HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (July 8, 2019) – Miami via Cuba prospect Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro’s eight-round welterweight showdown against Mexico City veteran Diego “Demoledor” Cruz will serve as the televised co-main event for the Friday, July 12, “Championship Fight Series” boxing event at Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

Former amateur standout and undefeated Navarro (11-0, 7 KOs) and Cruz (19-7-2, 15 KOs) will meet as the chief supporting bout when WBA #13-rated welterweight Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas (21-0-1, 14 KOs) of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, defends his WBA Fedelatin Welterweight Championship against Los Mochis, Mexico’s Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran (17-2-2, 10 KOs) in the 10-round “Puerto Rico vs. Mexico” main event.

Championship Fight Series is presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with All Star Boxing, and will be televised live on the most popular boxing series on Hispanic television, Boxeo Telemundo, at 11:35 p.m. EST.

Tickets for “Championship Fight Series” are on sale now and cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

As is custom for these jam-packed events, the exciting undercard features many South Florida and international fighters.

Headlining the undercard, two-time Olympic medalist and undefeated heavyweight KO artist Ivan “The Kazakh Giant” Dychko (8-0, 8 KOs) of Boca Raton, Florida, via Rudniy, Kazakhstan, will face former ESPN 2015 Boxcino Tournament Quarterfinalist Nate Heaven (9-2, 7 KOs) of Ocala, Florida.

In an eight-round super featherweight battle, Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (9-0, 6 KOs) will face Panama City, Panama’s Ricardo “El Matematico” Nunez (29-9, 23 KOs). In a four-round light heavyweight contest, Miami via Cuba’s wildly popular Ulysses Diaz (10-1, 9 KOs) will look to return to the win column against Winter Park, Florida’s Mike Sawyer (8-12, 6 KOs).

In a special eight-round super featherweight attraction, Miami via Cuba’s Jessy “Beast Boy” Cruz (16-7-1, 7 KOs) will look to continue his four-fight winning streak in an all-action punch-out with Mexico City’s Isao Gonzalo “Kato” Carranza (15-14-1, 9 KOs).

Also featured will be an eight-round super bantamweight slugfest between Miami’s Jorge De Jesus Romero (14-0, 10 KOs) and Mexico City’s Szilveszter Kanalas (14-8, 9 KO); as well as a four-round light heavyweight matchup featuring popular Fort Lauderdale warrior Blake Davis (2-0, 1 KO) and Jefferson City, Missouri’s Armando Reeves (2-3).

Opening up the action will be a four-round featherweight bout between Miami’s Luis Melendez (4-1, 3 KOs) and Ponce, Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Melendez (5-26, 1 KO).

On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

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About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 465 room luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open October, 2019, will bring 638 new, luxury guestrooms to the first-ever, guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Upon completion, the property will have a combined total of 1,271 rooms. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water experience for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding; 19 dining outlets and 20 bars and lounges; an expansive gaming floor housing 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space including a 38,000 square-foot, carpeted exhibition hall; and a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. The highly anticipated Hard Rock Live entertainment venue with a 7,000 person capacity, will showcase A-list entertainers, comedy acts, Broadway performances, sporting events and live broadcast productions. The integrated resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441), and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

How has training gone?

“It’s gone really well. It’s been an extensive camp but we’re coming to the end now and there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I’m looking forward to the camp being finished, fighting is going to be the easy part. Everything has gone well, so far so good. A long camp but a fruitful one. I’ve trained well, rested well, eat well. Everything is fine.”

You’ve described this as the biggest fight of your career, why is that?

“In boxing your next fight is always your biggest. It’s what is on the other side. The way the Heavyweight division is changing and the landscape is changing, the upset with the Joshua defeat and everything else, it’s probably created more interest and there’s going to be even more opportunities amongst the fighters just below the top level like myself.”

What’s next if you get the win?

“As far as winning this fight is concerned, there’s definitely going to be an opportunity and a bigger fight next. There’s a lot of American Heavyweights coming through, there’s a lot going on in Britain still. I haven’t even thought about defeat. Defeat isn’t even an option for me in this fight so it’s not something that has come into my mind, it’s all about what happens when I win.”

Could there be another opportunity to get back to the highest level of the sport?

“There might be an opportunity to fight someone that may create some buzz towards a World title eliminator or something like that. I’d love to be able to finish my career and say I’ve fought for a World title. If the belts are broken up there will be more opportunities to challenge for them. The champions will need more challengers. You just never know. We’ll see what happens.”

Dave Allen says he will knock you out in three rounds. What do you make of that?

“My best chance of beating Dave Allen will probably be in the opening few rounds so it’s going to be fireworks from the first bell. I’m expecting fireworks, it’s as simple as that. It’s going to be a great clash of styles. He thinks I’m made for him, I think he’s made for me. He says he’ll stop me in three, I’ll stop him in two. Dave Allen is a durable fighter but I can knock anyone out and I want to knock Dave Allen out. That’s the plan, to go out to try and stop him. We’ve worked on a lot of things to deal with Dave Allen and I’m confident what we’ve worked on is going to be successful on the night. I’m just focusing on doing what I want to do on the night and that’s to get in the ring and knock Dave Allen out which I believe I’m fully capable of.”

The bookies have you down as the underdog heading into July 20, does this surprise you?

“Not really because Dave Allen is coming off the back of a good win over Lucas Browne. He’s coming in off four wins. He’s had two notable wins and he’s got momentum going into our fight. He’s the favourite and I expected that, that’s fine with me. Dave Allen is the A side in this fight, I’m in as the opponent. The expectation is on Dave Allen so the beauty for me is that people aren’t expecting me to win as far as the betting is concerned. That suits me down to the ground.”

What do you expect from Dave Allen on July 20?

“I think he’s rugged. He’s durable. It’s more about preparing for what I’m going to do than reacting to what Dave Allen is going to do. We’re preparing more about my plan and my actions that I’m going to take in the ring. Let him react to me rather than me reacting to him. It’s about me getting in there on the night and staying calm and composed.”

FRANK WARREN believes Joe Joyce will be challenging for the world heavyweight title inside a year.

The fast rising Putney heavyweight isn’t messing around and defends his WBA Gold heavyweight crown against former world title challenger Bryant Jennings (24-3, 14KOs) at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday night (July 13), live on BT Sport.

Joyce (9-0, 9KOs) is charging up the rankings. He already has former WBC champion Bermane Stiverne on his CV and is hellbent on American star Jennings joining the list.

Hall of Fame promoter Warren who co-promotes Joyce with Ringstar Sports says: “Some fighters can be fast tracked and Joe is taking that path.

“People say he is 33 and needs to get a move on, but I would say it’s more down to the boxers he has faced early in his career and his fantastic amateur pedigree.

“He is one of the most successful boxers ever in the World Series of Boxing which is an incredibly tough competition.

“He also won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games silver at the 2013 European Amateur Championships and bronze at the 2015 World Championships.

“At the Rio Olympics he was desperately unlucky not to win the gold medal in the final against Tony Yoka.

“There is a lot of jostling going on in the heavyweight division. This time next year he will be right in the thick of it and when he does get his chance he’ll be going in to win and remain champion.”

Another appealing option for ‘The Juggernaut,’ is a clash against the winner of Saturday’s bill-topping vacant British title fight between Daniel Dubois (11-0, 10KOs) and Nathan Gorman (16-0, 11KOs).

“Joe against Daniel or Nathan would be a tremendous all-British clash for the tail end of the year and a fight I would love to see,” added Warren.

