FRISCO, Texas (Jan 30, 2019) — Their first fight ended with a dramatic knockout that shook up the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The rematch between Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (24-0, 12 KOs) and Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (32-3-1, 28 KOs) will bring two of the light heavyweight division’s biggest names to The Star.

Alvarez will defend his WBO light heavyweight world title against former unified light heavyweight world champion Kovalev on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys practice facility.

Krusher and his trainer Buddy McGrit had this to say today, Wednesday, January 30 in Frisco:

SERGEY KOVALEV
First, I am very excited to get the opportunity to get back my belt. Thanks to God for this opportunity and thanks to my promoter and my manager to make this fight happen. Right now I must prove that I am the best in this division by this victory on Saturday night

I didn’t have enough gas, enough power. You saw my condition. I was lazy it was like something was wrong with my body.

Proving again that I always push myself more than needed and that was my biggest mistake in my boxing career. Always push further than needed. Right now Buddy has taught me a lot – saving energy for the fight and I listen to him 100% on his recommendations and I follow his instructions. I like this training camp but we’ll see Saturday what the boxing side will show.

Right now at this time before the fight I am used to dieting. This time I wanted to be better for everything – in life and in the boxing gym and in life and my team change. I am happy working with Teddy Cruz my strength coach and Buddy McGirt my boxing coach. They are really a great team and they are great persons. We have a great understanding with each other and I like the team very much.

When I became pro I got three belts just by using my amateur experience be cause my fights went often my first two years as a pro I fought 5 or 6 times a year. Then later I fought two or three times a year and one year I fought only once. That’s crazy. Between the fight it was long rest and I didn’t work out. I was busy with my life. I was famous in my small group, in my circle. I was busy with my family and with my friends. Every fight I started my training from zero. No one was there to work on or remind me of my style. I fought every fight just on my memory from the amateurs. I had coaches but they didn’t help me bith my boxing or my conditioning or anything. Everything I did myself. Everybody has seen the result. I am happy that I started working with Buddy and he has reminded me of my amateur style and using a lot of boxing – not the goal to knock somebody out, but boxing. It’s a good idea to not have to win by knockout, but by boxing. The will be, at one time, a punch that will catch him. If you can punch, you will.

This time we have been working on defense too and with the shape I am in on Saturday it will be very interesting. I am excited in my last day of camp and I am excited for the fight to see what I can show. Right now I am really motivated because I know that I can beat this guy.

The last fight he got lucky. He got lucky of course. I lost concentration for just a couple of seconds – a lack of attention just for one second. Then I couldn’t get focused after the knock down.

Maybe I wasn’t ready enough. I don’t want to use it as excuses but on Saturday I will prove that I am better than Alvarez. And that is my goal to get my belts back. That’s my goal right now and it is a big motivation.

(So, you are going to be a boxer on Saturday night?)

You never know what will happen tomorrow. I don’t even know what will happen when I go around this corner of the wall when I get up. I do have motivation and I should use it to get my belt back.

I like belts. Right now I have a co-promotion with Top Rank and I am on ESPN and I can get to the highest level in boxing again. I am in Dallas, and Texas is a state that has a lot of boxing fans – a lot of Mexican fans and a lot of American fans. The site is very bog and it looks great. And I am a Cowboys fan.

My prediction is that I will get back my belt. I don’t know how, ut I will get it back at any price or any cost.

BUDDY McGIRT
No, I did not watch the first fight. The night that they fought I had a fight in New York. You want to hear something? Whenever I watched tapes of an opponent, as a fighter, I lost. When I watched tapes as a trainer, my fighter lost.

I watched tape of Meldrick Taylor, and I lost the fight.

I don’t need to watch tapes. I’m old school. I prepare for anything and everything. If you watch a tape of a guy, and you see something, then you expect it to happen and you wait all night for it, and it doesn’t.

If you get in a street fight you don’t have any tape on the guy. You have to adjust. So that’s what I go by.

I have watched quite a few Kovalev fights. I have seen enough of him. Things that he told me how he prepared for the fight and what happened during the fight – that was enough for me to understand what we have to do.

Sergey told me what went wrong in the fight and I just went from there. I had a guy fight Alvarez, Isaac Chilemba – we got jerked in the decision but it is what it is.

A lot of people told me that he was difficult to work with, but, he wasn’t. Everyone was telling me this and telling me that and I was like “OK,” and when I got with him everything was gravy.

I know that he had a strength and conditioning guy, to not only help with strength and conditioning but to help him with his diet – to eat the right foods. He told me how he ate for the last fight and I told him he was crazy. Lot of these fighters they wait till the last week to lose ten pounds – that’s not healthy.

He told me what he did wrong then we got in the gym and I said ‘OK Buddy, you can’t really make any big adjustments. He’s been doing this too long.’ So I just kept it simple. You can’t beat the basics. So you just keep it basic and simple, not complicated, and let the rest take care of itself.

He’s in shape. He’s eating the right foods. His weight is good. So now it’s all up to him.

There are days that we are in the gym and I say “That’s it.” He says ‘No, I want to do this.” I say no, that’s it. You can do that tomorrow.’ Then I have to sit there and wait for him to leave the gym so he won’t do anything. I know if I left the gym he would do extra. So I have to sit there with him and walk outside with him then he gets in his car and leave then I get in my car and leave.

It was a fun camp. Everything went good, thank God. Now it’s all up to him.

Teddy Cruz did strength and conditioning. Teddy worked on his diet and monitored his weight.

(What do you think will happen in the fight?)

I am excited about the fight just like everybody else.I know he will be champion after this fight And we take it from there.

* * *

Oscar Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone will headline the ESPN/ESPN Deportes world championship doubleheader (10 p.m. ET) that also features the IBF lightweight world title fight between Richard Commey and Isa Chaniev.

The action will then turn to the OTT streaming service ESPN+ at 12 a.m., as Teofimo Lopez versus Diego Magdaleno will serve as the co-feature to boxing’s most anticipated rematch — the WBO light heavyweight world title bout between champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez and former division kingpin Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev.

Promoted by Top Rank, Main Events and Krusher Promotions, in association with Groupe Yvon Michel, tickets priced at $225, $165, $85, $55, and $25 (including facility fees) are on sale now and can be purchased at SeatGeek.com.

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. — ESPN+ — Undercard Fights
10 p.m. – 12 a.m. — ESPN / ESPN Deportes — Oscar Valdez vs. Carmine Tommasone & Richard Commey vs. Isa Chaniev
12 a.m. — ESPN+ — Eleider Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev 2 & Teofimo Lopez vs. Diego Magdaleno

New York, NY (January 30, 2019) DiBella Entertainment has signed women’s WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Hanna “La Amazona Black” Gabriels (19-2-1, 11 KOs), of Alajuela, Costa Rica, to an exclusive promotional contract.

Gabriels successfully defended her WBA world title for the third time this past Saturday, January 26, with a dominant 10-round unanimous decision versus Sarah Dwyer in Managua, Nicaragua.

“When you have the opportunity to sign a fighter of this stature, of either gender, you take it,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Hanna Gabriels is a sensational talent and an incredible woman. She showed it against Claressa Shields, and with her exceptional resume, that she is among the best of the best in female boxing.

“Remarkably, Hanna reached the pinnacle of the sport without an amateur career. She is perfectly bilingual and extraordinarily marketable. We’re thrilled to work with one of Costa Rica’s biggest stars and one of the biggest stars in women’s boxing.”

“I feel so privileged and honored to sign with Lou DiBella. This will truly bring out the best in me at this point in my career,” said Gabriels. “Lou has done a great job for many years supporting women’s boxing and I want to be a part of his work and further my career.

“My career has been a little crazy, filled with great accomplishments along with some obstacles. I only had one amateur fight before turning professional in 2007. However, signing with DiBella Entertainment truly energizes me to work even harder knowing what opportunities they can present.

“I love fighting in Costa Rica and the fans there have been very supportive of my career. However, I’d like to fight more often in the United States. I will fight any body. I’ve always wanted to face Cecilia Braekhus. I’d like to unify the super welterweight division, and I would love a rematch against Claressa Shields.”

“I first met Hanna three years ago when I wanted to work with her husband, former world champion Bryan Vasquez. He insisted that if I wanted to represent him, I had to take on his wife as well, and it’s been a wonderful experience ever since,” said Gabriels’ manager Hector Fernandez. “I am thrilled that Lou DiBella has signed Hanna and I am grateful for all that he’s done and continues to do for women’s boxing. Female boxers deserve respect and I look forward to making history with DiBella Entertainment.”

Gabriels has been married to two-time WBA super featherweight world champion Bryan Vasquez for the past seven years and together they have a four-year-old daughter.

