OAKLAND, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2018) – IBF junior bantamweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas and challenger Alejandro Santiago met briefly in the fight hotel on Tuesday and posed for a few photos. They were all smiles then, and they resumed the pleasantries Wednesday afternoon at the final press conference.

Ancajas (30-1-1, 20 KOs), the longest-reigning 115-pound world champion, will make the sixth defense of his title against Santiago (16-2-4, 7 KOs) on Friday at Oakland’s Oracle Arena (home of the Golden State Warriors) in the co-main event. In the main event, IBF super middleweight champion Jose Uzcategui (27-2, 23 KOs) will face Ezequiel Maderna (26-4, 16 KOs) in a 10-round non-title bout contested in the light heavyweight division.

Ancajas-Santiago and Uzcategui-Maderna will stream beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ — the new multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

The entire undercard will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET and includes Filipino featherweight contender Genesis Servania (31-1, 14 KOs) against Carlos Carlson (22-4, 13 KOs) and Joshua Greer Jr. (17-1-1, 9 KOs) versus Giovanni Delgado (16-7, 9 KOs) in a super bantamweight bout.

Here is what the fighters had to say.

Jose Uzcategui

“Since the beginning of my career, I have never underestimated anybody. I know that this is a great opportunity for Maderna. I know that he’s very hungry. He knows the opportunity that he has in front of him. I am going to try and put on a great performance for everybody.”

On fighting Gilberto Ramirez, Jesse Hart, mandatory challenger Caleb Plant, and his status in the 168-pound division

“I know that I’m in a tough division, but I believe I am the best in the division. I don’t see anybody coming and beating me.”

Ezequiel Maderna

“I recognize that Jose Uzcategui is a great champion. I know his background, that he had a tremendous amateur career. That’s why he’s the champion. I can say that about myself, too. I also had a great amateur career. I fought in the 2008 Olympics {for Argentina). I’m going to try and do my best, especially since this is my first opportunity in the United States.”

Jerwin Ancajas

On his last fought against Jonas Sultan

“The last fight, we weren’t that impressive. This time, we trained hard and long. We did things that we didn’t do before, and we’ll try our best to come up with a better performance this time.”

Alejandro Santiago

“This means a lot to me. I turned pro eight years ago. I’ve been training really hard for this fight. I am going to do my best to take this title with us.”

“I feel very comfortable. I don’t feel any pressure. If you look at my record, I’ve fought plenty of guys in their backyards. I prepare myself for 12 rounds. I won’t go in there looking for the knockout. I’m going to go in there and try and win the rounds.”

Genesis Servania

On his 2017 loss to Oscar Valdez

“Since the Valdez fight, I’ve improved a lot. Valdez is very good, and I want to put on a good fight again.”

On entertaining the Filipino fans in the Bay Area and a potential Valdez rematch

“I had a very hard training camp in Japan, and I look forward to entertaining the fans. If I get a chance to fight Oscar Valdez again, I’d love to have that opportunity.”

Joshua Greer Jr.

“It means everything to be fighting here in this arena, especially with great players like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green…. all those great guys. And even for this to be the home of Andre Ward is also a blessing with him broadcasting the fights. It’s an honor and a privilege to be in the presence of this.”

On the custom pillows he brings in the ring

“I had a fight in Detroit {in March 2017}. I fought a guy named James Gordon Smith. He was very disrespectful. Him, his matchmakers, his whole team was very disrespectful to me. So I said I’m going to get under their skin. I brought the pillow to the weigh-in and everybody started laughing, so I knew I got in his head. Come fight night, I caught him with a good shot, knocked him out, and the whole city of Detroit was mad. They were like, ‘Oh, he’s so disrespectful,’ but at the end of the day, I started with that. It keeps me working hard because I want to keep bringing the pillow out, keep performing, and keep doing what I’m doing with great knockouts.”

ESPN+, 10:30 p.m. ET
Jose Uzcategui vs. Ezequiel Maderna, 10 rounds, light heavyweight

Jerwin Ancajas (champion) vs. Alejandro Santiago (challenger), 12 rounds, IBF junior bantamweight title

ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET
Genesis Servania vs. Carlos Carlson, 10/8 rounds, featherweight

Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Giovanni Delgado, 10/8 rounds, super bantamweight

Rico Ramos vs. Daniel Olea, 8 rounds, featherweight

Askhat Ualikhanov vs. Angel Hernandez, 8/6 rounds, super lightweight

Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Carlos Galvan, 8/6 rounds, super middleweight

Christopher Zavala vs. Dominic Blanco, 4 rounds, super featherweight

Derry Noble vs. Edson Noria, 4 rounds, bantamweight

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Joven Sports and MP Promotions, tickets for this all-action card are on sale now. Priced at $105, $78.75, $52.50, and $26.25, including facility fees, tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Oracle Arena box office. The Oracle Arena box office is open Monday-Friday from 12-5 p.m.

ONTARIO, CA. (September 26, 2018) – Unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa takes on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in the 10-round main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes this Sunday, September 30 from Citizen’s Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

John Molina, Jr., who was scheduled to be in the main event, will be rescheduled to return to the ring soon. And former welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, who was slated to face Molina, will no longer be on the card.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature 2016 Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce facing Iago Kiladze in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

The exciting night of fights will also see rising unbeaten prospects enter the ring as 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (6-0, 5 KOs) steps in for a six-round heavyweight bout, sensational super welterweight prospect Joey Spencer (4-0, 4 KOs) competes in a four-round match and featherweight prospect Stephen Fulton (13-0, 6 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-round match.

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

Figueroa (16-0, 11 KOs), the brother of former lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa, Jr., continues to climb the ladder in the featherweight division with a step up match against the tough former title challenger Escandon. The 21-year-old out of Weslaco, Texas was busy last year as he won all four of his matches and he has logged two knockout victories this year, beating Giovanni Delgado in March and Luis Roy Suarez Cruz in his last fight on August 4, with three of those six wins coming on FS1 and FOX Deportes.

The 34-year-old Escandon (25-4, 17 KOs), who fought in the 2004 Olympian for Colombia, is a hardnosed veteran from Ibague, Colombia looking to rebound from two tough losses to Tugstsogt Nyambayar on May 26 on FS1 and WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. in 2017.

A 6-foot-6 heavyweight, Joyce (5-0, 5 KOs) won the silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as a super heavyweight from Great Britain and now trains in Big Bear, California with Abel Sanchez. The 32-year-old from London turned pro in 2017 and has been on a knockout roll since. Joyce, whose nickname is ‘Juggernaut,’ has ended four of his five fights inside of two rounds. He scored a first-round KO victory over Ivica Bacurin in his last fight on June 15.

Kiladze (26-3, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran who will test Joyce early in his young career. The 32-year-old out of Ukraine who now lives in Los Angeles and will be looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Michael Hunter and Adam Kownacki. Before those losses he had put together a six-match win streak.

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 26 2018) –Three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (33-2-2, 21 KOs) marks his return to national television when he meets rising talent Devin Haney (19-0, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader Friday, Sept. 28, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif.

Burgos, who has challenged for world titles at featherweight and junior lightweight, is stepping up to 135 lbs. for his fight against Haney. The Tijuana, Mex. resident boasts a far more impressive resume than the younger 19-year-old Haney, which he believes will be the difference maker on Friday night.

Burgos, 30, reflects on his past defeats and offers a preview of what might happen during Friday’s main event in a brief Q&A interview below.

What do you know about your opponent Devin Haney?

“He’s fought in Tijuana a bunch of times so I’ve seen him in person. I didn’t really pay that much attention to him at the time. He has ability. He’s hungry with good skills, but I don’t think he’s ready for a fighter like me. He’s too young and I’m an experienced fighter that knows how to win.”

How has your training camp gone?

“We’ve had an excellent training camp. We are training for the best possible outcome for us. Physically, I feel strong. Mentally I’m ready for whatever he brings. I’m going to show everyone that I still have a lot to give to this sport.”

What can a win do for your career?

“Winning this fight will lead to bigger fights. I want to be back in marquee fights and if I win, I should have more options. Even though I took some time off a few years ago, I never stopped training. I was always in the gym. There won’t be any ring rust. I love this sport. My focus is on winning.”

How do you see the fight unfolding?

“I’m a technical fighter. That’s not a secret. I can counter punch too if Haney wants to bring it. I’ll brush him back. I can win a fight in a lot of different ways. I’m not one dimensional like most of the guys he’s faced. I think that’s going to bother him. He’s never faced anyone close to my skill level. He thinks he’s good, but he has no idea how to win a tough fight. Meanwhile, I’ve been in with some of the best talent in the sport.”

You’ve had some setbacks in your world title fights. At 22, you suffered a points defeat to Hozumi Hasegawa in what was a vacant championship fight. You had a draw to Roman Martinez in January 2013, and one year later a unanimous decision loss to Mikey Garcia. What did you learn from those experiences?

“I didn’t accomplish my dream of becoming a world champion. That’s the truth to it. My motivation to be great still exists. I use my setbacks as motivation to get better. I need to get past Haney to realize my goals.”

The co-feature showcases an immediate rematch of one of 2018’s most controversial and widely disputed fights. Lightweights Thomas Mattice (13-0, 10 KOs) and Zhora Hamazaryan (9-1, 6 KOs) will face off less than three months after judges in Iowa awarded Mattice what many ringside observers considered one of the worst decisions in recent memory.

Burgos and Hamazaryan are promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Devin Haney Promotions and Ringside Tickets Inc., priced $19 for General Admission, $29, $59, $79, $99, and $129 for Ringside, are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling the Pechanga Casino Box Office at 1-888-810-8871 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Phil Rivera

MONTREAL (September 25, 2018) – Fans of boxing, prepare your agenda: World Boxing Council (WBC) and lineal light heavyweight world title fight between the champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (29-1-1, 24 KOs) and the mandatory challenger, Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (15-0-0, 12 KOs), will be held December 1 at Videotron Center in Quebec City.

Tickets will be in presale Wednesday and Thursday and general admission go on sale this Friday at Gestev.com.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) super welterweight mandatory challenger Marie-Eve Dicaire (13-0-0, 0 KOs), North American Boxing Federation (NABF) heavyweight champion Oscar Rivas (24-0-0, 17 KOs), WBC International welterweight Mikael Zewski (31-1-0, 22 KOs) and fan-favorite Sébastien Bouchard (16-1-0, 6 KOs) will also take part in this gala event.

Tickets, starting at $50.50, taxes and service fees included, will be on sale at Gestev.com and Ticketmaster.ca, as well as at the Champions Boxing Club (514-376-0980), GYM (514-383-0666) or by calling 1-855-790-1245.

