PROMOTER Frank Warren today held the final press conference ahead of Saturday’s vacant WBO world super-middleweight title clash between Billy Joe Saunders and Shefat Isufi at The Lamex Stadium, home of Stevenage FC.

Saunders, who comes from nearby Hatfield will be bidding to become a two-weight world champion having previously held the WBO middleweight crown.

Also on the bill is fast emerging London heavyweight star and Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce who faces giant Russian former world title challenger Alexander Ustinov.

In a double title fight Lichfield’s British super-bantamweight champion Brad Foster meets Bristol’s Commonwealth belt holder Ashley Lane.

Here are a selection of quotes from the presser.

FRANK WARREN

Bill should be in a position to have big fights and he will get them. It is a shame that fighters avoid him. We twice signed to fight Golovkin and I know Canelo’s connections don’t want to know. I had a chat with Joe Gallagher a couple weeks ago about Callum Smith and he said ‘in a couple of fights time’, but Callum will be light-heavyweight by then. Chris Eubank Jr has shown no interest in avenging his loss to Bill.

Ustinov is a big, big man and I know him very well. This is a tough fight for Joe and a step up for him. Joe doesn’t want marking time fights and this is no gimme. Joe is out to make a statement and cannot afford to slip up.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS

This has been a long time coming. I had a terrible 2018 and feel my title was robbed from me. I jumped at this fight when it was offered and I will become a two-weight world champion.

I’m not looking past Isufi, but I am looking for the big names. I am 29, I know I have got it inside me and nobody has seen my best.

With the backing of BT Sport we can make the big fights. It is all fine saying I look good hitting the pads, but I have to be on my A game and send a message to the other super-middleweights.

If I do bring it, I should box his head off. Whatever he brings I will fetch ten-fold more.

I have been training with Ben and it has been good, enjoyable and great bouncing around with Tyson Fury. Everything has gone well and I’m enjoying boxing again.

SHEFAT ISUFI

I am doing this for me, but to become Albania’s first world boxing champion is big for them and also Germany as I box under their flag.

Billy Joe will be trying everything to win and so will I.

If Billy Joe did win I will congratulate him, but it will be the other way around.

Billy Joe is quick, fast and a hard puncher. I can also punch and one punch could make the difference.

My father died when I was young and he is always in my mind. When I win I will go to his grave and thank him.

JOE JOYCE

I am fighting fit and good to go. Training has gone well with Adam Booth. I am looking for nine wins, nine knockouts.

Ustinov is very experienced, big, strong, tough and this is a step up. I have to beat him to get to the next level. I know what he has in his arsenal and what I have to do to beat him. He can punch, but I take a shot and give one back.

ALEXANDER USTINOV

This is a very hard fight and I am prepared to win. Joe is a very good boxer and I know him well. We will see who is the strongest boxer this weekend. Joe wants to knock me out, but everyone thinks they win by knockout.

BRAD FOSTER

I have been learning on the job and picked up the British title in my last fight against Josh Wale when I was the away fighter so I am not doing too badly. Ash has got a lot more experience and this is no walkover. It is a tough fight. I am a happy Brad and when I’m happy I perform better.

ASHLEY LANE

I watched him against Josh and it was a good performance. In my last seven fights I have turned my career around after up and downs. My experience and what I have learned from the last two years will give me the strength to win. I spar with Lee Haskins, Lee Selby and Andrew Selby. That is a high level of sparring.

Tickets for saturday night’s show can be purchased via borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£250 – Hospitality

£150 – Pitch

£100 – Pitch

£75 – Pitch

£50 – Stand

£40 – Stand are now completely sold out

More information on saturday night’s show can be found in this helpful guide.

London, UK (16 May 2019) Alex Dilmaghani was born in Redhill, Surrey, of Iranian ancestry but, following just a fistful of amateur bouts and eight pro starts in the U.K, the then 22 year old southpaw boldly uprooted to the sweltering slums of Mexico City to fast track his ring education.

‘I HAD to go abroad if I was to progress’ admits the well-spoken 27 year old, who holds a law degree from Southampton University.

‘I chose Mexico because it’s a great country and the Mexicans are really great people. It has a great boxing tradition and so many genuinely hungry fighters.’

The Iranian knight entered the profession as a callow 17 year old under the wing of long-term Eubank mentor Ronnie Davies way back in April 2009. Over the next four and a half years he racked up seven wins in eight starts – without ripping up too many trees – prior to taking the plunge across the Atlantic in early 2014.

Based at the capital city’s world famous Romanza Gym, Dilmaghani lapped up the wisdom of Hall of Fame trainer and national treasure Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain.

‘I only started to take boxing seriously once I moved over to Mexico City,’ declared Dilmaghani who had the privilege sharing gym space with native all-time great Juan Manuel Marquez, the seven-time, four division world champion.

‘I did all my proper learning over there; how to train, how to fight, how to live. It was in the gyms of Mexico City that I developed all the subtle stuff, a proper stance, how to put your hip and shoulders into punches, the real science of boxing.

‘I meticulously studied the way (Juan Manuel) Marquez conditioned himself. He possibly wasn’t the hardest trainer I’ve ever worked alongside but he was definitely the most specific. Everything he did had genuine purpose.’

On a daily basis, the young ‘gringo’ challenged himself to survive then thrive against some seriously sinister hombres.

‘I sparred Juan Manuel in the build up to the last Pacquiao fight and, trust me, he lacks for nothing; very smart, very skilful. I also sparred lots of rounds with (three-time, two-weight world champion) Jhonny Gonzalez and (former WBC super-feather boss) Francisco Vargas. The sparring over there was always very hard,’ recalls Alex.

Between 2014-2017, the Azteca adventurer triumphed in all five fights in the Land of the Sombrero, completing the 10 round trip for the first time, and making quite a commotion by bombing out three hapless victims for the full ten count.

‘Mexico was a sacrifice I had to make and ended up a brilliant life experience,’ he says.

‘It took me out of my comfort zone, taught me not just about boxing but about life in general. It built mental strength. Though I’ve many great friends in Mexico now, initially I arrived on my own and couldn’t speak a word of Spanish.’

And having graduated the grime of Mexico, academic Alex attended a two-year finishing school in Canada, having been headhunted by Toronto promoter Lee Baxter in late 2016.

‘In Canada, a beautiful place, I may not have learned so much but, career wise, it was a great move for me, more about the fights than the training,’ claims Dilmaghani, who further expanded his global fan club by remaining undefeated in seven Canadian starts (one No Contest) which included a further three early finishes.

Having survived America, the stylish Surrey southpaw (now an impressive 18-1-1NC), is intent on conquering Britain and dazzling UK fight fans with his unique cosmopolitan skill set.

‘Apprenticing abroad will undoubtedly stand me in good stead,’ insists Alex who recently penned a deal with manager- promoter Mick Hennessy and features in a 12 rounder against Slovakian hard case Martin ‘Cracker’ Parlagi at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on Saturday week.

‘Living away from home, alone and so young, certainly taught me how to cope with pressure. I was living in a ghetto over there and the British inner cities just don’t compare. It was a seriously dangerous place. I came through and now nothing can faze me.’

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

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

All media wishing to apply for media accreditation for Fury vs. Norrad on Saturday 25th May at the Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, please complete this form and send via the Submit button.

The deadline for applications is on Monday 20th May at 5pm. Applications received after this time will not be considered. Confirmations will be sent out shortly afterwards.

To apply for media accreditation please CLICK HERE

Kem Ljungquist (8-0, 5 KOs) says he wants to show that he is ‘the future of heavyweight boxing in Denmark’ as the undefeated prospect returns for his ninth professional contest on June 22 at the Forum Horsens.

The 28 year-old recorded a unanimous points victory over Dominik Musil in his last outing on May 4 at the Fraport Arena in Frankfurt, an important win for Ljungquist, who went the eight round distance for the first time in his career.

“I was happy with my performance and pleased I won,” he said. “The victory wasn’t in doubt before the fight, but it was my first eight-rounder. Up until that point, I hadn’t fought more than six rounds, so it was a good experience for me.

“Of course, it’s nice to win by stoppage but it’s also important to know you can go the rounds, and now I know I’m comfortable going eight rounds.”

Ljungquist is now looking forward to the tougher fights that lie ahead and is eager to continue his development to prove he is a man for the future.

“I feel that I’m improving with every fight and that’s what it’s all about,” he says. “I’ve had eight fights now and I’m very happy with how it’s been going so far.

“I want to take a step up in every fight. I want to be the best and that’s why I need to keep climbing the ladder. I trust my promoter Team Sauerland and I know they will continue to make the right choice of opponent for me.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in Horsens. I love boxing at home where I have the fans backing me up. It gives me a lot of motivation. I want to win and I want to do my best to show that I’m the future of heavyweight boxing in Denmark.”

Ljungquist fights on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against April Adams, which also features Frederik Hede Jensen and Horsens-boxers Amer Rasinlic and Michael Nielsen.

Tickets for Thunder From Down Under: Dina Thorslund vs. April Adams for the WBO Female World Super Bantamweight Championship are available online via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

KID GALAHAD has taken to social media to taunt his rival Josh Warrington after Warrington’s beloved Leeds United were defeated by Derby County last night in the Play-Off semi final.

