LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 5, 2023) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico and Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York hosted a press conference today ahead of their WBA Cruiserweight Eliminator match. Scheduled for 10-rounds, the fight night, presented in collaboration with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT.

The undercard of Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. was also on hand to promote their upcoming fights. As co-main event, Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev (12-1, 9 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan, who also proudly represents Indio, California, will face Upper Marlboro, Maryland’s Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-4-1, 13 KOs). “The Bully” will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title in a 10-round fight. Darius “DFG” Fulghum (7-0, 7 KOs) will fight Alan Campa (18-8, 12 KOs) of Guaymas, Mexico in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Opening the broadcast, Fort Lauderdale’s Eric Tudor (9-0, 6 KOs) will participate in an eight-round super welterweight fight against Jose Sanchez (13-3-1, 4 KOs) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On the preliminary undercard Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (11-1, 8 KOs) of Carlton, Texas will face Aaron “Ghozt Mas” Casper (7-4-2, 5 KOs) of Augusta, Georgia in an eight-round cruiserweight fight. Daniel “Ikaika” Luna (3-0, 3 KOs) will hope to repeat history with a four-round super lightweight fight against Erick Benitez (4-5, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Also part of the preliminaries, in an eight-round junior middleweight fight is Star Boxing’s Jahyae “Golden Child Brown (13-1 9KO’s), who will face off against Youngstown, Ohio’s Victor Toney (7-2-1 6KO’s). Also on the undercard is Star Boxing’s undefeated, New Jersey prospect, Rajon “Picasso” Chance (8-0-1 6KO’s), who will measure up in an eight-round featherweight fight against Orlando Perez Zapata (13-0 9KO’s) of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

Here’s what some of today’s participants had to say:
GILBERTO “ZURDO” RAMIREZ, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
“Thank you everyone for being here. I want to thank God for this. I am blessed to be here. Thank you Golden Boy, and Joe Smith for taking the fight. The first time I fought in Las Vegas was at the Cosmopolitan and I want to repeat what happened last time and have my hand lifted in the air in victory.”
JOE SMITH JR., FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
“Like I said, I’m glad to be back. I’d like to thank Golden Boy Promotions and Star Boxing for this opportunity. Looking forward to this Saturday. Thank you Zurdo for this opportunity. This weekend, I’m looking to make another statement.”
BEKTEMIR MELIKUZIEV, WBA INTERCONTINENTAL SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER:
“I am super happy to be back on a great card against a very good opponent. I want to thank my promoter, Golden Boy, and my team for making this happen. One thing I can promise you for sure is that you won’t want to miss this fight.”
ALANTEZ FOX, SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHTER:
“First and foremost I want to thank God for blessing me. I want to thank my fans watching from home. I also want to thank Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity. I can’t wait for Saturday, this is my season.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
“Welcome to my new home here in Las Vegas! I’m very excited to be showcasing this amazing card and this is what I’m talking about when working with other promoters.”

“When you have a former world champion — the first 168-pound Mexican champion of the world and you have Joe Smith Jr., the common man who comes to fight and is a legend killer fighting the likes of Bernard Hopkins and more — this has the makings of a great fight.”

“From top to bottom we have an amazing fight card. We’re showcasing the young talents and the must-watch prospects.”
BERNARD HOPKINS, PARTNER OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS:
“We’re closing out 2023 and entering 2024 on a high. We have these two, credible fighters ready to put on a show for everyone.”
JOE DE GUARDIA, FOUNDER AND CEO OF STAR BOXING:
“It’s certainly special to be here for a fight like this because these are both two guys that really have to put everything on the line. Two former World Champions fighting each other, and both of them are stepping up taking this real challenge.”

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Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. is a 10-round cruiserweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.StarBoxing.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoSmith

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“This is a true British classic, two two-time World Champions battle it out on Saturday night in front of 10,000 in Sheffield, the atmosphere is going to be incredible. 

“Two British greats, I think that is the best way to describe them. I’ve seen both guys at their highest and both at their lowest, and what they have always done is given us unbelievable entertainment, and on Saturday night, they put it all on the line once again.

“This is a top-class card from top to bottom, from Before The Bell, into local derbies, British Title Eliminators and unified World Titles, it’s a top night of boxing live across the world on DAZN.”

Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN:

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of such an amazing schedule, delivering for our customer base. We can’t wait for this event on Saturday, you have two British greats in one of the biggest domestic shows out there, two fighting men with fighting cities behind them. We wish the both the best of luck. 

“There’s some amazing fights coming up and in the UK most are part of your DAZN subscription. It’s incredible value and a  continued commitment from us to provide the best value to boxing fans, we truly believe our current schedule is unrivalled in the business worldwide.”

Leigh Wood:
 
“I don’t think that my power will be the key to victory, but I have got it if I need it. Three fights inside eight months, I’m coming towards the end of my career and I said I wanted to be busy while I’ve got the chance to be busy, because there’s a time I can see creeping up on me where I won’t have the choice. I love boxing, I love this fight with a former champion in the other corner, and I am ready. Power won’t be the deciding factor, there’s a lot of other things that go around it. The culture of trainers in this country that say ‘whoever wants it more will win, whoever is the strongest and hits the hardest will win, whoever is the fittest will win’. It’s not, my team are changing the game and there’s a lot more to boxing than people see. My perception has changed since being with Ben and you will see that on Saturday night.

“The Lara rematch was the best I’ve felt. After the loss, I said I could have gone back in with him ten minutes later, I knew the mistakes I made and the adjustments needed, it was a frustrating night in Nottingham packed with my own fans, but the fast turnaround suited me, I’ve had a little break and holiday to switch off but then back in the gym, and here we are, it’s come around just like that.

“Josh has had some really good wins, possibly better than mine. He’s here because of those credentials, not any other reason. It’s going to be an electric atmosphere and I’m expecting it to be the best I’ve ever witnessed, especially on my ring walk, we’ve sold more tickets than we’ve ever done so it’s going to be a great night and one that will go down in history. I want to remembered as one of the best Featherweights from this country and one of the best fighters from my own city. 

“A KO is a possibility, I am not going to go out there banking on knocking him out, but I am going to be dominant. I know Josh is very tough, I’ve been ringside for a number of his fights, especially the Kiko fight, that sticks out for me. He got hurt and he was close to being stopped himself when he got his stoppage, so I know he can bite down and give everything he needs to, but at what cost because there will be times in this fight when he needs to work extremely hard just to win a moment, and I will make him pay for those moments.”

Josh Warrington:

“I’m not offended that I am not the favourite, if anything it’s motivation. Leigh is the champion, and I’ve been given this opportunity so I am very grateful for that. What does annoy me is being written off, I’m finished, that’s given me the bit between my teeth. Last year I dominated Kiko Martinez inside seven rounds and I dominated the second half of the Lopez fight, and people are talking about how well he’s done since our fight. 

“I’m hungry, I haven’t felt like this for a long time and throughout this camp and the whole year, my head has been in a very good place, focused, and I think that the only reason I’ve lost before is mindset. Physically I’m always good, I live in the gym and I am obsessed with training, so the mindset has let me down in the past.

“Time goes on, I’ve been in this sport a long time and there’s a few more grey hairs and the hairline starts a bit further back now, but I feel mature as far as my boxing brain. I would think about the big fights and that 12 rounds is a long time, but it’s not, 36 minutes is not a long time. I know I can adapt and my boxing brain has matured, working on setting up shots, my power and strength have developed. At times, I’ve been economical with punches instead of throwing 85 punch combinations, setting up the shots a little more. You have stages of your career and I am at a good one in this moment in time, but it’s easy to say that, I need to show it on Saturday night.

“My knockouts have come at championship level, the stoppages have come when it’s mattered the most. I know I can dig. It was 15 fights before I got my first stoppage, I didn’t get any coming up against journeymen and people were maybe right to think that I wasn’t a puncher but that was a bit down to my style, not sitting down on the punches. But I have got the KOs and stoppages when it has mattered. I am not a one-punch KO guy, an Edwin Valero type, but I know I have enough to hurt you and I don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, I know I have enough to hurt Leigh and I am very confident that he doesn’t hear the final bell.

“I always visualise different moments and scenarios, I just have a really strong feeling that this one doesn’t see the final bell. It’s alright having power, but being able to take a shot is another thing, so it’s something that’s stuck with me through this camp that this is going to end early and I will be once, twice, three times a champion.”

Ben Davison:

“They are two ultimate professionals and not the type of guys that are going to have a push and a pull. Every single time they step through the ropes they bring the heat, there’s a lot of mutual respect as there should be. We’re under no illusions that Josh is a tenacious MF when he gets in there and with the atmosphere, everything on the line and the two fanbases, it’s rare that you get two fighters that thrive off the atmosphere, I just think all roads lead to an absolute barnstormer.

“(Inactivity) I’m sure Josh doesn’t spend too much tie out of the gym, Leigh certainly doesn’t, so I don’t think you can read too much into that. Both of them are more versatile then they are given credit for so there’s lots of scenarios and outcomes in the fight and how it might play out. I think once it catches fire it’s going to be one for the history books.”

Terri Harper:

“When the fight first got announced it went down so well with boxing fans, and when Cecilia had to pull out on the moving of the fight I was gutted. Luckily I got out the following week so the camp didn’t go to waste, but now it’s been rescheduled and in front of a home crowd and there’s another belt up for grabs, it’s a much bigger fight and I am excited to get out there in Sheffield Arena, a place I’ve had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Saturday night is made for me, I’ve been under the radar in my last couple of fights just rebuilding, and this is where I am going to get back up there and have people talking about me.

“I feel that I am at the stage of my career where I want to push on for the big fights. I want the money, I want a good house, and I feel I am ready now. So get a good win again Cecilia on Saturday and it really opens up the doors for me, but I have to remember I am in the ring with a great athlete, great fighter, she’s shared the ring with some great champions and it’s a fight that I feel I will learn a lot from, but I am ready to be let out of the cage now and get the job done in a good style.

“The support is always great and I think everyone is going to be at the arena on Saturday night. I got goosebumps driving over just remembering how great this arena is on a fight night. The last time here I was mardy because the plans had changed but this week I’m going to soak up every moment of it.”

