FRESNO, Calif (Jan. 16, 2019) —Ray Beltran’s road back to title contention begins Sunday, Feb. 10. The former lightweight world champion will face the unbeaten Hiroki Okada in a 10-round super lightweight fight as the co-feature to the Jose Ramirez-Jose Zepeda super lightweight championship bout at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.

Ramirez-Zepeda and Beltran-Okada will headline a special Top Rank on ESPN card beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

The entire undercard, including the super bantamweight showdown between Genesis Servania and the undefeated Carlos Castro, will stream live beginning at 4 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.

“I am excited about 2019, and this camp has been a great way to start my journey to another world title opportunity,” Beltran said. “If it’s at 140, then I will be a two-division world champion, and if it’s at 135, then I will be a two-time lightweight champion. I will leave that to Top Rank and my manager, Steven Feder. I made some changes and am now working with Marvin Somodio, who for many years learned from the great Freddie Roach. Marvin and my longtime strength coach, Bryan McComb, are bringing me back to the skills and basics that got me here. I’m a boxer, I’m a prizefighter, and that’s what my fans will see Feb. 10.”

“To challenge for the world title, I’ve got to beat Beltran,” Okada said. “As a former world champion, I know he’s highly skilled. I know he’s tough, so I’ll be prepared for a good fight. It’s an honor to be able to fight him, and I’m confident that I will win. I’ve watched his fights on video, and I believe in my power coming into this fight.

Beltran (35-8-1, 21 KOs) fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2018 when he captured the WBO lightweight world title with a bruising unanimous decision over Paulus Moses in Reno, Nev. A seasoned pro who made his name as a sparring partner to the stars, Beltran began his career 5-2 and didn’t receive his first world title shot until Sept. 7, 2013. On that evening in Glasgow, Scotland, he was saddled with a highly controversial draw versus hometown favorite and WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns. Beltran lost a wide points decision to pound-for-pound great Terence “Bud” Crawford the following year but rebounded with a six-bout unbeaten streak heading into the Moses bout.

Beltran’s world title reign ended on Aug. 25 of last year, as Jose “Sniper” Pedraza put forth a virtuoso boxing clinic to win the title via unanimous decision. After spending most of his career as a lightweight, Beltran will move up five pounds to face Okada (19-0, 13 KOs), a former Japanese super lightweight champion who is ranked in the top 10 at 140 pounds by all four major sanctioning organizations. Okada fought twice in 2018, most recently notching a well-earned split decision verdict against Cristian “El Zorro” Coria on Sept. 14 in Fresno.

Headlining the ESPN+ stream will be Servania (32-1, 15 KOs), a 27-year-old Filipino who proved his world-class status during his 2017 featherweight world title challenge against Oscar Valdez. Servania and Valdez traded knockdowns in one of the year’s best fights, with Valdez retaining his title by unanimous decision. Servania has won three in a row since the Valdez war, including a third-round knockout over Carlos Carlson on Sept. 28 in Oakland, Calif. Castro (21-0, 9 KOs), a Phoenix native, is an all-action fighter who cut his teeth with nearly 200 bouts in the amateur ranks. In his last bout, Aug. 25 on the Pedraza-Beltran undercard, he got the better of a toe-to-toe battle against Diuhl “Elegante” Olguin to win a unanimous decision.

“I’m really looking forward to my next fight in Fresno because my opponent is a good fighter. He is undefeated,” Servania said. “I want to fight tough opponents. I’m confident about this fight because I’ve been training hard and I know I will give my best.”

“It has been a tough road to get to 21-0, but it also has been a great experience,” Castro said. “This upcoming fight is another important step towards a world title fight. I know exactly who Servania is, and I will be ready for him.”

The ESPN+ stream will also feature:

Gabriel Flores Jr. (11-0, 5 KOs), the 18-year-old phenom from Stockton, Calif., will take on Alex Torres Rynn (6-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round lightweight contest.

Unbeaten super featherweight contender Andy “El Tiburon” Vences (21-0-1, 12 KOs) will continue his march toward a world title shot against Dardan Zenunaj (14-5, 11 KOs) in a bout scheduled for eight or 10 rounds.

Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (1-0, 1 KO), the 6-foot-6 heavyweight puncher who represented Italy at the 2016 Rio Olympics, will face Andrew Satterfield (4-1, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six-rounder. Vianello trains with Hall of Famer Abel Sanchez in Big Bear Lake, Calif.

Saul “Neno” Rodriguez (22-0-1, 16 KOs), in his second fight since returning from a nearly two-year layoff, will take on Aelio Mesquita (17-3, 15 KOs) in a lightweight fight scheduled for eight or 10 rounds.

Fresno native and featherweight prospect Isidro Ochoa (6-0, 2 KOs) will make his fourth Save Mart Center appearance as a pro against Jesus Guzman (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.

NEW YORK (January 16, 2019) — Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of 21-time National Amateur Champion, Otha Jones III to a managerial contract.

The 18 year-old Toledo native was among the top talents in the United States, as he compiled a staggering 283-13 amateur record, highlighted by representing Team USA in several international tournaments including winning a Gold Medal at the International Youth Continental Americas Tournament and Silver Medal at the Emil Jechev Memorial Tournament as well as winning several national tournaments, such as the winning gold medals in United States National Championships (Twice) and the World Championship Qualifier.

Jones, who was also a four-time State Wrestling Champion, was influenced to sign with Split-T Management because of what the company has done for his gym mates.

“After seeing the hard work and dedication and excellence that Split-T Management has shown to my teammates Charles Conwell and Isaiah Steen, I definitely could not think of signing with anyone else,” said Jones. Split-T is definitely the best management team in boxing. I am honored to be a part of the team.”

Jones’ dad, also named Otha, shares the same sentiments as his son.

“Based upon the quality of boxers that Split-T Management has signed, and been successful at moving, it was just a natural progression that I would sign my son with them,” said the elder Otha.

Split-T Management feels that Jones will captivate the boxing world because of his fan friendly style that is reminiscent of fellow Ohio native, Aaron Pryor, as he fights aggressively while throwing nonstop punches from all different angles with power.

Said Tim Van Newhouse of Split-T Management, “At a conventional or southpaw stance, Otha is a relentless pressure fighter, who is composed beyond his years, with a dynamic blend of aggression, speed and power.

“Otha Jones is one of the most exciting fighters we have ever signed,” Said Split-T Management CEO, David McWater. “l will never forget the first time that I saw him on tape, or the first time I saw him live. I knew right away this kid had everything. He’ is exactly the kind of athlete I got into this business to represent.”

There will be a major announcement Jones’ future very soon.

16 January 2019 – Jakarta, Indonesia: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), recently held the official ONE: ETERNAL GLORY Open Workout & Face-Off at the Syena Martial Arts Center on 16 January. In attendance were ONE Championship athletes set to participate in the blockbuster card at Istora Senayan on 19 January.

Photo: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1ie6nFzY3Dhyw4haYZgCkO8oi5fzZsJvd

Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mrr10v2a4ywascv/ONE%20-%20Jakarta%20.mp4?dl=0

Reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of Baguio City, Philippines and ONE World Title Challenger Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta of Japan graced fans and media in attendance with a world-class martial arts skills demonstration.

ONE Athletes Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol, Puja Tomar, Stefer Rahardian, Robin Catalan, Anthony Engelen, and Kwon Won Il followed suit with their skills demonstrations alongside their respective coaches.

Joshua Pacio, ONE Strawweight World Champion, stated:

“I feel I am at my best right now. After a tremendous training camp, I’m ready to step up to the plate and defend my title. This World Title means everything to me. It represents all the hard work that me and my team have put in. Now it’s time to reap the fruits of our labor. Coach Mark [Sangiao] has come up with a great game plan for me and I will do my best to execute it. Yosuke [Saruta] is a very dangerous opponent and I am not taking him lightly. I have prepared for the toughest challenge of my career, and I plan to showcase the best version of Joshua Pacio in the fight.”

Yosuke Saruta, ONE World Title Challenger, stated:

“First of all, I would like to thank ONE Championship for the opportunity to challenge for the ONE Strawweight World Championship. It is certainly an honor. When I made my debut a few months ago, I wanted to make a statement. I wanted to prove to the world that I am ready for a title shot immediately. That is what I have done and now we are here. I am confident that at the end of the night, I will leave the arena with my hands raised in victory and with the World Title around my waist. Joshua Pacio is a great champion, but I feel I have the tools necessary to defeat him. It’s going to be an interesting matchup. I vow to give my best performance.”

ONE: ETERNAL GLORY emanates from the iconic Istora Senayan in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday, 19 January. In the main event, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines will defend his title against Yosuke “Tobizaru” Saruta of Japan.

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.

Rising heavyweight star Daniel Dubois will have his tenth professional fight and double Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams will challenge for a first world title on Friday March 8 when Frank Warren proudly returns boxing to the historic surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. BT Sport will televise live.

Liam Williams will also make the first defence of his newly won British Middleweight title against Brentwood bruiser and former English Champion, Joe Mullender.

The iconic venue has previously staged some of the best fights in British boxing history. Only one professional boxing show has been staged at the Albert Hall in the last nearly 20 years, the occasion being when Billy Joe Saunders fought Tony Hill for the vacant Commonwealth title in April 2012.

Sharing top billing will be star in the making, Dubois, who faces his toughest test to date in the shape of Romanian giant Razvan Cojanu.

The 31-year-old former world title challenger extended Dubois’ domestic rival Nathan Gorman to the full 12 round distance in December, having originally been scheduled to fight the young Londoner a week previously before Dubois succumbed to illness.

The 16-5 Cojanu has operated at the highest level and in 2017 he challenged Joseph Parker for the WBO world heavyweight title and faced Luis Ortiz in July of last year.

“The chance to fight at the Royal Albert Hall is a huge thrill for me and I really hope it is the first of many opportunities to perform there,” said the 21-year-old. “I am fully aware that many of the British heavyweight greats of the past fought at this historic venue and it will be an honour to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Henry Cooper, Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis.

“I know the Albert Hall was the favourite place to watch boxing for many older fans so it is brilliant that a new generation will now get the chance to sample the experience too.”

It is fitting that British sporting royalty in Nicola Adams will bid for her crowning moment at the South Kensington concert hall that was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and first staged a boxing competition in 1918.

Adams will challenge the WBO world flyweight champion Arely Mucino, having won the Interim world title in October with a clear cut points victory over Isabel Millan in her fifth professional fight.