“Right now we have two special fights this weekend. Four fighters, Joe, Bryant Jennings, Daniel and Nathan in two great fights.

“All of them have serious world title aspirations and fans are making a case for each of them winning their fights.

“After Saturday, the picture will be a lot clearer about what will be next for all four. One thing for sure, two of them will be in the world title picture.

“These are heavyweight fights that make people want to watch boxing and include the three best heavyweight prospects in the world.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt,, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – Hospitality
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tied

8 July 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced that Danny “The King” Kingad of the Philippines will take on Reece “Lightning” McLaren of Australia in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix semi-finals. The bout will take place at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES, set for 2 August at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. McLaren steps in for Kairat Akhmetov, who had to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.

Ticket information for ONE: DAWN OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com.

Kingad is from Sadanga in the Mountain Province, but he went to school in Baguio City. He began training in wushu at the famed Team Lakay in 2012, and went on to win gold medals in several local tournaments. Inspired by the success of his esteemed teammates such as former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang, he then turned his attention to the cage. Kingad made a successful start to his professional career in 2014, debuting with ONE Championship on the way to an impressive 8-0 record.

This earned him a shot at the ONE Flyweight World Championship against Adriano Moraes, but the Igorot warrior unfortunately failed in his first bid at World Title glory. Now, “The King” is back on the title hunt. After getting past Senzo Ikeda in the first round of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, Kingad will have to defeat McLaren next in order to clinch a finals berth.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, McLaren is a highly-decorated martial artist, claiming the Eternal MMA and XFL Bantamweight Championships before making his ONE Championship debut. He emerged on the global stage in spectacular fashion, scoring a stunning upset by submitting Mark Striegl for a hugely impressive win. He would continue that trend of success against highly-regarded prospect Muin Gafurov, and earn a shot at the ONE Bantamweight World Championship against dominant titleholder Bibiano Fernandes. McLaren gave the living legend an incredibly tough test, but narrowly missed out on gold via split decision.

After bowing out of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix to Akhmetov via decision, McLaren steps right back into the mix to replace the injured Kazakh against Kingad in the semi-final round.

Former ONE World Title challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli of Italy squares off against ONE Championship newcomer Arjan Bhullar of India in a heavyweight contest.

Cerilli is a Cage Warriors Heavyweight Champion and a certified finisher known for his knockout power and submission skills. Prior to his ONE debut, Cerilli was on an impressive five-bout win streak, with four of those wins ending with emphatic knockouts. In his most recent outing, Cerilli put together a spectacular performance, finishing heavyweight behemoth Alain “The Panther” Ngalani in just one round with a series of knees.

Meanwhile, Bhullar is India’s top heavyweight mixed martial artist. He began his martial arts career on the mat, winning a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, before representing his country at the 2012 Olympics in London. With an impressive professional record of 9-1, Bullar now joins ONE Championship looking to make a run at the ONE World Title. He will have to get past Cerilli first, in what should be an interesting matchup.

Former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio of the Philippines is set to go up against Japan’s Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu in a ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix alternate bout.

Eustaquio is one of the top flyweights in ONE Championship who has faced the creme of the crop in the division. In his most recent outing, Eustaquio outpointed South Korean competitor Kyu Sung Kim to win by unanimous decision. Now the 30-year-old has the chance to climb his way back up the flyweight ladder. Standing in his way is Wakamatsu, who is eager for a victory against a top talent.

Holding a professional record of 10-4, Wakamatsu is an aggressive knockout artist with shocking power. With nine of his 10 victories coming by way of knockout, Wakamatsu is a force to be reckoned with at flyweight. Seeking his first victory in ONE Championship, “Little Piranha” takes on former World Champion Eustaquio in the latter’s hometown of Manila.

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

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

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (5 July 2019) On Friday 12th July, Billy Dib, the Two-Time World Champion from Sydney, Australia, front’s up to Bolton, England’s, Amir Khan at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and he’s already launching bouncers around ‘King Khan’s’ ears.

‘This is a one-off fight at welterweight for me and Amir Khan is absolutely the right guy for me to fight,’ states the 33 year old who can count on a 15 year and 52-fight pro career for experience.

‘Put it this way, you’d have to offer me a ridiculous amount, well into eight figures, to step into a ring with Manny Pacquiao. Your health is everything. But Amir Khan certainly isn’t Manny Pacquiao.

‘Look, Amir definitely WAS a great champion, a proven warrior who’s made his mark on the game. He could be a future Hall of Famer. In time, I hope the boxing world will fully appreciate his skillset.

‘But in the past few years there’s been a major decline, a lot of chinks have emerged. He’s no longer the fighter who schooled the likes of Devon Alexander and Marcos Maidana. Today, he’s fighting for different reasons….money!’

Like the Bolton wonder, ‘Billy the Kid’ commenced his career in the lighter categories -fighting eight world championship fights between 126-130lbs – and is effectively jumping up three weight categories to challenge Khan. No problem, he insists.

When I landed in Saudi at the end of June, I was already in great shape,’ claims Dib who enters after a spectacular first round knockout victory in late April and whose only loss in his last eight was an IBF World title tilt at Tevin Farmer last August.

‘For the first time in my boxing career, I’ve not needed to worry about my weight. I’ll be far stronger, more thickset and hopefully I’ll carry my speed up cos I’m quick, too. Everybody knows I’m a quality body puncher and I’ll be bringing even more strength and power. I’ll definitely test Khan. I really fancy my chances.’

A triple national amateur champion, bustling Billy represented Oz at the World Juniors and Seniors (Cuba 2002 and Thailand 2003 respectively) and has previously starred as a pro in Britain, the US (ten times), Macau, Japan and Thailand. However, this will be his debut in the region of his ancestry.

‘I’m super, super excited to finally fight in the Middle East. It’s always been a mystery to me why boxing has been so slow to take off in the area,’ he says.

And he’s galvanised to deliver a career best showing.

‘If I don’t bring my absolute A game, I’ll get exposed,’ he concedes.

‘Amir’s a super-fast starter and brings amazing hand speed but once my eye is gauged to that speed, I’ll sort out the game plan. Sometimes that speed works against Amir. The times he’s been kayoed, have been when he gets carried away and becomes reckless. I may not be a one punch ‘lights out’ fighter but I’ve certainly got the power to inflict damage.

‘I expect it to be a stylish fight rather than a war. Amir’s the naturally bigger man so I’ll need to box out of my skin, like I did in the amateurs. I win because I’m the more intelligent fighter. In past fights, I’ve proved I can be a mover, a boxer, a puncher. I can diversify.

‘The only way I win is to lay him out. I’m gonna ice him!’

Check Billy out on Instagram @BillyDib.

The event titled Red Sea Fight Night during the Saudi Seasons is a boxing extravaganza with three further big Championship titles fights on the show: Hughie Fury vs. Samuel Peter; Prince Patel vs. Michell Banquez – IBO World Bantamweight Championship; Dave Penalosa vs. Lerato Dlamini – WBC Silver Featherweight Championship.

An action packed undercard also features British middleweight talent Michael Hennessy Jr. vs Abdul Julaidan Fatah; Super-bantamweight contest Amandeep Singh vs Shakhobidin Zoirov; Lightweight contest Zuhayr Al Qahtani vs. Farhad Hazratzada; Super-featherweight contest Lolito Sonsona vs. Isack Junior; Welterweight contest Rodrigo Caraballo vs. Sajid Abid and Heavyweight Contest Ali Kiydin vs. Hemi Ahio.

