Filip Hrgovi? (6-0, 5 KOs) has a new opponent set for his heavyweight showdown on Saturday at the KC Drazen Petrovic with former World title challenger Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson (32-11-1, 16 KOs) replacing Ytalo Perea.

Perea was due to arrive in Zagreb on Tuesday, but did not make his scheduled connection from Bogota. Later, it became apparent, despite previous assurances, that he did not possess the necessary documents to travel.

With no time to spare, the call went out for a suitable replacement, and Johnson, currently based in Germany, where he recorded a knockout win last Saturday, was placed on standby earlier this week and arrived in Zagreb today.

Johnson, from New Jersey, USA, challenged Vitali Klitschko for the WBC World title, and has since gone on to share the ring with a number of modern heavyweight greats including Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

“I’m feeling good,” said Johnson. “I’m coming off a knockout win last weekend and I’m still in that fighting mood. I’m in great shape and I’m ready to go.

“I didn’t have to think twice when I was offered the fight. Hrgovi? doesn’t worry me. I’ve been in there with the best, and he’s not the best, so why should I worry about him?

“He’s been training for something completely different so who knows what’s going to happen when we meet in the middle of the ring. It’s hard to predict, but if the opportunity for a knockout comes, I’m going to take it.

“He’s going to need all the support he can get come Saturday because if he doesn’t, there’s going to be a big upset, and whatever the outcome, one thing’s for sure, the fans are going to get their money’s worth, I can guarantee that!”

“Obviously, it’s not ideal for Filip to have such a late change of opponent, but due to the circumstances, we were left with no other option,” said promoter Nisse Sauerland.

“We are, however, delighted to have secured such a high profile replacement. Kevin Johnson has fought the best out there. He always puts on a great show, and I’m sure the fans at the KC Drazen Petrivic will not be disappointed.”

Filip Hrgovi? vs. Kevin Johnson tops an action-packed fight card at the KC Dražen Petrovi? in Zagreb on Saturday, which also features Croatian female star Ivana Habazin in a rematch with Eva Bajic and a full supporting undercard.

Tickets start from 150 KN and are available online via http://www.eventim.hr. All the action will be broadcast live and exclusive on RTL in Croatia.

LIAM WILLIAMS IS in full agreement with the thinking that jumping up a weight to take on a knockout artist who nobody else fancied fighting is the sort of challenge that presses his buttons.

Former British, Commonwealth and WBO European super welterweight champion Williams bids to become a two-weight British champion on December 22 at the Manchester Arena when he faces Mark Heffron for the vacant title as chief support to Josh Warrington defending his IBF world featherweight title against two-weight world champion Carl Frampton.

It is match-up that has got fight fans licking their lips in anticipation and the prospect of trading leather with the destructive Heffron – 17KOs from his 21 unbeaten professional fights – is something that stirs the juices of the 26-year-old from the South Wales Valleys.

“Yes! Definitely, it is exciting and as soon as the fight was offered to me, for all of ten seconds, I wondered if he was too big for me,” recalled the 18-2-1 Williams, whose only defeats came against former world champion Liam Smith in an epic double-header.

“He has come down from super middle and then I thought ‘no he isn’t’ because on fight night I am very big for the weight and in all honesty when I stood in front of him I felt I was the bigger man.

“Whether it looked that way to others, I don’t know, but looking at him I thought I was stronger.”

While Williams will insist size doesn’t matter when it comes to jumping up a division, the fact is he is happy to roll the dice and gamble anyway because he is past the point of self-preservation or looking to pad a record

“I couldn’t care less,” he pointed out. “I don’t want to lose and I really don’t think I’m going to lose, but I’m not protecting nothing. I took those Smith fights quite early on compared to what people thought I would.

“It was never a massive thing for me, protecting an unbeaten record. It looks good on paper but, when you get in there with someone who is a real fighter, it is going to show anyway. So you might as well throw yourself in and be in a couple of tough fights before pushing onto the next level.”

Williams, meanwhile, confessed that affording himself some extra poundage is an option that has crossed his mind in the past when he has been striving hard to make super welterweight.

“I had thoughts. I didn’t need to because I can make the weight, but it is a struggle and anyone who looks at me will know it is hard to make light middle. It is do-able as long as I do it the right way and in a healthy way.

“So I wasn’t really thinking about it, but this offer made sense really and why wouldn’t I take it?” he questioned, before admitting that, should he be successful, there will a temptation to stick at 160lbs.

“Yeah it will be difficult to resist but it is about what is offered to me and I feel like I want to push on now. I didn’t really want to fight for the British title, with all respect to the title and I love it, but I planned on moving forward to a European title or fringe world level opponents to get myself into the mix.

“Then this was offered to me and it is a great fight. Mark is a good fighter, take nothing away from him, so it makes perfect sense. It is going to be a quality fight.”

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.

HBO Sports returns to the boxing hotbed of southern California for a thrilling tripleheader of ring action when HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: CECILIA BRAEKHUS VS. ALEKSANDRA MAGDZIAK LOPES AND JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA VS. VICTOR MENDEZ AND CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. FEMKE HERMANS is seen SATURDAY, DEC. 8 at 10:20 p.m. (ET/PT) from StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

The fights will also be available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners’ streaming platforms.

In the main event, the sport’s most prolific female fighter appears on HBO for the second time to defend her world welterweight title in a ten-round bout. Hailing from Bergen, Norway, Cecilia Braekhus (34-0, 9 KOs), 37, has fashioned a brilliant ring career, elevating herself to the status of elite performer and worldwide attraction. She faces a tough challenger in Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (18-4-3, 1 KO), 38, of Gliwice, Poland.

The co-feature is a dynamite ten-round super flyweight showdown between Juan Francisco Estrada (37-3-0, 25 KOs) and Victor Mendez, (28-3-2, 20 KOs), both of Sonora, Mexico. Estrada, who fought on all three “Superfly” cards, is coming off a dominant 12-round decision over Felipe Orucuta at “Superfly 3” in September. Last February, the 28-year-old challenged super flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai at “Superfly 2,” losing a hotly contested 12-round majority decision in a battle that’s a surefire candidate for fight of the year. Estrada has become an attraction on the west coast, and will be fighting for the fourth consecutive time in southern California on HBO. Mendez, 25, has won nine of his last ten bouts, most recently scoring a third-round knockout of Alberto Ascanio in June.

Opening the telecast and making her HBO debut is two-time U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and women’s middleweight world champion Claressa Shields (7-0, 2 KOs) of Flint, Mich. Returning to the ring just three weeks after her unanimous decision victory over Hannah Rankin, the fast-tracking Shields, 23, will defend her title against 28-year-old Femke Hermans (9-1, 3 KOs) of Londerzeel, Belgium in a ten-round bout.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

The two baddest ladies on the planet will be side-by-side Saturday night when UFC Superstar Champion Cris Cyborg walks 2x US Olympic gold medal winner and current WBC/WBA/IBF Middleweight Champion Claressa Shields into the ring for T-Rex’s fight versus 168-lb champion Femke Hermans Saturday night live on HBO from Stub Hub Center in Carson, CA.

Cyborg will be taking time out from preparation for her December 29 PPV battle with Amanda Nunes to join Shields and be ringside for the final HBO boxing telecast this Saturday. Shields and Cyborg have a great mutual respect and have trained together in the gym.