“Winning a world title is what I got into professional boxing for and I believe it is my destiny to do so and ultimately unify the flyweight division,” stated the two-time Olympic gold medallist. “To get this opportunity after just five professional fights is an achievement in itself and I am so thankful to my promotional team for making it happen.

“To fight for the WBO world title at the Royal Albert Hall is a dream come true when you consider the great names that have performed there and I want to make this another memorable occasion.”

The 29-year-old Mexican Mucino holds a record of 27-3-2 and is a three-time world champion, winning the IBF title in 2011 and successfully defending three times before losing a challenge for the WBC belt in 2012.

Mucino won the WBO title in February of last year with a majority decision over Monserrat Alarcon before overcoming Maria Salinas via a split decision in September.

Also on the bill, in what is surely guaranteed to be an all-action encounter, Liam Williams will make a first defence of his British middleweight title against former English champion Joe Mullender.

Williams was hugely impressive in stepping up to middleweight to stop the previously unbeaten Mark Heffron in December to become a two-weight British champion and he now defends the belt against the 11-2 Mullender, who recorded a brutal stoppage victory over Ben Capps last time out in October.

“I think this has got all the makings of an exciting fight and you can see from his style that he always brings it and comes to have a good tear up, so I am looking forward to it,” commented the 19-2-1 Welshman.

“I do believe I am a class or two above him to be quite honest, but I also think he will give anyone a decent fight because of his style. He would give most fighters in the world a good fight, however long it lasts, because of the way he approaches fights.”

The Brentwood man, known as ‘Smokin Joe’ won the English title in an epic sequel against Lee Markham in June 2017.

“For me it is all about the British title and I will fight anyone,” insisted the hugely popular 32-year-old. I respect Liam as a fighter, he has done what he’s done and is levels above me on paper, but I don’t really care who I fight, to be honest.

“It is for the British title and the odds are stacked against me, but that is what I like.”

Johnny Garton, who won the British welterweight title in a thriller against Gary Corcoran in October features on the card, along with Archie Sharp (14-0) making a first defence of his WBO European super featherweight title against the also unbeaten Lucas Ballingall (11-0).

Tickets are priced from £40. A pre-sale open to members of the Royal Albert Hall’s Friends and Patrons scheme is open from noon on Thursday 17 January, with tickets on general sale from noon on Friday 18 January via RoyalAlbertHall.com

Kem Ljungquist (6-0, 4 KOs) must face a new test as he returns to the ring on Saturday, January 19 at the Struer Energi Park on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf.

The Danish heavyweight hope will now meet undefeated Boldizsar Balazs Czagler (2-0, 2 KOs) following the withdrawal of his scheduled opponent Dominik Musil, who has been ruled out after breaking his nose in sparring.

“These things happen in boxing,” says Ljungquist. “I have no problem preparing for a new opponent. I’ll be ready. He is unbeaten now, but not after Saturday!”

The 28 year-old was last in action at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, where he recorded a second-round stoppage win over Egypt’s Mourad Omar.

In preparation for his seventh professional bout, Ljungquist has been in Berlin sparring top German heavyweight Albon Pervizaj, who also fights in Struer.

“I had some really good sparring with Albon,” he says. “We did many rounds together, and his coach Ulli Wegner told me I was big a talent. He also pointed out some things I need to work on, but it would be strange if I was perfect at this stage of my career, and it’s nice to get praise from such a big name.

“I’ve had great preparations for this fight in general, so I’m really looking forward to giving the fans in Struer a good performance on Saturday night!”

Dina Thorslund tops the bill in Struer, defending her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf, while former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown.

Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller, heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist takes on Dominik Musil, Lolenga Mock continues his World title chase against Mateo Damian Veron, Mikkel Nielsen meets Bulgaria’s Angel Emilov, and Adam Bashanov faces Ivan Nikolov.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling 70 15 65 65.

16 January 2019 – Bangkok, Thailand: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the complete card for ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, set for Saturday, 16 February at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. In the main event, Thai legend Nong-O Gaiyanghadao battles Chinese superstar Han Zi Hao for the inaugural ONE Super Series Muay Thai Bantamweight World Championship.

Ticket information for ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS is available at www.onefc.com.

Considered one of the greatest strikers of all time, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao has captured nearly every accolade in Muay Thai. Competing in over 300 professional bouts, he claimed two Thailand National Muay Thai Championships, four Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Championships in different divisions, and a Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Championship.

Now, Nong-O looks to cement his place among the world’s best strikers in ONE Super Series by attempting to win the greatest prize in martial arts — the ONE World Title.

Standing in his way is China’s Han Zi Hao, who has become a breakout star in ONE Super Series. Han is riding a three-bout win streak, and he looks to extend it — and capture the gold — at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS.

Kongsak P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym is set to make his first appearance on the ONE Super Series stage. He will square off against Alaverdi “Dagger” Ramazanov in a three-round bantamweight bout.

A three-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, Kongsak is a fan favorite in his home country of Thailand as he has won over fans with his menacing middle kicks. With a battle-tested record of 182-39-2, Kongsak has the experience of a grizzled veteran despite being just 28 years of age.

Representing the prestigious Venum Training Camp, Ramazanov is a three-time IFMA World Champion with a stellar professional record of 59-4-0. He has won two of his last three outings in ONE Super Series. After falling short in his most recent bout, Ramazanov looks to redeem himself at the expense of a Muay Thai superstar such as Kongsak.

South Korean martial arts star and former KAMMA Bantamweight Champion Dae Hwan “Ottogi” Kim had a busy 2018, going 2-1 on the year with victories over tough opponents like Masakazu Imanari and Zhao Zhi Kang. To kick off his 2019, he shares the ONE Championship stage with Japan’s Shuya “Stealth” Kamikubo.

Kim joined the promotion in 2013, posting victories over Thanh Vu and Kevin Belingon in his first two bouts in ONE Championship. In 2014, Kim challenged Bibiano Fernandes for the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. With incredible striking prowess and solid grappling ability, Kim is one of the top contenders in his division. Another victory will push him closer to a title opportunity.

However, Kamikubo seeks to impede Kim from entering the title picture by getting his third consecutive win under the ONE Championship banner. The DEEP Tournament Champion aced his two assignments in 2018, stopping Indonesia’s Sunoto via second-round TKO and then dominating Muhammad Aiman over the course of three rounds to earn a unanimous decision. A victory over Kim would raise Kamikubo’s stock in the talent-filled bantamweight division.

Mark “Tyson” Abelardo of the Philippines will make his much-awaited debut on the main roster at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS, where he will lock horns with Shooto Pacific Rim Featherweight Champion Daichi Takenaka of Japan.

Abelardo earned a ONE Championship contract in October 2018, defeating Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg via first-round stoppage at Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series 3. After leaving a lasting impression in ONE Warrior Series, Abelardo is determined to make an impact on the most prestigious stage of global competition by taking on the 29-year-old phenom from Osaka, Japan.

Ever since his professional debut in 2012, Takenaka has been unstoppable, rattling off 11 consecutive wins with six finishes. He looks to sustain his winning momentum by picking up a victory over Abelardo.

Naksu Champion Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai of Thailand makes his return to action against South Korean debutant Tae Kyun “Ares” Kim.

Along with his elite martial arts skills and explosive knockout power, Wiratchai’s highly-entertaining walkouts to the ONE cage have also made him a fan favorite. With his very own “OneShin Striking System” that utilizes creative combinations, the Thai star has proven to be a well-rounded competitor.

Next up, he faces Kim, an undefeated mixed martial artist and multiple-time South Korean national judo champion. He is one of the brightest martial arts stars to emerge from South Korea who now makes his way to ONE Championship. Driven by the idea of putting his home country on the international radar in the sport, Kim takes on dangerous striker Wiratchai.

“Smokin’” Jo Nattawut of Thailand will face French dynamo Samy “AK47” Sana in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest.

A two-division Lion Fight World Champion and WMC Muay Thai World Champion, Nattawut is one of the finest attacking talents in the striking world. Right from the opening bell, he ignites the ring with his trademark intensity, and it has led him to sterling success in his striking career.

Nattawut will meet a seasoned and game opponent in Sana, a WBC and A1 Muay Thai World Champion who recently scored a huge victory over Armen Petrosyan via unanimous decision last November 2018.

A women’s atomweight bout is also booked as Gina “Conviction” Iniong of the Philippines goes up against Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan of Malaysia.

Iniong made a name for herself as a six-time national wushu champion. After establishing herself as one of the Philippines’ top female athletes, she joined ONE Championship in 2017 and has since registered impressive wins over a tough flight of opponents.

Meanwhile, Radzuan is one of the finest female martial artists to emerge from Malaysia. The rising star joined ONE Championship in March 2018, and has since put together three remarkable victories. Radzuan looks to resume her ascent through the ranks by facing Iniong.

Two-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 is set to make his ONE Super Series debut against Kun Khmer superstar Lao Chetra.

Superlek is hailed as the No. 1 super featherweight in the world of Muay Thai today. His opponent, Chetra, has become one of Cambodia’s top Kun Khmer athletes, having the chance to hold the prestigious Bayon Stadium Title.

Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai of Thailand will face Charlie “Boy” Peters of the United Kingdom in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest.

Chamuaktong is a Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion and one of the most talented strikers in martial arts. Peters, who hails from Hartley, England, is a two-time Muay Thai World Champion himself, so expect an exceptional standup battle between the two.

Emilio Urrutia’s road to redemption begins in Jakarta, Indonesia as “The Honey Badger” is slated to test his mettle against Graduator Featherweight Champion Yoshiki Nakahara of Japan.

The 32-year-old Urrutia has competed in various countries in Asia, accumulating an impressive amount of experience in such a short amount of time. Since joining ONE Championship in 2017, Urrutia has become one of the top featherweight talents in the promotion.

His next outing will be no walk in the park as he takes on Nakahara, who has not been beaten since 2015. Nakahara rides high on a six-bout winning streak, and will look to keep his momentum going with another win.

Making her first appearance since her rousing defeat of Bozhena Antoniyar in October 2018, Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige of Thailand is set to battle it out with Cambodia’s Nou Srey Pov in a women’s atomweight contest.

Ishige, who is of mixed Japanese and Thai heritage, began her martial arts training at age nine with aikido and taekwondo. Heavily influenced by her late father who trained in judo, Ishige went on to hone her skills as a martial artist. All of her victories have ended via impressive finish, and she is considered one of Thailand’s mixed martial arts pioneers.

