**For Immediate Release** Las Vegas based heavyweight contender BJ Flores (34-4-1) has been quietly enjoying retirement life. Between managing his real estate properties in Scottsdale AZ and his occasional commentary duties for the WBSS in 2018 and 2019, Flores felt like he had laced up the gloves for the final time. Then the phone rang with an offer he couldn’t refuse. He was presented with an opportunity to face a world rated, undefeated, up and coming heavyweight on Showtime.  The former two-time world title challenger will return to the ring on July 12th in Seattle, WA when he faces unbeaten heavyweight contender Otto Wallin (20-0) in a bout that will serve as a ShoBox main event on Showtime.  Flores was last in action in August when he came up short against Trevor Bryan in a bout for the vacant interim WBA world heavyweight title. With the way that fight went, Flores knows there will be doubters and rightfully so.  “I have no excuses “said Flores. “Trevor Bryan was the better man that night and I wish him the best moving forward,” Flores stated.  However, Flores and his newly assembled a team of star studded names in the boxing industry that believe July 12th will be an entirely different story.  For this fight he has enlisted the services of highly regarded trainer Ibn Cason who trains #1 rated heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev. He also has brought aboard Angel “Memo” Heredia who is one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the business. Flores and Heredia have often times been seen at fights together and have shared a mutual friendship for years. Flores said the time had come to go to work with Angel.  “Ibn Cason and Angel Heredia will have me at the top of my game. Being in camp with world class heavyweight Kubrat Pulev will also be an amazing experience. He is very good and there is a lot to learn from a guy like Kubrat. All these new additions to my team will help me surprise a lot of people on July 12th,” said Flores. “I would also like to thank Ivaylo Gotzev who helped put this together. Ivaylo has been a good friend of mine for years and he has a way of bringing people together. Kubrat welcomes me into camp with open arms. We are working extremely hard and we are both very focused.” “This will be my first time fighting on Showtime and I plan on putting on a great show. Wallin is a good fighter. 6’6” and young, hungry and undefeated. He isn’t 20-0 for no reason. I am greatly looking forward to this opportunity.“ Flores has been a professional boxer for over 16 years. Over the course of his career he has fought several top fighters and Former World champions such as Tony Bellew, Danny Green, Beibut Shumenov and WBA heavyweight Interim champion Trevor Bryan.  Flores believes he has far more experience in championship fights and will look to turn back the clock on July 12.

JOSH WARRINGTON HAS stated his ambition to win a coveted Ring Magazine belt once he has dealt with mandatory business against Yorkshire rival Kid Galahad on June 15 at the FD Arena in Leeds.

The Leeds Warrior claimed the IBF portion of the world featherweight pie when he defeated Lee Selby in May of last year and subsequently made a stunning first defence against two-weight world champion Carl Frampton in December.

While he would have loved for those fights to lead straight into a unification clash against Oscar Valdez (WBO), Leo Santa Cruz (WBA) or Gary Russell (WBC), a mandatory challenger has been placed in front of him in the shape of Sheffield’s Galahad, who he fought twice and beat as a junior amateur.

There is currently no love lost between the pair, so we should be in for an explosive affair in Warrington’s Leeds fortress, but he still admits to longingly keeping tabs on the activity of the likes of Valdez and Santa Cruz with a view to sharing a ring with the Mexicans.

“Yes of course, because that is the goal I have set myself and it just comes with the territory,” he confessed, explaining that fighting the other champions is a logical chain of events after winning a world title. “When I used to have the goal of being a world champion, Lee Selby was the one I targeted and, when I fought Dennis Ceylan in the final eliminator I couldn’t look past that fight, but subconsciously I knew that he was there after.

“This is the same, I am at the stage now where I have won a world title and did it against the very best in the division in this country and now I have got to fight my mandatory. You want to fight the other champions though to be the best in the division in the world.

“I am ranked No.2 by the Ring magazine and Santa Cruz is No.1. I’ll tell you what, I’d love one of those Ring magazine belts! That is the goal now and it is all building blocks.

“Beating Barry will bring me closer to unifying the division and getting one of those belts.”

Warrington, who thrives on a tear-up, admits the thought of going hell for leather ferociously exchanging punches with the likes of Valdez or Santa Cruz truly floats his boat.

“Oh man, it gives me a hard on thinking of standing toe to toe with them, going at it hammer and tong, like me and Frampton did in the first two or three rounds of our fight. It is a exciting, like being a kid watching the big fights, it is hairs standing on back of the neck territory.

“That is what I can be part of now. I can make those memories, I can make that history and that is what it is about now. It is about giving the fans good nights and something they can talk about for a long time.”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.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

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

NEW YORK (May 21, 2019) – Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao and unbeaten welterweight world champion Keith Thurman, plus unbeaten super middleweight champion Caleb Plant and unbeaten Mike Lee went face-to-face Tuesday in New York at a press conference to preview their respective showdowns on Saturday July 20 and presented by Premier Boxing Champions and FOX Sports from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao and Thurman will square-off in a welterweight world title attraction that headlines a PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Plant will make the first defense of his title against the unbeaten Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes preceding the Pay-Per-View and beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday from Gotham Hall in New York City:

MANNY PACQUIAO

“I’ve never been scared of a challenge. I’m so excited for this fight against an undefeated champion. He’s the kind of fighter that you can’t underestimate. His record and successe gives me more motivation to work hard.

“I will make sure that I’m 100 percent and ready for this fight. We’ll find out what happens on July 20, but it’s going to be exciting. I like being the underdog for this fight because that gives me more focus in training.

“I’ve been careless and over confident in some fights, but this time around it’s different. Keith Thurman is a good fighter and we’re going to make sure the fans are happy on July 20.

“It’s a great honor for me to be fighting back in Las Vegas and on the FOX Sports pay-per-view. I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.

“I chose Keith Thurman because he’s undefeated and I want to prove that at age 40 I can still beat a great fighter like Keith.

“My time is not yet over. My journey is continuing. I’m going to prove that and more on July 20 against Keith Thurman.

“I’m the kind of fighter that I don’t talk too much. I do my talking in the ring. I can do a lot of things in that ring. He can prove his words in the ring. I’m going to be a warrior on July 20 and show Keith Thurman what it’s like to be in the ring with me.

“I will work hard for this fight. I haven’t felt this motivated and excited since the Oscar De La Hoya fight. I feel like I’m back against the best fighters in the world.

“Our focus in every fight is on the speed and footwork, because those are advantages for me. We’re going to work on avoiding Keith’s offense.

“Fans should watch this fight because it’s a once in a lifetime showdown. We’re going to bring action and I’m confident I will be victorious.”

KEITH THURMAN

“We’re ready. This is a blessing to be here and a dream come true. I started boxing at the age of seven. I worked hard to be a champion and I’ve always wanted to fight the greatest names in the sport.

“Pacquiao wants a challenge and I’m very grateful to be sharing a ring with a legend. If you understand boxing history, you know that times change. I believe boxing is in a new era. Come July 20, Pacquiao will disappear. He’ll always be remembered in the sport, but I’m doing to Manny Pacquiao, what he did to Oscar De La Hoya.

“This is a big fight. I’ve waited 22 months to get back in the game. We had our ups and downs, but Keith Thurman is back on the rise. I’m going to make a big statement.

“This training camp is going to start this Saturday. Once I get home, it’s grind time and on July 20, it’s going to be my time.

“July 20 is 23 years in the making. I’ve dedicated myself to this beautiful sport of boxing for so long and my first trainer Ben Getty told me that I had what it takes to be a great champion. I’m truly looking forward to having another chance to show it.

“We definitely had a stretch with a lack of activity. Not everyone knows who Keith Thurman is today. You could see that I wasn’t at my best in January. But on July 20, ‘One Time’ is back. I’m getting ready to have one of my best training camps for this fight.

“I had the knockdown in my last fight that was a reminder of what ‘One Time’ is all about. We brushed the dust off and we’re taking that momentum into this fight.

“I’m excited to be the guy who shows Manny Pacquiao where the exit is. He’s a legend who’s done great things. But I’ve never lost to a fighter who’s lost seven times. I have no intention of losing this fight and I don’t see him winning in any shape or form.

“Speed, power and overall ring IQ will be the difference. I’m one of the smartest fighters in the sport. I always find a way to win. I know Pacquiao comes in shape, but he’s going to fall short of that finish line.”

CALEB PLANT

“I’ve been boxing my whole life. They say it takes 10,000 hours of work to become a true success at something. Come July 20, I’ll have been doing this for 18-years straight. No breaks and no Plan B. I’ve just been boxing, day in and day out.

“Mike Lee may have a financial degree, but in boxing, I have a Ph.D. That’s something he doesn’t know anything about. I came from very rock bottom, where nobody makes it out. If he thinks I’m going to let him mess this up for me, he’s not half as educated as I thought he was.

“I have everything to lose. Every night from now until July 20, I hope Lee and his team are envisioning the worlds ‘and still’. Because that’s all anyone is going to hear on fight night.

“It’s exciting to be on this primetime card. Everyone who wants to take it to the top of the sport wants to be a main event at MGM Grand. At the same time, where we fight is not most important to me. We can fight in the parking lot, because it’s about legacy to me.

“Anytime that someone steps into the ring and wins their first world title in fashion, it’s going to be a confidence booster. But I did tell everyone what was going to happen. There’s a season for everything and right now is mine.

“He may come into the ring bigger and heavier than me, but boxing skills are what wins fights. Years of repetition with boxing teachers, are what wins fights. You’ll see all of that on July 20.