“I’m excited to have Cris walk me out and carry my WBC championship belt on Saturday,” said WBC/WBA/IBF Champ Claressa Shields. “She’ll be supporting me on December 8 and I’ll be rooting big for her against Amanda Nunes on December 29. We are the two baddest ladies on the planet.”

“Both Claressa and Cyborg are leaders in their respective combat sports,” said Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “Women’s empowerment will be on display on Saturday night on the historic final night of HBO Boxing.”

“In addition to being a celebration of forty-five years of HBO Boxing, Saturday night is a celebration of a new era of women’s boxing and women’s sports,” said Mark Taffet, manager of Claressa Shields and a twenty-five year former HBO Boxing executive. “Claressa Shields and Cris Cyborg are the backbone of the new era, and I’m thrilled Cris will be walking Claressa to the boxing ring on this historic night.”
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

Joshua Buatsi will defend his WBA International Light-Heavyweight title against Australia’s Renold Quinlan at The O2 in London on December 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Buatsi won the title in spectacular fashion when he destroyed Andrejs Pokumeiko inside one round at The O2 in July before blitzing Frenchman Tony Averlant in the opening round at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle in September.

The 25-year-old Croydon star is hoping that former IBO Super-Middleweight Champion Quinlan will take him rounds. December 22 will be Quinlan’s second fight in the UK, he took Chris Eubank Jr. ten rounds when they clashed at the Olympia last year.

“Renold Quinlan is a good solid fighter,” said Buatsi. “I’m hoping that he will give me the rounds that I need because my last two fights have gone early. He’s a very tough man and a proud Australian, he’ll be coming to fight. This isn’t about the title, it’s about getting the experience under my belt and pushing on.”

“I’ve seen bits of Buatsi and he’s nothing special,” said Quinlan. “He hasn’t fought anyone like me yet and I can’t wait to give him a great fight. I’m delighted to be returning to the UK on such a big card and I’ll be putting on a great performance for all my UK fans.”

Buatsi vs. Quinlan is part of a huge night of boxing in the capital.

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, David Price and Tom Little meet in a must-win Heavyweight clash and British Featherweight Champion Ryan Walsh puts his Lonsdale belt on the line against Watford’s Reece Bellotti.

Very limited tickets for Whyte vs. Chisora 2 are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)

Los Angeles, CA (December 5, 2018) Five of the fighters appearing on UNDISPUTED worked out for the media today in Los Angeles ahead of this Saturday’s world championship boxing event at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:20 p.m. ET/PT.

Below are quotes from the participants.

Juan Francisco Estrada

“Victor Mendez and I have known each other since we were kids, we started together in boxing. But once you get in the ring you have to forget about that and give the fans what they want, a great fight.”

“I actually started my preparation a while back for the Sor Rungvisai rematch which was supposed to take place this coming February. But this opportunity came and I have to take it.”

“The first fight against Sor Rungvisai I know a lot of people liked and a lot of people say was one of the best of the year. However, a second fight would be even better as I would throw a lot more punches.”

“It’s been five years since my fight with ‘Chocolatito’ but the rematch is the one people ask about the most. My mindset however is to defeat Sor Rungvisai first and become a champion, then to fight ‘Chocolatito.”’

“HBO has been great exposure for me, I’m very proud that this is my fourth straight fight on the network.

“I can’t tell you the round but I’m going to win on Saturday night by knockout.”

Claressa Shields

“I know that Femke Hermans lost against Alicia Napoleon and I know I can beat her.”

I’m very happy where my career is. To only have seven fights and to have accomplished all I have is a big deal. I’ve beaten the best and will continue to do so. Hannah Gabriels was a very tough fight but I proved a lot in that fight.”

“I love that the sport of women’s boxing has been lifted for all female fighters. We’re getting better opportunities and I expect that to continue next year and in the coming years.”

“I’m happy for all the support I’ve gotten and to be able to inspire others. Being a role-model isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real.”

Aleksandra Magdziak-Lopes

“I’ve accomplished a great deal on my own in my career without a promoter and I’m very proud of that.”

“I’m super excited for this opportunity to fight Cecilia for all her belts.”

“Women’s boxing has made such huge strides but there are even more great female boxers under the radar.

All they need is the platform. It’s great to see more and more opportunities coming to women’s boxing.”

“Cecilia has been around a long time and I’ve seen many of her fights. There’s no one else left for me to fight so now is the best time to fight her.”

“Cecilia is great at many things but I have a good game plan for Saturday night. Once we get in the ring I’ll know a lot more about how it’s going to go in the fight.”

Victor Mendez

“I was actually training to fight ‘Chocolatito’ but they chose Guevera because they said I was too big for him. I was really looking forward to that fight but I stayed in the gym and jumped at the opportunity to fight Estrada.”

“Estrada and I have sparred many times when we younger and we were on the same amateur teams so we know each other very well. I don’t think of it as a rivalry, I just know a victory would be very big for me, that’s the way I look at it, a very big opportunity.”

“I’m very happy to finally fight in the United States and on HBO in a big arena.”

“This will be a war, I’m going right after him and I’m sure it’s going to be a very entertaining fight for the fans.”

Femke Hermans

“I had a fight in September and was in great shape and was ready when they called. I’m very excited to fight Claressa, it’s going to be a great night of boxing.”

“I’ve watched a few of her fights and know there are some things I do well which will bother her. She’s at a

high level so I can’t make any mistakes against her.”

“It’s great to fight in the United States. In Belgium boxing is a very small sport but it’s much bigger here.”

“This has been a great year for women’s boxing and the future is very bright.”

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Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Boxing Promotions, advance tickets for UNDISPUTED priced at $25, $50, $100 and $150 can be purchased through AXS HERE .The StubHub Center is located at 18400 Avalon Boulevard, Carson, CA 90746. For more information please visit their website at www.StubHubCenter.com.

UNDISPUTED is headlined by the Consensus #1 Ranked Women’s Pound-for-Pound Fighter and Undisputed Women’s Welterweight World Champion ‘The First Lady’ Cecilia Braekhus (34-0, 9 KOs), defending her titles (WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO) against two-time world title challenger, Aleksandra Magdziak-Lopes, (18-4-3, 1 KO), a native of Gilwice, Poland, now based in Marshfield, MA in the televised ten-round main event. Magdziak-Lopes also holds a victory over Braekhus’ recent opponent Kali Reis. The tripleheader will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:20 p.m. ET/PT.

In the televised co-feature, former Unified World Champion and #1 ranked Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada, (37-3-0, 25 KO’s), of Sonora, Mexico battles cross-town Mexican rival Victor ‘Spock’ Mendez, (28-3-2, 20 KOs), also of Sonora, Mexico in a ten-round super-flyweight clash

Opening the telecast, two-time United States Olympic Gold Medalist and WBC/IBF/WBA Women’s Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields, (7-0, 2 KOs), of Flint, MI faces WBO Women’s Super-Middleweight World Champion Femke Hermans, (9-1, 3 KOs), of Londerzeel, Belgium in a ten-round middleweight world title clash.

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION

Approved fight night credentials can be picked-up on Saturday, December 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Box Office Window #12 at the StubHub Center. Proper personal photo identification (driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Dec. 5, 2018) – WBA lightweight world champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, WBO lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza, unbeaten WBO junior featherweight world champion Isaac Dogboe, unbeaten lightweight sensation Teofimo Lopez, and Italian heavyweight prospect Guido Vianello took a break from their last-minute fight preparations to head over to Gleason’s Gym to speak to a group of youngsters from Give A Kid A Dream. The foundation provides mentorship opportunities to at-risk youth through boxing.

