A second main event has been added to the professional boxing event on Friday, March 1, at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., and live on Boxeo Telemundo (11:35 PM ET/PT).

Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in association with All Star Boxing, Rumble at the Rock IV will now also feature highly touted WBO No.1-ranked and WBO Bantamweight Latin Champion Ricardo “Hindu” Espinoza (22-2-19 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, defending his title against Panama’s rugged veteran Ricardo “El Matematico” Nuñez (29-8-23 KOs).

In the 10-round welterweight co-main event, Miami via Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas (18-0-1, 14 KOs) will face fellow Floridian Ed “The Lion” Paredes (38-7-1, 25 KOs) of Pembroke Pines, Fla.

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock IV” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 and are available through ticketmaster.com.

Nuñez, a former world title challenger, is looking to test his young opponent by bringing him into deep waters and kickstarting his boxing career for one last shot at a world title. On the other hand, Espinoza is coming off a second-round stoppage of then undefeated Colombian prospect Yeison Vargas (17-1-12 Kos).

“My opponents tend to underestimate me because of my young age,” said Espinoza. “They soon realize my power once in the ring. I never underestimate anyone who has two hands.”

“I’ve seen that Espinoza has never fought into later rounds,” said Nuñez. “I’m looking to take him into uncharted waters to see if he still has the power he claims when we get into rounds 8, 9 and 10.”

On fight night, the Hard Rock Event Center doors open at 6 p.m., and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

# # #

About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts A-list entertainers, comedy and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open in fall 2019 will bring 638 luxury guestrooms to a first-ever, iconic, guitar-shaped hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations in an adjacent hotel tower overlooking a lush, “Bora Bora” style, private cabana environment; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; a 13.5 acre recreational water-focused experience for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding; 21 distinctive restaurants, bars and lounges; an expanded gaming floor featuring 3,100 slots, 193 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and 26,000 square feet of new retail space. The highly anticipated 6,500 seat Hard Rock Live theater-style concert venue will feature headline performances and live broadcast capabilities. The resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7, (U.S. Highway 441). The resort is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us:
Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz has a proven ability to bring unexpected new blood to boxing.

The Uruguayan businessman has given the boxing world, among others, hall-of-fame world champions Manny Pacquiao, Sergio Martinez, and David Benavidez, the youngest super middleweight champion in boxing history, from seemingly out of nowhere.

Still, when he started claiming that 6′ 7” super welterweight Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora was his next great find, some found it hard to believe. How could a fighter that thin absorb punishment from, and match power with, more muscular, traditional-sized 154-lb fighters?

To be sure he had the goods once again, Lewkowicz has continued to test the 21-year-old giant, putting him in with quality opponents from the start of their association.

And true to Lewkowicz’s word, Fundora (12-0, 8 KOs) has passed every test with flying colors. And after taking away three fighters’ undefeated records in nationally televised showdowns, he continues picking up speed as “contender to watch” in one of the sport’s most exciting and talent-rich divisions.

This past Saturday night, February 16, Fundora was back in action, in an eight-round super welterweight battle against 30-year-old Donnie Marshall (now 10-1, 6 KOs) at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, and live nationally on PBC on FOX.

And once again, he didn’t disappoint.

Fundora needed under three rounds to drop and stop (time 1:08) the formerly undefeated Marshall in a performance that had legendary boxing figures and TV commentators Lennox Lewis and Joe Goossen praising him as a “machine” and a “bad dude.”

“Everyone is finding out what my dad and I already knew,” said Fundora of himself and his father/trainer Freddy. “We knew I could do this and do it well before anybody else. Now the secret is out.”

Unlike other tall fighters, Fundora likes it rough and on the inside. He comes forward constantly, whipping southpaw lefts and wicked uppercuts while showing an iron chin and fantastic cardio conditioning.

It was one of those uppercuts that dropped Marshall and started the end of the fight.

“The uppercut is so natural for me to throw hard and people talk about my uppercut a lot, but I always feel like my straight left is my best punch,” he continued. “The uppercut knocked him down, but the one that made it clear the fight was over was that straight left I hit him with after he got up.”

Overall, Fundora, who at 21 and with just 12 fights, says he’s still five or six fights away from taking on a top-10 foe, but admits he’s happy with his performance and of the glowing reviews he received.

“It feels good hearing stuff like that from legends like Lennox Lewis and Joe Goossen. I’m pretty happy with my performance. I thought I looked good. I called my brother after the fight. He asked why was I getting hit with unnecessary punches? If felt like I could walk over this guy pretty easily and not have to protect myself. I will work on defense for next time, but I didn’t have to worry about it as much against him. The only thing that scared me about this fight is we slid on the ice driving up to Big Bear for training camp. That could have been pretty bad.”

Fundora says the talk is he will be back in early May.

###
About Sampson Boxing

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

19 February 2019 – Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), held the official ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS Open Workout at Evolve Far East Square in Singapore. In attendance was ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand and her opponent Janet Todd of the United States, as well as ONE Championship athletes Amir Khan, Ariel Sexton, former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, and Jeremy Miado.

Ticket information for ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS is available at www.onefc.com.

Photo: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1umm2xJdq39wUV0s8lqWKon93bT0nLlYw
Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0l0oduu1rti9fkf/ONE%20Singapore%20V2.mov?dl=0

The athletes are set to compete at ONE: CALL TO GREATNESS, which takes place this Friday, 22 February at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. In the main event, Stamp Fairtex faces Janet Todd for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship. In the co-main event, Singapore’s Amir Khan takes on Ariel “Tarzan” Sexton of Costa Rica in the quarter-finals of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix.

Stamp Fairtex, ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion, stated: “This is the most important fight for me right now. I represent Thailand, where Muay Thai originated. I don’t plan on disappointing my fans back home. My opponent is strong and has a lot of power, but I have the warrior heart of Thailand inside of me. I will represent my culture and I vow to win the fight this Friday night.”

Janet Todd, ONE World Title contender, stated: “I always want to challenge myself everytime I go into a fight. The World Title is so important to me. This is my chance to become a World Champion. Fans can expect to see my hands, knees, elbows, and everything good that comes with a Muay Thai fight. I’m going to bring my best this Friday night and I can’t wait to put on a show for everybody.”

Amir Khan, ONE Athlete, stated: “I am going to focus on what I do best, which is to finish people. I am young and aggressive, and I always go for the finish. It is an honor to be part of the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix. Ariel Sexton is a worthy opponent and I am not taking him lightly. Fans should stay glued to the screen when we climb up the ring because I’m sure this bout is not going the distance.”

Ariel Sexton, ONE Athlete, stated: “Thank you all for having me here today. It is a pleasure to showcase my skills in front of you all. Being a part of this ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix is an honor, especially competing amongst the world’s best. I vow to give the best performance of my career and do my best to win the tournament.”

Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, ONE Athlete, stated: “Competing in Singapore again, I am looking forward to getting the victory. I have trained very hard for this match and I’m prepared to put on a show. Jeremy Miado is a tough warrior and I can’t underestimate him. I will give a better performance in this rematch and make my fans in Singapore and Thailand proud.”

Jeremy Miado, ONE Athlete, stated: “I know we are both very well-prepared for this fight. So I invite everyone to come and watch us perform. We’ll do our very best. It’s going to be an explosive contest and I expect to emerge the victor once again. I have the greatest respect for Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, but I am coming for the win and I am confident I can do it again in this rematch.”

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

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE eSports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global eSports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7 billion potential viewers across 138 countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, Great Sports, Tencent, and more.

Rachel Ball (4-0) is relishing the opportunity to put her unbeaten record on the line against former European and WBC International Champion Katharina Thanderz (10-0, 2 KOs) as they provide chief support for Kai Robin Havnaa’s IBO International title fight with Rad Rashid on March 2 in Arendal.

Ball is a former three-time world kickboxing champion, who having switched disciplines is undefeated in her four professional contests. Her last bout, a bloody battle with Eftychia Kathopouli, was named ‘Fight Of Year’ by the British Boxing Board of Control Midlands Area, and the 27 year-old is promising another ‘war’ as she travels the North Sea to take on the undefeated Thanderz.

“I’m coming to Norway to win and that’s the only outcome I envision in my mind. If I thought any differently, I wouldn’t bother stepping in the ring,” says Ball. “I don’t make predictions on points, stoppages or TKOs, but what I do predict is an excellent showcase for women’s boxing, a brilliant fight, and a war too!

“I might look friendly but put me in a ring and I’m a different person. I’m an exciting fighter. There’s no other fighter out there who looks like me. I stand out in appearance and in the way I fight. This will be a fight you don’t want to miss!

“Thanderz has a good record. She’s fought for two titles, so she’s experienced in fighting over longer rounds. I’ve watched her fights. She’s a tough girl, and it’s going to be a great fight for women’s boxing and for the fans. Everyone at home is excited for me to fight someone as credible as Thanderz. This as a big opportunity for my career, and I’m excited to fight her.”

Having claimed multiple World titles as a kickboxer, Balls hopes to emulate this success as boxer, drawing on her past experience to fight her way to the top.

“For me, boxing was natural progression from my kickboxing career,” she says. “There wasn’t anything left for me to achieve in the sport, and I wanted a new challenge. I had two K1 fights after I won my last world title, I enjoyed it, but the plan was to go in to boxing, and the time was right when I turned pro in 2017.

“I maintain that kickboxers are tough, getting punched in the face is one thing but getting kicked in the face is another. It’s great being a multiple world champion. I’ve had a lot of title fights and gone a lot of rounds, which is great experience to bring into my boxing career, but with that said, I’m a completely different now from my kickboxing days, and from the fights I’ve had since.”

Kai Robin Havnaa tops the bill at the SØR Amfi in Arendal with a historic IBO International Cruiserweight title fight against Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid.

Katharina Thanderz provides chief support with a super featherweight contest against Rachel Ball, Hadi Srour is back in the professional ring to meet Zoltan Szabo, and Kristiansand’s Jamshid Nazari takes on Ivica Gogosevic.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.no or by calling (+47) 22 82 81 97.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita wishes to congratulate West Rainton, England’s Thomas Patrick Ward after his flawless performance on Friday night.

Making his fighting debut on US soil at the Kansas Star Casino and live on ShoBox: The New Generation on SHOWTIME, Ward (26-0, 4 KOs) won a dominant unanimous 10-round decision against well-respected veteran Jesse Angel Hernandez (11-2, 7 KOs).

Click HERE to watch a recap.

Despite coming in with just four career knockouts, the WBO #4-ranked Ward showed some punching power against the durable Hernandez by scoring a fourth-round knockdown on the way to winning easily by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-90.

According to Salita, the 24-year-old did exactly what he said he was going to before the fight.

“Thomas Ward wanted to make a statement to the American audience that he’s a force at super bantamweight and that’s exactly what he did,” said Salita. “Thomas is a special young talent in a division looking for its next great champion. My sincerest congratulations to him and his team for their super performance and for becoming someone to seriously watch at 122 lbs.”

