Boston (June 13, 2019):

Murphys Boxing is proud to announce NABA super welterweight champion, Mark DeLuca (23-1, 13 KOs) will face undefeated Canadian contender, Brandon Brewer (23-0-1, 11 KOs) on the undercard of the middleweight world championship bout between Demetrius Andrade and Maciej Sulecki live on DAZN on Saturday, June 29th in Providence, Rhode Island.

DeLuca, who is ranked #9 in the world by the WBA, is coming off a dominate unanimous decision victory over once beaten, Jimmy Williams this past March and is looking to make a statement against an undefeated opponent in order to secure a title elimination fight later this year.

“It’s on short notice but I don’t have any hesitation taking the fight.”, explains the former Marine who is one of New England’s most popular fighters.

“A good performance against an undefeated fighter of Brewer’s caliber on a DAZN televised card will hopefully be enough to land another Top 10 fighter in the ring for a title eliminator. My goal is to be the first world champion from the Boston area since John Ruiz and I feel like all the pieces are finally coming together.”

As for DeLuca’s massive Boston area fan base, the Whitman, Massachusetts native is confident they will be making the short trip down to Providence.

“It’s definitely a home game for me. Providence is only 45 minutes from my front door. I can guarantee you that Boston will be in the house.”

DeLuca’s promoter and Murphys Boxing founder, Ken Casey couldn’t agree more with his fighter.

“Mark deserves big opportunities likes this. Fighting an undefeated opponent on DAZN is a major step to a world title shot. We’re excited for boxing fans to find out what the city of Boston already knows, Mark DeLuca is one of the best super welterweights in the world.”

DeLuca vs. Brewer takes place as part of Andrade vs. Sulecki on Saturday, June 29th at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI, 02903). The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing USA and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN. Doors open at 5pm and tickets are on sale now by calling or texting 617-657-4356 or emailing mbloom@murphysboxing.com.

ABOUT MURPHYS BOXING

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

For more information visit: www.murphysboxing.com

Anthony Fowler has stepped in to face Brian Rose in a must-win fight at Manchester Arena on Saturday July 6, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, after Scott Fitzgerald was forced to withdraw from his title defence against Rose through injury. 

Fowler suffered a first career defeat at the hands of Fitzgerald in March and was preparing to make his ring return on the July 6 card when he was handed a golden opportunity to take on former World title challenger Rose in the place of his bitter rival.

“I want tests and I want to be involved in the big fights,” said Fowler. “As soon as we heard the news that Scott had to pull out we grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I’m not in this game to be taking easy fights. Brian has mixed it at the top level throughout his career and this is a fantastic chance for me to test myself against an experienced opponent.

“I learnt a lot from my last fight and we went away and improved in a few areas. I know that I’m in for a tough night’s work in Manchester but this is a fight that I feel ready and prepared for. I was already massively motivated for my return on July 6 but this has given me another boost. 

“I’m already in great shape, I’d be ready to fight next week. Brian is a big name and I think he’ll get the best out of me on the night. I know Brian and consider him as a friend, but this is strictly business and I’ve got a job to do next month. This is must-win for me.”

“Everyone knows that I’ve got a loyal following and although the original fight with Scott was a big Preston vs. Blackpool derby, I’ll still be bringing big numbers to Manchester on July 6 as Fowler is probably a bigger draw than Scott,” said Rose. “He’s a more well-known fighter even though Scott beat him and it’s a better fight.

“On paper it’s an easier fight, I don’t see it like that but this has all worked out better for me because when I beat Fowler I’ll have more options ahead of me and we’ll be able to demand more. I’m really looking forward to fighting Fowler and to fighting on the big stage again. 

“It’s where I believe I belong, I’ve worked hard to get back on the big stage by fighting on those small hall shows which were great, but there wasn’t much exposure. I’ve done it all in the background, I’ve worked really hard over the last year to get myself fit and into the position that I’m in now and I’ll make it count next month.”

Fowler vs. Fitzgerald is part of a huge night of action in Manchester, Lawrence Okolie (12-0, 9 KOs) puts his British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles on the line against Jack Massey (16-0, 8 KOs), Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) defends his Commonwealth Middleweight crown against Bolton’s Jack Cullen (16-1, 7 KOs), Anthony Fowler (9-1, 8 KOs) returns after his first pro defeat, Sheffield’s Dalton Smith looks to go 2-0 as a pro and Anthony Crolla Lightweight protégé Dylan Evans fights at Manchester Arena for the first time, with more exciting additions to the card to follow.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 (VIP) are available to purchase now via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), Manchester Arena via ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

Tickets for the blockbuster unification clash between WBO World Super-Lightweight champion Maurice Hooker and WBC ruler Jose Ramirez on Saturday July 27 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, go on pre-sale TODAY at 10am (CDT).

Hooker (26-0-3 17 KOs) fights in his Dallas backyard for the first time as a World champion following three fights in enemy territory. Hooker puts his title on the line for the third time after ripping the crown from Terry Flanagan in Manchester, England last June and travelled to Oklahoma City to get off the canvas and stop Alex Saucedo inside seven thrilling rounds in November. ‘Mighty Mo’ met Brooklyn’s Mikkel LesPierre in Verona, New York in March, flooring the unbeaten challenger in the ninth round of a dominant points win.

Ramirez (24-0 16 KOs) also puts his crown on the line for the third time having landed the vacant title at Madison Square Garden in New York in March 2018 against Amir Imam. The 26 year old’s first two defenses were on home soil in Fresno, putting Antonio Orozco on the deck twice in a points win in September and then a tight contest with Jose Zepeda in February where he held onto his title via majority decision.

A stacked undercard in support of the main event will see more World title action added to the card which already features the hotly anticipated debut of Murat Gassiev, who moves up from Cruiserweight and meets Philadelphia’s Joey Dawejko.

Houston-based rising talent Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (2-0 2 KOs) is in action for the third time in the paid ranks, and the impressive 23 year old can make it three straight first round KOs in his home state.

Tickets start at just $25 and the pre-sale starts at 10am (CDT) from www.utatickets.com

There are five pre-sale ticket codes for the event: MMH, JCR, AMMO, MBUSA and UTA

Tickets then go on general sale at 10am (CDT) on Friday June 14 from www.utatickets.com

ENDS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 13th, 2019) — There’s more to Quinton Rankin than what you see on the surface. Peel back the layers and you’ll find Rankin boasts more wisdom and experience than professional boxers with twice as many fights on their resume.

The 32-year-old southpaw from North Carolina is just 16 days away from the biggest fight of his career, an eight-round showdown against former two-time world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson of New Haven, Conn., Saturday, June 29th, 2019 at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s historic Fox Theater, headlining a stacked pro-am card promoted by CES Boxing.

Limited tickets are available at $47, $77 and $157 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com or www.foxwoods.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or 800-200-2882 or at the Fox Theater Box Office. All fights and fighters subject to change.

The tale of the tape paints a tall order for Rankin (15-5-2, 12 KOs); at the height of his career, Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs) was the king of the light heavyweight division, winning the WBC, IBF and WBO world titles and earning his spot among the all-time greats with convincing wins over Bernard Hopkins, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver during an unparalleled seven-year run.

Rankin has never faced anyone as established as Dawson, but he’s bottled up all the knowledge he’s gained from having worked in a number of elite training camps through the years helping champions and challengers in various weight classes prepare for big fights. He recently spent time with former WBO super middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez in advance of Ramirez’s knockout win over Tommy Karpency in April and has also worked with Thomas Williams Jr., Andre Dirrell and former WBC youth champion John Jackson.

In an ironic twist of fate, Rankin also sparred with pound-for-pound king Andre Ward to help Ward get ready for his own fight against Dawson in 2012. Three or four years ago, Rankin admits he wouldn’t have felt comfortable stepping into the ring against a fighter of Dawson’s pedigree, but now considers himself a much different fighter after working alongside some of the sport’s best, both past and present.

“I’m 100-percent confident I can beat Chad Dawson and will do it in impressive fashion,” Rankin said. “I’ll be able to capitalize on Chad’s flaws. A lot of fighters have seen his flaws and capitalized on them.

“The problem with me is they only have footage from three years ago. I’m a different fighter now. He’ll have a problem adjusting to the new me. Mentally, he isn’t counting on how tough I am. I’ve seen him mentally crushed under pressure.”

This is by far Rankin’s toughest test in eight years as a professional. His most notable win came in April when he upended 11-1 Columbian light heavyweight Neller Obregon by fourth-round knockout. He’s also faced unbeaten New Haven prospect Charles Foster, top-10 world-rated Russian Medzhid Bektemirov and former title-challenger Mike Gavronski. None of those fights, he says, taught him as much as he learned while spending time in Ward’s camp in 2012. At the time, Ward was 28 years old on the brink of keeping his perfect record intact and defending his WBA and WBC super middleweight titles for the fifth time.

“I realized I had a lot of work to do as far as stamina is concerned,” Rankin said. “Skill-wise, I didn’t feel like I was out of my element, but from a conditioning standpoint, Ward is out of this world.

“He doesn’t razzle-dazzle you with speed like Roy Jones. He’s just a workhorse. Once you fade, he’s picking it up, and that’s when you realize, ‘Man, this dude is in shape.’ That’s how he beat [Sergey] Kovalev — his conditioning was better.”

Rankin stepped his game up after working with Ward and also stepped up the level of competition over the next few years, but as a relatively unknown southpaw from North Carolina — historically not a breeding ground for championship-level fighters — he’s still often pigeonholed as just another fringe contender in an exceedingly deep talent pool. He’s had to earn respect the hard way, carrying that underdog mentality into each fight, whether in the ring or in the gym.

“Every time I got into a camp, they say, ‘Damn, you don’t fight like a North Carolina fighter,'” Rankin said. “I’m a future world champion. A lot of people don’t understand that. No one ever protected me. They just throw you to the wolves, but when you throw someone to the wolves, they become a wolf.

“Yeah, I took some losses, but I don’t plan on losing anymore.”

The opportunity to fight Dawson is a dream come true. Rankin admits he’s followed Dawson’s career closely through the years and has even taken elements from his style and implemented them into his own repertoire.

“To get a chance to get in there with him is an honor, but, like I told my brother, ‘I love you, but when you put those gloves on, I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.’

“It’s not hard for me at all. I always come with respect, but I’m coming to put my gloves on you. We can touch gloves at the beginning and in the end, but in between that I’m trying to hurt you.”

Rankin and his wife have three children — an 11-year-old daughter, and two boys, ages 2 and 10 — and the southpaw works as a boxing trainer at the TITLE Boxing Club on Ayrsley Town Boulevard in Charlotte, which he says keeps him sharp in between fights.

“Teaching someone who isn’t trying to compete gives me a different perspective of intellect. It has actually risen my boxing IQ,” Rankin said. “You have to sometimes break things down for them and verbalize the fundamentals, and if I’m not doing things right I have to correct myself. It keeps me honest.”

Rankin’s bold persona and humble, yet confident, attitude adds a whole new layer of intrigue to the June 29th showcase at Foxwoods. What many have billed as the “homecoming” for Dawson, who hasn’t fought in two and a half years, could be the coming-out party for the underrated Rankin, who is ready for his closeup on boxing’s biggest stage.

“I have nothing to lose,” he said. “If I beat this guy, my whole life changes.”

