TORONTO, ON—It’s been a fairytale first five months for Lee Reeves in his professional boxing career. On April 20, it’s only going to get better.

On the heels of a spectacular performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City on St. Patrick’s Day, the welterweight prospect Reeves has earned a headlining slot on the annual Lee Baxter Promotions 4/20 event at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto.

“It’s amazing. This is how I imagined my career would go. Big nights and putting on shows for the world to see, and representing my city in a positive light,” said Reeves (3-0, 2 KOs).

Reeves helped ignite the raucous crowd in NYC on March 17 when he dominated Edward Torres en route to a four-round unanimous decision. He helped set the table for his countrymen Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan, as well as his stablemate Samuel Vargas, who perhaps stole the show against Luis Collazo.

“It was an unbelievable experience, and to be there on St. Patrick’s Day and having the Irish there behind me screaming was a beautiful thing,” said Reeves. “It was like being at home fighting, hearing the chants and the screaming of my name. And as it got closer to the main event, the place was erupting with atmosphere and Irish spirit.”

The 24-year old proved that he’s not second in line to any Irish star—he’s at the front of the pack, a main eventer himself. Just ask lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who after seeing Reeves’ debut last year declared “he’s fast, talented and super sexy. Actually He reminds me of someone—me. Looks like Ireland has a new boxing star.”

Reeves is one of the best Irish amateurs of his era, winning eight Limerick championships and eight Munster championships, along with a pair of Irish national titles. During his years as a competitive boxer, campaigning mostly as a light welterweight, he never failed to appear in the national final at year’s end.

Reeves has already fought twice in Toronto, the home base of Lee Baxter Promotions, where a strong Irish community exists and continues to grow. It’s estimated that over 2.1 million Irish Canadians live in the province of Ontario.

“He’s a natural showman,” said Lee Baxter. “The first two times he fought here, the first two fights of his career, his knockouts were what everyone was talking about at the end of the night. He has future champion written all over him, so we figured, why wait? He’s ready to be a headliner.”

The annual 4/20 event, titled “Light ‘Em Up,” is in its third year, and has sold out well before the event date each time. This year is no different, with tickets nearly sold out, thanks in large part to Reeves and the Irish community.

“It’s gonna feel like Madison Square Garden on St. Patrick’s Day in the Danforth Music Hall, I promise you,” said Baxter. “It’s an intimate venue, and it gets loud in there, and we know Lee’s fans bring the noise.”

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, and start at just $45.

New York, NY (April 3, 2019) – This past Saturday night in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, popular New York fighter, “The Bosnian Prince” Armin Mrkanovic scored the biggest win of his career as he stopped Dominican native Wilmer Mejia in the 4th round of their cruiserweight bout to capture the WBA Fedecaribe title.

Mrkanovic dominated the action by landing power punches throughout the contest. Armin was able to control the action in Mejia’s back yard. Mejia claimed that he broke his hand, and never answered the bell to start round four.

With the win Mrkanovic raises his mark to 10-3 with five knockouts, and will now look to defend his title in a bigger fight in the United States.

“This is a great win for me. I am so pleased to be able to go into Mejia’s backyard and come out with the victory. I am ready for a big fight now, and there are several guys that I would love to face. I am going to go back to New York and make the best decision with my team. I look forward to what is ahead for me,” said Mrkanovic.

Nikita Ababiy will make his UK debut at The O2 in London on April 20 on the undercard of Dave Allen’s showdown with former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora’s clash with Senad Gashi, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The 20-year-old Brooklyn talent known as ‘White Chocolate’ has made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks, winning his first three fights by first round knockout. A former Team USA star, Ababiy doesn’t want to waste any time on his quest to become a World Champion and is aiming for another big knockout in the Capital.

“I’m excited to fight in front of the British fans on April 20,” said Ababiy. “I want to become a global star and a Middleweight World Champion over the next few years. I’d like to thank my manager Keith Connolly, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing for the massive opportunity. I’m looking for a sensational knockout to show the fans in England that I’m a future superstar.”

“Nikita has been electric since he turned pro with 3 devastating first round knockouts in his opening 3 fights,” said Eddie Hearn. “I believe we have by far the most exciting young talent Worldwide and it’s important they get the experience and profile of boxing in key markets around the World. It’s also great for UK fight fans that they get to see fighters like Nikita up close as they begin their journey. I expect him to light up The O2 on April 20.”

Ababiy makes his UK debut on a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

At the top of the bill, Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs) and 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 Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring following a hand injury that kept him out of action since his first title win over Cedrick Peynaud in July, with Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fighting for the second time after winning on her pro debut at the Copper Box Arena last month.

Juan Francisco Estrada says he will be 100 per cent fit for his rematch with Sor Srisaket Rungvisai – and that will make the fight twice as good as the first clash and see him become World champion at The Forum in Inglewood, LA on Friday April 26, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

**TICKETS START FROM JUST $25 AND ARE ON SALE NOW FROM TICKETMASTER**

Estrada and Rungvisai served up a fight of the year contender at the famous LA venue last February, with the Thai star edging out ‘Gallo’ to retain his WBC Super Flyweight title and land the Ring Magazine crown.

Former WBA and WBO king Estrada was hampered in the build up by a knee issue for the first clash, yet the Mexican ace delivered a fantastic performance. The 28 year old has recorded a pair of wins since the majority decision loss to Rungvisai, and crucially, has enjoyed a great camp in Los Mochis, Mexico to enter the showdown in great shape.

“I’ve always said there’s always a second chance and we need to take advantage of it,” said Estrada. “I was 50 per cent prepared last time, not because I didn’t want to train but because I had some injuries that affected my preparation and we had no choice but to keep facing the fight as it was a very important fight. This rematch is an opportunity and we will make the most out of it because we are well trained and the goal is to be a World Champion, doesn’t matter if it’s against Rungvisai or anyone else.

“After his hand was raised, I knew there will be a rematch because it was an interesting fight for the fans and for us, it had to be a rematch. I had to win my way back with two or three flights because I was ranked on the top 10 but needed to come up to the second rank to be able to get this fight and my team and I made it happen.

“I had a knee injury first time around and my reactions were not the same. I could not run the same, I was tired but I showed heart. The final round was one of the best rounds of the year, and if I was 100 per cent prepared with no injuries the whole fight would have been like that and maybe he wouldn’t handle that round.

“When a right-handed fighter faces a lefty, it could be a boring fight because of the stances, but when Rungvisai and I fight, our style of boxing is a great match and I think it wasn’t a dirty fight, I think it was a good fight for the fans and that they enjoyed it.

“If he is 100 per cent prepared like he was or more, I think it will be a more aggressive fight for both of us, a tougher fight but I will throw a lot more punches and that will make the difference. He is a fighter that doesn’t throw a lot of combinations, he is a fighter that is has trusts his punch, he has very strong punches and I progressively throw more combinations. I will look for the knockout thawing more punches and showing more intensity.

“Really being champion is the most important, doesn’t matter who is it against, and fighting Rungvisai, in my opinion he is the best of this division. If god gives me the chance to win the fight, I would like to fight against other World champions and defend my title with a few fights and then get to the next division.

“It will be like the first fight but now throwing a lot more punches, and like I said our styles are a great match. Our physical preparation will be crucial last time I was 50 per cent and now the key will be to get their 100 per cent.”

Estrada’s rematch with Rungvisai tops a huge card in Los Angeles with WBA World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman and IBF ruler TJ Doheny clashing in a unification battle.

Jessie Vargas (28-2-2 10 KOs) is on the hunt to become a three-weight World champion and he faces fellow two-weight World king Humberto Soto (69-9-2 37 KOs) in a crunch clash for their elite level aspirations. The Soto clash will be Vargas’ first fight with new trainer Freddie Roach, and it’s a busy evening for the Hall of Fame coach as Scott Quigg (35-2-2 26KOs) also looks to move to world honors in a new weight, targeting a Featherweight World title shot in the second half of the year.

Unbeaten Super-Middleweight talent Anthony Sims Jr is set for a breakout year and will fight for his first title on the bill. Sims (17-0 16 KOs), who is in action in Peterborough, England on Saturday night live on DAZN and Sky Sports, clocked three stoppage wins in the second half of 2018, and will look to convert that momentum in style in first the UK and then in LA.

Shakhram Giyasov (7-0 6KOs) and Diego Pacheco (2-0 1KO) landed wins in Tijuana, Mexico this weekend and will fight on the bill, while Eddie Hearn’s latest addition to his blossoming stable of young USA talents, Houston’s Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, will make his pro debut on the card.

Tickets are on sale now prices from just $25 – to charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com, and also at the Forum Box Office.