The “Mandatory” event will be broadcast in the United States on a major network and in Canada on pay-per-view via Indigo, Bell TV and Shaw TV. More details will be given Oct. 9 during a press conference in Quebec City, attended by all the participants of this exciting boxing card.

“We are very excited to be returning to the Videotron Center for this fifth Superman world championship defense in Quebec City, more than anyone else in the history of boxing,” GYM President Yvon Michel said. “The challenger is talented and seasoned. The danger is present, but the belt will remain with Quebecers! The challenge is colossal, but the show will be solid and the evening fantastic, an appointment not to be missed,”

“The clash between Adonis Stevenson and Oleksandr Govdzyk will be the third world championship fight in the young history of the Videotron Center and the second for champion Adonis Stevenson,” added Martin Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer of Quebecor Sports and Entertainment Group. “Fans from all over Quebec will appreciate the quality of this gala. The Videotron Center occupies an important place in combat sports with its sixth event in 2018,”

“I am very proud to be back in Quebec City for this mandatory title defense and offer the opportunity to American viewers and on the international scene to rediscover the beauties of Quebec City as well as the hospitality and the Latin passion of the Quebec boxing fans,” Stevenson commented. “I know many believe December would be the end of my reign against this young undefeated Olympic medalist. The message I am prepared to send with this fight is: I am still the No. 1 light heavyweight and I still have several chapters to add to my journey as world champion. December 1st at the Videotron Center is a personal invitation to Quebec fans. You will not be let down, I will win by KO!.”

“I am one of the best boxers in the light heavyweight division and the time has come for me to prove it to the rest of you,” Gyozdyk insisted. “The WBC gave me this opportunity and I am thankful for it. Adonis has been in this position too long. My time is now!”

“Oleksandr has been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time,” Gvozdyk noted. “He respects Adonis Stevenson as a fighter, but make no mistake, his time is now. ‘The Nail’ is going to leave Canada as the new WBC light heavyweight champion.”

“The WBC championship bout between Stevenson and Gvozdyk will be among the best fights of the year, proclaimed Top Rank CEO Bob Arum. “It’s a must-see for all boxing fans.”

ADONIS ”SUPERMAN” STEVENSON

Recognized as one of the most powerful punchers, pound-for-pound, in the boxing world, Stevenson will attempt to successfully defend his title for the 10th time on December 1st.

In his last outing on May 19 at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, he fought a draw with former WBA light heavyweight and WBC super middleweight world champion, Badou Jack, in a spectacular fight, while Floyd Mayweather Jr watched from ringside.

World champion since his violent knockout over the American Chad Dawson in 2013, “Superman” will try to hammer his mandatory aspirant nicknamed, at the Videotron Center.

OLEKSANDR ”THE NAIL” GVOZDYK

Bronze medalist at the London Olympics, Ukrainian-born Gvozdyk moved to Oxnard, California, to begin his professional career in 2014. He has marched forward ever since, racking up 15 wins in 15 bouts, 12 by knockout.

During his last appearance in the ring on March 17 at Madison Square Garden in New York, he defeated Frenchman Mehdi Amar by unanimous decision to become Stevenson’s mandatory challenger, winning the interim light heavyweight WBC title along the way.

Teammates of Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk, Gvozdyk is a talented and dangerous boxer, as evidenced by his victories by referee stoppage over Yunieski Gonzalez, Isaac Chilemba and Tommy Karpency. In addition, he is now trained by the legendary American trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas.

Anthony Sims Jr is back in action at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 6, live on DAZN – and the Light-Heavyweight talent is looking for rounds under the belt to target the big names in 2019 – including IBF champion Artur Beterbiev who defends his title against unbeaten Brit Callum Johnson on the stacked bill

Sims Jr boxed for the first time in 16 months in August in Cardiff, Wales and moved to 15-0 with his 14th stoppage win since his pro debut in April 2014.

That was the Indiana man’s first fight with new promoter Eddie Hearn, and number two takes him to the Windy City as the 23 year old looks to launch his attack on the 175lb division, with a chance to see Beterbiev and Johnson at close quarters on the night.

“I haven’t been treated this way since I started boxing,” said Sims Jr. on teaming up with Hearn. “It was great to be back in the ring for the first time in two years in Cardiff, and now it’s time to step it up some more.

“I got some rounds and got the stoppage in the UK, but I was so excited to be back in there and was head-hunting a bit. In Chicago I’ll be more patient and pick my shots, and I’ll look even better. The ring rust is coming off.”

Sims Jr will have plenty of support in the Wintrust Arena with a bus full of kids from his Sims Boxing Gym in Plainfield, Indiana making the trip to roar him on.

“It’s great to have the kids heading down for the show,” said Sims Jr. “There’s some really talented kids in the gym that just love the sport, so to have them make the trip and not only support me, but watch a great night of boxing with some huge stars, is only going to make them love the game even more.”

“Everyone knows about Anthony Sims Jr, he’s the worst kept secret in boxing,” said Hearn. “He’s been inactive, he’s had some disputes, and he’s been frustrated. But he’s rolling again now. You’re going to get to see his personality come out along with seeing his punch power.

“Every camp he goes into, everyone talks about him. Ask George Groves and Dmitry Bivol about him. He’s in a stacked division and he’s ready-made – 15-0 and just needs one or two more and then he’s ready for the big fights. He’s the perfect guy for what we are doing in the States with DAZN. Anthony fights in Chicago and then we go again in December – and in 2019 we’re ready for all the big fights.”

Sims Jr is part of a massive night of action in Chicago, topped by the WBC Silver Welterweight title clash between Jessie Vargas and Thomas Dulorme

Daniel Roman defends his WBA Super-Bantamweight crown against another Brit, second time World title challenger Gavin McDonnell, while Brooklyn’s brash Heavyweight star Jarrell Miller meets Polish legend Tomasz Adamek and three debutants grace the bill as Team USA talents Reshat Mati, Nikita Ababiy and Nkosi Solomon lace them up for the first time.

Along with these World stars and promising youngsters, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with former World Lightweight title challenger Jessica McCaskill in action on the bill along with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson.

Tickets for October 6 are on sale now priced $40, $60, $100 and $200 and are available from:

Online at Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07005506EDA47F37

Season I star Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian and Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov are the two Quarter-Finals on an incredible doubleheader when the World Boxing Super Series comes to the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA.

“I am really looking forward to fighting in Chicago,” said Briedis (24-1, 18 KOs). The Latvian hero is undoubtedly one of the favourites to take home Season II’s Ali Trophy in the 200-lb division.

“I am happy to be back in the World Boxing Super Series, and I am looking forward to fighting in front of a U.S. crowd. I am sure there will also be a lot of Latvians in the arena to help create a fantastic atmosphere.”

Briedis’ opponent, Germany’s Noel Mikaelian (23-1, 10 KOs), is eager to perform on the biggest stage – only a split decision defeat, in an IBF eliminator against Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, prevented him of participating in Season I.

“There are only world class fighters in this tournament, but I believe my ring IQ will give me the edge to win it,” said Mikaelian.

The second main event in Chicago on November 10 is a potent match-up between Poland’s former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki and Russia’s Maksim Vlasov.

“The plan is simple: take it all, give nothing back,” said Glowacki (30-1, 19 KOs)

The exciting southpaw fought Season I winner Aleksandr Usyk in 2016 – relinquishing the WBO belt over 12 rounds, he won the belt in 2015 via knockout against Marco Huck.

“I have been waiting for a long time for my chance, and I am full of power and great energy. I am going to win this tournament and become world champion again!”

Vlasov (42-2, 25 KOs), a fighter with success at multiple weights, likewise enters the quarter-final with great confidence after winning 12 straight fights since moving up in weight in 2015.

Tickets will be available to buy via TicketMaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 on Monday 1 October. Fans can be alerted by email when tickets go on sale by signing up for Ticket Alerts here.

Ahead of Season 2, US-based boxing fans are able to watch Season I’s Ali Trophy Super Middleweight Final, George Groves vs Callum Smith on Friday, 28 September, LIVE on the global sports streaming platform. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.

Dates and venues for the six weeks of Ali Trophy quarter-final action this autumn:

1. October 7th, Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)
WBA ‘Regular’ Bantamweight Championship
&
Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia).
WBA Super-Lightweight Championship

2. October 13th, Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
TBA

3. October 20th, CFE Arena, Orlando, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)
IBF Bantamweight Championship
&
Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland).
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com

4. October 27th, U.N.O. Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)
WBC Super-Lightweight Diamond Title
&
Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs Anthony Yigit (Sweden)
IBF Super-Lightweight Championship
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com

5. November 3rd, SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)
WBA ‘Unified’ Bantamweight Championship & WBC Bantamweight Diamond Title
&
Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)
WBC Super-Lightweight Silver Title
TICKETS: From £35 (plus fees) here: thessehydro.com

6. November 10th, UIC Pavilion in Chicago, USA – Ali Trophy Quarter-Finals
Mairis Briedis vs. Noel Mikaelian
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
&
Krzysztof Glowacki vs. Maksim Vlasov
Cruiserweight Quarter-Final
TICKETS: From $30 (plus fees) here: TicketMaster.com (On sale: Mon 1 Oct)

Season II divisions and Ali Trophy quarter-final match-ups:

Bantamweight:
Ryan Burnett (Northern Ireland) vs. Nonito Donaire (Philippines)
WBA ‘Unified’ World Championship and WBC Diamond Title

Zolani Tete (South Africa) vs. Mikhail Aloyan (Russia)
WBO World Championship

Naoya Inoue (Japan) vs. Juan Carlos Payano (Dominican Republic)
WBA ‘Regular’ World Championship

Emmanuel Rodriguez (Puerto Rico) vs. Jason Moloney (Australia)
IBF World Championship

Super-Lightweight:
Regis Prograis (United States) vs. Terry Flanagan (England)
WBC Diamond Title

Josh Taylor (Scotland) vs. Ryan Martin (United States)
WBC Silver Title

Kiryl Relikh (Belarus) vs. Eduard Troyanovsky (Russia)
WBA World Championship

Ivan Baranchyk (Belarus) vs. Anthony Yigit (Sweden)
IBF World Championship

?
Cruiserweight:
Mairis Briedis (Latvia) vs. Noel Mikaelian (Germany)

Yunier Dorticos (Cuba) vs. Mateusz Masternak (Poland)

Krzysztof Glowacki (Poland) vs. Maksim Vlasov (Russia)

Ruslan Fayfer (Russia) vs. Andrew Tabiti (United States)
IBF Eliminator

IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington and his challenger Carl Frampton faced off on the second leg of their press tour.

They meet in a stunning match at the Manchester Arena on Saturday December 22, live and exclusive on BT Sport Box Office.

Warrington’s home city Leeds hosted today’s event with the Carriageworks packed with his fans.

