HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (December 28, 2018) – What would a Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao training camp be without a few bons mots from World-Famous Freddie Roach, the seven-time BWAA Trainer of the Year?

Upon hearing the news that Pacquiao’s opponent Adrien “The Problem” Broner had been arrested on Sunday in Broward County, Florida, on a bench warrant for failure to appear in court (https://www.tmz.com/2018/12/26/adrien-broner-arrested-mug-shot-smiling-christmas-florida/?vtest=100), a seemingly chronic issue for the four-division world champion, Roach had this to say:

“Sounds like Adrien should change his ring name from ‘The Problem’ to ‘The Fugitive.’ This may be the first time I face a corner that includes a bail bondsman!”

Hailed as a national treasure by his fellow Filipinos, boxer laureate Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), boxing’s only eight-division world champion, a member of the Philippines Senate, and the BWAA’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, is in his most intense phase of training as he prepares for his WBA welterweight world title defense against Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs), of Cincinnati. Pacquiao vs. Broner takes place on Saturday, January 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® and presented by Premier Boxing Champions beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

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

A three-time Fighter of the Year, Pacquiao, who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, 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.

LOS ANGELES (December 27, 2018) – Two-time super featherweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and three-division world champion Abner Mares went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at a press conference in Los Angeles as Davis defends his WBA title against Mares on Saturday, February 9 live on SHOWTIME® in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

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

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event promises fireworks and high-stakes action as both men bring their fan-friendly styles to the ring. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Conga Room at L.A. Live:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“I believe that Abner Mares is a future Hall of Famer because he’s fought so many top-level guys. This is big for me because this is my first time being a main event in the U.S. and I just feel blessed to be here.

“In 2019, I want to make a big statement not only in the ring but by letting the boxing world know that I’m the next star. I’m aiming to headline a pay-per-view by 2020 if everything goes right. I have great fights lined up for next year, without looking past Abner.

“As soon as I got off the plane, I went straight to the gym and got some work in with some guys there. We’re not taking Abner lightly. I’m excited and blessed to be in this position. February 9, I’m confident it will be sold out and I’m confident that I will be that next boxing star.

“I’ve always known that you can’t underestimate anyone in the ring. You have to look at your opponent like they’re equal to you. I understand exactly what I have in front of me.

“I don’t know what Abner sees, but he was sure he wanted to take this fight so obviously he sees something. I have power, speed, movement and really a blend of everything. I believe that I’m a better fighter than him.

“It’s all about being focused in that ring and doing my job. I’m coming to get Abner Mares out of there.

“I wanted to fight Abner Mares out here in Southern California. Floyd Mayweather fought Arturo Gatti in his hometown and that’s basically what I’m doing here.”

ABNER MARES

“One day I just thought to myself that this fight against Gervonta Davis would be a great matchup and that I can win it. There are other big fights at featherweight that I could have gotten. I’m taking this fight because of the challenge that it brings. I’m all about that.

“I’m coming off of a great close fight against Leo Santa Cruz. I’m a winner every time I fight. I come to prove people wrong and perform. Not too many people do that these days.

“We’ll already have 50 percent of the fight won just by having a good corner, a good team and a great plan. The other 50 percent is up to the fighter to perform. One thing is having the game plan in your mind but it’s another thing to go out there and perform that game plan.

“We’re not just going into this fight blind. I’m not stupid. I’m taking this fight because I see something in this guy. It’s a tough fight, no doubt. All fights are tough. He’s in for a good fight. At the end of the day, you guys have to stop worrying about my weight and if I’m too small. You guys are going to get a great fight and that’s all that matters. Sit back, look pretty and enjoy the fight.

“You can’t compare Jesus Cuellar to Gervonta Davis. I know some people wanted to compare how I did against Cuellar and how Davis did against Cuellar, but he fought him two years after I did. It makes no sense. Gervonta Davis has a different style than Cuellar and it’s going to be a good fight. He’s an exciting fighter and he’s a boxer. He’s a boxer that trades punches so it makes for an exciting fight.

“People are going to recognize me as someone who took on everyone. People say this will be a new style for me, but I’ve seen them all. This is team ‘no fear’ and we’re going to make this happen.”

CALVIN FORD, Davis’ Trainer

“This is a great chance for us to go up against the great team that Abner Mares and Robert Garcia make. We’ve been watching them for a long time and we’re looking forward to it.

“We’ve been doing this for many years. We know that when it’s time to lock in, we’ll be locked in. Sparring has been going well. We’re just taking our time and doing what we have to do to get ready. We have a great team and everybody is doing their part. It’s our time to show what we’re capable of.

“On February 9, that’s when Gervonta Davis is going to step up and show the world what he truly is. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Mares’ Trainer

“Abner is very motivated. We have very strong sparring partners and he’s doing a great job in the gym already. Come February 9, everyone is in for a surprise. I respect Gervonta Davis and his team, but I think Abner is hungrier and looking to make history.

“This is going to be a great fight. We’re excited to see a great crowd of fans out there to enjoy a fight that’s going to be full of action.

“We know that this is a tough challenge. I think of this like the Adrien Broner vs. Marcos Maidana fight. Just like Davis, they said Broner is flashy, dangerous and this and that. But you all know what happened. Same thing is going to happen this time around.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“This is a fight the fans wanted. These two guys have gone back and forth on social media and I’m excited that they’re going to finally get in the ring on February 9.

“Davis vs. Mares is a thrilling matchup between two very skilled warriors. You can’t expect anything but great fireworks from this fight.

“You can’t say enough about Gervonta Davis. He’s young, exciting and when he comes into the ring, he doesn’t play games. That style is going to make this an electrifying matchup.

“You don’t see fighters like Gervonta Davis very often. He has all the ingredients it takes to be a huge star. He knows that he has room to improve and he truly wants to get better. He has a tremendous skill set and you’ve only gotten a glimpse of what Gervonta Davis brings to the table so far.

“Abner Mares really wanted this fight. Any time a boxer goes out of his way to say ‘I want that guy’, the biggest and baddest guy in the division, that speaks volumes to the confidence that Abner Mares has. He’s exhibited this in all of his fights and he always performs at the highest level.”

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

“This is a fascinating matchup taking place at the perfect venue. This is a great fight to get 2019 going. It’s youth, strength and size against experience, will and desire. May the best man win.

“I want to thank both fighters for coming together to make this fight happen. This is one that had been brewing for a while. Gervonta Davis is the best fighter in his division and he’s one of the guys who can talk the talk and walk the walk.

“Abner Mares has always sought out the most difficult challenges in front of him. He is a legend in this sport and one of the best fighters to ever come out of Mexico. These are the kinds of challenges that make Abner what he is in this sport.

“Gervonta Davis is one of the rising stars of the sport and Mares is one of its legendary champions. When you put those two together, the ones who are going to win are the fight fans.

“People are excited about this fight. Fans know that you never want to count out a great champion like Abner Mares. This is of course a dangerous fight for Mares, that’s how good Gervonta Davis is, but he obviously sees how he can win this fight.”

# # #

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

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Dec. 27th, 2018) — CES MMA kicks off the New Year with two major title fights at Twin River Casino Hotel.

Lightweight world title-holder Nate “The Snake” Andrew (14-1, 5 KOs) of East Providence, R.I., and reigning bantamweight world champion Tony Gravely (15-5, 5 KOs) of Martinsville, Va., put their belts on the line at “CES MMA 54” on Saturday, Jan. 19th, 2019 in a special 2 p.m. matinee.

In his second title defense, Andrews faces Bellator and Legacy Fighting Alliance alum Bryce Logan (9-3, 2 KOs) of Sioux Falls, S.D., while Gravely battles Milford, Mass., prospect Kris Moutinho (7-2, 3 KOs), both in five-round bouts.

Tickets for “CES MMA 54” start at $47 and are available online at www.cesmma.com or www.twinriver.com or by phone at 401-724-2253/2254. All bouts are subject to change.

