MIAMI (December 18, 2018) – Four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner hosted a media workout at Miami Beach’s world famous 5th Street Gym on Tuesday as he prepares to face Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, for his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title on SHOWTIME PPV® Saturday, January 19 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Cincinnati’s Broner, one of boxing’s most popular and colorful personalities, is training under the tutelage of Kevin Cunningham in nearby West Palm Beach, Fla. Cunningham said the upbeat Broner is soley focused on facing Pacquiao and it’s been a near-perfect training camp so far.

Here is what Broner and Cunningham had to say Tuesday:

ADRIEN BRONER:

“This fight is real important. This is a hell of a fight not only for me but for the sport. This is a fight that needed to happen for the sport and we are going to put on a hell of a show.

“I always knew that one day I would be having fights like this. Honestly I thought he [Pacquiao] would be done with boxing by now but I always knew I would have a fight of this magnitude on this platform, pay-per-view and all and now I’m here.

“I knew what to expect. I knew he [Kevin] was going to be real strict and I just came prepared. Ready to put it all in and put it all on the line.”

On what he does in his down time:

“I try to rest as much as possible. I’m training so much and training real hard. This will be my second workout of the day and then after this I have another workout at 8:30 p.m. so that will be the third workout for the day so you know all my off time I try to eat properly, stay hydrated and stay focused.”

On how it feels to train in a gym that hosted greats like Muhammad Ali:

“It’s lovely. I never knew this gym existed and this is my first time ever being here or ever hearing about this gym being legendary. Muhammad Ali paved the way for guys like me and Sugar Ray Leonard and everyone else so, its legendary.

“I always tell other fighters and other people it takes more to be a star than just boxing. I just have everything it takes to be a mega star.”

On Pacquiao’s last fight against Lucas Matthysse:

“I didn’t see it but I heard he looked good. I don’t know what to expect. I’m just training for the best Pacquiao. And I’m going to go out there and do what I have to do to get the victory.”

How do you feel training in South Florida?

“I’m not focused on the clubbing and stuff and all that stuff will be here after the fight. I’m 110 percent focused on this fight.”

What he will do after the Pacquiao Fight?

“Boxing you have to take it one fight at a time. My main focus is getting past Manny Pacquiao first and then we can talk about other things.”

On whether or not Pacquiao has a weakness:

“It’s not a mystery. He has seven losses. It’s not a mystery that he can lose but anyone can lose on any given day. It’s whoever prepares the best and I’m preparing myself to do what I need to do. I don’t care about stopping him or whether it’s a unanimous decision, as long as I’m victorious.”

On whether or not this is the biggest fight of his career:

“This is definitely my biggest fight, biggest magnitude, biggest platform I’ve ever been on but you never know. I could probably go in there and make this look like the easiest fight of my career you just never know.”

KEVIN CUNNINGHAM:

“I think he’s having even a better camp than the last. He’s added a new strength and conditioning coach and everything is working out perfect and camp is going extremely well and smooth. AB’s looking fast and explosive. I have no complaints.

“Adrien’s got everything; he’s a real throwback fighter. He’s got speed, he’s got power, he’s got quickness, he’s got footwork. He can punch and he can bang and he can box. He’s got skills and he can be slick if he wants to be. So he’s the total package.

“We have an idea of the way the fight is going to go. We’ve studied tons of Pacquiao footage and he pretty much fights the same every fight. Manny’s a rhythm fighter so it’s all about getting in his rhythm. He pretty much does his thing. But outside of that I’ve never really seen him make too many adjustments. He’s pretty much the same guy.”

# # # #

In undercard action on the SHOWTIME PPV, two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title and former world champion Rau’shee Warren will take on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

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

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the nominees for the BWAA Awards for 2018 have been set.

The nominees for the organization’s most prestigious award, the Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year award, are:

• Undisputed cruiserweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KOs), who won the eight-man World Boxing Super Series tournament in July and became only the fourth undisputed champion of the four-belt era and the first in cruiserweight division history. He also won all three of his 2018 bouts on the road.

• Pound-for-pound king and unified lightweight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko (12-1, 9 KOs), the 2017 winner, who moved up to lightweight and knocked out Jorge Linares in the 10th round to win a title in a third weight division in May before winning a lopsided decision over Jose Pedraza to unify 135-pound belts on Dec. 8.

• Junior welterweight titlist Maurice Hooker (25-0-3, 17 KOs), who traveled to Terry Flanagan’s hometown of Manchester, England, in June and won a split decision to claim a vacant belt, followed by a seventh-round knockout of Alex Saucedo in Saucedo’s hometown of Oklahoma City in a November defense.

• Mikey Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs), who outpointed Sergey Lipinets in February to win a junior welterweight world title to become a four-division titleholder before returning to the lightweight division to outpoint Robert Easter Jr. in a title unification bout in July.

• Welterweight titlist Terence Crawford (34-0, 25 KOs), the 2014 winner, who vacated the undisputed junior welterweight title to move up in weight for a one-sided, ninth-round knockout of Jeff Horn in June to win a world title in a third weight class, followed by a one-sided, 12th-round knockout of Jose Benavidez Jr. in his first defense in October.

Full members of the BWAA will vote on the awards over the next month and winners will be announced in early 2019. The winners will be honored at the 94th annual BWAA awards dinner in the spring at a site to be determined.

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

The nominees for the Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year award are Anatoly Lomachenko (the 2017 winner), Jay Deas, Robert Garcia, and Derrick James.

Nominees for the Cus D’Amato Manager of the Year award went to Keith Connolly, 2016 and 2017 winner Egis Klimas, Chepo Reynoso, and Sam Katkovski.

The Sam Taub broadcast award nominees are Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza; HBO analyst Roy Jones Jr., Showtime Sports executive producer David Dinkins, HBO senior producer Dave Harmon, and Showtime Sports broadcaster Jim Gray.

The nominees for the Bill Crawford award for courage in overcoming adversity are the late Sen. John McCain, Main Events promoter Kathy Duva, lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, trainer Jose Santa Cruz, and Showtime broadcaster Brian Custer.

The Barney Nagler Long and Meritorious Service award nominees are Hall of Fame broadcaster Jim Lampley of HBO, CompuBox founder Bob Canobbio, Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti, MGM Resorts International public relations executive director Scott Ghertner, and former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Bernard Hopkins.

Nominees for the Marvin Kohn Good Guy award include publicist Steve Brener, the president of Brener Zwikel & Associates; Ray Stallone of HBO Sports media relations; four-division world titleholder Nonito Donaire; and two-division world titlist Badou Jack.

On Monday, unified women’s middleweight world titlist Claressa Shields (8-0, 2 KOs) was named winner of the Christy Martin award for 2018 female fighter of the year in a unanimous vote of the BWAA women’s boxing committee.

The Nat Fleischer award for career excellence in boxing journalism, which is voted on only by past winners, will be announced in the next few weeks.

BROOKLYN (December 18, 2018) – Undefeated WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman returns to the ring after a lengthy injury layoff to defend his title against veteran Josesito Lopez on Saturday, January 26 live in primetime in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and will see a co-feature featuring fast-rising unbeaten Polish heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki as he clashes with former title challenger Gerald Washington in a 10-round battle and unbeaten featherweight contender Tugstgogt Nyambayar battles Claudio Marrero to open the telecast.

Tickets for the show 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.

“There is a high level of anticipation and intrigue surrounding the ring return of welterweight champion Keith Thurman, and Josesito Lopez will certainly provide some answers about where Thurman is after nearly two years out of the ring,’’ said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Adam Kownacki and Gerald Washington have the opportunity to show exactly where they stand in the resurgent heavyweight division. Both of them are big heavyweights who love to throw power shots. Nyambayar and Marrero are guaranteed to add fireworks to an already thrilling show. It’s the kind of night that will have fans on the edge of their seats.’’

“I speak for boxing fans everywhere when I say we are eagerly anticipating Keith Thurman’s return to the ring,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “He has experienced great success at Barclays Center, so it’s fitting that he will lead off a strong year of BROOKLYN BOXING programming in 2019. I also look forward to seeing local favorite Adam Kownacki, who always comes with a strong contingent of loud fans.”

Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs) made a steady rise through the welterweight ranks and reached the pinnacle with hard-fought victories over Shawn Porter and Danny Garcia at Barclays Center, the latter of which earned him a WBC crown in addition to his WBA title. But a string of injuries has sidelined him for nearly two years, calling into question his place amongst the 147-pound elites. The 30-year-old Thurman, who is still the reigning WBA welterweight champion, is looking to regain his top-tier status in the division starting with Lopez. Thurman, who lives and trains in Clearwater, Florida, enters the ring for the first time since a split decision victory Garcia on March 4, 2017.

“I’m extremely excited to step back into the ring,’’ said Thurman. “It’s a little nerve-wracking considering the time off and because I want to have a tremendous performance. I want to speak more with my hands more than my words and quiet the naysayers who think that Keith Thurman has lost his passion and skills in boxing. I believe I’m the best welterweight in the division and in the world and I hope to showcase that on January 26 with a knockout. The best fights in the welterweight division have involved Keith Thurman and that will continue to be the case. I’m looking forward to having a tremendous year and showing why I’m number one.”

The 34-year-old Lopez (36-7, 19 KOs) is looking to thwart Thurman’s plans to regain his lofty position in the 147-pound division. Nicknamed “The Riverside Rocky’’ because of his all-action style, the Riverside, California-native has stepped into the ring against some of the best boxers of this generation. He has rattled off three straight victories since suffering a TKO loss to former welterweight champion Andre Berto in 2015. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Miguel Cruz on April 28 live on FOX.

“I’m approaching this fight leaving no stone unturned as I prepare to take that world championship,’’ Lopez said. “I’ve set up training camp with altitude, chasing chickens, chopping wood – really into putting in the work. Overall the layoff will affect him and there could be a little hesitation, but we’ll see come fight night. The improvements that I’ve made with Robert Garcia the last couple of years will come into play. They’ve strengthened my qualities and I can’t wait to show it to the world.”

Kownacki (18-0, 14 KOs) has risen through the heavyweight ranks with a tough-as-nails brawling style that produced a string of knockout victories and exciting showdowns. His knockout streak ended at four in his last fight when he scored a unanimous decision victory over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin on Sepember. 8. Kownacki, who was born in Lomza, Poland and now lives in Brooklyn, will be fighting at Barclays Center for a third straight time and the eighth time overall.

“Living in Brooklyn this is like a home game for me,” said Kownacki.” I’ve had some of my best performances at Barclays Center and I can’t wait to step into the ring against Gerald Washington and showcase myself on PBC on FOX. There is nothing better to start off the year than with a knockout and that’s what I plan on doing on January 26 at Barclays Center. I hope all my fans will come out like they always do and have the arena in white and red.’’

Washington (19-2-1, 12 KOs) is a 6-foot-6 heavyweight who has been able to use his athletic ability to power his way past most of the opponents he faces. That athleticism will pose a challenge to Kownacki, who could be facing the toughest fight of his career. The 36-year-old Washington of Vallejo, California is a former college football standout at the University of Southern California and a U.S. Navy veteran who has challenged Deontay Wilder for his championship. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over John Wesley Nofire in his last fight on June 10.

