MUSHIN CASON AND JONNIE RICE RETURN TO THE RING THIS SATURDAY IN MEXICO

LAS VEGAS, NV (January 24, 2019) – Undefeated cruiserweight Muhsin “The Spartan” Cason (3-0, 1 KOs), and heavyweight Jonnie Rice (9-3, 5 KOs), both who are managed by Prince Ranch Boxing’s Greg Hannley, are scheduled to fight in Tijuana, MX, this Saturday Jan. 26, 2019. The two prospects will fight in separate 4-round bouts.

Cason, who is the younger brother of former two-time heavyweight world champion, Hasim Rahman, stands 6’3. Guiding his corner will be veteran boxing coach, Kevin Henry. Cason feels he has the skills to compete with anyone in the cruiserweight division.

“I’ve been sparring with some top-level guys in the gym and I’m confident in my capabilities,” said Mushin Cason, “My bother Hasim is showing me the ropes. I’m going into this fight in Mexico with bad intentions on my mind. My goal is to end this fight early.”

With former world champion Wayne McCullough guiding his corner, Jonnie Rice feels his career is about to take off. This will be the third fight with McCullough in Rice’s corner.

“All I needed was a good coach to teach me the fundamentals,” said Jonnie Rice. “I’m learning how to set everything up with my jab. The combinations I’m throwing now are deadly. This weekend I’m gunning for win number ten.”

“Johnnie and Mushin have been training hard in the gym and I’m anticipating both of them to have spectacular performances,” said Greg Hannely of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I want both of them to stay busy this year. It starts this weekend in Mexico.”

Hasim Rahman, who is also part of the Prince Ranch Boxing management team, believes Mushin can be something special in the cruiserweight division.

“My bother Mushin is getting better with each fight,” stated Rahman. “I know he has the talent to become something in this sport. He works hard and is dedicated. This Saturday he’s going to take of business.”




Crowley and McLellan All-Canadian Grudge Match Reaching the Boiling Point

The all-Canadian grudge match between CPBC Canadian and International Super Welterweight Champion Cody “The Crippler” Crowley and former Canadian champion Stuart McLellan is heating to a boil on social media, and the two freely trade insults in a newly released video.

The undefeated newcomer Crowley (16-0, 9 KOs) will defend his titles against the well-respected veteran McLellan (25-2-3, 10 KOs) in a 12-round shootout on Saturday, February 9, at the Memorial Centre in Crowley’s hometown of Peterborough, Ontario.

The event, presented by Crowley’s own CCC Promotions, is entitled “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood.”

Tickets for “Homecoming IV- Bad Blood” are priced at $62.15, $39.55 and $28.25 and are available at www.memorialcentre.ca. VIP Floor Tickets are also available through CCC Promotions (text or call 705.927.3265).

The two have been going back and forth with increasing intensity since their showdown was announced.

“He’s delusional,” says Crowley in the video. “He’s nothing but a spoiled brat,” counters McLellan.

25-year-old Crowley has become well-known in the gyms of his adopted home of Las Vegas. Working with an arm’s length list of world champions including Floyd Mayweather Jr., and having former heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman’s brother Ibn Cason as a trainer, Crowley has gained a reputation as Canada’s next big thing… a claim that the veteran McLellan strongly disputes.

“You’re not a real fighter, Cody,” says McLellan. “You know what happens when the hard worker meets a spoiled bitch, man.”

“This guy has been hating on everything I do from the moment I moved to Vegas,” responds Crowley. “The dude doesn’t know enough is enough. The only way to show him and shut him up is with my fists.”

On fight night, doors open at 6 pm, with the first fight starting at 7 pm. The Memorial Centre is located at 151 Lansdowne Street in Peterborough. The Memorial Centre is a 4,329-seat multi-purpose arena. Built in 1956, it is now home to the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League and the Peterborough Lakers of the Major Series Lacrosse league. For more information, visit www.memorialcentre.ca.




DEONTAY WILDER’S BROTHER AND HARD-HITTING TALENT MARSELLOS ADDED TO THE BIG O2 FIGHT CARD

London (24 January 2019) Poxon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) are thrilled to announce that Marsellos Wilder, the younger brother of WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay, will make his UK debut on the blockbuster show at The O2 on Saturday 23rd February, exclusively LIVE on ITV Box Office.

The first big British boxing show of 2019 and PBC’s premiere event in the UK has set the standards high and Wilder joins a huge list of star names on the show headlined with the mouthwatering clash between grudge rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr., supported with the explosive showdown between Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Joe Joyce and Former World Champion Bermane Stiverne, plus the return of Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby.

With Deontay, the “Bronze Bomber”, holding the WBC crown and coming off a thrilling fight against Tyson Fury to defend his title, fast-rising star Marsellos is creating a name for himself in the division below at Cruiserweight where he’s undefeated in three fights with two knockouts.

The 29-year-old from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, first fights this Saturday night in Brooklyn, New York, when he faces Will Florentino on the PBC show headlined by the highly-anticipated return of WBA World Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman against battle-hardened contender Josesito Lopez, televised live in the UK on ITV4.

Marsellos will then follow in the footsteps of Deontay, who stopped Olympic Champion Audley Harrison inside a round in Sheffield in April 2013, by having his first fight in the UK as he builds towards joining his older sibling in becoming a World Champion and Deontay will accompany Marsellos on his first excursion to the UK.

He said, “I feel super duper blessed. I’m grateful to get this ultimate experience to be able to go to another country and showcase my talents to another culture. I’m going to give it my all and give it my best for the fans in the UK and represent the U.S.”

“It’s going to be great to have my brother who is the Heavyweight Champion of the World to be able to watch me perform in the UK. It brings me a lot of motivation and pride to be able to perform in the UK and represent our last name. That’s amazing.”

Deontay beamed, “I think it’s a grand deal for him to be able to display his talent before the UK fans. Boxing is very popular there. It’s going to be fun to be able to root him on. It’s going to be good for him to get that experience outside of the U.S. I’m very excited for him. I’m looking forward to coming over there and being with the fans and to show support for that fact that we’re teamed with ITV and we’ll be doing PBC shows there.”

Marsellos was a highly talented football player with plans to enter the NFL, but was encouraged to enter boxing by Deontay who said he’d be perfect to fight in the Cruiserweight division with his size and athleticism.

He had a baptism of fire for the first time he ever went through the ropes when he had to spar against Deontay, then a World Champion, but it proved to be motivational moment for him and after only seven fights in the amateurs he quickly made the move to becoming a professional.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please clearly credit ITV Box Office in any published material

Late last year, ITV announced a ground-breaking new deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to ITV viewers and fight fans in the UK.

The unique collaboration is the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly in the UK. The exclusive three-year deal will guarantee a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s unrivalled group of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.

The world-class action from events for the next three years will include free-to-air broadcasts on ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.

This new deal for boxing adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of first class events, which includes exclusive free to air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.




THANDERZ TARGETS TITLES AS SHE RETURNS ON MARCH 2

Katharina Thanderz (10-0, 2 KOs) returns from injury to face Rachel Ball (4-0) as chief support for Kai Robin Havnaa’s cruiserweight showdown with Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid on March 2 at the SØR Amfi in Arendal.

Thanderz was scheduled to defend her European Super Featherweight title against Elhem Mekhaled on December 22, but suffered a herniated cervical disc in sparring, forcing her to withdraw from the contest and vacate her title.

Now fully recorded, the undefeated former EBU and WBC International Champion plans to kick-start the year with a victory over the unbeaten Brit Rachel Ball before targeting more titles in 2019.

“I’m really looking forward to fighting in Arendal on March 2. It has been several months since I was last in the ring, and I feel a huge motivation to be back again. The fact that I will be boxing in the country I was born makes it even more exciting,” says Thanderz, who currently resides Alicante, Spain.

“I was injured during a sparring session when preparing to defend my EBU title, and it was quite complicated for a while. I had to stop training completely and I was unable to spar, but I’m completely healed now. I started sparring again two weeks ago, and I feel absolutely great.

“I will be training in Spain for this fight, doing my boxing training at the Vista Gym in La Nucia with my boxing coach Jesus Labradador, and my physical exercises with Christian Marcet at Odin Athletes. We plan on bringing over two sparring partners to ensure I am one hundred percent ready for the fight. One of them is Nina Bradley from the UK, who I have trained with in the past.

“I think Rachel Ball seems like a tough fighter, and I am sure she will come well prepared to face me. She is also unbeaten at the moment, so I expect she will be hungry for victory. Nevertheless, I will be more prepared than ever, and I’m looking forward to ending the fight with 11-0 as my new record.

“My goal for the rest of the year is to have a active 2019 with several fights, get back my European Title, and then aim for some bigger belts!”

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 an eight-round super featherweight clash against Rachel Ball, Hadi Srour meets Zoltan Szabo in a six-round super lightweight contest, while middleweight Anders Eggan faces Frane Radnic over six-rounds. More undercard fights to be announced shortly.

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




Pacquiao – Broner generates 400,000 PPV buys


The Manny Pacquiao – Adrien Broner Pay-Per-View bout from Saturday generated 400,000 buys, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

With around 400,000 units sold, that means Pacquiao-Broner grossed approximately $30 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue. The official gate for the announced crowd of 13,025 has not been made official yet by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, but it will be in the seven figures.




