Eddie Hearn:

“We are so pleased to be back here in Newcastle, this is a massive card and an official Eliminator for the WBA  Super-Lightweight World title between Robbie Davies Jr and Lewis Ritson. This is a massive opportunity for both men.  “Robbie Davies Jr has climbed his way up the World rankings with the WBA, winning the British and European titles and now wants that shot at the World Championship at 140lbs. “Lewis Ritson dominated for a long time domestically at Lightweight, now up at Light-Welter he is looking very strong and I think this is going to be one of the fights of the year. “The fights on this card are exactly the types of fights we want to be making. Robbie is ranked top ten in the world, he’s from Liverpool and the gauntlet was laid down for him to come to Newcastle to face Lewis Ritson in his back yard and he took it, because he fancies it. “Dave Allen and Savannah Marshall are also on the card with plenty more to be announced soon.” Dave Allen – Coinsbrough, England – 17-5-2, 14 KOs – taking part in a Heavyweight contest:

“I’ve had some good nights, I’ve had some bad nights but the night last year at the Arena was my favourite night.

“I beat Samir Nebo and who’s Samir Nebo? No one really knows, so it was the people that made it and that’s why I want to come back so bad and I’ll be there now in seven weeks.

“It was hard to swallow but I like David Price and I’ve seen him after the fight and I shook his hand and he was the better man.

“But really when I lost to David Price I thought ‘really it’s not that bad’ because I’ll get to come back and win again, another chapter in the book, another 20 minutes in the film.

“So now I’m going to have come back and win, do it all again and I’m really excited. I’m really excited to be down there again because I’ve got to work my way up and I actually quite enjoy that.” Scott Fitzgerald – Preston, England – 13-0, 9 KOs – challenging Ted Cheeseman for the British Super-Welterweight title:

“I’m injury free now and just happy to be here, it’s starting to feel real. Ted is British Champion for a reason and that will get me working hard in the gym everyday. It is my first 12 round fight and he’s had a few, I’ll make sure there will be no stone unturned and will be ready if it goes the full 12 rounds.  “I’ve been trying to keep calmer ahead of this fight and to get fitter, I believe I can win inside the distance. He’s a tough man and it could go 12, I do think if I land I can get rid of him. I’m prepared for 12 and will take either to win and get that British title which I have always wanted.” Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, England – 15-1-1, 9 KOs – defending his British Super-Welterweight title against Scott Fitzgerald:

“I have been in good fights for the last two and a half years at this level and at twelve rounds. I can fight at a high pace and I’m very tough.

“Scott is a great fighter and had a great win in his last fight and everyone is betting against me now because of my last two fights. After I beat Byfield people would have had me as favourite but I have had a couple of hiccups and it hasn’t gone right this year.

“It is how you finish the year not start it and I’m looking forward to putting the pace on him early and getting the win. However I win I will be happy, I’m just making sure I get that win on October 19. “When you box your first 12 rounder you’re always second guessing yourself because you don’t know if you can do it. I’ve been there and have that experience. I am tough and haven’t maybe shown my boxing ability but I can box as well. I am fully focused and tunnel visioned to get this win on October 19. “I don’t care how I win. I’m just going to make sure that I am super fit and that the pace will be fast from the first bell to the last. If I get him out before that then I do but I am just going to make sure that I win.” Lewis Ritson – Newcaslte, England – 19-1, 12 KOs – fighting Robbie Davies Jr in an Eliminator for the WBA Super-Lightweight World title:

“This is a massive opportunity back in my home city, Newcastle. The atmosphere has been amazing here and it will be again on October 19 – there’s 1000 tickets gone already. We will be ready on the night and we will see what Robbie brings. “The bad blood doesn’t change things at all, I was just stating facts. He was writing a few things on social media. It wasn’t me who backed out the two fights it was him, he said he wasn’t ready. He’s only here because he’s getting a career-best pay-day and he can’t sell-out in Liverpool.  “I have to turn up on the night, I’m not daft and I know that it is going to be a tough fight. I think it should be for the European title as well but we won’t go into that. This is an important fight for both of us and we will see on the night, we both think we’re going to win and are both putting it on the line. Let’s get it on. Robbie Davies Jr – Liverpool, England – 19-1, 13 KOs – fighting Lewis Ritson in an Eliminator for the WBA Super-Lightweight World title:

“Last time I fought a Sunderland lad in Newcastle and now I’m fighting a Newcastle lad in Newcastle so it is a big occasion. This spat started on Twitter, when the fight got put to me I was European and British Champion at the time and I thought why am I going to Newcastle, tell them we will have it in Liverpool.  “I only knocked back the original fight because I would have only had six or seven weeks to train. I was like a Middleweight and never would have made the weight in time. If I didn’t want the fight in Liverpool then why would I agree to come to Newcastle? “The only reason that I am no longer European Champion is because I have taken this fight. I am not one for confrontation but when people are spilling lies it annoys me. I will take a fight with anyone who is put in front of me, it doesn’t matter where it is. It is just a fight once we are both in there. “In the past when he was at Lightweight he blew through the division but his opponents weren’t in the best shape and took fights on late notice. That’s no fault of Lewis who just got in there and did what he needed to do and blew them away. When he fought Patera who was a big solid, experienced Lightweight that was his first fight where there was back and forth exchanges and he fell short. He says he moved up a weight because he wasn’t at his best not because Patera was better than him.  “He still hasn’t fought any legitimate ten-stone-men. I just feel that my experience on the night having been in there with the bigger and stronger men will tell and in the later rounds I will be too strong. I may walk into that arena in Newcastle getting booed but I will be applauded out because I will win the respect of the crowd.  “There hasn’t been many rivalries in British boxing recently and this fight has captured the imagination of fight fans. I am 100% confident of winning this fight, I wouldn’t take a fight in someone’s back yard if I wasn’t confident. I expect Lewis to bring his A-game and throw bombs in the early rounds but I will ride the storm. I am the bigger man and I will be on the night.”

DANIEL DUBOIS RECKONS it is a shame that Lennox Lewis and Anthony Joshua are not able to settle their differences in the ring.

Former undisputed heavyweight king Lewis and ex-world champion Joshua have been sniping at each other across social media since the 2012 Olympic gold medallist was parted from his belts in a sensational fashion by the previously unheralded Andy Ruiz in New York back in June.

Lewis suggested Joshua examining the make-up of his team and should rematch the Mexican in his home country, while Joshua retorted by calling Lewis a clown and that they are cut from a different cloth.

Dubois, who will bid to win the Commonwealth heavyweight title at the Royal Albert Hall on September 27 when he takes on Ebenezer Tetteh, has had a number of dealings with the 1988 Olympic champion and acknowledges that it is unusual for a current boxer to engage in a war of words with a former one without the potential of a fight to hype.

“It is a shame they couldn’t have a punch up and settle it,” reasoned Dubois, who will be going for an incredible seventh title in just 13 professional fights against the unbeaten Ghanaian Tetteh. “It is just boxers with opinions and everyone has got their own opinion and ego.

“Listen, they are big grown men and they can say what they want. I don’t read too much into it, but it is good to go back and forth in boxing because it is an aggravating business and everyone has got the hump with someone.

“It is just back and forth and I don’t think it is anything serious really.”

What Dubois has no doubts about is Lewis’ place in the pantheon of great heavyweights across the ages. The young Londoner insists he belongs in the top bracket.

“I say he is a top-ten fighter and he has proven that by winning the world lineal title twice and beating everyone he has faced. So he has avenged his losses and came back to finish his career on a high, so he is definitely top ten.”

And the top British heavyweight?

“Yeah, you could argue that definitely, he is right up there.”

Beside’s Dubois and a world title clash involving Adams the show will also feature WBO European super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp, middleweight banger Denzel Bentley, heavyweight Jonathan Palata, lightweight Mohammad Bilal Ali and precocious bantamweight talent Dennis McCann.

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.

An explosive trio of Salita Promotions fighters will be back in action Thursday, September 19, in Grozny, Russia, as Umar Salamov, Aslambek Idigov and Apti Davtaev will all be featured in important fights.

In the night’s main event, Grozny’s own WBO #4-, IBF #6- and WBA #7-rated Salamov (24-1, 18 KOs) will attempt to make the third defense of WBO International Light Heavyweight Championship in a 10-round battle against WBO #5-rated Roamer Alexis Angulo (24-1, 21 KOs) of El Bordo, Colombia.

In the co-main event, Idigov (16-0, 7 KOs), also of Grozny, will look to make the first defense of his WBO European Super Middleweight Championship in a 10-round showdown with Robert Racz (21-1, 19 KOs) of Galanta, Slovenia.

And in a very special 10-round heavyweight attraction, undefeated crusher Apti Davtaev (17-0-1, 16 KOs) of nearby Kurchaloi, Russia, will face Meyerton, Gauteng, South Africa’s Ruann Visser (17-2, 16 KOs) for the WBA and WBC Asia Heavyweight Championships.