Immensely popular in her native Costa Rica, the three-time, two-division world champion Gabriels made her United States debut on June 22, 2018, moving up in weight to face two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields in Detroit, MI, for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Titles. Dropping the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist hard to the canvas in the opening round, Gabriels would come up short in a highly competitive, hard-fought clash.

Gabriels first became a world champion in December 2009, capturing the WBO Welterweight World Title with a fourth-round knockout against Gabriela Zapata. Five months later, she moved up to claim the WBO Super Welterweight Title with a first-round knockout of Gardy Alvarez and made three defenses before suffering her first defeat to Oxandia Castillo in February 2013.

On December 20, 2014, Gabriels regained the WBO 154lb. title with a second-round stoppage against Paty Ramirez. In her second WBO defense, Gabriels became a unified champion, adding the WBA belt to her collection, earning a third-round TKO of Katia Alvarino on June 18, 2016. Two successful defenses of her unified WBA/WBO crown followed in 2017, including gaining revenge against Castillo in their rematch that October via unanimous 10-round decision.

Details of Gabriels’ first fight under the DiBella Entertainment banner will be announced in the near future.

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN.

The reigning two-time WBC Super-Flyweight champion, Ring Magazine champion and pound-for-pound star has been a huge hit in America following a pair of wins over Roman Gonzalez in 2017 and then victory against Juan Francisco Estrada last February.

Rungvisai moved to 47-4-1 on home turf in Thailand with a wide points win over Iran Diaz, three months after notching an incredible 41st KO triumph by blasting away Young Gil Bae in the opening round, again on home territory.

The Thai king will return to the ring to defend his strap for the fourth time in his current reign in a fight to be announced soon, and the 32 year old is delighted to have penned a deal with Hearn and the streaming giants.

“It’s my great honor to be working with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN,” said Rungvisai. “I thank my team and everyone who made this opportunity possible. I am extremely excited for my future fights in the USA with Matchroom Boxing and DAZN, and I promise to bring excitements to all my fans always.

“I’m delighted to welcome Srisaket Sor Rungvisai to the Matchroom Boxing USA team,” said Hearn. “Srisaket is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in boxing today and has been a revelation in recent years with great fights and wins over Roman Gonzalez and Estrada and has some huge fights to be made in the division. His next fight will be announced soon, and fans can expect another firecracker live on DAZN and Sky Sports!”

IBF Junior Welterweight champion, Ivan Baranchyk has withdrawn from the World Boxing Super Series due failure of being paid, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We are definitely pulling out. Ivan was supposed to fight [Josh] Taylor in Glasgow [Scotland] in late May. That was what I was hearing, but they haven’t spoken to any of us, not me, not [co-promoter] Lou [DiBella], said Baranchyk’s manager David McWater.

“We got the purse for the quarterfinals but we had to wait about two months for the win bonus that Ivan was owed, and we didn’t get it until after we had to threaten them,” McWater said. “They paid us late and now they are refusing to put the money in escrow for the semifinals until the fight. They won’t even put part of the money in escrow.”

“We feel like they are not going to be able to pay us,” McWater said. “They’re not willing to negotiate putting money in escrow in a timely fashion. We don’t believe the fight will happen anyway and we’re burning daylight. Ivan is missing fights. We’re incredibly disappointed because we wanted this tournament to work so badly. We are not pulling out because we have some other plan, but I feel confident somebody will make us an offer.

“Ivan has a world title, so I don’t expect us to sit around. This kid looks at his boxing as a 9-to-5 job. He trains every single day. How do you tell him there are all these delays because they don’t have the money?”

McWater said he would not be surprised if there was litigation over Baranchyk’s withdrawal but “I think we win. We may end up in court. We are the injured party and were more than fair with them. They are the ones in breach of their contract.”

A Comosa AG spokesperson told ESPN, “We have not received any notice of Ivan Baranchyk pulling out of the tournament. Ivan Baranchyk was paid a very large sum to challenge for a vacant title and the WBSS and its shareholders have invested hugely into its brand. Its contracts are watertight and any failure to meet them will be met with the very hardest of consequences. This applies to all fighters and also to promoters, managers and agents alike.”

“I understand the decision that was made by Ivan and Dave McWater. They’re extremely frustrated and had a number of significant concerns about continuing in the WBSS,” DiBella said. “As Ivan’s co-promoter, I reached out to the WBSS to convey their concerns and provide them with an opportunity to give comfort to Ivan and to provide specifics with respect to the next round of the tournament and the final, as well as comfort with respect to the money presently being there to meet their obligations. But a number of phone calls were not returned and a substantive letter sent last week was not replied to.”

DiBella is also junior welterweight semifinalist Regis Prograis’ promoter and said that Prograis’ continued participation in the tournament is up in the air.

“Regis’ future in the tournament has to be determined by Regis and his management, Churchill Boxing,” he said. “As with Ivan, DiBella Entertainment is not in contractual privity with the World Boxing Super Series.”

Las Vegas – UFC® hits Las Vegas for the first time in 2019 with two highly anticipated world championship fights. Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones wastes no time getting back in the Octagon® as he takes on dangerous finisher and No. 3-ranked contender Anthony Smith. Also, welterweight champion Tyron Woodley goes for his fifth consecutive title defense against No. 2-ranked contender Kamaru Usman. UFC® 235: JONES vs. SMITH takes place Saturday, March 2 at T-Mobile Arena and will air live on Pay-Per-View.

Preliminary fights will air nationally in English and Spanish on ESPN and ESPN Deportes starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. In addition to linear coverage of the preliminaries, fans will be able to purchase and watch UFC 235 on ESPN.com/UFC235, beginning February 18 (once purchased, fans will be able to watch the event on the web or on the ESPN App on mobile or TV-connected devices). They also can purchase and watch UFC 235 on UFC.com or the UFC App.

Jones (23-1 1NC, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) reclaimed the light heavyweight championship in December with a spectacular TKO win over long-time rival Alexander Gustafsson. He now looks to further extend his record for most light heavyweight championship title defenses with another show-stealing performance. Throughout his career, Jones has defeated the who’s who of MMA, including Daniel Cormier, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Rampage Jackson and Shogun Rua.

A former middleweight mainstay, Smith (31-13, fighting out of Omaha, Neb.) looks to shock the world by dethroning the most dominant 205-pound champion in UFC history. A hard-hitting KO artist, Smith burst onto the light heavyweight scene less than a year ago. During this time, he has delivered highlight-reel finishes against Rashad Evans, Shogun Rua and Volkan Oezdemir. With momentum on his side, Smith has his sights on taking out Jones and capturing UFC gold.

A decorated grappler with KO power, Woodley (19-3-1, fighting out of St. Louis, Mo.) looks to continue his winning ways by stopping one of the welterweight division’s biggest threats. During his UFC run, he has beaten Darren Till, Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Robbie Lawler and Kelvin Gastelum. In March, Woodley aims to further build his legacy as one of the greatest 170-pound champions in UFC history.

Currently riding a 13-fight win streak that extends more than five years, Usman (14-1, fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla. by way of Auchi, Nigeria) is poised to shake up the 170-pound division. A dominating grappler, he has earned impressive victories against Rafael Dos Anjos, Demian Maia, Sergio Moraes and Sean Strickland. Usman is now gunning to dethrone Woodley and take his spot at the top of the division.

Additional bouts on the card include:

Former welterweight champion and No. 6-ranked contender Robbie Lawler (28-12 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.) looks to spoil the highly anticipated debut of unbeaten Ben Askren (18-0 1NC, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.)
Former bantamweight champ and No. 1-ranked contender Cody Garbrandt (11-2, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) looks to get back in the win column against surging No. 9 Pedro Munhoz (17-3 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil)
In a featherweight bout guaranteed to deliver fireworks, No. 6-ranked contender Jeremy Stephens (28-15, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) battles No. 14 Zabit Magomedsharipov (16-1, fighting out of Dagestan, Russia)
No. 7-ranked strawweight contender Tecia Torres (10-3, fighting out of Colorado Springs, Colo.) aims to snap the winning streak of the rising Weili Zhang (18-1, fighting out of Beijing, China)
Light heavyweight contenders collide when No. 11-ranked Ovince Saint Preux (23-12, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) faces No. 14 Misha Cirkunov (14-4, fighting out of Toronto, Canada)
No. 13-ranked bantamweight contender Thomas Almeida (22-3, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) looks to re-assert himself as a title threat against Marlon Vera (12-5-1, fighting out of Chone, Ecuador)
The Ultimate Fighter season one winner Diego Sanchez (30-11, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.) makes his 29th UFC appearance against hot prospect Mickey Gall (5-1, fighting out of Green Brook Township, N.J.)
Gina Mazany (5-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) battles The Ultimate Fighter season 28 winner Macy Chiasson (3-0, fighting out of New Orleans, La.) in a bantamweight bout

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

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

UFC® 235: JONES vs. SMITH will air live from T-Mobile Arena on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, March 2, with the prelims kicking off the evening on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and on UFC Fight Pass at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC® 235: JONES vs. SMITH go on sale Friday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $1,255, $1,005, $805, $655, $505, $430, $355, $285, $235, $190 and $140 (not including fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Thursday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Jan. 31 starting at 12 p.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

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

About T-Mobile Arena

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team. The city’s newest landmark, recently named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Industry-leading architect Populous designed T-Mobile Arena to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED® Gold Certification. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About ESPN+

ESPN+, which surpassed one million paying subscribers in just five months, is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN.