Khan v Dib is exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and the undercard on 5Spike on Friday 12th July.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the WBO found some errors in the recent Mairis Briedis – Krszytof Glowacki fight.

Briedis claimed the WBO 200-pound world title from Glowacki by third-round knockout on June 15 in the semifinals of the World Boxing Series tournament in Riga, Latvia, Briedis’ hometown, but the result was highly controversial.

Although it cannot change the result, the WBO, in a ruling issued on Friday, “strongly recommends” that the World Boxing Super Series winner defend the title against Glowacki within 120 days after the completion of the tournament, which is expected to conclude in November. Briedis is due to meet Yunier Dorticos, who won a vacant belt in the June 15 co-feature, to unify their world titles in the final of the eight-man tournament.

The WBO said that Raimond Zeps, representing Briedis, responded to Glowacki’s protest and said that the point deduction for the elbow was “satisfactory” and that Glowacki should also have been subject to a point deduction for the blow behind the head. Also, Zeps said that Briedis should not be punished for fighting after the bell because both men were doing do.

“Mr. Zeps, on behalf of Briedis, affirms and welcomes a rematch against Glowacki after the completion of the WBSS,” the WBO wrote in its ruling.

The WBO said that it lacks jurisdiction to change the result, which can only be done by the Latvia Boxing Federation, but it added that it “acknowledges that a clear misapplication of the rules of boxing occurred” and recommended the WBSS winner fight Glowacki next.

Jon Jones retained the UFC Light Heavyweight title with a split-decision over Thiago Santos at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Santos fought well early as he landed plenty of leg kicks, but in round two, his left knee started to buckle. Jones won the middle rounds, but not by wide margins. Santos was always dangerous in the fight, but seemed tentative in spots. Maybe that was because of an injury to his knee. Santos landed a couple of big shots in the 5th round, but it was not enough as Jones took two cards 48-47 while Santos took a 48-47 tally.

Between all the leg kicks Santos landed and the injury suffered by Santos, both fighters needed help getting back to the locker room.

Jones, 205 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 25-1-1. Santos, 204.5 lbs of Rio De Janeiro, BRA is 21-7.

Amanda Nunes defended her Bantamweight title in emphatic fashion as she stopped former champion Holly Holm in the 1st round with a perfect kick to the face.

Nunes landed a right kick that plummeted Holm to the deck. Nunes landed three punches to a prone Holm, and the fight was stopped at 4:10.

Nunes, 135 lbs of Coral Springs, FL is 18-5. Holm, 133.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 12-5.

Jorge Masvidal scored the fastest stoppage in UFC history as he took out previously undefeated Ben Askren in five-seconds.

Masvidal ran in and landed a flying knee to the head of Askren. Askren was out cold before he even hit the canvas but Masvidal landed two crushing shots to an asleep Askren and the fight was stopped.

Masvidal, 170.5 lbs of Miami is 34-13. Askren, 171 lbs of Hartland is 19-1-1.

Jan Blachowicz stopped former middleweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the 2nd round of their light heavyweight fight.

Blachowicz landed a booming left that sent Rockhold to the canvas. Blachowicz landed two more shots to a prone Rockhold and the fight was stopped at 1:39.

Blachowicz, 205.5 lbs of Warsaw, POl is 24-8. Rockhold, 204.5 lbs of Santa Cruz, CA is 16-5.

In a battle of former Ultimate Fighter winners, Michael Chiesa took a relatively easy unanimous decision over Diego Sanchez in a welterweight bout.

Chiesa spent basically the whole fight on the back of Sanchez. Chiesa mixed up going for chokes and Ground and Pound from letting Sanchez get in any type of offensive rhythm. It was a totally dominant performance from Chiesa. Chiesa landed 125 strikes and had 5 takedowns to Sanchez 42 and one.

Chiesa, 170.5 lbs of Spokane, WA won by scores of 30-26 on all cards and is now 16-4. Sanchez, 169 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 31-12.

Arnold Allen beat down veteran Gilbert Melendez and took a unanimous decision in a featherweight bout.

Allen landed consistent punches and kicks, and dominated the fight from the beginning.

Allen of England won by scores of 30-27 on all cards, and is now 15-1. Melendez of San Francisco is 22-8.

Marlon Vera submitted Nohelin Hernandez in the 2nd round of their bantamweight fight.

In round two, Vera landed a hard kick that sent Hernandez to the canvas. Vera got Hernandez back and made him tap from a Rear-Naked Choke at 3:25.

Vera, 136 lbs of Ecuador is 14-5-1. Hernandez, 136 lbs of Gilroy, CA is 10-3.

Claudia Gadelha won a unanimous decision over Randa Markos in a strawweight bout.

Gadelha, 115 lbs from Rio De Janieiro, BRA won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 17-4. Markos, 116 lbs of Windsor, Ontario, Canada is now 9-8-1.

Markos began to swell from around her left eye in the opening frame.

Song Yadong scored a brutal 1st round knockout of number-13 ranked Alejandro Perez in a bantamweight bout.

Yadong landed a perfect right hand on the chin that knocked Perez down and out at 2:04.

Yandong, 135.5 lbs of China is 15-4-1. Perez, 135.5 lbs of Estrado, Mexico is 22-8-1.

Edmen Shahbazyan choked out Jack Marshman at 1:12 of the 1st round of their middleweight bout.

Shahbazyan landed some hard Ground and Pound that he followed up with a rear-naked choke that made Marshman tap at 1:12.

Shahbazyan, 185 lbs of Glendale, CA is 10-0. Marshman, 185 lbs of South Wales is 23-9.

Chance Rencountre won a unanimous decision over Ismail Naurdiev in a welterweight bout.

Rencountre ,170.5 lbs of Pawhuska, OK won by scores of 30-27, 29-27 and 29-28 and is now 14-3. Naurdiev, 171 lbs of Salzburg, AUS 18-3.

Julia Avila won a unanimous decision over Pannie Kianzad in a bantamweight bout.

In round two, Avila began to bleed from around her right eye. Kianzad was bleeding from around her right eye in round three.

Avila, 135 lbs of Oklahoma City won by scores of 30-27 and 30-26 twice and is now 7-1. Kianzad, 135 lbs of Sweden is 12-5.

Follow all the action as it happens as Jon Jones defends the UFC Light Heavyweight title against Thiago Santos.  Also Amanda Nunes defends the Bantamweight title against former champion Holly Holm. Jorge Masvidal takes on Ben Askren in a welterweight showdown.  Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold makes his light heavyweight debut against Jan Blachowicz

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Round 1: Santos lands a kicks that stumbles Jones..Leg Kick by Jones..Inside leg kick from Santos..Leg Kick..Leg Kick..Leg Kick..Left hand from Santos..

Round 2 Santos lands a kick but hurts his foot and lands a punch..Jab from Jones..Body kick from Santos..Big kick from Jones drops Santos..Left to body from Santos..Head Kick..

Round 3 Good leg kick from Jones…3 shots from Santos..Hard kick drops Santos..Big Knee..Knee to the body..Leg kick..Good leg kick from Santos..Santos is cut on hairline..Good kick from Jones…Kick to the body..Leg kick from Santos..another..

Round 4 Left from Santos..Leg kick from Jones…Leg kick..Inside leg kick from Santos..Body shot from Jones..Santos left leg is hurt but he keeps on fighting..

