(Jan. 3, 2019) — Top Rank is proud to announce it has signed two of the East Coast’s brightest amateur stars — Puerto Rican-born super bantamweight Jeremy “Magic Hands” Adorno and South Philadelphia-born heavyweight Sonny Conto — to multi-year contracts.

Conto and Adorno will make their professional debuts in four-round bouts Friday, Feb. 8 at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on the “Philly Special” card promoted by Michelle Rosado’s Raging Babe. Adorno, who currently lives in Allentown, Pa., is the younger brother of Joseph “Blessed Hands” Adorno, one of the sport’s top prospects.

“Signing with Top Rank is the beginning of my dreams becoming a reality,” Conto said. “There is no better place to make my professional debut than Philadelphia.”

“I’m really excited to have such a special person and fighter sign with the best promotional company in boxing,” said David McWater, Conto’s manager. “He is a superstar in the making.”

“I feel blessed to be signed with boxing’s best promotional company,” Adorno said. “Making my pro debut in Philadelphia in front of my family members and friends is a dream come true. My brother and I are going to take over the sport of boxing and give the fans a lot of action and excitement.”

“I’m thrilled to have Jeremy Adorno and Sonny Conto debut on my ‘Philly Special’ card,” Rosado said. “We’re in Conto’s backyard in South Philly, and we’re close to Adorno’s fans in Allentown. They were both outstanding amateurs with dedicated followings, which will make the card that much more special.”

Conto, 22, was a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion, a silver medalist at the 2018 National Golden Gloves, and a bronze medalist at the 2017 National Golden Gloves. Before turning to boxing full-time, he was a decorated collegiate pitcher who helped lead Rowan College at Gloucester County to the NJCAA Division III Baseball World Series. A 6-foot-4 puncher, Conto will appear on the ESPN family of networks in 2019.

Adorno, who turns 18 on Jan. 9, won more than 100 bouts in the unpaid ranks. A member of USA Boxing through 2018, he captured titles at the National Silver Gloves, Ringside World Championships, and the 2017 USA Boxing Youth National Championships. He will train alongside his brother and father/trainer, Anibal Adorno.

Reshat Mati wants to turn his New York hometown into a fortress as he prepares for to fight for the third time as a pro on Friday January 18 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, 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!

Mati had feverish support from his fans at the Theater when he moved to 2-0 in October, adding a knockdown to his shutout four round win over Juan Carlos Sepulveda, having stopped Adan Ahumada in three rounds earlier in the month on debut in Chicago.

The former amateur sensation is expecting a busy year as he banks experience in and out of the ring, and while the 20 year old hopes to be on plenty of Matchroom Boxing USA bills across the USA, New York is the place he wants to fight regularly in front of his growing fanbase.

“Making my home debut was so cool – I really want to build something special in New York,” said Mati. “I sold lots of ticket in Chicago and then even more in New York – all the Albanian flags in the crowd looked awesome and I think I put on a good display for them, and I’m thrilled to be starting 2019 back at the same brilliant venue.

“I’m not being cocky, but I’ve already got a really good fan base and I get a lot of them at my fights, and I want to grow that. I want people to see my name on the posters and say ‘I want to watch Reshat Mati’ – that’s my goal, to put on a great show and get lots of fans. But I can fight too, I’m not just a ticket-seller, I have goals in this sport and that’s to reach the top.

“I’m impatient to do it. I know that I have a lot of learning to do but I’m in the right place and I have a great team behind me, so I know I am going to be really active and will learn quickly in the ring and the gym.

“The start of my pro career has been great. It’s a dream come true to be a pro boxer, but my work ethic hasn’t changed, I’ve always trained as hard as I can and leave no stone unturned in the gym – that’s always going to be the way I approach my work.”

Mati’s third fight in the paid ranks is part of a huge night of action in New York as Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO World Middleweight title for the first time against Russian Artur Akavov.

A second 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.

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

Los Angeles, CA (January 3, 2019) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions acclaimed ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ series returns for the first time in 2019 on Sunday, January 27 at the AVALON in Hollywood, CA.

Advance tickets for The VIP Boxing Experience priced at $150 for VIP Seats on the Ring Apron, $125 for VIP Ringside Front Row, $100, $75 and $60 are now on sale online at www.360Promotions.us and through the interactive seating chart by clicking HERE. VIP Booths are also available by inquiring at Info@360Promotions.US. Doors will open at 3:00 p.m. with the first bell at 4:00 p.m.

“We’re very excited to kick off the 2019 season of Hollywood Fight Nights with an evening of great fights on Sunday, January 27 at the AVALON,” said Loeffler. “Our first four events last year were very successful and our shows have become one of the most popular nights on the Southern California boxing schedule.”

‘Maricela Cornejo is one of the most popular female fighters in the United States and will be making her debut at junior middleweight on January 27. Also, this will be the fourth time Brian Ceballo has fought at Hollywood Fight Nights, he is one of the boxing’s top young prospects and is returning to Los Angeles following a sensational performance at Madison Square Garden on December 8.”

In a highly anticipated local rivalry clash, two-time world title challenger Maricela ‘La Diva’ Cornejo, (12-3-0, 5 KO’s), of Los Angeles, CA will face Erin Toughill, (7-3-0), of Huntington Beach, CA in the eight- round junior middleweight main event on January 27.

A veteran of numerous nationally televised bouts contested at super middleweight, Cornejo will be looking to start her ascent in the junior middleweight division against her arch-rival.

Starting her professional career in 2000, Toughill has faced numerous top names in women’s boxing including former world champions Laila Ali and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde.

Top undefeated welterweight prospect Brian Ceballo, (6-0-0, 3 KOs), of New York, NY will fight Randy Fuentes, (8-7-1, 2 KOs), of McAllen, TX in the six-round co-feature on January 27.

Since turning professional in March of last year, Ceballo has impressed fans with each performance. Fighting for the first time at the famed Madison Square Garden, the 24-year-old former amateur standout scored a four-round unanimous decision over Daniel Calzada on December 8, 2018. In his last victory at Hollywood Fight Nights, Ceballo stopped Tavorus Teague in the second round on August 8, 2018.

The 30-year-old Fuentes has clashed with numerous undefeated prospects and is returning to action following a career-best knockout victory over Craig Callaghan on December 14, 2018 in Houston, TX.

In the light heavyweight division, heavy-handed contender Israel ‘Bumaye’ Duffus, (19-5-0, 16 KOs), of Los Angeles, CA clashes with undefeated prospect Juan ‘Sky’ Barajas, (7-0-0, 5 KOs), of Victorville, CA in a scheduled six-rounder.