“I can’t wait to show everything I’ve been working on,’’ said Washington, “Boxing is a sport of truth. It brings the truth to light and it exposed my truth and what I needed to work on. You have to be able to adjust and be comfortable in every situation. You have to be ready for what’s to come. I’m expecting a hard fight from him. He’s a bruiser. He’s tough and he loves to fight. He’s in his hometown and he’s ready and he’s going to bring it, but I’m ready to position myself to fight again for a world title.’’

Nyambayar (10-0, 9 KOs) has made a rapid ascent through the talent-laden featherweight division with precision and power. The 26-year-old Nyambayar, who is from Ulan-Bator Mongolia and now lives in Carson, California, won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics as a member of the Mongolian boxing team. He scored a KO victory over Oscar Escandon in his last fight on May 26.

Marrero (23-2, 17 KOs), a 29-year-old southpaw from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is coming off a stunning KO victory over Jorge Lara in his last fight on April 28. Marrero two losses have come against former featherweight champion Jesus Cuellar in 2013 and Jesus Rojas in 2015. A victory over Nyambayar will put Marrero in position to fight for a world title again.

# # #

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.

JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING is pleased to announce that if you were unable to attend the completely sold out “Rockin’ Fights” 33, live from The Paramount, on November 30th, you will be able to watch it via tape-delay, airing on NESN (New England Sports Network) TONIGHT (12/18) at 8:00 PM ET.

November 30th’s, Star Boxing’s Rockin’ Fights, from The Paramount, will also re-air on NESN on:
*TONIGHT*, DECEMBER 18th at 8:00PM ET (first-airing)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 12:00AM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 3:00PM
** A full list of all air dates and time can be found below**

The broadcast will feature three action packed bouts.

The broadcast’s featured bout saw the return of Long Island’s former world champion, CHRIS ALGIERI, in a 10-round super lightweight bout against tough veteran ANGEL HERNANDEZ. Algieri wasted no time flashing his incredible hand speed, and master boxer style for his hometown fans. Returning for the first time since 2016, Algieri will look to take down the top dogs at 140 lbs., just as he did in 2014 when he defeated the feared RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV to earn the WBO Championship of the World. Tune in to see the return of Chris Algieri, as he begins his march towards another world title in 2019.

In a scheduled 8-round Super Welterweight bout, undefeated Elmont native TYRONE “PRETTY BOY” JAMES and LEO CARRIZALES put on an electric show for the sold out crowd. The all action bout made it to the 8th round, but stopped before the final bell due to a TKO victory. The crowd was on their feet for the entirety of the fight. Don’t leave your seat during this one, you will not want to miss a single punch.

Opening the action, Super Lightweights TERELL “THE PROBLEM CHILD” BOSTIC and OMAR “THE BEAST” BORDOY put their undefeated records on the line, and did not disappoint. In an all out gut check, both men left everything they had in the ring, fighting to a split decision victory, as only one man left “Rockin’ Fights” 33 with an undefeated record intact.

On the NESN broadcast, you will hear top notch analysis from commentator, and in-ring analyst, Jahmai Webster as well as former middleweight champion, and Massachusetts native, Dana Rosenblatt.

Be sure to tune in *TONIGHT* (12/18) at 8:00 PM. Click HERE to find the NESN channel number in your area.

RE-AIR DATES:
TONIGHT, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18th at 8:00PM ET (first-airing)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 12:00AM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH at 3:00PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21ST, 8:00PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26TH 8:00PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26TH, 12:00AM

ABOUT NESN:
NESN (New England Sports Network) is owned by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, and delivered to over 4 million homes throughout the six-state New England region and nationally as NESN National. The definitive source for New England sports programming, NESN consistently has been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country, with a reputation for innovative and award-winning production of sports events and specials.
Read more at: https://nesn.com/about/

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FACTS:
ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 33 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, David Lerner Associates, Four Seasons Sunrooms & Windows, The Inn At Fox Hollow, Camelot Limousine and The Tudor Advisory Group.

Tom Little says he is mentally tougher than David Price and is planning on taking the Liverpudlian giant to ‘deep and dark places’ to get the win.

Little and Price clash on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s eagerly-anticipated rematch with Derek Chisora at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Like Little, Price has suffered back-to-back defeats in 2018. He was brutally stopped by Alexander Povetkin after initially flooring the Russian last March and then a fight against Sergey Kuzmin in September was cut short when Price suffered an injury.

Little believes Price is vulnerable and plans on taking full advantage when they meet over eight rounds.

“I’m mentally stronger than David,” said Little. “He’s going to let his last couple of defeats get to him whereas I’m just eager to put them behind me and move on. I’m willing to go to them deep and dark places to get the win.

“There are weaknesses there to be exposed. I can categorically say that this fight won’t go the distance. I’ve got the engine of a train and I won’t stop going. When I fought Filip Hrgovic I was getting better as the rounds went on, but I got cut. Never at any point was I gassing.”

He fought rising Heavyweight talent Daniel Dubois in his last outing at The O2 in June and took the Peacock Gym giant five rounds despite breaking his hand in the opening session, and knows he may have to show the same heart to get past Price

“David has the skill-set and the physique to stand me on my head,” added Little. “But I’ve got a heart bigger than David’s. There will never be any quit in me. Who wants it more? That’s the difference between me and him. I am willing to go to places that David has nightmares about.

“Against Daniel Dubois, I broke my hand in four places in the first round but I would never, ever say: ‘I’m done’. I believe that if you do it once you will do it again.”

A shot at a title could be the reward for Little if he upsets the odds against Price on Saturday but he also knows the ramifications for the loser of the fight.

“This is a game of hearts, and you have to put it on the line. Sometimes you have to bite down and go to lace that you don’t want to go. I’ve done that a couple of times. It ain’t all roses, honey and cuddles in the trenches. You have to fight your way out.

“This is a winnable fight. People expect me to get banged out but I’ve done rounds with David, and I know this is close. David doubts himself. I think his last couple of losses have taken a lot out of him and if the going gets tough he won’t want to know.”

Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.

Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, rising Croydon star Joshua Buatsi defends his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against tough Australian Renold Quinlan, British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley and Nigerian Middleweight Linus Udofia also featuring on the undercard.

Very limited General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

London (18 December 2018) Bitter British heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora collide in one of the most eagerly awaited rematches in recent years at The O2 in London on December 22, exclusively live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office and on DAZN in the US.

The charismatic, unpredictable, but exciting Chisora spoke candidly with Love Island 2018 runner-up Josh Denzel and gave an interesting insight on a number of points around the big-fight this Saturday night.

The full interview can be viewed HERE

On the rematch…
The first fight was a great fight but they gave it to him, and I was like, why? because I did more work than this guy and they gave it to him because he’s the home fighter. I kept on saying, I want the rematch, I want the rematch, and they didn’t want to give it to me and they were pushing Dillian towards AJ, and then suddenly people kept saying they want the rematch, so they gave it to me.

On joining Hayemaker…
I joined up with the Hayemaker and he said listen, this is how champions train if you want to be a champion you have to do this work right now and then afterwards you can enjoy the victory.

I got Don my trainer to give me his number, I called him, he didn’t answer, he didn’t answer because he didn’t have my number. I sent him a message, it’s DC, can you call me me, and then after I called him he answered, I said I’m going to come and see you, it’s Dereck Chisora, “Ahh Cool, come meet me at the Park Plaza,” I met him there and had a chat.

On the memorable fight with David Haye…
When I had the argument with David and then the fight, we had the fight and he won and that was it, there was nothing else to talk about, he’s won the fight fair and square so, like, that’s it. And there’s a bit of banter sometimes when I see him, like, I don’t like you’re cane rows…he rocks them nice though!

“When I sat down with him, I said listen, I’ve changed so many things in my life I need a great manager, somebody who can help me achieve that next step, and he looked at me and he’s goes, “If I’m going to do it, I want to do it 100% percent for you.”.

On religion…
I lost the fight in Monaco which I was not supposed to lose and then, as I was giving my interview, something said, you know what?, you just need to give yourself to the Lord. It’s made me a better person.

Like the big man, Tyson (Fury), himself, you listen to his interviews, all I heard him say is “praise God, praise God,” because he went and believed that little bit of Jesus which helped him to come back as a great fighter he is.

On being the baddest man on the planet…
Yes I am, listen, when we get in the ring, people are going realise, WOW! It’s going to be amazing!

On how he got into boxing…
I was fat kid, went to Finchley to box, plus I was under probation for three years, actually the Metropolitan Police paid for my boxing class, they bought my first boxing boot, boxing gloves, headguard, gumshield, everything!

On giving advice to the 16-year-old Derek Chisora…
I would just tell him, listen, just be careful out there and make the right decisions. When you’re 16 people tell you “don’t do that” because they were 16 before…when you’re 16 make the right decisions.

On what next if he beats Whyte…
I’m going to leave the ring, go home, and attack that Christmas Turkey!

It’s my birthday on 29th December…plus it’s my wife’s birthday!

On what fans can expect in the ring on the night…
I’m going to go to war. I hope he’s ready to go where I’m ready to go. If he’s not, he’s stupid. I’m coming. Hunt him down, just go hit him, hit him, just hit him, hit him and hit and hit and hit and pounce and pounce, pounce, pounce, pounce!

Watch Dillian Whyte vs Derek Chisora 2, from The O2, London, on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 6pm. Book it via your Sky remote or www.sky.com/boxoffice

LAS VEGAS (December 17, 2018) – Two-division world champion Badou Jack will battle unbeaten top-rated contender Marcus Browne for the WBA Interim Light Heavyweight Title Saturday, January 19 on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner SHOWTIME PPV® event from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The pay-per-view undercard will also see former world champion Rau’shee Warren taking on France’s Nordine Oubaali for the vacant WBC Bantamweight World Championship in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic matchup that was edged by Oubaali. In the opening bout of the four-fight PPV telecast, unbeaten Jhack Tepora will take on former world champion Hugo Ruiz in a 12-round featherweight clash.

In the main event, Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, will end his two-year hiatus from a U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his World Boxing Association Welterweight World Title against former four-division world champion and must-see attraction Adrien “The Problem” Broner.

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

“Not only will the fans witness a tremendous main event, they will get to enjoy three action-packed match-ups that will add another level to the pay-per-view portion of the card,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “Both Jhack Tepora and Hugo Ruiz are looking to make a name for themselves in the stacked featherweight division, while Rau’shee Warren and Nordine Oubaali are in the prime of their careers and battling for the WBC title. Mayweather Promotions’ Badou Jack has made an exemplary statement for his career inside and outside of the ring and is focused on further strengthening his resume, while Marcus Browne is looking to showcase his talent on boxing’s biggest stage.”

Jack (22-1-3, 13 KOs) has fought twice at light heavyweight since relinquishing his super middleweight world title to campaign at 175 pounds. The 35-year-old, who was born in Stockholm, Sweden, represented his father’s Gambia in the 2008 Olympics and now lives in Las Vegas. Jack won the super middleweight world title with a majority decision against Anthony Dirrell in 2015 and successfully defended the title three times before he relinquished the belt following a hard-fought majority draw against James DeGale in one 2017’s best fights. In his first bout at 175 pounds, Jack stopped Nathan Cleverly to pick up the WBA light heavyweight title before fighting to a majority draw against Adonis Stevenson in his last fight on May 19.

