LAS VEGAS (July 21, 2019) – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao dropped Keith “One Time” Thurman in round one and won a close split decision to earn a welterweight world title in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“It was fun,” said Pacquiao. “My opponent is a good fighter and boxer. He was strong. I’m not that kind of boxer who talks a lot; we were just promoting the fight. I think he did his best, and I did my best. I think we made the fans happy tonight because it was a good fight.”

The sell-out crowd of 14,356 got treated to great action from the start, as an exciting first round was capped off by Pacquiao dropping Thurman for the first time in his career with a straight right hand late in the round.

“I knew it was too close,” said Thurman. “He got the knockdown so he had momentum in round one.”

Thurman made it into the second round but continued to have trouble with Pacquiao’s right hand, as the future Hall of Famer threw it successfully as a jab and a power punch throughout the fight. Thurman adjusted in the middle rounds and began to try to smother Pacquiao and walk him down, having success when he was able to get his combinations off before his opponent.

Despite blood pouring from his nose from round four on, Thurman was able to land powerful combinations on Pacquiao for much of the second half of the fight, but was never able to hurt Pacquiao or score a knockdown of his own.

“I wish I had a little bit more output to go toe to toe,” said Thurman. “I felt like he was getting a little bit tired, but he did have experience in the ring. My conditioning and my output was just behind Manny Pacquiao’s. I would love the rematch.”

In round 10, Pacquiao’s landed a strong left hook to the body that clearly hurt Thurman and forced him to spend much of the remainder of the round backpedaling. The CompuBox scores were indicative of the close nature of the fight, with Thurman out landing Pacquiao 210 to 195, while Pacquiao was busier throwing 686 punches to 571 from Thurman.

“I really love the fans,” said Pacquiao. “Thank you so much for coming here and witnessing the fight. I’m sure they were happy tonight because they saw a good fight. Even though Thurman lost, he did his best. He’s not an easy opponent. He’s a good boxer and he’s strong. I was just blessed tonight.”

Watch the round 10 highlight HERE

Pacquiao had a large advantage in jabs landed, connecting on 82 to Thurman’s 18. The 192 power punches landed by Thurman was the most in 43 Pacquiao fights that CompuBox has tracked. Round-by-round, the two fighters were only separated by more than five landed punches in rounds two, seven and nine.

After 12 rounds, the judges reached a split decision, with one judge scoring the fight 114-113 for Thurman, overruled by two judges scoring it 115-112 for Pacquiao, who captured the WBA Welterweight World Championship at 40-years-old.

“You get blessings and lessons,” said Thurman. “Tonight was a blessing and a lesson. Thank you everybody, and thank you Manny Pacquiao.”

“I think (I will fight) next year,” said Pacquiao. “I will go back to the Philippines and work and then make a decision. I do hope to be at the (Errol) Spence vs. (Shawn) Porter fight on September 28.”

The co-main event of the pay-per-view saw top contender Yordenis Ugas (24-4, 11 KOs) drop previously unbeaten Omar Figueroa (28-1-1, 19 KOs) on his way to a unanimous decision in their WBC welterweight title eliminator.

Ugas got off to a strong start, connecting on a straight right hand that sent Figueroa into the ropes, which he held onto so he didn’t hit the canvas, but enough that referee Russell Mora ruled it a knockdown.

“The fight played out how I thought it would,” said Ugas. “I came out strong and Figueroa was tough as well. This was similar to the fight everyone expected. I came out on top.”

Watch the highlight of the knockdown HERE

Figueroa recovered and was able to make it to round two, where he continued his strategy of coming forward to try to hurt Ugas on the inside. Ugas was able to control that action on the inside, landing numerous uppercuts to stun Figueroa. However, the inside fighting led to Ugas being deducted a point by the referee in round five for holding.

“Ugas fought a smart fight,” said Figueroa. “He was smothering me on the inside and holding. I thought the scores were too wide. I was following him and working the whole time. I felt like he only worked the last 30 seconds of the round, but I guess that was all it took.

“I didn’t have any problems with his size. I thought I was able to do my thing, but when he was holding me I couldn’t get my offense going.”

Despite that, and being warned later in the fight for delivering low blows, Ugas dominated the fight according to CompuBox, out landing Figueroa 229 to 131 and connecting with 28% of his punches, to Figueroa’s 22%.

“I knew Figueroa was a tough guy, so I didn’t want to waste my energy trying to take him out early,” said Ugas. “I was ready to go 12 rounds.”

After 12 rounds, all three judges scored the fight the same, 119-107 in favor of Ugas, who became the mandatory for the winner of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter welterweight title unification.

“I’m extremely happy to be in this position to fight for the WBC title again,” said Ugas. “I will be ready for the winner of Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter.”

Additional action saw former world champion Sergey Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) score a highlight-reel knockout against Jayar Inson (18-3, 12 KOs) in the second round of their welterweight matchup.

Lipinets was originally scheduled to fight John Molina Jr., before Molina pulled out of the fight Friday morning due to a back injury. Inson, who was scheduled to fight on the non-televised undercard, stepped up to the challenge.

“When I first heard the news about Molina, I knew that I wanted to still fight on a show of this magnitude,” said Lipinets. “As far as fighting a southpaw, I’ve had so many amateur fights in my kickboxing career that I had no problem adjusting. It was just a matter of time. I also have sparred with great southpaws like Victor Ortiz throughout my career, so I was comfortable with the change in fighter.”

In an exchange early in the second round, Lipinets landed a clean left hook to Inson’s head, which sent the Filipino-fighter to the canvas. Although Inson got to his feet, referee Jay Nady waved off the bout 57 seconds into the round.

“I got hit and I slipped, that made it look worse,” said Inson. “When I stood up I thought I was fine and tried to raise my hands and show the referee.”

“Joe Goossen is an exceptional trainer and he just told me to work from a different direction facing a southpaw,” said Lipinets. “I just made sure to block his punches with my elbows. That was the only adjustment I had to make and it ended up working just fine.”

Watch the Lipinets KO highlight HERE

The opening pay-per-view bout saw undefeated former champion Luis Nery (30-0, 24 KOs) deliver a ninth-round knockout of former bantamweight champion Juan Carlos Payano (21-3, 9 KOs).

“I wasn’t really paying attention to how long the fight was going, I was just getting into a rhythm as it went on,” said Nery. “I had to work hard to get to him because he’s a good boxer. The longer it went, the better I felt. I put my punches together well once I got going.”

In a fast-paced duel of former champions, Payano had success early boxing the aggressive Nery, moving back to avoid his attack and landing his own offense against the knockout artist. Payano out landed or was even in punches landed for each of the first six rounds of the bout.

“I’m a warrior and I wanted to keep going and fight back every time he came forward,” said Payano. “My coach wanted me to stay behind my jab a little more.”

As the fight grew into the middle rounds, Nery began to increase the offense and was able to land power shots that slowed Payano’s ability to box from the outside. Nery hurt Payano early in round seven, eventually dominating the round, out landing his opponent 22 to 7.

“He was a very complicated fighter at the beginning, he’s a veteran, so I had to try to adapt to his style to see how I could get in,” said Nery. “In the fifth or sixth round I started gaining control of the fight and then that left hook came to the body which was devastating.”

“During the exchanges it was Nery’s second shot that was getting in,” said Payano. “We corrected the issue but then that body shot came in from nowhere and hit me in a rib that I had broken years ago against Raushee Warren.”

Round eight saw Nery continue to break Payano down, most notably landing a big left hand midway through the round that caused blood to pour from Payano’s nose. During an exchange in the ninth-round, Payano landed a devastating left hook to the ribs that put Payano down. He was unable to recover and referee Vic Drakulich halted the bout 1:43 into the round.

“I wanted to get him out early,” said Nery. “But this showed that I do have the experience to go into the later rounds and still take out my opponent. I showed that I have good defense and can make adjustments.”

Watch Nery’s knockout HERE

The FOX PBC Fight Night main event on FOX and FOX Deportes saw IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (19-0, 11 KOs) retain his title with a dominant third-round knockout over previously unbeaten Mike Lee (21-1, 11 KOs).

“It went exactly how I planned it would go,” said Plant. “Absolutely. I’ve been telling you all week it wasn’t going to go 12 rounds and I stuck to my word and I tried to do that. I hope you guys had a good time.”

Plant got off to a fast-start, dropping Lee with a left hook late in the first round. The unbeaten challenger was able to recover and survive the round, but was hard-pressed to make up for the hand speed advantage of Plant.

You can watch Plant’s first knockdown HERE

“I think I have a high boxing IQ and I do this at a really high level,” said Plant. “So it was just about making adjustments. He’s a big, strong guy and he just came in here to give it his all.”

Lee looked to charge in hard against Plant and use his size and power to land a big shot and change the momentum of the fight. Plant was sharp and avoided the looping right hands that Lee was attacking with.

“The speed was the difference, he’s fast and very accurate,” said Lee. “I had some success with my right hands but wasn’t able to be consistent with it.”

In round three, Plant landed a vicious right hook early in the round that put Lee down for the second time. After a left hook appeared to connect and send Lee down a second time, referee Robert Byrd ruled it had come from a push and continued the fight once Lee got to his feet.

Plant had his opponent hurt and continued to press forward, eventually landing another left hook that put Lee down, this time forcing the referee to wave off the bout 1:29 into the round.

Watch the highlight of Plant’s TKO HERE

“I had no issue with the stoppage, that’s the referee’s job and I respect it,” said Lee.

After the fight, Benavidez was asked about a possible unification fight against the winner of the just announced Anthony Dirrell vs. David Benavidez WBC Super Middleweight Championship fight.

“Oh yeah, we can definitely unify,” said Plant. “I ain’t hard to get a hold of. I ain’t hard to make a fight with. Come see me. You know my advisor.”

The opening bout on FOX and FOX Deportes saw Efe Ajagba (11-0, 9 KOs) score a unanimous decision over Ali Eren Demirezen (11-1, 10 KOs) in a 10-round battle of undefeated heavyweights. It was the first time that two unbeaten fighters from the 2016 Olympics faced off as pros.

You can find full fight highlights HERE

Ajagba used his jab and height effectively throughout the fight, landing 10 of 45 jabs per round, doubling the heavyweight average. However, an elbow injury and the accurate punching of Demirezen forced Ajagba to go the distance for the first time as a pro.

“This was the first fighter to take me the distance,” said Ajagba. “He was strong and could take my punches. My trainer just told me to keep using my jab and stay in the middle of the ring.

“I hurt my elbow early on, so I couldn’t shoot my right hand like I wanted. But I won’t use that as an excuse. As a tall man I had to use the jab and if it went the distance, that was my best way to win.”