“I don’t look at myself as the favorite in any fight. I’m the one who’s not supposed to be here. Put everyone through what I’ve been through, and see if they would make it here.”

MIKE LEE

“This has been a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Most importantly, I’ve gotten somewhere no one thought I would get. I’m fine being the underdog. I have nothing to lose.

“I’m coming out with everything I have. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. I respect Caleb Plant, but on July 20, I plan on making it my moment.

“I’ve headlined cards in Chicago and at Notre Dame before so the bright lights are nothing new to me. I’m very excited and working hard. On July 20, I’m going to keep proving people wrong.

“The whole reason I got into this sport is to do it on big stages. Everyone wants to prove it on the biggest stage possible and there’s no bigger stage than at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It’s a dream come true and it’s the reason I’ve worked so hard.

“Moving down in weight is an advantage. I’ve got a great team working with me to make the weight easily and rehydrate the right way. I’m going to be the bigger and stronger guy in the ring.

“I’ve had people that never thought I’d get here and I love it. It takes a different kind of person to step into that ring in front of so many people. You have to be ready to go out there and risk it all. I fight who they put in front of me and keep winning. That’s what I plan to do on July 20.”

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Photos by Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

Philadelphia, PA (May 21, 2019)–Three-Time Olympian Anvar Yunusov will take on Angel Luna in a eight-round featherweight bout that will headline a night of boxing on Saturday, June 22nd at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions in association with Titans Boxing Promotions.

Yunosuv, who represented Tajikistan in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics, now resides in Philadelphia, and has record of 7-0 with three knockouts.

The 32 year-old Yunusov is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Carlos Colon (5-1) on March 29th in Philadelphia. Yunusov also has a 4th round stoppage over former-world title challenger Mike Oliver.

Luna of Yamasa, Dominican Republic has a record of 11-5-1 with six knockouts.

Luna, 29, is an eight-yea professional has a win over previously undefeated Jose Lopez (15-0-1). Luna was stopped in his bout by Jean Carlos Rivera on July 14, 2018 in New Orleans.

In an eight-round co-feature, returning junior welterweight Milton Santiago Jr. takes on Ruben Lopez.

Santiago of of Philadelphia has a record of 17-0 with three knockouts. Santiago, now 22 years-old, turned professional at the age of 17 after receiving a special waiver to turn pro.

Santiago had an amateur record of 184-12 ,and won a staggering 59 tournaments.

Santiago is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Jorge Luis Munguia on May 11, 2018 at The 2300 Arena.

Lopez Santa Fe, Argentina has a record of 12-14-4 with five knockouts.

The 36 year-old is an eight-year professional.

Lopez has a wins over previously undefeated Diego Baez (5-0). Lopez is coming off a decision loss to Frank De Alba on May 3rd in Bethlehem, PA.

Also seeing action in eight-round bouts:

Colby Madison (8-0-2, 5 KOs) of Owings Mills, MD takes on Robert Simms (8-3, 3 KOs) of Saginaw, MI in a heavyweight bout.

Clarence Booth (17-4, 9 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, FL fights Gabor Gorbics (26-17, 16 KOs) of Budapest Hungary in a welterweight fight.

In six-round bouts:

James Martin (4-0) of Philadelphia fights Kashon Hutchinson (4-5, 1 KO) of Reading, PA in a welterweight contest.

Paul Kroll (3-0, 3 KOs) battles Hector Mercado (3-10) of Fort Myers, Florida via Veracruz, Mexico in a welterweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Rasheen Brown (3-0) of Philadelphia fights Zoltan Horvath (2-1, 1 KO) of Szekesfeherver, Hungary in a bantamweight bout.

Romuel Cruz (3-0-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Jonathan Conde (1-2, 1 KO) of Miami, Florida in a featherweight bout.

Tickets are $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at www.2300arena.com

Chris Algieri hopes that a win over Brit Tommy Coyle at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1 will move him a step closer to a shot at WBO Super-Lightweight World Champion and Matchroom Boxing USA stablemate Maurice Hooker.

Algieri (23-3, 8 KOs) puts his WBO International title on the line for the first time against former Commonwealth Lightweight king Coyle, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, knowing that a win could land him the opportunity to reclaim his WBO World title against reigning champion Hooker.

The New York warrior battled back from a pair of first round knockdowns to outbox and upset Ruslan Provodnikov to land the WBO crown in 2014 but was forced to vacate his belt when he stepped up to Welterweight to face modern legend Manny Pacquiao for the 147lbs title later that year.

“Winning this fight, which is all that me and my team plan on doing, puts us in a very good position for some of the top guys in the division,” said Algieri. “Potentially a World title fight with the current WBO World Champion Maurice Hooker who holds the title that I never lost in the ring. That’s what I have in my sights.

“I still feel like part of that belt is mine. That’s not to take anything away from the current champion Hooker, he earned it and he fought his ass off to get to the position that he’s in. I feel like I need another crack at that title because essentially part of it is me.”

Coyle produced a typically bullish performance as he outfought Ryan Kielczweski over ten rounds on his American debut in Boston in October last year. ‘Boom Boom’ is renowned for his toughness but Algieri says he is prepared to take the Hull fighter into the trenches to get the win next week.

“You know what you’re going to get with Tommy Coyle. He’s going to come over here in great shape and give it his all. He’s a tough guy and he comes to fight. He’s a blood and guts kind of guy, a kind of guy that I can get excited for. This is going to be a fun fight to watch and it’s going to be a fun fight to be in!

“You’ve got a guy like him who’s going to come forward. He’s going to be throwing and he’s going to be fighting and he’s going to be hungry. Then you’ve got a guy like me who’s a master boxer who’s going to go out there and use his skills. At the same time, I’ve shown my ability to be tough, I’ve shown my ability to be gritty, and when I need that I can always tap into it.”

Algieri and Coyle clash on a huge night of action at MSG where Anthony Johua’s World title defence against Andy Ruiz Jr. is supported by Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, Callum Smith defending his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight titles against Hassan N’Dam and Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson – with more exciting undercard additions announced this week.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

NEW YORK – May 21, 2019 – SHOWTIME Sports original documentary series ALL ACCESS earned two Sports Emmy Awards on Tuesday night at the 40th Annual Sports Emmy Award ceremony in New York City. These were the fourth and fifth Emmys overall for the ALL ACCESS series, which debuted in 2013.

The original series took home the honors for Outstanding Edited Sports Event Coverage for ALL ACCESS: WILDER vs. FURY EPILOGUE and Outstanding Edited Sports Special or Series for ALL ACCESS: WILDER VS. FURY.

Accepting the awards on Tuesday was Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. Espinoza recognized and thanked one of the main subjects, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder, who was in attendance (following his first-round knockout victory on Saturday night in Brooklyn) to present multiple awards at Fredrick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Espinoza also acknowledged SHOWTIME Sports Senior Creative Director Jonathan (Jody) Heaps, one of the driving forces behind ALL ACCESS since its inception, who is retiring after more than 30 years at the network.

This is the third Sports Emmy ALL ACCESS has earned in the Edited Sports Coverage category. The series, which chronicles the buildup and aftermath of boxing’s biggest prizefights, has previously won for EPILOGUE installments following Floyd Mayweather’s wins over Canelo Alvarez and Andre Berto.

Other nominees for Outstanding Edited Sports Event Coverage were Courtside at the NBA Finals (HBO), Mic’d Up: Super Bowl LIII (NFL Network), Road To The Super Bowl (CBS) and Tiger Woods – Return of the Roar (ESPN). The nominees for Outstanding Edited Sports Special or Series were 24/7: The Match: Tiger vs. Phil (HBO), A Football Life (NFL Network). NFL 360: Steve Gleason (NFL Network) and UFC 25 Years in Short (UFC Fight Pass).

SHOWTIME Sports has now earned 12 Sports Emmy Awards in the last eight years.

LAS VEGAS (May 21, 2019) – Boxing’s only eight-division world champion, Philippine Senator and regular WBA welterweight champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao returns to face undefeated Super WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in a powerhouse 147-pound showdown live on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Preceding the pay-per-view is a FOX PBC Fight Night also taking place at MGM Grand that is headlined by undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant making his first title defense against unbeaten contender Mike Lee.

Possessing speed, power and tremendous boxing skills, Thurman represents the most dangerous challenger that the future Hall of Famer Pacquiao has faced in his recent ring appearances. This high-stakes match will firmly give the winner a claim for the top spot in one of boxing’s deepest and most talented divisions.

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

“Senator Pacquiao is thrilled to be back in ‘Viva Las Vegas,’ fighting at the best venue for boxing — the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This is where the Pacquiao vs. Thurman world welterweight championship belongs,” said Sean Gibbons, President of MP Promotions. “We’re excited to be working with our partners at PBC, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions. Manny is fighting in the biggest fights on a global scale and it doesn’t get any more global than FOX Sports Pay-Per-View. Fans have always enjoyed watching Pacquiao and Thurman compete in the ring and we are confident they will, once again, give boxing fans worldwide everything they’re expecting, and more. God bless Manny and Keith for stepping up to give us this fight!”

“We’re looking forward to working with our partners in bringing yet another blockbuster back home to MGM Grand here in Las Vegas,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This fight is a tremendous opportunity for both guys in terms of where they are in their respective careers. Pacquiao is currently the biggest name in the sport and Thurman is a young skilled undefeated fighter in the prime of his career, making for a compelling matchup. I know both fighters will be ready for the challenge that lies ahead of them come July 20, and I can’t wait to see this one go off.”