ESPN+ will offer UFC fans 20 exclusive UFC on ESPN+ Fight Nights per year, as well as an extensive lineup of on-demand UFC programming, original shows (including “Dana White’s Contender Series”), classic fights and more. In addition to live and on-demand UFC content included in the ESPN+ subscription, fight fans will be able to purchase and watch UFC PPV events via ESPN+ and within the ESPN app, for a separate cost.

In addition to UFC, ESPN+ offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is available across nearly all major mobile and connected device platforms and delivers a rich, personalized experience that curates ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also be available through ESPN.com.

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.

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2019) – Doug Fischer, the editor-in-chief for The Ring magazine and RingTV.com, is joining the Thompson Boxing LIVESTREAM team, the Southern California-based promoter announced today.

Fischer, 48, will handle color commentating duties, while Beto Duran returns in his role as blow-by-blow announcer.

Fischer and Duran will call the upcoming LIVESTREAM TB Presents: New Blood on Friday, Feb. 8. Boxing fans can stream the fights on our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Thompson Boxing,” Fischer said. “They develop world class talent through their popular monthly shows. I’m elated to see some of the young talent in person. I’m really looking forward to working with the entire Thompson Boxing team.”

“It truly is an honor having Doug as part of our broadcast team,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “We strive for a great fan experience and our successful TB Presents live streams series will continue to improve thanks to the addition of talented people like him.”

TB Presents: New Blood starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

In the main event, hard-hitting junior welterweight prospect Pedro Moreno (11-0, 7 KOs) makes his headlining debut against fellow unbeaten talent Ramon Mascarena (10-0, 5 KOs) in the scheduled eight-rounder. “New Blood” takes place from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“New Blood” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #NewBlood, #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (January 30, 2019) -Three-division, four-time champion Abner Mares has been forced to pull out of the WBA Super Featherweight title match against two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta Davis on Saturday, February 9 after suffering an injury while training.

Davis will now defend against former world champion Hugo Ruiz in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, with coverage beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Ruiz is an all-action brawler who previously picked up a world title at super bantamweight in 2015 and most recently defeated Alberto Guevara in January on the Pacquiao vs. Broner PPV event in a featherweight fight. Ruiz, who owns 18 first round knockouts, floored Guevara in the opening minute and cruised to a near-shutout decision victory.

He had originally been slotted for an interim title shot against Jhack Tepora in January before Tepora missed weight, but will now have his chance to fight for a belt against one of the most-feared punchers at 130-pounds on February 9. The 30-year-old from Sinaloa, Mexico stands at five feet, nine inches tall, nearly four inches taller than Davis, and has won three straight fights leading up to this fight.

“I trained for three months to fight a southpaw when I fought in January,” said Ruiz. “When the opponent changed, it was hard to adjust in 24 hours. After the fight I immediately went back to the gym, because you never know what’s going to happen in boxing. I’m 100 percent ready to knockout Gervonta Davis.”

“Hugo Ruiz has another opportunity to fight for a world title because he’s demonstrated that he’s devoted to boxing and his career,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, Ruiz’s Promoter. “He went right back to the gym after his last fight. He’s ready for another great opportunity to be a world champion and he’s going to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Mares injured his right elbow during sparring at the Robert Garcia Boxing Gym in Riverside, Calif. Mares said he had experienced soreness in his elbow following the past two fights, but nothing that had ever given him nor his team concern.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat this. I’m disappointed and devastated that I’ve injured my right elbow in sparring,” Mares said. “This is something that I haven’t had happen to me during my career and the feeling is just horrible. I will be going to see my doctor about this and am prepared to follow whatever recommendations and rehab that gets me back into the ring. I’m healthy, not afraid of doing the work and I will be back. This is a temporary setback. Don’t count me out.”

“Boxing is a sport of brains, passion and physical punishment,” said Mares’ trainer Robert Garcia. “When you’re in the ring sparring with talented, top-class sparring partners, the chances of injuries are very high. That was the situation in this case. He was sparring top young fighters and he injured his elbow. He cannot fight like that, especially in a fight against Davis.”

Mares, who has engaged in numerous memorable fights throughout his storied career, was seeking to move up in weight and looking to capture his fifth world title in a fourth weight class.

The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Sampson Boxing.

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

Ted Cheeseman says he is ready to announce himself on the big stage when he takes on Spain’s undefeated European Super-Welterweight Champion Sergio Garcia at The O2 in London on Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Bermondsey star, 15-0, inflicted a punishing defeat on Reading bad boy Asinia Byfield to claim the vacant British title last time out. A defence of the Lonsdale belt didn’t interest ‘The Big Cheese’, who has instead opted to continue his push towards World glory.

“To be honest, sometimes you sit there and think ‘cor, I could do with an easy one now’, but as a fighter you love being involved in testing fights,” said Cheeseman. “You want to get everyone talking about you and to be known as someone that is tough and will fight anyone. I think I’m starting to get a reputation as someone that won’t turn down a challenge.

“I’m one of those fighters who will always look at what opportunities there are out there for me. After the Byfield win, Charlie Sims asked me if I’d looked at any opponents to defend my British title against. There isn’t anyone else at British level other than Fowler or Fitzgerald that I’d be interested in defending it against. I’d rather not just have an easy defence and try to win the belt outright. I’d rather push on and aim at what I turned pro to do, and that’s to become a World Champion.

A step-up to European level has been difficult for fellow Brits such as Lewis Ritson, who suffered his first career loss to Francesco Patera at the Metro Radio Arena in October, but Cheeseman believes his ring experience will help him earn another impressive victory in London.

“On paper, Garcia looks exceptional,” admitted Cheeseman. “He’s 28-0, 13 knockouts. A lot of people are saying to me ‘Do you really need this fight yet? Is it a step too far?’. But I’ve got a good manager, a good coach. I’m coming on in the gym all the time. These are the fights I need. I’m pushing on and hoping to go all the way.

“I’m feeling much more experienced now with my timing in the ring, my ring craft, and I can’t wait to get in there and show everyone how good I am. I’ve had test after test and I’m 100% confident of getting the win. It’s not like I’ve just had one test and now I’m stepping up. I’ve done it for the last two years. I’m firing on all cylinders in the gym, feeling really good.

“Since my seventh fight, I boxed Lloyd Ellett who was 20-1, I boxed Jack Sellars who was 5-0, I boxed Matt Ryan who was 14-1. These are all tough British opponents. Then I fought Carson Jones, Paul Upton and Asinia Byfield. I’ve been building steadily and I’m ready for another challenge this weekend.”

Garcia vs. Cheeseman tops a huge night of action in London.

Light-Heavyweight rivals Jake Ball and Craig Richards finally face-off in a highly-anticipated grudge match for the WBA Continental title.

Unbeaten British Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action as he defends his WBA Continental title against Hungary’s Tamas Lodi.

Rising Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash fights for his second professional title when he takes on Nigeria’s Abolaji Rasheed for the vacant Commonwealth strap.

Preston’s Scott Fitzgerald keeps busy in a six round contest ahead of his mouth-watering domestic clash with former GB teammate Anthony Fowler in March.

Scotland’s fast-rising Super-Middleweight talent John Docherty aims to make it three KO’s from three fights, Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley looks to go 6-0, decorated amateur Charles Frankham makes his debut at Super-Featherweight and Hammersmith Light-Heavyweight Dana Zaxo takes part in his fourth professional contest.

ANTHONY YARDE BELIEVES he is rapidly closing in on a shot at a light heavyweight world title.

The charismatic 27-year-old, who carries explosive speed and power, faces his latest and most challenging audition yet against former European champion Mehdi Amar at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on February 23, live on BT Sport.

An impressive victory over an opponent who has suffered only one early finish – in his fourth fight due to injury – and was only defeated on points by the formidable now world champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk last year, will likely lead the WBO towards mandating the 17-0 Yarde to challenge the winner of this weekend’s rematch between Eleider Alvarez and Sergey Kovalev.

Yarde, who has been happy to bide his time up to now, suspects himself that his moment of world title truth is looming closer.