Demirezen thought the scorecards should have been closer and believed that his performance should have garnered him more than the decision loss. Demirezen was actually the more accurate puncher, landing 26% of his punches to 22% from Ajagba.

“I don’t agree with the scores, especially 99-91” said Demirezen. “It was much closer. I feel that at minimum, it was a draw. I knew I had to knock him out and that a knockout might be easier than winning by points. I thought it was a good performance but I can do better. I’d like to fight in the U.S. again.”

Ajagba’s activity from start to finish was impressive, as he threw 877 total punches, landing 191. While Demirezen was not far behind with 149 punches landed, he only out landed Ajagba in three rounds.

After 10 rounds of action all three judges scored the fight in favor of Ajagba, by scores of 99-91 twice and 97-93.

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN
Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao vs. Thurman pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view began at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and featured undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against Jayar Inson and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery facing slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout. The event was promoted by MP Promotions, TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions.

ABOUT PLANT VS. LEE
FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes was headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender and University of Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Televised coverage began at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen. The event was promoted by Sweethands Promotions and TGB Promotions.

LOS ANGELES (July 20, 2019) – Welterweight world champions collide when IBF Champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. clashes with WBC Champion “Showtime” Shawn Porter in a massive 147-pound title unification match headlining a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View on Saturday, September 28 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The co-feature of the evening will pit WBC Super Middleweight Champion Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell against unbeaten former champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez in an explosive 168-pound showdown.

Tickets for the event go on sale Monday, July 22 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at AXS.com.

“Errol Spence Jr. versus Shawn Porter in a welterweight unification match brings to mind some of the great 147-pound clashes of the past – Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Kid Gavilan, Leonard vs. Hearns or Whitaker vs. Chavez,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Both men are in their primes and both like to apply pressure. With that clash of styles, something has to give. In the co-feature, Anthony Dirrell doesn’t want to give up the title and David Benavidez wants it back. Played out before an electric crowd at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and headlining a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View, this show has instant classic written all over it.”

Spence vs. Porter represents a major step forward in the quest to find the best 147-pound boxer on the planet. Spence has declared that anyone who wants to make that claim will have to come through him. Porter has already faced the some of the biggest names in the division, including Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia, and will make Spence back up his boast.

The unbeaten Spence (25-0, 21 KOs) is a young, powerful welterweight who vaulted to the top of the welterweight scene with a punishing 11th round knockout victory over Kell Brook for the IBF championship in front of Brook’s hometown fans in Sheffield, England in 2017. Fighting out of Desoto, Texas, Spence has successfully defended the title three times. Most recently he scored a unanimous decision victory over three-division world champion Mikey Garcia in a PBC on FOX Pay-Per-View show before a hometown crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on March 16.

“It’s going to be a very exciting fight,” said Spence. “Shawn is never in a boring fight and I always entertain. It will be a ‘Fight of the Year’ type fight because our styles mesh. Shawn Porter is a guy who tries to rough you up. That’s what he’s always done. With Yordenis Ugas he tried to box and he said he didn’t like that style. He said he is going back to his original style. If he brings that style to me, it’s going to be a great fight because I’m going to bring it right back to him.”

The 31-year-old Porter (30-2-1, 17 KOs) is a two-time welterweight champion whose high-pressure style has served him well in his rise in the 147-pound division. Born in Akron, Ohio and now living in Las Vegas, Porter won the IBF welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Devon Alexander in 2013. He lost the title, which Spence now has, to Kell Brook by a majority decision in 2014. Porter moved back into the championship ranks with a unanimous decision victory over Danny Garcia for the vacant WBC title in 2018. He successfully defended the title with a split decision victory over Yordenis Ugas in March on FOX.

“There haven’t been too many fights as a professional that I’ve been this excited about,” said Porter. “I was really excited about the Danny Garcia fight and I’m really excited about this one. Ever since Spence got a belt, I really circled this fight on my calendar. Preparation is the key. I think I have everything it takes to beat Errol Spence. I’m very confident and my team is confident in what I have to do on September 28. We’ll be ready.”

Dirrell vs. Benavidez promises to be a hotly contested battle for the WBC Super Middleweight title. Dirrell is a two-time WBC 168-pound world champion and will bring experience, while Benavidez will bring his high-octane style.

The 34-year-old Dirrell (33-1-1, 24 KOs) won the WBC title for the first time with a unanimous decision over Sakio Bika in 2014. The native of Flint, Michigan lost the title the next year to Badou Jack by majority decision. He put together six straight victories after that loss to get back into position to fight for the championship again. He won the title with a technical decision victory over Avni Yildirim in February on FS1. Dirrell is the younger brother of Andre Dirrell, who won a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team in 2004.

“I’m going to work my butt off, putting in extra hours in the gym, because this is one of the toughest opponents I’ve ever fought,” Dirrell said. “He’s young and he’s tough. But I’m more than ready for anything that he can bring. I bring an exciting fight. He knows that. The world knows that. He can talk, but nothing matters but what happens in the ring. I wanted this fight to be out west because I will fight anybody anywhere. It’s only two people in the ring and we’re going to give a good entertaining fight for the fans.”

Benavidez (21-0, 18 KOs) won the WBC title with a split decision victory over Ronald Gavril in 2017. Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Benavidez successfully defended the title with a more convincing unanimous decision over Gavril in the rematch four months later. The 22-year-old returned to the ring to score an impressive knockout victory over veteran J’Leon Love in March on the Spence vs. Garcia PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View.

“I’m looking forward to reclaiming my WBC belt in my next fight against Anthony Dirrell,” said Benavidez. “This fight is overdue and I guarantee I will be ready for whatever he brings to the ring. The fans are really going to enjoy this one.”

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

ATLANTIC CITY (JULY 20, 2019)-Weights for Saturday night’s card at The Carousel Room at The Showboat in Atlantic City.

Nikita Miroshnichenko 161.25 – Jordan Rosario 154.25
Antonio Lucaine 123.5 – Ry’Shine Cillins 123.75
Davonn Boone 161.75 – Zach Dubnoff 161.5
Steven Lopez 119 – Josue Rosa 116.75
Larry Knight 252 – Sahret Delgado 255.5
Robert Terry 158.5 – Bryan Goldsby 159.25
*The main event between Thomas LaManna and Carlos Garcia Hernandez is called off due to Garcia Hernandez not meeting Commission Medical requirements

Promoter: Rising Star Promotions
Venue: Showboat Hotel Carousel Room
1st Bell 7 PM ET
Stream: Facebook Fight Night Live

Rising Star Promotions will be right back with another fantastic night of action on Saturday August 3rd at The Carousel Room at The Showboat Hotel.

Tickets are now on sale for both events for $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased on www.rspboxing.com

David Price stopped Dave Allen after round ten of a scheduled 12-round heavyweight bout.

Allen seemed to hurt his hand the fight was pulled.

Price is 25-6 with 20 knockouts. Allen is 17-5-2.

In a battle of former world title challenger, Dereck Chisora knocked out Artur Szpilka in round two of a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout.

Chisora landed a perfect right hand that sent Szpilka plummeting down and fight was stopped at 1:01.

Chisora 31-9 with 22 knockouts. Szpilka of Poland is 22-4.

Richard Riakporhe took a close 10-round split decision over Chris Billam-Smith a cruiserweight fight.ro

Riakporhe won by scores of 96-93 twice while Smith took a card 95-94.

Riakporhe is 10-0. Smith is 9-1.

Lawrence Okolie stopped Mariano Angel Guidino After round seven of the scheduled 10-round counterweight fight,

In round three, Okollie dropped Gudino with a right hand.

Okolie dropped Guidino three more times in round seven, and the bout wzs stopped upon the bell.

Okolie is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Guidino of Argentina 13-3.

Dan Azeez stopped Charley Duffield in round six of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Azeez could not miss with his right and closed the left eye of Duffield up. The corner threw in the towel at 2:49.

Azeez is 9-0 with six stoppagees. Duffield is 7-2.

Pound-for-pound number one Vasiliy Lomachenko will face Luke Campbell for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles on Saturday August 31 at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and ESPN+ in the US.

Lomachenko (13-1 10 KOs), who went 396-1 as an amateur, won gold in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and has won World titles at Featherweight, Super-Featherweight and Lightweight in the paid ranks. He fought for a World title in his second pro bout and won the WBO Featherweight World title in his third outing, dominating Gary Russell Jr. over 12 rounds. He made his Lightweight debut last May, tearing the labrum in his right shoulder in the second round and rising from a sixth-round knockdown to knock out WBA Champion Jorge Linares in the 10th.

Lomachenko added the WBO Lightweight title to his collection in December 2018, scoring a pair of knockdowns in the 11th round and ultimately winning a unanimous decision over two-weight World Champion Jose Pedraza. He last fought in April at Staples Center in Los Angeles, taking out mandatory challenger Anthony Crolla in four rounds. The Ukrainian’s punch power and supreme boxing ability have seen him rise to the top of the 135lbs division and on August 31 he will step through the ropes as a pro for the first time on UK soil.

Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) is ranked number one in the WBC and landed the mandatory slot for the World title when he exacted revenge over Frenchman Yvan Mendy at Wembley Stadium, London in September 2017. He was at his devastating best last time out as he stopped Mexico’s Adrian Young in five rounds in Philadelphia.

The London 2012 Olympic Gold medal star was superb in his first World title clash, being edged out via split decision against then-WBA and WBC Diamond king Jorge Linares in September 2017 in Los Angeles – with Campbell bravely pushing the Venezuelan close after losing his father in the build-up to the fight.

‘Cool Hand’, trained by Shane McGuigan in London, now has a chance to establish himself as the number one Lightweight on the planet as he goes toe-to-toe with the highly-skilled ‘Hi-Tech’ at the famous arena in Greenwich.

“This is a fight for history because my goal is to unify all of the belts in the Lightweight division,” Lomachenko said. “Luke Campbell is the next challenge for me on that journey. He is an excellent fighter who I remember well from the 2012 Olympics. He has a difficult style, and I cannot afford to overlook him.

“It is very special for me to fight in London. I visited last year, and the response from the people was overwhelming. They respect my fighting style and are passionate about boxing. I can’t wait to put on a great show for everyone.”

“The best fighting the best, this is going to make one hell of a fight,” said Campbell. “I am in this sport to be the best to become a World Champion. This is what I train and work so hard for, to become a World Champion and fulfil my potential.

“He is ranked number one pound-for-pound on the planet so for me to fight a guy like that only encourages me more to be the best that I can be and it is exactly the level that I want to be at. I’m well aware of how good he is and what he is capable of doing but I’m also well aware of what I can do and what I’m going to do.

“I think that I can knock out anyone that I hit right, I believe that I am one of the biggest punchers in the Lightweight division. This is going to be the toughest fight of my life and I’m preparing for it, physically and mentally. This is Luke Campbell’s year, it’s my time.”