“This will be a sensational matchup between two great fighters and we’re looking forward to hosting this championship event at MGM Grand in July,” said Richard Sturm, President of Las Vegas Live Entertainment and Sports. “Fans have always enjoyed watching Pacquiao and Thurman compete in the ring and we are confident they will, once again, give boxing fans worldwide everything they’re expecting, and more.”

“FOX Sports is thrilled to present our second Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View featuring one of boxing’s biggest stars, Pacquiao, facing the champion Thurman, who wowed nearly three-million viewers live on FOX in January with his latest title defense,” said Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Programming, Live Operations and Research. “This promises to be a can’t miss night of boxing with an unprecedented FOX Sports PBC doubleheader, as we open the evening with the FOX PBC Fight Night, headlined by newly crowned champion Plant defending his title against the undefeated Lee. Plant set the FS1 viewership record for a boxing show in January when he won his title, and we’re sure this match up will deliver even bigger audiences leading into the Pacquiao vs. Thurman Pay-Per-View.”

A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016, capturing over 16 million votes nationally. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

In his last match on January 19, Pacquiao put on a vintage performance against four-division champion Adrien Broner, scoring a 12-round unanimous decision in the 70th match of his illustrious career. It was his first time fighting in the U.S. in two years. Before that, he scored an impressive knockout over Lucas Matthysse to win his version of the WBA welterweight championship in Malaysia last July 15.

“All my life I have confronted challenges — in life, in politics, and inside the ring,” said Pacquiao. “Keith Thurman is the type of challenge I crave as a fighter. He is the biggest and best test. That is why I want to fight him. We are going to give boxing fans an exciting fight and a great night.”

The 30-year-old Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) is the longest reigning welterweight champion in boxing, having collected his WBA title with a stoppage victory over Diego Chaves in 2013. He has successfully defended that title eight times and became a unified welterweight champion when he defeated Danny Garcia by split decision to win the WBC title. Plagued by a litany of injuries, including bone chips in his right elbow that had to be surgically removed, Thurman was out of action for nearly two years before getting back into the ring with a hard fought victory against Josesito Lopez in January on FOX.

Having taken up the sport when he was in grade school, the Clearwater, Florida native blossomed under the tutelage of his first trainer, Ben Getty, to become an outstanding amateur. Though Getty has passed away, Thurman still carries those boxing and life lessons with him whenever he steps into the ring with his current longtime trainer Dan Birmingham. His power punching earned him the nickname “One Time.”

“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity to get a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time,” said Thurman. “The right circumstances have aligned for it to happen now and I’m grateful for that. Me and my team are looking forward to it. It’s going to be an honor to be in the ring with Manny Pacquiao. It’s going to be fun to go back to MGM Grand in my first pay-per-view with FOX Sports. I believe that Ben Getty would be very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. He said I’d be able to dominate the welterweight division and be a multi-million-dollar fighter and a star in the sport.

“Manny Pacquiao is beatable. He’s been beaten before in his career. He’s a fan favorite and a legend. For me his boxing tactics are predictable. He fights in spurts and you have to take advantage of that. You have to be respectful of his power. But I believe my movement, athleticism and ring knowledge will be able to present him something he’s not seen in all his years of boxing.”

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

TUCSON, Arizona (May 22, 2019) – Tunisia native and mother of two, Ikram Kerwat, headlines this Thursday evening for her first time in the initial female main event streamed on RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, live from Casino Del Sol’s outdoor AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona.

Kerwat (9-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Frankfurt, Germany, throws-down with 9-time world title challenger Simone DaSilva (15-12, 6 KOs), of Brazil, in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) female super featherweight championship.

Kerwat vs. DaSilva is presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions and Kerwat is trained by living legend and 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr.

“Ikram is an exciting fighter with awesome power and good hand speed,” Jones evaluated his protege. “She’s always looking to improve, and I look forward to her next voyage towards a world title.”

The 35-year-old Kerwat is a former WBC International female lightweight champion, who will be fighting in the United States for the fourth time as a pro boxer. “Fighting in the U.S. was always one of my biggest dreams,” she commented. “It’s amazing. I already have a fanbase and they are really awesome. I like the enthusiasm and positive energy of U.S. people.

“This is my first main event and I can’t wait to step into the ring. To be live streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS is very important to me, my fans and, of course, my family. My last fight was also live streamed on FIGHT PASS and it was amazing. I’m happy and thankful for that.

“I want to give a big shout out to my family and my coach and promoter, Roy Jones, Jr., his wonderful wife, Natlyn Jones, and, of course, the RJJ Promotions team for this opportunity and their kindness.”

(L-R) Ikram Kerwat & Roy Jones, Jr.

A pro since 2015, Kerwat first met Jones at the WBC Convention three years ago in Miami. “It’s an honor for me to lean from a legendary boxer like Roy,” she added. “He’s a boxing guru! Before I met Roy, I was a brawler, more of an aggressive fighter. Now, I’d say I learned to skillfully box. I’ve made a lot of improvements and I developed more, boxing-wise. I grew mentally, which is the most important part in boxing and life.”

Da Silva may have fought in nine world titles fights, but Ikram doesn’t feel that she’s at a disadvantage because of her opponent’s edge in quality experience. “My opponent is experienced, but this means nothing to me,” she remarked. “I fear nobody, but I respect all boxers who step in the ring. I do not underestimate anyone, nothing more, and nothing less. I don’t look at her, I look at myself. This is only thing I have control over. I do my job, live my dream, and I have fun doing it. I enjoy every single minute of it. This next step is very important for us. Every single fight brings me a step closer to my goal, which means that every single fight is significant for my career. Fights like this even more so.”

Although she had only three amateur matches, including a gold medal performance in the Berlin Championships and taking bronze in the German Championships, Ikram is positioning herself for a world title fight in the not too distant future, assuming she gets past Da Silva.

“I trained myself (as an amateur) and that wasn’t easy for me, because I really wasn’t a trainer, but I wanted it so bad and now even more,” Kerwat concluded. “I have two kids and I used to say boxing is my third child. And it’s the oldest. I protest and love it, making sure that I progress and develop, getting better and better.”

In the co-featured event, unbeaten bantamweight Max “The Baby Face Assassin” Ornelas (12-0-1, 4 KOs), ranked No. 11 in the world by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), as well as the reigning NABA USA bantamweight champion, clashes with Alex “Xhino” Rangel (17-9, 4 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round bout.

Tucson’s Alfonso Olvera (11-5-2, 4 KOs) meets Carlos “Silk” Villa (14-3-1, 6 KOs), of San Antonio, in the six-round Special Welterweight Attraction, and undefeated middleweight prospects, Tucson’s Nicholas Rhoads (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on Eduardo Ayala (4-0, 1 KO), of Phoenix, square off in a four-round match.

Former UFC fighter Joe “Diesel” Riggs (47-18-1, 1 NC), fighting out of Phoenix, makes his professional boxing debut in the FIGHT PASS opener versus pro-debuting Daviante Jones, also of Phoenix, in a four-round bout.

Undefeated Kazakhstan fighter Madiyar Asjkeyev (11-0, 6 KOs) faces Cecil McCalla (21-3, 8 KOs) to open the non-FIGHT PASS segment of the show in a 10-round bout for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight title.

A pair of Tucson middleweights, Arturo Resendiz (2-0, 2 KOs) and Jose “Raging Bull” Pena (2-1, 1 KO), are matched in the four-round swing bout.
Cards are subject to change.

Ticket prices range from $105.00 (VIP) to $17.00 (pavilion) and are available for purchase online at www.casinodelsol.com.

Doors open at 6 p.m. PT, first bout at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For more information about the event, please visit:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.casinodelsol.com, www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @CDSResort
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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (May 21, 2019): Pugilistic fireworks will be on display at America’s playground as undefeated contender D’Mitrius “Big Meech” Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) will fight in a 10-round middleweight battle against experienced warrior Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas (18-4, 13 KOs) in the main event of the June 20 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch 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.

Ballard is a 26-year-old middleweight contender who boasts a decorated amateur career, where he won several national championships. In 2013, the native of Temple Hills, Maryland began his professional career with a knockout victory against Kelly Henderson. Since then, Ballard has steadily moved up the rankings, taking on tough competitors such as Victor “Sina” Fonseca and Alan “Amenaza” Campa.

“I conditioned my mind resiliently to become a world champion,” said D’Mitrius Ballard. “I then trained my body to catch up. Now I am ready to face anyone who dares to challenge my mind.”

Espadas is a 28-year-old who is coming off a stoppage victory against Gabriel Lopez to capture a regional title. Before that, Espadas fought to a controversial unanimous decision loss against then-undefeated contender and Olympic Bronze medalist Yamaguchi Falcao in July 2018. The native of Yucatan, Mexico is eager to enter world title contention, but he’ll have to use his experience if he wants to hand Ballard his first loss.

“I’m very happy for this opportunity to participate in yet another Golden Boy card,” said Elias Espadas. “It’s a good thing that my promoter [A & T Promotions] and Golden Boy were able to come to an agreement. I know that this will be a complicated fight against an undefeated fighter. But I was made for big fights, and I plan to take advantage of it. With all due respect to my opponent, I will do everything to win.”

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.

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.

Dan Murray (4-2) of Lanoka Harbor, N.J. will fight in a four-round super lightweight clash.