Nou Srey Pov is making her mixed martial arts debut, but the Cambodian Top Team product has a wealth of experience in her country’s national sport. Nou Srey Pov is a Kun Khmer World Champion with a 91-8-2 record in the discipline, and will look to test Ishige’s stand up game.

Kicking off the action at ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS is Indonesian wrestler Elipitua Siregar who will face ONE Hefei Flyweight Tournament Champion Liu Peng Shuai in a strawweight contest.

ONE: CLASH OF LEGENDS
Saturday, 16 February
Impact Arena, Bangkok, Thailand

Main Event
ONE Super Series Muay Thai Bantamweight World Championship
Nong-O Gaiyanghadao vs Han Zi Hao

Kongsak P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym vs Alaverdi Ramazanov
ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 65.8kg

Dae Hwan Kim vs Shuya Kamikubo
Mixed Martial Arts: 65.8kg

Mark Abelardo vs Daichi Takenaka
Mixed Martial Arts: 65.8kg

Shannon Wiratchai vs Tae Kyun Kim
Mixed Martial Arts: 77.1kg

Jo Nattawut vs Samy Sana
ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 70.3kg

Gina Iniong vs Jihin Radzuan
Mixed Martial Arts: 52.2kg

Superlek Kiatmoo9 vs Lao Chetra
ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 61.2kg

Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai vs Charlie Peters
ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 67.5kg (Catch Weight)

Emilio Urrutia vs Yoshiki Nakahara
Mixed Martial Arts: 70.3kg

Rika Ishige vs Nou Srey Pov
Mixed Martial Arts: 52.2kg

Elipitua Siregar vs Liu Peng Shuai
Mixed Martial Arts: 56.7kg

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.

Photos by Chris Farina

Photos by Ryan Hafey

LAS VEGAS – January 15, 2019 – Two of boxing biggest stars kicked off fight week in style on Tuesday as eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and four-division world champion Adrien Broner arrived at MGM Grand in Las Vegas to a throng of excited fans for this Saturday’s WBA Welterweight World Championship.

Pacquiao returns to defend his WBA title in his first fight on U.S. soil in more than two years against must-see attraction Adrien Broner live on SHOWTIME PPV (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Joining Pacquiao and Broner at Tuesday’s arrivals were the co-featured fighters featured in Saturday’s four-fight PPV telecast. Two-division world champion Badou Jack will face unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne, while former world champion Rau’shee Warren will meet Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship. In the opening bout, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will defend his interim featherweight title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

Here’s what the fighters had to say on Tuesday.

Manny Pacquiao:

“People say I appear happier this fight. I am happy. I’m so excited to be back in the U.S. to fight again. Everyone has been so good to me here; it’s like a second home.

“I’m getting very excited for Saturday night, and I’m ready for Broner. Forty is just a number to me. My sparring partners are in their mid-20s.

“The fact that I worked so hard in training is an example for my passion for boxing. I am always looking for ways to improve. Now that I’m older I listen to my body. If I’m sore I will take an extra day to recover if I have to.

“Every day in training camp I have been strong, fresh and fast. I am not ready to retire; I am ready for my next fight.”

Adrien Broner:

“I’m just excited I’m the underdog and I know there are a lot of people that are here to see me lose. This is my second fight with my trainer Kevin Cunningham and we brought in strength and conditioning, so we good. You’ll see so on January 19.

“I don’t feel like I had to sacrifice around the holidays, because every day is a holiday for me. With all my friends, we can do whatever we want to do on any day. I just have to stay focused and I’m ready to put on a hell of a show on Saturday night.

“It’s great having a guy from Cincinnati like Rau’shee Warren on this card with me. Even though I’m at this stage in boxing, Rau’shee Warren is still like a big brother to me. That was the first person I looked up to when I came in the gym. He will be a champion again on Saturday night, and I will too.

“I’m so focused that I don’t feel any of this hype surrounding the fight. This just starts another chapter in my book. I’m still writing my story and it’s going to have a happy ending.”

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BRONER

Pacquiao vs. Broner is headlined by Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao,boxing’s only eight-division world champion, ending his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, January 19 in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Amanda Serrano wants her legacy to inspire the next generation of girls to take up boxing as she prepares to challenge for World title honors in a seventh weight class when she faces Eva Voraberger for the WBO Super-Flyweight title at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday night, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.MSG.COM – TICKETS START AT $46!

Serrano (35-1-1 26KOs) has already had an immeasurable impact in women’s boxing through winning titles in six divisions on the back of an impressive amateur career, and the Puerto Rican born Brooklyn ace now believes there’s been no better time to be a female boxer.

Serrano’s clash with Voraberger (24-5 11KOs) means that every American-based event on DAZN has featured a women’s World title fight, starting in Chicago where Jessica McCaskill landed the WBC Super-Lightweight title in October, Claressa Shields putting her Super-Middleweight straps on the line in Kansas in November and Lightweight title defenses for Irish sensation Katie Taylor in Boston in October and New York in December.

With the sport in such a great place, Serrano knows that her first pro fight at Madison Square Garden has come at the perfect time and place to both make history and encourage kids to follow her fine example.

“It’ll be amazing to fight at Madison Square Garden,” said Serrano. “I won the 2008 Golden Gloves there so to go back and win a World title in my seventh division in the second home of Miguel Cotto is great, I want it to be my second home like it was for him. I think the fans will come out to support me, I can guarantee that I will do them proud and make history.

“I do want to be an inspiration to young girls in Puerto Rico and America that want to box be inspired by me pushes me to do bigger and better things in my career. I can show them that you can be a powerful Latino female in the sport and achieve any goals and dreams that you have. So I am going to continue to live my life and fight in the right way to show them that dreams can come true.

“Being a female boxer now is much better than it was ten years ago when I started and further back to when my sister started in 2013, the difference in the money is black and white, day and night. The promoters are coming in and giving us exposure and money, paid what we deserved, that’s getting us sponsors coming in and taking chances on us, so this is the time to be a female boxer

“Every now and then I think I’m done with boxing but I’m really happy and committed to boxing. I have a great promoter in Lou DiBella and we’re signed with Matchroom and Eddie Hearn behind me too, it’s a great team behind me, it’s where the money is and the exposure. There’s a new fire been lit under me and we deserve the money that we’re getting.”

Lou DiBella’s DiBella Entertainment and Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn proudly present Serrano’s clash with Voraberger on a three World title fight bill, topped by Demetrius Andrade’s first defense of his WBO World Middleweight title against Russian Artur Akavov and Irishman TJ Doheny’s maiden defense of his IBF World Super-Bantamweight title against Japan’s Ryohei Takahashi.

Former World Lightweight ruler Jorge Linares continues his comeback trail on the card when he meets Pablo Cesar Cano. Linares’ (45-4 28KOs) reign as WBA and Ring Magazine champion was ended in an epic clash with pound-for-pound star Vasily Lomachenko at Madison Square Garden in May, with Linares felling the Ukrainian star in the sixth before being stopped four rounds later.

Linares returned to winning ways in September with a third round stoppage win over Abner Cotto in September in California and starts 2019 with his 50th pro fight against Cano (31-7-1 21KOs), the Mexican former World title challenger who landed the WBC International Silver strap in his last outing in September.

Long Island favorite and former World ruler Chris Algieri (22-3 8KOs) steps up his pursuit of regaining his World champion status at Super-Lightweight as he faces fellow New Yorker Danny Gonzalez (17-1-1 7KOs), while one of Matchroom Boxing USA’s rising stars tastes his first action in 2019 on the card as Reshat Mati (2-0 1KO) returns to the scene of his last outing in October where the ‘Albanian Bear’ went the four round distance in his second fight.

BROOKLYN (January 15, 2019) -Junior lightweight Chris Colbert will fight in his hometown as he battles once-beaten Josh Hernández in an eight-round match on Premier Boxing Champions Prelims live on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, January 26 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Super lightweight prospect and 2016 U.S. Olympian Antuanne Russell will take on Roberto Almazán in a six/eight round super lightweight bout, and junior middleweight prospect Chordale Booker (13-0, 7 KOs) will fight at Barclays Center for the fourth time when he meets Colombia’s Juan De Ángel (21-9, 19 KOs) in an eight-round match.

The Prelims show begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and precedes Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes live in primetime that is headlined by undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returning to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito López.

PBC on FOX action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also include a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstsogt Nyambayar battles hard-hitting Claudio Marrero in a 12-round bout.

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.

Colbert (9-0, 3 KOs) will be fighting for the fourth time at Barclays Center when he takes on Hernandez (8-1, 7 KOs). In his last fight, Colbert defeated Fatiou Fassinou by unanimous decision after stopping previously unbeaten Austin Dulay prior to that on FS1. He is opposed by the 23-year-old Hernandez who fights out of Chicago. He has scored three straight knockout victories heading into January 26.

Antuanne Russell (7-0, 7 KOs) is part of the fighting Russells from Capitol Heights, Maryland. His older brother Gary Russell Jr. is the WBC Featherweight Champion and his other brother, Antonio Russell, is a top bantamweight prospect. All three brothers are trained by their father, Gary, Sr.

Antuanne was a member of the U.S. Olympic boxing team for the 2016 Rio Games and has a 100% KO ratio in his first seven professional fights, including two knockout wins at Barclays Center last year. He faces the 20-year-old Almazan (7-8, 2 KOs), who is from Brownsville, Texas, and is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Perales on April 12.

Antonio Russell (12-0, 10 KOs) will also enter the ring, in a non-televised eight-round bantamweight fight against Lucas Baez (34-17-5, 18 KOs). Marsellos Wilder (3-0, 2 KOs), the brother of heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, will be featured in a four-round special attraction.
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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 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

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.

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

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

Eddie Hearn presents Bivol vs. Smith Jr in association with World of Boxing, Star Boxing and Main Events – and both fighters and their teams predict fireworks when the pair clash in March, with the date and venue to be confirmed at a press conference in New York this Friday.

“I am glad to finally meet Joe in the ring,” said Bivol. “I saw his fights against Fonfara and Hopkins live and always wanted to test my skills against him! Thank you to World of Boxing, Matchroom Boxing USA, and DAZN – I hope to put a great performance for everybody!

“Very happy to be working with Eddie Hearn, it’s a pleasure!” said World of Boxing’s Andrei Ryabinskiy. “We look forward to a great event together with Matchroom and DAZN.”