The co-feature June 29th pits unbeaten New Haven featherweight Tramaine Williams (17-0, 6 KOs) against Filipino challenger Neil John Tabanao (17-5, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Manchester, Conn., super welterweight Jose Rivera (7-4, 5 KOs) battles Luca Podda (7-3, 3 KOs) of Miami in a six-round bout and Oscar Bonilla (5-3-2, 1 KO) of Bridgeport, Conn., faces Julio Perez (4-3) of Worcester, Mass., in a six-round lightweight bout.

Also featured on the main card, New Haven female flyweight Marisa Belenchia (0-0) makes her professional debut against Delaney Owen (0-2) of Clearwater, Fla., and featherweight Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KOs) of Bridgeport puts his unbeaten record on the line against Minnesota’s Jose Homar Rios (2-6-1, 1 KO), both in four-round bouts. Junior welterweight Wilson Mascarenhas (1-1) of New Bedford, Mass., faces Joshua Oxendine (0-0) of Pembroke, N.C., and undefeated featherweight Jacob Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) returns to Foxwoods for the third time in a separate four-round bout.

Showtime for the main card is 7 p.m. ET, preceded by a 10-fight amateur preliminary card featuring Dawson’s son, Chad Dawson Jr., and the debut of Lennox Estrada, the son of U.S. Olympian and former heavyweight title-challenger Jason Estrada of Providence, R.I. The main card streams live on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, and follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

Conor Benn is out to make a statement against Jussi Koivula in his first ever bill topper on the latest instalment of the JD NXTGEN series at Bethnal Green’s historic York Hall on Friday June 21.

‘The Destroyer’ makes the first defence of his WBA Continental Welterweight title against Finland’s Koivula, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, in his second fight back since recovering from a hand injury that kept him out of action for over nine months. 

Koivula (24-6-1, 9 KOs), the no.1 Welterweight in his country, represents a significant step-up for Ilford’s Benn. He took former Errol Spence Jr. and Amir Khan opponent Samuel Vargas the distance at the back end of 2017 and has only been stopped twice in 31 fights. 

Benn, who follows in his father’s footsteps as a headliner at the legendary East London venue, holds no concerns over his opponent’s résumé and believes that he possesses the power to inflict a third knockout loss on the 35-year-old. 

“I know that he’s fought for the EBU European Union title twice and lost on points both times,” said Benn. “He lost on a split decision to Samuel Vargas in Canada, Samuel’s ‘hometown’. His level of opposition doesn’t concern me though because he’s lost six fights and he’s been put down twice, one of them was from a left hook, and the guy who put him down had pillow fists – going by his record.

“I’ll swing with the right hand and if I miss with the right I’ll follow through with a left and if the left lands then it’s goodnight. In this game you can’t say ‘yeah I’m going to go in there and take him out’. I’m just excited to put on a good clean and neat performance, also a calculated one. 

“Let’s see what he brings on the night. His record isn’t bad. It’s a big step up for me but I’m really not concerned. I don’t think he’ll be able to live with my strength, my speed and my youthfulness. My left hook is my money shot. If you get caught with it 93% of my opponents get put down. 64% don’t get back up.

“I’m going to go in there and do what I’ve got to do. I’ve heard he’s a spoiler, he likes to hold and he can switch but I’m really not concerned, I’ve just got to focus on doing my job and doing it well. There’s definitely no pressure headlining because whatever fight I’m in it’s entertaining. There’s no pressure in that sense but I do want to make a statement in this fight.”

Benn vs. Koivula tops a bumper card in East London, Ted Cheeseman (15-1, 9 KO) makes the first defence of his British Super-Welterweight title against Kieron Conway (12-1, 3 KOs), Crystal Palace Light-Heavyweight Craig Richards (14-1, 8 KOs) takes on undefeated former Southern Area champion Andre Sterling (10-0, 4 KOs) in an intriguing all-London Final Eliminator for the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Light-Heavyweight belt, Crowthorne Super-Featherweight Charles Frankham (1-0) looks to make if two wins from two fights, fast-rising Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay (2-0) steps up to take part in her first six round contest, former Commonwealth Super-Featherweight champion Reece Bellotti (13-2, 11 KOs) steps through the ropes for the first time since his British title loss to Ryan Walsh and Ohio Lightweight prospect Otha Jones III (1-0) takes part in his second professional contest.

Tickets priced £40, £70 and £130 VIP are available to purchase NOW via StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk).

LAS VEGAS (June 12, 2019) – Ten minutes before the press conference was set to begin, Tyson Fury waltzed onto the stage at the David Copperfield Theater and started the proceedings early. The Tyson Fury Show had officially hit the Vegas Strip.

Fury (27-0-1, 19 KOs) will defend his lineal heavyweight title against undefeated German challenger Tom Schwarz (24-0, 16 KOs) Saturday at MGM Grand Garden Arena, live on ESPN+ (10 p.m. ET).

He commented on his challenger’s good lucks and engaged in a pose-off with his adversary before the formal press conference got underway.

This is what the main event participants and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Tyson Fury

On the response of the American people to him

“I feel like the crowd has warmed to me. Everyone has been very welcoming. The American people, all different types of people, have been coming up to me, people from all over the world here in Vegas. People who don’t speak English, people who don’t even watch boxing. It’s quite humbling, to be honest. It’s a very great experience to be here, Las Vegas, MGM Grand. It’s where all the great fights happen. Seeing your face on all the movie screens and posters is great.”

“I believe the fight with Wilder only helped my profile here in the United States, and here we are again, only a few days away from the biggest fight of my life.”

On his public battle with mental awareness

“I talk about mental health a lot because it’s very important to me. Only 18 months ago, I was in a very, very dark place. I just wanted to prove to people that there is a way back. You can come back from anything. Nothing is impossible, and if you’d seen me a time ago when I was very heavy and very unwell… I love to inspire people. to get better and change their lives as I did mine. And I’m living proof that anyone can change.”

“I was down and out. I have my family right here, and even those guys thought I was gone. There was no return for ‘They Gypsy King.’ No more. He was finished. I dusted myself off, got back on the road, got back mentally well, and me, {trainer} Ben {Davison} and the whole team, we worked very hard for a long time to get to this position.”

“I am living the dream. That’s why I’m so happy, so positive all the time. I’m one of the only people who is living what they want to do. There is nothing else that I wanted to do. As a kid, I wanted to be heavyweight champion of the world. So now, everything is a bonus. I wake up every day, enjoy life, and take life as it comes.”

Tom Schwarz

“Training for this fight was very good. We had hundreds of sparring partners to prepare for this big fight. My time is now!”

On adding Roberto Norris to his corner

“He makes me train harder and that has made me a stronger fighter. I have also learned new boxing skills with him. He has taught me the American style.”

“Top Rank is a great company and Bob Arum is the God of all promoters. We also know Frank Warren very well. He is a great promoter, too. The eyes of the world will be on Las Vegas this Saturday night and for that, I’m very honored and excited. It will be a great fight and I’m coming to win it and shock the world.”

Bob Arum

“I am absolutely delighted with this reception. The job of a promoter, as Frank {Warren} would attest, can be very difficult. Once in a while, many times, you get guys who are reluctant to speak to the press. You gotta give them scripts as to what to say. With Tyson Fury, all you have to do is get him into place so that he can meet with the press, he can meet with the public. You don’t have to tell him what to say because he knows how to reach the public and reach the press. It’s really been a delight to do this promotion. I’m a big fan of German boxing, and I know Tom – who many of you have not heard of – is a tremendous fighter. Our matchmakers went over the tapes of his 24 victories and some of his amateur tapes, and we realize what a tremendous fighter he is.”

ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Tyson Fury (champion) vs. Tom Schwarz (challenger), 12 rounds, Fury’s Lineal world heavyweight title,

Jesse Hart vs. Sullivan Barrera, 10 rounds, light heavyweight

ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Mikaela Mayer vs. Lizbeth Crespo, 10 rounds, super featherweight

Andy Vences vs. Albert Bell, 10 rounds, Vences’ WBC Continental Americas super featherweight belt

Isaac Lowe vs. Duarn Vue, 10 rounds, Lowe’s WBC International featherweight belt

Guido Vianello vs. Kennan Hickman, 6 rounds, heavyweight

Peter Kadiru vs. Juan Torres, 4 rounds, heavyweight

SWING BOUTS

Sonny Conto vs. Daniel Infante, 4 rounds, heavyweight

Cem Kilic vs. Martez McGregor 8 rounds, super middleweight

ABOUT FURY VS. SCHWARZ

FURY vs. SCHWARZ, the 12-round fight for the lineal heavyweight championship of the world, is presented by Top Rank in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and SES Boxing, and is sponsored by Geico.

FURY vs. SCHWARZ will take place Saturday, June 15, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT at MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA, and will be produced by Top Rank and ESPN and streamed live on ESPN+.

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $100 and $50 are on sale now can be purchased online through axs.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts box office.

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

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

MONTICELLO, N.Y. (June 12, 2019) – Resorts World Catskills Casino Resort, New York’s newest and closest integrated casino resort to Manhattan, announced today that, in collaboration with Star Boxing, is bringing boxing back to the region with the Catskills Clash. The card, which includes three undefeated names fighting for titles in the American Boxing Organization, will take place on Friday, June 28 in the RW Epicenter. These up-and-coming boxers join the ranks of many boxing legends who got their start in the Catskills.

Dylan “The Real Deal” Moran – Irish Welterweight Sensation
Born in Waterford, Ireland, the 24-year-old has successfully won bouts in the UK, Ireland and Mexico, with plans to lay roots in the United States. Moran earned his nickname by rising through the ranks in Irish amateur boxing, winning 6-county titles as well as, 6 provisional and national titles. As a true combative, Moran also earned 7 national titles, 1 European Title, and 3 World Titles as a kickboxer.

“Action” Anthony Laureano – Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Fighter of the Year
Making his professional debut in September 2016, the East Hartford, CT native has not looked back. In November of 2018, after a fantastic year, including four victories, Laureano was honored as the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Fighter of the Year. Laureano is known for his come forward, all action style, hence his nickname. With a relentless work ethic and a work rate inside the ring that is second to none, Laureano is a force to be reckoned with in the super lightweight division.

Richie “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera – Undefeated Power Puncher
Undefeated Cruiserweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera is arguably the most popular boxer and hardest hitter in New England. The 28-year-old has almost single handedly resurrected an otherwise dormant boxing scene of late in the Hartford market, which dates back a full century.

Considering the region’s undeniable tie to entertainment,countless boxing greats, including Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali, spent decades visiting Sullivan County to train for upcoming championship fights and faced-off against the best, making the recent addition of the Catskills Clash to the RW Epicenter line-up a natural fit.

“Boxing champions made a name for themselves in the Catskills years ago, and we look forward to bringing that same excitement back to the area”, said Kevin Kline, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Resorts World Catskills. “We have established Resorts World Catskills Casino Resort and the RW Epicenter as a premier destination for live entertainment in the region, and we look forward to adding sporting events, including boxing, to our list of offerings”.