By signing Ward, Salita could possibly have two of the world’s best super bantamweight prospects in his stable, as he also guides the career of Korean Ukrainian slugger Arnold Khegai.

Thomas Patrick Ward Facts:

Ward challenged for Jazza Dickens’ British title at the First Direct Arena in Leeds in May 2017. An accidental clash of heads in the ninth round left Ward with a cut above his left eye that caused the fight to be stopped. Ahead on the scorecards at the time, Ward became British champion. He made one successful defense of the title in November, beating Sean Davis by unanimous decision.

In July of last year, Ward returned home to the Rainton Meadows Arena to defeat Spain’s
Alvaro Rodriguez for the IBF European Super Bantamweight Championship. Only one judge had Ward losing even one round.

Patrick’s older brother, Martin Joseph Ward is also an outstanding professional fighter with a once-beaten record of 21-1-2, 10 KOs. The older brother has held the British and European super featherweight titles.

Ward had a junior amateur record of 60-4, including winning a gold medal at the European under-17s championship in Ukraine. He was voted Best Junior Boxer by the ABA. He turned professional at the age of 17 without having any senior amateur fights and made his professional debut in July 2012 with a points win over Elemir Rafael.

LONDON – February 18, 2019 – Fierce British rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. worked out in separate back-to-back media days ahead of their highly anticipated super middleweight bout Saturday, February 23 live on SHOWTIME from The O2 in London at 3:45 pm ET/12:45 p.m. PT.

DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) and Eubank (27-2, 21 KOs) will finally settle their long-running score when the two outspoken rivals finally go toe-to-toe in front of the excitable hometown London crowd in the all-British affair. In the co-featured bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast,, fast rising prospect Joe Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) battles former world champion Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight clash.

The event is promoted by Poxon Sports and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Joyce-Stiverne is promoted in association with Ringstar Sports and Don King Productions. The doubleheader will air live in the U.S. exclusively on SHOWTIME and on ITV Box Office in the U.K.

Here’s what the fighters had to say from their respective media days at Stonebridge ABC in Wembley and at Brighton and Hove ABC in Kings Esplanade:

James DeGale

“Come February 23rd the smile will be wiped off his face. He’s all show. If I’m honest, if his surname was Smith, you wouldn’t know who he was. He’s riding off his dad’s name. There are levels in boxing and I’m on a level above him. Come fight night, it’s going to be a schooling. Eubank Jr is gonna get schooled. I’ve dubbed this a ‘retirement’ fight. When he loses, he’s finished, he’s done. This will be his last fight.

“I’m so excited about this fight. I’ve been training for a long time and I’m feeling great, feeling focused and ready to do battle. The last couple of years, injury wise, have been very frustrating for me. But now, I can honestly say that I’m feeling great. I’m going to put in a fantastic performance against Chris. Come February 23rd it’s going to be a fantastic night and a fantastic victory for me.

“I’m a London boy through and through. I was raised in Harlesden and I’m proud of my city, proud of where I’m from. So, it will be good to go back to The O2 and put on a fantastic performance for the fans. I can’t wait.

“It’s been a successful and enjoyable career for most of the time. I’ve lived the dream and done everything in boxing but sometimes it feels like I don’t get the credit I deserve.

“Look at my career; from being the 80-1 underdog at the Olympics and winning gold through to becoming British champion, European champion, and then becoming the first in Britain to win a gold medal and a world title.”

Chris Eubank Jr.

“He’s the type of fighter who rises to the occasion. If he’s got someone he doesn’t respect or fear, then that shows in his performance. He respects me and knows what is coming, so he is going to be on form.

“He’s had some hard fights, that’s for sure. It is one of those things – a fight like this especially against me – could be career ending.

“I’m relentless, I don’t stop. Volume, speed, power, it is all a dangerous combination, and he knows that.

“But the fact he knows that is why we’re going to see the best James DeGale we’ve seen for a long time.

“He knows I’m a livewire and that I’m dangerous; he knows being ill-prepared is dangerous for his health. I don’t think he’s going to put himself in that position.”

On his new McLaren car…

“I had a Bentley last year and the McLaren this year. I guess I just needed something faster this time around. I always said I would learn how to try one of giant trucks my dad drove but, for now, a sports car is more my style.

“I am not thinking about losing, it is going to go my way. Boxers should not be compared to footballers, to fight for a living is the hardest and most noble and tough way to earn a living. I think we earn the right to enjoy life. Anyone who works hard should be able to buy what they want but you must be smart with it.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Jordan Gill is determined to turn Peterborough into a regular fixture for Matchroom Boxing.

‘The Thrill’ headlines his first ever show at the East of England Arena on March 2 when he takes on Mexico’s Emmanuel Dominguez for the WBA International Featherweight title, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Fenland fighter looked flawless last time out when he stopped Ryan Doyle in seven to claim the Commonwealth crown at the Copper Box Arena and is promising to go one better by producing a career-best performance when he fights in his home county for the first time in five years next month.

“Headlining a show is a new challenge for me but it’s something that I’m buzzing for,” said Gill. “It’s more pressure to deal with because everyone is coming out to see me, all eyes are going to be on me as I’m top of the bill. But this is something that I’ve worked towards my whole life and to be in that position on March 2 is awesome.

“When the pressure is on I always deliver. That’s when you see the best in me, when I’m up against it or when I’ve got something to prove. I’m going to thrive under the pressure and I think you’ll see my best performance yet.

“The improvements that I made from the Cunningham fight to the Doyle fight were massive, and since the Doyle fight I’ve improved massively again so I’m looking forward to showing it off. I’m fighting a Mexican so it’s guaranteed to be a fan friendly fight. He’s coming for a war and we’re going to meet head on.”

Tickets for next instalment of the increasingly popular JD NXTGEN series are flying and 22-0 Gill hopes another explosive performance on home turf will help persuade Matchroom Boxing head honcho Eddie Hearn to return to the Cambridgeshire venue in the future.

“It would be great for me to lead the way in Peterborough. Everyone in Britain loves boxing at the moment and to bring the sport into a new city is awesome. If I can be the figurehead of that it gives everyone else on the undercard a chance as well. There’s local lads that will want to come through and make a name for themselves so it gives them a platform to perform on.

“There wasn’t any local boxers that I looked up to when I was younger. There were no decent level boxers from around my way, so it was always the big names that I looked up to when I was coming through – the likes of Floyd Mayweather. I’d love to inspire a new generation of fighters in the Fenlands.

“Tickets are going fast, it’s been really well-received in Peterborough. It’s really nice to have the support of everyone. It’s a new event locally, people haven’t really experienced high level boxing or a Matchroom Boxing show. There’s a big buzz around the place, everybody wants to come to this event, everybody wants to be there – we’ve seen that with the ticket sales. It’s gone through the roof, I think I’ve done around 800 tickets so far. March 2 is going to be huge.”

Gill vs. Dominguez tops a huge night of action in Peterborough.

Richard Riakporhe makes the first defence of his WBA Inter-Continental title against Belfast’s 12-1 Tommy McCarthy.

Unbeaten Indiana Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr fights for the second time in the UK after an explosive debut in Cardiff last summer.

Nottingham’s Leigh Wood clashes with Ghana’s Abraham Osei Bonsu for the vacant Commonwealth Featherweight crown.

Heavy-handed Super-Middleweight prospect John Docherty looks to make if four knockouts from four fights after impressing again on the Garcia vs. Cheeseman undercard at The O2 and Leeds Super-Bantamweight and former Team GB amateur standout Qais Ashfaq aims to go 5-0, and there’s also action on the undercard for Northampton Super-Welterweight Kieron Conway, Wisbech Super-Welterweight Joe Steed and St Ives Super-Lightweight Bradley Smith.

LAS VEGAS (February 18, 2019) – Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions heads to the great Northwest for the first time, presenting its third event live-streamed on UFC FIGHT PASS®, on Thursday, February 28, from the Event Center at Legends Casino Hotel in Toppenish, Washington.

The newest member of RJJ Boxing’s growing stable of fighters, Ray Ximenez, Jr. (18-1, 4 KOs) squares off with his gritty Mexican opponent, Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (16-1, 8 KOs), in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) International Featherweight Championship.

Ximenez vs. Lopez will headline a card to be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The show is the third under a new agreement between Palicte’s promoter, RJJ Boxing, and FIGHT PASS, to live stream up to 72 professional boxing events over the next three years.

Riding a five-fight win streak, Dallas product Ximenez (18-1, 4 KOs) was a standout amateur boxer, compiling a 120-9 record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances, both in the National P.A.L. Championships and Ringside World Championships. A six-time Dallas Golden Gloves champion, Ximenez started boxing at the age of 10 and he also captured gold at the 2009 Silver Gloves National Championships and Junior Olympic National Championships. He represented and captained Team USA at the 2009 Youth World Junior Olympics.

The 25-year-old Ximenez (pictured here), who is the former Texas State featherweight champion, won a 10-round unanimous decision in his most recent action against 111-fight veteran German Meraz last July.

Lopez has won four in a row. His most notable career win was a 10-round unanimous decision over 10-1 Christian Bielma, on October 28, He will be fighting outside of his native Mexico for the first time in his 3-1/2-year pro career.

“I feel very motivated for the opportunity to fight on UFC Fight Pass against such a great fighter like Ray Ximenez,” Lopez commented. “I took this fight because I am 100-percent confident that I can defeated Ximenez and become the new WBO International featherweight champion. I want to thank Legends Casino Hotel for inviting us and Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions for the opportunity.”

Also scheduled to fight on the card, all in four-round matches, are OR light heavyweight John Peak (3-0, 1 KO) vs. Tacoma, WA’s Juan Jackson (1-0), Kent, WA junior welterweight Shae Green (3-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Medford, OR’s Gerardo Esquivel (0-1), Fairbanks, AK light heavyweight Taylor Shirley (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Vancouver, WA”s Luis Iniguez (1-1-1), Bonney Lake, and Pasco, WA light heavyweight Roman Avetisyan (0-1) vs. Moldova-native Alex Cazac (0-2), fighting out of Portland, OR, and Roman Avetisyan (7-0. 5 KOs) vs. Antonio Neal (4-0, 3 KOs), of Granger, CA, in a battle of unbeaten prospects.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $45.00, $35.00, $25.00 and $15.00 and available to purchase on site at the Legends Gift Shop, or by going online https://www1.ticketmaster.com/roy-jones-jr-boxing-presents-ray-ximenez-vs-luis-alberto-lopez/event/0F005637D24443DA?dma_id=235.

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first fight at 6 p.m. PT, and FIGHT PASS starts at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT).

