COMPLETE CARD ANNOUNCED FOR ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES

4 September 2018 – Bangkok, Thailand: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the complete card for ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, which is set to ignite the Impact Arena in Bangkok on Saturday, 6 October. Once again, the biggest and brightest stars in martial arts are ready to grace the ONE Championship ring. In the main event, reigning The Ring and WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand will defend his title against Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz of Mexico.

Ticket information for ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com.

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is one of the most celebrated pugilists in Thailand’s history, winning the prestigious WBC Super Flyweight World Title on two occasions. Holding a professional record of 46-4-1 with 41 knockouts, Sor Rungvisai is ranked No. 5 on the pound-for-pound best boxers list of Boxrec.com and No. 7 on The Ring Magazine’s rankings. After regaining the WBC Super Flyweight World Title in March 2017 and then successfully defending it two times, Sor Rungvisai will now defend his WBC World Title in ONE Championship’s historical event in Thailand against challenger Iran Diaz.

Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz of Sonora, Mexico is one of the fastest rising talents in Mexican boxing. Born and raised in a country known for its passionate love for pugilism, Diaz holds a professional record of 14-2-3, with 6 knockouts to his name. His most notable victories have come over dangerous former World Champions Hernan “Tyson” Marquez and Luis Concepcion. Recently, Diaz is a winner of three of his last five contests, and is riding a wave of momentum heading into his next bout. The hard-hitting Diaz will face Srisaket Sor Rungvisai for the WBC Super Flyweight World Title.

23-year-old “Killer Bee” Kai Ting Chuang of Chinese Taipei is the reigning ONE Super Series Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion. She began boxing as a young teenager and later earned a college scholarship to the National Taiwan University of Sport, where she began training in kickboxing and Muay Thai. She also made frequent trips to Japan to compete in Shootboxing and kickboxing matches. Earlier this year, Chuang brought her talents to ONE Super Series, where she shocked the world with a dominant performance over Yodcherry Sityodtong to win the atomweight World Title. With a professional kickboxing record of 17-5, Chuang represents Iron Boxing, and is a three-time WAKO National Kickboxing Champion. She is set to defend her title now against Stamp Fairtex.

20-year-old Stamp Fairtex of Pattaya, Thailand, is one of the most recent additions to the ONE Super Series female roster. She is a North Eastern Muay Thai Champion and one of the fastest rising talents in the striking arts. With a professional record of 60-15-5, Stamp represents the world-renowned Fairtex gym in Thailand. Known for her powerful kicks and fast combinations, Stamp will be making her ONE Super Series debut when she challenges Kai Ting Chuang for the ONE Super Series Kickboxing Atomweight World Championship.

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki is the most successful submission specialist in Asian martial arts. An iconic figure, he is known for his overpowering ground game, which had already won him titles with WAMMA, DREAM, and Shooto before he began his dominant run as a ONE lightweight. Aoki is for many the face of Asia in the cage, holding an incredible slew of submission wins and almost 75 percent of his overall victories coming inside the distance. Throughout his fabled career, the Japanese veteran has beaten some of the biggest names in the world, including Tatsuya Kawajiri, Caol Uno, and Eddie Alvarez. A winner of his last two bouts in impressive fashion, Aoki is now set to face Ev Ting in his next match.

Ev “E.T.” Ting is a 29-year-old martial arts standout and former ONE World Title challenger from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Living and training out of Auckland, New Zealand, Ting owns a stellar 16-4 professional record, which includes four wins by submission and five by knockout. A winner of seven of his last eight bouts, Ting is one of the most talented competitors to come out of Malaysia. In his most recent bout, Ting defeated highly-regarded Japanese veteran Koji Ando by unanimous decision. “E.T.” is now set to face another top lightweight in former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki.

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao is considered by Thai boxing purists as one of the top pound-for-pound Muay Thai practitioners in the world. He is a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion, Rajadamnern Muay Thai world champion, two-time Thailand national champion, and two-time Fighter of the Year. He is also a five-division world champion in the sport. Nong-O is known for the incredible speed, power and precision behind all his strikes. After a successful ONE Super Series debut earlier this year, Nong-O is set to make his return to the ONE Championship ring opposite Mehdi Zatout.

ISKA and WBC World Champion Mehdi Zatout’s passion for Muay Thai was first ignited when he was 10 years old. Over the course of a highly-successful career spanning more than 20 years, the French striker would go on to travel to Thailand more than 50 times to train and compete, amassing over 100 competitive bouts under kickboxing and Muay Thai rules. After winning two national titles in France, a European championship, and two World Titles, the man they call “Diamond Heart” now finds himself among the world’s best strikers in ONE Super Series. Zatout is set to face Nong-O Gaiyanghadao in a Muay Thai bout.

Alain “The Panther” Ngalani, a Cameroon-born martial artist who trains out of Impakt MMA in his home of Hong Kong, has a terrifying combination of power and speed, and is always looking to end matches early. Owning a kickboxing record of 25-8-1 (2 NC), which includes 23 knockouts, Ngalani is a four-time Muay Thai and kickboxing heavyweight world champion. After regularly competing in mixed martial arts, the 43-year-old made his ONE Super Series kickboxing in his last bout against Tarik Khbabez. Ngalani seeks victory once again, this time against Andre Meunier.