A native of San Miguelito, Panama, the 26-year-old Duffus, trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, had won eight fights in a row, seven by knockout prior to dropping a ten-round decision to undefeated contender Charles Foster on November 18, 2018 in Boston, MA.

In 2018 the all-action 22-year-old Barajas stopped both of his opponents in the first round, Javier Rivera on May 25 and Juan Armendariz on May 11.

Fighting in a four-round junior lightweight bout, 18-year-old prospect Adrian ‘Bam Bam’ Corona, (3-0-0), of Rialto, California, faces Guadalupe Arroyo, a veteran of seventeen fights, competing out of Huntington Beach, CA.

With two prior exciting victories at Hollywood Fight Nights events, Corona quickly returns to action following a four-round decision over Jesus Arevalo on December 22, 2018.

Over four rounds in the bantamweight division undefeated prospect George ‘Fantasma’ Navarro, (3-0-1, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, CA clashes with Anthony Torres, (0-2-0), of Visalia, CA.

The 20-year-old Navarro will be fighting for the first time in the United States with his first four professional bouts taking place in Mexico. Most recently he fought to a four-round draw with Genaro Velarde on September 22, 2018, in Mexicali, Mexico.

Torres returns to the ring following a hotly contested four rounder against undefeated Sean Garcia on December 6, 2018, in Costa Mesa, CA.

Rounding out the Hollywood Fight Nights event, undefeated super bantamweight prospect Alberto ‘Tito’ Jr. Felix, (2-0-0, 1 KO), of Ontario, CA, will look to stay perfect in a scheduled four-round bout against an opponent to be announced. The 20-year-old Felix will also be making his debut in the United States having won his first two professional bouts in Mexico.

‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ will once again be streamed live internationally, FREE of charge on the 360 Promotions website, (www.360promotions.us) and by visiting their Facebook page HERE.

The historic AVALON is located at 1735 Vine Street in Hollywood, CA adjacent to the iconic intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St. For more details on the AVALON, please visit their website, www.AvalonHollywood.com

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Tom Loeffler was recognized by ESPN in 2017 as being involved in the promotion of the three biggest events of the year including the Anthony Joshua/Wladimir Klitschko World Heavyweight Championship at Wembley Stadium in London, the Gennady Golovkin/Daniel Jacobs World Middleweight Championship at Madison Square Garden and the massive Canelo Alvarez –Gennady Golovkin event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. These three events totaled over 130,000 tickets sold in addition to their extraordinary numbers in pay-per-view sales and network viewership worldwide.

Loeffler also co-promoted the World Middleweight Championship rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin on September 15, 2018, boxing’s biggest event in the calendar year.

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James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr will clash at London’s O2 on 23 February in the first major UK event of the new deal between ITV and Haymon Sports’ Premier Boxing Champions, it has been announced.

The Super Middleweight match, to be screened exclusively live on ITV Box Office, will take place against a backdrop of hostility between two fighters who have long made no secret of their mutual dislike and are relishing the prospect of settling their differences in the ring.

James DeGale has already fired off an opening shot in the direction of his opponent.

He said: “Really excited and looking forward to being back home to a fight of this magnitude.

“I believe Eubank doesn’t have the pedigree, the size and skill to beat me.

“Eubank is a decent fighter but every time he has stepped up he has been found out. He has called my name for a long time so now I’ve finally got my chance to zip his lips.”

Eubank Jr responded in kind, saying: “DeGale is going to get the schooling of his career. A good old-fashioned hiding.”

Poxon Sport is the promoter of DeGale v Eubank Jr, as the exclusive promoter of all UK PBC events on ITV.

The fighters faced off at the Hotel Café Royal, in London, today [Thursday 3 January]. Live streaming of the press conference was hosted by ITV’s Gabriel Clarke on the ITV Box Office Facebook page and Youtube channel.

Full details of the undercard and how to access this ITV Box Office PPV event across all platforms will be announced and made available in due course. For updated and further information, please go to www.itvboxoffice.com

Tickets for the fight go on sale on Friday 4 January at midday to O2 members and to the wider public at midday on Monday 7 January. Tickets available from www.AXS.com and Inner Ringside/VIP Hospitality from www.sportandmusic.co.uk.

News of the DeGale v Eubank Jr showdown follows the announcement at the end of December of two major world title fights to be shown free to air on ITV4 as part of the broad scope of the ITV and PBC deal. On Sunday, January 13, Jose Uzcategui defends his IBF Super Middleweight World Championship against unbeaten top challenger Caleb Plant. Coverage will come live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

The following weekend, on 19 January, ITV4’s coverage will come live from Las Vegas where Manny Pacquiao will defend his WBA world welterweight title against Adrien Broner. The exclusive ITV4 coverage will also include the much-anticipated showdown between Badou Jack and Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight title.

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.

ENDS

About ITV

ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster and the largest commercial television network in the UK. It is the home of popular television from the biggest entertainment events, to original drama, major sport, landmark factual series and independent news. It operates a family of channels including ITV, ITVBe, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and CITV, which are broadcast free-to- air. ITV is also focused on delivering its programming via the ITV Hub, mobile devices, video on demand and third party platforms. ITV Studios is a global production business, creating and selling programmes and formats from offices in the UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Nordics and the Netherlands. It is the largest and most successful commercial production company in the UK, the largest independent non-scripted indie in the US and ITV Studios Global Entertainment is a leading international distribution businesses.

About Premier Boxing Champions

The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.

Las Vegas – UFC® will make its highly anticipated debut on ESPN with a heavyweight contenders’ fight featuring No. 3-ranked Francis Ngannou and returning former champion Cain Velasquez. Also, surging lightweight contenders collide when No. 11-ranked James Vick takes on No. 15 Paul Felder. UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN®: NGANNOU vs. VELASQUEZ will air live from Talking Stick Resort Arena on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Sunday, Feb. 17, with the ESPN broadcast prelims kicking off the evening at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Early prelims stream exclusively on ESPN+ at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

Known for his spectacular punching power, Ngannou (12-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev. by way of Batié, Cameroon) looks to build on his momentum following a 45-second TKO win over Curtis Blaydes in November. During his UFC run, Ngannou has earned highlight-reel knockouts against Alistair Overeem, Andrei Arlovski and Luis Henrique, and is now poised to re-assert himself as a title threat by taking out one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history.

A two-time heavyweight champion, Velasquez (14-2, fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) returns from a two-plus year hiatus. A talented grappler and striker, his last outing saw him net a TKO win over Travis Browne at UFC 200. Velazquez has delivered thrilling victories over the course of his legendary career, including wins against Junior Dos Santos (twice), Brock Lesnar and Minotauro Nogueira. He now looks to earn another shot at the title by stopping one of the division’s hardest hitters.