Incredibly, the 25-year-old Salamov has already held the WBO Youth, WBO European, IBO World, IBF East/West Europe, WBO International, IBF International, IBF North American
EBP and IBO Youth Light Heavyweight Championships. He was last seen in April of this year in Grozny, defending his WBO International belt by stopping Poland’s Norbert Dabrowski in nine rounds.

“I am really happy to fight at home in Grozny,” said Salamov. “I get stronger fighting in front of my hometown. This is a very important fight against an experienced and brave boxer, but I will be looking for the knockout only. I don’t want there to be any doubts about it and no judges’ decisions. I will defend my title and step even closer to world title fight.”

23-year-old Idigov won the WBO and IBF European Super Middleweight Championships in April by winning a 12-round majority decision over Spain’s Ronny Landaeta. Idigov also won the IBO Youth Super Middleweight Title in December 2016 with a unanimous decision over countryman Igor Selivanov.

“For me it doesn’t matter whether I fight at home or abroad, but it always good to receive support of my people and to make them happy,” said Idigov. “For me to fight a power puncher like Robert Racz, who has more wins than I have is a big challenge, but I will knock him out. And by doing so, I will defend my title and collect another. I need fights against these kinds of opponents, who are hungry and dangerous and come to win.”

30-year-old Davtaev, a 6’ 5” giant with anvil fists, won the vacant World Boxing Council CIS and Slovac Boxing Bureau (CISBB) Heavyweight Championship in 2015 and added the WBA Asia Championship in 2018. In April of this year, he also picked up the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental Heavyweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Brazil’s Pedro Otas.

“I am always happy to fight, especially in Grozny,” said Davtaev. “It will be one more victory, in my step-by-step goal to become first heavyweight world champion from the Chechen Republic. Of course, I will try to win by knockout. This is a very important fight for me because I’m fighting for two regional titles against an experienced and big guy who is coming to win. That will bring my best out of me.”

“All three of these outstanding fighters have developed into world-rated contenders and are now collecting several regional championships on their way to the world titles,” said Dmitriy Salita. “Umar Salamov is one or two fights away with Aslambek Idigov and Apti Davtaev not far behind. At this stage, every fight is crucial to win impressively as they all close in on their dream fights.”

Umar Salamov and Apti Davtaev are co-promoted by KA Promotions.

About Salita Promotions

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

LAS VEGAS (Aug. 26, 2019) — WBO junior featherweight world champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will become the latest Mexican superstar to carry his nation’s flag proudly on Mexican Independence Day Weekend. Navarrete will make the third defense of his title versus Filipino contender Juan Miguel Elorde on Saturday, Sept. 14 at T-Mobile Arena as the co-feature to lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s title defense against Otto Wallin.

In a 10-round super lightweight special attraction, former two-weight world champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza will fight two-time world title challenger Jose “Chon” Zepeda.

Fury-Wallin and Navarrete-Elorde will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, starting at 11 p.m. ET. The undercard, headlined by Pedraza-Zepeda, will stream on ESPN+ starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. ESPN+ is available via the ESPN App on mobile and connected devices, on ESPN.com and at ESPNplus.com.

“I am very excited and proud to be part of the big card in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena and to defend my title in front of my people on such a special date for my beloved Mexico,” Navarrete said. “We will represent the Mexican flag on the biggest stage in boxing.”

“When I was offered the opportunity to fight for the world title on such a momentous card, I didn’t hesitate,” Elorde said. “I’ve dreamed of becoming a world champion, and this is my chance. Trust me, I will bring my special brand of Pinoy Power to Las Vegas. The title will come home to the Philippines.”

Navarrete (28-1, 24 KOs) is wasting no time getting back to action, as he knocked out Francisco “Panchito” De Vaca in three rounds August 17 at Banc of California Stadium. One of boxing’s most active world champions, Navarrete shocked the boxing world last December in New York City with an upset decision win over Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe to win the title. Five months later, he repeated the feat, this time stopping Dogboe in the 12th round in Tucson, Arizona. The De Vaca victory was Navarrete’s 23rd in a row dating back to 2012, a four-round decision defeat in the final round of the Cinturón de Oro XVIII tournament.

Elorde (28-1, 15 KOs) has championship pedigree in his blood, as he is the grandson of the late Filipino boxing icon Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. He has won 18 bouts in a row since a four-round decision loss in November 2011, most recently scoring a 12-round unanimous decision over Japanese contender Shohei Kawashima to retain his WBO Asia Pacific belt. Elorde is attempting to become the first junior featherweight world champion from the Philippines since Nonito Donaire.

Pedraza (26-2, 13 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, has captured world titles at junior lightweight and lightweight and is beginning his quest to become the seventh male fighter from Puerto Rico to win world titles in three weight classes. His WBO lightweight title reign was brief, as he lost a competitive unanimous decision to Vasiliy Lomachenko last December in a highly anticipated unification bout. Pedraza rebounded in impressive fashion in May, knocking out the big-hitting Antonio Lozada Jr. in nine rounds. 

Zepeda (30-2, 25 KOs), who lived in Guerrero Negro, Mexico, until the age of 10, is two fights removed from a majority decision defeat to Jose Ramirez for the WBC super lightweight world title. A southpaw who began boxing after moving to Southern California, Zepeda is seeking a third world title opportunity. In 2015, he challenged Terry Flanagan for the vacant WBO lightweight world title and was forced to retire on his stool with a separated shoulder following the second round.

“I’m thrilled about fighting on such a big card that will be headlined by heavyweight great, Tyson Fury,” Pedraza said. “I’m also very excited about fighting on such a big stage like the T-Mobile Arena, where so many big events have taken place. One of my goals is to headline a card at the T-Mobile Arena one day.

“This fight will be a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico fight! I know that a big win will take me a step closer to capturing another world title. I want to become a champion in every weight class that I fight. After the fight, I will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with my Mexican brothers.”

“I feel like this fight will give me the opportunity to really showcase my skills and put me in a position to challenge for a world title,” Zepeda said. “I’m glad that it is versus a former world champion like Pedraza. I am excited that we will add another chapter to the great Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.”

In other action on the ESPN+ undercard stream:

• Former longtime WBC super flyweight world champion Carlos Cuadras (38-3-1, 27 KOs) will take on Jose Maria Cardenas (17-4, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super flyweight clash. Cardenas is coming off a stunning first-round knockout over then-unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Antonio Vargas. Cuadras has won two in a row since a majority decision defeat to McWilliams Arroyo.
   
• Light heavyweight contender Felix “Mangu” Valera (18-2, 15 KOs) will face former world title challenger Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (20-2, 17 KOs) in a 10-round bout that will propel the winner into the world title picture.
   
• Tyson Fury stablemate Isaac Lowe (18-0-3, 6 KOs) will face veteran Luis Coria (12-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-rounder at super featherweight. Lowe last fought on the Fury-Tom Schwarz undercard in Las Vegas, where he bested Duarn Vue via unanimous decision.
   
• Gabriel Flores Jr. (14-0, 6 KOs), the 19-year-old sensation from Stockton, California, will face Mexican veteran Miguel Angel Aispuro (11-8-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight contest. 
   
• Isidro Ochoa (7-0, 3 KOs) will clash with fellow unbeaten Iskander Kharsan (6-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight fight.
   
• Heavyweight prospect Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (4-0, 4 KOs), who represented his native Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will face Cassius Anderson (7-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Vianello’s four pro fights have lasted a total of six rounds.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Salita Promotions, tickets for Fury vs. Wallin priced at $606, $456, $306, $206 and $106 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-929-7849.

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

Use the hashtags #FuryWallin, #NavarreteElorde and #PedrazaZepeda 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 films. Fans 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.

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of Anaheim, California-based middleweight Jonathan “El Diamante” Esquivel.

24-year-old Esquivel (11-0, 10 KOs) had a stellar amateur career. In 2016, he was the USA Olympic Trials Champion and #1-ranked American light heavyweight, winning several national and international championships along the way. He finished with an overall amateur record 117-14.

As a professional, Esquivel is a southpaw boxer/puncher with a large fan base, due to his exciting style. Always looking for opportunities to hone his craft, Esquivel has worked in camp with several world champions including Canelo Alvarez, Gennady Golovkin, David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez, Gilbert “Zurdo” Ramirez and Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillen.

“I am embracing the opportunity to work with Sampson,” said Esquivel. “With Sampson, as part of the Team, my pursuit of a world title gains a lot more momentum.”

“Sampson understands the boxing game,” said Art James, Esquivel’s manager and trainer since he was a 12-year-old amateur. “With Sampson’s experience, resourcefulness, and insight as a trusting guide to Jonathan’s career, the rise to the top and becoming a world champion is within sight.”

“Jonathan is an electrifying fighter with a strong amateur background and a style that fans around the world will love to watch,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “I am happy to help this exciting young fighter and his team. Art James has dedicated his life to the fighters in his amateur program and this will be his first well-deserved world champion. There are very few trainers in boxing with Art’s dedication to his fighters.”
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.