“This is a huge moment for British boxing,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Boxing. “It is an honour to bring pound-for-pound number one Vasiliy Lomachenko to the UK to challenge Luke Campbell for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles.

“I truly believe Luke Campbell has a fantastic chance here on home soil to upset his fellow Olympic Gold Medallist. This will be a huge event, not just in Britain, but around the World. We’re planning another huge undercard for a special night of boxing. I cannot wait for August 31!”

“Vasiliy Lomachenko is a unique talent who is going to take the United Kingdom by storm,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Luke Campbell is an excellent fighter, but Lomachenko is in a class of his own. The fans on that side of the pond have wanted Lomachenko to return ever since he turned pro. It’s going to be a crazy, sold-out crowd at The O2, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Lomachenko has the crowd’s support.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to have the finest fighter on the planet heading to London,” said Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing. “This is a very special occasion and a golden opportunity for Luke Campbell. Two Olympics Champions going head-to-head and a huge bill at the famous O2. Do not miss this one off as Vasiliy Lomachenko performs his amazing talent here on our shores.”

Tickets for Lomachenko vs. Campbell are priced £40, £60, £100, £150, £200, £300 and £600 (Inner Ring VIP).

Tickets are available to purchase NOW for O2 Priority customers via www.theo2.co.uk and go on sale to Fight Pass members on Sunday July 21 at midday via StubHub www.stubhub.co.uk.

General Sale tickets are available to purchase from midday on Monday July 22 from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

ORANGE, Calif. (July 19, 2019) – Rising lightweight Ruben Torres (9-0, 7 KOs) marks a milestone in his young career when he makes his headlining debut against veteran Ruben Tamayo (27-13-4, 18 KOs) one week from today on Friday, July 26, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

The unbeaten prospect, one of a handful of high ceiling talents signed by Thompson Boxing in recent years, is coming off his most impressive performance, a dominating points win against the previously undefeated George Acosta in May.

“The fights are starting to get tougher now,” said Torres, who turned professional two years ago. “Tamayo is a solid veteran that’s been in some tough fights with a lot of quality boxers. He’s going to want to test me early.”

Adding intrigue to the eight-round “New Blood” showcase fight is Tamayo’s southpaw stance and tall frame. Torres, 21, usually enjoys a considerable reach advantage as he stands nearly six feet tall, but Tamayo is nearly as rangy as the Los Angeles native.

“Every fight presents different challenges,” said Torres, who is managed and trained by Danny Zamora. “I know I’m young, but I’ve sparred with a lot of different types of fighters. I’ve sparred with Danny Roman [unified world champion] who has the best mix of intelligence and skill. I’ve sparred heavier guys and plenty of lefties too. I’m not concerned with what he might do because I know I’ll be able to control the fight on my terms.”

Torres, who began boxing at age nine, started his career with five straight knockout wins. Since then, he’s been able to refine his skills in an attempt to become a complete fighter.

“My focus has been trying to fight smarter,” said Torres, who played football and basketball in high school. “You can’t overwhelm every opponent with just talent. I need to be able to think my way out of trouble and adjust to things as they happen.”

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

In the six-round co-feature, lightweight Anthony Sanchez (9-0-1, 9 KOs) of Long Beach, Calif. battles James Early (3-3) of Washington, DC.

In other action, junior middleweight Leo Ruiz (4-0, 2 KOs) of San Bernardino, Calif. will face an opponent to be named later (four-rounds).

Top featherweight prospect Jose Tito Sanchez (3-0, 2 KOs) of Cathedral City, Calif. faces Luis Montellano (1-5-2, 1 KO) of Tijuana, Mexico in a fight set at four-rounds.

Opening “New Blood” is junior lightweight Chris Crowley (0-0-1), who will be looking for his first professional win against Braulio Avila (2-3) of Mexico City, Mexico (four-rounds).

All fights will be 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 Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentary.

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

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“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.

DOORS 16:30

BOXING STARTS 16:50

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
ALEN BABIC 14st 11lbs 6oz v MORGAN DESSAUX 15st 6lbs
(Croatia) (France)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
FABIO WARDLEY 17st 6oz v MARIANO DIAZ STRUNZ 16st 8lbs 4oz
(Ipswich) (Argentina)

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE

18:10 | 10 x 3 mins Southern Area Light-Heavyweight Title
CHARLIE DUFFIELD 12st 6lbs 5oz v DAN AZEEZ 12st 6lbs 9oz
(Canning Town) (Lewisham)

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental Championship
LAWRENCE OKOLIE 14st 3lbs 4oz v MARIANO GUDINO 14st 3lbs 9oz
(Hackeny) (Argentina)

4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
DALTON SMITH 10st 2lbs v IBRAR RIYAZ 10st 4lbs 3oz
(Sheffield) (Reading)

10 x 3 mins WBA Inter-Continental Cruiserweight Title
RICHARD RIAKPORHE 14st 3lbs 5oz v CHRIS BILLAM-SMITH 14st 2lbs 7oz
(Walworth) (Bournemouth)

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
DEREK CHISORA 18st 5lbs v ARTUR SZPILKA 17st 5lbs
(Finchley) (Poland)

12 x 3 mins vacant WBA Continental Heavyweight Title
DAVE ALLEN 17st 3lbs 5oz v DAVID PRICE 18st 5lbs
(Conisborough) (Liverpool)

12 x 3 mins vacant WBC Interim Heavyweight Title
DILLIAN WHYTE 18st 2lbs v OSCAR RIVAS 17st 1lbs 3oz
(Brixton) (Colombia)

LAS VEGAS (July 19, 2019) – Hard-hitting Filipino welterweight Jayar Inson has stepped in to battle former world champion Sergey Lipinets in a 10-round fight on the undercard of the Manny Pacquaio vs. Keith Thurman WBA Welterweight Championship showdown headlining the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

John Molina Jr. was originally scheduled to face Lipinets and withdrew from the bout due to a back injury. He was coming off a close unanimous decision loss to Omar Figueroa in February.

The 28-year-old Inson (18-2, 12 KOs) is coming off a split-decision loss to Jonathan Steele at MGM Grand in Las Vegas on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner on January 19. The southpaw is from Davao City, Philippines and was schedule to fight Mexico’s Mahonri Montes in an eight-round bout on the off-TV undercard.

Lipinets (15-1, 11 KOs) is coming off a “Fight of the Year” performance against former two-division champion Lamont Peterson in March. A former 140-pound world champion from Kazakhstan, who grew up in Russia and now lives in Los Angeles, Lipinets pulled off an impressive 10th round TKO victory over Peterson in March in one of 2019’s best fights.

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

BALTIMORE (July 19, 2019) – Two-time Super Featherweight World Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis participated in an open to the public workout on Thursday evening at his Baltimore training camp where he donated tickets to a local charity for his homecoming title defense against mandatory challenger Ricardo “Cientifico” Núñez on Saturday, July 27 live on SHOWTIME from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Davis donated 100 tickets to the staff and beneficiaries at WIN Family Services. WIN (What I Need) is a Baltimore-based organization that helps “support and strengthen youth, families, organizations and communities through the creation of innovative services, products and initiatives.”

Also in attendance at the media workouts were fighters competing on the July 27 undercard including unbeaten welterweight prospect Richardson Hitchins, super lightweight Kareem Martin, Baltimore super featherweight Malik Warren and unbeaten super lightweight prospect Malik Hawkins.

Hitchins will take on Tyrone Crawley in a fight that will be featured on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN beginning live at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME Sports social media platforms.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature the youngest reigning American world champion in Davis, as he becomes the first titlist from Baltimore to make a homecoming defense in nearly 80 years.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Royal Farms Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET.

Here is what he said about his upcoming defense from training camp with trainer Calvin Ford and undercard fighters at Upton Boxing Center in Baltimore Maryland:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“My brothers helped me get prepared for this and I prepared them, mentally and physically. We are all ready to put on a show July 27.

“To be honest, it’s not just about this fight. It’s about maturing as a fighter. I am 24 years old now, I will be 25 in November. I have a daughter who turns 1 the 20th. I have matured not only as a man but as a fighter as well. Coming back home has humbled me a lot. I am just so ready.

“I know what’s in front of me. I am living in the moment right now. I know what I have to focus on now. I know it’s a big task in front of me, now and in the future. But my focus is on right now. I feel like the love is here right now and I don’t want to look past that. I want to soak it all in.

“Being the face of boxing is a fight away. I am just young. You have to win and you have to look good. We all know that when I am in there, I am exciting.

“When I am fighting July 27, it’s not just me. We have 10 people on the card. It was never about me. I was always the guy that wanted to help the people around me. When you’re here at the top alone, who’s going to push you? You have to always push yourself. When you have people like Richardson, he’s hungry and I need the young guys under me to keep pushing me, because I am pushing them.

“We are all working on the same goal. If ‘Tank’ can do it, I can do it. And if Richardson is working hard, and I am keeping up with him, then I can keep up with the next generation.

“It feels good. It’s not about everybody coming to see me. I want to be able to bring out a good crowd with positive energy. I want to make it feel like we are all a part of the dream. You aren’t coming to watch just one or two fighters. I want it to be like a family reunion.

“Richardson and I drive to the gym together but when we come to the gym it’s like we are meeting up with our friends. It’s nothing but great energy. We all have high spirits. We are mentally and psychically ready. We feel the love and support.

“I am definitely open for 130-pound title unifications. I believe I haven’t done enough at 130. I would say I have about three or four more opponents that are champs at 130 that I want.

“I would like to fight Tevin Farmer. I had the IBF before he fought for it when it was vacant. I think he didn’t really earn it. I want to be able to put up both of our belts and may the best man win.

“There’s no pressure on me and even if there is pressure, it’s good pressure. I am around family and love and my brothers. I want all of my brothers with me. I am not fighting alone. We are all fighting together. I will be there with them. It’s all love. We are spreading love.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“Training has been beautiful. Seeing all these fighters working together has been great. I have different styles and all of them are sharp. Every single one of them are sharp.

“We had a few amateurs come here to train. That’s the new generation that’s coming up. They come out to be around the champion. It lets them know that there is hope.

“Everybody knows I don’t like knockouts, but everybody else likes knockouts. I just want to see the guy bring out the best out of ‘Tank’ because everybody hasn’t seen his real work. ‘Tank’ can box and he has power in both hands. Defensively he is real. I just want to see him send a message to the fighters that keep calling him out.
“This means a lot to his career. I think this is the pillar right here that he goes through to become a star. That’s what we are chasing, for him to be that star that he always has been able to be.

“It was amazing having the public here. It was lit like Floyd Mayweather’s workouts. I can see Gervonta being that star.