JAIME MUNGUIA VS. TAKESHI INOUE HOUSTON MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES


HOUSTON (Jan. 23, 2019): Mexican warrior Jaime Munguia (31-0, 26 KOs) and Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue (13-0-1, 7 KOs) hosted a media workout today at The Knockout Factory in Houston, Texas ahead of their 12-round battle for Munguia’s WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. The action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial. Fans in Houston can purchase tickets starting at just $25 at ToyotaCenter.com.

Undercard fighters from the event also participated in the workout. Below is what today’s participants had to say at today’s workout:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:
“I’m really happy to be here in Houston and happy to see how they treat me here. I’m ready to defend my title and give a great fight to my fans. Thanks for your support and I hope to give you a great show this Saturday.”

“There’s a lot of competition at 154 pounds. I’m willing to fight all of them. I’m happy to start the year off early. I fight when I’m told to fight, so I’m glad that I’m already fighting in January. If they put four fights in front of me for this year, then I’ll fight four times. I’m happy to be with the two best promoters of the world, Golden Boy and Zanfer promotions. I thank them for all the support they give me.”

TAKESHI INOUE, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“I’ve always idolized the U.S. since I was little and coming here, seeing the environment and food, I was born to fit into this environment. The jet lag is gone and everything is back to normal and I feel good. I’m in good shape. In the U.S., the focus on the fighters from media and fight fans are stronger than in Japan but what doesn’t change is my desire to win the fight and I’m going to keep that the same. I’m ready for Saturday’s fight.”

JESUS ROJAS, WBA Featherweight World Champion:
“Xu Can is a great fighter and I was very happy to have another opportunity to defend my title. There will be fireworks at the ring this Saturday night.”

XU CAN, Featherweight Contender:
“I am very excited for Saturday. I was training for 10 days in Miami and feel good. I’m excited and eager to win a fight for my Chinese fans.”

VERGIL ORTIZ JR., Super Lightweight Contender:
“I’m very excited because I haven’t fought since September. I kept training, though. I only took a week off and went back to the gym. It’s an honor to be promoted by Oscar De La Hoya. He has opened a lot of opportunities for me. I hope to be a world champion by the end of the year or earlier next year.”

“What makes me different from other fighters is that I work hard every day, even if I don’t have a fight lined up. I’m always ready. A knockout would be great. But as long as I long as I look good and I get some experience, I’ll be happy.”

ALEX RINCON, Super Welterweight Prospect:
“Training camp went great! I did some good sparring and I felt fast, I got a lot of work in. I sparred with Lamont Peterson and did really good work. It feels great to be in Houston, anywhere in Texas feels like home. We have a huge fan crowd and I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

GEORGE RINCON, Super Lightweight Prospect:
“Training camp started in Texas, and it went really well. We finished in DC with Lamont Roach Sr. My weight’s good, I’m feeling strong. Houston feels like home. We have lots of family and friends. It feels great to be here, and we want to thank everyone for coming out, and especially to Golden Boy for having me and my brother here.”

Munguia vs. Inoue is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions. Rojas vs. Can is a 12-round fight for the WBA Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Universal Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN.

CREDENTIALS: Fight night credentials may be picked up from the Media Check-In doors located next to the Administration Entrance to Toyota Center on LaBranch Street and Clay Street beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Proper personal Photo ID (driver’s license or passport) must be shown to claim your credential.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Inoue are on sale now and are priced at $150, $100, $60, $40 and $25 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased online at
www.ToyotaCenter.com and by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center Box Office.

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

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying
and pasting the link http://bit.ly/January26DAZN into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.

About DAZN:
Globally, DAZN is a live and on-demand sports streaming service created by fans, for fans, that is leading the charge to provide access to sports anytime, anywhere. DAZN guarantees no long-term contract, no bundles, just one affordable price for access to all the service’s sports on connected devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, games consoles and PCs. DAZN is currently available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Italy and now the U.S. at just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial – where it is becoming a must-have service for sports fans, with a daily show featuring live look-ins to Major League Baseball games beginning in 2019 and more than 100 fight nights already lined up from Matchroom Boxing, Bellator MMA, the World Boxing Super Series, Combate Americas and the recently announced Golden Boy Promotions.

About Toyota Center:
Since opening in October 2003, Toyota Center has set a new standard for sports and
entertainment, becoming one of the premier live entertainment venues in the nation. Laid
over the span of six city blocks, Toyota Center is home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Toyota Center also plays host to the nation’s top concerts and touring shows. The arena’s playing surface is set nearly 32-feet below street level giving Toyota Center the largest lower level of any arena in the nation. Coupled with the exclusive Lexus Lounge, trendy Golden Nugget Club, Red and White Bistro’s superior food and service, Toyota Center offers something for everyone making it the hottest spot for sports and entertainment in Houston. For more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com.




KEITH THURMAN vs. JOSESITO LOPEZ FIGHT WEEK MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES


BROOKLYN (January 23, 2019) – As fight week begins for the first Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes event of 2019, welterweight world champion Keith Thurman and veteran contender Josesito López took part in a media workout at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn on Wednesday before they headline action this Saturday, January 26 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features additional participants from Wednesday’s workout including rising Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki and former title challenger Gerald Washington, who meet in a 10-round attraction, and hard-hitting featherweights Claudio Marrero and Tugstsogt Nyambayar, who meet in a 12-round showdown.

Wednesday’s event also saw unbeaten Brooklyn prospect Chris Colbert, who takes on once-beaten Josh Hernandez in PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes that begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

KEITH THURMAN

“We’re back in Brooklyn, it’s been a long time and I’m happy. I feel slim and trim. Everything is great headed into Saturday.

“I had a lot of ups and downs, but once we got into camp, we did what we had to do. We slowly improved each day and now we’re ready. It was a slow start, but we’re going to be finishing strong on Saturday.

“When I’m outside of the ring, I’m not the jealous type watching other people perform. But I feel better when I’m here living out my dream. These past weeks, I have just felt so good. I feel fantastic and ready to perform. I’m going to be an active fighter and one of the best welterweights in the world today.

“My ranking, my ‘0’ and my accomplishments haven’t gone anywhere. I’ve been out of sight and out of mind for a little, but I’m back now. You can’t block a star from shining. We’re in the galaxy and shining bright.

“I’m definitely interested in a big unification fight with Errol Spence Jr. When I first met Errol at MGM Grand years ago, I told him that it’s nice to meet him and I can’t wait to get in there and scrap it out. I’m humble, but I’m also honest. I’m a man of my word. It doesn’t matter how many years ago that I said it, but from that day to this day, it’s a true statement.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I’m confident in my abilities. Talk is cheap to me. What other people say makes no difference to me. I’ve come here to do a job and I’m going to do it.

“I know that I have a tough task ahead of me, but I also know that I can do it. I can pass this test. I’m ready for it. We’ve prepared right and everything is lined up. We worked hard for 10 weeks and now it’s time.

“It’s hard to say if Keith will be my toughest opponent, but he definitely has a great resume and is a great champion. I’ve fought some great guys but I’m taking this as the most important fight of my career.

“I think that since I started working with Robert Garcia, all of my skills are on par with Keith Thurman. Most importantly, I’m a much smarter fighter than I’ve ever been. I’m always going to be courageous in the ring, but we’ve developed a game plan where I take less unnecessary risks.

“The most important thing in my game plan is for me to dictate the pace. I need to control the ring throughout the fight. I’m prepared for however he brings the fight.”

ADAM KOWNACKI

“It’s going to be a sea of red and white on Saturday. The Polish fans are unbelievable and I can’t wait to go out there and get a knockout for them.

“I think I’ve improved my speed heading into this fight. I feel great. It’s been a long camp leading up to this huge card. I have to come out at my top condition. I made a slight statement against Charles Martin, and I’m going to make a bigger one against Gerald Washington.

“I definitely want to outdo the performances of Deontay Wilder and my friend Jarrell Miller against Washington. I want to have bragging rights. I want that knockout.

“Washington has fought contenders, good fighters and a guy I lost to in the amateurs in Nagy Aguilera. He’s proven that he’s game, and I’m expecting the best version of him. I’ll be ready.

“Boxing is a skill, not a bodybuilding contest. I proved my conditioning last fight by throwing 70 punches a round. I’m in ever better shape right and I feel great.”

GERALD WASHINGTON

“We know where we want to be and we know this is a stepping stone to getting back there. I have to take the hard road and this is it. We’re prepared, we’re ready and I’m looking forward to January 26.

“Any of the top heavyweights would be great to fight, but I’m taking it one fight at a time. This is going to be an action-packed fight.

“I have the total package. We’ll see everything I learned from my last fights and see if it makes a difference now.

“I know that Kownacki is going to come forward. I know what kind of fighter he is. I didn’t come here to lose. I came here to win and get back on the right track and into contention to win the heavyweight title.

“Styles make fights. I was doing very well in the Deontay Wilder fight, similar to what Tyson Fury was doing. This is a different type of fight. You’re going to see my skills come to life to contain this man.”

CLAUDIO MARRERO

“We went through a very serious, 10-week camp because we know that we’re here to fight a very strong fighter. I’ve taken everything to the fullest each day with intense work in training camp. I’m ready.

“We respect our opponent, but he’s coming to our weight division. I’ve been making this weight ever since I was a pro. In his last fight, he was dropped by Oscar Escandon, who’s a very good fighter, but he’s a smaller guy.

“We believe that this is the beginning of something beautiful. I’m going to be at the top of the rankings after this fight. We believe that winning this fight is going to take us back to the top level.

