TOMMY HUGHES TO FACE MIKE GAVRONSKI FOR THE WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS CHAMPIONSHIP

ROSEMONT, ILLINOIS — August 30, 2019 — Bobby Hitz returns to where it all began for Hitz Boxing when the promotion presents the Rosemont Rumble at the Dome on September 21.  The main event features Chicago’s Tommy Hughes and Mike Gavronski, who is originally from Washington but now resides in Illinois. The WBC Continental Americas Super Middlweight Championship title is on the line in the 10-round bout. 

Tommy Hughes (9-1, 4KO) has become a staple on the Hitz boxing shows, bringing out fans from all over the Chicago area, who are enamored by his grit, tenacity and most importantly, his willingness to face tough competition.  In a day and age when boxers and their teams cherry pick opponents, and try to keep their ‘O,’ Hughes has never turned down a bout for being too difficult. He has, however, turned down opponents he and his team deemed not challenging enough. 

After his first loss last summer, via a cut at the hands of a very tough Demar Singleton (10-2-1, 6KO), Hughes jumped right back into the fire, facing fellow Chicago fighter Chris Chatman.  Winning a close majority decision didn’t deter Hughes from accepting a rematch with Chatman, which he also won by majority decision.  

Gavronski (25-3-1, 15KO) will be Hughes’ toughest opponent to date. He’s faced high level competition in Jesse Hart, Dashon Johnson, and Brian Vera, and is eager to make his name in his new home of Chicago.  

“I’m really excited about this show,” said Bobby Hitz, founder and promoter of Hitz Boxing. ”This is what local boxing is.  This show epitomizes what local boxing is all about – if I wasn’t promoting this show I’d  buy a ticket for it.”

The undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Tickets for the Rosemont Rumble start at $50, and can be purchased at hitzboxing.com.  Doors to the Dome, located at 27 Jennie Finch Way, open at 7:00. First bell is at 7:30.




Split-T Management’s Normatov, Shaw, Nova, Ceballo and Pacheco Score wins to remain undefeated

NEW YORK (August 30, 2019)–Over the the last six-days, five highly-regarded fighters under the Split-T Management banner registered victories to remain undefeated.

Thursday night at The Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut, heavyweight Stephen Shaw scored three knockdowns en-route to a fourth round stoppage over Willie Jake Jr.

Shaw dropped Jake in each of the first three frames, and the fight was waved off at 56 seconds into the fourth round.

With the win, Shaw raises his perfect mark to 12-0 with nine knockouts.

On the same card, Hurshidbek Normatov made it nine in a row as he won a eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Walter Wright in a junior middleweight contest.

With the win, Normatov won the WBA NABA US Super Welterweight title. Normatov, who was a European Amateur Champion boxed very well as he worked behind a jab that he followed nicely with straight shots that landed throughout the contest.

Normatov of Uzbekistan, who now calls Brooklyn home won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73.

Shaw and Normatov are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Last Friday night in Boston, at the Encore Boston Harbor, super featherweight, Abraham Nova stopped Luis Castillo in the opening frame to retain his NABA Title.

Nova of Albany, New York landed a perfect combination that dropped Castillo down for the ten count.

With the win, Nova, who is ranked number-six by the WBA raised his mark to 16-0 with 12 knockouts.

Nova is promoted by Murphy’s Boxing.

On the same bill, welterweight Brian Ceballo kept his winning ways by stopping veteran Luis Eduardo Flores in round four of a scheduled eight-round bout.

Ceballo landed a thudding body shot that put Flores (24-15) down in a heap of trouble, and the bout was halted.

Ceballo of New York, has kept an active schedule, as he won his 4th bout of 2019 and is now 10-0 with five knockouts.

Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.

Saturday night in Hermosillo, Mexico, prized middleweight prospect, Diego Pacheco stopped previously undefeated Jose Alonso Esparza inside of one round to raise his perfect mark to 5-0 with four knockouts.

The Los Angeles native has been impressive as this was the 3rd undefeated foe that Pacheco has defeated, and the 5th win in an eight-month span.

Pacheco, 18 years-old will be right back in action on September 14th in Carson, California.

Pacheco is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.




CAMPBELL – I’VE BEEN WORKING TOWARDS THIS MY WHOLE LIFE

Luke Campbell reaches out for greatness tomorrow as he takes on the best fighter on the planet in his quest to land his first World title, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK. 

Campbell faces Vasiliy Lomachenko for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight belts – welcoming the pound-for-pound king to London for the toughest night’s work of his stellar career.

The Hull ace has been patiently waiting for his second World title shot and couldn’t face a tougher task to get his hands on a belt in the Ukrainian superstar, but Campbell insists he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“The best fighting the best, this is going to make one hell of a fight,” said Campbell. “At the end of the day, he’s got two legs and two arms and is a man just like the rest of us. I’m confident in myself, I believe in myself and I’m ready to fight.

“I’ve been working on this for my whole life, probably 19 years in the act of hard work, being dedicated and disciplined. This is exactly where I want to be, I want to prove to myself and to the rest of the world that I belong at the top with the elite. This is the elite in my opinion, the very top – it can’t get any higher than this.

“I am in this to be the best and to become a World Champion. This is what I train and work so hard for, to become a World Champion and to be recognised as a World Champion. Part of the journey is fighting World-class fighters and Lomachenko certainly is that. This is the level I want to be at.”

At the top of the bill, Olympic Champions Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) will clash for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles, Manchester Heavyweight Hughie Fury (23-2, 13 KOs) takes on former WBA World Champion Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs), WBC Flyweight ruler Charlie Edwards (15-1, 6 KOs) makes the second defence of his crown against Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez (14-1, 11 KOs), Joe Cordina (9-0, 7 KOs) defends his British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles against Gavin Gwynne (11-0, 1 KO) in a mouth-watering battle of Wales, rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buatsi (11-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA International title against Canada’s Ryan Ford (16-4, 11 KOs), James Tennyson (24-3, 20 KOs) and Atif Shafiq (21-2, 5 KOs) meet for the vacant WBA International Lightweight title, Hartlepool star Savannah Marshall (6-0, 4 KOs) makes her highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut, Sheffield amateur standout Dalton Smith (2-0, 1 KO) takes part in his first six round contest and Hull Super-Featherweight prospect Connor Coghill (5-0) lands a dream slot on his former manager’s (Campbell) undercard. 




Cameron Dunkin’s NOW Boxing Promotions Inks undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro “Pork Chop” Guerrero

LAST VEGAS (August 29, 2019) — NOW Boxing Promotions, owned and operated by Cameron Dunkin, has announced the signing of undefeated lightweight prospect Alejandro “Pork” Chop” Guerrero to an exclusive promotional contract.

For many years Dunkin was known as one of the preeminent managers and talent evaluators in boxing. The 2017 BWAA Manager of the Year guided the careers of 34 world champions. He has launched his promotional company and is stocking it with some incredible talent such as Guerrero.

The 21-year-old Guerrero (10-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Houston (TX), joins a growing NOW Boxing Promotions stable of gifted fighters, including a quartet of heavy-handed welterweights – Philadelphia’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis (23-0, 21 KOs), Canadian Mikael Zewski (33-1, 22 KOs), Korean-Mexican Californian Brandun Lee (15-0, 13 KOs) and Georgian Brian “The Assassin II” Norman (14-0, 13 KOs) — along with Hungarian junior middleweight Zsolt Daranyi, Jr. (15-1, 14 KOs), who lives in Toronto.

“I’m really happy that I was able to work out a deal with ‘Pork Chop,'” manager turned promoter Dunkin commented. “He is an excellent young fighter who I think has all the talent in the world. He is as fun fighter and I think fans will have a blast when they get to know him. The working plan is to get him fighting on television. I’d like to get him out there as soon as possible.”

Guerrero, a Mexican American boxer, was a celebrated amateur who won two junior national titles. Under the guidance of Rudy Silva, Guerrero turned professional on June 25, 2016, knocking out Luis Caballero in the second round of their fight in Dallas.

He has gained invaluable experience sparring with Mikey Garcia, Brandon Rios and others at the famed Garcia Boxing Academy in California.

“I knew I was going to be in good hands if I signed with him (Dunkin),” Guerrero said. “I’m going to do my best to do may part to be world champion. I train hard. I’m looking forward to becoming a world champion. That’s what I’ve dreamed of growing up. I love boxing, it’s what I do.”

The time is NOW for Alejandro Guerrero!