Cecilia Braekhus:

“Second time around, last time I woke up on fight day and I was sick. I knew right away when I opened my eyes that this is not going to happen. I went to the bathroom and I was dizzy, and when that happens, you are not going to get in the ring, so I just called and said ‘this is off’. It wasn’t even for discussion. It was heartbreaking of course, I want to thank Matchroom and Team Harper for giving me the fight again. They didn’t have to, they could have gone another way. We know that this is going to be a great fight, we’ve been locked in on each other for two camps now and I think there’s a whole different energy right now. It’s going to be twice as good as it was going to be and there’s another belt on the line too. It’s not a must-win, I want to win and I will win, that’s more my mindset.

“Terri was bigger than me when we did the weigh-in last time, she’s a big Welter, so I don’t think that size is going to be the big factor in this fight, it’s going to be boxing skills and I think I have the boxing skills to win.”

Kieron Conway:

“This is very important for me and I see it as a must-win fight. I came off the loss in Las Vegas and I am putting it right with this performance. I need to prove to myself and everyone else what I am about, and what I say I am, I am. I don’t believe I win this fight, I know I win this fight.

“I welcome the pressure. It’s not a fight that I necessarily had to take but we chose this fight. It’s a good fight, I need a good domestic win and this could put me in good stead moving forward. I’m coming in knowing I will win. I’ve been putting things right in and out of the gym, and now it’s time to put it all together.”

Linus Udofia:

“This is must-win, 100 per cent. It’s a good fight for boxing, two good styles, we both really want it, and on Saturday that will show.

“We’ve both had big nights, I’ve headlined shows, been on big cards and I’ve had my fair share of experience, and that all comes out on Saturday night. This is the best Linus Udofia you are going to see out there.”

Junaid Bostan:

“If you don’t ask, you don’t get – it was this time last year I was in the same room giving you stick Eddie because you weren’t signing me; now I am asking you to put me higher on the card.

“Life is good, I’m performing well. Back-to-back fights in Sheffield Arena, I can’t complain being from these ends, it’s a massive card to be part of and I’m privileged to be on it.

“December 16 in Arizona is in the back of my mind, but I cannot look past Saturday and getting a stoppage.”

Hopey Price:

“I’ve got an undefeated fighter in front of me, 14-0, but who has he boxed? I believe I have been in with far better opposition, so for me this isn’t a step-up, it’s a stepping stone to get me that British title and you’ll see the difference in levels on Saturday night, he’s in serious trouble.

“It will be a straightforward victory for me, whatever he’s got, I’ve got an answer for, I’m just an all-round better boxer, better fighter; if he wants to mix it up I can mix it up, I just believe i’m better in every aspect and everyone will see on Saturday night that I am going to win and do it in tremendous style.

“It’s going to be rocking, there will be plenty of Leeds supporters in there, o want to put on a good performance and show everyone that I am the next star from Leeds and will carry that flag moving forward.”

Connor Coghill:

“It’s a massive opportunity for me being on the big stage, but it’s one I think I deserve. I’m 14-0, I’ve been hustling on the small hall shows, selling tickets, waiting for these opportunities so I have done it the hard way. I got this opportunity on Saturday and I’ve sacrificed a lot, I’ve been sleeping on a sofa in the gym for the last ten weeks, I’ve given everything for this fight.

“I’ve done everything I can to make myself right so I am going to give everything in there. If I have to change the gameplan halfway through, I will, but I am here to win and that’s the main thing.

“A win on Saturday night changes my life so I am going all in.”

Cameron Vuong:

“I’m ready to go and ready to show why I am one of Matchroom’s best prospects, and make a big statement on Saturday night.

“I’ve got a great team and it’s a big thank you to Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis for taking me on. I think it’s the best move for my career, getting away from any distractions and putting the graft in. I’ve had a really good camp, training and sparring with Jack Catterall for his fight with Jorge Linares, and I’m looking forward to showing you what I am all about.

“I want to stay active and hopefully have two or three more fights before the end of the year.”

Nicole Leivars:

“It’s a step-up but one I am more than ready for, it’s more rounds and a better opponent who’s got pedigree from who he’s faced, but I think it will bring the best out of me and you’ll see that in my performance.

“After my last win, after a few weeks I was back in the gym, doing ten rounds in sparring, training hard in Tenerife, it’s been a really good camp and you’ll see the hard work.”

Koby McNamara:

“I’m buzzing to be back on the big stage again. I can’t wait to get in that arena on Saturday night, put on a good performance and hopefully it opens more doors for me. 

“It’s going to be a big night for Leeds, we’ll be getting three wins here.”

MONTREAL (October 5, 2023) — Former World Champion Kim Clavel (17-1, 3 KOs) challenges unified world light flyweight champion Evelin “The Little Princess” Bermudez (18-1-1, 6 KOs) for her International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Flyweight crowns on this Saturday’s “The Reconquest” Pro-Am card, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) in association with O.R. Promotions, and presented by Mise-O-Jeu in collaboration with Bell Media, at Place Bell in Laval, Canada.

The 32-year-old Clavel, the reigning WBC and WBO International title holder, is the No. 1 contender by both the WBO and IBF. Fighting at home in Montreal, the beloved Clavel was the 2020 recipient of an ESPY Award for returning to nursing to aid people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“This fight is the most important of my life, of my career,” Clavel said at a recent press conference. “I have the clear impression that this fight can change my life. I’m boarding the ring for myself and no one else, I want to prove to myself that I can become a world champion again.

“Writing the story is on the list of reasons why I’m boxing. I think it would be great, not just in women’s boxing, but in Quebec boxing. “I want to realize my dream of becoming a unified champion. I’ve been working in boxing for 17 years. When I was 17, I had no money to put gas in my car and I called Danielle to pick me up.”

In the 10-round main event, Clavel is arguably facing the toughest test of her pro career in Bermudez, the gifted Argentinian who won her first world title fight in 2018, adding the WBO crown in 2022. After one WBO and seven successive IBF title defenses, she lost by majority decision to Costa Rican Yokasta Valle (28-2, 9KO), who was also IBF / WBO world champion of the minimum division (105 pounds), in Carson, California. The latter immediately abandoned her two new world junior flyweight titles (108 pounds), allowing Bermudez to win them back, this past March in Buenos Aires against previously undefeated Mexican Tania Enriquez (20-0, 9 KOs).

“I am very happy to defend my belt against my No. 1 challenger,” Bermudez commented. “She is a great fighter, and this is the kind of fight that motivates me. I am very well prepared. I have a lot of world title fight experience and despite fighting her in her hometown, I am bringing back my belts with me to Argentina.”

A potentially explosive co-featured event pits Montreal favorite Sebastian Bouchard (20-2-1, 9 KOs) against undefeated Canadian welterweight Mazlum “Maz” Akdeniz (18-0, 8 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round match for the vacant WBC International title.

“I like the role of underdog and I definitely am,” Bouchard admitted. “I’m very comfortable with that. For everyone who always thought I wasn’t going anywhere, I’m still fighting. I would like that on the 8th, in the (Sunday) morning, my belt will be hung in the living room for all these beautiful people.”

“I think it will be an explosive fight,” Akdeniz countered. “There will be a lot of punches thrown. We are two aggressive boxers and the one with the most heart will win.”

Highly ranked Canadian super lightweight Marie-Pier Houle (8-1-1, 2 KOs) faces Cindy Reyes Espinoza (4-1, 0 KOs), of Mexico, in an eight-round bout. Houle is world ranked by all four major sanctioning bodies: the WBO (#3), IBF and WBA (#6), and WBC #11).

Also fighting on the undercard, 2020 Canada Olympian Caroline Veyre (5-0, 0 KOs) takes on Italy’s Jessica “Bulldozer” Bellusci (4-0, 2 KOs) in a battle of undefeated prospects, also in eight-rounds.

Opening the pro card is Derek “Slick” Pomerleau (5-0, 3 KOs), the 2016 Canadian National amateur champion, against Czech Republic middleweight Michal Chludil (3-1-2, 2 KOs) in a six-round fight.

The amateur segment of “The Reconquest” will provide added interest as Arturo Gatti, Jr., the son of the late, legendary boxer, Hall of Famer Arturo “Thunder” Gatti. The 105-pound Gatti, Jr. is matched against Terry Digaletos. Alessi Mansueto and Melina LaPlante will box at 138 pounds in the other amateur match.

Tickets are on sale and available to purchase online at www.ticketmaster.ca  and directly at GYM at info@groupeyvonmichel.ca.

ABOUT YVON MICHEL GROUP (GYM):  Groupe Yvon Michel is a professional boxing promotion organization, founded in 2004 by Yvon Michel, Alexandra Croft and Bernard Barré, who are still active in the company, the most prolific in the history of professional boxing in Canada. Since its foundation GYM has set up 167 galas in Quebec, all broadcast in Quebec on RDS, TVA Sports or Radio-Canada, and participated in 37 international galas outside Quebec. Eight boxers have become world champions, Joachim Alcine, Jean Pascal, Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez, Marie-Eve Dicaire (twice), Oscar Rivas and Kim Clavel. 19 boxers from the organization have delivered 56 world championship fights maintaining an excellent record of 30 wins, 24 losses and 2 draws. During this period, the major American television networks were more active than ever in coming to Quebec to broadcast the most important events of the organization.

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2023) – Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (13-0, 12 KOs), the undefeated welterweight sensation, is poised to stake his claim as the most electrifying prospect in the world of boxing. Originally hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Griffin, who stands 6? 0? tall, has now found his training home at the renowned Mayweather Boxing Gym in Las Vegas.

Following his intense sparring sessions with some of the world’s finest welterweights who frequent the rugged gyms of Las Vegas, Griffin’s reputation in the boxing world is making waves. He is steadily earning recognition as one of the most devastating punchers in the sport.

“I’m ready to elevate, my time is now, and I’m going to show the world I’m boxing’s best-kept secret,” said Griffin, a rangy 29-year-old power puncher. “God has blessed me with explosive KO power, and my relentless work ethic is second to none. With everything that has happened to me, I believe I’m indestructible and the world will soon witness.”