“I’m looking forward to getting back onto another big stage to perform for my fans across the globe and prove I am one of the best fighters in the world,” said Jack. “I plan to show off my skills with a dominating performance on January 19. I always want to fight the best, and he’s the best that’s available right now. I’m always 100 percent ready and I’m going into this fight stronger, faster and with more experience than ever before.”

The 28-year-old Browne (22-0, 16 KOs) will be taking a step up to face an elite opponent when he battles Jack. A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, Browne moved up the contender ladder in the 175-pound division with brute force and power, scoring three straight knockout victories against Thomas Williams, Jr., Sean Monaghan and Francy Ntetu. Browne, who was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y., scored a unanimous decision victory over Lenin Castillo in his last fight on August 4.

“This is really an honor and a privilege to have an opportunity to showcase my talents on a big time pay-per-view card featuring Manny Pacquiao and Adrien Broner,” Browne said. “Badou Jack is a championship-caliber fighter and one of the toughest guys you can fight in the light heavyweight division. I’m ready for the step up in competition and focused on being a household name in the sport sooner rather than later.”

Warren (16-2, 4 KOs) is looking to return to the world championship ranks with a victory over Oubaali. The 31-year-old became the first three-time Olympic boxer from the U.S. when he qualified for consecutive Olympic teams in 2004, 2008 and 2012. His Olympic run came to an end against Oubaali when he lost a narrow 19-18 decision in the first round of the 2012 London Games. A southpaw from Cincinnati, Ohio, Warren won the WBA Bantamweight World Championship with a majority decision over Juan Carlos Payano in 2016 and lost the title the next year to Zhanat Zhakiyanov by split-decision.

“This fight means everything for me and it’s about to be the biggest moment of my career,” Warren said. “Not only am I fighting for the WBC belt, but it’s on pay-per-view. When I first won the title it was like winning the gold medal at the Olympics. After I lost the title, it made me much hungrier and I want to get it back even more. I fought this guy in the Olympics, so I’m fighting for revenge. This isn’t the Olympics. This is 12 rounds and I don’t think he’s fought anybody like me. I have no choice but to put it all on the line on January 19.”

The 32-year-old Oubaali (14-0, 11 KOs), an unbeaten southpaw from Lens, Pas-de-Calais, France, has knocked out his last five opponents. His most recent KO of Luis Melendez on April 17 moved Oubaali up the ranks to position him for a world title shot. Oubaali, who is the sixth of 18 children born in France to parents who are from Morocco, twice represented France at the Olympics, qualifying in 2008 and 2012 when he defeated Warren.

“Many people are waiting for this fight because it’s the second time we meet,” said Oubaali. “I beat Rau’shee Warren at the 2012 London Games in a great battle. In the meantime, Rau’shee captured a world championship and lost it. Right now, I’m the WBC No. 1 ranked bantamweight fighter in the world. It will be a great fight in Las Vegas on January 19 and I intend to beat Rau’shee again to become the new WBC world champion.”

The 25-year-old Tepora (22-0, 17 KOs) has steadily risen up the ranks since turning pro in 2012 and most recently captured the WBA interim featherweight crown with a ninth-round stoppage of Edivaldo Ortega in July. Representing Cebu City, Philippines, Tepora enters his U.S. debut on January 19 with stoppage wins in 11 of his last 12 contests.

“It has always been a dream to fight in the United States,” said Tepora. “I never dreamed that my first fight in the U.S. would be on a card with Senator Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner. I look forward to a tremendous fight on January 19 and defending my title versus former world champion Hugo Ruiz. As you all know the best rivalry in boxing is Filipino vs. Mexican. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Fighting out of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Ruiz (38-4, 33 KOs) will make his featherweight debut on January 19 after picking up two victories in 2018. The 30-year-old won a super bantamweight world title with a first round stoppage of Julio Ceja in 2016, avenging his previous loss to Ceja in one of 2015’s most exciting fights. He now seeks to position himself for a world title at 126 pounds with a victory against Tepora.

“I expect it to be a good fight because Tepora is undefeated and a good Filipino champion,” said Ruiz. “But I’m ready. I don’t think he can handle my power. I’m going to knock him out. I want to do my best to win the title. I’ve been watching videos of him and I’ve been training hard. I’m really focused on how to beat him. I’m still young, but I’ve got the experience to handle him in this fight.”

About Showtime Networks Inc.
Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV®. For more information, go to www.SHO.com

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.

About MGM Grand Garden Arena
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez as well as Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquaio; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, U2, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also has been home to annual events including the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Festival, Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship and Frozen Fury NHL pre-season games hosted by the Los Angeles Kings.

HOUSTON (Dec. 17, 2018): Jaime Munguia (31-0, 26 KOs) will headline the first Golden Boy Promotions event on DAZN in 2019 as he defends his WBO Junior Middleweight World Title against Japanese contender Takeshi Inoue (13-0-1, 7 KOs) in a 12-round battle. The action will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and will be streamed live on DAZN – which is just $9.99 per month after a one-month free trial.

“Our new partnership with DAZN is groundbreaking in this new era of boxing and sports streaming; fans subscribed to DAZN will constantly get high-level action at a single affordable price,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Jaime Munguia’s stock rose as he headlined three of our cards last year, and he will only become an even bigger star because he is planning for a very busy 2019 on DAZN. This event will also showcase some of our best talent as we continue to build the next generation of main event fighters.”

Munguia is a 22-year-old champion of Tijuana, Mexico who catapulted to the highest levels of the 154-pound division by knocking out Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May to capture the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title. Munguia then defeated Liam “Beefy” Smith via 12-round unanimous decision in July and completed a spectacular year with a third-round knockout win over Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook in the co-main event of Canelo vs. GGG 2. Munguia will embark on yet another busy year by defending his title for a third time in January.

“I’m thankful and happy with how my career went in 2018, but I’m hungrier and more excited than ever,” said Jaime Munguia. “I want to prove myself against the best. Takeshi Inoue is a warrior. Japanese fighters leave everything in the ring, and Inoue is no exception. His style will complement mine and will make for a great fight. I will put on a show for all my fans and thank you again for all your support.”

Inoue is a 29-year-old native of Japan who will make his debut in the United States in only his second fight outside of his native country. Inoue is ranked No. 3 by the WBO and is coming off a unanimous decision win against former regional titleholder Yuki Nonaka.

“I am pleased to be able to challenge for a world title. It is a dream come true,” said Takeshi Inoue. “I have experience fighting abroad, and I am excited and confident that I will win this fight. Munguia is a powerful fighter with heavy hands, endurance and technique. To prepare for a fighter like this, I have trained hard and in depth on technique and endurance. I have sparred long, hard rounds, so that I will be able to win even if it goes to a decision. I am highly motivated and mentally focused. Boxing fans can expect a great fight.”

“This Jan. 26, Jaime Munguia will once again put on a display of skill and power against Japanese warrior Takeshi Inoue in a fight between undefeated boxers,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “To have a fighter of the caliber of Jaime Munguia is a breath of fresh air for the world of boxing. He is ready to be recognized as the best super welterweight in the world and to defeat anyone in his path to achieve this. It is an honor for Zanfer to have a strategic alliance with Golden Boy Promotions to continue to build Jaime’s career. It will be an unforgettable one, and I invite everyone to watch him on DAZN.”

In the co-main event, Jesus Rojas (26-2-2, 19 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico will defend his WBA Featherweight World Championship against Chinese contender Xu Can (10-0, 1 KO) in a 12-round clash.

The undercard for this event will feature several fighters from the Golden Boy Promotions stable, including three fighters who call Texas their home. They say everything is bigger in Texas, so we are making sure this undercard is huge as well.

Joshua “The Professor” Franco (14-1-1, 7 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will seek to avenge his only loss against Argentine puncher Lucas Fernandez (12-2-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Bantamweight Title.

Alberto “Impacto” Melian (3-0, 2 KOs), a former amateur standout who participated in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, will make his United States debut after signing with Golden Boy Promotions. In only his third fight, Melian will compete for the vacant NABA Super Bantamweight Title in a 10-round battle against Edgar Ortega (10-1-2, 5 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico.

Filipino contender Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (32-2-2, 17 KOs) will defend his NABO Lightweight Title in a 10-round fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.

Alex Rincon (5-0, 5 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will return in a six-round super welterweight fight against Jeremy Ramos (10-5, 4 KOs) of Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

George Rincon (5-0, 2 KOs), the older brother of Alex who also hails from Dallas, Texas, will participate in a six-round super lightweight clash against Eduardo Reyes (9-15, 6 KOs) of Reynosa, Mexico.

James “The Beast” Wilson (7-0, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles, a quick-handed heavyweight prospect who has also fought as a mixed martial artist and a kickboxer, will compete against a soon-to-be announced opponent in his first six-round fight as an official member of the Golden Boy Promotions stable.

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

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

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

Ticketing Info:
Tickets for Munguia vs. Inoue go on sale to the public on Wednesday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. CT. Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $60, $40 and $25 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ToyotaCenter.com and by phone at 1-866-4-HOU-TIX. Tickets will also be available at the Toyota Center Box Office.

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

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

BROOKLYN (December 17, 2018) – Middleweight contender Matt Korobov has stepped up to challenge Jermall Charlo for the WBC Interim Middleweight Championship live in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes on Saturday, December 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™ in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Korobov is replacing Willie Monroe, Jr., who was removed from the main event after he tested positive for a banned substance by VADA under the WBC Clean Boxing Program. The WBC is conducting further investigation into the matter. Korobov was due to fight on the undercard and had been training to fight December 22. He willingly stepped forward when the call came for a replacement for Monroe.

“I was well prepared for Willie Monroe, who is a southpaw, so there won’t be that much difference facing Korobov,” said Charlo. “There is a size difference. He’s taller than Monroe, but I’ll just have to adjust my game plan. The best fighters in the world are the ones who are able to make the best adjustments. Beating Korobov is going to make the victory that much sweeter due to this adversity. That means the celebration is going to be sweeter as well. He was fighting on the undercard, so he’s prepared. But now fighting for the title in the top spot is going to make him fight harder. I love it. He’s a much better opponent on paper than Willie Monroe Jr.”

“I was training to fight on this card so I am physically and mentally ready to fight,” said Korobov. “It doesn’t matter that I am taking this fight on a week’s notice because I have been preparing for this moment my entire life. I will make a few adjustments for Charlo and make the most of this opportunity. Don’t miss it. Make sure you tune-in to FOX for a great fight.”

The Charlo vs. Korobov bout is part of a blockbuster PBC on FOX show that features 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 middleweight championship bout against Korobov, while Jermell Charlo will battle Tony Harrison in defense of the WBC Super Welterweight World Title.

Korobov (28-1, 14 KOs), who was originally scheduled to face Colombia’s Juan De Angel, has an outstanding resume that includes a unanimous decision victory over current super middleweight world champion Jose Uzcategui in 2014. His lone loss came against Andy Lee in a middleweight championship fight in 2014. Korobov was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards when he was caught by a right hand from Lee that resulted in a sixth round TKO loss.

The 35-year-old southpaw is from Orotukan, Russia and now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. As an amateur he won the European Championships in 2006 by defeating reigning undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. He was a member of the 2008 Russian Olympic boxing team and finished his amateur career with a record of 300-12. He enters this fight with four straight victories, having most recently scored a unanimous decision over Jonathan Batista.