Having won four of his last five outings, Vick (13-2, fighting out of Fort Worth, Tex.) looks to get back on track with a show-stealing victory. Vick has netted impressive stoppage victories against Joseph Duffy, Polo Reyes and Abel Trujillo. He now hopes to derail another surging contender and re-stake his claim as one of the division’s biggest threats.

Known for his devastating elbows, Felder (15-4, fighting out of Philadelphia, Penn.) has asserted himself as one of the division’s most aggressive finishers. Felder has earned Performance of the Night bonuses for his KO wins against Stevie Ray, Alessandro Ricci and Danny Castillo. He aims to continue climbing the ranks by picking up his fourth consecutive lightweight win.

Announced bouts on the card include:

No. 5-ranked bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera (22-2, fighting out of Ramsey, N.J.) looks to work his way back into the title conversation by taking out No. 7 Aljamain Sterling (16-3, fighting out of Uniondale, N.Y.)
Phoenix’s own No. 11-ranked women’s strawweight Cortney Casey (8-6, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) intends to put on a show for her hometown fans when she meets No. 12-ranked Cynthia Calvillo (7-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.)
Andre Fili (18-6, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) looks to bounce back into the win column when he meets Myles Jury (17-3, fighting out of San Diego, Calif.)
Fan favorite Alex Caceres (14-11, fighting out of Miami, Fla.) aims to spoil the highly-anticipated UFC debut of Kron Gracie (4-0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Calif.)
Welterweight prospect Vicente Luque (14-6-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) looks to break into the rankings for the first time by taking out hometown favorite Bryan Barberena (13-5, fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.)
No.11-ranked women’s flyweight Ashlee Evans-Smith (6-3, fighting out of Santa Ana, Calif.) takes on No.13 Andrea Lee (9-2, fighting out of Shreveport, La.)
Former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao (34-7, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims to snap his losing streak when he meets Luke Sanders (13-3, fighting out of Nashville, Tenn.)
In a battle of undefeated prospects, Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series signee Benito Lopez (9-0, fighting out of Oroville, Calif.) meets Manny Bermudez (13-0, fighting out of Norwell, Mass.)
Scott Holtzman (12-2, fighting out of Knoxville, Tenn.) aims to extend his winning streak to four when he faces battle-tested veteran Nik Lentz (29-9, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla.)
Former women’s strawweight title challenger Jessica Penne (12-5, fighting out of Huntington Beach, Calif.) looks to start 2019 with a big win by taking out Jodie Esquibel (6-4, fighting out of Albuquerque, N.M.)
Alexandra Albu (3-0, fighting out of Moscow, Russia) looks to remain undefeated when she takes on Emily Whitmire (3-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)

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

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

Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: NGANNOU vs. VELASQUEZ go on sale Friday, Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. MT and are priced at $175, $150, $120, $90, $80 and $70 (not including fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m. MT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, Jan. 3 starting at 10 a.m. MT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

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About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 450 events in 24 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

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

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

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

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans. The ESPN App is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation, delivering a rich, personalized experience that curates all of ESPN’s content around each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also be available through ESPN.com.

Thomas Madsen believes Dina Thorslund (12-0, 6 KOS) can secure a knockout win as she defends her WBO World Super Bantamweight title against Alesia Graf (29-7, 13 KOs) on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park in Denmark.

“Graf is an experienced boxer, who has met many good fighters in her career,” says Madsen. “She is tall and she throws good straight punches, but I don’t believe she is physically strong enough to resist Dina.”

Madsen insists his fighter is ready to go all ten rounds if required, but does not think it will be necessary for the hard-hitting World Champion, who has stopped six of her previous opponents inside the distance.

“Dina’s shape is good and she is ready to go ten hard rounds, but I hope she can knock Graf out. She must at least test Graf early with some power punches. I believe and hope for a KO victory,” says the Danish trainer.

Following an impressive 2018, Madsen has high hopes for the New Year: “It will be a great year where we chase even more success. We are looking to win more World titles and to unify the division, and that may mean fighting abroad.”

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 (+45) 70 15 65 65.

NEW YORK (January 2, 2019) — Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of top amateur heavyweight Sonny Conto to a management contract.

Conto, 22 years-old of Philadelphia, PA was a two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves Champion as well as a Silver Medalist in the 2018 National Golden Gloves and a Bronze Medalist in the 2017 National Golden Gloves.

A natural athlete, Conto was an acclaimed baseball pitcher, who pitched for Rowan College, in Gloucester County. Conto, helped his team make it to the Junior College World Series, where his team placed 3rd.

“I am very excited to turn professional,” said Conto. I signed with Split-T Management because they are the best at managing their fighters and they also made me feel like family. I can’t wait to give all my fans a great career, and show them the real “Rocky.” The boxing world can expect to see exciting fights from me, and the next great Italian fighter to come out of Philadelphia, PA.”

“The 1st time I saw Sonny, I knew that I wanted to sign him. He has the rare combination of power and Charisma that doesn’t come often,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

There will be a major announcement about Conto’s future in the very near future.

Demetrius Andrade has vowed to dominate the Middleweight division in 2019 – starting with the first defense of his WBO World title against Artur Akavov on Friday January 18 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, 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!

Andrade (26-0 16KOs) puts his WBO 160lb crown on the line for the first time against the Russian in New York, and the two-weight World ruler is eager to kick off 2019 with a bang having returned to the ring in style in 2018.

The Rhode Island star picked up the WBO crown with a commanding win over Walter Kautondokwa in Boston in October, flooring the undefeated African dangerman four times in the opening four rounds in his first fight in a year and his first title bout at 160lbs.

Andrade steps straight back into action and face-to-face with the ‘Wolverine’ Akavov (19-2 8KOs), who fights for the strap for the second time having ran previous incumbent Billy Joe Saunders close for the belt December 2016 in Glasgow.

‘Boo Boo’ knows that Akavov will put it all on the line in the Big Apple, but the champion wants to lay down a marker as the first of the Middleweight World champions to fight in 2019 – and he plans to prove that he will emerge as the top dog in a talent-heavy division with Canelo Alvarez, Daniel Jacobs, Gennady Golovkin, Jermall Charlo and Saunders amongst the huge names there for big fights.

“I’m out there trying to fight the undefeated guys, the champions, that’s what I want,” said Andrade. “I get in there with anyone at 160lbs – and I beat them all. It’s the time for the elite to fight each in 2019, people want to see me fight the big names and I want them.

“It’s going to happen, I am here, I’ve got the World title and I want the best. Akavov is coming to New York to take that title from me so I know that I have to be on my game as he’s a dangerous man, but trust me, when I shine on January 18, we’re going for all the big names next.