In addition to the casino resort’s luxury hospitality, distinctive dining and Las Vegas style gaming, the Epicenter has already hosted the best in entertainment with the likes of legendary comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin James and Sebastian Maniscalco and musicians Clint Black, Paul Anka and Brett Michaels. With a strong line-up of local and nationally recognized acts, Resorts World Catskills Casino Resort is helping to restore the Catskills as a premier getaway and true destination.
TICKETS:
Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 14 at 10am. To purchase tickets, visit ticketmaster.com, or for more information visit rwcatskills.com.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (June 12, 2019) – Boxing returns to its hotbed in South Florida on Friday, July 12, as Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory in association with All Star Boxing proudly present “Championship Fight Series,” a night of world-class boxing in Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood with featured bouts televised live on the most popular boxing series on Hispanic television Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 p.m. EST).

The night’s 10-round main event will feature a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico showdown, as welterweight Derrieck Cuevas of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico (21-0-1, 14 KOs) will defend his WBA Fedelatin Welterweight Championship against his toughest challenge to date in Mexican warrior, Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran of Los Mochis (17-2-2, 10 KOs).

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

A hard-punching prospect on the rise, 24-year-old Cuevas was last seen in May scoring a wide unanimous decision over well-respected Ghanaian veteran Albert Mensah at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood.

“I’m prepared to defend my title,” said Cuevas. “This is my first time headlining on a national stage, and I want to show all my fans that I’m worthy of a world title opportunity after this fight.”

Jesus Alberto Beltran, 30, hails from a boxing family. He is the older brother of super featherweight contender and former world-title challenger Miguel “Barreterito” Beltran Jr.

“I want to thank All Star Boxing for giving me the opportunity to come to the U.S. and showcase my talent,” said Beltran. “I will be victorious come July 12. I look forward to fighting on the Telemundo network for years to come.”

“This will be another great show at this fantastic venue,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations for The Heavyweight Factory. “Derrieck Cuevas is becoming a player at 147 lbs. and that means taking on tough opponents like Beltran from Mexico. The winner of this fight will almost certainly gain a world ranking and be closing in on a title shot. It’s going to be a terrific match-up between two fighters with their futures on the line.”

Six more exciting bouts are being scheduled. 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.

# # #

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 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 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. 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; 16 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 6,500 seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue 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.

Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing and Evgeny Vainshtein of Chelyabinsk, Russia-based Ural Boxing Promotions proudly announce the signing of undefeated Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez Faure (11-0, 9 KOs) to a co-promotional contract.

26-year-old Sanchez Faure was a heavily decorated amateur, including a victory over Cuban boxing great Erislandy Savon and winning numerous awards and international titles such as the prestigious 2008 Cuban National School Games. He also won the esteemed Cuban National Championships and finished with an outstanding record of 214-6.

A quick and powerful fighter with superior technical skills, Sanchez Faure is originally from Guantanamo, Cuba, but resides in Miami, and now trains at the Freestyle Fighting Academy Gym with trainer Eric “El Tigre” Castanos.

Sanchez Faure turned professional in late 2017 and had an incredible 10 fights in 2018. He was last seen in January of this year, scoring a nationally televised second-round knockout over Willie Jake Jr. on ShoBox: The New Generation.

“I am very happy with my new team,” said Sanchez Faure. “I will focus everything on becoming world champion.”

“Warriors is thrilled to be involved in the promising career of this exciting Cuban heavyweight contender Frank Sanchez,” said Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. “I look forward to working with his team and to building the next great heavyweight champion.”

“He’s got a Larry Holmes jab and uses great movement,” said Luis DeCubas, Chief Operating Officer, Warriors Boxing. “With the heavyweights the way they are, he could beat anyone out there right now.”

Sanchez’s trainer, Eric “Tigre” Castanos, has previously trained established Cuban contenders and champions such as Yuniel Dorticos, Diosbelys Hurtado, and Ramon Garbey. “Frank has an incredible pedigree, determination, and work ethic. He is capable of competing with any world champion today. Within 12 months, no one will touch him.”

Sanchez’s co-managers, Mike Borao and Lupe Valencia, are also in agreement that this deal puts another piece in place for Sanchez Faure’s career.

“Frank Sanchez is a blue-chip prospect that has a great shot a becoming the first Cuban heavyweight champion in history,” said Borao.

“Frank is the best rising star in the heavyweight division. His amateur record is outstanding. He has overcome every obstacle including, Erislandy Savon, to become regarded as one of the best fighters out of Cuba. Now 11-0, he is on his way,” said Valencia.

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.

Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Anaheim with a blockbuster heavyweight championship rematch that will see No.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter Daniel Cormier defend against former titleholder and No. 1 contender Stipe Miocic. In a can’t miss welterweight thriller, No. 8 ranked Anthony Pettis welcomes back Nate Diaz.

UFC® 241: CORMIER vs. MIOCIC 2 takes place Saturday, August 17 at Honda Center and will stream live nationally on Pay-Per-View exclusively through ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT in both English and Spanish.

ESPN+ is the exclusive provider of all UFC Pay-Per-View events to fans in the U.S. as part of an agreement announced in March and continuing through 2025.

As UFC® 241: CORMIER vs. MIOCIC 2 approaches, fans will be able to purchase it online at ESPNPlus.com/PPV or on the ESPN App on mobile and connected-TV devices. ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App on all major mobile and connected TV devices and platforms, including Amazon Fire, Apple, Android, Chromecast, PS4, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, X Box One and more.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English and Spanish on ESPN and ESPN Deportes linear networks starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT with the early prelims simulcast on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT.

A two-time member of the United States Olympic freestyle wrestling team and one of only four fighters to simultaneously hold championships in two UFC divisions, Cormier (22-1 1NC, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) dethroned Miocic via KO during their initial encounter at UFC 226 last year. Throughout his legendary career, he has netted spectacular victories over Derrick Lewis, Alexander Gustafsson, Dan Henderson and Anthony Johnson (twice). Cormier now aims to secure his second title defense against the division’s most dominant champion.

Holder of the record for most successful consecutive heavyweight title defenses in UFC history at three, former champion Miocic (18-3, fighting out of Independence, Ohio) looks to even the score with Cormier. After capturing the championship in 2016 via first-round KO against Fabricio Werdum, Miocic went on to earn thrilling wins against Francis Ngannou, Junior Dos Santos and Alistair Overeem. With revenge on his mind, Miocic is now gunning to become only the fourth fighter to reclaim the UFC heavyweight championship.

Former UFC lightweight champion Pettis (22-8, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) made a huge splash at welterweight when he became the first fighter to knock out Stephen Thompson this past March. Known for his flashy striking and slick ground game, he has also finished Charles Oliveira, Gilbert Melendez, Benson Henderson and Donald Cerrone. Pettis now hopes to keep his momentum rolling with another show-stealing performance against one of the most dangerous fighters on the UFC roster.

Winner of The Ultimate Fighter season five, Diaz (20-11, fighting out of Stockton, Calif.) makes his highly anticipated first appearance since his epic double-bill against Conor McGregor. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a relentless striking attack, Diaz has beaten some of the biggest names in the sport. On top of submitting McGregor, he has bested Michael Johnson, Gray Maynard, Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone. Diaz now looks for another big finish and to remind fans why he is one of the most exciting fighters in MMA.

Additional bouts on the card include:

In a highly anticipated middleweight contenders’ bout, No. 2 ranked Yoel Romero (13-3, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Pinar Del Rio, Cuba) battles undefeated No. 8 Paulo Costa (12-0, fighting out of Contagem, Brazil)
No.3 ranked bantamweight contender Raphael Assuncao (27-6, fighting out of Alpharetta, Ga. by way of Recife, Brazil) looks to re-assert himself in the title picture against surging No. 9 Cory Sandhagen (11-1, fighting out of Aurora, Colo.)
No.9 ranked middleweight contender Derek Brunson (19-7, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) hopes to build on his momentum against rising No. 11 Ian Heinisch (13-1, fighting out of Englewood, Colo.)
· Streaking featherweights collide when Gabriel Benitez (21-7, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) meets Sodiq Yusuff (9-1, fighting out of Bladensburg, Md. by way of Lagos, Nigeria)

Sabina Mazo (6-1, fighting out of Medellín, Colombia) takes on Shana Dobson (3-3, fighting out of Fort Worth, Tex.) in a clash of flyweight prospects

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Visit UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

Tickets for UFC® 241: CORMIER vs. MIOCIC 2 go on sale Friday, June 14 at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, June 12 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 13 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

UFC®, is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts more than 300 million fans worldwide, including 70 million social media followers across all of its digital platforms, and its programming is broadcast in over 170 countries and territories to one billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually and consistently sells out some of the world’s most prestigious arenas. Since 2001, UFC has been proudly headquartered in Las Vegas, supported by a network of employees around the world. UFC’s current roster of athletes features more than 570 men and women representing over 55 countries. UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand, and original content to fans around the world. UFC was acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment, and fashion leader Endeavor, along with strategic investors Silver Lake Partners and KKR, in what is among the largest transactions in sports history. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About Honda Center

Honda Center stands as one of the premier entertainment and sports venues in the country. The arena is home to the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, and the venue annually hosts dozens of top-name concerts such as The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, J. Cole, and Foo Fighters. Located at 2695 E Katella Ave. in Anaheim, CA, Honda Center is less than 5 miles away from Disneyland, less than 30 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, and is conveniently positioned right off of the Interstate 5, California State Route 22, and California State Route 57 freeways. The John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are easily accessible for those traveling from other parts of the U.S. and the globe to attend the festival.

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 can sign up for 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 ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – eight U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Canada – (June 12, 2019) – United Boxing Promotions (UBP) has signed Canadian amateur boxing standout Brock Stumpf to an exclusive promotional contract.

Stumpf (1-0, 1 KO), a cruiserweight fighting out of Elora, Ontario, Canada, made his successful pro debut May 14, when his opponent, Eduardo Rodrigo Pacheco (4-5-2), was unable to continue fighting after one round.

“Having been an amateur standout at cruiserweight,” UBP manager Don MacDonald said, “Brock is a very exciting addition to our team and what a great time to join us. People love big punchers and knockouts; Brock will become a fan favorite very soon.”

Stumpf started boxing at the age of 16 at TNT Boxing Academy in Guelph, fought in his first amateur match the following year, and went on to win 45 of 60 amateur fights, many of which by stoppage. He is a three-time Ontario, two-time Silver Glove and three-time Brampton Cup champion.

The 2016 Canadian heavyweight champion fought in numerous international events for Team Canada, as well as in a dual match with Germany.

“I’m excited to sign with a world-class promotions company right here in Ontario – United Boxing Promotions – to start my professional career,” Stumpf commented. “I’ve been to a lot of United Boxing Promotions shows and have seen how it guides fighters from start to finish, debut prospect all the way to world title challenger, building many successful careers for its fighters.

“By adding United Boxing Promotions to my team, I feel I can pursue all my goals in boxing. I can’t wait to step back through the ropes September 14th at the CAA Centre for my next fight.”

Trained by Stevie Bailey, Stumpf has joined a growing UBP stable of talented boxers, including world super welterweight title challenger Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook (20-2, 13 KOs), NABA lightweight champion Josh “Dubs” O’Reilly (15-0, 5 KOs), former IBF International heavyeight champion Frankie Rill, WBC International Silver lightweight title-holder Christian Uruzguieta (18-4-1, 6 KOs), super welterweight Ricardo “Magic Man” Salas (13-1, 9 KOs), lightweight Mohammed Abedeen (10-1-1, 3 KOs), super welterweights Ryan Young (13-4, 10 KOs) and Karlton Hess (3-1, 2 KOs), middleweight Sukhdeep “Chakria” Singh Bhatti (5-0, 2 KOs), and newely signed three-time Canadian National champion Lucas “Prince” Bahdi (1-0, 1 KO).