“I understand that this is my time to shine. I’m more focused and dedicated than I’ve ever been and it’s going to show in the ring on Saturday night.”

TUGSTSOGT NYAMBAYAR

“I feel good and strong. I’ve had a great camp and I’m ready for Saturday night. I’m going to give a great show for the fans in my Brooklyn debut.

“I put everything into camp and I’m going to show it in the ring on Saturday night. I’m here to win and show off my athleticism. I believe I can do everything in the ring.

“Claudio Marrero is a good tough contender who’s been at this level for quite some time. He’s a good boxer who can punch, so we prepared for everything. He may have more pro experience, but I believe I have more boxing experience than Marrero. I’ve seen everything throughout the world.

“Now it’s just a matter of cultivating my skills and experience into becoming a world championship fighter. In this fight, I’m going to dictate the style of the fight. It’s going to go down on my terms.”

CHRIS COLBERT

“I’m going to go out there and dominate like I always do. I don’t have any resolutions for 2019. I’m just going to do the same thing and keep being great.

“New year, same me. I’m out here chasing greatness. I’m looking to keep winning and work my way to a world title. I’m not just talk, I’m the real deal.

“I don’t believe that you can be rushed into a world title fight. I’m ready. I don’t care if I’m considered a prospect for a contender, I’m just going to show everyone that I’m no fluke. I do this differently.

“I always fight for a cause and this time I’ve got my hair dyed pink for breast cancer awareness. It’s for my mom and all of the other survivors and people going through this.”

# # #

ABOUT PBC ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES: THURMAN VS. LOPEZ
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes is headlined by the return of WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman defending his title against veteran contender Josesito López on Saturday, January 26 live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and the East Coast home of PBC. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight Adam Kownacki taking on former title challenger Gerald Washington, plus a 12-round featherweight showdown between Claudio Marrero and Tugstsogt Nyambayar.

PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and will feature junior lightweight prospect Chris Colbert taking on once-beaten Josh Hernandez in an eight-round bout, plus 2016 U.S. Olympian Antuanne Russell facing Roberto Almazán in a six/eight round super lightweight attraction, and super welterweight prospect Chordale Booker meeting Juan De Ángel for eight-rounds of action.

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

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




Pedro Moreno Makes Headlining Debut Friday, Feb. 8 on “New Blood”

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2019) – Junior welterweight Pedro Moreno (11-0, 7 KOs) makes his headlining debut on Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood” event on Friday, Feb. 8, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

The power-punching Moreno faces fellow unbeaten talent Ramon Mascarena (10-0, 5 KOs) in the eight-round main event.

Moreno, 21, hails from Sacramento, Calif. and as a 15-year-old, took home the Silver Gloves Championship in the 110-pound division. Moreno, who yielded a 50-5 record as an amateur, was also a member of the U.S. Junior Olympic team. Those accomplishments, while indeed noteworthy, pale in comparison to his most recent development.

“It means the world to me to be showcased in the main event,” said Moreno, who is trained by Marcus Caballero. “Every boxer wants to headline as quickly as possible after turning professional.”

The graduation to main event status comes after recording four impressive wins last year, the last two coming by way of knockout. Standing in front Moreno’s undefeated mark is the Chilean Mascarena, who is known for his fast starts.

“He’s going to be a tough opponent,” said Moreno. “He comes forward a lot and likes to deliver pressure. I like to fight the same way. When two fighters like to attack, you know it’s going to be a war.”

To prepare for Mascarena, Moreno, who entered the paid ranks three years ago, has been sparring with unbeaten prospects Andy Vences and Xavier Martinez.

“I’ve been putting a lot of work into this training camp,” said Moreno, who signed with Thompson Boxing last year. “I’m getting some great sparring and working on my head movement. Whatever he brings, I’ll be ready for it.”

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.

In the “New Blood” co-feature, bantamweight Mario Hernandez (8-0-1, 3 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. meets Luis Fernando Saavedra (7-6, 3 KOs) of Mexico (6-rounds).

UNDERCARD

Lightweight standout Ruben Torres (7-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles will face an opponent to be named later (6-rounds).

Local favorite Luis Lopez (5-0, 3 KOs) of nearby Corona, Calif. fights welterweight Adan Ahumada (3-6-2, 2 KOs) of Mexico (4-rounds).

Additionally, super welterweight Richard Brewart (3-0, 1 KO) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. meets Abel Reyes (4-2, 4 KOs) of Mexico in a bout set for four rounds.

Opening “New Blood” is lightweight prospect George Acosta (6-0, 1 KO) of Whittier, Calif. The unbeaten Acosta will fight an opponent to be named later (4-rounds).

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

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.




BADOU JACK TALKS MARCUS BROWNE FIGHT, THE CUT THAT BROKE THE INTERNET & UPCOMING MISSION TO THE MIDDLE EAST


LAS VEGAS (January 23, 2019) – Although two-division world champion Badou Jack dropped a decision Saturday night to fellow light heavyweight Marcus Browne, it was the courage and tenacity that he showed in fighting through what some are calling one of the worst cuts in boxing history that has had the sports world buzzing. Jack has since made it clear that his tenacity and heart is motivated by those who benefit from the work of the Badou Jack Foundation. Jack is set to embark on a goodwill mission to the Middle East today as he couldn’t wait to continue his charitable efforts overseas.

His international itinerary includes trips to the Zaatari and Baqaa Refugee Camps in Jordan and business meetings Dubai and London.

“I don’t just fight for myself, I fight for the refugee children and I was thinking of them,” said Jack. “They come from war and often don’t have any parents, so what’s a scratch on my forehead? They are going through something much worse. You have to keep fighting.”

While many were concerned with the blood that gushed from Jack’s cut round after round, the veteran fighter was able to block it out and continued to fight until the final bell. Although he was taken to the hospital immediately following the fight, Jack was unfazed by the severity of the cut, which was sewn up with nearly 100 stitches.

“I feel great right now. Things like that can just happen in the ring,” said Jack. “It was just some blood. The cut was only bothering me because I couldn’t see too well, but I was going to keep fighting no matter what. This isn’t just any other sport; its boxing. You have to fight through it.”

And fight through he has.

“I was definitely going to make my run like I have in the past,” said Jack. “I think most people in boxing know that this would have been a totally different fight. To me, it’s not a big injury. I’m fighting for a bigger cause. Those refugees aren’t going to quit, so I sure wasn’t going to either.”




SMITH VS. EGGINGTON + UNDERCARD PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES


Eddie Hearn:

“Wow – what a turnout. I love this place. Liverpool is so unique. I don’t get as many boos here as I do in most cities! We’re delighted to be here. I never thought that I’d sit next to this man on my right (Liam Smith). We’ve wanted him for about three or four years but finally Liam is where he should be, with us at Matchroom and Sky. We’re delighted to announce a major show on March 30th at the M&S Bank Arena. I think this is one of the best cards we’ve put on in Liverpool for a long time. Three really good Championship fights on the top table. It’s going to be a great night.”

Liam Smith – Liverpool, England – 26-2-1, 14 KO’s – fighting Sam Eggington in a Super-Welterweight contest:

“I’m in a vital part of my career now. I think Sam is a good opponent to get started. I wouldn’t want a big southpaw coming for my first fight under you. I’ve got to put in a performance that makes you think you’re right in signing me at this stage.

“On that note, I feel it’s a bad part of Sam to take the fight at this moment.”

On the Canelo and Munguia defeats:

“Those two fights, proper like night and day for me. Obviously the ‘Canelo’ fight, we all know how good he is – he was one, two, three steps ahead of me, everything I tried, but I’ll stay in there and tough it out with anyone, if necessary, if I can do.

“The Munguia fight, I feel the momentum killed me. I had one fight in 10 months. He had five fights in 2018. In that fight, he was very, very green, and he wasn’t experienced.

“Things that I could try early doors were just coming off, and then obviously he kicked in and I started to fade towards the back end, he didn’t.

“That’s a fight I would definitely love again down the line with momentum. That’s a big part of signing for Matchroom. I feel they’ve got the dates, enough pull around the world to keep me busy.”

Sam Eggington – Stourbridge, England – 23-5, 15 KO’s – fighting Liam Smith in a Super-Welterweight contest:
“I’m buzzing with this fight, I didn’t expect any sort of fight like this, to get someone like Liam Smith, a former World Champion.

“Like you say, I haven’t got no pressure, I’m just going to put the work in, and come up on the blind side and get a win that no-one is going to expect.

“They’ve always been good, competitive spars. Probably could have sold tickets for a few of them on their own, so come March 30, it will be a fight not to miss.”

Joe Hughes – Malmesbury, England – 17-3-1, 7 KO’s – fighting Robbie Davies Jnr. for the British and EBU European Super-Lightweight titles:

“I’m really excited to be going into such a big fight. In the past I’ve found myself get a little bit complacent if I’m not really up for a fight, if it’s not too much of a challenge, but I know this one is going to be a very big challenge. The motivation is to not only defend my European title but to win that prestigious Lonsdale belt.

“I was on a lot of small hall shows trying to shift tickets early on in my career and I’m from a small place, it was a bit of a struggle. I’m where I feel I deserve to be right now. A win here moves me further along to a shot at World honours.”

Robbie Davies Jnr. – Liverpool, England – 17-1, 12 KO’s – fighting Joe Hughes for the British and European Super-Lightweight titles:

“Everyone close to me knows what I was going through at the time of my first loss. I was in a bad place. Since that defeat I’ve rebuilt and luckily I’ve joined up with Matchroom.