“I have said to myself when the time comes I have got to be ready,” said the WBO Intercontinental champion. “Sometimes they say it is energy, that you can feel things and I can feel it getting closer so I am pushing myself to the limit, literally, in trying to become a better fighter.

“I am trying to digest information in the best way I can, I am trying to become a better technical fighter who is more explosive, more powerful, more relaxed. Every aspect I am trying to work on.

“I said it right from the start of my career, I am not really training for now, I am training for the future.”

Yarde, along with his trainer-manager Tunde Ajayi, undertook a scouting mission back in August for the original Kovalev-Alvarez encounter in Atlantic City and witnessed first-hand the toppling of the Russian known as Krusher.

He views targeting the winner of the sequel as a logical sequence of events.

“Most definitely,” added the strapping six footer. “These are the world champions and I’ve always said it doesn’t matter who the champion is, I have just got to be ready for when I get to that stage. I am very nearly at that stage now, I am ranked No.1 by the WBO and No.8 in the world by BoxRec, so that is a very big position – top ten in the world after 17 fights.

“So it shows I am doing something right and I’ve just got to keep working hard.”

So will Yarde, who doesn’t study boxing religiously, be tuning into BoxNation to see if Kovalev can recapture former glory against Alvarez?

“I might watch Alvarez-Kovalev, but I won’t be watching it to see what they are doing because I try not to watch my opponents to see what they are doing well.

“If you consistently watch a possible opponent you start to worry about what they do well. I just need to worry about what I do. I’ve seen Kovalev fight a few times – before I was even a professional – so I know what he is about and I know he is slowing down, although he has still got the power, obviously.

“But until I am booked to fight these guys I don’t need to pay them any attention.”

Anthony Yarde’s defence of his WBO Intercontinental light heavyweight title against Mehdi Amar at the Morningside Arena shares top billing with the British super featherweight champion Sam ‘Bullet’ Bowen. Local fighters CJ Challenger and Kyle Haywood do battle for the vacant Midlands Area super welterweight title, with Nathan Gorman, Lyon Woodstock, Ryan Garner, Willy Hutchinson, Tommy Fury, Ryan Hatton and Mark Chamberlain also featuring on the card.

Tickets are available from £40 are on sale NOW via Eventbrite

Oleksandr Usyk has been named the 2018 BWAA Fighter of the Year, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

For the second year in a row, Anatoly Lomachenko, Usyk’s trainer (and Vasiliy Lomachenko’s father) won the Eddie Futch-John F.X. Condon Trainer of the Year award. He beat out Jay Deas, Robert Garcia and Derrick James.

Egis Klimas, who manages Usyk along with Lomachenko, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk and a slew of other fighters, won the Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year award for the third year in a row, beating out Keith Connolly, Chepo Reynoso and Sam Katkovski.

The other award winners:

Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier Fight of the Year went to Jarrett Hurd’s split decision win against Erislandy Lara to unify junior middleweight titles in an all-out slugfest in April. That fight was also awarded ESPN fight of the year honors. Hurd-Lara beat out heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder’s exciting 10th-round knockout of Luis “King Kong” Ortiz in March; Lomachenko’s 10th-round knockout of Jorge Linares to win a lightweight world title in May; junior welterweight Alex Saucedo’s seventh-round stoppage of Lenny Zappavigna in a back-and-forth bloodbath in June; and Canelo Alvarez’s narrow majority decision win over Gennady Golovkin to win the unified middleweight world title in their action-packed rematch in September.

The Sam Taub broadcast award winner was Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza, who has been at the network since 2011 and led its rise to dominance in the premium cable boxing battle with HBO. The other nominees were HBO analyst Roy Jones Jr., Showtime Sports executive producer David Dinkins Jr., HBO senior producer Dave Harmon and Showtime Sports broadcaster Jim Gray.

Lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury won the Bill Crawford-John McCain award for courage in overcoming adversity. After winning the unified and lineal title from Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, Fury went on a downward spiral of drug and alcohol abuse. He also had mental health issues, blew up to more than 400 pounds and did not fight for 2½ years before getting his life together, slimming down and returning in 2018 for two wins followed by a draw with world titleholder Wilder. The other nominees were late Sen. John McCain, whose name was added to the award title, Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, trainer Jose Santa Cruz and Showtime broadcaster Brian Custer.

International Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley, the voice of HBO boxing for more than 30 years until the network’s exit from the sport in December after 45 years, was voted winner of the Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service award. The other finalists were CompuBox founder Bob Canobbio, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, MGM Resorts International public relations executive director Scott Ghertner and former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Bernard Hopkins.

There was a three-way tie for the Marvin Kohn Good Guy award between publicist Steve Brener, president of Brener Zwikel & Associates; Ray Stallone of HBO Sports media relations; and four-division world titleholder Nonito Donaire. The other nominee was two-division world titlist Badou Jack.

Two other award winners were previously announced. Unified women’s middleweight world titlist Claressa Shields (8-0, 2 KOs) was named winner of the Christy Martin award for female fighter of the year in a unanimous vote of the BWAA women’s boxing committee and Thom Loverro, a sports columnist for the Washington Times since 1992, who has written extensively about boxing in his decades of writing experience, was voted the 46th winner of the Nat Fleischer award for career excellence in boxing journalism, which is voted on only by past winners.

CARSON, CALIF. (January 29, 2019) – Two-time super featherweight world champion Gervonta Davis is relocating his training camp today and traveling from his hometown of Baltimore to finish camp in Los Angeles as he prepares defend his title against three-division world champion Abner Mares. Davis vs. Mares will headline aSHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® tripleheader on Saturday, February9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California andpresented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Davis, along with longtime trainer Calvin Ford, will be working at Ten Goose Boxing Gym as he nears this showdown that will serve as Davis’ first U.S. main event.

“Camp is going great, my weight is good and everything I had planned to do is on schedule,” said Davis. “I decided to move camp to Los Angeles to train in the same weather I’ll be fighting in and to get the long flight out of the way. Get your tickets now before they sell out, because you don’t want to miss my first SHOWTIME main event!”

“We decided to break camp and head to Los Angeles sooner than anticipated to allow Gervonta to get used to the change in altitude and climate,” said Ford. “We’re also taking into consideration that the fight will be outside. Everything with his training is on point and going as scheduled toward an explosive performance on February 9.”

Davis had previously scheduled a Baltimore media workout for Wednesday, before deciding to relocate for the final days of training.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

# # #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. MARES
Gervonta Davis vs. Abner Mares pits the WBA Super Featherweight World ChampionDavis against three-division world champion Mares in the main event live on SHOWTIME Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features undefeated super lightweight Mario Barrios taking on Mexico’s Richard Zamora and former world champion Javier Fortuna battling lightweight contender Sharif Bogere. The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports.

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

NEW YORK – January 29, 2019 – Undefeated super middleweight prospect and Massachusetts native Ronald Ellis (15-0-2, 10 KOs) will look to set the tone for a successful sports weekend for New England when he takes on DeAndre Ware (12-1-2, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday live on SHOWTIME (10 PM ET/PT).

The fight, which will take place at The Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York, will serve as another opportunity for Ellis, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts.

Ellis, who is a huge fan of his beloved New England Patriots, is eager to earn a big win and then return to his new residence in Los Angeles to see Tom Brady bring home a record sixth Super Bowl title.

“My camp went beautiful. I have had a couple camps in a row, so I was able to work on a lot of things. I learned a lot in this camp,” said Ellis.

The 29-year-old Ellis knows that he has a tough customer in front of him in once-beaten Ware.

“Ware is a solid fighter. He is real tough, and he comes forward. He is not a tall guy, but he makes up with it with his toughness. He is a former football player, and he likes to come forward, so I know he will be there.”

This will be the fourth appearance on ShoBox for Ellis, and he feels that a strong performance will lead him to major fights in the next year.

“This year, I have to execute. Now it’s time to perform. I just need to keep fighting, and if that happens I feel that I will be in line for a title shot in the next year. There is a lot of talent in the division, and now it’s time to knuckle up and all fight each other. I feel that I can compete with the elite of the division.”

When talking about the Patriots, Ellis lights up. He has been a fan of the team since he was a youth growing up in the Boston suburbs.

“It’s is going to be a great game. Ironically, I moved to Los Angeles to train a couple of years ago, and for the last week all I’ve been hearing about is the Rams. It has been fun going at with the guys in the gym about the game, but I will always represent the Patriots. I am going to get the state of Massachusetts off to a good start on Friday, and the Patriots will have their arms raised on Sunday.”

