AHEAD OF THEIR hugely anticipated World Title clash in June, champion Josh Warrington and mandatory challenger Kid Galahad faced off at the home of Leeds United yesterday.

Warrington (28-0) will be roared on by his hometown fans at First Direct Arena, Leeds when he defends his IBF world featherweight title against Galahad on Saturday June 15.

During half time of yesterday’s Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday game, the unbeaten Leeds and Sheffield featherweights came face to face for the first time since the press conference to announce their fight back in March.

At the first press conference face off, it was Warrington who felt he left with the upper hand as he was able to cause a noticeable flinch from the Dominic Ingle trained Galahad (26-0) when he leaned in slightly with his head.

This time, there was no flinching and no words from Galahad as Warrington continued to taunt his Yorkshire rival.

He said: “Do you fancy me or something? You can’t take your eyes off me!” as Galahad refused to break his gaze.

As the thousands of fans in attendance began chanting that Warrington should knock Galahad out, Warrington continued to goad Galahad and warned “On June 15th they will get their wish!”

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Las Vegas ­– UFC® today announced that former UFC middleweight champion Rich Franklin has been named to the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2019 as a Pioneer. The 2019 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires®, will take place on Friday, July 5 in Las Vegas. The event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®.

“Rich Franklin is one of the original, big stars of UFC, from when we first bought the company,” UFC President Dana White said. “Rich helped us take the sport of mixed martial arts to another level and put UFC on the map during the early days. Rich has always been a class act. He’s a guy who would fight anyone and do whatever it took to help grow the sport of MMA. He is a true legend and I’m honored to call him my friend.”

Franklin will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 16th member of the Pioneer Era wing. The Pioneers Era category includes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000 (when the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted), are a minimum age of 35, or have been retired for one year or more.

“This induction is less of my doing and more of the culmination of the many hours each coach, training partner and my manager spent with me,” said Franklin. “So often people talk about the sacrifices an athlete has to make to succeed, but my friends and family sacrificed far more for my career. Few people in this world live out a childhood dream and turn a hobby into a career, let alone end with Hall of Fame recognition, and God has blessed me with both. I am humbled by the support of my fans over the years and those particularly persistent on this induction.”

A veteran of 37 professional fights during his 13-year career, Franklin compiled a record of 29-7, 1 NC (14-6 UFC), which included wins over UFC Hall of Famers Ken Shamrock and Chuck Liddell, former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner, and former PRIDE® middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva.

Franklin made his UFC debut as a light heavyweight on Saturday, April 25, 2003 at UFC® 42: SUDDEN IMPACT, defeating Evan Tanner via TKO (punches) in the first round. After winning his first three UFC bouts, Rich would headline UFC’s first-ever live network cable show, The Ultimate Fighter® 1 Finale, against Ken Shamrock. Franklin defeated Shamrock via TKO in the first round, earning him a title shot in a rematch against UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner at UFC® 53: HEAVY HITTERS.

UFC® 53: HEAVY HITTERS took place on June 4, 2005 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey and would mark Franklin’s first UFC bout at middleweight. Tanner, in his first title defense, entered UFC 53 having won eight of his previous 10 UFC fights, losing only to Franklin and UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz during a five-year stretch.

Franklin and Tanner both came out aggressive from the beginning, exchanging punches and kicks throughout the first round, with Evan landing a right hand that floored “Ace” with :30 seconds left, stealing the round. Franklin recovered for the second round, setting the pace through the fourth round, out-striking Tanner. At the 3:25 mark of the fourth round, the bout was stopped by the New Jersey State Athletic Commission doctor due to a large cut over Tanner’s left eye. As a result of his victory, Rich earned a spot as a coach for season 2 of The Ultimate Fighter®, opposite his good friend, UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes.

Franklin, who won his first seven UFC fights, successfully defended his middleweight title against Nate Quarry and David Loiseau, before losing the belt to Anderson Silva in October 2006. Franklin’s career was far from over after his lost to Silva, as he repeatedly battled the best inside the Octagon, compiling seven more wins before retiring in 2012. Following his UFC career, Rich became a combat sports executive, joining ONE Championship as Vice President in 2014.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Franklin earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Master’s degree in Education from the University of Cincinnati. Rich began his post-college career as an educator, teaching math at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati. His unique path to the Octagon led Franklin to become one of the sport’s most respected and popular ambassadors, as he helped to educate a generation of fans about MMA, making him a key figure in the growth of UFC following the first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

The remaining inductees of the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2019 will be announced in the coming weeks leading to the 8th Annual UFC International Fight Week™, taking place from Wednesday, July 3 – Sunday, July 7 in Las Vegas.

To view Franklin’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://www.ufc.tv/category/ufc-hall-of-fame-rich-franklin-2019.

To view the Hall of Fame fight library, please visit UFCHOF. To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOFFAQ. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.

About UFC®
UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts more than 278 million fans worldwide and has produced over 460 events in 24 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME| IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to more than 1.0 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram: @UFC.

Jaime Munguia barely kept his WBO Junior Middleweight Title with a 12-round majority decision over mandatory challenger Dennis Hogan at The Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico.

Hogan pressed the action and landed the harder shots. As the fight went on Munguia tried to get back into the fight, and landed some nice body shots. Hogan was deprived of all that hard work as the judges ruled 16-112, 115-113 and 114-114 for Munguia.

Munguiaa, 154 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 33-0. Hogan, 154 lbs of Kildare, IRE is 28-2-1.

Patrick Teixeira won a 10-round majority decision over Mario Lozano in a super welterweight bout

In round six, Teixeira was cut around the left eye from an elbow.

Teixeria won by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95. Teixeira, 154 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA is now 30-1. Lozano, 154 lbs of Chihuahua, MEX is 33-9.

Diego De La Hoya and Enrique Bernache fought to a no-contest when a cut opened up on Bernache in round two of their scheduled 10-round featherweight bout.

A headbutt opened up a deep gash in the middle of Bernache’s forehead at 2:25 of round two.

De La Joya, 126 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 21-0-1. Bernache, 126 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 24-12-1.

Claressa Shields dominated Christina Hammer over all 10-rounds and won a unanimous decision to unify the IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO Middleweight titles in the what was billed as the most significant woman’s boxing match in history.

The bout took place at the Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

After the 1st round, which was much of a feel out round, Shields dominated the action and had Hammer in trouble several times throughout the 2nd half of the fight. Shields hurt Hammer in rounds eight and nine, and it seemed like she could get the stoppage, but Hammer was able to survive and last the distance.

Shields, 159 1/2 lbs of Flint, MU won on all cards by 98-92 tallies, and is now 9-0. Hammer, 159 lbs of Dortmund, GER is 24-1-0-1.

“I am the greatest woman of all time,” said Shields, who nearly earned a stoppage during a barrage in the closing moments of the eighth round. “I did it. She didn’t win a single round. I almost knocked her out. I swear I feel like I’m dreaming right now. Thanks to Christina Hammer and her team. They said she had a hard jab and they weren’t lying. Her jab is off the chain.

“I was just calculating in the first round and after that I started picking her apart,” she continued. “I knew I could hurt her. I thought I finished her in round eight. I thought the fight should have been stopped. She was holding onto me. I just told myself, stay cool, stay cool. I was trying to get the perfect punch to get her out of there.

“Women’s boxing, we’re on fire. I cannot wait to see the next super fight. Give me Cecilia Brækhus at 154 pounds. That’s who I want next. Either her or Savannah Marshall.”

“I didn’t fight very good or fast,” said a subdued Hammer. “That’s boxing, anything can happen. I wanted this fight. She won, respect to her. She’s a tough, strong woman and that’s all I can say.

“She’s fast, she comes forward. She has fast hands. I couldn’t land my jab as good as I expected. I’ll come back and I’ll be back stronger.

Jermaine Franklin won a 10-round unanimous decision over Rydell Booker in a heavyweight fight.

There were some good exchanges on the inside, but it was Franklin who got the better of the action as he outlanded Booker 146-94.

Franklin of Saginaw, MI won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice and is now 18-0. Booker of Detroit is 25-2.

“I think I had a decent performance,” said the Saginaw, Mich. native. “There’s some stuff I could work on. I over-crowded myself a little bit and I was a little over-anxious. He had a lot more experience than me and used it to his advantage. He could see what I was doing.

“I learned to stay more patient because I had him hurt a few times, but once I got over-anxious, my whole game plan went out the window. I started messing up and making crazy mistakes I shouldn’t have. Now it’s back to the drawing board to work on my mistakes and come out bigger and badder next time.”

“I felt he out-hustled me, but it was a lot closer than how the judges scored it,” said Booker. “He was missing me a lot more than it looked. I slipped a lot of shots and hit him clean.

“I knew he would bring the pressure, but he needs a lot of work. He stays too centered with his head. He’s alright. What he has on his side is youth. I’d rate my performance about a seven. I had a training camp injury I was dealing with. I’m going to stay active and come back stronger than ever.”

Heavyweight’s Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner fought to a no-contest after one round due to an accidental headbutt.

Kisner was cut over his right eye and Wallin was cut on his forehead from an accidental headbutt in the 1st round. After the round was over, Kisner could not continue due to his cut.

Wallin, 227 1/4 lbs of Sudsvall, SWE is 20-0 (1 NC). Kisner, 221 lbs of Baltimore is 21-4-1-1

“To me, his cut didn’t look that bad,” said a disappointed Wallin, who was making his U.S. debut. “It’s a shame because I trained really hard for this fight and was looking to put on a show for fans in America. I just didn’t have time to get going.

