DANIEL DUBOIS HAS thrown down the gauntlet to Nathan Gorman by stating he will win by knockout against his heavyweight rival should a fight between the pair be finalised for later this year.

The pair’s promoter, Frank Warren, revealed earlier this week his intention to put the young heavies in together after a period of time where both are kept busy and public demand for the match increases.

Gorman has been the more pro-active in calling for the collision in interviews and across social media, while the more reserved Dubois has, for the most part, kept his counsel and simply pointed out that he will fight whoever is put in front of him.

The Londoner, who takes on former Gorman opponent Razvan Cojanu at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday, has now broken his silence on the subject and expressed a huge willingness on his part for the young heavyweight showdown to be made.

The fact that the Nantwich man is well ahead on points in the talking stakes has made no impact on the 21-year-old.

“Not really, it is boxing and I don’t get ramped up about stuff like that,” Dubois told Steve Lillis on The Boxing Podcast. “I have no emotion at all about it and we just have to wait and see.

“I am relishing that fight and I will take him on at any time. There is a time on it now so we can look forward to that.

“I definitely want it if we can make it this year,” Dubois insisted, before responding to a question on the likely outcome.

“A knockout win for me.”

Daniel Dubois v Razvan Cojanu and Anthony Yarde defending his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Travis Reeves tops a huge night of boxing at the Royal Albert Hall that also includes the British middleweight title clash between Liam Williams and Joe Mullender, while British welterweight champion Johnny Garton makes a first defence of his belt against the Welshman Chris Jenkins. Unbeaten featherweight Lucien Reid takes on his toughest test to date against Birmingham’s Indi Sangha. Unbeaten prospects Hamza Sheeraz, Denzel Bentley, Jake Pettitt, James Branch jr and Harvey Horn also feature on the show.

Tickets are priced from £40 and are available to buy via www.RoyalAlbertHall.com

CARSON, CALIF. (March 6, 2019) – WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter and top contender Yordenis Ugas held a media workout Wednesday at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica as they near their title showdown that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes Saturday night from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

Also participating in the media workout were Abel Ramos and Francisco “Chia” Santana, who meet in a 10-round welterweight attraction as part of the broadcast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

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

Here is what the fighters had to say on Wednesday:

SHAWN PORTER

“I feel great. This is exactly where I want to be. I can’t wait to get into the ring. Last week was peak week for training camp. Everything went beautifully and here we are.

“I’ve watched a lot of Ugas’ fights, even going back to his amateur days. I know what he can bring to the ring. He throws punches like a Cuban fighter. When they turn their punches, they do it a little differently. I’m training my mind and my eyes to be prepared for that.

“We’re in a beautiful place right now. Training in Washington D.C. was great. That was my first camp with Barry Hunter and the Headbangers Gym. To get in the ring and spar with Lamont Peterson, who I’ve looked up to for a long time, was really special.

“We’re going to see on fight night what kind of differences you’ll see in my game. We worked on a lot of different things for me and to get ready for Ugas. I think power is really going to come into play. We really were able to focus on that. That might be something new that you see. If I get an early knockout, it’s not because Ugas can’t take a punch.

“I don’t think Ugas has fought at the top level as a professional. In order to not underestimate him, you have to understand he fought at that highest level consistently in the amateurs. I know he’s training to be ready for this kind of environment.

“I’m looking forward to fighting on FOX. I know there are going to be some new people watching because they heard about PBC. I know I’m ready for it.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“We’ve just been working the same way we always work and are just ready to fight. I’m obviously facing a top-tier fighter and a legitimate champion. So I’m here ready to compete and ready to fight and win this world title. This is going to be a great match up.

“Shawn Porter is a great fighter and strong guy. We are both clashing, come forward fighters so we are going to stand in the ring and see who is going to go backwards first.

“I’m expecting a very tough fight. Shawn is known for that. That’s how he became a world champion. But I’m a world-class fighter, looking to become a champion and I’m going to leave it all in the ring.

“I have my game plan and know what I have to do. Shawn is a going to be strong, but I’m stronger.

“It’s a good thing I came from the Cuban national team, because I got to fight all styles from all kinds of countries. There are a lot of tough guys in the amateurs and the pros and I’ve seen what they all can bring.

“I am an aggressive fighter and I’m going utilize that style on Saturday. Shawn is a little bit more difficult when he moves around in the ring. His boxing ability is underrated. But I’m prepared to do what I have to so that I can become champion.”

ABEL RAMOS

“Dealing with Santana’s pressure will be the biggest challenge and it’s what I’ve prepared most for. I’m going to use my movement and use my jab to keep him on the outside.

“I feel strong and comfortable at 147-pounds. I definitely think this is the division I want to fight in going forward. There’s a lot of talent at welterweight and that’s the place I want to be.

“I can mix up my styles. I can fight inside and fight on the outside. I usually try to establish the boxing and as the fight goes on, you see me brawling.

“My competitive spirit will be on display Saturday. I’m facing a tough fighter who I know is going to come forward. He’s a fighter who you have to be prepared to fight for all three minutes of every round.”

FRANCISCO SANTANA

“Each fight I go in with the mentality that it is a ‘do or die’ type of a fight. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career and my life, so to be here I am blessed and honored. For those that know me, they know I am never in a dull fight, so expecting nothing less.

“A victory will elevate me to the next stage to fulfill my dreams, which is every fighter’s dream, in fighting for a world title. Not every fighter gets to fight for a title, let alone win one. I want to be able to say to my daughter or my son, who is going to be born next month, that I’m a world champion and to never give up on your dreams. If their daddy can do it there is no excuses for them not to.

“We both have two hands, two gloves and we all know that boxing can end in a blink of an eye. I prepare myself to be my best and come out to fight and come out with a win. What I did with Felix Diaz about a year ago, I came in as a big underdog. I used that and it fueled me.

“It is an amazing feeling fighting on FOX with all eyes on us. This fight is available nationwide. Everything is coming together and going in the direction we want it to go.”

# # #

ABOUT PORTER VS. UGAS
Shawn Porter vs. Yordenis Ugas is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event that will see WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter defending his title for the first time against top-ranked contender Yordenis Ugas Saturday, March 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a duel between two hard-hitting brawlers as Abel Ramos and Francisco Santana meet in a 10-round welterweight match in the co-feature, while heavy-handed slugger Efe Ajagba steps up to face experienced veteran Amir Mansour in an eight-round heavyweight attraction in the televised opener.

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

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Francisco Estrada rematch and Daniel Roman and TJ Doheny clash in a unification bout at The Forum in Los Angeles on Friday April 26 live on DAZN in the UK and on Sky Sports in the US – and tickets for the blockbuster fight night are on sale now!

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

Rungvisai (47-4-1 41KOs) and Estrada (38-3 26KOs) served up a fight of the year candidate in February in the same LA venue – with Rungsivai edging it over Estrada by majority decision.

The Thai star will defend his WBC and Ring Magazine titles against the Mexican ace, with both men pocketing a pair of wins apiece since their epic tussle in California. Rungvisai was unable to make this week’s launch press conference in LA, but the challenger and former Flyweight World ruler believes that he will settle the score in another epic showdown.

“I’m extremely excited for this rematch,” said Estrada. “I know a lot of fans were asking for it. I’m getting ready to bring the title back to Mexico.

“I’m confident that I’m going to win the fight, but I’m also very excited to watch some of the undercard fights. I think it’s a stacked card, I like a lot of these fighters, so it will be a good card for everybody.”

Roman’s clash with Doheny promises fireworks, and it’s rich reward for two men who enjoyed great years in 2018.

WBA champion Roman (26-2-1 10KOs) made the first defense of his WBA crown in Japan over Ryo Matsumoto in February and followed that with another authoritative points triumph over Moises Flores in Frisco, Dallas in June, and then put the cherry on top of a fine year by stopping Brit challenger Gavin McDonnell in the tenth round of their clash on the first American boxing bill live on DAZN in October.

Like Roman, Doheny (21-0 15KOs) also went to the Far East for a massive fight, ripping the IBF crown from Ryosuke Iwasa in August in Tokyo. The Irishman’s first defense saw another Japanese look to take the title back to Japan, but Ryohei Takahashi was stopped by the 32 year old champion at Madison Square Garden in January.

“I’m excited to be back home,” said Roman. “This is a fight you want to see. The best against the best, champion against champion. I’ve been asking for this fight since I won the World title, and finally it’s here. It’s going to be a great card, but I feel we’re going to steal the show that night.”

“This is the kind of fight I want to be involved in,” said Doheny. “It’s a dream of mine – as soon as I got my World title that’s all I’ve been pushing for is a unification. I want to thank Daniel Roman for taking the fight and wanting to unify the division. In my opinion this is probably the best two 122 fighters in the world going off right now.

“There’s a lot of respect between myself and Danny, a fight of this magnitude does not need that kind of stuff. Come April 26 when that first bell goes, the respect will be gone out the window, and the fans can expect fireworks.”

A stacked undercard in support of the two World title battles is led by former two-weight World champion Jessie Vargas (28-2-2 10KOs) taking his first steps at 154lbs in his attempts to become a three-weight World ruler.

That will be Vargas’ first fight under new trainer Freddie Roach, and it’s a busy night for the Hall of Fame coach as Scott Quigg (35-2-2 26KOs) continues his charge to becoming a two-weight World champ.

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.

Maurice Hooker hopes to land a big homecoming fight in Dallas next as he defends his WBO World Super-Lightweight title for the second time against Mikkel LesPierre at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York on Saturday March 9, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW PRICED FROM $49 VIA TICKETMASTER.COM

Hooker (25-0-3 17 KOs) won his title on the road by ripping it from champion Terry Flanagan in Manchester, England in June and then packed his bags again for his first defense, a thrilling win over local favorite Alex Saucedo in Oklahoma City in November, Hooker climbing off the canvas in the second round to stop Saucedo in the seventh.

Hooker hits the road again to put his belt on the line against Brooklyn’s LesPierre (21-0-1 10KOs) but ‘Mighty Mo’, who has predicted a devastating KO win over the challenger, wants to come home in his next fight – and believes he can do so in a major fight that will stake his claim to being the best in the world at 140lbs.

“It would mean so much to me to fight in Dallas as a champion,” said Hooker. “I want to show the kids in my neighborhood that don’t have anyone to look up to that they can look at me – I’m a champion that they can follow and look up to.

