‘BORN FIGHTER’ MATI BACK IN ACTION IN CHICAGO

Reshat Mati is back in action at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on Saturday night, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK – and Mati told ‘Born Fighter’ that he’s ready to thrill again after a frustrating time out through injury.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ‘BORN FIGHTER’ WITH RESHAT MATI ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL LIMITED TICKETS FOR THE HEAVYWEIGHT DEBUT OF OLEKSANDR USYK AGAINST TYRONE SPONG IN CHICAGO ARE ON SALE NOW
Mati raced to 3-0 with two KO wins in three months after making his debut a year ago in the arena he returns in on Saturday.

‘The Albanian Bear’s’ progress was checked by a shoulder injury suffered in training after his first round KO win in New York in January, and the 21 year old has faced a frustrating spell on the sidelines while fellow youngsters in the Matchroom Boxing USA stable added to their growing reputations.

Mati has recovered from his injury and is itching to get back on track, starting in the Windy City where it all began one year ago.

“It was tough,” said Mati. “I was watching all my teammates winning and going to the fights, thinking that could have been me. But it is what it is, that time has passed and I’m back in shape and ready to put on another show.

“Rehab was tough, they were saying ‘don’t do this or this’, there was very specific on what I could or couldn’t do. They would say ‘don’t go for a run’ and I would say ‘how am I going to get back in shape without going for a run?’ They would just say ‘do you want your shoulder to get better? Then don’t go for a run!’ New York Sports Science Lab fixed my shoulder up and I feel better than ever, and I’m ready to KO someone again.

“I’m just here to put on a great show. There’s no ceiling for me. I want to be Albania’s first world champion, that’s the main thing for me, put Albania on the map for boxing. It’s tough, when I get punched in the face my Dad is getting hit too, that’s how he feels. He’s been on it with me and the boxing since day one and I cannot pay him back for what he’s done for me. It’s a job for me now and hopefully I can make everyone proud.

“Trust is very important to me, and that’s what it’s like with Coach Sosa. If I feel like we don’t fit and there’s something not quite right, then it’s not going to work. Sosa has been with me since I was around 12 and we’ve been all good, now we’re going up and up the levels together.

“I wasn’t nervous on my debut in Chicago, I don’t get nervous before fights anymore. I’ve had hundreds of fights now and i just go in and have fun, putting on a good show is all that matters to me. It’s a job, no-one gets nervous going to their job.”

Mati is the third fighter featured on season two of ‘Born Fighter’ following Devin Haney and Michael Hunter as the second series focuses on the American stable at Matchroom Boxing USA after 11 episodes from the British and Irish stable featuring Katie Taylor, Luke Campbell, Dillian Whyte, Joshua Buatsi and more.

The series will be presented by Lauren Gardner, a familiar face to sports fans in America as the host of DAZN’s nightly live baseball program “ChangeUp” as well as a contributing reporter for DAZN’s boxing coverage. The Colorado native has worked with CBS Sports, AT&T SportsNet, Fox Sports Ohio, MTV2, MLB/NHL Network and ESPN, where she covered NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, College Football, College Basketball and two Super Bowls. The American series of ‘Born Fighter’ will also appear on DAZN 24 hours after premiering on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.




SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT’S BARANCHYK AND CEBALLO REGISTER STOPPAGES AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

NEW YORK (October 7, 2019)–Split-T Management fighters Ivan Baranchyk and Brian Ceballo turned in impressive performances on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden as each fighter registered stoppage victories on the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin – Sergiy Derevyanchenko card.
Former IBF Junior Welterweight world champion, Baranchyk stopped tough New Yorker Gabriel Bracero in the 4th round of their scheduled 10-round bout, while Ceballo took out previously undefeated Ramal Amanov in the 3rd round of their welterweight tussle.  

Baranchyk came out throwing hard punches early as he was looking for the an explosive early knockout.  In round two, Baranchyk started getting to Bracero and opened a cut over the right eye of Bracero.  In round four, Baranchyk landed two hard body shots that was followed by a jab and big right that forced Bracero to hold on and eventually fall to the canvas.  When Bracero got to his feet, the fight was waved off at 1:30.
With the win, Baranchyk will look for another major opportunity with a record of 20-1 with 13 knockouts.  
“The Beast is back.  This is my message for everybody,” said Baranchyk.  “This is a good opponent and I am back.  I fought opponents that were dirtiier and I was prepared for that.  Pedro Diaz is my guy as a trainer.”
Baranchyk is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Holden productions and Fight Promotions.

Ceballo was fighting in front of a hometown crowd, and continued his ascent of the prospect rankings as he was dominant in his surgical dissection of Amanov.  
Ceballo cut Amanov’s left eye early in the fight, and the New York native started landing more and harder as round’s two and three commenced.  In the 3rd round, Ceballo landed a hard flurry of punches that forced the stoppage at 1:20.  

With the win, Ceballo, who was fighting for the 5th time in 2019 is now 11-0 with six-knockouts.  Amanov loses for the 1st time and is now 16-1.
Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.
The fights were seen live on DAZN.




ALISCH FACES FORMER WORLD TITLE CHALLENGER IN KOBLENZ

Sophie Alisch (4-0, 1 KO) will face the toughest test of her career on November 2nd as the 17-year-old boxing sensation takes on former two-time World title challenger Irma Balijagic Adler (16-12, 8 KOs) at the CGM Arena, Koblenz.

The exciting German star returns to the ring following a dominant points win over Spain’s Vanesa Caballero at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Ludwigshafen in August, and will hope to continue her ascent up the featherweight division with a fifth professional victory. 

“I am very pleased to compete against such an experienced opponent and to be in an eight round fight for the first time,” said Alisch. “Irma Adler has already boxed the best in the world and for World Championship belts, but as always I am well prepared and have had a great training camp.

“I made my professional debut at the CGM Arena so I will return to Koblenz with many positive memories, and look to make more!”

Adler, who has twice challenged for WBO World Super Featherweight title against Germany’s Ramona Kühne and Poland’s Ewa Brodnicka, and has shared the ring with a number of world-class fighters including Eva Wahlstrom, Delfine Person and Erica Farias, believes her experience will prove the difference on November 2nd.

“I know Sophie is very young and people are expecting great things from her, but I am much more experienced,” said Adler. “I am expecting a fantastic fight and will give my best to get the victory!”

“Sophie has had an excellent first year as a pro and she’s ready for these bigger tasks,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “It is unbelievable that she’s already so dominant at seventeen.

“Having her first fight over eight rounds against an opponent as experienced as Irma Adler will bring Sophie further forward. We think she’s ready for a title fight soon, maybe in 2020.”

This tantalising featherweight clash features as chief support for Leon Bunn (14-0, 8 KOs) versus Enrico Koelling (26-3, 8 KOs) as Bunn defends his IBF International Light Heavyweight title. Also on the undercard are local stars Slawa Spomer (8-0, 5 KOs), Roman Gorst (6-0, 5 KOs), Hizni Altunkaya (31-3, 18 KOs) and Yasin Altunkaya (14-0, 11 KOs). 

‘Fighting For Future’ on November 2nd is a special event that will see ticket revenue and money raised from the evening donated to three charities: Laughing Hearts, a charity that provides support and opportunities to children affected by poverty, Parents’ Initiative for Children with Cancer Koblenz, who provide support to the parents of children suffering from cancer in Koblenz and Education Unlimited, an education charity who encourage diversity and training across Europe. 

All the action from the CGM Arena is available to watch live on Sport1 in Germany. Tickets are available online via www.eventim.dewww.adticket.de and www.westticket.de.




OSCAR DUARTE TO DEFEND WBC LATINO LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST RICHARD SOLANO ON GOLDEN BOY FIGHT NIGHT ON FACEBOOK WATCH

CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO (Oct. 7, 2019): Lightweight contender Oscar Duarte (17-1-1, 12 KOs) will defend his WBC Latino Lightweight Title in a 10-round main event against Richard Solano (20-2-2, 13 KOs) on the October 19 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at The Gimnasio Rodrigo M. Quevedo in Chihuahua, Mexico. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

“We’re excited for the second installment of our four-part series in Mexico with Facebook Watch,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “This time, we’re headed to Chihuahua, Mexico as we continue to build our brand’s presence in different parts of the country. Oscar Duarte is a rising Golden Boy star with deep roots in Chihuahua and Francisco Vargas is a former world champion, so we guarantee an impressive event for fans in attendance and from home on Facebook Watch.”

Duarte is a 23-year-old native of Parral, Chihuahua who is coming off two technical knockout wins after suffering his only loss, which was against experienced contender Adrian Estrella. The charismatic puncher has also fought on many important cards under the Golden Boy banner, where he has scored big wins against the likes of Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez and Rey “Flash” Perez. Duarte is inches away from a world title shot, but he’ll have to remove any doubts about being worthy for a title shot in a tough fight before a hometown crowd.

“I’m very happy and motivated to be fighting on my native land, my state and with my people,” said Oscar Duarte. “I am preparing to give the very best of myself. Not only do I want to win the fight, but I also want to show people that I am learning and show that I can serve as an example for all of those who have dreams and goals. Every day I work hard to achieve my dream of becoming a world champion and to be an inspiration for my people. On this occasion, I will face a good boxer from Puerto Rico who himself wants to take advantage of this opportunity. Because of that I respect him, but I’m going to do my job in the ring.”