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 starting Saturday, October 27 at noon ET. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

# # #

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.

Uzbekistani super lightweight Shohjahon “Shoh” Ergashev finished a sensational 2018 with yet another first-round KO, this time over respectable Argentinean veteran Nazareno Gaston Ruiz.

Fighting at Olimp Sports Palace in Krasnodar, Russia, Ergashev needed just 18 seconds to demolish Ruiz, a 50-fight veteran (32-18, 11 KOs) against solid opposition, who had never heard the 10 count before in his career and had only been stopped once in 2010 and once in 2007. He was also on a three-fight winning streak before running into the full force of Ergashev’s fury.

This was Ergashev’s fifth fight this year. Four have been knockouts, the last two in first round.

“I want to make a statement every time I step in the ring,” said the fearsome Ergashev. “I am the best super lightweight in the world and I guarantee that the champions don’t go the distance with me.”

Ergashev’s 2018 was so impressive, normally reserved promoter Dmitriy Salita is now dropping some pretty big names in reference to his fighter.

“Shohjahon is proving to be one of the hardest punchers in all of boxing! He stops his opponents in brutal fashion ala Mike Tyson and early Golovkin. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and he is willing to fight the best!”

###
About Salita Promotions

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

David Price is desperate to taste victory again after suffering back-to-back defeats against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin and Sergey Kuzmin.

The Liverpudlian giant faces Tom Little on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s highly-anticipated rematch with Derek Chisora this Saturday at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

This is potentially the last throw of the dice for Price after a difficult 2018 and the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist plans on taking out Little in style to set-up some huge Heavyweight contests next year.

“I’m longing for that buzz of winning again,” said Price. “This is why Saturday is so important to me. I would love to get some momentum going and put together some good and see where it takes me, and then just go from there.

“It would be nice to get my hand raised, to get people congratulating me again, rather than commiserating with me. Instead of being the ‘nearly man’ or whatever, you’re a winner again. There’s nothing better than glory in sport. It’s what keeps fighters coming back. It’s that buzz, adulation, and everything that comes with it. It would be a good way to finish the year off.”

Price enters this weekend’s eight-round contest as a significant favourite but there’s no danger of him overlooking Little as he battles to keep his career breathing and he insists that the Hatfield man has his full respect.

“This fight is of the utmost importance really,” added Price. “It’s a massive fight that I just can’t afford to lose. It’s everything. Tom is a lot better than his record suggests, put it that way, but I would consider myself a level above him considering I’m a former British Champion and an Olympian.

“That’s not me being disrespectful as me and Tom get on well and we’ve done a hell of a lot of sparring together. He’s definitely bridged the gap from when I first started sparring him. I’m taking him really seriously. I still believe I’ve got something left in me to turn things around. There are that many big names in the Heavyweight division right now, or decent enough names, and everyone needs a dance partner.”

Main event sees fierce Heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora rematch after their Fight of the Year contender in December 2016.

Charlie Edwards gets a second shot at a World title when he challenges Cristofer Rosales for the WBC Flyweight World title, rising Croydon star Joshua Buatsi defends his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against tough Australian Renold Quinlan, British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti, with Ipswich Heavyweight Fabio Wardley and Nigerian Middleweight Linus Udofia also featuring on the undercard.

Very limited General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

MARTIN MURRAY RELUCTANTLY concedes that it is a case of win or bust for him when he defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against the dangerous Hassan N’Dam on Saturday.

In what should be a compelling contest at the Manchester Arena, the 36-year-old four-time world title challenger bids to extend his winning run to five against former WBA Regular champion N’Dam and place himself in pole position for a fifth strike at world honours.

Should it not go his way against the 36-3 Frenchman, the final bell will likely call time on the career of the 37-4-1 stalwart from St Helens, who doesn’t see himself embarking on another lengthy rebuild when he has a young family to consider.

“It is the rebuild, working your way all the way back up again,” reasoned the 6ft middleweight. “I’ve got too much going on for that and my family is my main priority.

“I don’t hold it against boxing because the life we have got is because of boxing – my whole family know it. It does at some stage affect my family life and I won’t let it go on forever.

“So that is why I won’t rebuild again,” he confirmed, before relaying a tale of how a Christmas voyage on the high seas hit some turbulence due to fight scheduling.

“We booked a holiday 18 months ago – a cruise around Asia – and we go on December 20. I am now fighting on the 22nd, so now my wife, my kids, my mum fly over on the 20th, then I’ll fight and fly on the 23rd with my dad. We get to Vietnam on the 24th, but they will be at sea and don’t dock until the 25th so I am not going to see my kids until Christmas Day.

“They are the sacrifices I am making and, what I am saying is, with a loss for me I would not rebuild and do it all again.

“Some people are lucky to get one shot and I’ve had four. I believe that if I fight for another world title, no other British fighter will have done it. Frank Bruno and George Groves won it at four and nobody else has won it after five times.

“I know there will definitely not be a sixth and all I want to do is become world champion. I do really feel it is my destiny.”

Knowing that the book will be closed on his career should his arm not be raised aloft after his fight on BT Sport Box Office on Saturday night, Murray confesses is something that drives him harder in training to delay the reading of the final chapter.

“Of course it does, it helps with momentum and keeping young. I love going to the gym and the crack we have there. I love it when I feel fit and when I’ve got a big fight announced. I love everything about it – apart from the last two weeks when the dieting gets hard.

“I don’t want this to end, so it is keeping me focussed, although it (retirement) is there and I know it is going to happen. I don’t want it to end so I am training as hard as I can and as smart as I can as well.”

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5). In a step up, Nathan Gorman puts his undefeated record and WBC International Silver Heavyweight Title on the line against former World Title challenger Razvan Cojanu, while Martin Murray defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam. Billy Joe Saunders makes his return to the ring and Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy Fury also makes his professional debut.

Elsewhere on the bill, world flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1), Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return to action.

Tickets are priced at £50 Upper Tier, £80 Tier, £100 Tier, £150 Tier, £200 Floor/Tier, £300 Floor, £400 Floor, £600 Inner Ring VIP Hospitality and are available.

Tickets available via Manchester Arena.

Lolenga Mock (42-15-1, 13 KOs) continues his World title chase on the undercard of Dina Thorslund’s WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title defence against Alesia Graf on January 19 at the Struer Energi Park.

“I’m looking forward to boxing in Struer,” said the 46-year-old super middleweight. “People always talk about my age, but I feel younger and younger, and more explosive than ever!

“In Struer, I want to show people that I’m still here. I’m still improving, and I look forward to showcasing these improvements on January 19.”

Mock last fought on September 15 in Ludwigshafen, where he suffered a narrow points defeat to Avni Yildirim in a WBC World title eliminator. Despite this debated decision, Mock has not given up hope of claiming World honours.

“I’m still chasing my dream of becoming World Champion. I’ve never given up,” says Mock, who is currently ranked number 12 with the WBC.

“After my fight in Struer, I’m heading for a big title fight later in 2019.”

An opponent for Mock will be announced shortly as the Aarhus-based Congolese boxer joins a stacked card at the Struer Energi Park on January 19.

Dina Thorslund defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Germany’s 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, and Adam ‘The Wolf’ Bashanov meets Bulgaria’s Ivan Nikolov.

Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.

NEW YORK–Canelo Alvarez thrilled over 20,000 fans in his Madison Square Garden debut as he stopped Ricky Fielding in three painful rounds to win the WBA Super Middleweight title.

It was an action packed fight as Fielding came to fight, but that was his undoing as he got drilled by thudding body shots for which two put him down one time in each of the first two frames.  Alvarez closed the show for his adoring fans by dropping Fielding for a 3rd time in round three, this time from a wicked right to the head.  Canelo ended things with another engulfing body punch that put Fielding down in a knee, and referee Ricky Gonzalez did the right thing by ending the fight at 2:38.

Alvarez is a three-division champion and now boasts a record of 51-1-1 with 35 knockouts.  Fielding, 167.4 lbs of Liverpool, UK i 27-2.

Tevin Farmer retained the IBF Super Featherweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Francisco Fonseca.

Farmer boxed well, as he featured some nice uppercuts to the body and slapping left hands.  Fonseca was cut around the right eye in round six.

Farmer, 130 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 28-4-1.  Fonseca, 129.4 lbs of San Ramon, CRI is 22-2-1.

In a battle between former world champions, Sadam Ali won a 10-round unanimous decision over Mauricio Herrera in a welterweight bout.

Ali, 147 lbs of Brooklyn won by scores 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 to raise his mark to 27-2.  Herrera, 146 lbs of Riverside, CA is 24-8.

Sadam Ali:

“Honestly, I didn’t look good in there. I felt like I won sloppy. Herrera made me look terrible in there. He’s a rugged fighter. And I fell in there that last moment of the fight the same way I fell when I fought Miguel Cotto. I felt like the cards were a lot closer than what the judges said they were.”

Mauricio Herrera:

“It was an ok fight. I had to shake a lot of the rust off, but it was a good pace. Overall, I thought I won the fight. I had him missing a lot in there, and I wasn’t that tired.

Ryan Garcia thrilled the crowd by stopping Braulio Rodriguez in round five of a scheduled ten-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Garcia landed hard right that drove Rodriguez to the canvas.  In round three, Rodriguez, who was being more theatrical then forceful, was deducted a point for a low blow.

In round five, Garcia drilled Rodriguez with a left hook that rocked Rodriguez to the ropes.  Garcia followed up with a left hook that sent Rodriguez to the canvas, and the fight was halted at 1:14.

Garcia, 134.8 lbs of Victorville, CA is 17-0 with 14 knockouts.  Rodriguez, 133.2 lbs of Lo Romana, DR is 19-4.

“I wasn’t looking for the knockout because a lot of people say, if this kid can fight, I just see skills on Instagram. I wanted to show them that I can fight and I am for real.”

“That was the main thing coming in. We knew from the weigh-ins when [Rodriguez] pushed me that he would try to intimidate me, I think that’s what he was trying to do, but I came in here and I was like, that’s not going to happen.”

On training with the Reynosos: “Man, I can’t thank them enough. They took me in like family. They took care of me good. I don’t speak Spanish but they took care of me. I don’t speak Spanish, but I got the Mexican blood in me. Viva Mexico!”

On who he wants to fight next: “When I was first coming up, I made the mistake thinking when I was knocking everyone out that I can conquer the world. I know it’s a process and I’m going to trust everyone and trust my team. I’m not scared of nobody.”

Katie Taylor remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Eva Wahlstrom in a IBF/WBA Lightweight title.

Taylor dominated with her superior handspeed and combination punching.

Wahlstrom was cut on her forehead in round nine, and around her left eye in the 10th frame.

Taylor, 134.2 lbs of Bray, IRE won by scores of 100-90 on all cards, and is now 12-0.  Wahlstrom, 133.4 lbs of Helsinki, FIN is 22-1-1.

Who she wants to fight next: “The goal is to be the undisputed lightweight champion of the world. Obviously one of the biggest fighters out there is Amanda Serrano, and that’s a huge, huge fight.”

On what she wants to say to Amanda Serrano: “Let’s get it on.”