Leeds were a goal to the good after the first leg of the Play-Off semi-final but succumbed to a devastating 4-2 home defeat and have now missed out on a place among English Football’s elite in the Premier League.

Galahad, 26-0, posted a picture on his official twitter page of LUFC star Stuart Dallas laying on the ground in disappointment after losing the game and captioned it with a ‘look’ emoji, highlighting the heartbreaking loss for Leeds United and no doubt for Josh Warrington.

Sheffield’s Galahad will be looking to inflict another upset defeat for Leeds fans on June 15 at the First Direct Arena when he attempts to dethrone local hero Josh Warrington and become the IBF World Featherweight Champion.

Warrington had earlier predicted a Leeds United win and will not have taken kindly to Galahad’s online taunts.

It’s been a spicy build up to one of the most anticipated fights of 2019 and this latest development will only add more fuel to the fire.

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

RICKY HATTON believes that Daniel Dubois will be seeing stars when he collides with bitter rival Nathan Gorman.

The pair clash for the vacant British heavyweight title at The O2, London on Saturday July 13 in one of the most significant domestic title fights in recent years.

Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs) has the big punching reputation, while Nantwich’s Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) is known for his skills.

But Hatton who trains Gorman believes the Londoner will be the on the receiving end of big shots when they clash, live on BT Sport.

British ring legend, Ricky said: “I say it the way it is because it’s what I believe. You will always get honesty from Ricky Hatton.

“I believe I have got the best man and he wins by knockout. If you know Ricky Hatton I don’t do BS.”

Gorman, 22, has been taken the distance by Kamil Sokolowski, Razvan Cojanu and Kevin Johnson which suggests that putting Dubois out for the count is tougher than expected.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton said: “We are looking at six or seven different sparring partners just to do a couple of rounds apiece – one in and one out after every round.

“That will keep them fresh. They will be told to jump all over Nathan and he will be making them miss and pay.

“Nathan needs to hit Daniel with something significant to get respect from him and stop him in his tracks.

“Little arm shot ticklers are not gonna work against Daniel. We have a game plan and think it will work on the night.”

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

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

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, a 140-pound unification fight between Jose Ramirez and Maurice Hooker is being negotiated.

“We’re in negotiations on that fight with Top Rank and we’ve also been talking to our co-promoter, Roc Nation,” Hooker co-promoter Eddie Hearn said. “It’s a fight both sides want, a fight I think the fans want. It’s a brilliant fight for the division. It would be on DAZN but there’s still a long way to go to getting anything done but the conversations are positive.”

“They want a big fight and they also want to unify titles, just like our side does,” Hearn said, adding that if the fight is made it would take place either in California, where Ramirez is from, or Texas, where Hooker is from.

“I’ve had discussions about the fight with Sir Edward,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “Hopefully, somehow this fight can be put together. We look forward to further discussions and negotiations.”

Canelo Alavrez has been ordered to defend his middleweight crown against Sergiy Derevyanchenko by the IBF, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Negotiations should commence immediately and be concluded by June 15, 2019,” the IBF wrote. The fight is due by August 4th.

“It’s really surprising and unfortunate that we didn’t get a congratulations letter [from the IBF] like we would in the past,” Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez told ESPN. “We will be meeting with Canelo in the next week or so to see what he would like to do.”

“Now that the IBF has ordered immediate negotiations between the two sides, I will sit down with Sergiy, [adviser] Al Haymon and Lou DiBella next week and talk about the best course of action,” Keith Connolly, Derevyanchenko’s manager, told ESPN.

(May 15, 2019) — Two Moloneys are better than one.

The Moloney twins — undefeated super flyweight contender Andrew and top bantamweight contender Jason — have each signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank.

The 28-year-old Moloneys, who are scheduled to fight in separate 10-round bouts June 15 in Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia, will showcase their talents in the United States and on ESPN platforms in 2019.

“I am personally very thrilled that we have signed the Moloney twins,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “They are two very talented youngsters who are destined for great things.”

“This is a dream come true to sign with the biggest and best promotional company in world boxing,” said Andrew Moloney. “I am now more motivated than ever. Top Rank has built so many great champions over the years. I will continue working hard every day to make sure I am the next one.”

“With the great team of people I have around me, and now the addition of the best promotional company in the world, I really think the sky is the limit,” Jason Moloney said. “This is the start of something very special.”

“I believe the Moloneys are the future of world boxing,” said Tony Tolj, Jason and Andrew’s manager. “We are excited to join the Top Rank team. This is going to be one hell of a ride for everyone involved.”

Andrew Moloney (19-0, 12 KOs), nicknamed “The Monster,” is on the precipice of a world title shot after less than five years in the paid ranks. Ranked in the top five by three of the four major sanctioning organizations, Andrew Moloney turned heads last September when he stopped former world champion Luis Concepcion in 10 rounds on a card that streamed live in the United States on ESPN+. He won a WBA super flyweight title eliminator March 22 in Chile, knocking out hometown hero Miguel “Aguja” Gonzalez in the eighth round.

Jason Moloney (18-1, 15 KOs) nearly tasted world championship glory, dropping a disputed split decision to IBF bantamweight world champion Emmanuel Rodriguez last October in Orlando, Florida. He rebounded in sterling fashion, knocking out Filipino southpaw Cris Paulino over five dominant rounds on March 30. Jason Moloney is ranked No. 3 in the world by both the WBA and WBC and is angling for another crack at a world title.

About Top Rank
Innovation has been the standard at Top Rank since it was established in 1966 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company, Top Rank has shaped, developed, and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Muhammad Ali, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Aaron Pryor, Alexis Arguello, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Terence Crawford, and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

Top Rank has promoted some of the most memorable fights in the sport’s history, including 26 Ali events, Leonard vs. Hearns, Pryor vs. Arguello, Duran vs. Leonard, Hagler vs. Hearns, Leonard vs. Hagler, Foreman vs. Holyfield, Morales vs. Barrera, De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, and the most lucrative fight in boxing history, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. In addition to the previously mentioned super fights, Top Rank possesses one of the largest sports libraries, which includes nearly 10,000 fights.

Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors, and television networks, Top Rank has been an architect of boxing’s global growth by staging high-profile events in landmark settings around the world, including Madison Square Garden, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Staples Center, Wembley Arena, Araneta Coliseum, The Venetian Macao, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, The “Fabulous” Forum, and AT&T Stadium. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans and embracing 21st century technological advancements to distribute world-class fights and shoulder programming across a variety of platforms.

NEW YORK (May 15, 2019) – Having recently surpassed the six-million views mark and celebrating its second anniversary, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast next sets its sights on our nation’s capital, ready to deliver a big Washington, D.C., card on Saturday. Beginning at 7:15 p.m. ET live from the new Entertainment and Sports Arena, the interactive, FREE Facebook channel will feature seven bouts from the Capital, the 21st city which has played host to the series.

“Our tenth show of the calendar year takes us to our nation’s capital, and we’re really excited about featuring a world-class individual in Alantez Fox, decorated police officer Tiara Brown and a new group of warriors from the DMV on our Facebook platform,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “In addition to the venerable Michael Woods, we’ll have WBC World Champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn as part of our commentary team, and that on the heels of us surpassing six million views at our second anniversary. It’s been an exciting year so far for FIGHTNIGHT LIVE.”

Saturday’s FIGHTNIGHT LIVE lineup is headlined by contender Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (24-1-1, 11 KOs), who has stood out not only in the D.C. area but on the national stage as well. Fox faces an experienced foe in Nick Brinson (19-4-2, 9 KOs) of upstate New York in a super middleweight contest across eight rounds. Recently named “Washington D.C. Police Officer of the Year,” undefeated pro Tiara Brown (7-0) meets four-time world title challenger Angel Gladney (10-14-1, 6 KOs) of South Carolina. Area standouts Patrick Harris (15-0, 8 KOs), Jordan White (7-1, 6 KOs), Sam Crossed (8-0, 5 KOs), Renaldo Gaines (9-2, 3 KOs) and George Harris (2-0, 2 KOs) all put their formidable records on the line, free on Facebook.

“Tricky Entertainment is committed to bringing world-class boxing back to D.C.,” said Erwin Pendergrast, President of Tricky Entertainment. “Our Tricky Entertainment Family had a great show last winter and the fact that we’ll have a global audience for Saturday’s show via Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is a testament to the direction we’re headed in and how much we’re growing.”

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 564 fighters and 17 promotions during 35 live event broadcasts from 20 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 35-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 176,506 views per event and more than 6.2 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, eighteen FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Season II shows have reached 4.7 million fans and have averaged more than 264,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the May 2019 “Murphys Open MGM Springfield” (296,078), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871) and the March 2019 Murphys Boxing “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (252,065) all logged 250,000 or more views, and collectively the 35-show series has seen a total of more than 6,177,724 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 445,000 collective live post engagements (almost 13,000 per show), including almost 345,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 60,000 comments and almost 20,000 shares.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has almost 89,000 fans and almost 97,000 followers.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Summer 2019 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visitwww.everlast.com.