“My first fight was meant to be Saunders – an undefeated champion – and then I beat another undefeated fighter to win the title. That’s what I am about and that’s what I want my year to be, champion vs. champion, Demetrius Andrade vs. the best out there.”

Andrade clashes with Akavov on a huge night of action in New York, with a second 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.

Former World Super-Lightweight champion Chris Algieri (22-3 8KOs) made his return from two years out of the ring in November with a ten round win in Huntington, Long Island, and the 34 year old faces fellow New Yorker Danny Gonzalez (17-1-1 7KOs) in his second bout back, with the carrot of major fights later in the year dangling in front of Algieri.

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.

Chris Algieri believes he can return to World title level in 2019 – but the returning ace knows that his dreams could be shattered by defeat against Danny Gonzalez on Friday January 18 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Algieri (22-3 8KOs) returned to action in November on his home patch of Huntington, Long Island, after two and a half years out of the ring, getting ten rounds under his belt against Angel Hernandez.

The 34 year old will step up his pursuit of regaining his World champion status at Super-Lightweight on January 18 but must see off dangerman Gonzalez (17-1-1 7KOs), his fellow New Yorker and Star Boxing promoted man, if he’s to tee up major fights later in the year.

“I see World title fights for me this year,” said Algieri. “The key is being active. I want to fight every other month, so the focus is win on January 18, get another fight in March and just keep building.

“Words cannot express how excited I am to get back into the ring just seven weeks after my long awaited return to the ring. On top of that excitement I will fighting in New York City at the world famous Madison Square Garden that will be seen live on the premier sports streaming network DAZN.

“If you ask any fighter in the world and they will all tell you – there is just something inherently special about fighting at The Garden. This fight represents another step towards my ultimate goal of regaining my World title at Super Lightweight. I understand the magnitude of this event and know that at this stage of my career each fight is the most important of my life.

“I will prepare to be my absolute best, I will bring my all and I fight with the heart and tenacity that the boxing public has come to know and love. January 18 is going to be a glorious night and I am sure my strong Long Island contingent will be loud and proud!”

Algieri and Gonzalez clash on a huge night of action in New York as Demetrius Andrade defends his WBO World Middleweight title for the first time against Russian Artur Akavov.

A second 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.

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

LOS ANGELES (January 2, 2019) – Former world champion and pound-for-pound contender Guillermo Rigondeaux will return to action against Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado in an eight-round match on Premier Boxing Champions Prelims live on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

The Prelims show begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with hard-hitting 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (7-0, 7 KOs) in an eight round super lightweight fight. Also light heavyweight power-puncher Ahmed Elbiali (17-1, 14 KOs) takes on Oklahoma’s Allan Green (33-5, 22 KOs), which will be shown on the telecast if time allows.

Prelims precede a Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes show that features IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Jose Uzcategui taking on unbeaten Caleb Plant in the main event. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

In an anticipated rematch Ryan “Cowboy” Karl (15-2, 9 KOs) meets Kevin Watts (12-3, 5 KOs) for an eight-round super lightweight FS1 TV swing bout. Watts stopped Karl in the fifth round of their exciting April bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Rigondeaux (17-1, 11 KOs) will step into the ring against Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado (16-8, 9 KOs) for a super bantamweight attraction as he seeks to show off the masterful technical skills that made him a unified world champion and perennial member of the pound-for-pound list. A two-time Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Rigondeaux made his name with victories over the likes of Nonito Donaire, Rico Ramos and Joseph Agbeko. He will look to rebound from his defeat to Vasiliy Lomachenko last December when he competes on January 13 against the 27-year-old Delgado (16-8, 9 KOs).

A rising prospect from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Lindolfo Delgado picked up five knockout wins in 2018, after turning pro in 2017 following the 2016 Olympics. The 23-year-old will fight in the U.S. for the second time when he makes his 2019 debut on January 13.

Born in Cairo, Egypt and now living and training in Miami, Elbiali bounced back from a loss to former champion Jean Pascal with a third-round knockout of Zoltan Sera in June. The 28-year-old scored knockouts in 13 of his first 16 pro bouts and will take on Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Green, who most recently defeated Edgar Perez this year.

# # #

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.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (January 2, 2019) – Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), boxer laureate and the sweet science’s only eight-division world champion, has a goal. That goal is to knock out his next opponent, Cincinnati’s Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs), when they collide on Saturday, January 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Presented by Premier Boxing Champions, the Pacquiao vs. Broner WBA welterweight world championship event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

“I am not making a prediction but my goal is to knock out Broner,” said Manny on Monday as he was wrapping his hands before starting a rigorous workout, which included 12 rounds of hitting the mitts with world-famous Freddie Roach, at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club. “I am looking for a knockout against Broner. I have to maximize the opportunity. I forgot how much fun winning a fight by knockout was until I stopped Lucas Matthyssee last summer to win the WBA welterweight title. It felt great to win that way and the fans loved it too, so why not try for it again? I have nothing personal against Adrien Broner. This fight is strictly business. He is fun. He makes me laugh. He knows how to sell himself and to sell a fight.”

It’s been strictly business tor Manny at Wild Card since beginning his U.S. training camp on Christmas Eve. No shutdowns or holidays have kept him away. After celebrating New Year’s Eve with a five-mile run up the hills to the Hollywood sign and 12-rounds of mitt work with Roach, Manny began 2019 the same way he ended 2018, only this time he sparred 12 rounds with three younger sparring partners in addition to a full session of bag work capped off with 1,000 situps.

“He runs like a deer,” said Justin Fortune, who oversees Manny’s strength and conditioning. “No one can keep up with him. That’s the secret to his success — his work ethic and his stamina. He has the strongest foundation of any fighter with whom I’ve worked. His legs and calves still generate more power and speed than younger fighters.”

“I am very pleased with the training camp Manny has had. His footwork, distance and angles are all coming together nicely,” said trainer Buboy Fernandez. “When he hits the mitts it sounds like an explosion. I have never felt such raw power.”

“I think experience has made Manny a better fighter,” added Roach. “He still trains harder than anyone. I like Broner as a fighter. I think he has excellent boxing skills. But Broner has never faced anyone like Manny. Broner will be mentally exhausted within four rounds and physically spent within six. It will be impossible for Broner to keep pace with the Manny Pacquiao of this training camp.”

*******************************

The BWAA’s reigning Fighter of the Decade and three-time Fighter of the Year, Pacquiao, considered a national treasure, hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines. He is the only sitting Congressman and Senator to win a world title. After serving two terms as Congressman, Pacquiao was elected to a Philippine Senate seat in May 2016, capturing over 16 million votes nationally. Pacquiao’s boxing resume features victories over at least seven current and future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, and Juan Manuel Marquez. In his last fight, with Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in attendance (the first time two heads of state attended a championship boxing event), Pacquaio regained the welterweight title for a fourth time with a vintage performance on July 15 at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, by knocking out defending WBA champion Lucas Matthyssee in the seventh round.