The 27-year-old Gravely wastes no time defending his CES MMA World Bantamweight Title after capturing the crown Nov. 2nd at Twin River with a 36-second knockout win over Rhode Island’s Kody Nordy. Gravely was originally scheduled to face CES MMA vet Dinis Paiva Jr., who was forced to withdraw 24 hours before the event, but instead fought Nordby, whom he defeated within seconds when he broke free of an armbar attempt by slamming Nordby on his head, knocking him unconscious.

This is the biggest opportunity of Moutinho’s young career. The 26-year-old debuted in September of 2016, winning his first four bouts with CES MMA, and promptly ran off three consecutive wins this year, the most recent coming at “CES MMA 53” when he defeated James Quigg by unanimous decision.

Andrews looks to make it two in a row since capturing the vacant CES MMA World Lightweight Title at “CES MMA 49” against Chris Padilla. He won his first title defense at “CES MMA 51” in August, submitting D’Juan Owens in just over 90 seconds, and has now won eight in a row since suffering his lone defeat in 2014.

The undercard features the long-awaited return of nine-time UFC and eight-time CES MMA vet Eric Spicely (10-4, 2 KOs) of Providence, R.I., who fights for the promotion that launched his career for the first time since 2015. Spicely battles Stephen Regman (9-3, 7 KOs) of Brick, N.J.

Exciting Plymouth, Mass., strawweight Kylie O’Hearn (1-0) makes her CES MMA in a highly-anticipated showdown with Waterbury, Conn., native and nine-fight vet Jessy Miele (6-3, 1 KO), who returns to CES MMA for the first time since 2015. Light heavyweight Kevin Haley (6-4, 2 KOs) of Rollinsford, N.H., faces unbeaten Manchester, Conn., prospect William Knight (3-0) and Syracuse, N.Y., flyweight Josh Ricci (4-1) steps up to fight 22-fight vet Tateki Matsuda (13-9, 5 KOs) of Boston.

Nordby, who stepped up on less than 24 hours’ notice to face Gravely in November, returns for “CES MMA 54” alongside unbeaten Hampstead, N.H., flyweight Brandon Marrotte (4-0, 4 KOs), who won his first two bouts with CES MMA in February and June. Also on the undercard, Attleboro, Mass., bantamweight David Baxter (4-2, 1 KO) faces New York’s Al Jones (3-4, 1 KO). Baxter last fought in March of 2017 against Nordby at “CES MMA 42.”

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (December 27, 2018) – The U.S. government may be shut down but for SENATOR MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO, boxing’s Commander in Chief, it has been full steam ahead, in his first U.S. training camp since 2016, at world-famous Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif.

“Training camp has been no day at Palm Beach for Manny or his sparring partners,” said Roach. “You can tell that the word is leaking out on how strong Manny is looking in camp by the reaction on Wall Street yesterday. Even the market is bullish on Manny. I rate Manny as a strong buy at the MGM Grand’s Race & Sports book.”

Boxer laureate Manny Pacquiao is back! Hailed as a national treasure by his fellow Filipinos, Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the BWAA’s reigning Fighter of the Decade, is in his most intense phase of training as he prepares for his WBA welterweight world title defense against four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs), of Cincinnati. Pacquiao vs. Broner takes place on Saturday, January 19, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® and presented by Premier Boxing Champions beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

After arriving to a throng of media at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal Saturday evening and attending church services with his family on Sunday, it was back to business on Monday morning where Manny greeted the sunrise with a five-mile run up the hills to the Hollywood sign immediately followed by a rigorous session of strength and conditioning with Justin Fortune. The afternoon saw Buboy Fernandez put Manny through his paces for close to three hours at Wild Card.

On Christmas, after another long run and strength and conditioning in the morning, Manny sparred eight rounds with three different partners, followed by another hour of mitt work with Roach before he tore into the heavy bag. Following his Wednesday run, Manny was greeted by a representative from VADA for a random drug test. After his blood was taken, Manny cheerily predicted he would test positive for excellence. Fernandez, sensing that jetlag was finally settling in, gave Manny the afternoon off to rest.

Today, Manny is scheduled for a full day of training, including eight to ten rounds of sparring, plus more interviews with media.

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

A three-time Fighter of the Year, Pacquiao, who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, 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.

Former light heavyweight champion, Adonis Stevnson has awaken from a medically induced coma due to head injuries he suffered in his December 1st fight with Olkesandr Govozdyk, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Despite recent reports being leaked to media, I wanted to clarify that Adonis is awake,” Simone “Sisi” God, Stevenson’s girlfriend and the mother of his daughter, said in a statement on Saturday. “He is healing from his injury in the private company of his family and his dedicated medical team. Adonis is a world champion in the ring and is exhibiting that same grit, strength and determination in his recovery.”

On behalf of Adonis and our family, I wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who has taken the time to reach out, send prayers and post about Adonis’ injury,” God said. “We are so grateful for the outpour of messages, gifts and support that have come our way.

“‘Superman’ is a world champion and has demonstrated his strength in facing every obstacle he has ever faced. He is a legend in the eyes of his fans and a man that demonstrates to his family daily that inner strength and love can change and redeem even the greatest of hardships.”

“Adonis and our family are so thankful to you all for your love and support and respectfully ask to continue to grant Adonis and our family privacy as he heals from this accident,” she said. “With the holidays here, Adonis is spending time enjoying music and spending time with [daughter] Adonia and his family and sends his love and appreciation to you all.

“While our Superman Adonis recovers, I’ll be stepping in to deal with all business related to Adonis as the Superwoman he always tells me I am. We are truly blessed by God and all of you for your support.”

BROOKLYN (December 22, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight champion Keith Thurman and veteran welterweight Josesito Lopez, plus Brooklyn’s undefeated heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki, hosted a press conference Saturday night to discuss their fights on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes taking place Saturday, January 26 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see Kownacki battle former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round contest and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar take on Claudio Marrero to open the telecast, all leading up to the Thurman vs, Lopez main event.

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

Here is what the fighters had to say Saturday before going face-to-face in the Barclays Center interview room, prior to the PBC on FOX fight night in Brooklyn:

KEITH THURMAN

“I feel great physically. We’re working really hard and just getting back into everything we did before the injury. It feels tremendous and I’m so happy to be able to do this back in Brooklyn. January 26, you will see the return of the number one welterweight in the world.

“I need to come back and stay active and healthy. I’m going to remind everyone this year why I’m one of the baddest men on the planet. At the end of the day, I’m here to make a statement that ‘One Time’ is back.

“I have one belt, and I’m missing one belt. I’m going to re-establish my own accomplishments this year, then go from there. We’re taking it one fight at a time. Right now my eyes are set on Josesito Lopez.

“I’m a world-class fighter. I’ve fought through injuries my whole career. A real fighter ends up getting addicted to the game. There’s nothing better in this life than being under those lights and being part of the action.

“My legacy is not over. Unification against Danny Garcia was not enough for me. Ultimately, I’m just waiting to be presented with a man who is better than me. There might not be one, but I’m not afraid to let my ‘0’ go.

“I need fights like this against a guy like Josesito Lopez. He’s going to be there and give the fans a great fight. He’s coming to take me out. He looked like he was in shape a month ago when I first saw him.

“It’s been a long time and I’m truly honored to be back. It’s been hard for me to not be in the ring while I wait for the elbow to recover. I’m so happy to be back.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“I’m really excited to be here tonight. Keith Thurman is a world-class, elite fighter and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.

“I’ve been in this position before and I’ve never shied away from big battles. This is another big one and I’m going to be ready for it and become world champion.

“I’m sure Keith Thurman is as strong and skilled as anyone I’ve ever faced. He’s undefeated for a reason. I give him his respect for that. I’m preparing for him to be the best fighter I’ve ever faced.

“We’re both experienced fighters who have fought world class competition. I’ve faced my share of tough heavy punchers. I’ve pretty much seen it all. Come January 26, we’re going into deep waters and we’ll see how each of us reacts.

“No matter how active Thurman has been, the importance of this opportunity doesn’t change. If anything we might see a better and healthier Keith Thurman than we’ve seen in years. I’m expecting the best Keith Thurman there is.