“I’d like to get back in there soon and show what I can do. I’m going to take this as a learning experience.”

“I caught a headbutt and the referee came to me,” said Kisner. “He saw me swiping at my eye and said ‘can you see?’ I said, ‘soon as I get the blood out of my eye, sure.’

“I feel horrible after training so hard. I felt good in the first round. The judges probably gave him the first round, but I always take off the first round. I was feeling like I could get to him eventually. You saw me land my overhand right.”

Brenda Karen Carbajal won the IBF Featherweight title with a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Elena Gradinar.

Carbajal won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94 and is now 16-4-1. Gradinar is 9-1.

Jarico O’Quinn won an eight-round unanimous decision over Vicente Alfaro in a super flyweight bout.

O’Quinn won by scores of 80-72 on all cards, and is now 12-0-1. Alfaro is 9-5.

Mario Heredia scored a eight-round split decision over former heavyweight titlist Samuel Peter

In round three, Peter decked Heredia with a booming right to the chin. Heredia was able to survive and gut out the slugfest by scores of 77-74 and 76-75, while Peter won a card 79-72.

Heredia is now 16-6-1. Peter falls to 37-7.

Marcus Bates stopped Jose Angel Hernandez after round three of a scheduled eight-round super bantamweight bout.

It was a good action fight that had Hernandez pressing, and Bates looking to counter. Hernandez for some reason could not continue after round three.

Bates is now 9-1-1 with eight knockouts. Hernandez is 12-3.

Isiah Seldon got off the deck to win a six-round unanimous decision over Bryan Goldsby in a middleweight bout.

In round one, Goldsny dropped Seldon with a combination in the corner that was started by a right to the chin. Seldon was able to come back and win every round and in round four almost had Goldsby out as he landed a flurry of hard shots only to have Goldsby saved by a low blow.

Seldon won each card 58-55 and is now 13-2-1. Goldsby is 5-10.

HAMPTON, N.H. (April 13, 2019) – Popular Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira operated last night on previously undefeated Roberto “El Viejo, Jr.” Valenzuela, Jr., re-capturing the New England welterweight title, by way of an eight-round unanimous decision in the main event on the “Riot at the Rim” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Silveira (16-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, rocked his 19-year-old Mexican challenger, Valenzuela (14-1, 13 KOs), whose father and cousin also fought on the card, in the first round with a right that dropped his tall, lean opponent. In fact, Silveira stopped Valenzuela’s father two years ago via a second-round stoppage.

The aggressor for most of the fight, Silveira was cruising along until the seventh round, when he suffered a low blow that, naturally, slowed him down considerably, eventually leading to a knockdown in the eighth round, the result of a shot taken to the back of his head,

Silveira originally won the N.E. welterweight title in 2011, holding it for two years, but he never lost the strap in the ring. He was inactive for nearly 3 ½ years and relinquished his title because of inactivity. “I never really lost the belt,” Silveira said after the fight. “I got back what I was supposed to have. This kid hit hard. One of the reasons for this (performance) is that I stayed in shape and had a real training camp instead of training only after work (carpenter). I thought it showed in the ring tonight.

“From watching video of him, I was looking for his right. My coach said to slip it and come back with a right, and I hit him right on the button. But he hit me with some good shots, too, and I was a little gassed in the last two rounds.”

Silveria has some unfinished business, though. He was supposed to face Travis Demko for the N.E. title in an intra-Massachusetts battle for the belt and Bay State bragging rights. Unfortunately, though, Demko suffered an injury during training and withdrew from the title fight.

“He was injured,” Silverira added, “and I respect that. I was excited to be in a title fight with two local guys. I’d definitely like to fight Demko.”

New England cruiserweight champion Chris Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), who is the GCP promoter, was supposed to fight Gilberto “El Magico” Matheus Domingos for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC), but the Brazilian was unable to enter the U.S. to fight due to visa issues.

“I was disappointed with Gilberto’s visa situation, but there was no time to let it get me down,” Traitti remarked. “As the promoter, I had to focus on the rest of the card, and it turned out to be awesome. I had every intention of this being the biggest Granite Chin Promotions show and it exceeded my expectations. Hopefully this was the start of our next chapter, upping my game, and I plan to promote two more shows this summer.”

In the most competitive fight of the night, French junior welterweight Romain Tomas (8-2, 2 KOs) pulled off a mild upset in the co-featured event, winning a six-round split decision over previously unbeaten Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (7-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Danbury, CT.

Omar Bordoy (L) and Romain Tomas turned in the Fight of the Night

Lynn, MA welterweight Khiry “TNT” Todd (8-1, 6 KOs) rebounded from his lone pro loss, destroying Mexican challenger Francisco “El Mono” Medal (13-17, 8 KOs), dropping him three times for a statement-like first-round technical knockout.

Khiry Todd (R) destroyed Francisco Medal

WBC Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (20-1-1, 19 KOs), of Pembroke, MA, added another title belt to his display case, stopping Brazilian Claudio “Quexada” Porto (8-5-1, 7 KOs) with a devastating left hook to the liver, resulting in a first-round knockout for the vacant ABF Continental Americas Championship.

Highly-regarded featherweight Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams, a 10-trime national amateur champion from New Haven, CT, remained undefeated and continued his journey towards a world title shot. Williams (17-0, 6 KOs), who was ranked as high at No. 3 in the world before an inactive period, displayed his vast skills during a workmanlike effort en route to an eight-round unanimous decision victory over his veteran Mexican foe, Ernesto “Monito” Guerrero (30-27, 20 KOs). Williams is promoted by Roc Nation Spots.

“Handsome” Henry Gedney (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Gloucester, MA, battered the body of veteran Mexican super middleweight Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (67-79-2, 56 KOs) at the beginning of the opening bell and he continued peppering his opponent upstairs and downstairs throughout their fight. Gedney, a 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament novice champion, won by way of a fourth-round technical knockout, when referee Leo Gerstel halted the one-sided fight.

In only his third pro fight, Henry Gedney (L) defeated a fighter, Robert Valenzuala, who has had 148

Undefeated Providence prospect Anthony “Ai” Marsella, Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), the reigning IBA Americas welterweight champion, dropped his Mexican opponent, Engleberto “Guarura” Valenzuala (11-16, 3 KOs) early in the first round, then a little later he caught Valenzuela with a powerful left to the body for a knockout. Marsella is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

In a battle between a pair of pro-debuting junior welterweights, Nelson Perez (1-0, 1 KO) finished off Emmerson Noguiera (0-1) with a vicious right to the body midway through the opening round.

Nelson Perez (R) had an impressive pro debut

Brooklyn junior welterweight Sidney “Keelo” Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs) pitched a shutout against Andy Aiello (1-3-1), winning all six rounds on the three judges’ scorecards for a six-round unanimous decision.

Andy Aiello (L) showed tremendous grit in his fight vs. Sidney Maccow

New Britain, CT featherweight prospect Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), the 2017 New England Golden Gloves Most Outstanding Boxer, out-classed North Carolina featherweight Chantae “Malik” Bowens (0-2) for an impressive first-round knockout. Martinez trapped Bowens in the red corner and unleashed six rapid-fire punches to close the show.

Boston super middleweight Rob Butler (1-0) won his pro debut in an action fight that opened the night, taking a four-round unanimous decision from journeyman Rodrigo Almeida (1-10).

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT N.E. WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Derek Silveira (16-2, 8 KOS), Salem, MA
WDEC8 (79-72, 78-72, 77-73)
Roberto Valenzuela, Jr. (14-1, 134 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico
(Silveira won the N.E. welterweight title)

VACANT ABF CONTINENTAL AMERICAS CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Vinnie Carita (20-1-1, 19 KOs), Pembroke, MA
WKO1 (2:37)
Claudio Porto (8-5-1, 7 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Carita won ABF Continental Americas cruiserweight title)

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Henry Gedney (3-0, 2 KOs), Gloucester, MA
WTKO4 (1:53)
Roberto Valenzuela(67-79-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico

Rob Butler (1-0), Boston, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Rodrigo Almeida (1-10), Woburn, MA

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Anthony Marsella, Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), Providence, RI
WKO1 1:19)
Engleberto Valenzuela (11-16, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico

WELTERWEIGHTS
Khiry Todd (8-1, 6 KOs), Lynn, MA
WTKO1 (1:30)
Francisco Medal (13-17, 8 KOs), Urupan, Mexico

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Romain Tomas (8-2, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY by way of France
WDEC6 (59-55, 58-56, 56-58)
Omar Bordoy (7-1, 2 KOs), Danbury, CT

Nelson Perez (1-0, 1 KO), Marlborough, MA
WKO1 (1:17)
Emmerson Noguiera (0-1), Woburn, MA

Sidney Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of St. Marteen
WDEC6 (60-53, 60-64, 60-64)
Andy Aiello (1-3-1), Bridgewater, MA

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tramaine Williams (17-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 78-74)
Ernesto Guerrero (30-27, 20 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Mexico

Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), New Britain, CT
WKO1 (1:03)
Chantae Bowens (0-2), Wilson, NC

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

PHILADELPHIA – Tomorrow afternoon, Sunday, April 14, 2019, the 12th Annual Briscoe Awards will be presented at Xfinity Live! in South Philly. The event begins at 1:00 PM. The Briscoe Awards recognizes the biggest achievements for the Philly boxing scene. Tickets for the event cost $10 and will be available at the door of Sunday.