Griffin’s story transcends the realm of boxing. At a critical juncture in his life, he found himself unjustly accused of murder, enduring an agonizing 11-month incarceration. During this trying period, while facing life in prison, he witnessed precious moments of his promising career slipping away, yet his commitment to his dream of becoming a world champion remained resolute. Behind bars, Griffin shared his boxing aspirations with fellow inmates, often met with laughter and skepticism.

Throughout his confinement, he visualized himself training at the Mayweather Boxing Gym. Upon his long-awaited release, Griffin wasted no time as he jumped into a car and headed straight to Las Vegas to pursue his dream. His self-belief is unparalleled among his peers, and his journey serves as an immensely inspirational testament to the power of determination and resilience.

“When I got locked up for something I had nothing to do with, I had to dig deep in my soul, it made me appreciate all the hard work I put into my boxing career, and I vowed to never take anything for granted,” continued Griffin, who is a promotional free agent. “I’m grateful to be out here in Vegas following my dream.”

Avious Griffin receives coaching from the seasoned boxing trainer Bullet, known for his remarkable track record in nurturing some of the sport’s most illustrious talents. Bullet has warmly embraced Griffin, and their collaboration is proving to be a harmonious and productive partnership.

Long before his professional career, Avious Griffin’s boxing journey began at age 8. He boasts an extensive amateur pedigree, having fought in over 160 amateur bouts, winning numerous national championships as a teenager. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future success.

His exceptional growth and development as a fighter have not gone unnoticed, as he is now proudly represented and managed by CTB Athletics, a management company led by the well-respected Brandon Stump.

“I signed Avious when he first arrived in Vegas and built my company around him,” stated Stump. “He’s a natural born leader and people just want to follow him. He’s got a story to tell that goes beyond boxing and he will inspire millions of people around the world. Avious has lightning in his fists and I believe he has the potential to be the next superstar in the welterweight division.”

Behind Avious Griffin’s rise to prominence is a deeply personal story of loss and resilience. His father, Alvin Griffin, tragically passed away when a blood vessel burst in his brain, forever altering the course of young Avious’ life. In a heart-wrenching moment, Avious frantically rushed his father to the hospital, but destiny had other plans. It is within the memory of his father’s legacy that Avious draws his strength, determination, and the desire to prove himself as the true underdog of boxing.

“My dad’s goals and dreams he wanted for me made him smile and happy,” concluded Griffin. “With me continuing my boxing journey makes me feel like I’m still making him proud, and that inspires me. I fell in love with traveling and meeting folks when my dad would take me to tournaments. I soon realized I could do this, and the sport of boxing grew on me more and more. Now that I’m a grown man, I’m ready to take the boxing world by storm.”

Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin’s journey from incarceration to the Mayweather gym in Las Vegas is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger than ever. His immense KO power has captivated those in the Las Vegas boxing scene. Avious Griffin is a name to remember, a rising star with a remarkable story, and the future of the welterweight division.

Sheffield, England – 5 October 2023 – The official weigh-in for GBM Sports ‘Clash On The Court’ event took place earlier today at Sheffield United’s stadium ahead of tomorrow night’s show to be held at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield.

Doncaster’s Reece Mould’s headlines the card with the first defence of his WBA Continental Lightweight Championship against Kent challenger Martin McDonagh.

Chief support features Newark’s Emma Dolan defending her Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Worksop’s Nicola Hopewell in an East Midlands derby showdown.

Also on the card will be a host of up-and-coming talents: Naphtali Nembhard, Nohmaan Hussain, Faraqat Ali, Red Johnson, Joe Hayden, Sam O’Mason, Adam Mohammed, Liam Cameron and Declan Cairns.

WBA Continental Europe Lightweight Championship

12 X 3 Minute Rounds at 135lb

Reece Mould 134.4lb vs. Martin McDonagh 135lb

Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship

10 X 2 Minute Rounds at 115lb

Emma Dolan 113.8lb vs. Nicola Hopewell 113.4lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Middleweight Contest

Naphtali Nembhard 164lb vs. Vasif Mamedov 169lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Featherweight Contest

Faraqat Ali 134lb vs. Christian Lopes Flores 138lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest

Sam O’Mason 151lb vs. Jake Smith 149lb

4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest

Declan Cairns 151lb vs. Rustem Fatkhullin 147lb

Joe Hayden-MJ Hall, Nohmaan Hussain-Caine Singh, Liam Cameron-Robbie Connor, Red Johnson (171lb)-Ben Thomas will all weigh-in tomorrow.

The GBM Sports show ‘Clash On The Courts’ will be streamed LIVE on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube Channel commencing at 1815hrs. Go to

https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORTBoxing

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS
The WBO European Cruiserweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Ellis Zorro 199lbs 3oz
Luca D’Ortenzi 200lbs

The vacant Commonwealth Silver Featherweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Masood Abdullah 125lbs 3oz
Marc Leach 124lbs 9oz

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Light-Heavyweight Contest
Karol Itauma 180lbs 9oz
Dmytro Fedas 179lbs 7oz

8 x 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
Joshua Frankham 154lbs 3oz
George Davey 153lbs 8oz

8 x 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Welterweight Contest
Carl Fail 157lbs 2oz
Angel Emilov 159lbs 9oz

8 X 3 Minutes Rounds International Super-Bantamweight Contest
Chris Bourke 120lbs 9oz
Adam Mbega 122lbs 2oz

4 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
Sam King 161lbs 1oz
Dwain Grant 158lbs 6oz

Fight week got underway in Sheffield this evening as Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington were put through their paces during the Public Workout in the Memorial Hall at Sheffield City Hall ahead of a huge World Title double-header at the Utilita Arena Sheffield this Saturday October 7, shown live worldwide on DAZN.

The Featherweight rivals, who clash for the WBA World Title on neutral ground, were joined by fighters on the undercard, including WBA Super-Welterweight World Champion Terri Harper and former world pound-for-pound number one Cecilia Breakhus.  

Nottingham’s defending Champion Wood (27-3, 16 KOs) made a spectacular entrance, arriving in a custom wrapped Ferrari supercar, before performing a short workout that consisted of skipping and shadow boxing for the fans and media in attendance. 

Former IBF king Warrington (31-2-1, 8 KOs) will be bidding to become a three-time Featherweight World Champion after surrendering his World Title to Mexico’s Luis Alberto Lopez at the First Direct Arena in Leeds last time out.

Leigh Wood:

“Cool, calm and collected. I’ve done everything that I needed to do. I know what I need to do on the night. This is just all the theatrical part of it for me. I’m counting down the days. Tomorrow is probably the worst day – the press conference. It drags, but I’m getting better at it with every camp – right at the end of my career. I can’t wait until fight night. 

“It’s been respectful between us all camp. I think Josh is starting to get slightly aggressive, starting to swear a little bit. He thinks people will like him if he swears a little bit more. The last fews days, I think he’s changing a little bit. He might even be trying to rattle me, I don’t know. Like I said, I’m cool, calm and collected and I know what I’ve got to do. 

“I’ve been at this level many times. He’s going to do what he always does and I’ll do what I always do. I feel like I’ve always had the potential, but I was missing a little bit of guidance. I got to a high level doing things on my own, but since I’ve teamed up with Ben it’s brought out the best in me and it’s showing on fight night. I make less mistakes and I capitalise on my opponents – it’s taken me to another level.”

Josh Warrington:

“It’s just here isn’t it, it’s here. You just want to get in there and fight. He’s stood there. Have I got an adrenaline rush? No, I’m pretty chilled out. We’ve got to do all of this media stuff, the open workouts, it’s all part of the promotion. We know when Saturday comes, that’s when the real stuff happens. This kind of helps speed up the week a little bit. I don’t mind it. Listen, I’d rather be sat at home watching Homes Under the Hammer with my feet up, but it speeds up the time. 

“I’ve said it throughout my career, every fight has been must-win. Go back to the 31st of October, 2009 my professional debut – that was a must-win. I wanted to get off on winning ways. As your career goes on, that next one is your biggest one. In terms of is it my biggest night altogether, you’ll have t ask me that when I’m done and retired. At this moment in time in my career it’s the biggest fight. 

“I pinched myself becoming a World Champion, never mind a three-time World Champion. That’s not bad that. I’m going to be asking for freebies around where I live. It’s fantastic, but we’re not done. There’s this and there’s more to add to it. I still strongly believe that I can add more to my career. I always say Josh Warrington win no matter how it comes, but this one, I don’t see it going 12 rounds.”

Terri Harper:

“I’m very grateful that we’ve been able to reschedule the fight. It’s a better fight now there’s another belt on the line. Now I get to do it in front of a home crowd. I’ve got to go out there on Saturday night, obviously respect that she’s got all of this experience over me and she’s one of the greatest, but I’ve got to use my youth and my speed and everything to my advantage. I’ve really got to stick it on her.

“I feel like Cecilia likes to have things at her pace. She’s got a good jab, one thing I’ve got to take away from her is her jab. Take that away then I’ve just got to be busy. There’s no respect on the night, during the fight. She’s there trying to stop me from reaching my goals and achieving my dreams to that’s how I see it. After the fight that’s when I’ll show respect.”

Kieron Conway:

“I’m very well. I feel really good. I’m happy to be here, finally, because it’s been such a long time since I’ve been in the ring – February, so it’s been a good few months. I just want to get going, I’m desperate to get going. Camp has been very good, I’m more than ready. I just need to get in there now. 

“I had a little injury. It never stops, you always get injured in this game, it’s a rough game. But I’m here now and I’m fully ready, fully fit and 100% injury free and ready to go. I’ve had some time to work on myself, mentally and physically. I’m just good go. I need to get in there and put everything into place that I’ve been working on. Not putting too much pressure on myself saying I’m this and I’m that.

“I’ve been around the block, been around the world. This is where it all comes into play now and I put it all together. Put all of the pieces together in the right places. I’ve got nothing to take away from Linus, I’m just here to win though. It doesn’t matter who’s in the opposite corner at the minute, I’m in mindset and a place, there only outcome here is a win for me.”

Linus Udofia:

“I’m feeling very well. I can’t wait man, I can’t wait. It’s been a long time coming – this was meant to happen in May but it didn’t. It is what it is, we’re here now. We’re here now and I cannot wait. I’m going to show him he’s not levels above me. I’m going to show him that he’s one dimensional and he can’t do much. When it gets hard he just coasts. I can do a lot more than him. I outclass him in every single department. I don’t see him beating me. It is what it is and we’ll see on Saturday. 