Former two-weight world champion Frampton has home advantage at the final press conference in Belfast tomorrow.

Here are a selection of quotes from today’s presser.

JOSH WARRINGTON

There could be easier fights, but I want the best in the division.

It is going to be deafening in Manchester and we have the Fight of the Year.

It is two fighters having it out, but I will still be world champion at the end of the year.

I won the English and Commonwealth title on the road and going to Manchester where its neutral is no bother. I think the support will be even.

Champion of the world has a lovely sound, but it’s just a title and I believe I can strive for more.

I watched Carl and I see things I can exploit and do things on the night to beat him.

We will come up with three or four game plans and I will adapt.

When the first bell goes respect goes out of the window and we will punch each others head in.

This fight doesn’t need animosity. If I started acting like a bell*** it would be out of character.

I did against Lee Selby because there was bad feeling between us and the teams. Things got nasty.

SEAN O’HAGAN (Warrington’s trainer and Father)

I always knew we had the beating of Lee Selby. The media made him up to be something he wasn’t.

This is a different ball game and a harder fight, but one we’re looking forward to.

When he beat Lee I just whispered, ‘Can we discuss my bonus?’ I’m still waiting so I’ll be having a tenner on Carl.

There is a lot of pay-per-view fights and this the best of the lot. It is a proper fight. Two lads who wont allow themselves to lose.

CARL FRAMPTON

If I win this fight it will mean more than any of my world title wins, because I have been written off.

I want to stick my fingers up to those who wrote me off after the Leo Santa Cruz loss.

People say I’m on slide but since teaming up with trainer Jamie Moore, promoter Frank Warren and MTK these are my prime years.

Josh thinks I’m not what I was and a lot of people think that after the Santa Cruz loss and a short camp for my fight against Horacio Garcia.

In my last two fights I’ve been as good as ever. If Josh wants to think I’m a shadow of my former self he can.

I am not daft and I know what it will be like on the night. It just going to be noise and I will use to my advantage.

Look back at interviews I was doing six years ago and I was counting the days to retirement. It was a job, but now I look forward to the gym.

I wasn’t enjoying it and still beating good fighters. That says a lot about me.

I expect this to be a tough fight and I need to be right physically and mentally.

For the Scott Quigg fight I did 220 rounds of sparring against bigger men, but Jamie has cut that in half and work on tactics and think that was a brilliant session after.

I may need the performance of my life and there isn’t an ounce of quit in either of us. It will be a case of toughening it out.

I will suss him out and work out game plans as the fight goes on.

I don’t have to hate Josh. I like him, but it is a fight and we will do whatever we can to win the fight and shake hands afterwards.

Things will be said in the build-up that will irk each other, but it happens and the only opponent I ever hated was Chris Avalos.

JAMIE MOORE (Carl Frampton’s trainer)

Carl does things that come natural like footwork and anticipation. There is a difference between elite and world class fighters. Carl is elite.

I wouldn’t want to change him in a big way because he was already phenomenal. It is more about decision making and setting tactics. This fight will come down to tactics.

I know nobody will beat Josh without being in a very tough fight, but I feel I have a very talented fighter in Carl.

Josh proved how good he was against Lee Selby and he is more than a pressure fighter. His work-rate will give anybody problems.

Tickets are now on sale for this blockbuster event at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd and are are available to purchase via Ticketmaster and Eventim.

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (Sept. 26th, 2018) — CES Boxing returns to Foxwoods Resort Casino next month for the second time this year with a loaded fight card expected to produce yet another dramatic finish at the historic Fox Theater.

New Haven, Conn., fan-favorite Jimmy Williams (15-1-1, 5 KOs) headlines in an eight-round battle for welterweight supremacy against dangerous Bronx, N.Y., veteran Enver Halili (10-1, 3 KOs) while New Haven’s Edwin Soto(13-2-2, 5 KOs) returns in the eight-round co-feature against super welterweight Anthony Lenk (15-5, 7 KOs) of Niagara Falls, N.Y.

The event features both amateur and professional boxing, starting with the second installment of Jimmy Burchfield’s acclaimed USA Amateur Boxing Tournament on the preliminary card beginning at 6 p.m. ET followed by the loaded, nine-fight main card at 7.

Tickets are priced at $37, $47, $77 and $157 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.foxwoods.com, or www.ticketmaster.com; by phone at 401-724-2253 or 800-200-2882 or at the Fox Theater Box Office.

Williams returns to Foxwoods for the sixth time in his career and headlines for the first time since August of 2017. Following his first career loss in Nevada in April, Williams rebounded with a win over Colorado’s Christian Aguirre in June, dominating the fight from start to finish en route to a 60-53 unanimous decision win on all three scorecards.

“I’m very excited to be back headlining at Foxwoods,” Williams said. “I’m ready to put on a great performance for my fans and family. I know Halili comes to fight and this will be a fight my fans don’t want to miss.”

On Oct. 20th, he faces a tall task against the slick, elusive Halili, who returns to the ring for the first time in 11 months. Halili scored his biggest win in June of 2017 when he outclassed previously unbeaten welterweight Wesley Tucker over the course of eight rounds to score the unanimous decision victory, and recently competed for the WBC FECARBOX title against Raymond Serrano in November.

“This is going to be an action-packed fight,” Halili said. “I’m very excited, and I know on Oct. 20th I’ll be walking out of there with a victory.”

Also no stranger to the grand stage at Foxwoods, Soto continues his resurgence Oct. 20th in a long-awaited showdown against Lenk, who makes his New England fresh off a tryout with the recently-relaunched The Contender reality television series.

Soto also fought on the June 2nd event in the main event against New York’s Salim Larbi, which ended with Soto earning a split decision win, 75-74, 76-74, 74-76, after picking himself up from the canvas in the opening round and scoring a knockdown of his own in the sixth to turn the fight in his favor.

Since returning to the ring in October of 2017 following a two-year layoff, Soto has won his last three fights, including a knockout win over regional rival Ray Oliveira Jr. in February.

“I feel well-prepared for this fight,” Soto said. “My team and I have been training hard, like always. I feel ready, strong, confident and anxious to give my fans the great fight they want to see. I want to thank my fans for supporting me, because they know I am a warrior. They have seen me get in the ring and fight great battles. In Jesus’ name, we’ll come out victorious. Don’t miss this boxing. It’s going to be a great night.”

Lenk boasts a loaded resume featuring bouts against the region’s top 154-pounders, among them Mark DeLuca, Steven Martinez, Hector Vazquez and Ricardo Williams Jr., who have a combined record of 84-9. Promoted by Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing, the 30-year-old Lenk was born in California and fought primarily out west at the beginning of his career, earning wins over contenders Boyd Henry, Fernando Rodriguez and Alberto Herrera during an impressive, three-fight win streak between 2011 and 2012.

“Edwin Soto is the next chapter in my boxing book,” Lenk said. “He is a strong, sturdy fighter who stands in my way. It’s going to be hard going on his home turf for people to see a close decision go to me, so I’ll have to make it known. I have 23 years’ worth of chapters just like this in my boxing book.

“I have had ups and downs in my career. This fight, I plan to make a statement that I’m here and I’ve always been here. Just like my first fight at the age of 7, I will finish this chapter the same way, with an exclamation point!”

In addition to the highly-competitive main event and co-feature, the Oct. 20th card features several hotly-contested regional rivalries, starting with what could be the showstopper in the welterweight division between unbeaten Derrick Whitley Jr. (4-0) of Springfield, Mass., and rising prospect Sharad Collier (1-0) of Hartford, Conn., who won his professional debut in June. The two put their unbeaten records on the line in a special six-round showcase as Whitley aims for his fifth win in 18 months while Collier steps up to face the 27-year-old right-hander in just his second pro fight.

Also in the welterweight division, Marqus Bates (4-2, 3 KOs) of Taunton, Mass., makes his Foxwoods debut in six-round bout against Carlos Hernandez (3-2-1, 2 KOs) of Bridgeport, Conn. Bates recently pieced together his most complete performance to date, punishing Springfield’s Mohammad Allam en route to a third-round knockout in May, and has now won back-to-back bouts. Hernandez steps into the ring for the first time in six years, but has won three of his last four, with the lone blemish a draw against veteran Josh Beeman in 2012.

Fan-favoriteMarcia Agripino (2-1-1) of nearby Ledyard is back for the second time since June and will fight her first six-round fight against the dangerous Stephanie Essensa (3-1-1) of Alberta, Canada. Agripino earned her first win since 2013 back in June when she defeated Kay Hansen of California via majority decision in a back-and-forth slugfest. Essensa, who also boasts a 2-1 record in mixed martial arts, has won two of her last three in boxing, including a big win over Mexican challenger Jacqueline Coutino earlier this month.

Providence, R.I., lightweight Nicky DeQuattro (3-1, 1 KO) makes his second Foxwoods appearance in a four-round bout against Muay Thai pro Geoffrey Then of Danbury, who steps inside the boxing ring for the first time, and Springfield lightweight Calixto Cruz makes his professional debut in a four-round bout against Providence’s Joseph Santana.

Fighing in separate undercard bouts, New Haven’s Elvis Figueroa (5-0, 2 KOs) returns to Foxwoods fresh off his win in June in a six-round bout expected to be announced later this week, and decorated Bridgeport amateur Jacob Marrero makes his professional debut in a four-round bout. The amateur preliminary card will be announced at a later date.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

Cuba’s undefeated Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs) loves a good test.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, the Miami (via Havana) welterweight will be in tough once again this Friday night, when he takes on fellow Cuban Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.

The rare Cuban vs. Cuban showdown, also Navarro’s first fight scheduled for 10 rounds, highlights a stacked undercard on Friday, Sept. 28, at the “Rumble at the Rock 2,” professional boxing event at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama. In the 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will face Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) over 10 rounds for the WBA International Featherweight Championship.

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.

So, is Navarro ready for a former WBC Latino Welterweight Champion in just his ninth fight?

“He’s a good fighter, but I feel my style will overpower whatever his so-called experience advantage is,” said a confident Navarro. “I was 312-17 as an amateur and I’m already 8-0 as a pro. I’ve been brought in as an opponent, supposedly to lose, on a Golden Boy card and a PBC show in Miami, and I knocked both those guys out. I fight my best when people don’t think I can win.”

To prepare, Navarro has reunited with trainer Herman Caicedo and gone back to what works best for the Cuban power puncher.

“I’m coming to scrap. This won’t be chess match. We’re going to scrap. That’s my style. I come to fight. I wait on the KO and when I see my opening I take it.”

Navarro says he doesn’t mind being part of an unusual “Cuban vs. Cuban” showdown.