“Bivol was supposed to fight Joe back in November, it’s a very exciting fight,” said Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov. “Both Dmitry and Joe have a lot of power. I guess this fight was meant to happen and we look forward to a building relationship with Eddie Hearn and DAZN!”

“I am very excited for the opportunity to fight Bivol for the World championship,” said Smith Jr. “Everything I’ve worked for in and out of the gym was to better myself and become a World Champion. All the hard work and my determination will pay off come fight night.”

“Joe Smith Jr. is one of the hardest punching fighters out there,” said Smith’s promoter Joe DeGuardia. “His exciting style and humble background has made him a real fan favorite. I am pleased he will be getting this opportunity to fight for the World Championship. Joe has been anxiously waiting for this opportunity and I look forward the fight.”

LAS VEGAS (January 15, 2019) – With fight week underway in Las Vegas, former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted a media workout Monday before he battles Manny Pacquiao for the World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title Saturday, January 19 in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, are on sale now and start at $100, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased online through AXS.com, charge by phone at 866-740-7711 or in person at any MGM Resorts International box office.

Broner, along with trainer Kevin Cunningham, have been at Barry’s Boxing in Las Vegas finishing up training camp after spending most of camp in West Palm Beach, Florida preparing to face boxing’s only eight-division world champion in Pacquiao. Here is what they had to say Monday at Barry’s Boxing:

ADRIEN BRONER

“Every fighter is different, but I know if I touch him flush, I’ll put him out. It’s no secret, he’s been to sleep before.

“I’m in shape and ready to go. We had a tremendous training camp. I could have made weight weeks ago. We’re prepared to go out and execute.

“I’ve been here before, and even though I haven’t been in a fight of exactly this magnitude, I’m just treating it like any other fight. He’s another opponent.

“A lot of people are saying that Pacquiao’s age will be a factor, but I’m not looking at it like that. You see guys like Floyd Mayweather who stay undefeated at an older age. I’m just focused on being me. As long as I do what I have to do, I will be victorious.

“We’re ready for whatever this fight is going to end up being. It could definitely be a war. I’ve always been an underdog. I came from the trenches and I’m bringing that mentality into the ring.

“I can take over boxing with a win over Pacquiao. There are a lot of great fighters in this sport, but they just don’t bring what I bring to the table. With a win like this, it would put me right where I was always meant to be.

“I’ve always wanted to fight the big names like this and I knew that I just had to keep working hard and the time would come.

“Once that bell rings, I’ll make my adjustments and go ahead and get my victory. I don’t have anything I want to go out and prove. It’s just about winning. That will say everything.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM, Broner’s Trainer

“Preparation has been great. Camp has been tremendous. Adrien is ready to go and extremely focused for this fight. He came into camp that way and it’s stayed that way.

“We added some things this training camp, because we know he’s fighting a legendary fighter. This is one that he has to have and he realizes it. I expect a spectacular performance.

“I think on Saturday night that Adrien is going to be that guy that everyone expected him to be from day one. It will open a lot of eyes. I believe that we put the work in. I can’t see Adrien coming out of there without a victory.

“The key to victory is for Adrien to just be himself. He has to do what he does best with no hesitation. He’s going to throw the right punches at the right time.

“Pacquiao still throws combinations but they don’t come in as fast or as sharp as they used to. He can throw as many punches as he wants to throw, but if they’re not landing, it doesn’t mean anything.

“I think Adrien is the quicker fighter. Quickness offsets speed, all day, every day. It’s all about being quick enough to time the guy with your hand speed. It’s different than just throwing a bunch of fast punches.”

# # #

ABOUT PACQUIAO VS. BRONER
Pacquiao vs. Broner is headlined by Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao,boxing’s only eight-division world champion, ending his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, January 19 in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The PPV begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature two-division world champion Badou Jack battling unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title, former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship and unbeaten WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Jhack Tepora defending against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @MannyPacquiao, @AdrienBroner, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @MGMGrand and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.Facebook.com/MGMGrand.

NEW HOPE, PA – Professional boxer Alejandro Jimenez wants to show President Trump just how wrong he is when he says Mexico “is not sending its best” to the United States.

A resident of New Hope for the last 11 years, Jimenez has shown himself to be not only one of Mexico’s best, but also one of America’s best. He came to the USA at the age of 15 and is happy about his decision as he prepares for his next fight, scheduled for six rounds against Edgar Joe Cortes, of Vineland, NJ, on Feb. 8 at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

When he steps into the ring that night, Jimenez will be wearing trunks bearing the words of Founding Father Patrick Henry: “Give me liberty, or give me death.” For Jimenez, they are more than just words. He is an inspiration to immigrants throughout Pennsylvania.

While his American counterparts were learning to drive, playing Xbox and studying for exams, 15-year-old Jimenez was standing on the border between Mexico and Arizona, looking out at the expanse of desert ahead. His chest tight, he was frightened and thirsty. He knew the long walk ahead, through the unforgiving terrain of the summer desert might be his demise, as it had been for so many of his countrymen who made the trek. It’s a fear that still feels fresh for Jimenez, 11 years after he began his fateful journey.

“We walked for two days and one night,” Jimenez said. “We had no water, and at one point we had to cross a river. I couldn’t see how deep it was, because the water was brown. I was afraid of being attacked by an animal, and dying in the desert.”

His brothers had sent for him, paying a smuggler, or “coyote,” as they’re called within the Mexican community, to bring him across the border. The future fighter joined seven other migrants and, after several legs–some by foot, some by car, the last by air–joined his brother in New Hope, leaving his hometown of Oaxaca, his parents, and his four sisters in his rear-view, possibly forever.

Jimenez began working and immediately enrolled in South Hunterton High School in Lamberton, NJ. At 16, he walked into the boxing gym adjacent to the restaurant where he was a cook, next door to the historic Bucks County Playhouse. He approached coach Mark Roxey, and asked him to be his full-time coach.

Roxey said no.

“It’s a lifetime investment, financially, physically, and emotionally,” said Roxey. “People ask me all the time and I say no.”

It took Jimenez one month to convince Roxey he was worth the investment. At the time, the duo had no idea how intertwined their lives would become, and that the pair, once strangers, would one day be almost like father and son.

Roxey coached Jimenez through more than 60 amateur fights across Pennsylvania. Because of his immigration status, Jimenez was unable to travel and advance in the tournaments that led to national titles. Lucrative professional contracts were not an option. Instead, he worked as a sparring partner for several state amateur champions, handling himself well. Outside of the gym, they became like family with Jimenez spending holidays with Roxey and Roxey’s wife and three kids.

One year after Jimenez’ arrival in New Hope, the Obama Administration launched the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, allowing those young adults who had migrated to the United States as children–as Jimenez had–to “come out of the shadows” and apply to stay in the country. It’s an expensive, bureaucratic endeavor. In 2016, Roxey helped the young fighter complete the application and come out of the shadows in the country he’d grown to love as his own.

Jimenez was granted DACA status in November, 2016, but the volatility of the country’s immigration policy remained in the back of the minds of both boxer and trainer. “It’s scary to me,” said Jimenez. “I don’t know what I’ll do if the Trump Administration ends DACA.”

Roxey sees a role for Americans in making sure that doesn’t happen: “As an American and an advocate for “Dreamers” and human rights overall, I feel we have to stand up. We have to stand up for the young people who came here as kids, without necessarily having a say in that decision. They have a chance to become mayors, senators. Alex volunteers and helps out in his community. If the Dreamers can make positive contributions in their communities, if they can add value, they should be able to do so.”

More than just a boxer, Jimenez volunteers at Roxey’s non-profit professional ballet company, is active in his church, and serves as a big brother and mentor in the gym.

Jimenez made his professional boxing debut in March, 2018, winning by knockout in two rounds, and becoming the first professional boxer ever to fight out of New Hope. As was the case in his amateur career, Jimenez has not had it easy as a pro. He won his next three fights by decision, but always in the other guy’s hometown.

His toughest fight is Feb. 8 against Cortes who is 6-4 and has won his last three fights.

“He’s (Cortes) a southpaw and he’s strong,” Jimenez said, “but we’ll be prepared for whatever he brings. We are going to prove that we belong where we’re going. I want to win a world title. To show other Dreamers, other immigrants, what they can achieve if they keep dreaming, and keep working hard.”

Jimenez says his ultimate goal is to be free; free to live in his adopted home, the United States, and free to visit his family in Oaxaca. A dream he has emblazoned on his fight trunks: “Let freedom ring.”

Dennis Ceylan (19-2-2, 8 KOs) says he will retire if he loses his rematch with Jesus Sanchez (9-1, 2 KOs) on Saturday, January 19 at the Struer Energi Park.

Ceylan will be looking to avenge his shock knockout loss to Sanchez at the same arena on March 10 as they contest the EU Featherweight crown on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO World title defence against Alesia Graf.

“One thing is for certain, I will give my everything in the ring, and that should be enough for me to win on Saturday. Most fighters are in trouble when I’m boxing at my best,” says the former European Champion from Aarhus.

“I’m expecting a tough fight. I know Jesus Sanchez will do everything possible to show it was not just a lucky punch last time, but if I don’t beat Sanchez, then I will lose heart and hope, and I might as well hang up my gloves.”

Despite offering this career ultimatum, Ceylan is confident of victory, even if this means going against his instincts, and knows he must beat Sanchez to get the big fight he craves, including a rematch with IBF Champion Josh Warrington.

“I will need to patient, at least that’s the tactics, but patience, to be honest, is not exactly my strong suit,” he says. “I’m an eager beaver, and it can quickly become unbearable for me when nothing is happening in a fight, and I would rather give the fans some action for their money.

“However, the most important thing is that I get revenge against Sanchez so I can move forward with my career. I believe one hundred percent that I have a future, and that I’m not finished at all. I have my eyes on some of the big boys, such as Josh Warrington, who I would like to smash, but I have to earn it, and my dreams can only become a reality, if I get a victory on Saturday.”

Dina Thorslund tops the bill in Struer, defending her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf, while former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown.

Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller, heavyweight hope Kem Ljungquist takes on Dominik Musil, Lolenga Mock continues his World title chase against Mateo Damian Veron, Mikkel Nielsen meets Bulgaria’s Angel Emilov, and Adam Bashanov faces Ivan Nikolov.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling 70 15 65 65.