“I wasn’t a disciplined kid so boxing taught me a lot. My attitude was bad so boxing taught me to keep calm no matter what. When you look at what I’ve achieved, that’s the example I want to show the kids where I am from.

“My kids are my motivation – I want to give them the life that I didn’t have growing up, give them everything they want and be there for them.

“I am my biggest opponent. Sometimes you can think ‘I’m a World champion, I don’t need to train.’ I know that can backfire on me in the gym so I am working harder than ever because i want to stay a champion and achieve more in the future.

“It’s an open division, and one I think I can take over. There’s a lot of good fighters in there making a name for themselves and a lot coming up.

“I’m a champion and I want to fight the best. I feel I am the best. My long arms, my chin, my skills and my hard work will put me on the top – I think that sets me apart.

“Dallas is my home and in my heart, but there’s too many distractions to train there. In San Diego, I wake up thinking about boxing and go to bed thinking about boxing, and just train in between. The weather is great, I just love it.”

Hooker’s clash with LesPierre is part of a huge night of action at Turning Stone Resort Casino with a second mouthwatering World title fight on the bill in the shape of Dmitry Bivol (15-0 11KOs) defending his WBA World Light-Heavyweight title against Long Island’s Joe Smith Jr (24-2-0 20KOs).

Callum Johnson (17-1-0 12KOs) and Sean Monaghan (29-2-0 17KOs) will both have a keen eye on Bivol’s clash as they battle in a crunch fight in the 175lbs division, World-ranked heavyweight contender Sergey Kuzmin, (14-0 11 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Russia will battle Philadelphia based veteran Joey Dawejko, (19-6-4 11 KOs) and Otha Jones III makes his pro debut on the card.

New York, March 6, 2019

DMITRY BIVOL and JOE SMITH JR. met for one final time today at the DREAM HOTEL in NYC at the final presser ahead of Saturday night’s WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship bout at Turning Stone Resort Casino to be aired LIVE on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW PRICED FROM $49 VIA TICKETMASTER.COM

QUOTES & PHOTOS

JOE SMITH JR:
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped get this fight for me.”

“I’ve put everything I’ve had into this training camp and worked really hard.”

“This is what every fighter dreams of, to get a shot at a world title and this is my shot.”

“I am going to bring the belt back home to my home town and share it with my family and celebrate with everyone who helped me get to this point”

STAR BOXING CEO JOE DEGUARDIA:
“Be sure to tune in on DAZN. Subscribe. All the union guys across the country go right online and be sure to catch this fight.”

“Joe Smith Jr. has always been something special. He’s got a great boxing IQ and a sledgehammer in both hands…Dont blink Saturday night ”

“We are fighting a great fighter in Bivol, who is …I believe the best Light Heavyweight out of all of the champions, but Joe was a 25-1 underdog when he KO’d Fonfara and did it again when he was not supposed to beat Hopkins. We expect Saturday night to be a great night.”

DMITRY BIVOL:
“Thank you all my team who helped me in my training camp and all my sparring partners.”

“I am ready to fight. I hope Joe is ready too. We will make a great fight.”

MATCHROOM PROMOTER EDDIE HEARN:
“I firmly believe this man [Bivol] is the best 175 lb fighter in the world.”

“It’s about stories, its about drama, and everyone here has their oppurtunity.

JOE SMITH JR. TAKES THE MIC AT TODAY’S PRESSER

DMITRY BIVOL ADDRESSES THE MEDIA

THE STAGE WAS SET AT TODAY’S PRESSER
INFO:
Smith Jr (24-2 20KOs) fights for a first time for the World title and will be full of confidence going into the bout, with his last four wins coming by impressive KO’s, including a first round demolition of Poland’s Andrzej Fonfara in Chicago and sending modern-great Bernard Hopkins into retirement.

Bivol (15-0 11 KOs) defends his title for the fifth time against the Long Island man and is hoping Smith Jr comes for a war – and the 29 year old challenger promises to bring everything he’s got to a night he’s been waiting for his entire life.

DMITRY BIVOL & JOE SMITH JR READY TO WAGE WAR
DMITRY BIVOL & JOE SMITH JR READY TO WAGE WAR

PREVIOUS RELEASES:
Joe Smith Jr. Gets Long Awaited Title Shot
BIVOL vs SMITH Quotes from Presser at MSG
BIVOL: “I Know Smith Jr Will Come To Fight”
SMITH JR.: “World Title Would Mean Everything To Me”

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / CHICIAGO, Ill.(March. 6, 2019) – Heavyweight contender Andrey Fedosov (31-3, 25 KOs) is primed for a big year in 2019.

The 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight champion shook off a two-year hiatus with wins over Francisco Mireles and tough veteran Joey Dawejko in 2018.

With those two bouts behind him, Fedosov is ready for big game hunting in 2019, and is looking to fight the division’s best fighters and top contenders.

At the head of that list, Fedosov and his team, would like to mix it up with undefeated Adam Kownacki.

Kownacki, who rose to prominence with three big wins in 2018 over the likes of former world champion Charles Martin and world title challenger Gerald Washington, would be a terrific foe for Fedosov.

The fight would surely produce fireworks, as each has never taken a backwards step.

“That is a fight we would love to get for Andrey. Kownacki is a fighter that has some momentum behind him, but we feel Andrey’s experience would be a factor in the fight. It also, would get Andrey on a short list to fight for the Heavyweight Championship of the World,” said Fedosov’s co-promoter Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions.

“I think that would be an explosive fight, and I look forward to seeing them in the ring,” said Fedosov’s manager, Andrew Zak of Journeyman Management.

Fedosov is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Hitz Boxing.

TOPPENISH, Wash. (March 6, 2019) – Mexican challenger Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez out-boxed Ray “Valentino” Ximenez, Jr., of Dallas, in last Thursday night’s main event to capture the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International featherweight title, in the third installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC Fight Pass® series, streamed live from The Event Center at Legends Casino Hotel in Toppenish, Washington.

Fighting in front of a sold-out crowd, Lopez (17-1, 8 KOs) established a quick pace early, firing effective combinations, until the fight was halted after eight round due to a cut over his Ximenez’ (18-2, 4 KOs) left eye, the result of an unintentional head butt.

In the co-featured event, Tacoma (WA) light heavyweight Juan Jackson improved to 2-0 with a win by four-round unanimous decision over his previously undefeated Oregonian opponent, John Peak (3-1, 1 KO).

Alaskan light heavyweight Taylor Shirley also moved to 2-0 with a four-round unanimous decision victory against Luis Iniguez (1-2-1), of Vancouver, Washington.

Moldovan super middleweight Alex Cazac (1-2), fighting out of Portland, OR, and Tacoma welterweight Nicholas Jefferson (8-0, 5 KOs) were both winners by way of four-round unanimous decisions, respectively, over Roman Avetisyan (0-2) and Antonio Neal (4-10, 3 KOs).

Below are the official results:

OPFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT WBO INTERNATIONAL FEATHERWIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Luis Alberto Lopez (17-1, 8 KOs), Mexacali, Baja California, Mexico
WTDEC8 (80-72, 78-74, 77-75)
Ray Ximenez, Jr. (18-2, 4 KOs), Dallas, TX
(Lopez won the WBO International featherweight title).

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Juan Jackson (2-0, 0 KOs), Tacoma, WA
WDEC4 (39-37, 39-37, 39-37)
John Peak (3-1, 1 KO), Bonney Lake, OR

LiIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Taylor Shirley (2-0, 1 KO), Fairbanks, AK.
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Luis Iniguez (1-2-1, 0 KOs), Vancouver, WA

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Gerardo Esquivel (1-1), Medford, OR
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Shae Green (3-1-1, 1 KO), Kent, WA

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Alex Cazac (1-2), Portland, OR by way of Moldova.
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Roman Avetisyan (0-2), Pasco, WA

WELTERWEIGHTS
Nicholas Jefferson (8-0, 5 KOs), Tacoma, WA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-36)
Antonio Neal (4-10, 3 KOs), Granger, CA.

FIGHT PASS is a digital subscription service that is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. In 2019, FIGHT PASS will showcase more than 200 exclusive events featuring top promotions from around the world, providing fans with a front row seat to a broad spectrum of competitive fighting, including mixed martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, individual and team submission grappling, and more.

Fight fans may access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV.

LOS ANGELES (March 6, 2019) — Indian boxing sensation and undefeated super middleweight contender Vijender Singh is set to begin the next phase of his career with a new trainer — Hall of Famer Freddie Roach — in his corner.

The 33-year-old Singh recently relocated his training base to Southern California to work with Roach, a 2012 International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) inductee.

Singh will make his ring return Friday, April 12 at Staples Center in a scheduled eight-round bout on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Anthony Crolla undercard against an opponent to be named. His bout will stream live in the United States on ESPN+ and will be featured on the undercard broadcast, which begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

“I am thrilled to start my training under such a legendary figure in world boxing,” Singh said. “It’s a great honor for me to train with Freddie, who has already trained the likes of so many world champion boxers. Professional boxing in the United States is of the highest level, and I believe Freddie is the right guy to bring the best out of me. I look forward to showing the boxing fans a new and improved Vijender Singh. I know that with Freddie’s guidance, I can become a world champion.”

“I believe Vijender has the talent and the dedication to become a world champion,” Roach said. “He has a great amateur background, a style that will give any super middleweight in the world problems, and power in both hands.”

“Vijender represents the most populous country in the world,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We believe that with Freddie in his corner, Vijender will become a major star and open up the great country of India to boxing.”

Singh (10-0, 7 KOs), one of India’s most revered sporting figures, became the first Indian boxer to capture an Olympic medal when he took bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He has not fought since a unanimous decision win over Ernest Amuzu on Dec. 23, 2017, in Jaipur, India, and will be making his American debut on April 12. No Indian boxer has ever won a professional world title, and Singh, with Roach in his corner, hopes to make history yet again.

The press conference ahead of Friday night’s return of boxing to the Royal Albert Hall, live on BT Sport from 7.30pm, took place today in South Kensington.

Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren was in attendance, along with headline fighters Anthony Yarde, Travis Reeves, Daniel Dubois, Razvan Cojanu, Liam Williams, Joe Mullender, Johnny Garton and Chris Jenkins.

**MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO DOWNLOAD AND USE FACE OFF VIDEOS FROM TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE BELOW LINKS**

Yarde v Reeves
Dubois v Cojanu
Williams v Mullender
Garton v Jenkins

Below is a selection of quotes from the media gathering at the Gore Hotel.

Frank Warren

I believe the Royal Albert Hall is the oldest active boxing venue in the UK, so it is a historical place as far as this sport is concerned.

I was told just now that nearly a hundred years ago the first welterweight championship fight took place, so it is fitting that we have a British welterweight title fight on the show.

I am looking forward to it, it is a fantastic venue as we all know and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. We’ve only got about 300 tickets left so we should have a really good atmosphere for the top fights we’ve got on the card.

Travis Reeves, I know, doesn’t come to make up the numbers and is well respected as a tough opponent – Anthony’s toughest yet. I’ve got faith in Anthony, I think he is the real deal and he needs to look good in this fight and make a statement. I was talking to Tunde Ajayi – his manager and trainer – before and we both feel that after this he is ready to go. He’s got to get through it though, it will be no walk in the park and I think Travis will get the best out of him.

Joe Mullender

To be honest, I don’t know what I’ve said to do his head in because I haven’t really said anything. I have only spoken when I’ve been interviewed and I don’t even really want to do that.

He is the champion and on paper I don’t stand a chance. I do my best and I know I am in for a tough night in the early rounds because if he is a world class fighter he gets me out.

I’m not a world class fighter on paper and I’ve only fought at English level. He is a very good fighter and I’ve got to try and live with him. My best is all I can do.

I’m not going to outbox him, am I? That’s not happening so I’ve got to stand there and fight with him and take the punishment. That’s it, I can’t really do anything else. He is better than me in most departments and there is only one department I can have a go at, which I am going to do. If I can go through it, I will stand and have a fight with the man for 12 rounds.

Liam Williams

You sound like you’ve lost already, Joe, to be totally honest with you. I honestly believe he is not in my class and he’not, but what he is is very tough, game and he’s got bags full or a**h**e, simple as that. I know he will come to fight and we will.

I haven’t got much bad to say about him, but I don’t like him saying stuff like ‘it is just another gaff’ because this is his biggest opportunity and he keeps trying to downplay it and make out like he doesn’t care.

I should be on his mind 24-7 but he is playing it down and that is what does my head in. Joe Mullender is getting mullered. I expect to stop him 100 per cent and he is gonna get hurt.

Chris Jenkins

This fight came from nowhere really. If you look at my defeats they were only that because I got split and against Tyrone Nurse I thought I won one and the other was very close. Really I haven’t taken them as losses or considered walking away from the sport.

I might be a bit of joker but I take the sport seriously and think I am British level. We have done a few rounds of sparring together two years ago and he is a good fighter. I watched his last fight against Corcoran and he looked good there as well. We will see what happens on the night, we have got a game plan, but he needs to have a shave tomorrow.

Johnny Garton

I remember the spar, it was a tough one and I really think this is a 50-50 fight. I also think it will be fight of the night, but I leave it all in the ring and I think I will come through this. In any fight you need to get it to be your type of fight and I am sure I will. I still don’t think being British champion has sunk in properly. A

few months ago nobody knew who I was or paid any attention, now I’ve got press conferences and people wanting to interview me, so it has totally changed. I am lapping it up, enjoying it and hopefully I will get a few more paydays.

Razvan Cojanu

You ask me to make a comparison between Nathan Gorman and Daniel Dubois, but they are two different fighters and it has nothing to do with this fight.

For me, Nathan Gorman is the best, but now I am in shape for this fight, unlike last time. We’ve watched Daniel and he is a great fighter and excellent prospect. He is a young guy, undefeated, and I have the pleasure and excitement to be in the ring with him.

Daniel Dubois

I am in as good a shape as I have been in my whole professional career and I am planning to put on a show on Friday night.

I have done all the hard work and now I just have to get in there and perform. I only watched some of the highlights of his last fight and it was what it was, but I am going to go in and perform at my absolute best and show what I have got. I don’t think I am far away from the top, but I want to let my performances speak for themselves.

Getting to the top keeps me motivated and in the gym. That is the goal.

Travis Reeves

I am excited for this fight and I am all over it. It is a fight we thought we were going to have a few years back, so I am looking forward to beating Anthony and moving on to the next level and fighting for a world title.

I am the best in the States and, after I beat Anthony Yarde, I will be the best fighter in Europe. I have fought my way to the top and this fight will take me to a world title, which is what I have come here for.

Anthony Yarde

I am not one to look to much at my opponent and, the same as everyone else, I am learning about him from listening to him now. I am learning on the job as well.

This year will most definitely be a big year for me and I said that last year that 2019 would be my year if I keep putting on big performances. You haven’t heard me mention Sergey Kovalev because I focus on one thing at time and he has not been put in front of me yet. Travis Reeves is the name my focus is on. I am going to go in there and take care of business. Turn up, show up, blow up.

Daniel Dubois v Razvan Cojanu and Anthony Yarde defending his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Travis Reeves tops a huge night of boxing at the Royal Albert Hall that also includes the British middleweight title clash between Liam Williams and Joe Mullender, while British welterweight champion Johnny Garton makes a first defence of his belt against the Welshman Chris Jenkins. Unbeaten featherweight Lucien Reid takes on his toughest test to date against Birmingham’s Indi Sangha. Unbeaten prospects Hamza Sheeraz, Denzel Bentley, Jake Pettitt, James Branch jr and Harvey Horn also feature on the show.

Remaining tickets from £40 and are available to buy via www.RoyalAlbertHall.com

GRAND TIER: £100
LOGGIA: £100
SECOND TIER: £75

Los Angeles, CA (March 6, 2019) Former amateur standout Israil ‘The Dream’ Madrimov, (1-0, 1KO), of Uzbekistan will face heavy-handed Venezuelan Frank ‘The Rooster’ Rojas, (24-2-0, 23 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round super welterweight clash this Saturday, March 9 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and live on DAZN in the US (7:00 pm ET/4:00 pm PT) and on Sky Sports in the UK. The bout will be contested for Madrimov’s WBA Inter-Continental Super Welterweight Title.

Madrimov vs. Rojas presented by Matchroom Boxing USA in association with World of Boxing is a featured bout on the undercard to the World Title Double-Header between WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol, (15-0, 11 KOs), and challenger Joe Smith Jr., (24-2, 20 KOs) in addition to the WBO Super Lightweight World Title clash between Champion Maurice Hooker, (25-0-3, 17 KOs), and challenger Mikkel LesPierre, (21-0-1, 10 KOs).

Madrimov made history in his pro debut on November 24, 2018 which was uniquely scheduled for an unprecedented ten-rounds. The 24-year-old Madrimov knocked out Vladimir Hernandez in the sixth round of their battle in Atlantic City, New Jersey earning the WBA Inter-Continental Super Welterweight Title. Hernandez was a very tough test for the pro debut, having previously twice beaten top undefeated prospect Danny Valdivia (14-0), in his direct bouts prior to facing Madrimov.

Prior to turning professional Madrimov was the Gold Medal winner at the 2018 and 2017 Asian Games capping an extraordinary amateur career. Capable of fighting aggressively in the orthodox or southpaw stance, Madrimov thrilled the crowd in Atlantic City with his all-action style and capped his pro debut victory with a spectacular, high-flying backflip.

Said Madrimov, “I’m very excited to get back in the ring this Saturday and grateful to World of Boxing and my team for this opportunity. I can’t wait to put on a show for the fans.”

“Israil is a very special talent, people questioned putting him in a ten-round bout in his pro debut but he proved that he’s ready,” said Andrei Ryabinsky, head of World of Boxing. “We look forward to his fight on Saturday night and his continued march to a world title.”

Madrimov is guided by the noted manager, Vadim Kornilov. “We have very big plans for Israil, he’s going to be ready to fight for a world title in the near future. Saturday’s fight will air on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK and I’m excited to let fans and media see Israil in action. He’s the perfect complement to Dmitry Bivol’s world title challenge against Joe Smith Jr.”

Rojas has fought once previously in the United States challenging former world title challenger Jose Benavidez Jr. He is coming off a fourth-round knockout of Kervin Arambulet on December 22, 2018 in Venezuela.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 6th, 2019) — Fresh off its sold-out season opener at Twin River Casino Hotel last weekend, CES Boxing puts some of its top fighters to the test this month on various shows across the region.

Veteran lightweight “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy, middleweight prospect Kendrick Ball Jr., unbeaten light heavyweight Angel Camacho Jr., and hard-hitting junior middleweights Khiary Gray and Jimmy Williams all return to the ring in March, headlining a busy spring from the northeast’s No. 1 promotion.

Lundy (29-7-1, 14 KOs) returns to his hometown of Philadelphia on Friday, March 15th at the Liacouras Center in all-Philly showdown against 25-year-old up-and-comerAvery Sparrow (9-1, 3 KOs), a crossroads fight for both side.

A former NABF and NABO champion and world-title challenger, the 35-year-old Lundy fights in Philadelphia for the third time since 2017, having previously won back-to-back fights at the famed 2300 Arena before challenging unbeaten Russian Zaur Abdullaev for the WBC Silver Lightweight Title in September.

Now Lundy faces the 5-foot-7 Sparrow, a fighter co-promoter Russell Peltz refers to as a Philadelphia throwback for his willingness to step the plate and face the best the sport has to offer. The combined record of Sparrow’s last five opponents is a staggering 58-8-3, including his second-round knockout win over 24-fight vet Jesus Serrano last March, a fight later ruled a no-contest when Sparrow tested positive for marijuana.

The showdown against Serrano came off the heels of a huge upset win over the highly-touted Jose Lopez on ESPN in November of 2017, a fight Sparrow agreed to on just nine days’ notice, earning him a spot at No. 14 in the WBO world super featherweight rankings. The suspension has derailed Sparrow’s progress, but a win over Lundy puts him back in the conversion among the top fighters in his weight class, even as he agrees to come up in weight to face a dangerous adversary such as Lundy, who is also no stranger to unseating opponents as the supposed underdog.

