New York, NY (April 17, 2019) Undisputed Women’s Welterweight World Champion ‘The First Lady’ Cecilia Braekhus, (35-0, 9 KOs), is headed to the United States in May to commence training for her next fight in defense of all of her belts, (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO and Ring Magazine). Based in Oslo, Norway, Braekhus has held all the world title belts in the welterweight division since September 2014.

“It seems like ‘undisputed’ has become a big talking point in women’s boxing in the United States recently. Claressa Shields just became the undisputed middleweight champion and I congratulate her for that extraordinary accomplishment,” said Braekhus.

“Separately Katie Taylor is facing Delfine Persoon in an undisputed lightweight world championship bout on June 1 at Madison Square Garden which I’m looking forward to attending.”

“Claressa was very outspoken after her victory on Saturday about wanting to face me at a catchweight and Katie has also mentioned fighting me numerous times, also at a catchweight. Both of these would be massive events for boxing with two undisputed world champions facing each other and I’m very interested in both possibilities.”

In 2018 Braekhus was also linked to a potential boxing matchup with UFC Star Cris Cyborg.

“I met with Chris and her team a couple of times last year about the possibility of fighting in a boxing match and that is something that still interests me greatly and her as well.”

“Last year I fought three times in big fights, each one a different set of firsts for me, first woman on HBO, fighting for the first time in Russia and then finally headlining the last HBO card which had a female fight in the main event for the first time. I can’t wait to get started on my 2019 campaign and surpass last year.”

“For my entire career I’ve worked towards elevating women’s boxing inside and outside the ring and that is of the utmost importance to me this year as well.”

Braekhus is recognized as the International Ambassador for Women’s Boxing who fought outside the ring over a seven-year period to have professional boxing legalized in her native Norway which was previously banned for 33 years. Following the ban being lifted Braekhus fought four times in Norway starting in October 2016, all of which were massive events drawing over 10,000 fans and garnering record-breaking TV ratings.

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Kicking off 2018 on January 5, the Boxing Writers Association of America named Braekhus the recipient of their first-ever Women’s Fighter of the Year Award (2017). The award was presented by female boxing pioneer Christy Martin at the BWAA’s Annual Awards Dinner on May 11, 2018 In New York City.

On May 5, 2018, Braekhus was specifically chosen by HBO to fight in the first women’s bout aired on the network over their 45-year history of boxing telecasts. Defeating world ranked middleweight contender Kali Reis by unanimous decision at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, the fight was telecast to an average of 904,000 viewers in the United States, the second highest viewership by the network for boxing in 2018.

As previously proclaimed by Ring Magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America also named Braekhus the Women’s #1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter in the World on June 26, 2018 in the first poll taken by the organization for this honor. The belt presentation by Ring Magazine for their honor took place with Editor-in-Chief Doug Fischer on September 13, 2018 in Las Vegas.

Braekhus returned to the ring on July 21, 2018 fighting for the first time in Russia. Facing WBC Junior Middleweight World Champion Inna Sagaydakovskaya, Braekhus won a ten-round decision in front of over 25,000 spectators at Moscow’s’ Olympic Stadium in a fight telecast worldwide. The fight marked the eighth country Braekhus has fought in emphasizing her role as a true world champion.

Braekhus finished off her extraordinary 2018 campaign with a ten-round unanimous decision over Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes on December 8, 2018 defending all of her belts in dominant fashion. The bout served as the first time a women’s bout headlined on HBO Boxing.

After finishing out her boxing year in ‘Grand Style’ ,Braekhus travelled to Uganda on December 18, 2018 to open the ‘First Lady Primary School, a high school located just outside the capital city of Uganda, a project she had been working on for three years with ‘Bring Children From the Streets’, a Norwegian/Ugandan group headed by Richard Kiwanuka

Trained by the renowned Johnathon Banks, Braekhus has been the undisputed women’s welterweight world champion, holding all four major sanctioning body titles since September 2014. She is only one of six boxers to achieve this historical feat.

Kingdamon Antoine (9-0 7 KOs) is looking to take his career to the next level in 2019. The lighting fast prospect dominated Raheem Abdullah over 6 rounds on April 5th and will make a quick return to the ring on May 11th in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Standing 5’7″, Antoine has great size for the featherweight division. His adviser BJ Flores believes that he can become a multi-division world champion.

“He’s a good kid with a strong work ethic. He is tall for 126 pounds and I believe he can eventually fight up to 140 pounds.. He is very fast and has great reflexes,” Flores stated.

The promotional free agent opened a lot of eyes with his last performance which was streamed live on Facebook. The 26 year old fighter got off to a fast start and dominated his opponent until the final bell.

Flores said that the plan is to get Antoine three to four more fights year and to eventually get him signed with a big promotional company. With the increased activity, Flores is certain that his fighter will shine as he makes the move from prospect to contender.

“Kingdamon is catching the eyes of some of the major promoters out there. He is a tremendous talent and everyone in the 126 pound division will know his name very shortly,” said Flores.

LONDON, UK – 17 APRIL 2019

ULTIMATE BOXXER, Britain’s first boxing entertainment brand, announces that the Cruiserweight division will be the showcase for ULTIMATE BOXXER IV on Friday 28th June in Manchester (venue to be announced).

UBIV, sponsored by MansionBet, will be televised exclusively live on BT Sport, BT Sports’ YouTube channel – available to anyone to watch for free – and the dedicated boxing channel BoxNation.

ULTIMATE BOXXER is the exhilarating elimination tournament featuring eight talented fighters from around the UK who battle it out starting in four quarter-finals of 3 x 3 minute rounds; followed by two semi-finals and one final to determine the winner who will win the large share of the prize money; a promotional deal and be catapulted up the domestic rankings.

Knockouts in the ring are combined with live music and entertainment designed to engage and attract the next generation of sports fans on a more regular basis.

Following UBI: Welterweights, UBII: Light-Heavyweights and UBIII: Middleweights – set for Friday 10th May at The Indigo at The O2 – the fourth instalment of the exciting tournament focuses on the red-hot 200 pound division that has become a firm fan-favourite in recent years for delivering some of the most explosive and entertaining action-packed fights.

Some of the biggest names in British boxing have made their name in the division such as British World Champions Tony Bellew; David Haye, the first British fighter ever to unify the division, Enzo Maccarinelli; Johnny Nelson, the longest reigning divisional World champion with the most title defences, Carl Thompson and Glenn McCrory, Britain’s first ever World cruiserweight champion.

The eight highly rated ULTIMATE BOXXER participants who will compete in UBIV will be announced shortly and it will be interesting to see how many of them can go on to achieve great things in the sport

ULTIMATE BOXXER founder Ben Shalom said, “This is the heaviest weight category we have staged so far and looking at the potential line-up, I believe we could be in for one of the most dramatic nights out of all the series. These guys are big men with the power of heavyweights, mixed with the speed of light-heavyweights and so anything can happen when they start unloading their punches over a short fight.’’

Sign up now at www.ultimateboxxer.com to gain early access to discounted tickets 48 hours in advance of general sale. Tickets will go on pre-sale on Wednesday 24th April and on general sale on Friday 26th April. Further tickets details to follow.

ARCHIE SHARP WAS thinking big when he made public the name of the fighter he would relish sharing a ring with.

The perfect name in the frame for the unbeaten 24-year-old is Lee Selby, the former IBF world featherweight king, who was memorably unseated by Josh Warrington at Elland Road last May.

After being parted from his belt in Leeds, Selby has since jumped up two weights and, last time out, collected an IBF Intercontinental strap following victory over Omar Douglas in London.

Now Sharp, 14-0 and holder of the WBO European title, is not kidding himself and knows full well that Selby is not about to offer himself up as an opponent to enhance the record of ambitious young contenders.

But the Kent-based super featherweight fully believes in himself and is confident he would emerge victorious from mixing in such illustrious company.

“Yeah they are definitely fights that I want and I know I am ready for that sort of fight,” insisted Sharp, who put an end to the unbeaten record of Lyon Woodstock in his last fight back in October. “Obviously, looking at the business side of things, he isn’t gonna be interested in it, but I know that I am at and beyond that level.

“I’m not just saying it, but I don’t think there is a fighter out there who could go on the back foot and try and outbox me – I really don’t think there is a fighter who can outbox me.”

Sharp is back in the ring after recovering from injury at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27, from which point he intends to significantly accelerate his progress towards the top of the super featherweight tree.

“I know where I am going in this sport and I’ve got a little plan to be in world title fights in the next 18 months. Within that time I will be at world level, mixing with the top fighters, for sure.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Hadi Srour (3-0, 2 KOs) has signed a multi-fight deal with Team Sauerland as the talented Norwegian boxer takes the next steps in his promising career.

Already regarded as one of the country’s best pound-for-pound fighters, Srour has over 100 amateur victories to his name, and has claimed multiple national and Nordic titles, while also impressing at international tournaments.

In the professional ranks, he has recorded wins over Michael Mooney, Artur Zemlianyi and Zoltan Szabo, and having joined forces with Team Sauerland, the 23 year-old looks set to have a bright future ahead of him.