Round 5 Body kick from Santos..Right hand..Inside leg kick..2 hard kicks and a right hand…Body kick..Body kick from Jones..Left from Santos..

48-47 SANTOS; 48-47 JONES; 48-47 JONES

Round 1: Holm lands a left..Inside leg kick from Nunes..Knees to the body..Take down by Nunes but Hold gets right back up..Side kick from Holm..Front kick from Nunes..Right hand..Body kick..HUGE KICK TO THE HEAD THAT SENT HOLM DOWN…2 PUNCHES…FIGHT OVER

Round 1 MASVIDAL LANDS A FLYING KNEE AND KNOCKS OUT ASKREN…2 PUNCHES ON THE GROUND AND THE FIGHT IS OVER IN 5 SECONDS…THE FASTEST KNOCKOUT IN UFC HISTORY

Round 1: Rockhold lands a front kick and left hand..Rockhold trying to get a front choke..Elbow from Blachowicz..Hard Elbow..Left hand….Left kick from Rockhold..Blachowicz lands 2 leg kicks..Nice right..Blachowicz lands a big kick to back of head at the bell…

Round 2 Rockhold gets drilled with a right..Kick from Blochowicz…BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES ROCKHOLD…HE IS HURT …2 MORE SHOTS ON THE GROUND AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1: Sanchez tries to take Chiesa down; Chiesa reverses..Tries for an Armbar..Take down for Chiesa..Chiesa lands some punches from the back..Chiesa has a triangle choke; Sanchez gets out of it..Chiesa lands elbows from the back…Sanchez slips out..

Round 2 Hard uppercut from Chiesa..Elbows on the ground..Body Triangle…Hard punches with on the Ground And Pound..Sanchez gets out of a choke..Spinning take down by Chiesa

Round 3 Chiesa gets Sanchez down..Elbow from Sanchez..Chiesa on Sanchez back

30-26 ON ALL CARDS FOR CHIESA

Round 1: Allen jabbing..Nice kick..Allen landing sharp punches…Straight left..Elbow from Melendez..Uppercut and body shot from Allen..Straight left

Round 2 Head kick from Allen..Big combination..1-2…Leg Kick..Combinations..Sharp combination..Straight left/Uppercut..Check hook..Body Kick..Straight left to the body.Melendez lands a right..

Round 3 Allen lands a left to the head..Allen takes Melendez down..Good left from Melndez..Leg kick from Allen..Nice straight left..Left from Melendez..Right..Leg kick from Allen..High kick..Good Kick

Round 2 Great Head kick from Hernandez..Vera lands a hard kick that puts Hernandez on the ground…VERA HAS HERNANDEZ BACK…REAR NAKED CHOKE AND HERNANDEZ TAPS

Round 1:  Left hook from Gadelha..Counter..Inside leg kick..Left head kick..Nice right..Good exchange..Markos swelling around left eye..Good right from Markos

Round 2 Head kick by Gadelha,,Combination from Markos..Nice Jab…Gadelha lands a left..Knee From Markos..Nice right..Kick from Gadelha..Right uppercut from Markos

Round 3  Uppercut and left from Gadelha..Nice Leg kick from Markos..Counter from Gadelha..Good right

30-27 on ALL CARDS FOR GADELHA

Round 1  HUGE RIGHT HAND BY YADONT LANDS PERFECTLY ONLY THE CHIN AND PEREZ IS BRUTALLY KNOCKED OUT at 2:04

Round 1: Hard standing ground and pound by Shahbazyan..Shabazyan all over MARSHMAN –REAR NAKED CHOKE AND THE FIGHT IS STOPPED AT 1:!2

Round 1: Nice elbow by Naurdiev,,,Nice kick..Rencountre on top of Naurdiev..

Round 2 Rencountre has Naurdiev’s back..Rencountre is landing ground and pound from the back

Round 3 Rencountre keeping Naurdiev on his back 

29-27, 29-28, 30-27 for Rencountre

Round 1: Avila lands 2 high knees..Left hand from Kianzad..High knee From Avila..Elbow lands..Left..Kianzad lands a right..Left hand..Good right hand..Uppercut by Avila drives Pianzad back

Round 2 Avila lands an elbow over the top..Good leg kick from Kianzad..Take down..Right hand..Good right from Avila…Avila is cut over the right eye…Hard right hurts Kianzad..Good combination..Good front Kick..Avila gets the back on the ground.

Round 3 Avila lands a knee to the body…Hard right knocks Kianzad down..Ground and pound..Avila gets Kianzad’s back..Kianzad bleeding from around her right eye

30–27, 30-26 twice for Avila

Zhankosh Turarov stopped Mauro Godoy in round three of a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout at Barys Arena in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Turarov dropped Gody with hard left hook in the 3rd frame. Godoy got to his feet, but was in no-condition to continue at 2:00.

Turarov, 139.7 lbs of Akko, KAZ is 24-0 with 17 knockouts. Godoy, 139.6 lbs of Argentina is 32-5-1.

Nordine Oubaali retained the WBC Bantamweight title with a stoppage in the 7th round over Arthur Villanueva.

In round six, Oubaali dropped Villanueva with a hard right uppercut. Villanueva continued to take a beating in the 6th round, and the bout was halted at the beginning of round seven.

Oubaali, 117.5 lbs of Bagnolet, FRA made the 1st defense of his crown, and is now 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Villanueva, 117.5 lbs of Balcod City, PHL is 32-4-1.

Viktor Kotochigov won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jairo Lopez in a lightweight contest.

Kotochigov, 134.9 lbs of Amaty, KAZ won by scores of 99-91, 98-93 and 99-93 to stay perfect at 10-0. Lopez, 134 lbs of Apdoca, MEX is 24-11.

In round four, Kotochigov was cut over the right eye.

David Oliver Joyce remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Breilor Teran in a featherweight bout.

Joyce of Ireland won by scores of 100-89, 100-87 and 100-86, and is now 11-0. Teran of Caracas, Venezuela is 27-18-1.

LOS ANGELES (July 5, 2019): Hall of Famer Michael “Manitas De Piedra” Carbajal will be the special VIP guest for the event headlined by the 10-round battle between contender Jason Quigley (16-0, 12 KOs) and Tureano Johnson (20-2-1, 14 KOs) for the NABF Middleweight Title on the July 18 edition of the 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.

Carbajal is a legendary boxer who, among other accolades in his amateur career, earned a Silver Medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Carbajal then began a legendary professional career where he became the first of the 1988 Olympic Team to capture a world title and then earned a total of six world titles against fighters such as Muangchai Kittikasem, Josue Camacho and Scotty Olson and Jorge “Travieso” Arce. Carbajal also participated in a historic trilogy against Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez.

Carbajal will be in attendance for this event to meet fans, sign autographs and take pictures inside the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center. The meet-and-greet is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket to the event.

In the co-main event, Alberto “Impacto” Melian (5-0, 3 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina will defend his NABA Super Bantamweight Title in a 10-round fight against Leonardo Baez (14-2, 8 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico.

Marlen Esparza (6-0, 1 KO) of Houston, Texas will defend her NABO Flyweight Title in an eight-round bout against Sonia Osorio (13-6-1, 3 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico.

Ricardo Sandoval (14-1, 9 KOs) of Rialto, Calif. will participate in a 10-round flyweight battle against Marco Sustaita (12-1-1, 10 KOs) of Oceanside, Calif.

Carlos “The Solution” Morales (18-4-3, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles will return in a 10-round lightweight fight against Rosekie Cristobal (15-4, 11 KOs) of Cotabato, Philippines.