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.legendscasino.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @YNLegendsCasino
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @legendscasino
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /LegendsCasinoHotel

HARTFORD, Conn. (February 18, 2019) – Undefeated prospect Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera returns to the South this Saturday night (Feb. 23) in another “stay busy” fight on the “Christy Martin Fight Night” card, presented by Christy Martin Promotions, at Centerstage@Noda in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Last November 30th, Rivera fought in Charlotte for the first time, knocking out local favorite Joshua Robertson in the sixth round. On Feb. 23 he will face veteran Mexican fighter Jose “Olimpico” Corral (20-23, 12 KOs) in a scheduled six-round bout to be contested at a 187-pound catch-weight.

The Puerto Rican-American fighter didn’t have many supporters last time around but, based on his impressive performance, he won some fans over to his side, and he fully intends to add more this trip.

“Fighting there the first time was an interesting experience,” Rivera said. “I had some mixed emotions, but the fans there showed me a lot of love. People came up to me after the fight saying how much they enjoyed watching me fight. It was a good experience for me. I beat up a local fighter, but they want me back, and I’m going there to get the job done again.

“The plan is for me to have more fights this year to increase my ring experience. I feel more confident each fight. All I’m lacking is experience in big fights and that’s coming. The more confident I become in the ring helps me focus better on what I’m doing in there.

“I’ve had a few obstacles along the way, but I love boxing and fighting as ‘Popeye’. I wake up every morning ready to go.”

Rivera (9-0, 8 KOs), the reigning Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) All America light heavyweight champion, is part of a trio that formed Hartford Boxing Promotions (HBP) last year, which also includes Rivera’s manager/head trainer Tony Blanco and their other partner, Michael Tran.

Blanco noted that this fight for Rivera has added importance. “We’re talking to a big promoter about a deal to co-promote Richard,” Blanco explained. “So, he has to look good February 23rd in Charlotte. He has the right combination of talent and marketability that fans love.

“Going to Charlotte to fight the first time was a good experience. They liked and respected him so much that he’s heading back by popular demand. We really love Christy, to be honest. She has already asked if Richard would fight on a card that she’s promoting in March in Jacksonville, Florida.”

Martin feels the same way about Team Rivera. “He’s an awesome kid,” she added. “He’s talented, a solid pro in the ring, and very charismatic outside the ring. Fans here love him as a fighter and person. I’ve been saying ‘Popeye’ is coming back and fans here are excited.

“And now he’s stepped out of his comfort zone, fighting outside of New England, in front of different crowds, and against fighters with different styles The sky’s the limit for him. I think he’s the real deal.”

Tickets are priced at $70.00 (ringside) and $35.00 (general admission and available to purchase at the venue.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

INFORMATION;
Facebook: /hartfordboxingcenter, /christymartinpromotions
Twitter: @hartfordboxing, @CMartinBoxing
Instagram: @hartford.boxing.center/, @popeye_the_sailor-man_rivera
You Tube: /c/HartfordBoxingCenter

NEW YORK (Feb. 18, 2019) – Collaborating with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing for the fourth time in series history and returning to Long Island for the first time in more than a year, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast opens the doors to fight fans from what will be a jam-packed Paramount on Friday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m.

The free, interactive series – which has entertained more than 4.5 million fight fans since its platform premiere with Star Boxing in May of 2017 – visits Huntington, N.Y., as part of a FIGHTNIGHT LIVE doubleheader weekend spanning Feb. 22-23. The three-show February 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 203,000-plus views for Raging Babe’s Philly Special on Feb. 8 live from South Philadelphia.

“This Feb. 22 show in many ways epitomizes what FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is all about,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “It’ll be a sold-out show and our platform gives fight fans a chance to get in on the action even if they can’t get a ticket. The main event features two international stars and Facebook gives us a global platform where their fans can tune in. And then there’s the usual undefeated prospects and up-and-comers who we’re always very happy to showcase and give a home to as they look to build wins and a fanbase.”

On Friday, Feb. 22, the 34th edition of Star Boxing’s acclaimed fight series Rockin’ Fights 34 brings boxing talent from across the world to The Paramount. The main event is a toss-up between big-time European cruiserweight prodigies. Belgian IBO Continental Champ Joel Djeko (14-2-1, 7 KOs) will take on Italian Cruiserweight and former IBF Mediterranean Champion Simone Federici (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in an intriguing 10-round bout. The co-featured contest will witness the return of Huntington’s own Johnny Hernandez (9-4, 1 KO), who will be taking on the red-hot upset-minded Marquis Hawthorne (6-9, 1 KO) of Waco, Texas. Star Boxing prospects Terrell Bostic (3-1, 1 KO) and Alex Vargas (2-0) of Long Island and Dashaun Johns (1-0, 1 KO) of The Bronx also all take centerstage on Feb. 22 in separate bouts.

“I am looking forward to another exciting night of ‘Rockin’ Fights’ at the Paramount,” said DeGuardia. “We should have another thrilling night of fights and it’s great that fans that can’t make it to the Paramount will be able to watch on Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE.”

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 460 fighters and 16 promotions during 27 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 27-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 167,871 views per event and more than 4.5 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018,Season II shows have averaged almost 311,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the 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 26-show series has seen a total of more than 4,532,526 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 388,000 collective live post engagements (more than 14,300 per show), including more than 300,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 48,000 comments and almost 16,500 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 86,000 fans and more than 93,000 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 Winter and 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.

– Multi-year agreement will see US broadcaster ESPN become Exclusive US broadcaster of Lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury.

– UK and ROI Fight fans can tune in to see Fury’s fights exclusively Live on BT Sport and BT Sport Box Office.

– Deal further cements ESPN as the place to see Queensberry Promotions events in the US.

– Deal sees Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank partner to promote Tyson Fury’s fights in the USA.

Tyson Fury today joined hall of fame promoter Frank Warren at a press conference at BT Sport Studios, London to confirm his new stateside multi-fight agreement with ESPN.

Fury said: “ESPN are the biggest sporting network in the world, combined with BT Sport, so I’ll have dual viewers from America and the UK.

It gives me the opportunity to fight on the biggest broadcasting network in the world, be shown to the most people and be in a position to make the biggest and best fights possible and not be an opponent – they have to come to the Tyson Fury show now.”

At the London press conference, Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren, who alongside BT Sport, ESPN, Bob Arum, Top Rank and MTK Global, put the deal together, said: “Tyson Fury and Queensberry have signed a long term deal with ESPN and Top Rank. They will be Tyson’s exclusive broadcaster in the States.

This is going to be something special for Tyson, it gives him the chance to be the one that everyone wants to fight, and he will not have to do like he did and go to Germany to fight Klitschko; or fight Wilder on Showtime on their terms, we now have the biggest platform for him to be on.’

Top Rank chief Bob Arum earlier said of the deal: “Top Rank is very excited to enter into the promotional arrangement along with Queensberry Promotions for the lineal heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury.

“He is a generational heavyweight talent at the peak of his powers. We also look forward to our increasing relationship with MTK Global, which represents so many world-class fighters,”

Sandra Vaughan, CEO of Fury’s management team MTK Global said: “MTK Global are thrilled to have played a role in what can only be described as a monumental partnership, no doubt the biggest one in the boxing industry.”

The deal will see Tyson Fury feature regularly in the US, live on BT Sport in the UK and ESPN in the US.

Media can download free to use photos from today’s press conference on this link

Las Vegas (February 18, 2019) – Two-division world champion Michael Spinks 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.

Spinks will make his first appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Spinks will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing legend also known as “Jinx”.

Spinks joins Erik Morales, James Toney and Jessie Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

About Michael Spinks
Spinks is a Two-division world champion, having held the undisputed light heavyweight title from 1983 to 1985, and the lineal heavyweight title from 1985 to 1988. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. As an amateur he won a gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Spinks is the brother of former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, and uncle of Cory Spinks, a former welterweight and light middleweight champion.

Spinks went undefeated in his first 31 professional fights, beating such opponents as Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Marvin Johnson and Eddie Davis en route to becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Following ten successful title defenses, Spinks moved up to heavyweight, and as an underdog defeated long-reigning IBF heavyweight champion Larry Holmes; in doing so, Spinks became the first reigning light heavyweight world champion to win the heavyweight title. Spinks only defeat in his professional career came to the hands of Mike Tyson on June 27, 1988.

The International Boxing Research Organization and BoxRec rank Spinks among the ten greatest light heavyweights of all time.

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 several 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

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Feb. 18th , 2019) — There’s no greater fight than the one Michael Valentin has endured since birth, nor is there an opponent more dangerous than the rare medical condition that continues to test his physical and mental toughness.

Born with Hirschsprung’s disease, which affects the large intestine, Valentin has had to fight for most of his life, whether it was against schoolyard bullies as a child, or for his right to step back into the boxing ring and do what he does best.

No matter what life throws at him, the 19-year-old Providence, R.I., phenom continues to conquer every obstacle. Exactly one year to the date of his last fight, Valentin (4-0, 1 KO) returns to the ring Saturday night and puts his unbeaten record on the line against Philadelphia’s Christopher Burgos (1-3-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout on the preliminary card of CES Boxing’s 2019 season opener at Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln, R.I.

What a wild year it’s been. Following his fourth pro win in February of 2018, a majority decision against Demetrius Williams, Valentin shared his secret with the entire arena, tugging at the waistline of his trunks to reveal he’s worn a colostomy bag since childhood, the source of most of the bullying he endured as a youth.

Over the next year, Valentin and CES Boxing worked hand-in-hand with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation to ensure Valentin’s safety in the ring while the young fighter’s story immediately went viral. Fans appreciated Valentin’s candor and drew inspiration from his willingness to chase his dream despite his physical limitations. That summer, he underwent surgery in an attempt to correct his condition, which meant he would’ve been able to permanently remove the colostomy bag. The procedure didn’t take, so Valentin underwent a second surgery shortly thereafter to reattach it, bringing him right back to where he started.

“I was emotional,” he said. “No one wants to go through surgery back-to-back.”

That didn’t stop him from trying to resume his boxing career. Valentin remained committed to making his long-awaited return. He had, after all, dropped out of school years ago to pursue boxing, making his professional debut in 2017 following 68 amateur fights. The year-long wait finally ended earlier this month when the R.I. commission reinstated Valentin’s license, allowing him to compete on next Saturday’s season opener.

“My emotions will be through the roof,” Valentin said. “It’s been a long year. As soon as I walk out, everything is going to hit me, all the surgeries I went through and everything I had to do to get back in the ring.”

Given all he’s worked for and everything he’s endured to prove he belongs back in the boxing, Valentin’s drive continues to inspire others. He recently announced he’s dedicating his Feb. 23rd fight to the memory of Seven Bridges, the 10-year-old Kentucky boy who committed suicide after being bullied for wearing a colostomy bag. Bridges’ tragic death sparked others who wear colostomy bags to share photos of themselves via social media in an effort to combat bullying and further normalize a condition that affects a large percentage of the population.