Promoted by MP Promotions, Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with About Billions Promotions, remaining tickets to the Pacquiao vs. Broner welterweight world championship event are priced from 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.

LAS VEGAS (December 31, 2018) – Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing CEO-Co-Founder Keith Veltre has slammed the Professional Boxing Commission New Zealand (PBCNZ) regarding the controversial Joseph Parker vs. Alexander “The Great” Flores heavyweight fight, held earlier this month, due to numerous obvious low blows, resulting in Flores being knocked out in the third round.

“As excited as we were for Flores to face-off against Parker,” Veltre said, “we are equally disappointed with Parker’s dirty antics. It was clear that the referee not only favored Parker, but he also lacked enough knowledge to be officiating in the ring. Cleary, though, the New Zealand commission is just as inexperienced with high-caliber fights like this. If it wants to continue pursuing larger fights, then I would suggest it makes sure there is an equal playing field in New Zealand for all foreign fighters.”

Upset-minded Flores (17-2-1, 15 KOs), fighting out of Rowland Heights, California, traveled to Parker’s home country to challenge the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) heavyweight world champion, in front of three Kiwi judges and a New Zealand referee, John Conway.

“Coming into this fight,” Flores said, “I was excited and prepared for the opportunity to fight Joseph Parker. My vision of how it would play out was nothing that I could have ever expected. I heard Joe speaking in pre-fight interviews about hitting me in the balls or using his elbows, but I really thought he was talking about his experience with Dillian Whyte, and I never expected him to use those tactics with me. I have never been a dirty fighter, so, in my training for this fight, getting hit in the groin area or getting his forearm in my face was not something that ever crossed my mind.

“After reading articles it is clear to me that this was premeditated. When the fight started, the referee clearly stated that we were at belt-line and anything below that would be considered low. I noticed early on that he was hitting me low and I tried to get the referee’s attention. I don’t remember the exact number, but it was consistent whenever we would get inside and exchange.”

In the third round, Parker (25-2, 19 KOs) unloaded a right-left combination, both clearly landing below the belt, lowering Flores’ hands and leaving him virtually defenseless for a crushing right that floored him. Flores beat the count, but he never recovered from the illegal blows, ending in a knockout moments later.

“I have never been hit in the groin like that and there was an evident welt in that area. After the referee warned him in the corner, it was already after I had been the beneficiary of several low blows. It can be a serious problem when you’re hit in that area because, mentally, you feel like you need to protect a larger area. After that warning, he went straight to the well and hit me hard to the groin. I dropped my hand to cover my groin area and he hit me hard, knocking me down with a shot that I never recovered from. Even after the blatant low blow that knocked me down, I was shocked that the ref did not see it. This should have amounted to a disqualification, or point deduction, and time for me to recover. “

Conway warned Parker at last three times prior to the critical low-blow combination that led to the end of the fight moments later. Conway told Parker to keep his punches higher early in the second round, halted the action near the end of the second when a Parker left was terribly low, again during the first minute of the third, and then again after the two low blows that led to the first knockdown.

At the very least, Conway should have halted the action after the first knockdown to give Flores, by rule, up to five-minutes to recover, in addition to penalizing Parker one point. If Flores couldn’t continue the fight, it should have been ruled a “no contest”. Conway told Stuff that Parker would have lost a point had there been a third time, but the fourth and fifth south-of-the-border punches were the one-two leading to the first knockdown.

The only statement more irrelevant than Parker calling the low blows “unintentional”, as if legal punches, was his trainer, Kevin Barry, declaring after the fight that, “He didn’t get knocked out by a body blow.” No, Flores was merely left defenseless and dangerously susceptible to the damaging punch that floored him, from which he never really recovered, that resulted in the knockout.

“I heard that some people were saying that the low blows were irrelevant, because that was not the shot that finished the fight, but that’s from people who’ve never been knocked down and tried to recover from a knockdown. I never recovered from the low-blow knockdown. Joe quickly jumped on me with the shots needed to finish the fight.

“Looking back, I could have never imagined that he would resort to these tactics to win the fight, and I believe this left a black mark on the sport of boxing. I was knocked out to end the fight in a way that could have resulted in serious injury due to clear referee negligence.”

Even the New Zealand media understood Parker won by fighting dirty:

New Zealand Herald: “Parker last night knocked out Flores in the third round at Christchurch’s Horncastle arena but it came after at least two blows against his Mexican-American opponent, who complained bitterly about the “dirty” tacti afterwards.

“Parker’s second low blows caused Flores to drop his hands and the south Aucklander connected with a right hand which flattened his opponent. Flores beat the count but was set upon straight away by Parker who scented blood…..”

Stuff: “Parker, the former WBO world heavyweight champion of the world, knocked Flores down in the third round with a right hand to the head that was set up on the back of two unquestionably low shots.”

News.com/au: “He (Parker) promised to bring an edge, a little mongrel if you like, and Joseph Parker certainly did that when knocking out Alexander Flores in the third round……

“There will inevitably be some controversy attached to their stoppage by Parker because it came soon after a low blow, the second of the short fight, and Flores had dropped his hands when Parker’s right hand knocked him to the canvas.

“…Apart from the two low blows, Parker occasionally held and hit Flores, which is illegal, as well as going in with elbows raised.”

“I heard Joseph admitted to the low blows and that should be enough to change this fight to a ‘no contest’,” Flores concluded. “His excuse that, ‘That’s up to the ref to see low blows and his job to fight’ is like saying it’s up to police to stop you from stealing. I have the support of a lot of wonderful people in New Zealand and I was met by people at the airport who apologized for how I was mistreated. The biggest problem with boxing is we need to develop a zero-tolerance policy regarding issues of this nature. It would be a good start by the New Zealand boxing commission to set a precedence by saying it us not going to tolerate cheating or deception.

“When I pressed Joe at the end of the fight, I said to him, ‘What’s up? You know you were hitting me low.’ He just mumbled and didn’t have an answer, but he did say he’d give me a rematch. No amount of money would ever make me a dirty fighter. Joe needs to look deeply and reflect about the importance of good character because, at the end of the day, that’s what matters the most.”

The 28-year-old Flores’ goal remains to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion of the world

-30-

INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @alexflores919
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, alexander_thegreat_flores

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing

About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions:

Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.

Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: super bantamweight Joseph Agbeko, super flyweight Aston Francis Palicite, super welterweights John Vera and Daniel Rosario Cruz, super featherweight Randy Moreno, bantamweights Max Ornelas and Tony Lopez, cruiserweight Adrian Taylor and middleweight Shady Gamhour, featherweight Edward Vazquez, super lightweight Kendo Castaneda and heavyweight Alexander Flores.