Four-time Kickboxing World Champion Andre “The Giant” Meunier grew up in a rough neighborhood in Melbourne, Australia, and originally trained in martial arts to learn self-discipline. A proven knockout artist, Meunier trains out of the Ultimate Kickboxing gym under James Roesler, and also regularly travels to Thailand to sharpen his skills with former WMTA Light Heavyweight Champion Nick Kara. Having competed all over Australia and Asia, Meunier has faced some of the striking arena’s biggest names, and has never backed down from a challenge. That warrior spirit will serve him well in ONE Super Series, as he goes up against Alain Ngalani in his next contest.

Leandro “Brodinho” Issa is a 35-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion black belt from Sao Paulo, Brazil, who trains and competes out of the world-renowned Evolve Fight Team in Singapore. With a professional mixed martial arts 16-6-0, including 10 wins by submission and two by knockout, Issa has proven to be an exciting competitor with a penchant for spectacular victories. A pioneer of ONE Championship’s bantamweight division, Issa will take on top Tajikistani talent Muin Gafurov in his next assignment.

22-year-old bantamweight competitor Muin “Tajik” Gafurov features a relentless and aggressive style with solid all-around mixed martial arts skills. He owns a stellar 14-2-0 professional mixed martial arts clip and is known as one of the top talents to come out of Tajikistan. Gafurov utilizes a frenetic fighting pace that opponents find difficult to match, featuring high-level grappling techniques and powerful striking. A force to be reckoned with in his weight class, Gafurov is riding a four-bout win streak, and will make his highly-anticipated return to ONE Championship by taking on top contender Leandro Issa.

35-year-old Andy “The Destroyer” Souwer is a Dutch kickboxer from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. He is the former K1 World Max Champion and is a well-respected kickboxer in the world of striking martial arts. With a professional kickboxing record of 160-20-1, Souwer is known as an accomplished veteran of the sport. Now ready to take his talents to the bright lights of ONE Championship, Souwer is set to make his ONE Super Series debut against Anthony Njokuani.

38-year-old Anthony “The Assassin” Njokuani is a Nigerian kickboxer and Muay Thai practitioner who hails from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Representing One Kick’s Gym, Njokuani is a former State Muay Thai Champion, and one of the most well-regarded veterans in the sport of kickboxing. With a professional kickboxing record of 25-1-0, Njokuani is scheduled to make his ONE Super Series debut against Andy Souwer in a much-awaited three-round kickboxing bout.

One of the most highly-regarded Muay Thai practitioners actively competing in the sport, Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai of Bangkok, Thailand is a two-division Lumpinee Stadium Champion and WMC Champion. With a Muay Thai record of 156-33-2, the 24-year-old has already garnered many accolades despite his relatively young age. Featuring wins over some of the biggest names in the discipline, including the legendary Saenchai PKSaenchaimuaythaigym, Petchmorrakot will return to action against Alaverdi Ramazanov.

23-year-old Alaverdi “Dagger” Ramazanov is a Russian martial artist and Muay Thai practitioner who lives and trains out of Pattaya, Thailand. Representing the prestigious Venum Training Camp, he is a three-time IFMA Champion with a stellar professional record of 57-3-0. At a young age, Ramazanov has already accomplished much early in his career and is now ready to showcase his skills on the biggest global stage of competition in ONE Championship. Ramazanov makes his debut against Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest.

32-year-old Hayato Suzuki of Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan, is a veteran mixed martial artist with an impressive professional record of 18-1-2. Spending the majority of his career competing in his native Japan, Suzuki is known as a highly-skilled competitor with the ability to finish his foes with heavy knockout power and technical grappling skills. Out of 18 wins, Suzuki has finished 13 of his opponents impressively, including eight by submission and five by knockout. A former Grachan Flyweight Champion, Suzuki will now face the surging Rene Catalan in his next contest.

Multiple-time Wushu World Champion Rene Catalan of the Philippines is one of the most decorated wushu artists ever to make the transition to mixed martial arts. Having won both the Wushu World Championship and Wushu World Cup two times each, Catalan is undoubtedly one of the very best in the world to have taken up the discipline. He has also won gold medals for wushu at the Asian Games, SEA Games, and Asian Championships. Catalan inevitably joined ONE Championship in 2013, gaining valuable experience by taking on some top strawweight talents. The veteran is currently riding an impressive five-bout win streak, two of which have ended in exciting finishes. Catalan continues his rise through the ranks by taking on the dangerous Hayato Suzuki next.

31-year-old Sagetdao “Deadly Star” Petpayathai is a Muay Thai specialist and a four-time Lumpinee Stadium champion who has won every major title in Muay Thai. Voted by Thai media as one of the greatest Muay Thai practitioners in history, Sagetdao is known for his highly technical knowledge in all of Muay Thai’s varied techniques. Concluding his Muay Thai career with a record of 162-62-1, Sagetdao transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2017, acing his first three bouts with flying colors. In his next outing, Sagetdao will be taking on Fabio Pinca.

34-year-old Fabio Pinca is a highly-decorated French-Italian Muay Thai kickboxer known for his technical and precise offensive style. He is a martial artist who hails from Lyon, France and is a two-time WBC World Muay Thai Champion, French Muay Thai champion, WPKC European Kickboxing Champion, and Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion. With a professional Muay Thai record of 99-24-4, Pinca will now try his hand at mixed martial arts, when he makes his professional debut against Sagetdao Petpayathai.

Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige is a 29-year-old female atomweight from Thailand who trains out of Tiger Muay Thai and Bangkok Fight Lab. She is of mixed Japanese and Thai heritage, beginning her martial arts training at age nine with aikido and taekwondo. Heavily influenced by her late father who trained in judo, Ishige went on to hone her skills as a martial artist. All of Ishige’s victories have ended via impressive finish, showcasing her high-level grappling skills. Ishige is today considered one of Thailand’s martial arts pioneers. She returns to action against Bozhena Antoniyar.

23-year-old Bozhena Antoniyar of Yangon, Myanmar is a mixed martial arts atomweight prospect and boxer. A two-time Myanmar National Boxing Champion with fast and powerful hands, Antoniyar represents Transcend Gym in Yangon and will look to make waves in ONE Championship when she returns to action on the biggest global stage of martial arts competition. After a successful promotional debut, defeating Shwe Sin via first-round technical knockout in her previous outing, Antoniyar will now face Thai star Rika Ishige in her next contest.

20-year-old Muay Thai prodigy Petchdam Gaiyanghadao is a fast rising Muay Thai star from Bangkok, Thailand. Representing the prestigious Petchyindee Academy, Petchdam is a WBC Muay Thai World Champion with a stellar professional record of 91-13-7. Now ready to make his ONE Super Series debut, Petchdam will climb into the ONE Championship ring to face Kenny Tse.

23-year-old Kenny “The Pitbull” Tse is a Chinese kickboxer and Muay Thai practitioner who trains out of Melbourne, Australia. Known for his aggressive and fluid striking style, Tse owns a professional Muay Thai record of 39-5-0 and represents Team Ultimate Australia. A K1 Commonwealth Champion, Tse will now take his talents to ONE Super Series when he faces Petchdam Gaiyanghadao in a three-round Muay Thai contest.

Rin Saroth is a martial artist from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He is a KWC 3 Featherweight Tournament Finalist with a Kun Khmer record of 110-22-0. He made his ONE Championship debut in December 2015 at ONE: KINGDOM OF KHMER, winning by first-round armbar submission over Mission Ali. Since then, the 25-year-old has improved his skills and gained valuable experience. Saroth is now set to face off against Fu Chang Xin in his next outing.

Fu Chang Xin began training to compete in mixed martial arts in 2011, and took the plunge by making his professional debut just three years later. He has since experienced great success, winning the majority of his bouts via stoppage, even claiming the CKF Championship along the way. In his most recent bout, Fu made a successful ONE Championship debut when he stopped Rustem Ensebayev via first-round technical knockout. He brings his impressive win streak into his next contest, which will come against Rin Saroth.

16-year-old Riri Nasukawa of Chiba, Japan is a highly-regarded Japanese female kickboxing prospect. After an extensive amateur career which saw her go 30-3-0 before making a successful professional debut in her last bout, Nasukawa now finds herself on the big stage in ONE Championship. A two-division Big Bang Champion, Nasukawa is set to make her ONE Super Series debut opposite Rudzma Abubakr.

18-year-old Rudzma “El Chavacana” Abubakr of Zamboanga City, Philippines is a well-touted Filipino female kickboxer and Muay Thai practitioner. As an amateur in Muay Thai with a record of 15-4-0, Abubakr is an East Asian Muay Thai Gold Medalist. Now ready to make her ONE Super Series debut, Abubakr will take on Riri Nasukawa in a three-round ONE Super Series kickboxing contest.

Indonesia’s Dodi “The Maung” Mardian is a silat practitioner and an Indonesian combat sports veteran. Also skilled in the arts of Muay Thai and sanda, Mardian made his cage debut in 2016 after deciding to showcase his talent on the biggest stage of competition. The 34-year-old is looking to make a name for himself as he seeks to put his skills to the test in the world’s toughest proving ground for martial arts. In his next contest, Mardian will take on Ramon Gonzales

31-year-old Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzales is a mixed martial artist from the Philippines, representing Burn Soriano’s Hitman MMA. He has proven his karate mastery in competitions all over the world, and is a two-time Philippine National Kyokushin Karate Champion. Gonzales determined to fully showcase his potential in ONE Championship as he makes his fourth appearance in the promotion against Dodi Mardian.

ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES

Saturday, 6 October

Impact Arena, Bangkok, Thailand

Main Event

WBC Super Flyweight World Championship

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs Iran Diaz

Co-Main Event

ONE Super Series Kickboxing Atomweight World Championship

Kai Ting Chuang vs Stamp Fairtex

ONE Super Series Kickboxing: 52.2kg

Shinya Aoki vs Ev Ting

Mixed Martial Arts: 77.1kg

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao vs Mehdi Zatout

ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 65.8kg

Alain Ngalani vs Andre Meunier

ONE Super Series Kickboxing: 120.1kg

Leandro Issa vs Muin Gafurov

Mixed Martial Arts: 65.8kg

Andy Souwer vs Anthony Njokuani

ONE Super Series Kickboxing: 77.1kg

Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai vs Alaverdi Ramazanov

ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 65.8kg

Hayato Suzuki vs Rene Catalan

Mixed Martial Arts: 56.7kg

Sagetdao Petpayathai vs Fabio Pinca

Mixed Martial Arts: 70.3kg

Rika Ishige vs Bozhena Antoniyar

Mixed Martial Arts: 52.2kg

Petchdam Gaiyanghadao vs Kenny Tse

ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 61.2kg

Rin Saroth vs Fu Chang Xin

Mixed Martial Arts: 65.8kg

Riri Nasukawa vs Rudzma Abubakr
ONE Super Series Kickboxing: 47.6kg

Dodi Mardian vs Ramon Gonzales

Mixed Martial Arts: 61.2kg

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™

ONE Championship is the largest global sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE Championship is the home of martial arts and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. The world’s most exciting martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7 billion potential viewers across 138 countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, and more.