“Beating Glenn Foot for the British was a real big step in my career. I could have had an easy British title defence but I want to move to that next level. My career has stagnated in the past and I’ve stayed at the same level but now it’s time to push on.

“I made sure that I had my name in contention for this fight. I’ve always wanted to be on these big shows. It’s a massive fight for me – it’s a must win.”

Anthony Fowler – Liverpool, England – 9-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Scott Fitzgerald in a Super-Welterweight contest:

“I am a level above Scott, I know that for a fact. I always have been. As soon as I was an amateur I was better than Scott and under Dave (Coldwell) I have just gone to the next level again.
“I haven’t showed it yet because it has been too easy. We’ve been saying to Eddie Hearn we want proper fights from about a year ago, but this took a long time for it to materialise. This is better for me and worse for Scott.

“I will be ready, 11st on the dot. I’ll be fully prepared and whatever Scott does I’ve got an answer for. I am just a bigger, better, stronger fighter. Five rounds… he’s going to fall.”

Scott Fitzgerald – Preston, England – 11-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Anthony Folwer in a Super-Welterweight contest:
“It’s a fight that I’m really looking forward to. I always knew this fight was going to happen. I’m the underdog going into this fight which is fine by me.

“Every day I wake up and I’m really motivated. I’m grafting at least two or three times a day, recovering and resting right. I was after this fight as soon as it was mentioned. I broke my hand in my last fight, this fight was meant to happen at the end of last year.

“I feel like I’ve turned 27 and finally grown up. Every day I’m doing what has to be done and that’s not just in the gym, I’m coming home and eating the right things and enjoying doing it because I don’t want to lose this fight. I want to win it and I know I can win it.”

David Price – Liverpool, England – 23-6, 19 KO’s – Heavyweight contest:

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s ten years to the weekend that I turned pro and I haven’t even had 30 fights yet. I haven’t got much mileage on the clock, that’s the truth. I’ve had six stoppage defeats, two of them have been genuine knockouts. The other four, I’ve kind of beat myself.

“The older I’m getting the wiser I’m getting, more mature. I do still believe that my best years are still to come. I haven’t got many years left but I am looking after myself and living the life. Heavyweights mature later in their careers.

“There’s a lot of big names in the division who all need dance partners and there’s no reason I can’t throw my name back in the mix with a couple more wins. The opportunity is here to do it and I appreciate it greatly. I intend on delivering on March 30.”

Craig Glover – Liverpool, England – 9-1, 8 KO’s – Cruiserweight contest:

“In my last fight I showed everyone a bit more of what I’m all about. Simon Vallily underestimated me. Everyone that steps in the ring with me now will know that I’m real and they won’t underestimate me. I always believed in myself. It wasn’t really a surprise beating Vallily. It was more about showing people that I’m at that level and I think moving forward I’m ready.”

Natasha Jonas – Liverpool, England – 6-1, 5 KO’s – Super-Featherweight contest:

“I know I’ve got the skills. It’s fine doing it all in the gym but you’ve got to produce it on the night. I still don’t feel like I’ve produced my best but it’s coming. Some of my biggest achievements have come after my worst failings. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring and carrying on.”

Tom Farrell – Liverpool, England – 16-1, 5 KO’s – Super-Lightweight contest:

“Hopefully I’ll get a title shot for this one. I think we’re looking at a shot at the Commonwealth or an international title. Them two up there (Joe Hughes and Robbie Davies Jnr) have got most of the titles at my weight at the minute though.

“Last year wasn’t a great year for me, it was a little bit frustrating but I’ve been patient and stayed in the gym. I’m already feeling fit and strong in the early part of camp. I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great show. I’m hoping to have an opponent named soon. I’m looking forward to the night and I’ll definitely have a belt wrapped around my waist at the end of it.”

Ged Carroll – Liverpool, England – 9-0 – Super-Lightweight contest:

“I’m just glad to be back on such a big show. Hopefully this will be the start of a big year for me. I’m hoping a big sponsor will come along and get behind me. I should get some more attention once the bigger fights come along. I’ve just got to do what I’ve got to do and carry on working hard.”

Tom Hart – Liverpool, England – making his professional debut at Light-Heavyweight:

“I’m just looking forward to it now. I had a great amateur career. I’m looking forward to getting the show on the road in the professionals. I’m lucky to be starting on such a big platform with Matchroom and Sky Sports. There’s a lot of good domestic Light-Heavyweights out there. My style is better suited to the pro game.”




Saunders re-instated; Purse bid for Andrade fight looms


Former WBO Middleweight Middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders has his suspension for a failed drug test, and now a purse bid will take place for a bout woth new champion Demetrius Andrade, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

In a letter sent to Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, Andrade’s promoter, and Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions, Saunders’ promoter, the WBO gave the camps 30 days to negotiate a deal for the bout. If they cannot come to an agreement by then, a purse bid will be held. The minimum bid was set at $200,000, though the promotional rights to the fight would likely go for millions if a purse bid takes place.




LIVE VIDEO: Munguia vs Inoue – Media Workout




March 17: Michael Conlan Set for St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza at MSG Against Ruben Garcia Hernandez


NEW YORK CITY (Jan. 23, 2019) — Michael “Mick” Conlan is set to paint the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden green on St. Patrick’s Day for a third consecutive year. The Belfast native, two-time Irish Olympian, and top featherweight prospect packed the Hulu Theater to the rafters in 2017 and 2018 and will return on Sunday, March 17 to face the battle-tested Ruben Garcia Hernandez in the 10-round main event.

Conlan-Hernandez will begin following the conclusion of the annual NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

In the co-feature, former junior featherweight world champion Jessie Magdaleno will face former junior lightweight world title challenger Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz in a 10-round featherweight clash. And, in a crossroads welterweight bout, Brooklyn native and former world champion Luis Collazo will take on Samuel Vargas in a 10-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets for St. Conlan’s Evening priced at $206, $156, $106, $81, $56, and $31 (including facility fees) go on sale Thursday, Jan. 24 at 12 p.m. ET and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at ticketmaster.com and MSG.com.

This special St. Patrick’s Day tripleheader will stream live and exclusively at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. The soon-to-be-announced undercard will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 3 p.m. ET.

“I’m excited and honored to fight at my home away from home, The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden, on St. Patrick’s Day for the third consecutive year,” Conlan said. “The fans in New York City have been incredibly supportive of my professional career, and I look forward to putting on a show for them, in addition to my great fans from Ireland who will be coming over for the party in Manhattan. Thanks very much to my team and Top Rank for this tremendous opportunity. I’ll be well prepared for victory to kick off a huge year for me in 2019.”

Conlan (10-0, 6 KOs) turned pro on St. Patrick’s Day 2017 following a storied amateur career that included gold medals at the European Championships, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games. His pro debut — in front of a capacity crowd of 5,201 and including being flanked to the ring by UFC superstar Conor McGregor — was the birth of a superstar. Conlan fought five times apiece in 2017 and 2018, most recently capturing the vacant WBO Intercontinental belt with a unanimous decision over Jason Cunningham on Dec. 22 in Manchester, England. Conlan, who captured a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics, has been dominant in the paid ranks. On St Patrick’s Day 2018, he knocked out David Berna in the second round. Hernandez (24-3-2, 10 KOs) has only been knocked out once as a pro and took four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire the 10-round distance in a 2017 bout.

Magdaleno (25-1, 18 KOs) is moving up four pounds following a world title run at 122 pounds that included one successful title defense. In his last bout, April 28 in Philadelphia, he battled Isaac Dogboe in one of the best fights of 2018. Magdaleno knocked down Dogboe in the opening round, only for Dogboe to rally for an 11th-round knockout. Diaz (24-1, 16 KOs), from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, climbed the 130-pound rankings until he earned a shot at the vacant WBO title last July 28 versus Masayuki Ito. Diaz was knocked down in the fourth round and lost a unanimous decision in a gutsy showing. He moved down to featherweight and rebounded with a first-round stoppage over David Berna on Nov. 24. Diaz is now training with the legendary Freddie Roach.

“It’s going to be that classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico battle,” Magdaleno said. “That’s the type of fight that the fans love to see! It’s two warriors that like to scrap and bring excitement, so I know I have to be 100 percent ready, and I’m ready to show the fans that I’m back!”

“Facing Jessie Magdaleno represents a new opportunity to battle against top fighters,” Diaz said. “I don’t like going the easy route. I am a warrior, and I want to face the best. That’s why I always work hard. March 17 will not be different. That will be the time to shine against the best. Magdaleno is a great challenge because he is a former world champion who will come with plans to get a victory that positions him to challenge for a world title in a second division. But that’s also what I want. I want another world title shot, and Magdaleno is in my way. I know that with the great Freddie Roach in my corner, my hunger for triumph, my willingness to leave everything in the ring, and my desire to be the best featherweight in the world, I will achieve my dream of becoming a world champion.”

Collazo (38-7, 20 KOs) is a 19-year-pro and a former welterweight world champion who has faced the likes of “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan, Andre Berto, Keith Thurman, and Victor Ortiz. One of the sport’s craftiest veterans, Collazo is coming off a well-earned decision victory over Bryant Perrella (15-1 at the time) and a sixth-round knockout against former top prospect Sammy Vasquez. Vargas (30-4-2, 14 KOs) has faced many of the welterweight division’s leading lights during his nine-year career. Last September, he knocked down Khan in the second round, but was unable to finish Khan off and lost a unanimous decision.