Ellis and Ware headline a tripleheader that will also feature undefeated lightweights Thomas Mattice (13-0-1, 10 KOs) of Cleveland taking on Will Madera (12-0-2, 6 KOs) of Albany, New York in an eight-round bout. The broadcast kicks off with a eight-round super featherweight contest between undefeated fighters Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) of Albany, New York and Oluwaseun Joshua Wahab (18-0, 11 KOs) of Accra, Ghana.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, are priced at $100 for VIP Ringside, $50 for Preferred Seating, $30 for General Admission and $2,000 for VIP Tables. Tickets can be purchased by calling 585-232-3221.

Fabio Wardley says he is raring to be let off the leash and begin his attack on the domestic Heavyweight scene after a frustrating couple of years in which he only fought five times.

The undefeated Ipswich talent looks to move to 6-0 when he takes on Frenchman Morgan Dessaux over six rounds on the undercard of Ted Cheeseman’s challenge for the European Super-Welterweight crown against Sergio Garcia at The O2 in London this Saturday.

Wardley, 24, is determined to climb the Heavyweight ladder after signing a management deal with World title contender Dillian Whyte, who also mentors Cruiserweight prospect Richard Riakporhe, and says ‘The Body Snatcher’ is the man to kick-start his career.

“When I signed with Dillian and the team I said that I wanted to be as active as possible and they’re sticking to their word and getting me out regularly,” said Wardley. “Right now, I’m at the building stage of my career my main focus is on learning and developing. I was straight back in the gym after Christmas preparing for my next date. Being involved in a huge event like Whyte vs. Chisora 2 at The O2 gave me a massive buzz, there was no stopping me getting back in the gym.

“Dillian said that I did what I needed to do to get my opponent out of there. He was a good, durable opponent and gave me some rounds which is definitely what I needed after three first round stoppages. I wasn’t tested or pushed at all, but the tougher fights will come as I progress. Dillian was happy with my performance and eager to get me out there again. I’m ready to do it all over again on Saturday.

“I truly believe that I’m in safe hands with Dillian guiding my career. He’s someone that I have immense respect for and I trust his opinion completely. He’s been there and done it, been through the thick of it, and for him to be managing my career is a big advantage for me. The advice that he passes on is invaluable and the sparring isn’t bad either!”

Britain’s Heavyweight scene is thriving, with unified Champion Anthony Joshua OBE leading the way, and Wardley – who’s sparred with the likes of Tyson Fury and undisputed Cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk – believes 2019 is the year to announce himself on the big stage.

“I’m definitely looking at titles in the next few months,” added Wardley. “I think I’ll be ready to start throwing my hat into the mix in around six months if I can keep going at the pace I’m moving at – fighting every six to eight weeks. The Southern Area and English belts are the realistic options for me. I don’t see any problems with going for them if I keep on pushing forward. I’d go for them now, but that’s just me. I’m ready to be let off the leash but I trust my team to make the right decisions.

“I pay attention to what’s going on in the Heavyweight landscape but at the same time I’m focused on my own career. It’s an exciting time to be coming through in the Heavyweight division, there’s lots of options out there for me. I feel like I bring something different that other Heavyweights don’t have. I’ve got another golden opportunity to impress again on Saturday and it’s on me to deliver.”

Wardley vs. Dessaux is part of a huge night of action in London.

Bermondsey star Ted Cheeseman steps up again when he challenges undefeated Spaniard Sergio Garcia for the European Super-Welterweight crown.

Light-Heavyweight rivals Jake Ball and Craig Richards finally face-off in a highly-anticipated grudge match for the WBA Continental title.

Unbeaten British Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action as he defends his WBA Continental title against New York’s Shawn Miller.

Rising Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash fights for his second professional title when he takes on Nigeria’s Abolaji Rasheed for the vacant Commonwealth strap.

Preston’s Scott Fitzgerald keeps busy in a six round contest ahead of his mouth-watering domestic clash with former GB teammate Anthony Fowler in March.

Scotland’s fast-rising Super-Middleweight talent John Docherty aims to make it three KO’s from three fights, decorated amateur Charles Frankham makes his debut at Super-Featherweight and Hammersmith Light-Heavyweight Dana Zaxo takes part in his fourth professional contest.

WHAT: RJJ Boxing on UFC Fight Pass

WHO: MAIN EVENT – WBO Jr. BANTAMWEIGHT WORLD TITLE ELIMINATOR (12)*
“Mighty” Aston Palicte(24-2-1, 20 KOs), Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
vs.
Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez (20-0-2, 13 KOs), Las Marias, Puerto Rico

CO-FEATURE – FEATHWERWEIGHTS (6)*
Edward “Kid” Vasquez (5-0, 0 KOs), Fort Worth, Texas
vs.
Brandon “2 Smooth” Cruz (6-0, 4 KOs), San Diego, California

JUNIOR FEATHERWEIGHTS (6)*
Dilan “El Rey” Miranda (4-1, 3 KOs), San Diego, California by way of Mexico
vs.
Daniel Constantino (2-2-1, 1 KO), Compton, California

FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHTS (4 X 2)
Jessica Juarez (1-0, 1 KO), San Diego, California
vs.
Kailyn Hansen (1-2, 0 KOs), Whittier, California

WELTERWEIGHTS (4)
Anthony Franco (3-1-1, 0 KOs), Redlands, California
vs.
David Morales (2-1-1 (0 KOs)

HEAVYWEIGHTS (4)
Oscar Torres (3-0, 1 KO), Los Angeles, California
vs.
Ignacio Zambrano (2-4, 0 KOs), Torrance, California

*denotes live-streamed on UFC Fight Pass
(ALL FIGHTS & FIGHTERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 2019

WHERE: Oak Ballroom in Viejas Casino & Resort, Alpine, California (35 miles outside of San Diego)

PROMOTER: Roy Jones Jr (RJJ) Boxing Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions

LIVE STREAM: UFC FIGHT PASS®, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT

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

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

ANNOUNCING TEAM: Sean Wheelock (blow-by-blow) and James “Smitty” Smith (color analyst)

RING ANNOUNCER: Michael Vale

TICKETS: $65.00, $55.00 and $45.00, on sale and available to purchase at www.viejas.com or at the box office.

OFFICIAL WEIGH IN: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 @ 3 p.m. / PT on scale, in front of Oakwood Ballroom in Viejas Casino and Resort, Alpine, California. PUBLIC WELCOME

OTHER: Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:30 p.m., Fight Pass starts at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET)

INFORMATION:

Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com, www.www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.Vieja.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @CottoPromotions, @RealMiguelCotto, @viejascasino, @AstonPalicte, @elreymiranda, @UFCFightPass
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @CottoPromotions, @RealMiguelCotto, @Viejascasinoresort, @astonmightypalicte
Facebook: /RJJBoxing, /ViejasCasinoAndResort, /MiguelCottoPromotions, RealMiguelCotto

Erling Havnaa will take charge of Kai Robin Havnaa’s corner for his upcoming cruiserweight clash with Rad Rashid on March 2 in Arendal, after head coach Joey Gamache was injured in an unprovoked attack and left unable to travel.

Havnaa faces his toughest career test as returns to the SØR Amfi to headline his hometown arena, but for the first time in his career, he must enter the ring without his coach Gamache, who is currently recovering in New York.

Havnaa’s uncle Erling, who has previously worked as an assistant to Gamache, will now assume responsibility as head coach, and can draw on past experience having witnessed his brother Magne Havnaa, Norway’s only male World Champion, claim the WBO World Cruiserweight title.

“Now that Joey is unable to travel to Norway and be in Kai’s corner for this fight, I have no problem taking over this job and responsibility,” says Erling.

“With that said, to be clear, I want Joey to be Kai’s head trainer in future, and I am happy to continue my role as assistant when Kai needs me. I think Joey is one of the best trainers in the world and the best trainer out there for Kai.

“We will continue to follow Joey’s system. I don’t plan on changing too much. There will be a lot of sparring in the coming weeks, and Kai has already been doing all his running right, so he will be reaching peak shape soon. I just have to keep an eye on him to make sure he’s not overtraining.”

Erling was a constant figure in his brother Magne Havnaa’s corner and was there to see him write his name in the history books by stopping undefeated American Boone Pultz in a rematch for the WBO World title on May 17, 1990.

“For Magne’s fights, my role was to be a brother he could trust,” says Erling. “I didn’t have the same experience that I have now. He had his own trainer and a professional team around him. I helped him with some light sparring, and I was someone he could talk to and discuss different career options with.

“But all that experience is very helpful for me now. I have been in the fight game since the 80s, and having been so close to my brother during his successful professional career, there’s not much I haven’t seen before.”

While Erling admits there are similarities between his nephew and brother, he is also quick to point out their differences, but says he believes Kai has the ability to follow in his father’s footsteps and become Norway’s next World Champion.

“I see many similarities, of course, but they’re also different in many ways too. We cannot try to make Kai my brother; rather we must be honest and treat Kai as his own individual. Magne had a long amateur career, which is something Kai did not, but Kai has many strengths that are even better than my brother’s.