In back-to-back fights in 2013 and 2014, Lundy dominated 31-1 Ajose Olusegun and 14-1 prospect Angelo Santana, the latter on Showtime. Some of his toughest fights — his super lightweight battle with Viktor Postol, his WBO 140-pound world championship showdown against Terence Crawford, or his slugfest with Mauricio Herrera in 2015 — have been outside of his hometown, so stepping back into the ring in Philadelphia is a refreshing change of course for the road-weary Lundy.

The all-Philly showdown between Lundy and Sparrow is part of a stacked fight card promoted by Matchroom Boxing, DiBella Entertainment and Peltz Boxing Promotions. Philadelphia super featherweight and reigning IBF world champion Tevin Farmer defends his title against unbeaten Jono Carroll and reigning IBF and WBA World Female Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor faces WBO title-holder Rose Volante in a battle of unbeatens. The event streams live on DAZN. Subscriptions are available for $9.99 per month and can be purchased by visiting https://watch.dazn.com. DAZN is available on all smart TVs, connected devices, tablets and mobile phones, and computer or game consoles.

Also on the 15th, Ball Jr. (11-1-2, 8 KOs) returns to his hometown of Worcester to face 14-fight vet Danny Rosenberger in a six-round bout for the vacant New England Middleweight Title at The Palladium. The event is promoted by Shearns Boxing Promotions and also features the long-awaited return of Ball’s stablemate, Camacho Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) of Providence, R.I., who ends a three and a half-year layoff with his first fight since 2015, a six-rounder on the undercard of a lineup including several standout New England fighters.

Ball Jr. has won his last two fights, including a fourth-round knockout over veteran Zain Shah in November at Twin River Casino Hotel. Camacho Jr. hasn’t fought since he fellow Rhode Islander Rich Gingras for the UBF International Light Heavyweight Title, also at Twin River. Tickets for the event in Worcester, titled “Every Man For Himself,” are available at www.thepalladium.net.

The following night, Worcester’s Gray (16-4, 12 KOs) returns for his toughest test to date when he faces Ireland’s Spike O’Sullivan (29-3, 20 KOs) in a 10-round showdown on Murphys Boxing’s annual St. Patrick’s Day event Saturday, March 16th at the House of Blues in Boston. The event is headlined by a 10-round junior middleweight battle between Williams (16-1-1, 5 KOs) and Quincy, Mass., southpaw Mark DeLuca (22-1, 13 KOs).

Gray has won two of three overall, including his most recent Rhode Island appearance in December of 2017 when he upended Greg Jackson for the vacant interim New England Welterweight Title. Like Ball Jr., Gray also showcased his talents in his hometown in August when he ran through Antonio Fernandes, scoring the victory by first-round knockout, in a rematch of their 2015 fight at Twin River.

O’Sullivan’s resume speaks for itself; a native of Cork, the 34-year-old brawler has traveled from Ireland to Boston to the United Kingdom, earning a shot at the WBO International Middleweight Title against Billy Joe Saunders in 2013. O’Sullivan battled Chris Eubank Jr. two years later before capturing his first title in 2017 with a knockout win over Antoine Douglas in Quebec. O’Sullivan’s name surfaced as a potential replacement last year for Canelo Alvarez when the pound-for-pound king was forced to withdraw from his scheduled rematch with Gennady Golovkin, but O’Sullivan instead fought David Lemieux later that year in Las Vegas, suffering a devastating first-round knockout loss. O’Sullivan righted the ship in December with a win over journeyman Gabor Gorbics.

The Williams-DeLuca fight is an intriguing all-New England showdown between two of the region’s most prolific fighters. Williams has won two in a row, out-workingChristian Aguirre and Enver Halili following his first and only loss as a pro in April of 2018. DeLuca enters fresh off a win over Walter Wright Jr. in October, recapturing his NABA and IBA titles after Wright Jr. beat him via controversial split decision in June. Tickets for the Murphys Boxing St. Patrick’s Day show are available at www.murphysboxing.com.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE Calif.(March 6, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight standout Taras Shelestyuk (16-0, 10 KOs) marks his return to the ring this Saturday, March 9 in the eight-round main event of Thompson Boxing Promotions’ annual private show, “Night of Champions.”

While tickets are not available for purchase, the promoter will livestream the entire fight card on TB Presents: Night of Champions starting at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

Boxing fans can stream the fights on Banner Promotions Facebook page. Blow-by-blow announcer Beto Duran and veteran boxing analyst Doug Fischer will call the action live from ringside.

Shelestyuk, 33, will face veteran Martin Angel Martinez (18-16-1, 11 KOs) of Mexico in the showcase fight from the Doubletree Hotel in Orange, Calif. Shelestyuk, a southpaw from Los Angeles by way of Ukraine, was absent from the ring last year and has been inactive for a year-and-a-half.

In contrast, Martinez has seen consistent action in each of the last four years, logging a total of sixteen fights. The 28-year-old is battle tested, having gone up against former interim title holder Mike Alvarado and high-end talent such as Jose Roman, Alex Saucedo, and Giovani Santillan.

Shelestyuk, however, comes from an outstanding amateur background that culminated in an Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London games. The seasoned Shelestyuk mixes punching power with technical ability that at one point landed him as a top contender among the WBO rankings.

“I feel as confident as I have ever felt,” said Shelestyuk, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “I’m always in the gym working hard. I plan on attacking early and seeing what Martinez is made of.”

Charlie Edwards admits his ultimate ambition is to become “an all-time great in British boxing” as he begins his WBC World title reign against Spain’s Angel Moreno at London’s Copper Box Arena on March 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The 25-year-old Croydon talent is thrilled to be making the first defence of his Flyweight crown at the top of a stacked card featuring rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buasti battling for the British title against Liam Conroy and Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho colliding for the British and Commonwealth straps.

“Headlining my own show is a dream come true in itself,” said Edwards. “I’m incredibly thankful to Eddie Hearn and Adam Smith for giving me this opportunity. There’s some great fighters and matchups on my undercard. I feel really luck and blessed. I’ve also got former GB teammates on the show as well. There’s something for everyone so it can’t disappoint.

Edwards ripped the famous green belt from Cristofer Rosales on an emotional night at The O2 in London in December, outclassing the Nicaraguan with a masterful display to take a well-earned unanimous decision.

Now he is eager to start the next chapter of his career, setting himself the target of winning a World title at another weight class, with potential World title clashes with British rival Kal Yafai and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai laying ahead at Super-Flyweight.

“First and foremost, I’ve got to focus 100% on Angel Moreno, he’s a top-class operator and a hard fight. He’s a very tough and game fighter who will be coming to steal my title from me. He’s a mature man and he doesn’t shy away from any opportunities. We’ve sparred 24 rounds together and on the night it’s going to heat up nicely.

“But I believe, and I’ll put it out there, this is my time. Timing is everything and it’s all come right. All the other fights, they will unfold in the future. I’m ready now to fight anyone and everyone. I’m in this game to build a legacy. I don’t want to pick and choose my opponents.

“I want to be a British great, and to be a British great I want to be a multi-weight World Champion, and this new book, it starts now. The hard work really starts now, and it’s about dedicating myself. I’m obsessed with the game, obsessed with getting better, day in, day out. I want to be known as an all-time great in British boxing.”

Edwards vs. Moreno tops a huge night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes on former English Champion Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in his tenth fight.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut.

Lewis Ritson makes his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring after suffering a first career loss to Francesco Patera last October and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

The WBC has mandated heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder to face Dominic Breazeale, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder shall fulfill his mandatory obligations by fighting Dominic Breazeale next,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “This order constitutes the start of the free negotiations period. If no agreement is reached between the camps, the WBC shall conduct a purse offer ceremony on April 4, 2019 at the WBC offices in Mexico City, Mexico.”

Shelly Finkel, Wilder’s co-manager, told ESPN he hopes to wrap up a deal for the fight with Breazeale shortly.

“We’re hoping to get it done. Hopefully, it will happen this week or next week and hopefully it’s done. At this point it’s not done,” Finkel said. “But I think (Breazeale) is a competitive and viable opponent.”

Don’t miss the WBSS Cruiserweight Semi-Finals – Mairis Briedis vs Krzysztof Glowacki & Yunier Dorticos vs Andrew Tabiti – in a 200lb doubleheader extravaganza at Arena Riga, Riga, Latvia on June 15.

Tickets priced from €29 go on sale 11am EET tomorrow (Thursday, March 7) from bilesuserviss.lv (on-sale times: 9am GMT & 10am CET)

Tickets will be available here.

Ticket Price Bands:
Cat 1 Ringside VIP – €399 (inc Hospitality)
Cat 2 Ringside – €249
Cat 3 Floor Seats – €149
Cat 4 Tier 1 centre – €79
Cat 5 Tier 1 corner – €49
Cat 6 Tier 2 centre – €39
Cat 7 Tier 2 corner – €29

Briedis and Glowacki both defeated their hard fighting quarter-final opponents by unanimous decisions November 10 last year in Chicago. Briedis beat Germany’s Noel Mikaelian to claim a spot in the semi-final, while Glowacki took the win against Russia’s Maksim Vlasov.

Cuba’s Yunier Dorticos won a tough twelve round unanimous decision in Orlando over Germany’s Mateusz Masternak in his quarter-final. While USA’s Andrew Tabiti won a hard-fought decision on the road over Russia’s Ruslan Fayfer in Ekaterinburg to advance to the semi-finals. Now the ‘KO doctor’ and ‘The Beast’ are about to clash in the Latvian capital.

With the Judgement Day semi-finals taking place the same night the winners will go head-to-head after the battles have been settled!

A ticketing update on the U.S. and Glasgow shows made in the coming days.

“The Dragon Leg” Tial Thang is determined to thrill fans with a fast and action-packed bout when he makes his ONE Championship debut this Friday, 8 March in Yangon, Myanmar.

He will return to his home country for the first time in more than a decade to face Cambodia’s Rin Saroth on the main card of ONE: REIGN OF VALOR, which takes place at the iconic Thuwunna Indoor Stadium.

Tial Thang will also make his maiden appearance as a mixed martial arts professional at the same event, but he has had plenty of seasoning as an amateur, and he has honed his skills with some elite training partners.

After working with Myanmar’s most famous son, “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang for the past two years, the man from Hakha believes he has what it takes to win the 68-kilogram catchweight bout in astonishing fashion.

“I think this fight is going to end quickly,” he said.

“No disrespect to Saroth, but I am a better fighter, and I have the capability of finishing this fight in the early rounds.”