More than 30 children from the foundation were on hand as the fighters discussed the hard work required to become a world-class fighter. Each fighter demonstrated drills for the children, signed autographs, and gave a few lucky children in-the-ring tutorials.

Lomachenko and Pedraza also took a break to answer a few questions about Saturday’s showdown. This is what they had to say.

Vasiliy Lomachenko

On training camp

“I had a really good camp. I am looking forward to getting back in the ring on Saturday. Madison Square Garden is my favorite place to fight. It is like another home for me. It is a very special place.”

On recovery from torn labrum suffered during Linares bout and fighting through pain

“I am 100 percent. I feel good. When the injury happened, I was mentally prepared to deal with it. I still had my feet. I still had another hand. I am very competitive. I feel like when you step in the ring, you need to finish the fight.”

On Pedraza as a fighter and what he’ll bring to the table

“Nobody knows yet. I’ve had a long rest. Now, I load a new program into my head. We’ll see what happens.”

On recovering and resting following the surgery

“It was good for me to rest. I have been boxing since I was a child. I had a lot of competition. It was my first rest and first big vacation in my life.”

Jose Pedraza

“The time is almost here. The desire to win is very high. I have visualized all the possible scenarios. I’ve seen myself winning, I’ve seen myself knocking him out, I’ve seen myself pulling out the victory coming from behind. The closer the fight approaches, the more I see myself with my hands held high and with the two titles on my shoulders. I already fulfilled my goal of becoming a world champion, and now I’m going after the goal of unifying titles.”

“The titles will return to Puerto Rico with me. I know that it will not be an easy fight. I will be facing one of the best fighters in the world. He has tremendous skills, but I know that I also have great skills and the necessary focus to come out with the victory. Puerto Rico deserves a moment of happiness. I’m going to do it for them, and my family.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Madison Square Garden, tickets for the Lomachenko-Pedraza world championship event are on sale now. Priced at $506, $356, $206, $106, and $56, tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at ticketmaster.com and MSG.com.

Lomachenko-Pedraza, Dogboe’s WBO junior featherweight title defense against Emanuel Navarrete, and Lopez versus Mason Menard will headline a special three-fight edition of Top Rank on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET, which will follow the 84th Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Presentation.

All undercard bouts, including Vianello’s pro debut against Luke Lyons, will stream on ESPN+ beginning at 6 p.m. ET.

New York (December 5th, 2018) – Some of the biggest names in boxing will be on display as Ring 8 will host their annual Holiday and Awards Ceremony at Russo’s on the Bay (162-45 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414) beginning at 12:30 p.m. and lasting to 5:30 p.m.

WBO Welterweight world champion Terence Crawford will take home the coveted Fighter of the Year.; Former Heavyweight champion of the world, and New York native Riddick Bowe will be honored with The Legend Award.

Undisputed Cruiserweight world champion, Oleksandr Usyk will be an honored with The Historical Award based on the strength of his accomplishment of winning all four sanctioning body titles.

Highly ranked heavyweight contender, Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller will be honored with the New York State Fighter of the Year.

WBA Super Middleweight champion Alicia Napoleon won the New York State Female Fighter of the Year.

(A FULL LIST OF THE HONOREES IS LISTED BELOW)

“Every year the Ring8 holiday and awards banquet attracts substantial star power, but this year it has gone to an even higher level. That is why interest in the event is greater than it has ever been” says Ring8 president Jack Hirsch. “In Terence Crawford and Oleksandr Usyk, we have arguably the two best pound for pound boxers in the world confirmed to attend. Joining them will be former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe and current heavyweight contender Jarrell Miller who will also be honored. The room will also be filled with a number of former world champions like Iran Barkley, Junior Jones, and Luis Collazo. There is also a possibility that Vasiliy Lomachenko will attend to see his good friend Usyk being honored.”

“The food and atmosphere at Russo’s on the Bay is second to none. That along with the many boxing luminaries will make it an afternoon to remember.”

ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $10.00 per person.

(Dec. 5, 2018) — Top Rank is proud to announce that Lee Samuels, the company’s chief publicist for nearly four decades, will be inducted as part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) Class of 2019 in Canastota, N.Y.

Samuels is only the second publicist to receive this honor following his mentor and former Top Rank public relations chief, Irving Rudd, who was inducted as part of the Class of 1999. Samuels is the fifth member of the Top Rank family to receive boxing’s highest honor, joining Rudd, Founder and CEO Bob Arum (1999), longtime matchmaker Bruce Trampler (2010), and the late matchmaker Teddy Brenner (1993).

The IBHOF Induction Weekend will take place June 6-9.

“This is a tremendous honor, the biggest in the sport of boxing,” Samuels said. “Bob Arum hired me in 1983 to be part of a new ESPN Thursday night boxing series. Todd duBoef, our president, personally helped my family when we needed it the most and kept us going. It’s incredible for me to join Top Rank’s greatest publicist, Irving Rudd, in the Hall of Fame. I love interacting with media from all parts of the world. There is no night like fight night and being with the writers and our Top Rank family on press row. I would like to thank all of the great champions, contenders and prospects I’ve worked with throughout the years. You have all made this possible.”

“For decades, Lee Samuels has been outstanding in disseminating information about boxers and boxing to the public around the world,” Arum said. “He truly deserves the honor of being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

“There are few individuals more deserving of this honor than Lee Samuels,” Trampler said. “I am honored to have known him for decades as a friend and a colleague. Welcome to Canastota, Lee!”

A native of Pennsville, N.J., Samuels cut his teeth as a sports writer at the Courier-Post and the old Philadelphia Bulletin. At the Bulletin in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he covered many of the sport’s leading lights, including Muhammad Ali’s historic victory over Leon Spinks on Feb. 15, 1978 in Las Vegas. After the Bulletin shuttered its doors, Samuels joined the Top Rank team, working out of an office in Atlantic City but spending most of his days on the road.

Three years into his Top Rank tenure, Arum dispatched Samuels to the Canyon Hotel in Palm Springs, Calif., where he headed up publicity as Marvelous Marvin Hagler prepared to defend his middleweight world title against Sugar Ray Leonard. Since the days of Hagler, Samuels has helped tell the stories of the world’s leading pugilistic superstars, including Manny Pacquiao, Thomas Hearns, Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Michael Carbajal, Donald Curry, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De La Hoya, Timothy Bradley, Terence Crawford, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and Erik Morales.

From Leonard vs. Hagler and De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, to De La Hoya vs. Chavez I and II and Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, Samuels has been an integral part of many of the biggest fights of the 20th and 21st centuries. Come June, boxing’s nicest guy will take his rightful place among the sport’s all-time greats.
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CANASTOTA, NY – DECEMBER 5, 2018 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum announced today the members of the Class of 2019. Inductees include two-division champions Donald “Lone Star Cobra” Curry, Julian “The Hawk” Jackson and James “Buddy” McGirt in the Modern category and welterweight champion Tony DeMarco in the Old Timer Category. Non-participants and observers to be inducted include matchmaker / promoter Don Elbaum, referee / judge Guy Jutras, publicist Lee Samuels and broadcaster Teddy Atlas.

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“We’re extremely excited about the Class of 2019 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy.