“I’ll fight anyone. I’ve fought Cubans all my life back home, so no, it doesn’t bother me. This is a business. You see Mexican vs Mexican and Puerto Rican against Puerto Rican, so why can’t it be Cuba vs Cuba? Good fighters should fight one another, and the cream will rise to the top. It’s all business when I step in the ring. I wish Armando all the luck in the world. He will need every ounce.”

Alvarez says he knows he looked vulnerable in his last fight, a nationally televised loss to undefeated Jaron Ennis in July, and that’s why Navarro is willing to fight him.

But Alvarez says Team Navarro has made a big mistake.

“I’m 100 percent injury free and mentally ready,” said Alvarez. “That’s what his team didn’t take into account. I fought Ennis with an injury that badly affected my performance. They’re expecting that Armando Alvarez to show up that night, but I’m ready to prove ‘The Gentleman’ is here and alive. He’s a good boxer and he comes to fight, but amateur and pro are two different things and he’s not ready.”

Alvarez says he also doesn’t believe in the unwritten code some fighters carry that says Cubans can’t fight each other.

“It’s rare for two Cubans to face each other, but I think the best should fight the best. I don’t believe in not fighting another Cuban. He’s Cuban from Cuba from Cuba. I’m Cuban too, but I was born and raised here and I think anybody can fight anybody else.”

Alvarez says he’s looking forward to getting back in the win column in front of a large group of his fans.

“I’ll have the majority of the supporters at the fight. I’ll have lots of family and friends. It always helps me when my fans are there live. It pushes me to go that much harder.”

A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s fights at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series. On fight night, doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla. More exciting bouts will be announced shortly.

# # #

About Hard Rock Event Center
Hard Rock Event Center is the newly constructed 3,600-seat venue located in the northwest corner of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood. As part of the $1.5 billion property expansion, the former Hard Rock Live arena will be razed and replaced with a state-of-the-art 6,500-plus-seat venue in a theater-style configuration, slated to open in 2019. In the interim, a full schedule of concerts, comedy shows and other events will take place in the Hard Rock Event Center. Seminole Hard Rock has hosted some of the hottest musical acts such as John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, Billy Joel, Andrea Bocelli, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana; top comedians including Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, George Lopez and the late Robin Williams; as well as major sporting events and events of major sports stars, from UFC matches to charity galas for Jason Taylor, Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade and more. For additional information, please visit www.myhrl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, South Florida’s most iconic entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination, is a AAA Four Diamond-rated resort with 461 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, exciting nightlife, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club Bar & Grill, a Rock Spa and premium meeting and convention space. Top entertainers grace the stage at the Hard Rock Event Center and casino patrons enjoy more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a 37-table poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new-style Japanese cuisine. In the heart of the hotel is L Bar, a sophisticated, contemporary lounge showcasing handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist. Contemporary, and casual eateries include Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 185 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants. A $1.5 billion expansion, slated to open in Fall 2019, will bring 638 new guestrooms and suites to a landmark, guitar-shaped hotel; 168 rooms and suites to a new pool tower overlooking a lush, private cabana area; three extensive water features for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming and paddleboarding; 30 new restaurants and nightlife venues; a new 41,000 square-foot Rock Spa; 3,267 new slot machines, 193 table games and a 46-table poker room; a state-of-the-art, 6,500-seat Hard Rock Live concert arena; 21,000 square-feet of retail space; and 120,000 square-feet of premium meeting and convention space.

For more information, call 800-937-0010, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, or follow us on: Facebook: @SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

New York (September 26, 2018):

This Saturday, September 29th in Brooklyn, New York at Kings Theatre, three of New York’s premier promoters DiBella Entertainment, Uprising Promotions and The Real Deal Boxing will come together for a special edition of Broadway Boxing, showcasing some of the best prospects in the city including Justin Biggs, Jude Franklin, Josue Vargas, Melissa St. Vil and more.

One of the fighters on the card generating massive buzz in New York’s boxing scene is none other than The Real Deal Boxing’s very own Edgar Berlanga (8-0, 8 KOs) who has won every professional fight of his career by first round knockout.

Berlanga was last seen headlining at Kings Theatre during Puerto Rican Pride Weekend in June where he scored a brutal first round KO of rugged and experienced veteran Aaron Garcia who had never been stopped before. Now at only 21 years old, Berlanga is starting to create the rare excitement amongst fans that is only generated by fighters who have that special ability to end a fight with one single shot.

With all of his fights averaging 90 seconds (sound reminiscent of any other young Brooklyn born prospects of the past?) and amassing a following in New York’s Puerto Rican community, the middleweight blue chipper is on the verge of taking the boxing world by storm.

We caught up with the young knockout artist for a few quick questions about his KO streak, his favorite fighters and what his plan is if he ever sees a second round.

You’ve never had an opponent make it to the second round. Are you hoping this fight goes more than one round?

Hell no. All the work that you put in at the gym should make the fight easy. If he goes in the first round like everyone else, the quicker we outta there and getting ready for the next one.

You’ve fought some solid veterans and even a few undefeated young fighters but since you stopped them in the first, do you get a lot of criticism that your opposition has been weak?

Oh yeah. I get that a lot. That I’m fighting bums. I’ve been in there with veterans. People that are supposed to give me rounds but when they go in the first, what can I do? I’m not going wild and trying to take their head off either. I’m trying to box and look for opportunities. It’s a no-win situation. I fight a guy and stop him in the first, he’s a bum but guaranteed if I go the distance, everyone will say that I’m not that big a puncher.

Sounds like a good problem to have.

(Laughs.) Yeah, I guess it could be worse.

When you were a kid growing up you saw fighters like Cotto and Trinidad at the Garden on Puerto Rican Pride Weekend. Is that your ultimate dream? Headlining Madison Square Garden on Puerto Rican Pride Weekend?

That’s my dream. That would be a dream come true. Dreamed about it since I was a little kid. That would mean more to me than winning a world title. That’s my goal in this sport.

When do you think you’ll be ready for a Top 20 fighter?

Hopefully by next year. I’d like to be 10-0 before the year is over. Up the competition level in early 2019 and then late next year and early 2020 start going after the Top 20 guys and get a world ranking.

Are you the hardest punching prospect in boxing?

I believe so. I’m sure there are guys who have 8 knockouts but not sure if they are all in the first round especially against guys like Aaron Garcia who had never been stopped in like 20 fights.

When did you know you had that type of power?

Around the end of my amateur career. My body started maturing and I started to notice I was hitting a lot harder. I told my coach I want to start knocking people out. Dropped some guys in sparring then did it in the amateurs and now I’m doing it in the pros.

If you weren’t boxing what would you be doing?

I have no clue. I wouldn’t be in the street. I know that. Probably just have a regular job. Thank God my dad made me go to the gym even when I was younger and didn’t want to for a while. If it wasn’t for that who knows.

Couple quick questions to let people get to know you a little more. Who’s your favorite current fighter?

Terence Crawford. He’s such a complete fighter.

All time?

Miguel Cotto. I was just a little kid when I saw him at the Garden. Had my little headband and everything. I was hyped up. Changed my life.

I know you’re a Cotto man but do you think he’s Puerto Rico’s all time greatest?

No. That’s Wifred Benitez.

Favorite boxing movie?

Rocky 4 with Drago. I’m pumped to see the new Creed, Drago is coming back.

What kind music you listen to?

Latin trap. Hip Hop. R&B.

Jay Z or Nas?

Jay Z. Brooklyn baby!

So, what are you gonna do the first time the bell rings for the end of the first round and your opponent is still standing there?

Keep with the game plan. Not worried at all about going rounds. Hopefully I can get some rounds this time for everyone to see my skills. I’ve been sparring 8 to 10 rounds so I’m not worried about conditioning. There’s more tools in my box to display. I know I have the rep of just a puncher but I’m really more of a boxer-puncher.

So could the streak end this weekend when you let your opponent get out of the first so you can get some rounds in?

No. No. No. (Laughs.) If I see the opportunity, I’m taking him out.

Tickets for Broadway Boxing, presented by DiBella Entertainment and Uprising Promotions in association with The Real Deal Boxing, priced at $150, $125, $100, $60 and $35, are ON SALE NOW and can be purchased in person at Kings Theatre or online at www.kingstheatre.com. Kings Theatre is located at 1027 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226. Doors will open on the night of the event at 6:00pm.

Broadway Boxing will be broadcast on LIVE.DBE1.COM, part of the SportsLive OTT service as part of a partnership with CBS Sports Digital. Fans can subscribe to the event for a discounted cost of $4.95 by visiting live.dbe1.com.

Broadway Boxing is sponsored by Nissan of Queens, OPTYX, Azad Watches, Christos Steak House, Gagliardi Insurance, Venum and Medical Arts Radiology.

Raza Hamza will step back into the ring for the first time since the tragic death of his younger brother. Hamza’s 21-year-old brother Amir Chaand was killed in a road crash in July, Raza described the tragedy as “losing my best friend.”

The Brummie boxer looks forward to getting back into the ring in Leicester on October 6th and admits that whoever the opponent, the fight will be a test of his strength; mentally rather than physically.

“Everything that’s happened recently with me, losing my younger brother, I’m just waiting to see how I react in the ring” said the 26-year-old.

He continued: “This will be the first time my brother won’t be there so the most important thing for me is how I react without my brother being there watching me. I’m looking forward to coming back and seeing how I perform.

“The adversity’s I’ve been through in my life, boxing doesn’t worry me no more. I’ve got nothing to lose now and I believe that makes me a very dangerous person in the ring.

“My hunger has always been there and I now have another reason to be a great fighter and my brother has given me that extra drive to push on.”

Hamza turned professional in 2015 and has so far accumulated a record consisting of ten victories and one draw.

Opponent pull-outs has been an unlucky reoccurrence in the past 12 months, including a big step-up clash with former WBO European champion Lewis Pettitt falling through in June.

“The Pettitt pull out I feel has made me go a little stale, I’m still waiting for that big breakthrough.

“At the end of the day I just want to fight, and I want to fight somebody who wants to fight me back, has the same ambitions as me, is coming to win like me and then we will see how good I am. On my day, nobody beats me.”

‘The Time Is Now’ is headlined by Jack Catterall v Ohara Davies. Leicester’s own, Lyon Woodstock defends his WBO European Super-Featherweight title against Archie Sharp. Heavyweight prospect Daniel Dubois takes on former world title challenger Kevin Johnson. Olympian and double gold medallist Nicola Adams will be fighting Isabel Millan for the Interim WBO World Female Flyweight Title and Leicester’s British Super-Featherweight champion Sam Bowen also feature on a major night of boxing televised live on BT Sport.

Tickets are priced at £40, £60, £100, £150, £200 and are available to purchase from Eventbrite and Ticketmaster.

Former world champion Victor Ortiz was arrested on the accusations of 3 sexual assualts, just days before his fight with John Molins, Jr., according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

His bail was set at $100,000.