(Jan. 15, 2019) — ESPN and Top Rank today announced their first pay-per-view event under the Top Rank on ESPN banner. Two kings are set for the year’s most anticipated welterweight showdown when pound-for-pound king Terence “Bud” Crawford puts his WBO welterweight world title on the line against former unified 140-pound champion and the pride of Bolton, England, Amir “King” Khan, on Saturday, April 20, live on pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. Details on how fans will be able to access the pay-per-view event will be announced at a later date.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing and Khan Promotions, ticket and venue information will be revealed shortly. Details on the undercard will be announced soon.

“The Crawford-Khan showdown is a very interesting matchup of two elite fighters,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Khan, when fighting at welterweight, is as good as there is, but he is fighting the division’s best fighter and a pound-for-pound great. It will be an entertaining and competitive fight. We are also excited to join forces with ESPN on our first pay-per-view venture under the Top Rank on ESPN agreement.”

“It’s always been my goal to fight the best fighters out there, and I look at Amir Khan as one of the top fighters in my division,” Crawford said. “I know some people are writing him off, but I am by no means overlooking him. He’s a former unified world champion, and come April 20, I’ll be looking to go out there to seek and destroy. I’m excited about this fight because I believe it can push my career to another level.”

“I’m delighted to announce a much-anticipated world title fight with Terence Crawford, the current WBO welterweight world champion,” Khan said. “The decision as to fighting Kell Brook or Crawford has been one of the most difficult decisions of my career to date. Clearly, the UK fans want to see Khan vs. Brook, but I could not turn down the opportunity to fight for the WBO title. That is not to say that the Brook fight won’t happen, as I want that fight to happen as soon as possible. Fighting a world champion won’t be easy, but this is exactly the challenge I need at this stage of my career. I am fully motivated and ready for the best training camp of my life. Crawford is beatable, and I want that WBO title. It’s going to be one hell of a fight.”

“There has been a lot of speculation regarding Amir’s next fight, but the lure to trying to win another world title was too much to turn down, and now he faces arguably the number one welterweight in the world in Terence Crawford,” said Eddie Hearn, Managing Director of Matchroom Sport. “It’s a fight he believes he can win, and on his night, Amir has all the speed and skills to beat the very best. I believe it will be a fascinating and dramatic matchup.”

“Showcasing Crawford-Khan as the first pay-per-view event under the Top Rank on ESPN banner is truly a cause for celebration. Crawford is a world champion, a global phenomenon and perhaps the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport and Khan is a fighter that everyone wants to see every time he steps in the ring. This is what boxing needs, more big-name showdowns, and this fight is a perfect example of the vision that we had when we teamed up with Top Rank,” added ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Scheduling, Burke Magnus.

Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs), from Omaha, Neb., is ranked by many experts as the world’s best fighter, a switch-hitting dynamo who has reigned supreme in three weight classes. He won the WBO lightweight world title on March 1, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland, dethroning hometown hero Ricky Burns via unanimous decision. Crawford proved his lightweight supremacy that year with a thrilling ninth-round TKO win over then-undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa and a near-shutout decision victory over Ray Beltran.

Crawford made history when he unified all four 140-pound titles, punctuating his dominance over the division with a third-round knockout against Julius Indongo on Aug. 19, 2017. With nothing left to prove at 140 pounds, Crawford moved up to welterweight. In his first bout at the weight, he knocked out Manny Pacquiao conqueror Jeff “The Hornet” Horn in the ninth round to win the WBO crown. For his first welterweight title defense, Crawford returned home to the CHI Health Center Omaha and knocked out bitter rival Jose Benavidez Jr. in the 12th round in front of 13,323 passionate fans.

Khan (33-4, 20 KOs) burst into the public consciousness at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens when, at 17 years of age, he captured a silver medal for Great Britain. He won the WBA super lightweight world title on July 18, 2009, outclassing Andreas Kotelnik to win a unanimous decision. He made five successful title defenses at 140 pounds and became unified champion when he knocked out IBF ruler Zab Judah in five rounds in 2011.

Khan has won seven of eight bouts since December 2012, the lone blemish coming when he moved up in weight to fight middleweight world champion Canelo Álvarez. After boxing well in the early rounds, Khan was knocked out with an overhand right in the sixth round. Following the Álvarez defeat, Khan took a nearly two-year sabbatical from the ring, returning in 2018 with a vengeance. In April, he blasted out Phil Lo Greco in 39 seconds, and in September, he notched a wide 12-round points victory over perennial contender Samuel Vargas. More than 13 years since turning professional, Khan will take on the pound-for-pound king in a legacy-defining superfight.

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

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

NATHAN GORMAN IS relishing the opportunity to put down an early marker for the year, having been added to the card at the Morningside Arena in Leicester on February 23, live on BT Sport.

The 15-0 heavyweight will get quickly back in the swing of things in 2019 after also featuring on the blockbuster Manchester Arena show on December 22, where he tasted the full 12 round distance for the first time against former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu, in what represented a fourth fight in a year for the Nantwich 22-year-old.

He will now bid to start the New Year on a high in Leicester in a support attraction to the British super featherweight title showdown between the champion Sam Bowen and dangerous challenger Ronnie Clark.

“This is a real bonus for me because I only boxed recently,” said the WBC International Silver champion. From boxing on the 22nd December to getting back out in seven-eight weeks is very fortunate and a good kick-start to 2019.

“It is great exposure for me again and hopefully I will put on a good performance and make a statement,” added the young heavy, who believes exposure is almost as valuable as experience at this stage of his career.

“Yes of course it is because you want to turn heads, don’t you? You want people to tune in to watch you and get them talking. You want to be the name on everyone’s lips and that is why it would be good to get a KO reel.”

To that end, Gorman admits a degree of frustration that his last two fights – against Cojanu and before that Kamil Sokolowski – have reached the final bell. There were, however, mitigating circumstances in the Sokolowski fight because he sustained a hand injury in the first round, while Cojanu was a step up in levels and a wily campaigner.

“It has annoyed me a bit, but the last one was very awkward and I could see why he went the 12 rounds with Joseph Parker. He was very clever at surviving and when you caught him with a good shot he knew how to hold on and he did little things in there that allowed him to get through.

“The positive is that I got 12 rounds out that I had never done before – and against a big lump as well. Listen, I would have loved to have gone in there and knocked him out in the first round, but now I know I can do 12 rounds and for future fights that will pay dividends.

“I do know that I need a showreel KO now and I plan on getting one in Leicester.”

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. 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

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone and thank you for coming today. Firstly, Happy New Year. 2018 – wow, what a whirlwind. When you look back at the amount of events, the events themselves, it was a great year for boxing. There are so many young stars coming through. I get the feeling and the warmth that this is a new beginning and a new start, particularly for a lot of people sat at this top table. There seems to be a changing of the guard. There are so many great fighters that are coming into the closing stages of their careers. When you look at this card, you see exactly the opposite.

“This is great that you have a young fighter local to The O2 who has had 15 fights and is willing to take these kinds of steps against Sergio Garcia, a European Champion – top 5 with the WBC and top 15 with many other organisations as well. It’s a massive step and these young fighters are being prepared to step up to these levels quicker than historically they’ve done before. It applies to Ted Cheeseman and it also applies to Lawrence Okolie, just ten fights in and number 8 in the World on BoxRec. There’s a lot of opportunities for the young guys coming through and on February 2 we see a lot of them step up.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Boxing:

“Happy New Year everyone. I hope you all had a great Christmas. What a fantastic 2018 it was – finished with the wonderful night at The O2, not only the Whyte-Chisora rematch but also Charlie Edwards, what a scene that was when he won the World title. It just goes to show that stars can appear if you believe in yourself.

“The opportunity is knocking for so many young fighters this year. The stage is there. Boxing has revolutionised in London, The O2 is a phenomenal venue. February 2nd is a warm welcome back, there’s some great talent on the card at all sorts of levels. The most important thing is that they have the chance to breakthrough this year. You have to take the chances. We want stories, we want narratives, we want personalities. Stories and narratives build, that’s where we get the huge fights.

“This is where is starts and I think 2019 is the start of a new era for the youngsters. I think by the end of the year there will be three or four guys topping bills and hopefully for them becoming Box Office stars themselves. The opportunities are there, the talent is huge around the gyms in the country. We can’t wait to get going on February 2nd.”

Sergio Garcia – Torrelavega, Spain – 28-0, 13 KO’s – defending the EBU European Super-Welterweight title against Ted Cheeseman:

“In truth this is a great opportunity for me and Spanish boxing, we’re going to put on a show. I have a lot more experience than him but at the end of the day this is boxing so I’ll have to put in a performance on the night. It’s nice to hear my promoter backing me but right now the challenge is on February 2nd so I’ll take care of that night and then we’ll see what comes next.”

Ted Cheeseman – Bermondsey, London – 15-0, 9 KO’s – challenging Sergio Garcia for the the EBU European Super-Welterweight title:

“For this fight, it’s a European title, he’s highly ranked with the World governing bodies, and the thing is once you win a European title, there’s only one other step after that. When you turn pro, your goal is to be a World Champion. You don’t yourself fully know if you’re going to achieve that.
“You don’t even know if you’re going to get a shot at it, but if I win this fight on February 2, and I’m highly confident I will after watching my opponent’s fights and studying his style, then I’m in line. I’m there, I’m in line, I’m basically there for a world title shot.

“As you say, it’s a World level fight, so I’ll go and put on a good show on February 2, and show how much I’m improving and show what level I’m at.”

Lawrence Okolie – Hackney, London – 10-0, 7 KO’s – Cruiserweight:

“I did a lot of learning inside and outside of the ring in 2018. It was a good learning year, I packed in a lot of experience into 10 fights. I want bigger tests and more grudge matches in 2019. It’s about balance, I was pushed fast in the amateurs. There’s a big gap from domestic to World level and I’m still learning.”

Jake Ball – Surrey, England – 12-1, 9 KO’s – fighting Craig Richards for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

“I’ve been training well and preparing hard for it. The actions that I’ll show on February 2nd will speak louder than any words that I can say. I respect Craig and I know he’s a good fighter, but he isn’t as good as me and it’s as simple as that. Come fight night I’ll show it. I’m not afraid of any man.

“When I fight Craig in February I’ll be 100% fit and ready. I pulled out through injury, it’s not as if I had another fight lined up. All the hard work in the gym will show on the night.”

Craig Richards – Crystal Palace, London – 13-1, 7 KO’s – fighting Jake Ball for the WBA Continental Light-Heavyweight title:

“Im not going to pretend that the last few months haven’t been frustrating. With Jake ‘no balls’ pulling out, it’s been frustrating. He called me out in June and he’s been sitting on the bench injured since. Then we was meant to fight in October but he lost his balls and followed through in his trousers. Then we were meant to fight in December and it didn’t happen. Why didn’t you turn up in December?”