“I just want to tell the world that Baltimore is going to put on a great show and enjoy yourself.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“I feel like I will be ready in another three or four fights for a title fight. But it’s up to my promoters, Leonard and Floyd, whenever they feel like the time is right. I have been on big cards. I have been making good money but I want to step up the competition. I don’t want to just make good money fighting mediocre guys. I want to fight former world champions and contenders and show that I am just on a whole different level.

“I am just focused on the grind right now. I focus on the opponents in front of me. I try to get good opponents, the best opponents that they can get for me. I tell Leonard to make it happen. I am moving on up. This is a bigger card and a big opportunity for me to show the world my talent.

“All of the 140-pound champions are on my radar. I am not calling anybody out because when you focus on one thing, other things don’t always happen. They have to win and I have to win for fights to happen. One hiccup could mess up your whole career, so I am not focusing on that. July 27 is what I am focusing on. This guy is coming to beat me, he is coming to rebuild his career and I am trying to keep my career moving on.

“‘Tank’ is on the next chapter of his career. He has already been through fighting on TV and building his name. He’s just giving me the intelligence and the smarts to go out there and pick the right time to do everything. We push each other, even with runs in the morning. ‘Tank’ will say ‘I’m running three miles today’ and sometimes I will say ‘I’m running three miles.’ Then one of us will say ‘No we have to run five.’ Then we go outside and start running and we’ll be trying to beat each other. Things like that get us in better shape and hungrier. He’s another great fighter and I feel like I am a great fighter. If you get two great fighters pushing each other, like Leonard always says ‘iron sharpens iron’ so that’s what we are doing.

“You can expect a good boxing IQ, power and just a hungry young fighter. A fighter at a young tender age who is planning on a great performance.”

KAREEM MARTIN

“I am very excited to be a part of this event. We have had some big cards in D.C. I was just on another big card with Lamont Peterson and I was really motivated and I got a victory on that undercard. Now it feels good to be going down in a weight class. This is my first time going down to 140. I am ready to put this work on display in the ring.

“It’s hard to compare my style. I have a little bit of slickness, and a little bit of Mexican fighter in me. Sometimes I can go without you hitting me and sometimes I can press you out like a Mexican fighter.

“My opponent is going to try to surprise me and put a lot of pressure on me. I plan to keep getting these victories and work my way up to a world title next year.”

MALIK WARREN

“I just know I have to do what I have to do July 27. I have no concerns about my opponent. I’m happy to have this opportunity, because I have been doing this for half of my life.

“I would say 11 or 12 more fights until I am ready for a title fight. I let my managers and coaches choose my opponents and then I knock them down like bowling pins.

“I have known Tank since I was 11 years old. I have been training with him for this camp for four weeks.

“It’s very meaningful for him to bring the spotlight on Baltimore boxing. It shows that he cares about his gym and his city, as well as his little brothers in the gym.”

MALIK HAWKINS

“It’s always good to go the distance and get those rounds in. But sometimes it’s better to get the knockout if you don’t feel like being in the ring for that long. For me it’s great going in and getting the rounds.

“Around this time next year I will be looking for a title fight. If not by the end of this year.

“I have been sparring with my big brother Gervonta Davis, Richardson Hitchins, Malik Warren and Kareem Martin and I have been getting a little help from Lorenzo Simpson. All of them are tough to spar because every single one of them are sharp.

“I have known Gervonta since second grade. We went to the same elementary, middle school and high school together. We grew up together, coming through the amateurs together. Just to be on the same card as him, with him being the world champion, I am thankful for him for that.

“Baltimore means a lot to Gervonta. This is the city we grew up in and everybody loves him just as much as they love me, if not more.

“I am thankful for him having me on his card. It’s my time. I sat back and I waited. Now it’s my time to shine.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“It is going to be an electric atmosphere. It’s going to be like a movie. Baltimore next Saturday night, it’s a movie. You’ve seen the outstanding support Gervonta’s gotten, and this is just the workout. I am so excited for fight week. This is the start of something very special here. The love and support that he has received from the city has just been phenomenal. We want to thank everyone who came out and who continuously supports Gervonta Davis. This is the start of something very special here for Gervonta Davis.

“Gervonta Davis is the most exciting fighter in this sport. I expect next Saturday for him to come out there and show the fans why he is the most exciting fighter in the sport.

“Gervonta Davis will be the biggest star in the entire sport and that will happen very soon. As far as all of the other fighters are concerned, we have some very good young prospects that are on the card. It’s a tremendous card, we have a bunch of great fights for the fans and it’s going to be a great night of boxing here in Baltimore.”

# # #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. NÚÑEZ
Davis vs. Núñez will see two-time super featherweight champion and Baltimore native Gervonta “Tank” Davis become the first fighter from Baltimore in almost 80 years to make a homecoming title defense when he defends his WBA title against mandatory challenger Ricardo “Científico” Núñez live on SHOWTIME Saturday, July 27 from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature former world champions Yuriorkis Gamboa and Roman “Rocky” Martínez battling in a 10-round lightweight attraction while lightweight contender Ladarius “Memphis” Miller meets former world champion Jezzrel “El Invisible” Corrales in a 10-round showdown.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports, follow on Twitter @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @PremierBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSportsand www.facebook.com/MayweatherProm

Mikael Lawal (9-0, 6 KOs) is confident he has what it takes to win tonight’s Ultimate Boxxer tournament at the ICE Arena in Altrincham, live on BT Sport.

The 24 year-old is one of eight cruiserweights signed up for the one-night elimination tournament featuring a possible three 3×3 minute round fights, starting with a Quarterfinal clash against Wolverhampton’s Antony Woolery.

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling sharp and I just can’t wait to put on a good performance for the fans,” said Lawal. “I’ve been working in the gym for quite a while so it’s time for me to put it all out there now.

“I’m fighting Anthony Woolery in the first round and I’m taking him very seriously. There’s not really a lot out there on him but I’ve watched what I could watch and I’m going to go out there and hopefully take him out.”

“You’re definitely going to see me a lot more explosive than usual because of the tournament’s format. Usually you’re fighting over more rounds so you have to preserve your energy, but this time, there are only three rounds so the fights are quite short and you have to leave it all out there.

Lawal, who is signed with Team Sauerland and fights out of Stonebridge Boxing Club, believes he has the edge over his competition and is hoping victory can lead to other high-profile clashes with Britain’s top cruiserweights.  

“There’s some tough guys in this competition so I’m not trying to overlook anyone, but I’m very confident I can win,” he says. “I think I bring something different to the table. I think out of all the fighters here, I’m the most explosive, the strongest and have the most heart.

“It would definitely boost my career if I win. It would give me a lot more fans and a lot more exposure that should help me get the fights I want. There’s a big cruiserweight scene in the UK at the moment with a lot of good fighters and I want to be a part of that. I believe I’m ready to mix it with the best of them.”

Watch live on BT Sport or Team Sauerland’s official Facebook page. 

Katharina Thanderz (11-0, 2 KOs) and Hadi Srour (3-0, 2 KOs) return to action on August 17 on the undercard of Vincent Feigenbutz’s super middleweight clash with Cesar Nunez at the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

The rising Norwegian stars will be fighting for the first time since signing promotional contracts with Team Sauerland earlier this year following impressive performances at the SØR Amfi in Arendal on March 3.

Thanderz, the former European and WBC International Champion, claimed a majority decision win over the previously undefeated Rachel Ball in Arendal. Overcoming a broken hand in the fourth-round to secure her eleventh victory.

“I felt really good in that fight,” reflects Thanderz. “I felt like I was in control of the fight, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I broke my strongest hand in the middle round, I actually thought I could have finished the fight before the eight rounds.

“I had to have an operation on my hand after the fight. They had to introduce a titanium plate with six screws in order get the bone healed. The doctors said that this was the most secure method to get me back to the ring as fast as possible, and avoiding a possible new injury in the future.”

Now fully recovered, Thanderz is looking forward to getting back in the ring to test her skills against Monica Gentili (6-10, 1 KO), the tough Italian, who has previously gone the distance with current WBO Super Featherweight Champion Ewa Brodnicka and former WBC Lightweight Champion Delfine Persoon, and has shared the ring with current Undisputed Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor.

“I know that Monica Gentili is a brave fighter. She has met the best boxers in our weight division, and she’s not afraid to take challenges,” said Thanderz, ahead of their eight-round lightweight bout.

“She’s only lost once by KO and once by TKO, so she’s physically tough and strong. Her style is a bit different depending on who she meets, but in general I would say she’s the type of fighter who likes to come forward, and as I mentioned before, someone not afraid to take some punches. I’m expecting a hard fight, but I also feel confident in making a great performance against her.”

Srour returns to the professional realm having competed at the European Amateur Championships in Belarus in June, and will be hoping to follow up on his one sided points win over Zoltan Szabo at the SØR Amfi in March as he meets Evgenii Vazem (8-7, 3 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight contest.

“I was very pleased with my performance against Szabo,” says Srour. “It was a big step up for me, and still I dominated and he barely survived in the fourth. I know what I should do now to get the stoppage in my next fight.

“The only thing I have in my head is to put on a performance and show the people I am a man for the future. We are going to deliver the whole package. It is going to be entertainment and we are going for the KO, always.”

“Katharina and Hadi are two of the most exciting talents in Scandinavian boxing and will be great additions to an already action-packed show in Ludwigshafen,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “Katharina is closing in on a World title challenge and can move another step closer with a win over Gentili, while Hadi will want to entertain as he looks to build his name in the professional ranks.”

All the action from the Friedrich-Ebert-Halle is available to watch live on Viasport+ and Viaplay in Norway, and Sport1 in Germany. Tickets are available online via www.eventim.de or by calling +49 01806-570440.

LYNDON ARTHUR insists arch rival Anthony Yarde can shock the world and crush Sergey Kovalev next month.

Ilford hitter Yarde faces a tough assignment when he travels to Kovalev’s back yard in Chelyabinsk and challenges for the Russian’s WBO light-heavyweight title on Saturday August 24.

Yarde has won all 18 fights since turning professional, and knocked out 17 of his opponents, but will be a big underdog away from home.
.
Arthur, 28, said: “It is a hard task, but I do think Yarde has got a good chance.

“Yarde is a very hard puncher and has a chance of knocking him out, but we are still waiting to see him get hit at that level.

“I think he has a good chance, but it isn’t just Kovalev. Boxing there in Russia is a lot different to being in London where there are home comforts.

“Kovalev is very good and it’s a case of what is left in him.”

Mancunian Arthur has won all 15 professional fights and next year is a likely opponent for fellow Frank Warren promoted boxer Yarde.

They might be enemies, but Arthur will be cheering Yarde on when he makes the daunting trip to Russia.