Valentin is quickly becoming a household name in the northeast and has willingly accepted his newfound role as a spokesman and advocate for others facing adversity. He recently attended a benefit for a 10-year-old Rhode Island boy named Travis Williams, who suffers from Caudal regression syndrome, which has forced him to undergo 20 surgeries so far. Valentin underwent 11 procedures before his 10th birthday. Williams expressed his desire to have his own man cave to recover in privacy, so the imPOSSIBLE DREAM in Warwick, R.I., a playground for children with physical limitations, solicited donations from various athletes and organizations to fill Williams’ mancave. Valentin presented the child with a pair of autographed gloves and two tickets to Saturday’s fight.

This is Valentin’s new reality. Professional athletes in the public eye face a certain unspoken responsibility as role models. In Valentin’s case, he’s a rising star in a sport associated with unbridled toughness while constantly battling a medical condition that, try as it might, can’t keep him down for the count.

“That’s what I’m trying to do, trying to motivate a lot of people,” Valentin said. “You can’t be scared of the world because you have a certain condition. I was like that at one time. Thank God, because of boxing, I’m not scared anymore.”

Twenty-two-year-old Worcester, Mass., prospect Jamaine Ortiz (9-0, 4 KOs) faces 21-year-old Oxnard, Calif., standout Ricardo Quiroz (10-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-round bout on the main card for the vacant WBC World Youth Lightweight Title. Headlining is female featherweight sensation Shelly Vincent (23-2, 1 KO) of Providence, R.I., by way of New London, Conn., who faces Budapest veteran Edina Kiss (15-9, 9 KOs) in an eight-round rematch of their 2015 bout, won by Vincent by majority decision. Heavyweights Juiseppe Cusumano (17-2, 15 KOs) of Carini, Sicily and Brendan Barrett (7-1-2, 5 KOs) of Ventura, Calif., battle for the vacant NBA World Title, also in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the event start at $47 and are available online at www.cesboxing.com or www.showclix.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. Next weekend’s event also makes history as part of the world’s first ultra-high definition, high dynamic range event streaming live via VIVE Network TV. The VIVE app is available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Play (Android TV), iOS, Roku and all smart TVs. Visit https://tickets.vivetv.network to purchase. All fights and fighters are subject to change. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. ET and the live VIVE stream begins approximately at 9.

Also on the main card, female super bantamweights Marcia Agripino (3-1-1) of Ledyard, Conn., and Boston’s Amanda Pavone (6-0, 2 KOs) face one another in an eight-round bout for the vacant New England Championship. Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (5-2, 3 KOs) faces Jair Ramos (5-2-2, 2 KOs) of Waterbury, Conn., in a six-round bout and super lightweight Nicholas Briggs (2-0, 2 KOs) of Worcester puts his unbeaten record on the line against Andy Aiello (1-1-1) of Bridgewater, Mass., in a four-round bout. Unbeaten Pawtucket, R.I., super featherweight Ricky Delossantos (6-0, 1 KO) returns in his toughest test to date against U.S. Army National Guardsman Javar Jones (7-1, 2 KOs) of Indianapolis.

Providence junior middleweights Victor Reynoso (2-0, 2 KOs) battles 1-0 John Williams of Baton Rouge, La., who scored a knockout win in his pro debut in August, while fellow unbeaten junior middleweight Lamont Powell (2-0, 1 KO) of Providence faces 29-year-old Kenneth Chery (1-1, 1 KO) of Montreal Quebec. Decorated New York City amateur Arnold Gonzalez makes his long-awaited professional debut in a four-round super lightweight bout against Falls Church, Va., veteran Stacey Anderson (0-4).

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

Leon Bauer (15-0-1, 9 KOs) has signed a contract extension with promoter Team Sauerland as the 20 year-old super middleweight continues his promising career on April 6 at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg, Germany.

One of the rising stars of Team Sauerland’s German stable, Bauer has been touted as one of the country’s hottest super middleweight prospects. Having made his debut at just 16 years of age, he is now undefeated in sixteen professional contests and is the current IBF Youth World Champion.

“Leon is a great boxer, who has a lot of experience for a fighter of his age,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “We look forward to working with him, his father Bernd, who is also his trainer, and his management, to ensure he fulfills his potential. We’re positive Leon has a very exciting future ahead of him.”

“It is important to have a strong promoter behind you for planning and security,” says Bauer. “And I am happy I can now fully concentrate on the future. Of course, I want to win titles as quickly as possible, but everything has to fit, and working in close cooperation with my promoter, we will take those next steps.”

“We are pleased that we can continue our cooperation with Team Sauerland, and we look forward to celebrating many more successes together,” adds Bauer’s coach and father Bernd.

Bauer will return to the ring on April 6 in Wolfsburg, following his unanimous points win over Jorge Silva on December 8 in Zagreb, and joins stablemates Patrick Wojcicki and Denis Radovan in action at the CongressPark.

Patrick Wojcicki defends his IBF Intercontinental Middleweight title against Marcelo Fabian Caceres, while Denis Radovan rematches domestic rival Ronny Mittag for the IBF European Middleweight crown.

Tickets for the Team Sauerland event on April 6 at the CongressPark in Wolfsburg are available online via www.eventim.de.

BILLY JOE SAUNDERS will bid to become a two-weight world champion when he challenges for the vacant WBO super middleweight world title against Shefat Isufi at The SSE Arena, Wembley on Saturday April 13, live on BT Sport.

Saunders, a former Southern Area, Commonwealth, British, WBO International and European champion, was an undefeated WBO world champion at middleweight, having won the belt in December 2015 with a points victory over former champion Andy Lee.

Successful defences followed against Artur Akavov, Willie Monroe jr and, most notably, a career-best performance against David Lemieux on away soil in Canada

The 29-year-old was set to make a further defence last October against mandatory challenger Demetrius Andrade, but eventually opted to relinquish his title after the Massachusetts commission refused to licence him to fight in Boston after an adverse finding in a VADA test.

The Hatfield southpaw would have been clear to defend under the rules of the British Boxing Board of Control, as well as the UKAD and WADA agencies that govern doping protocols.

Still undefeated at 27-0, Saunders returned to the ring in December in a keep busy exercise against Charles Adamu and was recently installed as mandatory challenger for his previous title, with Andrade now holding the belt.

Saunders will now break new territory by moving up to 168lbs and seeking to reign at a second weight class.

His opponent is the WBO No.1 ranked Munich-based Serbian Isufi, who holds a record of 27-3-2 with 20 KOs.

The 29-year-old is the holder of the WBO Intercontinental title and has made two defences of the belt he won by defeating David Zegarra via an 11th round stoppage for the vacant title in July 2017.

He has previously fought for and won the IBF European title at light heavyweight, as well as the WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council cruiserweight title. Isufi is undefeated as a super middleweight.

“It is a brilliant opening for me,” said Saunders on his shot at a second world title and went on to explain his reasoning for passing up his mandatory status at middleweight.

“You’ve got these rumours that Andrade is going for shoulder surgery, as well as the financial side of it with the split – it all doesn’t add up.

“Me winning this super middleweight title will put me in a great position for unifications with the likes of Callum Smith, while we’ve got Chris Eubank boxing James DeGale at the weekend.

“There are a lot of big, big fights at this weight, but my real home of homes is middleweight, so I can move down at any time I want and be back as mandatory for my middleweight title and then become a three-time world champion.

“So I am really looking forward to it and Isufi comes as a really stiff test. He is very, very strong and you have to be really switched on and calculating with this sort of opponent. He is one of those who, with what he does, he does very, very well when the bell goes.

“He has boxed at light heavyweight and cruiserweight so he is going to be a big, big lump and I need to make sure I am on it and stay away from those big bombs.”

Saunders went on to acknowledge that the winning of another world title will afford him the licence to remain active and not be left waiting where big fights are concerned.

“Boxing has its ups and downs, so when you get a world title opportunity it is hard to turn it down,” he considered.

“I have to take my hat off to Frank Warren because he has delivered for me after we were finding it hard to make the Andrade situation happen at this time.

“It will 100 per cent happen in the future, not on their terms, but on mine because I am the bigger name and have beaten the better men. I will prove it by going up a weight, winning another world title and take it from there.

“If the big fights at middleweight come along then fine, but if not I am giving myself another gate to walk through. I have been stuck in one room where I have been looking around and none of these big middleweights want to fight. I have put myself on offer to them and even when I was world champion it wasn’t happening.

“I am opening another door now and giving myself a little bit more variety when it comes to opponents.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Bill to become a two-weight world champion. He has operated at middleweight for a long time and reached the pinnacle, so we both now believe the time is right for him to step up and prove himself at super middleweight.

“If he is successful against Isufi – and nobody is taking the threat he presents lightly – the possibilities are huge, with unifications and great fights all out there for him.

“I am sure the fans will get behind Bill in their numbers and support him in bidding to become a world champion once again.”

An announcement will be made soon on when tickets can be purchased for this event.

Rad Rashid (16-4, 13 KOs) is confident of upsetting local hero Kai Robin Havnaa (13-0, 11 KOs) when he travels the SØR Amfi in Arendal to face the undefeated Norwegian for the IBO International Cruiserweight title on March 2.

Having also campaigned at heavyweight, Rashid returns to his preferred weight class to face Havnaa at the cruiserweight limit, and the Frankfurt-boxer believes his strength and power will prove the difference in what promises to be an explosive contest, with both men boasting impressive knockout statistics.

Rashid, known as ‘Thunder’ due his concussive punching power, has ended 13 of his 16 wins inside the distance, while the heavy-handed Havnaa has finished 11 of his 13 opponents before the final bell, including the show reel stoppage of Frank Bluemle at the Baden-Arena in Offenburg, and the sensational second-round stoppage of Daniel Vencl last time out at the SØR Amfi.

“I can’t wait for this fight. I’m looking forward to coming to Norway to face Kai Robin Havnaa in his home country,” said Rashid, the former WBO European Heavyweight title challenger. “He is a good boxer. He is tall and I can see he is in good shape, but I’m focusing on myself. I don’t think about him too much.

“I think my strength will be the difference in this fight. I am fighting like thunder when I step into the ring. At this level, everybody has the power to stop their opponents, and I know I have the power to stop Havnaa.

“I’m coming to win. It doesn’t matter to me how or when I win. The only important thing is that I win. I have been training hard for this fight. I won’t reveal what I’ve been doing, that‘s a secret, but I’ll be coming in great shape.”

Kai Robin Havnaa tops the bill at the SØR Amfi in Arendal with a historic IBO International Cruiserweight title fight against Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid.

Katharina Thanderz provides chief support with a super featherweight contest against Rachel Ball, Hadi Srour is back in the professional ring to meet Zoltan Szabo, and Kristiansand’s Jamshid Nazari takes on Ivica Gogosevic.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.no or by calling (+47) 22 82 81 97.

Due to multiple injuries resulting to a number of fight cancellations, Queensberry Promotions have taken the decision to reschedule our upcoming Morningside Leicester arena show for March 23rd.