Felix Cash – Wokingham, England – 10-0, 6 KO’s – fighting Rasheed Abolaji for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title:

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s been a long time coming. The Commonwealth belt is right up there and I’m looking forward to going in there and putting a performance on. I want to show everyone what I’m all about and push on towards some bigger fights. Obviously it’s one fight at a time but I’ve got full confidence in my abilities. Hopefully once I get my hands on this Commonwealth title more fighters will be tempted so step in the ring with me. I’ll go in there, bust this fella up and then bring in the next one.”

John Docherty – Montrose, Scotland – 2-0, 2 KO’s – taking part in his third professional contest at Super-Middleweight:

“My first two fights went very well. I’m looking forward to getting out again on February 2nd and progressing with my career. Fighting in Italy was a good experience for me, I already had experience of fighting all around the World as an amatuer but the atmosphere in Italy was unique. I’m looking forward to getting another knockout on February 2nd. I would say I’m ready to step up now but Tony Sims and Eddie Hearn keep my feet on the ground. When the opportunity comes I’ll be ready.”

Fabio Wardley – Ipswich, England – 5-0, 4 KO’s – Heavyweight:

“December 22 was a great card and a great night to be a part of. I announced myself and showed everyone a little bit of what I can do. It was a fairly easy night for me, a comfortable win. I’m ready to go again. I’m excited to get out there in front of a big stage again and show off.

“I pay attention to what’s going on in the Heavyweight landscape but at the same time I’m focused on my own career and I’m looking at titles and where the gaps are in the division. There’s a lot I can do and I bring something different that a lot of Heavyweights don’t have. I’m just looking forward to having a very busy year and making more of a name for myself.”

Charles Frankham – Crowthorne, England – making his professional debut at Super-Featherweight:

“I’ve been working really hard with Tony (Sims) and the boys. I’m looking forward to getting in there now and doing the job. I feel like I’m ready for the pro game now. I’ve been sparring with Martin J Ward, Joe Cordina and Ricky Burns – they’re bringing me on loads. I’m going to take my time and try and get as many bouts under my belt as I can in 2019.”

WBA Light Heaveight champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Joe Smith, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Smith was originally ticketed to face IBF champion Artur Beterbiev, but Beterbiev looks like he will be making a deal with TOP Rank and moving to the ESPN platforms.

NUTLEY, N.J. – January 14, 2019 – Four members of the GH3 Promotions stable will be in action on Friday, February 1 at The Main Street Armory in Rochester, N.Y.

In the main event, undefeated super middleweight prospect Ronald Ellis returns to ShoBox: The New Generation against DeAndre Ware in the 10-round featured bout live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

In non-televised action, undefeated lightweight Thomas Mattice takes on Exequiel Lozano in a ten-round bout, former world middleweight title challenger Dominic Wade returns to action against Matin Fidel Rios in an eight-round contest, and 2018 National Golden Gloves champion Roney Hines will make his 2019 debut in a four-round heavyweight bout.

The 29-year-old Ellis, originally from Lynn, Mass., returns for his fourth ShoBox appearance as he seeks a statement win following a controversial draw in his last outing on the series. The former National Golden Gloves Gold Medalist out-boxed Junior Younan last February in a fight many observers thought he deserved to win. Still undefeated, Ellis returns as he looks to prove he has what it takes to turn from prospect to contender.

The fan-friendly Ware suffered the first loss of his career last September in a close and entertaining brawl with Cem Kilic on ShoBox. The 2013 National Golden Gloves Bronze Medalist will look to return to the win column as he faces his third consecutive unbeaten opponent. The 30-year-old’s career-best victory came last year over 2012 Olympian and previously undefeated prospect Enrique Collazo. A former collegiate football player at the University of Toledo, Ware also works fulltime as a firefighter in his hometown of Toledo.

Mattice of Cleveland, Ohio has a record of 13-0-1 with 10 knockouts.

The 28 year-old Mattice is a five year-professional, who has scored quality wins over Eliseo Cruz Sesma (9-2-1) and Rolando Chinea (15-1-1). Mattice is coming off two exciting fights with Zhora Hamazaryan, both of which aired on ShoBox. The first encounter saw Mattice win a split decision, while in rematch they fought to an eight-round draw on September 28.

Lozano of Argentina has an impressive mark of 18-1-1 with nine knockouts.

The 24-year-old Lozano is a six-year professional and is riding an 11-fight unbeaten streak. Lozano, who will be making his American debut, is coming off a second round stoppage over Damian Guzman on December 8 in Argentina.

Wade of Largo, Md., has a record of 18-1 with 12 knockouts.

The 28-year-old Wade is a 10 year-professional who has quality wins over Chris Davis (3-0), Michael Faulk (2-0), Grover Young (4-0), Nick Brinson (16-1-2) and former world champion Sam Soliman. This will be Wade’s first ring appearance since losing to unified world middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin on April 23, 2016.

Rios of Argentina has a record of 23-13-4 with 13 knockouts.

Rios, 26, is a seven-year veteran and has wins over Lucas Priori (9-1-1), Juan Bonnani (24-5-3), Billi Godoy (29-2), Jose Paz (17-3), Juan Juarez (17-1), Nicholas Lopez (12-2)and Ezequiel Maderna (24-3). Rios is coming off a split-decision defeat to Juergen Doberstein (23-3-1) on August 31 in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Hines, of Cleveland, Ohio, has been perfect in his young campaign by sporting a record of 3-0 with three knockouts.

The 23-year-old, scored those three knockouts in a three week period, with the latest being a first round stoppage over Jacob Hagler on August 11 in Salisbury, North Carolina.

“This will be a big night for GH3 Promotions,” said GH3 Promotions CEO, Vito Mielnicki. “Ronald Ellis will take another step towards being a top contender in the super middleweight division. Mattice has established himself as an exciting fighter, and he is fighting a tough guy. Should he come out victorious, he will be back in a television fight in the spring. Wade is a guy who established himself as a legitimate contender. He needs a couple of fights, and he will be in a major fight in 2019.”

AUBURN, Mass. (January 14, 2019) – Former professional boxer “Irish” Chuck Shearns has announced the founding of New England’s newest promotional company, Shearns Boxing Promotions.

Shearns will promoted his inaugural show at The Palladium in Worcester, MA, the same venue where he last fought nearly two years ago to the exact date, on Friday night, March 15. Full details about this event will soon be announced.

For the past two years, Shearns has worked with Rivera Entertainment Promotions, and he was co-promoter of Granite Chin Promotions, gaining invaluable experience in terms of the business of boxing. Now, he has decided to go out on his own, and he has more than the full support of his family. Collectively, they are Shearns Boxing Promotions.

“I have experience because I worked shows with my friends, Jose Antonio and A.J. Rivera and Chris Traietti. Also, having been a pro fighter, I understand what it’s like to sell tickets for purses. I also know what it’s like to get shortchanged by a promoter. Because of these factors, I decided that I was ready to go out on my own, starting a business with my family.”

In addition to his duties as the official promoter, Chuck is also a licensed matchmaker who will be responsible for contracts and commission relations. His wife, Karen, will use her accounting background to handle finances. His two daughters will also be heavily involved in the company. Kayla has a marketing degree and will serve as marketing and social media director, while Olivia will take care of event management and operations.

Although Shearns Boxing Promotions will concentrate on the Worcester market, it also plans to expand throughout New England.

“We’re going to feature quality, fan-friendly shows at reasonable prices to help keep New England boxers active and progressing their careers,” Shearns added. “There is a potentially active boxing scene in New England with many boxers who need to be showcased.”

Shearns is a pro-fighter promoter who, unlike some others, is open to working other promoters, many of whom are his friends. “We want to work with, not against, other promoters,” Shearns noted. “We want to see New England fighters step up and fight each other. Shearns Boxing Promotions will give them that platform. We’re all-in for the good of boxing and its overall health, especially here in Massachusetts.”

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

NEW YORK – January 14, 2019 – SHOWTIME PPV will present a welterweight world championship showdown between two of boxing’s biggest stars as Manny Pacquiao makes his long-awaited return to the U.S. against must-see attraction Adrien Broner on Saturday, January 19 live on SHOWTIME PPV at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The four-fight pay-per-view event will be available to network subscribers and non-subscribers to live stream directly through the SHOWTIME® app on select platforms including, for the first time, Roku, XBOX One and Android TV. The event is also available via the SHOWTIME app on Apple mobile and AppleTV (4th Generation) devices, Amazon Fire TV devices and Android phone and tablets for $74.99. Viewers can also purchase and live stream directly on Showtime.com and via traditional cable, DBS and telco providers nationwide. Additionally, Pacquiao vs. Broner will be available through Fathom Events in movie theaters and at select bars and restaurants across the country. For more information on where the fight is available and pricing per distributor, visit SHO.com.

“Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner are undoubtedly two of boxing’s biggest stars and this must-see event will be available nearly everywhere boxing fans consume their content,” said Stephen Espinoza, President Sports and Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc. “Pacquiao and Broner are among the most talented and athletically gifted boxers of this era, showcasing power, speed and showmanship. Add in a strong undercard of meaningful fights, and it’s the perfect way for boxing fans to kick off 2019.”

The first marquee boxing event of the year will be supported by a robust programming lineup across SHOWTIME platforms. The network will produce four installments of ALL ACCESS DAILY: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER, a daily digital series released throughout fight week on SHOWTIME Sports® social media platforms to complement the Emmy® Award-winning ALL ACCESS program airing on SHOWTIME.

Beginning with the Pacquiao vs. Broner main event press conference on Wednesday, January 16, SHOWTIME will live stream fight week events free on the SHOWTIME app and on the network’s social media channels, including Thursday’s undercard final press conference. Friday’s official weigh-in will be televised live on SHOWTIME, on the SHOWTIME app and on the network’s social media channels beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. An official pre-show will stream Saturday on the network’s social media platforms at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT leading into that evening’s live pay-per-view telecast. Hosted by sportscaster and WWE personality Jonathan Coachman, PACQUIAO VS. BRONER COUNTDOWN will feature special guests, fight analysis and highlights of the most compelling moments of fight week.