George Rincon (6-0, 3 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will participate in a six-round super lightweight fight.

Rishard Muhammad of Atlantic City, N.J. will make his professional debut in a four-round featherweight battle.

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 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.

LAS VEGAS (May 21, 2019) – Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant will make the first defense of his title against unbeaten contender Mike Lee in the main event of FOX PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, July 20 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will precede the FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View event that also takes place at MGM Grand and is headlined by eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao facing WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman.

“Caleb Plant put the boxing world on notice with his exciting title-winning performance in January and will look to build on that showing against an unbeaten contender in Mike Lee on July 20,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “His first defense of the title will put Plant in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes in Las Vegas and building up to the Pacquiao vs. Thurman pay-per-view event. With two undefeated fighters going toe-to-toe in this first main event of the evening, fans are in for a memorable night of action.”

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

Plant vs. Lee will see two hungry unbeaten fighters square off, as Plant looks to defend his title and cement himself as the class of the 168-pound ranks, while Lee will look to join the super middleweight elite as a world champion for the first time.

To win the title, Plant (18-0, 10 KOs) turned the tables on the hard-hitting Venezuelan slugger Jose Uzcategui in their IBF championship fight in January on FS1. Going into the match the consensus was that Uzcategui was the harder puncher and that Plant would have to withstand his power to walk away with the belt. It was the 26-year-old Plant, however, who stunned Uzcategui by dropping him to the canvas twice on the way to a convincing unanimous decision. It was an emotional night for Plant, who is from Ashland City, Tenn. and now lives in Las Vegas. He had dedicated his career-best victory to the memory of his late daughter Alia, who suffered from a rare disorder that caused seizures.

“I’m more than ready to return to the ring on July 20 as the main event on FOX at MGM Grand in Las Vegas,” said Plant. “I’ll be defending my IBF world title in tremendous fashion and this is one fight you guys will not want to miss. I’m taking this fight just as seriously as my last opponent.

“This guy is undefeated and looking to stay that way, but unfortunately for him, he took on the wrong challenge against the wrong guy. Come July 20, he’ll realize he’s in deeper water than he’s ever been in. My last fight was for Alia, but this fight I’m dedicating to my beautiful mother Beth Ann. May you Rest in Peace, Love you Momma.”

The 31-year-old Lee (21-0, 11 KOs) graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in business, but decided to pursue his boxing dreams rather than take a job on Wall Street. A native of Wheaton, Illinois who now lives in Chicago, Lee has made a steady climb up the ladder and has been campaigning at light heavyweight. He will be moving down to super middleweight to challenge for his first world championship. Lee is coming off an impressive unanimous decision victory over Jose Hernandez on last June 8.

“I’ve have dreamt of the opportunity to fight for a world title for years,” said Lee. “All the years of hard work, pain and sacrifice have led me to this moment. On July 20 I will be victorious and prove everyone wrong that didn’t believe I was good enough to even get here.

“When I spent almost two years in and out of hospitals battling an autoimmune disease there were moments I never thought I could get back to this level and there were doctors who told me my fighting days were done. But I have won every fight since and I plan to prove that anything is possible if you want it bad enough. I could not have done this without my Dad, my advisor Mike Borao and my trainers Jamal Abdullah and Julian Chua.”

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DANIEL DUBOIS IS well aware that he has been viewed as the silent partner when it came to calling out for a fight against Nathan Gorman.

Gorman has been vocal in expressing a desire for the fight pretty much since his former Team GB teammate and rival burst onto the professional scene, notched up 10 KOs from his 11 fights and won five title belts along the way.

Dubois, with his typical reserve, has kept his counsel, got on with his job and bashed up everyone who has been put in front of him.

That is not to say he did not want the fight and he has proved as much by signing up for a shot at the British heavyweight title against Gorman at the o2 Arena on July 13.

Dubois is ready to dance and firmly believes it will be him calling the tune when the two top young heavies meet under the lights in London.

“We’re fighters and we need each other, we need dance partners,” reflected the 21-year-old. “This is the next one so let’s get it on.”

It was thought this spicy showdown wouldn’t come about until much later in the year, especially when Dubois was put forward to fight Joe Joyce for the Lonsdale belt.

Joyce is now attending to alternative business and Dubois certainly has no issue with it being brought forward.

“Yes, very happy,” he stated. “I think it is just right and the right fight to make. It is perfect for my style and I want to get it on, I really want to get this fight on and I am looking forward to it.

“It is exciting for me and, with the mood I am going to be in on fight night, I can’t wait.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

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

LAS VEGAS, NV (May 21, 2019) – Devin Haney is ready to step-up his goal of dominating the sport as he prepares to face Antonio Moran in his DAZN debut in the US at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on Saturday May 25, also live on Sky Sports in the UK.

Haney (21-0 13 KOs) is straight into action at the top of the bill having penned a co-promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA – and the unbeaten Lightweight sensation is planning to put on a devastating display to underline his World title credentials.

‘The Dream’ will have his hands full against Moran (24-3 17 KOs) who was edged out by former World ruler Jose Pedraza in June and returned to winning ways in December with a second round KO in Mexico – but Haney will not let his journey be derailed before he’s hit the heights he believes his talent can take him.

“There’s nothing to stop me from getting to number one, it’s just time,” said Haney. “Timing is everything and my time is going to come. I am only 20 years old, the other Lightweights out there better catch me now because I am only going to get stronger and faster so the top guys need to fight me now.

“Boxing is something that I love so it doesn’t feel like a job to me, but the job is not done, I want to be a multi-weight champion and I want to rule the sport as a pound-for-pound star. When I am the face of boxing down the line, who knows what will happen, but right now those big goals are keeping me motivated.

“Getting the fights I want has been a challenge, a lot of guys have turned me down, saying there’s no point or not making enough money, so that’s been a real challenge. It’s me versus me, when I am in the gym I am so far ahead of a lot of guys that it’s me challenging myself, pushing myself, seeing how far I can go rather than seeing how far I can outrun another guy – how fast can I push myself?

“The landscape is very interesting right now. A World title is very important to me, over money and anything else, being World champion is the ultimate goal. To be a World ruler at 20 would be history, the youngest in the game. My ring IQ at my age is crazy, I’m able to adapt and adjust, I’ve been in there with so many great fighters like Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter, Amir Khan, and I’m able to adjust.

“When I first met Eddie and the Matchroom Boxing team it felt like the perfect fit. Me and my team spoke with Eddie about what we wanted and we were able to make it fit. Eddie recognizes me as a promoter, they are willing to work with me and build my brand and company at the same time.

“A lot of other promoters didn’t recognize me as a promoter, they just wanted to give me money and buy me out. Matchroom Boxing see me as a top fighter that they want to get behind, I would be important elsewhere, but Eddie made it clear that they are going to push me and get behind me.”

Haney’s clash with Moran is part of a huge night of action in Maryland where rising Heavyweight Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic taking on Gregory Corbin on his US debut, more Heavyweight interest as Michael Hunter tackles Gregory Corbin and WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Jessica McCaskill looks to unify the division against WBA champion Anahi Sanchez.

Tickets are priced at $40, $80, $150 and $250 (plus fees) and are on sale now at this link:https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15005688E0B851B0

Greg Cohen of Greg Cohen Promotions and Cory Rapacz of Rapacz Boxing proudly announce the signing of undefeated featherweight prospect Ramiro Hernandez of Cleveland, OH to a multi year co-promotional agreement. The 30 year-old Hernandez sports an undefeated record of 14-0 with 9 knockouts, and has been making his fighting home in Minnesota where his manager Jesse Garza is based. Hernandez, who currently holds the Minnesota State Super Featherweight title, has fought his last six fights at Grand Casino Hinckley, MN and has become one of the state’s biggest ticket sellers.

“I’m excited to be signing with a team that has such great integrity,” said Hernandez about his signing. “I trust that we have built a good relationship with each other and together we will make a huge impact in boxing!”

“I couldn’t be happier to sign featherweight prospect Ramiro Hernandez with my close friend and co-promoter Cory Rapacz,” said Greg Cohen. “We have big plans for Ramiro for the second half of 2019 and look forward to him competing for a world title in the next 12-18 months. The sky is the limit for this young man and I am pleased to be a part of his team!”

“We’re very excited about this signing that has literally been years in the making,” said Cory Rapacz. “This is all about helping a young fighter reach his potential and get the right opportunities. We’re very proud that Ramiro and his team have decided to trust us with the responsibility of taking his career to the national level.”

Well known Minnesota trainer and manager Jesse Garza has brought Hernandez up through the Minnesota fight scene, “Ramiro was suggested to me by Denny Nelson. He saw something special in him and thought we would become a great team. When I met Ramiro I too saw that something special. He was a champion to be, a diamond in the rough and a man with great work ethics and desire to learn. We have become a great team and ready to continue in our journey. We’d like to thank, Greg Cohen and Cory Rapacz for the opportunity to continue our journey to achieve our ultimate goal.”

Hernandez will return against an opponent to be named in a featured bout at Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN on August 9th. Ticket information will be available soon.

New York, May 20 2019

As the buzz continues to grow surrounding International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, the June 7th card at Turning Stone Resort Casino, proudly presented by JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING is excited to announce that three titles and significant rankings are now at stake.