“I’m going in against one of the toughest welterweights out there. I don’t need anyone to believe in me but myself. I’m going to give it my all to come out with that title.”

ADAM KOWNACKI

“January 26 is going to be a great night. Every time I fight, it’s very exciting. I throw a lot of punches and bring the pressure. Gerald Washington is going to be a tough test, but if I get through him, I’m even closer to a title shot. That’s the ultimate goal.

“It’s a little bit of a fairytale story. I was just a little kid from Brooklyn wearing the Golden Gloves and now I’m fighting at Barclays Center. It’s a whole new environment. Hopefully next year I’m the main event. That’s the goal and it’s going to be a dream come true. I have to keep working hard to achieve it.

“I think when I fought Iago Kiladze, he was also a runner who could box. I managed the ring very well with him so I’m looking to do the same with Washington and punish the body. The taller they are the harder they fall.

“Gerald Washington is a tough exam. He’s a former title challenger and I know he’s going to bringing his “A-game.” My goal is to become the heavyweight champion of the world and in order to do that I have to get by Washington. That’s what I plan on doing.”

# # #

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, @BrooklynBoxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

Follow all the action as Jermall Charlo defends the WBC Interim Middleweight title against Matt Korobov.  The action starts at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT with the WBC Super Welterweight title bout between Jermell Charlo and Tony Harrison.  The action kicks off with a heavyweight contest between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED.  THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.

Round 1: Korobov lands a straight left

Round 2 Counter from Korobov..Hook from Charlo..Lead left from Korobov..Combination.

Round 3 Nice right to body from Charlo..Hard left from Korobov..

Round 4 Big left Korobov..Right Hook..sneaks in another left..Good left

Round 5 Jab from Charlo..Good left hook

Round 6 Counter hook from Charlo..Straight left/right uppercut from Korobov

Round 7 Good Right from Charlo..Left from Korobov..Combination from Charlo.

Round 8 Good exchange in center o the ring..Jab from Charlo

Round 9 Charlo lands a right..2 jabs and a straight right..

Round 10 Combination from Charlo…Right..Good right

Round 11 Lead left from Charlo..Left from Korobov..right from Charlo..Left..Counter hook..Jab..Good hook from Korobov..

Round 12 Right hook rocks Korobov..Huge shots staggering Korobov..Left from Korobov..Big right from Charlo

119-108…116-112 TWICE FOR JERMALL CHARLO

Round 1 2 big rights from Charlo

Round 2:  Harrison looking sharp with his punches..

Round 3: Charlo beating Harrison to the punch..Combintion from Harrison

Round 4 Big Right from Harrison

Round 5 Hard counter right stuns Charlo..Right from Charlo..Jab from Harrison..Right hand buckles Harrison

Round 6 Straight from Charlo..

Round 7  Hard right from Charlo..Combination from Harrison….Big left from Charlo

Round 8 Good left hook from Charlo..Nice left from Harrison..Jab

Round 9 1-2 from Charlo..Counter right from Harrison..combination..Right from Charlo..Left from Harrison

Round 10 Right from Charlo..

Round 11 right hook from Charlo..Great left uppercut..Jab and body shot for Harrison

Round 12 Big left hurts Harrison..Charlo following with a barrage on the ropes..Harrison hold on..Short left hook from Harrison..Big right from Charlo..

116-112; 115-113 TWICE FOR TONY HARRISON

Round 1 Jab from Breazeale..

Round 2 Good right from Negron..Right from Negron..right to body..Negron jabs to body..Right

Round 3 Good 3 punch combination from Negron..Good right hurts Negron..Negron is cut over left eye..Right from Breazeale…Negron lands a big left to body..left to body

Round 4 2 jabs from Negron..Big left..left to body..Right..Right from Breazeale…Right..Body shot from Negron….2 Big rights wobble Negron at the bell

Round 5 Hard left from Breazeale..

Round 6 Right from Breazeale..Jab..Good left hook

Round 7 Big left from Negron..left hook/right hand from Breazeale..Good right..Uppercut from Negron

Round 8 Body work from Brezeale..Left uppercut

Round 9 HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES NEGRON…FIGHT OVER

Josh Warrington won a 12-round unanimous decision over former world champion Carl Frampton to retain the IBF Featherweight title at The Manchester Arena in Manchester, England.

Warrington came out like gangbisters and he threw and landed punches with reckless abandon.  Warrington dominated the first half of the fight with sheer volume.  Frampton showed a champions class as he fought his way back in the fight, and made it very tight on the scorecards bt landing right counters over the combinations of Warrington.

Warrington built up too much of a lead, and held on by scores of 116-113 and 116-112.

Warrington, 125.9 lbs of Leeds, UK is 28-0.  Frampton, 125.9 lbs of Belfast, IRE is 26-2

Liam Williams stopped previously undefeated Mark Heffron in round 10 of a scheduled 12 round middleweight fight.

In round two, Williams was cut over the right eye from a clash of heads.  Williams dominated the action as he will able to land his right hand at will.

In round two, Williams landed a big shot that drove Heffron into the ropes, which was ruled a knockdown.  Williams followed that up with an onslaught of punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:55

Williams, 159.9 lbs of Wales is 19-2-1 with 14 knockouts.  Heffron, 157.9 ls 21-1.

Hassan N’Dam won a 12-round majority decision over Martin Murray in a middleweight contest.

At the end of round four, Murray landed an overhand right that sent N’Dam down in the corner.  But N’Dam was able to survive that and box and move his way to a points victory by scores of 117-112, 116-112 and 114-114.

N’Dam, 157.9 lbs of France is now 37-3.  Murray, 159.9 lbs of England is 37-5-1.

Michael Conlan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jason Cunningham in a featherweight bout.

In round six, Conlan was deducted a point for a low blow, but Conlan dominated the action, and won by scores of 98-92 and 97-92 twice

Conlan, 125.9 lbs of Ireland is 10-0.  Cunningham, 124.9 lbs of England is 24-6.

On his performance against Cunningham

“I made some mistakes in there, but it was a learning experience. It was the first time I went 10 rounds. I felt comfortable in there going the distance, and I got the job done.”

“At the end of the day, it’s another win in the bank. I’m very happy.”

On almost finishing Cunningham in the 10th round

“I thought I had him going, but I couldn’t get him out of there. He did very well to survive. I hit him with some good shots, but he’s a smart fighter and he knew how to survive. If I had a couple more rounds, I think I could have had him out of there.”

On his 2018 campaign

“I’ve progressed. I’ve gone from prospect to contender. I still have a few questions to answer, but I’m happy with the way things are going.”

On what’s next

“I’m going to be back at Madison Square Garden on March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day. Then, we want to come back to Belfast in the summer with a fight in between. I’m not sure who is next, but I want to keep stepping up.”

Nathan Gorman remained undefeated with a 12-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Razvan Cojanu in a heavyweight bout.

Gorman, 238.1 lbs won by scores of 120-108 and 119-109 twice, and is now 15-0.  Cojanu, 273.1 lbs of Burbank, CA is now 16-5.

Tyson Fury’s brother, Tommy Fury made a successful pro debut with a decision win over trial horse Jevgenis Andrejevs.

Fury, 178.8 lbs won by  a 40-36 scores and is 1-0.  Andrejevs of Lativa is 10-103-3.

Follow all the action as Josh Warrington defends the IBF Featherweight title against former world champion Carl Frampton.  The action kicks off at 1 PM ET/ 6 PM UK time with Tommy Fury making his pro debut.  Also Nathan Gorman takes on Razvan Cojanu; Michael Conlan battles Jason Cunningham; Martin  Murray fights Hassan N’Dam; Mark Heffron fights Liam Williams

NO BROWSER REFRESH IS NEEDED.  THE  PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.