INFORMATION:
Website: www.UnitedPromotions.CA
Facebook: /UnitedBoxingPromotions
Twitter: @UnitedPromotion, @TylerBuxton
Instagram: @UnitedPromotions

MINNEAPOLIS (June 12, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight contender and Minneapolis-native Jamal “Shango” James will battle former world champion Antonio DeMarco in a 10-round welterweight attraction that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, July 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also feature a 10-round heavyweight clash between Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius and Gerald “El Gallo Negro” Washington, plus unbeaten prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas will square-off against Joshuah Hernández in an eight-round lightweight bout.

James takes on the experienced and durable former champion DeMarco in his fourth-straight appearance at The Armory in his hometown. He will look to cement his status in the PBC within the most talent-rich division in boxing.

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

“One of the staples of boxing at The Armory, Jamal James is ready to make another statement in the welterweight division against the very tough former champion Antonio DeMarco,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “His fourth straight fight at The Armory will give James a chance to thrill his hometown fans once again, as PBC presents another night of action for the fans in Minnesota. With these two fighters’ styles, plus a loaded undercard of exciting fights, this should make for a great night at the venue and live on FS1.”

James (25-1, 12 KOs) has become a local favorite and most recently thrilled the Armory crowd in February with a stoppage victory over Janer Gonzalez on FS1. The 30-year-old has rolled off five consecutive victories since suffering the first loss of his career – a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugás in 2016. James has compiled three knockouts in his current win streak while defeating the likes of Diego Chaves, Abel Ramos and Jo Jo Dan.

“I love being able to fight at home at The Armory, especially against a fighter like Antonio DeMarco,” said James. “DeMarco has the skills and it is going to be a good step up and test for me. We have been chasing this title for the past year. Getting past DeMarco is the way to get there and that’s what I am going to do.

“Minnesota fans are a different type of fans. They come out and show support. Having a place like the Armory to fight is a dream come true. There isn’t a bad seat when it comes to fights. We sell the place out in the winter, and now getting to fight in July, I know it is definitely going to be jam-packed.”

A former lightweight world champion, DeMarco (33-7-1, 24 KOs) owns victories over Jorge Linares and John Molina Jr. in a career that has seen him face a cavalcade of champions and top contenders. Representing Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, DeMarco has gone the distance in every fight except against multiple-division champions Adrien Broner and Edwin Valero, and in 2017 he knocked out then-unbeaten Eddie Ramirez on FOX in the first round. Last October he went the distance and lost a close decision to unbeaten Maxim Dadashev.

“Here I come again!” said DeMarco. “I am going to win this fight and upset Jamal James in his hometown. I have the experience to get the victory and I’m going to use it to make this a great fight on July 13.”

Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, Helenius (28-2, 17 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on July 13 after establishing himself as one of Europe’s top heavyweights for several years. Born in Sweden and fighting out of Mariehamn, Finland, Helenius knocked out Erkan Teper in September to earn his place in the IBF rankings. The 35-year-old has won six of his last seven fights.

Washington (19-3-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who was a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran. Fighting out of Vallejo, California, Washington challenged heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in 2017 on FOX. He scored a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in 2018 on FS1 before losing to Adam Kownacki on FOX in January.

Balderas (8-0, 7 KOs) knocked out Luis May in April on FS1 as he continues to progress up the lightweight ladder. The 23-year-old from Santa Maria, California, was a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic boxing team and scored three stoppage victories in 2018. He will be opposed by the 23-year-old Hernandez (9-2, 7 KOs), who most recently defeated previously unbeaten Desmond Lyons in May. The Chicago-native bounced back from a loss to unbeaten Chris Colbert in January on FS1.

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Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

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

LOS ANGELES (June 12, 2019): Undefeated Irish contender Jason Quigley (16-0, 12 KOs) will return to the ring to defend his NABF Middleweight Title against battle-tested Tureano Johnson (20-2-1, 14 KOs) in the 10-round main event of 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.

Quigley is a 28-year-old contender who has an unblemished record after turning professional in 2014. The native of Donegal, Ireland has defeated the likes of James “The King” De La Rosa, Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia, and Freddy “El Riel” Hernandez. In his last fight, Quigley fought for the first time in the U.K. since moving to the United States to start his professional career. In that fight, Quigley defeated Mathias Eklund via second-round technical knockout. After a year-long setback due to an injury suffered in his right hand against Tapia, Quigley has been making a comeback and is eager for a world title shot.

“I’m excited because getting in the ring with these good fighters is going to make me perform even better,” said Jason Quigley. “This is going to be a massive year for me so I’m looking to putting on a great performance. We are focused on climbing the middleweight ladder, and we’re on the road now to world titles. That makes me excited. Tureano Johnson is a great fighter. He’s a tall fighter, and he’s got the repertoire and the armory. I’m expecting a tough fight, and I hope he comes 110% prepared because I’m going to be 110% prepared.”

Johnson is a 35-year-old contender who hopes to fight for a world title despite some setbacks in his career. Johnson’s only losses were against Curtis “The Cerebral Assassin” Stevens and Sergiy “The Technician” Derevyanchenko. After a very tough battle against Fernando “El Huracan” Castaneda in February, the native of Nassau, Bahamas is eager to make his case for a world title opportunity by handing Quigley his first loss.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to fight Jason Quigley for the NABF Middleweight Championship on July 18 in Indio, California,” said Tureano Johnson. “Quigley is an excellent boxer with an excellent record, but I will come to the fight prepared to give and to take. I will give him his first loss and take his NABF Championship.”

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 fight in an eight-round flyweight fight.

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.

Charles Huerta (20-6, 12 KOs) of Paramount, Calif. will fight in an eight-round super featherweight clash.

Opponents for the undercard will be announced shortly.

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 will go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the FantasySprings Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at 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 and videos used.

NEW YORK – (June 12, 2019) – Undefeated lightweight prospect Yeis Solano will face a new opponent in former Argentine Lightweight Champion Elias Damian Araujo in an eight-round bout that will open a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, June 21 live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa. 

In the main event, southpaw Sebastian Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs) of Coachella, Calif., faces Hector Zepeda (17-0, 4 KOs) from Tijuana, Mexico in a 10-round super welterweight bout. In the co-feature, Michel Rivera (15-0, 10 KOs) from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic takes on Mexico’s Rene Tellez Giron (13-0, 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout. The event is promoted by Sampson Boxing in association with Paco Presents. Tickets, starting at $10, are on sale now and available at www.WinnaVegas.com.

Solano, (14-0, 10 KOs), is not concerned about the last minute opponent change. “It doesn’t matter who I fight. I trust my team and my skills,” he said. “I don’t worry about who is across from me. I would have beaten the first guy and I will beat this guy too. I don’t train to beat one fighter specifically. I train to beat all fighters and I make adjustments in the ring. Some fighters get upset when the opponent changes. Not me. Even if my team says they want me to fight a different guy at the weigh-in, my job stays the same.”

Solano is a hard punching 26-year-old from Monteria, Colombia who started boxing at the age of seven; he amassed an amateur record of 118-12. He’s a former WBA Fedebol Lightweight Champion and in 2012 placed third in the Colombia National Games. In his last fight, he scored a five-round stoppage over Jesus Manuel Sandoval in October 2018. He is currently training at Compton Boxing Gym in Compton, Calif., and is trained by Jose Ponce, Sr. and his son Jose Ponce, Jr.

“I’m excited for this fight,” said Araujo, who is making his United States debut. “My style is aggressive. I have fought four southpaws. I know how to fight them – I like fighting them.

“I checked out videos of Solano. I think he is going to come to fight. He’s training out of Compton, California, so he’s going to come more than ready, as well. These are the ingredients for a good show.”

Araujo (19-1, 7 KOs) replaces fellow compatriot Jose Romero, who was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury. Nicknamed “El Macho,” Araujo, a 31-year-old southpaw from Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe, Argentina, won the interim WBC Latino Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision over Jonathan Jose Eniz in October 2016. He successfully defended it twice before losing it to Javier Jose Clavero in an immediate rematch last June. He trains in Coachella with Freddy Fundora, father and trainer of main eventer Sebastian Fundora. In his last outing in January, Araujo stopped veteran Pablo Rodriguez in four rounds.

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

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 80 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more. 

The talk has now been talked ahead of Saturday night’s IBF world featherweight title clash between the champion Josh Warrington and his mandatory challenger Kid Galahad at the FD Arena, live on BT Sport.

The final press conference took place earlier today and below are selected quotes from the media gathering in Leeds.

Francis Warren

“The fight against Lee Selby was voted IBF Fight of the Year and I fully expect the Carl Frampton one to be named the same at the next convention, and rightly so.

Saturday’s fight will be another cracker because Josh isn’t in boring fights. Josh brings it with non-stop pressure and, with the best fans in the world behind him, it makes it a very intimidating place to come.

The fight at Elland Road was unbelievable and one of my favourite nights in boxing. It will go down as one of the special ones in British boxing history.

People say Ricky Hatton united a city, but Leeds is already behind Josh and is a city united.”

Dominic Ingle

“The atmosphere is not really a factor when you have been in this situation before and I have been involved in maybe 60 or 70 world title fights. Josh and his dad have been in about two or three, so it is down to experience.

But what you have done in the past is not going to be a reflection of what you do in the future and I think a good example of that is Anthony Joshua the other weekend.

It doesn’t matter if Josh Warrington had a great fight against Lee Selby, or a great fight against Carl Frampton, it has no bearing on how Kid Galahad is going to fight him because he is completely different to those two guys.

Kid Galahad is a different proposition. Everybody backed those two against Josh and everybody considered them to be the better fighter, but Josh Warrington came through. That is where we are now, everybody thinks Josh Warrington is going to win this fight because he is the champion and the better fighter. But he has been in the same position in his last two fights and look what happened. That is what is going to happen to Kid Galahad.

He is coming up against an unbeaten prospect, not like Carl Frampton or Lee Selby, he is against somebody with the same kind of determination as him. When you come up against somebody who consistently trains day in, day out, you are up against a different kind of fighter.

That is what Josh Warrington is going to get on Saturday night. Kid Galahad has got that hunger, it is not about money, it is about winning the fights and he is not going to be happy until he has had six or seven defences of his title.”

Sean O’Hagan

“I was alright until he started going on about hunger – and now I am hungry! I’ve had nowt since 7am this morning.

I think we have put 20 years of work in and he is making it sound like we are going to turn it all in on Saturday and give it all up.

He knows that’s not the case. The fact Josh as bought a house doesn’t mean we are going to turn up and think it is our god-given right – Dominic knows that. He keeps going on about him having nothing, but I don’t remember us having a corner shop when we was kids, so he was off to a good start there, to be fair.

We’ve always fought and worked hard for everything and I can assure you we are not about to give that up on Saturday night. Everybody goes on about underdogs and who is favourite or not. I don’t think that comes into it, you turn up on night and do what you do.