“I feel very privileged to be joining Team Sauerland,” said Srour. “If you want to be great, you need a great team around you. Sauerland is an elite promotion who know how to produce champions, so it was an easy choice for me.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and picking up where I left off. I box to entertain the crowd, and I’ve always got some tricks up my sleeve. My last opponent barely survived the fight, but my next one won’t go the distance.

“I want to become the face of boxing in Norway, and with Sauerland behind me, we’re going to make a big buzz. There’s no business like show business!”

“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Hadi so far,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “He’s a colourful character, both in and out of the ring, and with his personality and boxing ability, I believe he has the potential to go a long way.”

Ricardo Espinoza will fight John riel Casimero for the vacant WBO Interim bantamweight title, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The fight will take place on the Premier Boxing Champions card headlined by the Danny Garcia-Adrian Granados welterweight fight at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

“I am happy to be fighting for (an interim) world title,” Espinoza said. “I have proven that I am ready for the moment. Tijuana will have a new world champion.”

All-Star Boxing promoter Felix “Tuto” Zabala, who promotes Espinoza, has been high on him and is pleased he is getting the opportunity.

“We are proud of Espinoza’s progress up to date,” Zabala said. “He has shown he belongs at the top of the division. We are sure of Espinoza’s ability.”

In its ruling, the WBO pointed out the relative inactivity of the belt as a key reason for approving the fight.

“Mr. Tete acquired his title on April 22, 2017,” the ruling said. “He only defended it on three occasions — November 18, 2017 against Siboniso Gonya, April 21, 2018 against Omar Narvaez, and on October 13, 2018 against Mikhail Aloyan, who was also his first quarterfinal contender of the WBSS tournament.

“The WBO World Championship Committee recognizes the importance of allowing their champions the discretion to participate in activities they may deem as of career importance, (but) the Committee must also be fair to all of its rated contenders.”

Heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller has failed a PED test which leaves questions about his June 1 title opportunity against champion Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Miller has tested positive for the banned substance GW1516 three sources with knowledge of the results told ESPN on Tuesday.

“We are in the process of obtaining further information about VADA’s finding and will have more to say soon on this developing situation,” Dmitriy Salita, Miller’s co-promoter with Greg Cohen, told ESPN after he was informed of the positive test result. “In the meantime, Jarrell continues to train for his June 1 fight against Anthony Joshua.”

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Joshua, also acknowledged the positive test.

“We have been informed by VADA that there has been an adverse finding in Jarrell Miller’s sample collected on March 20th, 2019,” Hearn said in a statement. “We are working with all relevant parties and will update with more details soon. AJ’s preparation continues for June 1st at MSG.”

GW1516, also known as Cardarine and Endurobol, is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list and is classified as a metabolic modulator. An athlete might use it to assist in fat loss or use it as an endurance booster. WADA has warned athletes of health risks connected to the drug, which in early trials caused cancer in laboratory mice.

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2019) — World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1-ranked contender “Mighty” Aston Palicte (25-2-1, 21 KOs)will face three-division world champion Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13 KOs)for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship, June 19 at Osaka Orefectural Gym in Osaka, Japan.

UFC Fight Pass® has the worldwide live streaming rights outside of Japan. Palicte vs. Ioka will be is the first world boxing championship on FIGHT PASS, under a new agreement between Palicte’s promoter, RJJ Boxing, and FIGHT PASS, to live stream up to 72 professional boxing events through 2021.

The Palicte vs. Ioka deal was negotiated and finalized by RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-Founder Keith Veltre and Taku Nagashima, the international manager of Ioka, on behalf of TLAROCK Entertainment in Japan.

After Palicte, 28, knocked out his previously unbeaten Puerto Rican opponent Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez this past January 31st in the second round of their WBO title eliminator, the WBO ordered negotiations to begin for a rematch between reigning WBO junior bantamweight champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes and Palicte, the No. 1-ranked, mandatory challenger. Nietes, however, relinquished his title belt rather than accept a rematch against his fellow Filipino fighter in order to pursue other fights.

Nietes and Palicte fought to a controversial 12-round draw last September for the then vacant WBO junior bantamweight world title. Nietes eventually captured the crown last December 31 in Macao, China, when he won a 12-round split decision versus, ironically, Ioka.

“I’d first like to thank my promoters (Keith Veltre & Roy Jones, Jr.) and manager (Jason Soong) for making this fight happen,” Palicte commented. “I’m very excited for this second opportunity to fight for a world title. I and the whole team learned a lot from the last draw and made adjustments, which, I think, were very effective. Since a rematch with Nietes will probably never take place, going against Ioka, who lost to him via a split decision, is probably the closest thing to redeeming myself after that draw. We’ve already planned out our training camp, which includes altitude training in Baguio (where Manny Pacquiao (pictured to left running with Palicte) also trained before). More than anything, I’m very excited to get into the ring again to hopefully deliver to my RJJ Boxing family its first world title.”

The 30-year-old Ioka, currently ranked No. 2 by the WBO, is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight, WBA light flyweight, and WBA/World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight world champion. His only two losses as a professional, both by way of 12-round split decisions, have been in world title fights to Nietes and Amnat Ruenroeng, in 2014, for the International (IBF) flyweight title.

“I want to thank the WBO for working with us to make this fight happen,” Veltresaid. “The WBO did everything possible to make this deal move forward. I want to thank Team Ioka for working with Roy Jones Jr Promotions, in addition to being professional and doing everything in their power to accommodate us. This is a great example of everyone giving in a little bit to make a great fight happen. Roy and I are extremely happy that we will be able to bring the first ever major World Title Fight to UFC Fight Pass and we are looking forward to seeing Aston Palicte becoming the World Champion.”

Palicte is the younger, stronger fighter in this title fight match-up, however, Iota has a clear advantage in terms of experience with a 14-2 (9 KOs) world title fight record, as well as 6-2 (3 KOs) versus present and/or past world champions, compared to Palicte’s 0-0-1 mark in both of these categories.

Not only will a victory over Ioka make him the first world champion for his promoter, RJJ Boxing, Palicte will also join Pacquaio and Nietes, as well as Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, and Nonito Donaire, among others, in an elite club of Filipino world boxing champion.

Ioka will join fellow Japanese fighters such as flyweight Kosei Tanaka and junior flyweights Hirota Kyoguchi and Ken Shiro as reigning world champions with a triumph over Palicte.

The Ring magazine’s independent world ratings lists Ioka and Palicte, respectively, at No. 4 and No. 8.

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

Las Vegas (April 16, 2019) – Boxing’s Two-time and current super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell has confirmed that he will appear at the fifth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Dirrell will hold a meet and greet with the fans at the Box Fan Expo store booth. The Expo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Danny Jacobs, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite – http://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com/

Dirrell will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with the current WBC Super Middleweight champion also known as “The Dog”.

Dirrell joins the WBA joins Julio Cesar Chavez, Riddick Bowe, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr., Marco Antonio Barrera, Mia St,John, Juan Manuel Marquez, Vinny Paz, Devin Haney, Earnie Shavers, Al Bernstein, Michael Spinks, WBC, Erik Morales, James Toney and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with many more Top Boxing stars to be announced.

About Anthony Dirrell
Anthony Dirrell is an American professional boxer. He is a two-time and current WBCsuper middleweight champion, having held the title since February 2019 and previously from 2014 to 2015. He is the younger brother of 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell, who is also a professional boxer.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet-and-greet boxing superstars of today, current and former world champions, legends of the sport and other boxing celebrities. Fans can expect to experience various interactions such as autograph and photos sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, pictures with the Ring Card Girls, Live DJ Music, chance to win prizes, purchase merchandise and memorabilia from different booths Exhibitors, “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”. You won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last four Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Pazienza, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors include: boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Throughout the next several weeks leading up to the event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

For More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

San Antonio, April 16, 2019 – Once hailed as “potentially, the most dominant offensive force in boxing since a prime Mike Tyson”, Kirkland, the aggressive southpaw, intends to reunite with his former trainer, Anne Wolfe, while adding Bay Bay McClinton to his training staff and upstart management company, Davies Entertainment, to help restore his ascent as one of the most powerful forces in the fight game.

“This is a human-interest story as much as it is a sports story” said Cameron Davies, CEO of Davies Entertainment, “James is hungry, he’s reconnected with Anne (Wolfe), we look forward to playing our part to get James back to fighting at a championship level.”

Kirkland represents the second boxer signed by Davies Entertainment in less than a week, having signed Daniel “Da Beast” Baiz to a similar comprehensive management deal. Having made a name for himself by becoming one of the global authorities of mobile business fabrication (www.cruisingkitchens.com), Davies has since launched a creative hub which includes film production (That’s a Wrap), a state of the art mobile recording studio (The Boom Box), a graphic design & large format print company (www.justprintitsa.com) and a marketing consultation division. Said Davies “I have assembled a group of companies that can now be tasked to provide our boxers with resources that extend beyond training, whether film production, merchandise & marketing, or brand mobility we want to attempt to put a more current spin on how we manage our roster, providing resources that may not have been possible or easily accessed in the past.” Said Kirkland “I’m ready!”