 On out-landing Eva almost two to one: “I thought it was a very good performance. She’s obviously a fantastic champion and a great, great fighter. I knew it was going to be a great showcase for women’s boxing. It was such a privilege to fight here in Madison Square Garden in front of so many Irish people, so thank you so much for the support.”

On her hand speed being compared to Sugar Ray Leonard’s: “That’s probably the biggest compliment I can get to get, being compared to Sugar Ray Leonard. He’s one of my favorite fighters, I’ve watched a lot of his videos, and my goal is to be as good as him.”

Lamont Roach Jr. remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Mercado in a junior lightweight bout.

Roach, 129.4 lbs of Washington, DC won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93, and is 18-0-1.  Mercado, 129.2 lbs of Humacao, PR is 15-2-1.

“I controlled most of the fight, and felt like I hurt him in almost every round. I am proud of the fight that I had tonight – most fighters don’t take the type of fights I say yes to. I’ll do what it takes to make it to the top and that means fighting skilled fighters.”

I feel good, but it’s a bummer going 10 when I know can end it earlier and go less. Other than that, the fight was tough. I dominated in everyone and I hurt him in everyone.

I know who the WBO and WBA champions are. [Masayuki] Ito and Alberto Machado.  I’ll fight any of them. But I’m in line to fight for the WBO Title, so I really hope that happens next.

Yves Ulysse Jr. dropped Maximilliano twice en-route twice en-route to an eight-round unanimous decision in a super lightweight bout.

In round six, Ulysse dropped Becerra with a hard right hand.  A round later, a left to the face sent Becera down for a 2nd time.

Ulysse, 139 lbs of of Montreal won by scores of 79-71 and 78-72 twice, and is now 17-1.  Becerra, 139 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 16-3-2.

“It was truly a dream coming true to fight at the Madison Square Garden. All the best fighters have fought here and the atmosphere is really unique. I felt like home in the ring. I’m happy about my performance: I’ve stick to the game plan, was patient to get the openings and hurt him. “

Bilal Akkawy stopped Victor Fonseca in round seven of a scheduled eight-round auper middleweight bout.

Akkawy landed a huge flurry on the ropes, and referee Steve Willis stopped the bout at 2:53.

Akkawy, 167.4 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 19-0-1 with 15 knockouts. Fonseca, 1662. lsb of Tijuan, MEX is 17-9-1.

“There is a lot of room for improvement. I wasn’t myself in there, but I’ll be working on that when I get back to the gym. It’s an honor to have fought here [Madison Square Garden]. The plan now is to enjoy the holiday and then head to Mexico so I can get ready for my next fight.”

Follow all the action from ringside at Madison Square Garden as Rocky Fielding defends the WBA Super Middleweight championship against Middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez.  The action kicks off at 6 PM and three world titles will be on the card featuring IBF Super Featherweight champion Tevin Farmer and female sensation Katie Taylor.  The action kicks off at 6 PM ET.

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

Round 1 Fielding jabbing..2 hard body shots from Canelo..Combination from Fielding..Right from Fielding,…BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES FIELDING..2 more hard body shots..Left…Right from Fielding….Big right from Canelo at the bell

Round 2 Body shot from Canelo..Right from canelo..Combination from Fielding..Left to body from Canelo..Hard right from Canelo..Right to body..Right..uppercut..Hard left to body..LEFT TO BODY AND DOWN GOES FIELDING..

Round 3 Left from Fielding..Right to body from Canelo..another..left from Fielding,,Canelo landing crunching bod shots..2 lefts to bod..Combo from Fielding..HUGE RIGHT TO THE HEAD AND DOWN GOES FIELDING…UPPERCUT AND LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES FIELDING…FIGHT OVER

Round 2 Farmer boxing and moving..Farmer lands a left to the body…Left to body..Straight left,..Left to head..Right hook..Hard right to body

Round 3 Left from Farmer

Round 4 Right from Fonseca..left from Farmer

Round 5 Good left from Farmer

Round 6 Right from Fonseca..Left from Framer..Right from Fonseca..Uppercut from Farmer..Fonseca bleeding from right eye..Hard uppercut from Farmer..Left off the ropes

Round 7 Jab from Farmer…Left

Round 8 Left to body from Farmer..Trading body shots..Combination from Fonseca…

Round 9 Left from Farmer..

Round 10 Fighting on inside…short uppercuts from each guy..Right to body from Farmer..Good uppercut..Uppercut from Fonseca..Hard right from Farmer..Uppercut to body

Round 11 2 lefts from Farmer..Farmer jabs to the body..Right to body from Fonseca..series of body punches..Chopping left from Farmer

Round 12 1-2 from Farmer..Jab to body..Fonseca swinging at air

Round 1  Not much..Ali jabbing

Round 2 Good right from Ali…Ali lands a series of land hooks

Round 3 

Round 4 Good right from Ali..

Round 5 Double jab from Herrera…Left from Ali..

Round 6 Ali lands a left hook..

Round 7 Hard right from Ali…

Round 8 Ali gets in a right..Left to side of head..Right lead..

Round 9 Ali jabbing and moving..right..Right to side of head..

Round 10 Right hand from Ali

Round 1 Right from Rodriguez..HARD LEFT AND DOWN GOES RODRIGUEZ..Hard jab..

Round 2 Jab to body…Left…Rodriguez trying to showboat..Left inside from Garcia.

Round 3 Garcia sneaks in a left during an exchange..RODRIGUEZ DEDUCTED A POINT FOR A LOW BLOW..Good left hook from Garcia..Combination and Rodriguez mimicking Garcia..

Round 4 Hard combination on ropes and Rodriguez holds on..Body work..Rodriguez swinging wildly..Chopping lefts

Round 5 Hard right from Garcia, followed UP BY A PERFECT LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GIES RODRIGUEZ…FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Left from Taylor..Right to the body

Round 2 Left hook from Taylor..

Round 3 Taylor lands a 1-2..

Round 4 Left to body from Taylor..

Round 5 Taylor starting to up her workrate..Uppercut..Right on the inside…Body work on the inside..

Round 6 Right drives Wahlstrom to the ropes..Straight right..good right

Round 7 Taylor lands a body shot..Right..

Round 8 Left to body from Taylor..Right from Wahlstrom..Left from Taylor

Round 9  Good right from Taylor..Toe to toe action..Wahlstrom cut from her forehead

Round 10 Combination on inside from Taylor..Wahlstrom cut around the left eye..

The following are the weights and the running order for the Brentwood Centre on Saturday night. The show is live on BT Sport 1 from 8:30pm. (Subject to change. Timings approximate)

Fight # 1 – 18:30 hrs

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest

MOHAMMAD BIL ALI 9st 10lbs V 9st 10lbs ANDY HARRIS

Fight # 2

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Cruiserweight Contest

JAMES BRANCH JNR 14st 10lbs V 14st 1lbs REMIGIJUS ZIAUSYS

Fight # 3

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Lightweight Contest

MARK CHAMBERLAIN 9st 9lbs V 9st 8lbs ALEKSANDRS BIRKENBERGS

Fight # 4

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Flyweight Contest
(Weighing in on day)

HARVEY HORN V CRISTIAN NARVAEZ

Fight # 5

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest

CAOIMHIN AGYARKO 11st 9lbs V 11st 8lb YASIN HASSANI

BT SPORT BROADCAST COMMENCES AT 20:30 HRS
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Fight # 6 – 20:40 hrs

6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Featherweight Contest

RYAN GARNER 9st 1lbs V JOSE AGUILAR

Fight # 7

6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
(Weighing in on day)

HAMZA SHEERAZ V JORDAN GRANNUM

Fight # 8

THE VACANT WBO INTERNATIONAL SUPER-FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 115 lbs

SUNNY EDWARDS 8st 3lbs V 8st 3lbs JUNIOR GRANADOS

Fight # 9

THE VACANT WBO INTERNATIONAL WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

10 X 3 Minute Rounds @ 147 lbs

BRADLEY SKEETE 10st 7lbs V 10st 7lbs DIEGO RAMIREZ

Red-hot and undefeated super featherweight prospect Abraham “El Super” Nova will be back in action tonight (Saturday, December 15) in the co-main event of a 12 Round Promotions event entitled “Boxing Night 7” at the Spiroudome Arena, in Hainaut, Belgium.

Nova (13-0, 10 KOs), from Braintree, Massachusetts, will face Madrid, Spain’s Brian Pelaez (8-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round showdown.

In the night’s main event, Belgium’s own WBA #3 cruiserweight contender Ryad Merhy (26-1, 21 KOs) will take on the always dangerous Samuel Clarkson (21-4, 14 KOs) of Cedar Hill, Texas in a 12-round battle for the WBA International Cruiserweight Championship.

This will be 24-year-old Nova’s fifth fight of 2018. The Puerto Rican American was last seen winning the NABA-USA Super Featherweight Championship with a unanimous 10-round decision over tough Ugandan Sulaiman Segawa in November. This will be Nova’s fourth fight at the Spiroudome Arena.

Big punching Ryad turned professional in 2013 and won 18 consecutive fights before winning the WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title. He would improve his record to 24–0 before suffering his only career loss in a challenge for the vacant WBA cruiserweight title against Arsen Goulamirian. Ryad is looking for his third win on his comeback trail against Clarkson.

To top the extensive undercard, Belgium (via Russia’s) Timur Nikarkhoev (18-2, 13 KOs) will face Argentina’s Guillermo Ruben Andino (13-5, 6 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight contest.

Also in action will be Belgian heavyweight Herve “Double H” Hubeaux (29-3, 14 KOs) taking on Bosnia And Herzegovina’s Srdan Govedarica (6-6, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder; unbeaten Belgian super lightweight Antoine Vanackere (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder against Spanish veteran Ruben Garcia (4-5-2); undefeated Belgian cruiserweight Kamel Kouaouch (6-0) taking on fellow countryman Erik Nazaryan (27-20-4, 20 KOs) over eight rounds; undefeated Belgian welterweight Hovhannes Martirosyan (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Hungary’s Gyorgy Varju (6-3, 3 KOs); and Belgian light heavyweight Bader Jalane having his second fight in a four-rounder against Serbian veteran Aleksandar Petrovic (3-14-3, 3 KOs); plus some exciting amateur action to start the show.

The event will be broadcast live on Epicentre.TV.

Abraham Nova is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP), 12 Round Promotions and Murphy’s Boxing.

Hamzah Sheeraz won a six-round decision over Jodean Gannum in a super welterweight fight.

Sheeraz, 156 lbs of London won on the referee card of 60-54, and is now 6-0. Grannum, 158 lbs of London is 4-43-1.

Ryan Garner stopped Jose Aguilar in round three of a scheduled six-round featherweight bout.

Garner dominated the action, and the bout was stopped at 1:44 after a flurry on the ropes.

Garner, 127 lbs of Southhampton, UK is 8-0 with six knockouts. Aguilar, 125 lbs of Managua, NIC is 16-54-4.

HOUSTON, TX (December 14, 2018) – Tonight at the Arabia Shrine Center in Houston, Texas, Prince Ranch Boxing’s super bantamweight prospect, Raeese Aleem (13-0, 7 KOs), remained undefeated with a 5th round TKO against Derrick Wilson (12-8-2, 3 KOs).