It all leads to the SHOWTIME PPV presentation of Pacquiao vs. Broner beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT live from MGM Grand Garden Arena. The four-fight telecast will be called by the industry-leading announce team featuring four members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Sports broadcasting veteran Brian Custer will host the telecast and combat sports veteran Mauro Ranallo will call the fight action alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein and former two-division world champion Paulie Malignaggi. Three Hall of Famers will round out the telecast team – ringside reporter Jim Gray, Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. Alejandro Luna and former world champion Raul Marquez will call the event in Spanish, available via Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME PPV is David Dinkins Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.

“My journey in this sport is still continuing,” said Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion and an elected senator in the Philippines. “I’ve accomplished everything I’ve wanted to, but I’m driven to keep my name at the top. I’m going to give the fans a vintage performance from Manny Pacquiao.”

“This win makes me an icon,” said Broner, a four-division world champion fighting out of Cincinnati, Ohio. “It makes me what I always wanted to be, and what everybody always thought I would be. A win here and I’m a legend overnight.”

The PPV telecast will feature three additional 12-round bouts. Two-division world champion Badou Jack will face unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne, while former world champion Rau’shee Warren will meet Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship. In the opening bout, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will defend his interim featherweight title against former world champion Hugo Ruiz.

HINCKLEY, Minn. (Jan. 14, 2019) — Rob “Bravo” Brant upset the odds to win a world title. For title defense number one, he’s returning to his favorite stomping grounds. Brant, a native of St. Paul, Minn., will defend his WBA middleweight title against the unbeaten Khasan Baysangurov on Friday, Feb. 15 at Grand Casino Hinckley.

Brant, who stunned Japanese superstar Ryota Murata Oct. 20 via unanimous decision to win the title, will be making his 12th professional appearance at Grand Casino Hinckley. Rounding out the ESPN-televised tripleheader will be rising bantamweight star Joshua Greer Jr. defending his WBC Continental Americas belt in a 10-rounder versus Giovanni “Little Giant” Escaner and female fighting sensation Mikaela Mayer making the second defense of her NABF super featherweight crown in an eight-rounder versus Yareli Larios.

Brant-Baysangurov, Greer-Escaner, and Mayer-Larios will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET. The entire undercard will stream live beginning at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Rapacz Boxing, tickets priced at $50 (reserved) and $35 (general admission) go on sale Saturday, Jan 19 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at any Grand Casino MN box office, online at Ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.

“Becoming a world champion was a dream come true. It’s extra special that my first title defense will be in my home state of Minnesota in front of my fans,” Brant said. “I fully understand the task in front of me, as it is harder to keep a title than it is to win one. My opponent is very talented and certainly deserving of his world ranking. I know that Khasan has weaknesses, and I feel we can exploit them. I am already working hard in a full training camp in Las Vegas in order to be prepared for top-level competition. I am confident and ready.”

“This is going to be a special night for Rob. He’s returning home as a world champion, and there is no place he’d rather make the first defense of his WBA middleweight title than Minnesota,” said Greg Cohen, Brant’s co-promoter. “I am looking forward to Rob putting on another virtuoso performance on ESPN.”

“I am very proud and happy to receive this great opportunity to showcase my skills against the reigning WBA middleweight world champion,” Baysangurov said. “I won’t disappoint my team and will give everything it takes to become the new champion. Of course, Rob Brant is a good boxer and a great champion, but now is my time to shine.”

Brant (24-1, 16 KOs) turned pro in 2012 following a standout amateur career that included a bronze medal at the 2012 U.S. National Championships (178 pounds). He moved down to middleweight to begin his pro career and soon became a gate attraction in Minnesota. He was riding a four-bout knockout streak in 2017 when he moved up in weight to enter the World Boxing Super Series super middleweight tournament. Brant was bested via unanimous decision by former light heavyweight world champion Jürgen Brähmer in the tournament quarterfinals. Following the Brähmer defeat, Brant returned to the middleweight division, knocking out Colby Courter in the opening round on March 9 of last year at Grand Casino Hinckley.

Against Murata, at the Park Theater in Las Vegas, Brant threw an astounding 1,262 punches, snatching the title from the established champion in one of the year’s great performances. He returns to Hinckley intent on continuing his streaking momentum against Baysangurov (17-0, 7 KOs), a 21-year-old who turned pro at 16 years of age. A former Russian amateur standout, Baysangurov captured the vacant WBA Intercontinental middleweight belt last May with a 12-round decision win against Guido Pitto. He defended the belt in October in Kiev, Ukraine, with a unanimous decision victory versus Paul Valenzuela Jr.

Greer (19-1-1, 11 KOs), the 24-year-old Chicago native with the big smile and the bigger punch, is aiming to extend his knockout streak to seven. He went 4-0 in 2018, including a third-round stoppage of Giovanni Delgado on Sept. 28. In his last outing, Dec. 14 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Greer captured the vacant WBC Continental Americas belt when Daniel Lozano remained on his stool following the seventh round. Greer, as always, will have a custom pillow on hand, which is unveiled after he knocks out his opponent. Greer debuted the pillow after he knocked out James Smith in what was a 2017 Knockout of the Year contender. Escaner (19-3, 13 KOs), a 28-year-old Filipino contender, has won eight consecutive fights and will be making his American debut.

“I just want to show the fans complete excellence. I’m a true gem in the sport, and I want everyone to keep following my career because you guys haven’t seen anything yet,” Greer said. “Don’t blink because I’m coming to Minnesota to put on another great show. After I get another knockout, everyone is going to be calling me Mr. ESPN!”

Mayer (9-0, 4 KOs) represented the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is one of the leading names in female boxing less than two years since making her professional debut. She won the NABF belt with a unanimous decision over Vanessa Bradford Oct. 13 on the Terence Crawford-Jose Benavidez Jr. undercard in Omaha, Neb. In her last but, Dec. 14 in Corpus Christi, Texas, she shut out Calixta Salgado over eight rounds. Larios (13-1-1, 3 KOs), a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, is a seasoned pro who has gone eight or more rounds six times.

“2018 was an amazing year for me and for women’s boxing,” Mayer said. “I won my first belt and fought six times. There’s a lot more to my boxing style that the world has yet to see, and this is the year I display my full range of skills. I’m ready to turn people into fans starting with my first fight of 2019, live on ESPN where women’s boxing belongs!”

The ESPN+ undercard will feature a slew of top contenders and prospects.

Unbeaten light heavyweight prospect Steve “So Cold” Nelson (12-0, 10 KOs), a stablemate of pound-for-pound elite Terence “Bud” Crawford, will battle Felipe Romero (20-16-1, 14 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Ismail “Sharp Shooter” Muwendo (20-1, 12 KOs) will face Colombian puncher Hevinson Herrera (24-15-1, 18 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight contest.

One the sport’s top young middleweights, Tyler Howard (16-0, 11 KOs), will seek to extend his knockout streak to three versus Cristian Olivas (16-3, 13 KOs).

Lightweight prospect Albert Bell (13-0, 5 KOs) will take on the durable Edward Kakembo (10-6, 3 KOs) in an eight-rounder.

Kevin Cruz (8-1, 5 KOs) will look to bounce back from his first pro loss against Minneapolis native Rondale Hubbert (12-8-1 7 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight fight.

Unbeaten super middleweight Cem Kilic (12-0, 7 KOs) will see action in an eight-rounder against an opponent to be named.

Lorenzo Simpson (1-0, 1 KO), an 18-year-old Baltimore native, will showcase his talents in a six-round middleweight bout.

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

Use the hashtag #BrantKhasan to follow the action on social media.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita congratulates undefeated Russian featherweight Elena Gradinar for being named “Prospect of the Year” for 2018 by respected women’s boxing body womenofboxing.com.

Gradinar (9-0, 2 KOs) is the number one IBF contender and mandatory challenger to world champion Jennifer Han. She started the year with a unanimous decision over Karina Kopinska and then moved into the mandatory spot and picked up the IBF Inter-Continental Female Featherweight Championship with a unanimous decision over Olivia Gerula.

Already designated a Sport Master of Russia in her homeland, the 28-year-old, from Saint Petersburg finds herself one win away from her first world championship.

“I am very grateful for this honor,” said a happy Gradinar. “I look forward to winning the IBF Featherweight World Title in my next fight and bringing respect to women’s boxing by fighting the best champions and top contenders.”

Gerula’s co-promoter Dmitriy Salita (along with Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group) says Gradinar is a key component to his highly successful efforts to revive the once-floundering sport of women’s boxing.

Salita was named Promoter of the Year for 2018 by womenofboxing.com.

“This is a very meaningful victory in a category that featured top names in Women’s Boxing,” said Salita. “This shows that our effort to expand women’s boxing throughout the world is paying off. Elena is going to have a great year.”

Charles Frankham has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

‘Boom Boom’ enjoyed a glittering amateur career, winning 71 of his 77 bouts, collecting a World Youth Championship Bronze medal at 52kg, a Commonwealth Games Gold medal at 60kg and European Championship at 52kg along the way, as well as eleven National titles.

The 19-year-old from Crowthorne trains under the watchful eye of Tony Sims in Brentwood, Essex and is excited to begin life in the paid code at Super-Featherweight at The O2 in London on February 2nd.

“I’m over the moon to have signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Frankham. “They are by far the best in the business and I’m confident putting my career in their hands. I can’t wait to make my professional debut at The O2 next month, I’m aiming to impress. I enjoyed my time in the amateurs but now is the right time to turn over and make my mark in the pros.

“Make ‘em miss and make ‘em pay is the ‘Boom Boom’ Frankham way. My defence is one of my main attributes and I’m a spiteful counterpuncher. If I need to mix it up them I’m well equipped to do that as well. Fighting is in my blood; I was born to box. My grandad Johnny Frankham was a British Light-Heavyweight Champion and a huge inspiration to me – I intend on doing my family proud.

“I’m really lucky to have a brilliant team around me in the gym. There’s great sparring for me with the likes of Martin J Ward, Ricky Burns and Joe Cordina – they’re all similar weights to me. This year it’s all about building experience in the gym and in the ring. I’d like to get a few fights under my belt by the end of the year. My long-term ambition is to go all the way to the top and get as many belts as I can.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Charles to the team,” said Eddie Hearn. “His outstanding amateur pedigree speaks for itself and he has all of the attributes to be a big success in the paid ranks. I can’t wait to see his exciting new journey get underway at The O2 next month.”

Follow Charles’ journey on his Twitter: @CharlesFrankham and Instagram: CHARLES_FRANKHAM

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)

London (14 January 2019) Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby will make his big return to the ring on Saturday 23rd February at The O2, London, on the blockbuster James DeGale-Chris Eubank Jr. show, exclusively live on ITV Box Office.