Round 1 Good right hook by Warrington and they are going at it..Frampton backing up…Heated pace

Round 2 Left hook from Frampton..Right from Warrington..Body shot..Warrington opening up..Short right

Round 3 Uppercut from Frampton..Body shots

Round 4  Right from Warrington..Warrington working on the ropes

Round 5 Barrage of punches from Warrington..Left..Body work..Uppercut..Frampton trying to land the uppercut

Round 6  Warrington applying pressure..Right from Frampton..Uppercut from Warington..right to the body

Round 7 Heavy body shots by both guys…Right from Frampton….Warrington outlanding Framton 142-76

Round 8 Body shots from Frampton..Uppercut from Warrington..Good shots from Frampton..Combination..Warrington trying to answer

Round 9 Right Counter from Frampton..Good right from Warrington..Combination from Frampton..Body punches..Warrington lands a 4 punch combination

Round 10 Jab from Warrington..Uppercut from Frampton..Warrington upping his punch output..Frampton getting better of exchange..Jab from Frampton

Round 11 Jab from Frampton..Right..1-2 from Warrington..Jab..Good combination from Frampton.

Round 12 Body work from Warrington..Pop shotting from the outside

116-113; 116-112 TWICE FOR JOSH WARRINGTON

Round 1 Williams lands a 1-2..Right

Round 2 Clash of heads..Another…Cut over right eye of Williams

Round 3 Good combination from Williams

Round 4 Right from Williams..Jab

Round 5 Hook from Heffron..Good left from Williams..Jab

Round 6 2 hard rights from Williams..Heffrom warned for low blow..Right from Williams..Hard right..Chopping right

Round 7 Right from Williams..Right over the top

Round 8  Right from Williams..Right..Williams warned for low blow

Round 9 Hook from Heffron..Body..Right from Williams

Round 10  HUGE RIGHT AND HEFFRON SLAMS INTO THE ROPES FOR A KNOCKDOWN..Williams landing big shots..REFEREE STOPS THE FIGHT

Round 1 Left to body from Murray..Body shot

Round 2 Left hook from Murray..Uppercut from N’Dam..Left to body from Murray

Round 3

Round 4 Combination from Murray..Combination in close by N’Dam..RIGHT FROM MURRAY AT BELL AND RULED A KNOCKDOWN

Round 5 Murray working the body..Uppercut from N’Dam

Round 6  Combination from N’Dam..Body shot

Round 7 Good uppercut from N’Dam..Combination..Body shot

Round 8 Body shots from N’Dam..Right from Murray

Round 9 Combination from N’Dam..Another combination on the ropes..

Round 10 Right from Murray..

Round 11 N’Dam boxing and moving

Round 12 Murray pressing..Uppercut from N’Dam

114-114; 117-112; 116-112 FOR N’DAM

Round 1

Round 2 Good right from Conlan..Left from Conlan…

Round 3 Body shot from Conlan

Round 4  Right from Conlan..2 lefts from Cunningham..Good body work from Conlan..Right to body

Round 5 Jab and combination from Conlan

Round 6 Conlan deducted a point for a low blow..

Round 7 Combination from Cunningham..Good exchange

Round 8 Good right from Conlan..Uppercuts

Round 9 Jab from Conlan..Good right

Round 10 Cunningham coming forward..Good left hurts Cunningham..Huge right buckles Cunningham

97-92 TWICE AND 98-92 for Conlan

Round 1 Body and uppercuts from Gorman

Round 2 Right from Cojanu..Left from Gorman..Lead left hook..Combination from Cojanu..Left hook

Round 3 Right from Gorman…Gorman getting more active

Round 4  Right from Gorman

Round 5 Left hook from Gorman..Right snaps Cojanu’s head back

Round 6 Hook to body and right from Gorman..Right from Cjanu..Nice uppercut..Body shots..

Round 7 Uppercut from Cojanu..Good left hook..Left hook from Gorman

Round 8 Left from Gorman

Round 9 Left from Gorman…Right to body from Cojanu

Round 10 Nice right from Gorman..Right from Cojanu..Hard right from Gorman

Round 11 Good right from Gorman..Good left from Gorman drive Cojanu to the corner

Round 12 Good left from Gorman..Body shot

119-109 twice and 120-108 for GORMAN

Round 1 Body shot from Fury..Uppercut…Body shot

Round 2 Right hand from Fury..Right

Round 3 Hard uppercut from Fury..Good body shots and right hand..Fury warned for low blows..Right to body

Round 4 Lead left hook from Fury

FURY WINS BY 40-36 SCORE

LOS ANGELES (December 21, 2018) — MANNY IS BACK!  Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs), the Philippines’ national treasure and boxing’s only eight-division world champion, returns for his first U.S.-based training camp in over two years on Saturday.  The Pacman Express is scheduled to deliver the reigning WBA welterweight world champion and his team to LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal at 6:15 p.m. PT via Philippine Airlines flight PR 102.

            What a whirlwind journey it has been for the Amazin’ Manny.  After knocking out defending WBA welterweight world champion Lucas Matthyssee in the seventh round of  their July 15 bout which took place at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, there has been no down time for Manny, a schedule that keeps the international icon thriving.  Manny has traveled to the United Kingdom at the invitations of the prestigious Oxford Union and Cambridge Union to speak about his life and answer questions from the student members on consecutive days.  He embarked on a coast-to-coast U.S. media tour to announce his title defense against four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs), from Cincinnati, followed by an immediate flight back to Manila where he gave a speech to the plenary to further push his Senate Bill 1599 seeking to raise the excise tax on tobacco products.

            Then it was 14 to 16-hour days divided into two-part rigorous training sessions and a full work day dedicated to his senatorial duties. Once the Philippine Senate session ended on December 12, Team Pacquiao returned home to General Santos City to focus on training — with one exception — his 40th birthday celebration.  He began his birthday celebration one day early, as he has traditionally done, by donating and handing out 2,000 bags of groceries to residents of Barangay Tinoto in Maasim, Sarangani.  The following day, it was a gala celebration that filled the KCC Convention Center.  Friends, family, celebrities and government dignitaries of the highest order, including President Duterte,  joined together  to wish Manny a happy 40th birthday   But typical of Manny, he was the one who was giving the gifts, which included the raffling of major prizes, featuring four automobiles, 58 motorcycles, and two dozen large screen LED televisions.

            “Life begins at 40,” exclaimed Manny at his gala.  “Physically, I still feel like I am 25, but with the benefit of the wisdom that comes from the added years of my life experience.  I still have a lot I want to accomplish as an athlete, a public servant, and a father, husband and son.  I look forward to adding more chapters to my life story.”

            Now it’s off to Hollywood, California and his second home, Wild Card Boxing Club,  where Manny will endure the most intensive part of his training in preparation for his title defense against Broner.  Holidays will be work days for this training camp, which will begin on Christmas Eve. Manny and his team have taken a vow to leave no stone unturned as they prepare for the battle with Broner.

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

            The Pacquiao vs. Broner world championship event will take place Saturday, January 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  Pacquiao vs. Broner and its co-main event fights will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® and presented by Premier Boxing Champions beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

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.

NEW YORK CITY (DEC. 21, 2018): Former lightweight king Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (45-4, 28 KOs) will continue his comeback trail when he challenges Pablo Cesar “El Demoledor” Cano (31-7-1, 21 KOs) for his WBC International Silver Super Lightweight Title in a 12-round battle on the undercard of the fight between Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade (26-0, 16 KOs) and Artur Akavov (19-2, 8 KOs). The event will take place on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.

“Jorge Linares has been an important staple of Golden Boy Promotions for many years and has established himself as a fighter who can come back from any setback,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s beaten some of the best fighters in three different weight classes, and I’m looking forward to his rise in this new weight division. Pablo Cesar Cano has also played in important role at Golden Boy, giving tough fights to almost everybody at 140 and 147 pounds. This will be a great fight between two experienced warriors, and I’m delighted that it will be streamed on DAZN.”

Linares, a 33-year-old Venezuelan considered one of the top fighters in the world, will return after making his debut at 140 pounds by stopping Abner “Pin” Cotto via third-round technical knockout. After earning world titles in the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight divisions, Linares hopes to earn yet another world title in this new weight division, but only if he can get past a tough challenge against Cano.