ORANGE, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2018) – Thompson Boxing Promotions recorded another successful year, punctuated by Danny Roman’s successful three-fight reign as WBA super bantamweight champion. The Southern California-based promoter also saw profound advancement off its unbeaten blue-chip prospects – featherweight Ruben Villa and junior lightweight Michael Dutchover.

Additionally, featherweight Erick Ituarte entered the ranks of contender status with his No. 5 position in the WBO rankings. Meanwhile, undefeated bantamweight prospect Saul Sanchez firmly established himself as a rising talent in one of boxing’s most fast-paced divisions.

DANNY ‘Baby Face Assassin’ ROMAN

On the year, Roman (26-2-1, 10 KOs), 28, showcased his world class talent in three successful WBA title defenses. The first occurred in February against Ryo Matsumoto in Japan – the country where Roman claimed his current hardware in knockout fashion over young champion Shun Kubo last September.

After his points win against Matsumoto in Tokyo, Roman, a Los Angeles native, returned stateside in June for a scrap against No. 1 challenger Moises Flores. Roman, fighting from the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys posh training facility in Frisco, Tex., outclassed the overmatched Flores to the tune of a unanimous decision and eyed a unification fight for his next outing.

That opportunity never surfaced, but in October, Roman climbed the ropes a third time to knockout Englishman Gavin McDonnell in the tenth round from the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The fight was streamed live on DAZN, the streaming service giant that made its U.S. debut in the fall.

WATCH highlights here.

Roman is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Matchroom Boxing.

RUBEN ‘RV4’ VILLA and MICHAEL DUTCHOVER

Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) and Dutchover (12-0, 9 KOs) both celebrated their twenty-first birthdays in 2018. While young, both took major strides in their development. Villa scored five wins, one of which netted him the vacant WBO Youth title. The southpaw began headlining shows this year – two coming from his hometown of Salinas, Calif.

Villa makes his national television debut on Jan. 11, 2019 against Ruben Cervera televised on Showtime.

For Dutchover, the fan-friendly power puncher from Midland, Tex., brought five wins in 2018 to his resume with the last four coming by way of knockout.

Dutchover’s most emphatic win to date came during a headlining event on July 20, 2018. Dutchover captivated a sold-out crowd with an electrifying one-punch knockout of Sergio Ramirez from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. The close out punch, a right hand on Ramirez’s chin, occurred at the :43 mark of the second.

WATCH it here.

Villa and Dutchover are promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

ERICK ‘All American Boy’ ITUARTE

Ituarte (20-1-1, 3 KOs), 24, a professional since 2011, arrived on the national scene this year with his top five ranking in the WBO standings. The featherweight from Los Angeles is a hard-nosed competitor with championship aspirations for 2019.

SAUL ‘The Beast’ SANCHEZ

Sanchez (11-0, 6 KOs), 21, is developing into a future threat in the bantamweight division as evidenced by his fast start and burgeoning skill set. The Los Angeles native has all the tools to make a name for himself in the lower weight classes.

Thompson Boxing will release its 2019 schedule in the next few weeks.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

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

Jon Jones returned to the Octagon by winning the UFC Light Heavyweight championship with a 3rd round stoppage over Alexander Gustafsson at The Forum in Inglewood, California.

Jones was proficient with his leg kicks over the first two rounds. In round two, Gustafsson started to swell under his left eye. In round three, Jones was able to take Gustafsson down. Jones got Gustafsson on his back and began to pound away at a prone foe until the bout was stopped at 2:02.

The fight, which changed it’s venue from the T-Mobile Arena to The Forum, was fought under a cloud of controversy as a PED test from Jones came back with traces of a banned substance, but it was not enough in the eyes of the California commission to postpone the fight.

Jones is now 17-1-1. Gustafsson of Sweden suffered his 2nd defeat to Jones, is now 18-5.

Amanda Nunes cemented herself as the best female fighter in the world as she annihilated Cris Cyborg in 51 seconds to capture the UFC Featherweight title.

Nunes landed crushing shot after crushing shot that sent Cyborg to the canvas on four occasions. The final time came from a wicked overhand right that dumped Cyborg face first, and the bout was stopped.

In what was a battle of Brazilians, Nunes ups her mark to 17-4. Cyborg is 20-2-1.

Nunes owns a 48 second knockout over Ronda Rousey.

LAS VEGAS – UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, today announced the dates and distribution plans for UFC events in the second quarter 2019. The schedule is a continuation of the historic multi-year agreement between UFC and The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-To-Consumer & International segment and ESPN beginning in 2019 that makes ESPN+ and ESPN the exclusive media homes of UFC in the United States. The exact locations of the Q2 events will be announced at a later date.

The first of five second-quarter “UFC Fight Night on ESPN+” takes place Saturday, April 20 on the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service. ESPN+ will also carry Saturday UFC events on May 4, May 18, June 1 and June 22, with ESPN+ exclusively streaming all bouts for each event.

ESPN linear networks will air two “UFC Fight Night on ESPN” in the second quarter, on Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, June 29. The main card for both events will be televised live to a national audience exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, while the prelims and early prelims will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Other confirmed events for the second quarter 2019 include three UFC Pay-Per-Views: UFC 236 on Saturday, April 13; UFC 237 on Saturday, May 11; and UFC 238 on Saturday, June 8. ESPN linear networks will televise the prelims for each of these events.

DATE

EVENT

Saturday, April 13

UFC 236

Saturday, April 20

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+

Saturday, April 27

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN

Saturday, May 4

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+

Saturday, May 11

UFC 237

Saturday, May 18

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+

Saturday, June 1

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+

Saturday, June 8

UFC 238

Saturday, June 22

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN+

Saturday, June 29

UFC FIGHT NIGHT ON ESPN

Locations, fight cards and ticket on-sale information will be announced at a later date.

Starting in January 2019, ESPN+ and ESPN will be the exclusive digital and linear distributors of UFC in the U.S., showcasing 42 live events, 30 of which will feature a full card of 12 UFC bouts. Starting January 19, ESPN+, the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service, will offer 20 exclusive events and all preliminary fights for “UFC Fight Night on ESPN+” programs, and ESPN linear networks will broadcast 10 exclusive “UFC Fight Night on ESPN” events, as well as all UFC pay-per-view preliminary fights.

To subscribe to ESPN+, visit https://watch.espnplus.com/sports/.