NEW YORK (April 2, 2019)–Over the weekend, two highly regarded prospects under the Split-T Management stable, welterweight Mark Dawson Jr. and heavyweight Sonny Conto remained undefeated with victories in their hometown of Philadelphia.

On Friday night at SugarHouse Casino, Dawson took a unanimous decision over Jordan Morales in a six-round bout.

Dawson dropped Morales in round two with a left hook, and he never looked back as he kept Morales on end of his jab that Dawson followed up with some nice straight lefts.

Dawson, who was a former Youth National Champion and a quarterfinalist in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, has a record of 6-0-1.

Conto scored his 2nd straight 1st round knockout when he blasted out Omar Acosta on Saturday night at 2300 Arena.

The 23 year-old Conto landed a devastating left hook that nailed Acosta on the chin, that sent Acosta to the deck, and the bout was was stopped 75 seconds into the contest.

With the win Conto, a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion as well as a Silver Medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves, will now head to Las Vegas and fight on the Tyson Fury – Tom Schwarz undercard on June 15th.

LAS VEGAS, NV (April 2, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated welterweight prospect, Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (9-0, 6 KOs) will face his toughest opponent to date when he battles Sanjarbek Rakhmanov (11-1-1, 5 KOs) April 5, 2019, at the Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, in Las Vegas, NV. This 8-round bout is being promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown are priced at $25, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Hunter, who is managed by Greg Hannley and advised by former two-time heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman, hails from Las Vegas and will have his hometown fans in attendance. Hunter is currently training with former world champion, Bones Adams and veteran trainer Kevin Henry, and feels he has the skill set to defeat Rakhmanov, who is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

“This is a very tough fight, my toughest to date so far.” stated Hunter. “Rakhmanov has faced a lot of good opponents, but he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me, who can make adjustments on the fly. I’m confident I have the skills to come out on top and having a lot of fans in attendance will be inspiring. I’m ready to take my career to the next level with a convincing victory.”

“Keith Hunter is a great kid with a lot of confidence,” said manager Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing, “It’s this type of fight that will take him to the next level in his career. I know he has the skills to become something special in the welterweight division. This Friday he’ll prove why he should be considered as one of the top prospects in boxing.”

“Keith is a bad boy and I know he’s going to show up this Friday at Sam’s Town,” said Prince Ranch Boxing adviser Hasim Rahman, “He’s in tough but I know he has the talent to win this fight. At this level, you must get past these types of fights.”

Keith Hunter is promoted by Greg Cohen, founder and CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions.

Joe Cordina wants to come through his vacant British Lightweight title clash with Andy Townend at The O2 in London on April 20 with “flying colours” as he looks to continue his march towards a dream World title shot.

Cardiff’s ‘Welsh Wizard’ is aiming to add a third belt to his collection when he collides with Barnsley’s ‘KO Kid’, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, and the Cardiff man knows landing the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt would be another major step on his way to World glory.

“It’s no secret, I didn’t get into this sport just to win a British title,” said Cordina. “Some people only have ambitions of winning a British title, and that’s fine, but I want so much more than that. To get where I want to be in boxing I need to win this title so it pushes me towards bigger and better things.

“First of all, I need to win this fight on April 20 and I need to come through it with flying colours. I’m in no way overlooking the challenge I’ve got on my hands. Andy is known as a big puncher, he likes to come out fast and wing them away. I was meant to fight him in my fifth fight, so we know what he’s all about.

“We’ve prepared for the best Andy Townend that there could possibly be. If he wants to stand in the middle of the ring and trade, then I’ll meet him head on. If he wants to come after me then I can box him. If he wants to go back then I’ll take it to him. I’ve absolutely smashed this camp out of the water and I’m ready to go now.”

Cordina hasn’t fought since he claimed the Commonwealth Lightweight crown against Sean Dodd at the Cardiff Ice Arena last August, but the 27-year-old former Olympian insists he won’t have any rust after eight months out of the ring.

“I was meant to fight Scotty Cardle on the Usyk vs. Bellew undercard in November but a hand injury late into my training camp forced me out of the fight,” he added. “Having seen what Ricky Burns did to Cardle, I think I would have done the same, maybe not as quick as Ricky but I had every confidence in myself to do a number on him.

“I don’t think my time out of the ring is going to affect me at all. I did a full camp, all I missed out on is a few rounds on November 10. I was ticking by while I was injured, doing my running because I had a cast on my hand. As soon as my cast came off I started shadow boxing, then we started hitting bags lightly, then pads and sparring.

“I’m going to box just how I need to box to get the win. I’m going to try and win in style but if it comes down to it and I have to grind out a result then I’ll grind it out. All I’m going to do is win and put a performance on. For me it’s all about getting that British title under my belt.”

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

At the top of the bill, Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne and Derek Chisora clashes with Senad Gashi in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell.

Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight Conor Benn makes his long-awaited return to the ring following a hand injury that kept him out of action since his first title win over Cedrick Peynaud in July, with Watford Bantamweight Shannon Courtenay fighting for the second time after winning on her pro debut at the Copper Box Arena last month.

PHILADELPHIA – Stanley “Kitten” Hayward is a legendary fighter from one of the best eras of Philly Boxing. Hayward campaigned between 1959 and 1977, and faced some of the very best boxers of his time. On April 14, 2019, on the brink of his 80th birthday, Hayward will receive a special honorary Briscoe Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Hayward fought for the world junior middleweight title in 1969, after earning the shot with a defeat of all-time great Emile Griffith at the Spectrum. Other key victories in Hayward’s career included an impressive six-bout winning streak over the likes of Bennie Briscoe, Curtis Cokes, Dick Turner, Percy Manning and others. Hayward posted an overall career record of 32-12-4, 18 KOs, and is enshrined in the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame. Kitten will be in attendance to accept his Briscoe Award on April 14.

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 on 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 in advance at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.

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.

LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2019): Super lightweight contender Yves Ulysse Jr. (17-1, 9 KOs) of Montreal, Canada will face Steve Claggett (27-5-2, 17 KOs) of Calgary, Canada in a 10-round rematch for the vacant WBA Gold Super Lightweight Title in the main event of the April 25 edition of Golden Boy DAZN Thursday Night Fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. Details for how to watch the fights will be announced shortly
Ulysse Jr. is a 30-year-old contender who has scored three spectacular victories since the controversial split decision loss against Claggett in October 2017. Ulysse Jr. is best known for stopping previously undefeated prospect Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa and then-unbeaten contender Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin. Ulysse Jr. will look to even the score against Claggett on April 25.

“I can’t believe that I will finally get my revenge against [Steve] Claggett,” said Yves Ulysse Jr. “I’ve been waiting for this fight for two years now! It’s going to be a hell of a fight. You won’t want to miss it!”

Claggett is a 29-year-old pugilist who is known for fighting Christopher “The Heat” van Heerden and Danny O’Connor. Claggett will look to prove that his win against Ulysse Jr. in their first fight was no fluke.

“Thank you to our promoter KO Night Boxing for the diligent work in making this fight happen,” said Steve Claggett. “It’s the bout we wanted. I’ve gone head-to-head against Ulysse Jr. and bested him in his hometown, and I’m going to do it again in spectacular fashion on April 25th.”

“We are delighted to have the first fight of our new co-promotional agreement with Eye of the Tiger Management,” said Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Yves Ulysse Jr. is inches away from a world title shot at 140 pounds, and we’re happy to see him grow into world title contention in his first main event fight in the United States. It’ll be a night of great rematches on April 25, so I invite everyone to head out to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino for a stacked night of Golden Boy action.”

“Ulysse vs. Claggett 2 will certainly be a candidate for Fight of the Year,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of the Tiger Management.”Yves is very motivated to leave a mark and show that he is the man to beat at 140 pounds. The opportunity to erase the only blemish on his record is an opportunity to jump all over. The first fight was a highly controversial decision, so he wants to make sure there is no room for questions in this outing.”

In the co-main event, Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (18-1-1, 7 KOs) of Tierralta, Colombia, will defend his NABF Bantamweight Title against Joshua “The Professor” Franco (14-1-1, 7 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas in a 10-round rematch between two Golden Boy contenders. The first fight was easily a contender for Fight of the Year as both men stood toe-to-toe during each round of the fight. Both men will took to pick up where they left off when they begin the 11th round.

Alexis “Lex” Rocha (12-0, 8 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round fight against Shoki Sakai (23-9-2, 13 KOs) of Amagasaki, Japan.

Marlen Esparza (5-0, 1 KOs) of Houston, Texas will return to the ring after almost a year of inactivity in an eight-round battle for the vacant NABO Flyweight Title.