Ortiz turned himself in at approximately 3 p.m. PT, and was charged by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office with forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and forcible digital penetration, according to the police report.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 25, 2018): Former three-division world champion Jorge “El Niño de Oro” Linares (44-4, 27 KOs) hosted a media workout at Westside Boxing Club today ahead of his 12-round bout against Abner “Pin” Cotto (23-3, 12 KOs) in the main event of the Sept. 29 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. “Ruthless” Romero Duno (17-1, 14 KOs), who will fight in the co-main event, also attended.

Here is what fighters from the Sept. 29 card had to say at the workout:

JORGE LINARES, Former Three-Division World Champion:

“I’ve prepared very well for this fight. I’m training with Jorge Zerpa for this fight. He isn’t a new trainer. In fact, we were together 11 years ago when I fought for my first world title against Oscar “El Chololo” Larios in Las Vegas. We’re working on a lot of things, but mostly we’ve been reviewing and going back to an old school style of training. I’m not changing my style, just adding some things. I had been thinking about moving to 140 pound for some time. When the opportunity to fight Lomachenko came, I took the fight at 135 pounds even though it was already difficult to do so. If I were to get the opportunity to fight him again, I would drop to 135 pounds, but for now I’ll look for more opportunities at 140 pounds. A fight with Mikey Garcia or Jose Ramirez would be excellent, but I need to get stay focused on the opponent in front of me. I know Abner Cotto is tough. He knows how to fight on the inside and the outside. I know he will work hard to give a great fight this Saturday.”

ROMERO DUNO, Lightweight Contender:

“I’m happy to comeback and make my way to a title fight. I’ve been working very hard and I’m very prepared for the victory. I’m excited to come back to Fantasy Springs again to score a great victory.”

OSCAR ‘EL JAGUAR’ NEGRETE AND JOSHUA ‘THE PROFESSOR’ FRANCO
LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES, PHOTOS AND VIDEO

THURSDAY, OCT. 4 FROM THE HANGAR AT THE OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER

(ABOVE, L-R: Oscar Negrete and Joshua Franco face-off ahead of their Oct. 4 showdown on the
Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center)

Click HERE for Photos/Videos
Photo Credit: Gene Blevins-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

NABF Bantamweight Champion Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (18-1, 7 KOs) and Joshua “The Professor” Franco (14-1, 7 KOs), who will headline the Oct. 4 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN in a 10-round fight at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., also participated in today’s workout, along with Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (8-0, 8 KOs), who will face Ivan “Striker” Delgado (12-1-1, 5 KOs) in the night’s TV opener.

Here is what fighters from the Oct. 4 card had to say at the workout:

OSCAR NEGRETE, NABF Bantamweight Champion:

“It’s great to come back to defend my NABF Title for the first time. It’s the first title I have won as a professional, so I have to defend it. Franco is a tough opponent. I’ve seen him fight and have followed him through his career. However, I have the experience to beat him, especially after fighting some of the best in the world, including Rey Vargas. I like to give great shows and I like to win, so this fight will not be an exception.”

JOSHUA FRANCO, Bantamweight Prospect:

“I’m thankful to Golden Boy for the opportunity. It’s great because it shows that they have the confidence in me to face a good fighter like Negrete and they know I will do good. I know who Negrete is. I’ve seen him fight before, and he’s seen me fight before too. It’s a fight I knew would happen some day. He’s a dangerous fighter. He’s hungry and he doesn’t stop coming forward, so it will be a tough fight.”

JOUSCE GONZALEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“It’s been a dream to fight for Golden Boy Promotions. I always felt it was the pinnacle of boxing, so it’s been a dream. Now that I’m signed with them, I’m taking advantage of this. I want to make sure I make Golden Boy proud and show them that they made the right choice in trusting me. I know about my opponent, Ivan Delgado. I know that he was with Golden Boy. He’s on the outside looking in for a reason. He’s trying to get back in, but I won’t let him.”

Linares vs. Cotto is a 12-round super lightweight fight presented by Golden
Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,”THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Negrete vs. Franco is a 10-round fight for the NABF Bantamweight Title
presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 at The Hangar at The OC Fair and Event Center. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 10:30 ET/7:30 p.m. PT. ESPN 3 will live stream the fights beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 PT.

Tickets for Linares vs. Cotto are on sale and start at $35. Tickets will be
available at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino box office, by calling 1-800-827-2946, or by purchasing online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Tickets for Negrete vs. Franco are on sale and start at $25. Tickets are available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com, Vendini or the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page.

Sept. 29 Golden Boy Fight Night
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonFB and #LinaresCotto

Oct. 4 GBP on ESPN
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Sept. 29 Golden Boy Fight Night
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/LinaresCotto into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

Oct. 4 GBP on ESPN
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and
pasting link: http://bit.ly/NegreteFranco into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

https://www.facebook.com/kingsboxingpa/videos/161455951431968/

Josh Warrington defends his IBF world featherweight title against Carl Frampton in an all-British blockbuster, live and exclusive on BT Sport Box Office on December 22 and the pair today launched a three-city promotional tour that began on Park Lane in London before Leeds and Belfast provide the next staging posts.

Below are a selection of quotes from today’s proceedings at the Grosvenor House from the fighters, along with promoter Frank Warren.

Frank Warren

You look at fights the fans want to see and wait to see and normally they don’t happen until one of the guys is past his best or on the way out.

This is a fight involving two of the best British fighters who are in the top four in the world and are certainly two of the most exciting, well supported boxers in this country. It doesn’t get any better than this.

They are at the top of their game and the two of them are fighting each other. This is a fight that anyone who has any interest in boxing or any idea about boxing – styles making fights – this is the one.

This is the fight that really does matter and it will go down as one of the best fights in recent years.

You look at the best ticket-selling fighters in this country and the top four are Anthony Joshua, Carl and Josh, then Tyson Fury. They are the biggest ticket sellers and these two guys have the most vociferous and most passionate supporters.

The atmosphere in the venue is going to be unbelievable and we have all the ingredients to make it a cauldron and a great, great event. This to me is what I am in the game for, to put on events like this.

Josh Warrington

I actually felt like I was cruising in second gear in my fight against Lee Selby, boxing to instruction.

Going into the second half of the fight I sat down on the stool and asked the old man if it was time to go up a gear, but he just wanted me to carry on doing what I was doing – making him look daft and out-boxing the boxer.

It was against all odds, especially with most people giving me no chance whatsoever. It was very satisfying and I backed up everything that I said. It was a helluva night and one that will stay with me until the day I die. Now I have got this world title I am not giving it up any time soon.

In my own head, when Carl moved up to featherweight and all my pals said he is coming for me now, I knew he had one hell of a fanbase and is one great fighter. I said yesterday in the head-to-head that I have enjoyed watching Carl over the years and I’ve almost been a bit of a fan watching him in some of his fights.

As soon as someone comes into your division you start keeping tabs on them and keeping your eye out for fights down the line.

Obviously after beating Lee there were options to have steady voluntaries, but there aren’t easy fights at world level because everybody wants to be where you are.

I treat everybody with the same mindset and I train my b*llocks off just like I do for every fight and work as hard as I can because it means that much to me, winning and going forward.

When the Carl fight came along it wetted the appetite and as a champion you want to prove yourself as the best.

I am ranked No.2 behind Carl and I believe I am No.1, simple as that really. Boxing fans want to see this and boxing is thriving in this day and age.

Some big fights aren’t happening because there are a few out there still digging in their heels, but I am a fighting man and I want to prove myself against the best.

Carl Frampton

I’ve said it and talked about it a lot that I wasn’t enjoying boxing a couple of years ago and was just counting down the days until retirement.

A change of team, since I’ve joined Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, since I’ve teamed up with Frank and MTK, things seem to be going well for me and I’m enjoying boxing again.

That is the thing, I was winning big fights and beating good opponents when I wasn’t really enjoying it. Now I am enjoying it, I’m training well and smart, I believe that right now I am better than I’ve ever been.

Everything has made a difference and it is the people I am around. I am enjoying everything and I feel like I am training smarter now and not running myself into the ground constantly and over-training. I am doing it differently now with a much smarter approach.

I genuinely believe I am in my prime years now. I thought it was a very good performance by Josh against Selby and he did what he had to do.

He proved me wrong because I fancied Selby going into the fight like a lot of other people.

You have to look at his game-plan as well because people think he just likes to come forward and throw lots of shots. The plan his team came up with was very good, but he had to carry it out and execute it. He did that to a tee and credit to him.

I look at Selby and I knew he was really struggling with the weight and he had been for a while. I feel in that fight it caught up with him and you can tell from the fact that he is not coming back at super featherweight, but at lightweight. That tells you enough, but Josh did what he had to do.

Credit to him for taking this fight when he could have had a easier defence, but I agree there are not easy fights at world level, but he could have had an easier one. I think it is a big, big fight for British boxing and the biggest one of the year.

This will be the sweetest world title because I’ve been written off. I genuinely believe I am back at my best. I understand that Josh isn’t Donaire or Luke Jackson, this is a tougher fight and I am expecting a tougher fight.

He is full of confidence at the minute, but I believe I am a better fighter and I will prove it on the night. I feel like I have beaten better fighters than Josh already and I think that is going to be the difference.

Tickets go on sale for Warrington vs Frampton on Wednesday at 12pm. Tickets will be available to purchase via Ticketmaster and Eventim.

NEW YORK (September 25, 2018) – Two undefeated middleweight world champions will meet when Claressa Shields faces Christina Hammer on Saturday, November 17 live on SHOWTIME from the Adrian Phillips Theater in Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The blockbuster unification match to determine the women’s undisputed 160-pound world champion will be the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION, live at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Shields vs. Hammer features two of the consensus top-10 pound-for-pound fighters in the world squaring off to crown only the second undisputed champion in female boxing history.

The 23-year-old Shields (6-0, 2 KOs) is a two-division champion who holds the IBF and WBA 160-pound titles. The 28-year-old Hammer (23-0, 10 KOs) owns the WBC and WBO belts and has dominated the women’s middleweight division for nearly eight years. Shields and Hammer fought on the same card in June on SHOWTIME, with both fighters winning impressively to set up the first undisputed showdown in the women’s 160-pound division.

The winner of Shields vs. Hammer will join Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and women’s welterweight Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four recognized titles in any weight class.

Tickets for the event, promoted by Salita Promotions, are priced at $35-$150 and will be available this Friday, September 28 at Ticketmaster.com and the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall box office powered by Atlantic City Electric.