About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 440 events in 22 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories to 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About ESPN+

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

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

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

About ESPN

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

LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight contender Caleb “Sweethands” Plant hosted a media workout in Las Vegas Friday as he nears his first world title opportunity when he takes on IBF 168-pound champion Jose Uzcategui in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Sunday, January 13 from the Microsoft Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will also see unbeaten featherweight Brandon Figueroa take on Moises Flores and sensational prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Zanfer Promotions, start at $50, are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com.

Here is what Plant and his trainer Justin Gamber had to say Friday from City Boxing Gym in Las Vegas:

CALEB PLANT

“This is a great matchup. I think this could be one of the best fights of the year. On paper at least, it already looks like that. He’s a rough rugged guy who comes forward and I know he’s coming to win.

“Any time that a pro fights for his first world title, it’s something that they’ve always dreamed of. This is something that I’ve always wanted. I’m excited to be here and be a part of this great night on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

“I really think that with our styles, this is going to be fireworks. I believe that on January 13 you will hear ‘and the new!’

“I’ve had the same team with me since the amateurs with only a couple new additions the last few years and we’re a close-knit family. It’s not just our job and our careers. I have a great corner. Everyone is calm, cool and collected and I feel we have a lot of knowledge. I’m excited for them to be on this journey with me and now we’re at the first stop.

“I’m going to bring excitement. Everyone who’s watched me sees my boxing skill, the speed, the footwork, but we have some new additions that we’ll throw in there for this fight. Everyone needs to tune in January 13 to see what it looks like.

“I’m so thankful for everyone, especially back in (Plant’s hometown) Nashville, Tennessee, who have been following me since the beginning. I’m not just doing this for me, I’m doing it for us. It’s going to be all of us in that ring on January 13.”

JUSTIN GAMBER, Plant’s Trainer

“This is what we’ve trained for since Caleb turned pro. This is the direction we’ve been headed the whole time and this is the biggest fight of our lives. We’ve put in as much work as we could. It’s been smart work, not only hard work.

“We’ve done everything we’ve had to in the gym, we’ve done our homework and we’ll be ready on fight night. This has been our best training camp by far. Everything Caleb has learned has led up to this point.

“Everything is coming together and Caleb is looking better than he ever has. He’s faster, stronger and he has more confidence than he’s ever had before.

“I love this matchup. Stylistically, Uzcategui comes forward, but he can do some different things. He’s a right-hander but he can fight southpaw. Uzcategui is good all around. He’s not great at any single thing, he’s just good everywhere.

“In this fight Uzcategui’s biggest assets will be his experience and his comfort level in the ring. But I think he’s tailor-made for Caleb and the hand speed and defense he brings. It’s definitely not going to be an easy fight, but it’s a fight that could play into Caleb’s hands stylistically. ”

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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.

LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – Heralded undefeated lightweight contender Devin Haney worked out for the media Thursday at Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas ahead of his ShoBox: The New Generation main-event bout Friday, Jan. 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME®.

The 20-year old Bay Area native and current Las Vegas resident Haney (20-0, 13 KOs), a seven-time national junior amateur champion, will headline on the popular up-and-coming prospect series ShoBox for the third time of his young career when he takes on fellow unbeaten Xolisani Ndongeni (25-0, 13 KOs) in a 10-round main eventtaking place at StageWorks of Louisiana in Shreveport.

In the ShoBox co-feature, featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (14-0, 5 KOs) will take on Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round matchup. The telecast will open with young heavyweights Frank Sanchez Faure (10-0, 8 KOs) and Willie Jake Jr. (8-1-1, 2 KOs) squaring off in another eight-round bout.

Here is what Haney and his father and trainer Bill Haney had to say:

DEVIN HANEY

On his recent training camp:
“Training camp has been fantastic. I always start in Las Vegas for the first two weeks. I then went to the Bay Area to train at the SNAC facility with Victor Conte for four weeks. I did a lot of rounds of sparring with Mario Barrios among others at Virgil Hunter’s gym as well. Right now, I’m back in Las Vegas with my strength and conditioning coach Reggie. We are working hard, and I’ll be at my best when I step into the ring on Jan 11th.”

On facing South Africa’s undefeated Xolisani Ndongeni:

“I know fighters from Africa always come to fight. Xolisani Ndongeni is no different. He’s very experienced and undefeated. Ndongeni has gone 12 rounds many times in his career. These are the type of fights I need to win impressively. I’m always looking to improve. Beating the tough South African will get me one step closer to a world title shot.”

On making his third appearance on ShoBox:
“Fighting on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox series has been amazing for my career. This is my third appearance on the series. It feels great to have a home to showcase my talent. Ndongeni will bring out the best in me. I’m ready to graduate to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.”

On when he thinks he’ll be ready for a world title:
“I’ve climbed the rankings with good wins against Mason Menard and Juan Carlos Burgos. I’m rated in the top 10 in the WBA, WBC, and IBF. I’m focused on Ndongeni and January 11th is my time to shine.”

BILL HANEY, Devin’s Father and Trainer

On the progression of his son Devin Haney:
“Devin always impresses me with his work ethic and commitment to the game plan. Every day in the gym he is working on the little things that makes a fighter great. Devin has come a long way since his pro debut. Once he started fighting on SHOWTIME, he’s really stepped up his game. He’s a natural born fighter and one hell of a good entertainer.”

On picking his opponents:

“We always look to step him up in competition. This is a big fight for us and we know what we are up against. These are the type of fights that are going to take him to the next level.”

On the landscape of the lightweight division:

“The lightweight division is stacked and is one of the best in boxing. [Vasiliy] Lomachenko and [Mikey] Garcia are considered pound-for-pound top 10. The young guys coming up are very talented as well and to hold the lightweight title at this time you got to be a bad boy. Devin is marching up the rankings and hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll get our shot, but first we must handle business against Xolisani Ndongeni.”

NEW YORK – December 28, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports will chronicle the buildup to the welterweight world championship between Senator Manny Pacquiao and must-see attraction Adrien Broner with a new installment of the Emmy Award-winning series ALLACCESS. The multi-part series premieres Friday, January 4 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and airs on consecutive Fridays leading into the January 19 SHOWTIME PPV® from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER will peel back the curtain as Pacquiao transitions from the final days of Senate in his native Philippines to training camp in Los Angeles for his first fight in America in more than two years. The immersive series will document Broner, one of boxing’s most colorful personalities, as the four-division champion prepares for a chance to become a two-time titlist in boxing’s glamour division.

Episode two of ALL ACCESS: PACQUIAO VS. BRONER will premiere Friday, January 11 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. ALL ACCESS EPILOGUE, which spotlights the immediate buildup to fight night and the solemn aftermath of world championship prizefighting, will premiere on Saturday, January 26.