That’s a Wrap will document Kirkland’s story with intent to produce a full length documentary of the boxers return to the ring.

You can follow Kirkland’s progress at www.daviesentertainmnet.com or on Facebook/IG @daviesentertainment and @kirklandboxing.

Davies Entertainment, LLC. located in San Antonio, TX, is a full service sports entertainment promotions & management company specializing in promotions, brand building, merchandising and talent management. For inquiries, please contact:

NEW YORK CITY (April 16, 2019) — WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford and Amir “King” Khan hosted a media workout today at EverybodyFights, as the pair prepares for Saturday evening’s Top Rank on ESPN PPV showdown at Madison Square Garden.

The stacked undercard will feature a pair of highly anticipated co-features: Lightweight sensation Teofimo Lopez will fight Edis Tatli in a 12-rounder, while featherweight phenom Shakur Stevenson will face former world title challenger Christopher Diaz in a 10-rounder.

In the 10-round televised opener, Felix Verdejo seeks to return to lightweight contention versus former interim world champion Bryan Vasquez.

Here is what the PPV fighters had to say.

Terence Crawford

“I feel like I’m already the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Beating Amir Khan would only solidify my place in the sport. Amir Khan is undefeated as a welterweight and can’t be underestimated. He has great hand speed, movement, and some power as well. I want to showcase all of my talents in this fight.”

“I don’t worry about the bigger names. My focus is on Amir Khan. He is the task at hand. I’ve never overlooked an opponent.”

“I feel like a lot of times people don’t give me credit for who I’ve beaten. I’ve defeated gold medalists, undefeated fighters, world champions. It doesn’t matter. Before my fights, people talk about how it’s going to be the hardest fight of my career. Then I beat them, and people make them seem like they were nothing. I am going to keep doing what I’m doing and keep being victorious.”

“I am on a high level right now, and the way I beat people makes it seem like they don’t belong in the ring with me. Against Khan, I will show everyone again why I’m the best fighter in the world.”

Amir Khan

“I wanted this fight because I wanted to fight the best. Terence Crawford presented the greatest challenge to me at this point in my career. Listen, the Kell Brook fight was there, but fighting Terence gives me the opportunity to show I am a pound-for-pound fighter.”

“I’m not going to be giving all that weight away when I fight Crawford. When I fought Canelo, he was a much bigger man. This is a fairer fight in terms of weight. I am confident I can win this fight because he has never fought anyone like me. I have power, speed, and movement, and he has certainly never fought a welterweight like me. I’ve grown into my weight. I’m not just another number on Crawford’s record.”

“When I lose focus is when I get in trouble. Against Samuel Vargas, it wasn’t even a great punch that put me down. I lost focus for a second and got caught. I’ve sparred with strong, heavy-handed guys this camp, and I know I can take a big welterweight punch.”

Teofimo Lopez

“Training camp has been great. It’s been a long time since someone has gone the distance with me, and that’s not changing come Saturday night. We’re working on new things in the gym, focusing on power and changing things up. I’ve shown people some of my arsenal, but no one has seen what I am capable of yet. Against Tatli, I will put on a show. I will steal the show.”

“My last fight {Feb. 2 against Diego Magdaleno} showed some people can withstand my power, but at the end of the day, they all fall.”

“There’s no bad blood with Tatli and me, but I’m still going to kick his ass. I’m still going to beat him up. That I can guarantee. They bumped this fight to a 12-rounder to get me ready for a world title shot. That’s coming soon.”

“All of the hard work that my father and I have put in is starting to pay off. Fans and media have recognized my talents, but I am focused solely on what’s in front of me this Saturday. Every time I fight at MSG, I take over the show, and that’s the plan. I will steal the show.”

“I don’t need a Lomachenko fight to be a superstar. But I want to be the best and I want to fight the best. This is my last year at lightweight, so after I get that world title, let’s make it happen!”

Edis Tatli

“I came a long way for this fight because I know I can win. I have been in with the better fighters, and my talent will show on Saturday night.”

“All fighters dream of fighting in America. To fight at Madison Square Garden on a card like this is a dream come true.”

Shakur Stevenson

“I was ready to take the next step in my career. This is a fight I wanted. I want to show everyone I am a top fighter. The time was now to step up.”

“My team and I know we can beat Diaz, which is why we took this fight. This is my time. This is what I’ve wanted since I turned pro following the Olympics.”

“I want all the champions, but first, I have to beat Christopher Diaz.”

Christopher Diaz

“Shakur made a mistake when he accepted this fight. I’m sure he’s going to be a world champion one day. He’s a very good fighter, but his team made a terrible error in judgment.”

“All fighters say this, but this was truly the best training camp of my career. This is my first fight with Freddie Roach, and we had perfect chemistry from day one. I’ve been sacrificing and training hard for three months. I am going to take his undefeated record. I am going to win this for my family and for Puerto Rico.”

“I am a different fighter since moving down from 130 pounds. This is the new and improved Christopher Diaz.”

Felix Verdejo

“I know this is a very important fight for my career. I’m going against a former world champion and a great fighter. But I am ready to show the world that I’m still an elite fighter.”

“Having my baby last year changed my life. I fight for her now. It puts things in perspective.”

“For me, this fight is about redemption. After beating Vasquez, I want to fight for a world title.”

Bryan Vasquez

“This fight means everything to me. I am going to give it my all in this ring. One thing I know is that Felix Verdejo has never faced anyone with my skills or my toughness. I want a world title shot, and beating Felix is my way to get there.”

“To fight on a card like this is a great honor. Since signing with Top Rank last year, I have been active and improving with every fight. I am ready to put the lightweight division on notice. Felix isn’t ready for me.”

“You haven’t seen the best of Bryan Vasquez. I have been in there with elite fighters, and that experience will show on Saturday night.”

About Crawford vs. Khan
CRAWFORD vs. KHAN is a 12-round fight for the WBO welterweight championship of the world, presented by Top Rank in association with Matchroom Boxing and Khan Promotions. The event is sponsored by Geico. CRAWFORD vs. KHAN will take place Saturday, April 20, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at Madison Square Garden, and will be produced by Top Rank and ESPN and distributed live by ESPN Pay-Per-View.

Tickets for this world championship event priced at $606, $406, $306, $206, $106, $81, and $56 (including facility fees) can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.MSG.com.

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

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

NEW YORK (April 16, 2019) — It’s a whole new ballgame for boxing’s pound-for-pound superstar attraction GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN! Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs), from Karaganda, Kazakhstan, brings his Big Drama Show back to the “Mecca of Boxing” — Madison Square Garden for the first time in over two years in his eagerly-awaitedDAZN debut on Saturday, June 8. Golovkin, whose resume includes a record 20 consecutive middleweight title defenses (18 by way of knockout), has consistently drawn packed houses to the five previous events he has headlined at The Garden, dating back to 2013. He will rumble with undefeated Top-10 contender and Kronk Gym alumnusSTEVE ROLLS (19-0, 10 KOs), from Toronto, Canada, in a battle, scheduled for 12 rounds, at a maximum weight of 164 lbs. Golovkin vs. Rolls kicks off the exclusive six-fight, three-year global partnership between GGG Promotions and DAZN, the world’s fastest-growing sports streaming platform.

A two-city press tour, featuring both fighters, will take place next week, starting at Madison Square Garden on Monday, April 22, and concluding in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 23. Details on those events will be forthcoming.

Promoted by GGG Promotions, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets to The Big Apple battle between Golovkin and Rolls go on sale This Saturday, April 20, at Noon ET. Priced at $750, $500, $300, $200, $100, and $50, not including fees, tickets may be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com.

Notably, this will be the second of two major boxing events The Garden will host on back-to-back boxing weekends – both of which will be live exclusively on DAZN. England’s Anthony Joshua will make his United States and Madison Square Garden debut in a defense of his unified heavyweight title against Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller on June 1, just one week before Golovkin’s highly anticipated return on June 8.

“I am very excited to be returning to the ring and bringing the Big Drama Show back to Madison Square Garden. The Garden’s fans are fantastic,” said Golovkin. “I love boxing and I promise to bring the best of me to everyone who will be watching me in an all-action fight with Steve Rolls. I am very happy that GGG Promotions has a new home at DAZN.”

“I want to sincerely thank DAZN and GGG himself for giving me the opportunity to challenge one of the best fighters in the world,” said Rolls. “But let me be clear: I’ve won national championships and represented my country, and Golovkin is just a man. I’m coming to win this fight and put my name among the best middleweights in the world.”

“Gennady Golovkin is one of the top middleweights of all-time, and as part of DAZN’s growing roster of premiere fighters and our ongoing promise to deliver the best fights to fans, we are thrilled to kick off this exciting partnership at the iconic Madison Square Garden,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN Executive Vice President, North America. “It will surely be an electric night and just the beginning of this next chapter of Golovkin’s impressive legacy.”