Solano is a 31-year-old native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic who has fought his entire profesional career in his home country. Solano will fight for the first time in Mexico, and he plans to defeat the hometown hero in his own backyard.

“I want to thank Golden Boy for the opportunity to fight on one of its events in Mexico against Oscar Duarte,” said Richard Solano. “I always dreamed about fighting a Mexican in his own house. I’m ready to hand him a beating. The fans will see that I’m going to win in his own hometown. Everyone will remember my name, Richard Solano. You don’t want to miss this fight!”

In the co-main event, former world champion Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (25-2-2, 18 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico will make his highly anticipated return against Ezequiel “Sheke”Aviles (16-4-3, 6 KOs) of Ensenada, Mexico in a 10-round lightweight fight.

“It’s an honor to be coming back to Mexico to begin another run at a world title,” said Francisco Vargas. “It’s been almost five years since I last fought in my home country, so I’m excited to put on a great show for everyone there and for all those who will watch on Facebook.”

“This is the biggest fight of my career,” said Ezequiel Aviles. “But if I want to become a contender, these are the challenges I need to face. I have what it takes to beat Vargas, and I promise a great win on Oct. 19.”

The undercard of this event will feature some of the best talent from the area.

Luis Hernandez (19-0, 17 KOs), who is the most sought-after prospect from Chihuahua, Mexico, will face Victor Zuniga (20-3, 9 KOs) of Ciudad Acuna, Mexico for the WBC Youth Super Lightweight Title in a 10-round battle. Hernandez, who has the same name as the legendary soccer player Luis “El Matador” Hernandez, will look to follow in the footsteps of fighters such as Quirino Garcia, Juan Carlos “El Ranchero” Ramirez, David “Tacubayo” Murillo and Miguel “Mickey” Roman, all of whom originated in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Angel Pillada (12-1, 7 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will fight in an eight-round bantamweight fight.

Karina Fernandez (12-4-1, 3 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will battle Cecilia Santoscoy (2-5, 1 KO) of Satillo, Mexico in an eight-round super flyweight fight.

Jaime Saavedra (2-0), a prospect from Chihuahua, Mexico who recently signed a co-promotional agreement with Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions, will return in a four-round welterweight fight.

Ruben Tellez (9-2, 5 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will participate in an eight-round lightweight clash against Joaquin Aguilar (5-2, 3 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico.

Eduardo Martinez (2-2, 2 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico and Alan Salazar (1-0) of Chihuahua, Mexico will meet in a six-round super bantamweight bout.

Karla Gonzalez (2-0) of Chihuahua, Mexico will battle against Brenda Ruacho (0-1) of Chihuahua, Mexico in a super bantamweight fight scheduled for six rounds.

Bryan Soto (1-0, 1 KO) of Chihuahua, Mexico will participate in four-round battle in the 147-pound division.

Rafael Proano (12-2-3, 8 KOs) of Chihuahua, Mexico will take on Esteban Villalba (11-21-3, 8 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico in a welterweight clash scheduled for eight rounds.

Carlos Zaleta of Chihuahua, Mexico will make his professional debut in a four-round flyweight fight against Jose Salmeron (0-0-1) of Chihuahua, Mexico.

Carlos Hernandez of Chihuahua, Mexico will participate in a four-round super featherweight clash against Jesus Cuellar (0-3) of Chihuahua, Mexico.

Duarte vs. Solano is a 10-round fight for the WBC Latino Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and the City of Chihuahua. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 19 at The Gimnasio Rodrigo M. Quevedo in Chihuahua, Mexico. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for the event are available at www.DonBoleton.com

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy Follow the conversation using #DuarteSolano. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing.

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




LEEDS UNITED STAR HERNANDEZ FIGHTING FOR JOSH

LEEDS UNITED star Pablo Hernandez will be the good luck charm in Josh Warrington’s corner this weekend.

IBF featherweight champion Warrington (29-0, 6 KOs) makes the third defence of his world title against Sofiane Takoucht at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday (October 12) night, live on BT Sport.

The club’s all-time great Lucas Radebe led the ring walk in Warrington’s title winning performance against Lee Selby in May 2018. Now it is the turn of the club’s current Player of the Year Hernandez.

Spanish midfielder Hernandez and several other Leeds United players will be roaring on Josh from ringside when he face France’s Takoucht.

Warrington who rarely misses a match when his team are playing at home said: “Pablo is our own Spanish magician so to have him holding my belt and getting in the ring with me, wow.

“It is great that several of the players can make it because it was the close season when I beat Kid Galahad in the summer and they had a match the next day when I boxed Carl Frampton.

“Leeds United are such a huge part of my life so it’s inspirational having the players watching me box. It’s mad because these are the fellas I cheer every weekend as a fan.

“Having Lucas as part of the ring walk when I fought Selby was something else and having Pablo there fires me up for Takoucht.”

Hernandez has been sidelined with injury, but expects to return later this month and Warrington added: “The reaction I got when I put on Twitter that Pablo was part of my team this weekend was amazing.

“Just imagine the noise this weekend. Takoucht will have never heard anything like it.”

The big night of action in Leeds is headed by local hero Josh Warrington (29-0, 6KOs) who makes the third defence of his IBF featherweight championship against France’s Sofiane Takoucht (35-3-1, 13 KOs). Zelfa Barrett (22-1,13KOs) will make the first defence of his Commonwealth super-featherweight title against exciting Scot Jordan McCorry (18-6-1, 4KOs). In a third title clash Manchester’s Lyndon Arthur (15-0, 12KOs) faces Ghanaian Emmanuel Anim (14-2-1, 12KOs) for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight crown , in a battle of the big hitters.

Darlington’s Troy Williamson (11-0-1, 8KOs), Mark Heffron (23-1, 17KOs), Shakiel Thompson (4-0, 3KOs), Reece Mould (12-0, 6 KOs), Shabaz Masoud (5-0, 1KO), John Joyce, 1-0), Jack Daniels (4-0, 2 KOs), Callum Simpson (1-0), Evaldas Petrauskas (1-0 1 KO) plus exciting debutant George Davey are all in action.

Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and firstdirectarena.com Prices: £40, £50, £75, £100, £150, £200, £350 – Inner Ring Hospitality.




HAVNAA FACES AMERICAN DANGERMAN SANDS ON NOVEMBER 16

IBO International Cruiserweight Champion Kai Robin Havnaa (15-0, 13 KOs) will face the hard-hitting American dangerman Al Sands (20-4-1, 14 KOs) on November 16th in Oslo as he looks to move into World title contention. 

Norway’s number one male boxer is back in the ring headlining a huge show at the historic Ekeberghallen venue alongside Katharina Thanderz, who meets Danila Ramos for the interim WBC World Super Featherweight crown.

Havnaa was last in action on June 22nd scoring a third-round stoppage win over Levani Lukhutashvili at the Forum Horsens in Denmark. This performance followed a career best win for the 30-year-old, who defeated Rad Rashid in front of his home fans in Arendal on March 2nd to claim his first major title.

Havnaa, the son of Norway’s only ever male World Champion, Magne Havnaa, must now put his World title aspirations on the line against his most dangerous opponent to date in order to prove he is ready to face the best in the division.

Sands, born in Haiti but now based in America, boasts an impressive 72 per cent knockout ratio with 18 of his 20 victories coming inside the distance. The 32-year-old is a former NABA-USA and Minneosaota State Cruiserweight Champion, who has also challenged for the WBO Oriental title.

“It’s amazing to headline a big show in Oslo,” says Havnaa. “Last time I boxed in Oslo was at the Spectrum on the undercard of Cecilia Brækhus in front of 10,000 fans. I’m sure this will be even better with all my supporters and a top Norwegian undercard. I’m very excited.

“My opponent is a very experienced skilled fighter with a long reach and good fundamentals. He is a big puncher, who has fought some of the best fighters in the world, and I will be preparing for the best Al Sands there is.

“I’ve always had a big talent to train hard, but now I’m also starting to master how to train smart. I’ve started to become an experienced fighter. I know what to do, and I know what not to do, and all this is going to take me to next level.

“You never know how good an opponent is until you’re trading punches with them, but from what I can see, Sands is my most dangerous opponent. Boxing is a sport full of surprises and with top shape cruiserweights, anything can happen, but on November 16th, I plan to show why I belong at the top.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland admits he has taken a risk allowing Havnaa to face Sands, but reveals the reward could be a shot at the IBO World Champion.  

“This is potentially a very dangerous fight for Kai,” said Sauerland. “We’re taking a risk here but the reward can be great. This is a chance for Kai to prove he belongs at the top level. If he comes through this, then we could look to make a fight between him and the current IBO World Champion Kevin Lerena.”

All the action will be broadcast live on Viasat 4 in Norway. Christian Ramberg, Programme Manager Sports for NENT Group, says:  “World class boxing finally returns to the capital with an amazing fight card. Kai Robin Havnaa will prove that he is a title contender against a very dangerous American opponent. With two knock out experts in action the viewers should not blink.”

Katharina Thanderz faces Danila Ramos for the interim WBC World Super Featherweight title, while Kai Robin Havnaa looks to move into World title contention with a cruiserweight clash against American dangerman Al Sands.