Video: In camp with Amir Khan: Samuel Vargas




Antowyan AIkens & DeCarlo Perez chime in on their New Jersey State Super Middleweight title bout THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!! at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City


Atlantic City, NJ (September 3, 2018) – Atlantic City rivals, Antowyan Aikens (13-4-1, 1 KO)and DeCarlo Perez (16-6-1, 5 KOs) both have strong words heading into their showdown for the New Jersey State Super Middleweight title that will take place this Saturday night at The Bourbon Room inside the Showboat Hotel.

The bout headlines a card promoted by Rising Star Promotions.

On Training Camp:

Aikens–“I had a 10-week camp, and it was great. I am prepared for a good fight on Saurday.”

Perez-“Camp was tremendous. I had a fantastic camp. It was a lot of hurt, but it was worth it with all the road work and great sparring. It was tough, but it was my best camp.”

On Your Opponent:

Aikens–“Perez is tough, and I know he is going to being his “A” Game. He is going to come in shape. But I know what I have, and how I prepared, so there is nothing to worry about.”

Perez–“Aikens is somebody else that is in the way of something that I want. He has to go. I know he is the one who wanted this fight, but that is his business. There is not much I can say about that.”

Does this mean anything more that your opponent is from Atlantic City?

Aikens–“This is one of those fights that is for bragging rights. It is for the State Championship. It is one of those fights that I never expected to happen, but it is here, so I am going to make the best of it.”

Perez-“To me, he wants to prove that he is the best in the area. He had to fight someone who is one of the best. I tip my hat to hip, because he acknowledged me as one of the best.”

What does a win do for your career?

Aikens–“A win gets my career to the next level. For my sake, A win is very credible because who he has fought and defeated.”

Perez–“A win gets my momentum back. A push to go forward. This is a must win fight for me.”

DeCarlo, how do you feel at 168-pounds?

Perez–“168 is fine with me. I train hard and when I am fight at this weight, it is not a priority. I can just focus on training to win. When I fight at 160 or 168, I can just focus on my craft., and I do not have to hurt myself making weight.

Final Thoughts on the fight:

Aikens-“I am prepared to go to war. I will use my boxing ability. That is who I am, but If I have to go to war, then I will.

Perez–“It is going to be an interesting and action packed fight. We are both coming to fight to see who is the best in the area.

In the eight-round co-feature, Greg Jackson (8-7-1, 2 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Julius Dyis (9-1, 4 KOs) of Clarksdale, Mississippi in a fight for the WBF Welterweight Title.

In a six-round battle of New Jersey based junior welterweights, John Bauza (10-0, 5 KOs) of North Bergen takes on Rashad Bogar (4-7-1, 2 KOs) of Newark.

In four-round bouts:

Tahlik Taylor (3-11-1, 1 KO) of Greensboro, NC fights Travis Toledo (1-0) of Baltimore, Maryland in a light heavyweight battle.

Ryan Wilczak (6-0, 3 KOs) of Scranton, PA squares off with Alberto Delgado (0-3) of Roanoke, Virginia in a middleweight contest.

Omar Salem (3-0) of Brooklyn New York will fight Mike Anderson (0-2) of Philadelphia in a middleweight fight.

Isaiah Hart of Atlantic City will make his pro debut against Dillan Kasprzak (0-1) of Philadelphia in a lightweight fight.

Nahir Albright (3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Glenford Nickey (4-1, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, New York in a lightweight bout.

Jahmal Dyer (5-1, 3 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland boxes against Marcos Lugo (0-1) of Vineland, New Jersey in a lightweight bout.

Ry’Shine Collins of Philadelphia makes his pro debut against Lucky Holt (0-2) of Hannibal, Missouri in a bantamweight fight.

Steve Moore (1-4, 1 KO) of Orange, New Jersey takes on Kashon Hutchinson (3-5, 1 KO) of Reading, Pennsylvania in a welterweight bout.

2018 National Golden Gloves champion Roney Hines (3-0, 3 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio battles Kendrick Houston (1-3, 1 KO) of Concord, NC in a heavyweight fight.