“I’m eager to get back in the ring and show the fans that I’m still an elite welterweight,” Collazo said. “Every time I fight, I give my blood, sweat, and tears. Brooklyn is going to be in the house on March 17. Samuel Vargas is in for a rude awakening. After I take care of business, I’m coming for all the top welterweights.”

“For a kid who came from Colombia with nothing, trying to make a name for himself and a better life for his family, fighting at Madison Square Garden feels like a dream come true,” Vargas said. “I’ve fought on some of the biggest stages in the world, but this is where every fighter envisions themselves fighting. It’s an opportunity I won’t let go to waste.”

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

Use the hashtags #ConlanHernandez and #TheConlanRevolution to follow the action on social media.

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. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports), domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie and more), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is 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 a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com




FARMER LEADS PACK OF BRISCOE AWARD WINNERS


PHILADELPHIA – Junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer has been named the “2018 Philly Fighter of the Year” and will receive the Briscoe Award on April 14, 2018. The Philadelphian also earned the award for the “Performance of the Year”, based on his title-winning effort against Billy Dib. Farmer and several other locals will be honored at the 12th Annual Briscoe Awards, a public event held at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia.

The dramatic super middleweight bout between Kalvin Henderson and Brandon Robinson was named the “2018 Philly Fight of the Year”. Henderson won the exciting struggle, but both combatants will take home a Briscoe Award.

Other winners, also determined by fan voting, include – Danny Garcia, “KO of the Year” / Christian Carto, “The One to Watch” / Jeremy Cuevas, “Prospect of the Year” / Samuel Teah, “Upset of the Year” / Paul Kroll, “Rookie of the Year” / Atif Oberlton, “Amateur of the Year”. In addition, one photographer will win a Briscoe Award for the “2018 Photo of the Year”, at the live event on April 14th.

Two honorary Briscoe Awards for lifetime achievement, will also be given at the event. Philadelphia boxing legend Stanley “Kitten” Hayward will be honored for his long and memorable boxing career, as well as his upcoming 80th birthday, and promoter J Russell Peltz will receive an honorary Briscoe to celebrate his 50th year as a boxing promoter.

The Briscoe Awards are named for Philly icon Bennie Briscoe, who had a 20-year boxing career and perfectly embodied the classic Philly fighter.

Philly Boxing History Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization and the Briscoe Awards are one of its many public programs designed to honor, remember, and celebrate local ring history in and around the City of Philadelphia.

Tickets for the April 14th event cost $10 each and are available for purchase at BriscoeAwards.com or by calling 609-377-6413. Sponsorships and program advertisements are also available, and help to fund this important public event.
For more information, please call 609-377-6413.




JOYCE FACES ACID TEST AGAINST STIVERNE AT THE O2


London (23 January 2019) Poxon Sports and PBC are delighted to announce that heavyweight sensation Joe Joyce will defend his Commonwealth title in the biggest test of his unbeaten career when he takes a gigantic leap up to confront the Former WBC World Champion Bermane Stiverne on Saturday 23rd February at The O2, exclusively live on ITV Box Office.

Joyce vs. Stiverne, promoted by Poxon Sports in association with Ringstar Sports and Don King Productions, will feature alongside the return of Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby as one of the chief-supporting contests on an action-packed show, headlined with the thrilling all-British clash between fierce rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr.

The 6ft 6in ‘Juggernaut’ from Putney, South West London, has destroyed all seven of his opponents since turning professional in October 2017 after capturing the Silver medal at the Rio Olympics and has singled himself out as one of the most feared talents in the heavyweight division.

It’s a monumental test for Joyce to be facing a former World Champion in just his eighth fight, the rock-solid and sledge-hammer hitting Stiverne, born in Montreal, Canada, of Haitian descent and based out of Las Vegas, has fought some of the biggest and best in the division, including Deontay Wilder and Chris Arreola.

The fight has added bad blood thrown in resulting from a sparring session between Joyce and Stiverne in which Joyce was angered by comments from Stiverne in an interview afterwards when he said he took Joyce to school.

Joyce said, “I had respect for Bermane Stiverne. We sparred in Las Vegas; he said he took me to school in an interview etc, it got ugly and it made this fight happen. I tried to be respectful of him, but he’s rude and was having none of it. He is a former World Champion that has gone 12 rounds with Deontay Wilder and will give me a real challenge; but my engine and my power will be too much for him, a fact he should be aware of!”

Joyce’s promoter Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports, said, “After only seven fights Joe Joyce has become the number five ranked Heavyweight in the world. But the spectacular way in which he has won all of his seven fights by knockout have made him the number one fan favourite in the Heavyweight Division. Taking on the heavy-handed Former World Champion Stiverne shows that no challenge is too big for Joe as he continues to march towards the Heavyweight World Championship. Simply put: Joe Joyce has become must see TV, so make sure to tune in on February 23 or come and watch him live at the O2 in London!”

Stiverne said, “I told my promoter Don King to get me any man on earth and I will fight for the right to prove myself to the world. Then the phone rings, it’s Don, he tells me Joe Joyce – a boxer with only seven bouts – agrees to meet me! ‘Seven bouts?’. Seven fights and he has the audacity to box me? I have stopped Chris Arreola, Ray Austin, the then undefeated Kerston Manswell – and a boxer with seven fights wants to box me?!.’ I said to Don ‘Sign it, take it, grab it,’ I’m ready. Seven fights – and he wants to box me? For me it is a dream come true – but for Joyce it will be a nightmare. I will knock out Joe Joyce and step over him to KO Anthony Joshua. I’m primed and ready. The real Bermane Stiverne will be there on February 23 and will knock out Joe Joyce en route to regaining my heavyweight crown.”

Stiverne’s legendary promoter Don King, added, “It is with my greatest pleasure that Don King Productions can announce our return to Jolly Old England – the ‘Cradle of Boxing” where my pugilistic giant – the Former Heavyweight Champion of the World Bermane Stiverne begins his comeback at the expense of the Giant Joe Joyce. Unfortunately, for the local fans of Joe there will no ‘re Joycing’ – as my once – and future champion Bermane Stiverne will slay Joyce just like St. George did the dragon of old. But no matter, we will pick up the pieces and bring back Joyce just as I have brought back and helped build many a future together. I recall when I came here with Oliver McCall and he was given no chance against Lennox Lewis. Then the underdog became the top dog when Oliver KO’d the previously unbeaten champ and we went home with the title. History will repeat itself of February 23 when Bermane sends another undefeated Englishman to defeat. Now retooled, resuscitated, renewed, rejuvenated and recommitted Bermane Stiverne will resurrect his career on February 23 when the ‘Lord of Ring” crushes the “Lord of the World” – ‘Juggernaut” Joyce on his inexorable march to regain the heavyweight championship of the world. Bless all British fans, God Save the Queen – but heaven help Joe Joyce! We will see you on February 23rd.”

WBC World Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder also put forward his thoughts on the intriguing match up, he said, “Joe Joyce will be a good test for him (Stiverne). I’ve seen Joe Joyce before. He’s a good fighter. Joe Joyce fought Joe Hanks on my undercard with Tyson Fury but I didn’t get a chance to see him fight that night. But I’m looking forward to seeing him against Stiverne.”

Richard Poxon, UK Promoter for PBC, said, “I’ve known Joe from his amateur days up in Sheffield. His success at the Olympics didn’t surprise me at all. He’s transitioned well to the pros now and is clearly in a hurry. The heavyweight division is the one that everyone is looking at again and I fully expect Joe to be in the thick of the action in the coming year. Taking on a former WBC World Champion in only your eighth fight clearly shows what Joe’s ambitions are.”

Since embarking on his pro career in his quest to become World Heavyweight Champion, the quietly spoken Joyce has let his destructive fists do the talking in making bold statements to make the boxing world sit up and take notice of the fast-rising star.

In October 2017 he astounded critics when he choose to fight the hardened Former British title challenger Ian Lewison, who had just extended big-punching Dillian Whyte to ten rounds, for his pro-debut and pounded him down in eight rounds.

Then in only his fourth fight with only 12 rounds under his belt and inside seven months of turning pro, Joyce demolished the Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Lenroy Thomas in just two rounds – setting a new record by heavyweight boxer to win the Commonwealth belt.

In his last fight, American fights fans got a brief taster of what the British star is all about when he smashed through Joe Hanks in a round to win the WBA Continental title at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles in making his glittering U.S debut.

Joyce, now ranked #5 in the world by the WBA and progressing quickly towards a World Title shot, faces unquestionably his sternest career test to date against the vastly experienced and equally big-hitting Las Vegas based Haitian who has knocked out 21 opponents of his 25 wins in his 29 fight career.

Stiverne formerly held the WBC crown for two years after defeating Chris Arreola on points in April 2013 to win the title and then in the rematch destroying him inside six rounds in the first defence of the title in May 2014.

The rock solid Stiverne then pushed the dynamite-punching Deontay Wilder the full twelve round distance in the next defence of his WBC World Heavyweight title clash in January 2015. Stiverne became the first man to take Wilder beyond who at that point had obliterated all his opponents inside four rounds. In the rematch nearly three years later, Stiverne stepped in at the last minute when Wilder’s original opponent Luis Ortiz failed a drugs test and due to his inactivity was stopped in a round.