From the opening bell Aleem started to dominate the fight, using superior lateral movement, in addition to accurate punching. Although Wilson was game for the first few rounds, Aleem eventually got him out of there with a barrage of punches in round five. The time of the stoppage was 1:53 of round five.

“I feel I’m the best super bantamweight in the world and every time I step in the ring, I’m going to prove it,” said Aleem, who is promoted by Kings Promotions and trained by Bones Adams, along with Brandon Woods. “I’m ready to battle the best fighters in my division with the goal of becoming a world champion. I’m coming for everyone at 122 pounds.”

“Tonight, Raeese Aleem showed why his is one of the top prospects in the super bantamweight division,” said manager Greg Hannley, of Prince Ranch Boxing. “His incredible boxing ability is a thing of beauty. 2019 will be a big year for him as I see him in a big fight with one of the top contenders.”

Charleroi, Belgium – Uprising Promotions looks to close out the year in significant fashion on Saturday, as Samuel “Main Event” Clarkson (21-4, 14 KOs) takes on Ryad Merhy (26-1, 21 KOs) at the Spiroudome Arena in Charleroi, Belgium. Hardware will be on the line in the contest, as Clarkson looks to bring home the WBA International Cruiserweight Title.

“I truly feel amazing right now,” Clarkson said after today’s weigh-in. “We had an incredible camp for this fight. We did a lot of running, lifting weights and had some great sparring. Overall, I am really excited to show the world what’s up and let them know that the Bivol fight will not define me. My life has been refocused on God, and I am letting Him handle everything now. We are going to do whatever it takes on Saturday to make sure this belt comes back with us to Texas.”

Clarkson has recorded two consecutive stoppage wins since a small setback in a ShoBox main event against Dmitry Bivol in 2017, which ended a nine-fight winning streak. Relatively unknown when Clarkson stepped up to fight him, Bivol has since won the WBA Light Heavyweight Title and successfully defended it three times.

“We are really excited for this opportunity,” said Samuel Clarkson, Sr., who is the head trainer for his son. “A win on Saturday puts us right back where we want to be, and we have been striving to get onto this stage again ever since we fought Bivol. We had an outstanding camp for this fight, and now it is finally time for us to put all of that work into action.”

Clarkson, 28, is a man who has always been willing to take on any opponent, even if it means that he has to travel across the world to Belgium to do so. Throughout his career, he has also continually proven that counting him out is a bad decision. During his previous nine-bout winning streak from 2014 to 2017, he entered the ring as the “b-side” fighter and emerged victorious against the likes of former world title challenger Cedric Agnew (decision win), as well as then once-beatens Jerry Odom (TKO-3) and Lavarn Harvell (TKO-2) on ShoBox: The New Generation.

Keep it locked to @UprisingNYC to hear all of the news from Belgium as it happens.

Ray Flores
On behalf of PBC we’re very excited about next Saturday, December 22, at Barclays Center where we have Jermell Charlo defending his championship against Tony Harrison. Also Jermall Charlo in action defending his title against Willie Monroe, Jr.

PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes begins at 8 ET/5 PT. I also want to mention that next Saturday’s event is being brought to you by TGB Promotions along with Lions Only Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

What an early holiday gift for fight fans in the New York area. Tickets start as low as $50 and their own sale now. They’re going quickly. Ticketmaster.com, Barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. We have a dynamic night of action. I also have to mention PBC on FOX will open up with the heavyweight showdown featuring 2012 United States Olympian Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

But right now we have the privilege of being joined alongside an undefeated world champion who is coming off a win over Austin “No Doubt” Trout, from Houston, Texas I want to go ahead and welcome the world champion, the WBC Super Welterweight Champion of the World, Jermell Charlo.

Jermell Charlo
I just want to say you know I’m super thankful to be on this card and I’m glad the world got the chance to recognize the talent that we all have.

R. Flores
This young man who is from Detroit, Michigan. He’s very hungry. He’s a former world title challenger. He’s coming off of three straight victories in a row, please welcome, Tony “Super Bad” Harrison.

Tony Harrison
Hi everybody. Oh man, like I said it’s a pleasure for me to get back on this stage. It’s rare you see a challenger get two shots at a title and I want for Jermell being the champion that he is for giving me the opportunity, you know this is a great fight for the fans.

This shows the world champion you’re dealing with in Charlo. To take a fight like this you know he’s something and on December 22, I know it’s just going to be a dynamic fight. The abilities are going to be unlimited in the ring.

So I’m just looking for a great night. Like you said, I’m glad he made it out of camp healthy and I made it out healthy. He’s probably in great shape. I’m in great shape. There’s no excuses on this side and hopefully there’s none on that side and we just going to put on a good night of fighting.

Q
Jermell, if you get past Tony Harrison, how likely is that you’re going to face Jarrett Hurd in the future?

J. Charlo
Hurd is another fighter that we’re looking to fight in 2019. He wants to fight someone else possibly in his hometown and build up a little bit more. I don’t know why it took him forever to get ready for that fight, but you know I guess it happens to some people.

Q
Is this something we can expect in the future that you and your brother will be fighting on the same card?

J. Charlo
It could be whatever the fans want to or the fans and the people want to think. Normally we fight on cards together. We’ve done this a lot in our careers so it’s comfortable. But we like to build our legacy separately. We both took a fight at the same time so it was perfect and it was on the same card.

Q
Jermell, what do you remember from Tony Harrison’s performance against Hurd, particularly in the maybe the first half of the fight when he may have been doing better in the fight. What do you remember from that?

J. Charlo
I’m not Jarrett Hurd. My skills of boxing are way different. My style of boxing is different and I definitely don’t really care what he did. I remember paying attention to that fight in the dressing room and I was rooting for Tony because he came out like the dude wanted to win.

And that’s what I like about Tony. And I like for fighters to come in there with that mentality of fighting and wanting to win. And I know that’s where he comes from and that’s what he possesses. So you know he was winning in the beginning of the fight, whatever happened, happened. That was all she wrote.

Q
How has that respect between you and your opponent been maybe different in some sense than some of your previous fights?

J. Charlo
You guys will see on the 22nd, when we come out to fight, people have certain ways that they feel certain times. I don’t care about how much somebody respects me or how much they don’t respect me; I’m going to still treat both fighters the same.

I have to defend myself in every manner that I can and it doesn’t matter if they act properly, it can be a respect and all that be done and said, but it’s about the fight game and about what’s really been built inside of me. I’m not worried about all the respect right now.

He can be respectful and all of that. He’s coming to take my title and that’s messing up my legacy and that’s a whole different ballgame for me. That hunger is a different kind inside of me, it means different to me. I hope everyone is safe and I hope it doesn’t cause too much damage, but I’m coming. I defend it with my life on the line.

So if he feels that same way, it’s going to be an exciting fight for the fans. It will be a good fight for the PBC and for whoever is watching. At the end of the day my life is at risk when I’m in that ring every time.

Q
Is there perhaps anymore added pressure to have to deliver a memorable performance in front of wide audience on FOX or are you kind of approaching this fight kind of the same as any other?

J. Charlo
As any other fight. Regardless what TV network is promoting this fight or putting this fight on, I’ve been there before. I’ve done this before and I have to continue to do what I do. So yes, I’m super excited about FOX being such a marquis television network that allows more to see what we do.

I wish that a lot of people were able to see this beforehand, then they would have a little bit more respect for me and what I do. So I’m glad that we got this opportunity.

Q
Could you maybe kind of talk more about you what’s been different about this particular camp compared to others?

J. Charlo
I’ve taken a lot of time to settle down within myself you know. I have everything I want, everything I need and so there’s no point of this disobedience to any of my people. And I look at my coach a little bit different in this camp. He’s like a father figure to me now. He’s not a father figure, but when I go up to Dallas to do my training and stuff, I definitely pay attention to everything he’s doing and we’re well plugged in with each other. We connect really well.

The greatest thing is he let me do me, he let me be me in that ring. Regardless of anything, if I feel like throwing a certain punch. “Hey coach look listen I’m going to talk about this one punch that I think I can throw well because my body allows me to do it.” And so those are the things that I’ve been doing differently. I’m going to pull some tricks out the hat, its’ going to be different.

Q
Tony, has that been any extra motivation for you especially now that you have a chance to kind of right the wrong that you weren’t able to win the world title in your last attempt?

T. Harrison
Man I’m not even thinking about Jarrett Hurd, that fight was years ago. I left that fight right where I left it. I moved on. I fought four times after that. I don’t need no more added motivation. I’ve got a family I got to feed. I’ve got people that’s rooting me on. And just with me, I’m competitive in my own without nobody else. So I want to do it for me. I want that fight back with Hurd just as bad as Jermell wants it for the first time.

So in order for me to get the fight I got to win the title. I know for sure I won’t get it again. So for me, I just keep doing what I’m doing man. But I left that in the past. I had a great training camp two months — two months and two weeks’ worth is actually the longest I’ve ever trained for a fight. Basically it costs five weeks, four weeks or something like that. I feel good, body feels good. I’m focused on December 22, I’m focused on Jermell. I’m focused on the WBC title and I just want to give a good show.

Q
Are you going to dedicate this fight to the Kronk Gym and Adonis Stevenson for all that’s happening with him and his trauma out in Canada?

T. Harrison
It doesn’t have to be a a guy from Kronk. This is a rough sport that we in. Just like Prichard Colon, I pray for everybody to make it out of that ring safe and go back to their families. It hit a little more home that I do know that guy that’s in that situation.

This sport is so dangerous. I pray each and every day. I pray for my opponents before I walk in there and I fight them. So, it’s a dangerous sport we in and I think we all know what we signed up for when we signed up. But that never hurts you less when you see somebody in those conditions. So I’m praying for him and I’m praying for Adonis I’m praying for his family.

Q
Have you done anything different in training camp to make sure that you will be able to box as good as you do the first half in the second half?

T. Harrison
Only on December 22, you’ll be able to tell. I think the other times I think I just over trained. I usually get in these big fights and then I tend to want to climb Mount Everest in one day and I think that’s what been happening.

This time like I said I’ve been the guinea pig for my stable. We don’t have any world renown trainers or a city that’s more recognize than the other. Like I said, I’ve been the guinea pig. We’ve been learning as a group, together, this whole way. So I think they’ve gotten better with how my body is and knowing how my body feels.

We’ve done everything together and as a unit and as a team. Nobody is to blame man. But we’ve all been working together and trying to figure this out a day a time and that’s all we can do.

Q
How different is this from any of your other fights? And has it been taxing? Has it been overwhelming?

J. Charlo
No it’s not overwhelming. Because actually whenever you put a camera in my face or you put a camera in my brother’s face. We want to be on cue with everything and on point. So it can be overwhelming. The only thing they can do is just push you to be in better shape and make you want to go harder. We always doing something different. Me and my brother are twins. And the thing about being a twin is that’s automatically something that you have to show the world, the world has already seen. They got their eyes looking just because I was a twin. And that’s something I’ve dealt with.

Every time you go to the grocery store with Mom you ask somebody, “Oh are those twins you know?” The attention was always there, they always looking to know who was older. They always want to know do I feel the same thing my brother feels? A lot of these questions is no. I’m my own man and I try to do everything in the world to separate, so people can understand the difference between us. But as well the things that I love about being a twin. And there’s things I take with the punch.