ALPINE, Calif. (August 26, 2019) – All three undefeated fighters showcased last Saturday night on another installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® — Irish middleweight
Connor “The Kid Coyle, Mexican super welterweight Santiago “Somer” Dominguez and Colombian super bantamweight Brandon Valdes – each won in relatively easy fashion, fighting outdoors at Viejas Casino and Resort in Alpine, California.

The 29-year-old Coyle (11-0, 4 KOs) dropped Ramirez (21-5-2, 4 KOs) in the opening round, but the Irishman was penalized a point for pushing his opponent to the canvas. Coyle overwhelmed Ramirez when he came out of his corner for the second round forcing the pressure and he never let up. The relentless Coyle unleashed a barrage of unanswered punches, dropping Ramirez once again, when suddenly a white towel came flying out of Ramirez’ corner, signifying his cornermen had seen enough.

Coyle, fighting out of Derry, Northern Ireland, improved to 11-0 overall as a pro, winning all nine of his fights in the United States, and 2-0 fighting under of the RJJ Boxing banner.

Ramirez, who was a longtime sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Jr., fought for the first time since last November. He entered the ring riding a six-fight win streak, coming out on top in 10 of his last 11 fights.

Dominguez (17-0, 13 KOs), now living in Ft. Worth, TX, ripped two vicious left hooks to the body of Fabian Lyimo (23-10-2, 15 KOs), of Tanzania, who took a knee and failed to beat the 10-count in the second round of the co-featured event.

Santiago Dominguez (L) destroyed Fabian Lyimo

In the UFC FIGHT PASS opener, Colombian super bantamweight Valdes, fighting out of Los Angeles, pitched a “shutout” by winning all eight rounds on the three judges’ scorecard, in addition to dropping his opponent twice, for impressive unanimous decision victory (80-70 X 3) over his fellow countryman, Jesus Martinez (26-9, 13 KOs), the former South American super flyweight champion, who has the same head trainer as world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, Manny Robles..

Brandon Valdes (R) had too much for Jesus Martinez to handle

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Connor (11-0, 4 KOs), Derry, Northern Ireland, UK
WTKO (2:05)
Rafael Ramirez (21-5-2, 4 KOs), San Diego, CA

CO-FEATURE – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS
Santiago Dominguez (17-0, 13 KOs), Cajerne, Sonora, Mexico
WKO2 (2:28)
Fabian Lyimo (23-10-2, 15 KOs), Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
Brandon Valdes (13-0, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, CA by way of Colombia
WDEC8 (80-70, 80-70, 80-70)
Jesus Martinez (26-9, 13 KOs), Hollywood, FL by way of Colombia

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.Viejas.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @viejascasino, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @Viejascasinoresort, @connor-the-kid-coyle
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /ViejasCasinoAndResort
Upcoming RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS events:
Oct. 25 in Reno, Nevada.

Charlie Edwards has promised to deliver a “punch-perfect” display against his Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, as he makes the second defence of his WBC Flyweight crown that he landed in Greenwich last year. 

The Surrey star turned on the style as he successfully defended his World title for the first time against Spain’s Angel Moreno at the Copper Box Arena in March, winning every round against his former sparring partner in a dominant display. 

Martinez earned his shot at Edwards’ title by taking out highly-rated Welshman Andrew Selby in five rounds of their Final Eliminator bout in Mexico earlier this year, and ‘El Rey’ has vowed to take the scalp of another Brit in his first professional bout outside of his homeland – but Edwards has other ideas. 

“His style works perfectly for me, it plays into my hands,” said Edwards. “He’s already told me that he’s going to knock me out. But when he doesn’t, things are going to get very tough for him and if he’s coming in with that mentality it shows he’s underrating me already and that’s not a good place to be.

“He can bang, there’s no doubt about it. You can see it just by looking at his record. We saw in his last fight against Andrew Selby that he’s powerful and can be awkward, he can rough you up, but that’s good as he’s going to bring out the best in me. I’m a lot stronger and a lot tougher now. 

“Fitness has never been an issue for me but in his fight against Selby you could tell that he was blowing a little bit and that’s maybe because he puts everything into every shot. It’s about nullifying his ability to punch hard and dragging him into the deep trenches.

“Fitness and rounds are my strongest attributes and I’m ready and looking forward to dragging him deep and for the roles switching, I will bully the bully. I am the WBC World Champion and nobody is beating me. On Saturday I am going to retain my World title with a punch-perfect performance.”

Edwards vs. Martinez 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, 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. 

Up and coming bantamweight prospect Damien Vazquez couldn’t help but shake his head in disbelief at two of the scorecards issued in his fight against Josue Morales in Edinburgh, Texas.  One judge scored the fight a reasonable 58-56 in Vazquez’s favor but that was overruled by the other two judges who scored the fight a head scratching 57-57.  Most observers of the FS2 televised fight felt that Vazquez won at least 4 rounds of the bout.

Morales fights out of Houston, Texas but Vazquez wasn’t worried about fighting him in his home state.  Vazquez is willing to fight anyone, anytime and anywhere – as long as the officiating is done without bias.

“I thought I won that fight clearly.  I went to his state and out boxed him. I respect the judges but those scores were BS.  No way he won more than two rounds.  I am going to come back even better than this.  Everyone knows I won that fight,” said Vazquez.

The 22 year old Vazquez was fighting for the first time since his first loss as a professional to former champion Juan Carlos Payano in March. He wants to get right back in the ring as he works his way towards a world title shot.

“We are looking for the big fights.  I hope to be back soon and I will put on a show for all the fans.  I am still young and improving.  You haven’t seen the best of me yet,” Vazquez stated.

Hughie Fury believes Alexander Povetkin’s style is “perfect” for him as he prepares to take on the Russian danger man for the vacant WBA International Heavyweight title at The O2 in London this Saturday, shown live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK. 

Aged just 24, Manchester’s Fury has been fearless in taking on the world’s Heavyweight contenders, losing a majority 12-round decision in a close and controversial WBO world title challenge to New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in 2017.

Then, in October 2018, he travelled to Bulgaria to battle former world title challenger Kubrat Pulev, losing on points in a gallant and gory IBF Final Eliminator in Sofia. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Fury is aiming to impress against former world ruler Povetkin on his big Matchroom Boxing debut.

“Povetkin is a good opponent but I believe that I belong at this level and I’m going to prove it,” said Fury. “Eddie showed me other potential opponents but at the end of the day, if you believe you’re the best then you want to fight the best – and I do. I’ve had a bit of bad luck in previous fights but this is the time for me to shine and show people what I’m made of. 

“Stylistically I think he is perfectly made for me. He is a good fighter who can’t be underestimated, and one shot can end it all in the Heavyweight division. We’ve been working on things in this camp and brought in very good sparring partners who we’ve done lots of rounds with. I’m really looking forward to this and you will see on the night how I handle Povetkin.

“There’s nothing new with him, his style has always been the same. I will be the more active man in there and you can’t substitute for being active, but at the end of the day he is a professional and he’s experienced so he’ll be ready come fight night. I’m not really bothered about his power, I’m just concentrating on my own job and doing what I’ve got to do.

“A win against Povetkin puts me right back into the mix and this is where I belong. It puts me on the platform where I can fight anyone I want and it gives me respect and that’s what I want. I want to be in command and to fight the best. I’m not the sort of fighter who wants to keep fighting journeymen. I want to fight the best and prove I belong at the top.”

Fury vs. Povetkin 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, 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. 

6 August 2019 – Tokyo, Japan: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced that ONE: CENTURY ?? will now feature two full-scale World Championship events consisting of 11 bouts each.

The two events will take place on the same day with the first card scheduled in the morning and the second card in the evening. Set at the Ry?goku Kokugikan in Tokyo on 13 October, ONE: CENTURY ?? is ONE Championship’s historic 100th live event.

The first card of ONE: CENTURY ?? will be broadcast live on TNT in the United States. The second card will be broadcast globally to 140+ countries via the world’s largest television networks.

Ticket information for ONE: CENTURY ?? is available at www.onefc.com.

ONE: CENTURY ?? features four World Championship bouts, as well as three World Grand Prix Championship finals.

ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore will defend her World Title against ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan of China.

Two-division ONE World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar will defend his ONE Light Heavyweight World Title against ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera of the Philippines.

Also, ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil puts his World Title on the line against Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines.

Newly-crowned ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon of Thailand will defend his title for the first time against Walter Goncalves of Brazil.

In the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix final, 12-time Flyweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson of the United States takes on Danny “The King” Kingad of the Philippines.

In the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix final, multiple-time Lightweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez of the United States faces Turkish sensation Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev.

In the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix final, Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan of Italy battles Samy “AK47” Sana of France for the inaugural ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title and a chance to take home the coveted US $1 million grand prize.