Charles Huerta (20-6, 12 KOs) of Paramount, Calif. will fight in an eight-round super featherweight clash against Filipino boxer Recky Dulay (11-5, 8 KOs).

Irish prospect Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (8-0, 5 KOs) will participate in a six-round fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Quigley vs Johnson is a 10-round fight for the NABF Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fights will take place Thursday, July 18, 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 are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the FantasySprings Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing onlineat www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested covering Quigley vs Johnson must be pre-approved for credentials.
Credential applications are due Monday, July 15 at 5:00 p.m. PT Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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 #QuigleyJohnson, #ThursdayNightFights and #TNF.

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

NEWARK, N.J. (July 5, 2019) — Eight days before his homecoming at Prudential Center, top featherweight contender Shakur Stevenson has a new opponent. Former world title challenger Franklin Manzanilla dropped out of the bout, and two-time world title challenger Alberto “Metro” Guevara will face Stevenson in the 10-round main event.

Stevenson-Guevara and the 12-round IBF bantamweight eliminator for the No. 2 ranking featuring Joshua Greer Jr. and Nikolai Potapov will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The entire undercard will stream live on ESPN+ — the industry-leading sports streaming service — starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $100, $75, $50 and $25 (not including applicable fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 and in person at the Prudential Center box office.

“I give Alberto Guevara credit for taking this fight when so many fighters won’t step into the ring with me,” Stevenson said. “He’s been in there with some great fighters, even world champions, but nothing can prepare him for me. No matter the opponent, I am going to put on a special performance for my hometown and everyone watching on ESPN on July 13.”

“When I was offered this fight, I did not hesitate. I want to fight the best, and Shakur Stevenson is a very good young fighter,” Guevara said. “The hometown crowd will not phase me. I’m coming to shock the boxing world.”

Stevenson (11-0, 6 KOs), the WBO No. 1 contender, returned from the 2016 Rio Olympics as one of the sport’s most highly touted prospects. He graduated from prospect to contender status in 2018, knocking out longtime contender Viorel Simion in one round as the ESPN-televised co-feature to the Terence Crawford-Jose Benavidez Jr. fight in Omaha, Nebraska. Stevenson shined on the Crawford-Amir Khan pay-per-view undercard April 20 at Madison Square Garden, dominating former world title challenger Christopher Diaz over 10 rounds.

Guevara (27-4, 12, KOs), from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, turned pro in November 2009 and has twice challenged for a bantamweight world title, dropping a competitive decision to Leo Santa Cruz in December 2012 and getting knocked out in nine rounds by Japanese standout Shinsuke Yamanaka in November 2013. He is 9-2 with six knockouts since the Yamanaka defeat, with those losses coming against a former world champion (Hugo Ruiz) and a fighter who would go on to capture a world title (Emmanuel Rodriguez).

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

Use the hashtags #StevensonGuevara and #GreerPotapov to join the conversation on social media.

Queens, N.Y. (July 5, 2019) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions will be returning to Club Amazura on Friday, July 12, once again presenting an entertaining night of boxing in association with The New Mexican Promotion.

“We look forward to putting on another great night of fights alongside The New Mexican Promotion,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “We have a nice mix of local prospects and action fighters who should keep the fans on their feet throughout the whole card. We have received great support from the boxing community at each and every one of our shows at Club Amazura, and we do not expect July 12 to be any different.”

Long Island fan favorite Titus Williams (8-2, 3 KOs) will make his return to the ring on the card, facing Aaron Echeveste Lopez (6-3, 3 KOs) of Guanajuato, Mexico. Williams last competed this past March on an Uprising Promotions and The New Mexican Promotion show at Club Amazura, when he stopped Cristian Renteria in an exciting main event showcase. Just 22 seconds into the fourth round of that bout, Renteria stepped into a perfectly timed counter right uppercut from Williams that immediately sent him crumbling to the canvas. Referee Sparkle Lee never even started her count, waving off the fight to give Williams the knockout victory.

Undefeated super lightweight Mathew Gonzalez (8-0, 5 KOs) will also be back in action next Friday night. He will be looking to pick up the ninth consecutive win to start his professional career when he meets 30-bout veteran Federico Jesus Benjamin Malespina of Argentina. The Ridgewood, N.Y. native last fought this past March at Club Amazura as well, disposing of Gabor Kovacs in less than three frames. After putting Kovacs down in the second round, Gonzalez continued to overwhelm his opposition until the bout was halted with 34 seconds remaining in the third frame.

Two undefeated Brooklyn welterweights will also feature on this card. Cesar Francis (5-0, 4 KOs) looks to keep his perfect record intact by defeating 14-fight veteran Antonio Sanchez of Puerto Rico, while Paul Anthony (2-0, 1 KO) looks for his third consecutive win at Club Amazura when he steps into the ring opposite Earvin Young (1-0, 1 KO) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Rounding out the seven-fight show will be three professional debuts. Brooklyn native Raymond Wilburg will be making his first pro start at 147 pounds, while former New York amateur standout Hosam Abdeldayem will feature at 160 pounds. Additionally, Brooklyn lightweight Saul De Los Santos will begin his professional campaign when he meets Joseph Santana of Providence, Rhode Island.

Club Amazura is located at 91-12 144th Place in Jamaica, Queens. Sponsorship opportunities for this exciting night are still available for any companies or local businesses who are interested in showcasing themselves. To inquire about becoming a sponsor, call (516) 939-7861. For ticket information, call us today at (516) 939-7861.

Keep it locked to UprisingPromotions.com and @UprisingNYC for all of the latest information from Uprising Promotions.

LAS VEGAS (July 5, 2019) – Ahead of undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant’s first title defense against unbeaten contender and University of Notre Dame graduate Mike Lee on Saturday, July 20, FOX Sports presents the half-hour special “Portrait of a Fighter: Caleb ‘Sweethands’ Plant” on Sunday, July 7 on FS1 at 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT.

“Portrait of a Fighter” is a first-hand account of the trials and triumphs of professional boxer Plant. In the show, follow the undefeated super middleweight Plant as he prepared for his first world title fight against José Uzcátegui.

Raised in poverty in the tiny town of Ashland City, Tennessee and surrounded by addiction and hardship from a young age, Caleb’s road to the top was anything but easy. Watch Caleb as he returns to his hometown to accept a key to the city, inspire the underprivileged youth and fulfill a promise to his deceased daughter. This boxer’s story is a portrait of what it means to be a fighter both in and out of the ring.

# # #
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.

Following the action on FOX, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and Philippine Senator Manny “Pac Man” 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.

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

TWO SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT rivals slugging it out for the Commonwealth title was not enough to entice Archie Sharp to sit in front of the telly for the night and carry out a scouting mission.

In fairness, the 24-year-old from Welling had already beaten one the combatants in Lyon Woodstock, but assessing the merits of Zelfa Barrett clearly didn’t appeal either.

Sharp insists he has got his own matters to attend to when he takes his place on the undercard of the mammoth ‘Heavy Duty’ show at the o2 Arena next Saturday (July 13) when he defends the WBO European title – he won from Woodstock – against the tough Scot Jordan McCorry, who challenged for the British title against Sam Bowen earlier this year.

Up in Leeds a few weeks back, Barrett placed himself firmly back on the super featherweight map with a slick and stylish display to outfox the Leicester man.

Sharp believes it was he who provided the blueprint for undoing the defences of Woodstock and Barrett simply followed his recipe.