With four victories under his belt in the amateur ranks, Tial Thang feels confident to switch from grappling to striking depending on his opponent’s weaknesses.

“I am very aggressive, go forward, and show up to fight,” he declared.

His opponent is a formidable striker with a 110-22 record in the Cambodian martial art of Kun Khmer, which he used to power him to an impressive stoppage win against Mario Satya Wirawan last July.

Saroth likewise has a submission victory in ONE Championship, but Tial Thang believes he has a weakness that can be exploited.

“He is good at everything, but his grappling is his biggest weakness,” he shared. “He has a strong right hand, but other than that, I’m not worried about anything.”

“The Dragon Leg” has a long history as a martial artist. He started practicing wrestling when he was a boy growing up in Myanmar’s mountainous Chin state.

He continued his training in the United States, but he has stepped up a gear ahead of his homecoming at ONE: REIGN OF VALOR

Tial Thang has moved away from his young family and trained intensely to prepare for the clash at Florida’s Hard Knocks 365.

Now under the guidance of elite kickboxing coach Henri Hooft alongside two-division World Champion Aung La N Sang and a host of other world-class martial artists, his striking game has been elevated to a new level.

His new gym has also given him access to a goldmine of information from seasoned professionals, not least the “The Burmese Python,” who has given him plenty of encouragement.

“[He said] be myself, go out there, and fight hard,” Tial Thang bared..

A victory in the world’s largest martial arts organization would launch his career and bring joy to the thousands of Chin people living in the United States and Myanmar.

“It’s such an honor and blessing for me to fight in front of my people. I can’t wait to put on a very entertaining fight for them,” he declared.

ARLINGTON, TX. (March 5, 2019) – IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. and four-division world champion Mikey Garcia hosted separate media workouts in Dallas and Riverside, CA. respectively on Tuesday as they near their historic showdown that headlines the first Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spence hosted media at World Class Boxing Gym in Dallas and was joined by undefeated former super middleweight champion David Benavidez, who takes on J’Leon Love in PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View action. Garcia’s workout also featured heavyweight fan-favorite Chris Arreola, who participated in the workout at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy and will face Jean Pierre Augustin in Pay-Per-View action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for this showdown, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now, and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, the Official Ticketing Provider of AT&T Stadium.

Here is what the fighters and more had say Tuesday from the two media events:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I’m really excited for this fight, especially to have it at AT&T Stadium. I’m 100% focused and ready for next week. This fight is going to have a bigger crowd, be more electrifying and will just be an amazing event overall.

“A lot of times when I’m in AT&T Stadium watching the NFL games, or watching Pacquiao fights or Canelo fights, the jumbotrons are so big that you get caught up looking up even when you’re ringside. It’s great because there isn’t a bad seat in the place with the jumbotron.

“This is definitely one of those crossover fights for me. Garcia is the biggest name to date that I’m fighting on American soil. It’s just great being so young in my career, fighting in my first pay-per-view and fighting with a guy like Garcia who brings over a different fanbase.

“You can tell how I looked ten weeks ago compared to how I look now. I’m not overlooking Garcia. I’m in tip-top shape, slim and ready. The difference is that now in a pay-per-view fight you have to be more dedicated and focused to promote the fight, showing that you are a star in boxing and sports media.

“If you know me and you know my boxing style, you know I’m never in a boring fight. Even if it’s just me beating up my opponent, or them just being hurt, I’m always going to try to stop my opponent and put on a spectacular performance.

“I put that pressure to look great on myself, not just because I’m undefeated or because everybody says this about me, I do it for myself to put on a great performance and a great show. I want to do that so great guys can look at me and think about if they want to fight me or not. That’s why a lot of guys don’t want to fight me.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“A lot of people underestimate the power when they face me. They don’t see my physical size as a threat. But you know they feel the power once we’re in the ring and definitely change their minds.

“(I wanted to fight Spence) because he’s the best right now in the (welterweight) division. I want to make a statement. I want to make a mark, and you know I have to do that against the best.

“I believe I’m a better fighter overall. When it comes to footwork, I think I have the better footwork. When it comes to speed, I think I have better speed. When it comes to defense, I have better defense. With timing, I have better timing. All of these things are what will help me win this fight. The only thing that he has going for him that’s apparent is the size, height, weight and reach.

“I’ve always said I’m better than him. Not by a lot, but just enough to beat him. He also reminds me of myself in a lot of ways, the way he fights, the way he is. He does everything well, good footwork, good speed, controls the fight at his distance that he likes… In a lot of ways, it resembles the way I fight. But I still feel that I’m better in every one of those ways and that’s what I’m betting on.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I’m extremely excited to be fighting in front of 40,000-plus people in the co-main event on March 16. It’s like a dream come true fighting at AT&T Stadium.

“I’m looking forward to going in and getting a knockout… I’ve been training extremely hard. Three months of training for this camp. It’s been good. I have like six pounds left to lose, so I haven’t struggled with the weight at all. I’ve been on a diet for at least three months now. The work has been done in and outside of the ring. Everything has been perfect leading up to this fight and I’m extremely ready.

“It was difficult (losing my title). I beat myself for that belt. In 2019, we are not taking any steps back, only forward.

“There are a lot of good fights I know that can be made. So, I am very excited to do my part and hopefully face-off against Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Plant or Callum Smith at the end of the year. I’m already in line to fight for the WBC title, but I’ve got to first take care of my job with J’Leon Love.

“Love is a good boxer, a counter-puncher. He’s been in the game for a while now. But like I said, I’m ready for anything. I’ve studied him a lot, so I’m just ready for anything he presents.

“I want to become the undisputed champion (at super middleweight). That’s my ultimate goal. Then I can talk about moving up. Right now, I want all the belts.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“Right now, my career is all about putting in the work and my legacy. I’m not in this anymore for money. I love money, but I’m comfortable. I’m here for legacy. I want to leave something behind… I’m chasing a title.

“I feel mentally sharper now. Mentally I’m just relaxed in the ring. Some people are amped the whole round. But no, I know how to relax and work the ring and work my fight.

“The main thing this time around is I’m fighting a lefty and the first three or four times being in the ring sparring it’s a little different. It’s different angles and different punches… So that’s the main thing that’s probably the hardest part is lefties and getting used to it.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“I just think Errol is so hungry and he has the ability to be great. The way he adjusts in the fights and he really sets the tone. Most of all, his fights have been one-sided. Regardless who he’s fighting against, how great they are, what their record is, what they said they’ll do to him, he’s just been able to have one-sided affairs. Hopefully we can have the same thing in this fight.

“This has been a tremendous training camp. I’ve seen how hard Errol has worked and how motivated he is. He’s extremely confident, and rightfully so. On March 16, I know Mikey is going to come prepared, but so are we. Whatever Mikey brings into the ring, we’re going to have the answer.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mikey’s Brother & Trainer

“Mikey has been there before in many championship fights. Obviously, this is the biggest challenge against a bigger, heavier guy. But at this point in training, I think we’re in great shape. We know (Errol) is going to be the heavier guy in the ring, but he’s not going to be the better or smarter guy.

“We’re going to fight a technical fight, especially in the first few rounds, to figure out what Errol Spence is brining into the fight. But if we have to back him up and fight on the inside, then we’re going to do what’s necessary.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“FOX is really putting their weight behind boxing, and you’ve seen what that meant for other sports. When UFC got involved with FOX, you saw how it elevated the sport of MMA and UFC… FOX is doing the same thing now on the boxing side and I really believe it will elevate boxing. It brings the general market to this sport, and I think that’s what we’re going to see here with this pay-per-view.

“When you have a fight like Spence and Garcia, boxing fans know about it. Sports fans know about it. But the general market doesn’t really know about it. So, I think if you can market towards the general market it just opens up the flood gates as it relates to pay-per-view. And that’s the advantage FOX has compared to an ESPN.”

# # #

ABOUT SPENCE VS. GARCIA
Spence vs. Garcia is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event that is headlined by unbeaten IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. defending his title against four-division world champion Mikey Garcia on Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View undercard will feature undefeated former super middleweight champion David Benavidezbattling veteran contender J’Leon Love, unbeaten former bantamweight champion Luis Nery taking on former champion McJoe Arroyo and fan-favorite Chris Arreola facing unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin in action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT featuring former heavyweight world champion Charles Martin squaring off against unbeaten Dallas-native Gregory Corbin.

Spence vs. Garcia will be shown on big screens across the nation through FathomEvents. Tickets can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 5, 2019) – Two of Washington, D.C.’s most accomplished and recognized boxers, Lamont Peterson and Anthony Peterson, held a media workout in their hometown Tuesday as they near their respective showdowns taking place Sunday, March 24 in PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes action live from MGM National Harbor in Maryland.

Lamont will take on former 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets in the main event, while Anthony faces former champion Argenis Méndez in the co-main event of the telecast that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and HeadBangers Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.mgmnationalharbor.com/.

Here is what Lamont, Anthony and their longtime trainer Barry Hunter had to say Tuesday from the Bald Eagle Boxing Annex:

LAMONT PETERSON

On his fight against Lipinets…
“I always have an idea of how it’s going to go, but we’re prepared for whatever. I think overall it should be a fun fight.”

On his 14-month layoff…
“I wanted to rest the body. It’s been a long career. I’ve been boxing for 25 years, doing it professionally for 15 years, pretty much straight through. Only injuries have held me back. I just wanted to take some time to relax, and if my body was able to recover and come back close to what I was or better, then I was going to go on.

“I feel rested and good now and just took some time to learn my body more. I want to get better, though. If I lose, then that means the game is asking more from me. So, I have to give it more if I say I want to be at the top and one of the best fighters.”

On fighting in front of his hometown crowd on March 24…
“It’s been a while, so it’ll be a good feeling to be fighting back at home. For the first time ever, I’ll be fighting on a card, my brother is fighting on the card and my nephew is fighting on the card. I knew this day would probably happen, but I’m happy that it’s this time around.”

ANTHONY PETERSON

On his March 24 opponent…
“Argenis Méndez is a world-class fighter. I like his style and he’s a good dancing partner. He doesn’t shy away from work. He’s not awkward, he’s going to be there. And if you look at the list he’s fought the better caliber of fighters. He’s been on the world-class stage before, and that’s going to be good for me to knock him off. What I want to do is go in there, put on an outstanding performance and make a statement that I deserve that world championship.”