An action-packed undercard features undefeated cruiserweight prospect Kevin Melhus versus Ossie Jervier, light heavyweight Alexander Hagen against Emmanuel Feuzeu, super featherweight Bernard Torres taking on Yesner Talavera and cruiserweight Kent Erik Baadstad meeting Istvan Kun.

Tickets for ‘Capital Showdown’ on November 16th at the Ekeberghallen in Oslo are on sale now and available online via www.ticketmaster.no.




JOSHUA PACIO TO DEFEND ONE STRAWWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST RENE CATALAN

7 October 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced its return to Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines. This 8 November at the Mall of Asia Arena, ONE: MASTERS OF FATE will see the world’s best martial arts talent take the ONE Championship ring to showcase their skills. In the main event, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines will defend his title against countryman Rene “The Challenger” Catalan.

More information on ONE: MASTERS OF FATE is available at www.onefc.com and tickets are on sale now at https://smtickets.com/events/view/8038. Save 15% if you purchase from now until 3 November. Terms & Conditions apply. Offer valid only on Categories 2-4.

Team Lakay’s Pacio returns to action to defend his ONE Strawweight World Championship against fellow Filipino martial artist Catalan.

The 23-year-old from Baguio City captured the strawweight belt with a unanimous decision victory over Japanese veteran Yoshitaka Naito in September of 2018, but surrendered the title to another Japanese warrior in former Shooto champion Yosuke Saruta in his first defense. Months later, Pacio avenged that defeat by knocking Saruta out with a head kick to regain ONE Championship gold. Now, Pacio is looking to make the first defense of his second strawweight title reign against Catalan.

Catalan, on the other hand, is currently the hottest strawweight in the division who is riding an impressive six-bout win streak. The Philippine Wushu Champion and veteran martial artist stopped former champion Naito in the first round of his most recent outing, earning him a shot at the ONE Strawweight World Championship. Catalan now faces Pacio in a highly-anticipated all-Filipino showdown for the strawweight throne.

Former two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines is on the comeback trail. He is scheduled to face MGL-1 FC Lightweight Champion Amarsanaa “Spear” Tsogookhuu of Mongolia in the evening’s co-main event. The veteran member of Team Lakay will have to deal with Tsogookhuu’s uncharted power, as the Mongolian boasts of a solid knockout ratio featuring three stoppages out of five victories.

In a ONE Super Series Muay Thai bantamweight contest in 4-ounce gloves, Sangmanee “The Million Dollar Baby” Sathian MuayThai of Bangkok, Thailand takes on Azize “The Magician” Hlali of France. Despite being just 22 years old, Sangmanee has already achieved multiple honors in the sport including seven Muay Thai World Championships. He is a well-respected competitor in his home country and has defeated some of Muay Thai’s biggest names. Hlali, who trains out of Venum Training Camp, is a two-time Muay Thai World Champion.

Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio of the Philippines and CWFC Bantamweight World Champion Toni “Dynamite” Tauru of Finland will run it back in a highly-anticipated rematch. In their first encounter back in 2016, Tauru submitted Eustaquio via first round rear-naked choke. Since then, Eustaquio has gone on to capture the flyweight belt twice. Now he faces Tauru once again this time at flyweight.

ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand continues her quest for a mixed martial arts world title when she faces top women’s atomweight Bi “Killer Bee” Nguyen of Vietnam and the United States. The 21-year-old Stamp recently impressed in her return to the Circle, defeating Asha Roka by third round submission. Nguyen, meanwhile, was victorious against Puja Tomar in a Muay Thai contest.

WBC and IPCC Muay Thai World Champion Alma Juniku of Australia is back in ONE Super Series action when she takes on Anne Line Hogstad of Norway in a Muay Thai atomweight contest in 4-ounce gloves. Juniku made her ONE Championship debut against none other than two-sport World Champion Stamp Fairtex last June. She is now tasked to welcome ISKA Muay Thai World Champion and promotional newcomer Hogstad to the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito of Japan makes his much-awaited return to the ONE Championship ring when he goes head-to-head with Thailand’s Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit. Naito is on the comeback trail, having defeated fellow former ONE World Champion Alex Silva in his last outing. Mitsatit is one of the fastest rising martial arts talents from Thailand with an impressive 10-3 record. He is also a Northern Muay Thai Champion of Thailand with a 72-17 record.

Top King Muay Thai World Champion and former ONE World Title Contender Han Zi Hao of China will face one of his toughest opponents to date when he squares off with Thai veteran Kongsak “Left Savage” PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym. Han famously challenged reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao back in February. Kongsak, in contrast, is a three-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion and is coming off a close split decision win over Alaverdi Ramazanov. The two warriors will compete in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai bantamweight contest in 4-ounce gloves.

Making his ONE Championship debut is South Korean featherweight talent Jae Woong “The Fighting God” Kim who steps into the ONE Championship ring for the first time against top featherweight Emilio “The Honey Badger” Urrutia of the United States. Kim is a TFC Featherweight Champion and Korea Boxing Champion who is riding a two-bout win streak. Urrutia, in contrast, is a SFC Bantamweight Champion who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand.

In a battle between Muay Thai greats, Thailand’s Tukkatatong Petpayathai faces former ONE World Title Challenger Hiroaki “Kaibutsukun” Suzuki of Japan. The two-time Muay Thai World Champion representative of Evolve MMA owns a kickboxing record of 242-33-2. Suzuki, who challenged Tukkatatong’s teammate Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship last May, is a Shoot Boxing Lightweight World Champion with a professional kickboxing record of 41-12-1, 1NC.

Last but not least, top South Korean flyweight Kim Kyu Sung will make his second appearance in ONE Championship opposite ONE Warrior Series Contract Winner Akihiro “Superjap” Fujisawa of Japan, while Indian Wrestling Champion Roshan “The Indian Notorious” Mainam takes on KWC 1 Flyweight Tournament Champion Khon Sichan of Cambodia.

Additional bouts for ONE: MASTERS OF FATE will be announced at a later date.For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE Esports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global esports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Tencent, Star TV, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, Turner Sports, and more.



Spong tests positive; Usyk in need of new opponent for Saturday

Undefeated heavyweight Tyrone Spong tested positive for a banned substance, and he will not fight former undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“My thought is it’s bad because people are trying to use a shortcut and cheat and the other side of the fight is working so hard. It’s completely disrespectful,” Egis Klimas, Usyk’s manager, told ESPN. “Usyk wasn’t very happy when he found out, of course. He prepared hard for this fight and the other side is trying to cheat and take a shortcut.

“We have been contacted by VADA to inform us that there has been an adverse finding in Tyrone Spong’s test,” promoter Eddie Hearn said. “It has been sent to the State of Illinois commission and further information will be released [on Tuesday] morning. We have reserve opponents standing by.”

Hearn did not want to disclose any of the possible replacement opponents because he was still negotiating with them, but he told ESPN he is in talks with “three or four” fighters.

Klimas said whomever Hearn can line up, Usyk will fight.

“He’s been preparing for a long time. We will fight anyone who is willing to fight,” Klimas said.




ONE CHAMPIONSHIP ATHLETES SHOWCASE SKILLS AT ONE MARTIAL ARTS FAN FEST OPEN WORKOUT

6 October 2019 – Tokyo, Japan: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), recently held an Open Workout at the ONE Martial Arts Fan Fest featuring select ONE: CENTURY ?? athletes. Demetrious Johnson, Brandon Vera, Aung La N Sang, Angela Lee, Christian Lee, Xiong Jing Nan, Kevin Belingon, and Bibiano Fernandes came out to the Bellesalle Shibuya Garden in Tokyo to demonstrate their martial arts skills for fans in attendance. All athletes are set to see action at ONE: CENTURY ??, ONE Championship’s historic 100th live event which takes place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on Sunday, 13 October.

Official photos of the Open Workout are available at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qdktXIwVO18PFLpHGESMRJRMytp48uVy?usp=sharing

Demetrious Johnson, 12-time Flyweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion, stated: “It’s such an honor and a privilege to be able to return to Japan where I made my ONE Championship debut last March. The experience was absolutely amazing. I feel very fortunate to be here once again, this time competing in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship Final. I’m sure the fans are excited for all the festivities. The atmosphere at the ONE Martial Arts Fan Fest is buzzing, and it perfectly sets the stage for the huge event coming up next week.”

Brandon Vera, ONE Heavyweight World Champion, stated: “In my entire career, I’ve dreamed of becoming a two-division World Champion and competing in Japan. Next week, I have the chance to fulfill both of those dreams. This is such a huge fight for me, the biggest in my career so far. Taking on Mr. Aung La for the ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship is an honor. I’ve trained very hard for this fight and I’m ready. It’s going to be an action-packed bout between two come-forward warriors.”

Aung La N Sang, ONE Light Heavyweight and Middleweight World Champion, stated: “The last time I was here in Tokyo, it was a memorable evening for me. I faced a Japanese warrior named Ken Hasegawa, whom I respect and hold in very high regard. Now, I will face an even greater challenge in veteran Brandon Vera. Without a doubt, Brandon will be my toughest opponent to date. But I believe in my coaches, I believe in my preparations. We’ve left no stone unturned and we’re ready to take care of business next Sunday night.”