“On the night of the fight I was out with the kids,” revealed Sharp. “I didn’t need to watch the fight because I’ve got Jordan McCorry to concentrate on.

“I have heard – a lot of people rang me on the night – that Zelfa Barrett carried out a masterclass and outboxed Lyon Woodstock. So I have heard that.

“I did see the interview with him saying that he boxed the best Lyon Woodstock. I don’t know how he can say that when I beat the man, the reigning champion, in his back yard when he was unbeaten and had never been on the floor.

“Listen, in every round he had against Zelfa Barrett the other week he would have been thinking ‘Archie Sharp did this to me’ and it was exactly what Barrett did, got on the back foot and outboxed him.”

While happy to heap praise on the performance of Manchester man Barrett, Sharp contends this his opposition was ‘damaged goods’.

“Of course he was damaged goods, but you can’t take anything away from the man because he won the Commonwealth title and I am told he won it convincingly.

“But when he is doing interviews saying Archie Sharp never did no damage to him. I disagree there.”

A potential match-up between Sharp and Barrett will doubtless be considered, but Sharp goes along with the train of thought that the fleet-footed style possessed by both fighters might not make it the most fan-friendly encounter.

More suitable for either man, Sharp considered, would be the more bullish British champion Bowen.

“I do understand, styles make fights and I totally agree with that. Our styles could clash and there could be a bit of dancing going on.

“Of course the Bowen fight would be more entertaining because he comes forward and the more he comes forward the more he is going to get hit, the same as Jordan McCorry will.

“Everyone who comes forward is going to get hit and it is just about taking it to world level. I know I can do it but I have just got to go and prove it.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt,, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (5 July 2019) Amir Khan’s ‘Red Sea Fight Night’ showdown against Billy Dib in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday 12th July is the hottest boxing event in the world this summer with a host of celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment attending the big night.

Following confirmation of British Heavyweight great Lennox Lewisand UFC’s legendary Chuck Liddell and current phenomenon Israel Adesanya, Americanrap megastars Rick Ross and Tyga will not only be at ringside to watch the action, but will also PERFORM in the King Abdullah Sports City stadium.

Two-Time World Champions Khan and Dib headline a massive fight card when they collide for the Vacant WBC International Welterweight Championship that also features the mega-heavyweight clash between Hughie Fury and former World Champion Samuel Peter, televised exclusively LIVE in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and the undercard of 5Spike.

Known as ‘The Biggest Boss’ Rick Ross is one of hip-hops most respected and revered MCs and was voted MTVs “Hottest MC” of 2011 with a multitude of highly acclaimed hit albums and singles.  The Maimi Monster mogul is also a highly successful record label CEO and business entrepreneur.

Grammy Nominated Tyga is an RIAA Certified Platinum rapper who remains a hip-hop fixture with dedicated and growing following of millions across social media.  His chart topping history is undeniable with 31 hits on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and selling 638K albums, 12.2 million digital songs and 1.4 billion on-demand streams.

More legendary boxing champion and celebrities will be at ringside for the big fight and will be announced shortly.

The event titled Red Sea Fight Night during the Saudi Seasons is a boxing extravaganza with three further big Championship titles fights on the show: Hughie Fury vs. Samuel Peter; Prince Patel vs.Michell Banquez – IBO World Bantamweight Championship; Dave Penalosa vs. Lerato Dlamini – WBC Silver Featherweight Championship.

An action packed undercard also features British middleweight talentMichael Hennessy Jr. vs Abdul Julaidan Fatah; Super-bantamweight contest Amandeep Singh vs Shakhobidin Zoirov; Lightweight contest Zuhayr Al Qahtani vs. Farhad Hazratzada; Super-featherweight contest Lolito Sonsona vs. Isack Junior; Welterweight contest Rodrigo Caraballo vs. Sajid Abid and Heavyweight Contest Ali Kiydin vs. Hemi Ahio.

Khan v Dib is exclusively live in the UK on free-to-air Channel 5 and the undercard on 5Spike on Friday 12th July.

LOVE ISLAND hunk Tommy Fury reckons it will be a g-lovely night for Nathan Gorman when he faces Daniel Dubois in their heavyweight blockbuster next week.

Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs) and Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) clash for the vacant British title on Frank Warren’s ‘Heavy Duty’ bill at London’s o2 Arena on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

Fury has found a winner in the villa by coupling up with Molly-Mae, but insists Nantwich’s Gorman will be a knockout in the ring and upset Dubois.

Tommy who is 2-0 as a light heavyweight said: “There is nothing Daniel Dubois does to throw Nathan off.

“I am not just saying it, but I believe it will be an easy fight for Nathan.

“If we’re being serious about it, what does Daniel do? He comes forward one-two and throws a couple of hooks.

“Nathan will become a world champion. Have you ever seen a heavyweight with speed like that before?

“Look what he did to Sean Turner. Sean is a good fighter, but Nathan made it look like it was Sean’s first fight.

“It’s all about levels, especially in the heavyweight division. You can’t just rely on power which a lot of heavyweights do.

“Nathan has got the speed, agility and he can move. For my money Nathan is going all the way 100 per-cent.”

Fury the younger brother of lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, trains alongside Gorman at Ricky Hatton’s gym.

Unless Tommy’s time in Love Island comes to an unexpected end he will not be ringside to cheer on Gorman, a distant relative on his father’s side of the family.

Although he expects Gorman to win the showdown that has split fight fans, he knows that Dubois is capable of landing knockout shots.

He added: “Daniel doesn’t really move his head. He is a basic heavyweight, but he is a big puncher and you have to be cautious.

“You can’t go in there thinking it’s gonna be easy because he can put your lights out in seconds. He is a big man and if you get hit on the chin by anybody over 15 stone you’re going down.

“So what can a big man like that do? You have to be cautious, but I see Nathan winning easily and convincingly.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce v Bryant Jennings are on sale now. The show also features British Middleweight champion Liam Williams who clashes against France’s former European champion Karim Achour for the vacant WBC Silver middleweight crown. Super-flyweight sensation Sunny Edwards meets Mexican Hiram Gallardo for the vacant IBF super-flyweight title. WBO super-featherweight champion Archie Sharp risks his crown against Jordan McCorry. Returning after an impressive debut is Kent bantamweight Dennis McCann. Hamza Sheeraz, Mark Chamberlain, Jake Pettitt, Louie Lynn, Mickey Burke Jr and Florian Marku add to an exciting line up and tickets are available via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:
 
£300 – (Hospitality)
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Tier/Floor
£75 – Floor/Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

LOS ANGELES (July 4, 2019) – There are no holidays for the reigning Fighter of the Decade and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) as he continues to train for his upcoming challenge of undefeated WBA welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida.  The two warriors are just 16 days away from their world championship collision. 

“The only hot dog Manny is thinking about is Keith Thurman,” said Hall of Fame trainer world-famous Freddie Roach.  “Thurman talks a good game but we’ll see if he can cut the mustard with Manny on July 20.  Manny is 10 years Thurman’s senior and yet this will be Manny’s third world championship fight over the past 12 months.  Activity keeps fighters sharp.  The lack of activity explains why Thurman has looked worse and worse over his last three fights.  He’s like the Jeff Bridges character in The Big Lebowski.  He just seems to be fighting as little as possible to keep his title.  Only Thurman’s not The Dude, he’s The Dud.  Manny will sizzle and Thurman will fizzle when they battle it out in the ring at the MGM Grand on July 20.  After that, it will be champagne and Lobster Thurmandor for us.  Happy Fourth of July!”