There has been no complacency whatsoever in this camp and we have done what we do in every camp.

Barry is a good fighter and he is here on merit as mandatory, so we prepare for him like we have done for everybody else. Perhaps more because we do want to beat him a bit more than everybody else.”

Kid Galahad

“I’m feeling good, training has gone well and all the talking is done. Just a few more sleeps and that belt is coming back to Sheffield. I just know, it is destiny and I have been dreaming about this all my life.

I have always known I would fight Josh as a professional and I just can’t wait now.

The last thing Brendan Ingle gave me was a tee-shirt from when Naz fought Boom Boom Johnson for the IBF title. It is destiny. I was very close to Brendan and I spent most of my time with him. If it wasn’t for him I would probably be locked up or dead. When I do win he will be watching me. When that title is around my waist he will be smiling up above.

I don’t really fear much about Josh. He is a good fighter but I believe I have sparred better fighters than him in the past like Linares, Ricky Burns, Kell Brook – the list goes on. They keep going on about him beating Lee Selby and Carl Frampton, but I have sparred better kids than he has boxed.

Sparring is actually harder than the fight in my opinion.”

Josh Warrington

“The support has been fantastic as always. We’re here and I can’t wait to go at the end of a long camp. I am hungry and I can’t wait for Saturday. It has been a busy few weeks listening to Barry and his team, but let’s get one thing clear. The hunger has not died one little bit.

Because my lifestyle has changed over the last year or so does not mean I am about to roll over and let me title go away. It is my title by merit, I won it fair and square and no-one is coming to Leeds and taking it off me.

I’ve set myself little goals about unifying the division and I am not looking at Barry as someone who is getting under my skin anymore. I am just looking at him as an opponent, I’ve got to get through him then we go Stateside for big world title fights.

For Dom to say I have lost my hunger… He doesn’t know owt about me and it is stupid for him to assume the hunger and desire is not there. In this camp I have given my all.

For Barry to say sparring is harder than fights is a load of b*llocks.

He can keep talking about it being his destiny and it sounds like he is saying the same things as me in my press conference against Lee Selby. It is not Barry’s time. The title will be staying here.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.
Leading super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock meet in a hotly anticipated clash for the Commonwealth title, with Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf also vying for the vacant Commonwealth super welterweight championship.

Tickets for Warrington v Galahad are available via Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

£450 – Hospitality
£300 – Floor
£200 – Floor
£150 – Floor
£100 – Floor/Tier
£75 – Tier
£50 – Tier
£40 – Tier

LAS VEGAS (June 11, 2019) –  The undefeated lineal heavyweight champion of the world— Tyson Fury AKA “The Gypsy King” — put on a show Tuesday afternoon in Las Vegas at the media workout to promote Saturday’s title defense against Tom Schwarz at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

In the co-feature, former two-time super middleweight world title challenger Jesse “Hollywood” Hart will make his light heavyweight debut versus longtime contender Sullivan Barrera.

And, in the featured undercard bout, 2016 U.S. Olympian and top 130-pound contender Mikaela Mayer will look to extend her unbeaten record versus Lizbeth Crespo in a 10-rounder.

After working out at the MGM Grand, this is what the fighters had to say.

Tyson Fury

“I box because I like to keep happy and it keeps me happy to fight. I plan to box until I can’t box anymore. I feel fantastic at the minute. Boxing keeps me really happy, and I’m very happy with where I am in my life at the minute. I want to box on. I don’t see myself retiring. I just turned 30 years old. I’ve got over 10 years left in this game, so you’ll have to keep seeing me for the next 10 years, I’m afraid. Keep entertaining, keep putting on great shows.”

“The only title that I care about is the lineal championship of the world. It goes back a long, long way, and that’s the one I’m defending with pride and honor.”

“If you look at the Ring Magazine ratings, I think they get it quite right. I think that’s the official ratings of today, the most fair, the most accurate.”

On rising from the Deontay Wilder knockdown in the 12th round

“I think it was a higher power that brought me to my feet to spread the word on mental health and to help other people. I hope it inspired many people as I enjoyed getting up off that canvas and fighting on. And it takes more than a punch to knock me down and make me stay down.”

Tom Schwarz 

“I love Las Vegas. This is a great opportunity for me. I’ll win this fight. I’m ready.”

“I’m fighting for my family and my country. I have a lot of inspiration. I’m ready to shock the world. This is a great time in the heavyweight division, and I am happy to be part of it. On Saturday night, it’s my time. I am prepared. Tyson Fury picked me for a reason, and I promise a great fight, a dramatic fight, and a memorable moment for all boxing fans.”

“My trainers and I have seen every fight of Tyson’s many times. We’ve analyzed his style and have prepared our best strategy. I have a surprise for Tyson Fury, and he will see what it is on Saturday night.”

“I take inspiration from German heavyweights of the past, including Max Schmeling. It might be time for a German heavyweight to shock the world again.”

Jesse Hart

“When I beat him Saturday, I think this is the last you all are going to hear of Sullivan Barrera. Get a look at him, get a picture with him. After Saturday night, we’re going to put him in retirement.”

“Tyson Fury is a very colorful guy, an entertainer. He has added life to the heavyweight division. I’m happy to be on this card, and I am looking to put on a show.”

“The 175-pound division is wide open, and I am ready to finally win that world title. Sullivan Barrera is in my way, and I am going to smash him.”  

“This is my first fight at light heavyweight. I’m fighting a big puncher, a big name and I am bringing devastating power with me to the division. Watch out.”

Sullivan Barrera

“Inside the ring, I will give everything. Jesse Hart knows he’s never fought anyone like Sullivan Barrera. He is scared.”

“He is coming up from 168, but the punching power at 175 is not the same. I am a different level than what he’s used to. It’s going to be a long night for him.”

“For me, every fight is important, I am training hard. He’s talking crap, so I am going to shut his mouth.”

Mikaela Mayer

“I want to challenge for a world title soon. My team and Top Rank have moved me well these last two years. We’ve fought some really quality opponents, so we’re ready for the world titles at 130.”

ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Tyson Fury (champion) vs. Tom Schwarz (challenger), 12 rounds, Fury’s Lineal world heavyweight title,

Jesse Hartvs. Sullivan Barrera, 10 rounds, light heavyweight

ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT

Mikaela Mayer vs. Lizbeth Crespo, 10 rounds, super featherweight

Andy Vences vs. Albert Bell, 10 rounds, Vences’ WBC Continental Americas super featherweight belt

Peter Kadiru vs. Juan Torres, 4 rounds, heavyweight

SWING BOUTS

Sonny Conto vs. Daniel Infante, 4 rounds, heavyweight

Cem Kilic vs. Martez McGregor 8 rounds, super middleweight

ABOUT FURY VS. SCHWARZ

FURY vs. SCHWARZ, the 12-round fight for the lineal heavyweight championship of the world, is presented by Top Rank in association with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and SES Boxing, and is sponsored by Geico. 

FURY vs. SCHWARZ will take place Saturday, June 15, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT at MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA, and will be produced by Top Rank and ESPN and streamed live on ESPN+.

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $100 an $50 are on sale now can be purchased online through axs.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts box office.

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

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

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (June 11, 2019): Golden Boy’s stable has just gotten even better as WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Franchon “The Heavy-Hitting Diva” Crews-Dezurn (4-1, 1 KO) has signed a promotional agreement with the company.

Crews-Dezurn will return in a 10-round fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent on the undercard of Ballard vs, Espadas.The event will take place on Thursday, June 20 at Ocean Casino Resort/Ovation Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The event will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Crews-Dezurn is a native of Virginia Beach, Va. who currently lives in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a former amateur standout who competed at a national and international level. In 2016, Crews-Dezurn made her professional debut against two-time Olympian Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, who was also debuting at the time. Though she lost a tough and close battle, Crews-Dezurn would score three more victories before capturing the WBC Super Middleweight World Title via 10-round majority decision against Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo.

“I’m very excited to sign with Golden Boy as they are a Heavy Hitter in the boxing business,” said Franchon Crews-Dezurn. “Not only will I be working with legendary fighters and now business men like Oscar De La Hoya and Benard Hopkins but being on the roster with vast talents like Canelo gives me something to aspire to as a renaissance woman. You can see Golden Boy believes in women’s boxing. They gave me my first shot at a title on national TV.”

“I look forward to putting on some great fights in the future for the fans while building my legacy. I’m not huge on birthdays [which is on June 13], but this is the best gift a girl could ask for which is the opportunity to live out my dream and create HERstory! Lastly for the people who think I just came out of nowhere and became a world champion, The Heavy-Hitting Diva is here to make believers.”

“Yet another world champion has joined our great stable,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “But Franchon Crews-Dezurn is special because she is a renaissance woman. Aside from being the WBC Super Middleweight World Champion, she is also a talented singer, songwriter, designer and motivational speaker. She will undoubtedly also be our ambassador as we continue to open up more opportunities for women in the sport of boxing.”

“I’d like to welcome Franchon Crews-Dezurn to Golden Boy,” said Bernard Hopkins, Golden Boy Business Partner. “I believe that she will one day be the unified champion. We are looking forward to her showing the world that she has all the ingredients to become an undisputed world champion. Congratulations!”

In the co-main event, Eddie “Eboy” Gomez (22-3, 12 KOs) of the Bronx, N.Y. will return in a 10-round welterweight fight against Saul “Navajo” Corral (29-13, 19 KOs), who is originally from Sonora, Mexico but fights out of Douglas, Arizona.

Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (24-2, 13 KOs) of Washington, D.C. will battle in an eight-round super lightweight clash against Angel Hernandez(15-13-2, 9 KOs) of McAllen, Texas.

Jaba Khositashvili (4-0, 2 KOs) of Akhalkalaki, Georgia will take on Gabriel Pham (10-1, 5 KOs) of Atlantic City, N.J. in a six-round super middleweight bout.

George Rincon (6-0, 3 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will participate in a six-round super lightweight fight against Greg Young Jr. (4-1, 1 KOs) of Hoover, Alabama.

Dan Murray (4-2) of Lanoka Harbor, N.J. will fight in a four-round super lightweight clash against Leonardo Kenon (3-5, 1 KOs) of Quincy, Florida.

Rishard Muhammad of Atlantic City, N.J. will make his professional debut in a four-round featherweight battle against Ronald Alston (0-2) of Wilson, N.C.

Ballard vs. Espadas is a 10-round middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place Thursday, June 20 at Ocean Casino Resort/Ovation Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The fights will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Tickets for Ballard vs. Espadas are on sale and are priced at $100, $50, $25, and $15, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Media interested covering in Ballard vs. Espadas must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Applying 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. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy Follow the conversation using #BallardEspadas. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing.

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

LOS ANGELES (June 11, 2019): Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (20-4-2, 15 KOs)
and Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (21-1, 17 KOs) hosted an international media conference call today to discuss their upcoming 12-round rematch for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title. Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, and Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions, participated on the call. The event will take place Friday, June 21, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say on the call:

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much and hello to all. Thank you for dialing in for the Andrew Cancio versus Alberto Machado II international conference call. It’s ahead of their 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title.

This exciting match will be taking place Friday, June 21st, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. It will be streamed live on DAZN World Championship Boxing.