The 2019 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will be held June 6-9th in Canastota, NY. Many events in “Boxing’s Hometown” of Canastota throughout the four-day celebration, including a 5K Race / Fun Run, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, VIP Cocktail Reception, Parade of Champions and the Official Induction Ceremony on the Hall of Fame Museum Grounds, are scheduled. The Hall of Fame Weekend evening events include Friday night’s Fight Night at Turning Stone and Saturday’s Banquet of Champions. Both events will take place at Turning Stone Resort Casino in nearby Verona, NY.

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The Hall of Fame also released the name of one posthumous honoree: journalist Mario Rivera Martino in the Observer Category. Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. Biographies on the Class of 2019 can be found on www.ibhof.com

For more information on events planned for the Hall of Fame’s 30th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook Twitter and Instagram.

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COMMENTS UPON RECEIVING INDUCTION NEWS

“Alright! Now we’re talking. It’s an honor. This is the greatest day of my life. I’m overwhelmed to get this call from the Hall of Fame. It’s a dream come true.”

– Donald Curry

“I tell you what, I’m speechless. This is a tremendous honor. Thank God for his grace and mercy. Wow! It’s amazing! I really don’t have words for this but eventually they will come.”

– Julian Jackson

“To be honest, I can’t even talk right now. This shows you’re appreciated by the boxing world and that all the hard work and dedication pays off.”

– James “Buddy” McGirt

“I am honored to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2019. I am grateful to the international sportswriters and to the boxing community.”

– Tony DeMarco

“I’ve been in the game over a thousand years and this is one of the greatest days of my life…absolutely one of the greatest days of my life. This is like winning the heavyweight championship of the world!”

– Don Elbaum

“You don’t know how much this means to me. This is unbelievable. Fantastic. My whole life has been dedicated and attached to the sport of boxing and this is the greatest news I could ever get. Being recognized by the International Boxing Hall of Fame is the greatest reward that anybody can ever get.”

– Guy Jutras

“The biggest honor in the sport of boxing is induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the greatest honor any publicist can hope to get. This is a tremendous honor. I now will be in the Hall of Fame with my former boss, the best publicist in the sport of boxing, Irving Rudd. And I wouldn’t be where I am without Bob Arum.”

– Lee Samuels

“The sport of boxing has given me direction and a clarity for the difference between work and passion and a job and a purpose. It has also given me opportunities to share special moments with my family, as it has now with the news that I have been elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”

– Teddy Atlas

mage removed by sender.

TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO

OFFICIAL RESORT CASINO OF THE

INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME WEEKEND

In 2017, Turning Stone Resort Casino and the International Boxing Hall of Fame announced a five-year multifaceted partnership to spotlight the entire region, garnering national attention and boosting tourism in Central New York. The program includes a series of nationally-televised boxing events at Turning Stone, culminating every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend with several exciting events in Madison County and Oneida County throughout the four-day celebration.

Philadelphia, PA (December 5, 2018) -This Friday night’s King’s Promotions card will be streamed live at on the Kings Boxing Facebook page beginning at 7 pm ET / 4 PM PT.

Fight week gets underway on Thursday as the weigh-in will also be streamed live on the Kings Boxing Facebook page beginning at 6 PM ET.

In the main event, Brandon Robinson will look for his 12th consecutive victory when he takes on undefeated Kalvin Henderson in a bout scheduled for 10-rounds.

In six-round bouts:

Michael Coffie (5-0, 4 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY fights Juan Goode (8-8, 6 KOs) of Taylor, MI in a heavyweight bout.

Isaiah Wise (6-2-1, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Andy Gonzales (6-3, 5 KOs) of Worcester, MA in a super welterweight clash.

In four round bouts:

James Brenadin (1-0, 1 KO) of of Lancaster, PA squares off with Sheldon Deverteuil (1-0-1) of Philadelphia in a lightweight fight.

Paul Koon (3-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia boxes Cade Rodriguez (2-2, 2 KOs) of Monroe, GA in a heavyweight contest.

Romuel Cruz (2-0-1) of Philadelphia tangles with Hugo Rodriguez (0-1) of Nuevo Leon, MX in a super bantamweight fight.

Travis Toledo (3-0, 3 KOs) of Baltimore, MD looks to stay undefeated when he fights Ronnie Lawrence (0-2) of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight bout.

Luis Arcon (3-0, 3 KOs) of Cochella, California will fight Jerome Rodriguez (7-11-3, 2 KOs) of Allentown, PA in a junior welterweight contest.

Tickets for this great night of boxing can be purchased at www.2300arena.com for $100, $75 and $50

For more information and media credentials, Contact:

Marc Abrams phillyboxing@gmail.com or 856 287 7611

Follow King’s Promotions on the following platforms:

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter and www.kingsboxing.com

VENTNOR CITY, N.J. (December 5, 2018) – The relaunched International Boxing Association (IBA) is making a full commitment to women’s boxing, commencing with a new rule change to sanction 12-round world title fights.

The IBA is going back to the future having been an original pioneer in terms of giving much deserved recognition to women’s boxing, represented by former IBA world champions such as Laila Ali, Mia St. John and Holly Holm.

In 1991, two-time Major League Baseball all-star pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Dean Chance founded the IBA, guiding the international sanctioning body until his death in 2015. Under a new group headed by IBA president J.C. Courreges, the IBA relaunched during the summer of 2017.

“This is the IBA’s first step towards establishing equality between men and women in professional boxing,” Courreges announced. “Our goal is to offer equality for women boxers in our organization. Women’s world title fights are 10, 2-minute rounds, not 12, like in the IBA.

“There is a new wave of women’s boxing, led by Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and so many other rising female stars worldwide. The IBA plans to be in the forefront and we recently crowned our first woman world champion, strawweight Eva Guzman, of Venezuela. In 2019, we look forward to crowning many other women IBA world champions, in what the IBA is calling the Year of Women’s Boxing.”

Former IBA world champions during the past quarter-centory include Hall-of-Famers Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, Roberto Duran and Arturo Gatti, as well as stars such as Roy Jones, Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosely, James Toney, Mikkel Kessler, Eric Morales, Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver.

IBA MEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONS

Heavyweight: Vacant

Cruiserweight: Mairis Briedis (Latvia)

Light Heavyweight: Vacant

Super Middleweight: Vacant

Middleweight: Curtis Stevens (United States)

Junior Middleweight: Vacant

Welterweight: Vacant

Junior Welterweight: Alexander Duran (Panama)

Lightweight: Vacant

Junior Lightweight: Vacant

Featherweight : Vacant

Junior Featherweight: Vacant

Bantamweight: Otto Gamez (Valenzuela)

Junior Bantamweight: Ronald Batista (Panama)

Flyweight: Nico Hernandez (United States)

Junior Flyweight: Vacant

Strawweight: Vacant

Based in Ventnor City, New Jersey, the IBA also has an office in Florida. The IBA is establishing international representatives around the world in Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Australia, Canada and South Africa.

The following championships are sanctioned by the IBA: World, InterContinental, Americas and International. The IBA sanctions the following Regional Titles: Latino, Caribbean, European, African, Asian and South Pacific,.

IBA Executive Committee members are J.C. Courreges, President; Stephane Cabrera, Vice President, Jean Philippe Lustyk, Vice President; and Bruno Wartelle, Ratings Chairman; Klaus Hagemann and Steve Smoger are Co-Chairmen of the IBA Officials Committee.