Antowyan Aikens vs DeCarlo Perez Fight Week Schedule

**All Times Are Eastern**

Wednesday, September 5

12:00 p.m. Media Workout
Location: Showboat Hotel
801 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08041
11:30 a.m. – Media Arrival
12:00 p.m. – Antowyan Aikens
12:20 p,.m.- Greg Jackson
12:40 p.m.- DeCarlo Perez
1:00 p.m.- Isiah Hart
1:20 p.m.- Nahir Albright
1:40 p.m- Julius Dyis

Thursday, September 6

12:00 p.m. Press Conference
Location: Showboat Hotel Lobby
801 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08041
11:30 a.m. Media Arrival
12:00 p.m. Press Conference Begins

Friday, September 7

3:00 p.m. Weigh In
Location: Showboat Hotel Lobby
801 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08041
2:30 p.m. Media Arrival
3:00 p.m. Fighters on Scale

Saturday, September 8th

7:00 p.m. Fight Night
Location: Showboat Hotel (Bourbon Room)
801 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08041
6:00 p.m. Doors Open
7:00 p.m 1st Bout

Media Credentials are to be picked up at table outside of Bourbon Room beginning at 6 PM

Rising Star Promotions would like to thank the following Sponsors:

Ticket Prices are $55 I $80 I $125 and are available at www.RSPBoxing.com




IT’S GOOD TO TALK FOR CATTERALL

JACK CATTERALL has revealed that he is the man doing all the talking ahead of his big fight against Ohara Davies.

The Chorley man believes regular chats with gym-mate Carl Frampton are playing a key role ahead of his WBO intercontinental super-lightweight title defence against the Londoner at Leicester’s Morningside Arena on October 6.

WBO ranked No 2 Catterall (22-0) and two-weight world champion Frampton are both trained by Jamie Moore and the Chorley ace said: “Carl’s win over Luke Jackson and Rocky Fielding’s world title upset has brought a good vibe in the gym.

“Carl has been at the highest level and I can pick his brains. I am not afraid of asking people like him questions.

“I have been at the side of him for a couple of camps and I have never been scared of going up to him and asking about opinions.

“My chats with Carl has definitely brought me on.

“I have been in the WBO rankings for a couple of years, I have earned my stripes and once I come thorough Davies I don’t believe that world title shot is far away.”

Catterall, 25, will be having his fourth fight under Moore which has so far yielded a pair of first round stoppages and a hard fought points win against Tyrone McKenna.

He added: “I feed off everybody’s energy and the gym environment is only going to help me learn and progress in my fight.

“McKenna was a good learning fight. It was only my third with the new team and the previous fights both only went a round.

“It was nice to get the rounds in with Jamie and Nigel Travis in the corner.”

Davies (18-1) has a reputation as one of boxing’s greatest trash talkers, but so far has stuck to his promise not to goad Catterall ahead of their much anticipated showdown.

Catterall says: “I couldn’t care less if he is ranting about me or keeping his mouth shut.

“It won’t make any difference to what happens in the fight and that is all I am focused on.

“It is going to be a tough fight. He has had some good wins over the last couple of years and he has power, but I believe in my ability to overcome what he has got.”

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

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




VERBAL WAR CONTINUES BETWEEN WOODSTOCK AND SHARP

Upcoming foe’s Lyon Woodstock and Archie Sharp continue to exchange words in the build up to their clash on October 6th for the WBO European Super-Featherweight title.

Woodstock (11-0) and Sharp (13-0) have been trading verbal punches through social media, beginning months before their fight was even announced.

“I didn’t even know who the guy was until somebody showed me the tweets he was putting.” admitted the current owner of the belt, Woodstock.

“At first I didn’t think anything of it but then he was posting tweet after tweet about me, so I thought let’s see who this Archie boy is!”

Both undefeated fighters met each other for the first time at the show announcement in July which gave them both the opportunity to ‘discuss’ their differences face-to-face.

“I found it all very funny.” said Woodstock.

He continued: “I mean, I turned up with my title and he turned up wearing a man bag! Who even has those these days?!

“All of this is new to him. He made it obvious to everybody that he wasn’t really too sure what he was doing, bless his heart!”
Sharp’s first impressions not going down well with Woodstock, but the feelings appeared to be mutual;

“Blah-blah-blah!… I just let him talk because that’s what he likes to do.” Sharp replied with.

“For me, the fights made, my talking will be done in the ring.

“I personally believe the reason he talks so much and writes so much on twitter and social media is so he can serve some confidence to his self because that is what he needs.”

Archie Sharp’s amateur pedigree has been a factor he has made clear to Woodstock all throughout, something the Leicester man has mockingly played down in return.

“Lyon has to go on about my amateur career and it was this many years ago, but at the end of the day, I’m still sparring and mixing it with the likes of Luke Campbell, Joe Cordina; both top amateur fighters.

“I boxed at a great level, boxed opponents at a high level and ability wise that are a lot better than Lyon Woodstock, the only difference really is that this is a ten-round fight, but I train for twelve-round fights and on the 6th October I’m going to turn it up!”

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

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




TEAM GGG RESPONDS TO OSCAR DE LA HOYA’S OUTLANDISH CLAIMS

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 2, 2018) — Tom Loeffler, promoter of undefeated World Middleweight Champion GENNADY “GGG” GOLOVKIN has called out the team of Canelo Alvarez and specifically, its promoter Oscar De La Hoya. On Sunday, under the headline “Oscar De La Hoya Boldly Claims Gennady Is Unpatriotic,” Niall Doran posted on the website Boxing News and Views a story based on a video interview De La Hoya had done with Villainfy Media which was posted on You Tube on Aug. 31. The story also stated that De La Hoya “…questioned his {Golovkin’s] support of his own country.”