Being into fashion and being into certain marketing things. Knowing the business behind boxing is greater than just getting in the ring and fighting. It was my brother’s idea to go a large facility where people would’ve enjoyed being around us for our Houston workout. And put a ring in there build a ring and have special guests — Floyd Mayweather. I’m thankful for him being able to fly in and everyone know Floyd flies on jets and different things. So for him to come in and do this for us was major. He sees something different in us and speaking with him yesterday he could see the fire and the throb that we really have in the world. And I’m glad they’re getting a chance once again to see to put this one and do this for the world. This is big for us in our city. You know this is big for us in our legacy and our careers and everything that we build in the future.

R. Flores
All right. Thank you guys very much to Jermell and Tony for going ahead and I want you first Jermell if you want to give some closing comments as you get set for a big title defense coming up next Saturday with PBC on FOX. So Jermell the floor is all yours.

J. Charlo
I’m just thankful for allowing me to be able to show my skills and my talent. This is something that God placed in my life in and I’m able to do this. I got a family myself, I’ve got a son that looks up to me that watches. He’s nine years old. And I know he’ll be paying attention to this very closely. I know Tony got a family. And I just pray that everybody is safe, but come the 22nd I come to bring destruction again and to build my legacy. And I hope that the world gets a chance to capture the moment.

T. Harrison
We almost a week away. This is one of the best jams I’ve been in. I applaud Jermell for being the champion that he is and taking this fight like this. Knowing I’m not Trout, I’m not Lubin, I’m not Hatley and he sees that I bring a different kind of dynamic to the ring. I ain’t 21 I’m not 20. I’m not going to do all the jawing. I’m not going to even go there. I’m thankful that he made it out healthy. Thankful I made it out healthy. And come December 22, he got something I need. He got something I want. I’m coming to get it.

R. Flores
Tony, thank you guys very much that was Jermell Charlo and Tony Harrison. Now we shift our attention towards the main event. And if you guys remember at the press conference the main event was determined because of a coin flip with heavyweight stand out and heavyweight legend Gerry Cooney at Barclays Center. But we’re going to get set for Jermall Charlo vs. Willie Monroe Jr. That is for the interim WBC Middleweight Championship of the World. Don’t forget tickets are going quickly. It’s PBC on FOX next Saturday December 22, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

But now we’re set for Willie Monroe Jr., who is a terrific fighter. With a record of 23 wins just three defeats. He’s won two straight victories from Rochester, New York please welcome Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr. Willie if you have opening comments?

Willie Monroe Jr:
This is the opportunity we’ve been looking for. It’s a blessing and I can’t wait.

R. Flores
And now we’ll get set for the champion out of Houston, Texas. He has 78% knockout percentage. He’s undefeated 27 wins, no losses, 21 wins coming by way of knock out. Please welcome Jermall Charlo.

Jermall Charlo
I’m ready to go. Welcome me back to Brooklyn, I get a chance to fight basically in Willie’s hometown. So I know a lot of people expecting this fight is going to be fireworks.

Q
Austin Trout said that after he lost to you that Gennady Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez, those guys need to get you then rather than later because you’re only going to get better. Do you feel he’s correct?

J. Charlo
Right now, my main focus is Monroe. Wise words from Austin Trout but it’s a matter of time. I’m really just learning on the job at the same time, being in this position and being at the top level. So sooner or later I’ll get my shot.

Q
Did it take you any time to acclimate yourself to middleweight?

J. Charlo
Most definitely. My first fight at 160, the guy had a hurt leg. It didn’t give me the chance to show the fans and the people around boxing what I was made of. But fighting Hugo, he only had one loss and him being a bigger guy than me, knowing that, let me know that I had a future at 160.

Now I’m fighting Monroe who has experience at 160 and he’s a big guy also, but not a statue. So it’s going to be a tangle. It’s going to be a tussle. But I’m learning like that 160 pounds is just like 154 pounds. My body’s constantly growing. I’m filling out at 160. I feel good. This is probably my one of my most fun and best camps that I’ve had because I got a chance to experience it twice already.

Q
What’s the upside of fighting on national TV as opposed to premium or streaming networks?

J. Charlo
Well, the upside is that everyone in the world gets a chance to see it for free. It’s almost like it’s there for the people and it’s not like an option where you have to have money. This’ll be at all bars around the world because normally bars don’t play HBO or pay-per-view and stuff like that where they have to buy expensive cable offers.

It’s a chance to fight in front of the world, and it’s something I always dreamed of. But I would’ve never thought it would come this soon.

Q
Willie Monroe, Jr. doesn’t have a very high knockout percentage. Are you expecting to just walk through him?

J. Charlo
No, not at all. When a fighter is criticized by his knockout ratio, things like that, you kind of tend to think that okay now he’s going to try to develop power, more snap or something like that, things you have to watch out for. So he’s not like a wild guy. He’s a southpaw, a technical mover, real slick boxer. So there’s going to be some times in there where I might have to really export the game plan that we have for him. So no, I’m not expecting to walk out and just have an easy fight. It’s going to be a big fight, for me and Willie both.

Q
Willie, you fought through world champions in the past. How does Jermall Charlo compare to Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders?

W. Monroe
That’s something I can’t answer yet. We haven’t fought yet. So I’ll be able to tell you how he compares to those guys after the 23rd.

Q
Are you a better fighter since losing to both Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders?

W. Monroe
I think I am. But then again, like I said, that’ll be proven on the 22nd.

Q
Willie, do you think that there’s an element of being overlooked in this fight and just used as a stepping stone so that he could position himself for a fight with Golovkin?

W. Monroe
No. It’ll play is in my favor if I use it right. People pretty much do what they’re told to do. People like who they’re marketed. Certain fighters are marketed and a lot of people don’t actually know a lot about any of us fighters.

It’s like football and basketball. One day they’re a Lakers fan, they next day they’re a Golden State fan, next day they’re a Knicks fan. My job is to keep focusing on the task at hand.

Q
How disappointed were you with the results of the Saunders fight? And did you go out of your way for this particular training camp to prepare for a different result for Jermall on the 22nd?

W. Monroe
I wouldn’t say I went out of my way but we did what we have to do to prepare for two totally different fighters. You put together a game plan for what you have to deal with.

The whole Saunders thin leading up to the fight and what I had to deal with in London, you know what I mean, leading up to the fight, you know, had a lot more to do with who had my back. But I make no excused and I’m ready for December 22.

Q
Jermall, this question is for you. How good was the experience last night to partake in that toy drive with Floyd and all that that entails for your Houston community?

J. Charlo
It was great. The community came out. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. came out. A shout out to him. Shout out to the people. We raised awareness and we got toys to the kids who aren’t fortunate enough to get toys for Christmas. Just to see the smiles on people’s faces.

I got work to do. And that was my motto for this fight. I appreciate everybody’s support. The major thing was that we got the job done and we got the toys.

Q
How important is it for you to look good and avoid overlooking what’s obviously a very motivated Willie Monroe, Jr.?

J. Charlo
We don’t overlook anyone. There’s no such thing. Every fighter’s a hard fight. That’s how I’m coming into this fight. Willie Monroe, Jr. has been in there with great guys. But this is a different fight. Every fight is a different fight. You can’t even look at my last fight and say that I’m going to fight the same way.

It’s how I make my adjustments according to changes. I’m ready to go. This what we do. That’s how I make a living for my family. I put out for my legacy. So at this point I’m ready to go. I’m ready to go. Next week, on Saturday, you guys will get a chance to see again what I’m made of.

Q
After this fight, do you have any desire or plan to have your – have a fight in 2019 take place in Texas? Or are you comfortable fighting in Brooklyn?

J. Charlo
I’m most definitely comfortable fighting in Brooklyn. But the ultimate goal is to fight here at home in front of my fans, in front of my people. But like I’ve never really been on that side of it. So I don’t have any say so to that as of right now.

Besides, you know, TGB Promotions is doing great in Brooklyn, and that’s where we’re campaigning there right now. I know I got a place at home and I’ll be able to make the fans happy sooner or later. But right now, my focus is to keep fighting where the fans are and where they’re happy at.

Q
Do you kind of feel like you’re being overlooked by those Golovkin and Canelo?

J. Charlo
Man, it’s god’s time. It could be something that I want or something I’m ready for at the time. But it’s all a matter of time if I fight him now or I fight him later, I’m only getting wiser, stronger, faster and smarter. So they’re going to have to deal with that as it comes. But hopefully those fight happen for me sooner or later.

But right now, my main focus is Monroe. And that’s what we got on the 22nd. So I’ll let those guys take care of what they’re doing on their campaigns with Canelo and them and Golovkin. But sooner or later, they got to answer to Jermall Charlo.

Q
Now that you’re fighting in New York instead of having to go overseas to face Billy Joe Saunders, has there been kind of any difference in the mood around training camp?

W. Monroe
One thing that’s been different is that I’m thankful to PBC because I fought twice already going into a championship fight where in the other position where I went over to London I fought on HBO as the co-feature to Canelo when he fought Liam Smith. And I was supposed to have been fighting maybe four months after that. And I didn’t fight until a year after that, which was the Billy Joe Saunders fight. And while I was under the promoter I was under, there were two different times where I would go – it was the time where I was off 13 months, and the time that I was off 12 months, not due to anything that I was doing. That’s just the business.

I was making a point to keep me busy. And a fighter like me who fights off skill, intelligence, moving, you need to keep a fighter like me busy so I can stay sharp.

You have different type of fighters. You have the fighters who rely most on power. You can give them a long layoff because they have what’s called a game changer. They may be somebody may be able to out sharp them for four or five miles, but then they come through their power, and it may even the odds.

But when you have a guy like me who fights a super-intellectual style, you need to keep me busy.

We had the money to actually put together a great camp. We’ve fought twice, we’re coming off of two wins, so we’ve been busy. And I’ve been able to pay the sparring partners accordingly so they stay around.

We had about three different cruiserweights, both amateur and pros. Just to exaggerate the height and the quote, unquote power advantage that Jermall has.

I was able to sit down, put things together and create a camp accordingly, rather than just coming off of just being in shape and going in there and fighting off of what I know. So that would have put together a great camp, accordingly.

So I think that will play a huge amount of favor. This is the first time ever in my whole career that I’ve been able to do this, that I’ve been able to put together a full camp with the right sparring, after bringing these guys in to spar and have a great schedule.

So under those circumstances, I feel like that just boosts my confidence into who I am and what I can do all around. I mean, I’m sure Jermall and his team has put together a great camp, I just can’t wait to see what happens on December 22. I know him as a fighter, I’m also a fan. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen myself.

Q
What is it that you see in Jermall Charlo that you think you’re going to capitalize on?

W. Monroe
I’m not going to talk about that. We ain’t going to talk about what I’ll try to capitalize on. That’s like giving away the game plan. I just want to be in the mix. Because you’re in the mix, you can come out as champion. When you’re dealing with a promoter that’s just holding you, holding you, holding you, and then try to make a little money off of you, it’s hard to really gauge and really work and get into a mold.

I just like to fight. That’s just been me since I was a kid. I love to fight, I love to contend, I had a 142 amateur fights. I wish I had 100 more. Fighting is just what I love to do.