On his 14-month layoff and always staying ready…
“I stay in shape. I don’t have any kids. I’m not a clubber, or anything like that. If you follow me on Instagram, I’m in the gym every day twice a day motivating people. Even in the streets, I try to get people to workout because there’s health issues out here with people having strokes, heart attacks, high cholesterol and high blood pressure at the age of 30. That’s staggering to me. So, I try to do my part to help out, get in shape and be positive.”

On working with WBC Welterweight Champion Shawn Porter during training camp…
“It was beautiful. Shawn brought a different type of energy. He’s a real good guy, very spiritual and positive. Nothing negative to say and he’s always in a good mood. He never complains or talks back to the coaches. He showed a good example of how a champion is supposed to handle himself.”

BARRY HUNTER, Trainer of the Peterson Brothers

On the significance of March 24 for both Peterson brothers…
“March 24 is going to be big and it means a lot because a win for Lamont would put him right back in the thick of the running with the top of the 147-pounders. For Anthony, this is a long time coming. Myself, like so many others, thought he deserved a shot a long time ago. Nevertheless, your time is your time. So, he’s going to go out there and take care of business on the 24th and that should put him in line for a world title fight.”

On Lipinets…
“I think he’s a good, durable fighter, but I don’t think he’s special. I think that he’s a guy that does a lot of things well. And he fights in the Eastern European style, which is a style that Lamont faced a lot in the amateurs. I think he’s a good guy, but I just don’t think there’s anything special about him.”

On Méndez…
“I have a lot of love for Méndez. He’s a good man. In fact, him and Lamont hung out together at a basketball game years ago. He’s definitely a solid fighter. He was a good amateur fighter, very skillful and a win against Méndez would put Anthony in line for a world title shot because he’s a former world champion.”

# # #

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

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

Las Vegas (March 5, 2019) – Undefeated boxing phenom Devin Haney has confirmed that he will appear, have a booth 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 10a.m 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.

Haney will make his 1st appearance at this years’ Expo, and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Haney will also have merchandise and products to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing sensation also known as “The Dream”.

Haney joins 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.

About Devin Haney
Devin Haney is quickly becoming the new sensation of boxing today, building an undefeated record of 21 fights, 13 of them by KO, since his debut on December 11, 2015. Haney has defined his aspirations to shape up and become the new star of boxing and to become world champion. A young man who has dedicated his life to the sport since he was seven years old, he has won 7 national championships as amateur, shaping a record of 130-8. He became the youngest member of the national Junior Team and was the youngest boxer to win the Junior World Championship in Nevada. On January 11, Haney took another significant step towards becoming a world champion, by defeating South Africa’s Xolisani Ndongeni by a wide unanimous decision in 10 rounds, in the main event of a card at the StageWorks in Shreveport, Louisiana and capturing the WBC International and WBO Inter-Continental lightweight Titles. Haney was born in San Francisco, and raised in Oakland, California but has been living in Las Vegas since he was 7 years old and he’s managed by his father William Haney. Devin knows that this is only the beginning of a brilliant career, hoping, planning and working hard to become the next boxing idol.

About Box Fan 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, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Andre Ward, Errol Spence Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares Maricela Cornejo, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, 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, media and the boxing industry.

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

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 at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

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

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

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

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

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram: @BoxFanExpo

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

NEW YORK (March 5, 2019) – Having reached the five-million view plateau and having surpassed the 30-show milestone, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast returns home to New York City on Friday, March 8, to showcase some of New York’s bravest and finest pro boxing prospects. Beginning at 7 p.m. E.T. live from The City that Never Sleeps, the fan-friendly, FREE Facebook platform will feature a card punctuated by prospects and highlighted by one former women’s world champion. The event is presented by Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions and the New Mexican Promotion.

The free, interactive series – which has entertained more than 5.02 million fight fans since its platform premiere in May of 2017 – returns to NYC on Friday to continue its March schedule. The three-show March is part of a 2019 first quarter that showcases an outstanding six-card lineup featuring six different promotions and spanning four cities, which began with three February shows that combined for more than 520,000 views.

Hard-hitting Brooklyn native Jude Franklin (9-0, 8 KOs) will be seeking his 10th professional win in the main event on Friday night, taking on Aleem Jumakhonov (7-2-1, 4 KOs) of Horog, Tajikistan. Unbeaten featherweight Jose Gonzalez (11-0-2, 3 KOs) – the cousin of former pound-for-pound king and four-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez – will also return to action. Undefeated bantamweight Ariel Lopez (11-0, 7 KOs) faces 13-bout veteran Jose Chanez of Tijuana, Mexico. Lightweight Wesley Ferrer (12-1-1, 7 KOs) will take on Andrew Rodgers of Elkhart, Ind., while undefeated super lightweight Mathew Gonzalez (7-0, 4 KOs) looks to pick up the eighth consecutive win to start his professional career. Titus Williams (7-2, 2 KOs) of Long Island will meet 14-bout veteran Cristian Renteria of Mexico in super featherweight action, while 50-year-old Hawaii native and former IFBA World Flyweight Champion Eileen Olszewski (10-7-3, 1 KO) looks to prove that age is just a number when she competes in a bantamweight attraction.

“This show will feature a number of fighters from our world-famous Gleason’s Gym Boxing Family, and we take particular pride in showcasing deserving boxers from our home market in New York City,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “That said, these prospects are not just some of the best in the city, they’re some of the best anywhere. You have a DiBella Entertainment signee in Jude Franklin, undefeated former Top Rank prospect Joselito Gonzalez, unbeaten Ariel Lopez of Mexico and a former women’s world champion in Eileen Olszewski, among others.”

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 500 fighters and 16 promotions during 30 live event broadcasts from 18 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 30-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 167,642 views per event and more than 5.02 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018,Season II shows have averaged more than 277,289 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the Feb. 2019 “Raging Babe Philly Special” (203,000) and the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000) all logged 200,000 or more views, and collectively the 30-show series has seen a total of more than 5,029,262 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 416,000 collective live post engagements (almost 14,000 per show), including more than 320,000 “likes” or “loves,” almost 55,000 comments and more than 18,000 shares.

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

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 87,000 fans and more than 94,000 followers.

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

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

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

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

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

Liam Conroy wants to put Barrow-in-Furness on the map when he clashes with rising star Joshua Buatsi for the vacant British Light-Heavyweight title on March 23 at London’s Copper Box Arena, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The former English Champion heads into his showdown with 2016 Olympian Buatsi in the form of his life having stopped his previous five opponents. Despite his impressive run of form, the 26-year-old will enter the ring as a big underdog – a tag that he thrives off.

“Being an underdog makes it much sweeter when I win,” Conroy told MTK Global. “I feel like I’m ‘The Upsetter’ because I feel people always doubt me. This is what me and my team do. Myself and my trainer Johnney Roye come down, travel wherever, upset some people and then we go.

“My fans from Barrow-in-Furness will make some noise on the night. There may not be loads of them with it being so far but they’ll make themselves heard. We’re a proud bunch of people. Everyone thinks of us as being out in the middle of nowhere and there not much being there so I’m glad to be putting Barrow on the map in some way.

“I want to make Barrow proud and stay up there in those big fights as a British Champion. I want to put a British title in my son’s bedroom. This has been my goal since day one. This is a massive fight but I think it’s been a long time coming. I won my British title fight eliminator in 2017 and I’ve just been working relentlessly since.”

Buatsi recorded his third straight first round knockout win when he demolished Renold Quinlan at The O2 in December. Many are already tipping the Croydon talent to become a future World Champion, but Conroy is convinced he will derail the hype train in East London.

“I believe I can overpower him. I don’t believe he’s been in a situation as a professional in which someone can overpower him. I also don’t think he’s been in with anyone who can take what he’s got to give, which I will be able to. He’ll be in for a shock on March 23.

“There’s plenty of hype around him but he deserves it because he trains hard and has already proved himself at the Olympics. I haven’t got the name he’s got but I’m looking to change that come fight night. I’m going to give it everything that I can and keep on going relentlessly till the final bell. I won’t stop until I have that belt.”

Buatsi vs. Conroy is part of a huge night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena.

Main event sees Charlie Edwards make the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Spain’s Angel Moreno.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut.

Lewis Ritson makes his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring after suffering a first career loss to Francesco Patera last October and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

WORCESTER, Mass. (March 5, 2019) – Decorated amateur boxer Owen Minor has spent the past three years focusing on fatherhood responsibilities. Minor will make his long-awaited professional debut with his two sons at his side on the “Every Man for Himself” card, Shearns Boxing Promotions’ (SBP) inaugural event, on Friday night, March 15, at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 32-year-old Minor, who didn’t start boxing until he was 23, captured bronze medals at the 2014 U.S. Boxing National and National Golden Gloves tournaments. New England boxing fans have been anxiously waiting for his pro debut.

Why did it take so long for Minor to turn pro, especially after a relatively late start in the sport, in addition to developing into quality national amateur boxer?

“I was being a father,” Minor explained. “I have two sons, now 11 and 8, and living in Worcester is tough. I wanted to make sure that I put them in the right direction.”

A former standout football player (fullback/defensive end) at Holy Name High School, Minor knows what he’s talking about, working full-time with juvenile offenders for the Department of Youth Services in Westborough, MA.

“We are excited to have Owen making his pro debut on our first card,” promoter Chuck Shearns remarked. “He is at a point in his life where he feels he can balance boxing and family. Owen is in tremendous shape and can punch through concrete! Fans will really enjoy watching his fight.”

The 6′ 1″, 235-pound Minor will be making his pro debut on a card headlined by his cousin and fellow Worcester boxer, Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (11-1-2, 8 KOs), who faces upset-minded Danny “Feel Good Hollywood” Rosenberger (4-6-4, 1 KO), of Youngstown, Ohio, in the six-round main event for the vacant New England middleweight title.

Kendrick Ball, Sr. trains his son as well as his nephew, Minor, who takes on Philadelphia’s Corey Morley (0-2-1) in the four-round, co-featured event.

“It’s a privilege to make my pro debut in my hometown on a card headlined by my cousin,” Minor said. “Not every boxer gets a chance like this. It’s a great honor for me. I love the City of Worcester and the people who live here. Boxing has always been big in my family and I want to continue our legacy in Worcester boxing.”