This year’s winners include IBF world champion Tevin Farmer, former champ Danny Garcia, Hall of Fame promoter J Russell Peltz, former ring legend Stanley “Kitten” Hayward, and several others. Award categories include the Fighter of the Year, Fight of the Year, Prospect of the Year, Amateur of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Knockout of the Year, Upset of the Year, and more.

The Briscoe Awards brings together the Philly boxing community and is usually attended by the winners, current boxers, former champions and stars, other boxing people, and local boxing fans.

Among those expected to be in attendance this year are former champions Tim Witherspoon, Nate Miller, Buster Drayton, Charles Brewer, and Robert Hines, plus Kitten Hayward, J Russell Peltz, Sweet Pea Adams, Curtis Parker, Ivan Robinson, Bert Cooper, Nigel Collins, Danny Garcia, Thomas LaManna, Mike Everett, Garrett Wilson, Joey Eye, and many others.

The awards, named after Philly middleweight boxing legend Bennie Briscoe, have been recognizing the best achievements of the Philly boxing scene since 2007.

This year’s event will be held tomorrow, Sunday, April 14, 2019, at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia (1100 Pattison Avenue), 1-4 PM. Tickets for the Briscoe Awards cost $10 each, and can be purchased at the door.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization, dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

Follow all the action as Vasyl Lomachenko defends the WBA and WBO Lightweight titles against former titlist Anthonyy Crolla.  The action will kick off at 11 PM ET / 8 PM PT with Gilberto Ramirez making his light heavyweight debut against Tommy Karpency.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Right to body from Lomachenko..

Round 2 Wicked combination from Lomachenko..Hard body shot..Left to body

Round 3 Hard combination by Lomachenko..left..triple jab..Right hook..HUGE COMBINATION…RULED A KNOCKDOWN

Round 4 Uppercut and straight left from Lomachenko..Body shot..Double uppercut..HUGE RIGHT HOOK…DOWN GOES CROLLA AND FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Straight left from Karpency..Straight left from Ramirez..another left

Round 2 Right to body from Ramirez..Uppercut..Karpency working on inside..Hard jab from Ramirez..uppercut..Karpency gets in a nice left..Left uppercut from Ramirez..Straight left

Round 3 Right hook from Karpency..Combination from Ramirez…Karpency bleeding from nose

Round 4 Uppercut and straight left from Ramirez..FIGHT STOPPED IN CORNER….TKO END OF 4 FOR RAMIREZ

Vasyl Lomachenko scored a sensational 4th round stoppage over Anthony Crolla to retain the WBA/WBO Lightweight titles in front of 10,101 fans at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Lomachenko was flawless as he took a couple of rounds to figure out Crolla, who did little more then move around the ring.  He started to ramp up the activity at the end of round two.  In round three, Lomachenko was credited with a knockdown as he landed a hard combination that referee Jack Reiss ruled that the ropes kept Crolla up.  In the next round, Lomachenko continued to batter Crolla until he landed a perfect right hook to the temple that sprawled Crolla face-first to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 49 seconds.

Lomachenko, 134.6 lbs of Ukraine is now 13-1 with 10 knockouts.  Crolla, 134.8 lbs of Manchester, UK is 34-7-3.

“I want to fight with Mikey Garcia, but we’ll see. I don’t know,” Lomachenko said. “I stay at 135 as long as it’s possible, and I want to unify all {the} titles.

Gilberto Ramirez announced himself to the light heavyweight division as he stopped Tommy Karpency at the end of round four of a scheduled ten-round bout.

Ramirez dominated the fight as he landed thunderous body work.  Ramirez was effective with the straight left that drew blood from Karpency’s nose.  Karpency could not continue at the end of the 4th frame citing a broken rib.

Ramirez, 174.6 lbs of Mazelton, MX is 40-o with 26 knockouts.  Karpency, 174.6 lbs of Adah, PA is 29-7-1.

“I feel more comfortable at 175 pounds than 168,” Ramirez said. “I’m looking for all the champions at 175. I want to be a pound-for-pound fighter.

“I struggled making 168 for a very long time. We’ll see what’s next, but my body felt great at 175. My new head trainer, Julian Chua, did an excellent job preparing me for this fight. Karpency was a tough guy.”

Arnold Barboza Jr. stopped former world champion Mike Alvarado in round three of a scheduled ten-round super lightweight bout.

Barboza rocked Alvarado with a hard right and knocked him down with a follow up punch.  Alvarado tried to get to his feet, but was wobbly and the fight was stopped at 49 seconds.

Barboza, 140 lbs of South El Monte, CA is 21-0 with eight knockouts.  Alvarado, 139 1/2 lbs of Denver, CO is 40-5.

“That was a good fight, and now I want Jose Ramirez. I want Maurice Hooker,” Barboza said. “That’s what I want in my future. Alvarado is a tough guy, and I stopped him in three rounds. Hopefully, this performance will catapult me to a world title opportunity. To perform like I did in front of my hometown fans, it doesn’t get better than that.”

Said Alvarado: “He caught me with a clean, surprising shot. He just caught me. It’s boxing. Some just sneak in and do the job, you know?”

Janibek Alimkhanuly won a 10-round unanimous decision over Cristian Olivas in a middleweight fight.

Alimkhanuly, 160 lbs of Almaty, KAZ won by scores of  100-90 twice and 99-91, and is now 6-0.  Olivas, 159 1/4 lbs of San Diego, CA is 16-5.

It was a short night at the office for Italian heavyweight Guido Vianello (3-0, 3 KOs), who knocked out Lawrence Gabriel (3-2-1, 2 KOs) at 49 seconds of the opening round. Vianello represented his homeland at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I believe this was my strongest performance to date, and I’m only going to get better and better,” Vianello said. “My power is improving with every fight.”

Guido Vianello destroyed Lawrence Gabriel inside of a minute of their scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Vianello landed a hard right that hurt Gabriel.  A few more hard shots put Gabriel down, and the fight was stopped in 49 seconds.

Vianello, 244 1/2 lbs of Rome, ITA is 3-0 with three knockouts.  Gabirel, 208 lbs of Syracuse, NY is 3-2-1.

Alexander Besputin won a 10-round unanimous decision over awkward Alfredo Blanco in a welterweight bout.

Besputin was cut over the right eye in the first frame from a couple of wild shots that got through from Blanco.

In round nine, he was cut on his forehead.

Those did not matter as Besputin landed hard and quick combinations, and won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91.

Besputin, 147 lbs of Oxnard, CA is now 13-0.  Blanco, 146 1/2 lbs of Pigue, ARG is 20-8.

“He had a very uncomfortable, awkward style, which made it difficult for me to find my rhythm,” Besputin said. “Most importantly, I got the win, and we can move on to bigger fights. I am a top contender now, and I am ready to fight for a world title next. Bob Arum says I can beat the top welterweights, and I know I can.”

Ruben Rodriguez won a four-round majority  decision over Rumel Snegur in a welterweight bout.

Scores were 40-36, 39-37 and 38-38.

Rodriguez, 144 3/4 lbs of Indio, CA won by scores of   and is now 6-0.  Snegur, 142 lbs of Portland, OR is 3-4-1.

NEW YORK (April 12 2019)–This past Wednesday night at Sony Hall in the heart of Manhattan, four prized members of the Split-T Management stable had their hand raised in victory on a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing card.

In the main event, welterweight Ivan Golub defended his WBC USNBC title with an easy ten-round unanimous decision over Manuel Alejandro Reyes.

Golub used good body work in the beginning of the fight that slowly set up hard right hands, and the Ukranian came home with the victory by scores of 100-90 twice, and 99-91 to raise his impressive mark to 16-1.

Junior Middleweight Hurshidbek Normatov won a six-round unanimous decision over Calvin Metcalf.

Normatov of Uzbekistan established his jab early, and dropped Metcalf with a right hook in the 3rd frame. Metcalf (9-2) was able to survive, but it was to no avail as Normatov won by scores of 60-53 on all cards and his his mark to 8-0.

Five-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Brian Ceballo was impressive in stopping Ricardo Garcia in the 2nd round of their welterweight contest.

Ceballo of New York City decked Garcia in round two with a perfect right hand to the chin. Garcia was able to get to his feet, but Ceballo was able to pummel Garcia with a combination, and the bout was stopped at 2:33.

Ceballo, who is promoted by 360 Promotions raised his perfect mark to 8-0 while notching his fourth knockout.

Joseph Williams remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Mario Flores in a cruiserweight bout.

After being off for two years, Williams looked very sharp landing combinations to the head and body, won by scores of 60-54 on all cards to go to 13-0.

What made the win more impressive that Reyes was coming off a win over 16-0 Armando Pina.

Williams is looking to move down to the light heavyweight division by the end of 2019, and challenge for a title.

ATLANTIC CITY (April 12, 2019) – Undefeated middleweight champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer went face-to-face one final time during a tension-filled official weigh-in for the most significant event in women’s boxing history. Both fighters made weight as the two champions aim to become the undisputed middleweight champion tomorrow in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION live on SHOWTIME (9:10 p.m. ET/PT) from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

Top American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin will take on former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Rydell Booker in the 10-round co-featured bout while undefeated Swedish heavyweight Otto Wallin will battle highly decorated amateur Nick Kisner in a 10-round clash that will open the tripleheader.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $150, $100, $55 and $35 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster and at boardwalkhall.com.