Angela Lee, ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion, stated: “I’ve taken a step back and collected myself after two tough bouts. They’ve taught me lessons and helped me realize a lot of things about myself as a fighter. With the help of my family, my Dad, and my team, I’ve worked extremely hard in improving my game. I feel now that we have the winning formula. Xiong Jing Nan is a worthy champion, but she’s coming into the atomweight division where I am strongest. Make no mistake about it, I’m looking to end matters dramatically within the distance and successfully retain my ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship.”

Christian Lee, ONE Lightweight World Champion, stated: “I train year-round to stay ready for any opportunity. I’m more than happy to step up and fight Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev at ONE: CENTURY. Entering the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Championship Final, and getting to perform with my sister Angela at this historic event in Japan, it’s going to be an awesome experience. I know my opponent is strong and dangerous, but so am I. I think our styles match up very well. I can’t wait to showcase my skills for the fans in Tokyo. It’s going to be an electric, action-packed bout and I am definitely looking to finish and shock the world.”

Xiong Jing Nan, ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion, stated: “This is the biggest bout of my career. I was able to hold the fort down at strawweight, but now it’s time to lay siege onto the atomweight world title. Angela is my toughest opponent to date. She is a great champion. To be able to compete against her is an honor. But I am coming for that belt. At the end of the night, I fully expect to have my hands raised in victory and to return home to China a two-division ONE World Champion.”

Kevin Belingon, former ONE Bantamweight World Champion, stated: “I’m very excited for this fight. This is my fourth match with Bibiano [Fernandes]. I think this fight will determine who is the true king at bantamweight. I’ll do my best to emerge the winner of this fight. I’m looking to end my business with Bibiano in stunning fashion. I’m super motivated to get the win here in Japan and bring the title back to the Philippines.”

Bibiano Fernandes, ONE Bantamweight World Champion, stated: “I prepared myself very hard for this fight. I’m ready to compete this Sunday, October 13th in Tokyo, Japan. I’m very excited to face Kevin [Belingon] one more time. The last time we fought, it ended controversially. Now, we get the chance to do it again and this time, there will be no doubt. I look to successfully defend my ONE Bantamweight World Champion. I’m ready to show the fans in Tokyo a very good performance.”

ONE: CENTURY ?? takes place live from the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, 13 October, and is the single greatest world championship martial arts event in the last 100 years. With 28 World Champions featured across various martial arts, ONE: CENTURY ?? is also the first martial arts event in history to host two full-scale World Championship events on the same day.

ONE: CENTURY ?? features World Championship title bouts, World Grand Prix Championship Finals, and World Champion versus World Champion match-ups. Part I of ONE: CENTURY ?? will be broadcast live in the United States via TNT and B/R Live. Part II in the evening, will be broadcast live across more than 140 countries worldwide and streamed to 2.6 billion potential viewers through the world’s largest television networks.

Part I of ONE: CENTURY ?? starts from 9:00 a.m. JST (October 13) / 8:00 p.m. EST (October 12). Part II starts from 5:00 p.m. JST (October 13) / 4:00 a.m. EST (October 13).

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE Esports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global esports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Tencent, Star TV, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, Turner Sports, and more.




Ennis stops Fernandez in 3!!

Top prospect Jaron Ennis continued his meteoric rise as he stopped Demain Fernandez in round three of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout in Flint, Michigan.

In round three, Ennis landed a heavy barrage of punches that sent Fernandez to the canvas. Seconds later, Fernandez turned to his corner and the bout was stopped at 2:10.

Ennis, 146 1/4 lbs of Philadelphia is now 24-0 with 22 knockouts. Fernandez, 146 1/2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 12-2.

Jermaine Franklin won a 10-round unanimous decision over Pavel Sour in a heavyweight bout.

In round six, Franklin dropped Sour with a nice right hand. In round 10, Franklin landed a hard combination that was followed by a right hand that sent Sour crashing down on the ropes.

Franklin, 231 1/2 lbs of Saginaw, MI win by scores of 98-91, 98-90 and 97-91 and is now 20-0. Sour, 238 lbs of Czech Republic s 11-2.

NOTE—The main event between Claressa Shields and Ivana Habizan was cancelled after Shields’ brother sucker-punched and severely hurt Habizan’s trainer James Ali Basheer at Friday’s weigh-in.




FOLLOW GOLOVKIN – DEREVYANCHNKO LIVE

Follow all the action as Gennady Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko vie for the IBF Middleweight Title at Madison Square Garden

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

12-ROUNDS–IBF MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE–GENNADY GOLOVKIN (39-1-1, 35 KOS) SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO (13-1, 10 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
GOLOVKIN 10 10 9 10 9 9 10 9 9 9 10 10 114
DEREVYANCHENKO 8 9 10 10 10 10 9 10 10 10 9 9 114

Round 1 LEFT AND RIGHT AND DOWN GOES DEREVYANCHENKO..

Round 2 2 straight rights from Derevyanchenko..Left hook to the body from Golovkin..uppercut..Body shot from Derevyanchenko..Lead hook and body shot from Golovkin..Jab from Derevyanchenko..Blood around the right eye of Sergiy–Replays showed from a punch

Round 3 Body shot from Derevyanchnko..Right..Uppercut from Golovkin..Body..Body shot..Hook to head from Derevyanchenko..Jab from Golovkin..Hard right..Good body shots from Derevyanchenko..Right to head..

Round 4 3 punch combo from Golovkin..Body shot from Derevyachenko…Good combination..

Round 5-Cut is ruled from a headbutt…Doctor looking at the cut..jab and right hand from Derevyanchenko..Hard uppercut from Golovkin…Hard body shot hurts Golovkin

Round 6 Right from Derevyanchenko..3 jabs..Body shot..Right to side of the head..Right from Golovkin..Jabs..Right and left hook

Round 7  Good hook from Golovkin..Good jab..Hard right to body..right to body..uppercut..Body shot from Derevyanchenko..Body shot..Hook to the head…Hard right from Golovkin

Round 8 Golovkin jabbing..Right to head from Derevyanchenko..Left from Golovkin..Body shot from Derevyanchenko

Round 9 Good uppercut from Golovkin…Hard right from Derevyanchenko…jab from Golovkin..Jab…Jab and right from Derevyanchenko

Round 10 Big combination from Derevychenko..jab and right hand…Moving Golovkin back..Right from Golovkin…3 punches from Derevyanchenko..Body shot..uppercut..right..Hard combination..

Round 11 Right from Golovkin…Right

Round 12 Body from Derevyanchenko..Right from Golovkin…Uppercut from Golovkin

114-113 , 115-112 FOR GOLOVKIN

10-Rounds–Super Middleweights–Israil Madrimov (3-0, 3 KOs) vs Alejandro Barrera (29-5, 18 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Madrimov* 10 10 9 10 TKO               39
Barrera 8 9 10 9                 36

Round 1 RUNNING LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES BARRERA.3 Hard jabs..hard uppercut to the body

Round 2 Madrimov lands a hard right to the body..Exchanging hard rights..Hard right from Madrimov

Round 3 Uppercut from Barrera

Round 4  Good body work from Madrimov

Round 5 Hard left from Madrimov..Pot shotting..Body shot..Another body shot..Hard jab from the southpaw stance..hard hook..big left AND BARRERA IS HURT…FIGHT STOPPED

 

10-Rounds–Junior Welterweights–Ivan Baranchyk (19-1, 12 KOs) vs Gabriel Bracero (25-3-1, 6 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Baranchyk* 10 10 10 TKO                 30
Bracero 9 9 9                   27

Round 1 Baranchyk lunges in and lands a right..Left hook..Big right..Right to the body

Round 2 Baranchyk lands a left to the body..Hook..body..Hook by Bracero..Counter Right..Left on the ropes..Baranchyk loading up on everything

Round 3 Hard hook to the body from Baranchyk..hard right..Body and head combination..

Round 4 Left hook fro Baranchyn and a hard right that hurts Bracero….Left to BODY AND RIGHT AND DOWN GOES BRACERO…FIGHT STOPPED

12-Rounds–Super Middleweights–Ali Akhmedov (15-0, 11 KOs) vs Andrew Hernandez (20-7-2, 9 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Akhmedov* KO                        
Hernandez                          

Round 1 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES HERNANDEZ..FIGHT STOPPED

8-Rounds–Welterweights–Brian Ceballo (10-0, 5 KOs) vs Ramal Amanov (16-0, 5 KOs)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Ceballo* 10 10 TKO                   20
Amanov 9 9                     18

Round 1 Body shot from Ceballo..Right to body

Round 2 1-2 from Ceballo..Good flush right and uppercut..Good combinations on the ropes..Body shot..Nice Body shot..Right to head

Round 3 Straight Right from Ceballo..Counter from Amanov..Right and left to body from Ceballo…FIGHT STOPPED

8-Rounds–Middleweights–Kamil Szeremeta (20-0, 4 KOS) vs Oscar Cortes (27-4, 14 KOs)
  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
Szeremeta* 10 KO                     10
Cortes 8                       8

Round 1 SzaeremETA LANDS A LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES CORTES
Round 2  BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES CORTES…FIGHT STOPPED…49 seconds




LIVE FIGHTS: GGG vs. Derevyanchenko Undercard




Split-T Management’s Former World Champion Ivan Baranchyk plus Undefeated Brian Ceballo in action TONIGHT at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK (October 4, 2019)–TONIGHT!!! Split-T Management will have two of it’s high-class fighters in action at Madison Square Garden, as former junior welterweight world champion Ivan Baranchyk takes on New Yorker Gabriel Bracero in a 10-round bout. Also seeing action on the card will be rising undefeated welterweight Brian Ceballo battling undefeated foe Ramal Amanov.