“I have no idea what Oscar is talking about but it is not true,” said Loeffler. “The truth is Team Golovkin had requested that the national anthems of Kazakhstan, Mexico and the United States be sung before the pay-per-view telecast began so that we could proceed with the fights seamlessly and uninterrupted. HBO supported this position and has always preferred that the anthems take place before the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast begins. To suggest that Gennady is unpatriotic and has no respect for the anthems of his Kazakhstan, Mexico or the U.S., where Gennady resides in southern California, is patently false. Oscar and Canelo owe Gennady yet another apology. This is just another example of why Gennady never believes anything from Canelo’s side.”

This link will take you to De La Hoya’s interview with Villainfy Media. His statement about Gennady begins at 2:58 of this video which was posted on You Tube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p15oRiI-hwU. Below is a transcription of it.

“Look, I mean, they have to stop all this nonsense. I can tell you one thing for instance. Talk about not supporting your own country? The Golovkin people didn’t want to sing the national anthems before the fight. That’s a ritual. Having a national anthem before a championship fight is what you’re supposed to do. It makes it feel like a bigger event. Golovkin’s people didn’t want the Kazakhstan national anthem to be sang, the Mexican national anthem to be sung, the American national anthem to be sung. I mean what else are they going to demand? Jesus, are they going to cancel the fight? It’s ridiculous Just go out there and fight!”

*************************

“24/7 Canelo/GGG 2” is streaming on HBO GO and HBO NOW.

Canelo’s fifth “24/7” appearance and Golovkin’s third, “24/7 CANELO/GGG 2”

is the latest installment of the acclaimed franchise that began in 2007.

Canelo vs. GGG 2 is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” Fred Loya Insurance, Interjet, Venom, and Fathom Events. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 15 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5 :00 p.m. PT.

Remaining tickets for Canelo vs. GGG 2 are priced at $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800, $700, $500 and $300, not including applicable service charges and taxes. There will be a limit of eight (8) per person at the $5,000, $2,500, $2,000, $1,500, $800 and $700 price levels with a limit of two (2) per person at the $500 and $300 price levels. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.t-mobilearena.com or www.axs.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, ;;;

www.caneloggg.com ;;;and www.hbo.com/boxing; ;;;follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,

www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying

and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGGG2 into a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy Promotions for any photo and/or video usage.




QUOTES: FIGHT WEEK KICKS OFF WITH OPEN WORKOUTS AT LEGENDARY AZTECA BOXING GYM FOR MEXICAN RIVALS JUAN FRANCISCO ESTRADA AND FELIPE ORUCUTA


Los Angeles, CA (September 2, 2018) SUPERFLY 3 fight week events kicked off in grand style on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles as boxing fans and media flooded into the legendary Azteca Boxing Gym to watch the final preparations of Mexican rivals Juan Francisco ‘El Gallo’ Estrada and Felipe ‘Gallito’ Orucuta just six days prior to their main event showdown on Saturday, September 8 at the ‘Fabulous Forum’ and televised on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

The fight week workouts at the gym for the fans and media are a historical tradition favored by ‘El Grand Campeon Mexicano’ Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. Joining Estrada and Orucuta was promoter of the acclaimed SUPERFLY series, Tom Loeffler of 360 Promotions.

Juan Francisco Estrada

“I’m very happy to be back in Los Ángeles for another SUPERFLY card. I am very proud to headline a big card like this and I hope to give the fans a great fight just like my other two SUPERFLY appearances. Most of all I want to win to keep on track to fight for a world championship in my next fight.”

“I know Orucuta very well, he a tall, strong fighter that will make this fight very hard for me. I expect a war between two Mexican fighters who will bring their best on Saturday night.”

“The SUPERFLY weight division is full of talent but I am out to prove that I am the best super flyweight in the world. I had a great training camp and this week is about staying on weight and keeping sharp for Saturday night.”

Felipe Orucuta

“This was a terrific welcome to Los Ángeles. The fans and the media are all great and I look forward to giving them a fantastic fight full of action, excitement and drama on Saturday night.”

“This is like a dream come true for me. I am on a fantastic card against one of the best fighters in the world in a legendary venue. It’s the opportunity I have been seeking for a long time. I am very grateful to HBO and Tom Loeffler for making this happen.”

“I trained very hard and I am ready to go to war and get this win. It should be a great fight and I intend to win it at all costs.

———————————————————————————-

Emanating from the “Fabulous” Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 8 and televised on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT, SUPERFLY 3 is headlined by a 12-round WBC Super Flyweight Final Elimination Bout between former world champion JUAN FRANCISCO ‘El Gallo’ ESTRADA, (36-3-0, 25 KO’s), of Sonora, Mexico and two-time world title challenger FELIPE ‘Gallito’ ORUCUTA, (36-4-0, 30 KO’s), of Nicolas Romero, Mexico. Estrada vs. Orucuta is promoted in association with Zanfer Promotions.

Co-featured over 12-rounds for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World Title, three-division world champion DONNIE ‘The Snake’ NIETES, (41-1-4, 23 KO’s), of Bacolod City, Philippines, moves up one division to face rival countryman and #2 world ranked challenger ‘Mighty’ ASTON PALICTE, (24-2-0, 20 KO’s) of Bago City, Philippines.