VIDEO: Weigh-in: Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Luke Campbell plus undercard




LOMACHENKO VS. CAMPBELL WEIGHTS

16:00 DOORS AND FIRST FIGHT

4 x 3 mins Super-Feather contest
CONOR COGHILL 9st 3lbs 8oz v DEAN JONES 9st 3lbs 8oz               
(Hull)                                              (Telford)

8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
MARTIN J WARD 9st 7lbs 6oz v JOSUE BENDANA 9st 9lbs 8oz
(Brentwood)                                  (Spain)

17:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK 

10 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Lightweight Title
JAMES TENNYSON 9st 8lbs 8oz v ATIF SHAFIQ 9st 8lbs 12oz
(Belfast)                                            (Rotherham)

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE

8 x 2 mins Super-Middleweight contest
SAVANNAH MARSHALL 11st 12lbs 8oz  v  DANIELE BASTIERI 11st 12lbs
(Hartlepool)                                                    (Brazil)

12 x 3 mins British & Commonwealth Lightweight Titles
JOE CORDINA 9st 8lbs 12oz v GAVIN GWYNNE 9st 8lbs 4oz
(Cardiff)                                       (Merthyr Tydfil)

10 x 3 mins WBA International Light-Heavyweight Title 
JOSHUA BUATSI 12st 6lbs 8oz v RYAN FORD 12st 6lbs
(Croydon)                                       (Canada)

12 x 3 mins WBC Flyweight World Title
CHARLIE EDWARDS 7st 13lbs 8oz v JULIO CESAR MARTINEZ  7st 12lbs
(Croydon)                                             (Mexico)

12 x 3 mins vacant WBA International Heavyweight Title
HUGHIE FURY 16st v ALEXANDER POVETKIN 16st 2lbs
(Manchester)              (Russia)

12 x 3 mins WBA, WBO & WBC Lightweight World Titles
VASILIY LOMACHENKO 9st 8lbs 8oz v LUKE CAMPBELL 9st 8lbs 4oz
(Ukraine)                                                   (Hull)

FLOAT

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
DALTON SMITH 10st 2lbs 8oz v DARYL PEARCE 10st 1lbs 8oz
(Sheffield)             (Birmingham)




TOKA KAHN CLARY SEIZES WBA NABA US SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE IN BROADWAY BOXING THRILLER STREAMED LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS FROM FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO, IN MASHANTUCKET, CT

Mashantucket, CT (8/30/19) – On Thursday night, DiBella Entertainment returned to the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT, with another action-packed installment of its popular Broadway Boxing series, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House, and Gagliardi Insurance. The event was streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

In the main event, Toka Kahn Clary, 128 lbs., born in Monrovia, Liberia, and now living in Providence, RI, battled Irvin Gonzalez, 127 lbs., of Worcester, MA, in a thrilling 10-round contest with the vacant WBA NABA US super featherweight title at stake. The fierce battle featured exciting exchanges, shifts in momentum and, ultimately, a clear winner. Trained by Freddie Roach, southpaw Kahn Clary began pumping his jab, looking to plant his straight left on the body and head. Early on, Gonzalez threw flurries of punches, but Kahn Clary’s straights were finding their target and bloodied his nose in the second stanza. To his credit, Gonzalez was not discouraged by Kahn Clary’s success and fired back with fervor whenever he could. The bout turned into a slugfest in the fifth with Kahn Clary and Gonzalez trading blistering shots. Kahn Clary’s straight left counter was his best weapon, but Gonzalez always had a response, often in combination. By round seven, the two adversaries were standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Kahn Clary digging to the body and Gonzalez throwing his straight right. A short right hook briefly shook Gonzalez in the eighth and his nose was bleeding profusely by the ninth, but he continued his offensive attempts, despite being outworked. In the final frame, Kahn Clary had Gonzalez trapped in a neutral corner and threw everything he could to score a knockout. Gonzalez looked exhausted but refused to give up, doing his best to retaliate with heavy shots until the bell sounded. The judges tallied 99-91 twice, and 98-92, all for Kahn Clary via unanimous decision to improve his record to 27-2 (18 KOs). Kahn Clary indicated after his victory that he will likely now compete in the super featherweight division. Though Gonzalez, 12-2 (9 KOs), lost for the second time in a row, his brave effort helped to redeem him following a disastrous outing in May that resulted in a TKO defeat.

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

World champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon-Espinosa, 161 lbs., of Lindenhurst, NY, defended her WBA super middleweight title for the second time in impressive fashion, stopping Schemelle Baldwin, 163 lbs., of Newark, DE, inside four rounds in the co-main event. Napoleon boxed on her toes at the outset, jabbing and throwing in combination when in front of Baldwin. By the end of round one, Napoleon was targeting the midsection. Baldwin attempted to land countershots when she felt there was an opening. The champion’s intelligent use of angles allowed her to land precise uppercuts and thudding body shots. Napoleon began to apply pressure, forcing Baldwin to be stationary and not move as much as she had earlier. Near the end of round three, the tough Baldwin absorbed an extended barrage of punches against the ropes without throwing much in return. In the fourth, Napoleon continued her attack, pinning Baldwin back up against the ropes and unloading her arsenal. By the midway point of the round, the referee felt that Baldwin had taken too many heavy blows and halted the action at the 1:30 mark. Napoleon, now 12-1 (7 KOs), captured her world title in March 2018, via 10-round unanimous decision against the previously unbeaten Femke Hermans. She then made her first defense last August, earning another 10-round unanimous points win against Hannah Rankin. Baldwin, a four-time Golden Gloves champion, is now 3-1-1 (2 KOs) as a pro.

Going the eight-round distance for the first time in his career, southpaw Hurshidbek “Hershey” Normatov, 152 lbs., of Andijan, Uzbekistan, now based in Brooklyn, NY, captured the WBA NABA US super welterweight title via unanimous decision versus Walter Wright, 154 lbs., of Seattle, WA. Normatov fired stiff jabs whenever Wright stepped inside and began to throw punches in bunches as the rounds wore on. Wright’s primary plan of attack was to attempt counters with looping shots around Normatov’s tight guard. However, Normatov’s straighter punches and higher work rate did more damage. The scores were 80-72 twice, and 79-73, all for Normatov, now 9-0 (3 KOs). Wright returns to the Emerald City with a 17-7 (8 KOs) record. As an amateur, Normatov accumulated a 190-40 record and won the European Amateur National Championships in 2014.

Former world champion Kali Reis, 142 lbs., of Providence, RI, punished an outgunned but game Patricia Juarez, 142 lbs., of Denver, CO, for six entertaining rounds to earn a unanimous decision win with three tallies of 60-54. Reis would throw in combination whenever Juarez tried to close the gap. If Juarez did manage to get inside and clinch, Reis used her free hand to land dizzying uppercuts up the middle. Now 16-7-1 (5 KOs), Reis won the WBC women’s middleweight world title in 2016 and has gone the distance with several prominent female fighters, including Christina Hammer twice, Hanna Gabriels, and Cecilia Braekhus. Juarez suffered her second defeat, leaving the ring at 4-2. The Reis-Juarez contest was promoted in association with Star Boxing.

(Photo Credit: Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

Heavyweight prospect Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw, 251 lbs., of Saint Louis, MO, patiently stalked southpaw Willie Jake Jr., 233 lbs., of Indianapolis, IN, and looked to capitalize any time his adversary made a mistake. While Jake did land some leather, nothing he threw seemed to bother his taller rival. Shaw decked Jake in each of the first three rounds then forced a stoppage in the fourth frame. In round two, Shaw hurt Jake with a right to the body then pounded away until the Indianapolis resident had fallen through the ropes for a knockdown call. In the third, Shaw had Jake trapped near the red corner and a combination felled him again. A chopping right to the top of the head stunned Jake in the fourth and a series of left hooks badly hurt him, persuading the referee to intervene for the TKO at the 0:56 mark. Shaw upped his resume to 12-0 (9 KOs), while Jake, now 8-3-1 (2 KOs), suffered his second consecutive defeat this year.

Jacob Marrero, 127, of Bridgeport, CT, made quick work of the debuting Juan Ibarra, 127, from Willow Springs, NC, needing just 126 seconds to secure a TKO victory. Shortly after the opening bell, a straight left from Marrero hurt Ibarra then another one dropped him. Though Ibarra arose, Marrero went for the finish and landed two powerful right hooks to deck his foe once more prompting the referee to end the contest. The win improved Marrero’s record to 4-0 (3 KOs). Compiling an amateur record of 58-9, Marrero was a 2016 New England Golden Gloves Champion, a five-time Connecticut Silver Gloves Champion and a five-time Connecticut Junior Olympics Champion.

Helen Joseph, 118 lbs., born in Nigeria but now based out of New Haven, CT, dominated Martina Horgasz, 118 lbs., of Budapest, Hungary, en route to a six-round shutout victory with three identical scorecards of 60-53. The win upped Joseph’s record to 17-3-2 (10 KOs), while Horgasz fell to 5-4 (4 KOs). Joseph, a two-time former world title challenger, briefly held the IBF Inter-Continental featherweight belt in 2013 and has not lost since 2015.

Nelson Perez, 135 lbs., of Marlboro, MA, improved to 2-0 (2 KOs) with a second-round TKO versus Devon Grant, 140 lbs., of The Bronx, NY, now 0-2. The stoppage came at the 2:04 mark of the frame. As an amateur, Nelson won the 2018 New England Golden Gloves Championship and won first place at the Rocky Marciano Championship and Connecticut Championship tournaments that year as well.




USYK TICKETS ON PRESALE NOW

Oleksandr Usyk makes his Heavyweight debut on October 12 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK – and tickets are on presale now.

Usyk (16-0 12 KOs) moves up to join the big boys having dominated the Cruiserweight division, ending his time at the 200lbs limit as the undisputed champion with a clinical KO win over Tony Bellew in Manchester in November, that victory continuing his epic run of wins in his opponents backyard that saw him seal the inaugural World Boxing Super Series through wins over Marco Huck, Mairis Breidis and Murat Gassiev.

Tickets start at $40 plus booking fees with the pre-sale codes USYK, WINTRUST, MBUSA in effect at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070057139FF02C5D. General sale will begin at 11am CT on Friday August 30 at the same URL.




Video: Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Luke Campbell final press conference




VIDEO: Lomachenko vs Campbell undercard presser (Fury vs Povetkin, Edwards vs Martinez, Buatsi vs Ford & more)




Vasiliy Lomachenko: “Of Course I’m Ready”

LONDON (Aug. 29, 2019) –  The press conference dais told the story. Four title bouts were laid out, symbols of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s current and long-standing status as one of boxing’s elites.

Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) will defend his WBA/WBO/Ring Magazine lightweight titles against fellow 2012 Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) Saturday evening at The O2 (5 p.m. ET, ESPN+). The vacant WBC lightweight world title will also be at stake, leaving the victor one belt shy of becoming the division’s undisputed champion.

Two days before a sold-out crowd of more than 18,000 packs The O2, this is what the fighters and their promoters had to say.

Vasiliy Lomachenko

“I’m excited. I can’t wait to come to the ring and show my boxing skills for British fans and fans around the world.”

“Maybe it will be a harder fight, but I can’t answer that until after the fight. Luke Campbell is not an easy fighter. He’s a top fighter. He’s a smart fighter. He’s a technical fighter, so it will be an interesting and technical fight.”

“Of course I’m ready. That’s why I came to the UK.”

Bob Arum

“Now, {Lomachenko} comes over to the UK, which really is the country that is most passionate and knowledgable about the sport of boxing, to exhibit his talents before the UK audience. On behalf of Vasiliy Lomachenko and {Lomachenko’s manager} Egis Klimas, we are grateful for the opportunity to be over here, to be fighting in this championship match, particularly against a world-class fighter like Luke Campbell.”

Luke Campbell

“I’ve been through a lot having the experience of the London Olympics, the crowds, the pressure of going out there, getting a medal and winning. And, obviously, my professional career, coming to America to fight {Jorge} Linares for a world title. I’ve learned from my experiences, and boy, do I love a challenge. I’ve said for years being in boxing, to be the best, you have to beat the best. And this is certainly one of those challenges.”

“There are no better fans than the UK fans. They just give the best atmosphere. I’m excited to bring this fight, be part of this fight here in the UK. I want to perform and entertain and give the fans a great night.”

Eddie Hearn

“This is a huge opportunity for British boxing and a huge opportunity to Luke Campbell to produce a performance that will stun the world and become the unified lightweight world champion.”

ESPN+, 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Luke Campbell, 12 rounds, Lomachenko’s WBO/WBA and vacant WBC lightweight world titles

ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT

Hughie Fury vs. Alexander Povetkin, 12 rounds, heavyweight

ESPN+, 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT

Entire undercard, including Charlie Edwards’ WBC flyweight world title defense against Julio Cesar Martinez. 

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

Use the hashtag #LomaCampbell to join the conversation on social media. About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 filmsFans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com.




ERISLANDY LARA VS. RAMON ALVAREZ FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

MINNEAPOLIS (August 29, 2019) – Former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and Ramon “El Inocente” Alvarez squared off at the final press conference Thursday before they battle for the WBA Super Welterweight title this Saturday night in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Also on hand at Thursday’s press conference and featured in action beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT Saturday were fast rising super welterweights Sebastían “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark, who meet in a 10-round showdown, and hard-hitting Cuban heavyweight Frank Sachez and Victor Bisbal, who compete in a 10-round bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

The fighters were joined on the press conference stage by Cuban great and former two-division world champion Joel Casamayor. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from The Armory in Minneapolis:

ERISLANDY LARA

“Training has been really good. We’re strong and I just wish Alvarez luck. We changed things up in our training and are back with Ismael Salas now. Alvarez is about to find out how hard we’ve worked.

“I think after the sixth round, you will see all the training that I did and the game plan that we have, start to break him down. After that, the knockout is going to come.

“My goal has been to get back to the top of the division. I’ve been at the top of the division all of these years and regaining a title is huge. It’s part of my history and my legacy. I’m super excited to be back in another big fight.

“I’m just focused on getting my title back. I want to look spectacular in this main event Saturday night on a big stage. Then I can move on to the biggest fights in the world.

“Going back to my original pro coach Ismael Salas has been great. Ronnie Shields is a great trainer and we had a great run together, I just had to change atmosphere. I’m very comfortable in Las Vegas. The sparring was perfect and we’re ready to rock.

“I come well prepared for this fight. The fight with Canelo was a long time ago, so now I’m just looking forward and toward being in bigger fights.”

RAMON ALVAREZ

“I’m not worried about what Lara’s mindset is. I’m prepared and ready to go. I’m here to write my own story as I’ve been doing by working hard since day one.

“What happened between my brother and Lara was years ago and you can’t change history. I’m only focused on what I have to do.

“We had a very good preparation for this fight. It’s a big fight for both of us. We’ve been completely focused on what’s in front of us.

“I don’t put too much thought into Lara’s last two fights not being wins. He’s changed his mentality and attitude and he’s fighting and not boxing as much as he did before. I think that shows that he still has a lot left in the tank to give.

“I’ve prepared very hard and I can only show it in the ring with my performance and my fists. We can both talk, but on Saturday night it will all be decided.

“I’m not just thinking about making history, but I will make history on Saturday night. The Alvarez brothers are going to make more history for Mexico when I win this title.”

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA

“When I come to fight at different venues I’m able to block everything out and just focus on the fight. But I do have some fans here in Minneapolis and I’m pretty sure they like me here since it’s my third time fighting here. It helps builds up my confidence a little bit more.

“The only adjustment we made for this fight was for the southpaw stance of Clark. I’ve fought tall guys before. My last opponent was 6’1”. So this won’t be much of a change for me.

“We’ll see what Clark comes with on Saturday. We’ll be prepared to box from the outside but also adjust depending how he fights me. I work hard to be an all-around fighter.

“I’m just excited to keep fighting on this stage and displaying my skills for everyone. I’m only focused on getting better and I believe fights like this will show what we’ve worked on.

“People look at my height, but I can fight on the inside too. I think people expect me to box but showing all that I can do gives people even more to worry about.”

JAMONTAY CLARK

“I don’t think too much about his height. This is a big opportunity and a new start for me. We’re going to pull off the upset Saturday night.

“I sparred with a lot of tall guys including some heavyweights, so I’m all the way ready for this fight. I have a good jab and I’m going to use it a lot in this fight.

“I think I fight better against taller opponents. I don’t think he’s going to be able to out box me or fight me on the inside. I feel that I have all the advantages. He can take it wherever he wants to go.

“I see my loss as a lesson. We learned from it and we’re here now. It’s a blessing. I’m going to keep showing my heart and my hunger.

“This win is going to mean everything to me on Saturday night. I’m calling it my new beginning and it starts with this fight.”

FRANK SANCHEZ

“I want people to know that there’s going to be a new Cuban heavyweight champion. I’m going to put a show on and everyone can see it on Saturday night.

“My team has made adjustments and we’re ready to fight for 10 rounds my first time as a pro. If it was a 12 round fight, I’d be ready for that as well.

“I’ve made some technical changes that will make it easier for me to go the whole distance and go into deep waters.

“My opponent is experienced and it’s another chance for me to display my skills. I’m definitely going for the knockout and a big statement.”

VICTOR BISBAL

“This is a fight that I’ve been waiting for. I’ve turned down other fights for a chance like this and I’m going to take advantage. My plan is to end Saturday night with a victory.

“I know that the Cubans are always great fighters and they have great training. He’s powerful and experienced, but at the end of the day, I know what he’s brining into the ring.

“There’s a good chance this fight ends in a knockout but I’ll be prepared to go the distance and win every round if I have to.”

#

ABOUT LARA VS. ALVAREZ
Lara vs. Alvarez will see former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara take on Ramon “El Inocente” Alvarez for the WBA Super Welterweight title in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a pair of sensational young super welterweights colliding as Sebastían “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in a 10-round attraction, plus fast-rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sánchez will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bísbal in a 10-round heavyweight showdown

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, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR TOMORROW’S BROADWAY BOXING CARD

oka Kahn Clary 128 lbs. vs. Irvin Gonzalez 127 lbs.

Alicia Napoleon-Espinosa 161 lbs. vs. Schemelle Baldwin 163 lbs.

Hurshidbek Normatov 152 lbs. vs. Walter Wright 154 lbs.

RED CORNER BLUE CORNER

10 ROUNDS – WBA NABA US SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Toka Kahn Clary vs. Irvin Gonzalez
Providence, RI Worcester, MA
26-2, 18 KO’s 12-1, 9 KO’s
128 lbs. 127 lbs.

10 ROUNDS – WBA SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Alicia Napoleon-Espinosa vs. Schemelle Baldwin
Lindenhurst, NY Newark, DE
11-1, 6 KO’s 3-0-1, 2 KO’s
161 lbs. 163 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – WBA NABA US JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Hurshidbek Normatov vs. Walter Wright
Brooklyn, NY Seattle, WA
8-0, 3 KO’s 17-6, 8 KO’s
152 lbs. 154 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – WELTERWEIGHTS
Kali Reis vs. Patricia Juarez
Providence, RI Denver, CO
15-7-1, 5 KO’s 4-1
142 lbs. 142 lbs.

8 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Stephan Shaw vs. Willie Jake Jr.
St. Louis, MO Indianapolis, IN
11-0, 8 KO’s 8-2-1, 2 KO’s
251 lbs. 233 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jacob Marrero vs. Juan Ibarra
Bridgeport, CT Willow Springs, NC
3-0, 2 KO’s Pro Debut
127 lbs. 127 lbs.

6 ROUNDS – BANTAMWEIGHTS
Helen Joseph vs. Martina Horgasz
New Haven, CT Budapest, Hungary
16-3-2, 10 KO’s 5-3, 4 KO’s
118 lbs. 118 lbs.

4 ROUNDS – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Nelson Perez vs. Devon Grant
Marlboro, MA Bronx, NY
1-0, 1 KO 0-1
135 lbs. 140 lbs.

All Bouts Subject to Change




DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT SIGNS WBO WOMEN’S SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION CHRISTINA LINARDATOU

New York, NY (August 28, 2019) DiBella Entertainment has signed WBO Women’s Super Lightweight World Champion Christina “Black Mamba” Linardatou (12-1, 6 KOs), of Athens, Greece.

The 31-year-old Linardatou, a native of the Dominican Republic, captured the vacant WBO 140-pound world title on March 24, with a sixth-round knockout of previously undefeated, #1-ranked contender Kandi Wyatt in Athens. The fight was the first boxing world championship contest in the country’s history. Following up on her world title victory, Linardatou successfully made her first defense on June 7 winning a 10-round unanimous decision against unbeaten challenger Deanha Hobbs at the Olympic Hall Galatsi in Athens.

“I’m honored to bring another world champion into the DiBella family,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “With her fan-friendly style and willingness to fight anywhere in the world, Christina will become a big star in women’s boxing. Her manager Brian Cohen and I have very big plans and we are excited to see her career grow from here.”

The Linardatou signing comes one day prior to DiBella Entertainment’s next Broadway Boxing card, which will be live streamed on UFC Fight Pass tomorrow night from Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT. The event will feature three exciting women’s bouts, including WBA Super Middleweight Champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon-Espinosa defending her world title for the second time against Schemelle Baldwin. Former world champion Kali Reis and hard-hitting bantamweight contender Helen Joseph will compete as well.

DiBella Entertainment will also be promoting the highly anticipated WBO Women’s Featherweight World Championship fight between Heather “The Heat” Hardy and Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano on Friday, September 13, at Madison Square Garden, in New York City.

“Lou DiBella’s passion and action speak loud and clear,” said Linardatou. “For many years, Lou has been not only one of the very best promoters, but a true supporter and fighter for women’s boxing, working with numerous top contenders and world champions. I’m very confident that he can provide me with big opportunities to take my career to the next level.”

On July 28, 2018, Linardatou fought in the United States for the first time, winning a six-round decision versus previously undefeated Alycia Baumgardner in Louisville, KY.




Hooker to move to Welterweight

Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker has decided to move to welterweight, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I want to give my fans the best possible performances and, therefore, after careful deliberations with my manager (Arnie Verbeek) and promoter (Dino Duva of Roc Nation Sports), I have decided to move up to the 147-pound limit,” Hooker said in a statement.

“We’ve talked about it. I let him relax and take a vacation after the Ramirez fight,” Duva told ESPN. “Everybody knows he struggled with the weight. If there was a really big fight for him at 140 pounds right away he would probably consider giving it one more shot but I don’t think there’s anything like that on the horizon.

“So with Maurice not having the belt anymore we just figured this was the right move for him. There are some big potential fights for him if he makes the move. Welterweight is a loaded division. He feels he will be stronger and more comfortable at 147 pounds. This move makes sense.”

“I’m already looking at possible opponents,” Duva said. “I want him to fight a credible guy in his first fight at 147, somebody in the rankings. We think one or two wins and then we can position Maurice for a big fight at welterweight, so this is the move that makes sense for him.”




VIDEO: Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Luke Campbell plus undercard public workout




LOMACHENKO VS. CAMPBELL PUBLIC WORKOUT QUOTES

Vasiliy Lomachenko:

“Thank you guys, I can’t believe it. It’s a pleasure.
 
“It was the same situation with fans last time I was here, in the amateurs.
 
“I have to train, I don’t have the time to see the city. After the win I want to see London.
 
“My preparation was good, I am ready 100 per cent, see you Saturday night.

“Of course I have a little bit of nerves, it’s good for humans.
 
“I give you the prediction, you will see a very good, interesting fight.”
 
Luke Campbell:

“I’m feeling great at the minute. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve got the best team around me and we’re all confident.

“It doesn’t matter how I do it, I get the win.”

Charlie Edwards:

“I’m super-focused, I’m ready and I’m really looking forward to this challenge.”This is my time, this is my era and I’m really looking forward to Saturday night.

“He’s a great fighter and challenger. He’s earned his shot, he had a great performance last time, but I’m not Andrew Selby. I’m Charlie Edwards and I’m here to keep this title and push on.

“This is my time and no one is taking this title away from me. I am going to beat Martinez on Saturday night at The O2 for everyone at Sky.”

Joshua Buatsi:

“Saturday night, we put it all on the line, We’re just going to box. You can talk a lot before the bell goes but I’m not the person to do that.”We’ll see what happens, we have small gloves on, the better man will win. Inside the ring is where the talking is done, where it matters.”When the pressure is on, the cameras are on, I enjoy it, pressure is good, it creates diamonds.”We always keep stepping up, we deal with him [Ford] and see what’s next. Tune in and don’t blink.”

Ryan Ford:

“They made a mistake bringing me over, I come to show up and show out.

“I’ll put it all in and give the fans a war, I’m not just here to get in rounds. I’ll bring fireworks, I come fast-paced in his face.”

At the top of the bill, Olympic Champions Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) will clash for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles, Manchester Heavyweight Hughie Fury (23-2, 13 KOs) takes on former WBA World Champion Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs), WBC Flyweight ruler Charlie Edwards (15-1, 6 KOs) makes the second defence of his crown against Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez (14-1, 11 KOs), Joe Cordina (9-0, 7 KOs) defends his British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles against Gavin Gwynne (11-0, 1 KO) in a mouth-watering battle of Wales, rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buatsi (11-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA International title against Canada’s Ryan Ford (16-4, 11 KOs), James Tennyson (24-3, 20 KOs) and Atif Shafiq (21-2, 5 KOs) meet for the vacant WBA International Lightweight title, Hartlepool star Savannah Marshall (6-0, 4 KOs) makes her highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut, Sheffield amateur standout Dalton Smith (2-0, 1 KO) takes part in his first six round contest and Hull Super-Featherweight prospect Connor Coghill (5-0) lands a dream slot on his former manager’s (Campbell) undercard. 




ERISLANDY LARA & RAMON ALVAREZ PREVIEW TITLE CLASH ON “PBC FACE TO FACE” BEFORE STEPPING IN THE RING THIS SATURDAY NIGHT

MINNEAPOLIS (August 28, 2019) – Before they battle for the WBA Super Welterweight title this Saturday night, former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara and Ramon “El Inocente” Alvarez traded words on “PBC Face to Face” and previewed their showdown that will headline FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Catch the replay of “PBC Face to Face” tomorrow, Thursday August 28 at 11:30 a.m. ET and Friday, August 29 at 2 p.m. ET on FS2.

After an extended title run that ended with him as the longest reigning 154-pound champion, Lara is highly motivated on his quest to recapture his place in the division and erase the memory of his narrow decision defeat to Jarrett Hurd in 2018’s Fight of the Year.

“I came and I achieved almost everything that I have asked of myself,” said Lara. “I was world champion for many years and the most important thing is that now I feel very happy because they gave me another chance for the world title and to be crowned again.

“I’ve always been ready to be champion again. There have been some bad decisions from the judges, but I’ve always been ready to be champion again.”

One of those close and controversial decisions in Lara’s career came against Ramon Alvarez’s brother, middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in 2014. The two combatants this Saturday night exchanged words on if that 2014 fight could play into their title fight.

“I have nothing against this man,” said Lara. “This is a business. We are going to present the best of ourselves. But I will work very hard. I’m going to be honest with you, as I sit here facing you in front of the camera, I am going to work very hard at my camp to knock you out. Okay? I’m coming to knock you out and we’re going to work hard for that.

“To win this fight is to turn the page. If the opportunity comes to fight with your brother again, we fight again. I am ready to fight with your brother.”

“He will not be facing my brother, nor do I think he will face him again,” said Alvarez. “He should focus now on what is coming. I’m what is coming.”

Alvarez is hoping for an opportunity to distinguish himself from his brother and score the biggest win of his pro career that dates back to 2008. He enters this fight the winner of four of his last five contests, with his only defeat in that stretch coming to former champion Brandon Rios in 2018.

“I will work to make things very clear to Lara that I am not my brother and that this fight will not be the same,” said Alvarez. “This fight has nothing to do with controversies. I think I have a different style to show and I’m going to show it this night.

“This is everything for me. To make my own legacy. My own path and show I got here with nobody’s help. I think we’ve shown to the world and the public that I have been advancing and winning, and I’ve been winning these opportunities and I will take advantage of them.”

After his Fight of the Year against Hurd in 2018, Lara engaged in another exciting action bout in March against Brian Castano, a title fight that eventually ended in a draw. With Alvarez expected to fight aggressively on Saturday, Lara believes another high octane bout is on the horizon.

“If the boxer is a guy who advances and pressures, I’m obligated to work with him,” said Lara. “I expect on August 31, Alvarez will come with the same anxious hunger and give a great show. So for the people will be watching, it’ll be very good.”

This will be Alvarez’s biggest opportunity of his career, a chance to not only win a world title, but grab a career-defining win against an elite former champion.

“I chose Lara because he’s a great fighter,” said Alvarez. “Because I think it’s our opportunity to demonstrate to the world what I have. Who I am. I think that of all the matchups, the best fight is with Lara. So, I chose him to give the people a spectacular show. I think that’s what we’ll do.”

The two fighters also traded words about their shared strategy not watch video of their opponents’ past fight prior to stepping in the ring.

“When they told me about the fight with Ramon, I had never seen you fight,” said Lara. “I do not look. I do not like to see your game plan. In Cuba, I didn’t have the chance to see the boxers when we left the country. I am not used to watching video of boxers. I have never really seen you fight. I’m going to prepare hard for the fight and I will be well focused on you on August 31. Because I come to win. I do not come to play.”

“I believe that all my opponents, all fighters, get to know each other better in the ring,” said Alvarez. “Maybe you can see someone’s video, but you don’t really know how it’ll be on that night in the ring. One has to work and prepare for everything.

“You want to be ready that night and be ready for what they give you and for what may come new or what may not come new. Because there are fighters that can evolve and can bring out new things. Some fighters always fight the same and there are fighters who don’t. You have to be prepared for everything.”

Both fighters believe that all of the motivations will add up to a great fight for the fans, with a good chance of an explosive finish that determines who walks away with the title.

“From what I can say and guarantee August 31 is that Erislandy Lara comes out with his hands raised,” said Lara. “I’m going to work hard. We will work hard. It is a very important fight my career and for my family. I will work hard for the knockout. In case I can’t, we’ll look for Plan B, to win all rounds. But I’m going to focus very hard to work for the knockout.”

“For me, the fight will end with a knockout because it is a high voltage fight,” said Alvarez. “So we’ll work very hard to give that surprise. I’m going to work for 12 rounds. “

#

ABOUT LARA VS. ALVAREZ
Lara vs. Alvarez will see former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara take on Ramon “El Inocente” Alvarez for the WBA Super Welterweight title in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a pair of sensational young super welterweights colliding as Sebastían “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in a 10-round attraction, plus fast-rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sánchez will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bísbal in a 10-round heavyweight showdown

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, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




Heavyweight Sensation Xavier Vigney Signs Managerial with Prince Ranch Boxing

LAS VEGAS, NV (August 28 , 2019) – Undefeated heavyweight sensation, Xavier “X-Factor” Vigney (3-0, 2 KOs), who stands a towering 6’8″, has signed a managerial agreement with Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. Vigney will be trained by veteran coach Brandon Woods, and former two-time world champion, Bones Adams.

Vigney, who is of Native American and German descent, was an outstanding kickboxing champion. His transition to boxing has been extremely successful as he’s been destroying everyone is sparring. Vigney is a promotional free agent and is looking to get back in the ring in the very near future. Be on the lookout for a major announcement coming soon.

“Everyone who knows me will say that I’m a very nice person outside of the ring, but inside, I’m a man looking to destroy my opponent,” stated Xavier Vigney, who was born in Oakland, California, but now resides in Las Vegas. “This is the hurt game and my goal is to punish anyone that steps in the ring with me. I have a tremendous management team in place with Prince Ranch Boxing, and together we will become great. Becoming the heavyweight champion of the world is all that’s on my mind. I’m hungry to show the world that I’m the next heavyweight sensation.”

“We are very excited to have Xavier join the Prince Ranch Boxing family,” stated Vigney’s manager Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Xavier has an incredible work ethic, and I know with the right promoter, we will be unstoppable. Right now, we are entertaining several promotional companies that are seeking to join forces with us. This kids as all the ingredients to become a huge star. I can’t wait to announce his next fight.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that Xavier Vigney can become the heavyweight champion of the world,” said head trainer Brandon Woods. “All the top heavyweights that come to Las Vegas to get some sparring he absolutely destroys. I’m not talking about journeyman type heavyweights, I’m talking undefeated heavyweights that are signed with bigtime promoters, Xavier is smashing all of them. As soon as the public sees him fight, they will know he’s the truth.”




THE PRICE IS RIGHT FOR DUBOIS

DANIEL DUBOIS is licking his lips at the prospect of getting to grips with big punching David Price.

British champion Dubois (12-0, 11KOs) bids to add the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title to his collection when he faces Ebenezer Tetteh (19-0, 16KOs)  at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27, live on BT Sport.

If the Ghanaian is defeated, the fast emerging London star fancies a double title defence before the end of this year against Liverpool’s KO King Price, himself a former British and Commonwealth title holder.

Dubois has no worries about offering Price  the chance to regain his old belts, even though 6ft 8in David has knocked out 20 of his 25 victims and carries concussive power.

Price recently hammered Dave Allen, but Dubois insists: “Price is a good fight for me.

“He has been around a while and fought a lot of guys, but It’s a good match-up and I will take on all-comers.

“I will fight whoever is put in front of me. Whoever I have got to face I will and I welcome whoever steps up.”

Dubois showed he is arguably the world’s top heavyweight prospect in July when he defeated Frank Warren stablemate Nathan Gorman to claim the British crown.

He is now ranked number 7 by the WBO and 15 by the IBF and Price is number 9 in the WBA ratings for Andy Ruiz Jr’s titles.

Dubois added: “I have never come across David, but I would share the ring with him, definitely. I’m only 21 years old, but moving fast.”

Beside’s Dubois there will be a world title clash involving WBO flyweight champion Nicola Adams.

The card will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp who makes his second title defence against Dublin’s Declan Geraghty.

Middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann are also in action.

Exciting prospects Lewis Edmundson, Eithan James and Sam Noakes all make their professional debuts.

Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.




MARSHALL – I’LL BEAT CLARESSA SHIELDS AGAIN

Savannah Marshall is convinced that she would make it two wins from two fights against Claressa Shields if the former amateur rivals were to meet again in the professional ranks.

Undefeated Hartlepool sensation Marshall, trained by Peter Fury, makes her highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut this Saturday when she takes on Brazil’s Daniele Basteri over eight rounds in a Super-Middleweight contest, live on Sky Sports Box Office

The 28-year-old ‘Silent Assassin’ remains the only boxer to have inflicted a ring defeat on undisputed Middleweight World Champion Shields. Marshall outpointed the US golden girl in China on route to cementing herself as Britain’s first ever female amateur World Champion in 2012. 

She was last seen demolishing tough Bulgarian Borislava Goranova in one round at Victoria Warehouse in May and believes her link up with Eddie Hearn’s promotional outfit will provide her with the perfect platform to secure a mega fight will long-term rival Shields. 

“I’ve been pro now for just gone two years and it has been quite slow in the sense that I haven’t moved forward as quickly as I would have hoped,” admitted Marshall. “Matchroom are the biggest promotional company in the game, they have shows all the time so for that reason the fights are there for me. 
 
“I’m in this sport to become a World Champion. I’m not the type of person to do something half-heartedly. I’ve been boxing since I was 11 years old and if I didn’t feel like I was at world level then there would be no point in me being here.

“Claressa is the undisputed Middleweight Champion so in that aspect she is ahead of me. I believe that fight will happen soon and that I will beat her again, like I did as an amateur. I think I’m twice the fighter now than I was when we last fought, so it makes no difference to me where the fight takes place, I’ll beat her again.
 
“I had almost 100 amateur bouts and I’ve come up against all sizes and styles of opponents. I’ve boxed all over the world so there’s not that many styles I haven’t come across. I just want to show the world what I am capable of and what I can do. You can expect to see a bit of everything from me on Saturday, I will win in good fashion.”

Marshall vs. Basteri features on a huge night of boxing in the Capital. At the top of the bill, Olympic Champions Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) will clash for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles, Manchester Heavyweight Hughie Fury (23-2, 13 KOs) takes on former WBA World Champion Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs), WBC Flyweight ruler Charlie Edwards (15-1, 6 KOs) makes the second defence of his crown against Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez (14-1, 11 KOs), Joe Cordina (9-0, 7 KOs) defends his British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles against Gavin Gwynne (11-0, 1 KO) in a mouth-watering battle of Wales, rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buatsi (11-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA International title against Canada’s Ryan Ford (16-4, 11 KOs), James Tennyson (24-3, 20 KOs) and Atif Shafiq (21-2, 5 KOs) meet for the vacant WBA International Lightweight title, Sheffield amateur standout Dalton Smith (2-0, 1 KO) takes part in his first six round contest and Hull Super-Featherweight prospect Connor Coghill (5-0) lands a dream slot on his former manager’s (Campbell) undercard. 




ARCHIE LANDS A PRETTY BOY

ARCHIE SHARP will defend his WBO European super featherweight title at the Royal Albert Hall on September 27 when he takes on the challenge from Declan ‘Pretty Boy’ Geraghty.

‘Sharpshooter’ Sharp, 16-0 (8KOs), makes a second defence of the title he won from Lyon Woodstock in October of last year, having seen off the threat of game Scot Jordan McCorry last time out in July.

The Dubliner Geraghty, 19-4 (4KOs), is accustomed to being involved in thrilling encounters and took part in an absorbing double-header with recent world title challenger Jono Carroll, with the second part taking place in June of last year with the IBF Intercontinental title at stake. Victory for Carroll after nine epic rounds saw him push on towards world title contention.

Sharp believes more drama could be in the offing when he fights for the first time at the stunning South Kensington venue.
“Declan Geraghty is a good fight, a very good fight,” said the 24-year-old. “He is always in exciting fights and always seems to bring a high level of skill to the ring.
“He is skilful but has ended up in a number of wars, which has probably been his downfall. He is a good, technical boxer and, because he has been chinned a couple of times, he might want to prove something now.
“If he sticks to his boxing it will be interesting because my last couple of fights have been against come-forward fighters. I like testing myself so it will be good to go in with a nice rangy southpaw. Why not?
“I am building now and every fight is benefiting me and moving me on towards those big fights. They have all been good fights – Woodstock, McCorry and now Geraghty is a good fight. They have all been hungry to win titles and if I keep beating these live opponents it will only serve to ready me for world level.”
Geraghty, 29, say he won’t get pulled into war by neat boxing Sharp, but insists: “It’s a really exciting fight and will be fan-friendly for everyone watching at the Royal Albert Hall and on BT Sport.
“I am going into his backyard and there is no pressure on me. I know how good his boxing ability is and I think it is down to who has the better boxing IQ.
“I like getting involved in a fight, but not this time because it is boxer v boxer.
“Archie is a bit similar to me and likes to keep it long and rangy, but I like getting dragged into a war every so often.
“His style will suit me and now is my time to deliver.”
Daniel Dubois v Ebenezer Tetteh for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title tops the bill at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday September 27, alongside Nicola Adams making a first defence of her WBO world flyweight title. Also on the card is Battersea banger Denzel Bentley in middleweight action, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, exciting bantamweight talent Dennis McCann and debuts for lightweight Sam Noakes, super lightweight Eithan James and super middleweight Lewie Edmondson.
Tickets for the September 27 bill at the Royal Albert Hall are available to purchase from www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.royalalberthall.com. Prices £40, £50, £75, £100, £150 Ringside.




CORDINA – GWYNNE IS IN FOR THE SHOCK OF HIS LIFE

Joe Cordina says Gavin Gwynne is in for the “shock of his life” when the Welsh rivals square off for the British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles at The O2 in London this Saturday, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK. 

Cordina stopped Andy Townend inside six rounds to add the Lonsdale Belt to his Commonwealth crown in Greenwich earlier this year. The unbeaten Cardiff stylist outclassed his experienced opponent from the first round, dropping him three times in the sixth round to extend his record to nine straight wins with his seventh knockout. 

Standing at 6ft tall and having boxed at both 135 and 140lbs, Gwynne will be the naturally bigger man on the night, but with a wealth of experience in his years in the amateur code, Cordina says this is nothing new and is unfazed by his opponent’s size advantage.

“I bring the right sparring partners in all the time, it’s not the first time I’ve fought someone who’s been six foot,” said Cordina. “I’ve been boxing fighters who are long and rangy and taller than me since the amateurs. I’ve had sparring partners for this fight who are the same height and probably technically better than Gavin, I’ve got an answer for everything he brings.
 
“All I’ve been hearing is how fit he is, and will I be able to handle the pace or whatever, this is my third fight scheduled for 12. I’ve trained for 12 rounds even when I was boxing in ten round fights. Gavin has only boxed ten rounds twice and he blew a gasket. When he’s got someone who is going to fight with him and will catch him you will see how he copes with that. Let him think what he wants, he will have the shock of his life. I have to win, and I have to do it in style.

“We only sparred once and you can’t take too much from that as it was four rounds. It was five years ago so it’s irrelevant. This isn’t about bragging rights for me, my goal is to become a World Champion. If I win, I move on and I’ll never look back at him again. If he’s thinking about bragging rights then his ambitions clearly aren’t that big. For me, it’s about winning to get closer to my goal.”Cordina vs. Gwynne features on a huge night of boxing in the Capital. At the top of the bill, Olympic Champions Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) will clash for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles, Manchester Heavyweight Hughie Fury (23-2, 13 KOs) takes on former WBA World Champion Alexander Povetkin (34-2, 24 KOs), rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buatsi (11-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA International title against Canada’s Ryan Ford (16-4, 11 KOs), James Tennyson (24-3, 20 KOs) and Atif Shafiq (21-2, 5 KOs) meet for the vacant WBA International Lightweight title, Hartlepool star Savannah Marshall (6-0, 4 KOs) makes her highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut, Sheffield amateur standout Dalton Smith (2-0, 1 KO) takes part in his first six round contest and Hull Super-Featherweight prospect Connor Coghill (5-0) lands a dream slot on his former manager’s (Campbell) undercard. 




DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT’S BROADWAY BOXING TO FEATURE THREE WOMEN’S BOXING BOUTS

New York, NY (August 27, 2019) Former Women’s World Champion Kali “KO Mequinonoag” Reis (15-7-1, 5 KOs), of Providence, RI, will return to battle this Thursday night, August 29, against Patricia Juarez, of Denver, CO, in a welterweight clash featured on DiBella Entertainment’s stacked Broadway Boxing card from Foxwoods Resort Casino, in Mashantucket, CT. The event will be live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports,starting at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT. Reis vs. Juarez will be one of three women’s bouts presented on the 109th installment of the long-running Broadway Boxing series.

In a 10-round women’s world championship bout, Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon-Espinosa (11-1, 6 KOs), of Lindenhurst, NY, will defend her WBA Super Middleweight World Title against undefeated contender Schemelle Baldwin (3-0-1, 2 KOs), of Newark, DE.

Additionally, in a six-round super bantamweight clash, popular New Haven, CT, native and former world title challenger Helen “Iron Lady” Joseph (15-3-2, 10 KOs) battles Martina Horgasz (5-3, 4 KOs), of Budapest, Hungary.

“DiBella Entertainment and UFC Fight Pass have continually shown support for women’s boxing and will feature three exciting women’s bouts on this Thursday night’s Broadway Boxing card, from Foxwoods Resort Casino,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “In the co-main event, world champion Alicia Napoleon-Espinosa will defend her title for the second time against Schemelle Baldwin and former world champion Kali Reis, of nearby Providence, RI, will continue her comeback following her competitive battle against Cecilia Braekhus last year. Also on the card, hard-hitting former world title challenger Helen Joseph will remain active, getting back into the ring for the second time this month.”

Reis fought in a high-profile women’s bout in May 2018 challenging undisputed women’s welterweight world champion Cecilia Braekhus in Carson, CA. Despite dropping the champion for the first time in her illustrious career, Reis would lose a hard-fought 10-round decision. The championship contest was the first women’s boxing bout telecast by HBO Boxing in its 45-year history. Remarkably, the fight averaged 904,000 viewers, the second highest rating by the network for boxing last year.

Reis initially made her mark in women’s boxing traveling to New Zealand in 2016, where she won the vacant WBC Women’s Middleweight Title via 10-round decision versus Maricela Cornejo. In her last start, Reis scored a sixth-round knockout of Szilvia Szabados on October 18, 2018. Victorious in the first four bouts of her professional career, Denver’s Juarez (4-1) will look to bounce back into the win column following a 10-round decision loss to undefeated Selina Barrios on September 22, 2018, in Corpus Christi, TX.

Napoleon-Espinosa will be defending her world title that she captured on March 3, 2018, with a 10-round decision against previously undefeated Femke Hermans in front of her legion of fans at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. She followed that with a 10-round world title defense against Hannah Rankin on August 4, 2018, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, in Uniondale, NY. The popular Napoleon-Espinosa kicked off 2019 with a second-round knockout of Eva Bajic on April 10, in New York City.

Fighting out of Philadelphia, PA, Baldwin, a four-time Golden Gloves champion, was victorious in her first three professional bouts, with two by knockout. In her most recent start, she battled to a split decision draw against Kayla Williams on March 30, in Hockessin, DE.

A native of Nigeria, Joseph is undefeated over her last five bouts capped by a six-round decision victory versus Edina Kiss earlier this month on August 3. She challenged Jennifer Han in September 2015 for the vacant IBF Women’s Featherweight Title, losing a close 10-round decision. The 20-year-old Martina Horgasz is coming off of a six-round decision loss to undefeated prospect Rosalina Rodriguez on April 25.

Headlining the Broadway Boxing August 29 event, New England fighters Toka Kahn “T Nice” Clary (26-2, 18 KOs), a native of Liberia, now fighting out of Providence, RI, and Irvin Gonzalez (12-1, 9 KOs), of Worcester, MA, will battle in scheduled 10-round bout for the vacant WBA NABA US super featherweight title. Victorious in seven of his last eight starts, the 27-year-old Clary returns to action following a fifth-round knockout of Carlos Manuel Reyes on May 17, also at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Prior to the Reyes stoppage, Clary lost a hotly contested 12-round unanimous decision to world ranked and undefeated contender Kid Galahad on October 20, 2018, in Boston, MA. Unbeaten through his first 12 pro fights, the 23-year-old Gonzalez is determined to bounce back into the win column following his only loss to Elijah Pierce on May 17.

In the heavyweight division, Stephan “Big Shot” Shaw (11-0, 8 KOs), of St. Louis, MO, and Willie “Snake” Jake Jr. (8-2-1, 2 KOs), of Indianapolis, IN,will clash in an eight-round bout. On March 3, 2019, the heavy-handed Shaw knocked out Donovan Dennis in the third round in Columbus, OH. The upset-minded Jake Jr. will be looking to rebound following a loss to undefeated prospect Frank Sanchez Faure on January 11, in Shreveport, LA.

Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Hurshidbek “Hershey” Normatov (8-0, 3 KOs), a native of Andijan, Uzbekistan, faces tough veteran Walter “2 Guns” Wright (17-6-0, 8 KOs), of Seattle, WA, in a scheduled eight-rounder with the vacant WBA NABA US 154-pound title at stake. A resident of Brooklyn, NY, the southpaw Normatov cruised to victory in his most recent bout, earning a six-round unanimous decision versus Calvin Metcalf on April 10, in New York, NY. On June 23, 2018, Wright scored the biggest win of his professional career, winning a 12-round decision against previously undefeated Mark DeLuca, in Gilford, NH.

In the junior welterweight division, Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (11-0, 9 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, battles Rondale Hubbert (13-9-2, 8 KOs), of Minneapolis, MN, in a six-round bout. Fighting for the third time in 2019, the 24-year-old Sosa hits the ring following a first-round knockout of Benjamin Borteye on May 17.

Local junior lightweight prospect Jacob Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs), of Bridgeport, CT, will be featured in a four-round bout against the pro-debuting Juan Ibarra, of Willow Springs, NC.

Rounding out the card in a four-round junior welterweight contest, Nelson Perez (1-0, 1 KO), of Marlboro, MA, battles Devon Grant (0-1), of The Bronx, NY.

Priced at $125, $75 and $45, advance tickets for Broadway Boxing can be purchased online through the Foxwoods Box Office HERE, in person or by calling 800-200-2882. The venue is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT 06338. Doors will open to the Fox Theater at 6:30pm with the first fight scheduled for 7:30pm.The UFC FIGHT PASS® stream starts at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT with Justin Shackil, a New York Yankees Digital Host, boxing commentator Corey Erdman and former lightweight contender Brian Adams calling the action. Broadway Boxing is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.




STAR BOXING’S “CATSKILLS CLASH II” BOUTS ANNOUNCED RESORTS WORLD CATSKILLS – SEPT 14

New York, August 27, 2019–Star Boxing is pleased to announce the exciting fight card that includes undefeated, rising New England stars, super lightweight, “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (E. Hartford, CT 11-0 4KO’s) and light heavyweight RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (Hartford, CT 12-0 10KO’s), as well as the undercard for “Catskills Clash II” at Resorts World Catskills on September 14.

Anthony Laureano returns to Resorts World Catskills, putting his ABO America’s Super Lightweight belt on the line, in his first title defense against, BRIAN “SWEET” JONES in a scheduled 8-round super lightweight bout. Laureano recently defeated, Dieumerci Nzau, in a thrilling bout on by sixth round TKO to win the ABO title. Jones is coming off of a massive win, where he knocked out undefeated prospect JULIAN SOSA (then 13-0-1) in Sosa’s hometown of Brooklyn, at the Barclays Center, on the undercard of the Kownacki-Arreola card. Jones (Clarksville, TX 15-10 9KO’s) has experience against some of the top guys in the division including Ivan Redkach, Thomas Dulorme and various undefeated prospects. Fans can expect to be on their feet throughout, as any time Laureano steps into the ring, it is all action.

Watch Laureano’s last fight at Resorts World Catskills on June 28, vs Dieumerci Nzau, HERE.

Rivera, who won the ABO America’s Cruiserweight Title at Resorts World Catskills in June, at Resorts World Catskills, will also be in a tough battle when he takes on ISRAEL “BUMAYE” DUFFUS (Los Angeles, CA 19-5 16KO’s) in an 8-round bout. Duffus, a 6 foot, Panamanian, and current WBC FECARBOX Light Heavyweight champion, Duffus, is 8-1 in his last 9 bouts, most recently losing a tough decision for the NABA Light Heavyweight title. Both Rivera and Duffus are known for their power, with a combined 84% KO ratio in their combined wins and bombs away are planned for September 14th. The bout will be fought at the catchweight of 180 lbs.

Watch Rivera’s last fight at Resorts World Catskills on June 28, vs Brian Howard, HERE.

The undercard will feature ABO America’s Welterweight Champion, DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH (Silver Springs, MD, 4-2-1 2KO’s) against BOUBACAR SYLLA (Cincinnati, OH 10-0 7KO’s) as Okoth finds himself in yet another bout against an undefeated, rising prospect. In his previous two bouts, Okoth has found success in dominating fashion, stopping then undefeated Irish star, Dylan “Real Deal” Moran at the Catskills Clash inaugural event. One month later, Okoth defeated highly touted welterweight prospect Ronnie “Teflon Ron” Austion, at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” at The Paramount. Sylla returns for the second time in 2019, after defeating the always tough Marquise Hawthorne, earlier this summer at Turning Stone Resort Casino and is hoping to prevent Okoth from pulling off the ‘Trifecta’. This bout has fight of the night potential written all over it. This will be a scheduled 6 round welterweight bout.

Watch Okoth’s bout at “Catskills Clash” on June 28, against Dylan Moran, HERE.
Watch Okoth’s bout at “Rockin’ Fights” 35 on July 19, against Ronnie Austion, HERE.

On the undercard local fan favorite BRYANT “HITMAN” COSTELLO (Liberty, NY) is scheduled for a 4-round super welterweight bout against JEFFREY GONZALEZ (Bronx, NY).




DANIEL EVANGELISTA JR. STEPS IN TO FACE FERDINAND ‘LUCKY BOY’ KEROBYAN FOR FRIDAY’S SPECIAL EDITION OF GOLDEN BOY DAZN THURSDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (Aug. 27, 2019) – Daniel “Danny” Evangelista Jr. (20-10-2, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico will step in to fight welterweight prospect Ferdinand “Lucky Boy” Kerobyan (11-1, 6 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. in the eight-round main event of this Friday’s special edition of Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights. Kerobyan was initially scheduled to fight Oscar Molina, but a last-minute injury forced him to step out the fight.

For this event, the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation will be giving back to the community by presenting a full card of action from Pasadena City Hall. The celebration will be open to the public. All proceeds from the event will go towards the Foundation to help support programs that will benefit the youth and community of Pasadena.

The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area, click here.

In the co-main event, Emilio “The Kid” Sanchez (18-1, 12 KOs) of North Hollywood, Calif. will face Jose Gonzalez (23-8-1, 13 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico in an eight-round featherweight battle. Sanchez is coming off two straight wins after losing his undefeated record via knockout.

Bektemir “Bek Bully” Melikuziev (1-0, 1 KO) of Indio, Calif. will fight in a six-round light heavyweight bout against Adrian Luna (22-6-1, 14 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico.

Cornell Hines (5-0, 2 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will face Eben Vargas (9-0, 4 KOs) of Arizona, Texas in a six-round welterweight battle.

Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (9-0-1, 9 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. will return in a six-round lightweight fight against Miguel Mendoza (23-16-2, 22 KOs) of Aguasclientes, Mexico.

Anthony Garnica (3-0, 2 KOs) of Oakland, Calif. will square off against Yaqub Kareem (14-11-1, 8 KOs) of Bloomingfield, Mich. in a four-round super featherweight fight.

Kerobyan vs. Evangelista is an eight-round welterweight fight presented by the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation. The fights will take place on Friday, Aug 30 at Pasadena City Hall and will be open to the public. The event will be streamed live on RingTV.com and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The series will also be available on regional sports networks around the nation. To see when and where the series is available in your area, click here.

Standing-room only admission is free to the public. Limited seated tickets for this event are on sale and start at the fan-friendly price of $25. All proceeds from the event will go towards the Foundation to help support programs that will benefit the youth and community of Pasadena. Tickets are available for purchase now at www.GoldenBoyTickets.com. For sponsorship and/or donation opportunities, please contact Gerry Mendoza via e-mail at
GerryM@GoldenBoyPromotions.com or via phone at 323-376-7695.

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

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for any photos/video.

About The Oscar De La Hoya Foundation
Founded in 1995, the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation annually hosts a golf tournament, a boxing gym equipment donation, Thanksgiving dinner giveaway and holiday toy giveaway in addition to supporting the Oscar De La Hoya Ánimo Charter High School, the Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center and the Oscar De La Hoya Labor and Delivery Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (both located at White Memorial Hospital in East Los Angeles). Today, with the help many partners, the foundation serves thousands of people annually.




Former and Future WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez Successfully Weighs in at 183.5 lbs. for WBC-Mandated 30-Day Weigh-in

David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez successfully weighed in at 183.5 lbs. today, in compliance with the WBC’s mandated 30-day pre-championship-fight weigh-in for his 12-round quest to regain his beloved title belt against Anthony Dirrell.

22-year-old WBC Champion in Recess Benavidez (21-0, 18 KOs) and 34-year-old current WBC Champion Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs) will meet on Saturday, September 28, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to determine the legitimate WBC world champion.

According to WBC rules, 30 days before a championship fight, boxers cannot be 10% over the contracted limit. By scaling 183.5, Benavidez is safely within that parameter (184.8 lbs.).

Phoenix-born Benavidez began his training camp June 6 in Canastota, New York, where he held public workouts on the museum grounds for the 30th Annual Hall of Fame Weekend. He and Father/Trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. have since moved operations to Brendan O’Reilly and Marvin Somodio’s Combinations Boxing Academy in Lawndale, California.

Per WBC rules, Benavidez must also make weight seven days before the fight by being no more than 5% over 168 lbs.

Benavidez vs. Dirrell will serve as the main supporting bout to the Errol Spence Jr., vs. Shawn Porter battle for the WBC and IBF World Welterweight Championships.

David Benavidez is promoted exclusively by Sampson Boxing.
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.




Jam-Packed Night of Exciting Undercard Matchups Enter the Ring this Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (August 27, 2019) – An exciting lineup of undercard attractions will enter the ring as part of a jam-packed night of boxing this Saturday night from The Armory in Minneapolis. The event is headlined by former champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara battling Ramon “El Inocente” Alvarez for the WBA Super Welterweight title in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Undercard action will feature middleweight Kyrone “Shut It Down” Davis (13-2, 5 KOs) taking on Alexis Gaytán (6-3, 2 KOs) in a six or eight round matchup, unbeaten Cuban prospect Joahnys Argilagos (2-0) in a four or six round super flyweight battle against Julio García (3-1, 2 KOs), unbeaten prospect Money Powell IV (10-0, 6 KOs) facing Vaughn Alexander (14-3, 9 KOs) for eight rounds of super middleweight action and undefeated prospect Tyrek Irby (7-0, 2 KOs) matching up against Argentina’s Lucas Andrés Dadamo (2-1-2, 1 KO) in a six round bout.

Additional unbeaten prospects entering the ring will be Denver’s Shon Mondragón (3-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round super bantamweight fight versus Édgar Joe Cortés (6-5-1) and Baltimore’s Aaron Anderson (5-0, 4 KOs) facing Chicago’s Akeem Black (5-3, 2 KOs) for six rounds of super welterweight action.

A pair of unbeaten bantamweight contenders will look to continue their rise up the rankings in 10 round fights as Ghana’s Duke Micah (22-0, 18 KOs) is set to battle Mexico’s Luis Roy Cruz (12-1, 7 KOs) while the Philippine’s Reymart Gaballo (21-0, 18 KOs) steps in against Colombia’s Yelson Vargas (17-1, 12 KOs).

Rounding out the loaded card is once-beaten Celso Ramírez from Minneapolis in a six-round welterweight fight versus Tyrone Luckey, a highly-touted Cuban amateur who now trains in Minneapolis as David Morrell Jr. makes his pro debut against Yendris Váldez in a six-round super middleweight attraction and unbeaten bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson from Chicago taking on Mexico’s Samuel Gutiérrez in an eight-round bout.

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ABOUT LARA VS. ALVAREZ
Lara vs. Alvarez will see former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara take on Ramon Alvarez for the WBA Super Welterweight title in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a pair of sensational young super welterweights colliding as Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in a 10-round attraction, plus fast-rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal in a 10-round heavyweight showdown

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, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.




VIDEO: Launch presser: Davies Jr vs Ritson & Cheeseman vs Fitzgerald




ERISLANDY LARA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

LAS VEGAS (August 27, 2019) – Former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will continue his quest to reclaim his spot at the top of the 154-pound division when he takes on Ramon Alvarez for the WBA Super Welterweight title this Saturday night in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Warriors Boxing, can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

Televised coverage begins Saturday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see Lara in a grudge match against Alvarez, who is the brother of middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, giving Lara a chance for a measure of revenge against the brother of an opponent he dropped a controversial decision to in 2014.

In addition, Lara has enlisted the help of his first professional trainer, Ismael Salas, as he now lives and trains in Las Vegas. Here is what Lara had to say about this upcoming matchup, training camp and more:

On this training camp:

“Everything is going great out here in Las Vegas as I wrap up camp for my title fight. The sparring partners really pushed me to my limits, and I know mentally that I’m fully prepared for this fight. Everything…my timing, my stamina, my mental fortitude, it’s all on point right now.”

On his fight against Ramon Alvarez:

“This will be a good fight for the fans because I know Ramon Alvarez is coming with everything he’s got. I know he’ll be looking to end all controversy about me getting robbed when I fought his brother Canelo. Everyone knows I won that fight, so I’m going to take it out on Ramon. He’s had plenty of time to prepare for this bout, as I did, so we will both be performing at our very best. Stylistically, I feel I have the advantages. I’m going into this fight with the mindset to dominate and score a knockout.”

On training with Ismael Salas:

“Training with Salas has brought back some good memories as he was my coach when I first turned professional. We are working on a lot of fundamentals with a few twists. Salas and I have sharpened up all my tools and I’m taking this fight very seriously. We have a great game plan in place.”

On fighting for the vacant WBA Super Welterweight title:

“I going to reclaim my status as the best fighter in the super welterweight division. Winning the WBA world title on Saturday will be the biggest step yet in getting back there. After I win this belt, I’m going to defend it against all the top contenders and champions they put in front of me.”

On fighting in the main event on FOX and FOX Deportes:

“FOX is a huge outlet for boxing and I love fighting on their network. Knowing that there will be millions of viewers tuning in is a tremendous blessing to everyone who fights on FOX. I’m excited to showcase my skills on a tremendous platform that’s bringing boxing to so many fans all over the country..”

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ABOUT LARA VS. ALVAREZ
Lara vs. Alvarez will see former world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara take on Ramon Alvarez for the WBA Super Welterweight title in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 31 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and also features a pair of sensational young super welterweights colliding as Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora takes on Jamontay “The Quiet Assassin” Clark in a 10-round attraction, plus fast-rising Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez will face Puerto Rican Olympian Victor Bisbal in a 10-round heavyweight showdown

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, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.