ONE Championship aims to unite the world in celebration of martial arts, Asia’s greatest cultural treasure. For the first time in history, the Shooto and Pancrase organizations will work together to raise Japanese martial arts to unprecedented new heights.

In a series of Japan Super Bouts, World Champions from both Shooto and Pancrase square off in a never-before-seen showdown between the two martial arts organizations.

In a lightweight contest, Shooto Lightweight World Champion Koshi “Luxor” Matsumoto is scheduled to face Pancrase Lightweight World Champion Takasuke Kume.

In a bantamweight showdown, Shooto Bantamweight World Champion Shoko Sato will take on Pancrase Bantamweight World Champion Rafael Silva.

In a welterweight bout, Shooto Middleweight World Champion Hernani Perpetuo goes head-to-head with Pancrase Welterweight World Champion Hiroyuki Tetsuka.

Lastly, in a strawweight contest, former ONE Strawweight World Champion and Shooto Flyweight World Champion Yosuke Saruta battles Pancrase Strawweight World Champion Daichi Kitakata.

Other noteworthy matchups include Japanese mixed martial arts veteran Yushin “Thunder” Okamitaking on Malaysian former ONE World Title challenger Agilan “Alligator” Thani, Senzo Ikeda going to battle with ONE Warrior Series contract winner Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki facing off with former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario, and many more.

‘El Animal’ Filip Hrgovi? (9-0, 7 KOs) brutally dismantled Mario Heredia (16-7-1, 13 KOs) earning a third round TKO victory at the Cum Hermosillo in Mexico, to defend his WBC International heavyweight title.

Twelve thousand Mexican fight fans got to witness ‘El Animal’ in action as the highly ranked Croatian sensation took just three rounds to dismantle the experienced Heredia, with a thudding right hand knocking Heredia onto the canvas before the referee waved off proceedings. 

“The crowd was absolutely fantastic, it was an honour to fight for the Mexican fans tonight,” said the undefeated Hrgovi?. “Step by step I’m climbing to the top. I was asked what I think about fighting on the Anthony Joshua card in Saudi Arabia. I’m grateful for the opportunities and I’ll fight anyone. I’m expecting a big name so I can show the world who I am.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland was delighted with his fighter’s performance and echoed Hrgovi?’s big fight aspirations. 

“Filip Hrgovi? is the most exciting heavyweight of the new-era,” said Sauerland. “It won’t be long before he gets his opportunity to put his name in the history books.”

“Filip has taken another stop on his road to success and people are now sitting up and taking notice,” said Sauerland. “Filip is the future of the heavyweight division, and it’s just a matter of time until he gets his shot.” 

Hermosillo, Mexico (August 25, 2019) Undefeated Uzbek Super Lightweight Shakhram ‘Wonder Boy’ Giyasov improved to 9-0 with a stunning first-round knockout (0:41) of former world champion Darleys Perez, (34-5-2, 22 KOs), of San Pedro de Uraba, Colombia on Saturday night at the Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico. The knockout, Giyasov’s seventh as a professional, came from a tremendous left hook to Perez’s jaw which dropped the Colombian hard to the canvas where he was unable to beat the count to continue. The victory was telecast on DAZN in the United States and Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.

“I felt great coming into the fight, we had a fantastic training camp and I saw the opening and went for it,” said Giyasov, who defended his WBA International Super Lightweight Title. “I’m ready to fight again soon and want to face the toughest competition possible. Thanks very much to my promotional teams, World of Boxing and Matchroom Boxing.”

Said trainer Joel Diaz, “Shakhram has worked very hard over the last few months since his decision over Emanuel Taylor. We wanted him to be more relaxed and work more on his technique and that clearly helped him achieve this knockout. I’m obviously thrilled with his performance.” Giyasov trains in Coachella, CA under the renowned Diaz.

“Shakhram was an outstanding amateur and has adjusted well to the professional ranks,“ said manager Vadim Kornilov. “With this performance we look forward to bigger fights in the near future for him.”

Prior to turning professional in March 2018, Giyasov had an extraordinary amateur career culminating with a Silver Medal representing Uzbekistan at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

Brandon Figueroa retained the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title with a 4th round stoppage over Javier Chacon at The Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.

Figueroa dominated the bout, and in round four landed a crushing left that sent Chacon to the canvas. Chacon tried to get up, but could not beat the count.

Figueroa, 122 lbs of Weslaco TX is 20-0 with 15 knockouts. Chacon, 120 1/4 lbs of Las Heras, ARG 29-5-1.

In a battle of undefeated super bantamweights, Stephen Fulton stopped Isaac Avelar in round six of their scheduled 10-round bout.

In round three, Avelar began to bleed over his right eye.

In round six, Fulton landed a crushing left to the body shot that sent Avelar down for the count at 1:26

Fulton, 124 lbs of Philadelphia is 17-0 with eight knockouts. Avelar, 123 3/4 lbs of Mexico is 16-1.

Omar Juarez remained undefeated by stopping Gino De La Paz in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round junior lightweight bout.

Juarez blasted De La Paz with some hard shots before landing a booming right that sent De La Paz crashing to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 1:40.

Juarez. 140 3/4 lbs of Brownsville, TX is 5-0 with three knockouts. De La Paz, 139 3/4 lbs of McAllen, TX is 2-3-1.

Jaime Arboleda stopped Victor Betencourt in round one of their scheduled 10-round junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Arboledo dropped Betancourt with hard body shots. Arboleda finished the fight with an uppercut to the chin that sent Betencourt to a knee, and the fight was stopped at 2:32.

Arboleda, 130 lbs of Curuncu, PAN is 15-1 with 13 knockouts. Betancourt, 130 lbs of Mexico is 26-3.

Sergey Kovalev retained the WBO Light Heavyweight title with a thrilling 11th round stoppage over previously undefeated mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde at Traktor Sport Palace in Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Kovalev boxed well over the 1st half of the fight, and got out to an early lead.

In round seven, Yarde started working the body. The very next round, Yarde had Kovalev in serious trouble as he rocked the champion with several hard shots. Kovalev was lucky to not have been put down. Kovalev got back to boxing and started to break Yarde down.

In round 10, Kovalev began to hurt Yarde. In the next frame, Yarde looked exhausted, and Kovalev landed some more thudding blows, and finally put Yarde down with a thumping jab that ended the fight at 2:04.

Kovalev is now 34-3-1 with 29 knockouts. Yarde of England is 18-1.

Former cruiserweight champion Ilunga Makabu won a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated undefeated Alexander Papin in a action-filled fight

Both guys landed big shots, with Makabu hurting Papin in round 11. In round 12, Makabu dropped Papin with a straight left hand. Papin wobbled Makabu in the closing seconds of the bout, but it was too little-too late as Makabu won by scores of 115-113 twice and 113-113.

Makabu, 198 3/4 lbs of Congo is 26-2. Papin, 199 1/2 lbs of Russia is 11-1.

Papin outlanded Makabu 212-209.

Chelyabinsk, Russia: The much-anticipated match-up between three-time light heavyweight champion and current WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (33-3-1, 28 KOs) and mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde (18-0, 17 KOs) is a modern-day “Clash of the Titans.” Both fighters have reputations as hard-hitting punchers. Kovalev brings to the table his extensive resume which includes his 15 consecutive world title fights, his ability box as well as punch and his devastating jab. Yarde has an impressive 94% knockout-to-win ratio, a nine-year age advantage and the hubris that accompanies a nearly perfect professional record. These two warriors will square off in Kovalev’s home town of Chelyabinsk, Russia tonight at the Traktor Arena. Below is the scouting report for this exciting match-up:

Category
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Anthony Yarde
Age
36
27
Record
33-3-1 (28 KOs)
18-0-0 (17 KOs)
Strength
Experience and power are the two biggest assets for the champion coming into this bout. He also has arguably one of the most effective jabs in boxing when he commits to using it.
The challenger is young, athletic, and just hitting his prime. He has ferocious power in both hands and fights with extreme confidence.
Weakness
Kovalev needs to tidy up his defense for this bout, Yarde is very heavy-handed and can end the fight with one shot if landed clean.
Yarde is very inexperienced. This will be his toughest fight to date and he has yet see the championship rounds.
Experience
Krusher has been competing exclusively in title fights since 2013. This will be his 16th consecutive title fight.
This will be Yarde’s first shot at a world title and by-far the biggest fight of his career. This is just his second time fighting outside of the UK; he will be in legitimate hostile territory for the first time in his young career.
Power
Kovalev has always been known as one of the biggest punchers in the sport. He has knocked down and stopped fighters that have never been stopped; including current Interim WBA titleholder Jean Pascal on two separate occasions.
Anthony has made a name for himself as a power-puncher. He has stopped his last 16 opponents and has quickly established himself as major threat in the light heavyweight division because of it.
Speed
Sergey has a quick jab and throws rigorous combinations behind it.
Yarde has good speed and likes to fight at close-range, unleashing vicious shots to both the head and the body.
Endurance
Although Krusher is known for knocking out his opposition, he has proven numerous times that he has the gas tank to go the distance, including his last fight where he earned a unanimous decision win over Eleider Alvarez to recapture his title.
Anthony’s endurance is still to be determined, he has knocked out 17 of his 18 opponents and has yet to see the eighth round.