In the main event, 6-time world champion ZAB “SUPER” JUDAH (44-9 30KO’s) is set to take on New York knockout artist, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (23-1 19KO’s), in a bout that has the boxing world ready for fireworks. Star Boxing is pleased to announce that both New York born fighters will be taking their shot at the NABA Super Lightweight Title in a 12-round bout. Judah enters this fight as a winner of his last two, by TKO and unanimous decision, respectively. Judah’s illustrious career includes an opponent list of elite boxing talent. With his eyes now set on a victory on June 7th, Judah hopes that it will lead to a super lightweight world title challenge in the near future. Opposing Judah is New York, Jewish pugilist, Cletus Seldin, who has been feared as one of the hardest punching Super Lightweight fighters. Seldin was one of the hottest prospects in NY and in 2017 he became the third ever fighter to make back-to-back featured appearances on HBO, alongside Hall of Famers, ROY JONES JR. and MIKE TYSON. Seldin knows the kind of benefits that will come if he can add a victory against an elite, world known fighter like Judah, on June 7th.

Star Boxing is also pleased to announce that the co-feature bout, between undefeated Frenchman, DAVID PAPOT (22-0 3KO’s), currently rated #8 by the WBA and veteran JAMES “BUDDY” McGIRT JR. (27-3-1 14KO’s), will be for the vacant WBA Intercontinental and WBO International Middleweight Titles. A win for either fighter will be a major step towards a future world title challenge. Papot, the current French Super Welterweight Champion, will be making his United States debut, against the veteran McGirt Jr., who will be fighting in front of his father, JAMES “BUDDY” MCGIRT, as he will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on the same weekend.

#JudahSeldin June 7th Promo
(May repost for promotional purposed)
Zab Judah vs Cletus Seldin June 7th at Turning Stone Resort Casino Promo

TICKETS:
Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to mingle with some of the biggest names in boxing, including boxing VIPs and Hall of Famers. Turning Stone will offer a unique boxing fan experience for guests who purchase tickets for the June 7thJudah vs. Seldin fight. For $50 (plus the purchase of a ticket), guests will receive access to the Boxing Hall of Fame Lounge, where boxing VIPs will be socializing throughout the night.

Tickets for Judah vs. Seldin are now available at the Turning Stone Box Office in person or by calling 315.361.7469 and 12:00 p.m. online at Ticketmaster. Prices start at only $35, with ringside seats available for $89 and $75

INFO:
June 7th’s main event features, Zab “Super” Judah (Brooklyn, NY), a six-time world champion, and the last undisputed welterweight champion of the world. Judah has defeated some of the most notable names in the business, including, Micky Ward, Lucas Matthysse and Cory Spinks (Undisputed Welterweight Title), and fought many other top fighters including Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan, Danny Garcia and Miguel Cotto. Opposing the six-time and former undisputed champion will be New York’s feared knockout artist, Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (Shirley, NY). Seldin broke on to the national scene when he devoured Roberto Ortiz at the Nassau Coliseum in a featured HBO fight. One month later, Seldin became the first boxer alongside Hall of Fame world champions, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. to fight in featured fights on back to back months on HBO.

On the biggest weekend in boxing, with many Hall of Famer’s in attendance, #JudahSeldin is bound to set off fireworks at Turning Stone on June 7th.

In the co-feature bout, James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. (Vero Beach, FL) will look to tip his hat to his father, James McGirt Sr. who is being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame during the same weekend, when he takes on tough undefeated Frenchman David Papot (Saint-Nazaire, France As a professional McGirt has found success and has faced some well-regarded fighters in his division, including, Carlos De Leon Jr., Edwin Rodriguez, and Raymond Joval. His opponent, undefeated Frenchman David Papot is taking the trip across the Atlantic Ocean with intentions of ruining the McGirt family weekend. Papot had 102 amateur bouts, 30 of which were with the French National team, earning French National Champion honors two times. In 2017 Papot earned the WBA Continental Middleweight Title, and later that year became the French National Super Welterweight Champion, having since defended the title three times.

Turning Stone will be announcing additional events for Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend shortly. For more information about events that have already been announced, visit here.

PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Judah vs Seldin Announcement

ABOUT TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO:
A renowned, award-winning destination resort in Upstate New York, the Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino features world-class amenities including four hotels, two luxurious spas, five golf courses, more than 20 dining options, a 125,000 square foot Las Vegas-style gaming floor, a cabaret style Showroom, a 5,000 seat arena, and several nightlife venues. Conveniently located 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway exit 33, Turning Stone was named “Best Countryside Hotel/Lodge” in 2015 and “Most Excellent Golf Resort” in 2010 by Condé Nast Johansens. Turning Stone has also earned the prestigious Forbes Four Star Award for The Lodge, Wildflowers restaurant and Sk?:n??: spa, and for 12 consecutive years, the AAA Four Diamond Award for The Lodge, The Tower Hotel, and Wildflowers restaurant.

For more information and reservations, call (315) 361-7711 or (800) 771-7711. Visit the website www.turningstone.com.

ABOUT STAR BOXING ®:
For a quarter century, Star Boxing keeps on swinging! Star Boxing has consistently delivered boxing events of the highest caliber and attracts loyal fans from all corners of the globe. From the Antonio Tarver – Roy Jones trilogy to the meteoric rise of Chris Algieri and Joe Smith Jr. from the Rockin’ Fights Paramount Series, Star Boxing continues to work with and develop world rated contenders and red-hot prospects into future world champions. Star Boxing is revered worldwide throughout the industry for its credibility, integrity, and exciting fights.

For more information on Star Boxing, visit official website: www.StarBoxing.com

Callum Smith will defend his WBA World ‘Super’, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight belts against Hassan N’Dam on the blockbuster Anthony Joshua OBE vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. World title bill at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

‘Mundo’ (25-0, 18 KOs) captured the WBA World title and was crowned World Boxing Super Series champion following a stunning seventh round knockout victory over British rival George Groves in Saudi Arabia last September – a win that also saw the Liverpudlian claim the vacant Ring Championship. Smith puts those titles on the line for the first time against former Middleweight World ruler N’Dam in his second appearance as a professional in the US.

N’Dam (37-3, 21 KOs) has operated at World level since landing the WBA Interim Middleweight World title against Avtandil Khurtsidze in 2010. He defended that title twice before losing on points to Peter Quillin with the WBO Middleweight crown at stake. A landslide win over Curtis Steven qualified the Frenchman for a shot at the IBF title in 2015 – an explosive contest with David Lemieux followed with the Canadian coming out on top on the score cards.

In 2017 N’Dam took on London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Ryota Murata for the vacant WBA regular World title, which he won via a split decision. The pair rematched five months later, again on Japanese soil, where N’Dam was forced into retirement in the seventh round. He most recently defeated four-time World title challenger Martin Murray by a 12 round majority decision in December.

“I’ve had a good camp and I’m looking forward to walking to the ring as a World Champion for the first time in my career,” said Smith. “I worked so hard to get where I am and now the task is to keep hold of my titles and target those big fights. To have my first defence at Madison Square Garden is going to be special and it’s another box ticked for me personally. People call it the Mecca of Boxing and I’ve always seen it as a venue that I’d love to fight at one day. The minute that there was a chance of it happening I pushed to make sure that I could be part of this show.

“N’Dam is a good fighter and he’s a former World Champion. He’s only lost to three top fighters and he’s got some great wins on his record. I had him over in England to help me prepare for George Groves so we know each other well. He’s a good mover, has good footwork and can move around the ring pretty well. Experience is on his side and he’s an awkward guy to face. Saying that, he’s definitely a fighter that I should beat and get rid of if I’m on my game.

“I believe that I’m improving all of the time – I’ve even improved since winning the World title. I believe that I’m the best Super-Middleweight in the World. There’s a few fighters in my division who probably disagree with that and rightly so. If I am the best on the planet then I should be able to get rid of Hassan N’Dam and look good doing it.”

“I am confident I will create a big surprise in New York,” said N’Dam. “It is a true privilege for me to be given the chance to fight at Madison Square Garden for the first time in my life. At this stage of my career this is a beautiful opportunity for me to be able to change division and fight for both the WBA World and WBC Diamond titles.

“I am so pleased and proud for this opportunity to be offered to me and I would like to add that even though the challenge is a big one, this does not affect my focus and my determination. Callum Smith is an excellent boxer with many qualities. As he is tall he can impose his own boxing style on most of his opponents. I have much respect for him both as a boxer and a person. I believe it will be a very tactical fight.

“Being able to say that once in my life I have fought at MSG will be a great pride. Besides, I have the experience of boxing on big shows as I have participated in many and in front of thousands of people. I have always defended my titles abroad and I am used to pressure and know how to handle it.”

“This is a huge platform and one that Callum fully deserves,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “He has established himself as the number one 168 pounder in the World and will prove it at the Mecca of boxing on June 1. N’Dam always brings the action and I believe this will be a high level fight with plenty of fire. The mega fights await Callum and he can’t afford to slip up here, I know him and Joe Gallagher have prepared diligently for this challenge and he will be sending out a statement live on Sky Sports Box Office and DAZN.”

Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America said: “Credit to Hassan for moving up in weight to take on the world’s No.1 Super Middleweight at Madison Square Garden. Both he and Callum have a great opportunity to make a statement to U.S. fight fans in prime time.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “We’re very excited to add Callum Smith to a huge night at Madison Square Garden. He’s rightly regarded as the world’s best Super-Middleweight after that win over George Groves – and we can showcase more of our best talent on the AJ bill.