Mike “Yes Indeed” Reed (23-2, 12 KOs), a southpaw contender of Washington, D.C. who has not been in the ring for a year, will make his comeback in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Kevin Ventura (10-0, 8 KOs) of Omaha, Nebraska will face Josh Hernandez (8-2, 7 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois in a six-round lightweight fight.

Raul “Cougar” Curiel (5-0-3 KOs) of Tamaulipas, Mexico will fight in a six-round welterweight clash.

Anthony Reyes (4-0, 3 KOs), the hard-hitting native of Coachella, Calif. will return in a four-round super bantamweight battle.

Anthony Garnica (1-0,1 KO) of Oakland, Calif. will participate in the second fight of his career in a four-round featherweight bout.

Opponents for Reed, Ventura, Garnica, Reyes and Curiel will be announce shortly.

Ulysse Jr. vs. Claggett II is a 10-round fight for the WBA Gold Super Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy and Eye of the Tiger Management. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” The fights will take place Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Details for how to watch the fights will be announced shortly

Tickets for the event are on sale and start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Media interested covering Ulysse Jr. vs. Claggett II must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, April 22, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #UlysseClaggett2, #ThursdayNightFights and #TNF.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking hereor by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/UlysseClaggett2 into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy for photos and videos used.

Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of Panamanian junior lightweight Jaime “Jaimito” Arboleda to a promotional contract.

Arboleda (13-1, 11 KOs) has been fighting since he was six years old. As an amateur, he fought internationally, going 117-13 and winning the national title at 123 pounds in 2012. He turned professional in 2014.

Arboleda is from a fighting family, as his father, uncle and two older brothers all fought. Brother José was a world-ranked junior featherweight before being killed in a bus accident in 2009. Growing up in the notorious Curundu section of Panama City, Arboleda avoided the gang life by spending most of this time at the Pedro Rockero Alcazar Gym in Panama City, working with trainer Rigoberto Garibaldi.

The 24-year-old is known as a stylist with above-average power in his punches, especially the left hook. Blessed with a high ring intelligence, Arboleda has drawn early comparisons to his countryman and former world champion Ismael Laguna.

“I am very happy to sign with Sampson Boxing,” said Arboleda. “Panamanians like (former two-time world champion) Roberto Vasquez have signed with him and had great careers. Sampson is the right person to move me forward. I trust him and know that he will help me get where I want to be.”

Arboleda also recently signed with Vasquez’s former manager, Carlos Gonzalez, who says the young prospect now has the team in place to make things happen.

“Jaimito wants nothing more than to give his family a better life through boxing and now he has the people who can help him do it. We already have him scheduled to fight twice in the coming months. He is very enthusiastic to become someone in life.”

Promoter Lewkowicz says he’s excited to work with another promising Panamanian after his successful runs with world champions like Vasquez, Anselmo Moreno and Celestino Caballero.

“Panama has produced many great fighters and with some help Jaime can become another one,” said Lewkowicz. “Carlos and I have a plan set out for him and we expect he will become a recognized contender in the next year or two. He works very hard in the gym to reach his goals.”

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About Sampson Boxing

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

Las Vegas (April 2, 2019) – 4 Division world champion Mikey Garcia has confirmed that that he will appear and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 5th Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 10am to 5pm, 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.

Garcia will make his 3rd appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have merchandise for sale for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this Boxing Superstar and one of the top Pound for Pound best Boxer in the world at the FIGHT LABEL booth. More info: http://www.fightlabel.co.uk/

Garcia joins 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 Mikey Garcia
Mikey Garcia, is an American professional boxer from Mexican descent and a 4 Division world champion as well as a unified lightweight world champion, having held the WBC title since 2017, and the IBF title since July 2018. Previously he held the WBO and Ring magazine featherweight titles in 2013, the WBO junior lightweight title from 2013 to 2014, and the IBF and lineal light welterweight titles from March to April 2018. On July 28, 2018, Garcia defended his WBC lightweight title and took away the IBF belt from Robert Easter Jr with a wide unanimous decision win, which included a third-round knockdown. More than 12,500 fans were on hand at the Staples Center in Los Angeles to witness this incredible achievement.

On March 16th of this year, Garcia went up 2 weight classes to challenge the IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., who many consider to be one of the Top Pound for Pound best boxer in the world. In front of a 48,000 thousand electrifying crowd at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Garcia fought a very hard and incredibly brave fight that went the distance, but Spence came out on top to retain his world Title.

Garcia is considered and ranked in many organizations amongst some of the best pound for pound Boxers in the world. He is trained by his father Eduardo and his brother, former world champion and one of the top boxing trainers in the world Robert Garcia. Today, the boxing world awaits impatiently to see what Garcia will decide to do in his next fight and which division he will be competing at, with so many great fights to happen in the near future.

About FIGHT LABEL inc.
FIGHT LABEL inc specializes in unique design of boxing apparel. The company was created by head Designer Sophie Whittam who has over 10 years of experience working as a fashion designer. Her ideas are trendy, stylish and gives her clients the edge on the competition. Her custom fight wear designs are tailor made and unlike any other, made with extraordinary materials, bringing fashion into the boxing ring. This is where fighting meets fashion. What ever you can imagine there are no limits to what she can create

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

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It was a monstrous weekend for the stars of the Lee Baxter Promotions family over the weekend, on both sides of the border.

In Toronto, LBP presented a tremendous night of action downtown at the historic Mattamy Athletic Centre. Not only is the venue located on the same plot of land as Maple Leaf Gardens, but the very date of the event, March 29, fell on the same night as the biggest fight in the city’s history—Muhammad Ali vs. George Chuvalo.

Perhaps Canada’s next superstar, Custio Clayton, kept the hype train chugging along with an impressive stoppage win over former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley in the sixth round of their featured bout. Though Corley gave him some solid frames through rounds 1 through 5, Clayton was clearly in control from start to finish. In the sixth, Clayton forced Corley back into the ropes, where he uncorked a flurry that kept the veteran on the canvas for good. Corley is known as one of boxing’s most durable gatekeepers, and despite being past his best days, a KO win over “Chop Chop” remains notable.

“Whenever you face Chop Chop, you excpect a tough fight, and you expect to go rounds. This is a guy who’s gone the distance with Floyd Mayweather and Zab Judah, and got on the floor nine times against Lucas Matthysse. He’s as tough as they come, and he doesn’t lay down for anybody. This is just more proof that Custio Clayton is everything he’s been hyped up to be,” said Lee Baxter.

In the main event, fan favorite Stanyslav Skorokhod had the Mattamy Centre rocking with a thunderous second round knockout over Jose Luis Zuniga. Skorokhod, and his fellow countryman Oleksandr Teslenko (who was victorious over Fabio Maldonado in a NABA heavyweight title bout the same night) attracted a raucous Ukrainian contingent once again in the Toronto region. It was the third consecutive knockout victory for Skorokhod on Canadian soil.

“From a promoter’s standpoint, you couldn’t ask for anything more. Stan brought out a dedicated fanbase that made for an incredible atmosphere, and he gave them exactly what they wanted—he closed the show,” said Baxter.

On the undercard, Canada’s top middleweight, Patrice Volny, made short work of the previously undefeated Nicolas Holcapfel of Slovakia. Volny demonstrated a vicious body attack, particularly for a lanky puncher like himself, hurting Holcapfel to the body in the second round before finishing him with a punishing left hook downstairs.

“Patrice had a really busy 2018, with lots of tough fights, so it was nice to see him get Holcapfel out of there early. Spending more time in the gym with Custio Clayton and their trainer Eric Belanger can only be beneficial to him. He has a penchant for putting on a show, that X-factor you need to become a star, and that’s what we believe he’s capable of turning into,” said Baxter.

Almost 600 miles away in New Albany, Indiana, welterweight contender Dusty Hernandez Harrison got back to work with a first round knockout over journeyman Bruce Rumbolz. Harrison showed his power fighting above the welterweight limit in this tune-up bout, dropping Rumbolz with the first significant shot he threw, a hard left hook upstairs, which ended the fight at 1:46 of the round.

“The welterweight division is as hot as ever, it’s filled with pay-per-view attractions, and we believe Dusty is dangerous to any of those top names when he’s back in top form,” said Baxter. “With his fanbase in D.C. and his skill level, he very well could be our company’s first world champion.”

Jordan Gill defends his WBA International Featherweight title against Enrique Tinoco on the same night that Leigh Wood makes the first defence of his Commonwealth Featherweight crown against Ryan Doyle in the latest instalment of the JD NXTGEN series at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on May 10, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Chatteris talent Gill (23-0, 7 KOs) broke into the WBA’s top 15 world rankings when he outclassed and stopped Mexico’s Emmanuel Dominguez in 3 rounds to win the International Featherweight strap and is wasting no time as he defends his title against another tough Mexican in Tinoco (17-5-4, 12 KOs).