“My next goal is to become the first four-division world champion from Venezuela,” said Jorge Linares. “I accomplished what I needed to accomplish at 135 pounds, and in my last fight with Abner Cotto, I showed that I can take my speed and power to this new division. We’ve been going back to the basics with my old trainer Jorge Zerpa, and I know I can earn another world title in this new weight class. But first I have a tough fight against Pablo Cesar Cano, a young veteran with a lot of experience who is naturally a super lightweight. I’m expecting a tough fight against Cano, but I’m motivated to give fans a great fight in New York City and on this new platform, DAZN.”

Cano is a 29-year-old puncher who has faced many names in the 140 and 147-pound division. The native of Tlalnepantla, Mexico has taken on the likes of Sugar Shane Mosley, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi, Ashley “Treasure” Theophane, and Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera in his career. Cano’s best victory was against Johan “El Terrible Perez, where he earned the interim WBA Super Lightweight Title. Cano will return after upsetting Ruslan Madiev for the regional title he currently holds.

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for giving me the enormous opportunity of fighting a great world champion on Jorge Linares,” said Pablo Cesar Cano. “To repeat, this is a great opportunity that I will not fail to take advantage of. The fans know the kind of fighter I am and that the only way you’ll get me to quit is by taking me out on a stretcher. But I warn everyone: that will not happen.”

Rising Golden Boy prospect Alexis “Lex” Rocha (12-0, 8 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will return in his first 10-round battle. Rocha is a hard-hitting southpaw who was last seen defeating Carlos Ortiz via eight-round unanimous decision on the Canelo vs. GGG 2 undercard in September.

Andrade vs. Avakov is a 12-round fight for the WBO Middleweight World Championship
presented by Matchroom Boxing in association with DiBella Entertainment. The event will take place on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.MSG.com. Tickets start at $46!

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

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

Demetrius Andrade will make the first defense of his WBO World Middleweight against Artur Akavov on a bumper show at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York on Friday January 18, live on DAZN in the US and Sky Sports in the UK.

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

Andrade (26-0 16KOs) claimed the title in October to become a two-weight World champion, flooring Walter Kautondokwa four times as he comfortably outpointed the tough number African in Boston to land the title. The unbeaten Rhode Island ace had been out of the ring for a year as he boxed in the Massachusetts capital, and ‘Boo Boo’ now wants to become an active champ as he targets unification battles in 2019.

Akavov (19-2 8KOs) will be confident of ripping up those plans as he challenges for the title for the second time, having pushed former champion Billy Joe Saunders all the way in Glasgow in December 2016, being narrowly edged out by the Londoner. The Russian landed the WBO International title in his last outing in May in Latvia, a win that saw him climb to #8 in the rankings with the WBO and move into position to rip the crown from the 32 year old in the Big Apple.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” said Andrade. “Fighting at Madison Square Garden, where so many great fighters have fought is a true honor, and something I have dreamt about my entire life.

“People might not know much about Akavov, but this is a guy who went overseas and gave Billy Joe Saunders absolute hell. Most people thought that he should have won the fight. This is an optional defense, so I could have fought anyone I wanted, but we chose to fight a guy that we know is going to bring it all night long and a guy who in many people’s eyes beat Saunders.

“I know that I have an extremely tough task in front of me, but that’s what this game is all about. I want all the top guys, all the belts and with Eddie Hearn and DAZN behind me and continuing to give me these opportunities to showcase my talent to the world, the other champions can’t hide for long. This is my time and January 18 is another step in that direction.”

“After the fight with Saunders, I was hoping for a rematch because that fight left a lot of unanswered questions,” said Akavov. “I believe that Andrade is a better fighter than Saunders and this is my chance to answer those questions. I understand the weight of the responsibility that is on my shoulders and will give it 100 per cent.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn is lining up a stacked bill in support of the main event, and 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.

“I’m super excited to be able to make history alongside the biggest and best network out now, DAZN,” said Serrano. “Being part of the best makes you want to raise the bar and we will do that together.”

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.

“My next goal is to become the first four-division world champion from Venezuela,” said Jorge Linares. “I accomplished what I needed to accomplish at 135 pounds, and in my last fight with Abner Cotto I showed that I can take my speed and power to this new division.

“We’ve been going back to the basics with my old trainer Jorge Zerpa, and I know I can earn another World title in this new weight class. But first I have a tough fight against Pablo Cesar Cano, a young veteran with a lot of experience who is naturally a super lightweight. I’m expecting a tough fight against Cano, but I’m motivated to give fans a great fight in New York City and on this new platform, DAZN.”

“I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for giving me the enormous opportunity of fighting a great world champion on Jorge Linares,” said Pablo Cesar Cano. “To repeat, this is a great opportunity that I will not fail to take advantage of. The fans know the kind of fighter I am and that the only way you’ll get me to quit is by taking me out on a stretcher. But I warn everyone: that will not happen.”

“Jorge Linares has been an important staple of Golden Boy Promotions for many years and has established himself as a fighter who can come back from any setback,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “He’s beaten some of the best fighters in three different weight classes, and I’m looking forward to his rise in this new weight division.

“Pablo Cesar Cano has also played in important role at Golden Boy, giving tough fights to almost everybody at 140 and 147 pounds. This will be a great fight between two experienced warriors, and I’m delighted that it will be streamed on DAZN.”

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.

Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing, the promoter of both Algieri and Gonzalez stated: “Both Algieri and Gonzalez jumped at the chance of fighting each other at the Theater at MSG. Although they know each other well and are Star Boxing stablemates, they both recognize the enormous opportunity this fight provides and I am looking forward to January 18.”

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.

Andrade vs. Akavov is a co-promotion between Matchroom Boxing USA and DiBella Entertainment, and Lou DiBella is confident his charge can rip the title from the champion, and that Serrano will make history.

“Anyone who saw Artur Akavov’s bout with Billy Joe Saunders knows that he is a relentless fighter capable of competing on the big stage,” said Lou DiBella. “Akavov may not be very well known to the average American boxing fan right now, but there is no better way to change that than by beating Demetrius Andrade and no better place than in the heart of New York City.

“There is no doubt that Amanda Serrano is the best pound-for-pound fighter in women’s boxing and one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport, regardless of gender. By fighting for a championship in her seventh weight class, Amanda is again showing her desire to chase greatness. Props to DAZN and Eddie Hearn for believing in Amanda’s talent and providing her this platform.”

“The Middleweight division is on fire right now and Demetrius is a key player,” said Hearn. “He is the one looking to lay down the gauntlet by kicking off 2019 and will be looking to deal with Akavov in style before moving into blockbuster fights.

“It’s a huge show and we are delighted to welcome Jorge Linares to the card. Jorge has boxed on many of our shows in the UK and is a pound-for-pound quality fighter, I love the Maurice Hooker fight in the summer.

“Chris Algieri, who is also in line for Hooker, returns in a local derby and female star Amanda Serrano looks to make history – there’s even more to be announced and fans are going to get plenty of bang for their buck at Madison Square Garden on January 18.”

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

FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2018) – WBC super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez, the pride of California’s Central Valley, is returning home on a pair of missions.

First, he aims to make the second defense of his world title against Jose “Chon” Zepeda on Sunday, Feb. 10 at his favorite fistic venue, the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. He also hopes, along with the Central Valley community, to continue the fight against cancer.

Ramirez-Zepeda and a soon-to-be announced co-feature will headline a special Top Rank on ESPN card beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Ramirez will auction off his fight-worn trunks, special gloves, shirt, and shoes, with all proceeds benefitting the Community Cancer Institute in Clovis, Calif. A portion of all ticket sales will also be donated to the Community Cancer Institute.

The entire undercard 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.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets to this world championship event, priced at $150, $90, $60, $35, and $25, go on sale Monday, Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. PST and can be purchased at the Save Mart Center box office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

“Jose Ramirez is a great young champion and an even better person,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are proud to be involved with an event that will raise a tremendous amount of exposure for cancer research. Zepeda is a really tough fighter who will give Jose an excellent fight. The fans in the Central Valley have supported Jose since day one, and I expect another fantastic crowd at the Save Mart Center.”