Andrew Cancio defeated Machado in a spectacular fashion back in February. After hitting the canvas in the very first round, Cancio got back up, dropped Machado three times, and earned his first world title via upset in the fourth round.

He feels he has confidence, has what it takes to remain champion, but more importantly he wants to silence his doubters and prove that his victory was no fluke.

Obviously on the other hand you have Machado. He’s a Puerto Rican fighter with a lot of knock-out power. They obviously call him ‘Explosivo’ for a reason. He has knock-out power in both hands. Obviously he wants to redeem himself. He wants to go back to where the knock-out took place and get redemption.

We expect another great fight, a wonderful rematch. We expect a sellout at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Again, you can stream it live on DAZN, Home For Boxing.

We obviously want to thank our sponsors, Tecate, Official Beer of Boxing, and Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle.

We also on the other card have an exciting matchup, as well. The co-main event will be light flyweight Tito Acosta, who is with Golden Boy Promotions, and I’m honored and proud to be promoting this young world champion, alongside the likes of another great world champion, Miguel Cotto, of Cotto Promotions, who has been doing an incredible job in Puerto Rico, in cultivating world champions and finding those next young stars for generations to come.

Before I turn the call over to my president Eric Gomez of Golden Boy Promotions, I want to introduce to you a man who needs no introduction. He is a multiple weight division world champion. He is one of the most beloved in Puerto Rico. He is the president of Miguel Cotto Promotions, I introduce to you Miguel Cotto.

MIGUEL COTTO: Thank you. Always a pleasure to work together with you and all the amazing people at Golden Boy Promotions. Also I thank Tecate, The Official Beer of Boxing, and Hennessy, and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for making this fight possible.

One fight isn’t enough for these two warriors. It will be a night to remember. Cancio came in willing to accomplish (indiscernible) and he made it. Now he needs to defend what he worked so hard to accomplish. Machado needs to prove that he owns his territory in the super featherweight division, get his crown back.

The Cancio-Machado II will be an epic battle on June 21st.

Thank you, Oscar.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Thank you, Miguel.

Obviously we know this rematch is a very dangerous one for both guys. That’s what makes boxing. Boxing is a sport you never know what you’re going to get. Whoever thought inside that arena, other than Cancio supporters, that Machado was going to get knocked out by Cancio.

We’re looking forward to this amazing rematch. Cancio is more than ready. He’s prepared. He’s in great shape. He’s a hard worker, a family man. Machado, the same for him. He’s been working hard. They’re ready for their rematch.

Without any further ado, let me introduce to you president Eric Gomez.

ERIC GOMEZ: Thank you, Oscar. Just a quick couple of notes. There’s still tickets available. You can get them at FantasySpringsResort.com or you can call 1-800.827.2946. We’re expecting a sellout. The first fight was a sellout. There’s a lot of excitement for this rematch.

I want to thank the sponsors, Tecate, The Official Beer of Boxing, Hennessy, Never Stop, Never Settle. They’ve been great sponsors. Obviously once again I want to thank our co-promoters, Miguel Cotto Promotions, his entire team, Bryan, everybody over there, for everything you do, Hector. It’s great working with you guys. You guys have the same vision as Golden Boy putting on the best fights. Thank you for everything.

With that, we’ll open it up to the fighters to say a few words.

I want to introduce first, the world champion, Andrew Cancio, to say a few words.

ANDREW CANCIO: Hello, everybody. Thank you guys for having me. Thank you for giving me another opportunity to showcase my skills come June 21st. I feel like the fight is going to the end the same way the first fight ended. I hope to put on a spectacular performance that night.

ERIC GOMEZ: Thank you, Andrew.

The challenger, the former champion, Alberto Machado, if you can say a few words.

ALBERT MACHADO: (Translated from Spanish) Thank you to everyone for another conference call. Nothing much more to say but that the work has been done and I’ll be ready to make weight next week, to step into the ring and become a world champion once again.

ERIC GOMEZ: Thank you.

Let’s go ahead and open it up for questions.

Q. Andrew, my first question is, before you came into the ring and won that fight in dramatic fashion back in February to get the title, go back a couple years before that, after you had the loss against Joey Diaz, you were basically retired for almost two years. I’m just wondering if you could walk me through what happened then after that fight that made you decide, I may be done with boxing, then what made you decide to come back? You’re a young guy. What was it like for you post Joey Diaz and before you got back into the ring in 2018?

ANDREW CANCIO: Post the Diaz fight, I had a lot of things going on in my personal life as far as the gym life between trainers and manager. It was just switching gyms. There was just a lot going on. I was just mentally frustrated with everything. Nothing was going right. I got cut one week before a fight on my nose sparring. There was a lot going on. I was just frustrated. I felt like here I was once again getting nowhere. Like I said, I was just more mentally frustrated and just drained from everything.

What made me get back in the ring, in the gym, was I knew I have a lot to prove, I knew I could be a world champion, like I am right now. My kids wanted to see me fight again, as well. I got the itch again. That’s what made me come back to the sport that I love doing.

Q. Were you training a little bit or basically doing your 9 to 5?

ANDREW CANCIO: No, I was not training. When I left that stadium, I didn’t pick up a pair of gloves until I started getting ready for the Aidar fight. I was in the gym I believe either one month or a month and a half before the Aidar fight just to start losing weight.

The manager that I have now, we told him not to make any phone calls until we lost some weight, once we all decided as a team we were going to go ahead and go forward.

Yeah, I was on the couch working my 9 to 5. I didn’t have no enthusiasm going into the gym or running, doing nothing. I did absolutely nothing.

Q. When you did come back and you got back in the ring, you scored a knock-out in the first fight, did you feel at that point, I’m back in the groove and I actually can still become a world champion, or did you figure you’d have a couple fights, make a couple bucks?

ANDREW CANCIO: Oh, no. World champion was always there. The only reason why I was doing it was I always thought I could accomplish my goal. A long layoff like that, upsetting an undefeated Russian.

I knew I still had it. I knew I had it when I was in the gym, sparring. Everything was still there, coming back. We just knew being active was just going to get better and better and better.

But yeah, no, we all knew we still had it, we still had what it took to get to this level.

Q. You were working a day job at the gas company, if I’m not mistaken? What do you do at the gas company? What is your actual job there? Do you still have that job today, even though you’re a champion getting ready for this important rematch?

ANDREW CANCIO: So, my official job title is construction technician. Yeah, I still have this job. I’m actually taking my lunch while doing this conference call right now in my truck.

Q. Did you take some time off for vacation to do your training camp?

ANDREW CANCIO: No, I only get to take off for the press media. I took a vacation, last Tuesday, when we had the media. I’m going to be working Monday, then taking Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday off using vacation time for the fight.

Q. It’s obviously been worthwhile, you would say?

ANDREW CANCIO: Oh, yeah, it’s been worthwhile. Paid off.

Q. Eric, could you speak to the dedication that Andrew shows by doing the things he just described as far as working a full-time job and taking some vacation to get ready for a world title fight. He’s a champion, he’s not making Floyd Mayweather money, not a lot of guys can do that. Seems to me he’s awfully dedicated.

ERIC GOMEZ: It shows his character. It shows his character, determination. It’s hard enough to box. But when you have a 9-to-5 job, you have to put food on the table for your kids, find ways to train early in the morning, after work, I mean, it builds character. It’s a sign of a true champion, a true overachiever.

We’re very happy for him. We’re very happy for him. He had a chance of a lifetime and he took advantage of it. You have to admire that. You have to admire that.

His fight was a big upset. Kind of like what Andy Ruiz just did. Nobody gave Andy Ruiz a chance as well. It shows if you’re committed to your craft, you put in the hard work, anything’s possible, anything’s possible.

Machado is a great champion, as well. He had an off night. You know he’s going to come hungrier than ever. It’s going to be a great fight. We’re looking forward to a great fight.

Q. Andrew, does it bother you after all the hard work that you put in to become the champion that you still have to prove yourself that you deserve to be at the top now that you’re fighting Machado again?

ANDREW CANCIO: A little bit, it does. A lot of people are saying it was a fluke or it was because he was weight trained, that that’s the reason why I won the first time. But come the second time, he’s going to win the rematch.

It does bother me. But it’s only pushing me to train even harder, to go in there and do what I did the first time around, shut these critics up, these doubters that doubt me.

I’m more confident than the last time. Training camp has gone very, very well. My sparring partners have helped me out, pushed me tremendously. Come June 21st, I’m going to show everybody exactly why I won February 9th, the first time.

Q. Alberto, do you think you have to prove something this second time around against Andrew?

ALBERT MACHADO: (Translated from Spanish) There’s nothing to show in this fight, but I am preparing strong to win, to win this fight, and to beat Cancio convincingly. June 21st will be different. I’m training with that in mind to walk away with the victory on June 21st.

Q. Andrew, I wasn’t surprised to hear that you were doing this call during your work break. How are your coworkers treating you these days? I understand they call you ‘champ’ on the job. Are they protective of you sometimes? You’re doing some rough work out there. Are they ever concerned you might hurt yourself or are you concerned you might get injured for your next fight?

ANDREW CANCIO: The guys treat me the same. I mean, we joke around a lot. We have a little inside joke. They always tell me (indiscernible). We always laugh.

They try to help me out whenever it gets closer to the fight. They’ll tell me to save my energy, they’ll dig or they’ll pick up the jackhammer. They do try to look out for me that way so I don’t injure myself.

I have that in the back of my mind when I am working the pneumatic tools to make sure I’m in a proper position, that way I don’t tweak my back or I’m careless to injure myself before the fight.

Q. Do you think doing this sort of grueling schedule that you’ve got has been an asset as far as your stamina in the ring?

ANDREW CANCIO: I would say so. I feel like I have gotten a lot stronger. When I first started doing this job, picking the jackhammer up, actually using it, was very brutal. It takes at least two to three months to get used to the digging. I used to go home and knock right now, be so drained from the job that I couldn’t do anything else.

Then now I can use all these tools and dig all day long, then go home and go train. I already got my strength and conditioning workout out of the way. I would say it’s definitely helped me out.

The jackhammer is no joke. After that you still have to dig a hole. After you dig that hole, you have to put the dirt back in and tap it down.

I definitely will tell you it’s massive for me.

Q. Alberto, you are now in the position of the challenger, which has been a long time since you’ve been the challenger. How are you approaching this? Does it feel different to you since you were a challenger the first time before you became a champion? How has the mindset shifted around for you?

ALBERT MACHADO: (Translated from Spanish) I feel well. All this has been a process of coming back, so I feel very motivated from being a prospect to becoming world champion, now to go beyond that now with the possibility of becoming a two-time world champion. All of that has me very motivated.

I work with that in mind for this fight.

Q. For the champion Cancio. How has life changed for you after winning the title? Moving forward, what do you use as motivation now that you’re the champ and not the challenger?

ANDREW CANCIO: People start recognizing me out in the streets. They ask for a photograph or autograph. But, I mean, I still work every day. I don’t think it’s changed too much. I’m not making the big, big money just yet.

What keeps me motivated is I want the bigger fights, the bigger platforms. I want to go after another champions. I feel like there’s a lot bigger fights out there for me.

I’m still on the grind. I still got a lot to prove to the boxing world of why I’m here. That’s what keeps me motivated. I got my family that I got to fight for.