IBA INFORMATION:

www.internationalboxingassociation.com

Facebook: /IBABoxing

Instagram: @IBABoxing

ibabestboxing@gmail.com

609.823.8800

Oliver Flodin (4-0) and Abdul Khattab (15-2-1, 4 KOs) are set for a Scandinavian showdown 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 in Denmark.

Khattab, from Copenhagen, returns to the ring for the first time following his draw with Ronny Mittag on October 27, 2017 at the Sport and Congress Centre in Schwerin, and the 25 year-old is eager to prove he still has more to give in the professional ranks, starting with a victory over his Swedish rival Flodin.

“I’ve been keeping myself in top shape and waiting for the right opportunity,” says Khattab, who is trained by Danish boxing legend Mikkel Kessler. “That opportunity is here now, and I’m looking forward to a great fight on January 19.

“Of course, there is always something extra when a Danish fighter meets a Swede. It gives me even more motivation, and I’m sure it will make for a great atmosphere. I have no doubt that my hand will be raised after the final bell.

“I’ve seen some of Flodin’s fights. He is a good young boxer, who is just starting to make his way as a professional. He was good amateur, but professional boxing is something completely different, and I am going to show him that.

“Fans can expect a good performance from me. I’m hungry, and I feel stronger than ever. I believe one hundred percent that I will beat Flodin, and then I’ll be ready for a title fight in 2019. The time for fun is over, I’m serious now!”

Flodin, the 22 year-old from Jonkoping, has impressed since joining the professional ranks, recording four unanimous points wins, his latest against Nikoloz Gvajava on June 2 at the Swiss Life Hall in Hannover.

The Swede can expect a significant step up at the Struer Energi Park, but says he believes this is Khattab’s ‘last chance’, and that his superior ring smarts will prove the difference in their eight-round middleweight clash.

“It’s going to be a war,” says Flodin. “This is Khattab’s last chance as a professional, but for me it’s just a great opportunity to climb the ladder.

“I have met and beat many Danes as an amateur, and it will be no different on January 19. I expect to be smarter than Khattab in the ring. I’ve watched him fight, I know he comes forward a lot, and that will suit my style perfectly.

“I have great ambitions for my boxing career, and once I’m finished with Khattab, my plan is to target a European title fight in the next two years.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland says he is looking forward to this fascinating showdown between these two promising Scandinavian fighters.

“We are pleased to present this spectacular Scandinavian showdown on January 19 in Struer, with much at stake for both boxers,” he says.

“For Oliver it’s a big step up, and for Abdul it’s a must win. It’s a dangerous fight for both, and fans can expect a great battle between Sweden and Denmark.”

Flodin versus Khattab is the latest addition to a stacked card in Struer. Local hero 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.

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

Former super welterweight world contender Vanes Martirosyan of Glendale, Calif., is the first standout to join International Championship Boxing, promoter of the revolutionary and exciting new combat sport that features boxing in a cage.

“Vanes is not just the first to sign a multi-bout, multi-year agreement with ICB, but he’s also the first of several,” says Jack Fulton, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia-based ICB.

“We are in discussions with many boxers, mixed martial artists and kickboxers, and some of the names definitely would surprise,” says Fulton.
“It’s more than interest, it’s enthusiasm to box in ‘The Fight Zone’ says Fulton. “We’ve struck a chord with boxers and MMA fighters, and it’s resonating.”
The 32-year-old Martirosyan, originally from Armenia, has a record of 36-4-1 with 21 knockouts.

Martirosyan’s most recent bout was against Gennady Golovkin on May 5 for “GGG’s” World Boxing Association and the World Boxing Council middleweight championships, a fight he took on three-week notice.

Martirosyan had two previous title bouts, one for the WBA super welterweight crown and another for the World Boxing Organization super welterweight championship.

Martirosyan’s first bout in the ICB cage will be during the first quarter of 2019.
“I was surprised when I heard about boxing in a cage, but at the same time I was real happy,” says Martirosyan. “The idea is just amazing. Fans are going to love it.

“I’m going to be a nightmare in the cage,” says Martirosyan. “It’s easier to cut off the cage in a dog fight, and I’m an action fighter; I do bring the action.

“I challenge all fighters in the world, boxing or MMA, to come into the cage with me, and I’ll show them what real fighting is all about,” says Martirosyan.
“Vanes and his team are excited to be part of this new and unique concept for boxing,” says his manager, Vince Carthron.

“It’s a format just made for Vanes, and we are delighted to be there at the beginning and helping to build it,” says Carthron. “It’s good for boxing fans, and it’s good for Vanes.”

It took Fulton almost two years to get the cage designed, built, patented and approved by boxing and athletic commissions within the United States, including the state of Nevada.

An 18 year veteran promoter of the sport, through the years Fulton began to realize the sport needed something new, something fresh. And in 2016 he did something about it.

“The sport of boxing needed something revolutionary, and this is it,” says Fulton.

“The ICB cage better assures toe-to-toe, non-stop action, something that’s appealing to both boxing and mixed martial arts fans, and to the new hybrid athlete that’s proficient in more than one combat sport”

“We have no doubt ICB boxing in the cage will engage all ring sports fans,” says Fulton. “‘This is boxing for a new generation, a generation that has grown up watching combat sport in a cage. And that’s the main reason we conceived, created and now launched the ICB. It will re-energize boxing fans and bring MMA fans who prefer stand-up striking.”

“Vanes gets it; he sees the future and the opportunity,” says Fulton. “The ICB cage doesn’t force a boxer or an MMA fighter to make a choice; it offers them flexibility.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin met with Eddie Hearn as well as John Skipper who is the head of the DAZN streamlining service.

Golovkin has had offers from DAZN and ESPN/Top Rank. He also met with Premier Boxing Champions officials last weekend in Los Angeles around the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury heavyweight world title fight, for which he was ringside, and Golovkin is expected to receive an offer from PBC chief Al Haymon, who has broadcast deals with Showtime and Fox.

DAZN and Hearn would like to make a third fight between Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez, who edged Golovkin by majority decision in their rematch — the year’s biggest fight — on Sept. 15 to win the unified middleweight title.

Beverly Hills, Calif. (December 4, 2018) – Two members of the No Limit Mindset LLC. Management stable will be in action in big bouts on the East Coast on Friday and Saturday respectively.

Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, undefeated super middleweight, Kalvin “Hot Sauce” Henderson takes on Brandon Robinson in a ten-round main event.

Saturday night at The Hulu Theater, lightweight Mason Menard takes on undefeated prospect Teofimo Lopez in a bout that that will be seen live on ESPN.

Henderson (10-0, 6 KOs) of Fort Worth, Texas will be taking a step up in competition as he travels to the hometown of Robinson, who himself has won 11 straight bouts.

“Feeling strong, hungry, and excited to put on a show this Friday, December 7th. Training camp was rough like its supposed to be but we’re primed and ready to knock. Philly is about to feel all this heat,” said Henderson

Menard of Rayne. Louisiana, has an impressive mark of 34-3 with 24 knockouts, plans to use his experience against one of the top prospects in the lightweight division. With a win, Menard would re-stake his claim as one of the top contenders in the weight class.

“It’s fight week. I’m feeling real good. Had one of my best camps ever. I’m prepared. I’m ready. It’s go time! All the hard work will pay off come December 8th on ESPN!” said Menard.