“Getting out again so soon after my win in Peterborough is great for building the momentum,” said Gill. “I want to stay fresh in everyone’s minds and to keep on building and learning is important. To keep on winning and improving is the main aim and I can’t wait to get out again on May 10.”

“I don’t know too much about my opponent. I know he’s tough and very seasoned, he went the distance with Devin Haney who’s an unbeaten and well-ranked Lightweight. He’s considered one of the best up-and-coming Lightweight prospects in world boxing and if he couldn’t put Tinoco away then I know I’m in for a hard night.”

Wood (21-1, 11 KOs) claimed the Commonwealth belt by halting Abraham Osei Bonsu in two rounds at the East of England Arena in Peterborough last month and jumps straight back into title action against former champion Doyle (17-3-1, 9 KOs) as he looks to cement his name in the Featherweight division.

Doyle stopped Reece Bellotti in 5 epic rounds to claim the Commonwealth title last year before surrendering his title to emerging star Jordan Gill at the Copper Box Arena in October, and the Manchester man is out to recapture his old belt on away soil.

“It feels surreal to be topping such a big show in my home city with Jordan,” said Wood. “I’ve been banging on for a while now about bringing big time boxing back to Nottingham. It’s been seven years since Carl Froch last boxed here so it’s been a long time coming. Being the main flagbearer for boxing in my city is a big honour.

“Although I was happy to win the Commonwealth title it was a fairly easy win for me. I think I need to beat a champion or a former champion to feel worthy of winning the title and I want to be tested as well. It’s going to be a hard fight with Ryan Doyle, he’ll test me and I’m looking forward to it.

“When Froch retired a lot of fight fans had nobody to follow and they’ve been craving someone to support and get behind for a while now. People from Nottingham always get behind one of their own and I’m expecting a huge turnout on May 10 with a lot of noise.”

Unbeaten Wokingham Middleweight Felix Cash (11-0, 7 KOs) produced a stunning display to capture the vacant Commonwealth title in one round against Rasheed Abolaji at The O2 in February and returns to make the first defence of his title as he eyes a shot at the Lonsdale Belt in 2019.

Sheffield’s most successful ever amateur boxer Dalton Smith makes his highly-anticipated professional debut at Super-Lightweight after recently signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

Undefeated Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley (6-0, 5 KOs) is quickly making a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with and the Dillian Whyte-managed powerhouse continues his march up the Heavyweight ladder in Nottingham.

Exciting New Jersey Super-Featherweight prospect Raymond Ford (1-0) fights in the UK for the first time as a professional after getting off to winning ways on his pro debut on the Tevin Farmer vs. Jono Carroll undercard in Philadelphia last month and Denaby Lightweight Terri Harper (6-0, 3 KOs) gets another opportunity on the big stage after winning the WBC International Female Lightweight title in her last fight.

“I’ve been looking to return to Nottingham for years and now we have the perfect chance to do it with Leigh Wood and a great line up of talent,” said Eddie Hearn. “It’s been nearly 7 years since that unforgettable night when Carl Froch dethroned Lucien Bute and we hope we can now put Nottingham back on the map as a more regular stop within the boxing calendar.

“Leigh Wood has always had a strong following and now he holds a notable title he has a chance to cement himself with victory over Manchester’s Ryan Doyle. Jordan Gill has become a standout star and he gets straight back to defending his title while Commonwealth champ Felix Cash also returns.

“Heavyweight prospect Fabio Wardley looks to continue his impressive run, exciting New Jersey Super-Featherweight prospect Raymond Ford fights for the first time in the UK, rising Lightweight talent Terri Harper returns and Sheffield’s most decorated amateur Dalton Smith makes his pro debut.”

AS VEGAS (April 2, 2019) – The newest member of Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions’ growing stable of gifted boxers, undefeated Irish middleweight prospect
Connor “The Kid” Coyle, will make his Las Vegas debut in the 8-round main event on Thursday night, April 25, at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas.

Coyle (9-0, 3 KOs), who travels from Derry, Northern Ireland to America to finish training camp for every fight, headlined an RJJ Boxing on FIGHT PASS main event fight this past February in Saint Petersburg, Florida. His impressive eight-round decision over 19-4 Travis Scott led to RJJ Boxing signing its first Irish fighter. Coyle is matched against Robert Burwell (8-2, 3 KOs), fighting out of Orlando (FL)

Coyle vs. Burwell, promoted by Roy Jones Jr. RJJ Boxing, will headline a card to be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The show will be the fifth under a new agreement between Coyle’s, RJJ Boxing, and FIGHT PASS, to live stream up to 72 professional boxing events over the next three years.

“It is always exciting to be able to put on professional fights in my hometown, Las Vegas,” RJJ Boxing CEO/Co-founder Keith Veltre said. “It is an honor for Roy Jones Jr Boxing Promotions to showcase our newest addition to our stable, Connor Coyle, an exciting warrior who brings it all into the ring. He now gets to make his debut under the RJJ banner in the fight capital of the world.”

Also fighting on FIGHT PASS, all in scheduled 8-round bouts against opponents to be determined ,are Tajikistan-born, Henderson, NV resident Merkhrubon Sanginov (7-0, 5 KOs), the former WBC Youth World middleweight champion, in the 8-round co-featured event; Fort Lauderdale, FL lightweight Antonio “Bang” Williams (9-0, 4 KOs) and undefeated Houston welterweight Jerrico “Hands of Stone” Walton (12-0, 7 KOs)..

Fighters on the off-FIGHT Pass card include undefeated Miami bantamweight Rosalinda Rodriquez (9-0, 2 KOs) in an 8-rounder, and Mexican featherweight Ricardo Lucio Galvan (2-0), fighting out of Reno, NV, in a 4-round match..

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Priced at $75.00 (VIP Ringside), $60.00 (floor) and $30.00 (risers), tickets are on sale and available to purchase online at https://www1.ticketmaster.com/roy-jones-jr-ufc-fight-pass-brock-v-gutierrez/event/1700566977711A55.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT, first bout at 5:30 p.m. PT.

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @connor_the_kid_coyle, @Samstownlv
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @samstownlv, @connor_the_kid_coyle,
Facebook: /ConorCoyle/royjonesjrboxingpromotions, /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /Samstownlv

KID GALAHAD has been getting tips on how to beat Josh Warrington from featherweight legend Naseem Hamed.

Mandatory contender Galahad challenges the IBF featherweight champion at First Direct Arena Leeds on Saturday June 15, after Warrington’s promoter Frank Warren won the purse bids.

Galahad (26-0, 15 KOs) was encouraged to box by Naz when he was a kid and sent him to the famous Ingle gym in Sheffield.

Now Naz is playing his part in causing the downfall of Warrington (28-0, 6 KOs), and is expected ringside on fight night supporting him.

Sheffield’s Galahad, 29, said: “I don’t want to go into too much detail, but Naz rang me, said a few things and I’ve taken them in.

“Naz would’ve loved facing someone like Josh and beaten him in no more than three rounds.

“It will last no more than six when I take Josh’s title.”

Warrington, 28, caused an upset when he won the title last May outpointing Lee Selby in front of 25,000 fans at Elland Road and in December beat Carl Frampton over 12 rounds in a classic first defence.

Galahad added: “Listen, he has two had good wins against Selby and Frampton.

“I sparred Lee when he boxed Josh and he was a completely different fighter. He was dead at the weight, but it is what is.

“I’ve got to give Josh credit and I expect him to be even better than those two performances, but I believe I am better than him in every single department.”

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

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

2 April 2019 – Jakarta, Indonesia: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced ONE: FOR HONOR, set for 3 May at Istora Senayan in the bustling Indonesian capital of Jakarta. Once again, the absolute best in world-class martial arts talent will storm the ONE Championship ring to showcase their incredible skills. In the main event, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao of Thailand will defend his title against Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom.

Ticket information for ONE: FOR HONOR is available at www.onefc.com.

ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao is ready to return to action and defend his World Title against Jonathan Haggerty in the main event of ONE: FOR HONOR.

Over the course of a stellar 25-year career spanning more than 400 bouts, multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion Sam-A has captured titles across several weight classes, and is now known as one of the very best Muay Thai kickboxers of all time.