The fights will be part of the Gennadiy Golovkin – Sergiy Derevyanchenko Middleweight title undercard and will be streamed live on DAZN.beginning at 7 PM ET.

Baranchyk of Amursk, Russia, who is now residing in Miami, Oklahoma has a record of 19-1 with 12 knockouts.

The 26 year-old Baranchyk won the IBF Junior Welterweight title with a seven round beatdown of Anthony Yigit on October 27, 2018. Unfortunately, Baranchyk came up just short in dropping his title to undefeated Josh Taylor on May 18th.

Baranchyk also has wins over David Thomas (4-0), Angel Figueroa (4-1-1), Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2), Nicholas Givan (16-0-1), Eliseo Cruz Sesma (9-0-1), Zhiman Wang (7-0), Abel Ramos (17-1-2), Keenan Smith (11-0), and former two-time world title challenger Petr Petrov (38-5-2).

In Bracero, he will be facing a battle-tested veteran who has a record of 25-3-1 with six-knockouts.

Baranchyk weighed in at 139.6 lbs. Bracero was 140 lbs.

Baranchyk is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, Holden Promotions and Fight Promotions.

Bracero of Brooklyn has wins over Winston Mathis (6-0), Danny O’Connor (14-0), Guillermo Valdes (12-3), Jermaine White (17-4), Dmitry Salita (35-1-1), O’Connor again (26-2), and in his last bout, Bracero stopped Artemio Reyes (25-2) in five rounds on July 28th.

Ceballo of New York City has a record of 10-0 with five knockouts.

In just 19 months, Ceballo has climbed to the top of a lot of prospect lists on the strength of victories over Bakhtiyar Eyubov (14-0-1) and Luis Alberto Lopez.

In the Eyubov fight, Ceballo dominated the power puncher, and developed a name for himself as the fight also took place at Madison Square Garden on the Gennadiy Golovkin – Steve Rolls card.

Ceballo is coming off a 4th round stoppage over Luis Eduardo Florez on August 23rd in Boston.

“A win on this stage against another undefeated fighter would allow me to continue my career as a Professional Fighter, and allow people to see what Brian Ceballo can do against different opposition,” said Ceballo

Six-year veteran Amanov is an undefeated foe who sports a record of 16-0 with five knockouts. Amanov has fought mainly in Russia, and will be making his 2nd start in the United States.

Amanov has wins over Ranses Payano (19-1) and Soloman Bogere (12-1-2).

Ceballo was 148.6 lbs. Amanov 148.4 lbs.

Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.




Edwards vacates Flyweight Title

WBC Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards vacated his title after a controversial no-contest with Julio Cesar Martinez.

“Me and my team have decided due to how much I struggled with the weight last time out — it actually scared me about how much I was putting my health on the line — and I can’t risk causing damage to myself as health is the single most important thing in life,” Edwards wrote. “I am gutted because I value being WBC world champion, and [I’m] so proud to be able to be in history as WBC flyweight world champion! The best belt in boxing by far.

“I want to continue to represent the WBC and really want to push on through the [junior bantamweight] rankings and pursue the title! But I wanted to let you know first before anyone else that I will be vacating the [flyweight] title to move up and challenge at the new weight. Thanks so much for everything.”




VIDEO: UFC 243: Weigh-in




ANDRADE: I’D LOVE TO FIGHT TONIGHT’S WINNER

Demetrius Andrade will be a more than interested spectator as the WBO Middleweight champion sits ringside tonight as Gennadiy Golovkin and Sergiy Derevyanchenko clash for the vacant IBF and IBO titles at Madison Square Garden live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
WATCH OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ANDRADE IN NEW YORK ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Andrade (28-0 17 KOs) is set to defend his WBO crown in December before hunting a blockbuster clash in 2020 to back up his conviction of being the best 160lber on the planet, and both GGG and Canelo Alvarez are on ‘Boo Boo’s’ radar for that.

The Rhode Island star expects a tough fight tonight though, with Kazakh king Golovkin aiming to regain the IBF and IBO crowns while Derevyanchenko full of belief in his second World title fight.

“Fighting either one of them would be cool,” said Andrade. “Sergiy is a durable guy, his only loss is to Danny Jacobs, one of the best out there, and we’re going to see what is left in GGGs tank tonight. Has he gotten a little older or not? We can’t tell until tonight, and it’s a good step up for Sergiy to see his skill level. Either way, I would get in the ring with the winner as they are both stand out guys.

“GGG is the more popular guy and I want to go out and beat the popular guy. He may not be the most skillful out there. He’s put in the work, they’ve moved him well and he’d be a great guy to put on the resume, even if he loses – it’s still GGG!

“I’m not frustrated, I’m working on my own legacy. I want to stay active, fight who we can fight, fight my mandatories and do what we have to do so there’s no more excuses for why people won’t fight me. There’s a small window of names out there now and sooner or later, we’re going to have to fight. So how can I be frustrated when I am a World champion again, fighting four times in a year, I’m getting paid, I’m chilling, my family is good – there’s nothing to be frustrated about. It would still be an honor to get in with Canelo, with GGG, they’ve done a lot for the sport and so am I. It’s going to happen, me and Canelo are in the same age group.

“When it comes to skills, I do believe I’m the most talented fighter out there. So, people don’t want their business destroyed by fighting me. But at the end of the day, you are fighting one of the best. You’re going to say that you fought Demetrius Andrade – Olympic champion, two-weight World champion, what is there to be upset about. Everyone is fighting around the same time, GGG-Derevyanchenko tonight, Canelo in November, I’ll be fighting in December, we can fight in May or June, so it’s all lining up and all I have to do is keep winning and looking good.”




Padilla decisions Tomas in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA–Victor Padilla remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Romain Tomas in a super lightweight bout in the main event of a nine-bout card at The 2300 Arena.

Padilla, 136.6 lb of Berlin, NJ won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 to raise his mark to 6-0. Tomas, 137 3/4 lbs of Brooklyn is 8-3.

Sidney Maccow dropped Marcel Rivers twice on his way to a six-round unanimous decision in a junior welterweight bout.

Rivers dropped Maccow in the 4th with a right. Maccow, who controlled a lot of the action sent Rivers down at the end of the 6th round.

Maccow, 142.6 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 58-56 and is now 7-6. Rivers, 142.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 7-2.

Isiah Wise and Roque Zepata fought to a six-round draw in a rematch of super welterweights.

All three judges ruled the bout 57-57. Wise, 155 3/4 lbs of Philadelphia is 7-2-2. Zepata , 153 3/4 lbs of Culpeper, VA is 6-2-5.

Seifullah Jihad Wise won a four-round unanimous decision over Vinny Deniero in a lightweight contest.

Wise, 136.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice to go to 4-7. Deniero, 136.1 lbs of Elmira, NY is 3-7.

Gerardo Martinez won a five-round unanimous decision over Osnel Charles in a lightweight bout.

Martinez, 134.8 lbs of Coatesville, PA won on all cards 49-46 and is now 5-1. Charles, 132.6 lbs of Atlantic City is 13-20-1.

Shinard Bunch stopped Kevin Womack in the 1st round of a scheduled four-round welterweight bout.

Bunch landed a perfect overhand right that sent Womack, and the bout was stopped at 1:56.

Bunch, 147 lbs of Queens, NY is 3-1 with three knockouts. Womack, 148.5 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 9-19-3.

Shamar Fulton Banks stopped Leonardo Kenon in round one of their four-round lightweight bout.

Banks hurt Kenon with a hard left and, and then followed that up with about 10 unanswered blows that forced referee Shawn Clark stop the fight at 1:08.

Banks, 134.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-0 with three knockouts. Kenon, 133.1 lbs of Quincy, FL is 3-8.

Sahret Delgado won a four-round unanimous decision over Joel Caudle in heavyweight bout.

Delgado, 265.6 lbs of Berlin, NJ won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 8-0. Caudle, 254.8 lbs of Raleigh, NC is 8-4-2.




Shields Vs. Habazin Fight Called Off; Full Card of Local and International Fighters Still Taking Place at Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint

FLINT, Mich. – October 4, 2019 – The Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin WBO and WBC 154-pound world title fight has been called off following an altercation prior to Friday’s official weigh-in that resulted in an injury to Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir. Without her chief second available for Saturday night, Habazin withdrew from the fight.

The remainder of the event, featuring as many as seven bouts promoted by Salita Promotions will proceed as scheduled from the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint.

SHOWTIME will televise a two-fight card featuring undefeated welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis of Philadelphia taking on Argentina’s Demian Daniel Fernandez in a 10-round 147-pound bout. In the telecast opener, unbeaten heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin of Saginaw, Mich., will face once-beaten Pavel Šour in a 10-round heavyweight bout. SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION airs live as planned at 9p ET/6p PT.