“This is a big week for No Limit Mindset! Both of my fighters are showing what they are made of by taking these types of fights against top level fighters on the biggest stage! I am excited to be in Philadelphia to watch Kalvin Henderson fight in another man’s hometown; then the next night at Madison Square Garden in New York City for Mason Menard on ESPN! This is what boxing is all about, taking calculated risks and coming out on top,” Said Shane Shapiro of No Limit Mindset LLC.

One of the biggest boxing events of the year airs live on ESPN Saturday, December 8 from The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The reigning WBA lightweight champion, Vasiliy Lomachenko (11-1, 9 KOs) is set to take on WBO champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (25-1, 12 KOs) in a title unification main event airing live and exclusively on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET, immediately following the live presentation of the 2018 Heisman Trophy Ceremony. Top Rank on ESPN will drop gloves just after 6 p.m. ET starting with the undercards on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment and ESPN.

Two additional fights round out Saturday’s Top Rank on ESPN with marquee appearances by rising stars Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe and Teofimo Lopez. ESPN+ will stream the undercards live headlined by Guido Vianello facing Luke Lyon (5-1-1, 2 KOs) starting at 6 p.m. ET.

Calling the fight for ESPN will be Joe Tessitore and Mark Kriegel, with former two-division world titleholder, Tim Bradley (analyst), reporter Bernardo Osuna and on-location studio contributors Stephen A. Smith, Kevin Connors, former pound-for-pound two-division world champion and 2004 Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, and ESPN Deportes’ coverage includes play-by-play from Robert Sierra and analyst Delvin Rodriguez.

ESPN’s official coverage of fight week kicked off Monday, December 3 with “Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko” – an encore presentation of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s last two fights — Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Guillermo Rigondeaux (December 9, 2017) and Vasiliy Lomachenko vs Jorge Linares (May 12, 2018).

ESPN+ will also feature:
Countdown to Lomachenko vs. Pedraza, a four-part series that takes viewers behind the scenes as one of the world’s great pound-for-pound fighters attempts to unify lightweight world titles against WBO world champion Pedraza. Episodes include:
“Loma: Under the Knife” (available now) — rare footage of Lomachenko prepping for shoulder surgery, the surgery itself, how he injured it vs. Jorge Linares, and how his team handled his comeback.
Unifying The Belts (premieres today) — Lomachenko and Pedraza talk about their chances and ambitions to unify the lightweight title belts.
Fishing with Loma (premieres Wednesday, Dec 5) — Behind the scenes day fishing with Lomachenko and his team off the coast of California.
Training The Loma Way (premieres Thursday, Dec 6) — Inside Team Lomachenko’s unique training strategies, including unique outdoor and mental training.
The final press conference, which will stream live on Thursday, December 6 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael premieres Tuesday, the weekly ESPN+ original show will include a look ahead to Lomachenko vs. Pedraza with ESPN boxing guru Dan Rafael.
The weigh-in will stream live Friday, Dec 7 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Also airing on ESPN2.

News & Information, Digital and SportsCenter
Leading up to the fight, ESPN will preview the event on studio programming and online, including:
On air profiles of Lomachenko by Teddy Atlas and Pedraza by Mark Kriegel
Up-to-date on-scene coverage every step of the way from Rafael who will be with the fighters multiple days this week
News updates and a complete guide to the fight on ESPN.com and the ESPN app from Rafael out Friday, December 7
ESPN Fantasy game Streak for the Cash will offer fight predictions for the Co-Main and Main Event during the ESPN live event telecast Saturday, December 8

Top Rank on ESPN (All times Eastern) 2018
Date Time Event Platform
Mon, Dec 3 8:00 p.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko ESPN2
Tue, Dec 4 12:00 a.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko ESPNEWS
11:30 p.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko ESPN2
Thu, Dec 6 9:00 p.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko ESPNEWS
12:30 p.m. Lomachenko vs Pedraza Final Press Conference ESPN+
Fri, Dec 7 1:00 a.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko ESPN2
1:30 p.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Lomachenko vs. Pedraza Weigh-In ESPN2, ESPN+
9:00 p.m. (re-air) Top Rank on ESPN: Lomachenko vs. Pedraza Weigh-In ESPNEWS
Sat, Dec 8

12:00 a.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko ESPNEWS
2:00 a.m. (re-air) Top Rank on ESPN: Lomachenko vs. Pedraza Weigh-In ESPNEWS
11:30 a.m. (re-air) Top Rank on ESPN: Lomachenko vs. Pedraza Weigh-In ESPNEWS
12:00 p.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Best of Lomachenko ESPNEWS
5:00 p.m. (re-air) Top Rank on ESPN: Lomachenko vs. Pedraza Weigh-In ESPNEWS
6:00 p.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Undercards ESPN+
9:00 p.m. Top Rank on ESPN: Main Event
Vasiliy Lomachenko (11-1, 9 KOs) vs. Jose Pedraza (25-1, 12 KOs)
Isaac Dogboe (20-0, 14 KOs) vs Emanuel Navarrete (25-1, 22 KOs)
Teofimo Lopez (10-0, 8 KOs) vs Mason Menard (34-3, 24 KOs) ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes Radio
Sun, Dec 9 1 a.m. (re-air) Top Rank on ESPN (Main Event) ESPN2
5 p.m. (re-air) Top Rank on ESPN (Main Event) ESPN Deportes
8 p.m. (re-air) Top Rank on ESPN (Main Event) ESPN2

NEW YORK (Dec. 4, 2018) – At just under four million series views headed into its final show of 2018, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast will celebrate the Holiday Season at home in New York City this coming Friday. A terrific card featuring an abundance of Five Boroughs-based fighters will be on display to round out the year on any device wherever Facebook is available beginning at 7 p.m. E.T. on Friday, Dec. 7.

“The Holiday Season is all about family, and what better place for us to celebrate than in New York by showcasing deserving boxers from our home market,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media. “We’re excited to feature our first female main event with ‘Queen’ Ronica Jeffrey meeting veteran Edina Kiss, and with a number of fighters from our world-famous Gleason’s Gym Boxing Family on the card, this one is special to all of us at FIGHTNIGHT LIVE.”

This Friday, Dec. 7, from Club Amazura in Jamaica, N.Y., eight bouts are scheduled featuring a host of New York City-based warriors. The main event pits former International WBF World Super Featherweight and interim IBA World Super Featherweight titleholder Ronica Jeffrey (16-1, 1 KO) against hard-hitting veteran Edina Kiss (15-8, 9 KOs) – who has previously met Heather Hardy, Cindy Serrano, Amanda Serrano, Shelly Vincent and Mikaela Mayer – in a scheduled six-rounder. Undefeated Bronx welterweight Pete Dobson (9-0, 5 KOs) ends a nearly 18-month layoff in a step-up bout against battle-tested Salim Larbi (20-10-2, 7 KOs), who will be facing his fourth unbeaten opponent over his past six fights. Undefeated super bantamweight Ariel Lopez (10-0, 6 KOs) takes on 13-bout veteran Jeno Tonte (9-4, 8 KOs) of Hungary, while unbeaten super bantamweight Jose Gonzalez (10-0-2, 3 KOs) faces veteran Andre Wilson (15-12-1, 12 KOs). Popular New York-based Irish welterweight Noel Murphy (12-1, 2 KOs), super lightweight Larry Fryers (8-1, 3 KOs) and super featherweight Harrison Barba (1-1, 1 KO) are all scheduled to appear in separate bouts.

“We are looking forward to another great night of boxing this Friday night at Club Amazura,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “We are also excited to partner up with the team at FIGHTNIGHT LIVE to provide added exposure to the fighters on this card, and to our sponsors that have continually supported us over the years.”

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Powered by Everlast is the fan-friendly series that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE hasshowcased more than 440 fighters and 13 promotions during 25 live event broadcasts from 17 different cities since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

Since May 2017, the numbers on the 25-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 157,973 views per event and nearly 4.0 million total views for the franchise. Since Sept. 2018, Season II shows have averaged more than 315,000 views.

The Sept. 2018 “Kings Boxing Tuesday Night Fights” (594,447) from the Sands in Bethlehem, the Nov. 2018 “Hard Hitting Showtime Collaboration” (372,662), the Dec. 2018 “Roy Jones Jr. Texas Throwdown” (318,886), the Oct. 2018 “Hard Hitting Philly Special” (297,545), the Oct. 2018 hour-long Bareknuckle “Freeview” (292,253), the Nov. 2018 “Titans In The Capital” (256,871), the Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), and the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000) all logged 200,000 or more views, and collectively the 25-show series has seen a total of more than 3,949,448 views across all devices.

In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 340,000 collective live post engagements (more than 13,500 per show), including more than 269,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 45,000 comments and more than 15,000 shares.

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

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 85,000 fans and more than 91,000 followers.

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

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

Former super middleweight world champion Markus Beyer has passed away at the age of 47, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Beyer, who had a brief illness was honored by his former promoter’s, Sauerland Event.

“Our WBC world champ Markus Beyer has passed away. Massive nights against Richie Woodhall and Danny Green that will stay forever. Too young, too soon,” promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, who worked extensively with Beyer during his career, wrote on social media.

“I cannot describe my feelings with words,” Ulli Wegner, Beyer’s former longtime trainer, said, according to Sky Sports in the United Kingdom. “Everybody knows that he was my favorite athlete, and that he had, above all, a human component. Markus Beyer was a thoroughly fine human being. At the moment I feel like someone hit me in the gut.”

Newport Beach, CA: After more than three decades of delivering world-class combative sports events to fight fans in intimate settings throughout Southern California, Roy Englebrecht Promotions today announced that in 2019, he will continue to raise the bar with Fight Night a new Saturday night fight series in the Event Center at the all-new The Gardens Casino in Hawaiian Gardens, California.

“I am excited to bring pro boxing to the Event Center and it intimate setting of 1,112 seats,” said promoter and California Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Englebrecht. “This exclusive agreement with the Gardens Casino and its General Manager Ron Sarabi allows us to focus on providing another quality fight series to the millions of boxing fans in Southern California. With these four new shows and our six Fight Club OC shows, we will be the busiest fight promoter in Southern California, bringing fight fans 10 regularly scheduled shows in 2019.”

The Gardens Casino Fight Night will launch its first of four shows on Saturday, February 9, with subsequent events scheduled for May 18, August 3, and November 9.
With its $90 million renovation just a few years ago, The Gardens Casino is now a 200,000 square-foot structure and has one of the biggest card rooms in the world. With over 300 tables, daily tournaments, and multiple card game offerings, The Gardens Casino is an amazing entertainment stop in Southern California.

“All of us at The Gardens Casino are excited to bring professional boxing and the new Fight Night series to our completely remodeled casino in 2019. Roy Englebrecht Promotions is regarded as one of the top fight promotions companies in California and the eight-year success of their Fight Club OC shows warrants that claim,” stated Ron Sarabi, The Gardens Casino General Manager. “Knowing the quality of that Roy brings to all his shows I know that fans at our Gardens Casino Fight Night shows will get their money’s work of action. I can’t wait for opening night on Saturday, February 9.”

Expected to compete on the February 9 event will be a trio of rising stars sporting a combined record of 24-0, as Jonathan Esquivel (8-0) of Anaheim, Orange County’s Humberto “Filly” Rubalcava (9-0) and Alexander “The Great” Enriquez (7-0) prepare to wow the crowd in Hawaiian Gardens.

“With commitments from these top prospects, I am convinced that with one of the best new sports bars in Southern California in the Triple 7 Sports Bar & Grill, allowing fight fans to come early for a great dinner or stay after the show for drinks that The Gardens Casino Fight Night shows will be the most fun you can have on a Saturday night in Southern California,” said Englebrecht.

Season Seats will be sold for the four 2019 shows and interested fans can contact Drew Englebrecht at fightpromotions@gmail.com for a Season Seat Order Form.

Individual show tickets will go on sale to the public on January 9th at www.socafights.com, with all tickets priced at $60.

TORONTO, ON- One of the most highly anticipated professional debuts in Canadian boxing history will finally occur on December 15.

The best Canadian amateur boxer of his generation, Arthur “The Chechen Wolf” Biyarslanov, will finally step into a professional ring for the first time as part of a stacked “Risky Business” card presented by Lee Baxter Promotions at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

As an amateur, Biyarslavnov racked up an 85-13 overall record, and collected four national championships. His greatest amateur achievement was his victory over the great Cuban Yasniel Toledo at the 2015 Pan Am Games, which netted him the gold medal and worldwide acclaim. A year later, he became the only male Canadian boxer to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Now training in Montreal, Biyarslanov will return to Toronto, the site of his Pan Am Games triumph, to begin his career in the paid ranks.

“Every promoter in Canada, and probably in the world, has tried to or at least thought about signing Arthur over the past three years, so it’s not lost on us how lucky we are to host his professional debut in front of all of his fans here in Canada,” said Baxter.

It’s been a remarkable journey for Biyarslanov. Born near the Chechen region of Russia, Biyarslanov and his family left the war-torn region for Azerbaijan, and later Canada, arriving in the Great White North in 2005. Ultimately, after excelling in a variety of sports, it was boxing that truly helped him find his footing and find himself.

As a professional, Biyarslanov has sought the guidance of one of the most respected boxing gurus in the world, Marc Ramsay. Ramsay, based in Montreal, has helped guide the careers of nearly all of the top Canadian pros of this generation, and some of the greatest of all-time, including former light heavyweight champion Jean Pascal, former middleweight titleholder David Lemieux, current light heavyweight champion Eleider Alvarez and more. He is also the trainer of another Chechen champion, Artur Beterbiev, the current IBF light heavyweight champion.

The 23-year old southpaw will battle eight-fight Mexican veteran Ernesto Cardona Sanchez in his first pro bout.

ABOUT THIS EVENT:

Lee Baxter Promotions, in association with Athlete Development and Management (A.D.A.M.) will present “Risky Business,” live championship professional boxing at the newly renamed Coca-Cola Colisseum in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

The Coca Cola Coliseum is the home of the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, and a spot for some of the city’s biggest concerts and attractions, including WWE wrestling.

In the main event, Samuel Vargas will return home to face the undefeated Adrian Gabriel Pereiro, as he begins a new campaign at light welterweight. Vargas is fresh off a thrilling bout with former world champion Amir Khan. Despite coming up short on the scorecards, Vargas not only gained fans, but proved to have plenty of them already. The Colombian-Canadian banger dropped Khan early in the bout, and had him hurt later on in the contest as well. In the end, the fight was the most-watched in the history of U.K. subscription television.