Opening the telecast, three-division world champion KAZUTO IOKA, (22-1-0, 13 KO’s), of Osaka, Japan, battles WBC Super Flyweight Silver Champion MCWILLIAMS ARROYO, (17-3-0, 14 KO’s), of Fajardo, Puerto Rico in a 10-round title bout.

Featured on the outstanding live-streamed undercard, ‘Bang Bang Lulu’ Louisa Hawton, (8-1-0, 4 KO’s) of Perth, Australia will face Brenda Flores, (12-4-1, 2KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico for the Interim World Boxing Council Women’s Atomweight World Title.

Advance tickets for SUPERFLY 3, priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25 can be purchased HERE. The Forum is located at 3900 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood CA 90305. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#SUPERFLY3

Twitter

@GalloEstrafaOfi

@AstonPalicte

@HBOboxing

@theforum

@WBCBoxing

@Zanfernews

@ALAPromotions1

360 Boxing Promotions

Website, www.360promotions.us Facebook, @360BoxingPromos, Twitter, @360BoxingPromos

@TomLoeffler1, Instagram, @360BoxingPromotions




Russian Heavyweight KO Specialist Apti Davtaev Returns to Action on Sept 5

Undefeated heavyweight bomber Apti Davtaev will return to the ring in an 10-rounder on Wednesday, September 5 in Grozny, Russia

6’ 6” Davtaev (15-0-1, 14 KOs) will face 6’ 9” Moscow-based veteran Evgeny “Molecule from Hell” Orlov on a card that features his Salita Promotions stablemates Umar Salamov fighting for the WBO International Light Heavyweight Championship, and super middleweight Aslambek Idigov.

Davtaev (from the Chechen Republic of Kurchaloi) continues working with his US trainers, Kronk Gym’s Javan SugarHill Steward and co-trainer Rick Phillips, and says he’s enjoying his evolution to an American style of fighting.

“I had a great camp at Kronk Gym in Detroit, a place that produced so many great champions. My opponent is an experienced fighter and a big man. I look forward to fulfilling the legacy of the great fighters that trained in Detroit and, with this victory, will continue to climb towards the heavyweight title.”

A fearsome puncher, Davtaev was last seen demolishing Kentucky’s Cory Phelps in two quick rounds.

“At 6’ 6” and 250 lbs., Apti has the size, strength and skills to be a real threat in the heavyweight division,” said his promoter, Dmitriy Salita. “On September 5, he is going to take another step towards his goal of becoming heavyweight champion.




Garcia wins majority decision over Morales


Hot-prospect Ryan Garcia had to work out to pound out a 10-round majority decision over Carlos Morales in a lightweight bout at The Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California,

In round three, Morales was bleeding from his nose.

Garcia took most of the early rounds, but Morales showed his experience and landed several flush power punches down the stretch. It was too-little, too-late for Morales as Garcia took two cards by 98-92 tallies, while a 3rd card read even at 95-95.

Garcia, 134.4 lbs is now 16-0. Morales, 134.2 lbs of Los Angles is 17-3-3.

“Morales a great fighter, and this fight showed me what I need to work on,” said Ryan Garcia. “I felt it was closer than what the scorecards had. It was a great fight. I felt I could have done more. I got a little winded by the end, but Morales came to fight. I’m young, and time is on my side. I will work on my craft and will be ready for anybody. Much respect goes to Morales. He was a game fighter.”

“He [Garcia] was holding too much,” said Carlos Morales. “Overall I feel I gave a good performance. He was a tough opponent. He’s young and fast. He has some pop, but he doesn’t hit that hard. I felt I won the fight.”

Neeco Macias put on a punching display like none seen before as he overwhelmed Marvin Cabrera, and gained a stoppage after round six of their scheduled eight-round battle of previously undefeated super welterweight.

Macias had several rounds where threw an unheard-of 180-plus punches a round, and just dug his feet in the stand and continued throwing and landing relentlessly until Cabrera had enough after six rounds.

Despite all of the punches, Macias began to swell from his left eye in round five.

Macias, 153.8 lbs of Lancaster, CA is 17-0 with 10 knockouts. Cabrera, 154 lbs of Los Angeles is now 8-1.

Macias landed 315 of a staggering 1119 punches. Cabrera landed 97 of 355.

“I have a great team. I’m was the quintessential underdog, but miracles do happen,” said Neeco Macias. “A big thanks goes to Marvin Cabrera. I had to bring my best because I knew I was fighting him. I was just warming up in there. I took this style from the amateurs but now it’s eight rounds instead of three!”

Patrick Teixeira outworked Nathaniel Gallimore en route to an eight-round unanimous decision in an middleweight bout.

In round four, Teixeira was cut on his forehead from an accidental headbutt. Teixeira suffered and 2nd cut around his left eye.

Teixeira, 155.6 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA won by scores of 78-74 on all cards, and is now 29-1. Gallimore, 155.8 lbs of Evanston, IL is 20-3-2.

“It was a good fight, but I have to get better,” said Patrick Teixeira. “He was a tough opponent. I want a title next. I have to work hard for that. I will stay in Oxnard, California and keep training.”

Teixeira landed 160 of 593 punches. Gallimore was 76-357.

Kevin Ventura won a six-round unanimous decision over Eduardo Reyes in a lightweight bout.