“I’ve worked hard my whole life to overcome every obstacle, represent my country and win two Olympic gold medals, and win world championships in two weight divisions as a pro,” Shields said. “I want to be part of the biggest fight in women’s boxing history, I want to be undisputed world middleweight champion, I want women’s boxing to reach new heights, and the only thing standing between me and the achievement of all those goals is Christina Hammer. I will defeat Hammer on November 17, and I will do it in a way that will leave no doubt who is the best in the world.”

“I am beyond excited and motivated to fight Claressa,” Hammer said. “I am the best middleweight in the world and will make that point very clear when we get in the ring. It’s been my dream to fight in the biggest women’s fight of all time and raise women’s boxing to an all-time high. I will be crowned the undisputed middleweight queen on November 17.”

“SHOWTIME Sports has a long history of featuring the best in women’s combat sports, whether it was with Laila Ali and Christy Martin in boxing, or Gina Carano, Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey in MMA,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION. “More recently, since 2016 we have featured today’s elite with Claressa Shields, Christina Hammer, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano appearing in an industry-leading 10 presentations of women’s boxing.

“Male or female, SHOWTIME has delivered the best fighters in their toughest matchups, and November 17 will be no different. We have two of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world facing each other with all four women’s middleweight titles at stake. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

“I have been fortunate to be part of some of the biggest and most important fights in boxing history, and I am thrilled to play a part in the Shields vs Hammer undisputed middleweight championship fight on SHOWTIME,” said Mark Taffet, manager of Claressa Shields. “This is a fight which will make its mark on history and change the landscape for women’s boxing. And what better venue to host this historic fight than Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, home to some of the greatest fights of our generation including Tyson vs Spinks, Holyfield vs Foreman and Gatti vs Ward. I can’t wait to see these two great champions give the fans a night to remember for generations to come.”

“This will be a historic night for boxing,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “The two best middleweights in the world – both champions, both undefeated and both motivated to prove who is the best – are bringing their skills, confidence and heart to the ring in the greatest women’s matchup of all time. Shield vs. Hammer will take boxing, and women’s sports, to a new height. History will be made November 17 live on SHOWTIME.”

Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The Flint, Mich., native turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields moved down to middleweight for her June 22 headliner on SHOWTIME, defeating Hanna Gabriels to win the IBF and WBA titles and become a two-division champion in just her sixth professional contest.

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has been the dominant force in the women’s middleweight division since winning the WBO title in 2010. Hammer became unified champion in 2016 with a unanimous decision over WBC titlist Kali Reis and has made four defenses as unified champion. In her eight years as champion, Hammer has lost just a handful of rounds across 16 world title fights. Hammer, who also models professionally and was recently featured at Fashion Week in New York City, made her U.S. debut on June 22 after campaigning mostly in Germany since turning professional in 2009.

The undercard for the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

# # #

About Boardwalk Hall
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). Spectra provides both Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center.

About Spectra
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.

About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/njcrda, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/njcrda.

For destination photos and videos media may visit www.doatlanticcity.com/mediaonline where dozens of assets are available for download. For complete Atlantic City tourism information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com. Also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoAtlanticCity and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitAC, #DOAC, and Do AC Instagram at Instagram.com/doac.

Philadelphia, PA (September 25, 2018) –Eight fighters from the King’s Promotions stable will be in action as part of the big 10-bout card at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center.

The main event will feature two King’s Promotions facing off with each other as Anthony Mercardo (11-4, 9 KOs) of Puerto Rico takes on Victor Vazquez (10-4, 3 KOs) of Yonkers, New York in an eight-round super lightweight bout.

Super Bantamweight Raeese Aleem (11-0, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas, who is coming off his biggest win of his career takes on Alcides Santiago in a six-round bout.

Heavyweight Joe Hanks (22-2, 14 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey will continue to his effort to get back in to the Heavyweight title mix battles Terrance Marbra in a six-round bout.

Super Welterweight Eric Spring (10-2-2, 1 KO) of Reading, PA takes on Pennsylvania rival James Robinson (5-11-5, 1 KO) of York, PA in a six-round fight.

Heavyweight Colby Madison (6-0-2, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland looks to stay undefeated when he takes on tough Nicoy Clarke (2-1) of Jersey City, New Jersey in a six-round bout.

Fellow undefeated heavyweight Michael Coffie (3-0, 2 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York fights Curtis Head (4-2, 3 KOs) of Southfield, Michigan in a six-round bout.

Undefeated featherweight Martino Jules (4-0) of nearby Allentown, PA squares off with fellow undefeated Felix Sosa (1-0) of Jersey City, New Jersey

Other fighters featured tonight are undefeated middleweight prospect, and Ringstar Promotions fighter Money Powell IV as well as Mayweather Promotions prospect Kenny Robles.

Tuesday, September 25th–FIGHT NIGHT

6:30 p.m. Fight Night

Location: Sands Bethlehem Event Center
77 Sands Blvd,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
5:30 p.m. Doors Open
6:30 p.m. 1st bout
7:00 p.m. FightNight Live stream begins

Media Credentials are to be picked up at table at the backstage entrance of The Sands Bethlehem Event Center

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2018 – DAZN, the live and on-demand sports streaming platform, announced today that it has signed an eight-year distribution deal with Matchroom Boxing USA, a world-leading boxing promoter, to exclusively deliver a series of fight nights along with original programming on DAZN Canada.

DAZN Canada plans to broadcast 16 live fight nights through August 2019, beginning with the Jessie Vargas vs. Thomas Dulorme card on Oct. 6, 2018 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago and Oct. 20, 2018, when Billy Joe Saunders defends his middleweight title against Demetrius Andrade at TD Garden in Boston. DAZN will also produce original programming that viewers can watch ahead of and following fights.

DAZN’s investment comes on the heels of a historic $1 billion dollar joint venture between Matchroom Boxing and DAZN Group that was announced earlier this year. This joint venture represents DAZN’s vision to reignite the fight sports community and to bring passionate fans closer to their sport and fighters.

“For too long, the fight sports market in Canada has been underserved,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN SVP, North America. “Our partnership with Matchroom allows us to drive our fans-first approach and give our users an opportunity to pay one monthly flat fee with no long-term contract or commitment, an unprecedented value proposition for fight fans.”

Matchroom Boxing Managing Director Eddie Hearn said, “DAZN has already proven to be an integral partner in Matchroom’s growth around the world. For fight fans specifically, we want to make DAZN a must-have for fight fans by featuring the world’s biggest athletes at premium venues. By expanding our relationship into Canada, we’re confident we can make that vision become reality.”

For more information, fans can follow DAZN Canada’s social channels: @DAZN on Facebook, @DAZN_CA for Twitter, and DAZN_CA for Instagram.

ABOUT DAZN CA

DAZN is the world’s first dedicated live sports streaming service and is leading the change to give sports fans around the world access to sport anytime, anywhere. DAZN remains the only place for Canadians to watch every single live NFL game, and is the exclusive home of RedZone. DAZN has also become the new home of UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and offers MLS Live, MLB Network, Six Nations Rugby, boxing, cricket and much more live and on-demand.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 25, 2018): Puerto Rican knockout artist Angel “Tito” Acosta (18-1, 18 KOs) will defend his WBO Light Flyweight World Title for a second time as he takes on Mexican warrior Abraham Rodriguez (23-1, 11 KOs) in the 12-round main event of the Oct. 13 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Acosta is a 27-year-old world champion who has won all of his fights by knockout. Acosta has knocked out fighters all over the country, including stoppage wins in New Jersey, Texas, Florida and New York. In 2017, Acosta traveled to Japan to take on Kosei Tanaka for a world title, and though he lost in what was a very tough fight, the native of San Juan, Puerto Rico returned in his very next fight to capture the WBO Light Flyweight World Title with a 10-round technical knockout victory against Juan Alejo in Dec. 2017.

“I feel happy to be making my second defense against a Mexican fighter,” said Tito Acosta. “I know that Mexicans always come to give a war. Abraham Rodriguez will come very well prepared, and I’m sure we will give a great fight between Puerto Rico and Mexico.”

Rodriguez is a 23-year-old native of Sonora, Mexico who remained undefeated in 22 fights after his making his debut in April 2013. The 108-pound pugilist scored all of his wins in Mexico, though suffered his first defeat earlier this year against Alejandro Villaseñor. Rodriguez bounced back in July against Jorge Miguel Hernandez, putting him in place for title contention on Oct. 13.

“I’m mentally and physically motivated for this fight,” said Abraham Rodriguez. “I’m going to come very well prepared to give a war, which is always what happens when you have a fight between the two countries of Mexico and Puerto Rico. I’m happy to have the chance to elevate the name of my country against a someone who I know will come prepared for a battle.”

“This is an exciting time for Puerto Rican boxers,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “There are many world champions from Puerto Rico right now, including Alberto Machado. We’re proud to work with Miguel Cotto Promotions to give a great platform to some of Puerto Rico’s world champions, so it’s a great pleasure to have Tito Acosta headline this Facebook Watch event.”

“I’m very excited to have Tito Acosta headlining in Las Vegas for the first time in his career,” said Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “He is a rising Puerto Rican star and has everything to become a successful name in boxing. I can’t wait to watch him perform in Las Vegas on Facebook this October 13.”

In the co-main event, Bakhram Murtazaliev (13-0, 11 KOs) of Grozny, Russia will return in a 10-round junior middleweight fight presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions.

Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (20-0, 13 KOs) of Lynn, Massachusetts will defend his IBF North American Welterweight Title against a soon-to-be announced opponent in a 10-round fight.

Meiirim Nursltanov (8-0, 7 KOs) of Kazahkstan will participate in an eight-round middleweight battle.

Enriko Gogokhia (8-0, 3 KOs) of Zugdidi, Georgia will open the night of action in an eight-round 147-pound fight.

“Main Events is happy to work with the Golden Boy team to provide our three hard-hitting, undefeated fighters out of Oxnard this opportunity to fight in Las Vegas and for the Facebook Watch audience,” said Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO/Owner. “As boxing fans get to know Bakhram, Meiirim, and Enriko, they are starting to follow their careers and get excited about seeing them in the ring again.”

Opponents for the undefeated prospects and contenders on this card will be announced shortly.

Acosta vs. Rodriguez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Flyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Murtazaliev vs. TBA is a 10-round junior middleweight fight presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Acosta vs. Rodriguez are priced at $75, $50, $25, and $10, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10:00 a.m. PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and
https://www.facebook.com/hardrockhotellv/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #GBPonFB and #AcostaRodriguez.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link:http://bit.ly/AcostaRodriguez into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the Pollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

NEW YORK CITY (Sept. 25, 2018) – Vasiliy Lomachenko is ready to take another bite out of the Big Apple. Lomachenko, the pound-for-pound superstar and WBA lightweight world champion, will look to unify world titles for the first time as a professional when he clashes with WBO champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 9 p.m. ET, live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. This marks Lomachenko’s fourth main event appearance at a Madison Square Garden venue.