“I feel blessed to defend my title a second time at home against a great opponent and also support an issue that affects everyone and their families,” Ramirez said. “Let’s all band together to ‘KO Cancer’ and remember that every moment counts.”

Said Rick Mirigian, Ramirez’s adviser: “I’m honored to help put together this event for a great cause. We encourage everyone for National Cancer Prevention Month in February to get your health checked out because every moment matters in this fight.”

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity since my first world title shot against Terry Flanagan,” Zepeda said. “I’m going to train very hard, better than ever before. I’m very thankful to my team and Jose Ramirez for giving me this chance. I’m not going to waste it, and that’s why I’m training so hard.”

Ramirez (23-0, 16 KOs), a 2012 U.S. Olympian from Avenal, Calif., is a sporting hero in California’s Central Valley for his commitment to immigration causes, water rights for area farmers, and his involvement with the Community Cancer Institute. Inside the ring, he has established himself as a 140-pound wrecking ball. He won the WBC super lightweight world title on March 17 in New York City, grinding down Amir Imam to win a wide unanimous decision. In his first title defense, Sept. 14 at the Save Mart Center, he dropped the previously unbeaten Antonio Orozco twice in a Fight of the Year contender en route to a unanimous decision victory in front of 11,102 fans.

This marks Ramirez’s fifth headlining appearance at the Save Mart Center, where he has established himself as one of boxing’s biggest ticket-sellers. His four previous Save Mart Center appearances have drawn a total of 51,760 fans through the turnstiles, and another packed house is expected for title defense number two.

Zepeda (30-1, 25 KOs), a hard-hitting southpaw from La Puente, Calif., is on an eight-bout unbeaten streak dating back to July 11, 2015, the evening he fought Terry Flanagan for the WBO lightweight world title in Manchester, England. It was a competitive contest until Zepeda suffered a dislocated shoulder in the second round and was forced to retire on his stool following the round. He earned the shot at Ramirez with a run that included a first-round TKO against former world title challenger Ammeth Diaz and a sixth-round TKO versus Abner Lopez.

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

Use the hashtags #RamirezZepeda and #KOCancer to join the conversation on social media.

LONDON (December 21, 2018) – Top-rated heavyweight contenders Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora went face-to-face in a heated final weigh-in just one day before their highly anticipated rematch Saturday, December 22 live on SHOWTIME at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT from The O2 in London.

Whyte (24-1, 17 KOs) and Chisora (29-8, 21 KOs) will run back one of 2016’s best fights as the bitter rivals will continue what they started two years ago with Whyte narrowly edging Chisora in a close, all-out war. The winner will have the inside track at a world title fight in 2019.

The SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL telecast is hosted by Brian Custer and Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood. Live fight coverage will be provided by Sky Sports Box Office with Adam Smith calling the action and former world champion Carl Froch and unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua providing expert analysis.

FINAL WEIGHTS

Heavyweight Bout – 12 Rounds

Dillian Whyte – 246 ½ pounds

Derek Chisora – 246 ¼ pounds

Referee: Marcus McDonnell (England); Judges: Fernando Barbosa (USA), Mauro Di Fiore (USA), John Latham (England)

DOORS 16:45

BOXING STARTS 17:00

4 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
FABIO WARDLEY 16st 6lbs 8oz v PHIL WILLIAMS 17st 9lbs 4oz
(Ipswich) (Bristol)

17:20 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS FACEBOOK

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
LINUS UDOFIA 11st 9lbs 8oz v PAVOL GARAJ 11st 7lbs 1oz
(Nigeria) (Slovakia)

18:00 LIVE ON SKY SPORTS BOX OFFICE

12 x 3 mins British Featherweight Championship
RYAN WALSH 8st 13lbs 8oz v REECE BELLOTTI 8st 13lbs 2oz
(Cromer) (Watford)

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
DAVID PRICE 18st 1lb 3oz v TOM LITTLE 18st 6lbs 7oz
(Liverpool) (Hatfield)

10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
CARLOS TAKAM 18st 2lbs 1oz v SENAD GASHI 16st 4lbs 1oz
(France) (Germany)

12 x 3 mins WBC Flyweight Championship
CRISTOFER ROSALES 7st 13lbs 8oz v CHARLIE EDWARDS 7st 13lbs 8oz
(Nicaragua) (Croydon)

10 x 3 mins WBA International Light-Heavyweight Championship
JOSHUA BUATSI 12st 6lbs 5oz v RENOLD QUINLAN 12st 3lbs 6oz
(Croydon) (Australia)

12 x 3 mins WBC Silver and WBO International Heavyweight Championships
DILLIAN WHYTE 17st 8lbs 8oz v DEREK CHISORA 17st 8lbs 3oz
(Brixton) (Finchley)

Ted Cheeseman clashes with undefeated Spaniard Sergio Garcia for the EBU European Super-Welterweight crown at The O2 in London on February 2, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

‘The Big Cheese’ gets his European title shot after outpointing Asinia Byfield in an all-action battle for the Lonsdale belt at the Copper Box Arena in October, and the Bermondsey favourite knows a win over Garcia could secure a mouth-watering fight with Liverpool’s Anthony Fowler.

Bitter Light-Heavyweight rivals Jake Ball and Craig Richards finally get in on after Ball pulled out of their October meeting at short notice due to injury, and there is no love lost between the pair who have been trading insults over Twitter ever since.

Felix Cash won his first professional title in October and now he gets the chance to add a second when he takes on Nigeria’s Abolaji Rasheed for the vacant Commonwealth Middleweight title, with the Wokingham man determined to make up for lost time.

Undefeated British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight Champion Lawrence Okolie returns to action after wrestling the Lonsdale belt from Matty Askin at Wembley Stadium, and the Hackney powerhouse is aiming to add more belts to his collection in 2019.

Further exciting additions to the card will be announced soon.

Tickets for February 2 are on sale from midday today (21/12) and available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Tickets are priced at £30, £50, £80 and £150 (VIP)

IT TOOK JUST 12 amateur fights for Tommy Fury to reach the conclusion that following in the family footsteps was the direction for him to travel.

The younger brother of lineal world heavyweight champion Tyson makes his professional debut on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena at the age of just 19.

Fury has been patiently learning his trade over the last year, developing his skills first in the gym of Pat Barrett and now with Ricky Hatton at the Hyde base used by Tyson when training in the UK.

He should be well prepared for all eventualities in the professional game, given that he has been right in the thick of training camps involving Tyson and cousin Hughie over the years and has seen first-hand what it takes to reach the very top.

However, it still seems to have taken a little while for the youngest fighting Fury to branch out and forge his own path in the toughest sport of all.

“I don’t know about you, but it definitely has for me and I have been training all year – training very hard as well,” reported the light heavyweight, who will feature on the BT Box Office blockbuster card in Manchester in support of the IBF world featherweight title showdown between Josh Warrington and Carl Frampton. “I just think it has come at the right time and I couldn’t be on a better show, so it has been worth the wait.

“It is all setting in now and it has been surreal taking it all in because it is the first of many. It is in my home town in front of my crowd and I can’t wait. All my friends and family are going to be there so I will have to put on a good show on the night.”

An extended stint in the amateur code was not to the taste of Fury, who indicated that a lack of vested interest pushed him towards the pros.

“I had 12 amateur fights and won the North West title twice and then I went to the nationals and got to the final of that. In my last fight I boxed a kid who had the British title belt and I boxed him in Yorkshire for it and never got it.

“I beat him on a unanimous and thought, I’ve had 12 and know what it is about, if you can fight you can fight and there was no point hanging around because it is two completely different sports.
“Just because you are a good amateur doesn’t mean you will make a good pro.

“I didn’t like it at all, with those headguards on and the big gloves. It was not for me at all, point scoring and it is like a game of tig really. In the professionals, especially if you carry power, you need to sit down on your shots.