Stiverne is now looking to return to the elite heavyweight mix and a victory over Joyce would propel him back into the limelight and on course towards a potential world title opportunity.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please clearly credit ITV Box Office in any published material

Late last year, ITV announced a ground-breaking new deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to ITV viewers and fight fans in the UK.

The unique collaboration is the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly in the UK. The exclusive three-year deal will guarantee a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s unrivalled group of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.

The world-class action from events for the next three years will include free-to-air broadcasts on ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.

This new deal for boxing adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of first class events, which includes exclusive free to air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.




VIDEO: Smith v Eggington press conference




Team Lakay’s Geje Eustaquio Thrives On Pressure To Become A Better Athlete

24 January, 2019 Manila, Philippines : When Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio sets foot on the ONE Championship stage to compete, the Filipino superstar is the picture of composure.

However, the ONE Flyweight World Champion admits there are plenty of thoughts that run through his mind each time he takes on a new challenge.

“It’s normal for athletes to feel pressure because there is an expectation from coaches, teammates, and fans for us competitors to win and perform to the best of our ability,” he explains.

“Pressure is a mental weight that we have to carry and deal with prior and during our matches. It will either make you or break you.”

Despite the pressure whenever he straps on four-ounce gloves, pacifying it seems to be the forte of the 29-year-old native of Baguio City, Philippines.

“I handle pressure by remembering the dreams that I want to achieve. By simply going to the gym, it gives me an assurance that all will be well,” Eustaquio says.

According to Eustaquio, what has helped him the most in his professional career has been the way he approaches the mental aspect of his preparation.

“I do a lot of visualization to prepare for my fights, so I’m mentally prepared as well as physically prepared,” he states.

“When I get in there, I’ve studied my opponent, I’ve dreamt about my opponent, and I’ve seen my opponent in my head several times before the fight even starts.”

Chalking up to a simple martial arts philosophy of treating pressure as a training partner, Eustaquio believes that it also serves as an eye-opener for martial artists like him.

“Sometimes, pressure makes good champions see the positives. It is very hard to keep away from the negativity, but true champions take the negatives and turn them into positives,” he conveys.

Eustaquio looks to have a few more proud moments as the lionized kingpin of the flyweight division, beginning on Friday, 25 January as he faces Brazil’s Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes in the first trilogy bout in ONE Championship history.

Both men are set to collide in the main event of ONE: HERO’S ASCENT, which emanates from the 20,000-capacity Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Eustaquio and Moraes first met when they squared off for the inaugural ONE Flyweight World Championship at ONE: RISE OF THE KINGDOM in September 2014.

On that occasion, it was Moraes’ superior grappling skills that earned him the victory, submitting the Filipino with a second-round guillotine choke.

They met again in a grueling title unification contest at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER in June 2018, where Eustaquio earned two of the three judges’ favor to win via razor-thin split decision and emerge as the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion.

Although a victory over Moraes can solidify his status as one of the top flyweights in the world, Eustaquio is more after showcasing his improvement, and that is the kind of pressure he claims he thrives under.

“I have fought Adriano twice. For me, the pressure is not about winning or losing to a talented athlete like him,” he reveals. “The pressure is all about getting better for our upcoming fight.”

“I am ready to show the world my development and the new things I learned in the span of six months.”




Unbeaten Prospect Stephen Fulton & Welterweight Contender Miguel Cruz Enter The Ring In Separate Undercard Attractions Saturday, January 26 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn in Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions


BROOKLYN (January 22, 2019) – Unbeaten rising prospect Stephen Fulton and welterweight contender Miguel Cruz will step into action in separate undercard attractions on Saturday, January 26 as part of an exciting night presented by Premier Boxing Champions from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Cruz (17-1, 11 KOs) will take on Colombia’s Luis Florez (24-11, 20 KOs) in a six or eight round welterweight attraction while Fulton (14-0, 6 KOs) faces Colombia’s Marlon Olea (13-3, 12 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight showdown.

The event is headlined by the return of WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman defending his title against veteran contender Josesito Lopez in PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes action that begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

Rounding out the card are a trio of unbeaten prospects as Clarksburg, Maryland’s Mark Duncan competes in a four-round middleweight fight against Daniel Flores, Landover, Maryland’s Tyrek Irby (5-0, 2 KOs) takes on Jonathan Figueroa in a four-round welterweight attraction and Mychal Teal out of St. Petersburg, Florida steps into the ring for a four-round battle against Jacob Landin.

The 24-year-old Fulton fights out of Philadelphia and will be making his Barclays Center debut when he steps into the ring Saturday night. Fulton has defeated previously unbeaten fighters in five of his last eight contests and most recently vanquished his most experienced opponent to date in German Meraz last September.

Fighting out of Lake Mary, Florida, Cruz returns to action after losing an exciting duel against Josesito Lopez last April. A member of the Puerto Rican national team as an amateur, the 28-year-old owns victories over then unbeaten fighters in Alex Martin and Samuel Figueroa.

# # #

ABOUT PBC ON FOX & FOX DEPORTES: THURMAN VS. LOPEZ
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes is headlined by the return of WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith Thurman defending his title against veteran contender Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ and the East Coast home of PBC. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment.

The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight Adam Kownacki taking on former title challenger Gerald Washington, plus a 12-round featherweight showdown between Tugstsogt Nyambayar and Claudio Marrero.

PBC Prelims on FS1 and FOX Deportes begin at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and will feature junior lightweight prospect Chris Colbert taking on once-beaten Josh Hernandez in an eight-round bout, plus 2016 U.S. Olympian Antuanne Russell facing Roberto Almazán in a six/eight round super lightweight attraction, and super welterweight prospect Chordale Booker meeting Juan De Ángel for eight-rounds of action.

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

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




MANNY PACQUIAO vs. ADRIEN BRONER TO AIR ON SHOWTIME® ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 10:30 P.M. ET/PT


NEW YORK – January 22, 2019 – Saturday’s welterweight world championship between Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner will air on SHOWTIME this Saturday, January 26 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The WBA welterweight champion Pacquiao delivered a dominant performance to earn a unanimous decision victory over Broner last Saturday night in Las Vegas on SHOWTIME PPV®.

The delayed telecast of Pacquiao vs. Broner will be followed later that evening by the premiere of ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER EPILOGUE. The Sports Emmy® award-winning “EPILOGUE” spotlights the immediate buildup to fight night, goes inside the ropes during the fight and reveals the dramatic aftermath of world championship boxing like no other show on television.

The pilot episode of BLACK MONDAY, a new comedy series starring Don Cheadle, Andrew Rannells and Regina Hall, will immediately follow the delayed telecast of Pacquiao vs. Broner. ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER EPILOGUE will premiere following the encore presentation of BLACK MONDAY.




CHEESEMAN: FOWLER IS SMALL FRY ONCE I’VE GOT THE EUROPEAN TITLE

Ted Cheeseman says Super-Welterweight rivals Anthony Fowler and Scott Fitzgerald must “step up to the plate” and “earn the right” to face him as he prepares for the biggest test of his career next week in London.

The Bermondsey star jumps up in class again when he challenges undefeated Spaniard Sergio Garcia for the EBU European crown at The O2 on February 2, shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Former GB teammates Fowler and Fitzgerald put their unbeaten records on the line when they clash in one of the most highly-anticipated domestic showdowns of the year in March, with a potential shot at Cheeseman’s British title on the line, but the champ is looking to step up again once he wins the European title.

“Once you win a European title, there’s only one step up after that,” said Cheeseman. “When you turn pro, your goal is to become a World Champion. If I win this fight on February 2, and I’m very confident that I will after studying my opponent’s style, I’m basically in line for a World title shot.

“Garcia is ranked highly with the governing bodies. Once I win this European title I’m going to have a top five World ranking with most of them, or top ten at least. He’s number 4 in the WBC rankings so I’ll take that top five spot with them. When I win next week, the World will be my oyster and I’ll only be looking ahead of me.”

‘The Big Cheese’ is on an upward trajectory after outpointing Asinia Byfield in an all-action battle for the Lonsdale belt at the Copper Box Arena in October. A fight with Liverpool’s Fowler is in high demand with the British public, and Cheeseman has previously expressed his desire to settle his feud with ‘The Machine’, but the 23-year-old wants to keep his options open ahead of a huge 2019.

“There’s a lot of potential fights being talked about and I want them to happen, but all of my focus is on performing well against Garcia and getting the win. Fowler is small fry once I’ve got the European title. What does he bring to the table, a 9-0 record against journeymen? What has he actually done? Fowler needs me, not the other way round.

“Both him and Fitzgerald need to step up to the plate and do something to earn the right to face me. They’ve got to bring something to the table. I’ll be British and European Champion with top five World ranking. What do they bring to the table? I’d need to make sure that a fight with Fowler or Fitzgerald isn’t just good for them, it’s good for me as well.

“This game is all about opportunities. There’s some massive fights to be made but it’s got to be the right opportunity for me. Maybe the Fowler fight gets made, maybe it doesn’t. Liam Smith just signed with Matchroom, he’s another Super-Welterweight. Kell Brook is in my weight class now. They are looking for other British opponents and I’m the main man on the domestic scene. These are all fights that could happen later this year.”

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

Unbeaten British Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action after his win over Matty Askin at Wembley Stadium in September.

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

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

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.

Tickets for February 2 priced at £30, £50, £80 and £150 are (VIP) available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)




MATCHROOM BOXING ITALY AND OPI SINCE 82 HEAD TO MILAN

Matchroom Boxing Italy, Opi Since 82 and DAZN are delighted to announce the second instalment of their historic eight-year joint venture in Italy.