“It’s extremely difficult to follow in Magne’s footsteps,” he adds. “There has only been one man from Norway to have made it as World Champion, and that’s my brother, but it’s not impossible for Kai. If the motivation is there and he remains injury free, he can make it. We have a plan to get Kai to the top!”

Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid will be looking to derail Havnaa’s promising career, but Erling is confident his nephew has what it takes to overcome the German’s challenge and continue his climb to the peak of the cruiserweight division.

“I see a guy that looks strong,” says Erling. “Rashid is an experienced opponent with twenty professional fights, but I believe Kai can beat him. Kai is hungrier, and I know he will do anything to win, but this is professional boxing and when two heavy guys at a good level get in the ring, anything can happen.

“People are excited for this one. Everyone in Arendal was very happy with the last event. I know they appreciate an athlete like Kai, who is working hard and putting everything on the line in the ring. I’m expecting another great fight!”

Kai Robin Havnaa returns to the SØR Amfi in Arendal on March 2 to headline his hometown arena in his toughest career test against Rad Rashid.

Katharina Thanderz provides chief support with a super featherweight contest against unbeaten Brit Rachel Ball, Hadi Srour meets Zoltan Szabo, Anders Eggan faces Frane Radnic, and Jamshid Nazari takes on Ivica Gogosevic.

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

London (29 January 2019) LCpl Chez Nihell, 6-time UK Combined Services Champion and England’s reigning ABA Elite Super Heavyweight Champion, will make his pro debut on a massive stage at The O2 on Saturday 23rd February, promoted by Poxon Sports for Premier Boxing Champion (PBC).

Chez, a member of The 27 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, will step between the ropes on an electrifying night headlined by the long-awaited clash between bitter rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr., the fiery head-to-head between Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Joe Joyce and Former World Champion Bermane Stiverne, the return of Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby, exclusively LIVE on ITV Box Office.

Chez, who served in Afghanistan with The 1st Battalion Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, has been part of the Army Elite Boxing set-up since 2013. The powerful switch hitting counter-puncher won the England Super Heavyweight Title Series belt in 2016 and defended it three times before being crowned ABA Elite Super Heavyweight Champion 2018 to join an exclusive class of boxers including Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Dereck Chisora and Joe Joyce.

Having capped off his amateur career in style, Chez made the decision to turn pro after being named British Army Sportsman of the year in November 2018. With the backing of the British Army he has received special permission to combine his status as a serving soldier with launching his professional career.

To add an intriguing sub plot to the story, Chez will have his wife LCpl Alanna Nihell in his corner. Alanna, who is a serving soldier herself and was the first female to Captain the Army Elite Boxing Team for two successive years, is an official Second and decorated champion having secured three ABA Lightweight titles and a Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal in 2014.

There’ll be booming support from The Army in The O2 stands on February 23rd, for what promises to be an explosive night of raw action.

Looking ahead to fighting in front of a huge army crowd, Chez said, “This is what dreams are made of. You only make one pro debut and to make my debut on a stacked card at London’s 02 live on ITV, with the British Army and my wife Alanna, who is and has been a major part of my army and boxing life (that’s how we got together), with me on this new part of my boxing and army life is very special. I thank them all and all concerned for making this happen.”

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/

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 28, 2019) — WBC super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez is intent on his staking his claim as the world’s best 140-pounder.

Former WBO lightweight world champion Ray Beltran, who lost his title to Jose “Sniper” Pedraza last August, will move up to the super lightweight division for his next challenge.

Ramirez will make the second defense of his title against Jose “Chon” Zepeda, and Beltran will face the unbeaten Hiroki Okada in a 10-round super lightweight bout on Sunday, Feb. 10 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. Ramirez-Zepeda and Beltran-Okada will headline a special ESPN/ESPN Deportes telecast, which begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Ramirez will auction off his fight-worn trunks, special gloves, shirt, and shoes, with all proceeds benefitting the Community Cancer Institute in Clovis, Calif. A portion of all ticket sales will also be donated to the Community Cancer Institute.

Ramirez defended his title last Sept. 14 in a Fight of the Year contender versus Antonio Orozco, scoring a pair of knockdowns and winning a unanimous decision.

On Monday, Ramirez and Beltran met the media. This is what they had to say.

Jose Ramirez

On his second fight with Robert Garcia

“Our chemistry is great. My confidence is growing with every fight. He is bringing the best out of me. I’m still a young champion, and I am only going to get better. This has been the best camp of my career. Robert is bringing the fighter out of me and working on the things I need to work on.”

On Jose Zepeda

“I’m more concerned with what I bring to the table. Zepeda is a good fighter. He is 30-1 and a solid southpaw boxer. It’s my job to neutralize him and take control of the fight. I’m still a hungry fighter. I train to win. Hopefully, Zepeda helps me grow as a fighter.”

On potential fights, including Regis Prograis

“It’s going to happen. It’s a matter of when it will happen. We both want to fight. When his tournament is over, we can make it a reality. I have my job to do, and I would love to unify with Maurice Hooker. But my focus now is Zepeda. I have to beat him to make those other fights a reality.”

Ray Beltran

On the Pedraza loss and his surgically repaired left hand

“I don’t want to make excuses about the fight. I respect Pedraza. He fought a great fight. It was his night. I’ve used my hand in sparring against welterweights, and it felt great.”

On fighting Okada

“Okada is a dangerous fighter who will come forward and make for an entertaining fight. If the knockout comes, it comes.”

On the status of his green card application

“Hopefully, in the next few months, I’ll get my green card and then become a citizen after that. I love Mexico and visiting my family there, but my life is here now. This country has given me so much.”

Matchroom Boxing has sent an offer to Jarrell Miller to take on Anthony Joshua in June at Madison Square Garden, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Eddie has made an offer and we’ll see what happens,” Miller co-promoter Greg Cohen said. “Obviously, for every fighter, promoter and manager what’s better than fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world? We’ve been discussing it for a while but now we have an official offer.”

“There has been substantial movement on the money and we’re under a million dollars apart at his point,” said Cohen, who co-promotes Miller with Dmitry Salita.

“Fighting for the title against Joshua is everybody’s goal but the economics have to make sense,” Cohen said. “I’m hopeful we can get there. We’re not there yet. But everybody is negotiating in good faith. There has been progress, but we just have to see if we can get there. I certainly would love to see Jarrell fight for the title against Joshua. It’s Madison Square Garden. It would be in Jarrell’s hometown. What’s better than that?”

“It’s not just the economic we’re working out for this fight,” Cohen said. “There’s the rematch if Jarrell wins. When you’re an elective (defense) there are other components you have to deal with that you don’t have to deal with if you’re the mandatory. But if Joshua wants to come to America, and it’s unlikely he can get a fight with (titleholder) Deontay Wilder because it looks like he’s going to do the rematch with Tyson Fury, then I don’t think there’s another option for him other than Jarrell Miller. He’s the best option by far, especially if he’s going to fight in New York.”

“It’s either they’re going to go on April 13 at Wembley against Dillian Whyte or they’re making a deal with us for June in New York. That’s how I see it,” Cohen said. “They have the champion. I am sure Dillian Whyte has a price he’s willing to accept. If they want Jarrell they’ll go with him. We can sit back and see what happens.

“Jarrell can win this fight. There aren’t too many guys who can say that. Jarrell has always wanted this fight. He has a manager, two co-promoters and he is letting us do our job, but Jarrell wants this fight for sure. He says he’s going to smash him.”

Otha Jones III will make his professional debut on Saturday March 9 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.

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

Jones III announced his decision to join the paid ranks last week and the Ohio talent will begin converting his amateur prowess into professional success on a huge World title double-header bill as Dmitry Bivol defends his WBA World Light-Heavyweight title against Joe Smith Jr and Maurice Hooker is on the road again as he puts his WBO Junior Welterweight strap on the line against unbeaten Brooklynite Mikkel LesPierre.

Jones III amassed 280 wins as an amateur in just under 300 fights, winning 13 National titles and representing the USA national team in multiple tournaments around the world, and believes his amateur style will translate into titles as a pro fighter.

“My style is hard to beat and it’s going to be the same in the pros,” said Jones III. “My team have a great plan for me and I’m so excited to fight in the UK as well as in the US, it’s awesome to know that I’ve got so many options and fights in front of me. I don’t feel any pressure because I have total faith in my ability, I just can’t wait to get out there and show what I’ve got.”

“Otha’s record speaks for itself,” said Hearn. “I asked people ‘who do we need to sign in the US?’ and the name Otha Jones III came up time and again, they’d say ‘this is the guy in amateur boxing right now that you need in the paid ranks’.