Golovkin, 37, has reigned supreme in the Middleweight Division for nearly a decade. Eighteen of his record 20 title defenses came by way of knockout — a 90% ratio — which is sure to remain the division’s highest knockout percentage for a world champion. Golovkin’s tenure as champion ended when he lost a hotly disputed majority decision in a rematch with Canelo Alvarez last September. A dominant amateur standout and Olympic Silver Medalist before turning professional in 2006, Golovkin’s career has been on a historic trajectory, including a 23-fight victory-by-knockout streak and unifying the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO World Middleweight Titles. Golovkin has also proven himself to be box office gold. He has sold out the most iconic arenas of the world, including Madison Square Garden, T-Mobile Arena, O2 Arena, The Fabulous Forum, and StubHub Center.

Rolls, 35, making his debut at The Garden, will be looking to ice Golovkin with his version of a Canadian cold front. In his most recent fight, he won the vacant USBA middleweight title last December, via unanimous decision, over KeAndrae Leatherwood. World-rated No. 9 rated by the IBF, Rolls has stopped four of his last seven opponents while keeping his record perfect.

For more information, fans can follow DAZN’s U.S. social channels: @DAZNUSA for Facebook, @DAZN_USA for Twitter, and DAZN_USA for Instagram.

About DAZN:

DAZN is the largest global sports streaming platform in the world. Since launching in 2016, DAZN had expanded across four continents with the service available in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Japan, and soon to debut in Brazil. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just affordable access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. In the U.S., DAZN has made its mark as an attractive alternative to pay-per-view within the combat sports industry. The platform features more than 100 fight nights per year from Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy Promotions, GGG Promotions, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series and Combate Americas. DAZN also features live MLB action each day of the season with its new daily show, ChangeUp.

LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2019) – Former two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy discussed changes to his training camp as he nears a vacant WBA Lightweight Title showdown with former lightweight champion Robert Easter Jr. taking place Saturday, April 27 live on SHOWTIME from The Chelsea inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will also feature former super lightweight champion Viktor Postol taking on France’s Mohamed Mimoune in a WBC Super Lightweight Title Eliminator, while rising heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba looks to remain undefeated against once-beaten German Michael Wallisch in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, can be purchased at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster.

After losing for the first time in his pro career in a 140-pound title fight against Kiryl Relikh last March, Barthelemy rebounded to stop Robert Frankel in December as he prepared to return to the lightweight division to face Easter. Since the loss to Relikh, Barthelemy made fellow Cuban and former world champion Joel Casamayor head trainer as he looks to return to the championship ranks.

Here is what Barthelemy had to say from training camp at Prince Ranch Bones Adams Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

How has training camp gone so far?

“Everything has been going well under the guidance of Joel Casamayor and the assistance of my brother Yan Barthelemy and Oscar Vasquez. We have been training twice a day and sparring three to four times a week against solid guys like former world champion and ex-opponent Mickey Bey. Like they say, ‘iron sharpens iron’ and the quality of sparring has been tremendous help in getting me ready for April 27. I feel better prepared both mentally and physically than I did in my most recent fights.”

What do you make of Robert Easter Jr. and what do you know about him?

“I have seen various Robert Easter Jr fights and have been studying him very closely. He’s a great boxer who likes to use his height and reach to his advantage. He’s an ex-world champion who has fought quality opponents. He deserves all of my respect but we are very confident that we will be victorious against him.”

Do you feel you have been able to rebound from your first career defeat?

“Most definitely, I have been able to move on and use that defeat as a lesson in my career. They say sometimes we learn more in defeat than we do in victories and that was the case in that fight.

“Sometimes we do not see clearly when we are winning. Bad habits or little details that need correction are overlooked when you are winning. Sometimes we do not even see them. I feel rejuvenated and we have made many important changes that were necessary for my career. You will see on April 27 that there is still much more left from Team Barthelemy.”

What would it mean to become a champion again on April 27?

“We have no doubt that we’ll become champion again for a third time on April 27. This will bring my name back at the top of the sport with many potential big fights to be made. It will mean so much more to me because Cuban boxing has currently gone through a rough patch and this victory will allow Cuba to have a champion once again.”

Any final message to your fans before your fight?

“Please make sure to tune in on April 27. This fight will be very competitive, with two evenly-skilled former world champions looking to reclaim their status at the top of the sport. Fights like this are what make boxing great. Cuba will have a champion once again on April 27!”

# # #

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

John Harding Jr has credited boxing for turning his life around as he prepares to take part in his first major arena show on the undercard of Dave Allen vs. Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora vs. Senad Gashi at The O2 in London this Saturday.

The Brixton Super-Welterweight (6-0-1, 1 KO) grew up on an estate in South East London and found himself caught up in gang activity at a young age, resulting in lengthy spells in prison. Determined to change his lie for the better, the now 34-year-old decided to put his all into climbing the ladder in the pro ranks after his debut at York Hall in 2017.

Heavyweight World title contender Dillian Whyte took Harding Jr under his wing at the beginning of the year and set about securing his new charge a golden opportunity on Matchroom Boxing’s Easter weekend card in Greenwich – Harding Jr says he will always be grateful for ‘The Body Snatcher’s’ guidance and leadership.

“Everything is good,” Harding Jr told iFL TV. “I’m just here enjoying being on this stage. It felt weird but now I’m embracing it. I was always the person on the outside looking in, but now I’ve got my chance. I’ve been working closely with Dillian and to be in this position now is just amazing. I want to prove to people that hard work can pay off. I want everyone to look at my life and know that if they work hard they can change their ways as well. Boxing has given me a lifeline.

“I grew up on an estate in New Cross. On the estate you grew up in a brotherhood, so you grew up inheriting rival gang activities. We thought that hustling was the only way for us to move forward in life. Other people call it drug-dealing, for us it was just survival. That’s what we grew up around and thought was normal. I ran into the law a couple of times. I’ve spent probably around five and a half years of my life in prison. It’s very hard when you’re in that position as a young person.

“I always dreamt I’d be the one being interviewed one day. I used to watch these guys being interviewed on a secret little mobile phone in jail! This shows the power of vision and hard work. When I stepped out with nothing, I only had that vision in my head. I was quite big, 17 stone and muscly. Now look at me, I’m a Light-Middleweight floating like a butterfly!

“I just kept coming to the gym, training around guys like Richard Riakporhe. I was always in the shadows of those guys, training hard. Fast-forward a while and I bumped into Dillian Whyte, who’s looked out for me since. He saw my heart and he’s brought me close and that just shows me how much of a true person he is. For him to reach out and help someone like me has changed my life and helped others too.

“It’s never too late to change your life. Hard work always pays off. Dillian told me to work hard. He always emphasises working hard. Even when it was his birthday he was in the gym grinding and working all day. I can’t lie, this is big for me, but Dillian has told me to be grounded. He’s a workaholic, he doesn’t stop. Focus and hard work pays off and I’m the living proof of that.”

Harding Jr takes part in a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs), Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Las Vegas, NV (April 16, 2019)- Boxing has a new digital platform. A new and free way to watch some of the best fights in the United States:

Introducing Warfare Sports.

Warfare Sports is a direct to consumer application that will bring the best boxing action to the fans all over the world.

Over the next year, Warfare Sports is planning 24 live events plus shoulder programming.

Warfare Sports will be available on the World-Wide-Web, Mobile Devices (Apple and Android), Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromcast

Warfare Sports in the brainchild of Jesse Carstairs. Carstairs a Nevada native had the idea after certain fight series have gone on the wayside, and he feels that there is a market for high-quality boxing events that will showcase fighters who are just a step or two from fighting for world titles.

“Our initial focus is on that mid-level market when it comes to professional boxing. An example, when a fighter would get wins on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights, then take that step up to HBO and Showtime for a ‘Big-Level’ fight or title fight. With the end goal being in a position to compete at the highest level as a digital television sports network,” said Carstairs.

“Warfare Sports will be working with promoters like Joe DeGuardia’s StarBoxing and Marshall Kauffmans King’s Promotions, and we are open to working with other promoters as well who fit our model.”

Signed on to do the on-air commentary is International Boxing Hall of Famer Al Bernstein, UFC superstar Megan Anderson and 18-year boxing commentator and insider Marc Abrams.

“The renaissance of boxing in the past several years is built on two things. 1. Good, competitive matches that fans can enjoy. 2. Boxing being available on many platforms to fit the communication age we now live in. The boxing schedule of Warfare Sports fits both of those narratives and that’s why I am so delighted to be a part of this new endeavor. The Warfare model of experienced promoters providing exciting boxing with a top notch production crew chronicling the event is a winning combination. Hosting these shows will be a labor of love for me and I look forward to a successful and enjoyable collaboration with Warfare Sports,” said Bernstein.

“This is a terrific platform not only for myself but for all boxers that will be able showcase their skills on Warfare Sports,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “I have had the pleasure of doing some amazing TV shows in the past, but this here is special because it is a partnership with Warfare Sports.
I truly believe that this partnership will help to elevate the boxers to the next level in their career.”