Accuracy
Kovalev has a pin-point accurate jab which allows him to deliver thunderous shots behind it.

The challenger does not waste shots; he likes to fight at close-range and deliver as much punishment as his opponents can withstand.
Defense
Sergey is an offensive-minded fighter who stays in attack mode from start-to-finish. When he commits to his jab it is very difficult for his opposition to get going offensively.
Up to this point in his career, Yarde has been all power and offense. He has not had to utilize any real defensive tactics other than the shoulder-roll which he has shown in some recent fights.
Chin
Kovalev has been stopped twice in his career, most-recently in his first bout with Eleider Alvarez in August of last year.
We are going to find out on August 24th just how durable the challenger’s chin is; he has yet to be in any real danger with any of his previous opposition.
Style
Krusher is not a fighter who is looking for a decision win, he likes to use a sharp jab to create openings and opportunities to break his opponents down both physically and mentally.
Anthony is a strong and heavy-handed fighter who wastes very little time once the first bell rings. He fights with utter confidence and lets his power do the talking.

Crowd Support
Chelyabinsk, Russia is where the champion grew up, the crowd will be overwhelmingly pro-Kovalev.
UK fans are loyal so it would be no surprise if some Yarde fans make the trip. However, he should still have a significant disadvantage coming into hostile enemy territory.
Intangibles
Considering Yarde’s power, this may be the closest thing Sergey has seen in his career to fighting a duplicate of himself. That is why this fight is extremely risky by the champion. However, Sergey has taken risks his entire career. He understands that as long as he has the man to beat in the light heavyweight division, he will have a target on his back. He wants to continue to fight the best in the world.
Anthony Yarde has a rare opportunity to prove to the world that he can handle the pressure of fighting the best light heavyweight in his own backyard. He has spent almost his entire career fighting in the UK, so to embrace this fight in the champion’s hometown speaks volumes regarding his confidence and just how badly he wants the title.
The Match-Up
Will Yarde be able to handle the presser of fighting outside his comfort zone in the UK?
Will Kovalev be able to handle and stay away from Yarde’s power?
Will Yarde be able to handle going around with Kovalev’s jab, combinations, and power?
Will Kovalav be able to handle the presser of fighting in his hometown for the first time in his career?

According to Main Events matchmaker, Jolene Mizzone, “This is a great match-up, there is so much to say about both guys and their willingness to move forward with this fight. We all know it was a mandatory, but we have seen guys duck these mandatory fights before. The fact that Kovalev was willing to give a young up-and-coming Yarde the opportunity to fight for his WBO Light Heavyweight Title and Yarde was willing to go into Kovalev’s backyard to fight him, to me that says a lot about the mentality of both fighters. I think this fight will be nothing less than fireworks!”

Hundreds of fight fans were in attendance at the Galerias Mall in Hermosillo as Filip Hrgovi? (8-0, 6 KOs) and his opponent Mario Heredia (16-6-1, 13 KOs) weighed in, ahead of their showdown tonight at the Cum Hermosillo, Mexico.

Hrgovi? defended his WBC International Heavyweight title against America’s Gregory Corbin (15-2, 9 KOs) in May 2019 in Maryland, USA and now defends his title once more against Mario Heredia, from Chihuahua, Mexico. 

The undefeated 27-year-old Croatian has highlighted his respect for the Mexican legends and intends to honour his heroes with a knockout, while Heredia is determined to take advantage of the opportunity of a lifetime. 

WBC International Heavyweight Title – 10 Rounds

Filip Hrgovic – 110,5 kg
Mario Heredia – 127,5 kg

Filip Hrgovi? against Mario Heredia will be broadcasted live around the world including on RTL in Croatia, DAZN in America and Germany and Sky Sports in the UK. 

Boston, Massachusetts (August 23, 2019): After last month’s sold out Murphys Boxing’s debut at Encore Boston Harbor, the brand new 2.6 billion dollar resort casino located on Boston’s waterfront, another capacity crowd watched NABA Super Featherweight Champion, Abraham Nova (16-0, 12 KOs) stop Mexico’s Luis Castillo (20-4, 15 KOs) in the first round of a scheduled 10 round title fight.

After a tentative first round that saw both fighters land combinations, with just seconds left in the opening stanza, Nova sent Castillo to the ropes with a hard jab and then dropped the Mexican fighter with a textbook jab and cross. Castillo was hurt badly and could not beat the ten count.

“It was much shorter fight than I expected but I don’t get paid for overtime so… I’m ok with it.”, laughed Nova, the flashy young contender who is now ranked #6 in the world by the WBA.

As for his thoughts on a title shot in the red hot division that includes champions like Gervonta Davis, Tevin Farmer and Andrew Cancio, ‘Super Nova’ who hails from Albany, New York was confident in his abilities to beat any of the current belt holders.

“As soon as I get the call, I’m ready. I’m not picking or calling out any of them, I just want a title shot. If I had to fight all of them at the same time to get a belt, I would. No matter which one I get, I will win a world championship next year.”

Nova’s promoter, Ken Casey is on board with his fighter’s plans for a title shot next year.

“We’re gonna have him fight in Belgium in December on the undercard of the WBA cruiserweight title fight. After that we want a title shot but if that doesn’t come at the start of the new year, we would go to Albany and do a show in his hometown. He deserves it and he has a huge fan base there. Then we should absolutely be in position to challenge for a world title.”
In the co-main event, Murphys Boxing’s Carlos Gongora (17-0, 13 KOs) stopped the usually durable Alan Zavala (15-4, 13 KOs) in the first round of a middleweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds. All it took was a 4 punch head shot combination that landed flush and the Mexican who fights out of San Diego hit the canvas and was unable to beat the count. Gongora, a former Olympian from Ecuador, entered the world rankings at #15 in the WBA last month and after the surprisingly quick knockout is looking to stay on the fast track and return to the ring again this fall.

In other action on the card…

New York welterweight prospect, Brian Ceballo (10-0, 5 KOs) kept his undefeated streak intact against Luis Edward Flores (24-14, 20 KOs) by landing a brutal body shot in the fourth round of a scheduled 8 round bout that left the veteran fighter withering in pain on the canvas.

Popular local prospect Khiry Todd (9-1, 7 KOs) dropped and stopped Alex Duarte (14-8-1, 11 KOs) in the first round of a scheduled 6 round welterweight bout. Todd, who hails from nearby Lynn, Massachusetts, is one of the best fighters out of the exciting New England welterweight picture. Locally the division is home to the likes of promising young fighters like James Perella, Anthony Velazquez, Mike Ohan Jr., Joe Farina, Derrick Whitley Jr., Brandon Higgins and more who together would make for an amazing regional tournament in 2020.

One of those previously mentioned welterweights, and the busiest of the bunch, former amateur standout, James Perella (5-0, 4 KOs) stopped Jose Aubel (8-6, 7 KOs) in the fourth round of a scheduled 4 round welterweight bout. It was Perella’s 5th victory in just 5 months as a professional. Up against a bizarre height disadvantage, the game fighter from Argentina tried hard but could not get inside Perella’s massive height and reach advantage. Aubel’s corner complained vehemently to officials after the stoppage, rightly claiming it was a behind the head blow that caused the final knockdown but that didn’t take away the fact Perella dominated every second of the fight. The lanky southpaw from nearby Mansfield continues to build a following of supportive fans and has shown considerable improvement in each of his five fights.

The night was rounded out by 5 different fighters making their pro debuts, 4 of them against each other, in fan friendly battles that proved Boston is knee deep in a boxing resurgence that has seen fighters enter the pro ranks on virtually every card held in the city this year.

Medford, Massachusetts’ Greg Bono (0-1) brought out a massive crowd to see the Fu Manchu mustached brawler lose an incredibly close 4 round unanimous decision to Brian Urday (1-0) who hails from Brockton, Massachusetts. The junior middleweight slugfest had the crowd on it’s feet for the entire fight and most in attendance felt it was a clear draw.

Decorated amateur, Jonathan Depina (1-0, 1 KO), who hails from Boston, stopped Michigan’s Robbie Thomas (0-2) in the 4th round of a scheduled 4 round bout in the lightweight division. Thomas proved to be a tough opponent for a debut fighter to face but Depina’s superior speed ultimately proved the difference and he forced the referee to step in to stop the fight after throwing a barrage of punches that a tiredThomas had no answer for.

In the opening attraction, Boston’s Aaron Trecell Smith (0-0-1) and Stoneham, Massachusetts’ James Perkins (0-0-1) fought to a majority draw in an crowd pleasing back and forth 4 round cruiserweight slug fest that left both fighters exhausted but all smiles after the fight.