“Denzel has gone on to do great things. Not even talking about defeats, I beat Tyler Denny for the English Title, now he’s fighting for the European. And we’re talking about levels above? Kieron Conway – what’s his best win? JJ Metcalf. My best win is Tyler Denny. I’m jut saying let’s not talk about levels – let’s show it on Saturday.”

Hopey Price:

“I was never in a rush but I’ve always wanted to pick up these titles. I’ve picked up three titles in eleven fights. These Intercontinental belts are good, they get you a good world ranking. I think I’m thirteen with the WBA and I’m in those top rankings. They’re good but I’ve always wanted to do it the traditional way. I’ve always wanted the British Title, I’ve spoken about it since a young age saying I’d like to give it to my dad one day. I’m close to it now. 

“I want to clean up, I want the full lot. British, Commonwealth, European, World amateur Champion, Youth Olympic Gold, so I want to do the same in the pros. Put on another good performance this weekend, do my job, and then I’m in line for the British Title so it’s going to be next. Weever that may be, hopefully I can get it back in Leeds – that would be good wouldn’t it.”

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 4, 2023) — Undefeated prospect Emiliano Fernando Vargas is set to return in a six-round special attraction on Thursday, Nov. 16, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 19-year-old Vargas, the son of former junior middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas, will make his sixth appearance of the year in a lightweight fight against fellow unbeaten Cristian Olivares. Vargas-Olivares and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

The ESPN-televised doubleheader (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT) is headlined by the vacant WBC lightweight world title showdown between Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos and the WBO junior lightweight world title battle between Emanuel Navarrete and Robson Conceição.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Sampson Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. PT via AXS.com.

Vargas (7-0, 6 KOs) made his pro debut last May and has racked up six victories after signing with Top Rank later that year. After decisioning Francisco Duque in February, “El General” secured three consecutive second-round stoppage wins, including a body shot knockout against Rafael Jasso in May at MGM Grand Garden Arena. In his last fight, he obliterated Alejandro Guardado via third-round TKO. Olivares (10-0, 5 KOs) heads into his stiffest challenge following a unanimous decision victory against Franco Facundo Huanque in January.

Vargas said, “Las Vegas is my hometown, and I can’t wait to fight on such a loaded card. This is going to be a huge sports week in Las Vegas, and I am honored to be part of it. I want to be Prospect of the Year, and I’m going to make a statement on November 16.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (October 4, 2023) – Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) of Mazatlán, Mexico and Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs) of Long Island, New York will now be fighting in a WBA Cruiserweight Eliminator match, the winner immediately in line for a world championship. Scheduled for 12-rounds, the fight night, presented in collaboration with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and live around the world on DAZN beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT.

In a new co-main event, Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev (12-1, 9 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan, who also proudly represents Indio, California, will face Upper Marlboro, Maryland’s Alantez “SlyAza” Fox (28-4-1, 13 KOs). “The Bully” will defend his WBA Intercontinental Super Middleweight Title in a 10-round fight.

Newly added to the DAZN card, Darius “DFG” Fulghum (7-0, 7 KOs) will fight Alan Campa (18-8, 12 KOs) of Guaymas, Mexico in an eight-round light heavyweight bout. Fulghum has been on an unstoppable knockout streak and will be returning to the ring less than one month after his stoppage victory on September 16. Opening the broadcast, Fort Lauderdale’s Eric Tudor (9-0, 6 KOs) will participate in an eight-round super welterweight fight against Jose Sanchez (13-3-1, 4 KOs) of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

On the preliminary undercard Tristan “Sweet T” Kalkreuth (11-1, 8 KOs) of Carolton, Texas will face Aaron “Ghozt Mas” Casper (7-4-2, 5 KOs) of Augusta, Georgia in an eight-round cruiserweight fight. Also making a quick return after an explosive, second round knockout on September 7, recently signed Daniel “Ikaika” Luna (3-0, 3 KOs) will hope to repeat history with a four-round super lightweight fight against Erick Benitez (4-5, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Mexico.

Also part of the preliminaries, in an eight-round junior middleweight fight is Star Boxing’s Jahyae “Golden Child Brown (13-1 9KO’s), who will face off against Youngstown, Ohio’s Victor Toney (7-2-1 6KO’s). Also on the undercard is Star Boxing’s undefeated, New Jersey prospect, Rajon “Picasso” Chance (8-0-1 6KO’s), who will measure up in an eight-round featherweight fight against Orlando Perez Zapata (13-0 9KO’s) of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic.

Previously announced, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (12-0, 8 KOs) versus Panama City, Panama’s Ronal Batista (15-3, 9 KOs) in a WBA Super Flyweight Final Eliminator fight will now take place on the Rocha vs. Santillan card on Saturday, October 21.

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Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. is a 12-round cruiserweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Tickets for Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.StarBoxing.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoSmith

Nottingham’s Leigh Wood is just days away from defending his WBA Featherweight World Title against domestic rival Josh Warrington in a huge all-British clash on neutral ground at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, live worldwide on DAZN. 

Ahead of this Saturday’s highly anticipated showdown, both men sat down with Ade Oladipo to film a special feature length Face Off, as the build-up to what promises to be one of the biggest fights of the year continues.

Nottingham favourite Wood (27-3, 16 KOs) produced a 12-round masterclass against Mexico’s hard-hitting dangerman Mauricio Lara to reclaim his WBA 126lbs crown last time out in May at Manchester’s AO Arena to become Britain’s latest two-time World Champion. 

Leeds hero Warrington (31-2-1, 8 KOs) is aiming to become a three-time Featherweight World Champion after surrendering his IBF belt to Mexico’s Luis Alberto Lopez following a close points loss at the First Direct Arena last December – his first defeat in his home city. 

Leigh Wood:

Did you ever think you were going to get your opportunities for big fights?

“There were times when I thought I wasn’t going to get the opportunities. There were times when I thought it might pass me by. I always knew I was good enough to win these fights and be at this level. But I thought, ‘Am I going to get these opportunities?’ When I was sat there in the gym in Sheffield and things would come in and fall through all the time. I was going back to my flat and I was crying some days. All I wanted was a chance. I would have fought anyone. One time there was talks, Frampton’s opponent pulled out of a show. I think it was about three weeks’ notice. I told my management I’d take it. That’s how desperate I was getting at the time. There were times when I thought it may not ever happen.”

How did this one come about?

“I’d been on my own path. I got the opportunity for the World Title, I won the World Title, and then I had to defend against Conlan because they were sorting the belt situation out. That was out of my hands. Then I got a choice of who to fight and Josh had a fight at the time for the World Title so the next best person for me was the person that beat him. This fight for me made sense because I thought it was going to happen at the City Ground. The best person, probably one of the only opponents in that division to headline that fight at the City Ground, was Josh. It makes perfect sense. The rivalries, the cities and the clubs. I was gunning for the fight. Once we’d sorted negotiating the fight, we found out we couldn’t have it at the City Ground, the fight was made so it was like, ‘let’s just do it anyway’.

Do you think Josh is a dirty fighter?

“No I don’t. Without giving too much away I think Josh is good on the inside. He does the right things, head down, hips back. I think if you don’t know what you’re doing in those situations, and you stay where you are – you’re going to clash heads. I can see why people get cut. If you look at other fighters he’s boxed, it’s not been a problem. It depends what you’re doing as his opponent.”

What kind of atmosphere do you expect it to be?

“I think it’s going to be great. The Conlan fight – the atmosphere was unbelievable. The fans battle back and forth. When it’s your own arena and you fill it yourself, you get the entrance – sometimes it goes a little bit quiet. You need a reason to keep going. When my fans hear his fans, and his fans hear my fans – they’re going to keep going.”

Do you think you can knock Josh out?

“Yeah. I’ve been ringside for his last three fights, I’ve seen him get hurt. I know he’s tough. I don’t believe the people he’s been hurt by hit as hard as me and at the same time aren’t as calculated as me, so they might land a few good shots but are they good finishers? Have they got good set ups? I don’t think they have. I think Lara is a big puncher, not calculated, he doesn’t do what he needs to do. He’s not a great finisher in the sense like, gets someone hurt and knows what he’s got to do to set it up. He rushes sometimes, but I believe I’m one of the biggest punchers in the division. Not only that, I can set it up and I’m calculated.”

Leigh, how does it play out?

“I believe he’s going to make the same mistakes he makes and do the same things he always does. I know that I’m going to be dominant the majority of the fight. I’m going to beat him up at times as well. I’m here to win and he’s here to win as well. I know what I need to do to win and I’m confident of doing it.”

Do you remind each other of yourselves?

“He’s a family man. He’s like a Leeds version of me. I’ve said it before, a Leeds version of me who doesn’t box as well as me or punch as hard as me, or has a team that’s in the Premier League. Apart from that, we’re bang on the same. I look and him and familiarise myself with how he conducts himself. A lot of people that know him, mutual friends, say he’s a great guy. It’s irrelevant on fight night, I’m coming to win. After yeah, we’ll have a drink.”

Josh Warrington:

When did Leigh go onto your radar?

“When I first started coming through I think Leigh was probably around the same level that I was at the time. We were probably looking for British Title fights, domestic title fights. I think at the time he’d taken to Twitter, mentioned my name a few times. I thought our paths might have crossed earlier to be honest with you. Recent times – the last 12 to 18 months I’d say.”

Josh is this one that you wanted as well?

“Yeah, it’s natural. Boxing has been booming in this country, in the UK shows. Big fights have been made, no bigger than the domestic rivalry. I’ve had a fair few of them over recent years. Selby, Frampton, Kid Galahad – everyone loves a domestic rivalry. To be fair I’ve been part of Leigh’s success in some kind of way, because if I’d have got through Lara behind closed doors then Leigh would never have got that chance against Can Xu. I’d have boxed Can Xu, may have gone to America – I might be retired by now! Things happen, and he’s faced one of my former opponents who I didn’t manage to get a win over – he has. So I feel like I’ve been part of his journey.”

Do you question whether or not you’ve still got what it takes to compete at the very top level Josh? It is one win in your last four.