LAS VEGAS (May 15, 2019) – Veteran mixed-martial-arts fighter Joe “Diesel” Riggs will make his professional boxing debut May 23rd on a card presented by Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ Boxing) Boxing Promotions, to be streamed 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.

Riggs, fighting out of Phoenix, is matched in a four-round fight opening the FIGHT PASS stream against heavyweight David Damore (1-6-3, 1 KO), of Glendale, Arizona.

Riggs, the former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) middleweight champion from Tucson, has been an MMA force during his nearly 18-year pro career, fighting in the UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce and M-1 Global, among leading promotions. He’s also 3-0 in pro bare knuckles boxing.

Nick Diaz, Phil Baroni and Chris Lytle are among the 47 (47-18-1, 1 NC) MMA opponents Riggs has defeated.

Former World Boxing Council (WBC) International female lightweight champion Ikram Kerwat (9-1, 5 KOs), fighting out of Frankfort, Germany by way of her native Tunisia, headlines against a 9-time world title challenger Simone Da Silva (15-12, 6 KOs), of Brazil, in the 10-round main event for the vacant WBC Silver Female Lightweight Championship.

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) the reigning NABA USA bantamweight champion, meets Alex “Xhino” Rangel (17-9, 4 KOs), of Mexico, in the eight-round, co-featured event..

Southwest boxing talent will be showcased in two other fights being streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS. Tucson’s Alfonso Olvera (11-5-2, 4 KOs) faces Carlos “Silk” Villa (14-3-1, 6 KOs), of San Antonio, in the six-round Special Welterweight Attraction. Continuing RJJ Boxing’s tradition of matching undefeated prospects, Tucson middleweights Nicholas Rhoads (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on Eduardo Ayala (4-0, 1 KO), of Phoenix, in a four-rounder.

Off-FIGHT PASS, undefeated Kazakhstan fighter Madiyar Asjkeyev (11-0, 6 KOs) takes on Ceclo McCalla (21-3, 8 KOs) to open the show in a 10-round bout for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) super welterweight title.

The swing bout is a four-round clash between a pair of Tucson middleweights, Arturo Resendiz (2-0, 2 KOs) and Jose “Raging Bull” Pena (2-1, 1 KO).

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, @dieselriggsmma
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @casinodelsolresort
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /CasinoDelSol

BROOKLYN (May 15, 2019) – Fighters competing in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action headlined by the Deontay Wilder vs. Dominic Breazeale heavyweight world title showdown this Saturday night showed off their skills at a media workout Wednesday prior to stepping into the ring at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Top rated heavyweight contender Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale and WBC Featherweight Champion Gary Russell Jr. were among the fighters taking part in the workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Also at Wednesday’s event and competing in action live on SHOWTIME beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were former world champion Kiko Martinez, who challenges Russell for his title, and super lightweight contender Juan Heraldez, who faces Argenis Mendez in a 10-round attraction.

Rounding out the participants Wednesday was unbeaten prospect and Brooklyn-native Richardson Hitchins, who meets Colombia’s Alejandro Munero in SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN action beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT, in a presentation that will stream live on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“You’re going to see a different Dominic Breazeale for this fight. I’m something that the heavyweight division needs and you all are going to be surprised on Saturday night.

“Come Saturday night, it’s man versus man. You have to do what you’ve been saying you’re going to do. His talking won’t help him then.

“There’s no way this fight goes the distance. I know for sure it’s going to be fireworks from the opening bell and there’s going to be a fantastic finish.

“Losing to Anthony Joshua in 2016 was a huge stepping stone for my career. I learned so much about what I had been doing wrong. I didn’t do enough to get the win that night. I analyzed punch after punch and learned more from that loss than any win I had.

“I don’t give Deontay much credit for his title defenses. People talk about his big right hand, but this is heavyweight boxing. I have a big right hand too. I’ve put many individuals down on the canvas. All Wilder does is talk. We’ll see who lands that right hand first on Saturday.

“I’ve been training like a caged-dog during camp and it’s nice to be here now and see people’s reactions to the work I put in. I’m confident in what I can do and what I bring to the table on Saturday night. It’s going to be fun.”

GARY RUSSELL JR.

“My opponent knows who he’s getting in the ring with. Anybody who has an extended amount of time to prepare for no one else but you, is a dangerous opponent. We don’t underestimate anybody, but I don’t think his best is going to be good enough.

“Martinez has no other way to fight than to come forward. We’ll control him with our jab and he won’t be able to get past it. I don’t see this fight going the distance.

“When it comes to game plans, you have to have the ability to be versatile. You have to be able to make adjustments. Having one game plan doesn’t necessarily work.

“It’s always about getting your hand raised, regardless of the situation. My dad said a long time ago, ‘if you’re better than somebody, be better than them.’ I’m not going to fight down to my competition. If he’s good enough to stay in there for the whole fight, then he’ll get beat up for 12 rounds.

“I know he’s a strong puncher, but I never watch too much footage of my opponents. Maybe a round or so. I prepare myself to the best of my abilities, regardless of the opponent.

“The ultimate goal is to focus on getting the win. I don’t worry about how big the stage is because that’s only going to take away from your performance.”

KIKO MARTINEZ

“I’m very happy to have this fight here in New York. I’m very thankful to everyone who got me in this position. I’m going to make the most of it.

“I’ve been training for the last few months for this fight and I’ve prepared well for Gary Russell Jr. There are no excuses for this fight.

“I feel like I’m better than Gary Russell Jr. I think that I have everything in me to beat him and become world champion again.

“I think that Russell is the best featherweight in the world. After Saturday, that’s going to be my spot in the division.

“My experience will be very important in this fight. All of my fights have prepared me for this one and have given me what I need to accomplish my goals on Saturday.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“We’re going to show a lot of smart boxing, power and defense. I’m going to be too much for Mendez. I don’t think it’s going the distance.

“I know I’m facing a former world champion who’s moved up to 140. I’ve been at this weight my whole career though. I’m the new dog on the block and I have to make my presence known.

“I’ve been making this weight for 15 years and still growing stronger and stronger. Floyd Mayweather and Mayweather Promotions have given me the opportunity to get to this point to eventually realize my dream and become a world champion. I have to seize the opportunity.

“I’ve gotten a lot of great work this training camp at the Mayweather Boxing Club. My coach Otis Pimpleton has elevated my training and every part of my game.

“I just want to win on Saturday and the sky is the limit for where I can go. I know my career is in good hands and I just need to do my part.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“I’m ready to go in there and do what I do. It’s another day in the gym and another chance to show off my skills. I’m more than just a prospect. I feel like I can compete with anyone and it’s up to me to prove it.

“I’m going to keep taking these guys out until the competition steps up. I’m going to take care of everyone they put in front of me. I know my opponent Saturday is going to come to fight. I’m going to have the smarts to win the fight.

“I had camp in Las Vegas and got a lot of rounds in with great fighters like Heraldez and Devin Haney. I’m just ready to keep showing everyone more in each fight.

“I never look for the knockout. If it comes, it comes. I don’t think he’s going to be able to take the heat I bring. My goal is to show that I’m ready to step it up to a much higher level of competition.”

# # #

ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Michael Hunter will step up his pursuit of major fights in the Heavyweight division as he faces Fabio Maldonado at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on Saturday May 25, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

**TICKETS FOR MAY 25 FEATURING DEVIN HANEY ARE ON SALE NOW – CLICK HERE**

Hunter (16-1 11 KOs) has notched four wins at Heavyweight since moving up from Cruiserweight, with his last three coming inside the distance and impressively in his last two outings, stopping the touted Martin Bakole in the tenth and final round of their clash in London in October and then travelling to Monte Carlo to stop former World title challenger Alexander Ustinov in the ninth round of their battle a month later.

‘The Bounty’ is already in the reckoning for major fights amongst the big boys, having found himself in the conversation to face Anthony Joshua on the Heavyweight rulers American debut at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 1.

That honor has landed to Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr but with the Heavyweight scene as vibrant as ever and ready to come into focus over the next couple of months with champions and top contenders all in action, Hunter’s clash with the dangerous Brazilian banger Maldonado (26-2 25 KOs) is a pivotal one for him to remain in the reckoning for massive fights later in the year.

“I’m here to stay at Heavyweight whatever is next,” said Hunter. “There’s a lot of avenues for me, a number of big fights out there and I will take anyone on. I’m always in the gym and I’m a real, traditional fighter that will take anyone. I have a lot more doors open for me but the first task is to win and win well against Maldonado, who is a dangerous and experienced guy.

“I’ve always been a small Heavyweight. I just started off as a Cruiserweight as a pro but I’ve always been a Heavyweight really. I will just do what I do best and be me. I was a Heavyweight as a teen and as an amateur, I’ve boxed lots of Heavyweight fights but as I started to mature into the pro game and getting into my ‘man frame’ the weight started dropping off and Cruiserweight became a real option for me.

“Here I am now as a Heavyweight, my dream was always to be a Heavyweight, nothing else. I didn’t really think about Cruiserweight until I found out about the different divisions were, because as a kid you know the biggest, baddest man on the planet is the Heavyweight World champion and that’s what I want to be.”