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS:

IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO Middleweight World Championship – 10 Rounds

Claressa Shields: 159 ½ pounds

Christina Hammer: 159 pounds

Referee: Sparkle Lee; Judges: Lynne Carter (Pa.), Guido Cavalleri (Italy), Ruben Taylor (Ariz.)

Heavyweight Co-Feature – 10 Rounds

Jermaine Franklin: 245 ¼ pounds

Rydell Booker: 238 ¾ pounds

Referee: David Franciosi; Judges: Eugene Grant (N.J.), Alan Rubenstein (Pa.), James Kinney (N.J.)

Heavyweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Otto Wallin: 227 ¼ pounds

Nick Kisner: 221 pounds

Referee: Earl Brown; Judges: Eugene Grant (N.J.), Alan Rubenstein (Pa.), James Kinney (N.J.)

FINAL QUOTES:

Claressa Shields

“I’m very relaxed. When I feel this relaxed, I know it’s going to be a good fight. I don’t even feel like there’s a fight; I feel very calm and I always fight better when I feel this way. I’ve checked all the boxes for this fight. The conditioning, the nutrition, the training, everything. I am entirely focused on the fight.

“I’ve played this fight in my head many times. The first round is a very important round. She’ll find out just how strong I am in the first round and I’m going to let her know she’s in with a fighter. I’m going to let her know she won’t control this fight in any aspect. I can outbox Hammer. I’m way faster and I have great head movement. I came to fight. I want to see where her heart is and how strong she is. If she’s not as strong as she says she is, she’s going to want to get out of there.

“Every time I box, I feel like I need to go out there and perform so that women’s boxing isn’t in the position we’re in now. I want the little girls coming up not to have to go through what I’ve gone through in terms of equal pay and trying to get on TV. I was able to box my way up to get here and it shouldn’t be as hard for other women to do the same. This fight is bigger than me.”

Christina Hammer

“I’ve worked really hard for this. I’ve sacrificed everything for this fight and it’s time to show who’s the real champion and who Christina Hammer is. I feel like I’m the stronger one, mentally. I showed her at the stare down that I’m not scared. Every fight, there’s a mental battle and I think I won the mental battle for this fight.

“I have to stick to my game plan and not worry about hers. Shields is beatable. Hanna Gabriels showed that. I have to make her pay for every mistake. We’ve analyzed her a lot and I’ve known for a long time that I would one day fight her.

“I’m not scared of her one bit. Why would I be scared of her? I worked really hard for this opportunity and now it’s the point where I have to show it. I have to focus in every single round. This will be a tough fight and I know my opponent also wants to win but on Saturday night, I will be the undisputed champion of the world.

“I hope that a lot of women will be inspired by this fight. I want women to know that if they work hard, they can make it to whatever level they aspire to be in whatever sport it is they do.”

Jermaine Franklin

“I always study my opponents and watch tape. I see a guy in Booker that likes to slow the pace and try to control the distance. I’m very active. I call myself a boxer-puncher, and I adjust my game plan depending on my opponent. I will capitalize on his weaknesses.

“I want to fight the best. That’s a mindset that I’ll always have, but I understand how boxing works and I might have to wait for my time. It’s a great time to be a heavyweight and I feel like it will be my time soon.

“I’m going to take him to the deep waters, and he may not be able to survive once I take him there.”

Rydell Booker

“I’ve been boxing since I was seven years old. I’ve always had a passion for boxing and while I was away, I took care of my body and I always knew I wanted to fight again. I was able to do a little bit of training and did the best I could, but being in prison definitely wasn’t conducive to being a boxer.

“I have a gift that a lot of fighters don’t have. I have a good jab. I have the ability to be an effective counter-puncher and I can fight when I need to. Jermaine Franklin has never been in with somebody with the talent and experience that I have. I’m a better fighter than I was 15 years ago because I’m smarter and stronger mentally. My skills have not deteriorated at all and my body has been preserved.”

Otto Wallin

“I’ve been in New York for three years with Joey [Gamache]. I’m used to the training. To be fighting on such a big card, there’s a lot more press than I’m used to. There’s been a lot of interviews and press conferences and I can feel that this is a big event.

“Sweden needs a boxing superstar that stands out, and I want to be that person. I see good fighters in the heavyweight division. The top three fighters are really good. I want to take care of Saturday night, fight a couple more times this year and then next year I will be ready for a step-up in competition.”

Nick Kisner

“I sought this fight. I asked for it. Wallin is good but I really like to challenge myself. I think he’s one of the best heavyweights out there. This is a great opportunity. I think it’s going to be a challenge but at the same time I think I can win this fight. It doesn’t get much bigger of an opportunity than to fight live on SHOWTIME.”

# # #

ABOUT SHIELDS vs. HAMMER

Shields vs. Hammer will pit undefeated middleweight world champions Claressa Shields and Christina Hammer against each other in a battle to crown the undisputed 160-pound world champion, in what is arguably the most significant women’s boxing event in history. The co-feature will pit Jermaine Franklin taking on Rydell Booker in a thrilling 10-round heavyweight bout and in the telecast opener, heavyweights Otto Wallin and Nick Kisner will battle in 10-round clash. The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader will air live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

NEW YORK CITY (April 12, 2019) — The undefeated pound-for-pound king, three-division world champion and reigning WBO welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford will headline the inaugural Top Rank on ESPN pay-per-view broadcast against former unified super lightweight world champion Amir “King” Khan Saturday, April 20 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from Madison Square Garden.

Crawford vs. Khan will be available via all major cable and satellite providers with a suggested retail price of $59.95 (SD) or $69.95 (HD).

All undercard bouts will air live on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs), the fighting pride of Omaha, Nebraska, unified all four super lightweight titles in August 2017 and moved up to the welterweight division intent on doing the same. In June 2018, he won the WBO welterweight title with a dominant ninth-round stoppage over Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn. Four months later, in front of a packed hometown house at the CHI Health Center Omaha, he stopped bitter rival Jose Benavidez Jr. in the 12th round.

Khan (33-4, 20 KOs), who captured an Olympic silver medal in 2004 for Great Britain at the age of 17, has long been one of boxing’s most captivating performers. He won his first world title in 2009 and has victories over Marco Antonio Barrera, Zab Judah, Marcos Maidana, Paulie Malignaggi, Luis Collazo and Devon Alexander. He is undefeated as a welterweight and is once again attempting to prove his greatness against boxing’s best.

In other action on the pay-per-view broadcast:

• Lightweight sensation Teofimo Lopez (12-0, 10 KOs) will face former world title challenger and two-time European lightweight champion Edis Tatli (31-2, 10 KOs) in a 12-round co-feature. Lopez is ranked in the top five by all four major sanctioning organizations and is coming off a savage seventh-round knockout over Diego Magdaleno.

• In the other co-feature attraction, Shakur Stevenson (10-0, 6 KOs), the 21-year-old featherweight phenom who earned a silver medal for the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will face former world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (24-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-rounder.

• Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo (24-1, 16 KOs), one of Puerto Rico’s most popular fistic attractions, will fight former interim world champion Bryan Vasquez (37-3, 20 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight duel with potential world title implications.

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.

Newly established Double V Boxing Management is proud to announce the signing of welterweight contender Ed “The Lion” Paredes.

Paredes, fighting out of Miami, FL, boasts a professional record of 38-8-1, 25 KOs and will immediately return to the ring on April 27, 2019 in the Dominican Republic. Paredes reunites with former Cuban National Team coach Jorge Rubio. The duo was a perfect 13-0 and both are excited to re-start their winning ways. The former #3 ranked world contender in the WBC at 147 is looking forward to a busy 2019, where he hopes to land a major fight against one of the division’s best.

“I’m very excited to work with Double V Boxing Management,” said Paredes. “With Vinny, Vic, and Jorge by my side I am fully confident they can get me back to the big stage. I understand this is my last run, and I will make the best of it. A world title fight is the goal and now I have the right team to make it happen.”

Double V Boxing Management is the union of established boxing manager Vincent Scolpino (VMS Management, Inc.) and attorney Victor Wainstein. Scolpino is best known for managing former world champions Joshua Clottey, Joseph Agbeko, and Alejendro Berrio, as well as numerous world ranked contenders, while Wainstein previously represented 2008 Olympians Tureano Johnson and Azea Augustama.

“I was introduced to Vic by veteran matchmaker Zac Pomilio, and immediately my wheels started spinning on how we could put something together,” said Scolpino. “Quickly we realized we were on the same page and Double V Boxing Management was created. With Vic’s legal and boxing background combined with my experience, we have a great team to bring our fighters to the top.”

“I have been looking for the right opportunity to get back into boxing and when I was introduced to Vinny, I knew it was the perfect fit,” said Wainstein. “We are ready to get started, and I believe we have the solid foundation to assist our fighters in all of their career goals.”

Together, they are confident that Double V can become a major force in the boxing industry, providing highly experienced managerial and legal representation for its clients.

Double V Boxing Management has also recently signed super lightweight “Lethal” Larry Fryers and has quickly secured a spot for Fryers on a major card. Fryers, fighting out of Yonkers, NY by way of Clones, Ireland, will be fighting on April 20, 2019 at Madison Square Garden on the undercard of the ESPN PPV show headlined by Terrance Crawford vs Amir Khan. Fryers is expecting a huge Irish turnout from his loyal New York fan base and promises an explosive performance.