Q. Knowing how motivated he will be coming off of a loss to avenge it, do you approach this any differently? Did you do anything that maybe you didn’t do the first time because you know he’s going to come with a little more incentive on the rematch?

ANDREW CANCIO: No, no. He knows what I’m going to do, I already told him. I’m going to come straight after him from round one. If he’s prepared like he says he’s prepared, it’s going to be a great fight for the fans. I’m ready to go to war for 12 rounds. I’m ready to dig to his body for 12 rounds if that’s what it takes to put him down.

So, no, we looked at tape, see what we got to do, change a little bit differently as far as while he got caught with that uppercut. Just keep doing our job in the gym. But we’re coming in with the same game plan. I hope he’s ready for it. If he is, it’s going to be a great fight for the fight fans.

Q. Alberto, in your first fight we saw you said you had some personal issues in life. I saw that you said it affected you. How has that affected training? Has that situation changed?

ALBERT MACHADO: (Translated from Spanish) With the last fight, I only fought one round with full strength. After that, I didn’t have the energy any more. But I prepared as always. I’ve always said that I’m a fighter who respects the sport. I love what I do. I do what I have to do in training.

This time is not going to be an exception. I’ve been training very well to take the title back to Puerto Rico and give happiness to my family and friends over there.

Q. Alberto, before this last fight, you were thinking about moving up to 135 pounds because clearly it was getting hard to make 130 pounds. What was your thought process in making that decision, instead of moving up to 135 you’re going to stay at 130 for this rematch?

ALBERT MACHADO: (Translated from Spanish) What made me want to do that is the way I made weight for the last fight. It wasn’t right. But that had never happened before. I’m a very disciplined fighter, so I know that I can do it in a healthy way.

Beyond becoming a world champion again, this fight is very important for my career, has a lot of meaning, because I get to avenge my only defeat in a way that only great fighters can do.

It’s something that I want for my career. It’s something that I want for my family, as well. I really like the idea of avenging this loss so I’m very motivated to get the victory that night.

Q. Andrew, obviously you’re one of those title holders at 130 pounds. If you do come out on top in this rematch, is your goal to go after the other title holders at that weight class?

ANDREW CANCIO: I would eventually like to. I know Rene Alvarado, I know he’s patiently waiting for Machado to end this fight here. If I were to come out victorious, I would like to give him the opportunity to fight for the world title. Him and I had a very great first fight when we fought years back. He’s been on a win streak ever since. I feel like it would be only appropriate for me to give him the opportunity to fight and try to win the world title against me.

Then hopefully after that then, yes, if I come out victorious with him, I would definitely go after the other title holders, as well.

Q. The title in the WBA at 130 pounds, you have one of the two titles, Gervonta Davis has the other. Alberto Machado won the title when that was the sole definitive title. Do you consider this fight, any other future fights, with the belt that you have right now, to be the true definitive WBA super featherweight championship?

ANDREW CANCIO: I would. I think Gervonta Davis needs to step out of his shell and start fighting some real opposition. I would love to fight him in the future or as soon as we can make it happen if everything goes well.

But, yes, Alberto Machado, he was fighting a lot of top opposition to win this title. I do feel he was a true champion.

Q. Alberto, before this it has been your goal to win a world title, but you have talked about moving up in weight. Will this result determine if you stay at your weight division or if you move up to 135 pounds?

ALBERT MACHADO: (Translated from Spanish) Right now I have a great motivation, which is to win this fight and become a world champion again. We had it planned since before that this would be my last year at this weight because if you just look at my height and my reach, I have what it takes to be able to move up in weight. Obviously my promoters also have been telling me as well, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy.

With regard to my health, when it comes to moving up in divisions, we have decided this year will be my last year at 130.

Q. Alberto, what change did you do in this camp when you compare to what you did in the previous camp for the previous fight?

ALBERT MACHADO: (Translated from Spanish) It’s the time, the time that I took to prepare myself. That has been the difference. It has also showed in the way I feel. The result will be shown in the fight.

Q. Eric, throughout the years you’ve been involved in a lot of Puerto Rico versus Mexico world championship fights. Any that stand out in your mind that kind of hit home on why these fights are so significant and why these two countries always battle it out?

ERIC GOMEZ: Wow, yeah, I mean, look, I’ve been involved in the first one that I was really involved in was when Oscar fought Trinidad.

We pretty much have similar backgrounds. Mexico has a lot of pride. Puerto Rican fighters, they have a lot of pride. The people do, as well. They’re patriots. It’s just that there’s a great, great history.

I can remember back when Wilfredo Gomez fought Salvador Sanchez. Even back when I was a kid, Wilfredo Gomez was one of my favorite fighters, just loved watching him fight.

It’s very similar backgrounds, very similar upbringings. There’s a lot of pride, hard work, humble people. It always makes for great fights.

Q. Eric or Miguel, my understanding was that nobody really wanted Alberto to stay at this weight, they wanted him to move up, a lot of concern for his health. What did he do to convince everyone to make this fight happen at 130?

ERIC GOMEZ: I’ll let Miguel answer that.

MIGUEL COTTO: Bryan, can you answer.

BRYAN PEREZ: When we sat down with Alberto about the rematch, we asked him about the option about moving in weight. He said that they were going to consider it, but first he wanted to sit down with his medical staff to see if they were willing to do the weight in great condition for this fight on June 21st. The answer was yes. He needed more time to do his training. This way it was going to be done the right way as he usually does.

We gave the call up to him and his team to give him the option to move in weight, but they wanted the rematch, and that’s the way it went through.

ERIC GOMEZ: Thank you very much. I just want to thank everybody for being on the call. Want to wish both fighters, participants, good luck. I know that both fighters are going to be ready. We’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be an amazing rematch.

Once again, there’s still tickets available. We’re looking for a sellout like we did the first fight. They’re going fast. Make sure you get your tickets, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office or online to www.FantasySpringsResort.com.

I want to thank DAZN. Remember, if you’re not able to go in person, you can see the fight on DAZN. I just want to thank everyone for being on, wish everybody good luck. Thank you.

Cancio vs. Machado II is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.”
The event will take place Friday, June 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for the event are on sale and are priced at $35, $45 and $55. 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.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CancioMachado2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CancioMachado2 into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

ORANGE, Calif. (June 10, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight prospect Angel Ruiz (13-0, 10 KOs), who has won his last four contests by knockout, makes his headlining debut this Friday on “Path to Glory” against veteran Miguel Zamudio (43-12-1, 27 KOs).

The 8-round main event originates from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

For the first time in his career, Ruiz, 21, faces a quality veteran that may pose problems for the young southpaw.

“You never know what to expect when you get matched with someone that has a lot more experience than you,” said Ruiz, who was born in Mexico, but now lives in Los Angeles. “The good news for me is that I sparred with a lot of quality guys for this fight. Zamudio is a tough guy, but I know I’m better.”

Despite his mileage, Zamudio is still only 28-years-old and fought Javier Fortuna for a featherweight title when he was just 22. Ruiz, who has a fan friendly style, plans to pressure him early to avoid getting sucked into any traps.

“I’ll probably start working off my jab so I can get a sense of his movement,” said Ruiz, who will be making his third straight appearance on a Thompson Boxing show on Friday. “The goal is to create space for the left hand. I know the fans would like to see a knockout so I’m going to try to give them one.”

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

In the co-feature, junior middleweight Richard Brewart (5-0, 2 KOs) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. faces fellow prospect Antonio Duarte (2-0) of Mexico (6-rounds).

Brewart, 20, turned professional last year and will be making his third appearance for 2019. Despite his young age, the 20-year-old displays an advanced skill set usually seen in prospects that are farther along.

“I’m just a gym rat,” said Brewart, who is trained by Henry Ramirez. “I’m always in the gym working out and trying to get better. It’s great to see the results that come from hard work.”

UNDERCARD

Hard-charging bantamweight Mario Hernandez (8-1-1, 3 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. faces Mexico’s Nester Ramos (7-9-1, 3 KOs) in a fight scheduled for 6-rounds.

Heavyweight Oscar Torrez (5-0, 2 KOs) of Riverside, Calif., who is coming off a knockout win in April, battles Siala Siligila (2-2, 2 KOs) of Ontario, Calif. in a bout set for 4-rounds.

Junior lightweight Jose Correa (7-3, 4 KOs) of Santa Ana faces Alex Solorio (4-5, 1 KO) of Mexico in a 6-round bout.

Opening “Path to Glory” is featherweight Tito Sanchez (2-0, 2 KOs) of Indio, Calif. Sanchez will face an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Path to Glory 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.

“Path to Glory” 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.

LAS VEGAS (June 11, 2019) – One of the preeminent 21-and-under professional boxers in the world, unbeaten bantamweight Max “The Baby Faced Assassin” Ornelas, has moved up three slots to No. 8 in the World Boxing Organization ratings.

The Las Vegas-based Ornelas (13-0-1, 5 KOs), who is celebrating his 21st birthday today (June 11), is coming off a sensational second-round stoppage of Mexican super bantamweight Alex “Xhino” Rangel (17-10-4, 4 KOs) in the co-featured event this past May 23rd in Tucson, Arizona.

(photo by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / RJJ Boxing)

The quiet, unassuming yet dangerous Ornelas is a criminal justice major at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, as well the reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) United States bantamweight champion.

Ornelas’ parents insisted that Max attend college as a prerequisite for him to become a prizefighter, and this fall he will start his sophomore year.

A consummate boxer who was born in California, Ornelas was 38-5 as an amateur boxer, highlighted by his bronze medal-winning performance at the National PAL Championships. He was also rated in the 123-pound division as high as No. 2 in the United States.

Understandably late for the official weigh in for his first pro fight, due his high school graduation, Ornelas made his successful pro debut June 10, 2016, at home in Las Vegas, in which he knocked out Robert Ledesma in the first round. The following day Ornelas turned 18 and he signed a promotional contract with Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions, which immediately put Ornelas on the fast track at a throwback pace, fighting nine times during his first full year as a professional.

The lone blemish on Ornelas’ otherwise perfect pro record is a two-round technical draw against 6-0 Leopoldo Martinez, which Ornelas avenged three months later in a rematch by stopping Martinez in the fifth round.

Ornelas captured the vacant NABA USA bantamweight title April 20, 2018, taking an eight-round unanimous decision over 12-3 Juan Antonio Lopez.

Ornelas is the highest-rated American-born bantamweight in the WBO rankings.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com,
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @Ornelas_Max
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @KeithVeltre,
Facebook: /KeithVeltre,

This Saturday, June 15, ESPN+ will bring boxing fans an exclusive Top Rank Boxing triple-header, culminating with unbeaten lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury against top contender Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas.

The action starts on ESPN+ bright and early, at 6am ET when Australian twin brothers Andrew Moloney (19-0, 12 KO) and Jason Moloney (18-1, 15 KO) are both in action fromSeagulls Stadium, Tweeds Head, Australia. The 28-year-old twin rising stars, will both take the ring, as Jason (no. 6 in ESPN.com’s Bantamweight rankings) will defend his WBA Oceania Bantamweight title against Tanzania’s challenger Goodluck Mrema (23-4, 13 KO), while brother Andrew (ESPN.com’s no. 10 ranked Junior Bantamweight) faces offagainst former Tanzanian Champion Selemani Bangaiza (15-5, 5 KO). Andrew is coming off a significant victory in March, having demolished the highly rated Chilean Miguel Gonzalez on Gonzalez’ home turf in San Francisco de Mostazal.