The Initial rollout for Warfare Sports will be in early May for the web and Roku, with Apple, Android, Amazon Fire and Smart TV to follow.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 16, 2019) – Undefeated NABF Women’s lightweight champion, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios (5-0, 2 KOs), returns to the ring April 27, 2019, against former world champion, Melissa “The Shark” Hernandez (22-7-3, 7 KOs). The six-round bout will take place at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA, as a special feature attraction on the WBSS super-lightweight semi-final card, headlined by Regis Prograis (23-0, 19 KOs) vs. Kiryl Relikh (23-2, 19 KOs).

Barrios, who has defeated three undefeated fighters in a row, last fought in September of 2018. She is eager to get back in the ring against a game opponent like Hernandez, who has been in the ring with many of the best female boxers in the world.

“I have a lot of respect for Melissa Hernandez, who has been a big part of growing women’s boxing over the years,” said Barrios, who resides in San Antonio, Texas. “This fight is going to be a classic Mexican vs. Purto Rican war. No disrespect to her, but I’m coming with straight heat, with the mindset of beating her down. This is the hurt game and that’s what I plan to do to Hernandez when she steps in the ring with me. None of these girls want to see me.”

“We know Melissa Hernandez is a dangerous fighter with a lot of experience,” said Barrios’ advisor Kerry Daigle. “Once DAZN sees this fight we feel it will be the swing bout on TV. Barrios is extremely TV friendly.”

“We believe Selina is the best female fighter in the world,” stated co-manger Colin Campbell. “With that being said, a win against a crafty veteran like Hernandez will surly give us the momentum we need going into our next fight.”

Katie Taylor will face Delfine Persoon for the undisputed Lightweight championship of the World on Saturday June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Taylor (13-0 6KOs) added the WBO title to her IBF and WBA crowns in March, stopping Rose Volante in the ninth round in Philadelphia, a sixth win inside the distance for the Irish sensation after the former amateur star won her first World title in just her seventh pro outing.

The 32 year old takes on Persoon on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s IBF, WBA and WBO World Heavyweight title defense against Jarrell Miller in the Big Apple, making it the third time Taylor has boxed on the same bill as her fellow London 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Joshua.

Along with the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC titles, Taylor and Persoon will battle for the Ring magazine belt – the first time the title has been on the line at Lightweight for women, another landmark moment for both fighters and the sport.

Persoon (43-1 18KOs) has held the WBC strap for five years with nine defenses in that reign and the Belgian star fights outside of Europe for the first time in her career as she joins Taylor in aiming to cement her spot as the number one 135lbs lady on the planet.

“It’s great that she has finally signed for the fight and I’m delighted that Eddie has been able to make it,” said Taylor. “After my fight last month I went back home for a week but then it was straight back to Connecticut to start the hard work in training camp for this fight.

“When I turned professional my first goal was to win a World title but then my next priority was to become undisputed champion so obviously this fight gives me the opportunity to do that so it’s massive for my career.

“Women’s boxing is in such great place right now and these are the kind of super fights that will really take it to new heights. Persoon is recognized as one of the best in the world pound for pound and has been the WBC champ now for over five years so it’s the best against the best. Madison Square Garden seems like the perfect setting for a fight of this magnitude.”

“This is a very unique opportunity for me and I’m thankful we’ve got the fight made,” said Persoon. “I did not have the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Games and now I get the chance to compete with the Olympic champion in Katie Taylor.

“I expect this will be a very tough and honest fight, and that the best boxer may win this title fight – and I expect that to be me.”

“This is it – this is everything, the absolute pinnacle of the sport,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The dream is on, the undisputed championship and I can’t wait to see this fight on June 1.

“This is the toughest test of Katie’s amateur and pro career, two pound-for-pound greats putting it all on the line at the mecca of boxing – the atmosphere is going to be something else.”

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

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

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

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

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

IF EVERYTHING PLAYS out according to plan, Jack Catterall would like to be contemplating a world title unification clash against Josh Taylor in the not too distant future.

There are several obstacles standing in the way of such a prospect at present, not least the fact that Catterall has got his mandatory challenge to the WBO world super lightweight champion Maurice Hooker to navigate past first.

Taylor, meanwhile, is heavily embroiled in the World Boxing Super Series, where the Scot is scheduled to take on Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF belt at the semi-final stage in Glasgow next month.

If successful, the Edinburgh man will face either Regis Prograis or Kiryl Relikh in the final, with the WBA belt also on the line.

Catterall makes Taylor the favourite to emerge from the series with the bounty.

“The World Boxing Super Series is going on in the background in the meantime and the favourites to win it in my book are either Josh Taylor or Regis Prograis,” reasoned the 23-0 Catterall ahead of his own return to the ring on April 27 at Wembley. “I do pick Josh over Prograis slightly, although I have not seen too much of the American.

“My ideal scenario would be for me to win my world title and Josh to win the WBSS. Then we could get together for a unification fight.

“I’ve thought about fighting Josh because I’ve got to be looking at all the guys in the top ten in my division. Everyone is with different promoters but these fights are always possible. For me it is an obvious fight for the future,” added the 25-year-old who clearly backs himself against the best the division has to offer.

“I have definitely got the beating of him and I think I have got the beating of all the guys if I prepare right.”

In the meantime, Catterall will keep busy ahead of his shot at Hooker with a slot on the card at the SSE Arena, live on BT Sport. It is an assignment he views as essential but one he must view with caution given that his big opportunity is firmly on the horizon.

“I am definitely happy and grateful for the opportunity to get a fight at Wembley because it will keep me in a good place physically and mentally. I am under no illusion going into this fight that I have got to treat every one like a world title.

“I’m hoping to pick up a good win on April 27 and really kick on from then. It is a catch 22 because I can’t sit on the fence, not be active and earn no wages until my shot. I’ve just got to get a win and go from there.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Dave Allen insists there is “zero chance” of Lucas Browne defeating him by knockout when they collide at the top of a huge Heavyweight bill at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former WBA World ruler Browne has amassed 24 stoppages from 28 career wins and the hard-hitting Australian known as ‘Big Daddy’ says he is looking forward to a “good old fashioned slugfest” when he meets cult hero Allen over 12 rounds in the Capital.

Allen is renowned for his durability having only been stopped twice in 22 fights – a seventh round TKO loss to World title challenger Luis Ortiz and a controversial tenth round stoppage loss Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka – and the ‘White Rhino’ says he has no concerns over trading leather with Browne.

“The last thing I worry about when I box is the power,” said Allen. “That’s not because I can take a good shot, even though I can.

“People say ‘you haven’t got a good defence’, I’ve got a great defence, I see every shot coming. Even the ones I take clean in the face, I know they’re coming. You’re not going to knock me out.

“Lucas Browne, if he’s planning on beating me with power, he might as well stay in Australia, because there’s zero chance of me getting knocked out.”

Allen heads into the biggest fight of his career in the form of his life following three KO wins over Nick Webb, Samir Nebo and Ariel Esteban Bracamonte, and the popular 27-year-old Yorkshireman is aiming to make it three KO wins from three fights at the Greenwich venue.

“Even though there’s no animosity in the build-up, I want to punch him all over The O2. I’ve trained harder than ever for this fight and you’ll all see the difference come fight night. I’m going to knock him out.

“A win here puts me on the big stage, not the highest level, but within touching distance of a fight that would then put me there.”

Allen vs. Browne is part of a huge night of boxing in London.

Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Czech Republic’s Josef Zahradnik (10-2, 5KOs), Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

16 April 2019 – Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced a multi-year seven-figure partnership with Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), the independent governing body for the sport of mixed martial arts worldwide.

Based in Amsterdam, GAMMA is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 made up of thought leaders and pioneers in mixed martial arts across five continents with decades of experience in the sport. GAMMA is headed by its President, Alexander Engelhardt, and its members are made up of national federations across over 60 countries.

GAMMA’s objective is to obtain international recognition for mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport, in order to give all amateur mixed martial artists the platform and opportunity to fulfill their dream of competing on the Olympic stage.

As part of this partnership, ONE Championship will support GAMMA’s efforts to obtain Olympic recognition for mixed martial arts. In addition, ONE will also work with GAMMA to develop and promote best practices in health and safety standards, anti-doping regulations, and competition rules for the daily safe practice of competitive mixed martial arts at the amateur level.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Championship is thrilled to announce a multi-year partnership with GAMMA, the world’s independent governing body of the sport of mixed martial arts. As a lifelong martial artist, I am personally invested in developing the amateur mixed martial arts scene, and ensuring that all athletes have the right foundation and support to pursue a professional career in this sport.”

With support from ONE Championship, GAMMA is set to hold its Amateur MMA World Championships in Singapore this November, showcasing the world’s biggest and brightest young martial arts talents on the most prestigious global amateur mixed martial arts platform.

Alexander Engelhardt, President of GAMMA, stated: “On behalf of GAMMA, I would like to thank ONE Championship for their support and commitment to the sport of mixed martial arts. As a lifelong karate practitioner, I am passionate about delivering the same level of international recognition to the discipline of mixed martial arts. Both GAMMA and ONE celebrate the authentic martial arts values of integrity, humility, honor, respect, courage, discipline, and compassion in the same spirit as the Olympics. With this philosophical foundation, GAMMA and ONE aim to elevate the sport of mixed martial arts and prepare it for entry into the Olympics.”