Following the huge success of their inaugural event at the Teatro Obi Hall in Florence in November, the trio will host a night of Championship Boxing at the Superstudio in Milan on March 8, shown live on DAZN.

Three title fights top a stacked nine-fight card that features an array of emerging Italian talent.

Rozzano’s undefeated Super-Middleweight talent Daniele Scardina (15-0, 14 KO’s) fights for his second professional title takes on Finnish Super-Middleweight Champion Henri Kekalainen (11-5, 5 KO’S) for the IBF International crown.

Ukraine’s rising Welterweight powerhouse Maxim Prodan (15-0, 14 KO’s) gets his first title shot when he meets former Belgium Super-Lightweight Champion Steve Jamoye (25-6-2, 5 KO’s) for the IBF International Welterweight title.

In the evening’s third title fight, Milan’s former World title challenger Vissia Trovato (12-1, 5 KO’s) takes on Mexico’s Erika Cruz Hernandez (9-1, 3 KO’s) for the WBC World Silver Featherweight title.

As part of the landmark partnership, Matchroom Boxing Italy, Opi Since 82 and DAZN are determined to rebuild boxing in the country and inspire a new generation of fighters by showcasing the best up-and-coming talent.

Verbania’s Super-Middleweight starlet Ivan Zucco (6-0, 5 KO’s) aims to impress in his first televised bout, former Italian Welterweight Champion Dario Morello looks to extend his unbeaten run to 14-0, Roma’s Super-Welterweight Mirko Natalizi (3-0, 2 KO’s) takes part in his fourth pro contest, with action elsewhere from 6-0 Super-Middleweight Marzio Franscella and Novara Super-Welterweight Samuel Nmomah (9-0, 3 KO’s).

Swindon’s former World title challenger Jamie Cox (25-2, 14 KO’s) fights in Italy for the first time as he aims to get his career back on track following defeats to George Groves and John Ryder.

Ticket details will be announced soon.

“I’m excited to promote our first show in Milan,” said Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing Managing Director. “It’s a stacked card full of exciting match ups with the hugely popular and exciting Daniele Scardina topping the card. We had a great start in Florence and we expect another sold out Arena in Milan.”

Salvatore Cherchi of OPI Since 82 said: “After a successful night in Florence we are back in Milan with the second show of the partnership with Matchroom Boxing Italy and DAZN. Milan has a very important boxing tradition and in the last four years we kept it alive promoting 28 shows at Teatro Principe. We are Looking forward to a great night of boxing on March 8.”

“We are very happy to bring boxing back to Milan, a city that includes sports among its greatest excellences, especially within a unique location that has always been linked to great international fashion and design events that animate the city every year,” said Veronica Diquattro, Executive Vice President of DAZN Italy. “Together with our partners, the goal is to reawake the excitement and interest around boxing in Italy, trying to bring more people close to this sport.”




Video: Pacquiao vs. Broner Post-Fight Interviews




Split-T Management’s Vikas Krishan and Janelson Figueroa Bocachica Score Big Wins This Past Weekend

NEW YORK (JANUARY 22, 2019)-Two prized prospects under the Split-T Management banner scored big wins this past weekend.

Two-Time Indian Olympian, Vikas Krishan made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Steven Andrade in a scheduled six-round junior middleweight bout on night Friday at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

On Saturday, Janelson Figueroa Bocachica ran his record to 13-0 as he notched his 9th stoppage with a 1st round blowout of Victor Abreu in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

Krishan was impressive as he applied intense pressure over the six-fight veteran Andrade. In round two, the high-volume punching Krishan broke down Andrade with fast combinations that forced the referee to stop the bout at 2:31 of the 2nd stanza.

Krishan is promoted by Top Rank.

Bocachica, who resides in Detroit, MI returned to his native land of Puerto Rico and impressed the audience with an explosive performance to continue the dominant run of his professional career.

The 20 year-old Bocachica started the fight very aggressively by throwing straights and hooks to the body and head, eventually dropping Abreu at the end of the 1st round with a right uppercut. Although Abreu got up at the bell, he decided he didn’t want anymore, and retired in the corner.




NEW ENGLAND SLATED TO REPRESENT AT SATURDAY’S SLUGFEST AT THE SUN

Uncasville, CT., January 22, 2019

Four Connecticut fighters will put their boxing and punching skills on display at “Slugfest at the Sun”, on a show headlined by bangers CLETUS SELDIN and ADAM MATE. The excitement, action, and fun will all occur at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut on January 26th, on a card also featuring Star Boxing’s talented fighters DAVID PAPOT (22-0 3KO’s, Saint Nazaire, FR) against COURTNEY PENNINGTON (12-3-2 5KO’s, Brooklyn, NY) as well as RONNIE AUSTION (10-0 7KO’s, Las Vegas, NV). The entire thrilling night of boxing is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

The best known of the Connecticut boxers, East Hartford’s “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO, (9-0, 3KO, Hartford, CT) will put his undefeated record on the line against RONALD RIVAS (5-8-2, 3KO). Laureano is coming off a successful 2018, in which he notched three consecutive victories, and earned the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame’s “Professional Boxer of the Year,” honors. He earned the nickname “Action” for his relentless come forward style and as always, Laureano intends to put on an exciting show from start to finish on the 26th.

Star Boxing’s ANGEL SUAREZ (8-2, 3KO, San Juan, PR), will face off against WILLIAM FOSTER III (8-0 6KO) of New Haven, Connecticut. After a slow start to his pro career, Suarez has come into his own, having reeled-off seven consecutive victories. Foster, boasts a strong amateur background, having won the Youth Super featherweight title and is a three time New England Golden Gloves champion. Foster last fought at Mohegan Sun on June 30th, in a bout that was ruled a no contest due to an accidental headbutt. Having combined for 15 consecutive victories, in bouts in which official decisions were rendered, these are two red-hot fighters who will create a firestorm in the ring on Saturday night. The winner of this bout will be crowned the JR. NABF SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION.

Two more fighters from Connecticut, both new to the professional ranks, will also be featured on the card. JACOB “LEFTY” MARRERO, was a USA Boxing Connecticut amateur of the year winner and sports a fine amateur record of 58-7. He now trains out of the Ortiz Boxing Gym, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was victorious in his pro debut in October 2018 in a bout in which he won by knockout. “Lefty,” as he has been nicknamed, due to his powerful left hand, will look to make it two in a row against ZSOLT KARVAJ (3-2, 2KO, Budapest, Hungary), the stablemate of headliner Adam Mate.

NATHAN MARTINEZ (1-0, New Britain, CT) is also new to the professional ranks. He also has a fine amateur pedigree. A 2015 qualifier for USA Boxing Junior Olympic Northeast Regional Championships, Nathan won the Thomas Costello Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding Boxer at the 71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship. He looks to notch his second pro victory against JERROD MINOR (1-2-2, 1KO, Philadelphia, PA)

Come join us on January 26th and root on the local Connecticut boxers on the card or another of your own personal favorites. It should be a night of compelling action, dramatic knockouts and fine boxing skills.




SROUR: “I WILL PLAY WITH HIM FOR FIVE ROUNDS, THEN SHUT HIM DOWN IN THE SIXTH”

Hadi Srour (2-0, KOs) returns to the professional ring on March 2 at the SØR Amfi in Arendal to face Zoltan Szabo (25-15, 11 KOs) on the undercard of Kai Robin Havnaa’s cruiserweight showdown with Rad ‘Thunder’ Rashid.

Srour is one of Norway’s most exciting boxing prospects with over 100 amateur wins to his name, and has successfully transitioned to the professional ranks with stoppage victories over Michael Mooney and Artur Zemlianyi.

The Tønsberg-boxer will now test his skills against Hungary’s Zoltan Szabo, who recently went the distance with 2016 Olympic Gold medallist Daniyar Yeleussinov, has stopped Stephen Ormond inside five rounds, and proved a tough test for top UK prospects Ohara Davies and Robbie Davis Jnr.

Despite his opponent’s pedigree, the 23 year-old Srour says he is confident in his ability and plans to continue his one hundred percent stoppage streak, even going so far as to predict in which round he will end the fight.

“I’m looking forward to fighting in Arendal and performing in front of a packed out crowd at the SØR Amfi on March 2,” said Srour.

“Since my last professional fight, I’ve been to three international tournaments in Turkey, Finland and Serbia. I’ve boxed nine fights against top boxers and won seven of those. I’ve also knocked out two boxers in these tournaments, which shows how my style has changed since turning professional.

“I’ll be coming into this fight in my best shape ever, so expect fireworks. I started my training camp sparring IBF Youth World Champion Enock Poulsen, and next week, I’m starting an international training camp with some of the best boxers in the world, so I couldn’t ask for better preparations.

“Szabo is a huge step up for me, but everyone loves a gamble, and I trust my skill set, so let’s go. I like to take my time in the ring so I can showcase my skills. I will play with him for five rounds, then shut him down in the sixth. Get your tickets now and buckle up because it’s going to be a wild ride!”

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.

Hadi Srour meets Zoltan Szabo in a six-round super lightweight contest.

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




BOWEN IN FOR A TOUGH NIGHT SAYS WOODSTOCK

Leicester boxer Lyon Woodstock (11-1) has taken a swipe at British super featherweight champion Sam Bowen (14-0) as he eyes up a future clash against his fellow Leicester native.