“If I listened to the critics I would never have got to the level that I’ve achieved now. I started off slow in my last one, and that’s it – I’ve seen better days. It were me who finished on top at the end. I still feel like I’m in my prime. I really do. I’m feeling top of my game right now.”

What kind of atmosphere do you expect it to be?

“It’s going to be a hell of an atmosphere in the city, never mind the arena. I think Sheffield are playing Huddersfield, so there’s another Yorkshire side in the city. It’s going to be a great night. These are the fights I fu***ng live for. These give me a semi on! It’s good to be part of. When you’re in there and you’re throwing the shots – you have to pause a minute and think, ‘this is living the dream’ – I can’t wait to be in there.”

Do you remind each other of yourselves?

“Leigh will go alongside people on my phonebook like Carl Frampton. I respected Carl before the fight. We had a fight of the year. People want to see us tearing each other out. But we’re old school fighters and real fans will know what we’re capable of bringing to the table. It’s not our style to go to press conference and start screaming and shouting and slagging each other off. It’s mutual respect. We go to the gym, we train hard and we go home to our families. When it’s time to turn it on it’s time to turn it on. Once the business is done, we shake hands.”

New York, NY (October 4, 2023) Lightweight knockout machine, Cain Sandoval, (10-0, 10 KOs), of Sacramento, CA will battle Brooklyn’s Wesley ‘El Bongocero’ Ferrer, (17-1-1, 8 KOs), in a scheduled eight-rounder on the undercard to the ‘King’ Callum Walsh vs. Ismael Villarreal title fight set for Thursday, November 9 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden and broadcast globally on UFC FIGHT PASS.

“We’re very excited to announce this outstanding fight for the November 9th event,” said promoter Tom Loeffler. “With his impressive run of show stopping knockouts, Cain Sandoval has become one of the West Coast’s most compelling must-see fighters. However, fighting at The Mecca is a true proving ground for any fighter and against the more experienced, hometown veteran Wesley Ferrer he faces the toughest challenge of his young career.”

Making his East Coast debut on November 9, the 21-year-old Sandoval has consistently impressed California boxing fans with his stunning knockout power since turning professional two years ago. Most recently he scored a sixth-round knockout of Jose Marruffo on July 22, 2023 in front of a huge crowd of supporters at Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, CA. Staying busy this year, the fight against Ferrer will be his fourth start of 2023.

Since turning professional in 2013, the 31-year-old Ferrer, a longtime staple of popular New York City area fight cards, has faced numerous top contenders including Will Madera, Steven Ortiz and Larry Fryers. He returns to action following a unanimous decision over former world title challenger Jayson Velez on August 13, 2022.

Presented by Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions, tickets for the night of world class boxing priced at $205, $155, $55, and $35 can be purchased online at www.msg.com or at the Madison Square Garden box office and via Ticketmaster locations.  Accessible and companion seats are available via the Accessibility Department at 888.609.7599.

Additional fights for the November 9 event will be announced shortly.

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Philadelphia (October 3, 2023) –- Weights for Friday night’s R&B Promotions card at the 2300 Arena.

Former world champion Tevin Farmer registered a stunning and spectacular sixth round stoppage over Oscar Barajas in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout that headlined a seven bout card at the 2300 Arena.

The show was promoted by R and B Promotions.

Farmer dropped Barajas with a jab in round two. In round three, Barajas had some good moments as he backed up and even hurt Farmer. Farmer did well by moving and holding to get out of the round.

In round six, Farmer unloaded a perfect straight left to the head that put Barajas out cold for several moments. The end of the fight came at 1:51.

Farmer who picked up his second win in three months after a three-plus year layoff is now 32-5-1 with seven knockouts. Barajas, 133.6 lbs of Ocampo, MEX is 21-9-1.

Oluwafemi Oyeleye remained undefeated by stopping Jimmy Williams in round three of their six-round junior middleweight bout.

Oyeleye scored a knockdown in round three and the bout was stopped at 2:48.

Oyeleye, 153.3 lbs of Philadelphia is now 14-0 with eight knockouts. Williams, 153.1 lbs of New Haven, CT is now 18-13-2.

Carlos Rosario and Diuhl Olguin fought to a six-round junior lightweight bout.

Scores 59-55 for Olguin and 57-57 twice.

Rosario, 131.9 lbs of Pennsauken, NJ is 9-3-1. Olguin, 127.9 lbs of Jalisco, MEX is 16-32-7.

Joshua Jones remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Perez in a lightweight bout.

Jones, 134.6 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 8-0-1. Perez, 137.5 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 41-38.

Allen Otto and James Abraham battled to a four-round draw in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Scores were 39-37 for Abraham and 38-38 twice. Abraham, 158.4 lbs of Queens, NY is 2-0-1. Otto, 157.4 lbs of Pennsauken, NJ is 2-0-1.

Rob Perez scored a four-round majority decision over Daniel Bean in a rematch of heavyweights.

Perez, 237.8 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores 39-37 twice and 38-38 and is now 2-0. Bean, 233.3 lbs of Old Bridge, NJ is 2-2.

Ghandi Romain needed just 59 seconds as he scored two knockdowns to defeat Jose Luis Fracica Baron in a four-round welterweight bout.

Romain, 145.5 lbs of Irvington, NJ is 1-1 with one knockout. Baron, 145.3 lbs of El Vigia, VEN is 0-6.

R and B Promotions will be back at the 2300 Arena on December 1st.

The show was the last that was regulated by Executive Director Greg Sirb.

LOS ANGELES, CALIF. (October 3, 2023) – International superstar “King” Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) will make his highly anticipated return to the ring in what will be a collision of knockout power against Parral, Mexico’s Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (26-1-1, 21 KOs) on Saturday, December 2. Scheduled for 12-rounds, the super lightweight event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN as part of your subscription.

“Let’s go! I am so excited to announce that I will be fighting Oscar Duarte on December 2,” said Ryan Garcia. “I’m back and feeling better and stronger than before. I wanted Duarte for me and for the fans. He’s tough and I’m ready to give people another show at my best weight again. Say whatever you want about Ryan Garcia, but I’m always going to give the fans what they want. Love you. See you December 2 on DAZN. Location and ticketing will be announced soon.”

At only 25-years-old, “King” Ryan Garcia has skyrocketed to the top of superstardom and has proven that he is a supreme pay-per-view attraction. His last fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in April 2023 garnered more than 1.2 million pay-per-view buys and generated a $22.8 million gate at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, making it the top 5 best gates in Nevada boxing history. One of the most dynamic and exciting boxers fighting today, his fast-paced style, killer left hook, and long roster of knockouts have impressed boxing fans for years. He has held the WBC interim lightweight title, easily dispatching top contenders such as Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell.

“I feel very happy and full of enthusiasm now that this fight against Ryan Garcia has been finalized. This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Oscar Duarte. “I want to thank Golden Boy for giving me this great opportunity. I am very grateful for the support of my entire team. Everyone can expect the very best version of Oscar Duarte. I am ready to win this fight. I will lift the name of Mexico up on high.”

Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte of Parral, Chihuahua has become a boogeyman contender in the lightweight division with his hunter-killer instincts and defensive skills to match. Unafraid to go in the pocket with any fighter, Duarte is a resilient bull who has been knocking fighter’s heads off one-by-one. His sole loss was in 2019 against Adrian Estrella, which he has avenged with a string of 11 straight knockout victories, the last three including the rugged D’Angelo Keyes, the tough Alex Martin, and veteran Javier Franco. The powerful Duarte became a professional in 2013 and also has incredible Mexican star power behind him with award-winning actor, model and television host Gabriel Soto co-managing his career along with Cancun Boxing. 

“This is one of the reasons fight fans love Ryan — instead of taking baby steps back after a hard fought fight, he is returning against a guy with lethal power who doesn’t take a step backwards,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Whoever emerges victorious is immediately in line for a shot against any of the current world champions. Fans aren’t going to want to miss this one.” 

“It is great to have Ryan fighting again on DAZN in 2023”, said Jared Kass, SVP North America, DAZN Group. “Ryan has been a key part of DAZN since our inception and this barnstormer vs Oscar Duarte will feature in a knockout run of shows in December. Watch all the action live on December 2nd, only as part of your DAZN subscription.”

More information on the venue, undercard, and tickets will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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Garcia vs. Duarte is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Cancun Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand. 

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

DETROIT, MI – October 3, 2023 – Top super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin kept his unbeaten record intact last Friday night as he stopped veteran Ramon Ayala in the second round of their showdown in Miami, Florida.

 The Salita Promotions promoted 168-pounder has fought his way to the No. 2 contender position in the IBF and continues to seek out a world title fight, with his current focus on undisputed champion Canelo Alvarez.

“I was happy to get some work on Friday and stay sharp while I await my world title fight opportunity,” said Shishkin, who improved his record to 15-0 with nine knockouts. “I watched the Canelo fight closely the day after my fight and feel completely ready to win when that opportunity comes. No matter what, all roads to the world title.”

Now fighting out of the resurgent Detroit boxing scene under the guidance of the renowned SugarHill Steward, Shishkin turned pro in 2016 following a prolific amateur career. The 32-year-old stopped veteran contender Nadjib Mohammedi in October 2018 before putting together his most recent seven victories in stateside bouts. Prior to Friday’s action, Shishkin bested former world champion Jose Uzcategui via a unanimous decision in December in a bout that aired on SHOWTIME.

“Vladimir is on track to fight for the Super Middleweight World Title,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “He keeps getting better, stronger and sharper. His time to dominate the division is now and his presence will add a new dynamic force to this talent-packed division.”

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ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS

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

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE October 3, 2023) –TONIGHT from the Troubadour in Nashville, Country Box 9 will take place and will be televised all of over the United States and streamed all over the world.

Boxing fans with Direct TV should note that the show will air on a new channel beginning at 8 PM ET (7 PM CT). The Direct TV channel is now 324.

Below are the channels and streaming options to watch the fight card.