“Even though he is a potential opponent and rival we have to support him and I wish him all the best out there. I will support any British fighter especially on the road,” explained Arthur.

“I have seen people online saying Yarde has no chance against Kovalev,  but those saying that are the ones who will say, ‘I knew he could do it,’ if he wins.

“As fighters in the public eye we have to accept that people give opinions on us and will want us to get beat.

“But Anthony has to do what he wants and he is by having this fight. That is the main thing and all I can do is wish him well.”

Kovalev v Yarde will be live on BT Sport on August 24.

Teofimo Lopez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Mashayomi Nakatani in a lightweight elimination bout at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

With the win, Lopez earned a shot at IBF Lightweight champion Richard Commey.

Lopez, 134.4 lb of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 119-109 and 118-110 twice, ad is now 14-0. Nakatami, 134.4 lbs of Osaka, JAP is 18-1.

LAS VEGAS (July 18, 2019) – Undefeated Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee had a tense face-off and exchanged words Thursday at the final press conference before their showdown that headlines FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX & FOX Deportes this Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Also squaring-off at Thursday’s press conference and kicking off the broadcast at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT were unbeaten rising heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Ali Eren Demirezen, who compete in a 10-round attraction.

Following the action on FOX, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Senator Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao battles undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is presented by Sweethands Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charged by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Thursday.

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve been saying it the whole week during my interviews. It was a goal to become a world champion, but it was not the only goal. I will be defending my world title successfully and in fashion come this Saturday. I’m encouraging everyone to tune-in, because it will not go 12 rounds. He’ll either wave the white flag or I’ll wave it for him.

“If you’ve been paying attention I’ve been telling everyone I’m in better shape than I was for the Jose Uzcategui fight. I’m hitting harder and my sparring has been better. You will see a new Caleb come this Saturday.

“He’s never fought on a stage like this and to be honest neither have I. This is my first time being on FOX. I feel like I am more prepared than he is. I have been in tough fights and I have been through the fire so I know I am prepared.

“I keep grinding because if you don’t you will fail. With every decision you can take two roads. You can take the wrong one or the right one. Sometimes there are gray areas but when it comes to your question, there’s no gray areas, it’s either you work or you don’t eat. There isn’t a back-up plan for me.

“I’m not really a new school guy. I don’t really do all the visual stuff & the new aged technology. I do old school boxing stuff. I hit the bag, I hit the speed bag, I hit the heavy bag. I spar, I run, I have a great strength & condition coach and we do a lot of sprints. We do a lot of difficult stuff which is high caliber, but I’m old school.

“There’s so much more to obtain, there’s so much more that I’m after. I am not at the peak of the mountain I feel like by winning the world title I just got to the base of the mountain. The goal is to be the first undisputed middleweight champion of the world.

“There are zoo lions and there are jungle lions and the zoo lion will look at the jungle lion and think they are the same thing. But it’s all the peace that he’s had throughout his life that’s cost him his strength. And all of the victories he’s had throughout his life that’s made him weak. But from a distance they look the same. Until it’s time to eat or be eaten.

“Taking the title away from me is a tall order. I know what I am willing and prepared to do to keep that title, I don’t know if there’s too many other guys in this sport who are willing to do the same thing.

“A lot of guys in the business are starving themselves to make weight but we don’t believe in that. You stay in shape all year and you do your job all year. This is not a seasonal sport. This is a lifestyle. If you aren’t going to make it a lifestyle, then don’t even get into it. This is something I work hard all year around so I get to eat good all year around. My spirits are up, I feel good, I feel strong and I’m just excited to be here in front of all of you guys.”

MIKE LEE

“I’m excited for this fight. It’s a great opportunity and I’m going to give all the fans a show.

“I live in the present moment. That’s all I care about is this moment. You can see when I hop in the ring, I’m smiling and having fun. That’s me. When I’m having fun and I am doing my thing, that’s when I perform the best.

“The trash talking goes back and forth, that’s been as old as time. Nothing he’s saying is new. It’s all recycled stuff he’s heard on TV or heard in movies. It’s nothing new to me. It doesn’t even bother me. I laugh at it.

“It’s been beautiful losing those seven pounds. You saw us standing next to each other. You saw how skinny and little he looked and how big I looked. We are going to get down to 168 the exact time we have to and then we are going to hydrate and come back up.

“You have seen me in media workouts. You see me working out. Here we are a few days away from weigh-in and I don’t look depleted at all. I am going to step on that scale with no worries and come fight night he is going to feel why I am a 175-pound fighter.

“Maybe I should have fought at 168 sooner because 175 wasn’t difficult and 168 isn’t too difficult right now. I think once I win this belt I will be happy to defend it at 168.

“I hope he exchanges. I have the power, speed and boxing ability. Whether I end it early or late, I am going to be there and on him. I hope he comes forward and exchanges. I would love that.

“Anything Plant says doesn’t concern me. You can see my speed, my power, my strength and my mindset. That’s what wins fights. So I’m here to win and take that belt and hear ‘and the new!’

“I was born for these moments. I love the crowd and the intensity. It’s going to be an incredible night live on FOX.

“Coming down to 168-pounds has been easy. I have an awesome team behind me and a phenomenal nutritionist. I should have cut down earlier. I’m excited and am going to make the most of this moment.

“This is when I shine. The fact that this fight is on FOX and millions of people can watch is incredible. Everybody here in Las Vegas should come to MGM Grand and watch me knock this guy out.”

EFE AJAGBA

“Every fight I’m in is a big one. Saturday night is going to be show time. I get to show what I do, because I train very hard. I train two hours a day, sometimes three times a day to get better.

“There’s no way this guy is going to beat me. I’m going to stop him in round one or two.

“I train for everything. Everything I do in the ring, I do in training first. If I don’t do it in training it, then it won’t work in the fight, so that’s why I always make sure I do it in training before I try anything in a fight.

“My opponent loves to fight. But, I do too. I love to fight and I love to box. When I fight him, I will knock him out.

“Saturday night I’m going to focus on my head movements and make sure that I throw a lot of punches. Right now, I’m going to show the world what boxing is all about. When I use my head movements, he’s not going to be able to see or hit my face. The moment I move, I throw punches.

“This is my chance. This is my dream. The fans motivate me. It’s on my mind and in my dreams to become a champion. My time is coming. It’s not now, but it’s coming, so I need to keep climbing.”

ALI EREN DEMIREZEN

“I am ready for Saturday night. It is a huge fight for me and I will be the winner. Efe Ajagba is just another fighter in my way. If I cannot beat Efe Ajagba, then I don’t need to fight anymore.

“I am working hard in training for this fight to be at my very best. My knockouts come from my hard work and I want another one on Saturday.

“I know Efe Ajagba from the 2016 Olympics. The last two or three months I have watched his fights because Ajagba fought someone else from our team, Mike Wallisch.

“Ajagba is nothing special when you watch him. I fully believe that I will knock him out.

“Ajagba has too much pressure on him because everybody expects a lot from him. His opponents have not been very good. Ajagba wants to use me like stairs but I will use him. My final destination is the heavyweight world title.

“I took this fight so that I can get even bigger fights. I am able to show the United States that I am a warrior and a good fighter. It was my dream to be a fighter and I’m going to show my skills this Saturday.”

# # #

ABOUT PLANT VS. LEE
FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX and FOX Deportes is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant making the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender and University of Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with rising unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba squaring off against undefeated 2016 Turkish Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen.

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

ESPN + (10 p.m. ET)

Teofimo Lopez 134.4 lbs vs. Masayoshi Nakatani 134.4 lbs
(IBF Lightweight world title eliminator – 12 Rounds)

Maxim Dadashev 139.2 lbs vs. Subriel Matias 139.8 lbs
(IBF Junior Welterweight world title eliminator – 12 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

Dusty Hernandez-Harrison 159.8 lbs vs. Juan De Angel 164.8 lbs
(Middleweight – 8 Rounds)

Cassius Chaney 252.8 lbs vs. Joel Caudle 255.6 lbs
(Heavyweight – 8/6 Rounds)

Tyler Howard 161.8 lbs vs. Jamaal Davis 161.8 lbs
(Middleweight- 8 Rounds)

Tyler McCreary 133.2 lbs vs. Jessie Cris Rosales 134 lbs
(Lightweight – 8 Rounds)

Esquiva Falcao 161.2 lbs Jesus Antonio Gutierrez 161.2 lbs
(Middleweight – 10 Rounds)

Swing Bouts
Rolando Vargas 134.4 lbs Nathaniel Davis 134.6 lbs
(Lightweight- 4 Rounds)

Patrick Harris 138.6 lbs vs. Donald Ward 138.4 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 8/6 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the MGM National Harbor.

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

Use the hashtag #LopezNakatani 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. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.
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LAS VEGAS (July 18, 2019) – All-time boxing greats Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Winky Wright, plus WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter,previewed the Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman showdown for media on Thursday ahead the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event taking place this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Two of the most popular Mexican fighters of their generation, Morales and Barrera both offered special insight into what it takes to match up against Pacquiao. A former four-division world champion, Morales faced Pacquiao three times, winning once, while Barrera, a three-division champion, battled Pacquiao twice, losing both contests.

A long-reigning 154-pound world champion during his career, Wright is from the same Tampa-area that Thurman hails from and has known Thurman since childhood. He was also trained by Thurman’s head coach Dan Birmingham. Porter and Thurman engaged in one of 2016’s most exciting fights, as Porter lost a narrow decision to Thurman before Porter went on to become a two-time welterweight champion last September.

Here is what the legends had to say Thursday from MGM Grand:

ERIK MORALES

“To win that fight I was very technical against Manny Pacquiao and that’s what Thurman needs to do and be prepared for, which I was on that night.

“You definitely have to have a good strategy against Manny Pacquiao, and you have to have your timing right against him because he will slip out. So you have to work on that, and if he gets out, you have to start again and pressure him.

“I’m definitely surprised that Pacquiao is still fighting at this age, due to the fact that he’s been through so many wars. So it’s definitely interesting that he’s still fighting at this high of a level. Then again, I’m not surprised because mentally and physically he’s still training and still maintaining a great training regiment, which he has always maintained all throughout his career.”

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA

“When you’re facing Manny Pacquiao, you know that he’s a strong, explosive, fast fighter. It’s very impactful when you see him there in front of you, but we have Morales here who was one of few men to beat him, so it is possible.

“It’s very difficult to face Pacquiao. He’s a lefty and sometimes he jumps a meter away from you and then he’s right back in front of you. I’m a fighter that’s very technical so that made it even harder to hit Manny Pacquiao.

“Pacquiao puts in a lot of pressure and is always on top of you. Psychologically it’s a tough fight to fight Manny Pacquiao at any time because you think that he is going to go back but then he switches it up. He maintains a constant pressure on you mentally.