Hunter’s clash with Maldonado is part of a huge night of action in Maryland as one of the world’s hottest talents, Devin Haney, is closing in on a first World title shot, and the 20 year old Lightweight sensation faces Antonio Moran on his DAZN debut.

In addition, rising Heavyweight Croatian talent Filip Hrgovic takes on Gregory Corbin in his US debut, 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

Fans looking to get a refund following the injury to original headliner Oleksandr Usyk should contact their point of purchase.

TORONTO, ON—On Canada Day weekend, the real fireworks will be inside the ring at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, as Lee Baxter Promotions presents another night of world class professional boxing on June 29.

After developing a partnership following last year’s successful event at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, the two have come together to do it a second time—this time, with an absolutely stacked card, full of top talent from Canada and across the globe.

In the main event, one of Canada’s top pound-for-pound fighters, Custio Clayton, will battle former two-time interim world champion Johan Perez, with multiple titles on the line. The winner will be elevated into a top ranking in several sanctioning bodies in the welterweight division.

Clayton made his debut under the Lee Baxter Promotions banner earlier this year, destroying former world champion DeMarcus Corley in Toronto, and looks to keep his momentum at full throttle in 2019.

“Custio is one of the most celebrated fighters in Canada of this generation, when you include his Olympic pedigree, so it’s only fitting that he’s the one headlining on Canada Day weekend, one of the busiest weekends of the year in Niagara,” said Baxter. “Custio is a hero back home in Nova Scotia, but he’s known and appreciated everywhere in the country, especially with Niagara’s fight fans.”

In the co-feature, Samuel Vargas will return to Canadian soil after his thrilling war with Luis Collazo on ESPN, against an opponent to be named shortly. Vargas and Collazo stole the show at Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day—even in the eyes of the Irish faithful there to see Michael Conlan.

Canadian fans have known all about how exciting Vargas can be for years, as he’s spilled blood and thrilled crowds across the country throughout his entire career, including his battle against Maximilliano Godoy in the same venue in Niagara just last year.

“Sammy is finally getting recognition from the fight fans across the world for what.we’ve always known—in the right fights, this guy can be the Gatti or Ward of this generation. Whoever he’s in with on June 29, you can expect action,” said Baxter.

Opening the night will be Irish superstar Lee Reeves, who is fresh off a one round demolition job of Guillermo Lettieri that rocked the Danforth Music Hall crowd in downtown Toronto. Already at 4-0 in his first full year as a professional, Reeves will get a chance to show his skills in front of a new audience in Niagara Falls.

“As Tyson Fury has said, Lee is the next Irish superstar in boxing, and he will be the next threat in the super lightweight division as well,” said Baxter. “At this rate, it won’t take long for either of those things to happen. Getting a chance to see Reeves in an atmosphere like this early in his career could be something the fight fans in attendance will remember for a long time.”

Finally, Niagara’s own future star, Joshuah Lupia, will close out the action in a special attraction bout against an opponent to be named soon. Thus far, none of Lupia’s three pro fights have gone the distance, as the prospect has scored knockouts in all three of them. He hasn’t been in action since last year at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, and is itching to put on another memorable performance for his home crowd.

The card will be broadcast globally, with doors opening at 6:30 PM ET the first bell at 6:45 PM ET. Main broadcasted bouts will air between 8:00 and 10:00 PM ET.

Tickets will go on sale shortly, and will start at just $70.

BRITISH boxing idols Tyson Fury and George Groves are in disagreement over the sensational heavyweight showdown between the division’s leading prospects Daniel Dubois and Nathan Gorman.

The vacant British heavyweight title will be on the line when Dubois (11-0, 10 KOs and Gorman (16-0, 11 KOs) clash at The O2, London on Saturday July 13, live on BT Sport.

Lineal world heavyweight champion Fury is firmly in the camp of his cousin Gorman and has been helping him in early stages of training.

The pair have been sparring at the gym of Ricky Hatton who trains the hopeful and Fury has been on hand to give advice.

Former WBA super-middleweight champion Groves is sold on Dubois and believes he has the potential to become a boxing great.

Fury who is preparing to fight Tom Schwarz in Las Vegas on June 15 dismissed the claims of Groves.

He is confident Gorman will triumph and roared in a recent training session: “Daniel Dubois, he’s coming!”

Gorman confirmed “Tyson is backing me one hundred per cent. He fully believes I have the ingredients to beat Daniel. It’s good to be around him, it’s fantastic to have him in the gym.”

Groves first spotted KO artist Dubois several years ago when he trained at his old amateur club.

He said: “I remember seeing Daniel Dubois in Dale Youth amateur gym. I look back and think; ’Why didn’t I go back in time and sign him’?

“He has so much more to develop and learn. He can become the best if not the best in the heavyweight division.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong, but there is something about him and it’s a good thing –

It is like having a young junior who still looks boyish and you know what a handful he’ll be when he gets his man strength. It’s the case with Daniel.

“Dubois has phenomenal punch power, but I feel like the nitty gritty boxing skills and know-how will come with experience.

Recently retired Groves told the 5 Live Boxing Podcast with Costello & Bunce that the battle has Fight of the Year potential, adding: “I am happy for this fight because they are young enough for the loser to rebuild.

“It’s a good fight for both of them and the winner will go onto something else. They are both willing to put it on the line and it’s a real fight.

“It is fascinating that they know each other so well and it’s good for them to be in a real fight.”

Tickets for ‘Heavy Duty’ featuring Daniel Dubois v Nathan Gorman for the vacant British Heavyweight Title, plus Olympic silver medalist 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

JOSH WARRINGTON IS backing his beloved Leeds United to book a trip to Wembley and ultimately make a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Leeds are a goal to the good against Derby County after the first leg of the Play-Off semi-final and will be bidding to take the next step tonight towards a Championship final against Aston Villa on May 27, Bank Holiday Monday.

Whether Warrington himself will be heading down Wembley Way remains to be seen, with the big match falling just a couple of weeks before his big fight against Kid Galahad at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15, where he will be making a second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against his mandatory challenger from Sheffield.

“We gonna do it and we’ll do it the hard way, that is what Leeds do,” said the local hero known as the ‘Leeds Warrior’. “People will think that the wheels have fallen off and will write us off but we’re gonna do it. Believe, believe.

“It will be us and Villa in the final and it will all be sorted on Play-Off day at Wembley, where it will be 3-1 to Leeds. You heard it here first.”

Warrington is convinced the city are in for a double celebration after he gets to grips with Galahad and retains his cherished title that he won in the middle of the pitch at Elland Road with his dismantling of former champion Lee Selby.

“Me and the players will be on the p*ss after! There will be some celebrations after we both get a convincing win.”

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

Francesco Patera will defend his EBU European Lightweight title against Paul Hyland Jr on the same night that Daniele Scardina defends his IBF International Super-Middleweight title in an all-Italian clash with Allesandro Goddi at the historic Allianz Cloud, formerly Palalido, in Piazzale Stuparich, Milan on Friday June 28, live on DAZN.

Patera (21-3, 7 KOs) wrestled the European title from Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson in the former champion’s hometown back in October with a well-earned split decision that saw the Belgium resident reclaim the belt he lost against Edis Tatli, before making a successful defence against Frenchman Marvin Petit in February.

The 26-year-old is honoured to be fighting in his parent’s homeland for the first time in his career and is promising to deliver a special performance as he works towards securing a World title shot later in the year.

Hyland Jr (20-1, 7 KOs) suffered his sole career loss to Ritson last year in a failed bid for the British title in Newcastle but bounced back with wins over Giovanny Martinez and Miroslav Serban in Ireland, and the Belfast fighter will be hoping to land the full European crown having previously held the IBF’s version of the title.

Rozzano’s Scardina (16-0, 14 KOs) makes the first defence of the IBF International belt that he landed against Finland’s Henri Kekalainen at the Superstudio in Milan in March, the Miami resident was taken the distance for only the second time in his career and is aiming to return with a big KO against Sestu’s Goddi (35-4-1, 17 KOs) next month.

Elsewhere on the card, unbeaten Bergamo Welterweight talent Dario Morello (14-0, 2 KOs) clashes with Belgium’s Steve Jamoye (26-7-2, 5 KOs) for the WBO Global title, with further exciting additions to the undercard to be announced soon.

“I’m delighted to be back in Milan for what is our strongest Matchroom Boxing Italy show to date,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The main event features an all Italian Super-Middleweight war between Scardinia and Goddi and the impressive European Lightweight champ Francesco Patera makes his second defence of his title against Belfast’s popular Paul Hyland Jr. Rising stars Morello, Zucco and Prodan also star as we return to the stunning Allianz Cloud arena, former venue to iconic Italian fights. Don’t miss the action in Milan or watch live on DAZN!”

“We are very happy to return to the Allianz Cloud, formerly known as Palalido, where we have many great memories,” said Salvatore Cherchi, President of OPI Since 82. “We have staged major European and World title bouts at the famed venue and history will continue on June 28 with three exciting championship bouts and a host of emerging Italian prospects.”

“We are very happy to be among the first to host a great sport event within a venue that, after having made the history of the city of Milan, renovates and becomes again the “theater’ of Italian boxing,” affirms Veronica Diquattro, Executive Vice President Southern Europe of DAZN. “This is a further proof of DAZN’s will of being an active protagonist in the growth of international boxing, that also goes through a strong relaunch in our country.”