If you’re the big guy on campus that everybody’s saying no one can beat, then I want to try my chances against you. I was pretty much still a kid when I fought Golovkin. I was a 19 and 1. And that was really early in my career, but I been let to fight. I don’t turn down no fight. I don’t turn down anything.

And just as a challenge, I love to challenge myself. I’m just very ambitious and vigorous like that. And I mean, what Charlo has done in the box appropriate, you can’t deny it.

Q
Do you think the pressure is on him?

W. Monroe
The pressure’s more on him. I’ve seen the comments that I’m a stepping stone fight. I’m this, I’m that. But like I said earlier, the fans say what they say and then when you win then it’s “Oh, I knew you could do it.” Or I knew you was this, I knew you was that.

A lot of fans like the bandwagon, so a lot of that really doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t shake me either way because come December 22 it’s going to be me and him in the ring. Can’t nobody help me. Can’t nobody help him, no matter what’s said on the inside or outside. Jermall Charlo has to execute his game plan the best way to beat Willie Monroe, and Willie Monroe has to execute his game plan the best way to beat Jermall Charlo.

And December 22, we’ll just have to see who executes their game plan the best.
Q
Is there any question for you because the world is going to gauge you versus Gennady and your performances against Monroe?

J. Charlo
I’m focused on the 22nd. Do you hear where Willie saying? He’s had a great camp. I’m glad I’m able to put other fighters in position and to be able to make the type of money at this stage and at this level. I’m glad that everything is where it won’t be any excuses. And then on the 22nd, I’d better show the world why I’m so explosive. Why Golovkin and all those others don’t really want to take this high risk.

Q
Did the fact that this is on network TV take anything away from the camp? Or did you remain more focused than ever because of the limelight?

J. Charlo
No. No. None of this stuff bothered me. You get cameras every fight. The light is there. My future is bright. It’s always right in front of me. I’m not worried about none of the talk and none of the so-called this, so-called that.

I’m here to fight, man. I’m here to fight the best out there. I didn’t get the best fighter out there to fight me so I’m taking a fight with a guy that’s right there in the rank and he’s with me. So look, we’re going to make a show, we’re going to make him do what he do.

Brooklyn, the 22nd, that’s all I care about right now.

R. Flores
Thank you very much. Before we let them go, Willie, we’ll start off with you. If you have any final comments before you get set for, you know, your match of next Saturday for PBC on FOX from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, December 22nd.

W. Monroe
I just want to say thanks to everybody that’s part of this. Thanks to FOX. Thanks to PBC. Man, our prayers and wishes to every fighter. A lot of people talk a lot of stuff on the outside, but they don’t realize just how dangerous this boxing really is.

So all prayers and blessings to every fighter on the card, man. And I’m elated, thankful man. It’s five days after my birthday, a few days before Christmas. I keep reiterating that. So I’m blessed, man, and thank you guys for considering Willie Monroe and thanks for the opportunity and I promise I won’t disappoint on the 22nd.

J. Charlo
We got another one. We got work to do. We’re going to stand up. Houston, stand up. Everybody that’s on the phone lines, I want to thank them. PBC on FOX, this is bigger than pay-per-view. Like Willie said, you all don’t realize what we do, we’re putting our life on the line to entertain the world, so that’s what we’re going to do and we promise not to let you down with a great fight. And my hands will be raised after this fight and it’s going to mean so much to me, so I can’t wait to get in there.

# # #

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.

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:
“The safety of our fighters is always of the highest concern to us,” said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. “Though we understand that David Lemieux is in stable condition, we must always execute precaution when dealing with the health of our fighters, especially since we know the consequence of improperly cutting weight. That said, we have spoken with our partners at Eye of The Tiger Management and have cancelled this fight. We wish Lemieux the very best and know that he will come back stronger than ever.”

Camille Estephan, Eye of the Tiger Management:
”Due to health concerns, David Lemieux was taken to the hospital for evaluation,” said Camille Estephan, President of Eye of The Tiger Management. “He was considerably weakened by the process of making weight. There were concerns regarding his vital signs and was immediately taken to the hospital to be in the hands of medical staff. Tests are being administered to ensure his safety and health as well as IV treatment for re-hydration. He is currently kept in the hospital hence we have taken the decision to cancel his bout.”

Statement from Golden Boy Promotions on cancellation of Vergil Ortiz, Jr. fight:
“The New York State Athletic Commission did not allow Vergil Ortiz Jr. to fight due to a rule preventing fighters who have had Lasik eye surgery from fighting. Ortiz Jr. had Lasik eye surgery in early October and thus will not be able to fight.”

(Dec. 14, 2018) — After heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois pulled out of Saturday’s main event with the flu, top welterweight contender Bradley Skeete was elevated to main event status.

Skeete will take on southpaw Diego Ramirez in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO International title Saturday from the Brentwood Centre in Brentwood, England.

Skeete-Ramirez will headline an afternoon of boxing live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. The four-bout stream will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, with Skeete-Ramirez expected to start just after 5:30 p.m. ET.

Skeete (28-2, 13 KOs), an eight-year pro, is a former British, Commonwealth, and WBO European welterweight champion seeking to make a world title run. He has won 10 of his last 11 fights and has been stopped only once, an April TKO defeat to one of the sport’s rising stars, Kerman Lejarraga. Ramirez (16-2, 4 KOs), from Coronda, Argentina, is a slick boxer who has seen both of his defeats come via controversial decision. He is 14-1 since a split decision loss in his third professional bout.

In the co-main event, decorated 115-pound prospect Sunny Edwards (9-0, 3 KOs) will take on his stiffest challenge to date against Junior Granados (16-5-1, 9 KOs) for the vacant WBO International belt in a 10-rounder. Edwards, a former British amateur star, captured the WBO European 115-pound title last November with a fourth-round TKO against then-unbeaten Ross Murray.

In other action:

Super featherweight prospect Ryan Garner (7-0, 5 KOs) will battle Jose Aguilar (16-53-4, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Hamzah Sheeraz (5-0, 2 KOs), one of Britain’s top 154-pound prospects, will fight Sam Omidi (6-18-3, 0 KOs) in a six-rounder.

To subscribe to ESPN+, visit www.plus.espn.com.

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

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

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

LAS VEGAS (December 14, 2018) – Brett Yormark, Chief Executive Officer of BSE Global (BSE), has been tapped to lead the newly established Advisory Board for Haymon Sports, LLC, the creator of boxing’s preeminent brand, the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

Yormark leads BSE, which manages and controls Barclays Center, NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Islanders and other New York venues. The Haymon Sports Advisory Board will help to fuel the direction for Haymon Sports by advising its leadership team on branding strategy, cross-licensing opportunities, commercialization, and future growth initiatives for PBC. Yormark will be identifying leaders in the sports, entertainment, and brand space, and a complete list of members will be announced in early 2019.

“I am looking forward to working with Haymon Sports, Al Haymon, and the PBC to lead the Advisory Board,” said Yormark. “The sport of boxing is a great passion of mine, and working with Haymon Sports and the PBC to bring the most exciting fights to Barclays Center has been incredibly rewarding. I am looking forward to working with them to find new ways to grow the profile of the sport in Brooklyn and beyond.”

“We’re excited that Brett will be assisting us with the continued growth of the PBC. He has done a remarkable job as CEO of BSE Global and he brings global experience and talents to this advisory role,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing.

Under Yormark’s leadership BSE has secured first-class programming for its venues. Through BROOKLYN BOXING, Barclays Center has hosted more than 200 fights and dozens of world championship bouts, involving some of the biggest stars in the sport today.

Yormark was instrumental in securing the rights of Barclays Center being named the east coast home of PBC Boxing. Under that agreement, which was announced in September, Barclays Center will host a minimum of eight PBC shows per year. Yormark also serves on the WBC Supreme Council.

In making Barclays Center a destination stop for college basketball, Yormark secured agreements to host the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2016, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2017, 2018 and 2022, and the upcoming NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional in 2021. The venue also hosted the Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship for four consecutive years, which returns to the venue in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

In addition to sports programming, Yormark oversees the BROOKLYN SHOW and LONG ISLAND SHOW platforms, which brings the biggest names in music to Barclays Center and NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, including JAY-Z, Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen and more.

Yormark is a member of the Board of Advisory Directors for both the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. In addition to co-founding the BSE Advisory Board, Yormark is also on the board of the City Parks Foundation, the TJ Martell Foundation and NYC & Company.

About Haymon Sports:
Haymon Sports, LLC, is the creator of the Premier Boxing Champions series. The PBC features the most accomplished and decorated array of professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions. The PBC delivers 40 annual shows that can be watched in the US on Fox, FS1, Showtime, and PPV, and throughout the world, including in the UK on ITV.

Greg Cohen, of Greg Cohen Promotions, proudly announces the signing of a pair of Brooklyn-based prospects, super lightweight Zachary “Zungry” Ochoa and super bantamweight Oscar “Filoso” Moreno to promotional contracts.

Boxing since age 13, the talented Ochoa (20-1, 7 KOs) is a Puerto Rican from Brooklyn. Despite having just seven career knockouts, the 26-year-old scored a spectacular 15-second KO over Engelberto Valenzuela and, in 2016, was nominated for Knockout of the Year for his one-punch KO 8 of Luis Joel Gonzalez.

“I can adapt to anything. I’m very unpredictable,” said Ochoa. “I can box and win easily, or I can hit you with one shot and take you out.”

Ochoa says he’s happy to have his career back on track and looking forward to the future with Cohen.

“It’s a blessing. I’m very focused and determined. I stay in the gym because I love boxing. I saw Greg Cohen’s resume and what’s he’s done in the sport and I know this is a great opportunity for me. This is the guy who’s going to make me a millionaire and world champion.”

Moreno (7-0, 6 KOs) is power puncher who comes forward behind lots of movement. Originally from Mexico City, he is now also living in Brooklyn. The 25-year-old went 54-5 as an amateur and was the 2004 Junior Olympic Champion, the 2011 Golden Gloves NY Champion and the 2012 Golden Gloves NY Runner-Up.

“I’m excited to make it happen,” said Moreno of the signing. “I’m looking forward to getting on the road toward the world championship. The plan I have is to have 10 more fights to get the experience in, because so far most of my fights have ended in the first round. So I say in a year or two we’ll be looking to step up and fight for titles.”

Both fighters are managed and trained by Kelly Rich at GymU Boxing (in Association GGE Fitness Studio) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Rich has had Ochoa since childhood and has been working with Moreno for the past four years.

Rich says he trusts Cohen to do the right things with his fighters.

“Greg is an exciting person and he motivates you and get the job done,” said Rich. “He’s a top promoter affiliated with all the other premier boxing companies. We are good friends and I can personally trust him. We’ve always been on the up-and-up.”

Promoter Cohen, on a hot streak of late with the “out of nowhere” success of heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller and world middleweight champion Robert Brant, says he’s happy to be adding this one-two punch of prospects from New York.

“Both these fighters have a wealth of talent,” said Cohen. “I will be looking to continue their strong development and advancement against increasing competition in the next couple years. Both fighters have the talent it takes to make it and with hard work and determination, it is very possible. I credit Kelly Rich for the work he’s done with them.”

To see Ochoa’s devastating KO of Gonzalez, a KO of the Year Candidate, click HERE.