Born to a family of farmers in Buriram, a province in northeastern Thailand, Sam-A began his competitive Muay Thai career at the young age of 9. Seeking to take his career to the next level, Sam-A moved to Bangkok when he was 15 years old, and he began training at the famed Petchyindee Muay Thai academy before making his debut at the prestigious Rajadamnern and Lumpinee stadiums. His hard work and dedication soon paid off as he blazed a trail in the sport to emerge as a living legend in the ring.

The challenger, Haggerty, is already an accomplished martial artist, despite his relative youth. He began training in Muay Thai at the age of 7 under the watchful eye of his father, John, who was himself an active competitor.

Haggerty quickly racked up multiple accolades in the sport of Muay Thai as an amateur becoming a three-time English Champion, three-time British Champion, and winning a European title as well. As a professional, his resume is still growing, but he has dominated almost everyone he has faced to date, winning almost all of his bouts via knockout while facing the sport’s elite. Now he gets the chance to challenge Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.

Additional bouts at ONE: FOR HONOR will be announced at a later date.

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

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

LAS VEGAS – April 1, 2019 – Unbeaten 122-pound prospect Angelo Leo and Filipino Neil Tabanao talk training camp just days away from their ShoBox: The New Generation main event showdown Friday, April 5 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

The ShoBox tripleheader co-feature will see unbeaten super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez (13-0, 9 KOs) squaring off against experienced Filipino John Moralde (21-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round bout and undefeated Mayweather Promotions’ 130-pound prospect Andres Cortes (10-0, 6 KOs) facing Jahmal Dyer (9-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout in the telecast opener.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown are priced at $25, $50 and $75 and can be purchased by visiting: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Leo, (16-0, 8 KOs), who started boxing at the age of eight, has dreams of emulating his biggest boxing inspiration, Roberto Duran, by one day becoming a world champion. He draws inspiration not only from Duran’s aggressiveness in the ring, but also from his tactical fighting style. The 24-year-old from Albuquerque, N.M. has sparred with elite boxers such as Leo Santa Cruz, Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito Donaire, and Tomoki Kameda and assures he is more than prepared to withstand Tabanao on April 5.

Tabanao, 25, made his pro debut in 2012 in his home country of the Philippines. He will make his television debut this week as he looks to move up the super bantamweight ranks. Tabanao won the WBO Oriental Featherweight Title in 2016 with a third-round technical knockout of Ibrahim Balla to then lose it to former 122-pound world champion Issac Dogboe. He suffered two consecutive defeats after losing to Dogboe but has admirably rebounded by winning his last four bouts.

Here is what the fighters had to share ahead of their matchup:

On what they know about their opponent:

Leo: “Tabanao is definitely not a pushover. He has 17 wins and 11 of those by knockout, so we definitely know that he can punch. I’ve seen a video of him, he likes to counter off the high guard. He’s fought a former world champion, Isaac Dogboe, and went the distance with him. So, he is a tough competitor for sure, but I think with my boxing and ring IQ, I can get the victory.”

Tabanao: “Angelo Leo is a good fighter. We need to use a good strategy to win this fight—and we have it. We trained very hard targeting his weaknesses. He’s in for a surprise this Friday.”

On what a win from this fight will do for their career:

Leo: “A win over Neil Tabanao will probably set me up for another 10-round fight and after that I will hopefully be competing on a world title eliminator. I think in the next two or three fights I’ll get a world title shot.”

Tabanao: “I want to be recognized in the world of boxing. Leo is a step towards that goal. He doesn’t know what he’s in for.”

On training camp:

Leo: “I had a very good training camp. I have a very good team. My dad, is my head trainer, he is the one in charge. Luis Chavez is my other trainer. He lives in New Mexico trainer and comes down when I fight. Steve Cartledge and John Sinclair are helping me with my strength and conditioning. We started increasing the rounds in my sparring and we are trying to get the conditioning up as well. I have been training super hard for this fight. I feel that I’m in tip-top shape.”

Tabanao: “I had a good training camp. I trained with my coach Sonny Dollente at Mabuhay Boxing Camp at Dujali Davao del Norte in The Philippines. We worked hard on perfecting our strategy; we are ready to counter whatever Leo may do on Friday night.”

How does it feel to fight on national television?

Leo: “It feels like a dream come true to fight on national television. I’ve been working so hard for this moment. Finally, I get to show everybody who I am and what better way to do it than as the main event on TV. I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. Everyone will see what I’m all about.”

Tabanao: “It means a lot to me to be able to fight on national television. I hope this is the first of many televised fights. I want to become a renowned and successful boxer to be able help my family. I’m determined to do it.”

# # #

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

New York, NY (April 1, 2019) ‘The First Lady’ Cecilia Braekhus, (35-0, 9 KOs), is planning a big return to the ring following an extraordinary 2018 campaign filled with dominating victories inside the ring and a wealth of historical accolades outside.

Based in Oslo, Norway, and undisputed welterweight world champion (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO world titles) since September 2014, Braekhus, celebrated as the International Ambassador for Women’s Boxing, fought three times in 2018, twice in Los Angeles, CA and once in Moscow, Russia.

In recent weeks numerous mentions of Braekhus in the worldwide media have been made for massive fights with unified lightweight world champion Katie Taylor and UFC Star Cris Cyborg.

“2018 was a very busy year and I’ve had a chance to relax and spend time with family and friends but now my immediate thoughts are to return to the ring,” said Braekhus. “In the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen many mentions of a massive fight with Katie Taylor and also a huge showdown with Cris Cyborg, both of which are very appealing to me.”

“I’ve been a fan of Katie’s since before she turned professional, we sparred together when she was an amateur and she is clearly one of the most talented female fighters in the world. With Cyborg we also are mutual admirers of our work and when we first met in December 2017 we had some discussions about having a boxing match.”

“A fight with Katie Taylor would be a massive event in either Ireland, Norway or New York City. For a fight with Cyborg, we both have fans on the West Coast so Las Vegas or Los Angeles would be perfect. These would be very big international events to elevate the sport of women’s boxing.”

“I’m back in training now in Norway and look forward to these specific opportunities and defending all of my belts in the fashion that my fans all over the world have become accustomed to. The most meaningful fights on the biggest stages is my goal for 2019.”

————————————————–

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York, April 1, 2019

Star Boxing’s recently signed undefeated international prospects, #1 rated Irish welterweight, DYLAN “THE REAL DEAL” MORAN (now 10-0 5KO’s) and Dominican Republic bantamweight prospect and titlist, JUNIOR “BAMBITO” ALMONTE (now 12-0 9KO’s) both fought over the weekend in their first bouts as Star Boxing fighters.

Moran stepped in at the National Stadium in Dublin Ireland against former European champion, Hungarian, GYORGY MIZSEI JR.. Moran maintained a come forward style over the 8-round fight, trading freely at times with his Hungarian foe. Moran forced the action, pinning Mizsei (now 26-26-1 15KO’s) against the rope’s multiple times, as the former European champion fought back with some sharp counter punches. A counter punch in the 5th round caused a small cut to open on the bridge of the Irishmen’s nose, but it did not slow the southpaw as Moran continued his relentless pressure. After the full 8-rounds Moran took home the victory via unanimous decision, remaining undefeated (all three judges scored the fight 79-74).

On Sunday night, Junior Almonte laced up at the Club Plaza Valerio in Santiago, Dominican Republic against ANGELO “EL OLIMPICO” MUNOZ (now 18-16 11KO’s). The Dominican and WBC FECARBOX Bantamweight champion quickly displayed his fast and heavy hands, wasting no time, earning a first round TKO victory.

Star Boxing promoter, JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about both victories, “I was happy to have both Dylan and Junior jump right into action after recently signing a promotional agreement with Star Boxing. Dylan has a strong Irish fanbase, and after watching his fight on Saturday night, it is easy to see why. Junior has an impressive amateur background, and it shows in both his comfort and ring generalship. Clearly his power showed Sunday night. I look forward to continuing Star Boxing’s relationship with Dylan and Junior and their respective teams, and I am excited for what is in store for these two great prospects.”

PHILADELPHIA – IBF junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer, earned the Briscoe Award for the “2018 Performance of the Year” with his 12-round unanimous decision over Billy Dib in Australia, last August. Farmer won the world title with the victory, and will receive his award on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at the Briscoe Awards in South Philadelphia. Farmer’s overall efforts in 2018 also secured honors as he “2018 Philly Fighter of the Year”.

Farmer became a champion in spectacular fashion, scoring a knockdown over Dib and winning the bout by unanimous decision. The boxing fans voted the performance as the best among three other nominees. It is the third time Farmer has been recognized for having the best performance among Philly boxers (2015, 2016 & 2018). He has won six awards overall, including this year’s award for “Philly Fighter of the Year”.