Leicester’s British super featherweight and WBO Intercontinental champion Sam Bowen will be headlining the event against an opponent who will be announced at a later date.

Super Lightweight Sam Maxwell’s WBO European title challenge against Spaniard Kelvin Dotel, Heavyweight prospect Nathan Gorman and local Leicester fighters Lyon Woodstock and CJ Challenger will also be fighting on the show on March 23rd.

Tickets already purchased for the event will still be valid for March 23rd. Tickets are available from £40 and are on sale NOW via Eventbrite.

Formerly scheduled to fight in Leicester, Anthony Yarde’s contest against Baltimore boxer Travis Reeves will now take place on Friday 8th March at the Royal Albert Hall to replace Nicola Adams’ world title challenge against Mexico’s WBO World Flyweight champion, Arely Mucino.

Adams has unfortunately picked up an injury during her preparations for the contest, ruling the double Olympic champion out from fighting on March 8th.

The world title bout will be rescheduled to take place later in the year.

Championship boxing at the iconic Royal Albert Hall is back on Friday 8th March and will see Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois face Romania’s former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu.

It will be England vs Wales in a double British title bust-up when Cardiff’s British middleweight champion Liam Williams defends against Brentwood’s ‘Smokin’ Joe Mullender and Peckham’s British welterweight champion Johnny Garton defends his Lonsdale belt against Welshman, Chris Jenkins.

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

(Feb. 18, 2019) — Tyson Fury, one of the world’s most dynamic and popular heavyweight boxers, and Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren are joining forces with Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank. The agreement will mean that Fury will be a headline part of the boxing lineup under the historic, long-term Top Rank on ESPN relationship.

Fury, the undefeated lineal heavyweight champion, will have his bouts co-promoted by Top Rank and Queensberry Promotions. The deal calls for a minimum of two bouts per year in the United States.

Since announcing the landmark Top Rank on ESPN agreement in 2017, and expanding it in August 2018, the comprehensive alliance has showcased blockbuster Top Rank fights and content across ESPN networks and ESPN+, the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer streaming service in the U.S.

All the parties will work closely to set and announce the details of Fury’s debut soon.

BT Sport will continue to be the television home in the United Kingdom for all of Fury’s fights.

Top Rank, Fury’s management team MTK Global and Queensberry Promotions, worked seamlessly to close the groundbreaking deal.

“Top Rank is very excited to enter into the promotional arrangement along with Queensberry Promotions for the lineal heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury,” Arum said. “He is a generational heavyweight talent at the peak of his powers. We also look forward to our growing relationship with MTK Global, which represents so many world-class fighters.”

‘I’m delighted that Frank and Queensberry Promotions have teamed up with Top Rank to promote my fights in America,” Fury said. “With ESPN and BT Sport behind me, the biggest sports platforms in the world are now linked up with the best heavyweight in the world!”

“This is a great move for Tyson Fury and a great move for Queensberry Promotions,” Warren said. “By partnering up with ESPN and Top Rank in America, we’re giving our boxers, including Tyson, the opportunity to perform on the biggest and most powerful platforms on both sides of the Atlantic and become truly global stars.”

“MTK Global are thrilled to have played a role in what can only be described as a monumental partnership, no doubt the biggest one in the boxing industry, and we’re looking forward to working more closely with the teams at Top Rank and ESPN well into the future,” said Sandra Vauaghan, CEO MTK Global.

Fury (27-0-1, 19 KOs) won the lineal heavyweight title in November 2015 with a unanimous decision over Wladimir Klitschko, who at the time had made 18 title defenses during a nearly decade-long reign. While never losing inside the ring, Fury relinquished the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts while dealing with well-documented mental health and substance abuse issues. After more than two-and-a-half years away from the ring, Fury, whose weight had ballooned to more than 400 pounds, returned in June of last year.

A pair of wins over Sefer Seferi and Francesco Pianeta set the stage for one of the most dramatic heavyweight title matches in boxing history. Against WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder on Dec. 1 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Fury put forth a boxing masterclass and survived a hellacious 12th-round knockdown to, seemingly, do enough to defeat Wilder. The judges, however, ruled the bout a split draw. Fury, still just 30, retained his status as lineal champion and realized an against-all-odds comeback story.

To subscribe to ESPN+, visit www.espnplus.com

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

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

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

About Queensberry Promotions
Queensberry Promotions is the promotional vehicle of Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren.

Frank Warren has promoted some of the sport of boxing’s biggest names in his 35+ year career including the likes of Prince Naseem Hamed, Joe Calzaghe, Mike Tyson, Frank Bruno and Ricky Hatton; as well as current stars Tyson Fury, Billy Joe Saunders, Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton.

Some of the events promoted by Frank Warren during his illustrious career include: Frank Bruno v Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium, David Haye v Dereck Chisora at Upton Park, Ricky Hatton v Kostya Tszyu at Manchester Arena, Prince Naseem Hamed v Kevin Kelley at Madison Square Garden and Joe Calzaghe v Mikkel Kessler at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Queensberry Promotions has a long-term exclusive deal in the UK to promote boxing events on BT Sport, the sport broadcast platform of telecoms giant BT.

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

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

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

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 NHLgames, 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.

London (18 February 2019) It will be a family affair when Sebastian Eubank fights on the card to support his older brother Chris Eubank Jr. in his huge super-middleweight showdown against James DeGale on Saturday 23rd February at The O2, promoted by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and Poxon Sports, exclusively live in the U.K on ITV Box Office in the U.S on Showtime.

The long-awaited clash between bitter rivals DeGale and Eubank Jr headlines a colossal night of action that also features the explosive Commonwealth Heavyweight Title showdown between the Champion Joe Joyce and challenger and Former World Champion Bermane Stiverne; the long-awaited return of Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby; plus the British Light-Heavyweight Title Eliminator between Andre Sterling and Ricky Summers.

Light-heavyweight Seb will enter the ring for his second pro bout, after having comfortably beaten Polish fighter Kamil Kulczyk on his debut last year, on the undercard of Chris Jr’s world title fight against George Groves. This time out, he will face Richard Harrison in a four-round contest.

He’s been been training hard in Dubai in preparation for fight night and boxing is clearly in his DNA as shares the same rippling physique and unmistakable ferocity as his father Chris Eubank Sr. and older brother Chris Jr. He undoubtedly has the ability to join them at the very top of the sport.

Seb, who shares a unique close bond with Chris Jr., said, “I’m really looking forward to being on this great show at The O2. It’s been a year since my last fight, but I have had a great training camp in Dubai and really want to move forward with my boxing career and add to the Eubank legacy.”

A Storm Is Coming is headlined by the long awaited domestic blockbuster showdown between James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr for the Vacant IBO World Super-Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Joe Joyce defends his title against Challenger and Former WBC World Champion Bermane Stiverne; Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby returns to action and takes on Omar Douglas; The British Heavyweight Title Eliminator between Andre Sterling and Ricky Summers. Plus an action packed undercard featuring super-featherweight Anthony Cacacae; welterweight Chris Kongo; light-heavyweight Seb Eubank and the pro-debut of cruiserweight Chez Nihell.
VIDEO
James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr. Head-To-Head on The O2 roof

To embed the DeGale-Eubank O2 Roof Video use the following code:

Tickets available from www.AXS.com and Inner Ringside/VIP Hospitality from www.sportandmusic.co.uk

This fight will be shown exclusively on ITV Box Office. For further information and updates, please go to www.itvboxoffice.com

For further event information, please visit www.poxonsports.uk and www.premierboxingchampions.com or follow on Twitter and Instagram at @PoxonSports, @PremierBoxing, @ITVBoxOffice, @ITVBoxing and join the conversation with #DeGaleEubankJr

Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PoxonSports/, www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/ITVBoxing/

To embed the DeGale-Eubank A Storm Is Coming promotional trailer use the following code:

18 February 2019 – Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced that Hua Fung Teh has been promoted to Group President of ONE Championship.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “It is an honor and a privilege to announce today that Hua Fung Teh has taken on a new role as Group President of ONE Championship. Hua Fung has helped ONE Championship enormously across multiple departments with his leadership, strategic thinking, and execution. I am full of gratitude and appreciation for his important contributions to our sacred mission. Hua Fung is now the senior-most leader after myself and Saurabh Mittal, and the second-in-command executive leader at ONE.”

Hua Fung Teh, Group President of ONE Championship, stated: “I am deeply honored to be named Group President of ONE Championship, and am humbled that Chatri and my teammates have entrusted me with this responsibility. I will continue to serve them, our fans, our athletes and our partners with all my heart in our quest to bring authentic martial arts action to the world and unleash real-life superheroes who ignite the world with hope, strength, dreams and inspiration.”

Teh was previously the Chief Financial Officer and Chairman, Greater China of ONE Championship. He was responsible for various aspects of the company’s operations including finance, human resources, corporate development, media rights and digital partnerships. He also led key strategic projects globally and oversaw the company’s Greater China business.

Prior to ONE, Teh was a Principal at global private equity firm TPG Capital (TPG), where he was a senior member of the Southeast Asia investment team. He also served on TPG’s China and US teams. Prior to TPG, Teh was an aviator with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and held leadership positions both at the RSAF and at Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, where he was a key member of the team that brought the Formula One Grand Prix (F1) to Singapore and organized the first night race in F1 history in 2008.

A Taekwondo black-belt holder, Teh graduated from Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was a member of the men’s varsity basketball team. He also sits on the Global Steering Committee of the Milken Institute Young Leaders Circle and is a member of The Forum of Young Global Leaders at the World Economic Forum.

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

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE eSports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global eSports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7 billion potential viewers across 138 countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, Great Sports, Tencent, and more.

Vicente Luque stopped Brian Baberena in round three of a thrilling war.

It was a bloody battle that saw Luque stop Barberena with six seconds remaining in the fight.

Luque is now 15-6-1. Barberena is

Andre Fili won a unanimous decision over Myles Jury in a featherweight bout.

Fili won by scores of 29-28 on all cards, and is now 19-6. Jury is 17-4.

Aljamain Sterling won a unanimous decision over Jimmie Rivera in a bantamweight bout.

Sterling, 136 lbs of Uniondale, NY won by scores of 30-27 on all cards, and is now 17-3. Rivera, 135 lbs of Ramsey, NJ is 22-3.

In a battle of undefeated bantamweights, Manny Bermudez choked out Benito Lopez in the 1st round.

With Bermudez controlling the action on the ground, Bermudez made Lopez tap to a Guillotine at 3:09

Bermudez, 139 lbs (He missed weight by four pounds) of Rockland, MA is 16-0. Lopez, 135.5 lbs of Oroville, CA is 9-1.

Andrea Lee won a unanimous decision over Ashlee Evans Smith in a flyweight bout.

Lee, 125.5 lbs of Shreveport, LA won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 10-2. Smith, 126 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 6-4.