Interested boxers, trainers, and advisors can contact Vinny Scolpino at (201) 394-5026 or Victor Wainstein at (305) 308-4238 to find out more about Double V Boxing Management and all potential management opportunities.

12 April 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), once again ignited the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila for another evening of world-class martial arts action. ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR highlighted the biggest and brightest stars of ONE Championship who came out to showcase their incredible skills. In the main event, reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin Nguyen retained his title with a scintillating knockout of Narantungalag Jadambaa. In the co-main event, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio avenged a prior loss to Yosuke Saruta to be crowned 2-time ONE Strawweight World Champion.

Visit the official ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos

In the main event of ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR, Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Vietnam and Australia continued his reign over the featherweight division with a spectacular knockout victory over former World Champion Narantungalag Jadambaa of Mongolia to retain the ONE Featherweight World Title. Nguyen and Jadambaa exchanged thunderous strikes in the opening round, both looking to end the night early. In the second round, Nguyen punished Jadambaa with powerful kicks to the leg before unleashing a perfectly-placed flying knee to take the Mongolian star out and remain the featherweight division’s king.

In the co-main event, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines reclaimed the ONE Strawweight World Championship in highlight-reel fashion after knocking out Japan’s Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta in their highly-anticipated World Title rematch. Pacio survived some early trouble courtesy of a first-round knockdown from Saruta and began getting more comfortable with his strikes as the bout wore on. In the fourth round, Pacio caught Saruta with a well-timed high kick that instantly knocked Saruta out.

Japan’s Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada booked his ticket to the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Semi-final round after defeating Cuban Greco-Roman Wrestling World Champion Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart via unanimous decision. The former DEEP Flyweight World Champion Wada utilized his height and reach advantage to outstrike Balart and keep the relentless Cuban grappler at bay. After three rounds of action, Wada earned the victory and the right to face Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in the next round of the flyweight tournament.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Leandro “Brodinho” Issa showcased his elite grappling skills with a first-round submission win over China’s Fu Chang Xin. Issa brought the action to the ground early and wasted no time in imposing his will on the mat, working his way into an armbar with relative ease. Issa then transitioned into a triangle choke before locking in another deep armbar to force the tap from Fu in the opening round.

Romanian kickboxer Andrei “Mister KO” Stoica prevailed over Morocco’s Ibrahim “Mr. Cool” El Bouni in an action-packed ONE Super Series kickboxing bout. The two world-class light-heavyweight strikers figured in an intense back-and-forth bout as they stood toe-to-toe and went strike-for-strike until the final bell. After three rounds of action, it was Stoica who was declared the winner.

Unbeaten American James Nakashima picked up a massive win after an apparent knee injury rendered former World Title contender Luis “Sapo” Santos of Brazil unable to continue in the second round of their welterweight contest. Santos found success in the early moments of the bout, using his elite-level Muay Thai striking to punish Nakashima in the stand up. In the second round however, Nakashima countered a kick with a takedown and landed awkwardly on Santos’ left leg, ultimately leading to the stoppage.

Filipino featherweight contender Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly weathered a storm of submission attempts from South Korean grappler Sung Jong Lee to score a second-round TKO win in front of his hometown crowd. Kelly fought off a wave of kneebar and heel hook attempts from Lee, who was in constant pursuit of grappling exchanges. Kelly turned the tables in the second round however, as he fended off yet another submission attempt and pounded Lee out with piston-like punches for the stoppage win.

Brazilian kickboxing World Champion Anderson “Braddock” Silva announced his arrival to the global stage of ONE Championship, knocking out Australia’s Andre “The Giant” Meunier in the first round of their ONE Super Series kickboxing bout. The hard-hitting heavyweights wasted no time in providing fireworks as they traded massive combinations right off the bat. Midway through the opening round, Silva connected on a counter-right hook that knocked Meunier out cold instantly.

“Pretty Boy” Kwon Won Il of South Korea bounced back in a big way after making quick work of Filipino veteran Eric “The Natural” Kelly with a flash knockout in the first round. Kwon landed a well-placed right straight that rocked and dropped Kelly. The Korean prospect finished things off with some ground-and-pound for the stoppage win in just 19 seconds.

Thai legend Saemapetch Fairtex was once again victorious on the ONE Super Series stage, as he outstruck Serbian-American Ognjen Topic en route to a hard-earned a majority decision win. Saemapetch was aggressive from the opening bell, overwhelming Topic with a seemingly unending barrage of strikes. Topic rallied late in the final round, but it proved to be too late, as Saemapetch walked away with the judges’ decision.

China’s “The Stalker” Xie Bin scored another impressive win after submitting Afghanistan’s Ahmad Qais Jasoor in the second round. It was a competitive opening round between the two bantamweight contenders, as they displayed their grappling skills by trading submission attempts. In the second round, Xie wasted little time in getting the action to the ground and worked his way into a deep D’Arce choke that left Jasoor with no other option but to tap out.

Singaporean flyweight Niko Soe was triumphant in his return to the ONE Championship Circle, defeating Indonesian wrestling champion Eko Roni Saputra via doctor stoppage due to injury. Soe connected on a glancing elbow midway through the first round that opened up a cut on Saputra’s head, prompting an official halt to the action. After getting inspected by the cageside physician, it was ruled that Saputra would be unable to continue and Soe was awarded the TKO victory.

Lerdsila Phuket Top Team of Thailand put on a striking clinic as he defeated Japan’s Momotaro via unanimous decision in their ONE Super Series Flyweight Muay Thai bout. The multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion utilized a masterful mix of thunderous kicks and well-timed throws to outclass the Japanese striker on all fronts. After three rounds of action, Lerdsila earned the nod from all three judges.

Vietnamese-American women’s atomweight and ONE Championship newcomer Bi “Killer Bee” Nguyen was impressive in her promotional debut, dominating Indonesia’s Dwi Ani Retno Wulan en route to a first-round TKO win. Nguyen was relentless as she took Wulan down to the mat early in the opening round. From there, Nguyen seamlessly transitioned into full mount and punished her opponent with strikes from the top to pick up the stoppage victory.

Kicking off the action at ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR, Filipino flyweight Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzales continued his impressive run in ONE Championship by making quick work of Japan’s Akihiro Fujisawa with a submission win in the first round. Fujisawa attempted a takedown early in the first round but found himself getting caught in a deep guillotine choke. Gonzales postured up and tightened the choke, forcing Fujisawa to tap out abruptly.

Official results for ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR
ONE Featherweight World Championship bout: Martin Nguyen defeats Narantungalag Jadambaa by Knockout (KO) at 1:07 minutes of round 2
ONE Strawweight World Championship bout: Joshua Pacio defeats Yosuke Saruta by Knockout (KO) at 2:43 minutes of round 4
ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Quarter-final bout: Tatsumitsu Wada defeats Gustavo Balart by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Catch Weight (68.0 KG) bout: Leandro Issa defeats Fu Chang Xin by Submission (Armbar) at 3:03 minutes of round 1
ONE Super Series Light Heavyweight Kickboxing bout: Andrei Stoica defeats Ibrahim El Bouni by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Welterweight bout: James Nakashima defeats Luis Santos by TKO (Injury) at 0:56 minutes of round 2
Featherweight bout: Edward Kelly defeats Sung Jong Lee by TKO (Strikes) at 2:51 minutes of round 2
ONE Super Series Heavyweight Kickboxing bout: Anderson Silva defeats Andre Meunier by Knockout (KO) at 1:14 minutes of round 1
Featherweight bout: Kwon Won Il defeats Eric Kelly by Knockout (KO) at 0:19 minutes of round 1
ONE Super Series Bantamweight Muay Thai bout: Saemapetch Fairtex defeats Ognjen Topic by Majority Decision (MD) after 3 rounds
Bantamweight bout: Xie Bin defeats Ahmad Qais Jasoor by Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 2:27 minutes of round 2
Flyweight bout: Niko Soe defeats Eko Roni Saputra by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 3:03 minutes of round 1
ONE Super Series Flyweight Muay Thai bout: Lerdsila Phuket Top Team defeats Momotaro by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Women’s Atomweight bout: Bi Nguyen defeats Dwi Ani Retno Wulan by TKO (Strikes) at 3:55 minutes of round 1
Flyweight bout: Ramon Gonzales defeats Akihiro Fujisawa by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 1:19 minutes of round 1

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.

Aussie hardman Lucas Browne is expecting a bloody and bruising affair when he collides with Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen at The O2 in London on April 20, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Heavyweight rivals came face-to-face for the first time at today’s Public Workout at Old Spitalfields Market and both men were in good spirits as they embraced and joked, but the former WBA Heavyweight World Champion insists it will be strictly business come fight night.

“This is the first time I’ve met Dave and I really like him,” said Browne. “I’ve never had a bad word to say about him and I still don’t. He’s a cool guy and you can see how popular he is from today’s turnout at the workout, there was hundreds of the people there. It is what it is. We’re both professional fighters and I’m just going to do my job on the night.

“I don’t think he’s ever going to be a World Champion but he’s definitely a great fighter. If you put him up against anyone else in Australia, I think he beats them. He’s got a chin like a brick so it’s going to be a long night for me. I’m not going to bowl him over in one round but I’m prepared for all scenarios. We’re going to knock lumps off each other.

“I think there’s going to be blood, some cuts and some big punches. The fans are going to be the real winners. I genuinely believe this has got the potential to be Fight of the Year if everything gels. He looks like he’s started to take things very seriously and you can tell that by the shape he’s in. I think you’ll see the best versions of us next week.”

