light heavyweight prospect Gary Balletto III (1-0, 1 KO) of Cranston, RI, joins Manfredo Jr. in making a quick return to the ring, stepping back into action December 7 after winning his professional debut November 23. Balletto III capped a thrilling performance on last weekend’s preliminary card with a fourth-round knockout over Miguel Iniguez and now faces debut boxer Kyl Jon Fritz of Raleigh, NC, in a four-round special attraction.

Rounding out the fight card, super lightweights Adalberto Zorrilla (7-2, 7 KOs) of Lynn, MA; Joe Goss (1-0) of Bridgeport, CT; and Carlos Perez Ojeda of New Haven fight in separate four-round bouts. Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Zorrilla ends a three-year layoff December 7 while Goss fights for the first time since February of 2018. Ojeda makes his professional debut following a successful 44-fight amateur career.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

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

UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

Heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte has landed a spot on the colossal Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Anthony Joshua 2 World title rematch taking place at the Diriyah Arena in Saudi Arabia on Saturday December 7, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.
 
Whyte will take on Poland’s former World title challenger Mariusz Wach in his first fight back since climbing off the canvas to outpoint Oscar ‘Kaboom’ Rivas in an exciting battle at The O2 in London back in July that saw him move to 26-1 (18 KOs).
 
Wach (35-5, 19 KOs) was due to face Whyte back in 2017 before ‘The Body Snatcher’ withdrew from their contest with an injured foot, but ‘The Viking’, a former opponent of Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin, will now have the opportunity to lock horns with Whyte following back to back wins in his homeland.
 
Fellow Brit Tom Little (10-7, 3 KOs) will also be targeting a huge upset on the undercard as he takes on Mahammadrasul Majidov (1-0, 1 KO), the former world amateur champion.
 
Alexander Povetkin’s explosive encounter with Michael Hunter has already been confirmed, along with Filip Hrgovic’s step-up in class against Eric Molina on an action-packed evening of Heavyweight fights.
 
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.
 
“I’m delighted to be fighting in Saudi Arabia against Mariusz Wach,” said Whyte. “He’s probably got one of the best chins in the Heavyweight division.
 
“I have been training and working hard to fight so it’s great to get a date and it’s very exciting for me to be fighting somewhere different like Saudi Arabia.
 
“I want to fight in different places and different settings and this card has the biggest Heavyweight fight on it that we have seen in years.
 
“I’m just going to keep chasing the World titles, so if I keep winning then I hope to land that World title shot in 2020, that’s the plan for December 7.”
 
“This wraps up a huge card for what will be a historic night for the sport,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Boxing. “Ten big Heavyweights will descend on Diriyah to cause a shockwave through World boxing as Saudi Arabia hosts one of the biggest Heavyweight fights of all time. Ten days to go!”
 
Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “Anthony Joshua’s epic rematch night has even more heavyweight fireworks as Dillian Whyte battles Mariusz Wach on a bill which is brimming with big punchers.
 
“Whyte will be seeking to showcase his power against the battle-hardened Mariusz Wach, while the likeable Tom Little receives a dream fight against Mahammadrasul Majidov, the former world amateur champion.
 
“Hopey Price and Diego Pacheco are also keen to display their talent on a momentous night for the sport as we build towards Joshua’s spectacular showdown with Ruiz Jr.”

ATLANTA (November 26, 2019) – Two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, went face to face with former unified champion Yuriorkis Gamboa Tuesday at a press conference in Atlanta to preview their battle for the vacant WBA Lightweight title taking place Saturday, December 28 live on SHOWTIME in a special year-end Premier Boxing Champions event.

The championship showdown will be live from the award-winning State Farm Arena and is the first boxing title fight to take place in Atlanta since Evander Holyfield vs. Vaughn Bean on September 19, 1998.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through Ticketmaster.com.

While in Atlanta, Davis visited the site of his December 28 title fight and was acknowledged on the big screen inside the arena before and during Monday’s Atlanta Hawks game.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Tuesday from the open to the public event at Republic Lounge:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“December 28 is going to be an action packed fight, and not just my fight, but the whole card is going to be great. We’re training hard right now so we can live up to the hype. This is going to be a big event on December 28, not just a boxing show.

“I want to keep getting better and better inside that squared circle. I hope Gamboa brings the best out of me so that people can see that I’m not just a power puncher. I have a lot of boxing skills.

“I’ve always wanted to fight here. Atlanta has accepted me with open arms. Baltimore is always my first home, but being able to come here is special and I really appreciate the support.

“Coming up in weight is something that I know I have to do to be great. Gamboa is a tough opponent. He’s a gold medalist who hits hard. I’m going to test the waters and December 28 I’m going to show everyone what I can do.