Lomachenko-Pedraza will headline a special edition of Top Rank on ESPN, which will follow the 84th Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Presentation.

Promoted by Top Rank, ticket and undercard information for this world championship event will be announced soon.

“Boxing fans are excited that Vasiliy Lomachenko will be back in action on Dec. 8,” said Top Rank CEO Bob Arum. “He knows that in WBO champion Jose Pedraza, he faces a tough opponent with a style that may give him a lot of trouble.”

“I am ready to fight an excellent opponent like Jose Pedraza,” Lomachenko said. “My goal has always been to unify the titles, and Pedraza is standing in my way. There is something special about fighting in New York City and at Madison Square Garden. The fans in New York City are true boxing fans, and I can’t wait to put on another spectacular performance for them.”

“I am grateful to have this opportunity, since I didn’t get the chance to unify titles when I was champion in the junior lightweight division,” Pedraza said. “In this division, I will achieve my goal, and I will do it against one of the best boxers in the world. There will be a surprise on Dec. 8!”

“We are thrilled to bring fans one of the year’s marquee boxing events to ESPN,” said ESPN’s Burke Magnus, executive vice president, programming and scheduling. “Currently ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, Lomachenko is who fans want to watch. His historic victory last year on this night was a tremendous success, and we look forward to showcasing the world’s best once again.”

Lomachenko (11-1, 9 KOs) is widely considered to be the greatest amateur boxer in history, as he posted a 396-1 record with Olympic gold medals for his native Ukraine in 2008 and 2012. In the pro ranks, he has continued to etch his name in the history books. Lomachenko tied a boxing record by winning a world title in his third pro bout on June 21, 2014, a clear points win against Gary Russell Jr. to claim the vacant WBO featherweight title. He made three defenses of that title before moving up to 130 pounds. In his debut at 130 pounds, Lomachenko knocked out Roman Martinez with an uppercut-hook combination to win the WBO junior lightweight world title. Following the Martinez bout, Lomachenko began an unprecedented streak of four consecutive opponents – Nicholas Walters, Jason Sosa, Miguel Marriaga, and Guillermo Rigondeaux – retiring on their stools. The Rigondeaux bout, which took place last December at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, was the first time in boxing history that a pair of two-time Olympic gold medalists fought as professionals. After six rounds, Rigondeaux quit on his stool.

With nothing left to prove at 130 pounds, Lomachenko moved up to lightweight and challenged WBA champion Jorge Linares. On May 12 at Madison Square Garden, Lomachenko suffered a labral tear of his right shoulder in the second round and was knocked down with a right hand in the sixth, only to come back and stop Linares with a left hand to the body in the 10th round. The Linares victory signified another milestone for Lomachenko. In becoming a three-weight world champion in 12 professional fights, he broke the previous record set by Jeff Fenech (20 fights) in 1988. Lomachenko has knocked out eight consecutive opponents dating back to his fourth professional bout in 2014.

Pedraza (25-1, 12 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, has climbed back to the top of the sport following a January 2017 TKO loss to Gervonta Davis that saw him relinquish his IBF junior lightweight world title. He returned 14 months later as a lightweight on March 17, shutting out Jose Luis Rodriguez over eight rounds at the Hulu Theater at Madison Garden. After a hard-fought 10-round unanimous decision against Antonio Moran on June 9, Pedraza traveled to Glendale, Ariz., on Aug. 25 to face WBO lightweight world champion Ray Beltran. He scored an 11th-round knockdown to seal the unanimous decision victory, becoming only the second male Puerto Rican fighter to win world titles at 130 and 135 pounds.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing,@ESPN, @ESPNBoxeo, @ESPNDeportes.

Use the hashtag #LomaPedraza to join the conversation on social media.

SIDNEY, Nova Scotia (September 25, 2018) — Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) has reached an agreement with MG Ring Productions last Friday to hold a fight between former WBC and The Ring light heavyweight world champion Jean Pascal (33- 5-1, 20 KOs) and Canadian cruiserweight champion Gary Kopas (10-11-2, 5 KOs). The 12-round cruiserweight (200 lbs) fight will be held November 9 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.
It will be a second consecutive cruiserweight fight for Pascal, the Laval, Quebec fighter, and this time he will try to get his hands on the CPBC Canadian cruiserweight belt.

APOLLO (PASCAL) vs ROCKY (KOPAS)

The Jean Pascal vs Gary Kopas fight is like a real-life remake of the original Rocky movie. In one corner there is a blue-collar road warrior, Kopas, who has fought in everybody’s hometown and not always given a fair shake, yet, he still pulled himself up to be the CPBC Canadian cruiserweight champion.

Now, he’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime to fight one of Canada’s best and most notable fighters of his generation, Pascal. In the other corner is the former undisputed lineal WBC and The Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion, Pascal, who has fought some of the all-time bests.

This fight gives a local blue collar worker a chance to prove his worth in a battle called: ‘‘The Match!’’

The President of MG Ring Productions, George Reynolds, and the President of Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), Yvon Michel, negotiated for a little more than a month to come to an agreement. GYM represented Jean Pascal and his advisor, Greg Leon, for this fight.
The clash, entitled “The Match of The Year”, will be featured on pay-per-view in Canada. A press conference will be held soon to reveal more details.

“Kopas has not lost in a few years and I will not take him lightly,” Pascal said. “I know he will come to surprise the world and try to ruin my career, but everyone who knows me knows that his career will end on November 9.”

‘‘My last fight was a bout in my hometown (Saskatoon) against a guy from Mexico,” Kopas noted. “Besides that, I’ve been staying in the gym, learning new skills and enjoying life. When I first heard I was fighting Jean, I was shocked… happy, but shocked. Getting the opportunity to make history and show the world the best me is an insane feeling.

“This is a huge fight for me. Pascal has done great things and I’m really looking forward to showing my best against a former world champion. This fight will change my life, but I want Pascal to understand that his life is going to change too, after his defeat. I hope he stands toe-to-toe with me like he did his last fight. He will not last long.

‘‘I want to thank all my family, friends, and fans for all the crazy support already and thank my management, MG Ring Productions, for this opportunity. It’s going to be a hard eight weeks of intense training, but knowing I have the support of such awesome people really helps.’’

“Jean Pascal is a man of challenges and when he realized the seriousness of Kopas and his organization, he decided as usual to take it,” Michel commented.

“At this point in my career,” Pascal added, “it’s very important for me to stay active. We had other plans that, unfortunately, fell at the last minute but, fortunately, the fight with Kopas came.”

In the co-Main Event, undefeated Cody “The Crippler” Crowley, who is the current CPBC International Jr. middleweight champion and current CPBC Canadian middleweight champion, will defend his titles. On the undercard, Quebecker Eric Barrak (8-4-0, 7 KOs) will fight for the North American CPBC heavyweight title, while Mario Perez (19-7-5, 11 KOs) of Toronto, will do the same for the CPBC International super featherweight (130 lbs) belt. Five championship fights will be presented on this spectacular boxing card. Others to be named

JEAN PASCAL
The former light heavyweight world champion will be looking his third straight win, second triumph in the cruiserweight division, and his fourth win in five fights under trainer Stephan Larouche.

In his last ring appearance, this past July 20th at Place Bell in Laval, Pascal knocked out Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) veteran and former hockey enforcer, Steve “The Boss” Bosse, in the eighth round of an intense and captivating battle.

GARY KOPAS

Gary Kopas is the current CPBC Canadian cruiserweight champion and CPBC International cruiserweight title holder.
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Don’t let his record fool you: Kopas is known as a real bulldozer in the ring. Stopped in his pro bout in 2000, he has never been stopped again, and he came back with a vengeance. Determined to prove his value in the boxing world, he has won his last six bouts.
Kopas won his Canadian title after a fierce fight with the late Quebec pugilist, David Whittom.
The Saskatoon boxer, a gentleman and shaken by tragedy, has since created a “Go Fund Me” page to raise money for David’s son.

Here is the link of the page: https://www.gofundme.com/zzq9z-rip-david

SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 – Roc Nation Sports today announced that Zhang Zhilei and Junior Younan will make their triumphant homecomings in the ring this weekend. Zhang Zhilei (19-0, 15 KOs) will return home to China on Friday, Sept. 28 to defend his WBO Oriental Heavyweight Title in a 10-round bout against Don Haynesworth (15-2, 13 KOs) in Changsha. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Sept. 29, super middleweight Junior Younan (13-0-1, 9 KOs) will take on Evert Bravo (24-8-1, 18 KOs) in an eight-round bout in his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. at the Kings Theatre.

Zhang Zhilei, ranked No. 6 in the world by the WBO, won the WBO Oriental Heavyweight Title in January 2017 via a knockout over Australian Peter Graham. His last fight on July 20, ended in a first-round KO over Eugen Buchmueller of Germany at the WinnaVegas Casino Resort in Sloan, Iowa. If Zhang wins his upcoming bout on Sept. 28 and retains the WBO Oriental Heavyweight Title, he will potentially fight on November 24 in Monaco against a world class contender on DAZN. If he is victorious, he would then level himself up to boxing greats in hopes of competing for a World Heavyweight Title in 2019.

“We believe that Zhilei is ready to make his move against the top heavyweights in the world and fight for the World Heavyweight Championship sometime in 2019,” said Roc Nation Sports promoter Dino Duva. “He has worked very hard to get there, and I have complete confidence that he can make history as the first Chinese World Heavyweight Champion.”

Younan also has a chance to continue his professional ascension in his first fight in Brooklyn since June 2015, when he defeated Mike Sawyer by TKO on the Miguel Cotto-Daniel Geale undercard at Barclays Center. His opponent, Bravo, is a boxing veteran who gave world-ranked contender Seanie Monaghan all he could handle in a 2017 match. Bravo is coming off a seven-month hiatus after his last fight against Roamer Alexis Angulo in Mérida, Yuc., Mexico.

Tickets prices for Younan’s fight are $150, $125, $100, $60 and $35 can be purchased in person at Kings Theatre or online here.

Philadelphia, PA (Sepetmber 25, 2018) – VMS Management is proud to announce the signing of Philadelphia based fighters Eric Hunter and Dhafir Smith.

“I am happy to have both Eric and Dhafir in the fold,” said Vinny Scolpino of VMS Management. “Eric is coming off fighting for the world title, and he has always been thought of being an immensely talented fighter. With just a couple of fights, Eric can get back to the world championship level, and I think the experience of challenging will help him bring home a world title. Dhafir is a veteran who has shown that he will fight anybody. I think with some guidance, he will can get the right fights, and get some quality wins under his belt.”

The 32 year-old Hunter has a record of 21-4 with 11 knockouts.