Selby kicks off 2019 with new and fresh ambitions as he makes a daring move up two weight classes to campaign in the talent-packed Lightweight division and has targeted a second world title belt before the end of the year.

The Welsh star will face hard-hitting American Omar Douglas with a championship title on the line to be confirmed shortly that will support the mouth-watering showdown between bitter rivals DeGale and Eubank Jr in the UK debut event for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) promoted by Poxon Sports.

The 31-year-old can’t wait to return to The O2 and he sees it as his lucky omen where he is unbeaten in the five fights he’s had there, including his sensational win over Evgeny Gradovich to win the IBF World title in May 2015.

This will be Selby’s first fight since a shock loss of his title to Josh Warrington last May that he put down to trouble making the 126 pound weight limit and realising that he should have made the move up in weight a lot sooner.

A loss has certainly not dented Selby’s confidence and the time away has made him reflect and refocus on his career and he is now relishing the challenges of fighting in a division that holds some of the elite names in world boxing and being crowned a two-time World Champion.

Making history is very much in Selby’s sights as he aims to become Wales’ first ever recognised two-weight World Champion. The Barry man is looking to carve his name alongside those of other Welsh sporting legends like Joe Calzaghe, JPR Williams, Gareth Bale and Geraint Thomas as he moves in to the next phase of his already glittering career.

Selby said, “I’m looking forward to the challenge of becoming a two weight world champion. The move up in weight was long overdue so that’s why we’ve chosen to jump up two weight classes to the Lightweight division.”

“There are so many fights to look forward to with big domestic fights like Campbell, Crolla and Burns along with some of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world like Vasyl Lomachenko and Mikey García,”

“The Featherweight division was one of the toughest weight classes and I reached the top as IBF world champion. It’s the same mission now at Lightweight and I can’t wait to get back to business on February 23. The O2 London has been a special venue for me where I won my world title so it’s great to be back there on a massive night for British boxing.”

Douglas, from Wilmington, Delaware, had a decorated amateur career, winning five state Golden Gloves titles and is under the PBC banner. The 27-year-old comes in with a top record of 13 knockouts in 19 wins from 21 fights, with two highly controversial points losses, and is a former NABA Super-Featherweight Champion.

He said, “I am very grateful for this opportunity to come to London and fight on the show and the UK fans get to see me in action. Lee Selby is a solid fighter, but I know in my heart that I’m an undefeated fighter and that will make me very dangerous and I will show it on February 23. I will show I’m a major player at junior lightweight. Although this fight is at 135 pounds I want the world to see that I’m one of the top guys at 130 and put the champions on notice.”

Promoter Richard Poxon of Poxon Sports is thrilled to welcome a fighter of Selby’s calibre to the action-packed card and expects him to shine at Lightweight.

Poxon said, “I always felt Lee would be a dominant champion at Featherweight and would have fancied him against anyone. I was as surprised as anyone when he lost to Josh Warrington, but it was no secret Lee had had his problems making weight.”

“I’m really looking forward to watching Lee in this fight. To jump up two weights is some leap and it will be very interesting to see how he fits in the Lightweight division.”

“Douglas isn’t a joke for anyone and has only lost to the ‘top tier’ boxers. Edner Cherry is a proven operator and Fortuna is top drawer. He’ll be coming to win, that’s for sure.”

“If Lee carries the weight well, then I’d expect him to be a serious threat to any of the champions at 135lbs. There are some great domestic fights out there for him as well as on the international stage.”

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.

TJ Doheny will make the first defense of his IBF World Super-Bantamweight title against Ryohei Takahashi at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York on Friday January 18, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.MSG.COM – TICKETS START AT $46!

Doheny landed the title in stunning fashion in Japan in August, ripping it from defending champion Ryosuke Iwasa in Tokyo, moving to 20-0 (14KOs) in the process. Now the Irishman will look to cement his status as World ruler in the Big Apple before targeting unification bouts later in the year.

Fittingly, Japan’s Takahashi (16-3-1 6KOs) will get the chance to return to the strap to the Far East where Doheny won the title, and the 28 year old #10 ranked challenger is thrilled to be fighting for his first title at the New York boxing mecca.

“It is really an honor to fight a World title match in this big event,” said Takahashi. “I’ll show everyone a great fight and rise up as a champion. I will make it happen.”

“I am delighted to face Ryohei in my first defense,” said Doheny. “I have massive respect for boxing in Japan having won my title there, and I know how motivated he will be in his first world title fight, just as I was in Tokyo.

“But I have prepared brilliantly for this fight and this is my time to shine. I know he wants to rip the title from me, but this is my first big night under the spotlight and I intend to shine.”

Doheny’s clash with Takahashi is part of a huge triple-header of World title action at Madison Square Garden, Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO World Middleweight title for the first time against Russian Artur Akavov.

A third World title bout on the card sees Amanda Serrano (35-1-1 26KOs) gunning for history as she looks to land World honors in an extraordinary seventh weight class as she meets WBC and IBF World Super-Flyweight champion Eva Voraberger (24-5 11KOs) – the Austrian tasked with stopping Serrano’s bid for glory.

Former World Lightweight ruler Jorge Linares continues his comeback trail on the card when he meets Pablo Cesar Cano. Linares’ (45-4 28KOs) reign as WBA and Ring Magazine champion was ended in an epic clash with pound-for-pound star Vasily Lomachenko at Madison Square Garden in May, with Linares felling the Ukrainian star in the sixth before being stopped four rounds later.

Linares returned to winning ways in September with a third round stoppage win over Abner Cotto in September in California and starts 2019 with his 50th pro fight against Cano (31-7-1 21KOs), the Mexican former World title challenger who landed the WBC International Silver strap in his last outing in September – and Linares is joined by fellow Golden Boy Boxing star Alexis Rocha (12-0 8KOs), the 21 year old Welterweight talent ready to begin his charge for titles in 2019.

Long Island favorite and former World ruler Chris Algieri (22-3 8KOs) steps up his pursuit of regaining his World champion status at Super-Lightweight as he faces fellow New Yorker Danny Gonzalez (17-1-1 7KOs), One of Matchroom Boxing USA’s rising stars tastes his first action in 2019 on the card as Reshat Mati (2-0 1KO) returns to the scene of his last outing in October where the ‘Albanian Bear’ went the four round distance in his second fight.

Tickets for January 18 are on sale now priced from $46 (including booking fee) – tickets are available from www.MSG.com

Lindolfo Delgado remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Sergio Lopez in a scheduled eight-round super lightwight bout.

Delgado ended the fight in round three when he landed three hard body punches that sent Lopez to the canvas and the bout was stopped at

Delgado, 140.4 lbs of Linares, Mexico is 8-0 with all wins coming via stoppage. Lopez, 137.2 lbs of West Covina, CA is 22-13-1.

Caleb Plant won the IBF Super Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Uzcategui in Los Angeles.

In round two, Plant dropped Uzcategui with a left hook. Two rounds later, it was a similar punch that put Uzcategui down for a 2nd time. The fight was grueling and plant showed the war scars as he was cut around his right eye in round six.

Plant, 166.8 lbs of Nashville, TN won by scores of 116-110 twice and 115-111 and is now 18-0. Uzcategui, 165.2 lbs of El Vigia, VEN is 28-3.

Joey Spencer remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Brandon Harder in a scheduled four-round super welterweight bout,

In round one, Spencer dropped Harder with a straight right to the head. In round two, it was another right that sent Harder down again. Moments later, Harder went down again, and the bout was stopped.

Spencer, 155.8 lbs of Linden, MI is 6-0 with six knockouts. Harder, 153 lbs of Southaven, MS is 2-2.

Brandon Figueroa stopped Moises Flores in round three of a their scheduled 12-round super bantamweight bout.

Figueroa dropped Flores with a huge left hook, and finished him off later in round three with a barrage of punches that sent Flores down for a 2nd time, and the bout was stopped at 1:35.

Figueroa, 121.4 lbs of Welasco, TX is 18-0 with 13 knockouts. Flores, 121 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-2.

Former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux stopped Giovanni Delgado in the 1st round of their scheduled 10 round super bantamweight bout.

Rigondeaux dropped Delgado at the end of the 1st round with a hard overhand left for the 10 count. The time of the finish was 3:00.

Rigondeaux, 122.2 lbs of Santiago, CUB is 18-1 with 12 knockouts. Delgado, 128.6 lbs of Tacubuyla, MEX is 16-9.

Lindolfo Delgado stopped Sergio Lopez in round three of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Delgado dropped Lopez with a left to the body for the 10-count at 2:48.

Delgado, 140.4 lbs of Linares, MX is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Lopez, 137.2 lbs of West Covina, CA is 22-13-1.

Ahmed Elbiali stopped faded Allan Green in round three of their scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Elbiali dropped Green with a right-left combination on the ropes. In round two, Elbiali dropped Green with a big left hook. In round three, Elbiali dropped Green with hard right hand, and the bout was stopped at 1:16.

Elbiali, 175 lbs of Cairo, EGY is now 18-1 with 15 knockouts. Green, 178.6 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 33-6.

On March 23rd, 130-lb world champion Miguel Berchelt will take on Francisco Vargas in a rematch of an entertaining fight from 2017, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

The fight will be seen live on ESPN, and will take place at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

“It’s great to work with Golden Boy again putting together what should be a continuation a terrific first fight, and being at The Forum is a natural home for this match,” Top Rank’s Todd duBoef said.

“Their first fight was a good one, but it was stopped because of the cuts. Berchelt has gotten better, and so now we will see where Vargas is,” Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez told ESPN. “Vargas is tough, and he is always game. He wanted this fight. and we’ll see if he can overthrow Berchelt and regain the title.”

Gomez said that Juan Carlos Torres of Berchelt co-promoter Zanfer Promotions reached out to him to see what their interest was in the rematch. Golden Boy and Zanfer co-promote junior middleweight titlist Jaime Munguia, and Gomez said he and Torres were able to work it out.

“Juan Carlos asked me if we were still interested in the rematch, which we had talked about a few times before,” Gomez said. “Vargas wanted it, so we did the deal. I spoke to [Top Rank vice president] Carl Moretti a little bit, and we made it happen. It will be another good fight.”

“Berchelt has shown interest in fighting Loma, and I think the winner of this fight is in contention to fight him later in the year,” duBoef said