“I believe this is the biggest test of my career so far. He’s very accomplished and we know that he’s explosive and comes to fight. He’s a tough opponent but we’re ready. We’re not taking him lightly at all.

“I don’t recall too much from when we sparred, but I remember he got out of the ring quicker than he was supposed to. It’s different sparring than on December 28. I’ll be ready and hopefully he’s ready to give the fans what they want to see.

“This is a really big challenge for me and we know that Gamboa is a bigger guy. He’s an action packed fighter with power and speed. It’s going to be great for the sport and we’re going to make it a great night.

“The fans should expect action on December 28. I’m going to give it my all and I’m going to put him down on his face.”

YURIORKIS GAMBOA

“I recognize that Gervonta has done great things so far in his career. He’s had his glory, and I’ve had mine. I’ve been champion in different weight classes. We’re putting the work in and I assure you December 28 will be a great test for both of us.

“When I came out to Baltimore and knocked out Roman Martinez, I proved to the naysayers that I have a lot left in the tank. On December 28, my goal is to continue to prove everyone wrong.

“I know that we’re both coming to win, but in my heart and my soul, I see myself winning on December 28. I’ll leave it all in the ring to do so.

“Calvin Ford can say whatever he wants about how long I can stand up to the power, but it’s Gervonta who has to step in the ring with me. Come December 28, I’ll show everyone what I can do and prove everyone wrong.

“Everyone in Atlanta is going to see a great war. It’s going to be two warriors fighting in the middle of that ring and may the best man win that night.

“We sparred a few rounds before but I don’t remember much from it. It wasn’t in preparation for a fight or anything. What matters is the fight on December 28 and on that one, I’ll be at my best.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped get me this opportunity and of course the city of Atlanta for having me here to talk about this great event we’re going to have on December 28.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“This is an honor to be here in Atlanta for this fight. We’re very focused on this fight on December 28. I know Gamboa’s coach and his background and this is a great step up for our camp and for Gervonta.

“Gamboa has been winning and doing his job. Gervonta is the young champion and Gamboa is looking for that glory again. I believe Gamboa is a fighter who is going to really try to bring the best out of Gervonta.

“This is a great chance to see what we’re really made of. We’re really looking forward to this fight and we want Gamboa to be that guy who will bring the best out of Gervonta. We’ll see if he can stand up to him on December 28.”

TONY GONZALEZ, Gamboa’s Advisor

“We’re very happy to be a part of this great fight and event. This is a great opportunity for Gamboa. He’s been training hard since before his last fight up in Gervonta’s hometown of Baltimore, but I’ll let Gamboa do most of the talking.

“It’s been a long journey back. He’s a great former world champion, and he’s already been an interim champion at 135-pounds. He’s ready to give it his all and I’m sure Gervonta feels the same. We’re looking forward to a great fight.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“I’m truly excited to be in this great city of Atlanta and to be bringing big time boxing to the city. Gervonta was very very adamant about bringing this fight to his home away from home. After a huge turnout in Baltimore on July 27, what better city to bring a big time event to than Atlanta?

“On December 28 I guarantee you the entire city will be lit. It will be a movie. We have a great card from top to bottom. Including Mayweather Promotions’ own Badou Jack taking on WBA Light Heavyweight champion Jean Pascal. That’s going to be a tremendous bout, with even more exciting bouts to be announced soon.”

#

ABOUT DAVIS VS. GAMBOA
Davis vs. Gamboa will see two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis, Mayweather Promotions’ top rising star and boxing’s hottest attraction, as he takes on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight Title live on SHOWTIME Saturday, December 28 at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a special year-end Premier Boxing Champions event.

The special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal battling two-division champion Badou Jack in the co-main event.

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

(Nov. 26, 2019) — South African southpaw Zolani Tete, the WBO bantamweight world champion, will make his first title defense in more than a year against former two-weight world champion John Riel Casimero on Saturday from Arena Birmingham in Birmingham, England.
 
This will be the fourth title defense for Tete, who withdrew from the World Boxing Super Series tournament earlier this year with a shoulder injury.
 
Tete-Casimero will headline a scheduled six-bout stream on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Tete (28-3, 21 KOs) is unbeaten in 12 bouts dating back to 2012, a streak that includes a brief reign as the IBF junior bantamweight world champion. He moved up to bantamweight in 2016 and captured the interim WBO bantamweight title the following year with a unanimous decision over Arthur Villanueva. He was soon elevated to world champion and, in his first title defense in November 2017, he authored an 11-second knockout over Siboniso Gonya. The KO came on Tete’s first punch of the fight and broke a boxing record for the fastest KO in a world title bout. Tete has defended his belt twice since the Gonya bout, notching decisions over Omar Narvaez and Mikhail Aloyan.
 