Hunter has been a pro for 13 years and has had quality wins over Tyrell Samuel (9-1); Jules Blackwell (7-0-2); Wilshaun Boxley (5-1); Jerry Belmontes (17-0); Yenifel Vincente (25-2-2); Daniel Ramirez (11-1-1); Rene Alvarado (21-3) and Antonio Escalante (29-7).

On April 9, 2016, Hunter challenged IBF Featherweight champion Lee Selby in London, England.

Hunter dropped Selby in round two with a wicked left hook, but came up just short in his bid to become world champion.

“It’s been over two-years, and I am ready to fight, and I feel within two or three fights I can be fighting for a world championship. I need to get my feet wet 1st, but if something comes up sooner, I will be ready. I know that I can become world champion,” said Hunter.

Smith has a deceiving record of 27-25-7 with four knockouts.

Smith has wins over Tomasz Nowak (8-2-1), Henry Mayes (5-0), Brandon Mitchem (25-4-1), Jonathan Reid (34-6), John Johnson (12-1), Former world champion Jeff Lacy (25-3), Quinton Rankin (4-1) & Anthony Ferrante (12-3).

VMS Management, Inc. has well-known stable of fighters including:

Lightweight Calixto Cruz of Springfield, Massachusetts, who will be making his pro debut on October 20th; Super Welterweight Shawn “Killa” Cameron (10-3, 5 KOs); Flyweight Jobert “Little Pacman” Alvarez (18-2-2, 7 KOs); Light Heavyweight Derrick “Bad Boy” Whitley (24-25-3, 11 KOs); Super Lightweight Zack “AK-47” Ramsey (8-4, 4 KOs);Welterweight Miguel Ortiz (3-1, 1 KO); Welterweight Emmanuel Lartey (16-3-1, 7 KOs); Super Middleweight Thomas Awinbomo (25-8-1, 21 KOs); Super Bantamweight Elisa Collaro (0-1-1) Heavyweight Aaron Kinch (5-5-2, 1 KO); Welterweight Ibrahim “King” Shabazz (2-4-1); Cruiserweight Ignacio Macho Camacho (0-0-1); Super Bantamweight Apollo Welch (3-0, 1KO); Heavyweight Tyyeb Beale (9-6-1, 3 KOs); Super Featherweight Isreal Suarez (4-6-2, 1 KO); Super Featherweight William Whitt (2-0, 1 KO); Super Lightweight Jonathan “Smooth” Figueroa (2-1, 1 KO); Welterweight Albert Mensah (31-7-1, 15 KOs); Super Flyweight Marvin Mabait (19-3-2, 13 KOs); Super Welterweight Simon Sayes (0-2-1) John Mosley, Welterweight Raymond Narh (26-6-1, 21 KOs) and more.

Fighters that VMS Management, Inc have managed in the past are FORMER WORLD CHAMPION Joshua Clottey (39-5, 22 KOs); FORMER WORLD CHAMPION Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko (35-5, 26 KOs) Heavyweight Robert Hawkins (23-24, 7 KOs); Super Lightweight Ben Tackie (31-13, 18 KOs); Middleweight Emmanuel Clottey (29-10, 17 KOs) FORMER WORLD CHAMPION Alejendro Berrio (38-8, 32 KOs); Super Lightweight Louis “Cruz Control” Cruz (12-4, 6 KOs) and many more.

Jessie Vargas and Thomas Dulorme will clash for the WBC Silver Welterweight title at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago on October 6, live on DAZN.

Former two-weight World ruler Vargas (28-2 10KOs) is gunning for the chance to become a two-time champion at 147lbs and victory over Dulorme (24-3 16KOs) would move him into pole position to face newly crowned WBC champion Shawn Porter as the mandatory challenger, after Porter defeated Danny Garcia in Brooklyn earlier in the month.

Las Vegas star Vargas headlines Matchroom Boxing USA’s first show in the States on DAZN and will have his hands full with the Puerto Rican – but with the stakes now raised even more, Vargas believes he can deliver a ‘tremendous’ victory and kickstart an exciting period in the peak of his career.

“My focus has to be solely on Thomas Dulorme,” said WBC #3 ranked Vargas. “This man is no walk in the park, he fights with his heart and always gives it his all, but I have prepared properly and record a tremendous victory. It’s going to be a great show and I’m proud to be headlining it.

“This is the first step in the new phase of my career. As a fighter, it’s always best to have fights lined up and have a clear plan, have a promoter that shows you ‘you are going to fight three times in 12 months’ and when you get that certainty you know you have a couple of weeks off after a fight and then you are into another training camp to give the fans another great. I am stull young and I have plenty of years left in me at the very top level – I’m truly excited.

“Shawn Porter is my boy and he’s a great fighter, he’s got a lot of experience, great stamina and power. I will fight the top guys, all the champions, there are some huge fights to make out there at Welterweight. We’re all going to go at it and we’re going to see who ends up on top.”

“Jessie is the leading contender in the WBC rankings and I am very confident that victory on October 6 will lead him to the mandatory position for Shawn Porter,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “That’s a great fight that we would be very interested in but first he must win the Mexico vs Puerto Rico battle in Chicago.”

Vargas and Dulorme clash on a huge night of action in Chicago, with two World title clashes and a huge fight for an American Heavyweight star.

Russian Artur Beterbiev defends his IBF World Light-Heavyweight title against fellow unbeaten puncher Callum Johnson, the Brit in his first World title fight.

Daniel Roman defends his WBA Super-Bantamweight crown against another Brit, second time World title challenger Gavin McDonnell, while Brooklyn’s brash Heavyweight star Jarrell Miller meets Polish legend Tomasz Adamek and three debutants grace the bill as Team USA talents Reshat Mati, Nikita Ababiy and Nkosi Solomon lace them up for the first time.

Along with these World stars and promising youngsters, Chicago fight fans will be able to back two of their own on the night, with former World Lightweight title challenger Jessica McCaskill in action on the bill along with unbeaten Bantamweight prospect Shawn Simpson.

Tickets for October 6 are on sale now priced $40, $60, $100 and $200 and are available from:

Online at Ticketmaster: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07005506EDA47F37

Phone: (312)791-6900

https://www.facebook.com/btsport/videos/1978802615551217/

According to Dan Rafael, the September 15th rematch featuring Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin did around 1.1 million Pay-Per-View buys.

The fight generated at least $94 million in domestic linear television sales for the HBO PPV telecast, which had a suggested retail price of $84.95 but had a higher price in most markets for those who ordered in high definition.

The live gate figures were released on Monday by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the fight notched the fourth biggest in boxing and Nevada history. The fight generated $23,473,500 from the sale of 16,732 tickets at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The promoters gave away 1,451 complimentary tickets, according to the commission report.

Philadelphia, PA (September 24, 2018) –Weights for Tuesday night’s fight card at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center that is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Anthony Mercado 140.8 – Victor Vazquez 137.9
Stephen Fulton 124 – Esteban Aquino 123.2
Raeese Aleem 121.9 – Alcides Santiago 122.6
Joe Hanks 253 – Terrance Marbra 220
Eric Spring 153.3 – James Robinson 152.9
Colby Madison 241 – Nicoy Clarke 211.5
Money Powell IV 163.1 – Josue Obando 165
Michael Coffie 270.5 – Curtis Head 257
Martino Jules 124.5 – Felix Sosa 124.1
Kenny Robles 138.2 – Corey Gulley 140.6

Tuesday, September 25th–FIGHT NIGHT

6:30 p.m. Fight Night

Location: Sands Bethlehem Event Center
77 Sands Blvd,
Bethlehem, PA 18015
5:30 p.m. Doors Open
6:30 p.m. 1st bout
7:00 p.m. FightNight Live stream begins

Media Credentials are to be picked up at table at the backstage entrance of The Sands Bethlehem Event Center

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

New York, NY (September 24, 2018) DiBella Entertainment’s middleweight contender Alantez “SlyAza” Fox, and prospects Tiara “The Dark Menace” Brown and Jose “Cheito” Roman all posted big wins on Saturday night, September 22, in hometown clashes.

At Bowie State University, in Bowie, MD, middleweight contender Alantez Fox (24-1-1, 11 KOs) was victorious returning to the ring following surgery for a torn rotator cuff suffered in his last fight. Battling former world title challenger Elvin Ayala (29-11-1, 13 KOs), the tall southpaw Fox displayed his full arsenal of world-class skills en route to a shutout eight-round decision (80-72 on all cards) in front of the hometown crowd. Fox was bouncing back from his first loss, a 12-round clash against former world champion Demetrius Andrade on October 21, 2017, telecast on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark” from Verona, NY. It was during the first round against Andrade that Fox suffered the injury to his left shoulder and he gutted it out for the remainder of the 10-round contest, including scoring a knockdown in the seventh frame. The 26-year-old Fox is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and New Legend Boxing and managed by Mike Borao.

Also featured in Bowie, MD, on Saturday night, popular, undefeated female prospect Tiara Brown (6-0, 4 KOs) stayed perfect with a fourth-round stoppage of Jasmine Clarkson in their scheduled six-rounder for the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.) Officer. Although there were no knockdowns, the ringside physician called a halt to the action at the end of the fourth stanza as Brown was punishing Clarkson with a barrage.

A graduate of Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, Florida, Brown will be inducted into the school’s High School Athletic Hall of Fame this Friday, September 28, at a ceremony to be held during halftime of the school’s varsity football game.

Fighting in Juncos, Puerto Rico, the 24-year-old Jose Roman (7-0, 3 KOs) stayed undefeated with another dominant performance, winning a unanimous decision against fellow Boricua, Alexander Charneco. Thrilling the island crowd, the 6’3″ Roman, managed by Ricardo Figueroa, earned the victory by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55. The victory was Roman’s third this year.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. / ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2018) Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (11-0, 8 KOs) put on another impressive performance on Friday night, this time knocking out the bigger Bergman Aguilar (14-4-1, 4 KOs) in the fifth round of Thompson Boxing’s “New Blood”main event.

Dutchover, 20, used controlled body punching to end Aguilar’s night in the fifth round of a scheduled 8-round fight. The Midland, Texas native, who conducts training camp in Los Angeles, zeroed in on the body from the outset.

A pinpoint left hook to the body sent Aguilar to one knee in the fourth round. By the fifth, Dutchover had knockout on his mind.

“Once I started letting my hands go, that’s when things started opening up,” said Dutchover, who is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “In the third round I turned up the pace. By the fourth everything started to click. I rocked him with some body shots and got a knockdown. I knew he was getting tired. I knew my punches were wearing him out so I made the choice to take him out in the fifth.”

Official stoppage time came at the 2:31 mark of the fifth round.

To watch the full slate of fights, including the Dutchover knockout,
please click here for YouTube link.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing