Casey Morton Looks to Capture WBO Asia Pacific Title in China This Saturday
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 11, 2018) – Undefeated female super flyweight Casey “Lady Hawaiian Punch” Morton (7-0-3 1KO), will be fighting for her second title as she faces Jutamas Jitpong (4-2 2KOs) for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Female Super Flyweight Title. The 10-round bout will take place this Saturday, December 8th, at the Yubei Sport Center in Yubei, China.
“I am excited to fight for my second WBO Asia Pacific Female title!” said Casey Morton. “I won the WBO Asia Pacific flyweight title earlier this year, so to get another title before the year over is a dream come true. I want to fight the best, I don’t want easy fights and I want to prove that I am a true champion.”
“Casey Morton is an amazing boxer who packs a featherweight punch in a flyweight frame,” said manager Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I don’t see many flyweights surviving all ten-rounds with her after she moved up in weight to super flyweight. She is a star and we are excited to work with her.”
“I am super grateful for all of my opportunities but want to give all glory to God, as well as my team, including my manager Greg Hannley and everyone at SNAC System. I’m grateful to Victor Conte for the high-level training he provides and I will show my ability come fight night.”
Jermall & Jermell Charlo Plus Willie Monroe Jr. & Tony Harrison Talk Holiday Memories and Traditions Ahead of Respective Primetime Showdowns Just Days Before Christmas

BROOKLYN (December 11, 2018) – As the holiday season ramps up with Christmas just around the corner, twin champions Jermall and Jermell Charlo, plus Willie Monroe Jr. and Tony Harrison discussed their favorite holiday memories and traditions while preparing for their respective showdowns on Saturday, December 22 in Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes action from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
The Charlo twins have intertwined holiday memories from growing up in Houston and not even Christmas could stop the legendary competitiveness of the twins.
“My biggest childhood memories from Christmas was that my brother and I would get bikes and then disassemble them to see who could put it back together better,” said Jermell. “We didn’t tighten up the bikes enough so they would fall apart and we would have to walk home. But we really wanted to see who was the better mechanic and who could put together the cooler bike.”
“My brother and I were definitely concerned about our toys on Christmas,” said Jermall. “We would have a big dinner with our whole family and it felt like everyone loved buying the twins gifts. It was always competition to see who had the better toys. I love that now I can give my kids that same feeling on Christmas morning.”
A native of Rochester, N.Y., Monroe’s family, which includes his pro boxer father who defeated Marvin Hagler, was close knit throughout Monroe’s childhood. Now he relishes the opportunity for his own family to be involved in those special times, even if he spends the weeks leading up to Christmas focused on his task December 22.
“I’m a family guy and the holidays have always been about togetherness for us,” said Monroe. “Gifts were just a small part of it. It was all about communing as a family. It was cool to have family during the holidays, and now that I’m older and have my own family, it’s a truly special affair.
“I understand that training through the holidays is for the greater good. I would rather miss a Christmas or two so that my family could have great Christmases for years and years after. I’m sacrificing to reach that goal for my family.”
Detroit’s Harrison has already spent part of his holiday season giving back, as he hosted a Holiday Toy and Grocery giveaway this past weekend that helped serve nearly 400 people in his community. After a grueling training camp, Harrison is hoping to bring home the ultimate Christmas gift for his family.
“The holidays in the Harrison household are a real family affair,” said Harrison. “It’s a time to get together, reconnect and do all the stuff we don’t normally get a chance to do. My family really does their thing in the kitchen and I can’t indulge like that, so I made sure I was out training in Colorado during Thanksgiving.
“This Christmas is going to be special. All I want is the best present of all, to beat Jermell Charlo on December 22 and bring that belt home to my two-year-old son Tony Jr., and four-month-old daughter Jaia.”
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo battling Willie Monroe Jr and WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo taking on Tony Harrison. Televised action also features a heavyweight attraction between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.
Tickets for the show, which is being promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, begin at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
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Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @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.
ITV ANNOUNCES LANDMARK BOXING DEAL
LONDON (December 11, 2018) – ITV is delighted to announce today a ground-breaking new deal with Haymon Sports and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring exclusive coverage of exciting PBC world-class boxing events to ITV viewers and fight fans in the UK.
The unique collaboration is the first time that Haymon Sports and PBC has partnered with a UK broadcaster to stage boxing events regularly in the UK. The exclusive three-year deal will guarantee a minimum of 15 televised events each year, drawing from PBC’s unrivalled group of over 160 of the best boxers in the world, which includes more than 60 current and former world champions in matches staged both in the UK and the US. PBC, the sports’ pre-eminent boxing brand, is broadcast over cable and network television in the United States.
“This unprecedented deal between PBC and ITV is great news for boxing fans in the UK. We look forward to bringing viewers big events and superb action from some of the world’s best fighters in the coming years,” said Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport.
The world-class action from events for the next three years will include free-to-air broadcasts on ITV’s channels, including ITV main channel and ITV4 and ITV Hub, and will also include pay per views on ITV’s PPV channel, ITV Box Office.
“Bringing big events to our platforms under this deal allows ITV to build on its aim of developing our direct relationship with viewers as part of our More Than TV strategy,” said Julian Ashworth, Director ITV Strategy and Direct to Consumer.
“We’re thrilled about this new exclusive three-year deal with ITV, UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, and the opportunity to bring the best boxers in the world to the UK,” said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing. “The unique collaboration means ITV’s viewers are in for a special treat with PBC’s world class boxing events.”
Further announcements on the first PBC shows that will be available to viewers on the ITV platforms will follow in the days to come.
This new deal for boxing adds to ITV Sport’s portfolio of first class events, which includes exclusive free to air coverage of the England football team’s qualifiers for both the European Championship and World Cup, the 6 Nations and exclusive coverage of the Rugby World Cup, UK horse racing, the Tour de France and the French Open.
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About ITV
ITV is an integrated producer broadcaster and the largest commercial television network in the UK. It is the home of popular television from the biggest entertainment events, to original drama, major sport, landmark factual series and independent news. It operates a family of channels including ITV, ITVBe, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and CITV, which are broadcast free-to- air. ITV is also focused on delivering its programming via the ITV Hub, mobile devices, video on demand and third party platforms. ITV Studios is a global production business, creating and selling programmes and formats from offices in the UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Nordics and the Netherlands. It is the largest and most successful commercial production company in the UK, the largest independent non-scripted indie in the US and ITV Studios Global Entertainment is a leading international distribution businesses.
About Premier Boxing Champions
The Premier Boxing Champions series was created and is produced by Haymon Sports, LLC. It features the most accomplished and decorated array of international professional boxing talent across the most popular weight divisions.
MOORE: BEATING SELBY WAS JOSH’S BIG NIGHT
JAMIE MOORE says that Josh Warrington will struggle to replicate his stunning performance when he took Lee Selby’s IBF World Featherweight title in May.
Warrington (27-0) upset the Welshman and he is now the underdog again ahead of his first defence against Frampton (26-1) on Saturday December 22, live on BT Sport Box Office.
Frampton’s trainer Moore believes that was a once in a lifetime performance from Warrington in front of 25,000 fans at Elland Road, home of his beloved Leeds United.
“I think Lee Selby was probably his big night – I’ve got to be honest,” said Moore.
“Was Lee dead at the weight? No. Absolutely not, because he wouldn’t have made it through 12 rounds. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like.
“Was he tight at the weight? Yes. But, a lot of fighters are tight at the weight. I don’t think you can take away from Josh’s performance by saying Lee was dead at the weight.
“I think Josh raised his game. That was the night he looked for in the whole of his boxing life. From being a kid he would have wanted to win a world title and hopefully had it at Elland Road.
“You can understand how he performed like that. But, Carl Frampton is a different level. To me, he is an elite level fighter.”
Moore is an admirer of Warrington, but when he breaks down their clash that many believe will be Fight of the Year he insists there is only one winner and doesn’t expect a 12 round distance contest.
He added: “Josh brings pace and work rate so we know Carl has to be on his game physically and he is on track.
“His jab, his judgement of range and distance. You can’t just go in there and out work someone who has got the skill set of Carl.
“It takes a lot more than that. You have to set those sort of things up and Carl is very good at stopping an opponent in their tracks or anticipating what they’re gonna do.
“His feet are nice. He has got an unorthodox defence so he’s not a typical hands up, fast feet boxer. He dips, rolls and slides and has an odd rhythm.
“Even though I know it will be competitive in fights like this where the styles are going to gel well, the better fighter with the skill set usually wins.
“Josh will be surprised how hard Carl hits. Since Carl moved up to featherweight people think he is not a puncher, but going in with the opponents he has been in with you can understand why he goes the distance.
“I am not giving away clues for the game plan, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Carl gets him out of there.
“It won’t be early because I think Josh has got a good set of whiskers, but I think it will be a case of breaking him down slowly and later on Carl will get to him.
“The way Carl’s performing, the mindset he’s in, the form he’s in – I can’t see anything but a big Carl Frampton win.”
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 Alex Leapai, while Martin Murray defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam. Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy Fury also makes his professional debut.
Elsewhere on the bill. World flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return.
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.
HRGOVI? ATTRACTS HUGE TELEVISION MARKET SHARE IN CROATIA
Filip Hrgovi? attracted a 43% television market share in Croatia for his heavyweight showdown with former World title challenger Kevin Johnson on Saturday at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb, broadcast live on RTL.
This huge percentage of the Croatian television watching public tuned in to see the Rio 2016 Olympic Bronze Medallist dominate Johnson, claiming his seventh professional win and continuing his World title charge.
Hrgovi? is now ranked top ten with the WBA and also holds World rankings with the WBC and WBO. Having been matched aggressively from the start of his career, the 26 year-old is already being positioned for a World title fight, which could come as early as next year.
“These sensational viewing figures are further proof of Filip’s massive star appeal,” said Zeljko Karajica, CEO of 7Sports, the sports unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group and Managing Director of the operating event agency MMP Event GmbH. “He is already a huge draw in his native Croatia, and as his career progresses, these numbers are only going to improve.”
“We have a plan in place that will take Filip to the top of the heavyweight division, which is the pinnacle of the sport of boxing,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland, of Team Sauerland. “Not only can he become one of the biggest names in Croatian sporting history, but also a global superstar.”
Alexander “The Great” Flores In New Zealand to challenge former world champion Joseph Parker this Saturday
LAS VEGAS (December 10, 2018) – Upset-minded heavyweight prospect Alexander “The Great” Flores departed a week ago on a 13-hour flight from California to New Zealand to challenge former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker this Saturday (Dec. 15) in Christchurch, New Zealand.
“Beating Parker will get me a step closer to my goal to be the first Mexican-American to become world heavyweight champion,” Flores said. “I can’t picture myself losing, not the way I feel. I’ve had a long, hard training camp for this fight. It’s really been a couple years, because some fights fell through.”
A former World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth World Heavyweight Champion, the 28-year-old Flores (17-1-1, 15 KOs) has a new lease on his pro boxing career, now promoted by Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing.
“Alex has worked hard during the past two months,” added Keith Veltre, CEO/co-founder of Roy Jones, Jr. Boxing. “I truly believe Joseph Parker has no clue what he is in for with him. Like I said before, Alex is headed to New Zealand for the W, and he will leave it all in the ring. It has been a huge mistake on Parker’s part to overlook Alex.”
On a mission to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight champion of the world, Flores has already had a significant first leading up to this fight versus Parker. He experienced his initial flight a few months ago to do media work in New Zealand to promote the Dec. 15 fight.
“Yeah,” Flores explained, “that was my first flight. It took 13 hours, but I slept five or six hours, so it wasn’t too bad, other than being a little cold there. New Zealand is a beautiful country. The only thing I really need to acclimate to is the 20-hour time difference.
“I’m not concerned about fighting Parker there. I know I’m the underdog, but I had to take advantage of this opportunity. We were supposed to fight November 24th, so I had already waited a long time for a fight like this. At the end of the day it’s just going to be me and him in the ring. I’m going there to win, I see myself knocking him out.”
Parker (24-2, 18 KOs) is coming off back-to-back losses in the United Kingdom, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions, respectively, to Dillian Whyte and unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Parker captured the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO heavyweight world title two years ago, when he took a 12-round majority decision over Andy Ruiz, Jr., followed by unanimous and majority 12-round decisions, respectively, against Razvan Cojanu and Hughie Fury. Ruiz and Fury were undefeated going into their fights with Parker, both ending in majority decisions and shrouded in scoring controversy.
Flores’ lone loss as a professional came 3 ½ years ago against former world champion Charles Martin for the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) title, in which Flores, who took the fight with only two weeks’ notice, was stopped in the fourth round.
The powerful Flores, fighting out of Rowland Heights, California, realizes Parker has never been knocked out as a pro, plus the New Zealander is fighting at home for the first time in 1 ½ years, but he is not deterred from predicting a shocking conclusion.
“He’s going to get a little bit of everything from me,” Flores forcasted. “I’m a boxer-puncher, but I can press the action, or stand and punch. I’m tough to hit, too. It’s not going the distance; I’m not going down, Parker’s going down.”
INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @alexflores919
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, alexander_thegreat_flores
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing
About Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions:
Co-founded in 2013 by 10-time world champion Roy Jones, Jr. and Keith Veltre, Roy Jones, Jr. (RJJ) Boxing Promotions is on its way to reinventing boxing. RJJ has already made a huge impact in the boxing community in a few short years. Creating exhilarating content for CBS Sports, Showtime, ESPN and beIN Sports in some of the finest venues across the country, RJJ has proven it is conquering the sweet science of the sport.
Based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, NV, Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions is climbing to the top at a fast pace, adding young talent to its growing stable: super bantamweight Joseph Agbeko, super flyweight Aston Francis Palicite, super welterweights John Vera and Daniel Rosario Cruz, super featherweight Randy Moreno, bantamweights Max Ornelas and Tony Lopez, cruiserweight Adrain Taylor and middleweight Shady Gamhour, featherweight Edward Vazquez, super lightweight Kendo Castaneda and heavyweight Alexander Flores.
Video: Vasyl Lomachenko – Jose Pedraza post fight press conference

Video: Teofimo Lopez talks about his explosive KO over Mason Menard

Teofimo Lopez has star making performance in New York City

NEW YORK (December 10, 2018) -Top lightweight Teofimo Lopez scored an explosive 44-second knockout over Mason Menard this past Saturday night at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in a scheduled ten-round bout that was viewed by a massive audience on ESPN.
Lopez landed a crushing right hand that had Menard plummeting face-first on to the cnavas, in what was the opening televised bout on the Vasilly Lomachenko – Jose Pedraza lightweight unification card.
Lopez is now the NABA, NABF and USBA Lightweight champion.
The knockout, was featured on ESPN SportCenter, and all over social media, took place on an event which was the 2nd highest rated boxing card on cable television this year
With the win, Lopez pushed his perfect mark to 11-0 with nine knockouts, and now he feels he is ready for anybody in the lightweight division.
“I knew he was a tough fighter. I knew he could fight,” Lopez said. “I wanted to test him, and I took a chance early in the fight. I know he trained hard, and he didn’t want it to go that way. But this is ‘The Takeover.’ ‘The Takeover’ has begun.
“In 2019, I will be a world champion. That’s a guarantee.”
“I put an exclamation point that I am no longer a prospect, and now it’s on to the contenders, and moving up the rankings. In 2019 you will see me fight for a world title.”
Said Lopez manger, David McWater of Split T Management, “He’s just never stops surprising me. Just when you think he can’t do better than his last fight he does something even more amazing. It’s been a generation since boxing saw a young fighter like this”
Video: Andre Ward breaks down Lomachenko – Pedraza

Kalvin Henderson stops Brandon Robinson in Philly classic

Philadelphia, PA (December 10, 2018) — This past Friday night, Kalvin Henderson remained undefeated and he established himself as a top super middleweight prospect by scoring a 7th round stoppage over Brandon Robinson in a thrilling battle at the 2300
Arena.
The fight headlined a six-bout card promoted by King’s Promotions.
The entire card was streamed live and can be viewed on-demand on the King’s Boxing Facebook page.
The fight was a grueling battle that had many ebbs and flows. The contest at times was a boxing match, with both fighters trying to establish their jabs, but much of it was fought on the inside with each guy having success in the close fight.
In round two, Robinson began to swell under his left eye that was the result of a punch by Henderson.
In round three, but men were cut from punches as Robinson was cut over his right eye, while Henderson was cut over the left optic.
In round five, the fight changed as Henderson dropped Robinson with a hard uppercut. When Robinson got to his feet, his left eye was virtually shut. Robinson showed tremendous courage as he came forward and even, with just one eye, landed some good shots on Henderson.
In round seven, Henderson came out with a renewed vigor, and turned up his work-rate and he dropped Robinson twice and ended the fight at 2:08 of the round.
Henderson, 166.4 lbs of Fort Worth, Texas is now 11-0 with seven knockouts. Robinson, 168.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 11-2,
In the co-feature, Paul Koon shook off four-years of ring rust to win a four-round unanimous decision over Cade Rodriguez in a heavyweight bout.
Koon dropped Rodriguez in round one with a left hook on the inside. Koon was not able to finish off his large opponent, but came home with to win by scores of 40-35 twice and 39-36.
Koon, 237.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 4-0. Rodriguez, 293.9 lbs of Monroe, GA is 293.9 lbs of Monroe, GA is 2-3.
Romuel Cruz pitched a shutout, and won a four-round unanimous decision over Hugo Rodriguez in a super bantamweight bout.
Cruz, 122 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 3-0-1. Rodriguez, 120.9 lbs of Nuevo Leon, Mexico is 0-2.
Isaiah Wise scored a sensational 2nd round stoppage over over Andy Gonzales in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight.
In the opening seconds of the bout, both guys stood toe-to-toe and landed good shots on each other. At the end of the frame, Wise landed a huge right hand that froze Gonzales. Gonzales was looking around the ring, only to eat a monster right that sent him to the canvas. Clearly, the one-minute respite was not enough for Gonzalez, as Wise landed a hard flurry on the ropes, and the fight was stopped at 40 seconds.
Wise, 155.9 lbs of Philadelphia is now 7-2-1 with four knockouts. Gonzales, 151.6 lbs of Worcester, MA is 6-4.
James Brenadin and Sheldon Deverteuil battled to a four-round split draw in a fight featuring undefeated lightweights.
Each fighter took a card 39-37, and a 3rd card read even at 38-38.
Brenadin, 139.5 lbs of Lancaster, PA is 1-0-1. Deverteuil, 137.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 1-0-2.
Travis Toledo dropped Ronnie Lawrence twice in en-rout to a first round stoppage in a scheduled four-round light heavyweight bout.
The time of the finish was 2:30 for Toledo, 173.3 lbs of Baltimore, who is now 4-0 with three knockouts. Lawrence, 174.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-3.
FRAMPTON: WARRINGTON HAS HAD AS MANY KNOCKOUT WINS AS I’VE HAD WORLD TITLE FIGHTS

CARL FRAMPTON SUSPECTS there is an underbelly of arrogance that is beginning to show in the words of his forthcoming opponent Josh Warrington, who he challenges for the IBF world featherweight title at the Manchester Arena on December 22, but counters by pointing out that he has fought in as many world title fights as the champion has victories via KO.
Northern Ireland’s national treasure is concluding his preparations for the BT Box Office showdown in Manchester with his trainer Jamie Moore and insists his own attitude towards opponents remains unchanged despite the gruelling effects of the business end of camp.
However, he believes the same cannot be said for Warrington, who he considers to be showing his true colours with comments regarding how the blockbuster collision will play out.
“I think I am a pretty laid back person and I don’t necessarily have a dislike for Josh Warrington,” Frampton told the launch edition of The Boxing Podcast. “But, I think there is something bubbling beneath the surface and he is a bit more arrogant than he lets on.
“It is just a few things that I have seen recently and it is starting to seep out. Maybe he is getting a wee bit carried away with this world title and fair play to him because he is a world champion and he is entitled to be proud of that.
“He is getting a bit too carried away though and I think there is a bit of arrogance in there somewhere that he is trying his best to keep away from the public.
“It is just a few wee things that he’s said. He’s said he’s going to knock me out and he doesn’t need to say that.
“It is a bit of an outrageous comment coming from a guy whose had as many knockout wins (six) as I’ve had world title fights. I don’t think he needed to say that.
“Also just a few little things that he’s said and done. I feel there is arrogance bubbling under the surface.”
Frampton added that the obvious edge that accompanied the build-up to Warrington’s world title win over Lee Selby in May might well come to the fore again this time around.
“Potentially, but I’ll just do what I’ve always done and I’ll respect opponents if I’m respected. I take it all with a pinch of salt and carry on thinking about myself and my own performance.
“I don’t get to caught up in it all, but we’ll see, as it gets closer and he gets a bit more on edge he may say a few things that aren’t that savoury. It doesn’t bother me.”
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 Alex Leapai, while Martin Murray defends his WBC Silver middleweight title against Hassan N’Dam. Tyson Fury’s younger brother Tommy Fury also makes his professional debut.
Elsewhere on the bill. World flyweight title challenger Paddy Barnes (5-1) and unbeaten Light Heavyweight contender Steven Ward (9-0) return to action. Manchester’s 12-0 Light Heavyweight Lyndon Arthur and 7-0 Darlington middleweight Troy Williamson also return.
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.
DANISH HEAVYWEIGHT HOPE LJUNGQUIST MEETS MUSIL ON THORSLUND-GRAF UNDERCARD
Kem Ljungquist (6-0, 4 KOs) meets Dominik Musil (3-1, 2 KOs) 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 getting back in the ring,” said the Danish heavyweight hope. “Musil is an exciting opponent, but he is one that I should be able to beat. I look forward to entertaining the fans in Struer!”
Ljungquist was last in action on September 28 in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, as part of the World Boxing Super Series final between George Groves and Callum Smith, scoring a second-round stoppage against Egypt’s Morad Omar.
“It was a good fight for me and a great experience to be part of the World Boxing Super Series,” he says. “Morad Omar came to win, but I quickly found the right openings and was happy with the win.”
The 28 year-old has enjoyed a perfect 2018. Ljungquist has claimed five wins from five fights, and also acted as sparring partner for the returning Tyson Fury.
“It was a great experience to spar Fury,” said Ljungquist. “I know he has recommended me to other top heavyweights, and I hope he will call again.
“I feel I’m getting better by sparring with the best, and I’m getting matched harder and harder in my fights. In 2019, I look forward to developing more against even stronger opponents.”
The Herlev boxer calls himself his own worst critic, and while he admits he is still in the development phase, it is clear his eyes are on the prize.
“My motivation, to achieve something big in my career, is huge,” he says. “It’s a privilege to make a living from boxing and I would like to go all the way. I want to keep improving until I finally get the big fights for the big belts.
“It’s all about training hard, full throttle and living right. I have managed to do well so far and if I continue to do that, then the opportunities will come.”
Ljungquist’s eight round heavyweight clash with Musil is the latest addition to a stacked card in Struer. Dina Thorslund defends her WBO Female World Super Bantamweight title against Germany’s Alesia Graf, former European Champion Dennis Ceylan rematches Jesus Sanchez for the EU Featherweight crown, and Oliver Flodin faces Abdul Khattab in a Scandinavian middleweight thriller.
Tickets are available via www.ticketmaster.dk or by calling (+45) 70 15 65 65.
Historic Night for Top Rank on ESPN with Vasiliy Lomachenko Unifying the WBA/WBO Lightweight Titles ESPN’s Telecast of Lomachenko-Pedraza is the Second Highest-Rated Fight on Cable Television in 2018, only Behind Crawford-Benavidez Jr. on ESPN October 2018

Last night, Top Rank on ESPN (9:12 p.m. ET to 12:35 a.m. ET.) witnessed Vasiliy Lomachenko (12-1, 9 KOs), the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world (according to ESPN.com ranking), accomplish another career highlight. In front of a sold-out crowd, Lomachenko went on to defeat Jose Pedraza (25-2, 12 KOs), by unanimous decision, and unify two lightweight world titles in the main event of the Top Rank on ESPN card at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The overall event delivered a 1.4 metered market rating according to Nielsen, making it the second highest-rated boxing telecast in 2018 across all broadcast and cable networks, only behind Crawford-Benavidez on ESPN in October 2018.
The co-main event and special feature bout that opened the telecast also performed well for Top Rank on ESPN, scoring a 1.4 and 1.2 metered market ratings, respectively. Including the main event, these fights are three of the top five fights on cable in 2018. The co-main saw challenger Emanuel Navarrete (26-1, 22 KOs) defeat Isaac Dogboe (20-1, 14 KOs) to win, via unanimous decision, the WBO junior featherweight world title. But it was Top Rank’s rising star and 2016 Olympian, Teofimo Lopez (11-0, 9 KOs), who astonished the crowd by putting on a show against Mason Menard (34-4, 24 KOs), knocking him out just 44 seconds into the opening round.
Main Things to Know
Last night’s entire Top Rank on ESPN telecast averaged a 1.4 metered market rating, making it the second highest-rated boxing telecast in 2018 across all broadcast and cable networks, behind Crawford vs Benavidez Jr. on ESPN in October 2018.
Lomachenko-Pedraza main event averaged a 1.5 metered market rating, making it the second highest-rated boxing match on cable in 2018, behind Crawford vs Benavidez Jr. on ESPN in October 2018.
Dogboe vs Navarrete and Lopez vs Menard averaged a 1.4 and 1.2 metered market rating, respectively. Including the main event, these fights are now three of the top five fights on cable in 2018.
Notably, the Lomachenko vs. Pedraza telecast (1.4 metered marketing rating) averaged an 8% higher rating than the Lomachenko/Rigondeaux telecast in December 2017, which averaged a 1.3 metered market rating. Both main events averaged a 1.5 metered market rating.
2012 U.S. OLYMPIC ALTERNATE EROS CORREA SCORES TKO VICTORY IN MEXICO
TIJUANA, MX (December 9, 2018) – Last night in Tijuana, Mexico, hot bantamweight prospect, Eros Correa, who is managed by Cali Boxing Management, improved to (4-0, 4 KOs), with a second round TKO when his opponent Luis Marin Lopez didn’t come out after round one.
Correra, from San Jose, California, dropped Lopez with a left hook to the body late in the first round, then finished him off when he landed another left hook, this time to the temple.
“I’m happy to be staying busy in Mexico as I feel my career is heading in the right direction,” said Eros Correra. “My team is doing a fantastic job getting me fights. I want the momentum to continue as I march into 2019. I believe next year will be a big year for me. I’m excited about my future.
KEITH ‘THE BOUNTY” HUNTER REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH 1ST ROUND KO
BOWIE, MD (December 9, 2018) – Last night at Bowie State University, in Maryland, Prince Ranch Boxing’s rising star, super lightweight prospect Keith “The Bounty” Hunter (9-0, 7 KOs), remained undefeated a devastating first round knockout against Siddharth Ravindra Varma (4-3-1, 1 KO). Hunter landed a monstrous right uppercut that sent Varma to the canvas up against the ropes forcing, the referee to stop the bout.
“I wanted to send a message to the super lightweight division with a great performance and I got the knockout,” said Keith Hunter. “It felt great to let my hands go. I’m going to get right back in the gym, so I can be ready for anything that comes my way. If my name is called, I’m going to be prepared, locked and loaded.”
“I’m very excited about Keith Hunter’s future,” said manager Greg Hannley, of Prince Ranch Boxing. “Tonight, his power was on display and those watching saw a star in the making. He’s getting better with each fight. He’s going to be a problem for anyone.”
This fight was promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions (GCP).
HRGOVI? CONTINUES WORLD TITLE HUNT WITH UNANIMOUS POINTS WIN
Croatian heavyweight star Filip Hrgovic (7-0, 5 KOs) continues his World title hunt with a unanimous points win over former World title challenger Kevin Johnson (33-12-1, 17 KOs) last night at the KC Drazen Petrovic in Zagreb.
The WBC International Champion dominated Johnson over the eight round distance and came close to stopping the durable American in the second round with an overhand right landing flush and buckling the Kingpin’s legs.
Johnson beat the count but offered little resistance as Hrgovi? continued to control the fight in the later rounds, and the decision was in no doubt when the scorecards were read out with all three judges favouring the Croatian, 80-71.
Hrgovi?, the 2015 European Amateur Championship Gold Medallist and 2016 Rio Olympic Bronze Medallist, ends 2018 on a high, having previously recorded victories over Sean Turner, Filberto Tovar and Amir Mansour.
“I would like to thank everybody who has supported me,” said Hrgovi?. “I would also like to thank Kevin Johnson. He is a good fighter and he has my respect. I hit him with some big shots and he did not go down.
“I now plan to have a short break and enjoy Christmas with my family, and in the New Year I look forward to getting back in the gym and continuing my World title quest. In 2019, I am coming for all the belts!”
Promoter Nisse Sauerland was ringside watching on as Hrgovi? recorded his seventh career win, and says he was impressed with his fighter’s display.
“That was a good performance from Filip,” said Sauerland. “He will have learnt a lot from those eight rounds. He has already shown great development as a professional, and he can now enjoy a well deserved rest before a big 2019.”
On the undercard, two-weight female World Champion Ivana Habazin outpointed Eva Bajic, avenging her 2013 defeat, while rising German star Leon Bauer climbed off the canvas to claim a unanimous points win over Jorge Silva.
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Lomachenko decisions Pedraza to unify lightweight belts

Vasyl Lomachenko won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jose Pedraza to retain the WBA and win the WBO Lightweight title at The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
Rounds were competitive over the course of the fight, with Lomachenko landing the more memorable shots throughout. Pedraza did his best to slip and move while mixing in some offense in an effort to slow Lomachenko. The Ukranian fighter, who is atop many pound for pound lists just had more in his arsenal.
In round eleven, Loamchenko opened up on Pedraza as he hurt him with a hard left him. Lomachenko continued to land hard and flush punches against Pedraza, who was barely punching back. The result of that onslaught were two knockdowns that came seconds apart. Lomachenko tried his best to close the show, but Pedraza was game and showed his veteran tactics to hear the final bell.
Lomachenko, 134.4 lbs of Akermann, UKR won by scores 119-107 and 117-109 twice and is now 12-1. Pedraza, 134.2 lbs of Cidra, PR is 25-2.
“It was my dream to unify titles,” Lomachenko said. “It was my next goal. I can now focus on my next chapter.
“He’s a veteran. He did a very good job, and I respect Pedraza and his team.”
Said Pedraza: “I am happy with my performance tonight. I went 12 rounds with the best fighter in the world. I knew what we were going up against. I thought it was a close fight until the knockdowns. At the end of the day, I am proud of what I did.”
Emanuel Navarrete won the WBO Super Bantamweight title via 12-round unanimous decision to dethrone Isaac Dogboe.
Although not pretty at times, Navarrete pushed the action as he featured body shots. Dogboe retreated for most of the bout. Dogboe suffered swelling over his right eye in round nine, and never got into a rhythm.
Navarrete, 122 lbs of Mexico City won by scores of 116-112 twice and 115-113 to improve to 26-1. Dogboe, 120.8 lbs of Accra, GHA is now 20-1.
“I thank Dogboe for this opportunity,” Navarrete said. “This world championship represents every day that I was working away from my family. This title represents sacrifice. I injured my right hand early in the fight, but I had the desire to be a champion and I did everything necessary to get the title, and I am very happy and proud to achieve this goal of being the world champion.”
Said Dogboe: “It was a great fight, and Emanuel Navarrete fought like a true Mexican warrior. Champions are supposed to keep going under any circumstance, but I just couldn’t get the victory. The best man won tonight.”
Top prospect Teofimo Lopez blew out Mason Menard in the 1st round of their scheduled ten-round lightweight fight for the USBA/NABA/NAF titles.
Lopez rocked Menard in the opening seconds of the bout, and then uncorked a perfect right to the jaw that had Menard plummet face-first on the canvas, and the fight was immediately stopped at 44 seconds
Lopez, 135 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Menard, 135 lbs of Rayne, LA is 34-4.
“I knew he was a tough fighter. I knew he could fight,” Lopez said. “I wanted to test him, and I took a chance early in the fight. I know he trained hard, and he didn’t want it to go that way. But this is ‘The Takeover.’ ‘The Takeover’ has begun.
“In 2019, I will be a world champion. That’s a guarantee.”
Brian Ceballo remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Daniel Calzada in a welterweight bout.
Ceballo, 147.8 lbs of New York won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 6-0. Calzada, 147.5 lbs of Denver, CO is 16-20-3.
Alexander Besputin remained perfect by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Abreu in a welterweight bout.
In round one, Besputin dropped Abreu with a straight left.
Besputin, 146.6 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 100-88 on all cards, and is now 12-0. Abreu, 146.8 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 21-5-1.
“He fought a very uncomfortable, dirty fight, but I dominated,” Besputin said. “I am ready for a world title fight next.”
Italian Olympian Guido Vianello made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Luke Lyons in a heavyweight bout.
In round one, Vianello dropped Lyons with a hard right hand. In round two, Vianello dropped Lyons with a combination and the fight was waved off at 29 seconds.
Vianello, 236 lbs of Rome, ITA is 1-0 with one knockout. Lyons, 239.8 lbs of Ashland, KY is 5-2.
“It was a dream come true to make my professional debut at Madison Square Garden,” Vianello said. “I hope I did Italy proud. I came here tonight to score a knockout, and I delivered.”
Josue Vargas stopped John Renteria in round five of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.
In round two, Vargas dropped Renteria with a left hand. In round four, he sent Renteria down with a right hook to the head.
Vargas, 142.6 lbs of Bronx, NY is 12-1 with eight knockouts. Renteria, 142.8 lbs of Panama City, PAN is 16-6-1.
In round five, Vargas finished off Renteria with a combination that put him on the canvas, and the bout was stopped at 31 seconds
Abdiel Ramirez stopped Michael Perez in the final round of their eight-round super lightweight bout
In round four, Perez dropped Ramirez with a hard uppercut.
Ramirez came back to hurt Perez in the final round with a right hand. He followed that up with two crushing uppercuts that dropped Perez, and the bout was stopped at 54 seconds.
Ramirez, 142.4 lbs of Ciudad Juarez, MEX is 24-3-1 with 22 knockouts. Perez. 142.4 lbs of Newark, NJ is 25-3-2.
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FOLLOW LOMACHENKO – PEDRAZA LIVE FROM RINGSIDE

Follow all the action as Vasyl Lomachenko and Jose Pedraza square off in a lightweight unification bout. The action kicks off at 9 PM ET with a lightweight bout between Teofimo Lopez and Mason Menard. Next up will the The WBO Super bantamweight title bout between Isaac Dogboe and Emanuel Navarrete.
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| 12-ROUNDS–WBA/WBO LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE–VASYL LOMACHENKO (11-1, 9 KOS) VS JOSE PEDRAZA (25-1, 12 KOS) | |||||||||||||
| ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
| LOMACHENKO* | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 118 |
| PEDRAZA | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 108 |
Round 1: Right from Pedraza..Crowd Screaming “LOMA..LOMA…LOMA”…Hard left from Lomachenko..
Round 2: Good straight left from Lomachenko..Jab..left….Pedraza gets in a right
Round 3 Jab from Pedraza…3 punch combination from Lomachenko..
Round 4 Left from Pedraza..Combination on inside..Right hook from Lomachenko..Good jab..left..hard ;left
Round 5 Lomachenko lands a left to the body…Body shot from Pedraza..Jab and 2 lefts from Lomachenko
Round 6 Right from Pedraza..Ripping combo from Lomachenko..Left…Pedraza gets in a right…Hard left from Lomachenko
Round 7 Lomachenko gets in a right..Left to body..Right inside…Straight left..Body shot that was answered by a combination from Pedraza
Round 8 Right to body from Pedraza..2 hard right hooks from Lomachenko….Left to body..3 punch combination..Inside right hook
Round 9 Right from Pedraza..Right to body..Combination on inside..Hard uppercut/left from Lomachenko
Round 10 Body shot from Pedraza..Another,,,Right hook..Uppercut/left combination….Left from Loamchenko
Round 11 Straight left from Lomachenko..Hard left hurts Pedraza..Lomahenko ripping shots…ALl over Pedraza..Body Shot…LEFT TO HEAD AND DOWN GOES PEDRAZA…ANOTHER LEFT AND DOWN GOES PEDRAZA AGAIN
Round 12 Right hook from Pedraza…Good Straight left..Right hook..
119-107; 117-109 TWICE FOR VASYL LOMACHENKO
| 12-ROUNDS–WBO SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE–ISAAC DOGBOE (20-0, 14 KOS) VS EMANUEL NAVARRETE (25-1, 22 KOS) | |||||||||||||
| ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
| DOGBOE | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 114 |
| NAVARRETE | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 114 |
Round 1 Left to body by Navarette..3 body shots from Dogboe..Jab..Left and right to body..Left as Navarrete came off ropes..Jab..Right from Navarrete..Right from Dogboe
Round 2 Navarrete trying to use long jab..Right to body from Dogboe..Counter uppercut..Jab from Navarrete..Left to body from Dogboe…Hard right from Navarrete…..Big body shot and left hook..Combinations has Dogboe on ropes..
Round 3 Left to body from Navarrete..uppercut..Hard left..Left from Dogboe…1-2 from Navarrete
Round 4 Body work from Dogboe…Left to body..Jabs
Round 5 Right from Dogboe..good uppercut from Navarrete..another uppercut…Navarrete chasing Dogboe..missing a lot..Left from Dogboe
Round 6 Uppercut from Navarrete..Right..Left..4 punch combination..Body shot from Dogboe..uppercut..right
Round 7 Body work from Dogboe..Body work on inside…Combination from Navarrete..Good body shot from Dogboe..
Round 8 Hard body shots from Dogboe…left to body..Good right and left to body..2 lefts to the head…Long right from Navarrete..Left from Dogboe..Good left to the body
Round 9 Jab from Dogboe..Right to head–Navarrete slips to canvas,,Left from Dogboe….Good right
Round 10 Dogboe has swelling over right eye..Doctor checks it to begin the round..Left to body from Navarrete..Left drives Dogboe into ropes..Body work from Dogboe..Dogboe slips in corner..Body shot from Navarrete..Right from Dogboe..3 punch combination from Navarrete
Round 11 Left to body from Navarrete..Body shot with the uppercut…Digboe slips again..
Round 12 Right from Navarrete,,,Left..Right from Dogboe..Body shot from Navarrete..Digboe thrown to the canvas..
115-113 ; 116-112 TWICE FOR WINNER AND NEW CHAMPION EMANUEL NAVARRETE
| 10-rounds–Lightweights–Teofimo Lopez (10-0, 8 KOs) vs Mason Menard (34-3, 23 KOs) | |||||||||||||
| ROUND | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | TOTAL |
| Lopez* | KO | ||||||||||||
| Menard | |||||||||||||
Round 1 Right over top from Lopez…Hard right..HUGE RIGHT AND MENARD FALLS FACE FIRST…FIGHT OVER…TIME 44 SECONDS