New York, July 3, 2019

Star Boxing is pleased to announce its return to Long Island, New York, after three months on the road, for another edition of the critically acclaimed “Rockin’ Fights” series on July 19th. Bringing a thrilling, New York centric professional boxing card, with an international flair, has become common place at Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” series, and July 19th will be no exception.

Returning for his fourth main event and tenth appearance at The Paramount, local favorite, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Woodhaven, NY 17-2-1 7KO’s) will take on JEROME “THE CONQUEROR” CONQUEST (10-4 1KO) from the fighting city of Philadelphia. Gonzalez returns after impressing boxing experts this past January, when he took former world champion, current title contender and Star Boxing stablemate, CHRIS ALGIERI (Huntington, NY 24-3 9KO’s) the distance in an extremely competitive fight at the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden, for the WBO International Super Lightweight Title. The bout solidified Gonzalez as a true prospect. The July 19th bout will be a 10-round super lightweight contest for the WBC FECARBOX Silver Super Lightweight Championship.

Danny Gonzalez had this to say about his return to The Paramount, “I’m extremely excited to be making my well needed ring return. It has been a roller coaster year for me but at the same time I have been blessed to have the right people behind me pushing my career to new heights. I have been training hard as always and have been trying new things in camp to make me a complete fighter and athlete. I feel I’m getting close to finding that perfect recipe for success. It’s always thrilling to return to The Paramount where I remain undefeated. I love the crowd, the energy and the atmosphere is always electric.” Gonzalez continued, “I’m just eager to return to the ring and perform for the fans and give them an all-out action fight from start to finish. It will be a thrilling night. I expect to destroy my opponent and move on in the rankings to bigger and better fights.”

On the undercard, fans will be excited for the return of undefeated super welterweight, “The Jackpot”, TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES (Elmont, NY 9-0 6KO’s) as he takes on RAY OLIVEIRA JR. (New Bedford, MA 8-2 1KO). James has been out of the ring due to an ankle injury, but emphatically returns for his eighth bout at The Paramount, coming off of one of the most difficult victories of his young career. Facing Leo Carrizzales at “Rockin’ Fights” 33, James peeled himself off the canvas for the first time in his career, to later stop the tough Mexican brawler. This fight will be a 6-round super welterweight bout.

Making his return to the ring is Detroit product, RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (Detroit, MI 10-1 6KO’s) as he faces off with DENNIS OKOTH (Silver Spring, MD 3-2-1 2KO’s). Austion, a highly touted prospect fighting out of Las Vegas, took his first loss at Star Boxing’s “Slugfest at the Sun” at Mohegan Sun in January. Austion hopes a win at The Paramount will put him back on track, to continue rising the welterweight rankings. Opposing Austion is Kenyan, Dennis Okoth, who recently earned a massive upset when he knocked out highly rated Irish welterweight Dyaln Moran at Star Boxing’s “Catskills Clash” in Resorts World Catskills. This will be a scheduled 8-round welterweight bout.

Another undefeated rising star is also on the card and will be making his United States debut. Highly touted Dominican Republic bantamweight prospect, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE (Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic 12-0 9KO’s) will throw his first punch in the US at “Rockin’ Fights”. At just 118 pounds, Almonte packs a punch, with a 75% knockout rate. Almonte has fought all twelve of his professional bouts in his home country of the Dominican Republic, earning the Dominican Republic Bantamweight and WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight titles over this span. Almonte is highly rated in the Caribbean. Almonte’s opponent will be announced soon.

In a 4-round super bantamweight bout, JUSTICE BLAND (Brooklyn, NY) will be making his pro-debut against RAFAEL CASTILLO (Bronx, NY 1-2). Bland enters the pro-ranks with a solid amateur background including a record of 30-5, a 2018 New York Metro’s finalist and the 2018 Ring Masters Golden Glove Champion. While this is not the first time that the Brooklyn-Bronx rivalry has battled in the ring at The Paramount, this bout is sure to have the crowd on their feet.

In the opening bout of the evening, JUAN MANCILLA (East Hampton, NY 1-0) will face JERMAINE CORLEY (Mount Vernon, NY 2-6 1KO) in a 4-round super welterweight clash. The undefeated Mancilla is coming off of a three-year layoff, while Corley just recently upset Roberto Duran Jr. on June 28th at Resorts World Catskills in an epic bout that left all of the fans in attendance, in awe.

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA said this about the July 19th “Rockin’ Fights”: “There is no place like home, and that is what The Paramount has become – our home base. Fans will get a true New York boxing card on July 19th, headlined by Danny Gonzalez and fellow Paramount favorite Tyrone James. We are also thrilled to bring exciting Dominican Republic bantamweight prospect Junior Almonte to the States for the first time. “Rockin’ Fights” 35 will be another night to remember at The Paramount. Get your tickets now!”

“Rockin’ Fights” 35 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
Bouts subject to change
GET YOUR TICKETS TO “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS” 35 TODAY!
FIGHT: FRIDAY, JULY 19TH, 2019
$50, $60, $100, $150, $200
BUY TICKETS HERE!

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 see’s one of The Paramount’s favorites, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ, return for his fourth main event. On the undercard, fan favortie TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES makes his much anticipated 2019 debut, while highly touted undefeated Dominican Republic bantamweight prospect, JUNIOR “BOMBITA” ALMONTE, makes his United States debut.
FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 35 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, The Inn At Fox Hollow and Camelot Limousine.
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.

BELFAST (July 3, 2019) — Michael Conlan has a new opponent for his Belfast homecoming. Conlan, who was originally slated to face former Olympic nemesis Vladimir Nikitin, will take on the dangerous Diego Alberto “El Profeta” Ruiz in a 10-round featherweight showdown Saturday, Aug. 3 at Falls Park as part of the city’s annual Féile an Phobail summer festival.

Nikitin recently pulled out of the fight, citing a biceps injury.

Conlan-Ruiz and the 10-round middleweight showdown between Luke Keeler and Luis Arias will stream live in the United States beginning at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on ESPN+ — the industry-leading sports streaming service — on a special international edition of Top Rank on ESPN.

“When Vladimir Nikitin dropped out due to injury, I told Top Rank and MTK Global to get me the toughest possible opponent,” Conlan said. “Ruiz is on a 10-fight winning streak, and I know he’s coming all the way from Argentina to continue his victorious ways. This is my toughest test as a professional, but if I’m going to become a world champion, I must beat Ruiz. I’ve been busy in London with my trainer, Adam Booth, and I can’t wait to put on a show on August 3.

“Maybe once I’m a world champion, I might give Nikitin a shot, but for now, I’m moving on because it was more stalling my career than advancing it in terms of the level I’m at.”

“This is the biggest fight of my career,” Ruiz said. “This is a great opportunity to prove myself as a fighter. I fought June 1, and I am going to be ready for whatever Michael brings. It won’t be an easy fight, but it is not an impossible task. I am not scared to fight on the road. That is my motivation because the pressure will be on him.”

Conlan (11-0, 6 KOs) entered the pro ranks as one of Ireland’s most beloved sporting figures, having earned an Olympic bronze medal in 2012 and gold medals at both the European and World Championships in 2015. “The Conlan Revolution” turned pro in front of a sold-out Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden crowd on St. Patrick’s Day in 2017. He won the vacant WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt last December in Manchester, England, besting Jason Cunningham via unanimous decision. In his last bout, in front of a raucous St. Patrick’s Day crowd at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Conlan defeated Ruben Garcia Hernandez over 10 rounds.