Undefeated Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) meets an upset-specialist, Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-7), fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a four-round clash.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round fights, are Bridgeport, CT junior lightweight Carlos Marrero III (0-2-1) vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO), Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (0-2) vs. Francisco Artri Neto (0-2), of Woburn, MA, New Haven, CT junior welterweight Anuel Rosa (1-0, 1 KO) vs. the Bronx’ Danny Morales (0-7), and New Britain, CT Nathan Martinez (2-0) vs. TBA.

Undefeated Providence light heavyweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring after a three-year absence in a six-round bout against Dallas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smith.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

General admission tickets are priced at $25.00 and available to purchase online at thepalladium.net. Boxers on the card have $50.00 and $25.00 tickets to sell.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Tecate, Grill 57, Worcester Railers, Worcester Red Sox, Palley Advertising, and Allstate Insurance.

NEW YORK CITY (March 5, 2019) — Before pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford enters the ring to defend his WBO welterweight world title against Amir “King” Khan, a pair of 21-year-old wunderkinds — Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson — will look to steal the show in their respective co-feature bouts on ESPN PPV Saturday, April 20 at Madison Square Garden.

Stevenson, the 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, will tangle with former 130-pound world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz in a 10-round featherweight bout. Lopez, the consensus 2018 Prospect of the Year and top lightweight contender, will face two-time European lightweight champion and former world title challenger Edis Tatli in a 10-rounder. Tatli is ranked No. 3 by the IBF and No. 10.

And, in a special attraction that will open the broadcast, Puerto Rican star Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo will fight former two-time interim super featherweight world champion Bryan Vasquez in a 10-round lightweight bout that will thrust the winner into the world title picture.

Tickets priced at $606, $406, $306, $206, $106, $81, and $56 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.msg.com.

Details on how fans will be able to access the pay-per-view broadcast, which will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, will be announced at a later date.

The entire undercard will stream live beginning at 6 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.

“This terrific undercard accompanying the Crawford-Khan main event will be extremely entertaining and exciting,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez are two of the brightest young lights in boxing and are facing seasoned opponents in Diaz and Tatli. Felix Verdejo is on the comeback trail, and Bryan Vasquez is a tough veteran who won’t give in.”

Lopez (12-0, 10 KOs) catapulted from prospect to contender in 2018 and early 2019 with a slew of headline-grabbing wins, including sensational knockout victories over Mason Menard and Diego Magdaleno in his last two fights. A 2016 Olympian for his parents’ native Honduras, the Brooklyn-born puncher last fought at Madison Square Garden’s big arena on May 12 of last year, punctuating his first-round knockout of Vitor Jones Freitas with a Fortnite dance that went viral. Tatli (31-2, 10 KOs) has never been stopped as a pro and has wins over current European lightweight champion Francesco Patera, top contender Yvan Mendy and former 130-pound world champion Mzonke Fana. A celebrity in his native Finland, Tatli recently took home the first prize on “Tanssii tähtien kanss,” the Finnish version of the popular BBC program, “Strictly Come Dancing.”

“Every time I fight in my hometown, I take over the show, and that’s what I plan on doing again,” Lopez said. “This is the year I become a world champion, and whoever stands in my way is going to get knocked out. If you think you’ve seen the best version of Teofimo Lopez, think again. The Takeover is coming to Madison Square Garden and ESPN pay-per-view.

“One thing I know for sure: Tatli will be dancing with the real star of The Takeover on April 20. This ain’t reality TV. This is a real fight.”

“This is a great matchup, and I can’t wait to get the job done,” Tatli said. “Lopez is a skilled fighter, and he is in for a real treat on April 20. My goal has been clear for a long time — to win a world title — and Lopez is not going to stop me from reaching it.”

Stevenson (10-0, 6 KOs) followed up a 5-0 campaign in 2018 with a spectacular fourth-round TKO over Jessie Cris Rosales on Jan. 18 in Verona, N.Y. A native of Newark, N.J. — a short train ride from Madison Square Garden — Stevenson hopes to move closer to a world title opportunity in front of his home fans. Diaz (24-1, 16 KOs), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, moved down to featherweight following his July 2018 decision loss to Masayuki Ito for the vacant WBO junior lightweight world title. He knocked out David Berna in the first round on Nov. 24 to set up the Stevenson showdown.

“Newark is going to be in the building on April 20 as I show Christopher Diaz what I’m all about,” Stevenson said. “After I get done with him, Diaz will wish he’d stayed at 130 pounds. Soon enough, the featherweight division is going to run through me.”

“I feel super motivated and focused as always for another big fight in another big event,” Diaz said. “I like these kinds of challenges. I’m fighting against a silver medalist of the 2016 Rio Olympics who is also a great prospect with a lot of potential. He needs to demonstrate that he has what nobody can teach him. He needs to show that he has heart and gallantry. We’ll see on April 20 when he faces his first real tough test. I will come prepared as I always do. On that night, he will understand that you can’t teach cojones and that I was born with very big ones.”

Verdejo (24-1, 16 KOs), a former amateur superstar for his native Puerto Rico, hopes to graduate to contender status with a victory over Vasquez. He suffered his first loss last March via 10th-round stoppage to Antonio Lozada Jr. in a fight he was leading. Verdejo was victorious in his comeback bout on Nov. 10 in Puerto Rico, knocking out Yardley Armenta Cruz in the second round. Vasquez (37-3, 20 KOs) has won two in a row since a tight majority decision loss to Ray Beltran in August 2017.

“I’m going into this new challenge ready to demonstrate my skills against a world-class fighter,” Verdejo said. “I hope that this fight will open the doors to big fights. I want to bring a world championship to Puerto Rico, and this is the year.”

“In order for me to lose to Verdejo, he’s going to have to kill me,” Vasquez said. “In order for him to kill me, he’s going to have to be willing to die with me. And he’s already shown that he’s not willing to die in there.”

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

CARSON, Calif. (March 5, 2019) – Unbeaten bantamweight Damien Vazquez will take on the toughest test of his career in former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1 this Saturday from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and lead into a PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show that’s headlined by WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challenger Yordenis Ugas.

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

Here is what Vazquez, who is the younger brother of former three-time world champion Israel Vazquez, had to say about training, his matchup and more:

On his recent training camp:
“I’ve had a phenomenal training camp going into this fight. Bones Adams and Joel Casamayor are two of the best boxing minds in the sport. I’m soaking up everything they’re showing me. I’ve also been sparring with Isaac ‘Canelito’ Avelar, a big strong featherweight who brings it every day. I’m confident and victory is on my mind.”

On his upcoming matchup with Payano:
“This is a big step up for me. Payano is a former world champion who is very dangerous, but I’m confident in myself, in my talent, and I’m going to leave everything in the ring. After March 9, the world will know who I am and what I’m about. There is no doubt in my mind, I’m coming out on top!”

On making his nationally televised debut on FS1:
“Fighting on FS1 is going to be a huge blessing for my career, because the whole world will be able to watch me perform. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. Boxing fans tuning in will see two warriors going for the kill.”

On what a victory will do for his career:
“Beating a former world champion like Payano will get me closer to that world title shot I’m seeking. I’m the future of the bantamweight division and it’s my time to shine.”

# # #

ABOUT PORTER VS. UGAS
Shawn Porter vs. Yordenis Ugas is a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event that will see WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter defending his title for the first time against top-ranked contender Yordenis Ugas Saturday, March 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a duel between two hard-hitting brawlers as Abel Ramos and Francisco Santana meet in a 10-round welterweight match in the co-feature, while heavy-handed slugger Efe Ajagba steps up to face experienced veteran Amir Mansour in an eight-round heavyweight attraction in the televised opener.

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

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

An arrest warrant has been issued for 130 lb. world champion Gervonta Davis, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

That warrant is in conjunction for an altercation at a mall in McLean, Virginia on Feb. 17, Fairfax County Police told ESPN on Tuesday.

“On Feb. 17 officers did interact with Mr. Davis after an allegation of an assault,” Lt. John Lieb, a public information officer for the Fairfax County Police, told ESPN.

“Officers have attempted to contact Mr. Davis and have been unsuccessful so far,” Lieb said.

Leonard Ellerbe, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions, which promotes Davis, told ESPN on Tuesday, “We’ll let the judicial system play out.”

“Obviously, this is just an allegation,” he added. “Again, it just seems odd to me that a black man, allegedly, pushes or shoves — and I’m just reading what the TMZ article says — a police officer and he doesn’t get arrested on the spot, then a couple of weeks later, then they issue an arrest warrant based on their internal investigation. That just seems a little odd to me.”

Joe Smith Jr says he will pour his heart and soul into his World title challenge against WBA World Light-Heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol on Saturday March 9 at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.

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Smith Jr (24-2 20KOs) fights for a first time for the World title and will be full of confidence going into the bout, with his last four wins coming by impressive KO’s, including a first round demolition of Poland’s Andrzej Fonfara in Chicago and sending modern-great Bernard Hopkins into retirement.

Bivol (15-0 11 KOs) defends his title for the fifth time against the Long Island man and is hoping Smith Jr comes for a war – and the 29 year old challenger promises to bring everything he’s got to a night he’s been waiting for his entire life.

“Winning a World title would mean everything to me,” said Smith Jr. “It’s everything I have worked towards my whole life. I cannot even express how I will feel when I win this title.

“Training camp has been great. We’ve worked on a lot of new things and I’ve pushed myself to the limit every day. Also, I had some great sparring partners to help me prepare for this fight.

“Dmitry is a great fighter, very busy and active. My plan is to stay just as active and be busier than him, to outwork him. I plan to punch when he punches and make it a great fight.

“The fans are in for a great show on Saturday. They will see a new and improved Joe Smith Jr., the new Light-Heavyweight champion of the world.

“I would like to thank Joe DeGuardia, Star Boxing, DAZN and Matchroom for this opportunity. I am looking forward to raising that belt, and finally reaching my dream of becoming a World champion.”
Smith Jr’s clash with Bivol is part of a huge night of action at Turning Stone Resort Casino with a second mouthwatering World title fight on the bill in the shape of Maurice Hooker (25-0-3 17 KOs) defending his WBO World Super-Lightweight title against Brooklyn’s Mikkel LesPierre (21-0-1 10KOs).