TV:

Dish Network–Channel 218

Comcast/Xfinity –Channel 1495

Fios–Channel 662

Frontier–Channel 162

ATT U-Verse–Channel 4new 59/1459

Spectrum–Channel 189

GCI–Channel 142

Cincinnati Bell–636

Buckeye Cable–Channels 161/572

Direct TV–Channel 324

Stream: FITE.TV and Countrybox247.com

Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the call

NEW YORK, NY – October 3, 2023 – Today, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) announced that #2-ranked WBA bantamweight Antonio Vargas (16-1, 9 KOs) will face off with veteran contender Hernan Marquez (47-10-2, 33 KOs) for the WBA Continental Americas bantamweight title in the headlining preliminary bout of MVP’s third installment of its Most Valuable Prospects series. The 10-round bout will take place on Friday, October 27 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. On the main card will be a 6-round bout between the young undefeated lightweights Alexander Rios (7-0, 4 KOs) and Benigno Agular (10-0, 4 KOs). Most Valuable Prospects III, presented by Celsius Essential Energy Drinks, will precede the historic 12-round, three-minute rounds unified featherweight title bout between undisputed featherweight champion Amanda Serrano and WBO challenger Danila Ramos. Tickets are now on sale at https://www.ticketmaster.com/mvp-presents-amanda-serrano-vs-danila-orlando-florida-10-27-2023/event/22005F2D8E29C1CE. 

Antonio Vargas, a proud Puerto Rican and local favorite residing in Kissimmee, Florida, aims to defend his WBA Continental Americas title in the headlining Most Valuable Prospects III preliminary bout. Vargas is currently ranked #2 in the world by the WBA, and seeks to extend his six-bout winning streak against Hernan Marquez, the 35-year-old southpaw out of Empalme, Sonora, Mexico. Known for his early-round knockout power, the veteran fighter will look to secure his fifth consecutive win as he takes on the exciting Vargas on Friday, October 27th.

Most Valuable Prospects III main card will feature Alexander Rios vs. Benigno Aguilar as the two lightweight fighters go head-to-head in a 6-round bout. Aguilar, the 24-year-old Mexican American fighter out of Crescent City, Florida, will put his undefeated record to the test against fellow undefeated prospect Rios. The 22-year-old Rios comes to the ring from St. Cloud, FL via Bayamon, Puerto Rico boasting a clean record of seven professional wins and zero losses. Rios returns to Most Valuable Prospects III after a memorable first round knockout on Most Valuable Prospects II.

Also returning to the main card of Most Valuable Prospects III will be the young Puerto Rican sensation Krystal Rosado (1-0, 1 KO), Amanda Serrano’s first official signed fighter, who made her professional debut on Most Valuable Prospects II with an impressive TKO victory in the second round, demonstrating her superstar potential. Rosado’s opponent will be announced in the coming days.

“The world will be watching Amanda Serrano and Danila Ramomake history Friday, October 27th as the first-ever unified women’s championship bout to be fought at 12, three-minute rounds,” said Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions. “Preceding their historic fight, MVP is thrilled to continue shining a spotlight on both the best and most promising fighters through Most Valuable Prospects III. Rios vs Aguilar will undoubtedly be a Puerto Rico vs Mexico battle and Krystal Rosado is looking to continue her spectacular start to her professional career.”

The Most Valuable Prospects series is produced and promoted by MVP, with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed by DAZN. The third event in the series continues the commitment from MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian to highlight the world’s best up-and-coming boxing talent. All events within Most Valuable Prospects will take place on Friday nights in 2023 and will be hosted by Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL. DAZN will air the series globally across its platforms as a part of its subscription package which will include Serrano vs. Ramos, the entire main card lineup and prelims. CELSIUS Essential Energy Drinks, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of the Most Valuable Prospects series.

For more information, follow on Twitter via @Serranosisters, @MostVPromotions, @JakePaul, @Boxlab_AP, and @DAZNBoxing, and @cariberoyaleor on Instagram via @serranosisters, @MostValuablePromotions, @JakePaul, and @DAZNBoxing, and @cariberoyaleorlando.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVPworks to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP has produced Jake Paul’s last four global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Fury match, which surpassed 800,000 Pay-per-view buys worldwide. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head-to-head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is a leading digital sports platform in Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Japan, Canada, US, and the UK.? Its wide range of exclusive content includes top-flight football from the world’s most popular competitions – Bundesliga, English Premier League, J.League, LaLiga, Serie A, and the UEFA Champions League, in addition to the biggest sports from around the world – Formula 1, NFL, NBA, MotoGP and the UFC.?  

DAZN is the NFL’s global partner and, from the 2023 season, will be the only place for fans around the world to watch every NFL match through the NFL Game Pass International add-on subscription. DAZN is a global home for boxing and combat sports through its partnerships with Matchroom Boxing the Professional Fighters League, and a global home for Women’s Football with UEFA Women’s Champions League and Finetwork Liga F.? DAZN is adding more and more sport to its platform to create a destination for sports fans.? 

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DAZN is reimagining the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, bet, play, share, socialize, and buy tickets, NFTs and merchandise. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? 

DAZN is available on most connected devices including smart TVs, set-top boxes, streaming sticks, smartphones, tablets, PCs and game consoles, ensuring that fans have access to ground-breaking rights catalog and slate of incredible content. In the UK and globally, DAZN can be accessed on Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic Smart TVs and on Games Consoles including PlayStation and Xbox. Subscribers also have access to DAZN on their Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and Apple TV and can find the app on their iPhone, iPad, and android mobile devices. DAZN is available as an Amazon Channel on Amazon Prime TV and can be viewed on Channel 429 on Sky in the UK and Ireland.    

DAZN is a global, privately-owned company with employees in over 25 countries. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit?www.dazngroup.com.?? 

About Caribe Royale Orlando Resort

Located just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort in the nation’s number one convention and tourist destination, Caribe Royale Orlando is the only AAA Four Diamond all-suite meetings resort in Orlando. A TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winner – among just 10 percent of hotels worldwide to receive the distinction – the upscale Caribe Royale is emerging from a $140 million renovation that includes fully remodeling all of its one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. Being privately-owned, Caribe Royale offers meeting planners faster approval cycles and more flexibility to create stand-out events. To learn more or to book a visit, event or meeting, visit www.cariberoyale.com. Follow the all-suite convention hotel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(@cariberoyale), LinkedIn and Pinterest. #cariberoyaleorlando

Los Angeles, CA (October 3, 2023) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions announced today the signing of 20-year-old super featherweight Abel Mejia, (1-0, 1KO), of Orange, CA to an exclusive promotional contract. The all-action Mejia quickly impressed in his pro debut with a first-round knockout of Maximiliano Gutierrez Perez on August 26, 2023 at the Commerce Casino.

Said Tom Loeffler, “Abel made his pro debut on our last Hollywood Fight Nights card and had such an impressive performance that I wanted to sign him to a promotional contract right away. He had the ‘Knockout of the Night’ and immediately became a fan favorite. We will be keeping Abel very active and we expect great things to come for this young man.”

Stated Abel Mejia, “I am excited to be signed to 360 Promotions and looking forward to all of the great fights we are going to give the fans on UFC FIGHT PASS.”

A graduate of El Modena High School in Orange, CA, Mejia compiled an amateur record of 42-8 including a victory over Lenhox Rodriguez at the WBC Tournament.

Mejia’s home gym is the VIEJO’s House of Boxing. Among the notable world class fighters he has sparred with include Bam Rodriguez, Josh Franco, Alexis Rocha, Luis Nery, Ronny Rios,

Karlos Balderas and David Navarro.

Mejia is trained by his father, Drew Mejia and managed by Brad and Sandra Barnette. Details of his return to action will be forthcoming.

Photo / 360 Promotions

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Harlem Eubank and Timo Schwarzkopf came face-to-face for the first time today – hundreds of feet above the Brighton seafront.

The super lightweight rivals collide on Friday, November 10 at the Brighton Centre, live and free-to-air on Channel 5, as Harlem becomes the first Eubank to headline in their hometown since Chris Eubank Senior’s world title defence in the early 90s.

Eubank and Schwarzkopf squared off for the first time since their fight was announced, 450ft in the air, in the Brightoni360 pod and then met later in the day at the official launch press conference for their fight next month.

The unbeaten Eubank faces the toughest test of his career and knows he will need the support of his hometown fans.

“I am inspired to be back here in my hometown, in a big, big fight in front of the Brighton fans on November 10,” the 18-0 Eubank said.

Tickets for the Wasserman Boxing show – delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum Entertainment – go on sale on Friday at 10am

Sheffield, England – 3 October 2023 – GBM Sports today announced that talkSPORT will exclusively Livestream the huge Sheffield fight card ‘Clash On The Court’, headlined by Reece Mould’s Championship Title defence, this Friday (6 October) LIVE and FREE on its dedicated YouTube channel talkSPORT Boxing.

The livestream commences at 1815hrs and will be available at https://www.youtube.com/@talkSPORTBoxing and will cover the whole action-packed evening featuring two Championship title fights and raft of rising domestic prospects.

Exciting Doncaster star Mould makes the first defence of his WBA Continental Lightweight Championship against the tough Kent challenger Martin McDonagh in a potential thriller.  Chief support sees a fiery East Midlands derby showdown between Newark’s Emma Dolan who defends Commonwealth Super-Flyweight Championship against Worksop’s Nicola Hopewell.  A bumper undercard features a host of up-and-coming talents: Naphtali Nembhard, Nohmaan Hussain, Faraqat Ali, Red Johnson, Joe Hayden, Sam O’Mason, Adam Mohammed and Liam Cameron.

The show takes centre stage at the stunning, brand new, Park Community Arena, the new home of the Sheffield Sharks and Hatters (basketball), as the doors officially open to host GBM Sports’ Championship Boxing as the inaugural event at the venue.

This is the sixth sold-out event staged by GBM Sports – Britain’s fastest growing boxing promotions company – and by far the biggest and best fight card yet, as they continue to expand at a relentless pace.

Izzy Asif, CEO of GBM Sports, said, “To partner with talkSPORT this Friday who will livestream the show on it’s dedicated YouTube channel is absolutely huge for the event, boxers and for the GBM Sports brand.  We’re thrilled to link up with talkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station, and to have the event live-streamed to it’s enormous subscriber base on YouTube.  It’s the biggest night in GBM Sports’ history and demonstrates how far we have come in a short space of time and we’ve only just started.”