“In three rounds you can’t really do that,” he added, pointing out that now is the time for his turn in the spotlight.

“Looking back at it now over the years when Tyson and Hughie have been training. They’ve been getting all the coverage, doing the media workouts and doing the fighting – now it is my turn.

“Everyone has seen me lurking in the background for years wondering if I would ever get my shot. Now it has come I’ve got to look forward to the moment, but it has come and I am going to take it with both hands because these opportunities don’t come along all the time.

“I’ve got the best start and I am going to make it a good one.”

Tommy Fury makes his professional debut on Saturday night at the Manchester Arena as part of the huge world title card. Josh Warrington defends his IBF World Featherweight title against Carl Frampton exclusively live on BT Sport Box Office, Saturday 22 December. Watch for just £19.95, for more info visit www.bt.com/sportboxoffice

NEW YORK (December 20, 2018) -This Saturday night at Promo West in Columbus, Ohio undefeated super welterweight prospect Charles Conwell takes on the battle tested Manny Woods in an eight-round bout.

This will be the first scheduled eight-rounder for the undefeated 2016 Olympian.

Conwell, 21 years-old of Cleveland will be making his 2nd start in his native Buckeye state.

In what will the 3rd outing of 2018, Conwell, who has a record of 8-0 with six knockouts, Conwell will look for an impressive performance over Woods, who himseld brings in a record of 16-7-1 with six knockouts. Woods has impressive wins over the likes of undefeated Sheldon Moore (3-0) and Elias Espadas (9-2).

Conwell is coming off an impressive stoppage over Travis Scott (19-3) on July 14th in New Orleans.

“This Friday I’m looking on to put on a show, and I want to get him out of there. I’m the main event for the first time so that means a lot,” said Conwell. “I’ve been training hard to get the best results as possible. It’s my time to show the world that I’m one of the best prospects in boxing, and that I’m a force to be reckoned with at the 154 lb. division.”

“Charles is one of the world’s top prospects. With each fight, he is fighting tougher fighter’s, and by this time next year, Charles will be considered one of the top contenders in the junior middleweight division,” said David McWater of Split-T Management.

Conwell is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Promotions.

The show is promoted by Team Tory Promotions and tickets are $35 for Standing Room; $40 for General Seating and $60 for Ringside. 1st bell is at 7:30 P.M. E.T.

TORONTO, ON—One of boxing’s brightest young stars will finally have a chance to shine again.

Dusty Hernandez Harrison, the undefeated welterweight contender, has officially inked a promotional deal with Lee Baxter Promotions.

Despite battling promotional difficulties and injuries over the past two years, Hernandez (30-0-1, 16 KOs) is still considered a future star and threat in the welterweight division. His last victory came in 2016 when he defeated Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna on CBS Sports Network. Now with a stable home in the Lee Baxter Promotions family, he can resume his promising career.

“I’m excited to get back in the ring and to prove that I belong with the best welterweights in the world,” said Hernandez. “Lee Baxter Promotions has a lot of momentum behind it right now, and I felt Lee was the best guy to help me get to the top of this sport.”

For Baxter, it feels like hitting the jackpot.

“It’s not often that fighters of this caliber become available,” said Baxter. “There’s no doubt that every promoter in the world has taken a look at Dusty and has offered him something, but we feel that we can provide him with the best opportunity to succeed. Dusty is a star, and he deserves to be treated like one.”

The 24-year old has received the co-sign from some of the most infamous and influential names in boxing and entertainment. As an amateur, he was touted as the “next Sugar Ray Leonard,” the highest possible praise, particularly for a fighter from Leonard’s native D.C. area. He also drew the praise of Mike Tyson, and has had celebrities such as Rihanna, Jay-Z and more attend his bouts.

Prior to his layoff, Hernandez was ranked in the Top 15 by the IBF at welterweight and was in the hunt for a world title shot. Beginning in February, he’ll resume that chase.

Hernandez is scheduled to face rugged Austin Marcum on February 16 at the Mountaineer Casino Ballroom, in New Cumberland, West Virginia.

“This is an opportunity for Dusty to shake off a little rust. He was scheduled to fight in December prior to an injury, so he’s still in good shape. Now it’s about getting him in ring shape,” said Baxter. “Marcum is a natural middleweight, so this will be a good physical test for Dusty as he sharpens up again.”

Hernandez remains one of the most popular fighters, and athletes, in the DC area, but he’ll also now have an opportunity to break into a new market in Canada, where Lee Baxter Promotions is based. In the past two years, the number of boxing events in Canada has gone up considerably, and Toronto has become a destination for major fights.

“D.C. is always going to be home for Dusty, but we think the Canadian fans are going to fall in love with him as well,” said Baxter. “It’s our goal to bring a world title fight involving Dusty Hernandez Harrison to Toronto as soon as possible.”

NEW YORK (Dec. 20, 2018) – By averaging nearly 323,000 views per show during Fall/Winter 2018, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast heads into 2019 having summited the four million view plateau.

Opening Season II with nine shows that reached more than 2.9 million views collectively, the free and interactive Facebook series already has plans for six shows to open the first quarter of the New Year, looking to add to the 4,329,206 fight fans served since the series’ inception in May of 2017.

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly Facebook platform that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 450 fighters and 15 promotions during 26 live event broadcasts from 18 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

“As we head into the New Year, we’re really proud of how many fighters we’ve been able to help and how many promotions we’ve been able to work with to take their local shows and transform them into global events,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “We’re in talks with several promoters for the first half of 2019 and contracts have already begun to roll in, and we’re grateful to our sponsors like Everlast, Eat Clean Bro, Mr. Custom Made, Elite Heat Water, BallWash and others for helping us to make all of this happen. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, we’ll see you a lot in the New Year!”

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 26-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 166,508 views per event and more than 4.3 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, Season II shows have averaged almost 323,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Dec. 2018 “Queens and Kings of Queens Card” (379,758) in New York, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), and the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000) all logged 200,000 or more views, and collectively the 26-show series has seen a total of more than 4,329,206 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 377,000 collective live post engagements (more than 14,500 per show), including more than 293,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 46,000 comments and almost 16,000 shares.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” from the Sands in Bethlehem set a new bar with 594,447 views and the Sept. 2017 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 86,000 fans and more than 92,000 followers.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Winter and Spring 2019 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visitwww.everlast.com.

BROOKLYN (December 20, 2018) – Before they enter the ring in primetime this Saturday, December 22, fighters competing on the blockbuster Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes event went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference for their matchups at Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The event is headlined by the Charlo Twins defending their world titles and a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Jermall Charlo, who won a coin toss with his brother, will close the show in a 12-round WBC interim middleweight championship bout against Matt Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets 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.

In the spirit of the season, fighters were joined on stage by Santa Claus as he too prepares for his biggest night of the year. Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the Barclays Center GEICO Atrium:

JERMALL CHARLO

“Once I heard about the new opponent, I knew that we had work to do. Nothing I can do about someone who was unprofessional. I didn’t put my head down; I knew that we’d make another fight. I’m glad that Korobov stepped up to the plate. I think it’s going to be a great fight.

“Every fight is tough. I’m not sleeping on this guy. I’m sleeping this guy.

“This is a great chance for me to put on for my fans and my people. There’s no disappointment. Korobov is a different kind of fighter than Willie Monroe, but I am prepared to fight against any style.

“I’m one of the guys at middleweight that’s been getting overlooked. People think I might not have done enough in the division, but that’s only because I haven’t got the chance to fight the best out there.

“I have to figure out a different game plan for each fighter I step in with. I know he’s coming to fight and I know he’s bringing anything he possesses into the ring to beat me. It’s my duty to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“Me and my brother are both hungry. We want the fans and everyone to know that we’re the best in the world. Sooner or later the rest of the world will know it.

“Korobov was on the undercard so I know that it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. I’m well prepared for the challenge. I’m going to get in there and show my professionalism Saturday.”