“Callum has already been named as a possible opponent for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and there are massive nights ahead of him if he defeats the proven Hassan N’Dam. It’s going to be an action-packed evening for fight fans as Katie Taylor’s undisputed World title fight and the classy Josh Kelly are also in action before AJ lights up New York in the main event.”

Smith and N’Dam clash on a huge night of action at MSG where Anthony Johua’s World title defence against Andy Ruiz Jr. is supported by Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, New Yorker Chris Algieri defending his WBO International title against Tommy Coyle is a crunch Super-Lightweight showdown and Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson – with more exciting undercard additions announced this week.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

DOMINIC INGLE has accused Josh Warrington of beating Carl Frampton and Lee Selby when the pair were on the slide.

Warrington (28-0, 6KOs) took the IBF featherweight title from Selby in a huge upset 12 months ago and surprised Frampton in December in his first defence.

Next up is Ingle trained mandatory challenger, Kid Galahad (26-0, 15KOs) at First Direct Arena, Leeds on Saturday June 15.

Warrington is the favourite to retain his crown in his backyard, but Ingle insists that the champion will be shocked by his Sheffield rival.

Ingle said: “Warrington has had success with Frampton and Selby by jumping on them full steam ahead and they have been unable to keep him off.

“Maybe that is down to Selby and Frampton being past the sell-by date.

“I think Galahad has got more ambition than Selby and Frampton. Those results complimented Warrington.

“What he has with Galahad is a kid who is unbeaten, fresh, and fought himself into the mandatory position by going over to Boston and beating Toka Kahn Clary.

“Josh beat up a washed up Dennis Ceylan in his final eliminator, we went into someone’s back yard and won it.

“Galahad is very controlled and precise. The accuracy will keep Warrington off. He can’t keep walking into those type of shots and that is basically what Warrington is going to do.

“He is going to box the same way he has always had success at and hope for the best.

“But, for once he is getting someone who is fitter than him, fresher than him who can box and slow that pace down.”

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.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Alex Dickinson, Tommy Fury, Mark Heffron, Jack McGann and Troy Williamson.

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

London, UK (21 May 2019) Polite and humble to a fault, the cousin of gregarious lineal world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has long shown himself to be one of the finest technical talents from these shores, now he intends to show he can also be among the most explosive.

In his eagerly anticipated ring return – following a gallant and gory 12 round points reverse to Bulgarian beast Kubrat Pulev in last October’s IBF final eliminator over in Sofia – the 6ft 6in Manc aims to justify his ‘Fists of Fury’ ring monitor by clattering unbeaten Canadian Chris Norrad when the titans bash beaks at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on May 25th.

‘The win is not the priority. It’s HOW I win. I’m gonna put on an exciting show. This time, like the Sam Sexton fight (a brutal fifth round blow out to bag the British title 12 months ago), there’s gonna be fireworks,’ insists Fury who has previously slaughtered 11 victims inside schedule.

‘For a start, you’ll see a big difference in my physique because we’ve brought (feted strength and conditioning guru) Kerry Kayes on board and I’m much stronger in my body.

‘I never liked sounding my own horn. Fighters can talk as much as you want during the build-up but I’ve always preferred to do my talking on fight night, inside the ring, the only place that matters.

‘In camp, I’ve been working on an improved skillset – varying my work up – and mastering new strategies. You’ll definitely see me moving forward more this fight, rather than running around.’

It’s been some journey since England’s first ever World Youth super-heavy gold medallist (Armenia, 2012) vaulted into the pros as a gangly 18 year old in March 2013. Still only 24, Stockport-born Hughie, the fifth of father-trainer Peter’s six offspring, has already showcased his skills in eight different countries, ruled on the domestic throne and proved competitive on the elite stage.

Both defeats on Fury’s 23 fight slate came at a rarified level – a majority 12 round decision in a close and controversial WBO challenge to New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in September 2017 and that cut-compromised loss to Pulev overseas – but his quest to become one of the sport’s youngest ever heavyweight world champions has been blighted by injury (back problems) and illness (a mystifying skin disease which affected his immune system).

‘I’ve had some of the best experiences yet some of the worst luck,’ surmised the Stockport-born stylist.

‘Fighting the national hero Pulev in Bulgaria, out of my comfort zone, provided experience you can’t buy. But since the World Youth’s in Armenia, I’ve always been able to switch off from any hostility.

‘After a cut from sparring re-opened in round two, I couldn’t put my full attention to the fight, couldn’t show what I was capable of.

‘The docs told us beforehand the cut would stick together after stitching so we took a chance but it opened straight away. After that, the game plan went out of the window. I couldn’t see.

‘Initially the ringside doctor said: ‘Just one more round’. Panic set in and I attacked like a maniac. That tired me out. I just didn’t have a proper chance. I’m still confident I’d comfortably out box Kubrat without a cut.’

Earlier this year, Fury abdicated his British crown – ‘been there, nothing more to prove’ – to focus exclusively on replicating his esteemed cousin’s capers on the global stage. Already ranked 14th by the IBF, he knows a destructive display against fellow contender Norrad, 17-0, is sure to court favour with other sanctioning organisations.

‘There’s not an awful lot of footage available on Norrad so it’s a case of seeing what he can do on the night. But he’s never tasted defeat so will arrive with a certain amount of confidence. We’ll have to knock that out of him!’ quips Hughie.

‘It’s always good to perform in your hometown and this has the makings of a great show. I intend putting into practise everything I’ve been working on in the gym.

‘With me it’s always one fight at a time but I crave the biggest fights and I’m not afraid of anybody in the world.

‘A class performance in Manchester will get me back into the mix.’

MEDIA SCHEDULE
Promoter Mick Hennessy invites all media to attend the following events ahead of Hughie Fury v Chris Norrad on Saturday 25th May, exclusively live on Channel 5:

PRESS CONFERENCE

In attendance will be heavyweight main event Hughie Fury and Chris Norrad, Super-Featherweights Alex Dilmaghani and Martin Parlagi , female boxing sensation Savannah Marshall, exciting pro-debutant Michael Hennessy and further boxers on the undercard.

Thursday 23rd May
Victoria Warehouse
Trafford Wharf Road
Stretford
Manchester
M17 1AB
Time: 12.30pm for a 1pm start

WEIGH-IN

All boxers featuring on the show will officially weigh in:

Friday 24th May
Victoria Warehouse
(Address as above)
Time: 12.30pm for a 1pm start

WASHINGTON, DC–Alantez Fox scored a 6th round stoppage over Nick Brinson in a super middleweight clash that headlined a seven bout card on Saturday night at The ESA Arena in Washington, D.C.

The card was promoted by Tricky Entertainment and DCFIGHTNIGHT.

Fox got off to a good start as he landed a right hand in the opening frame that sent Brinson to the canvas. After that Fox never ceased control of the encounter as he worked very well behind his jab, and landed good power shots in every round.

By round five, Brinson looked worse for wear as he it seemed like a matter of time before Fox would be able to get the savvy veteran out of the fight. In the next round he did, as Fox landed a heavy barrage of punches that forced the corner of Brinson to get their man out of the fight at 2:46.

Fox of Forrestville, MD is now 25-1-1 with 12 knockouts. Brinson of Geneva, NY falls to 19-5-2.

Washington, DC Police Officer Tiara Brown stopped Angel Gladney in the 6th round of their scheduled ten-round junior lightweight bout.

Brown dominated the contest as he repeatedly landed flush shots. In round six, she came out and put her foot on the gas pedal, and landed hard flurry of punches and the bout was stopped 34 seconds into the contest.

Brown of Washington, DC is 8-0 with six knockouts. Gladney of South Carolina is 10-15-1.

In an exciting back and forth brawl Jordan White and Christian Esquivel stood toe to toe and fought a war that saw White pound out a six-round unanimous decision in a super featherweight bout.

The pounded away at each other with White landing more and he more significant blows. He had Esquivel in trouble several times, but the former world title challenger would either escape or land some good flush shots on White.

Both guys were cut on the forehead from an accidental headbutt. It was a terrific action fight that had the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the contest.

White, 126 lbs of Washington, DC won by scores of 59-55 and 60-54 twice, and is now 8-1. Esquivel, 129 1/2 lbs of Mexico is 30-18-1.

Patrick Harris remained undefeated via disqualification in round three over Anthony Woods of their scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

In round three, Woods was deducted a point for holding. Seconds later, Woods was docked again for holding. Again, it only took a few seconds for Woods to be deducted again, and the bout was stopped at

Harris, 142 lbs is 16-0. Woods, 143 lbs of Nassau, Bahamas is 10-24.

Renaldo Gaines won a four-round unanimous decision over Eduardo Melendez in a super featherweight bout.

Gaines, 130 lbs of Maryland won by scores of 40-37 and 39-37 twice to raise his mark to 10-2. Melendez, 127 1/2 lbs of Puerto Rico falls to 5-26.

George Harris kept his perfect knockout streak alive by taking out Antwaun Taylor in the 2nd round of their scheduled four-round heavyweight fight.

In round one, Harris dropped Taylor with a left hook off the ropes. Later in the round, Harris dumped Taylor again with a harder left hook. Early in round two, it was a flurry of punches that sent Taylor down for a 3rd time, and the bout was stopped at 1:08.

Harris, 214 1/4 lbs of Silver Spring, MD is 4-0 with four knockouts. Taylor, 211 1/4 lbs is 4-11.

Jonathan Conde ruined the pro debut for Taurean Venable by scoring an explosive 1st round stoppage in their scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout. Conde drooped Venable with a hard right hand. Seconds later, Conde landed another booming shot that put Venable on his back, and the bout was stopped at 1:31.