Jamie Sanderson, talkSPORT’s Director of Video & Social Media, said, “We’re delighted to partner with GBM Sports to bring this huge clash from Sheffield to our boxing-mad audience on YouTube. talkSPORT has become the home of boxing in the last 18 months, and our channel has led the way with heavyweight content, becoming one of the fastest growing channels in the UK. Supporting Izzy and the team on this mammoth night will mean knockout action for our followers and subscribers.”

LAS VEGAS (October 2, 2023) –- Back in March, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez came in overweight for the first time during his long career for his scheduled fight with Gabe Rosado, which resulted in the bout being canceled, as well as the former world super middleweight champion’s reputation taking a tough hit.

Ramirez (44-1, 30 KOs) plans to prove himself against Joe “The Common Man” Smith, Jr. (28-4, 22 KOs), the former Light Heavyweight World Champion, this Saturday night in the 12-round main event on a card presented by Golden Boy Promotions, to be streamed live on DAZN from The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas.

“The cancellation of the Rosado fight was definitely a disappointing and challenging moment in my career,” Ramirez admitted. “It was the first time I missed weight and I take full responsibility for it. I understand that it had an impact on both the fight itself and my reputation. I want to sincerely apologize to my fans, my team, and everyone who was looking forward to the fight.

“I’m aware that setbacks like this can have an impact but I believe that how I respond to adversity is what truly matters. I’m determined to show through my actions and performances that I’m dedicated to my career and to rectify my past mistakes. I’m focusing on the present and future, and I’m looking forward to proving myself in upcoming fights and regaining the trust of those who support me.”

Ramirez and Smith will both be moving up to the cruiserweight division for the first time, although their fight will be contested at 190-pounds. In some respects, Zurdo vs. Smith is an elite crossroads fight in terms of the winner becoming a legitimate world cruiserweight contender, the loser more of a name “opponent”.

“Zurdo” completely understands that saying he’s learned from the aforementioned Rosado fight cancellation simply isn’t enough going into the fight with Smith.

“I take full responsibility for not making weight and for any disappointment it caused,” he said. “Moving forward, I’m making several changes to ensure that such a situation doesn’t happen again, Moreover, the experience has motivated me to redouble my efforts in every aspect of my training camp. From my conditioning and skill development to my mental preparedness, I’m leaving no stone unturned, I’m determined to prove that I’ve learned from my mistakes and that I’m fully committed to my career and the expectations that come with it.

“Ultimately, I understand that actions speak louder than words, and I’m dedicated to showing through my performance that I’ve taken the necessary steps to rectify the situation and come back stronger and more focused than ever.”

Interestingly enough, “Zurdo” and Smith have fought four common opponents. Both lost 12-round decisions to World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey Bivol, both took decisions from Maxim Vlasov and  Jesse Hart (Ramirez did so twice). The only difference was in Ramirez’ favor because “Zurdo” knocked out Sullivan Barrera and Smith lost a decision to Sullivan.

Does this common opponent comparison give Ramirez an advantage going into the Smith fight?

“No,” he quickly answered. Every fight is different, and I don’t ever compare any fight in that manner. Joe is a world champion who I know on fight night will come with everything he has to become victorious.”     

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INFORMATION:

Website: www.ZurdoPromotions.com

Facebook: /ZurdoPromotions, /GilbertoZurdoRamirez

Instagram: @zurdoramirez, @zurdopromotions

Twitter: @ZurdoPromotions, @GilbertoZurdoRamirez

ABOUT ZURDO PROMOTIONS: Headquartered in Las Vegas and Mexico, Zurdo Promotions is the premier combat sports/event led by former World Champion, Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez. Zurdo Promotions strives to be the best in all areas to set the new standard in boxing. Visit us at www.ZurdoPromotions.com.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE October 2, 2023)–Weights for Tuesday night’s Country Box show at The Troubadour in Nashville, Tennessee.

Michael Anderson 148 – Marklin Bailey 149.8

Eric Bossler 152.4 – Terry Roscoe 156

Erick Arellano 223 – Mike Diorio 243

Tobias Green 133.6 – Juan Carlos Pena 134.6

Juan Davilla 134.2 – Weusi Johnson 131

Promoter: Jimmy Adams Promotions

Venue: Trubadour Nashville

1st Bell 8 PM ET / 7 PM PT

TV:

Dish Network–Channel 218

Comcast/Xfinity –Channel 1495

Fios–Channel 662

Frontier–Channel 162

ATT U-Verse–Channel 459/1459

Spectrum–Channel 189

GCI–Channel 142

Cincinnati Bell–636

Buckeye Cable–Channels 161/572

Direct TV–Channel 324

Stream: FITE.TV and Countrybox247.com

Marc Abrams and Albert Haynesworth on the call

Fresno, CA (October 2, 2023) World Renowned Boxing Trainer Robert Garcia presents ‘House of Champions 4’ on Friday, November 17 at the beautiful, outdoor Chukchansi Park, home of the Fresno Grizzlies Baseball Team in Downtown Fresno, CA.

Featuring the sports brightest prospects and tomorrow’s world champions, Tickets starting at just $29 are Now On-Sale online at FresnoGrizzlies.com/Events or by calling 559-320-8497. Field tickets start at $150 with ringside seating available for $250. VIP Tables and VIP Suites are also available.

‘House of Champions 4’ is headlined by The Fighting Pride of Stockton, CA, Gabe Flores Jr, (22-2) who returns to battle following an ESPN televised / SportsCenter Top 10 first round knockout on May 13, 2023. The ten-bout fight card also includes super bantamweight Vic Pasillas, (16-1, 9 KOs), of Redwood City, CA, junior welterweight Jorge Maravillo, (8-0, 8 KOs), of Salinas, CA, lightweight Miguel Contreras, (12-2-1, 6 KOs), of Bakersfield, CA and Jessie Guerrero, (3-0-2, 3 KOs), of Salinas, CA.

The long list of expected celebrities on hand include Former Unified World Champion Jose Ramirez and Former Four-Division World Champion Mikey Garcia.

Chukchansi Park is located at 1800 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Doors will open on the day of the event at 3:30 p.m. with the first bell at 4:00 p.m.

Las Vegas, NV (October 2, 2023) — On Saturday night live from the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada Golden Boy Promotions, and Joe DeGuardia‘s Star Boxing present a WBA title eliminator between two former world champions in Mexico’s Gilberto “Zurdo“ Ramirez (44-1 30KO’s) and Long Island’s Joe “Common Man” Smith Jr. (28-4 22KO’s).

The highly anticipated main event will be aired live on DAZN, as both former champions will go to battle for the first time as cruisweights in a very significant bout.

Also featured on the undercard are two of boxing rising prospects. Undefeated New Jersey, native Rajon “Picasso“ Chance (8-0-1 6KO’s) will scrap with undefeated Dominican Republic super featherweight, Orlando Zapata (13-0 9KO’s), in an 8-round bout.

Also, Schenectady (13-1 9KO’s), New York’s own Jahyae “Golden Child” Brown will take on Youngstown, Ohio, Victor Toney (7-2 6KO’s) in an 8-round Super welterweight bout.

Zurdo-Smith is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Zurdo vs. Smith Jr. is a 12-round cruiserweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.StarBoxing.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy, www.facebook.com/StarBoxing and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @StarBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZurdoSmith.

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FORMER WORLD CHAMPS COLLIDE: ZURDO VS SMITH OCTOBER 7 IN LAS VEGAS

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ZURDO-SMITH UNDERCARD ANNOUNCED

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New York, NY (October 2, 2023) – Broadway Boxing, presented by DiBella Entertainment, returns to the Edison Ballroom in New York City, on Tuesday, November 7, for “Heroes On The Hudson” – a One Night Only event to support the heroic veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The evening will kick off with five amateur bouts, each featuring an NYPD officer or military veteran, and will conclude with four world-class professional bouts. In the main event, former WBO junior lightweight world champion and US Marine, Jamel Herring, returns to the ring for the first time in over a year to begin his quest for a second world title versus the unbeaten Nick Molina.

The professional boxing portion of the card, featuring Herring vs. Molina, will air live exclusively on DAZN, beginning at 8:00 PM ET. The amateur bouts, sanctioned by USA Boxing, will be exclusive to those in attendance.

“Heroes On The Hudson” is proudly sponsored by Morgan Stanley and Cavu Securities. Proceeds from the event will go to support Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York.

Tickets for “Heroes On The Hudson” are on sale now and can be purchased via Telecharge.com or by calling (800) 447-7400. Tables of 10, including a sit-down dinner, are $10,000. Ringside seats, including buffet, are $250 plus ticket fees. Standing Room Only tickets are $125 plus ticket fees. All tickets, regardless of price, include open bar. Edison Ballroom is located at 240 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036. Doors will open on the night of the event at 5:30 PM ET, with the first bout scheduled for 6:00 PM ET.

“I’m thrilled to be promoting this show honoring our veterans to whom we all owe so much,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “There is not a more perfect fighter to headline this event than Jamel ‘Semper Fi’ Herring, a champion and proud Marine Veteran. Following their service, our veterans deserve our continued support; they’ve earned it. I am pleased that this night will benefit Merging Vets and Players and the West Point Society of New York. I thank Morgan Stanley, Cavu Securities and all of the sponsors who are making this night possible.”

“We are thrilled to be broadcasting this brilliant event, raising money for a great cause,” said Jared Kass, SVP North America. “Jamel Herring has a storied history both in and out the ring and we look forward to him fighting live on DAZN on November 7.”

“I thought I could stay away, but I miss the excitement and action of a good fight. And of course, I’ve missed the fans,” said former world champion Jamel Herring. “But what’s really driving me is the opportunity to fight on Veterans Day week to honor the men and women I served with. This event is for a great charitable cause, and my focus is to become a world champion yet again. I can’t wait to step back into the ring and give it my all.”

“The entire membership of the West Point Society of New York (WPSNY) is grateful for the support of the sponsors, and we are especially grateful to the boxers, both professional and amateur, who are giving their sweat and blood in the ring in support of MVP’s mission on behalf of America’s veterans,” said WPSNY President Chuck Thompson.