Tickets will be available soon on ticketone.it. Full details will be announced shortly.

HARTFORD, Conn. (Wednesday, May 15th) — After making history in March, CES MMA continues its Connecticut takeover with CES MMA 56, scheduled for Friday, May 31st, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Two months ago, the east coast’s leading mixed martial promotion set a new precedent with the first sanctioned professional MMA event in the state of Connecticut. Now CES MMA returns to Connecticut two weeks from Friday with another loaded fight card featuring a world-title defense, long-awaited pro debuts and the return of several fan-favorites.

Kicking off its week-long media tour, CES MMA will host a press conference to announce the full fight card next Wednesday on May 22nd from 1 to 3 p.m. ET at the Connecticut Convention Center. This event is open to the public.

CES MMA 56 is available on UFC Fight Pass video on demand with Michael Parente handling play-by-play alongside color commentator and longtime UFC vet “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. Showtime is 7 p.m. ET. Tickets for the event are priced at $35.00, $50.00, $125.00 and $150.00 (VIP) and are available for purchase online at www.cesmma.com or www.ctconventions.com or by phone at 401-724-2253. All fights and fighters subject to change.

CES MMA 56 features the return of Connecticut’s Dan Dubuque (8-2, 2 KOs), a Waterbury native who highlighted CES MMA 55 with an electrifying win over Antonio Castillo, this time fighting for a world title when he battles reigning CES MMA Featherweight World Champion Bruce Boyington (16-11, 8 KOs) in a five-round bout, Boyington’s first defense of the title.

The 40-year-old Boyington hasn’t fought since last summer when he won the then vacant title at CES MMA 51, submitting UFC vet Sean Soriano in the main event, but he’s won his last two and seven of 10 overall. Dubuque’s win over Castillo was his fourth in a row and fifth in his last six fights dating back to 2016.

Making his Connecticut debut, Oyster Bay, N.Y., welterweight John Gotti III (3-0, 3 KOs) returns to CES MMA for the third time, battling David Espino (3-2, 2 KOs) of Quincy, Mass., in a three-round bout, and Springfield, Mass., lightweight Nick Newell (14-2, 2 KOs) of Springfield, Mass., makes his promotional debut against an opponent to be determined, also in a three-round bout.

Born with congenital amputation of his left arm, Newell has amassed a loyal fan base in New England fighting for various promotions, including World Series of Fighting, Legacy Fighting Alliance and the UFC, most notably on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.

The main card features three more Connecticut natives — female featherweight Jessy Miele (7-3, 2 KOs) and welterweight Jesse Kosakowski (3-0) of Waterbury and Hartford heavyweight Parker Porter (6-5, 2 KOs).

Miele battles Spokane, Wash., native Elizabeth Phillips (7-6, 2 KOs) in her third appearance with CES MMA while Kosakowski searches for his fourth win in as many fights in a three-round showdown with hard-hitting Ryan Jett (4-4, 3 KOs) of Charlotte, N.C. Porter goes toe-to-toe with Colorado Springs heavyweight Kevin Sears Jr. (8-5, 3 KOs), who makes his second appearance with CES MMA.

The preliminary card features two pro debut fighters facing another in the bantamweight division as Jornell Lugo of Miami battles Joshua Oxendine of Pembroke, N.C., plus the return of Syosset, N.Y., welterweight Hugh McKenna (1-4), making his first appearance with the promotion since CES MMA 53 against an opponent to be determined.

Also on the CES MMA 56 prelim card, popular New Haven, Conn., atomweight Marisa Messer-Belenchia (2-0) faces pro debut Stephanie Hernandez of Boise, Idaho and Springfield, Mass., bantamweight Will Smith (1-0, 1 KO) battles pro debut Ashiek Ajim of Long Island.

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

London, UK (15 May 2019) The 27 year old ‘Silent Assassin’ remains the only boxer to have inflicted a ring defeat on US golden girl Claressa Shields – current custodian of all four major world middleweight belts – in the dual Olympic champion’s 87 bout career.

Miss Marshall mastered the Michigan maestro by 14-8 on the computer in the second series of bouts in Quihuangdao, China, en route to cementing her status as Britain’s first ever female world amateur champion in 2012.

And shy girl Savannah is adamant that she will repeat the trick when the pair inevitably collide for a far bigger bounty in the paid brigade.

‘So far, I’m the only one in the world who knows the secret to beating her. Obviously, I’m not going to disclose what it is,’ states the softly-spoken north-easterner who also bagged silver and bronze gongs at the World meets in Barbados (2010) and Kazakhstan (2016).

‘It was under the old scoring system, a point for a (connecting) punch, and I beat her very clearly. Claressa has offered many different recollections of the fight. Whatever. I beat her. We’ve both improved considerably since.

‘She went on to win double Olympic gold (London 2012 and Rio 2016) and I didn’t even medal so I know I’ll enter a big underdog but, if and when the rematch happens, I know I can win again. I’m very confident in my ability. I don’t need anyone else to tell me what I’m capable of, or not. I know myself.’

The 5ft 11 1/2in Durham dynamo first laced up at 12 simply to keep fit but, in addition to her hat-trick of World Championship medals, she topped the rostrum at the 2010 European Unions and 2014 Commonwealth Games and lifted a barrow load of medals at prestigious multi-nation meets during an eight year stint on the Team GB set up in Sheffield. A dual Olympian, she concluded her amateur life with a mightily impressive 103-15 CV.

And since announcing herself to the profession with a classy four round decision win on the Mayweather-McGregor mega match in Las Vegas in August 2017, meek Marshall has racked up five straight wins and bagged the WBA Inter-Continental strap last October with a polished 10 round pummelling of Argentina’s previously undefeated Yanina Orozco in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Stylish and savage in equal measure, three of her victims failed to make it past round two.

‘Being at the top end of woman’s weights, sets me aside from the other British girls,’ states sensible Savannah who holds 12 GCSEs plus a BTEC (with distinction) in Sport.

‘All the big girls can punch hard. I’ve always been told I’m heavy handed but Peter (Fury her trainer and manager) has added EXPLOSIVE power…….and I do enjoy delivering a chilling knockout!’

Since hammering Hungary’s Klaudia Vigh in two at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse six months ago, fight student Marshall has been working hard in the gym with trainer Peter Fury.

She explains: ‘I’ve been in the gym all year building on my game, improving my strength and all-round technique with Peter at the Salford ABC gym. There’s just myself and Hughie (Fury, Peter’s son and world heavyweight contender) in camp at the moment and it’s a very chilled environment. If I offer an opinion, I know it’ll be listened to.’

On Saturday week she returns to The Vic for her first start of 2019, a year she believes will conclude with her on the cusp of world title contention.

‘I’ll be looking to put everything I’ve learned over the last six months into action; settle into the fight quickly and produce a good all-round display,’ predicts Marshall.

‘I just need to keep active, be involved in more 10 rounders and acquire the experience of fighting before thousands on big shows. By the end of this year, I’d hope to be 10 and 0 and knocking on the door for a world title, either at super-middle, or at middle against Claressa.

‘I intend unifying the world titles at both weights, no particular order, then walking away from boxing with my head held high, no regrets.’

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

BROOKLYN (May 14, 2019) – Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder kicked off fight week Tuesday night with a media workout at world famous Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn before he defends his title this Saturday night against mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Wilder will look to defend his title for the ninth time in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. It will be Wilder’s fourth time defending his belt at Barclays Center, having scored knockouts in his three previous fights in Brooklyn.

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.comand barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what Wilder had to say Tuesday in Brooklyn:

DEONTAY WILDER

“Dominic Breazeale is going to get knocked out in dramatic fashion on Saturday. I can’t wait. He’s like a fly in my ear. I’m going to get him out of there in a fashion no one has ever seen.

“I love coming to Brooklyn. The people here have adopted me. I’ve had some of my most dramatic knockouts here at Barclays Center. I’m looking forward to adding another one to my resume Saturday night.

“Dominic Breazeale asked for this. I didn’t seek him out. He came for me. This isn’t a gentleman’s sport. We have bad blood and it’ll be in the ring Saturday night.

“I learned from the Tyson Fury fight to stay patient. It was my moment and my time. I wanted to put on a great show and deliver the knockout. I rushed but Fury had to be perfect for 12 rounds, I just had to be perfect for two seconds.

“I’m a person who’s passionate about what I say and passionate about what I do. I’m the realest champion in the business. I show love everywhere I go. Love is the key to the world.”

# # #

ABOUT WILDER VS. BREAZEALE
Wilder vs. Breazeale is headlined by Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder defending his WBC title against top contender Dominic Breazeale Saturday, May 18 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. defending his title against former world champion Kiko Martínez, plus unbeaten super lightweight contender Juan Heráldez squaring-off against former world champion Argenis Méndez in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for this BombZquad event can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Heraldez vs. Mendez fight is co-promoted with Mayweather Promotions.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @BrooklynBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions

New York, NY (May 14, 2019) This Friday, DiBella Entertainment’s Broadway Boxing series returns to Foxwoods Resort Casino with a stacked card, headlined by East Hartford, Connecticut’s “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams vying for the WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Title. The event will be streamed live exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT.