Ennis (23-0, 21 KOs) weighed in at 146.2 pounds and Fernandez (12-1, 5 KOs) at 146.6 pounds. Franklin weighed in at 231.4 pounds and Šour at 238 pounds.

Still scheduled for action off-TV is the “All Detroit” 10-round showdown between West Detroit’s WBO No. 13-rated super flyweight Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (12-0-1, 8 KOs) and East Detroit’s James “O.G.” Smith (13-2, 7 KOs), as well as Scotland’s Hannah Rankin (7-3, 1 KO) taking on California-based veteran Erin Toughill (7-5-1) in a six-round showcase.

Also fighting will be Flint, Mich., cruiserweight Robert Simms (9-3, 3 KOs) going into a six-round battle against Demetrius Banks of Detroit (10-8-1, 5 KOs); undefeated Kazakhstani heavyweight Izim Izbaki (2-0, 1 KO) facing Mount Morris, Michigan’s Troy Albring over four rounds; and undefeated welterweight Jacob Bonas (3-0-1, 2 KOs), one of the last of the young fighters trained by the late, great Emanuel Steward, taking on Indiana’s Norfleet Stitts in a four-rounder.




LIVE FIGHTS: PELTZ BOXING 50TH ANNIVERSARY CARD




VIDEO: UFC 243 Embedded: Vlog Series – Episode 5




VIDEO: GGG vs. Derevyanchenko Weigh-In




Eddie Murphy’s nephew Brandyn Lynch aims to shine on 10/12 in Californi

LAS VEGAS, NV – Rising super welterweight Brandyn “Bad News” Lynch(9-10) returns to action next Saturdaywhen he faces Bernard Thomas in Pico Rivera, California. The stakes have never been higher for Lynch as the vacant GBO super welterweight regional title will be on the line.

The 28 year old Lynch, who began boxing professionally in late 2016 is the nephew of Eddie Murphy who recently signed a major distribution deal with streaming giant Netflix. This will be the 5th fight of the year for Lynch who expects to keep his busy schedule through 2020 as he moves closer to title contention.

Ronald Johnson headlines the card against Sergio Ramirez in a rematch of their 2017 thriller that took place in Las Vegas. Johnson won the first time around by unanimous decision and is looking to win more decisively in their second go around.

In addition to headlining the card, Johnson is also the CEO of American Dream Presents, the company that is co-promoting the card along with Red Boxing Promotions and Hollywood’s Powerhouse Wardour Studios. This event will serve as the lead in to a big 2020 for the company as several shows are being mapped out both domestically and internationally in 2020.

Johnson is looking for Lynch to be one of the cornerstones of some of the upcoming events. He recently sat down with Brandyn’s father, Vernon Lynch to discuss his son’s future plans and both sides are interested in coming to a long term agreement.

Lynch’s boxing ability, combined with his family’s connections, has generated a lot of interest in Hollywood. Many of Hollywood’s biggest names will be in attendance on October 12th.

Tickets to the event are available at https://www3.ticketon.com/event/SUPREMACY-SHOWDOWN/390204




LIVE BOXING: MTK GLOBAL PRESENTS … ‘NEW BEGINNINGS’ – LIVE PROFESSIONAL BOXING FROM CARDIFF




Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez for Being Named on Class of 2020 International Boxing Hall of Fame Ballot

Promoter/matchmaker and legendary talent scout Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to congratulate his long-time fighter and former junior middleweight and middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez, for being included on the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) ballot for the class of 2020.

In his long and storied career, Martinez held the Interim World Boxing Council World Super Welter Title and the WBC Middleweight Championship, which he defended six times. His memorable victories over Paul “The Punisher” Williams (KO 2) Kelly Pavlik (UD 12) and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (UD 12) cemented Martinez as one of the top fighters of the early 2010’s.

Lewkowicz, best-known as the man who discovered Manny Pacquiao, signed a then-unknown WBC Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez and brought Martinez to North America, is also making his debut on the hall-of-fame ballot this year. Lewkowicz was a long-time advisor to Martinez through all the most important parts of his career and the pair enjoy a warm relationship to this day.

Martinez will have his work cut out for him to make the cut, as the Class of 2020 is stacked with superstars including Jorge Arce, Timothy Bradley, Vuyani Bungu, Joel Casamayor, Diego Corrales, Carl Froch, Bernard Hopkins, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Antonio Tarver and Israel Vazquez.

“I congratulate the great champion, Sergio Martinez, for being named in this esteemed hall’s ballot. He was and will always be a role model and beloved fighter and this recognition is well deserved. I hope the judges see him as the great warrior he is and put him among the best of all time.”

Lewkowicz, a former amateur boxer, was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and came to the US in 1971. He met then World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman while managing an electronics store in New York City and caught the boxing bug. The rest, as they say, is history.

He is nominated in the Non-Participant Category, along with 29 others including Kenny Adams (trainer), Rodney Berman (promoter), Freddie Brown (cut man), Bill Caplan (publicist), Miguel Diaz (trainer/cutman), Lou DiBella (promoter), Cameron Dunkin (manager), Kathy Duva (promoter), Duane Ford (judge); Al Gavin (cut man); Harry Gibbs (referee); Brad Goodman (matchmaker), Dr. Margaret Goodman (ringside physician), Dan Goossen (promoter), Chuck Hull (ring announcer), Brendan Ingle (trainer), Jackie McCoy (manager/trainer); Dave Moretti (judge), Carlos Padilla (referee), Abel Sanchez (trainer), Fritz Sdunek (trainer), Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel (administrator) and Ulli Wegner (trainer), Ted Broadribb (manager), Charles E. “Parson” Davies (Manager), Francois Deschamps (manager), Dai Dollings (trainer), John Fleming (manager/promoter) and Gilberto Mendoza Sr. (administrator).

The hall of fame’s electors, made up of members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and selected non-members of the BWAA as well as a panel of historians from Japan, England, Canada, Italy, South Africa, Germany, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States, will vote for five people in each category and, in Lewkowicz’s category, the top three vote-getters will be inducted.

Adding some hope to Martinez’s chances, the IBHOF has made a rule change that states that in addition to the top-three vote getters, any fighter who receives more than 80% of the vote will be inducted, creating the possibility of five fighters being enshrined in one year.

“It is just an honor to be on the ballot with so many great names,” continued Lewkowicz. “My hope is for Sergio Martinez, who deserves to take a place of honor among the greats. He is an icon and a treasure to his countrymen and deserves any accolades he receives.”
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.




Video: Peltz Boxing 50th Anniversary Weigh In




Weights from Philadelphia:

MAIN EVENT6 Rounds – Super LightweightRomain Tomas (137.7) vs. Victor Padilla (135.6)

image.png

6 Rounds – Super WelterweightRoque Zapata (153.9) vs. Isaiah Wise (155.9)

image.png

6 Rounds – Super LightweightOsnel Charles (132.6) vs. Gerardo Martinez (134.8)

image.png

6 Rounds – WelterweightsSydney Maccow (142.6) vs. Marcel Rivers (142.2)

image.png

4 Rounds – LightweightsLeonard Kenon (133.1) vs. Shamar Fulton (134.5)

image.png

4 Rounds – WelterweightsKevin Womack (148.5) vs. Shinard Bunch (149)

image.png

4 Rounds – LightweightsChristopher Burgos (136.6) vs. Tyree Arnold (136.1)

image.png

4 Rounds – LightweightsSeifullah Wise (139.5) vs. Vinnie Denierio (136.1)

image.png

4 Rounds – HeavyweightsJoel Caudle (254.8) vs. Sahret Delgado (265.6)

image.png



CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. IVANA HABAZIN FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

FLINT, MI. (October 3, 2019) – Unified middleweight world champion Claressa Shields and former world champion Ivana Habazin went face to face Thursday at the final press conference two days before they battle for the WBO and WBC 154-pound world titles live on SHOWTIME from Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Mich.

Also featured at Thursday’s press conference and competing on the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast were undefeated welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis and Argentina’s Demian Daniel Fernandez, who square off in the 10-round co-feature, and unbeaten heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin and once-beaten Pavel Sour, who battle in the televised opener at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

At Thursday’s press conference, Gordon Hall, SVP, Production, SHOWTIME Sports and Event Programming and Executive Producer of Saturday’s telecast, presented Claressa Shields with a $10,000 donation to the “Claressa Shields Community Project.” The project is a summer camp designed to help Flint youth learn how to cope with stress, anxiety, anger, sadness and depression, and provides educational tutoring services to dozens of children. With this $10,000 donation, Shields will surpass her current fundraising goal for the project.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, in association with T-REX BOXING PROMOTIONS, can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center:

CLARESSA SHIELDS

“Starting my community project with the kids and spending a lot of time with them really taught me a lot. It reminded me of the childhood that I didn’t have. My whole life has always been about boxing. That’s why these girls can’t beat me. Growing up, boys didn’t matter. Punching the bag the fastest mattered. Punching the bag the hardest mattered. Doing 25 pushups faster than the boys mattered.