Ruiz (21-2, 10 KOs), a 25-year-old from Argentina, will be fighting for the first time away from his native country. He has won 10 in a row dating back to 2016 and is coming off a 10-round split decision June 1 over Luis Emanuel Cusolito for the vacant WBC Latino silver featherweight title. Before moving up to the featherweight ranks, Ruiz won the Argentina Boxing Federation’s bantamweight title and the WBC Latino silver super bantamweight belt. 

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

Use the hashtags #ConlanRuiz and #TheConlanRevolution 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.

About Féile an Phobail

Féile an Phobail is Ireland’s Biggest Community Arts Festival and Summer School, and the highlight of the summer calendar in Belfast, welcoming in excess of 80,000 people to its annual August festival.

Now in its 31st year the Festival has welcomed some of the biggest names on the local, national and international stage, through an eclectic programme of arts, sport, music, literature, theatre and politics.

Féile has played a leadership role in the social, cultural and economic regeneration of West Belfast, and has been a key driver in the success story that is West Belfast Tourism.

Féile is supported by Belfast City Council, Arts Council NI, Tourism NI, and marketed internationally with support from Tourism Ireland.

About MTK Global

MTK Global is the world’s foremost fighter management company. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it was founded in September 2012 by two-time European boxing champion, Matthew Macklin.

MTK Global delivers a wide range of support and services including career development, legal, media, endorsements and sponsorships to more than a hundred professional fighters. It provides boxing shows, events and training gyms in various locations worldwide: Marbella, Spain, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle, United Kingdom, Johannesburg, South Africa, Sta. Catarina, Brasil and Sydney, Australia.

For general enquiries, email us at: hello@mtkglobal.com.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (3 July 2019) Expect the King Abdullah Sports City to be awash with A-List stars from both the worlds of entertainment and sport when Amir Khan and Billy Dib collide for the WBC International Welterweight belt at the ‘Red Sea Fight Night’ in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Friday 12th July.

Last week Britain’s finest ever heavyweight Lennox Lewis – the 1988 Olympic gold medallist and former unified WBC, WBA and IBF king – confirmed his presence at ringside for the fistic feast in the dessert, live in the UK on free-to-air Channel Five and will feature a white hot undercard fronted by the juggernaut heavyweight collision between Hughie Fury and ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Samuel Peter. 

And this week UFC legend Chuck Liddell and UFC’s hottest prospectIsrael Adesanya, have confirmed their attendance at ringside to what promises to be an historic landmark night for the sport in the MENA region.

Khan v Dib takes place during Saudi Seasons, which promotes the Kingdom as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, and during a packed week of activities, Liddell and Adesanya will give seminars at Fitness Time gym in Jeddah.

Liddell – billed as ‘The Ice Man’ for his capacity to strike opponents unconscious – is one of the MMA franchise’s greatest ever stars. And he knows a thing or two about boxing, having been introduced to the Noble Art by his maternal grandfather in his native Santa Barbara, long before he carved his legend inside the Octagon.

In his prime, chiller Chuck was incontestably one of the most savage and complete fighting all-rounders on the planet. Formerly an NCAA collegiate wrestler, he went 20-2 as a kick boxer with an astonishing 16 victims sent for an early shower. He began his life in MMA by conquering the art of Brazilian ju-jitsu before reaching 8^th Dan in the hybrid Hawaiian martial art of Kajukenbo

During a stand-out career between 1998-2010, the 6ft 2in Californian strike specialist ruled on the UFC light-heavyweight throne from 2005-2007 and successfully retained his claim on four occasions. Representing globally revered The Pit team, lethal Liddell smashed the record for the most knockouts in the history of the UFC 205lb division – his business card was a looping overhand right which twice won him the UFC ‘Kayo of the Night’ award – and was involved in a series of unforgettable tear-ups with fellow icons such as Randy Couture, Rampage Jackson, Tito Ortiz and Wanderlei Silva, to name just a few. His 2007 war with the latter scooped MMA Fight of the Year honours.

And ‘The Ice Man’ wasn’t just one of the UFC world’s greatest fighters, he reigned as one of its biggest personalities. The first UFC fighter to grace the cover of ESPN’s The Magazine, Liddell featured in 13 PPV fights netting almost 5.9million buys. He subsequently coached Team Liddell in Spike TV’s hugely popular ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, featured in 11 films, came 11^th in Dancing with the Stars and was a houseguest in the US version of Celebrity Big Brother. Unsurprisingly, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in Las Vegas in 2009.  

Joining Lewis and Liddell in Jeddah, will be present day phenomenon Adesanya, one of the most colourful, controversial and clinical operators on the UFC scene and is a nominee for The Best MMA Fighter ESPY.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria but a resident of Auckland, New Zealand since the age of 13, ‘The Last Style Bender’s combustible high-kicks have taken him to the UFC’s ‘interim’ middleweight championship. A flamboyant showman and incorrigible sledger, the 29 year old has evolved into one of UFC’s biggest box-office draws.

A stick thin 6ft 4in tall and sporting a telegraph pole 80in reach, Adesanya’s crushing kicks earned him 32-0 stats as an amateur kick boxer plus a record three King of the Ring awards. Like Liddle, he has also dabbled with conventional boxing, winning five of six among the paid brigade between 2014-15. 

And the ‘Style Bender’ has proved an absolute sensation since gate crashing the UFC circuit in December 2017. Sporting a perfect 6-0 CV, his fan-friendly, flashy fighting skills have been recognised with three ‘Performance of the Night’ awards plus a brace of ‘Fight of the Night’ accolades.

Israel’s attendance around ringside in Saudi is sure to rouse emotions in what promises to be an unmissable evening of entertainment and action with more big names to be announced.

Fight fans looking to travel out to Jeddah to watch the action packed show headlined by Amir Khan v Billy Dib can purchase fight tickets here and also easily apply for an E-VISA to attend. Please go to this link:

3 July 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced that reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Vietnam and Australia will defend his title against top contender Koyomi Matsushima of Japan. The featherweight showdown has been added to ONE: DAWN OF HEROES as the main event, which takes place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on Friday, 2 August.

Ticket information for ONE: DAWN OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com.

LOS ANGELES (July 3, 2019) — The reigning Fighter of the Decade and boxer laureate, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs), has two weeks of rigorous training at world-famous Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club, six weeks total, under his belt.  Manny is in full throttle for his challenge of undefeated WBA welterweight super champion Keith “One Time” Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs), from Clearwater, Florida, which takes place in 17 days.  Daily morning runs of three to five miles with hundreds of fans trailing, followed by one thousand sit-ups and assorted drills, afternoons at the gym, filled with 10 rounds of sparring, 10-12 rounds of mitts with Freddie and Buboy Fernandez, endless rounds of heavy bag and speed bag work, are capped off with another 1,000 sit-ups.  Is this normal behavior for a 40-year-old man?  Probably not, but no one ever accused Manny of being ordinary.  He continues to be history in the making.

“Manny is so unbelievably fast.  He’s 40 years old and moving around the ring with the same speed he had when he was just a seven-division world champion,” said Roach.  “Manny has Keith Thurman’s number.  Thurman is slower than Heinz ketchup.  Manny is going to beat him 57 ways on July 20.  The fans know it, and the sports books know it.  Manny has gone from underdog to a betting favorite.  Manny is money for this fight.  It’s going to be champagne and Lobster Thurmandor for us!”