Callum Johnson (17-1-0 12KOs) and Sean Monaghan (29-2-0 17KOs) will both have a keen eye on the Bivol-Smith Jr. clash as they battle in a crunch fight in the 175lbs division, World-ranked heavyweight contender Sergey Kuzmin, (14-0 11 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Russia will battle Philadelphia based veteran Joey Dawejko, (19-6-4 11 KOs) and Otha Jones III makes his pro debut on the card.

ORANGE, Calif. (March 5, 2019) – WBA and IBF Super Bantamweight World Champions Danny Roman and TJ Doheny took part in a press conference on Monday from Beauty and Essex in Hollywood, Calif.

The pair spoke to the gathered media about their upcoming unification battle from The Forum, Los Angeles on Friday April 26, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.

Danny Roman (26-2-1 10KOs)

“I’m excited to be back home and excited that TJ’s here. This is a fight you want to see. The best against the best, champion against champion. I’ve asking for this fight since I won the world title, and finally it’s here. It’s going to be a great card, but I feel we’re going to steal the show that night.”

TJ Doheny (21-0 15KOs)

“This is the kind of fight I want to be involved in. It’s a dream of mine – as soon as I got my world title that’s all I’ve been pushing for is a unification. I want to thank Daniel Roman for taking the fight and wanting to unify the division. In my opinion this is probably the best two 122 fighters in the world going off right now. There’s a lot of respect between myself and Danny… a fight of this magnitude does not need that kind of stuff. Come April 26 when that first bell goes, the respect will be gone out the window, and the fans can expect fireworks.”

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Las Vegas – For the first time in over two years, the UFC returns to Atlanta and brings with it two pivotal title fights, as reigning featherweight champion and No. 4-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the world Max Holloway moves up in weight to attempt to become the fourth athlete to hold two UFC belts at the same time when he takes on No. 3-ranked lightweight contender Dustin Poirier for the interim UFC lightweight crown. Also, top middleweight contenders clash for the interim 185-pound belt as No. 4-ranked Kelvin Gastelum and No. 5-ranked Israel Adesanya vie for their first gold strap. UFC® 236: HOLLOWAY vs. POIRIER 2 takes place Saturday, April 13 at the all-new State Farm Arena and will air live on Pay-Per-View.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English and Spanish on ESPN and ESPN Deportes starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. In addition to linear coverage of the preliminaries, fans will be able to purchase and watch UFC 236 on ESPN.com/UFC236, beginning in late March. Once purchased, fans will be able to watch the event on the web or in the ESPN App on mobile or TV-connected devices. They also can purchase and watch UFC 236 on UFC.com or the UFC App.

After dominating 13 opponents in a row at featherweight, reigning champion Holloway (20-3, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii) moves up in weight for the first time in his career, as he chases the top of the pound-for-pound rankings by joining Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes as the only athletes to hold two UFC belts at the same time. During his run at featherweight, Holloway finished former long-time featherweight champion Jose Aldo twice, former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, and previously undefeated challenger Brian Ortega. Now, Holloway looks to avenge the first loss of his professional career by being only the second man to defeat Poirier in the last four years.

Poirier (24-5, 1 NC fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) aims to capitalize on the best run of his UFC tenure, as he looks to capture his first UFC title by proving his 2012 win over Holloway was no fluke. With his last four wins all earning him post-fight bonuses, Poirier has established himself as one of the most dangerous and entertaining competitors in arguably the deepest division in UFC. With his most recent stoppage wins coming over former lightweight champions Eddie Alvarez and Anthony Pettis, as well as durable top-contender Justin Gaethje, Poirier is confident that he has what it takes to stop Holloway from joining the ranks of double champions.

Six years to the day that he became The Ultimate Fighter: 17 middleweight champion Gastelum (16-3, 1 NC fighting out of Yuma, Ariz., by way of Huntington Beach, Calif.) is set to compete for the first UFC title of his career. Previously scheduled to face current middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 234 in February before Whittaker was forced to withdraw due to illness, Gastelum now looks to further cement his status in the division by becoming the only man to defeat fellow top-contender Adesanya. Coming off impressive wins over former middleweight champion Michael Bisping and No. 3-ranked contender Jacare Souza, Gastelum believes that the time is now for him to prove that he is the best middleweight in the world.

One of the fastest-rising prospects in UFC history, Adesanya (16-0, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) is fresh off an impressive victory over legendary former middleweight champion Anderson Silva and is now set to compete for his first title just over a year after joining the promotion. A multiple-time kickboxing champion with a reported record of 75-4, Adesanya is one of the highest-level strikers to ever compete in the Octagon, as evidenced by 13 of his 16 MMA wins coming via KO. Adesanya is now poised on the break of superstardom and intends to show that he is as good as he says by becoming the first person in history to KO Gastelum.

Additional bouts on the card include:

Former light heavyweight title challenger and No. 12-ranked contender Ovince Saint Preux (23-12, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) looks to bounce back into the win column against Ukrainian prospect Nikita Krylov (25-6, fighting out of Donetsk, Ukraine)
Knockout artists clash as former football player Eryk Anders (11-3, fighting out of Birmingham, Ala.) and The Ultimate Fighter veteran Khalil Rountree (8-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) look to establish themselves as fighters to watch in the light heavyweight division
Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series signee Montel Jackson (7-1, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) hunts for another first-round finish against the durable Andre Soukhamthath (13-6, Lake Worth, Fla. by way of Woonsocket, R.I.)
Former flyweight title challenger and current No. 5-ranked contender Wilson Reis (23-9, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) aims to defend his rank and work his way back to another title shot by taking out No. 6-ranked contender Alexandre Pantoja (20-3, Arraial Do Cabo, Brazil)
The first athlete officially signed from Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series Boston Salmon (6-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) makes his long-anticipated UFC debut against German prospect Khalid Taha (12-2, fighting out of Dortmund, Germany)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Visit UFC.com for information and content to support your UFC coverage. Please click here to apply for the event.

UFC® 236: HOLLOWAY vs. POIRIER 2 will air live from State Farm Arena on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, April 13, with the prelims kicking off the evening on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and on UFC Fight Pass at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC® 236: HOLLOWAY vs. POIRIER 2 go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, March 6 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, March 9 starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. UFC boasts 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 1.0 billion TV households worldwide in over 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.

About State Farm Arena

Home to the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club, State Farm Arena opens its doors in October 2018 following the 2nd largest renovation in NBA history. Inspired by the fans, State Farm Arena is a next-generation venue focused on experience, service and entertainment. With the NBA’s third-largest center-hung scoreboard and an immersive video experience, fan-friendly food pricing and premium restaurant options, Topgolf Swing Suites and celebrity-inspired spaces accessible to every fan, the downtown Atlanta arena stakes its claim as the city’s best sports and live entertainment venue. Consistently ranked among the top 10 concert and event venues in the world by Pollstar, State Farm Arena hosts approximately 170 events and nearly 2 million guests annually. For more information on State Farm Arena, log on to www.statefarmarena.com today or follow us on Twitter @StateFarmArena.

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

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

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

About ESPN

ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment enterprise, features more than 50 assets – eight U.S. television networks, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN International, ESPN The Magazine and more. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hearst.

Sam Eggington says a win against former World Champion Liam Smith at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on March 30 would fire him straight back into the title mix at 154lbs.

Former European Welterweight champ Eggington admits that his clash with Smith, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US, is make or break after suffering a shock stoppage defeat to Tanzania’s Hassan Mwakinyo at Arena Birmingham in September, but insists he feels no pressure heading into the Merseyside showdown.

‘The Savage’ was preparing to face former World ruler Brandon Rios at Wembley Stadium when he was wiped out by the dangerous African in two rounds, but the Stourbridge man says there is no chance he will be making the same mistake again by overlooking his former sparring partner Smith, who he expects a ‘bloody battle’ with.

“I don’t feel any pressure going into this one,” said Eggington. “The bookies have me down as a huge underdog and that suits me just fine. I’m going to put the work in behind the scenes and come up on the blind side and get a big win that no-one is going to expect. I didn’t think I’d get a huge fight like this so soon after my loss, so to get Liam, a former World Champion, is a huge motivation for me.

“I do a lot of sparring with Liam and he’s a good bloke, they all are at Gallagher’s gym. I think he’d say the same about me, but there’s no room for niceties, come March 30 we’ll be knocking lumps out of each other and I’ll be fully prepared for a bloody battle with him. I’m in no position to be turning down fights like this after what happened. He’s the favourite but we’re quietly confident of getting the win.

“Our spars have always been competitive. You could have sold tickets for some of them! That’s why I’m so confident our fight can’t disappoint on March 30. We’re going to be in 10oz gloves with no head guards, it’s going to be brutal and I can’t wait. It’s guaranteed to be an exciting fight for the fans – I promise you that.”

The 25-year-old, who holds notable victories over Frankie Gavin and Paul Malignaggi, returned to winning ways with a four round decision over Sam Omidi last month. Another win on March 30 could see him return to fringe-World level and the all-action Brummie is unfazed at the prospect of fighting any contender put in front of him.

“A defeat isn’t the end, I’ve proved that myself. I’ve got a big opportunity to get things back on track later this month. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, so to beat Liam Smith would push me right back up there. That’s the drive for me in this fight. A win would open up doors to bigger fights and get people talking about me as a serious force again.

“By the end of this year I’d like to have beaten Liam and had another big fight against a top operator. There’s plenty of options out there so we’ll see where it goes. I can’t look too far ahead though – look at what happened against Mwakinyo, I was looking too eagerly ahead and I got blown right out, so I’m not going to do anything like that again.”

Smith vs. Eggington tops a huge night of action in Liverpool.

Domestic Super-Lightweight rivals Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jr meet with the European and British titles on the line.

Former Great Britain teammates Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald look to settle their longstanding feud in a dynamite Super-Welterweight clash.

Popular Heavyweight David Price takes on the unbeaten Kash Ali in his first fight in Liverpool for nearly there years as he looks to make a fresh charge on the Heavyweight division following his win over Tom Little at The O2.

Liverpool’s Tom Farrell challenges Leytonstone’s Philip Bowes for the Commonwealth Super-Lightweight crown.

There’s also action for rising Liverpool Cruiserweight talent Craig Glover, ‘Miss GB’ Natasha Jonas and undefeated Super-Lightweight Ged ‘G-Man’ Carroll.