Browne returns to the scene of his sole career loss to Dillian Whyte determined to redeem himself. Since that loss, ‘Big Daddy’ (28-1) has made changes to his training team and bounced back with three wins. He believes another victory on April 20 will fire his name back into the World mix.

“My mental state wasn’t right heading into the Dillian Whyte fight. Everything that I was doing at home with training and going away from the family and all that sort of stuff wasn’t right, so that did affect everything else as well. My head wasn’t right and I think that had a big impact on everything leading up to the fight.

“My boxing trainer Rodney Williams who came over with me last time, he’s an absolute legend of a bloke as well as a boxing trainer, but I wasn’t doing any of the strength and conditioning and all that other stuff. I think I was definitely lacking in that regard.

“Now I’m hooked up with Jay Gray my Head Coach. I’m in Perth with my kids and family and that’s a full time thing there. Jay does everything in the one gym so not only my boxing, sparring and pad work, but all of the strength and conditioning, fitness and everything all in one spot.

“I think it’s something that I needed to do instead of spending so much time away from my family. I’m in a really good place now and I feel happy. I think that’s going to make a big difference to my career moving forward. This is the start of my journey to another Heavyweight World title.”

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

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, 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)

DANIEL DUBOIS INSISTS he will have no issue in taking on the next available contenders should his proposed British title showdown with Joe Joyce not come to fruition.

The 21-year-old heavyweight and his team are adamant he will not be withdrawn from the mandated collision for the Lonsdale belt should he be successful in overcoming the threat posed by the world-ranked Ghanaian Richard Lartey at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27.

That being the case, it would be down to the Olympic silver medallist to choose whether he accepts the mission of attempting to de-rail the rapid progress of the 10-0 Dubois or look elsewhere to build on his success of stopping former world champion Bermane Stiverne last time out.

Dubois earlier today stated on his official Twitter account that he would like to win the British Title this year. Alternatives to Joyce could include the likes of David Allen and Derek Chisora.

Dubois is relishing the prospect of taking on Joyce, but when asked whether other names in the British frame such as Dereck Chisora and David Allen would hold any fears for him, ‘Triple D’ asserted he has no issues.

“I am not out to duck anybody and these guys are further on or roundabout the same stats as me in the rankings, so I have got to face them and I will do,” said the executor of nine KOs out of 10 fights, who acknowledges that the threats to his unbeaten progress are getting very real now.

“This is what we have been working towards and why I turned pro, to be moving up the rankings and progressing as I am.

“I haven’t really seen too much of Lartey, but I am sure he is going to be game and come ready for a fight, so I’ve got to be prepared one hundred per cent. I cannot cut any corners and I will be ready.”

Meanwhile, Dubois credits Joyce for adding a stellar name to his list of eight vanquished opponents and winning the Commonwealth title.

“It was a good win for Joyce and a good name for his resume. It was not the best Bermane Stiverne because he is at the end of his career now, but it was a good win and a good scalp for his CV against a former world champion.”

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

JACK CATTERALL IS hopping mad over being likened to an insect by his forthcoming world title foe Maurice Hooker.

The 25-year-old from Chorley – who returns to the ring at the SSE Arena, Wembley on April 27 – has worked his way into the mandatory challenger position for the WBO world super lightweight title held by the Texan Hooker.

The unbeaten Catterall undertook a little working holiday recently to watch Hooker make a second defence of his title against Mikkel LesPierre in New York, where the 29-year-old laboured to a points victory.

Since Catterall made himself known to ‘Mighty Mo’, the champion has acknowledged his challenge across social media by describing him as a ‘little grasshopper’.

Definition: A plant-eating insect with long hind legs which are used for jumping and for producing a chirping sound.

“He has since called me a ‘little grasshopper’ twice, which I am not happy about,” responded Catterall this week in his Fighter Diary posted on frankwarren.com.

“I don’t even know what he means by it or trying to get out of it.”

Insect references aside, Catterall is happy to have made the acquaintance of his future opponent and is convinced he will soon be parting him from his title.

“I treated it like a work trip, just in and out, because I am not a loud person and didn’t want to make too much noise.

“The way it unfolded went well for me, I got a bit of publicity from it and people know now that I am the No.1 contender. He certainly knows and I made a statement by travelling out to watch him, which I think was a smart move.

“I got to see him up close again for the second time and now I am even more convinced that I can beat him. I saw him before the fight, a couple of hours before the show started, and I wished him luck for the fight.

“So he knew I was there and then you will have seen the little clip in the ring when he got his victory. He let me know that I would be getting my shot at the title soon enough.”

The 23-0 Catterall, who calls himself ‘El Gato’, was not overly impressed with Hooker’s display against LesPierre after the champion was forced to make several return visits to the scales the day before the fight.

“Looking at the fight in comparison to when he beat Terry Flanagan, I would say that it wasn’t his greatest performance and he was much better against Terry and in his first defence.

“Whether him going downhill is to do with weight issues? I know he struggled to make it this time, so maybe that is why he didn’t perform.

“I didn’t think the opponent, even though he was undefeated, had really earned a shot at the title and I was a bit surprised over the success he had in snippets in the fight. I thought Hooker would make a statement with this guy and blow him out of the water, but it proved to be different.

“He is an awkward customer though with his long reach and the height, but if you look at my record I have boxed them all and had plenty of tall opponents like Nathan Brough, Tyrone McKenna, Tyrone Nurse – and Ohara with his extra-long arms!”

It is now a waiting game for Catterall due to Hooker’s stated intention of having an interim fight on home soil.

“I am still in the waiting room for my shot at the title and it seems like he is going to have another fight before defending against me. I’m hearing he will have a summer defence as a homecoming in Dallas and I’m hoping not too long after that we can get it on.

“I am prepared to go to America if needs be and there are a couple of ways I have looked at it. As a child, when you think of big fights, you always dream of winning in America and fighting away from home. I know he is the champion and you have got to make a statement and really take the belt off him.

“It honestly won’t bother me where the fight is, whether it is over here or over 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

MONTERREY, MEXICO (April 11, 2019): WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion Jaime Munguia (32-0, 26 KOs) and mandatory 154-pound challenger Dennis Hurricane” Hogan (28-1-1, 7 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for Munguia’s title. They were joined by Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, along with Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions, among others.The event will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Below is what today’s participants had to say at the press conference:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“I feel very happy and proud to be here. We have been advancing, little by little. had four very tough world title fights. We’ve been learning a lot, and we’ve been gaining a lot of experience during the past year. I also want to say that I will leave everything in the ring this Saturday. I want you all to see a different Jaime Munguia, a better version with better abilities. I want to tell Dennis Hogan that this world title will stay in Mexico. He is not a better fighter than me. This fight is dedicated to all of Mexico!”

DENNIS HOGAN, WBO Number 1 Contender:

“I’m happy to be now as my chance to become world champion gets closer. I want to say that as an Irish man living in Australia who is fighting a Mexican in his own land, I am honored. I know that Ireland, Australia and Mexico are great boxing nations with people who always fight with determination and will. So, I know this will be an excellent fight for everyone in the world. I’m happy and proud to be part of it. To put the icing on the cake, I will be going out there to take that world championship. I’m winning on April 13.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy:

“Golden Boy has been here before in this great city of Monterrey back in September 2008 when Antonio Pitalua and Jose Armando Santa Cruz fought in the main event. Monterrey, the land of great fighters such as Lauro “El Tigre” Salas and Clemente Sánchez, will be in for a show on Saturday when knockout artist Jaime Munguia faces the tough Australian contender, Dennis Hogan.”

“Munguia became known to the world by beating Sadam Ali by knockout in May 2018 when he was crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion. Since then, this powerful Mexican warrior has defended his crown three times. Now, he has a very difficult test against Dennis Hogan, WBO No. 1 contender. We know it will be a great battle between two of the best 154-pound fighters in the world.”

“Also, the co-main event will feature Diego de la Hoya against Enrique Bernache in his featherweight debut. We are also going to present to the local fans the strong Brazilian contender Patrick Teixeira, who will face Mario Lozano in a match for the WBO Latino Junior Middleweight Title. At Golden Boy, we are committed to offering the best fights in boxing.”

FERNANDO BELTRAN, CEO of Zanfer Promotions:

“When I talk about Jaime Munguia, I talk about a young man who I have had the pleasure of knowing since he was a boy. He was a young boy with a lot of dreams. His father, Jaime Munguia Sr., would go to the office and say, ‘My kid, he’s good!’ He will be someone important!”

“We helped him with what we could. We helped him during his amateur career. Logically, he debuted with us and he had a great run in different parts of Mexico. We debuted him in Las Vegas where he won by knockout. Then, Golde Boy called us, and gave us the great opportunity with Sadam Ali. We fought him, and then began a co-promotion with Golden Boy. That initiated his jump toward international fame.”

Munguia vs. Hogan is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World
Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Hogan can be purchased online at www.ArenaMonterrey.com or by clicking here.