Vargas is now honing his craft in training camp in Spain alongside former welterweight champion Kell Brook, as he is determined to return to Canada an improved fighter.

In the co-feature of the night, an old fashioned local rivalry comes to a boil, as Patrice Volny battles Ryan Young.

Volny scored the biggest win of his career in September, as he dominated veteran Albert Onolunose to capture both the WBA-NABA and WBO-NABO middleweight crowns. The victory situates him in a prime spot within the world rankings in two major sanctioning bodies, remarkably, just twelve fights into his professional career.

Another one of Canada’s top middleweights, Steve Rolls, will be in tough against KeAndrae Leatherwood. Both men have enjoyed significant national television exposure, having graduated from the esteemed ShoBox series on Showtime.

The card will also feature local favorite Nick Fantauzzi against Marco Parente in a light heavyweight contest, Bollywood star Neeraj Goyat, heavyweight sensation Kristian Prenga, the professional debut of Iranian amateur standout Salar Gholami, and the remarkable return Moncef “Buddy” Askri after an 11-year hiatus from the sport of boxing.

Tickets for “Risky Business” are available through Ticketmaster. VIP tables can be purchased by emailing sales@leebaxterpromotions.com. Doors open at 6:00 PM ET, with the first bout starting at 7:00 PM ET.

Katie Taylor will defend her IBF and WBA World Lightweight titles against Eva Wahlstrom at Madison Square Garden, New York on December 15, on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez challenging Rocky Fielding for the WBA World Super Middleweight title, live on DAZN.

Taylor (11 – 0 5KOs) makes her third defense of her belts in her third fight in New York, first in the World famous Manhattan boxing mecca and the fourth stateside fight in her last seven fights.

The Irish sensation became the WBA World ruler in her seventh pro outing in Cardiff, Wales in October 2017 against Anahi Sanchez and unified the belts at the Barclays Center in fight number nine in the paid ranks, comfortably ripping the IBF belt from Victoria Bustos in April.

Taylor, an amateur star in the Emerald Isle with an Olympic gold medal added to five World championships and six European golds, is hunting unification bouts at 135lbs in 2019, but in unbeaten Finn Wahlstrom, the 32 year old faces the stiffest test of her pro career.

Wahlstrom (22 – 0 – 1 3KOs) is aiming to become a two-weight World champion in the Big Apple the long-reigning WBC Super-Featherweight champion steps up to Lightweight to achieve that goal on December 15.

The 38 year old landed her 130lbs strap in April 2015 and has been unmoved in four defenses on home turf, including a win over her common foe with Taylor, in former World champion Sanchez, who the Helsinki ace beat in December 2016.

The pair have history having clashed at the very start of Taylor’s amateur career 14 years ago, and the defending champion cannot think of a better setting to meet in the pros and continue her path to unification just over two years since the start of her pro career.

“Eva is someone I know very well from our time in the amateurs,” said Taylor. “I was actually drawn against her in my very first international competition back in 2004 and it seemed like every time I turned up to a major competition after that she was in the draw!

“She was always a really tough opponent so it’s no surprise that she’s gone on to have a great professional career. I think this fight will really showcase the best that women’s boxing has to offer and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve been lucky enough to fight in some iconic venues since turning pro two years ago but I’m not sure there’s any more iconic in a boxing sense than Madison Square Garden. I think every fighter dreams about stepping in the ring there and I’m no different. To get the opportunity to defend my World titles there is really very exciting.”

“I have stated for a longest time that I am ready and I want to engage in toughest fights available,” said Wahlstrom. “This is the ultimate, biggest and toughest fight anywhere and to have it in the legendary Madison Square Garden is a huge honor.

“I lost to Katie few times in amateur days but I am sure I won her respect anyway. Now in a 10-round pro fight, it will be totally different game with all new avenues to avenge those defeats.

“I have the greatest respect to Katie for how she has remained her respectable, nice, down-to-earth personality despite all the success and fame. Thus, I am not going to do any trash-talking, but I am very ready to do some thrashing in the MSG ring.”

“This is an amazing opportunity for Katie to fight at MSG,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “This is by far the toughest fight of her career so far and hugely important moving into 2019.

“There will be great Irish support in New York and she adds even more superstar status to this brilliant night of boxing on DAZN.”

Canelo vs. Rocky is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Middleweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Matchroom Boxing. Lemieux vs. Johnson is a 12-round middleweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Eye of The Tiger Management. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle.” The event will take place Saturday, December 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City and will be streamed live on DAZN.

Tickets for Canelo vs. Rocky are on sale and are priced at $1,000, $500, $300, $200, $150, $100, $75 and $50 plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com, www.goldenboytickets.com or www.MSG.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, http://www.matchroomboxing.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @Rocky87Fielding, @MatchRoomBoxing, and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @Rocky_Fielding, @MatchroomBoxing and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloRocky.

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

ROCHESTER, NY. (December 4, 2018) – Middleweight contender and former title challenger Willie Monroe Jr. discussed his upcoming contest against WBC Interim Middleweight Champion Jermall Charlo as he prepares to enter the ring in Premier Boxing Champions action Saturday, December 22 live on FOX and FOX Deportes from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

With fight night approaching, Monroe is hard at work in his hometown of Rochester, New York. Along with his coach Timothy Nolan, Monroe believes he is on track to deliver a great performance against an unbeaten opponent.

“Everything in camp right now is on point and moving forward,” said Monroe. “We’re getting the work we need each day. We know how to run a camp smoothly. If I can’t tell anything is wrong, then it’s going great.”

A veteran of two middleweight world title contests against Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders, Monroe has had his eye on a Charlo matchup to once again prove himself against an elite middleweight.

“I’ve always watched Jermall’s fights because I have an eye on anyone around my weight class,” said Monroe. “Over the last year or so I’ve started to think I’m really going to get this fight and I’m excited about it coming to fruition on December 22.

“He’s considered one of the top middleweights and it makes this a great match. This time I’m going to have a full training camp like I didn’t get to have for Golovkin and Saunders and it’s going to help me.”

While he doesn’t possess the prodigious knockout power of his opponent, Monroe is more than confident that his other ring attributes will make up for that difference.

“We’re both at the top of the division and you don’t get this far without having a lot of physical ability,” said Monroe. “This fight isn’t about who’s the fastest and strongest though, it’s about how we’re going to execute. I’m not focused on who hits harder but who hits smarter. That’s always going to determine who wins a boxing match.

“Boxing is about intelligence first and everything follows after that. Will I be able to execute and make Jermall uncomfortable? We’ll see what happens on fight night. I’m going to be ready though. I’m in my stable now and I’m ready to come flying out of the gate on December 22.”

Charlo was serving as color commentator for Monroe’s August fight on FS1 and since then the two have gone face-to-face at two separate press events leading up to fight night. With fight week looming, Monroe believes the frequent face time will make an even more exciting fight.

“I’m definitely more eager to fight from seeing Jermall over and over again,” said Monroe. “The little things that you pick up in person tend to make you want to fight even more. You see the opponent and you build it up more in your head and use it for motivation. I think it’s going to make it even more entertaining when we finally get in there.”

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.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features Jermell Charlo defending his WBC super welterweight world title against Tony Harrison, in addition to the Charlo vs. Monroe showdown. Televised action also features a heavyweight showdown between Dominic Breazeale and Carlos Negron.

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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.