Conde, 137 1/2 lbs of Miami is 1-2 with one knockout. Venable, 142 1/4 lbs of Washington, DC is 0-1.

For more information, call the hotline at 202.596.7692 or email trickyentertainment@gmail.com

INDIO, CALIF. (May 20, 2019): Former four-division world champion and future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto will be the special VIP guest for the event headlined by the 12-round rematch between Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (20-4-2, 15 KOs) and Alberto
“Explosivo” Machado (21-1, 17 KOs) for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title. The event will take place Friday, June 21 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Cotto is a living legend who became the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four divisions. Cotto earned belts in the competitive super lightweight, welterweight, super welterweight and middleweight divisions. The native of Caguas, Puerto Rico has faced a who’s who of elite world champions in a historic career that included fights against
DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Zab “Super” Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio “El Tornado de Tijuana” Margarito, Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez and current middleweight and super middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez.

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

In the co-main event, Angel “Tito” Acosta (19-1, 19 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico will make the fourth defense of his WBO Light Flyweight World Title in a 12-round bout against Elwin “La Pulga” Soto (13-1, 9 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico. Acosta is a devastating puncher who has won all of his victories via knockout.

Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (9-0, 9 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. will return to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino after his impressive first-round knockout victory against Daniel Evangelista. Now, Gamez is scheduled to fight in an eight-round super lightweight clash.

Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (10-0-1, 6 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will participate in an eight-round welterweight bout.

Local favorite Rommel “The Legacy” Caballero (5-0, 4 KOs) of Coachella, Calif. will battle in a four-round super featherweight fight.

Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (7-0, 4 KOs) will fight in a six-round welterweight clash.

Anthony Garnica (1-0, 1 KO) of Oakland, Calif. will return in a four-round super bantamweight battle against Gilberto Duran (3-2, 3 KOs) of Yakima, Wash.

Emilio Rodriguez (3-1, 2 KOs) of Van Nuys, Calif. will participate in a four-round middleweight bout against Lucius Johnson (4-5-1, 3 KOs) of Compton, Calif.

Opponents for this undercard will be announced shortly.

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.

Media interested covering Cancio vs. Machado 2 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. 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 @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.

NEW YORK (May 20, 2019) –Three cites, three wins for Split-T Management fighters this past Saturday night as Ardreal Holmes and Raquel Miller remained undefeated while Carlos Dixon scored a big knockout in his hometown.

Holmes went to 9-0 with a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Lanardo Tyner in Dearborn, Michigan.

The 24 year-old Holmes of Flint, Michigan was systematic in winning by shutout tallies on two cards at 60-54 and 58-56 to raise the former amateur star’s record to 9-0.

Miller moved a step closer to winning a world championship as she captured the NABF Middleweight title with a 7th round stoppage over Erin Toughill in Hawaiian Gardens, California.

Miller of San Francisco knocked Toughill down in the 1st round with a body shot, and then she dropped Toughill with a vicious combination that was punctuated by a nasty left hook in the 7th round that sent Toughill to the canvas. Toughill got up, but was in no condition to continue, and the bout was stopped at 1:01.

CLICK FOR LINK OF KNOCKOUT

With the win, the fighter dubbed “Pretty Beast” is now 9-0 with four knockouts.

Also on Saturday night in Louisville, Kentucky, 22 year-old super bantamweight, Carlos Dixon stopped Jeno Tonte in the 2nd round of their scheduled six-round bout.

With the win over the 17 fight veteran, Dixon of Louisville, is now 8-1 with six knockouts.

Holmes and Miller are promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

NATHAN GORMAN INSISTS that he is about to seize top billing from Daniel Dubois when the young heavyweights collide at the o2 Arena on July 13.

Gorman believes Dubois is the promotional poster boy for Frank Warren’s organisation, the chosen one tipped to reach the pinnacle of the heavyweight pecking order.

Well, Gorman intends to turn the ‘Heavy Duty’ blockbuster into an episode of Trading Places by knocking the golden boy off his promotional perch.

“Of course he is,” responded 16-0 Gorman to the question of Dubois being the young heavyweight face of the company.

“Listen, he is big, he’s got a nice big six-pack. I haven’t, so he looks good in photos. When I knock him off the perch I will take it from there and I will be No.1, I will be the golden goose.

“Until then I am happy to be the underdog, which I would imagine I will be.”

So why does the unbeaten and more experienced Gorman consider himself to be the outsider in the betting?

“People just write me off, they look at the way he is built and think ‘he looks handy’,” he explained. “If it was a bodybuilding competition he would win Mr Olympia, but it is isn’t. It is fighting and one thing I can do is fight.”

Gorman went on to totally reject the suggestion that the resume of Dubois is stronger than that of his own in terms of opposition, while taking a swipe over the credentials of the Londoner’s last opponent, Richard Lartey.

“How has he? Who has he fought? No disrespect, I fought Kevin Johnson, I fought Cojanu, so we have basically fought comparable opponents.

“You can’t go off Lartey, his last opponent, who I think had to dye his beard to cover up his grey hair!”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

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

Anthony Joshua has insisted that he hasn’t underestimated Andy Ruiz Jr. “one bit” ahead of their unified Heavyweight World title clash at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday June 1, shown live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

The California-based Mexican is in his second World title tilt having pushed former WBO Heavyweight ruler Joseph Parker to the limit in the Kiwi’s hometown in December 2016, being edged out by the finest of margins via a majority decision.

Ruiz has another golden opportunity to create history by becoming the first ever Mexican Heavyweight World Champion in the Big Apple next week and the ‘Destroyer’ has warned IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO champ ‘AJ’ to under-estimate him at his peril.

Joshua heads into his highly-anticipated US debut as a heavy favourite with many bookies but the British sensation says he is all too aware of the threats posed by his latest challenger, who he feels is deserving of a second World title shot after stepping up to the plate when others shied-away.

“It’s not about what you look like, it’s a craft, a skill, and what’s in your heart and your head matters in the end,” said Joshua. “Andy has shown he has all that, he can fight and box, that’s what matters. I think Andy is a great challenger and will bring it on June 1.

“All I’ve heard is ‘AJ will smash him in a round’. From the outside they think that anyone can box, so how is the guy that doesn’t look like a fighter able to box? I always say that if you put ten bodybuilders in the ring, not one of them could fight for a regional title in boxing.

“Take me out of my body but keep the same attributes and height, same jab, same chin, same heart and same mind, but I looked different – I’d still get to the same position I am in because it’s what is within you that makes a champion, your genetics, and his genetics are the same – and he took the fight!

“He’s keen, he’s game and you cannot knock him. He can fight and he’s got hands. He gave a World Champion in Joseph Parker lots of problems, and when you look at the fight the Parker gave Whyte when people are saying Whyte can beat Wilder, Fury and me, Andy is championship level for sure, and I have not underestimated him one bit.”

Joshua and Ruiz clash on a huge night of action at MSG with Irish sensation Katie Taylor clashing with Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Women’s World Lightweight championship, New Yorker Chris Algieri defending his WBO International title against Tommy Coyle is a crunch Super-Lightweight showdown and Josh Kelly making his US debut as he defends his WBA International Welterweight title against Philadelphia’s Ray Robinson – with more exciting undercard additions announced this week.

Tickets for the huge night of World title action in New York are on sale now via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

Official Ticket and Travel Packages, including the opportunity to travel on the Official Charter Plane, are available to purchase via Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk) Prices start at £1,095. Reserve your seat today.

Tickets are priced, $106, $156, $206, $306, $406, $506, $756, $1,006, $1,256 and $2,506 plus applicable booking fees.

Wheelchair seats, companion seats, aisle seats and Assistive Listening Devices are available to purchase by calling 212-465-6034.

BRITISH BOXING ICON Ricky Hatton saw his beloved Manchester City complete a domestic treble this past Saturday as they cruised to a 6-0 win against Watford at Wembley Stadium. The win added to the Premier League and League Cup trophies that City had scooped in 2019.

City were on course to win 4 trophies until they bowed out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage.

Hatton, who fought Juan Lazcano at Manchester City’s ‘City of Manchester’ stadium in 2008 admits he was hoping to see his team win four trophies this year.

Now the trainer of British Heavyweight Title challenger Nathan Gorman, the ‘Hitman’ is looking for a Gorman win over Daniel Dubois on July 13 at The O2, London to make up for it.

“As a City fan I was hoping we could do the Quadruple this year. We’ve won the League, the League Cup, and now the FA Cup” said Hatton.

“There was obviously no Champions League but in my head when Nathan wins the British Title it will make up for it and I’ll get my Quadruple.”

The coveted Lonsdale belt will be on the line on July 13 when Daniel Dubois (11-0 10KOs) and Nathan Gorman (16-0 11KOs) collide in a battle of unbeaten British heavyweight prospects. Both men are promising that the fight will not go the distance and fans are in for an explosive treat live on BT Sport.

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce are on sale now via AXS.com, Eventim and Ticketmaster and are priced as below:

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

Seventeen and a half stone New Brunswick lumberjack Chris Norrad expects to be hollering ‘Timber’ over the crestfallen 6ft 6in frame of ex British champion Hughie ‘Fists of’ Fury when the juggernauts collide in what promises to be a high grade 12 round heavyweight showdown at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on Saturday 25th May, exclusively live on Channel 5.