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

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

• Vasiliy Lomachenko 134.4 lbs vs. Anthony Crolla 134.8 lbs
(Lomachenko’s WBO/WBA Lightweight world titles – 12 Rounds)

• Gilberto Ramirez 174.6 lbs vs. Tommy Karpency 174.6 lbs
(Light Heavyweight – 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (8 p.m. EST)

• Arnold Barboza Jr. 140 lbs vs. Mike Alvarado 139.6 lbs
(Barboza’s NABF Jr. Super Lightweight title – 10 Rounds)

• Alexander Besputin 147 lbs vs. Alfredo Blanco 146.4 lbs
(Besputin’s USBA Welterweight title – 10 Rounds)

• Janibek Alimkhanuly 160 lbs vs. Cristian Olivas 159.2 lbs
(Vacant WBC Continental Americas and WBO Global Middleweight titles – 10 Rounds)

• Guido Vianello 244.6 lbs vs. Lawrence Gabriel 208 lbs
(Heavyweight – 6 Rounds)

• Ruben Rodriguez 144.8 lbs vs. Ramel Snegur 142.8 lbs
(Welterweight – 6 Rounds)

• Christopher Zavala 129 lbs vs. Sergio Gonzalez 129.4 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 4 Rounds)

• Elvis Rodriguez 139.4 lbs vs. Kevin Luna 139.8 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 4 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing USA, tickets priced at $310.50, $207, $103.50, $77.65, $51.75 and $25.90 (including facility fees) are available now and can be purchased by visiting AXS.com.

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

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

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

HAMPTON, N.H. (April 11, 2019) – The official weigh in was held today at Best Western Plus for tomorrow night’s “Riot at The Rim,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Official fighters’ weights below:

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT N.E. WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)
Derek Silveira(15-2, 8 KOS), Salem, MA 145 lbs.
Roberto Valenzuela, Jr. (14-0, 134 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico 147 lbs.

VACANT WBC FECARBOX CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10)
Gilberto Matheus Domingos (22-10, 20 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil TOMORROW
Chris Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), Quincy, MA 195.6 lbs.

VACANT ABF COLONIAL ATLANTIC CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (8)
Vinnie Carita (19-1-1, 18 KOs), Pembroke, MA 198.2 lbs.
Claudio Porto (8-4-1, 7 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil 194.2 lbs.

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS (4)
Robert Valenzuela (67-78-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonomo, Mexico 169.6 lbs.
Henry Gedney (2-0, 1 ko), Gloucester, MA 163 lbs.

Rob Butler (pro debut), Boston, MA 158.6 lbs.
Rodrigo Almeida (1-9), Woburn, MA by way of Brazil 172.6 lbs.

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS (6)
Engleberto Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico 152.4 LBS.
Anthony Marsella, Jr. (11-0, 5 KOs), Providence, RI 156.8 lbs.

WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Khiry Todd (7-1, 5 KOs), Lynn, MA 149.6 lbs.
Francisco Medal (13-16, 8 KOs), Urupan, Mexico 143 lbs.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (6)
Romain Tomas (7-2, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY by way of France 137 lbs.
Omar Bordoy (7-0, 2 KOs), Danbury, CT 139.2 lbs.

Andy Aiello (1-2-1), Bridgewater, MA 138.2 lbs.
Sidney Maccow (5-8, 3 KOs), New York, NY by way of St. Marteen 139.6 lbs.

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Nelson Perez (pro debut), Marlborough, MA 137.4 lbs.
Emmerson Noguiera (pro debut), Woburn, MA 143.8 lbs.

FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)
Tramaine Williams (16-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT 123,2 lbs.
Ernesto Guerrero (30-26, 20 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonomo, Mexico 123,6 lbs,

FEATHERWEIGHTS (4)
Nathan Martinez (2-0), New Britain, CT 124,6 lbs.
Chantae Bowens (0-1), Wilson, NC 125.6 lbs.

(all fights & fighters subject to change)

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

VANCOUVER, B.C.– Big time boxing will finally hit one of Canada’s big time markets on May 11, as Lee Baxter Promotions presents a night of world class professional boxing at the Vogue Theatre in downtown Vancouver.

There hasn’t been a professional boxing event in Vancouver since 2012, and in total, there have been only four since the year 2000.

In the main event, B.C.’s own heavyweight threat Adam Braidwood will be in action as he continues his journey towards the Canadian heavyweight title. Braidwood is one of the division’s most dangerous punchers, and his only two losses have come at the hands of UFC veteran Lee Mein (one he avenged) and to Canadian Olympian Simon Kean.

The former CFL standout-turned heavyweight slugger was born in Delta, BC, and now resides in Victoria, BC, and is sure to have plenty of fans eager to see him fight in his home province for just the second time.

“We’re extremely proud to be the ones to bring boxing back to Vancouver. It’s been a mystery why this market hasn’t been served at all, but those days are over,” said Lee Baxter. “With Adam Braidwood in the main event, you know it’s going to be a night you’ll remember, because he doesn’t know how to fight any other way.”

In the co-feature, fellow heavyweight standout Kristian Prenga will face an opponent to be named later. Prenga is riding a five-fight knockout streak, and all of his professional wins have come by KO. Aside from the action in the ring, he is known for his rabid fanbase and following from the Albanian-Canadian community, who have made for some of the more incredible live boxing atmospheres in recent memory on Canadian turf.

“Both Braidwood and Prenga have huge fanbases and the same mindset inside the ring. If they get past their respective tests, who knows, it’s a possibility that we see them in the ring against one another at some point this year,” said Baxter. “Who wouldn’t want to see two punchers of that calibre face off?”

The night will also feature undefeated super bantamweight Ross Mylet, who will be boxing for the first time outside of Ontario. In terms of fighting outside of his home province however, Mylet is no stranger. The 28-year old is a former North American kickboxing champion, representing Canada for many years. Mylet remains closely connecting with the kickboxing and combat sports community across the country, and is eager to show his skills in British Columbia once again.

In addition, Canadian national amateur champion Amanda Galle will be making her second professional appearance after thrilling a Toronto crowd in her debut with a dominant win over Perla Rojas.

The full undercard, including British Columbia’s amateur light heavyweight champion Buneet Bisla making his professional debut, will be announced shortly.

Tickets are available now, and start at just $48.50. Doors will open at 7 PM, with the first bell sounding at 8 PM.

MINNEAPOLIS (April 11, 2019) – Former world champions Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Caleb “Golden” Truax went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they meet in an IBF Super Middleweight World Title Eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Saturday from the Armory in Minneapolis.

Also in attendance at the press conference were top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Jack Culcay, who battle in an IBF Middleweight Title Eliminator, and sensational prospect Joey Spencer, who takes on Osias Vasquez to kick off the telecast beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

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

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Generals Hall at The Armory:

PETER QUILLIN

“I’m here to put on a great fight. That’s what we worked so hard to do on Saturday night. I’m excited to showcase my talents on FS1 and FOX Deportes and make a statement at super middleweight.

“My wife just had a daughter, and that’s been my biggest motivation all training camp. I’m fighting for my family, not just myself. I’m hoping to inspire people who see my story and realize it’s not just about the fight, but about what we’re fighting for. I’m here to spread a positive message.

“When we’re in that ring, all I’m going to see is Caleb Truax, nothing else matters. I’m very fortunate to be here and have the chance to display my skills. He has to look good in front of his fans, and I’m just here to give the fans a good fight. There’s no pressure to do anything extra.

“The weather here kind of reminds me of back home in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Going to new cities is kind of like having new places to conquer. I’m here with the right mindset that Minnesota is going to be a place I’m remembered and that I’ll have a great memory from.

“When I sparred Caleb I remember I knocked his headgear off and it flew across the ring, that’s the only thing I really remember from that. I knew our paths could eventually cross. I’ve had my eye on him and I was really happy for him when he won his title. I have a feeling we’re going to combine for a great fight.

“I have a very determined opponent and I’m fighting in his backyard. It’s a tough fight for both of us. I have to put my authority down on this fight and control it. It’s going to be hard with all his fans in there, but what I’ve always done is take negative circumstances, and turn them into positives.”

CALEB TRUAX

“I’m excited for Saturday night. It’s a big fight and important for me that I’m in the main event and in a title eliminator. I’m looking to earn a chance at another title and I know that I have to take care of business on Saturday to get there.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with Peter Quillin, a guy I’ve known and respected for a while. He’s accomplished a lot. I think that our styles are really going to clash and give the fans a lot of action and drama.

“Peter and I sparred a long time ago, back in 2012. I came away feeling confident that if we ever fought, I’d be able to get the job done. I don’t remember much of the specifics, but I felt confident from the experience. At the same time, I’m expecting an even better Peter Quillin on Saturday night and that’s what I trained for.

“I’ve tried to train a little bit smarter for this one. I need to focus more on recovery at this point in my career. I’ve had pretty much the same team around me for a while now. We do the old school training and work hard every day.

“The stakes are high for this fight. Whoever wins hopefully gets a crack at the title. It’s going to be tough for the loser to bounce back. If I want to keep fighting I have to leave Saturday with my hand raised.

“It’s a thrill to be in this fight and have it here at The Armory in front of my hometown fans. I saw the support that (fellow Minnesota-native) Jamal James got for his last fight, and I’m expecting more of that on Saturday. It’s going to be special and I’m going to take advantage.”

SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO

“I’m happy to be here for this world title elimination fight. This fight is important for my career to get back to where I want to go and to show what I am capable of.

“On Saturday night I’m going to put on a really good show and give the fans a beautiful fight. Everyone knows I always bring action and great technical skill. I am confident that I will be victorious on Saturday and go on to win a world championship.”

JACK CULCAY

“It’s nice to be here and I’m very thankful for this opportunity against Derevyanchenko. It’s a great honor for me to be in this fight against one of the best middleweights in the world. This the step that I was looking to take in my career.

“I’ve been sparring with Caleb Truax, and I feel it’s gotten me completely ready for this challenge. I’m going to show it in the ring on Saturday night. It’s going to be a lot of action and a lot of skill in the ring.”