Both fighters will be in action in Leicester on Saturday February 23rd at the Morningside Leicester Arena with the British champion, Bowen, headlining the event when he defends the Lonsdale belt against Dundee’s Ronnie Clark.

Ronnie Clark created an upset last year when he beat undefeated prospect Zelfa Barrett against the odds and 25-year-old Woodstock believes Clark could prove to be a challenging opponent for Bowen when they meet next month.

“I think it’s going to be a tougher fight than what people are thinking to be honest.

“I don’t think Sam is going to blow Ronnie Clark away, he’s not a pushover like that, he’s a good fighter. He’s been in combat for a while now so I can’t see him just getting blown away by Sam.

“I feel like Sam will try that and when he sees it doesn’t work and Ronnie is there laughing at his face, we’ll start seeing what Sam Bowen really is about.”

Bowen introduced himself to the BT Sport cameras last time out when he stopped Argentinian Haracio Alfredo Cabral in the fourth round by a brutal body shot in October 2018 to add the WBO Intercontinental title to his belt collection.

On the same show, Woodstock lost his WBO European title to Archie Sharp in a close, entertaining contest and will have the opportunity to get back to winning ways on February 23rd.

Victory will set the Beaumont Leys fighter back on course towards big, domestic showdowns; with Bowen and his British title certainly on his radar. A potential clash between the two would feel like a long time coming for Woodstock.

“We offered him the fight twice in the amateurs.” He recollects.

“Remember that he’s had over a hundred fights [Bowen 93-17 as an amateur] and the first time we offered him the fight I’d only had sixteen and they weren’t keen on it.

“I got rated third in the country and I only had twenty-something fights and he’s had over a hundred and he’s never even got to that, so it speaks for itself.

“I know my own levels and what I’m capable of and what I’m going to be able to do when that fight comes. It’ll be a good fight and it would be a fan favourite fight because a lot of these Leicester people are divided between Woodstock and Bowen.

“I don’t believe that Sam Bowen is a great boxer. I believe he’s tough, he’s game, he’s fit and can punch, but that’s it.”

Headlining the show at the Morningside Arena is the British super featherweight title showdown between the champion Sam Bowen from Ibstock in Leicestershire and Ronnie ‘The Shark’ Clark from Dundee. Co-headlining the show will be light heavyweight Anthony Yarde as he takes on former European champion Mehdi Amar.

Local fighters CJ Challenger and Kyle Haywood do battle for the vacant Midlands Area super welterweight title, with Lyon Woodstock, Ryan Garner, Tommy Fury, Ryan Hatton and Mark Chamberlain also featuring on the card.

Tickets priced at £40, £60, £100 & £150 are available and on sale NOW via Eventbrite.




GEJE EUSTAQUIO AND ADRIANO MORAES FACE-OFF AT ONE: HERO’S ASCENT OFFICIAL KICK-OFF PRESS CONFERENCE

22 January 2019 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), in cooperation with City of Dreams Manila, held the ONE: HERO’S ASCENT Official Kick-Off Press Conference last Tuesday, 22 January..

Ticket information for ONE: HERO’S ASCENT is available at www.onefc.com.

Photo: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WfZAZJLYoPVvV6gx7tvMypGR6gffmps1

In attendance was Mr. Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, Mr. Michael Ziemer, Vice President for Hotels and Food and Beverage at City of Dreams Manila, reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio, and former ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes.

Also in attendance were some of the athletes set to compete at ONE: HERO’S ASCENT, which emanates from the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on Friday, 25 January. Athletes included Honorio “The Rock” Banario, Lowen Tynanes, Danny “The King” Kingad, Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada, Fahdi “The Gladiator” Khaled, and Rodtang “Iron Man” Jitmuangnon.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated:

“ONE Championship was built by a martial artist, for martial artists. I understand the athletes and what they go through each and everyday. I am very proud to be standing here alongside them as their CEO and Chairman. When I look at this card and these incredible athletes, I am so fired up. This is going to be an amazing evening. As the world’s largest stage of martial arts competition, all ONE Championship wants to do is showcase the very best. See you all at the Mall of Asia Arena this Friday night.”

Geje Eustaquio, ONE Flyweight World Champion, stated:

“15 years ago I made the biggest decision of my life to pursue martial arts. No one believed that I would be standing here in front you all as a World Champion. But now, I have learned throughout my career and my training that the word impossible doesn’t exist. With the help of my coach and my team, we have achieved success. If I listened to those who were saying I wouldn’t make it, I would not be standing here in front of you all today. This Friday night, me and Adriano [Moraes] will make history in the first ever trilogy bout in ONE Championship. I invite you all to come and watch.”

Adriano Moraes, former ONE Flyweight World Champion, stated:

“I would like to say first thank you to ONE Championship for the opportunity. The Adriano that fought Geje in the last match, I can say with confidence that it wasn’t me. I wasn’t myself in that bout. This time, I have prepared very well for this third bout. Whatever happens, I am ready to give my best. This is going to be a good fight. I am looking forward to it.”

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

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




Charr to finally defend against Oquendo

After what seems like years of stops and starts, Manuel Charr has been ordered to defend his secondary WBA Heavyweight title against Fres Oquendo, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Although VADA and the WBA had reason to assume that Charr did not intend to have a representative attend the opening and testing of the B sample, Charr claims that his requests regarding the B sample testing were not acknowledged,” the WBA wrote in its resolution, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN. “Regardless of the disputes over communications and notice, Charr did not have a representative attend the B sample testing. Charr provided a third sample to VADA on Sept. 29, 2018, and the sample tested negative, according to a VADA communication of Nov. 6 2018.”

“Because of the lapse of time since the taking of the A and B samples and the communication issues alleged by Charr, the suspension is recalled,” the WBA wrote. However, the lifting of the suspension was subject to certain conditions.

“As the exclusive co-promoters of Fres Oquendo, Square Ring and Hitz Boxing intend to comply with the WBA resolution, and as we already have an agreement in place with the Charr camp and the money is already in escrow in the United States, the only thing we need to do now is set the date and the site of the fight,” Square Ring promoter John Wirt told ESPN on Monday night.




EUBANK JR. WORKS OUT WITH TRAINER VASQUEZ

London (21 January 2019) Chris Eubank Jr has locked himself away in his Brighton gym with coach Nate Vasquez as he prepares for his impending war with 168 pound rival James DeGale to finally settle their years of feuding once and for all at The O2 on Saturday 23rd February, exclusively live on ITV Box Office.

Eubank Jr. has brought in the Mexican, Las Vegas based, trainer Vasquez to his south coast headquarters and is working alongside the experienced wise hand of Ronnie Davies, the integral camp member who formerly trained his father Eubank Snr., and who will oversee the whole camp.

The single-minded and determined Eubank Jr. has always insisted that he has trained himself for his fights, but with losses to Billy Joe Saunders and more recently George Groves, Eubank Jr. realises that his career is on the line in the crucial clash against DeGale and needed to make a change.

‘Next Gen’ met Vasquez at Floyd Mayweather’s Las Vegas gym last year where he is a resident coach and the pair gelled after initial talks and training sessions together. Vasquez was a former standout amateur and professional boxer and has worked with a number of prospects at Mayweather’s TMT outfit, including super-middleweight Kevin Newman II and Former WBC World Flyweight title challenger Muhammad Waseem.

Eubank Jr. has flown Vasquez over to England and put him into accommodation in his house along with a specially selected sparring partner as they work towards defeating the Two-Time IBF World Champion DeGale.

“Training is going great with Nate and I feel that I’m learning and improving all the time, he’s brought a new dimension into my camp that I’ve probably needed,” said Eubank Jr.

“I certainly don’t regret anything I’ve done or what’s happened in my career, everything happens for reason and I’m my own man and shape my own destiny, but this is a big fight coming up and I felt a change was necessary so I’m happy to have Nate in the team,”

“I enjoy working with Nate and we got on well together when I met him in Las Vegas last summer and we have good chemistry. The things he was saying and telling me made sense and I feel they will make a big difference in the outcome of my fight against DeGale,”

“He works alongside my long-time trainer Ronnie who oversees my preparations and I use his boxing wisdom and experience all the time, I believe that I have a great team around me now with a blend of youth, energy and knowledge that will take me to victory against DeGale.”

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

Late last year, ITV announced a ground-breaking new deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to ITV viewers and fight fans in the UK.

The unique collaboration is the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly in the UK. The exclusive three-year deal will guarantee a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s unrivalled group of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.

The world-class action from events for the next three years will include free-to-air broadcasts on ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.

This new deal for boxing adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of first class events, which includes exclusive free to air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.




Pacquiao suffered Scratched Cornea in Broner fight; House gets Burglarized

Jan 18,2019 – Las Vegas ,Nevada – MGM Grand
photo credit : Chris Farina – Mayweather Promotions

WBA Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao suffered a scratched cornea during his bout with Adrien Broner on Saturday night. During the fight, his home in Los Angeles was burglarized, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“He had a patch on his eye and was told it was a scratched cornea and they put an antibiotic ointment in his eye,” Said Pacquiao’s publicist Fred Sternburg said.

As for the Burglary, “They think it happened on fight night,” Sternburg said. “They’re gathering information and taking inventory and the police are investigating. It’s an upsetting situation. They don’t know what’s been stolen, if anything.

“(The burglars) basically went in and ransacked the senator’s bedroom. It seems like they found nothing and then they bailed,” Sean Gibbons of MP Promotions said.