At 3pm ET the action moves to England for a battle of unbeatens squaring off for the IBF Featherweight Championship, as defending champion Josh Warrington (28-0, 6 KO) and unbeaten challenger Kid Galahad (26-0, 15 KO) meet in Leeds.  Warrington (ranked no. 2 in ESPN.com’s Featherweight rankings) will be fighting in front of his hometown crowd and defending his title for the second time, having taken the title from Lee Selby in May 2018 and defended it in December in an intense clash with Carl Frampton. He faces Galahad (ranked no. 8 by ESPN.com), the mandatory challenger following an October defeat of Toka Kahn Clary in Boston. Born in Qatar, Galahad has lived most of his life in Sheffield, England, making this a Yorkshire Derby.

The big day of boxing culminates with Fury (27-0-1, 19 KO), the self-proclaimed “Gypsy King” and one of boxing’s most compelling fighters, meeting Schwarz at the MGM in Grand Las Vegas.  The fight marks the first in a multi-fight agreement announced in February, in which Fury’s fights are co-promoted by Top Rank and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. Fury captured the lineal heavyweight title on Nov. 28, 2015, with a unanimous decision over longtime champion Wladimir Klitschko. That win catapulted him to worldwide fame, but a host of personal demons threatened to end his career before he could defend his title. He blew up to 400-plus pounds, only to author a 2018 comeback that ranks among the great redemption stories in sporting history. In the third fight of his comeback, Fury fought WBC champion Deontay Wilder to a disputed draw in a sensational fight of the year candidate.

The co-feature for the evening’s fight card will see a light heavyweight clash between former world title challengers Jesse Hart (25-2, 21 KO) and Sullivan Barrera (22-2, 14 KO). A full seven-bout undercard for the Fury-Schwarz fight will be carried live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, beginning at 7p.m. ET.

In just over a year since its launch, ESPN+ has already become a must-have destination for boxing fans, having already carried 21 exclusive world title fights, across 12 different weight classes and the four major sanctioning bodies (IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO).  ESPN+ also has thousands of hours of the greatest boxing matches of all time, on-demand, from the ESPN Big Fights Library and Top Rank Boxing Library.

TOP RANK ON ESPN+:  JUNE 15 BOXING SCHEDULE (all times ET)

* Undercard bouts carried live on ESPN2 & ESPN Deportes from 7-10 p.m.

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, 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 can 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.

Bilbao, Spain (June 11, 2019) Known as “The Revolver”, Kerman Lejarraga (28-1, 23 KOs) bounced back from his first defeat with a fourth-round stoppage of Mexican Luis Solis (25-10-4, 21 KOs) on Saturday night, June 8, in front of a massive hometown crowd at the Bilbao Arena, in Bilbao, Spain. The victory earned the 27-year-old Lejarraga the vacant WBC Latino Super Welterweight Title.

Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and MGZ Promotions, Lejarraga will likely move back down to welterweight in his next fight and is eager to set up a highly anticipated rematch against David Avanesyan, who defeated him on March 30, for the European Welterweight Title. Avanesyan was in the ring following Lejarraga’s victory to congratulate him on Saturday night.

“I’m happy about getting back on track after my first loss,” said Lejarraga. “This is what boxing is all about. We have to get up and keep fighting.”

“I’m proud of Kerman. He rebounded well with a knockout victory and showed that he is ready to resume his climb up the world rankings,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “He has what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport and I’d love to bring ‘The Revolver’ to the United States to match him up against the top welterweights.”

“Kerman was smart and cautious, learning from past mistakes,” said Txutxi Del Valle, of MGZ Promotions. “He looked ambitious like when he beat Bradley Skeete last year. This version of Kerman would have knocked out Avanesyan.”

NEW YORK – June 11, 2019 – Undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields will aim to make history by becoming the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin Saturday, August 17 live on SHOWTIME. The showdown for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title headlines a SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Dort Federal Event Center in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Mich. The vacant WBC Women’s Diamond Super Welterweight Championship will also be on the line in Shields’ first professional fight in her hometown.

Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Ticket for the live event go on sale Thursday, June 20 at 3 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.

The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) is a two-division titlist who became the undisputed middleweight champion with a near-shutout victory over Christina Hammer in April on SHOWTIME. In doing so, she joined Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class (Katie Taylor has since joined the prestigious list).

Now, the Flint star seeks to make even more history in her sixth headlining appearance on SHOWTIME. With a win over Habazin on August 17, Shields would become a three-division champion in just 10 bouts, breaking the record of Vasiliy Lomachenko, who accomplished the feat in 12 fights.

“It’s hard to even put into words how excited I am to be returning home as undisputed champion and fighting in front of all my fans in Flint,” said Shields. “And having the opportunity to become world champion in a third weight division faster than any man or woman in boxing history will make August 17 a night I will cherish forever. It’s another big step forward in lifting women’s boxing on the road to equality.”

Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia, is ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 154 pounds. The 29-year-old, who will be making her U.S. debut, won the IBF Welterweight Title over Sabrina Giuliani in 2014. In her next fight, Habazin dropped a unanimous decision to Braekhus in a historic unification bout where Braekhus picked up all four major world title belts. Most recently, Habazin avenged one of only three losses in her career to Eva Bajic in Zagreb.

“I’m honored to fight on SHOWTIME and to be making my debut in the U.S.,” said Habazin. “It’s a dream come true and this is a huge chance for me to prove that I am one of boxing’s elite fighters. I will not let this opportunity pass. I’m not just coming to the U.S. to fight, I’m coming for victory.

“I’m actually a big fan of Claressa. She made history for women’s boxing and will be a great opponent for me. She’s very confident in herself, she’s aggressive, she can move, she has speed and good defense. But I have all of this too, and I can punch. I can’t wait to see what she is made of. They said her fight against Hammer was the biggest of all time, but I think this one will be the greatest ever.”

“Without question, Claressa Shields is the face of women’s boxing and we’re excited to present yet another historic milestone in her career as she looks to capture a third division championship in record time,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “From the amateurs to the pros, Claressa has faced the best opposition available and won every test in dominant fashion. With a victory over Habazin in her sixth appearance on SHOWTIME, Claressa will further solidify herself as the top female fighter in boxing and continue her personal quest to become the greatest of all time.”

“I am delighted to promote another historic event featuring Claressa Shields, who strives to make history at a record-setting pace when she challenges herself to go down in weight to win a third division title against a very skilled and motivated fighter in Ivana Habazin,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Fans attending the fight at the Dort Center in Flint, as well as those watching the fight live on SHOWTIME, will be treated to another historic and exciting night of boxing featuring Shields.”

“August 17 will be a magnificent event for Claressa Shields, for women’s boxing, and for Claressa’s hometown city of Flint,” said Mark Taffet, manager of Claressa Shields. “Claressa continues to shine a beacon of light on the sport, making history in each and every fight and reaching levels previously unimaginable. She is a once in a lifetime athlete and young woman, and if she is victorious on August 17 she will move one step closer to realizing her dreams by becoming the fastest man or woman in boxing history to win a world title in a third weight division.”

Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. She turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and headlined the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history in just her second professional fight in 2017. Shields became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight, and a two-division champion in her sixth professional contest. She was crowned the undisputed 160-pound champion in her ninth fight than three years after turning professional following the 2016 Olympics.

“The world’s attention will be on women’s’ sports this summer with two of its’ biggest events in the FIFA women’s World Cup, which is just getting started, and another Shields’ blockbuster event happening in August,” added Salita. “We’re continuing our goal of advancing the state of women’s sports to new heights and Claressa’s greatness helps make this happen.”

The undercard for the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

Roseland, NJ (June 11, 2019) – Don’t let the “Boy Next Door” good looks fool you.  Vito Mielnicki, Jr. isn’t your typical “Boy-Next-Door.”

Vito Mielnicki Jr. is an athlete.  He is a fighter.  He also is not just any fighter.  He is a fighter who brings many intangibles that most do not have.  A. he has ability, and B. He has Marketability. 

The story begins in the Jersey town of Newark, New Jersey.  Mielnicki Jr. found The Jamar Carter Gym that was located in the basement of a church at the age of seven, and he has not looked back.  

Mielnicki trained at some of the toughest and roughest gyms in New Jersey such Elite Heat and Boylan Rec, both in Newark. 

Mielnicki began his amateur career fighting against the best fighters from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore at the Upton Boxing Gym in Baltimore and he was a frequent travel partner with current world champion Gervonta Davis, Otha Jones III and Olympic Silver Medal winner and top contender Shakur Stevenson.

Mielnicki performed at such as high-level as he continued to grow his national rankings as he dominated each weight class.

That career now reads an astonishing 147-22 and he was the four-time Junior National Golden Gloves champion (2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015).  In the 2011 he was named the Most Outstanding Boxer in the tournament.   
He was a Silver Gloves National champion in 2015 & 2016; Ringside World Champion in 2012 and 2014; United States Junior National Champion in 2017 – 2018 and was a member of the High Performance USA National Team   2017 – 2018  in the welterweight division.

He won his 1st National Championship and was trained by Walli Moses.  In his young career, Mielnicki was trained by Hall of famers Virgil Hill and Buddy McGirt. 

“He has a very bright future, and he is a great kid.  The sky is the limit for Vito,” said McGirt.

“He is a humble young athlete, who is a phenomenal athlete, he was a football player when he was younger.  He will be an outstanding professional boxer,” said Hill.

Mielnicki has competed all over the world in places such as Canada, Serbia, Spain, England, and Puerto Rico.

He compiled an international record of 10-2 and won the Quebec Cup in 2015.

Mielnicki is set to turn professional on July 13th at The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The decision to go to the paid ranks was solidified after a great performance in Spain for which Mielnicki was on the short and undeserved end of a bad decision.

“I believe my performance in Spain was one of the best I have had, and I could not get a decision.  I feel that I have a professional style, and based on some of these decisions, I can see that it is more for the pros then the amateurs,” said Mielnicki

Mielnicki has continued to grow, and he feels the time is right to begin his career.

“My body is maturing, and it was only a matter of time anyway.  I had my mind pretty much made up before we went to Spain, but that fight solidified it.”

Mielnicki is 5’11” and walks around at 172 pounds.  He plans to turn pro and settle into the 147 pound division.

Mielnicki has had the opportunity to measure himself against some emerging professionals.

“I think that has been big for me.  I have worked with the likes of Adam Lopez and Thomas Mattice, and that has definitely helped me.”

“I have been wanting to turn professional for a long time.  This has been a goal and dream for me, and I know that I can do big things.  I have to see where my debut will happen.  We are looking to see under which promotional banner and on what card this will happen, but I know when I do fight in New Jersey, I will be very popular and will have a tremendous amount of support.”

That will come right off the bat, as Mielnicki will become the youngest ever fighter licensed in the Garden State when he makes that pro debut on July 13th at The Prudential Center in Newark., which is just a stones throw away from his home in Roseland.

Mielnicki has the popularity and charisma to be a franchise boxer in the Tri-State Area, 

Mielnicki is trained by Dwyke Flemmings and Muhammad Salaam.  His cutman will be Danny Milano and Strength and Conditioning coach is Fred Caruso.

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