“Otha is going to box eight times in his first year as a pro starting on March 9, all over the world, particularly in the US. He’s an outstanding fighter with a great personality, and we can’t wait for his journey to start.

“We do stadium events and World title fights, but this is sometimes the most exciting thing as you get the chance to grow a fighter from day one.”

SAN JOSE, CA (January 29, 2019) – Cali Boxing Management’s super bantamweight prospect, Eros Correa (5-0, 5 KOs), remained undefeated when he stopped Miguel Zapata (4-2-1, 1 KO) via 4th round TKO in this past Saturday in Tijuana, MX. The bout was promoted by GM3 Boxing Promotions and Gonzalez Boxing Promotions.

Correa started off strong, landing powerful combinations in the first and second rounds. As the fight continued, Correa’s body attack started to wear down his opponent. In round four, Correa dropped Zapata with a straight right to the head. Correa then finished him off with a left hook to the body, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 1:49 mark.

“This was the toughest opponent I’ve faced as a professional,” said Eros Correa. “These are the type of fights I need to make me a better fighter. I’m going to continue to work hard in the gym and make a name for myself. I’m ready to get back in the ring as soon as possible.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 28, 2019) – Undefeated lightweight contender, Devin “The Dream” Haney (21-0, 13 KOs), is now ranked top ten across the board in all sanctioning organizations. Haney is currently rated WBC #6, WBO #7, WBA #8 and IBF #10.

“Right now, I’m coming off another solid performance and for me personally it’s very important to me to be recognized as a contender by the big four sanctioning bodies, said Devin Haney. “Obviously, a lot has to happen that’s not 100% in my control for a world title shot to happen this year. I’m at doorstep of greatness and I will be here as long as it takes.”

Devin Haney is coming off three consecutive televised Showtime / Shobox: The New Generation, main event bouts. In his last outing on Jan. 11, 2019, Haney defeated his first major step up in Xolisani Ndongeni, who was previously unbeaten with a record of (25-0, 13 KOs). On September 8, 2018, Haney dominated Juan Carlos Burgos (33-2-2, 13 KOs), a former multiple world title challenger. On May 11, 2018, Haney stopped power puncher, Mason Menard, via 9th round TKO.

CARSON, Calif. (January 28, 2019) – Undefeated super lightweight contender Mario Barrios will take on Mexico’s Richard Zamora in a 10-round co-featured match on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Former world champion Javier Fortuna will battle hard-hitting lightweight contender Sharif Bogere in a 10-round lightweight bout that will open the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. These televised undercard attractions feature exciting style matchups and a combination of rising contenders, former champions and title challengers all looking to get one step closer to holding a world title.

In the main event, two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank’’ Davis will defend his WBA title against three-division world champion Abner Mares. Davis vs. Mares promises fireworks and high-stakes action as both men bring their fan-friendly styles to the ring.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Mayweather Promotions, TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

The unbeaten Barrios (22-0, 14 KOs) has put together a six-fight knockout streak since moving up to 140-pounds in 2016. The 23-year-old from San Antonio, Texas made a steady climb up the super lightweight ladder in 2018 with a second-round knockout of Eudy Bernardo last March and a stoppage of Jose Roman in July.

Zamora (19-2, 12 KOs) fights out of San Luis Potosi, Mexico and enters this contest the winner of his last five bouts, including four wins by stoppage. The 25-year-old will be making his U.S. debut on February 9, after picking up three knockout wins in 2018, including most recently defeating Daniel Valenzuela in December.

Fortuna (33-2-1, 23 KOs) won a super featherweight world championship with a unanimous decision over Bryan Vasquez in 2015 at Barclays Center before losing the title the next year to Jason Sosa. The 29-year-old, who is from La Romana, Dominican Republic and now lives in Braintree, Mass., lost a narrow and disputed split decision to then-unbeaten champion Robert Easter last January at Barclays Center on SHOWTIME.

Bogere (32-1, 20 KOs) is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Oscar Bravo on August 3. The 30-year-old from Kampala, Uganda now lives in Las Vegas and was a five-time African champion and captain of the Ugandan national team as an amateur. The lone blemish on his record came in his first world title fight when he dropped a decision to Richar Abril in 2013. Since the decision loss, Bogere has since won nine straight, including five by knockout.

Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer is the host of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. Versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calls the action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Three Hall of Famers round out the telecast team—Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. Alejandro Luna and former world champion Raul Marquez host the telecast in Spanish, available via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is David Dinkins Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.

# # #

ABOUT DAVIS VS. MARES

Gervonta Davis vs. Abner Mares pits the WBA Super Featherweight World Champion Davis against three-division world champion Mares in the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, February 9 from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

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

Tickets for the World title double-header starring Dmitry Bivol and Maurice Hooker defending their belts at Turning Stone Resort Casino on Saturday March 9 live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK are on sale NOW

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

Bivol puts his WBA Light-Heavyweight title on the line against Joe Smith Jr, the fifth defense of his belt after moving to 15-0 (11KOs) in November, with a comprehensive to a points win over former unified champion Jean Pascal in New Jersey. Bivol’s win over the Canadian was the latest impressive name on his growing CV, following a points triumph over Isaac Chilemba, a final round stoppage of Sullivan Barrera and a highlight real first round KO of Trent Broadhurst.

The Russian star will meet a stern test of his ambitions to unify the division in the shape of Smith Jnr (24-2 20KOs) the Long Islander who famously stopped Bernard Hopkins in the Philadelphia legend’s last pro fight in December 2016 and destroyed Andrzej Fonfara inside the opening round of their clash in Chicago six months earlier.

Hooker defends his WBO Junior-Welterweight title against unbeaten challenger Mikkel LesPierre, with Hooker making the second defense of his title following his stunning victory in November, climbing off the canvas in the second round against Alex Saucedo in the challengers Oklahoma City backyard to hand a first career loss to the 24 year old in the seventh round.

Hooker (25-0-3 17KOs), who won the title on the road earlier in the year in Manchester to take Terry Flanagan’s ‘0’ in June, will add upstate New York to his travels as he targets a major hometown defense in the summer. Trinidad and Tobago born Brooklynite LesPierre (20-0-1 9KOs) fights for his first World title against Hooker.

“I want to thank Joe and his team for taking the fight as I think that our styles will make for a great fight – but I will keep my title,” said Bivol. “I’m so happy that my team have come up with a great plan for my future on DAZN, it’s an exciting new chapter in my career and I cannot wait for March 9.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and one I’ll take full advantage of,” said Smith Jr. “This is everything that I’ve worked for, really hard, for my whole life, so I’m going to give it everything I’ve got, and come March 9, I will be 100 per cent ready to take that title home.”

“I can guarantee you that I’m leaving New York City with another ‘W’ in the win column,” Hooker said. “I’m hungry to get back to competing and I’m going to put on a great show so that I can bring my belt back to Dallas for my next bout.”

“We’re very excited that Mo will be fighting in New York, giving him the opportunity to shine in the biggest city in the world,” Roc Nation Sports boxing promoter Dino Duva said. “He had an unforgettable 2018 and we’re confident that he’ll sustain that momentum in 2019.”

“It’s been a long time coming, I’ve been grinding underground out of the public eye – so when I come to fight, I go to work and get the job done,” said LesPierre.

“I took this fight in a heartbeat. I don’t listen to what people say, some might not think I deserve this shot but come March 9, I will show people that I belong at this level. I’ve moved up the rankings and put the work in – there’s no-one out there that works harder than me or wants this more than me. I’ve put myself in position to get to this point and now it’s time to shine.”

Further fights on the undercard will be announced soon.

Las Vegas – UFC® today announced that UFC® 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR generated $86.4 million in economic impact for the Las Vegas metropolitan area, according to a study conducted by research firm Applied Analysis. This marks the largest economic impact for a single UFC event measured globally to date.

UFC® 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR, which took place on Saturday, October 6, at T-Mobile Arena, set new records for attendance (20,034) and ticket revenue ($17,188,894) for UFC in Las Vegas. In addition to the $86.4 million in total economic output, the study concluded that the landmark event also contributed $17.2 million in salaries and wages and supported an estimated 414 jobs in the Southern Nevada market. Visitors attending events related to UFC® 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR were responsible for an estimated $3.7 million in public revenues in Nevada.

“During the build up to UFC 229, I said it was going to be the biggest event in UFC’s history, and now we have all the numbers to prove it,” said UFC President Dana White. “Khabib vs. McGregor smashed our records for Pay-Per-Views, social media impressions, and global viewership, and now we know it set records for economic impact here Las Vegas. None of this would have been possible without the support from the Las Vegas community and UFC’s loyal fans, the best in sports.”