Tickets for the event, presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance, are priced at $150, $85 and $55, and can be purchased online at Foxwoods.com, Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-200-2882, or visiting the Foxwoods box office. Foxwoods Resort Casino is located at 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, Connecticut 06338. Doors will open to the Fox Theater at 7:00 p.m., with the first fight scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

In the main event, popular and undefeated junior welterweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (14-0, 7 KOs), of East Hartford, CT, will fight in his first scheduled 10-rounder against Rickey Edwards (12-2, 3 KOs), of Paterson, NJ, competing for the vacant WBC USNBC 140lb. title. In his last bout, on February 28, the 21-year-old Williams ventured outside of New England for the first time as a pro, outpointing Andre Byrd over eight rounds in Dallas, TX. Managed by Jackie Kallen, Williams is trained out of Manchester Ring of Champions Society boxing gym by local legend and community leader Paul Cichon. This will be the 11th fight for Williams at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Featherweight Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (12-0, 9 KOs), of Worcester, MA, will take on Oklahoma City, OK, southpaw Elijah Pierce (8-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round contest. Gonzalez ended 2018 defeating 9-0 prospect Carlos Ramos via unanimous decision in a bout televised on SHOWTIME’s “ShoBox” series. In his last bout on January 25, Gonzalez unanimously outpointed experienced veteran German Meraz over eight rounds. Trained by his father Irvin Sr., Gonzalez was an accomplished amateur, winning the New England Golden Gloves tournament in 2015 and participating in the 2016 Olympic Trials, while compiling a 90-15 record.

Toka Kahn Clary (25-2, 17 KOs) makes his highly anticipated return to action, following a 12-round decision loss to Kid Galahad in an IBF featherweight eliminator last October. He will compete in a junior lightweight bout versus Dominican Carlos Reyes (33-5-1, 23 KOs), scheduled for eight rounds. Prior to the Galahad bout, Kahn Clary was riding a six-bout winning streak, with four by knockout, while capturing the NABA 126lb. title. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Kahn Clary immigrated to the United States as a child, initially living in Philadelphia, PA, before settling in Providence, RI. Trained by Peter Manfredo Sr. since his amateur days, Kahn Clary entered the paid ranks in 2012. A highly accomplished amateur with a 119-11 record, Kahn Clary began boxing at age 14 and was a National Golden Gloves champion and a five-time New England Golden Gloves champion.

Former long-reigning cruiserweight world champion Marco Huck (41-5-1, 28 KOs), of Berlin, Germany, will continue his comeback as a heavyweight, facing Nick Guivas, of Topeka, KS, in an eight-round bout. Huck held the WBO World Cruiserweight Title from 2009-2015, making 13 defenses. He lost the title in a “Fight of the Year” contest to Krzysztof Glowacki, in August 2015 in Newark, NJ. In June 2018, Huck officially moved up to the heavyweight division, stopping Yakup Saglam inside four rounds in Munich, Germany. Huck’s Broadway Boxing debut on May 17 will be just his second bout in the United States.

Heavyweight George Arias (13-0, 7 KOs) will battle southpaw Keith Barr (19-11-1, 8 KOs), of Glenville, WV, in an eight-round bout. Born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Arias moved to New York City in 1996, at the age of four. After graduating from high school, he learned to box at Morris Park Boxing Gym near his home. Arias won the New York Golden Gloves tournament in 2014 then turned professional that October. Now trained and managed by Leon Washington Jr. and advised by Andre Rozier, he last fought on March 2, outpointing Robert Simms over eight rounds.

Fast-rising prospect, junior welterweight Adrian Sosa (10-0, 8 KOs), of Lawrence, MA, will fight in a scheduled six-rounder against Dieumerci Nzau, of Silver Spring, MD. The 23-year-old Sosa is coming off three straight knockout victories following his career best win, a six-round decision against previously undefeated prospect Khiry Todd on May 5, 2018. Sosa was a 2014 New England Golden Gloves champion and turned professional in July 2016 following an 18-2 amateur record.

Junior welterweight prospect Anthony Marsella Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), trained by Victor Fagnant out of Providence, RI, will return to Foxwoods Resort Casino for the first time since his April 2016 pro debut, in a six-round contest against Bogota, Colombia’s Jean Sotelo (27-16-2, 16 KOs). As an amateur, Marsella was a four-time Southern New England Golden Gloves Champion, a 2014 New England Golden Gloves Champion, a two-time New England Junior Olympics Champion and a two-time New England Silver Gloves Champion. The 24-year-old Marsella is a cousin of former world champion and New England boxing legend Vinny Paz.

Jacob Marrero (2-0, 2 KOs), a popular 19-year-old junior lightweight southpaw from Bridgeport, CT, turned pro last October and has scored two wins by knockout thus far. Trained by Carlos Nieves out of Bridgeport’s Ortiz Boxing Gym, he will compete in a four-round junior lightweight bout versus Mexican Hugo Aguilar. Compiling an amateur record of 58-9, Marrero was a 2016 New England Golden Gloves Champion, a five-time Connecticut Silver Gloves Champion and a five-time Connecticut Junior Olympics Champion.

Puerto Rican heavyweight power-puncher Sahret Delgado (7-0, 7 KOs), a member of the Puerto Rican National Amateur Boxing Team, will compete in a four-round contest against Boston’s Tracey Johnson (4-7-5). Ending a near-three-year layoff, Delgado won all seven of his fights by knockout since turning pro in November 2014.

Junior welterweight Daiyaan Butt (3-0, 1 KO), born in Los Angeles, CA, and now based out of Philadelphia, PA, will see action in a four-rounder. Butt, who turned pro in June 2018, had amateur victories against Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.

For more information about the event, please visit:

DiBella Entertainment UFC FIGHT PASS
Website: www.DBE1.com Website: www.UFC.TV/page/fightpass
Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment Facebook: @UFCFightPass
Twitter: @LouDiBella, DiBellaEnt Twitter: @UFCFightPass
Instagram: DiBellaEnt Instagram: @UFCFightPass

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT:
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in April 2004. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2017, DiBella also became the CEO of the Montgomery Biscuits baseball team, the AA-affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. DiBella was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.

ABOUT UFC FIGHT PASS®:
UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features; behind-the-scenes content; in-depth interviews; and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combats sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass.

SAN JACINTO, CA. (May 14, 2019) – Unbeaten heavyweight Onoriode Ehwarieme will now face Rodney Hernandez in an eight-round attraction as part of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, June 1 from Soboba Casino Resort in San Jacinto, California.

The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by former two-division world champion Devon Alexander “The Great” taking on exciting Ivan “El Terrible” Redkach in a 10-round battle.

PBC Prelims on FS2 and FOX Deportes begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and will feature undefeated featherweight contender Jhack Tepora in a 10-round showdown against Jose Luis Gallegos. Plus, former world champion Marlon Tapales squares off against Roberto Castaneda in a 10-round super bantamweight fight. With Tepora and Tapales, the Prelims telecast will see two rising contenders from the Philippines. Tepora ia closing in on a world title opportunity, while Tapales is seeking a title in a second division.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Soboba Box and Soboba.com.

Representing his home of Sapele, Nigeria, Ehwarieme (17-0, 16 KOs) was a 2008 Olympian who is unbeaten since turning pro in 2010. The 31-year-old has a 16-fight knockout streak heading into his U.S. debut, as he continues to seek a path to becoming the first Nigerian heavyweight champion since Samuel Peter. He will be opposed by San Jose, California’s Hernandez (12-7-2, 3 KOs), who defeated Nick Jones and then unbeaten LaRon Mitchell in 2018. The 30-year-old has battled heavyweight standouts Adam Kownacki, Michael Hunter and Efe Ajagba in a career dating back to 2011.

The 24-year-old Tepora (22-0, 17 KOs) most recently stopped Edivaldo Ortega in the ninth-round last July as he continued his climb up the featherweight ranks. Fighting out of Cebu City, Philippines, he is unbeaten since turning pro in 2012 and will make his U.S. debut on June 1. He takes on the 24-year-old Gallegos (16-6, 12 KOs), who was born in Chicago but now lives in Bakersfield, California. Gallegos had an 11-fight winning streak until losses in his last two bouts.

Representing Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, Tapales (32-2, 15 KOs) captured a bantamweight world title by knocking out Panya Uthok in the 11th round of a back and forth championship bout. The 27-year-old has since moved up in weight and most recently stopped Fernando Vargas Parra in his U.S. debut in February. He will face Castaneda (23-11-2, 16 KOs), who hails from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The 27-year-old Castaneda is coming off a majority draw against Tyler McCreary in his last fight in March.

In non-televised action a pair of unbeaten prospects in Santa Maria, California’s Jose Balderas and Julio Garcia of Madison, Wisconsin square off in a bantamweight bout. Anthony Chavez of Redlands, California takes on Milwaukee’s Mike Fowler in a four-round super featherweight fight. Justin Cardona of Salinas, California meets Liberia’s Archie Weah in a four-round super lightweight bout. Undefeated Mexican featherweight Francisco Ochoa battles Phoenix, Arizona’s Jesus Aguinaga in an eight-round bout. Unbeaten Filipino featherweight John Leo Dato appears in a six-round bout and Garden City, California’s Jose Perez clashes with Los Angeles-native Mario Ayala in an eight-round featherweight bout.