Casimero (28-4, 19 KOs), from Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines, is looking to become the fourth Filipino boxer to win world titles in three weight classes. He reigned as IBF junior flyweight world champion from 2012-2013, and he won the IBF flyweight world title in 2016 with a fourth-round knockout over Amnat Ruenroeng. He has won four consecutive bouts and picked up the interim WBO bantamweight title while Tete was recovering from his injury. He defended the interim belt in August in Manila, stopping Mexican veteran Cesar Ramirez in the 10^th round.
 
In other action from Birmingham:

• Lerrone Richards (12-0, 3 KOs) will fight Birmingham native Lennox Clarke (19-0-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-rounder for the vacant British super middleweight title and Clarke’s Commonwealth belt. Clarke has won four in a row since the lone draw on his record, while Richard is coming off a decision win over Tommy Langford for the Commonwealth crown.
   
• In a battle of unbeatens, Sam Maxwell (12-0, 10 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO European junior welterweight title in a 10-rounder versus southpaw Connor Parker (12-0, 1 KO). 

• Hamzah Sheeraz (9-0, 5 KOs), only 20 years old, will take step up in class when he faces fellow Birmingham native Ryan Kelly (14-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Sheeraz is 3-0 with three knockouts in two rounds or less in 2019.
   
• Sam “Bullet” Bowen (15-0, 11 KOs) will make the second defense of his British super featherweight title against Belfast native Anthony Cacace (17-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round showdown. Bowen won the British title in March with a ninth-round stoppage over Jordan McCorry in a bout that was streamed live on ESPN+.
   
• Dennis “The Menace” McCann (4-0, 3 KOs), a 19-year-old bantamweight prodigy from Maidstone, England, will face Elvis Guillan (9-59-4, 6 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder.

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

About ESPN+
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NEW YORK (November 26, 2019)–Super Middleweight Ievgen Khytrov and Antonio Vargas each added to their win and knockout total by taking out Ernest Amuza and Szilvzter Kanales respectively on Saturday night at The Bryan Glazer JCC in Tampa, Florida.

Khytrov and Vargas are managed by Split-T Management.

Khytrov dominated the action, until Amuzu had enough and the fight was stopped at 2:59 of round three of their scheduled eight-round fight.

Khytrov registered his 3rd consecutive stoppage, and is now 20-3 with 17 knockouts. Amuzu is now 25-5.

Khytrov is promoted by Dibella Entertainment.

2016 United States Olympian, Vargas was successful in his 1st bout since suffering his 1st pro defeat when he stopped Kanales at 2:38 of round two of their scheduled six-round bantamweight contest.

Vargas of Kissimmee, Florida upped his record to 11-1 with five knockouts.

Springfield, Mass. (November 26, 2019) – Star Boxing is pleased to announce its “New England Explosion” coming to theMassMutual Center in December. Sponsored by MGM Springfield, this spectacular night of boxing will showcase the best talent in New England including 2018 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Fighter of the Year, “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (E. Hartford, CT 12-0 4KO’s), heavy-handed light heavyweight, RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (Hartford, CT 15-0 12KO’s) and OMAR “BEAST” BORDOY (Danbury, CT 9-1 3KO’s). New England Explosion will be on the famed date of thrillers, Friday, December 13, 2019 at 7:30 pm in MassMutual Center’s Exhibition Hall.

Tickets are on sale now at www.MassMutualCenter.comand at the MassMutual Center Box Office. Tickets start at $40. Pricing does not reflect facility fees or convenience charges.

NESN’s live 2-hour broadcast of the feature bouts will begin at 9 p.m. with Jahmai Webster calling the action and Dana Rosenblatt (37-1-2 in his professional boxing career) as the analyst.

Laureano looks to conclude an extremely busy 2019, with his fourth fight of the year. Kicking off in January, Laureano dropped Ronald Rivas twice, earning a dominant unanimous decision victory. In June, Laureano returned in a barn burner against Dieumerci Nzau a fight that had the crowd on its feet from beginning to end. Laureano earned the 7thround TKO, securing the ABO America’s Title. Finally, in September, Laureano stepped in against Brian Jones, putting his ABO title on the line in his toughest test to date. However, Laureano proved to be up to the task, bringing his quintessential “action” fighting style and dominating the Texan over 8-rounds for the victory.