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

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

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (April 15, 2019): IBF Middleweight World Champion Daniel
Jacobs (35-2, 29KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. hosted a media workout today at CEA Fitness in Long Island, N.Y. ahead of his 12-round unification fight against Canelo Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) of Guadalajara, Mexico. Andre Rozier, his trainer, also attended the workout. The event will take place Saturday, May 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Here is what today’s participants had to say at the workout:

DANIEL JACOBS, IBF MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“I don’t necessarily think Canelo can bully me. I think that it’s going to be really hard for him being the smaller guy to dictate that. I’m a rough guy when it comes to being in the ring. From the outside looking in, it might look different. But in the ring, I’m a physically big guy with speed and power, so it’s more about the tactics that I choose to use to be victorious.”

“All I see is my hand being raised. I’ve envisioned KOs, decisions, all the positive things. As far as controversy or negativity, him being able to take my punches or push me back, that’s not entered my mind. We only think positively before going into the ring, we’re ready for every possibility, but ultimately, we are on a positive path to victory.”

“Victory would truly show the fans that whether you think I beat Golovkin or not. I am the best Middleweight in the world. I’ve always said that I am the best, and I’ve also always been vocal that the win over Golovkin was taken from me. So, a win over Canelo puts a new idea in the fans’ minds that this guy is the best as he’s proven it against a guy that bean Golovkin – and then I can give Golovkin the rematch and prove that I am better than him.”

“I’ve switched up the sparring partners a lot and we’ve worked a lot on footwork. I’ve been the come-forward aggressor in my previous fights, the power-puncher; Canelo takes a good shot and he’s very elusive with his upper body, so we wanted to make sure we’re faster on our feet, with our hands and with our combinations than in previous fights.”

“I give Canelo all the respect in the world. He’s definitely top-ten, pound for pound. There are some controversial fights that he’s had that where I thought he lost, including both Golovkin fights. But I respect any man that has the courage to fight as this is a kill or be killed sport, but that’s where the respect ends. As far as getting in the ring with him goes, I want to be the victor. I want to take his head off and prove that I am the best gladiator in the world. That’s my true intentions so there’s no respect when it comes to that. But we’re both gentlemen and in my opinion, we’re great ambassadors for the sport. But take that away, and it’s going to be a blood sport in the ring.”

“It’s a little annoying to have to keep talking about the judges and Canelo getting favoritism, but it’s also a fact in most people’s mind so that’s why it comes up so much. I don’t mind answering the questions, but it can be annoying as I don’t want the mindset to be going in there to fight Canelo and the judges. I don’t need any more stress in this fight as Canelo is a force in himself and it’s going to take a lot to figure him out.”

“I study all the fights, and the ones I believed he lost as those are the fighters that showed his bad habits and the opponents were able to exploit them. Canelo has great upper body and head movement, but his legs and his knees don’t hold up well. He doesn’t cut the ring off well like Sergey Derevyanchenko or Golovkin. We look at things like that. I’m one of the longest fighters that he’s faced too, and I’m so fast, so I think I can use all that to my advantage.”

“Sometimes in boxing you have to prove yourself. If you don’t have the name, the power and the brand to really be marketed to the world, you have to work harder to get recognition. I think that with the win over Canelo, I would be given everything I rightfully deserve. The pound-for-pound list doesn’t worry me as that’s for the fans. They can pick and choose who they see fit and who they like. That’s a favoritism thing anyway, so if I’m not the fans favorite after this fight, I’ve got a lot more work to do. I need to not worry about that but concentrate on winning the fight in the ring and the rest will come.”

“Controversy sells but that’s not who I am. That’s not where I came from. I’m not sure if that’s why I am not a household name, but I can’t concentrate on that. I stay true to who I am and how I was raised. I’ll always keep that integrity and try to be a stand-up guy. Also, by having a son, I know he watches everything that I do, and I can’t be acting up and being goofy to get more ratings. Boxing is my job, I have to stay professional and disciplined to get the job done.”

“I never look past any fighter, but it’s absurd that Golovkin and his team would always say that people are fearful of facing them and that they were in it for the love of the sport and to fight the best. Me getting the win over Canelo, you would think that they would want the rematch, but we heard it out of their own mouths that they still wouldn’t want the rematch if I win. They would rather fight Canelo. So, we see from that that boxing is a business. It’s a compliment for sure that he thinks that way. Golovkin knows he lost the fight against me. I saw it in his eyes when they gave me the decision, and he’s never been vocal about giving me the rematch. It’s either been small talk or just swept under the rug. So, for me, I just want to make sure that I not only fight Golovkin again and prove the naysayers wrong, but show him that he knows that I am better than he is.”

“I love energy. Regardless of the fans rooting for Canelo or booing me, I take it and use it as fuel. I want people to chant, roar, raise the roof, it doesn’t matter if it’s for me or against me, I just want that energy in the arena to feed off, and that’s what I am expecting on May 4.”

“I haven’t done anything majorly different than in any other training camp. We’ve had a lot of guys who spar similar to Canelo’s style, and I’ve kept my camp here in New York. We have everything we need here at Competitive Edge Athletics. I’ve been here for six years and this is the biggest fight I’ve ever had. I wanted to be at home and feel that energy from where it all started. I wanted feel the vibes and then go to Las Vegas for the victory.”

“We leave tomorrow, so I’m going to go to Brownsville before I go to get some love to take with me that I was raised from and go out and conquer the world. It’s Brooklyn versus everyone where I’m from. This is the opportunity and my one shot to achieve my dreams. It’s hard to explain the feeling you get of being from Brooklyn, so to go back and feel the love before I go to Vegas is important.”

ANDRE ROZIER, TRAINER OF DANIEL JACOBS:

“This is what we’ve groomed Danny for since he was 13 years old. Now is his time. It’s the biggest fight of his life and one of the biggest and best fights in boxing, and Danny will be the victor on May 4. This is not something that’s just fallen into Danny’s lap as a gift. This is many years of hard work and dedication and now his moment is here.”

“You train fighters to be ready for everything and anything you might get. You never know what Canelo might bring into the ring. He could show something new. So, we’re not training for Canelo the counter-puncher or Canelo the boxer-mover; we’re ready for everything, and there’s no particular way to prepare for that. We just have to stay sharp and smart, and we should be ready for anything.”

“He’s my baby, my boy. Danny showed early that he was elite and special. When he was afflicted with cancer, we thought we were going to lose him. God put his hand on him, kept him with us, and he started coming to the gym. Then, he had this huge brace on and he’d walk down the steps one and a time and the kids would help him. He’d do a little bit of shadow boxing and then a bit on the bag, and every day he would improve until he became a world champion. That’s why I believe that he’s still improving and will unify the titles.”

“Canelo and Golden Boy have been completely professional and great to work with from day one – but now it’s fight time. I know that they are getting ready and we’re getting ready. Danny has never let me down and in Las Vegas he becomes unified middleweight champion of the world. We did the ten pounds to win the IBF title against Sergey, so it won’t be a problem, he’ll make it easily.”

Canelo vs. Jacobs is a 12-round fight for the WBC, WBA, Lineal, Ring Magazine and IBF Middleweight World Titles presented by Golden Boy in association with Matchroom Boxing. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.”The event will take place Saturday, May 4, 2019 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Jacobs are on sale now and are priced at $2,505, $1,505,
$1,205, $805, $605, $405, $305, and not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of 10 per person at the $2,505, $1,505, $1,205, $805, $605, $405, and $305 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information,visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing
and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @DanielJacobsTKO, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloJacobs.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/May4DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy for any photo and/or video usage.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 15, 2019) – Professional boxing returns to the Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown San Antonio, TX, on April 20, 2019, when TMB & PRB Entertainment present, “A Ferocious Ending”. Welterweight Gilbert Venegas Jr. (10-1, 6 KOs), welterweight Hector Coronado (1-0, 1 KO), and featherweight Richard Medina (3-0, 2 KOs), who are managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing, will fight in separate 4-round bouts. The 6-round main event will feature a middleweight showdown between Luis Villareal (4-0-1, 2 KOs) and Jimmie Strickland (3-0, 1 KO).

Venegas will square off against Adam Ealoms (3-16-3, 1 KO), Coronado will battle, Jesus Angulo (4-12, 3 KOs), and Medina will fight Alejandro Moreno (24-39-3, 11 KOs). All three fighters are promoted by TMB & PRB Entertainment.

“I’m ready to get back in ring and rebound from my first loss,” said Venegas Jr., who suffered his first defeat in his last outing. “I feel I’m a stronger fighter at welterweight as opposed to super lightweight, which is the weight I fought last. I was drained and it showed. I’ll be a full strength going into this fight.”

“I was supposed to fight in February, but my opponent pulled out after the weigh-in,” stated Coronado. “I’m in great shape and I’m looking forward to fighting this Saturday.”