“It took a lot of work to make this possible,” Farmer said about his awards. “I’m gonna definitely be there (on April 14th). I’m happy to be there. It’s an honor.”

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 on 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 in advance at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413.

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.

TUCSON, Ariz. (April 1, 2019) — Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt and Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas waged pugilistic war once before. The Mexican warriors, two-plus years removed from their breathtaking battle, are set to do it again.

Berchelt, who snagged Vargas’ WBC super featherweight title via 11th-round knockout in January 2017, will make the fifth defense of that belt on Saturday, May 11 at the Tucson Arena, located inside the Tucson Convention Center

In the sensational co-feature, WBO junior featherweight world champion Emanuel Navarrete will look to repeat the deed when he defends his title in an immediate rematch versus Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe, whom he defeated by unanimous decision last Dec. 8 on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jose Pedraza card.

Berchelt-Vargas 2 and Navarrete-Dogboe 2 will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 10 p.m. ET. The undercard will stream live starting at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, tickets for this world championship event priced at $102, $77, $52 and $27 go on sale Tuesday, April. 2 at 12 p.m. ET/10 a.m. MST. Tickets may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or by visiting the Tucson Convention Center ticket office.

“Francisco Vargas is a great Mexican warrior, just like I am,” Berchelt said. “I am training at my best to prove once again that I am not only better than him, but that I am the best 130-pounder in the world.”

“I have no doubt that 2019 will be my big comeback year,” Vargas said. “The three wise men came bearing gifts, and one of them is my highly awaited rematch against Miguel Berchelt on May 11. Like I said before our first fight, Mexicans never back down, and I will show that once again in the ring.”

“We’re all looking forward to this card. Berchelt-Vargas and Navarrete-Dogboe were incredible action fights the first time around, and the rematches will provide fireworks,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “This is surely one of the great fight cards of 2019, and there is no better place for it to take place than the incredible city of Tucson. The fight fans there are passionate, knowledgeable and will sell the building out.”

“The first fight between Francisco Vargas and Miguel Berchelt was a war,” said Eric Gomez, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Vargas came up short that night, but it’s been his only loss. Since then, he’s gotten a lot better by training with Joel Diaz, so I’m even more confident now that Vargas will get his belt back. Golden Boy Promotions is committed to making the best fights, and we’re happy to be working with Top Rank and Zanfer Promotions to make another classic battle.”

Berchelt (35-1, 31 KOs) is a pure boxer-puncher who has won 14 in a row since his only defeat, a controversial first-round knockout that most experts believe was stopped prematurely. He had been an interim world champion before facing Vargas in Indio, California. It was a back-and-forth affair that saw Berchelt steadily wear down Vargas until the referee stopped the bout at 2:19 of the 11th round following a flurry of punches. He went 3-0 in 2018, most recently stopping Miguel “Mickey” Roman in the ninth round of a Fight of the Year contender.

Vargas (25-1-2, 18 KOs), who has won two straight since the Berchelt loss, is incapable of making a boring fight. He was one half of the Fight of the Year in 2015 and 2016. In 2015, bruised, battered, and with a busted eye that nearly caused the fight to be stopped, he came back to knock out Takashi Miura in the ninth round. In 2016 he fought Orlando “Siri” Salido in a seesaw battle that ended in a draw. In his last bout, he knocked out Rod Salka in six rounds, setting the stage for what promises to be an all-action sequel.

Navarrete (26-1, 22 KOs) has won 20 consecutive bouts, bursting onto the world scene with his shocking upset of Dogboe. In their initial contest, he pressed the action and busted up Dogboe to notch the well-deserved decision. A two-fisted power puncher, the Dogboe victory ended his knockout streak at eight. Dogboe (20-1, 14 KOs), 24, emerged in 2018 as the latest in the long line of fan-friendly Ghanaian champions. A member of Royal Badu family of Anyako in the Volta Region of Ghana, Dogboe snatched the WBO junior featherweight title from Jessie Magdaleno in April 2018, coming off the deck in the opening round to stop Magdaleno in the 11th. He defended his title in August, steamrolling Hidenori Otake in one round. Then, he ran into the upset-minded Navarrete, who put a halt to Dogboe’s magical run. Come May 11, Dogboe will have a chance to regain his status as one of the sport’s elite young talents.

“I am ready to show the world that our first fight was no accident,” Navarrete said. “I am the better fighter, and I will show that again. Dogboe made a mistake in taking this rematch.”

“Look, in my last fight, I wasn’t fit. I underestimated Emanuel Navarrete,” Dogboe said. “But you know something, at my lowest, he couldn’t knock me out. This fight, May 11, it’s a guarantee: Isaac Dogboe is here to set the record straight. Tucson, it’s going down. You don’t want to miss this fight. It’s a fight people are going to be talking about for a very, very long time. A fit Isaac ‘Royal Storm’ Dogboe is a dangerous Isaac ‘Royal Storm’ Dogboe. May 11, I’m coming for my title!”

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

Use the hashtags #BercheltVargas2 and #NavarreteDogboe2 to join the conversation on social media.

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Philadelphia, PA (April 1, 2019)–Three-time Olympian Anvar Yunusov remained perfect by getting off the deck and fighting through a bad cut to win an eight-round unanimous decision over Carlos Colon in a junior lightweight bout that highlighted an action-packed ten bout card before a sold-out crowd on Friday night at SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.

The card, which was promoted by King’s Promotions in association with Titans Boxing Promotions, was streamed LIVE (and now can be seen on-demand) all of the world on the King’s Boxing Facebook Page. The Main event can be seen HERE

Yunusov was dropped by a right hand in round three. He was cut badly in the same round over his right eye. Yunusov was able to shake off the rough 3rd frame to come back and put Colon down with body shot’s in rounds four and five. Yunusov was able to control the action down the stretch, and win by scores of 79-71 and 78-71 twice.

Yunusov of Philadelphia by way of Tajakistan is now 7-0. Colon of Lares, Puerto Rico is 5-2.

Erik Spring and Terrance Williams locked up in a very competitive eight-round super welterweight battle that saw Spring come through with a majority decision.

Spring of Reading, PA won by scores of 77-75 and 76-75, while one card read even at 76-76.

Spring is now 12-2-2. Williams of York, PA is 5-3-1.

Popular super middleweight Brandon Robinson needed one left hand to the body to take out Lawrence Blakey at 2:49 of the 1st round of their scheduled six-round bout.

Robinson of Philadelphia is 12-2 with nine knockouts. Blakey of Pittsburgh is 5-13-2.

Colby Madison beat down Emilio Salas and scored a 2nd round stoppage in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Madison of Owings Mills, MD is 8-0-2 with five knockouts. Salas of Yonkers, NY is 5-3-1.

Laquan Evans took a four-round split decision over Jordan Demko in a a middleweight bout featuring pro debuters.

The fighters mixed it up in an entertaining four-round scrap that saw the fight go back and forth. Evans was able to overcome being dropped in the 1st round.

Evans was able to fight back, and win by scores of 39-37 and 38-37 with Demko winning a card 39-37.

Anthony Mercado proved to be too much for Andres Navarro by scoring a stoppage at the end of round five of a scheduled eight-round bout featuring junior welterweights based in Puerto Rico.

Mercardo is 13-4 with 11 knockouts. Navarro is 11-8-1.

Ryan Humburger and Brent Oren put on a display that not only thrilled the capacity crowd in attendance, but kept everyone on their feet for the duration of their middleweight bout.

Both guys took turns pounding away on each other, with each debuter being several times before Oren was worn down and not able to come out for round four.

Michael Coffie scored a vicious 2nd round stoppage over Eduardo Vitela in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

Cofffie landed a thudding left hook that immediately knocked Vitela out, and the fight was stopped at 1:10 of the 2nd frame.

Coffie of Brooklyn, NY is 6-0 with five knockouts. Vitela of Durango, Mexico is 3-4.

WATCH THE KNOCKOUT BELOW

https://www.facebook.com/kingsboxingpa/videos/1162447523916267/

Mark Dawson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Jordan Morales in a welterweight contest.

Dawson dropped Morales in the 2nd round and cruised to the victory by scores of 60-53 twice and 59-54.

Dawson of Philadelphia is 6-0-1. Morales of Sunbury, PA is 3-7.

Javier Oquendo and Weusi Johnson battled to a four round draw in a super featherweight bout.

Oquendo won a card 39-37; Johnson won a card at 40-36; a 3rd card was even at 38-38.

Oquendo of Philadelphia is 3-1-1. Johnson of Wilmington, Delaware is 3-11-1.

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ARCHIE SHARP BELIEVES a fight with the British super featherweight champion, Sam Bowen, is an inevitable encounter that is there to be made.