London, UK (20 May 2019) The 35 year old former woodsman from the forestry community of Boiestown has already toppled 17 successive oaks of the cruiser and heavyweight divisions, with eight felled before the finish.

Now, in his first start outside Canada, the 6ft 3in ‘Boiestown Banger’ aka ‘The Natural’, has come to chop down local World Youth gold medallist and world ranked heavyweight contender Fury in his home yard.

‘I was a late starter, never really boxed amateur or ‘Tough Man’ contests,’ disclosed self-managed Norrad who trains at the Fredericton Boxing Club under the guise of the Storey brothers Dean and Dwayne.

‘But as a young man, I’d be fighting at the local dances and got myself into a stack of trouble with the law so figured I’d best start fighting legally. I wasn’t really bad tempered, I just got a little excitable. I kinda enjoyed fighting and I must’ve been fairly useful. I never lost any.

‘I was quite interested in boxing long before I became actively involved. I’d studied tapes of how guys like Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes would win with jabs and incorporated that into my street scuffling. It was pretty easy when the other fella’s just launching haymakers.

‘Around 2009, when I was working in the woods one day, Dean Storey came over and told me that his brother Dwayne was promoting ‘The Next Great Heavyweight’ tournament. Dean said he’d heard how useful I was with my hands and offered to train me. It started there.’

Crafty Chris, then 25, cantered to the crown then repeated the trick in a similar tourney for cruisers in 2010. However, his progression has subsequently been curtailed by lack of opportunity and he has started just seven times in the last seven years.

He explains: I suffered from several hand injuries over the years and broke the right hand very badly whilst winning a fight by stoppage in May of last year. At other times, I’ve been busy with work commitments. I recently started up in transportation.’

In addition to that brace of ‘Next Great….’ titles, he reigned on the NABA Canadian cruiserweight throne following a 10 round points win over Ontario’s Frank White back in 2012.

‘Working in the woods for 10 years built up strength and I possess a pretty powerful right hand,’ warns Norrad who has iced four foes inside the opening two rounds.

‘But I like to think my way through a fight. I’m smart and usually out jab the opposition. If you get the jab going it’ll win the fight for you.

‘There’s been a lot of talk recently of me challenging for the Canadian heavyweight title but I’m sure Team Fury will be screaming for a big money rematch, once I’ve defeated Hughie!’

Promoted by Hennessy Sports, Channel 5 and Infinitum, in association with VIP Promotions, Hughie Fury headlines an action packed show on Saturday 25th May at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, when he takes on undefeated Canadian Chris Norrad. Exciting super-featherweight Alex Dilmaghani faces the hardened Martin Parlagi. Female super-middleweight sensation Savannah Marshall returns to action. Steve Brogan defends his Central Area Lightweight Championship against rival Adam Hague and completing the card will be Matty Fagan, Connor Lynch and Marcel Braithwaite.

Tickets priced at £40 & £70 are available from http://vipboxing.tv/shop/vip-tickets/hughie-fury-saturday-25th-may-victoria-warehouse/ and 01942 874 241

20 May 2019 – Shanghai, China: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the main event for ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST which takes place Saturday, 15 June at the Baoshan Arena in Shanghai. Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand will defend her title against Alma Juniku of Australia.

ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST will be held in cooperation with Great Sports, Tencent, Hugo Boss, Boxing Cat Brewery, Spring Airlines, and more.

Ticket information for ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST is available at www.onefc.com.

Stamp Fairtex of Thailand is one of the most talented female martial artists in the world today.

Stamp began her ONE Championship run as a participant in Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series. She competed in mixed martial arts and won her first professional bout by knockout in just 19 seconds. Leaving a lasting impression with her exceptional striking skills, Stamp was tapped to take part in the prestigious ONE Super Series soon thereafter.

She made her debut at ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES in Bangkok where she defeated “Killer Bee” Kai Ting Chuang to capture the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Championship. Last February, Stamp battled American Janet “JT” Todd to become a two-sport World Champion, capturing the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship.

Stamp now returns to action in the first defense of her Muay Thai title against Alma Juniku of Australia.

Set to make his highly-anticipated ONE Championship debut, Asian mixed martial arts veteran Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama of Japan will face Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Malaysia in the co-main event of the evening.

Akiyama is one of the most iconic Asian mixed martial artists in history. A fourth generation Japanese of Korean descent, he began his martial arts career garnering accolades on the amateur level. Some of those prizes include a gold medal at the 2001 Asian Judo Championships for South Korea and a gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games for Japan.

Known as “Sexyama,” he made his mixed martial arts debut in December 2004 and used his world-class judo stylings as his base. That has led to remarkable success, defeating some of the industry’s most respected names including Melvin Manhoef, Alan Belcher, and former IBF Heavyweight Boxing Champion Francois Botha.

Former ONE Welterweight World Title challenger, Thani is one of the most remarkable athletes Malaysia has ever produced. Ever since making his debut as an amateur, the man they call “Alligator” has torn through the competition.

The top contender trains daily at Monarchy MMA in Kuala Lumpur under well-respected Belgian BJJ coach Samir Mrabet, but also regularly travels to the United States to sharpen his skills at the world-famous Team Quest.

2-time SUPERKOMBAT Heavyweight World Champion Tarik Khbabez of Morocco will go head-to-head with Brazilian National Kickboxing Champion Anderson “Braddock” Silva in a ONE Super Series Kickboxing showdown. Both Khbabez and Silva are known for their knockout power and aggressive styles, which promises non-stop action from start to finish.

2-time European Mixed Martial Arts Champion Reinier De Ridder of The Netherlands will look to keep his unblemished professional record intact when he takes on former Aspera FC Middleweight Champion Gilberto “Giba” Galvao of Brazil. De Ridder made his ONE Championship debut last January at ONE: HERO’S ASCENT, defeating Fan Rong by first-round submission. Galvao, meanwhile, was last in the ONE Circle in March of 2018, defeating American middleweight Jake Butler.

Former Top King Muay Thai World Champion and former ONE World Title contender Han Zi Hao of China will make his much-anticipated return to action opposite Scotland’s Andrew “Maddog Fairtex” Miller in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai matchup.

Han previously competed for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title last January at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, but fell just short of victory to Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao. He now returns to his homeland of China to jumpstart another run at the World Title.

Miller, on the other hand, is a WKA British Champion who most recently competed in Jakarta at ONE: FOR HONOR, where he defeated Malaysia’s Mohammed Bin Mahmoud by unanimous decision.

Kyokushin Karate Black Belt Koyomi “Moushigo” Matsushima of Japan will take on South Korea’s “Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il in a featherweight mixed martial arts contest.

The 26-year-old Matsushima is one of the fastest rising martial artists from Japan. Hailing from Kanagawa prefecture located in the Kant? region of Japan, Matsushima has put together a handful of solid performances while competing in local Japanese martial arts promotions Pancrase and Shooto. In his ONE Championship debut last September, Matsushima scored a stunning first-round technical knockout victory over former ONE World Champion Marat Gafurov, announcing his arrival on the global stage of martial arts competition.

Meanwhile, Korean mixed martial arts prospect Kwon has also made waves during his time so far in the promotion. With highlight-reel knockouts of Anthony Engelen and Eric Kelly, Kwon now faces his toughest test to date in Matsushima.

CH7 Muay Thai World Champion Rodlek PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym of Thailand will face the United Kingdom’s Liam “Hitman” Harrison in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai bout. Rodlek is one of Thailand’s fastest-rising Muay Thai stars, while Harrison is an 8-time Muay Thai World Champion and veteran.

Former WMMAA Champion Fan Rong of China is set to perform in front of his countrymen when he takes on Sherif “The Shark” Mohamed of Egypt in a middleweight mixed martial arts contest.

Fan made his ONE Championship debut last January, and is eager to tally his first victory with the promotion. Mohamed is looking to do the same as both warriors lock horns at the center of the ONE Championship ring.

Shanghai Open Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion “Rock Man” Chen Lei of China makes his highly-anticipated return to the ONE Championship stage when he takes on Dutch-Indonesian top contender Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen.

Training out of Equilibrium Beijing, Chen has shown incredible potential during his time so far in ONE Championship. This includes an impressive run with four scintillating finishes since his promotional debut in May of 2017.

Engelen, on the other hand, is one of the most talented featherweights in the promotion. The majority of Engelen’s victories have ended in exciting finishes. He will look to return to the winner’s circle with a victory over Chen Lei.

Former IBC Featherweight Champion Victorio “Indra” Senduk of Indonesia battles Phoe “Bushido” Thaw of Myanmar in a featherweight mixed martial arts contest.

South Korea’s “The Big Heart” Yoon Chang Min takes on the Philippines’ Trestle “Jun Minion” Tan. And kicking off the action at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST is Japanese women’s mixed martial arts prospect Itsuki Hirata who faces former Philippine National Muay Thai Silver Medalist Angelie “D’ Explorer” Sabanal.

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

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

It was announced in tonight’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast that undefeated WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Gervonta Davis will defend his title against mandatory challenger Ricardo Nuñez on Saturday, July 27 live on SHOWTIME® in Baltimore. It will be a championship homecoming for the 24-year-old star, who will fight for the first time as a world champion in front of his hometown fans. The Floyd Mayweather protégé and youngest U.S.-born world titlist in boxing has knocked out 20 of his 21 professional opponents, including KOs in all five of his world championship fights. Davis is coming off a first-round knockout of former world champion Hugo Ruiz in February on SHOWTIME in his first headlining attraction. The televised co-features and venue will be announced in the near-future.