Added Steve Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority: “Las Vegas has long been the fight capital of the world, and UFC 229 once again showed that combining UFC’s tremendous brand with the brand of Las Vegas is a win-win for everyone. We’re proud to be the home of UFC and to partner with them to put on some of the greatest events in the MMA world.”

UFC has been headquartered in Las Vegas since 2001 and hosts a minimum of four events annually in T-Mobile Arena, where UFC was named an Anchor Tenant in 2017.

Key Highlights of the UFC® 229: KHABIB vs. MCGREGOR economic impact study:

$86.4 million total economic output
$17.2 million total salaries and wages paid
414 jobs supported in Southern Nevada
$3.7 million total taxes paid by visitors
40% of UFC 229 visitors traveled from international locations
50% of attendees were between the ages of 21 to 34
50% of attendees reported an annual household income of $100,000 or more
One in five attendees stayed in Las Vegas for at least five days
Nearly two in five attendees reported spending more than $2,000 on non-gaming activities

About UFC®

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

NEW YORK – January 28, 2019 – Undefeated lightweights Thomas Mattice and Will Madera will face off in the new co-feature of this Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader live on SHOWTIME from Main Street Armory in Rochester, N.Y.

Mattice (13-0-1, 10 KOs) and Madera (12-0-2, 6 KOs) will meet in an eight-round co-featured bout on the telecast, which begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is headlined by the return of undefeated super middleweight prospect Ronald Ellis against once-beaten DeAndre Ware.

The Mattice vs. Madera bout was added to the telecast after unbeaten 140-pound prospect Logan Yoon suffered a knee injury while training to face Richard Zamora.

Mattice, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, returns for his fourth bout on the prospect developmental series. In his last fight, the 28-year-old fought to a split-draw in an immediate rematch with Zhora Hamazaryan on September 28 onShoBox. Mattice had edged Hamazaryan in a controversial split-decision in July and granted his opponent an immediate rematch. Prior to his first bout with Hamazaryan, Mattice had won six consecutive bouts via knockout.

The 28-year-old Madera is a native of Albany, N.Y. and was a three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion. In his toughest test to date, Madera fought to a draw with then-unbeaten Wesley Ferrer in 2017. Madera, who comes forward and presses the action, will face yet another undefeated opponent in Mattice in his national television debut.

In the opening bout of the telecast, former No. 1-ranked U.S. amateur Abraham Nova (14-0, 10 KOs) will face fellow-unbeaten Oluwaseun Joshua Wahab (16-0, 10 KOs), of Ghana, in an eight-round super featherweight bout.

# # #

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 79 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GH3 Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, are priced at $100 for VIP Ringside, $50 for Preferred Seating, $30 for General Admission and $2,000 for VIP Tables. Tickets can be purchased by calling 585-232-3221.

Vincent Feigenbutz (30-2, 27 KOs) celebrated his 30th career win on Saturday night as the German talent targets World honours following a fifth-round TKO victory over Przemyslaw Opalach (27-3, 22 KOs).

In his hometown of Karlsruhe, in front of a sold out crowd at the Ufgauhalle, Feigenbutz produced a mature performance that belied his 23 years.

Feigenbutz dominated from the opening bell with a measured yet powerful display, which saw referee Joerg Milke wave off proceedings in the fifth round following another vicious onslaught from the young German.

With 48 knockouts between them, it was unlikely that the fight, billed as ‘The Battle of Karlsruhe, would go the distance, and while Feigenbutz improved his impressive 84% knockout ratio, Opalach suffered his first knockout defeat.

With 2019 getting off to the best possible start, Feigenbutz plans to continue his impressive rise up the super middleweight ranks as he sets his sights firmly on World glory. “My goal is to fight for World titles,” said Feigenbutz. “I want to test myself against the best boxers in the world, and I believe I am ready!”

“That was another impressive performance from Vince,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland. “He showed his maturity, and proved once again, why he is one of the most fearsome punchers in the division. There are a lot of exciting fights out there for him, and as he showed tonight, he would be a serious test for any of the big names in the division. It’s now our job to make those fights happen!”

On the undercard, Araik Marutjan produced the KO of the night as he caught his resilient opponent Islam Teffahi in the final round with a devastating looping right hand that had Teffahi asleep before he hit the canvas. The impressive victory saw the Ulli Wegner trained fighter and 2016 Olympian move to 8-0.

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 28, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated featherweight sensation, Issac “Canelito” Avelar (15-0, 10 KOs), has arrived in the United States to start training with former world champions, Joel Casamayor and Bones Adams. Avelar, who is promoted by Sugar Promotions, is seeking a big fight here in the States with a notable opponent.

“I feel Canelito can take his career to the next level with Casamayor and Bones guiding his corner,” said manager Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Canelito is a very strong and skilled fighter who has a crowd-pleasing style. Right now, we are in talks with some high-profile promoters about getting him a fight here in the USA. We will know more soon, and an announcement will be made in the near future.”

“It’s been a dream of mine to have a big fight in the United States of America,” said Avelar, who hails from Aguascalientes, Mexico. “Right now, my focus is getting acclimated to the high altitude of Las Vegas. I believe in myself and I’m going to take full advantage of this opportunity. I have a great team supporting me. I’m very grateful to my manager Greg Hannley, and my promoter Oscar Vazquez, who are making this dream of mine come true.”

Issac “Canelito” Avelar captured the WBC FECOMBOX featherweight title in early February of 2018. In his last fight, Avelar scored a first round knockout, a bout that took place in his hometown of Aguascalientes, Mexico, in April of 2018.

Jake Ball has promised to knockout Craig Richards when they clash for the vacant WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title this Saturday at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The bitter rivals were scheduled to meet on the John Ryder vs. Andrey Sirotkin undercard at the Copper Box Arena in October, but a hand injury forced Ball to withdraw from the contest just days out, leaving Richards frustrated at his “embarrassing” opponent.

Ball fought once during an injury-plagued 2018, halting Philip Kotey in September, but with his hand fully recovered, ‘The Blade’ is looking to make a statement in his first fight under new trainer Dominic Ingle.

“It’s my first full camp with Dom and everything has gone really well,” said Ball. “I’ve improved all areas of my game since I moved to the Ingle Gym; speed, fitness and strength. There’s World class sparring for me with the likes of Billy Joe Saunders. To move onto that next level, you need to surround yourself with like-minded people and everyone in the gym is striving to be the best.

“I’m learning new things every day and we all push each other to our limits. It’s brilliant to be involved in such a thriving gym and I’m already feeling the benefits. I’m looking forward to getting in there and being involved in Championship fights again. It’s time to show everyone what I’ve been working on with Dom, Craig better be ready.”

The pair traded insults at a heated press conference earlier this month, where Richards labelled “No Balls’” a “time-waster” and questioned whether the Surrey man genuinely wanted to share the ring with him in October. Ball insists he is unfazed by Richard’s accusations and is predicting an early night for ‘Spider’.

“He’s dwelling on the past,” said Ball. “He keeps on sounding off about dates in October and December, but if I was him I’d only have this Saturday on my mind. He still fought and got paid in October. I was the one that missed out on a pay check through injury. I don’t know why he’s frustrated – I should be the one that’s frustrated.

“He was very mouthy at the press conference, but I saw right through it. I could see fear in his eyes when we faced off. He doesn’t want this, he knows that I’m a level above him. The only opponents he’s fought at Light-Heavyweight, apart from Frank Buglioni, are 5′ 9” journeymen.

“On Saturday he’ll be in against a massive 6’ 4” Light-Heavyweight. I’m a bigger puncher, better boxer and beat him in every department. He’s not going to know what hit him come Saturday. Actions speak a lot louder than any words I can say. Craig Richard is getting knocked out.

“I respect Craig and I know he’s a good fighter, but he isn’t as good as me and it’s as simple as that. I’m not going to talk him down though. I’m fighting Craig because he’s a decent level and I don’t want any easy knock overs. Like I say, he’s a good fighter, just not good enough.”

Ball vs. Richards is part of a huge night of action in London.

Bermondsey star Ted Cheeseman steps up again when he challenges undefeated Spaniard Sergio Garcia for the European Super-Welterweight crown.

Unbeaten British Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action as he defends his WBA Continental title against New York’s Shawn Miller.

Rising Wokingham Middleweight talent Felix Cash fights for his second professional title when he takes on Nigeria’s Abolaji Rasheed for the vacant Commonwealth strap.

Preston’s Scott Fitzgerald keeps busy in a six round contest ahead of his mouth-watering domestic clash with former GB teammate Anthony Fowler in March.

Scotland’s fast-rising Super-Middleweight talent John Docherty aims to make it three KO’s from three fights, Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley looks to go 6-0, decorated amateur Charles Frankham makes his debut at Super-Featherweight and Hammersmith Light-Heavyweight Dana Zaxo takes part in his fourth professional contest.