“Although Moreno doesn’t have the best record, he’s got over sixty fights under his belt, so I know he has a few tricks up his sleeve,” said the 18-year old Medina. “I’m just happy to be back in the ring after just fighting in February. As always, I’m going to put on a great show for my hometown fans.”

“All my fighters on this card have bright futures,” said Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Medina is still in high school and is already making a name for himself. Coronado was a tremendous amateur, and like Medina, he will be one of the top prospects in boxing. Venegas is at his best when he’s fighting at welterweight, so he’ll be campaigning there moving forward. In all, these guys are going to give their hometown fans their money’s worth.”

“We have a stacked card full of local talent,” said TMB & PRB Entertainment promoter Rick Morones Jr., “These kids are the future stars of boxing and San Antonio should come out and support them. This is a family event so bring the kids and let them see what all the hype is about.”

“This event is almost sold out so everyone should purchase their tickets now,” said Alex Draghici of TMB & PRB Entertainment. “Boxing is alive and well here in San Antonio and boxing fans of all ages are welcome.”

Tickets priced $40 General Admission $35 pre-sale, $100 Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling (210) 449-5599 or (210) 322-9974. The Scottish Rite Theatre is located at 308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205. Doors open at 6:00 PM, first bell at 7:30 PM

MONTREAL, QC—Top lightweight prospect Mazlum Akdeniz added to his undefeated record on Saturday night, scoring an eight round unanimous decision over Jose Guillermo Garcia at the Montreal Casino in Montreal, QC.

Akdeniz turned in a complete performance, dominating his more experienced opponent from start to finish. His straight counter left hands and uppercuts bloodied Garcia, who is to be commended for his toughness in going the distance. Akdeniz also beat the Mexican warrior at his own game, adding a varied body attack, digging vicious shots downstairs in between his accurate attack up top.

In the end, all three judges deservedly gave Akdeniz all eight rounds on the scorecards.

“He was a good, experienced fighter. That’s what I need. I’m only 21 years old, so I’m trying to get more experience. I won every round. I’m very happy about my performance,” said Akdeniz following the bout.

The hype around Akdeniz has been building as his career as a professional under the Lee Baxter Promotions banner has evolved over the past two years. The 21-year old came out of the amateurs with a considerable amount of promise, as one of the more accomplished amateurs to come out of the Canadian program in some time. In addition to winning the 2015 Ringside Championships, Akdeniz also scored a win over Jorge Moiran Vinent, becoming the first Quebec-based boxer to defeat a Cuban fighter since the legendary Jean Pascal in 2005.

Akdeniz has been remarkably busy in his pro career. He scored five wins in 2018 alone, and has picked up two more in 2019.

“(Lee Baxter) keeps me active. I’m young, I’m hungry, and I want to fight. If I have to do it again in two weeks, I will,” said Akdeniz.

In the main event of the card, Marie Eve Dicaire successfully defended her IBF super welterweight title, scoring a unanimous decision over Mikaela Lauren. In addition, all-action slugger David Theroux, scored his third consecutive victory as he defeated Juan Orozco by unanimous decision.

“We’re very excited about Mazlum’s development, but it’s certainly not a surprise. We knew he was a blue chip prospect coming out of the amateurs, and as the Kurdish-Canadian community continues to grow in its support for him, his stock is only going to keep rising,” said Baxter.

Super flyweight Sunny Edwards has signed a contract extension with Queensberry Promotions as he proceeds with his push towards world level, starting with the defence of his European title against Portuguese-boxer Pedro Matos at The SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27th.

The Croydon man, who is managed by MTK Global, has seen himself join the ‘who needs him’ club domestically in recent times with many of his fellow countryman not willing to step up and fight the 23-year-old.

But Edwards still hasn’t given up on his quest to find a worthy challenger and will continue his search at a lighter division.

“I’ve been boxing at super flyweight when I’m actually a natural flyweight, I’ve spoken to my management team MTK Global and we’re looking to campaign at flyweight. I’m not small for super flyweight but by no means am I big at the weight.”

“Ideally, I would like some domestic names on my record but can’t see them happening anytime too soon- we looked at the Jay Harris fight but he’s now going for the European title.

“We also looked at Tommy Frank, he’s just won the commonwealth and I thought it would make sense with the British title vacant, he brings his Commonwealth and I bring my WBO International and European titles. We tried making that, he wasn’t interested.

“There is also Paddy Barnes, but he isn’t going to fight me.

“The annoying thing about these fighters are that they’re too content on taking these four or six rounders for too long for my liking. I was only 3 and 0 and I was asking to be pushed towards title fights.”

23-year-old Edwards currently holds the WBO European super flyweight title, winning the belt by knocking out Ross Murray in the 4th round of their contest, then successfully defended the title when he put on a classy performance to defeat former EBU European champ, Ryan Farrag.

Sunny added the WBO International super flyweight title in December 2018 when he soundly beat tough Mexican, Junior Granados, a win which ranks him at number 8 in the world- and the steel city gym fighter would have no issue with stepping up towards the big boys of the division.

“On my day, I can mix it with anyone around my weight in the world. Not saying I can beat them, but I know I can put in a good account of myself.

“There’s a reason why I’ve been called to be sparring partner multiple times for world champions. I have proved that I can mix it in there with them and it’s competitive.

“I really want to build my experience with different situations, different sort of opponents and push for fighting in different countries.”

Sunny Edwards is in action on the undercard of Daniel Dubois vs Richard Lartey at The SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27th where he will defend his WBO European super flyweight title against Portuguese-boxer, Pedro Matos.

Tickets are priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Andy Townend says he is expecting Joe Cordina to “run” when they meet for the British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles at The O2 in London this Saturday (April 20), live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Townend (22-4, 14 KOs) is undefeated in six fights since a loss to Cordina’s gym mate Martin J Ward in a failed bid for the British Super-Featherweight title in 2016, and Barnsley’s ‘KO Kid’ is convinced he will be crowned a British Champion at the second time of asking.

Team GB standout Cordina is unbeaten in eight fights since turning over in 2017, picking up the Commonwealth title against Sean Dodd last time out at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff. The ‘Welsh Wizard’ is being tipped to reach the top by many but Townend doesn’t buy into the hype.

“I’m expecting him to run and stay out of my way,” said Townend. “He’s going to bob and weave to stay out of my range. I think he’ll try to box clever. I’ll be going out there to enjoy myself. I’m going to take the fight to him. It’s going to be a great fight and as long as I’m 110%, he’s going to be in for a hard night.

“Joe has a good pedigree having been part of the Team GB squad for a number of years. It’s a different kettle of fish now he’s in the pro game. There’s longer rounds and tougher opponents. I’ve got more experience than him in the pro ranks but it’s all down to Saturday night. Let’s see what he’s got.

“If this fight goes my way then it won’t be going the distance. I just go out there to enjoy myself. If it goes in one round, it goes in one round. If it goes in twelve, it goes in twelve. I’m prepared for a hard night and may the best man win.

“It’s great to be back on TV involved in such a big show at The O2. To win the British title would be massive for me. Everyone in the gym is doing it now. Robbie Barrett had it and so did Josh Wale, so it would be nice to bring it back home to the gym.”

Cordina vs. Townend is part of a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs), Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell, Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski, Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring, Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS has challenged WBO super-middleweight champion Gilberto Ramirez to face him or ditch his world title.

The Mexican hinted after a winning light-heavyweight debut at the weekend that his future belongs in the bigger 175lb division.

Saunders (27-0,13 KOs) faces German based Albanian Shefat Isufi (27-3-2, 20 KOs) at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium on Saturday May 18, live on BT Sport for the WBO interim super-middleweight crown.

Ramirez will be ordered to face the winner, unless he relinquishes the title he has held for three years.

If he does hand back his crown, the Saunders v Isufi fight is likely to be elevated to full world title status.

Former unbeaten WBO middleweight champion Saunders snapped: “I am raring to go for Ramirez, but if he doesn’t want to face me then give up the title and let me fight for the full championship.

“If it’s not going to happen against me after my ‘interim’ title fight then I would rather him say, now.

“He has said he can make 12 stone for Callum Smith so I don’t see the problem with myself. If he can make 12 stone for Callum, he can make 12 stone for me.

“I understand the rules of boxing. If you haven’t got the right style, opponents may not want to know you.

“His promoter Bob Arum has a good working relationship with Frank Warren and MTK, and he has most probably had a conversation with Ramirez.

“They know they can make the fight, but do they want it?

“Personally myself, I don’t think Ramirez will go ducking anybody, but unless he 100 per-cent knows he’s good at the weight I can’t see him taking the chance of fighting me.

“My way of winning fights is slick boxing so that takes a lot of steam out of the opponent especially if you’re weight-drained.”

Saunders cannot wait to appear at a stadium just 12 miles from his Hatfield home.

And although less than half of his wins have come inside the distance, Saunders reckons the open air crowd at the Lamex Stadium are in for a knockout night.

Saunders who is currently training in Manchester added: “I will carry more power up with me. We have been working on a few bits and bobs to improve my power.