“Pacquiao hits to the body a lot. When he hits that left right into the stomach, it’s devastating. That’s how he hit me in that first fight that we had. Now he’s fighting a younger guy, 10 years younger than him, he is really going to work the body on Saturday.

“At the end of the day we all get nervous when we go into the ring especially with such a big event. But once you get into the ring and start fighting, you start adapting to it and then the plan of attack that you have been training for comes into play.”

WINKY WRIGHT

“When I first met Keith Thurman it was clear the incredible power this young kid had as well as his will to win. I think Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter and he will come out throwing a lot of punches, but I think Keith Thurman’s jabs and movements are harder than Manny thinks.

“Every fighter bets on himself or believes in himself. When I fought I bet on myself because I believed I was going to win no matter what. Keith is a fighter that believes in his ability. He believes that he’s going to go out there and knock Manny Pacquiao out. How he does it is a different thing.

“Manny is a fighter that’s in and out. He has great movement and can throw quick punches. He’s tough but father time is undefeated. Father time will get everyone. We were all great at one point but as you get older you lose that step and that one tenth of a second that took us from being great to being normal.

“That fight against Josesito Lopez allowed Keith to get his timing back and get back into the ring and remember what it feels like to get hit. Shawn put a lot of pressure on fighters. and most can’t see how much pressure he puts on. By seeing the fight with Shawn and seeing the fight with Lopez, Keith is showing you his diverse boxing game. A lot of people don’t understand that.

“Manny can hurt you, he throws a lot of good body shots, a lot of good strong shots and he can hurt you. But, I just think Keith is on his game right now. If he dictates Manny’s ability to jump in and out, then he can win this fight.”

“Manny Pacquiao looks good hitting the mitts and the bags but the bags don’t hit back. Fighters will tell you that all the time. The mitts don’t hit back, but Keith Thurman hits back. Manny Pacquiao hits back. Whichever fighter can impose their will on the other fighter, that’s the fighter that’s going to win.

SHAWN PORTER

“We all know what Manny has done. He’s a living legend and you cannot take that away from him. I think when the fight was announced everyone saw the young lion coming out and taking over, but I think that as people are started to look at this fight as a whole, they are starting to see that Manny Pacquiao is Manny Pacquiao. I think he’s the favorite to win this fight for a reason.

“Keith is not out of character at all this promotion. One thing about Keith is he does not say anything that he does not mean. He believes in everything he says. The confidence that you see coming from him now is very real. The number one thing about Keith is that he has the will to win. With 29 wins and 0 losses, he figures out a way to do it and I think going into this fight he says the way he is going to beat Manny is by destroying him and making him retire. He believes that he can do that within three rounds. I’m not mad at him. I’m a firm believer that he’s going to go out there and try to put the gas to the pedal really quick and try to get Manny out of there.

“Traditionally these kind of generation vs. generation matchups happen. It hasn’t happened in a very long time in boxing, but this is a part of the tradition. There’s always a guy that comes and takes over by taking out the guy who’s considered to be the legend. Since Mayweather has made his exit, everyone is putting Manny Pacquiao in that position again.

“The fact that this fight is happening is the best part about it. There’s so many different variables that add up in this fight. I think that that’s the best part about this matchup. It’s really interesting and exciting. I can pick Manny or he can pick Keith but at the end of the day, we all have to watch on Saturday night. I think it’s going to be a big explosion.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN
Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao vs. Thurman will pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

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

New York, July 18th, 2019

Tomorrow nights (7/19) entire “Rockin’ Fights” card weighed-in today at Modell’s Sporting Goods, ahead of tomorrow night’s fights. Tomorrow night’s entire card, including the WBC FECARBOX Silver Title main-event between DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ and JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST and the ABO America’s Welterweight Title bout between RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION and DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH, will be available via FITE.TV PPV starting at 8:00PM/ET. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will stream all five bouts and be available for just $14.99. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 35 TODAY!
FIGHT: FRIDAY, JULY 19TH, 2019
$50, $60, $100, $150, $200
BUY TICKETS HERE!
10-ROUND WBC FECARBOX SILVER SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT MAIN EVENT
DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ: 139.6 lbs.
JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST.: 138.4 lbs.

6-ROUND SUPER WELTERWEIGHT BOUT:
“THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES: 154.2 lbs.
RAY OLIVEIRA JR.: 152.8 lbs.

8-ROUND ABO AMERICA’S WELTERWEIGHT FEATURED BOUT
RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (Challenger): 146 lbs.
DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH (Champion): 146.6 lbs.

4-ROUND SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT:
JUSTICE BLAND: 120 lbs.
RAFAEL CASTILLO: 122.4 lbs.

4-ROUND SUPER WELTERWEIGHT BOUT:
JUAN MANCILLA: 153.2 lbs.
JERMAINE CORLEY: 150.4 lbs.

If you could not catch the weigh-in LIVE, watch HERE.

The Paramount Doors open at 7:00PM, Event begins at 7:30PM, FITE.TV Stream goes live at 8:00PM.

Bouts subject to change.

“Rockin’ Fights” is presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING, on a great night of action at The Paramount, in Huntington, Long Island with a WBC FECARBOX Silver Title on the line in the main event between DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ vs JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST. Featured on the undercard will be highly touted prospect RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION challenging for the ABO America’s Welterweight Title against champion DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH, as well as undefeated, Long Island fan favorite, “THE JACKPOT” TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES.
FIGHT NIGHT LIVE STREAM:
Friday night’s entire card, will be available via FITE.TV PPV starting at 8:00PM/ET. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will stream all five bouts and be available for just $14.99. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website. Pre-order Rockin’ Fights 35, HERE.

Rockin’ Fights 35 Gonzalez vs Conquest Promo
For media use, please tag @StarBoxing
Rockin’ Fights 35 Gonzalez vs Conquest

INFO:
STAR BOXING is excited to return to its renown Long Island venue, The Paramount, on July 19th, for another thrilling night of “Rockin’ Fights.” The 35th edition of the acclaimed fight series yet again brings highly talented New York centric fighters, with an international flair to The Paramount. The main-event
features one of The Paramount’s favorites, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Woodhaven, NY 17-2-1 7KO’s), as he returns for his fourth main event against JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST (Philadelphia, PA 10-4 1KO) for the WBC FECARBOX Silver Super Lightweight Title. On the undercard, fan favorite TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES makes his much anticipated return, while highly touted welterweight prospect, RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (10-1 6KO’s) challenges for the ABO America’s Welterweight title, against champion DENNIS “BILLABONG” OKOTH (Silver Springs, MD 3-2-1 2KO’s).

PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Rockin’ Fights 35 Card Announcement
Rockin’ Fights Media Credential Application
Rockin’ Fights 35: ABO America’s Title Bout – Austion vs Okoth
Rockin’ Fights 35 Official Media Schedule
Tyrone James; The Man Behind The Character
Rockin’ Fights 35 Press-Conference Reminder
Rockin’ Fights 35 Press-Conference Quotes & Photos
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 35 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, Camelot Limousine and The Tudor Advisory Group.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Follow all the action via social media at Star Boxing on Facebook, @StarBoxing on Instagram and @StarBoxing on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #RockinFights. For the latest Star Boxing events and news, follow @StarBoxing across all social platforms. Sign-up for our mailing list HERE.

NEW YORK (July 17, 2019)–Two members of the Split-T Management stable will be on display in supporting bouts on Friday night at The MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Undefeated middleweight Tyler Howard will take on hard-nosed Philly Fighter Jamaal Davis, while undefeated lightweight Rolando Vargas squares off with fellow undefeated fighter Nathaniel Lee Davis.

Those bouts will be part of the undercard of fellow Split-T fighter, Teofimo Lopez taking on Masayoshi Nakatani in an IBF Lightweight Elimination bout.

Howard of Crossville, Tennessee has a record of 17-0 with 11 knockouts. The 25 year-old Howard is eager to get back in the ring after his scheduled fight for June 28th fell out at the last moment when his opponent was 14 pounds over the contracted weight.

Howard is coming off the two best wins of his career as he stopped Isiah Seldon (12-1-1) in the 1st round; a win over Cristian Olivas (16-3) on February 15th.

In Davis, Howard will be taking on a veteran who has 33 fights on his ledger Davis has wins over Joey Damalavez (2-0), Terrence Williams (4-1) and Blake Mansfield (6-1-1).

Vargas (2-0, 2 KOs) of Milwaukee, was a 2017 National Junior Olympic Champion, will take on undefeated Nathaniel Lee Davis (1-0) in a lightweight bout, scheduled for four-rounds.

Davis will be the 2nd undefeated opponent for Vargas in three fights.

The Top Rank promoted card can be seen live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 PM ET.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (July 18, 2019) – Trouble, oh Keith’s got trouble, right here in sin city! With a capital “T” and that rhymes with “D” and that stands for demolished! World-famous Freddie Roach, half Hall of Fame trainer and half Professor Harold Hill, was in a lyrical mood on Wednesday after watching boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) go through a light workout before heading over to the final press conference. The amazin’ Manny, 40, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade, is just two days away from challenging undefeated WBA welterweight super world champion ketchup king Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida. The Pacquiao – Thurman welterweight world title attraction headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, this Saturday, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

“Thurman is ten years younger than Manny and Manny is the one who has been more active. This will be Manny’s third world title fight in 12 months! The pressure is all on Thurman to perform. I think he will make a show of it early and come after Manny. That’s when reality will set it,” said Roach. “Thurman will try to keep up with Manny’s pace and that’s when ‘One Time’ finds out what it’s like to fight All Time. Thurman will then be faced with an unenviable choice. Does he run away from an old man like Broner, or get pushed around the ring by an old man, like Matthysse? Manny will have the Fighter of the Year award wrapped up after this one.”

A bemused Manny laughed out lout after hearing Freddie…but he didn’t disagree.

“There is a big percentage that this fight will not go 12 rounds. That is not a prediction, just my analysis. If he goes toe-to-toe with me that will be lovely. It will make it a shorter fight.” said Manny. “Keith Thurman is a good fighter. His record shows that. His record also shows who he has fought. His era of opposition is a lot different than mine. The difference between the mentality of my era compared to Keith Thurman’s is I have a strong passion for the sport of boxing and he seems to have other interests. I still have something to prove at age forty. This is not about my legacy. It is about adding an important milestone to my résumé. It is about proving that at forty I can still fight anyone, that I am still relevant in boxing. I have pushed myself to the limit in training camp and I am prepared to push myself to the limit on July 20. Keith Thurman has talked a good game. We will see how far he is willing to push himself on Saturday night.”