The WBO European champion Sharp, who de-throned Lyon Woodstock to claim his title back in October, makes a return to the ring on April 27 at the SSE Arena, Wembley, where he will box an eight-rounder to shake off the ring rust after recovering from injury.

His immediate goals, should he emerge unscathed at Wembley, are to defend his title while seeking to expand his belt collection by taking on other champions.
This means Bowen – who also holds the WBO Intercontinental title – fits the bill nicely and Sharp agrees it is a natural match-up.

“Exactly that and the Bowen fight is going to happen,” insisted the Welling-based 23-year-old. “We’re both unbeaten, we’re both with Frank (promoter, Warren) and we’re both top prospects.

“So that fight is going to happen. When it is going to happen I am not too sure, but it will go ahead in the future. I saw an interview where they were talking about Scott Quigg, so they are chucking names about trying to go for something bigger.

“I’ve got names I would like to look at as well like Lee Selby and Sam Bowen is amongst those names too, so we will see what happens.”

Sharp knows full well that stepping in with Bowen would represent a step up from his 14 previous opponents, but his confidence and self-belief has been infused by the recording of such an accomplished victory over Woodstock on away turf in Leicester.

“Great fighter, I am a great fighter too, so it will make a great fight. One hundred per cent it is a clash of styles, he is a very strong fighter and I am a very classy fighter. At the end of the day I feel like it would be the Woodstock fight all over again.

“I know he is stronger than Woodstock, but I am getting stronger every day.”

Also present on the super featherweight landscape is Zelfa Barrett – soon to return after injury – and Woodstock, who registered a comeback win in March.
Both are bidding to make a return to title contention but, in the opinion of Sharp, they are currently lagging behind with the also-rans and would need to bring something to the table before he would consider them a viable opponent.

“Yes, I don’t even particularly want to mention their names. I know Lyon is out there trying to get a rematch, but they are both beaten fighters so why don’t they box each other and do what they’ve got to do.

“Once they start winning belts they can get in the mix with us.”

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.

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 are Queensberry debuts for unbeaten welterweight Chris Kongo (10-0) and 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.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS suspects there is the genuine possibility of Josh Warrington overlooking the threat presented by his mandatory challenger Kid Galahad when the pair face each other with the IBF world featherweight title at stake at the FD Arena in Leeds on June 15.

Setting aside the natural bias Saunders might have for his former landlord, also known as Barry Awad, during his lengthy stint training at the Ingle Gym in Sheffield, the former middleweight world champion questions whether the Leeds man will summon up sufficient motivation for what is likely to be a highly-charged Yorkshire derby.

Saunders’ thinking is that, having chalked up such impressive victories over illustrious and favoured opponents in Lee Selby and Carl Frampton, will Warrington show the same desire against a challenger he twice defeated as an amateur and clearly doesn’t hold the highest regard for?

“Warrington is a brilliant fighter and he has had a couple of good performances but sometimes when you have a couple of good ones – I’ve been there and done it – your mind and everything else isn’t quite working the same,” considered Saunders, who returns to the ring to fight for the WBO Interim world super middleweight title against the No.1 ranked Shefat Isufi at Stevenage FC on May 18.

“He’s boxed Selby and Frampton and now he is looking at Barry thinking ‘oh it’s Kid Galahad, I beat him a couple of times’. Is that going to be decisive here, I don’t know.”

Saunders added that the will to win of his former sidekick, the also unbeaten Galahad, will be a key factor in the outcome, which he believes will result in a new champion being crowned.

“I think it is going to be a good fight but, for me, Barry has got a bit too much determination in him to lose. He has got that warrior code in him and I think he is going to do the job – I know he is going to do the job.”

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

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

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

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

Dave Allen has confirmed that he is looking to pursue a career in professional wrestling once he has hung up his gloves for good.

The hugely-popular Doncaster favourite turned pro in 2012 and has become a cult hero amongst boxing fans with brave performances against the likes of Dillian Whyte, Luis Ortiz and Tony Yoka.

‘White Rhino’ is enjoying the form of his life after claiming successive stoppage wins over Nick Webb, Sami Nebo and most recently Ariel Esteban Bracamonte at the Manchester Arena.

He faces the biggest night of his career on April 20 when he squares off with former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

With his record standing at 16-4-2 (13 KO’s), Allen has admitted that he may only have 3 or 4 fights left in him in the paid code, and wants to go out on a high – starting with a big KO over Australia’s Browne.

Allen was left feeling inspired after a recent meeting with legendary professional wrestler Mick Foley, and he has expressed his desire to follow in ‘The Hardcore Legend’s’ famous footsteps.

“Everyone knows my real passion is wrestling – You only have to look at my social media which shows it’s a big part of my life,” said Allen.

“I’ve got a big fight to win on April 20 but the discussions are on-going for me to enter the professional wrestling world for 2020 with various organisations.

“I’m in great shape at the minute and want to box three or four times this year and give it my all. But then I’m up for making the switch and be a crossover star in both sports.

“I met Mick Foley a few weeks ago and that’s only fuelled my fire to follow in his footsteps, it’s not over the line yet but the talks are promising.”

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

QUINCY, Mass. (March 31, 2019) – Former New England welterweight champion
Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira has a new opponent for his April 12th main event fight for the vacant N.E. welterweight title on a stacked “Riot at The Rim” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GSP), at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Silveira (15-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, will now take on 19-year-old Mexican knockout specialist Roberto “Viejo” Valenzuela, Jr, (14-0, 13 KOs), who has replaced injured Travis “The Outlaw” Demko (8-1, 1 KO), of Stoughton, MA, in the scheduled eight-round headliner.

“Losing Travis was tough blow but the determination to put on a jam-packed card didn’t waiver,” GCP promoter Chris Traietti said. “Derek’s camp was ready for a step-up fight and, quite frankly, Granite Chin was ready to make a statement in 2019. After a few days with the phone glued to my ear, Roberto Valenzuela Jr stepped up and took the fight. He’s bringing a great record at 14-0 to the table and Derek didn’t even flinch at the offer.”

The Quincy, MA- based Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), an Iraq War veteran and college graduate, is also fighting on the “Riot at The Rim” card in the 10-round co-featured event The reigning New England cruiserweight champion, Traietti faces Brazilian knockout artist Gilberto “El Magico” Matheus Domingos (22-10, 20 KOs), a former Brazilian light heavyweight champion, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX cruiserweight title.

WBC Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (19-1-1, 18 KOs), a court officer in Brockton (MA) who lives in Pembroke (MA), faces Brazilian fighter Claudio “Quexado” Morroni (8-4-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant ABF Colonial Atlantic Cruiserweight Championship.

In another exciting 8-round fight, undefeated New Haven, CT featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (16-0, 6 KOs), promoted by Roc Nation Sports, is a former 10-time national amateur champion who will be fighting veteran Ernesto “Monito” Guerrero (31-26, 21 KOs), of Mexico.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Omar Bordoy (7-0, 2 KOs), of Danbury, CT, meets Frenchman Roman Tomas (7-2, 1 KO), now living in Brooklyn, NY, in a six-round match.

Undefeated Providence welterweight prospect Anthony “A1” Marsella (11-0, 5 KOs), the 24-year-old International Boxing Association (IBA) champion who is handled by Mayweather Promotions, squares off against Engleberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs), of Mexico., in a six-rounder.

Gloucester, MA middleweight “Handsome” Henry Gedney (2-0, 1 KO) throws-down with New Jersey’s Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting (3-5-2, 1 KO) in a four-rounder.

Also fighting on the undercard is Lynn, MA welterweight Khiry “TNT” Todd (7-1, 5 KOs) against his Mexican opponent, Francisco “El Mono” Medal (12-16, 8 KOs), in a six-round bout.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket prices are $60.00, $45.00 and $35.00 and available to purchase online at www.TicketRiver.com (search word: Riot at the Rim).

Doors open at 7 p.m. ET, first bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. ET.

31 March 2019 – Tokyo, Japan: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), put together a historic evening of world-class martial arts at the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. ONE: A NEW ERA delivered a collection of compelling matchups and exciting finishes. In the main event, Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Japan submitted Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines to be crowned the new ONE Lightweight World Champion.

Visit the official ONE: A NEW ERA photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos

Japanese mixed martial arts legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki put on a masterful display of grappling dominance as he submitted Filipino icon Eduard “Landslide” Folayang to be crowned the new ONE Lightweight World Champion. After flashing a high kick, Aoki shot in for a single leg and put Folayang on the mat with a takedown. He then swiftly transitioned into an arm-triangle choke from half guard. Aoki tightened his squeeze and put Folayang to sleep before celebrating the victory in front of his hometown crowd.