JOEY SPENCER

“I’m really excited to be fighting on this card headlined by Peter Quillin and Caleb Truax. I want to thank everyone for the support, both my fans and my team for everything that’s gotten me here. We’ve worked really hard every day in training camp and I can’t wait to put on a show.

“The Armory is a great venue with great energy. I’ve fought here before and I’m looking forward to coming out and putting on another great performance for this Minneapolis crowd.”

LEON MARGULES, President of Warriors Boxing

“I’m excited to welcome everyone back to the latest PBC fight night at the armory. Those who have come to the previous shows have noticed that the crowds have gotten larger and larger. These shows are generating great excitement and Saturday is another example of a card loaded with elite fighters.

“It’s really a terrific treat to be promoting this card. It should be a great night of boxing for everyone at The Armory and watching on FS1 or FOX Deportes. This card is stacked from top to bottom and is set to deliver from start to finish.”

# # #

ABOUT QUILLIN VS. TRUAX
Quillin vs. Truax will see former world champion Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin and Caleb “Golden” Truax battle in a 12-round IBF Super Middleweight title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

The telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko taking on Jack Culcay in a 12-round IBF title eliminator and sensational undefeated prospect Joey Spencer stepping into the ring for a six-round super welterweight fight.

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

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

BILOXI, MS. (April 11, 2019) – Former super welterweight champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout returns to the ring to take on former title challenger Terrell Gausha in a 10-round super welterweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, May 25 from Beau Rivage Resort Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In the co-feature, unbeaten super welterweight contender Chordale Booker battles rugged veteran Wale Omotoso in a 10-round bout, while sensational unbeaten welterweight prospect Eimantas Stanionis will open the broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT in an eight or 10-round welterweight fight.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, go on sale Monday, April 15 and can be purchased at the Beau Rivage Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster.

“Austin Trout has one of the best resumes at super welterweight in the sport today,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “He’s been in the ring with some of the best boxers at 154-pounds of this generation and I’ve never seen him in a bad fight. Terrell Gausha doesn’t back down from anyone and that will make for an exciting match against Trout. Chordale Booker will be putting his unbeaten record on the line against Wale Omotoso in what will be one of his toughest tests to date. It’s a show that has something for everyone that attends at Beau Rivage or tunes in to FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

Trout (31-5, 17 KOs) has tangled with some of the top super welterweights of this generation, including Saul Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, Miguel Cotto, Jermell and Jermall Charlo and Jarrett Hurd. The 33-year-old from Las Cruces, Mexico, will look to rebound from a majority decision defeat to Jermell Charlo last June. His knockout victory over Joey Hernandez in 2015 headlined the first PBC show on FS1.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring,” said Trout. “I’m ready to take another chop at the world title and this is my way back. I’m really motivated to get that championship belt again. Gausha is a strong, technical fighter with an Olympic pedigree. I’ve got to get in there and take care of him and look good doing it. A good win over him will get me right back in the mix.”

The 31-year-old Gausha (21-1, 10 KOs), a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team from Cleveland, Ohio, will look to put himself back into title contention with a victory over Trout. He came up short in his first title fight against Erislandy Lara, losing a unanimous decision in 2017, before rebounding with a knockout victory over Joey Hernandez in his last fight in December.

“I feel good about this fight and I think it’s the perfect fight for me,” said Gausha. “With Austin Trout being a former champion and having experience fighting all the top guys in the division, it gives me a chance to show where I’m at. It’s not only about winning, but it’s the way I’ll win that will put people on notice.”

Booker (14-0, 7 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Juan De Angel in January on FS1. The 27-year-old southpaw from Stamford, Conn., was busy in 2018, going 5-0 with three knockouts. Booker is very active in his Stamford community as well, running his charity for at-risk youth and training amateurs for the Golden Gloves.

“My expectations for myself are to put on the best performance I’ve had in boxing period – amateur or pro,” said Booker. “I’m looking to showcase every ability that I have, not just brute strength. I want to show people that I’m championship caliber. What I see from him is that he’s a game fighter and comes to fight. He likes to come forward. He’s going to try to take it to me. But I can do a lot of things, box going forward, backwards, sideways, or anything it will take to get this win.”

The 33-year-old Omotoso (27-3, 21 KOs) is a hard-nosed veteran who will present Booker with his toughest test to date. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Omotoso learned to fight in the streets before honing his skills in the boxing gym. He calls himself “Lucky Boy” because he feels fortunate to have made it off the streets alive and become a successful professional boxer. Now training in Los Angeles, Omotoso most recently defeated Freddy Hernandez in December 2017.

“I got the call to fight a young, undefeated fighter in Booker and I said bring it on,” said Omotoso. “I’m really happy he took the fight because most people say I’m too dangerous and too tough. I will give it all I got. When I go to the ring I put all my effort and training into the fight. That’s the way this sport is. I know he’s going to come in with all he’s got, but the toughest man will win.”

Stanionis (8-0, 5 KOs) is from Kaunas, Lithuania and was a member of the 2016 Lithuanian Olympic boxing team. The 24-year-old, who now lives in Oxnard, California, and trains with Ronnie Shields in Texas, is on the fast track toward being a top contender. He’s continued to impress with victories over durable veterans Levan Ghvamichava and Samuel Figueroa in his last two bouts.

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

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

WESLACO, TX. (April 11, 2019) – Unbeaten super bantamweight contender Brandon Figueroa is on a rapid ascent in the 122-pound division and shared his thoughts on his rise and his matchup against Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo that takes place Saturday, April 20 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Trained by his father Omar Figueroa Sr. at their gym in their native Weslaco, Texas, Brandon credited their hard work in the gym as leading to his most recent and impressive victories, knockout wins over Moises Flores and Oscar Escandon.

“I feel like my power has really come together in the last year,” said Figueroa. “We’ve worked hard on my positioning when I throw my punches, especially to the body, and the results have shown up in my fights. I’m more aggressive and my punches are just more in-tune.

“My confidence has continued to grow as well with these performances. Winning these fights the way I’m winning them has given me a boost and I’ve taken that into training camp. It’s given me that energy to fight even better and believe in myself even more.”

Figueroa can capture an interim 122-pound title with a win on on April 20, but he first must get by a durable opponent in Parejo, who has challenged former champions Ryan Burnett, Hugo Ruiz and Zhanat Zhakiyanov.

“I’m facing a game opponent who’s fought a lot of great fighters,” said Figueroa. “I know he’s a boxer who likes to jab and move. He’s going to give me the straight right-left hook combo, so I have to attack the body. It’s going to be a chess match to see how he deals with my pressure.”

With this win, Figueroa could set himself up for even more significant bouts at the end of this year, a path that the 22-year-old envisions will eventually lead him to multiple weight-divisions.

“I can only take it one fight at a time, but I believe I’m going to be on that world class level soon,” said Figueroa. “Everything is going the way it’s planned and I know if I stay focused and take care of business, I’ll be fighting for a world title by the end of the year.

“The plan would eventually be to move up and continue to challenge myself at featherweight and even beyond that. I want to reach the top of several divisions. But that’s for the future, and I can’t look past April 20.”

The younger brother of unbeaten former world champion Omar Figueroa, Brandon made his pro debut in 2015 as an 18-year-old on the undercard of his brother’s fight against Ricky Burns. As he grew into a world title contender, Figueroa has made his own name in the sport.

“I’m still proving myself in every fight,” said Figueroa. “I don’t mind being talked about with my brother at all, but I think I’ve proven I’m more than Omar’s little brother. I’m proud of what we’ve both accomplished and the legacy we’re creating in Weslaco and the boxing world.”

Riding a five-fight knockout streak into April 20, Figueroa plans to put on another signature action-packed performance for fight fans watching on FOX and FOX Deportes and at Dignity Health Sports Park.

“I’m going to be the same Brandon Figueroa who comes forward and relentlessly attacks the body,” said Figueroa. “This is one of the biggest fights of my career with this title on the line. I feel strong and ready. I can’t wait for April 20.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with DSG Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com or at the Dignity Health Sports Park box office from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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ABOUT GARCIA VS. GRANADOS
Garcia vs. Granados will see former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia battling rugged veteran Adrian Granados in a 12-round welterweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 20 20 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Heavyweight contender Andy Ruiz takes on Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout in the co-feature and unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa battles Venezuela’s Yonfrez Parejo in a 12-round match for the WBA Interim Super Bantamweight title that opens the primetime FOX broadcast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

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

Las Vegas (April 11, 2019) – “WBA” World Boxing Association has confirmed that they will participate at the fifth annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The WBA will have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet for the fans with some of the Boxing stars that will appear as guests at their booth (to be announced shortly) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 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/
WBA will have merchandise to sell and memorabilia to showcase for fans to enjoy. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with top fighters and boxing celebrities who will be present at their booth. Fans will also be greeted with surprises by the WBA at this years’ Expo.

About World Boxing Association (WBA)
WBA is an international boxing organization that sanctions official matches and awards the WBA world championship title at the professional level. Founded in the United States in 1921 by thirteen state representatives as the National Boxing Association, in 1962, the organization changed their name in recognition of boxing’s growing popularity worldwide and began to gain other nations as members. Gilberto Mendoza from Venezuela was the President of the WBA since 1982 until his death in 2016, after which his son Gilberto Jesús Mendoza took over as president.For more info go to: http://wbaboxing.com/

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 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