Laureano is ecstatic to be returning home to the very building where he won the New England Golden Gloves in 2016, to showcase his skill in front of his hometown fans on December 13, stating, “I’m blessed to be back! I won the Golden Gloves here and those memories I really hold dear to me. The Golden Gloves really helped me get to where I am today. I’ve always had huge support from Massachusetts and to me this is a homecoming. I’m honored to be back! Can’t wait!”

Rivera has fought an astonishing six times in 2019 and looks to close out the year with yet another victory. Rivera has racked up the miles this year, having fought in Charlotte, North Carolina, Tijuana, Mexico, Catskills, New York and most recently Daytona Beach, Florida. Most notably, “Popeye” Rivera went to battle with banger Brian Howard in June, over 8-rounds for the ABO America’s Title. After being hurt in the first round, Rivera settled in, out boxing the Georgia product in Howard, earning the unanimous decision victory. In September, Rivera defended his ABO title for the first time against yet another banger, Israel Duffus. Both men came out of the gate with bad intentions, yet Rivera eventually gained and remained in control of the bout over the 8-round contest, winning again.

After traveling for most of 2019, Rivera is ready to show up and show out in front of his hometown fans, “I am super excited to be able to fight in my own backyard! I have been doing a lot of traveling, fighting around the world, trying to put my brand out there. However, it is a special feeling to be able to fight in front of my friends and family. I cannot wait.”

Also being featured on December 13, of Danbury, Connecticut, Bordoy will be in his toughest task to date against the undefeated “SLICK” VICTOR RABEI (Dublin, Ireland 8-0 2KO’s). Bordoy is no stranger to wars, such as when he took on then undefeated, Terrell Bostic at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights,” where he dropped Bostic, which proved to be the difference in the bout, winning by split decision. Rabei is a Maldivian born, Dublin resident, who fights as his moniker insinuates. “Slick Vic” will cross the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, to battle with Bordoy.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the New England Explosion, “We look forward to bringing a thrilling night of boxing to the boxing fans in the Springfield, Massachusetts area. New England is in for a treat, so much talent has come out of the area over the years. Willie Pep, Rocky Marciano, Marvin Hagler… the list goes on. We are excited to bring these hungry undefeated and exciting prospects to the MassMutual Center with MGM Springfield. With rising talent like Anthony Laureano, Richie Rivera, and the sensational undercard planned, December 13 will be everything New England boxing fans want and more.”

NEW YORK (November 26, 2019) – SHOWTIME Sports will live stream two undercard bouts on Saturday, December 7 from Barclays Center leading up to undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo defending his title against highly-ranked contender Dennis Hogan.

Once-beaten middleweight contenders Immanuwel Aleem and Ronald Ellis face off in a 10-round fight, while Australia’s Louisa Hawton battles Los Angeles-native Lorraine Villalobos in a rematch for the women’s Interim WBC Strawweight Championship on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN. The digital offering begins live at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page leading into the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by the undefeated WBC Middleweight World Champion Charlo defending his title against Hogan. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast also features middleweight star Chris Eubank, Jr. and top contender Matt Korobov squaring off in the co-main event for the Interim WBA Middleweight Title. In the telecast opener, former world champions clash when the Philippines’ Marlon Tapales and Japan’s Ryosuke Iwasa meet for the Interim IBF Super Bantamweight Title.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN is hosted by Brian Campbell and Luke Thomas providing preview and analysis of that evening’s SHOWTIME telecast. Ray Flores will call the live undercard play-by-play action from ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. 

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.

In SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP COUNTDOWN streaming coverage, the 26-year-old Aleem (18-1-2, 11 KOs) from Richmond, Va., takes on ShoBox: The New Generation alum Ellis (16-1-2, 11 KOs), now 30-years-old and from Lynn, Mass. Nicknamed “The Chosen One”, Aleem scored a career-best win in an upset of levgen Khytrov, a sixth-round TKO in a Fight of the Year contender at Barclays Center in 2017 on SHOWTIME EXTREME on the Badou Jack vs. James DeGale undercard. Aleem’s last fight resulted in a draw against Matt Korobov at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Va., last May. Ellis suffered his first and only professional loss via decision on ShoBox against DeAndre Ware in February of 2019.

The 34-year-old Hawton (9-2, 5 KOs) from Perth, Western Australia, faces Los Angeles’ 23-year-old Villalobos(4-2, 2 KOs) in her first fight since she beat Villalobos in December of 2018 in Carson, Calif., when Villalobos’ corner ended the fight after the fifth round. Villalobos has rebounded with back-to-back wins, with her most recent being a TKO victory over Leanna Martinez in Albuquerque, N.M., back in August.

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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.

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