MATT KOROBOV

“I respect that Jermall Charlo took this fight and I’m going to try to show my best on Saturday night. I have watched Jermall’s fights and because he has a title I know he has a lot of quality skills.

“I have the skills to make this a great night for myself. I am going to bring everything I’ve got. I spent some time outside of the ring but the whole time I was preparing for a moment like this and I’m going to make it count.

“I’m very excited and happy about this event and being in this fight. This was such a big opportunity that I was immediately telling my team yes. This is what all my work has been leading to.”

JERMELL CHARLO

“Everyone will see Saturday night that I’m just different than these other guys. I’m going to get in there and do what I have to do for 12 rounds. If I do that, Jermell Charlo should prevail. I’m going to put my life on the line like every time I step into the ring.

“I’m a hungry fighter. All the talk on the outside, that makes me want to destroy my opponent. I’m going to choose to be dominant and go out and destroy this guy.

“Now that we’re here, me and my brother have big opportunities. We can’t drop the ball. This is important to us and we’re going to take advantage of it. It’s only right that me and my brother close out this year.

“I want to go first on fight night. I want to take everything that I’ve been building up and put it on display Saturday night.

“I’ve had a great camp and I have nothing to worry about. I’m not going to let Tony Harrison stand in the way of what I’m looking to accomplish. These fighters can’t punch with me, they can’t box with me, and at this weight division, I know I’m the best.

“People doubt that I’m the best at 154-pounds and that fuels my fire. These other fighters are just in my way.

“I look at every fight as 0-0 for both guys. I don’t care about any extra stuff going on. We’re both coming to fight and we’ll see who wins.”

TONY HARRISON

“I’m just looking forward to a good outing on Saturday night in front of a great crowd in Brooklyn and a big audience on FOX. It’s going to be a great fight and an explosive matchup.

“I think that Jermell is a more technically sound fighter than Jarrett Hurd, but I’ll be able to answer better after Saturday night. I can’t get caught up in comparing them now.

“I’ve worked really hard to be more consistent. More consistent in training, so that I can have great performances every time I step into the ring.

“I don’t feed into any outside noise or voices. My preparation was great. This is the best camp I’ve ever had. The pedestal is high for Jermell Charlo; he has pressure to put on a certain type of performance. I’m just going to relax and do what I train to do and that’s fight.

“There’s nothing I want more than a rematch with that Jarrett Hurd. All roads lead to Jarrett Hurd for whoever wins this fight.”

DOMINIC BREAZEALE

“I think fighting a guy like Carlos Negron is a stepping stone to getting the fight with Deontay WIlder. He has similar size and stature, so it’s like a rough sketch for the title fight. I want to stay in rhythm and dust off any cobwebs there may be so I’m active and ready when the Wilder fight comes.

“Carlos Negron is a big guy and someone that size is going to have a good jab. I know he has a strong amateur pedigree. We have similar records and we stand eye-to-eye. This is the first time I’ve fought someone his stature and size. But I don’t think he’s fought the same quality of opponents like I have at the pro ranks.

“This is the heavyweight game and one punch can change everything. I plan on landing that punch on Saturday night.

“This is a guy who stands tall and has boxing skills. He’s an ‘ABC’ fighter. He throws a lot of 1-2s and that’s what Deontay Wilder does too. I’m only chasing the belt because Deontay Wilder is running.”

CARLOS NEGRON

“I will fight on Saturday and they’ll see a very different and new Carlos Negron on that night. I’m coming to bring a great fight for all of the fans.

“I know that this is a chance I have to take advantage of. I’ve prepared to hard to waste this. I respect Breazeale but I believe I have the skills to dominate this fight.

“Fighting on the big stage will not affect me. Through my amateur career, in the pros and in sparring I’ve faced the best of the best and this will be no different. This is my opportunity to show that I’m a championship fighter, and I get to do it in front of the whole world.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“It’s certainly an exciting time for the sort of boxing and we are proud to host the first night of the new multi-year alliance between PBC and FOX. The buildup to this fight has been unprecedented. These stars have been promoted like never before with cross-promotion on FOX’s biggest programming.

“Jermall and Jermell, we have built a great relationship over the last couple of years. We’re thrilled to see you fighting on the same card at Barclays Center and we hope it’s the first of many.

“I want to commend Matt Korobov for stepping in last minute and accepting this great challenge. For Tony Harrison, this is your third time at Barclays Center and you’re undefeated in your previous fights. The televised opener between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron will set the tone for the evening. Brooklynites love their heavyweights and we welcome you to Brooklyn.

“This will be the first of many great nights of BROOKLYN BOXING™ on the FOX networks. We’re excited for this great fight card, I wish everyone a great holiday and look forward to seeing you on Saturday night.”
# # #

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, @FutureOfBoxing, @TwinCharlo, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions, @BrooklynBoxing 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 20, 2019) – Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions will co-promote a potential early candidate for the 2019 Fight of the Year, when world title challenger “Mighty” Aston Palicte (24-2-1, 20 KOs) takes on unbeaten Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez (20-0-2, 13 KOs) in a World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior bantamweight title eliminator on Thursday, January 31, at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, California.

Palicte vs.Martinez will headline a soon-to-be-announced card in the 12-round main event, held on the Thursday night of Super Bowl week, in the Oak Ballroom. Viejas Casino & Resort is located 35 miles outside of San Diego.

The winner of the Palicte vs. Martinez title eliminator will become the mandatory challenger for the winner of the New Year’s Eve match in China for the vacant WBO Junior Bantamweight World Championship, between No. 1 contender Donnie Nietes (41-1-5, 23 KOs) and No. 3-rated Kazuito Ioka (23-1, 13 KOs).

Palicte and Martinez will continue a Philippines-Puerto Rico boxing rivalry that dates back many years, perhaps, highlighted by the 2009 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, in which the fabulous Filipino defeated the Puerto Rican warrior by way of a 12th round technical knockout. It marks the first time Jones and Cotto, two of the greatest boxers of all-time, will be in opposite corners, in terms of competing fighters they promote, respectively, Palicte and Martinez.

“Having our new partnership with Viejas Casino & Resort allows us to host these great fights,” Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions CEO/Co-founder Keith Veltre remarked. “Having a Roy Jones Jr. and Miguel Cotto fighter face-off makes this fight even more exciting. 2019 is going to be the biggest and most active year for RJJ Boxing.”

“This is the type of fight that changes your career,” Hall of Famer/promoterCotto said. “We know ‘Chiquiro’ Martinez is ready for the challenge and it will be an exciting fight. Promoting this fight, together with Roy Jones, Jr., will be great for boxing. We really look forward to start 2019 with a great fight like Martinez vs. Palicte.”

“All of us at Viejas are excited to be working with Roy Jones, Jr. and look forward to this amazing event,” added Jimmy Wild, GM Viejas Casino & Resort.

Palicte (WBO No. 2) heads the latest wave of world-class Filipino boxers, who is coming off a controversial 12-round split draw with his fellow countryman, 3-division world champion Nietes, for the vacant WBO Junior bantamweight title this past September in Inglewood, California. Many at ringside felt that Palicte should have won the Filipino showdown, based on his relentless pressure and considerably higher activity rate, throwing 300-plus more punches than Nietes.

Palicte is also ranked No. 9 in independent world ratings by The Ring magazine.

Martinez (WBO No, 4), who captured the vacant WBO North American Boxing Organization (NABO) Championship on November 16, 2017, knocking out Jesus Martinez (23-2-1, 11 KOs) in Cancun Mexico, has also held the World Boxing Council Latino and WBC USNBC Silver crowns.

“I want to thank God for this great opportunity,” Martinez commented. “Thank you, Miguel Cotto and the WBO. I feel excited because this is the most important fight of my career with a high-level boxer as Palicte. I will train really hard to be in the best condition. We are really focusing on getting the big win on January 31st.”

Priced at $65.00, $55.00 and $45.00, tickets go on sale tomorrow (Fri., Dec. 21), and are available to purchase by going online at www.viejas.com.

INFORMATION:

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