The acclaimed SHOWTIME Sports original series will be accompanied by digital features released throughout fight week on the networks’ social media channels. ALL ACCESS DAILY will deliver the same intimate access and signature storytelling as the intensity builds toward fight night. New installments of the digital series will be available each day beginning Wednesday, January 16 on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page.

Filming for the series is underway as Pacquiao recently begun phase two of his camp in Los Angeles under the legendary Freddie Roach. Cincinnati’s Broner, the second-youngest four-division champion in history, is in the midst of training camp in West Palm Beach, Fla., under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham.

LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – UFC and Roy Jones Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions have reached a new agreement to live stream up to 72 professional boxing events over the next three years on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.

The inaugural event in the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS series will stream January 31, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, live from Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California. WBO #2-rated world title challenger, “Mighty” Aston Palicte (24-2-1, 20 KOs), and unbeaten WBO #4 ranked Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez (20-0-2, 13 KOs) will headline in the 12-round World Boxing Organization Junior Bantamweight Title Eliminator.

Roy Jones Jr., a multi-time world champion and future Hall of Fame boxer, formed the Las Vegas-based promotional company, RJJ Boxing Promotions, three years ago with Las Vegas entrepreneur Keith Veltre, developing a growing stable of fighters in a short period of time.

“I was elated when my partner, Keith Veltre, told me he had started talking with UFC,” Jones said. “This is just the beginning stages of a long, lucrative partnership between these two brands.”

“Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions will give us competitive, compelling fights to stream to our FIGHT PASS subscribers around the world,” said UFC Dana White. “This agreement allows us to enhance our roster of combat sports while partnering with one of the legendary fighters of all time.”

“I couldn’t be happier to bring together the biggest name in boxing, Roy Jones, with the biggest name in combat sports, UFC,” said Veltre. “I love that the UFC is allowing us to be creative, so expect to see prospects, tournaments, title fights and more in this series.”

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

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

INFORMATION:
Websites: www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing

Philadelphia, Penn. / Ekaterinburg, Russia – December 28, 2018 – Undefeated and number-one ranked WBO Junior Lightweight contender, Evgeny “Happy Gilmore” Chuprakov has been preparing for the biggest fight of his career, when he takes on WBO World Junior Lightweight world champion, Masayuki Ito, this Sunday in Tokyo, Japan.

Chuprakov (20-0, 10 KOs) has earned his ranking by defeating quality opposition, which includes four undefeated opponents, and capturing The Russian Junior Lightweight Title; WBO European Junior Lightweight title & the WBO Intercontinental Junior Lightweight title.

“The training camp is going well. In the beginning I had more functional work, then there were my sparring sessions. As usual. I am jogging in Griffith Park, and then have functional workouts with my coach. Each weekend I have massage and sauna sessions,” said Chuprakov.

“Each professional boxer has it as a goal, and that is to fight for and win a world championship. I am very excited, but I have an important bout coming up, and the issue is not in the excitement, but to get preparation to the bout.”

Chuprakov knows that Ito is a tough customer, but did not want to divulge what he knew about the defending champion.

“He is a good fighter. He is a world champion,and I respect that about him.”

Chuprakov has been waiting his whole career for this opportunity, and the 28 year-old Chuprakov will not let this opportunity go to waste,

“It seems like it has been a long time coming, but now it is here. I will say, that I have had great preparation for this bout. I will, put my mind for it. I will show a good boxing, and of course I’ll look forward to winning this fight and becoming world champion.”

The title fight can be seen live on ESPN+ on Sunday, December 30th with a start time of 5:00 a.m. ET, with the Ito-Chuprakov fight starting around 6:20 a.m.

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing is wishing super welterweight prospect Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora a happy 21st birthday today (December 28).

Fundora, the undefeated southpaw (11-0, 7 KOs) has the double distinction of being one of the hottest young fighters in boxing at 154 lbs. and, standing at a mind-blowing 6’ 7”, is also the tallest fighter to ever compete in the division.

Fundora is currently hard at work with father/trainer Freddy Fundora in Coachella, California, preparing to face also undefeated Donnie Marshall (10-0, 6 KOs) early next year.

“I celebrated with my family Christmas morning, but we got right back to work later that day,” said Fundora of his training through the holidays. “We train hard for everybody, no matter their record.”

Used to often having up to a foot of height advantage over his opponents, Fundora says he’s actually happy that, at over 6’, Marshall is also on the tall side for the division. “I want to give the fans a good fight, but I expect a victory. The fact that he’s over six feet tall makes no difference to me. It’s maybe even easier because I don’t have to bend my knees as much.”

Fundora has only been a professional for just over two years, but has made the most of it by beating undefeated fighters, including Minnesota’s then 9-0 Ve Shawn Owens on national television, as well as several other tough tests.

“It feels good that people are already recognizing my skills and work,” he continued. “Hopefully by the end of this year, I’ll be ready to take on rated guys and fight for titles. That’s my plan.”

Promoter Lewkowicz says Fundora is headed for big things this coming year.

“I already have boxing’s youngest super middleweight champion in history, WBC Champion David Benavidez, and soon I will have the tallest junior middleweight champ in history as well,” said a proud Lewkowicz. Sebastian will be impossible to stop at 154. It is only a matter of time.”

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About Sampson Boxing

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

LAS VEGAS (December 28, 2018) – Two-division boxing champion Badou Jack will be supporting his fellow Swede, Alexander Gustafsson, in his UFC light heavyweight title fight tomorrow night against Jon Jones, and recently dined with his longtime friend while both were training in Las Vegas.

“Alexander, (Swedish UFC fighter) Ilir Latifi and I go back to the amateur days in Sweden,” said Jack. “It was great seeing them again and I’m very proud of all they’ve accomplished in the MMA world. I wish Alexander all the best in his upcoming rematch and will be cheering for him to bring Sweden another world title home.”

In the clip from “UFC Embedded”, Jack and Gustafsson talk about their friendship dating back to their amateur days in Sweden, as Gustafsson prepares for his title bout and Jack nears his showdown against Marcus Browne on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner pay-per-view January 19.

“Badou Jack and I go back a long time,” said Gustafsson in the clip. “He’s from Stockholm, Sweden where I’m from and he’s doing his thing in boxing while I’m in MMA. Our paths have crossed and we sparred way back in the day. We’re here to catch up and just hang out.”

In addition to sharing Swedish heritage, Jack and Gustafsson both use the Lockhart and Leith team of nutritionists and chefs to cut weight for their respective fights, something that has helped both reach the elite level of combat sports.

“They have surrounded themselves with a great team, which is essential in this sport,” said Jack. “Although it’s an individual performance, the preparation is a team effort. It was great catching up over dinner and getting our teams together for some laughter and fun in the middle of our training camps. Team Jack is 100% in their corners.”