Also in action, unbeaten Ukrainian super featherweight Viktor Slavinskyi meets Mexico’s Ernest Guerrero. Santa Maria, California’s Aaron Morales clashes with Mexico’s Robert Pucheta in a six-round bantamweight bout. San Antonio, Texas’ Robert Rodriguez battles Jose Rodriguez of Markesan, Wisconsin in a four-round bantamweight bout and Denver’s Shon Mondragon takes on Mexico’s Jose Fabian Naranjo in a six-round super bantamweight bout.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

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

The co-promoter behind WBC #14-rated middleweight Matvey Korobov says Team Korobov will file a protest to Virginia State officials over their fighter’s highly controversial majority draw last Saturday (May 11) against Virginia-based fighter Immanuwel Aleem.

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing says Korobov is, at the very least, a victim of incompetent officiating after what seemed like a clear decision win for Korobov was initially announced as a majority decision victory and later changed to a majority draw, due a reported mistake in tabulating the scores.

Korobov, from Florida, via Orotukan, Russia, had given an impressive performance in the well-fought 10-round bout, held in Aleem’s home state at the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

The Russian southpaw appeared to most to win the first seven rounds handily. He scored what should have been ruled a knockdown in round four and hurt Aleem badly in round six before fatigue allowed Aleem to mount a minor comeback in the last two or three rounds of the bout.

Still, at the final bell, Korobov enjoyed a sizable advantage in landed punches (according to CompuBox statistics, Korobov landed 154 punches out of 417 thrown (37%), while Aleem landed 119 shots out of 630 [19%]) and deserved the nod in the eyes of the PBC on Fox commentators, as well as a huge majority of the boxing public.

He didn’t get his deserved victory, however, in the local judges’ eyes.

While New York-based Judge Dorothea Perry logged a realistic score of 97-93, Virginia-based judges Mark D’Attilio and Brian Costello both somehow scored the 10-rounder even (95-95). Strangely, Judge Costello scored rounds three and five for Aleem and gave him the last three rounds. Judge D’Atillo scored rounds four and five for Aleem, then gave him the last three rounds as well.

In his previous fight, Korobov was again the victim of what many call a questionable decision against Jermall Charlo. In that fight, in December of last year, Korobov had similarly banked a seemingly insurmountable number of rounds before fading later in the bout. Somehow that fight, for the interim World Boxing Council World Middleweight Title, was deemed a unanimous decision win for Charlo by even more shockingly wide scores.

“It takes away from a great night of boxing when judges do things like this,” said Sampson Lewkowicz. “This poor kid fights his heart out and then they keep taking it from him. He should be the middleweight champion of the world right now. Instead, he’s got one loss and one draw in his last two fights. These judges need to be disciplined. They are affecting the future of the boxer when they render these kinds of decisions. This isn’t a sport where a boxer can just play again next week. This is serious business and these judges need to realize that before they hand in these terrible scorecards. That could have been a great night for boxing to attract new fans and instead it was a reminder of how often a great night of boxing gets ruined by, at best, incompetent officiating.”

Korobov’s record is now 28-2-1, 14 KO’s while Aleem is now 18-1-2, 11 KO’s.

###
About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zelaland, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS., FOX and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Beverly Hills, Calif. (May 14, 2019) – No Limit Mindset is pleased to announce the signing of welterweight contender Clarence Booth to an exclusive managerial contract.

Booth, of St. Petersburg, Florida has a record of 17-4 with 9 knockouts.

Booth turned professional in 2011, and has amassed wins over Anthony Mercado (10-2), Luis Joel Gonzalez (11-2-1) & Marco Antonio Lopez (24-7) while only suffering losses to former world champion Sergey Lipinets and controversial decisions to top contenders Alex Saucedo, Maxim Dadashev, and Cletus Seldin…

A change in training camps is also what No Limit Mindset’s Shane Shapiro believes will lead to a new and improved Clarence Booth.

“Clarence and I met while he served as Sergey Lipinets main sparring partner for his fight against Lamont Peterson. Clarence is a real fighter. He lives in the gym and doesn’t ask for much. One thing that Clarence and I both agreed on is the fact that since I am based out of Los Angeles, taking advantage of the quality sparring available out here will really make a difference in his fights, which is something he didn’t always have. I believe that with a change in training environment and better sparring this will result in even better performances from Clarence Booth inside the ring in future fights.”

Booth will also begin training under Hall of Fame trainer Buddy McGirt, which Shapiro believes will is the best change of all.

“In my opinion, Buddy McGirt is the best trainer in all of boxing, the job he’s doing with all of his fighters speaks for itself. Buddy trains one of my other fighters Cem Kilic (13-0) and I have seen first hand what he will be able to bring to Clarence’s natural skill set! A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter!”

Booth is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions proudly announces the signing of highly rated super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin.

Shishkin, from Serpukhov, Russia, is just 8-0, 5 KOs, but is already rated WBA #15, WBC #11 and IBF #11 and is the current WBA Continental Super Middleweight Champion. The 27-year-old won the title with a KO 5 over Gasan Gasanov last July and then defended it against former world title challenger and world-rated contender Nadjib Mohammedi via TKO 10 in October of last year. He also won the WBA Asia Super Middleweight Title last May with a TKO 7 over solid Belarussian veteran Sergey Khomitskiy.

As an amateur, Shishkin is a former national junior champion. Big for the weight class, Shishkin stands 6’ 1” and is extremely strong. He boxes with power behind a world-class jab and has excellent defense.

Signing with Salita, says Shishkin, is a chance to bring his name and talents to North America.

“I am happy to sign with Salita Promotions as I know it will lead to new exciting opportunities for my career,” he said. “I feel that I am the best super middleweight in the world and will continue to prove that fact by climbing up the ladder to the world title.”

Salita, who has quickly become boxing’s top cultivator of Soviet iron men, says audiences not yet familiar with his new fighter are going to love what they see.

“I am excited to work with one of the best contenders in the super middleweight division in Vladimir Shishkin. In only eight fights, he has already beaten some impressive names in the division, and he is just getting started. Vladimir’s exciting style, size and desire to be the best will very quickly make him a fan favorite. In due time, he is going to be world champion.”

Salita says Shishkin will make his US Debut in summer.

Explosive super featherweights Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock will fight for the vacant Commonwealth title at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on June 15.

The fight represents a third big domestic showdown to be scheduled for a huge night of boxing topped by Josh Warrington making a second defence of his IBF world featherweight title against Sheffield’s Kid Galahad, with JJ Metcalf and Jason Welborn also set to fight for the Commonwealth title at super welterweight.

A match-up between Barrett and Woodstock has been much anticipated since the pair burst onto the professional scene and earned recognition for their exploits that saw them cross over from prospects to contenders.

“It’s been a long time coming, this fight,” said Barrett 21-1 (13KOs) on confirmation of the highly-anticipated encounter. “People have mentioned mine and Woodstock’s name for a while now, since we both turned pro and because we’re with Frank Warren.

“I think it was just a case of being the right time and the time is now. We’ve both been considered as hot prospects and it is a big fight that luckily is on the Josh Warrington undercard, but there is no doubt this could have been a main event fight on its own.

“It is going to be an amazing show for domestic dust-ups, what with Josh v Galahad and Metcalf v Welborn being a really good clash of styles. It is a top card.

“I believe in myself, I believe in my style and I believe in everything I do, so I believe 100 per cent that I have the beating of Woodstock, while he will believe in himself and his style, which is why he has taken the fight.

“My style will beat his, but I do rate him and he is a good fighter who does things well. He is an aggressive fighter coming forward, he can box a bit, has got a bit of power and is a respectable opponent.

“I need this kind of fight to bring the best out in me.”

Woodstock, 12-1 (5KOs), claims the confrontation will be like just another day in the office for him.

“I just see it as another fight, it is no stress or big deal, although it is a fight people have been wanting,” considered the 25-year-old known as ‘The King’. “For me it is just another body, but I won’t overlook the situation and I won’t be fazed.

“I will just go in there and do what I do. Every fight excites me, whether I am in with a journeyman or a good opponent, I just love fighting and I know I will finish where I am supposed to finish.

“This is just a stepping stone towards there, which will be a world title. There will be no loser really and it is better to have these fights now because it will hold you in good stead for later on at world level.

“It will not be the end of anyone and it would ruin anybody’s career.

“I just know I will do what I’ve gotta do to pick up the W. I know what I am going in there to do and it is going to be a good fight on the night, that’s what I know. I am not apprehensive or anything, it is just a fight.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “This is the sort of fight the fans want to see and we are delivering them. Where domestic showdowns are concerned, it does not get much better than we have got in Leeds with a Yorkshire derby for a world title as a main event, supported by two Commonwealth title fights involving British fighters.

“Zelfa and Lyon are both top super featherweights who have been tipped for the top. They have both suffered a setback, but that is always irrelevant in the grand scheme of things and they will be stronger for the experience.