Defending ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan of China continued her reign of dominance over the division after defeating challenger “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore by TKO in the fifth and final round. Lee was aggressive and had Xiong in a number of dangerous submission attempts, but the champion was lighting Lee up on the feet the entire bout. In the final round, Xiong punished Lee with hard kicks to the midsection and fierce punch combinations that forced the referee to intervene and award Xiong with the stoppage win.

Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang successfully retained his ONE Middleweight World Championship with a spectacular second-round TKO victory over Ken Hasegawa of Japan. Aung La N Sang was dominant all throughout the bout, punishing Hasegawa with an arsenal of powerful punches and thunderous kicks. A stiff right straight from Aung La N Sang late in the second round spelled the beginning of the end for Hasegawa, as the defending champion followed up with ground-and-pound to score the finish in dominant fashion.

An unfortunate sequence of events turned in the ONE Bantamweight World Title clash between champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the Philippines and former titleholder Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil. Fernandes, who was in the driver’s seat after two rounds of action, landed a takedown in the third round but was left unable to continue after Belingon connected on a flurry of illegal elbows to the back of the head. Belingon was shown a Red Card and was automatically disqualified. Fernandes was then awarded the ONE Bantamweight World Title.

In a ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix quarter-final contest, 12-time Flyweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson of the United States made a successful ONE Championship debut as he submitted Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu of Japan. Although Wakamatsu would land a few clean punches to keep Johnson on his toes, the American showcased his impeccable grappling skills to transition from one position to the next with relative ease. After grabbing a hold of Wakamatsu’s neck in the second round, Johnson secured a deep guillotine choke to force the tap.

Russia’s Timofey Nastyukhin welcomed Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez of the United States to ONE Championship, finishing the former 4-time Lightweight Mixed Martial Arts World Champion inside of the first round of a ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix quarter-final bout. After a few brief exchanges at range, Nastyukhin closed the distance and hurt Alvarez with a left straight, sending him reeling towards the cage fence. Nastyukhin then unloaded a barrage of punches as Alvarez covered up before the referee called a halt to the contest.

In a ONE Super Series Kickboxing contest, Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai “The Hero” IWE Fairtex put on a dominant performance in his highly-anticipated rematch with the Netherlands’ Andy Souwer, knocking out his rival in the second round. The first round saw fierce action from the opening bell, with Yodsanklai dropping Souwer early. Towards the end of the round, the Thai warrior hurt Souwer again and nearly finished him. Less than a minute into the second round, and Yodsanklai put on the finishing touches as Souwer hit the canvas for the last time.

In a ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix quarter-final bout, former ONE World Title challenger Danny “The King” Kingad and Pancrase Flyweight Champion Senzo Ikeda figured in an intense war of attrition for three whole rounds. It was an incredible performance from the two amazing athletes, as they both showcased their full repertoire of skills. In the end, it was Kingad who was awarded a close unanimous decision victory for his efforts.

In a ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix quarter-final bout, former ONE Flyweight World Champion Kairat Akhmetov of Kazakhstan overcame a spirited effort from Reece “Lightning” McLaren of Australia to win by unanimous decision after three rounds. McLaren had great difficulty taking the bout to the ground, as Akhmetov utilized his Greco-Roman wrestling to control the action in the clinch. On the feet, Akhmetov found a home for his left hook on McLaren’s chin, as he connected cleanly on multiple occasions. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of Akhmetov.

Muay Thai icon Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon continued his winning ways as he eked out a tough split decision win over France’s Hakim Hamech in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest. The two-world class strikers stood toe-to-toe for the action-packed bout, thrilling the crowd with their crisp combinations. In the end, it was Rodtang who earned the close decision.

Former WBC Muay Thai Super Bantamweight World Champion Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri of Italy notched his first ONE Super Series win after edging out Japan’s Hiroki Akimoto via majority decision. Lasiri started out strong and had Akimoto on the defensive in the opening round. Akimoto battled back and made it an exciting back-and-forth contest in the succeeding rounds. After three rounds of action, it was Lasiri who came away with the victory.

Japanese women’s atomweight star Mei “V.V.” Yamaguchi bucked a slow start and scored a third-round submission win over Russia’s Kseniya “The Tigress” Lachkova. Lachkova’s height and reach proved to be a problem early for the DEEP Jewels Featherweight World Champion, who had trouble closing the distance. In the third and final round, Yamaguchi was able to take Lachkova down and secure a deep armbar for the slick submission win in front of her hometown crowd.

Multiple-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon of the United States made easy work of Indonesia’s Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen. Tonon closed quarters on Engelen early, taking him down with a swift double leg in the opening moments of the featherweight contest. On the mat, the American truly shined, transitioning to various dominant positions whilst remaining in full control of the action. With less than a minute to go in the first round, Tonon secured Engelen’s back and pounded him out to win by technical knockout.

2-time Muay Thai World Champion Panicos Yusuf of Cyprus and Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud of Malaysia put together an exciting three-round ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest. The two bantamweights traded powerful combinations all throughout the bout, but it was Yusuf who landed the more telling blows. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Yusuf to win by unanimous decision.

A spirited clash between two lightweight hopefuls ensued to kick off ONE: A NEW ERA. After a few moments of solid action on the feet, South Korea’s Yoon Chang Min locked in a deep rear naked choke to force India’s Bala Shetty to tap with less than a minute to go in the first round.

Official results for ONE: A NEW ERA
ONE Lightweight World Championship bout: Shinya Aoki defeats Eduard Folayang by Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) at 2:34 minutes of round 1
ONE Women’s Strawweight World Championship bout: Xiong Jing Nan defeats Angela Lee by TKO (Strikes) at 1:37 minutes of round 5
ONE Middleweight World Championship bout: Aung La N Sang defeats Ken Hasegawa by TKO (Strikes) at 4:41 minutes of round 2
ONE Bantamweight World Championship bout: Bibiano Fernandes defeats Kevin Belingon by Disqualification (DQ)
ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Quarter-final bout: Demetrious Johnson defeats Yuya Wakamatsu by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 2:40 minutes of round 2
ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix Quarter-final bout: Timofey Nastyukhin defeats Eddie Alvarez by TKO (Strikes) at 4:05 minutes of round 1
ONE Super Series Kickboxing Catch Weight bout (72.0kg): Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex defeats Andy Souwer by Knockout (KO) at 0:51 minutes of round 2
ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Quarter-final bout: Danny Kingad defeats Senzo Ikeda by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Quarter-final bout: Kairat Akhmetov defeats Reece McLaren by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
ONE Super Series Flyweight Muay Thai bout: Rodtang Jitmuangnon defeats Hakim Hamech by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds
ONE Super Series Flyweight Kickboxing bout: Joseph Lasiri defeats Hiroki Akimoto by Majority Decision (MD) after 3 rounds
Women’s Atomweight bout: Mei Yamaguchi defeats Kseniya Lachkova by Submission (Armbar) at 3:18 minutes of round #3
Featherweight bout: Garry Tonon defeats Anthony Engelen by TKO (Strikes) at 4:12 minutes of round 1
ONE Super Series Bantamweight Muay Thai bout: Panicos Yusuf defeats Mohammed Bin Mahmoud by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Lightweight bout: Yoon Chang Min defeats Bala Shetty by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:16 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.

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

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that the 8th Annual UFC International Fight Week™ will take place in Las Vegas from Wednesday, July 3, through Sunday, July 7, headlined by UFC® 239, presented by Modelo, the 2019 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and a two-day, interactive UFC Fan Experience®.

Among the highlights, the prestigious 2019 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Toyo Tires® will be held on Friday, July 5, and will honor specific achievements and contributions to UFC and the sport of Mixed Martial Arts.

On Friday, July 5, and continuing on Saturday, July 6, fans will be able to take part in an easily-accessible and fully interactive, free two-day UFC Fan Experience at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. The two-day fan experience will feature meet and greets, autograph sessions, and partner activations that provide unprecedented access to UFC champions, top-ranked contenders, Hall of Famers, and other UFC personalities.

In addition, fans from around the world who converge on Las Vegas for UFC International Fight Week will be able to enjoy the open workouts, weigh-ins, press conferences and live entertainment of a traditional Fight Week leading to the schedule’s culminating event, UFC® 239, on Saturday, July 6, at T-Mobile Arena.

Details regarding UFC Hall of Fame inductees and venue, the bout card for UFC 239, and additional events for UFC International Fight Week will be announced at a later date. Beginning in June, fans can download the UFC International Fight Week app on the App Store and Google Play.

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®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.