“I’ve been sparring well, my timing is there, my speed is still there, but I have got to perform at the weight.”

Tickets for Saunders v Isufi at Stevenage FC are now on sale via www.borotickets.co.uk and are priced as below:

£200 – Hospitality
£150 – Pitch
£100 – Pitch
£75 – Pitch
£50 – Stand
£40 – Stand

Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (April 15, 2019)- Preparations are well underway as Central New York prepares to host boxing’s biggest weekend of the year, International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. Star Boxing, in partnership with Turning Stone Resort Casino, today announced a new event for an already impressive boxing weekend – Zab “Super” Judah (44-9, 30 KOs) vs. Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (23-1, 19 KOs). The fight will take place in the Turning Stone Event Center on Friday, June 7, 2019, as part of the 30th Anniversary of Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. The evening’s co-main event will feature James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. (27-3-1, 14KO’s) facing off against David Papot (22-0, 3KO’s), the same weekend his father James “Buddy” McGirt Sr. will be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

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

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

June 7th’s main event features, Zab “Super” Judah (Brooklyn, NY), a six-time world champion, and the last undisputed welterweight champion of the world. The three-time New York Golden Glove champion made his professional debut at the age of 18, later holding world titles in three weight classes, capped off by his undisputed welterweight reign. Judah has defeated some of the most notable names in the business, including, Micky Ward, Lucas Matthysse and Cory Spinks (Undisputed Welterweight Title), and fought many other top fighters including Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan, Danny Garcia and Miguel Cotto .

Opposing the six-time and former undisputed champion will be New York’s feared knockout artist, Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin (Shirley, NY). Born from a tough line of Jewish-Americans, Seldin won the Ringside Amateur World Championship in 2009. As a professional, Seldin created buzz throughout New York as a knockout artist packing the Paramount with his “Hamma Head” fans. He broke on to the national scene when he devoured Roberto Ortiz at the Nassau Coliseum in a featured HBO fight. One month later, Seldin became the first boxer alongside Hall of Fame world champions, Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. to fight in featured fights on back to back months on HBO. 83 percent of Seldin’s wins have come via knockout.

The veteran craftsmanship of former undisputed champion Judah, will have to weather the storm of the heavy-handed New York brawler in Seldin. On the biggest weekend in boxing, with many Hall of Famer’s in attendance, #JudahSeldin is bound to set off fireworks at Turning Stone on June 7th.

In the co-feature bout, James “Buddy” McGirt Jr. (Vero Beach, FL) will look to tip his hat to his father, James McGirt Sr. who is being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame during the same weekend, when he takes on tough Frenchman David Papot (Saint-Nazaire, France). McGirt compiled an impressive amateur record of 44-4 winning the Sunshine State Games and the Southeastern Regional. As a professional McGirt has also found success and has faced some well-regarded fighters in his division, including, Carlos De Leon Jr., Edwin Rodriguez, and Raymond Joval. His opponent, undefeated Frenchman David Papot is taking the trip across the Atlantic Ocean with intentions of ruining the McGirt family weekend. Papot had 102 amateur bouts, 30 of which were with the French National team, earning French National Champion honors two times. In 2017 Papot earned the WBA Continental Middleweight Title, and later that year became the French National Super Welterweight Champion, having since defended the title three times.

Golden fighter lineage will be on full display in this co-feature bout. McGirt Jr. intends to cap off an already prolific day for the McGirt family with a victory at Turning Stone, while David Papot plans to play spoiler, and take another step towards a world title challenge.

Last year, Turning Stone and the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced a multifaceted partnership to spotlight the entire region, garnering national attention and boosting Central New York tourism. The program includes a series of nationally-televised boxing events at Turning Stone, culminating every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend celebration.

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

Media credential requests for the June 7thJudah vs. Seldin fight should be emailed to kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

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

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

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

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

RICHARD LARTEY BELIEVES he has been the avoided man of the heavyweight division.

The 14-1 Ghanaian with 11 KOs to his name has fought just once outside of his native Accra when he travelled to Berne and suffered an injury-enforced defeat to the unbeaten Ergun Mersin in December 2014.

He will now embark on a long-awaited second away voyage to take on the 10-0 heavyweight star in the making Daniel Dubois at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27, live on BT Sport.

For Lartey, a big-punching trade-off with Dubois represents an opportunity to really announce himself in the heavyweight division and make a statement to his fellow ranked contenders who have chosen to bypass him.

“Heavyweights have been avoiding me for a long time now, when I knock out Daniel Dubois then I cannot be avoided any longer!” said Lartey with intent. “My goal is to become the world heavyweight champion!

“This is about my dream to become the first world heavyweight champion from Africa. When I beat someone with a big reputation like Dubois, I will get the opportunities and climb up the rankings.”

Lartey’s school of thought is that the clutch of highly-rated young heavyweights in world boxing are nothing but pretenders who always enjoy home comforts against easy touches.

“People talk too much about young heavyweights who have achieved nothing and beaten nobody. I am happy to do it the hard way and beat these people in front of their own fans.

“I will make a big statement against Dubois then no-one can deny me what I deserve.”

Daniel Dubois v Richard Lartey tops the bill at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 on a card that also includes the Commonwealth super middleweight title fight between Lerrone Richards and Tommy Langford, as well as the Southern Area super middleweight title clash between Zak Chelli and Jimmy Smith. WBO European super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and WBO European super featherweight champion Archie Sharp also feature.

Chorley-boxer Jack Catterall will be in action as he edges ever-closer to a world title challenge. Rangy Super Welterweight talent Hamzah Sheeraz will be back out after his impressive win over Rod Douglas Jnr. Hard hitting middleweight and Peacock gym product Denzel Bentley (9-0) and Belfast amateur middleweight star Caoimhin Agyarko will also return to action. There is a Queensberry debut for Sheffield middleweight Shakiel Thompson (2-0) – with Thompson being tipped by sparring partner Billy Joe Saunders as a star for the future. Ilford Super Middleweight Umar Sadiq (4-1) also returns as he looks to rebuild after his first career loss. Tunde Ajayi trained lightweight Bilal Ali (1-0) will have his second professional fight after making a successful start to his pro career, with Hoddesdon super lightweight Alfie Price set for his fifth.

Tickets will be priced as £40, £50, £75, £100 and £150 and are now ON SALE to purchase via Eventim, Ticketmaster, the SSE Arena website and AXS.com

Derek Chisora says he would be open to fighting former undisputed Cruiserweight World Champion Oleksandr Usyk – should he come through his crunch Heavyweight clash with Senad Gashi at The O2 in London this Saturday, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Pound-for-pound star Usyk makes his Heavyweight debut against former Chisora foe Carlos Takam at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on May 25, and the Finchley man says Usyk’s switch to Heavyweight spells big trouble for the other members of the division.

“Usyk will be a nightmare for everybody,” said Chisora. “The moment he puts his weight on, he will be a nightmare. He has the punching power and the boxing skills, his movement will kill most Heavyweights. I think to win with that guy you might have to foul him a little bit, a couple of low blows!”

“Is he holding hand luggage or a massive suitcase of money? I love fighting – whoever wants it can have it. We do the deal, we sign, we get ready for it, we fight. Parker or I might go to watch Usyk – I don’t mind having some of that. I just want to fight. Most people are scared of fighting but, if I could fight every week, I would do.”

Chisora recently split with long-time coach Don Charles and is feeling upbeat after moving up to Yorkshire to train with Dave Coldwell at his gym in Rotherham alongside rising Featherweight talent Jordan Gill and two-time World Champion Jamie McDonnell.

“I like Don but it was time for a change,” added Chisora. “In the Takam fight, he (Coldwell) was on the other side and I could hear him shouting instructions, – and Tony (Bellew) told me it was a good move. He is making my feet move fast, everything move faster – I am feeling great benefits and everything is working out great.”

Chisora vs. Gashi is part of a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs), Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring, Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut and Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fights for the second time as a pro after her debut win at the Copper Box Arena.

General Sale tickets for April 20 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Vineland, NJ – Diane Lee Fisher Cristiano, President and CEO of Dee Lee Promotions, LLC. is pleased to announce the signing of Middleweight Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis (21-5-2/9 ko’s) of Los Angeles, CA to a professional promotional contract. Pendarvis has fought for and won the WBA Super lightweight Title two different times in his career and Dee Lee Promotion’s hopes to guide him to another title fight or two in the very near future. Mookie, a southpaw, is just the kind of skilled fighter that other promoters avoid like the plague because as anyone in boxing knows, putting your fighter in with a skilled southpaw, is no blueprint for success’ and a real good way to get your guy beat. Cleotis has fought plenty of times in the other guys backyard and that accounts, in part, to his 5 losses. Fighting in places like Ontario, Guadalajara and Aguascalientes has more than its’ share of drawbacks and that’s before a fighter puts on the gloves. Both Dee Lee and Mookie are looking to avoid those same pitfalls this time around and with the very able assistance of Matchmaker, Nick Tiberi, hopes to see another title belt around his waist very soon.