Nik Lentz won a three-round split decision over Scott Holtzaman in a featherweight bout.

In round two, Holtzman began to bleed from the nose. In round three, Lentz was bleeding under his left eye.

Lentz, 155.5 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL won by scores of 29-28 on all cards and is now 30-9-2-1. Holtzman, 156 lbs is 12-3.

Luke Sanders stopped former bantamweight champion Renan Barao in the 2nd round of their bantamweight bout.

Sanders dropped Barao with a booming left to the face. Sanders nailed Barao with 3 more vicious shots, and the bout was stopped at 1:01

Sanders, 135 of Nashville, TN is 13-3. Barao, 138 lbs of Rio De Janeiro, BRA is 36-8-1.

Emily Whitmire choked out Aleksandra Albu 61 seconds into their strawweight bout.

Whitmire is now 4-2. Albu loses for the 1st time and is 3-1.

Abass Baraou (5-0, 2 KOs) claimed the WBC International Super Welterweight title with a unanimous points decision against Carlos Molina (29-11-2, 8 KOs) last night at the CGM Arena in Koblenz, Germany.

Baraou has made a sensational start to his professional career since joining the paid ranks in April 2018. The 24 year-old took home the German title in his second professional bout, outclassing Denis Krieger, before successfully defending the belt with the second-round stoppage of Robert Maess.

Molina provided an early acid test for the German talent, whose work rate and punch selection earned him a hard-fought victory over the former World Champion. Judges Esa Lehtosaari and Juan Carlos Pelayo scored the fight 115-112 in favour of Baraou, while Juergen Langos had him ahead 118-109.

“I was expecting a very good fight, a tough fight, and that is what I got,” said Baraou. “I went through hell training for this fight, but it was worth it. To win this title so early in my career is a great honour for me. I can’t believe it!”

“That was a remarkable performance from Abass,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland, having witnessed the 2017 European Championship Gold and World Championship Bronze Medallist capture the WBC International belt. “He really showed his class in there. To defeat Molna, a former World Champion, like that in just his fifth professional fight is really something special.”

On the undercard, Leon Bunn extended his unbeaten run with a one-sided points win over Viktor Polyakov. “I don’t want to make any big predictions, but I hope I’ll be fighting for big titles soon,” said the light heavyweight, now 13-0.

Anthony Yigit got back to winning ways, outpointing Mohamed Khalladi, following his unsuccessful IBF World title attempt in the World Boxing Super Series. “It’s good to be back,” he said. “We got the win after a pretty dirty fight. He was a awkward fighter who he hit me more with his head than his fists.”

17 year-old amateur star Sophie Alisch started her professional career in style, stopping Sopo Kintsurashvili in the opening round at the CGM Arena. “It was awesome,” she said. “The feeling of being up there in the ring was unbelievable. I would like to thank everybody who came to support me.”

Also on the card was the rematch between Jama Saidi and Arman Torosyan for the IBF European Super Welterweight title. Saidi produced a superb performance, dropping Torosyan with a heavy shot in the second round on his way to claiming a comfortable points victory.

Omar Figueroa Jr. remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over John Molina Jr. in a welterweight bout.

Figueroa, 144.5 lbs of Weslcao, TX won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 28-0-1. Molina, 144.2 lbs of
Covina, CA is 30-8.

Sebastian Fundora stopped Donnie Marshall in round three of a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fundora had some blood on his face. In round three, Fundora dropped Marshall with a hard left uppercut. Fundora continued to batter Marshall on the ropes until referee Jerry Cantu stop the bout at 1:08.

Fundora, 153 lbs of Cochella, CA is 12-0 with eight knockouts. Marshall, 153.2 lbs of Buffalo is 10-1.

LOS ANGELES (February 16, 2019) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. and undefeated four-division champion Mikey Garcia previewed their upcoming showdown and faced-off live on FOX at a press conference in Los Angeles Saturday as they near their battle for pound-for-pound supremacy that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View event on Saturday, March 16 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Spence and Garcia were joined on stage at the press conference by a living legend, Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, who won titles in five weight divisions and fought Sugar Ray Leonard in one of the most memorable welterweight fights in history.

The event also featured an interview via satellite with Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones, who shared his thoughts on the electrifying event coming to AT&T Stadium, before Spence and Garcia were gifted personalize Cowboys jerseys by two Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders.

Tickets for the March 16 event, 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.

Also in attendance at the press conference were undefeated former 168-pound champion David Benavidez and heavyweight fan-favorite Chris Arreola, who compete on the PBC on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View undercard as Benavidez battles veteran contender J’Leon Love, while Arreola matches up against unbeaten Jean Pierre Augustin.

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Saturday from Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live:

ERROL SPENCE JR.

“I train old school so I don’t worry about how Mikey is planning to get stronger at the weight. I’m not worried about it and I don’t think it will make a difference in the fight. I’m just going to focus on what I have to do to be at my best.

“Size always matters, but when you get in there, at the end of the day, it’s about skills and intelligence. I’m not going to rely on size. I’m going to focus on my talent. If I can roll through him, then I’ll show my killer instinct and try to get him out of there. I’m going to use my ability to break him down.

“At first I thought he was just chasing my name when he was calling me out. Once it became real, I saw how serious he was. At that point I was very confident it would happen.

“I’m not the bully here because Mikey really pushed for the fight. The other champions weren’t available at the time, plus Mikey is the only top fighter who called me out. I knew this was a fight I wanted.

“Mikey is undefeated, has a great skill set and has won a title at 140-pounds. I don’t see him as that small a fighter. He has a technical style that’s very traditional. He likes to use angles to set his opponent’s up.

“We’re focused on what I can do and what our game plan is. I always spar the same people no matter what because they get me into the condition I need to be in and they have me primed for any challenge.

“The welterweight division has always been one of the strongest divisions in the sport and it is like that now. We just need to fight each other. I’m ready to fight any of them. Whoever ends up on top from this group, will end being a Hall of Famer. That’s how you become an all-time great.

“This is something I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I’m focused and prepared for this challenge. It’s going to be all eyes on me and Mikey in that ring and I can’t wait.

“I’m happy that someone is challenging me. I’ve been looking for an opponent like him. He’s established himself in this sport. I’m happy to be able to take on this challenge. I’m looking for a skillful Mikey Garcia to bring the best out of me on March 16.

“My vision is that my hand will be raised in victory, whether it’s a knockout or a 12-round grueling fight, I’m preparing for the best Mikey Garcia skill wise, strength wise and as far as his ring intelligence.”

MIKEY GARCIA

“These are the kinds of challenges I want. I need someone like Errol Spence Jr., with his demeanor and style, to bring the best out of me. I want the world to finally see the full Mikey Garcia.

“The training that we did in the Bay Area definitely helped me. We are going up in weight and needed to do a different type of training. We wanted to make sure that we gained a little bit of mass so that I can be able to hold off Errol Spence’s weight and strength.

“The key to my strength training was that we didn’t want to lose my speed and explosiveness. I can see now that I’m back in sparring that I still have that speed while also gaining the muscle we had to.

“If people say Errol is bigger, that’s just obvious. But who’s faster? Who has better timing? There’s a lot more that goes into this sport and who’s going to win this particular fight.

“This has been one of the toughest camps I’ve ever had. We’re working on a lot of different methods and techniques to be at our very best. He’s going to be bigger than me on fight night, but that’s part of the challenge. I’ve know that since the beginning and that’s why we’ve trained the way we have.

“When I saw him fight Lamont Peterson I decided that Errol Spence Jr. was the fight I wanted one day. People tried to talk me out of it, but now they’re all on board. People have now started to see what I’m going to be capable of on March 16.

“I want the best Errol Spence Jr. I know he’s a great fighter with a lot of skills and talent. He hasn’t needed to use all of his skills, just like me. He does everything well, but nothing spectacular. I just feel like I’m the better fighter. I think I have the advantage everywhere except maybe power, but we’ll find out on fight night.

“This is history in the making. I’m trying to establish a great legacy. This is the kind of fight that I need. I know my fans are going to show up and give me a lot of support. This fight truly excites me and motivates.

“I’m not going to let this fight slip away. I’m going to establish myself as one of the best of the generation and eventually one of the best of all time.

“Even though some people believe I’m the underdog, I don’t see myself that way. I’m undefeated and I think Errol knows that I pose a challenge. It’s no easy task for either one of us. This is the fight that I need for my legacy.”

DERRICK JAMES, Spence’s Trainer

“This fight is all about the skillset, not the size. Size will come into play a little bit, but we’re going to show the skillset that we have to beat this guy. That’s what Errol is going to show.

“Mikey Garcia has a good technical style. But there’s always a method to take down a great fighter. I think that a day like today will inspire us even more to work even harder. We can see him right in front of us. Its real and we can’t wait.

“When I first saw Errol we were actually sparring each other. We started working together and I got to see him walk through guy after guy. We knew he was a great athlete, but it took time to build to where I started to realize he was something special.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Garcia’s Brother & Trainer

“This is a big challenge for us to go up in weight to fight the best welterweight in the world. But it’s not like its’ never been done before and I know Mikey has the skills and power to pull it off. That’s what we’re coming to Dallas to do.

“This is an opportunity for Mikey to continue building his legacy. He wants to be known as one of the greatest fighters of all time and a win over Errol Spence Jr. is a big step toward that.

“I don’t think they’ve overlooking Mikey. “They know the talent he has. They’re getting ready for a great fight like they’ve done before. I think they know that they’re in for a real fight.”

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

“I’m back here in this stage and that’s all that matters. I’m living and learning. I can’t wait to be in position to again fight for the world title.

‘I actually sparred with J’Leon Love when I was 15-years-old. He’s a great fighter who’s a veteran. I’m not overlooking him. I’m training for this fight like it’s a world title fight. Whatever style he comes with, I’m going to be ready for it.

“I’m better than ever. Everything has been a lesson learned. I had to sit out while I lost my spot, so now I’m more motivated than ever. This year we’re leaving the past in the past and coming back stronger.”

CHRIS ARREOLA

“I’m excited to be back. It was a long layoff where I spent time with my son and watched him grow. I missed that feeling of being in front of fans and getting that nervous energy right before a fight.

“I’m anticipating and I’m hoping for a rowdy crowd on March 16. There will be a lot of Spence and Garcia fans and a whole lot of great fights. Us Mexicans, we love fights.

“I know that my opponent is a southpaw and he’s slick. He’s going to try to out box me. I know he’s not going to want to stay in my wheelhouse. I have to be in shape to go the distance and be ready for shots coming from different angles.”

JERRY JONES, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager

On hosting Spence and Garcia at separate Cowboys home games last season:
“It was just good to rub elbows with champions. I want all that they have to rub off on me and the Dallas Cowboys.

“The fact that FOX is involved and their interest in this fight is amazing. We’ve had great events with FOX, including the Super Bowl. Our stadium was really built for boxing. These fighters will be standing 70 feet tall suspended above the ring on the video board. It’s an excellent way to feel like you’re so close you’re receiving the blows from these great fighters.

“We’re so excited for our Mexican-American fan base. This is a great area for boxing. We endear ourselves to be involved with an event like this in anyway the Cowboys can. Especially with two great fighters like Spence and Garcia.

“I think you’ll see a fight with outstanding champions involved on March 16. You don’t get to see the best against the best very often. At AT&T Stadium, you’ll see it in a way that can’t be matched at normal sports venues. The aura of having thousands of fans like at a football game is unmatched. It’s a grand experience and we’re proud to be a part of boxing.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“The winner of this fight will be pound-for-pound the best in the world. Everybody would agree both of these guys are near the top of that list, and I believe whoever wins will be number one. This is a coronation for who is today the king of the sport.

“Mikey Garcia is technically one of the best fighters in the world. Errol Spence Jr. is a strong, determined fighter who just wants to prove that he’s the best. This fight is a chance for both guys to prove they’re the best in the world.”

TOM BROWN, President of TGB Promotions

“This is a true blockbuster event, worthy of this incredible press conference live on FOX. These two fighters are not only superstars of the sport, but the winner of this fight will be able to make the claim of being number one pound-for-pound.

“FOX and the Dallas Cowboys have given a tremendous amount of support to this event and we anticipate an unforgettable evening on March 16. Mikey Garcia is truly daring to be great against a fighter in Errol Spence Jr. who has established himself as the class of the 147-pound division.”

# # #

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 Benavidez battling 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.

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.

About AT&T Stadium:
AT&T Stadium is one of the largest, most technologically advanced entertainment venues in the world. Designed by HKS and built by Manhattan Construction, the $1.2 billion stadium features two monumental arches, the world’s largest HDTV video board cluster, an expansive retractable roof and the largest retractable end zone doors in the world. Features of the stadium include seating for 80,000 and expandability for up to 100,000, over 300 luxury suites, club seating on multiple levels and the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, open to the public year round. The stadium is also home to a world-class collection of contemporary art, made up of over 50 pieces from an international array of curated artists displayed on the walls and in the grand public spaces of the venue. In addition to being the Home of the Dallas Cowboys since opening in 2009, the stadium has hosted Super Bowl XLV, the 2010 NBA All Star Game, the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship Game and the annual Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. The venue has also played host to high school and college football, concerts, championship fights, international soccer matches, and other special events. For more information, go to www.attstadium.com.

New York, February 16, 2019

On Friday, February 22nd, Italian born SIMONE “TYSON” FEDERICI will be making his American debut at The Paramount in the main event of the critically acclaimed STAR BOXING series, “Rockin’ Fights”. Federici will be taking on Belgium native, JOEL “BIG JOE” DJEKO in what is set to be an all-world cruiserweight showdown between two fighters, looking to lay roots in the United States.

Star Boxing spoke with Federici ahead of his big fight, to learn more about his life, inspirations, and career goals:

Q: When were you born and where did you grow up?
FEDERICI: I am 25. I was born on July 7th, 1993, in Corcolle, Rome.

Q: What was life like where you grew up?
FEDERICI: My neighborhood is the neighborhood where I live now. It is a suburb, not very big. Working a few steps from home, in the family bar, I am quite well known.

Q: How did you begin boxing?
FEDERICI: I started thanks to my uncle, an established boxer. Together with my cousin, we expressed a desire to learn to take the first steps. We started, and my uncle is still my coach, I have great respect for him. And it is thanks to him that I am now a step away from my debut in the United States, a new and very important experience for me.

Q:Who is your favorite fighter(s)? Is there any fighter you try and emulate in the ring?
FEDERICI: My favorite boxer is definitely Mike Tyson, from whom I took my fighter nickname.

Q: What are your accomplishments in both amateur and professional boxing?
FEDERICI: I had about 40 bouts as an amateur and was twice champion of Italy, some other titles and various fights with the Italian national team. As a professional, I first won the Italian title in 2017, defended my tittle twice in 2018 and also won the IBF Mediterranean title in 2018.

Q: Do you have a family?
FEDERICI: Ihave a 28-year-old sister named Cristina, and my fiancée is named Ilaria, she is my age.

Q: What is your life like now?
FEDERICI: I am a bartender, but I want to realize my full potential in this sport and have a family.

Q: How do you feel about this fight?
FEDERICI: Djeko is a good boxer who is taller than me, but I cannot miss this opportunity. For us Italians this chance does not pass so often … we will win!

Q: What are your career goals?
FEDERICI: I want to become a world champion.

Q: Do you have any other comments?
FEDERICI: I thank my trainer Franco Federici, Joe DeGuardia, Luigi Camputaro The Americans, as well as America and New York for this great opportunity. Also, Armando Bellotti, who was the real director.

“Rockin’ Fights” 34 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

16 February 2019 – Bangkok, Thailand: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has once again electrified the capacity crowd at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand with another exciting evening of world-class martial arts action. ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS delivered a series of compelling bouts, performed by the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent. In the main event, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao of Thailand defeated China’s Han Zi Hao to capture the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.

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

In the main event of the evening, Muay Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao of Thailand overwhelmed China’s Han Zi Hao to earn a unanimous decision victory and capture the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship. Nong-O put on a striking clinic for five rounds as he unleashed a wave of kicks and punches that knocked Han down on multiple occasions. After five action-packed rounds, it was Nong-O who was hailed as the new World Champion, as he added another prestigious award to his already impressive list of accolades.

In the co-main event of ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, Muay Thai icon “Left Savage” Kongsak P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym turned in a successful ONE Super Series debut, defeating Russian Alaverdi “Babyface Killer” Ramazanov via split decision. In an exciting three-round affair, the two world-class strikers stood toe-to-toe and went back-and-forth as they traded blistering combinations. In the end, Kongsak did enough to earn the decision on two of the three judges’ scorecards to come out triumphant in his maiden ONE Championship appearance.

Japanese grappler Shuya “Stealth” Kamikubo continued his stellar run in ONE Championship as he dominated former ONE World Title challenger Dae Hwan Kim of South Korea to win by unanimous decision. Kamikubo showcased his elite-level grappling as he took Kim down at will and punished him on the mat with ground-and-pound. There were no doubts at the end of the three-round contest as Kamikubo walked away with the convincing decision victory.

ONE Warrior Series winner Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo announced his arrival on ONE Championship’s main roster with a third-round stoppage of Japan’s Daichi Takenaka. Abelardo weathered through numerous takedowns and remained relentless as he continued to score points with his strikes whilst fending off submission attempts. In the final round, Abelardo delivered an elbow that opened up a deep cut on Takenaka, which caused a halt to the bout. The technical knockout victory was then awarded to Abelardo.

Mongolian phenom Amarsanaa “Spear” Tsogookhuu left the Bangkok crowd stunned as he defeated hometown hero Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai. Tsogookhuu flaunted his well-rounded skill set in his first ONE Championship appearance, dictating the pace in striking while also scoring a couple of crucial takedowns to assert his dominance. In the end, Tsogookhuu cruised to a unanimous decision victory.

“Smokin’” Jo Nattawut of Thailand kept his momentum going in the highly-acclaimed ONE Super Series after defeating France’s Samy “AK47” Sana via unanimous decision. Sana’s height and reach proved to be a problem for Nattawut early in the match, but the two-division Lion Fight World Champion rallied back in the final two rounds with a torrent of thunderous low kicks. After three rounds of gruelling action, it was Nattawut who was declared the winner.

Gina “Conviction” Iniong of the Philippines put on an all-around performance, shutting down Malaysia’s Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan en route to a split decision victory. The Team Lakay stalwart was a step ahead on all fronts as she easily prevented Radzuan’s takedowns, while also picking the Malaysian standout apart in the striking department with her signature right hand. In a last-ditch effort, Radzuan caught Iniong in a rear-naked choke late in the third round, but the Filipina managed to hang on to the final bell. In the end, two of three judges saw the bout in favor of Iniong.

In a battle between ONE Super Series debutants, Superlek Kiatmoo9 of Thailand emerged victorious, putting on a striking masterclass to defeat Cambodia’s Lao Chetra via unanimous decision. The two-time Lumpinee Muay Thai World Champion overwhelmed Lao Chetra with his world-class striking skills, unloading a barrage of lashing kicks to the legs and body. With a dominant performance against Lao Chetra, Superlek was declared the winner.

In a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest, Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai of Thailand edged out Charlie “Boy” Peters of the United Kingdom by majority decision to pick up his second win on the ONE Super Series stage. Both men employed fiery offense over the course of three rounds, with Peters utilizing his speed and accuracy to connect on a handful of crisp strikes. Chamuaktong turned the tide in the third round however, driving hard knees to the midsection to drop Peters to the canvas. The knockdown tipped the balance in favor of Chamuaktong, as two of the three judges saw him as the victor on their scorecards.

Japan’s Yoshiki Nakahara routed Emilio Urrutia of the United States by way of third-round technical knockout in his ONE Championship debut. The Japanese warrior put forth a dominant striking performance, stringing together dynamic combinations in an offensive clinic against his American counterpart. Nakahara overwhelmed Urrutia with throbbing strikes from the opening bell, blasting his opponent with thunderous high kicks and cracking left crosses. In the third round, Nakahara finished the job, knocking Urrutia down with a perfectly-timed overhand left before unloading follow-up shots to get the stoppage.

Kun Khmer World Champion Nou Srey Pov of Cambodia impressed in her mixed martial arts debut, toppling Thai heroine Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige via unanimous decision. The Cambodian newcomer showcased her pinpoint accurate striking early on, peppering Ishige with stinging kicks and stiff punches. Although Ishige boldly traded strikes with Nou Srey Pov from bell to bell, the latter landed the more telling blows. In the end, Nou Srey Pov earned the undivided nod from the three judges at ringside.

Setting the tone for an action-packed evening was ONE Hefei Flyweight Tournament Champion Liu Peng Shuai’s triumphant return to ONE Championship. Liu showcased true grit and determination in defeating Elipitua Siregar of Indonesia, overcoming his opponent’s devastating offense to score an impressive submission victory by Kimura in the third round.

Official results for ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS
ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship bout: Nong-O Gaiyanghadao defeats Han Zi Hao by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 5 rounds.
ONE Super Series Muay Thai Bantamweight bout: Kongsak P.K.Saenchaimuaythaigym defeats Alaverdi Ramazanov by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds
Bantamweight bout: Shuya Kamikubo defeats Dae Hwan Kim by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Bantamweight bout: Mark Fairtex Abelardo defeats Daichi Takenaka by TKO (Doctor Stoppage) at 2:34 minutes of round 3
Lightweight bout: Amarsanaa Tsogookhuu defeats Shannon Wiratchai by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
ONE Super Series Muay Thai Featherweight bout: Jo Nattawut defeats Samy Sana by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Women’s Atomweight bout: Gina Iniong defeats Jihin Radzuan by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds
ONE Super Series Muay Thai Flyweight bout: Superlek Kiatmoo9 defeats Lao Chetra by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
ONE Super Series Muay Thai Catch Weight bout (67.5kgs): Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai defeats Charlie Peters by Majority Decision (MD) after 3 rounds
Featherweight bout: Yoshiki Nakahara defeats Emilio Urrutia by TKO (Strikes) at 2:50 minutes of round 3
Women’s Atomweight bout: Nou Srey Pov defeats Rika Ishige by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds
Strawweight bout: Liu Peng Shuai defeats Elipitua Siregar by Submission (Kimura) at 4:15 minutes of round 3

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

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE eSports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia’s largest global eSports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7 billion potential viewers across 138 countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, Great Sports, Tencent, and more.

Fighting in the main event of a special two-hour live stream on UFC Fight Pass and in front of an adoring crowd of fans at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas, hometown favorite and US Olympic bronze medal winner Nico Hernandez (7-0, 4 KOs) won his eight-round flyweight showdown by unanimous decision over a determined but out-gunned Victor Trejo Garcia of Mexico City, Mexico (16-10-1, 8 KOs).

It was a good “learning” fight for Hernandez, as Garcia never threatened to win, but hung tough against the superior firepower to keep things entertaining throughout. The judges’ scores were 79-73, 80-72 and 80-72. Hernandez appears to be progressing well in the professional game. He was sitting down on his punches well and picking spots for his punishing combinations like a veteran.

“I was feeling really good in there,” said Hernandez, post-fight. “I’ve been working on fighting southpaws and I did better than I did last time against a southpaw. It was awkward for me, but I’m proud of my progress and I just need to keep working. He was a tough opponent and I take my hat off to him. If anybody is ready to step up next, have them call my team.”

As always the case, Kazakhstani buzzsaw Bakhtiyar “Bakha Bullet” Eyubov (14-0-1, 12 KOs) came out looking for a brawl and this time found a willing participant in Monterrey, Mexico’s Jose Luis “La Boa” Rodriguez (25-12-1, 13 KOs).

Fighting in the middle UFC Fight Pass bout, the two super lightweights did not disappoint, going to old-school inside warfare for eight exciting rounds. The entertaining Eyubov was the much more active fighter. He worked the body relentlessly while mixing in powerful hooks with both hands upstairs. Rodriguez weathered the relentless storm and came back consistently with hard, accurate counters.

In the end, the judges couldn’t decide who won and a majority draw was the verdict. One judge had it 77-75 for Rodriguez, a bit surprisingly, but was overruled by stereo scores of 76-76. Give both fighters credit, it was an entertaining slugfest and the Kansas fans loved it.

In the six-round super flyweight Fight Pass opener, Pushkino, Russia’s Elena Savelyeva (5-1, 4 KOs) needed just 36 seconds to dispatch Kansas City’s Tatiana Williams Kansas City (0-2). Williams was dancing and smiling before the action and came out looking to trade, but a taste of the former Olympian Saveleva’s power and she packed it in quickly.

Saveleva’s body work was ferocious as long as it lasted.

In the opening swing-bout of the night, a 10-round heavyweight bout didn’t last a full round, as knockout specialist Apti Davtaev (16-0-1, 15 KOs) of Kurchaloi, Russia, made quick work of Belton, Missouri, veteran Richard Carmack 15-15-1, 12 KOs.

The two giants traded strong blows from the outset, with both landing. Davtaev, however, had the better accuracy and chin. One of his long right hands put Carmack down on a delayed reaction and another finished things at 2:26. KO 1.

Afterward, the stern Russian, who trains at Detroit’s world-famous Kronk Gym and is featured in upcoming Ring Magazine “New Faces” section as a “Heavyweight to Watch” for 2019, signalled he is ready for a step up in competition in his next fight.

The UFC Fight Pass commentating team consisted of The Fight Network veteran Cory Edrman and “2018 Female Boxer of the Year” and women’s world champion Claressa Shields, making her debut behind the microphone. The event was presented by Salita Promotions.

MAIN EVENT – MIDDLEWEIGHT (8)*
Connor Coyle ( 8-0-0, 3KO) Northern Ireland, 159.2 lbs
Travis Scott (19-4-0, 5KO) Baton Rouge, LA, 158.2 lbs

CO-MAIN EVENT – WELTERWEIGHT (6)*
Mark Reyes (8-0-0, 6KO) Tampa, FL, 151.2 lbs
Rodrigo Tatijewski (8-0-0, 7KO) Sao Paulo,Brazil, 151 lbs

1ST TV BOUT (10)*
William Silva (26-2-0 15KO), Plant City, FL, 139.4 lbs
Juan Ramon Solis (23-13-0 9KO), Buenos Aires, Argentina, 141.4 lbs

MIDDLEWEIGHT (6)*
Javonn Barnes (12-0-0, 6KO) Tampa, FL, 157.6 lbs
Alphonso Black (8-5-1, 4KO) St. Petersburg, FL, 159.8 lbs

HEAVYWEIGHT (6)*
Armon Sand (7-0-0 6KO), Orlando, FL, 267.4 lbs
Hector Hodge (3-3-0, 1KO) Miami, FL, 225 lbs

HEAVYWEIGHT (6)*
Mike Bissett (14-11-0 8KO), Tampa, FL, 214.4lbs
Alfredo Trevino (9-5-1 1KO) Sonora, MX, 249.44

FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHT (4)*
Jasmine Artiga (5-0-0 1KO), Tampa, FL, 119.4lbs
Ivana Coleman (1-10-0 0KO), Slidell, LA, 127 lbs

Rob Brant retained the WBA Middleweight title with a 11th round stoppage over Khasahn Baysangurov in font of a sold-out crowd of 2,225 at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota

In round two, Brant dropped Baysangurov with a right hand. In round three, Brant began to swell around his right eye.

In round seven, Baysangurov was bleeding heavily from his nose. In round 11, Brant dropped Baysangurov with a hard right hand. Baysangurov got to his feet, but ate a big combination and the fight was stopped at 2:33.

Brant of St. Paul. MN is 25-1 with 17 knockouts. Baysangurov of Ukraine is 17-1.

“Today, I feel like a true champion. I was happy with my performance. I had some cramps later in the fight, but this shows I can carry my power later in fights.”

“Middleweight is one of the deepest divisions in boxing. There are fights to be made. We just have to keep pushing forward. Canelo Alvarez is recognized by many as the champion at middleweight, and I’d love a fight with him down the road.”

“{Baysangurov} had a good jab. I started a little sloppy, and my trainer (Eddie Mustafa Muhammad) told me in the corner to relax. I waited for the opportunity to come, and it came in the 11th round.”

Mikaela Mayer remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision Yareli Larios in a super featherweight bout.

Mayer won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 10-0. Larios of Mexico is 13-2-1.

“It’s more about strategy in the pros. I was relaxed and took my time in there” Mayer said. “We knew she was going to be tough. She has that Hispanic blood in her.

“I think I’m ready for more belts. I want those belts this year.”

Joshua Greer Jr won his 17th straight fight and notched his 7th consecutive stoppage as he took out Giovanni Escaner in the 8th frame of their scheduled 10 round bantamweight bout.

It was Eascaner who struck first as he dropped Greer with a right on the ropes just as the bell sounded to end the 3rd round.

In round eight, Greer landed a perfect right the body that sent Escaner to the canvas for the 10-count at 2:33

Greer of Chicago is 20-1-1 with 12 knockouts. Escaner of The Philippines is 19-4.\

“I had to wait for him to soften up, but I did what I had to do,” Greer said. “It’s all a learning experience for me. But I’m from Chicago. I had to go take it.”

Tyler Howard won an eight-round split decision over Cristian Olivas in a middleweight bout.

Howard won two cards 79-73 and 77-75 while Olivas took a card 77-75.

Howard of Crpssvill, TN 17-0. Olivas of Mexicali, MEX is 16-4.

“This was my first time going eight rounds,” Howard said. “I felt like I prepared well for this fight. Olivas came to fight. All I can do is go back to camp and continue to work harder and be ready for my next fight. This experience is going to help me moving forward.”

Lennox Allen remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Derrick Webster in a super middleweight fight.

Allen dropped Webster with a right hook in round in round three.

Allen of New York won by scores of 98-91 twice and 97-92 and is now 22-0-1. Webster of Glassboro, NJ is 28-2.

Ismail Muwendo won a six-round unanimous decision over Hevinsom Herrera in a lightweight bout.

Muwendo won by scores of 60-54 on cards and is now 21-1. Herreraa of Colombia is 24-16-1

Steven Nelson remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Felipe Romero in a light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Romero scored a dubious knockdown with a right hand. In round three, Nelson returned the favor by dropping Romero with a combo to the body.

Nelson of Omaha, NEB won by scores of 59-54 twice and 58-54, and is now 13-0. Romero of Mexico is 20-17-1.

“He’s a tough guy who can take a good punch. That’s why we picked him,” Nelson said. “I had him hurt a few times, but we got the job done.”

In a battle of junior welterweights, Joe James won a four-round unanimous decision over Demetrius Wilson.

In round three, James dropped Wilson with a double jab.

James won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 4-0. Wilson is 2-11.

Anthony Joshua’s World Heavyweight title clash with Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden is already the hottest ticket in New York after becoming the highest grossing pre-sale for a boxing event at the famous arena.

Joshua defends his WBA Super, IBF, WBO and IBO crowns against Miller on June 1 in the Big Apple, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK – and fight fans showed their appetite to see the Briton make his American debut in the backyard of the unbeaten Brooklynite, breaking the highest grossing pre-sale in MSG boxing history inside two hours of the midday on-sale.

Tickets go on general sale at midday on Tuesday February 19 following Monday’s pre-sale for Matchroom Fight Pass members, and fans hoping to snap up the chance to see the World’s premier Heavyweight lock horns with the dangerous ‘Big Baby’ should move fast on Tuesday to avoid missing out on this blockbuster night.

“We know that AJ is a huge box office hit in the UK but to break the pre-sale record at the iconic Madison Square Garden is astounding,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We are building a huge event on June 1 and we look forward to the all the build-up beginning with next Tuesdays press conference in New York.”

“We are thrilled with the early excitement for tickets,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Marquee Events. “Anthony Joshua versus Jarrell Miller will be an epic event at Madison Square Garden and we encourage fans to purchase tickets now because this fight will sell out.”

Madison Square Garden Pre-Sale begins at Midday ET (5pm GMT) on Friday 15th February via Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com)

Fight Pass Pre-Sale begins at Midday GMT (7am ET) on Monday 18th February via StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

General Sale tickets are on sale at Midday ET (5pm GMT) on Tuesday 19th February via Madison Square Garden and StubHub (www.stubhub.com)

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

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

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

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