“I’m extremely excited to partner on the upcoming charity event, ‘Heroes On The Hudson’, which benefits Merging Vets and Players (MVP). It’s an incredible opportunity to witness the unwavering determination and resilience of veterans and athletes coming together (and duking it out) for a common cause,” said Nate Boyer, Co-Founder of MVP.

With Veterans Day approaching later that week, Boyer took a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who serve(d) in uniform, remarking, “As we approach Veterans Day, we’re especially humbled by the dedication and sacrifice of all those who have worn the camouflage. This event serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of our veterans and athletes, demonstrating the strength and camaraderie that defines their journeys.”

Former world champion and US Olympian Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (23-4, 11 KOs) will make his ring return in the eight-round junior lightweight main event against the unbeaten Nick Molina (13-0, 5 KOs), of Lowell, MA. Born in Rockville Centre, NY, and now living in Cincinnati, OH, Herring is a US Marine Corps Veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq. In 2019, he defeated Japan’s Masayuki Ito to capture the WBO super featherweight world championship. He then defended his title three times, including a sixth-round stoppage win against former world champion Carl Frampton in April 2021. Now, Herring is ready to begin his comeback toward another world title opportunity.

World ranked bantamweight contender Mikiah Kreps (6-0, 3 KOs), of Niagara Falls, NY, will compete in a 10-round contest on the undercard. Co-managed by Herring and Jerry Casarez, Kreps last fought on May 21, earning a first-round stoppage victory in Niagara Falls, Canada. As a highly accomplished amateur, Kreps won gold at the 2018 Elite National Championships, the 2017 Eastern Elite Qualifier and 2014 National Golden Gloves.

Two other exciting bouts will highlight the undercard on DAZN. Six-foot-six heavyweight southpaw Roney Hines (12-0-1, 8 KOs), a National Golden Gloves champion from Cleveland, OH, will compete against Robert Hall Jr. (14-2, 11 KOs), of Johnson City, TN, in an eight-round contest. In pursuit of another world title opportunity, two-time world champion, Miyo Yoshida (16-3), from Kayoshima, Japan, will face Josefina Vega, of Quito, Ecuador, in a super flyweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.

For more information on the event, please contact DiBella Entertainment at (212) 947-2577.

DiBella Entertainment

Instagram: @DiBellaEnt

Twitter: @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt

Facebook: @DiBellaEntertainment

London, England – (30th September 2023) – Caroline Dubois claimed the IBO World Lightweight Championship in only her 8th professional fight following a ferocious 10 round war with a tough, talented opponent in Mexico’s Magali Rodriguez.

Dubois dominated the scorecards to a unanimous decision victory (98-89, 97-90, 99-88) at the historic York Hall, Bethnal Green and live on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event tonight.

Dubois started to grow into the rhythm of the fight in the third round, landing some heavy body which hurt Rodriguez, forcing her to defend her torso as well as her head and thereby inadvertently opening up more opportunities for Dubois to land in all areas. 

This led to a brutal knockdown in the 6th round, a devastating right hook to Rodriguez’s jaw set up by a textbook one-two combination which allowed the hook to land perfectly. 

A missile-like right hand left Rodriguez splayed out on the canvas on the edge of consciousness at the start of the 9th round, and Dubois was seconds away from a stoppage at multiple points across the round. But Rodriguez came back and fought hard across the rounds, firing off shots in bunches and landing some good shots.

Dubois was only eight years old when Rodriguez made her professional debut, with the gap in professional experience between the two being eye-watering. However, this gap between the pair’s resumés was totally reversed in reality, with Dubois growing into a world class fighter at the very top of the sport in the ring tonight.

With the IBO belt already claimed at 22 years old, it seems ludicrous to suggest Caroline Dubois won’t claim multiple World Championships in her professional career. As of right now, it looks like nothing and no-one can slow her down.

Caroline Dubois said to Sky Sports after the fight: “She came out swinging. Even when I dropped her, she really wanted it and that was exactly what I needed. I think it was my career best performance in the ring, but there’s so much more for me to give. I really wanted the knockout, as you can tell. I’m 22. What’s going to happen when I’m 25, 26? I’m going to start knocking these girls spark out, I promise you.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and founder, said to Sky Sports after the fight: “What a performance from Caroline. How Rodriguez got up in the 9th round I will never know. Obviously the lightweight world titles have been held stagnant for a while now. Katie Taylor has been the star of women’s boxing, but Caroline Dubois is the new star of women’s boxing and I’m sure one of the big four sanctioning bodies will recognise that too.”

Full Card Results:

Caroline Dubois Def. Magali Rodriguez – UD (98-89, 97-90, 99-88)

Viddal Riley Def. Nathan Quarless – UD (100-90, 100-90, 100-90)

Igor Macedo Def. Jeamie TKV – TKO Rd 6 (1:11)

Callum Simpson Def. Jose Macias – UD (100-89, 100-89, 100-89)

Francesca Hennessy Def. Sonia Klos – TKO Rd 4 (3:00)

Stephen McKenna Def. Darren Tetley – RTD Rd 6 (3:00)

Full Undercard Results:

Viddal Riley Def. Nathan Quarless – UD (100-90, 100-90, 100-90)

Viddal Riley took his professional record to 10 victories without defeat and claimed the English Championship with his flawless victory over a fellow unbeaten prospect in Nathan Quarless. 

Quarless was highly tipped to give Viddal problems in this fight but the new Champion more than rose to the occasion, producing a boxing masterclass with power to back it up to win every single round.

Viddal glided through the fight with a perfect rhythm and flow, picking his shots perfectly and choosing his moments of aggression and forward movement to make sure they bore results, never wasting his energy on shots that wouldn’t land well.

From English Championships would seemingly naturally follow British Championships, but whoever Viddal Riley chooses to fight next, it’s clear he’d give anyone in the division a very hard fight, and his star might never stop rising.

Viddal Riley said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I’m finally legitimate. I want to thank my whole team. I want to thank my whole team, especially my dad. It’s something he said I could achieve and we’re on our way so I’m very happy.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO and founder, said to Sky Sports after the fight: “He’s moving really quickly so he’ll have his eyes on the winner of Chamberlain vs Lawal on October 21st. This the most improved fighter in our stable, the best mover in the division by a country mile.”

Igor Macedo Def. Jeamie TKV – TKO Rd 6 (1:11)

A horrific cut to the upper eye of Jeamie TKV ended this exciting heavyweight clash as tough Brazilian Igor Macedo was too much for undefeated heavyweight prospect Jeamie TKV and took victory.

The heavyweight pair went back and forth for five rounds with both men having periods of success and landing heavy shots on the other, with neither man taking a step back across the fight.

TKV will be devastated to lose his undefeated record, and that loss coming from a doctor’s stoppage will add to the sting, but he got five and a half unquantifiably valuable rounds in that ring tonight, and will come back a much better, wiser fighter. Where both men go from here is uncertain, but the certainty of both of their hearts and toughness is beyond doubt.

Igor Macedo said to Sky Sports after the fight: “I’m very happy because I saw that my opponent is strong but five fights, three knockouts, that’s disrespectful to me because I have 11 wins, 11 knockouts. But maybe I’ll come back, maybe we’ll have a rematch.”

Callum Simpson Def. Jose Macias – UD (100-89, 100-89, 100-89)

Rising star and former Central Area Champion Callum Simpson gave an intelligent measured performance against a pitbull-like opponent in Jose Macias, who came in as a late replacement for Simpson and fought with unquestionable ferocity and determination. 

The change of opponent makes the clinical nature of Simpson’s win even more impressive, winning every single round on every single judge’s scorecard and taking a knockdown along the way. Simpson used his jab well through the fight and never overcommitted, not once finding himself in unnecessary danger.

Despite the flawless cards, Simpson was made to work in every round, and got a vital further 10 rounds of experience in the 14th fight of his undefeated professional career. Simpson is only 26 years old, but already looks set for huge domestic fights in the near future against the UK’s best and bravest at 168bs soon.

Callum Simpson said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Like I said, tonight you were going to see a much more measured, clinical performance. Nothing daft. There were a few times where I caught him with clean shots, but I didn’t rush in, put my shots together, and tried to keep my range. Even when I dropped him, I didn’t want to rush in.”

Francesca Hennessy Def. Sonia Klos – TKO Rd 4 (3:00)

Daughter of famous promoter Mick and brother of young prospect Michael Jr, Francesca Hennessy stamped her mark as part of the boxing family with an impressive debut stoppage victory at only 18 years old. 

Hennessy boxed smartly from the first bell, feinting and waiting for gaps to appear in her Sonia Klos’s guard before firing off a few pinpoint shots to her opponent’s jaw. After a particularly brutal assault in the 4th round, doctors ruled Klos could not continue into the 5th, giving Hennessy her debut victory.

Francesca Hennessy said to Sky Sports after the fight: “Thank you to everyone who came out to support me tonight. It means the world. I want anything next! I’m going to gain more experience. You’ve seen what I’ve got there, and I’m willing to go to the very top. I’m not in this to mess around.”

Stephen McKenna Def. Darren Tetley – RTD Rd 6 (3:00)

It was the 13th stoppage victory in the flawless 14-fight professional career of one of the world’s most exciting prospects in Stephen McKenna to head-up the card, with the ruthless Irishman using his unrivalled cardio and workrate to push a highly experienced opponent in Darren Tetley to retire from the fight in his corner. 

Tetley had moments of success, but McKenna always came back and threw an unrelenting swarm of punches that no-one could have stood up to on his way to a convincing victory that should set the 26-year-old up for big fights in future.

Stephen McKenna said to Sky Sports after the fight: “That was a great fight for me. I said I wanted to step up and that was a tough tough fight guy in there. He took good shots and gave them back so it was a great learning fight.”

Full Card Results:

Caroline Dubois Def. Magali Rodriguez – UD (98-89, 97-90, 99-88)

Viddal Riley Def. Nathan Quarless – UD (100-90, 100-90, 100-90)

Igor Macedo Def. Jeamie TKV – TKO Rd 6 (1:11)

Callum Simpson Def. Jose Macias – UD (100-89, 100-89, 100-89)

Francesca Hennessy Def. Sonia Klos – TKO Rd 4 (3:00)

Stephen McKenna Def. Darren Tetley – RTD Rd 6 (3:00)