On the ever important musical note, in a night that saw ring walk tunes range from self help spoken word to 80s hair metal to Brazilian techno to a live rapper, special kudos to Smith who came out to “Iko, Iko” by the late Dr. John. Smith, who originally hails from Louisiana, wanted to pay tribute to the musical legend who recently passed away.

It was a classy soundtrack to kick off another amazing night of Murphys Boxing at Encore Boston Harbor, easily the best new venue for boxing in the entire country and Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey is already in talks for another event at the resort casino later this year.

“Encore is just an incredible venue and the fans love coming here. We’ve already had two incredible shows here in the past month. We’re gonna come back at the end of the year, in late November or early December, for a massive card that we will be announcing soon.”
ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING

Murphys Boxing was founded by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman, Ken Casey in 2014. In just 5 short years, Murphys Boxing has become the premier boxing promoter in the New England area and one of the hottest young promotions in the country. 2018 was a breakout year for Murphys Boxing as they took their first fighter to a world title. Along with the promotion’s first champion, several Murphys Boxing fighters secured world title opportunities and nationally televised fights in 2018. Murphys Boxing closed out their banner year by co-promoting the WBO Middleweight Championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Walter Kautondokwa in front of over 10,000 fans at the TD Garden, the legendary home of the Boston Celtics, which was broadcast internationally on DAZN. Murphys Boxing’s current roster features world ranked contenders like Abraham Nova, Charles Foster, Mark DeLuca, Carlos Gongora, Greg Vendetti, Gary ‘Spike’ O’Sullivan and undefeated prospects like William Foster III and Luis Arcon Diaz and more!

For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHTS (10)*
Connor “The Kid” Coyle (10-0, 3 KOs), Derry, Northern Ireland, UK 159.2 lbs.
Rafael “The Pride of San Diego” Ramirez (21-4-2, 4 KOs), San Diego, CA 158.2 lbs.

CO-FEATURE – SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS (8)*
Santiago “Somer” Dominguez (16-0, 12 KOs), Cajerne, Sonora, Mexico 153.8 lbs.
Fabian Lyimo (23-9-2, 15 KOs), Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania 150.2 lbs.

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS (8)*
Brandon Valdes (12-0, 7 KOs), Los Angeles, CA by way of Colombia 121.4 lbs.
Jesus Martinez (26-8, 13 KOs), Hollywood, FL by way of Colombia 122.8 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Adrian Gutierrez (7-0-1, 4 KOs), Chulas Vista, CA 147.2 lbs.
German “Tin Tan” Valdez (4-5-1, 1 KO), Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico 147 lbs.

SUPER FLYWEIGHTS (4)
Dilan Miranda (4-2, 3 KOs), San Diego, CA by way of Mexico 115 lbs.
Ming Freeman (1-4-1, 1 KO), Los Angeles, CA 115.4 lbs.

(*streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS)

FACT SHEET

WHAT: RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®

PROMOTER: Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions

WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 2019

WHERE: Viejas Casino and Resort, Alpine, CA

LIVE STREAM: Main card to be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.

ANNOUNCING TEAM: Sean Wheelock and James “Smitty” Smith

RING ANNOUNCER:Barry Eget

TICKETS:$65.00, $55.00 and $45.00 and available to purchase by going online at www.viejas.com or fight night at the box office.

OTHER: Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout starts at 5:30 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS commences at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.Viejas.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @viejascasino, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @Viejascasinoresort
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /ViejasCasinoAndResort
Upcoming RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS events:
Aug. 24 at Viejas Casino and Resort in Alpine, California.

ANTHONY YARDE will take on WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Kovalev on Saturday night in Chelyabinsk, Russa live on BT Sport 2 from 5pm.

The fighters are expected to begin their ring walks at 7.30pm just after the Premier League football game between Liverpool and Arsenal on the same day.

Yarde (18-0, 17KOs) and Kovalev (33-3-1, 28KOs) weighed in today.

**Media are welcome to download a video of today’s weigh in and face off here, with credit to BT Sport.**

**Media can download photographs from today’s weigh in here, with credit to RCC Boxing**

Here are the official weights from today’s weigh in.

Sergey Kovalev (Champion) – 174.6lbs

Anthony Yarde (Challenger) – 173.9lb

Sergey Kovalev v Anthony Yarde for the WBO world light heavyweight title is live and exclusive on BT Sport 2 from 5pm on Saturday with ringwalks expected at 7.30pm.

‘El Animal’ Filip Hrgovi? (8-0, 6 KOs) is excited to put on a show for the Mexican fans as he takes on the in-form Mario Heredia (16-6-1, 13 KOs) in Hermosillo tomorrow night, live on RTL in Croatia, DAZN in America and Sky Sports in the UK.

Having made his US debut at the MGM National Harbour in Washington on May 25, the man known as ‘El Animal’ is looking forward to fighting in front of Mexican fans for the first time as he takes another step towards a World title.

Hrgovi?, a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, has beaten three Americans in his last three outings and is hoping to channel the notorious Mexican fighting spirit and give the fans a night to remember.

“I respect the Mexican people, I like this country for all the warriors that they have given the sport of boxing,” said Hrgovi?. “People like Morales, Barrera, Cháves, Canelo and a lot more. I’m excited to fight on this event and on DAZN.”

Hrgovi?’s Mexican opponent Mario Heredia, is coming off a victory against former WBC World Champion Samuel Peter and is hoping to impress in front of his home crowd.

“Finally I have got the opportunity that I was looking for, for years,” said Heredia. “This is the fight of my life and I will not waste it. I have never lost here in Hermosillo and I will continue with that mark.”

The Croatian heavyweight sensation endeared himself to the Mexican public whilst wearing a sombrero at Thursday’s press conference, and promoter Nisse Sauerland feels it won’t be long before Hrgovi? is a global household name.

“Filip is already a superstar in Croatia,” said Sauerland. “Fighting in different territories helps to showcase Filip’s abilities and personality to as many fans as possible. It won’t be long before he is fighting for a World title, maybe against Mexico’s own, Andy Ruiz”

Filip Hrgovi? against Mario Heredia will be broadcasted live around the world including living on RTL in Croatia, DAZN in America and Germany and Sky Sports in the UK.

New York, NY (August 23, 2019) Former amateur standout Fazliddin Meliboev, from Kokand, Uzbekistan, newly signed to DiBella Entertainment, will make his highly anticipated professional debut against Toledo, OH native Marcus Washington (4-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round welterweight clash next Thursday, August 29, on the Broadway Boxing card from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT. The featured bout is part of a sensational card live streamed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Meliboev will be trained in the pro ranks by Ravshan Khodjaev, one of the National Uzbekistan Team’s head trainers, and co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc.

“I’m thrilled to add an outstanding amateur like Fazliddin Meliboev to the DiBella Entertainment roster,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “At only 22 years old, Faz has a bright future and, together with Fight Promotions Inc., we will work hard to provide him every opportunity to achieve his goals. Fans in attendance at Foxwoods Resort Casino for next week’s stacked Broadway Boxing card and those watching the UFC Fight Pass stream will get to see an exciting amateur star as he begins on his path toward a world title.”

“I’m thrilled to work with DiBella Entertainment on the start of my professional career. I know that they can provide me with the opportunities to reach my goal of becoming a world champion,” said Meliboev. “Thursday night is very important to me and I’m very excited to make my pro debut in the United States and show the fans my skills.”

Fighting in Uzbekistan, Meliboev was a 2015 National Champion in the country’s acclaimed amateur program. The southpaw also won silver medals at the 2017 Great Silk Way Tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the 2016 Chinggis Khan Cup, which took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Additionally, he also secured the bronze medal at the famed 2014 Asian Youth Boxing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand. Fighting in the World Series of Boxing, Meliboev won all three of his bouts.

Headlining the Broadway Boxing event on August 29, featherweight contenders 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 collide in a 10-round contest.

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 for the second time, facing undefeated contender Schemelle Baldwin (3-0-1, 2 KOs), of Newark, DE.

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 Blvd., Mashantucket, CT, 06338. Doors will open to the Fox Theater at 6:30 p.m. with the first fight scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Broadway Boxing is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin believes his clash with Sergiy Derevyanchenko will be a classic when they meet for the vacant IBF World Middleweight title on Saturday October 5 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM MSG.COM
Golovkin (39-1-1 35 KOs) and Derevyanchenko (13-1 10 KOs) met at a press conference at the mecca of boxing yesterday and both men stated their excitement for what promises to be a thrill a minute battle for the belt that Golovkin used to hold, and that Derevyanchenko has challenged for.

Former unified king Golovkin is gunning to regain the crown he held for three years as the Kazakh star targets returning to World champion status and meetings with the other champions at 160lbs.

Derevyanchenko has plans to derail that journey though and came close to landing the IBF strap himself in October at the Hulu Theater at MSG, being edged out on a split decision against Golovkin’s old foe Daniel Jacobs.

“I’m so excited,” said Golovkin. “First of all, I’m happy to be back home, my second home. Thank you to my family at MSG for always supporting me. Of course, I’m very excited right now. Right now, I work with the best people from boxing.

“I have the best opponent, Sergiy. I’ve know him for a long time and he’s a very good fighter. This is a real fight. I’m a little bit scared because he’s good. I know his team is very strong. And I’m scared because he looks good. He looks strong. He feels it’s his time right now. Maybe – this is boxing, nobody knows. So if you want to watch a real show, a real fight, come to MSG on October 5 or watch live on DAZN.”

“I’m really excited and happy to be at Madison Square Garden,” said Derevyanchenko. “Thank you to my team, and I want to give thanks to Gennadiy Golovkin for the opportunity as well. I know exactly who I’m getting in the ring with. He’s the former Middleweight champion of the world, one of the best fighters in the world, but his time is coming to an end and I want to be the one that makes that time come to an end.”

MORE QUOTES FROM THE PRESS CONFERENCE

Eddie Hearn, president, Matchroom Boxing USA

“Gennadiy is for me the most entertaining, most dangerous fighter in world boxing. Is there a fighter in boxing that gives more value for money than Gennadiy Golobkin? I’m not sure, I haven’t found him yet.”

“He may look like a very calm individual, we know he’s a lovely man, but what a fearsome fighter. For me, it’s a pleasure to be a part of Team GGG now, a man that we’ve admired from a distance for a long time, become one of the biggest names in the sport of boxing. As an individual, he carries himself with so much class. He’s a role model for the next generation of fighters coming through. He has integrity, he has honor. And when you look at him in the eyes, it tells you one thing – I love to fight, and I will fight any man.”

“There’s been a lot of speculation recently about who he’s going to fight. Is it going to be Canelo? The thing that’s most important in a fighter’s career is to take control of your career. Have a strategy, have a plan, don’t worry about other people. And right now, we have a plan with Gennadiy’s career that’s extremely exciting to dominate the division and it starts on October 5 at the Mecca of boxing.”

“What a 10 months it’s been for DAZN. We’re 10 months in, that’s it, and we have by far the strongest stable of fighters in America. It’s not even close.”

Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America

“It’s been a busy summer for DAZN to build out our year-end, one that is without question the most impressive schedule in fight sports. This fight on October 5^th, the second of Gennadiy’s long term deal with us, will be the start of what I see as the season of fight sports. A long-term schedule of high quality fights, best fighters against best fighters, delivering tremendous value for fight fans.

“It’s a tremendous fight itself, and it’s only a part of our backend year end schedule that’s going to be great for fight fans and sports fansin general.”

Keith Connolly, manager of Sergiy Derevyanchenko

“Wow what an amazing opportunity for Sergiy. 10 months ago we were in this building where he fought danny Jacobs, and he lost a very close decision. He and his wife were very heartbroken. I made them one promise that night, that I would do everything in my power to get them another opportunity. 10 months later, because of a lot of maneuvering, he’s back in this same position he was 10 months ago,. He’s got a second opportunity to be under the bright lights and really change his life. I think he’s got a really good chance. I’m a huge fan of GGG, but his will be the second time in my life that I‘m rooting against him. Sergiy’s got a real chance. He might only be 13-1 as a pro but he has over 400 amateur fights and won 390 of them. This is definitely an entertaining fight.”

Andre Rozier, trainer of Sergiy Derevyanchenko

“He cannot win this time. He cannot be victorious. The Technician is ready, he’s willing, he’s able. He’s putting his best foot forward. Our team is no longer fragmented. The squad is ready and we plan to be the middleweight champion of the world on October 5. Sergiy is a quiet man but you have to watch the quiet ones – they’re the most dangerous.”

Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment

“We knew that Gennadiy knew Sergiy, they’ve known each other for years, when they were both amateurs. Right now he’s moving on in his life and fighting the best middleweight in the world available to him, and I believe that’s what Sergiy is. I’m going to tell you, this is one of the three hardest fights GGG has ever walked into the ring for, one of the three best opponents GGG has ever faced as a pro. I think this is a great fight for fight fans and I promise you that between GGG Promotions and Eddie and myself, the rest of the card is going to live up to the main event and we’re going to have a night of boxing that’s one of the best on DAZN’s schedule for the rest of the year.”

Tom Loeffler, GGG Promotions

“He had that historic championship run. We’re looking forward to him winning the IBF title on October 5 to start another championship run in the middleweight division. He hasn’t lost a fight in the ring; he might have lost on the score cards, but we’re not looking back at that. We’re looking forward. He’s looking forward to Derevyanchenko.”

 Johnathon Banks, trainer of Gennadiy Golovkin

“It’s an honor to go against this guy [Rozier]. I’ve been saying that since I was 15 in the amateurs. I have nothing but the utmost respect for this guy. That’s to me, that’s one of the things that’s going to make this fight one of the biggest fights of GGG’s career. I know the pedigree that Rozier has and good fighters always surround himself with him because they know he always takes fighters to another level. This fight will be a good fight. Tune in on DAZN, come to the Garden, this is a fight you don’t want to miss. Both guys are fighting for a chance to be a world champion. One is a repeat, one is a first-timer, but it doesn’t matter, the playing field is completely even, completely level. Both guys are going to put everyone on the line for this fight to win this world title.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (Aug. 23, 2019): A historic fight for women’s boxing will take place on the Munguia vs. Allotey undercard as Franchon “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn (5-1, 2 KOs) defends her WBC Super Middleweight World Championship against WBC Heavyweight World Champion Alejandra “La Tigre” Jimenez (12-0-1, 9 KOs). The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. and will be streamed live on DAZN.

As previously announced, Jaime Munguia (33-0, 26 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico will defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against African warrior Patrick Allotey (40-3, 30 KOs) in the 12-round main event. The co-main event will feature Ryan Garcia (18-0, 15 KOs) and Avery “A-Plus” Sparrow (10-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight.

Crews-Dezurn is a native of Virginia Beach, Va. who currently lives in Baltimore, Md. She is a former amateur standout who competed at a national and international level. In 2016, Crews-Dezurn made her professional debut against two-time Olympian Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, who was also debuting at the time. Though she lost a tough and close battle, Crews-Dezurn would score three more victories before capturing the WBC Super Middleweight World Title via 10-round majority decision against Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo.Crews-Dezurn is coming off her first win as an official Golden Boy fighter, which against Kayla Williams via technical knockout in June of this year.

“I look forward to my first WBC title defense with Golden Boy on Sept 14, a boxing holiday,” said Crews-Dezurn. “I’ll have the opportunity to once again prove myself as a fearless champion who has integrity and passion for the sport of boxing. I know Los Angeles has a deep Mexican culture in boxing that I respect, and a lot of people may root against me, but know my goal is to win while continuing to raise the profile for all female boxers. This is my dream. I’ve dedicated my teen years and entire adult life for this, and I won’t take it for granted.”

Jimenez is a native of Mexico City, Mexico who, after a short amateur career, debuted as a professional in October 2014. After only five bouts, she captured the WBC Heavyweight World Title with a majority decision victory against Martha Salazar. Since then, she has remained undefeated and has even dropped down in weight in order to become a two division world champion.

“Because I believe myself and that I am the best, I will win the world title,
said Jimenez. “I am the creator of my destiny, and with all the work I have done, I will win that title. Because I was born to make history and will continue doing so over and over again, I will be world champion again. Crews-Dezurn came at the right time to feel the real Mexican power, and “La Tigre” will show you.”

“Ruthless” Romero Duno (20-1, 15 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. will face Ivan “Stiker” Delgado (13-2-2, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. in a 10-round defense of his NABO Lightweight Title.

Undefeated prospect Joselito “El Huracan” Velazquez (10-0, 8 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico will return in an eight-round flyweight battle.

Diego Pacheco (4-0, 3 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. will participate in a four-round lightweight fight.

Alejandro “Pin Pon” Reyes of Mexicali, Mexico will make his professional debut against Jorge Padron (3-4, 3 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in a four-round lightweight bout.

Opponents for Velazquez and Pacheco will be announced shortly.

Munguia vs. Allotey is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and Orange Crush. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 14 at Dignity Health Sports Park and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Allotey are on sale and are priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, https://www.axs.com/, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at Dignity Health Sports Park Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

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 @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaAllotey

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/MunguiaAllotey into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2019) – Unbeaten bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez (12-0, 7 KOs) weighed in at 117.8 lbs. at Thursday’s weigh in, while challenger Edwin Rodriguez (10-5-1, 5 KOs) weighed 118.1 lbs.

The pair square off in the “New Blood” main event this Friday, Aug. 23, from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.

The 10-round showcase fight can be streamed live on TB Presents: New Blood starting at 8:00 p.m. / 11:00 p.m. ET on Thompson Boxing’s Facebook page, YouTube channel: Thompson Boxing TV and online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

Sanchez, 22, of No. Hollywood, Calif., makes his 10-round debut on Friday night.

“There’s a lot to be excited about,” said Sanchez, who is trained by Joel Diaz. “I just have to stay focused and be ready for anything.”

WEIGHTS

Saul Sanchez, 117.8 lbs. vs. Edwin Rodriguez, 118.1 lbs. (10-rounds)
Luis Lopez, 145.8 lbs. vs. Demarcus Layton, 145.7 lbs. (8-rounds)
Oscar Torrez, 212.4 lbs. vs. Miguel Cubos, 229.9 lbs. (6-rounds)
Gabriel Hernandez, 231.3 lbs. vs. Daniel Najera, 220.4 lbs. (6-rounds)
Sebastian Salinas, 131.6 lbs. vs. Michael Gaxiola, 132 lbs. (4-rounds)

Remaining tickets priced at $40, $60 & $100 are available for purchase on the day of the event from the venue starting at 5:30 p.m. local time. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first bout starting at approximately 7:45 p.m.

All fights will stream live on TB Presents: New Blood via our Facebook page, YouTube channel and ThompsonBoxing.com. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Hall of Fame broadcaster Rich Marotta provides expert, color commentary.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

Omega Products International is located at 1681 California Ave. Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447.

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

NEW YORK (August 22, 2019)–Split-T Management’s super middleweight DeAndre Ware will look to further solidify himself as a contender when he takes on undefeated Vladimir Shishkin in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation card, Live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET / PT) on Friday night at Main Street in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Ware (13-1-2, 8 KOs) of Toledo, Ohio is riding high on the strength of his previous ShoBox appearance when he won a 10-round majority decision over highly-regarded and previously undefeated Ronald Ellis on February 1st.

“This has been my best camp by far. I’m extremely confident and ready for this fight. I’m looking for this to be my best performance. It’s time for me to really get recognized for all that I’ve done. I’m ready for the next step and I’ll show it come Friday night,” said Ware.

A former collegiate football player at the University of Toledo, Ware works full time as a firefighter in his hometown of Toledo.

In Shishkin, Ware will be facing a standout amateur in Russia, compiling 301 wins in 330 fights before turning professional in 2016. He has won his last three contests – all scheduled 10 or 12 round fights -via knockout, including a career-best 10th round TKO of former world title challenger Nadjib Mohammedi in his last bout in October of 2018.

Ware was 168 lbs. at Thursday’s weigh-in; Shiskin was 167 lbs.

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – Aug. 22, 2019 – Undefeated and top-15 rated super middleweight prospect Vladimir Shishkin and all-action fighter DeAndre Ware both made weight a day before their main event showdown on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, August 23 on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT).

In the main event, Shishkin (8-0, 5 KOs) will make his U.S. and national television debut against Toledo, Ohio, firefighter Ware (13-1-2, 8 KOs), who is fighting for his third time on the prospect series. In the co-feature, hard-hitting super lightweight Shohjahon Ergashev (16-0, 14 KOs) will face power-punching Mexican Abdiel Ramirez (24-4-1, 22 KOs) in a 10-round bout. And in the opening bout, Ukrainian super bantamweightArnold Khegai (15-0-1, 10 KOs) will take on once-beaten Russian southpaw Vladimir Tikhonov (17-1, 9 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

All three “A” side fighters spent time training in Detroit at the new Kronk Gym and have worked with noted trainer Javan SugarHill Steward at some point during training.

The chance of inclement weather forced the night’s action to be moved to an indoor venue as it was originally scheduled to be held on Main Street. The fights will now take place from the Central Park Community Center in the Rose District of Broken Arrow, Okla. The sold-out event is promoted by Salita Promotions in Association with Tony Holden Productions.

“This is going to be one of the best fight cards of the summer with must-win, pick ’em fights in every match up,” said Dmitriy Salita, head of Salita Promotions. “The winner of the main event will prove to be one of the best super middleweight contenders in the division.”

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Super Middleweight 10-Round Bout 

Vladimir Shishkin – 167 lbs. 

DeAndre Ware – 168 lbs.

Referee: Gary Ritter (Edmund, Okla.)

Judges: Henry Ellick (Miami, Okla.), Sarah Atwood (Edmond, Okla.), David Sutherland (Skiatook, Okla.) 

Super Lightweight 10-Round Bout 

Shohjahon Ergashev – 140 lbs.

Abdiel Ramirez – 141 lbs.

Referee: Gerald Ritter (Mustang, Okla.)

Judges: Henry Ellick (Miami, Okla.), Henry Gueary (Kansas City, Kan.), David Sutherland (Skiatook, Okla.)

Super Bantamweight 8-Round Bout 

Arnold Khegai – 122 lbs.

Vladimir Tikhonov – 123 lbs.

Referee: Gary Ritter (Edmund, Okla.)

Judges: Henry Ellick (Miami, Okla.), Sarah Atwood (Edmond, Okla.), Henry Gueary (Kansas City, Kan.)

Here’s what the fighters had to say before they weighed in at Evolved Fitness in Broken Arrow.

FINAL QUOTES:

VLADIMIR SHISHKIN

“This is definitely the beginning of something big. I feel a responsibility to show a lot and show that I’m one of the better performers in the division.

“SugarHill will be in my corner and I’ve been with him for six weeks. I want to learn how to fight ‘Detroit style.’

“I feel phenomenal, I’m calm, confident and energized.

“I know Friday night is a big step for my career, I don’t think about it all the time, but I feel one hundred percent prepared and ready physically and mentally. I’m ready to put on a show and show that I’m a new name in boxing.

“I expect my opponent to come in and be aggressive, so I’m going to try to counter him. I plan to be the aggressor and start pushing back and showing my skills, strength and conditioning. It’s going to be a very exciting and competitive fight.

“I’m the best Russian prospect out there. I’m well-schooled and have made good progression.

“I like to fight on the inside and I don’t think Ware will go toe-to-toe with me. I’m prepared for anything.

“I know people are thinking this is a 50-50 fight, but I’m the better fighter and I will show that.

DeANDRE WARE:

“I’m embracing this. I’m so excited to be here. It’s been a long road. I have to prove myself now. I’m an underdog but I’m coming. I’m prepared. I love fighting on SHOWTIME but this really is just like fighting in the gym.

“SHOWTIME brought me back after suffering my first loss (to Cem Kilic) and I’m going to show that they made the right decision. I didn’t have a full training camp for that fight. I’ve had a full training camp for this fight.

“I’m a complete fighter. I can fight, I can box, I can move. You will see all that on Friday night.

“This is my third time on ShoBox. I didn’t feel that pressure for the first fight, and I don’t feel pressure now. With my fight against (Ronald) Ellis I could have gone 12 rounds. I’m in better shape now and I have more confidence.

“This is it. Every fight is it. When you’re the ‘B’ side, every fight is it. Even the ‘A’ side. Every fight means something.”

SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV:

“Tomorrow, I’m going to showcase a new dimension of my boxing skills. My power skills are old, but I’ve been working a lot on jabs, footwork, movement and mixing up speed of punching so I can land power shots in a more discrete way.

“I’m going to show a new Shohjahon tomorrow night. My opponent is aggressive, so I have a lot of other different weapons in my arsenal. If he can take my punches, I will show different weapons.”

“The fight is not going to go the distance. At the end of the day, I want to land power and score an exciting knockout always.”

“I fought a tall, awkward fighter my last fight on SHOWTIME and it was a great experience. (Mykal Fox) was tall and long, and now I’m fighting a shorter, more aggressive style fighter in Ramirez.

“This fight one hundred percent will not go the distance. I know I have fans because I punch hard. But I need to be flexible and slow things down a little bit. That’s what I’ve been focused on the last few days. At the end of the day, I want to land power and score an exciting knockout always.”

ABDIEL RAMIREZ

“My will and power are my strengths. I have deceptive power.

“I’ve fought some lefties like my opponent, but it’s been four or five years. I know my opponent has a big left hand.

“It’s all about defense for me in this fight. We’ve been working on movement and avoiding the big punch.

“I took some time off from 2014 to 2017 because of some management and promoter issues, but that’s in the past. I’m just trying to advance my career. I’ve been hanging out on the ‘B’ side and now I’m ready to be on the ‘A’ side. I need a chance and this is it for me.”

ARNOLD KHEGAI, JR.

“Last time, I should’ve come here earlier to get used to the climate. I couldn’t sleep for a week and I was a little sick. It should’ve gone a different way. This fight I came in a month and two weeks early, so no excuses this time.

“I feel great, I feel strong and I think I’m going to break my opponent tomorrow night. I just hope he’s ready.

“Don’t miss this fight. Watch me tomorrow and you will not be disappointed. You’re going to see fireworks.”

VLADIMIR TIKHONOV

“I felt a lot of pressure in my ShoBox debut and fighting in America for the first time.

“I learned a lot from that loss (to Jesse Hernandez) in 2017. I’m one hundred percent focused.

After the Hernandez fight I had right elbow surgery. I’ll be ready for whatever my opponent brings on Friday night.”

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

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For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 79 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.