“We’ve got the best group of super featherweights on our books and our intention is for them all to fight each other with meaningful titles at stake that will push the winners towards world title contention.

“We have already had Lyon against Archie Sharp in an excellent fight and now he will take on Zelfa in a fight that will catch the imagination of the fans. We’ve also got the British champion Sam Bowen who will consider himself top of the pecking order right now.

“This card is shaping up to becoming one of the best of the year and Leeds is definitely the place to be on June 15.”

Josh Warrington tops the bill at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF featherweight championship against Kid Galahad on Saturday June 15.

Jason Welborn and JJ Metcalf meet for the vacant Commonwealth super-welterweight championship.

Other fighters confirmed in action on the bill so far include Lyndon Arthur, Zelfa Barrett, 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

Just 4 days until the WBSS Super-Lightweight and Bantamweight Semi-Finals – Josh Taylor vs Ivan Baranchyk and Naoya Inoue vs Manny Rodriguez – at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, UK!

Tickets available from TicketMaster.co.uk here.

The magnificent doubleheader on Saturday, 18 May will conclude the semi-finals stage the World Boxing Super Series and the quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy in the 140lb and 118lb editions of the tournament.

Josh Taylor goes for his first World title, in the same city he won his Commonwealth Gold medal, against IBF champ Ivan Baranchyk! The winner will fight Regis Prograis in the Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy final later this year.

In the other main event, Japanese pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue takes on Manny Rodriguez to find out who will face Nonito Donaire in the Bantamweight Final! The IBF World title and Ring Belt are on the line and both men have promised KO finishes… Blink and you’ll miss it!

Ticket Price Bands (Seating Plan below):
Cat.1 Ringside – £299
Cat.2 Ringside – £249
Cat.3 Floor – £109
Cat.4 Lower Tier 1 – £79
Cat.5 Lower Tier 2 – £59
Cat.6 Upper Tier 1 – £39
Cat.7 Upper Tier 2 – £29 – SOLD OUT

Tickets available from TicketMaster.co.uk here.

PUBLIC WEIGH-IN – 4pm Friday, 17 May (Main events on the scales 5pm)
Lomond Auditorium, SSE Hydro, Exhibition Way, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8YW

Make sure you attend the Weigh-In and cheer your fighter on when they hit the scales! It’s free entry, all welcome!

Join the Glasgow Semi-Finals event on Facebook here!

Tickets available from TicketMaster.co.uk here.

Visit WorldBoxingSuperSeries.com for more information or follow @WBSuperSeries on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

couse showman Marcel Braithwaite promises to provide the glitz and glamour to proceedings at promoter Mick Hennessy’s blockbuster bill at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse on May 25 on the undercard of Hughie Fury versus Chris Norrad, exclusively live on Channel 5.

The slick and stylish 25 year old super-bantam skilster returns to duty hellbent on atoning for the first setback of his eight fight pro career last time out – a six round points loss to English title challenger Brett Fidoe – and is threatening to sizzle.

‘I deliver entertainment. If fans like a bit of flash, they’ll love me!’ claims the self-proclaimed ‘Chosen One’

‘Fans can look forward to watching a classy boxer puncher; I’m a bit showy, lots of slick movement and defence.

‘There was a lot of mix-up with my preparation last fight. I was sick, got better, sick again, better again. Then they changed my opponent the day before and Brett’s a nightmare for anyone….very tricky.’

One of a brood of six, born and raised on the tough terrain of Toxteth, Liverpool 8, 5ft 2in Braithwaite learnt how to hold his hands up at primary school.

‘I’ve always loved fighting,’ confesses the personal trainer who is managed by Steve Wood.

‘I started Tae-Kwon-Do at four, kick-boxing at seven or eight, then settled on the boxing from the age of about 11. Mum and dad took me to the gym cos I was always scrapping at school or on the streets. I wasn’t a particularly bad-tempered kid. I just really enjoyed fighting. It brought me pleasure!’

‘I lost just seven of my 36 amateur bouts and competed against guys like (ex ABA champ) Lucien Reid, (European Senior medallist) Calum French and (Commonwealth Games and European Seniors champion) Peter McGrail.

‘I won a National Novice title for under 20 bouts and boxed for England twice, winning the Three Nations, then losing to McGrail, a very talented kid, in the GB final.’

Having entered the profession, aged 22, in November 2016, mobile Marcel mesmerised his first seven opponents, dropping just one of 30 completed rounds on official cards, prior to that stumble against Fidoe – a man he’d previously shut-out six.

Sidelined for nine months, Braithwaite has made crucial adjustments to his support system ahead of his comeback.

He explains: ‘For my last two fights I was at the No Limits gym but now I’m back at the (Golden) Gloves under Wayne Smith where I fought as an amateur, getting re-built from the ground up, revisiting the basics, getting the right lifestyle back. I like to enjoy myself and party away from boxing but I lead a healthy active lifestyle.

‘I turned pro to follow my passion and win titles. During my apprenticeship there was no point killing myself to make weight, to fight naturally heavier journeymen but I could definitely make bantamweight, possibly even super-fly, and when I finally get matches at my proper weight, I’ll be a lot more physical.’

On Saturday week, Marcel brings the distinctive Braithwaite brand to Manchester for a third time, where he will star in a six-rounder against a foe yet to be announced.

‘Rucking on the streets of Toxteth, you never got to choose the opponent!’ he quips.

‘Whoever it is, they’re getting done in. I’ve got my heart set on titles and, hopefully by the end of 2019, I can put myself into contention for a shot at the English title shot, perhaps even the British.’

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

BELFAST (May 14, 2019) —Michael “Mick” Conlan’s amateur career ended in controversy and a pair of middle fingers. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Conlan appeared to have bested Russian standout Vladimir Nikitin in the 56-kilogram quarterfinals. The judges disagreed, and Conlan responded with a memorable double middle-finger salute.

Almost three years to the day since Conlan flashed those digits, the Olympic rivals will run it back in the paid ranks, this time on Irish soil.

Conlan will face Nikitin in a 10-round featherweight bout Saturday, Aug. 3 in a massive outdoor fight at Falls Park in his home city of Belfast. Conlan-Nikitin will take place as part of the annual Féile an Phobail, Europe’s largest community festival.

Conlan-Nikitin will stream live in the United States beginning at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, on a special international edition of Top Rank on ESPN.

“This is the opportunity for Mick Conlan to right what most observers felt was an injustice,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “That being said, Nikitin is a real aggressive fighter, and he believes that a victory over Conlan in August would cement the one he was given in the Rio Olympics.”

“I am delighted that I will be fighting Vladimir Nikitin in front of 10,000 fans,” Conlan said. “This is literally home turf for me and it is absolutely huge. I am West Belfast and Falls Road born and bred so this means everything to me. Vladimir Nikitin and I have unfinished business from the 2016 Olympics, and I can’t wait to set the record straight.”

“When I turned professional last year, the man I wanted to fight most was Michael Conlan,” Nikitin said. “Michael has said a lot of things since the Olympics about how he was robbed of a medal. Well, I am coming to his hometown during their biggest festival to show everyone my Olympic victory was not a fluke. This is going to be repeat, not revenge. Conlan will regret pushing for this fight. I beat him twice in the amateurs and will do the same as a pro. It will feel even sweeter to beat him in his hometown. Belfast, here I come!”

“The fight with Vladimir Nikitin has been talked about for a long time now, and MTK Global and Top Rank have worked extremely hard along with Féile an Phobail to make it happen,” said Jamie Conlan, Professional Development Manager, MTK Global. “Michael Conlan is coming home for one of the biggest fight nights Belfast will have ever seen.”

Conlan (11-0, 6 KOs) entered the pro ranks as one of Ireland’s most beloved sporting figures, having earned an Olympic bronze medal in 2012 and gold medals at both the European and World Championships in 2015. He was favored to win Olympic gold in 2016, but Nikitin and the judges thwarted those plans. “The Conlan Revolution” turned pro in front of a sold-out Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden crowd on St. Patrick’s Day in 2017. He won the vacant WBO Intercontinental featherweight belt last December in Manchester, England, besting Jason Cunningham via unanimous decision. In his last bout, in front of a raucous St. Patrick’s Day crowd at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Conlan defeated Ruben Garcia Hernandez over 10 rounds.

Nikitin (3-0, 0 KOs) did not turn pro immediately following the 2016 Olympics, electing to fight as an amateur throughout 2017. He signed a professional contract in 2018 with Top Rank, in large part because he wanted to face Conlan as a pro. Nikitin’s come-forward style has translated to the pro ranks, as he’s won a trio of clear-cut unanimous decisions. He has fought on the same card as Conlan twice as a professional. The message was clear: Conlan and Nikitin were destined to meet again.

It will finally happen, in front of more than 10,000 of Conlan’s rowdiest supporters. Will it be Rio Revenge or another shining moment for Nikitin?

ESPN+ is the leading direct-to-consumer sports streaming service. Fans can sign up for ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at www.espnplus.com.

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

Use the hashtags #ConlanNikitin and #TheConlanRevolution to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC, Top Rank boxing and PFL fights and events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and can cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

ABOUT FÉILE AN PHOBAIL

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

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

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

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

About MTK Global

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

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

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