“I always knew I would be the one to do it for women’s boxing. Yeah, we had Laila Ali, respect. But she can’t do for women’s boxing what I’m doing. I put a lot on the line, I started my career at 168. This fight on Saturday is going to be at 154. I had to lose a lot of weight for this fight because I cleaned out the division at 160. Every time I came out of a division, there’s somebody else telling me I’m not the greatest woman of all time. I love when they say that because I want you to come show me I’m not the greatest woman of all time. Ivana is here to do that.

“I don’t know what Ivana came here to do, but I’m telling you right now it’s going less than five rounds. She said her game plan was to stand there and bang with me. Not with muscles like this. She’s going to sleep and her coach is going to be carrying her out on a pillow.

“I watched every fight of hers. Her last six or seven fights, nothing changes. It’s the same combinations. Same hand speed. Getting caught with the same shots. When you see me box, you see improvement. I’m not coming here to Flint to play no games with her.

“I’m a 168 fighter. And I have to keep coming down to these girls’ weight because they’re scared to come see me. So I came to 154 and I came to see her. I’m going to show her. As you can see, this is the Claressa Shields show. It’s about me. There’s no friction in my camp. We are about business and we’re about the money. Pay me.”

IVANA HABAZIN

“I’m definitely ready for this fight. I had a very tough four-month training camp. This is the best preparation I’ve ever had in my life for a fight. I’m in the best shape of my life.

“I am 100 percent focused on this fight. I trained harder than I ever have before. I had the ability to work on a lot of new things. I had five different sparring partners who brought a lot to help me improve. I gave everything into this camp and I believe I will receive something in return.

“None of the pre-fight talk bothers me. I’m not going to make a big show and trash talk. For me, this is just part of the job of what I have to do before I fight. All that matters is what is going to happen in the ring.

“This win on Saturday is going to change my life. This is my biggest fight ever. She’s right now the top women’s boxer, so there couldn’t be a bigger victory.

“I didn’t come here to lose. I came here to win. I don’t want to waste my energy talking before the fight, but I just want to say I’m excited to see how happy everyone here is right now for Claressa, because they’re going to be sad on Saturday when I win.”

JARON ENNIS

“We had a great training camp and Saturday night we’re going to put on a show. We’re going to have some fun.

“I’m ready to rock and roll. Saturday night I’m going to show Flint, Mich., what I can do. This is about the next steps to the next level. To get to the elite level, that’s what we want. And the end of the day we want everyone – champions, top 15, we want everybody.

“Stylistically it’s going to be me controlling the whole fight and knowing what I want to do and having fun and eventually getting the knockout.

“I’ve been sparring a lot of bigger guys because I can’t spar guys my weight or lower because I’m too strong for them. So it’s been only bigger guys in there for sparring. Whatever he brings, we will be ready for anything.

“I appreciate everything Claressa Shields has done for boxing and bringing this show here and hopefully I pick up some of her fans.”

“I don’t think he knows what he signed up for. But we’re going to show him Saturday night. We’re going to have some fun so make sure you all tune in.”

DEMIAN DANIEL FERNANDEZ

“It’s a pleasure to be here and have this opportunity. I came here to bring a victory back to Argentina. I know that my opponent is worthy, but he’s got nothing for me.

“My heart will be the difference in this fight. I’m going to run right through him like a train. I believe that I am better in every aspect of the sport.

“I know that I’m going to bring a challenge that my opponent has never seen. I believe I’ve faced tougher competition and that will play itself out in the ring.

“I see someone who’s been treated carefully and had his record padded. This is a dream come true and it’s all going to come together on Saturday.”

JERMAINE FRANKLIN

“I’m feeling ready to go on Saturday. I changed some stuff up. I have a nice game plan. I’m going to go in there and try to chop the body down early. I’m excited, this is the closest show I’ve had to home. I have a lot of support coming to the fights. It’s always great fighting in front of friends and family but I get a little too excited sometimes. Right now, it’s about trying to stay calm and do what I came here to do.

“In boxing, there’s always a lot of distractions whether you’re fighting home or not. The biggest one is just trying to stay calm. I get a burst of adrenaline when I’m fighting at home. Other than that, I don’t let the distractions affect me because I’m dedicated.

“The journey to get to where I am now has been tough. I went through a lot of trials and tribulations. There have been downtimes. We fight until better days come. I took all my stepping stones the right way so the journey was pretty hard. But in the end, the process was good for me.

“I don’t think I’m that far away from a big opportunity on a big stage. I still have some points to prove. I need to wake some people up. But I don’t think I’m far away from a big pay day, I’m closing in.

“I would love for my next fight to be in Saginaw but that’s something I need to talk to my team about. But I think I could sell out a nice card in Saginaw. They would love to see that. I don’t think it’s a big burden representing for my city. We all show love and support to each other. Robert Simms is fighting on this card and he’s from Saginaw too. I think we all feed off each other.”

PAVEL SOUR

“I’m really happy to be here for my first time in the U.S. I’m very grateful for my team for getting me this opportunity and I’m going to make the most of it.

“Franklin is a strong fighter. He wants to go toe-to-toe, but I’m going to box him from a distance and control the fight from start to finish.

“I think that I have a lot of experience in the ring that will help me in this fight. I’ve boxed for 21 years. He was only a kid when I started in this sport.

“I feel great achieving this dream of fighting in the U.S. I’m happy to take the dream even further with a win on Saturday.”

FLINT MAYOR KAREN WEAVER

“I’m so happy to be here and the city of Flint is thrilled that the time is finally here for us to have another championship right here. Claressa said she was going to do it and we can’t wait for everybody to see what’s going to take place Saturday night.

“We also want to say thank you to Claressa for the love and support that she has shown for her hometown. We’re so grateful that there are people like you that come back home and make a mark in their community. We know that we can’t do it without you, and we are with you.”

DMITRIY SALITA, President of Salita Promotions

“October 5 is going to be a historic night of boxing. The WBO and WBC 154-pound world titles will be on the line when Claressa Shields takes on Ivana Habazin live on SHOWTIME right here at this arena in Flint, Michigan.

“The undercard is going to feature explosive fights with blue chip welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis, and Saginaw, Michigan’s Jermaine Franklin in separate bouts. This is going to be a fantastic night that the fans are going to remember for a long time.

“SHOWTIME has been instrumental in making sure that Claressa is fighting the best fights and getting the most exposure for the sport of women’s boxing.

“You should save your ticket stubs because you are going to want to show your grandkids that you were here in Flint to see Claressa Shields fight.”

MARK TAFFET, President of Taffet Media

“From the day she won gold to the day she turned pro, this is the place where Claressa always wanted to be, and it’s because of the support of everyone here and we thank you so much for that.

“When we made this fight, we knew that this was a historic fight. The opportunity to win a world title in a third weight division, faster than any fighter in history, is truly special.

“I have a lot of experience in this sport, and Claressa Shields is once in a lifetime. I wanted to help make the vision of Claressa Shields a reality. It is because of her that women’s boxing is reaching heights it has never before reached or imagined. She’s on the doorstep of achieving more history. It’s not that the sky is the limit, but there are no limits for Claressa.”

GORDON HALL, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION

“SHOWTIME has a long history of featuring women in combat sports. Whether it was in MMA with Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg or Ronda Rousey to Laila Ali and Christy Martin in boxing. Most recently, we have the great Claressa Shields, former middleweight champion Christina Hammer, as well as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.

“Shields-Habazin will be the eleventh women’s bout that we’ve had on SHOWTIME since 2017 and Claressa Shields is leading the way. Claressa Shields is the best woman fighter today. She has accomplished more in a shorter period of time, dominated all of her opponents and yes, she is still getting better. And frankly, that’s scary.

“Male or female, SHOWTIME is delivering the best fighters in the best matchups and we’ve done that for 35 years. We expect the same on Saturday night. Claressa Shields is making her sixth appearance on SHOWTIME. She’s already made history, holding two division titles including unifying the middleweight division. Now, she’s looking to become the first fighter, male or female, to win three division titles within her first 10 fights.

“Ivana Habazin is an eight-year pro. She is a former welterweight champion who has more than twice the amount of professional fights as Claressa. Both fighters have top trainers and I have no doubt that this will be a fight you won’t want to miss.

“On the undercard, we have one of the top American heavyweights in Saginaw’s Jermaine Franklin, who is making his third appearance on SHOWTIME. He’s facing once-beaten Pavel Sour in a fight for recognition, to try to get their names in the ever-changing heavyweight division conversation.

“Our co-feature spotlights Philadelphia’s Jaron Ennis, who is the best prospect in boxing. No doubt. He was an amateur standout with speed and power that all will appreciate. His opponent Demian Fernandez has only one loss, but I can tell you right now he didn’t come all the way from Argentina to lose.”

#

ABOUT SHIELDS VS. HABAZIN
Undisputed Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will aim to make history by becoming the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME.

The showdown for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight and WBC Super Welterweight Titles headlines a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Dort Federal Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich.




Misael Lopez looks to Shine on Lions Only card

Hard charging super featherweight prospect Misael Lopez (11-0) is looking to close out 2019 with a bang.

The 23 year old returns to action tomorrow in Houston, Texas against Nestor Robledo on the first card promoted by Jermall and Jermell Charlo’s Lions Only Promotions in which neither of the twins is fighting on the card.