**************************

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN

Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

The Pacquiao-Thurman Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, remaining tickets for the event can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

For more information:

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

NEW YORK (July 18, 2019)–Boxing’s hottest star, undefeated lightweight Teofimo Lopez takes what should be the last step towards securing a world title when he takes on Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0, 12 KOs) in the main event of a big card tomorrow night at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The fight is an IBF Title Eliminator, will be streamed live on ESPN+ beginning at 10:00 ET. (The card begins at 6:30 PM ET on ESPN+).

With the win, Lopez will be set up for a fall showdown with IBF world champion Richard Commey.

Lopez of Brooklyn, New York has had a meteoric rise up the lightweight division as he has compiled a record of 13-0 with 11 knockouts.

The charismatic 21 year-old Lopez first must get through the undefeated visitor from Osaka, Japan.

Nakatani is the long-time OBPF Lightweight champion, who has cleaned out the best fighters in Japan, and will be making his United States debut.

“Training camp was great this time around, and I just loved how everything was put to schedule,” said Lopez, who is coming off a 5th round stoppage over Edis Tatli on April 20th at Madison Square Garden.

“Nakatani is no pushover, and I know he’s going to come and try to win this fight. He’s undefeated, and is a lot taller than me so he has the advantage with his reach. I trust my coach and my team that our game plan is going to work, and I see us knocking Nakatani out before 12 rounds.”

“A win for me will lead us to become the mandatory challenger to face the IBF World Champion Richard Commey.

Lopez is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank

Warriors Boxing of South Florida and Russia-based Ural Promotions proudly announce the signing of highly coveted blue-chip light heavyweight prospect Osvary David Morrell Gutierrez of Cuba to a long-term promotional contract.

21-year-old Morrell Gutierrez is a fighter considered by many a Vasyl Lomachenko-level talent and one of the most promising fighters to ever come out of Cuba. Among his many amateur distinctions, he was a 2017 Cuban National Champion, a 2016 AIBA World Youth Champion in St. Petersburg, Russia, named “Best Boxer of the Tournament” and a 2018 India Open International Boxing Tournament in New Delhi, India.

Morrell Gutierrez finished his amateur career with an astounding record of 130-2, having only lost to his legendary countryman and Olympic gold medalist, Julio César la Cruz, in a fight many had him winning and to Canada’s Harvey David O’Reilly in Canada, a loss which he later avenged.

Legendary boxing manager/promoter and now Warriors Boxing Chief Operating Officer, Luis DeCubas can’t heap enough praise on the young phenom.

“Most people that know Cuban boxing think this is the best kid to ever come out Cuba. I really believe he will take over the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions,” said DeCubas. “This is a great signing and I’m very proud to be involved with him and Ural Promotions on this.”

DeCubas, who has worked with many of the greatest fighters of the last 30 years, says Morrell Gutierrez is on another level.

“He’s special. He’s like a Lomachenko with power. He has perfect timing and great footwork and he can crack. Bob Arum thought enough of Lomachenko to put him in a world title fight in his second fight. This guy is the same thing. Five fights and he can be in with a top-10 guy. He’s like a Sugar Ray Robinson type of fighter and a nice-looking kid on top of it. He is going to be a star of the highest order in boxing.”

Morrell Gutierrez arrived yesterday in Miami and is going to live and train there for his professional debut, which will probably be some time in August.

“I am now signed with the team I needed to become a world champion from Cuba,” said Morrell Gutierrez. “I have been dreaming of coming to the United States to become world champion since I started boxing. I am very honored, and I will make all of Cuba proud of my accomplishments.”

Warriors Boxing President Leon Margules said Morrell Gutierrez won’t need long to make his mark in boxing.

“This is the kind of fighter who comes along once in a generation. You don’t go 130-2 as an amateur in Cuba unless you are an extraordinary talent. We are going to help Osvary become a superstar in the sport in quick fashion. He’s not going to need the kind of warm-up fights that other prospects do. He’s already one of the best fighters in his division and he’s only going to get better and stronger as he matures. It’s exciting to be involved in this from his very first fight.”

About Warriors Boxing:

Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation.

With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to its credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table.

When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts featured on pay-per-view, as well as networks and streaming services such as DAZN, Showtime, HBO, ESPN+, Bounce and Fox Sports.

For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Former amateur star George Davey says he is realising a childhood dream by signing up to turn professional with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.

The super welterweight, with more than 50 amateur fights to his name, trains out of York with former European and Commonwealth champion Henry Wharton having left the family home in Lanzarote in order to dedicate himself to the sport.

Now 21, Davey returned to his place of birth to live with his grandmother four years ago and he subsequently won the Yorkshire Elite title – defending it three times – as well as the Northern Area title and is a two-times winner of the Haringey Box Cup.

He will now turn professional under the Queensberry Promotions banner and Davey couldn’t be happier over the development, having essentially swapped the beach for the boxing ring.

“It is unbelievable for me,” he said. “Basically, right from when I was a kid and I started boxing, I have wanted to sign up with Frank. Now my dream has become reality.

“I used to watch all the old fights he promoted and now I have a massive opportunity myself that I am very grateful for. My trainer Henry (Wharton) got in touch with Frank and spoke highly of me, so Frank said let’s get it on, we had a meeting and here we are now.

“I started boxing in Lanzarote and had a couple of fights there, but knew I would have to move to England to push on so I came to York to train with Henry and he got me 50 amateur fights, so it has gone well.

“I made the sacrifice of moving back after 17 years in Lanzarote from being couple of months old hoping it would pay off and it looks like it is.”

Promoter Frank Warren added on his new signing: “We are always an open door for talented young fighters and George fits right into this category.

“Taking on young fighters from day one and developing them towards major titles is what I love to do and hopefully George will become another success story.”

You can follow George Davey’s journey on his official Instagram page: /georgedavey_97

INDIO, CALIF. (July 18, 2019): A huge battle between two undefeated super lightweight prospects heads to the Coachella Valley as Luis Feliciano (12-0, 8 KOs) takes on Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-0, 6 KOs) in a 10-round main event of the Aug. 22 edition Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. The fights 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.

Feliciano is a 26-year-old boxer who is defined by his humility outside the ring and his dangerous killer instinct in the ring. The native of Milwaukee, Wis. has his roots Puerto Rico, where he has developed a strong following after fighting there several times since debuting as a professional in 2017. Feliciano, who is under the tutelage of the renowned trainer Ben Liraand managed by Ralph Heredia, is ready to take his career to the next level.

“I’m more than ready for my career to take off,” said Luis Feliciano. “I’ve been staying really busy fighting here in the United States and in Puerto Rico. That’s going to make the difference in this fight, along with my skills. This fight is going to make me into a contender, so I’m going to work very hard to get my hand raised.”

Gamez is a native of San Diego, Calif. who possess an explosive style that combines speed and power. Since making his debut in 2016, Gamez has maintained an unblemished record, though he has had some issues making weight in previous fights. The 24-year-old pugilist maintains that his issues are in the past, and he’ll now fight at 140 pounds. Gamez will take on toughest test of his career in a battle that will demonstrate which one of these young fighters is destined for a world title shot.

“I’m back and I’m stronger than ever,” said Genaro Gamez.”I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this, so I’m excited to demonstrate my skills. When I have a big challenge, I perform even better, so I look forward to obtaining a great victory against Luis Feliciano.”

In the co-main event, Blair “Flair” Cobbs (11-0-1, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will fight against Steve “Manos de Oro” Villalobos(11-0-1, 9 KOs) of Mount Vernon, Wash. in a 10-round welterweight battle.

Kevin Ventura (10-0, 8 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska will participate in a six-round lightweight fight against Brian Gallegos (6-1, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas.

Raul “Cougar” Curiel (6-0, 4 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico will fight Chris “Milly” Ousley (11-0, 9 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois in a six-round super welterweight bout between two Golden Boy prospects.

Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (5-0, 5 KOs) of Garden City, Kansas will participate in a six-round super welterweight fight.

Anthony Garnica (3-0, 2 KOs) of Oakland, Calif. will fight in a four-round super bantamweight clash.

Opponents for the undercard will be announced shortly.

Feliciano vs. Gamez is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.”The fight will take place Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. 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.

Tickets for the event will go on sale Thursday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. PT and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com

Media interested covering Feliciano vs Gamez must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, Aug. 19 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential on-site, no expectations.

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 #FelicianoGamez, #ThursdayNightFights and #TNF.

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

LAS VEGAS (July 17, 2019) – Eight-division champion Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face-to-face Wednesday at the final press conference before their blockbuster showdown that headlines the Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View this Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Also in attendance at the press conference and going face-to-face Wednesday were welterweights Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa and Yordenis Ugás, who meet in a 12-round WBC title eliminator, former champion Sergey Lipinets and John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr, who go toe-to-toe in a 10-round welterweight match, plus former bantamweight champions Luis “Pantera” Nery and Juan Carlos Payano, who meet in a 12-round bout. The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Prior to the press conference, the pay-per-view undercard fighters participated in media workouts along with fighters competing on FOX PBC Fight Night preceding the pay-per-view. That show is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee, plus unbeaten heavyweights Efe Ajagba and Ali Eren Demirezen.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office. Plant vs. Lee is presented by Sweethands Promotions and TGB Promotions.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Wednesday.

MANNY PACQUIAO

“For me nothing is personal. I have to do my job and there is nothing personal with him. Our job is to fight and he has to prove something, and I have to prove something. That’s why I’m so motivated for this fight and this training camp. It’s also my first time fighting on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View, so I’m excited to fight on Saturday.

“I’m just always smiling no matter what Keith says. It’s easy to say things, but it’s not easy to do it in the ring. I’ve been in this sport longer than Keith Thurman, so my experience will be the difference.

“This is going to be an exciting fight and a once-in-a-lifetime fight. Like he has said, there is going to be a lot of action in the ring. I respect my opponent because we both believe we can give a good fight to the fans. That’s our first concern. The fans and the enjoyment of the fans.

“That’s Thurman’s style to talk a lot. Like I said, it gives me more motivation to focus, and it has helped me a lot leading up to this fight.

“I’m not predicting a knockout for this fight, but we did our best in this training camp. I’m focused and motivated, so we’ll see. I’ll do my best to make the fans happy.

“My feeling right now is happiness and excitement to prove that at the age of 40, I can still show my best.

“Boxing is my passion. I love to play basketball, but you are a team, you don’t know which people are shooting, you or your teammates. Boxing is you alone. When people are cheering for you, it is for you.

“We did our best in training and I believe we are physically ready, as well as spiritually ready. I expect a good fight so tune-in Saturday. The way Thurman spoke today, I hope he will live up to it on Saturday.”

KEITH THURMAN

“I’m looking forward to the fight. I’m looking forward to the final moment when my hand is raised. It’s been a build-up and a progression my whole career toward this moment on Saturday night.