Lopez is very excited for having the opportunity to put his skills on display in a boxing town like Houston.

“It is amazing to be fighting out there. This is the type of exposure that you want as a boxer to showcase your skills. I am the ‘A’ side and this will be a chance for me to show my skills against a tough Mexican fighter who will be coming forward so I am excited to put on a show. It should be a great atmosphere,” Lopez stated.

His last fight took place in March when he blew out Richard Flores in 1 round. He is planning on this fight ending in similar fashion.

“That would be nice. I know that Ryan Garcia’s brother Sean Garcia couldn’t knock him out so that’s the goal. He fought him last and he couldn’t get him out so we are definitely looking for a knockout,” revealed Lopez.

If everything goes well Lopez hopes to have a quick turn around and get right back in action. Now that he is aligned with Oscar Vazquez and Sugar’s Boxing he expects to be much more active.

“I was supposed to fight in late September so I have been ready for a while. I can’t wait to show what I can do. Now that I have a new team and new coaches like (Mark) ‘Too Sharp’ (Johnson) everything is going in the right direction. We are hoping if everything goes right that we will get a TV fight on a PBC card later this year. That is the goal,” Lopez stated.

The 11 fight card is topped by super lightweight prospect Darwin Price taking on veteran Breidis Prescott in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.




“DICAIRE-ZEWSKI-BOUCHARD-GABRIELS” DICAIRE vs. SUAREZ IBF World Super Welter Championship November 23 at the Videotron Center of Quebec

QUÉBEC CITY, Canada (OCTOBER 1, 2019) — The Videotron Center in Quebec City will be the scene of another exceptional boxing event, which will be crowned by a world championship match featuring the darling of professional boxing in Quebec, undefeated Marie-Ève Dicaire (16-0-0, 0 KOs).

The charismatic International Boxing Association (IBF) women’s super-welterweight World champion will defend her belt for the third time against the dangerous and experienced Ogleidis Suarez (29-3-1, 13 KOs), the IBF No. 2-rated contender from Venezuela.

Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (Friday) at 10 a.m. ET.
“The Videotron Center is a special place for me,” Dicaire said. “On December 1st, I wrote a page of history and this moment will remain engraved forever in my memories. To come back here almost a year later is very significant. I am happy and especially excited to have the chance to be able to demonstrate to my supporters the result of a year of effort and hard work.”

The blockbuster event is co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, presented by Videotron in association with Mise-O-Jeu.

2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
As a bonus, fans will have the privilege of attending the fourth title defense by World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight World champion Hanna Gabriels (20-2-1, 11 KOs). This fight is in a collaboration with the brilliant New York City-based promoter, Lou DiBella. The opponent of the Costa Rican native will soon be announced. The plan is for a unification fight in March, 2020 at the Videotron Center between Dicaire and Gabriels provided they both retain their titles.

“I’m pleased to see that my team is doing everything in its power to allow me to get back into the ring as soon as possible,” Gabriels commented. “For the first time in my career, I have a winning combination with an outstanding manager, Hector Fernandez, in addition to my promoter, DiBella Entertainment. I am very close to my goal of becoming the unified champion in my division. Of course, I will focus first on winning my fight on November 23rd. Then, I want to face the other champions in my category who dare to face me. If Miss Dicaire wants to be first, I’ll be happy to beat her at home. It is a dream for me to fight in Canada, an extraordinary country. “

“I am pleased that Hanna Gabriels will be able to defend her title in Quebec City at this major event organized by my friend Yvon Michel,” added DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Hanna Gabriels and Marie-Ève Dicaire are two of the most talented women in professional boxing. A unification between these two athletes would be one of the biggest fights on the female sports scene. On the other hand, the two champions must win their duels of November 23 before thinking about the next stage.”

ZEWSKI AND BOUCHARD IN PIVOT COMBATS
Also featured will be aspiring world champion Mikael Zewski (33-1-0, 22 KOs), as well as hometown Quebec City favorite, Sebastien Bouchard (18-1-0, 8 KOs), who will both be in extremely crucial battles in terms of their respective pro careers. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 8-rated Zewski, the reigning North American Boxing Organization (NABO) welterweight champion, will defend his crown against American challenger Brad “King” Solomon (28-1-0, 9 KOs) of Douglasville, Georgia. Bouchard will be knocking at the door of world rankings by defeating Montreal’s Ayaz Hussain (13-1-0, 10 KOs) for the vacant North American IBF title.

For his part, Zewski is happy to return to Quebec City: “I am very happy and excited to be returning to Quebec to show people that I am part of the elite division and continue to climb the rankings. I expect strong opposition from Solomon. I am ready for the challenge!”
Bouchard wants to make Quebec vibrate for his 5th battle at the Videotron Center: “I have never been excited by local battles, but I know that fans are constantly asking for them. Yvon and I decided to hold this duel to make Quebec City and the Videotron Center vibrate on November 23 and thus thank the boxing fans for their continued support. “

“We are very happy to be returning to the Videotron Center for Marie-Eve’s fourth World Championship bout,” GYM president Yvon Michel remarked. “She won this IBF title on December 1st, right here in Quebec, under circumstances we know. With the participation of Zewski, Bouchard and Gabriels, there are four championship fights on this loaded, including two world title fights. It will be an evening rich in talent and very decisive for its participants. The show will be a fantastic evening of boxing, a can’t missed event for fans.”
“The Videotron Center has a special relationship with Marie-Eve Dicaire,” noted Martin Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer of Quebecor Sports and Entertainment Group. “We look forward to another great event on November 23, when the first woman’s world title fight will headline a boxing event at a major Amphitheater. The local component is also important for this gala event. We are excited about the opportunity for Sébastien Bouchard to win his first North American title in front of his Quebec fans.”

GREAT VISIT WITH ADONIS STEVENSON
Former World light heavyweight world champion Adonis Stevenson, who fought five world title fights in Quebec City during his reign, confirmed his presence to supportt Marie-Eve Dicaire. He will return for the first time to the Amphitheater, where he had his last fight, the same evening that Dicaire began her reign as world champion. Adonis will be in the VVIP section and available for interviews, photos and autographs. He will be accompanied by his wife, Simone God.

FERNAND MARCOTTE AT THE PANTHÉON DES SPORTS DU QUÉBEC.
Recently, Quebecer Fernand Marcotte was inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame to crown his brilliant pugilistic career. A special tribute will be given on Nov. 23 and he will also be being present and available in the VVIP area.

Tickets, starting at $49 (taxes and service fees included), will be on sale at Gestev.com and Ticketmaster.ca, at the Champion Boxing Club (514-376-0980) and GYM (514-383-0666), or call 1-855-790-1245.

PRIVILEGE SECTION VVIP
A privilege section VVIP has been reserved to meet a customer who wishes to enjoy a unique and memorable experience:

  • Limited quantity, only 100 tickets
  • Section reserved on the floor near the ring
  • Personalized VVIP accreditation with the poster of the evening
  • Access to the VIP Lounge or snacks and cocktails will be served free of charge
  • Proximity to the big names of Quebec professional boxing including Fernand Marcotte, Adonis Stevenson, Lucian Bute, Jean Pascal, Eleider Alvarez and Oscar Rivas, among others, for a possibility of photos and autographs.
  • Access to the post-Gala party with the main stars of the ring, Marie-Eve Dicaire, Mikael Zewski and Sébastien Bouchard.
  • The price of each ticket is $500

TO CANAL INDIGO IN TELE LA CARTE.
The “Dicaire-Zewski-Bouchard-Gabriels” event will be broadcast in Canada on pay-per-view via Canal Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV.




J RUSSELL PELTZ HONORED BY PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL

PHILADELPHIA PA — Members of the Philadelphia City Council presented a resolution honoring J Russell Peltz at this morning’s council meeting on behalf of President Darrell Clarke. The resolution recognized Peltz’ contribution to the city over 50 years of promoting boxing in Philadelphia. President Clarke serves as the City Councilman for District 5, where Peltz promoted his first boxing event at the Blue Horizon on September 30, 1969.

The resolution gave a brief history of Peltz’ career before thanking him for the profound impact he had on the city over the last 50 years. It also expressed the wish that the next generation of boxing promoters continue to preserve Philadelphia’s legacy as a boxing stronghold.

Peltz was gracious in his remarks, and had the crowd laughing when he began speaking about his career.

“I’m humbled to be honored by the city,” he began, “because if you think about it, the only thing I’ve done over the last 50 years is start fights that other people finish.

“I’ve grown up in the greatest fight city in the world,” he continued. “Some of the greatest fighters of all time have fought for me – hall of fame fighters – beginning with my first love, Bennie Briscoe in 1969, and going all the way up through one of my fighters winning a world title in Bejing, China a couple years ago by the name of Jason Sosa.”

He closed his remarks with a story about playing “Cowboys & Indians” as a kid, and how he thought it would be so cool if he could just play the game as an adult, instead of going to work every day. “Honestly, that’s what my career has been like,” he said, and thanked the Council for the honor.

Peltz was joined in attendance by his wife, Linda, and his protege and the promoter of Friday’s “Blood, Sweat and 50 Years” fight card at 2300 Arena, Michelle Rosado.

#

Tickets for Blood, Sweat & 50 Years are available at 2300arena.com, or by calling 215-765-9022.