“Manny isn’t going to do anything. With the little ‘T-Rex’ arms. He’s about to get beat up. I get to punch a Senator in the face and he’s going to feel it. If he’s upset about it, he can do something about it Saturday night. It’s called swing, swing, swing baby.

“I’m a winner in life, and to bet on myself to win in the opening rounds, it makes me do what I said earlier, which is swing, swing, swing. You’ve got to swing to hit a home run. You can’t just sit there and pump fake all day.

“It’s an honor to be here at MGM Grand. I’m truly looking forward to this fight. We’ve had a terrific, terrific training camp.

“I say I’m going to put him to sleep because I’ve got power. I want to remind the world of something. Something very simple: I’m Keith ‘One Time’ Thurman. I have the name for a reason. Not a short season.

“I feel like I’ve made boxing history. When I beat Danny Garcia, we were two undefeated welterweight champions. In boxing history, there haven’t been many times when WBA and the WBC was unified with two undefeated welterweights. But, I don’t think it’s enough to really solidify a legacy. So, I do need the victory to further my own personal legacy come Saturday night.

“Do you understand people fight in the street for no money? I’m living a dream to be on this stage, to be on this platform, to have this camera, this camera, that camera, all in front of me.

“This really is the outcome of an individual living out their dream. It all comes together on Saturday night.

“I’ve been saying it over and over again, don’t be surprised if Manny Pacquiao goes night-night.”

OMAR FIGUEROA

“I have never prepared better than I have for this fight and I am ready to prove that Saturday night.

“It means the world to me to be in this position, especially because of all of the injuries I’ve had and the setbacks. It’s my third fight in almost four years. I am just grateful for this opportunity.

“Everything is going well for me including in my last fight. There’s often something that happens, but thankfully this camp I have been completely healthy. We were very smart in camp. We were very careful. We sparred the rounds that felt like we needed to spar. I closed camp with 12 hard rounds and I haven’t been able to do that in a while because of injuries. It just feels good mentally and all around. I don’t think I have ever been in a better place.

“Fighting gets my juices flowing. I feel like I was born to fight. I have been doing this for 24 years now. This is what I live for.

“This camp I’ve felt great. I was healthy and I did exactly what I needed to do inside the ring as far as sparring and everything. I took care of my hands and my body. Mentally I’m at the best place I’ve ever been.

“My close people know that I’m taking this extremely serious. They see how I am in camp. I’ve been doing this for 24 years and it takes a toll on the body. For this fight, I’m healthy and everything is looking good. I’m probably on weight right now, and if not I still have more than enough time.

“If I stay healthy during the fight, it’s not going the distance.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m really happy to get a second opportunity to earn a world title shot. What happened against Shawn Porter is in the past and I’m only looking into the future, which is Saturday night.

“Omar Figueroa is a very strong fighter who throws a lot of punches. I believe his fighting style in combination with mine will make a very exciting fight.

“A win will put me back in contention for a world title shot, which is what I want. I see the fight as 50/50 but I am only focused on my fight, nothing beyond it.

“I predict that I will win. I’m going to give it all I’ve got. No matter If it goes the full 12 rounds, I am going to fight hard for every send.

“There are many other good Cuban fighters such as Erislandy Lara, Luis Ortiz and so on, but I feel as though I am the best. It’s up to me to prove it.

“I am focused on my fight right now but either Shawn Porter or Errol Spence Jr. has a good shot of winning and I would absolutely be ready to face either one.”

SERGEY LIPINETS

“I’m very happy and I’m excited that I have this opportunity to fight on a show like this. I’m one hundred percent prepared for this fight, and I believe John is ready to fight as well. So I know it’s going to end up being a great fight.

“If someone were to tell me two years ago to imagine myself on this stage, I would never believe it. But, I’m here now and I’m here to make a statement. Everyone is going to be happy to see this fight.

“We changed corners as you know. Joe is in my corner right now and I’m very excited. It motivates me and he gives me a new boxing game and teaches me things that I’ve never even thought about. When it comes to John Molina Jr., whatever he brings into the ring, we have an answer to. There’s not going to be any question marks.

“Well ironically, we started here in the U.S. first at Joe’s gym. Finally, we came full circle and I chose to go back to Joe.

“Joe Goossen made me a different fighter. My defense got way better. I’m punching in a way where I’m hurting people more and that’s just what Joe Goossen does.

“Making weight is all about discipline, what you eat, how you maintain your weight outside of the ring and that’s what we do. If you are a professional athlete that’s what you do. I’m still maintaining my life style.

“I have Joe Goossen right now as my lead trainer, so I feel very confident. Prior to the Lamont Petersons fight, he got me in the gym and gave me a new way of fighting and I believe you saw that in the fight with Lamont Peterson. I’m trying to carry on that momentum into the fight with Molina. It’s going to be a great fight and no one is going to be disappointed.”

JOHN MOLINA JR.

“It’s very special to be a part of this platform. I love what I do. I love putting on for all of the fans and Saturday night is going to be a great night of fights.

“This is my job. I have been here before a million times and now it’s time for me to do my job on Saturday. Lipinets has a style that excites me because of what I can do as well to make this a great fight. The fans are in for a treat.

“He’s a tough guy and he’s going to come forward. I’m not going to have to go find him. I’m very excited about the fight. He’s going to be a good opponent and it’s going to be a good fight.

“My strong points are my power and my will to win. I look to do my job and I’m always in a position to do it. I’m always in a position to showcase to the world why I’m here.

“Lipinets is a tough guy and he he fared well against Mikey Garcia who’s one of the best, so he’s definitely a good fighter. I need to be sharp and use my experience to take advantage of him.

“I’ve been in there with the best. I’ve been in there with everybody. There’s nothing that man can do Saturday night that’s going to surprise me. So it’s up to me to capitalize on that and take advantage of it.

“I love the fact that the fans respect my craft and what I do. Because I put my everything into this fight game. Everything that I’ve ever earned and that I’ve grinded for it. This is why I give my all every time.

“I am going to use my experience to my advantage and I am going to come out on top.”

LUIS NERY

“I am very honored to be here especially with all of my Mexican fans and all of my fans from around the world. I am very pleased and thankful to be on such a great card with Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

“My strength and power comes from my heart. It will all be on display Saturday night.

“We are going to go straight at Payano. We are going to put the pressure on. We are going to go for the knockout, if it doesn’t come, we had a great camp in Puerto Rico and we are ready for whatever he brings to the table.”

“Being on this card means a lot. First I was on the Errol Spence vs. Mikey Garcia card, now its Manny Pacquiao vs Keith Thurman. I look forward to going after (WBC 118-pound champ) Nordine Oubaali, who has the title I used to hold.

“I don’t think Nordine Oubaali fought well at all. He’s a good fighter but I don’t see him doing well in the ring with me. That’s my title and I’m going to win it back, 100 percent. He’s the champion but that’s my title and I’m ready for the opportunity and he’s going to have to step his game up when he gets in the ring with me.”

JUAN CARLOS PAYANO

“I am very honored to be on this card. It is a very exciting card with both Pacquiao and Thurman, which will be a great fight. I am honored to be able to be fight for the chance to become world champion again.

“My goal is to become champion once again. I am very prepared and have worked extremely hard over the years for this chance.

“This is going to be a great fight for the fans and that’s what I’m all about. I have the skills and the determination to beat any fighter in the division. I have to show my improvement on Saturday.

“It is no secret that Nery is a power puncher, but it is not the first power puncher I have fought and it certainly won’t be the last. On Saturday night two warriors are going to get up there but only one is going to walk out victorious. I look forward to being the victorious one.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. THURMAN
Order the PPV and visit PremierBoxingChampions.com for Fight Night Info and more on Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman.

Pacquiao vs. Thurman will pit boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event of a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will also feature undefeated former world champion Omar “El Panterita” Figueroa Jr. taking on Yordenis Ugás in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, plus hard-hitting former world champion Sergey Lipinets goes toe-to-toe against rugged veteran John “The Gladiator” Molina, Jr. and undefeated power-puncher Luis “Pantera” Nery faces slick-boxing Juan Carlos Payano in a bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

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

OXON HILL, Md. (July 17, 2019) —Teofimo Lopez is on the fast track to a world title shot. Standing in his way is a fellow unbeaten fighter, Masayoshi Nakatani, the longtime OBPF lightweight king who represents the stiffest test of Lopez’s young career.

Lopez (13-0, 11 KOs) and Nakatani (18-0, 12 KOs) will meet Friday at MGM National Harbor in an IBF world title eliminator, with the winner assured a shot at world champion Richard Commey later this year. The stakes are high, and Lopez, who has never gone past seven rounds as a pro, might have to go significant professional rounds for the first time. The consensus 2018 Prospect of the Year, Lopez has knocked out his last five opponents, most recently stopping Edis Tatli in five rounds April 20 on the Terence Crawford-Amir Khan pay-per-view undercard.

Lopez-Nakatani and the IBF junior welterweight world title eliminator between unbeatens Maxim Dadashev and Subriel Matias will stream live on ESPN+ — the industry-leading sports streaming service — starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The middleweight clash between Esquiva Falcao and Jesus Antonio Gutierrez will be the featured bout on the undercard stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Two days before his first main event as a pro, at a media workout at Old School Boxing, this is what Lopez had to say.
On Friday’s fight

“I see myself as a performer in the ring, and I am coming to the MGM National Harbor to put on a show. I have respect for Nakatani because he is undefeated like me, but nobody is going to stand in my way.”

On the future

“This is what my father and I have worked for since I started training as a young kid. He envisioned this type of success for me, and here we are, headlining a card on ESPN+ one win away from a world title shot.”

“We all know what is at stake on Friday. But if you think too far ahead, you get careless. Nakatani is my only concern right now. After Friday night, we can talk about the future. Nakatani has been fighting 12-rounders since before I turned pro, so he has a lot of valuable experience. I believe my talent will outweigh his experience.”

“I say this before all of my fights — I go in there to take over the show. I’m a main event fighter now, and that won’t change. When people watch me fight, they put down their phones because they don’t want to miss anything. For the boxing fans living in the Northeast, come down and watch me fight. And if you can’t make it down, check out the best show of the weekend on ESPN+.”

On his role as an entertainer

“I do all of that stuff — the backflips and the Fortnite celebrations — because I want to entertain. I want people to remember my name. I’m a fighter, but I am also an entertainer. That’s been lost in today’s game. I’m unique in the sport of boxing.”

On his recent weight struggles

“The weight is not an issue. I’ve been working with a new nutrition team, Perfecting Athletes, and they have made all the difference. I’ll be able to make lightweight for a few more fights.”

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the MGM National Harbor.

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

Use the hashtag #LopezNakatani to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

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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. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.