Ventura dominated the bout was his length and boy work. Reyes was deducted a point in round six for low blows.

Ventura, 134.2 lbs of Omaaha, NEB won by scores of 59-54 twice and 58-55, and is now 10-0. Reyes, 135 lbs of Tamauipas, EX is 9-15.

Ventura landed 139 of 436 punches. Reyes was 64 of 331.

“I hurt my right hand in the second round,” said Kevin Ventura. “It hurt too much to throw. I would have easily knocked him out if it weren’t for the injury. He was eating the right hands all night.”

Alex Rincon stopped Osbaldo Gonzalez in round three of their scheduled six-round middleweight contest.

Rincon pounded the body of Gonzalez, and finished him off in round three with a hard left that drove Gonzalez back that was followed by another left and combination. The bout was stopped at 2:23.

Rincon, 1554. lbs of Dallas, TX is 5-0 with all wins coming by stoppage. Gonzalez, 157.8 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 6-3.

“I felt good. I let people see what I’m made of,” said Alex Rincon. “I enjoy picking my shots, and I landed some really clean blows. All the glory goes to God for this victory.”




LIVE BOXING: GOLDEN BOY BOXING: GARCIA VS MORALES

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/513325199107974/?notif_id=1535849820384359&notif_t=live_video_explicit




Oosthuizen takes majority decision over Mchunu


Thomas Oosthuizen won a 12-round majority decision over Thabiso Mchunu in a cruiserweight bout at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, South Africa.

Oosthuzien, 195.6 lbs won by scores of 115-113 twice and 114-114, to raise his mark to 28-1-2. Mchunu, 197.7 lbs is 19-5.

Ryno Liebenberg stopped Alfonso Tissen in round five of their scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout.

In round five, Liebenger landed a hard right hand that hurt Tissen. With Tissen in trouble, Liebenberg landed a barrage of flush punches that forced the stoppage at 1:48.

Liebenberg, 167.9 lbs is 19-6 with 13 knockouts. Tissen, 167.3 lbs is 12-3-2.

Michael Mokena got off the deck to come back to stop Lusanda Komanisi in round four of their scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

Komanisi dropped Mokoena in round one with a big uppercut.

In round four, Mokoena landed a booming right and left that sent Koanisi down. Komanisi staggered as he got to his feet, and the bout was stopped at 48 seconds.

Mokoena, 134.9 lbs is 13-2 with eight knockouts. Komanisi, 1332. lbs is 21-5.

Keaton Gomes stops Tshilidzi Mulaudzi in round one of their scheduled four-round cruiserweight bout.

Gomes landed a hard right hand that hurt Mulaudzi. Gomes followed up by landing a barrgae of hard punches, and the bout was stopped at 2:23.

Gomes, 196 lbs is 2-0 with 2-0 two knockouts. Mulaudzi, 194.1 lbs is 0-2.

Coram Ray won a six-round unanimous decision over Jade Karam in a middleweight bout.

Karam, 159.2 lbs won by scores 59-55 and is now 5-0. Karam is 9-9-2.




AUDIO: Shawn Porter is ready to take the fight to Danny Garcia on September 8th




VIDEO: Ryan Garcia vs Carlos Morales official weigh-in!

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/1910727715902300/




DANIEL JACOBS AND SERGIY DEREVYANCHENKO CLASH FOR IBF WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE


Daniel Jacobs (34-2, 29 KOs) and Sergiy Derevyanchenko (12-0, 10 KOs) will clash for the vacant IBF World Middleweight Title and Alberto Machado (20-0, 16 KOs) will defend his WBA Super Featherweight Title against Yuandale Evans (20-1, 14 KOs on Saturday, October 27 at the Hulu Theater from Madison Square Garden in New York. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Jacobs, fighting out of Brooklyn, N.Y., is in hot form having taken the unbeaten records of Luis Arias and Maciej Sulecki in his last two outings at the Nassau Coliseum, Long Island and Barclays Center, Brooklyn respectively, punctuating his win over Sulecki with a knockdown in the final session.

The ‘Miracle Man’ is gunning to regain his world champion status having lost his WBA crown to Kazakh star Gennady Golovkin in a tight unification tussle in March 2017 in New York, and with Golovkin and Mexican hero Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez meeting in a rematch in September, Jacobs is hunting down the winner.

Derevyanchenko has his own designs on those blockbuster nights though. Born in Feodosia, Crimea, Ukraine, and now based in Brooklyn, NY, Derevyanchenko was a touted amateur, compiling an astonishing record of 390-20, as well as a 23-1 ledger in the World Series of Boxing, and representing Ukraine in the 2008 Olympics, before turning pro in July 2014. Known as “The Technician,” Derevyanchenko is fundamentally sound with superb reflexes, deft defense and devastating power, having stopped 10 of his 12 professional opponents thus far.

In a final IBF eliminator for mandatory status, Derevyanchenko proved he could carry his power into the later rounds, halting Tureano Johnson in the 12th and final frame of their August 2017 clash. One year earlier, Derevyanchenko knocked out former world champion Sam Soliman, becoming only the second man to do so, inside two rounds in July 2016, in an IBF elimination bout for the #2 ranking. While awaiting his title shot, Derevyanchenko dusted off the experienced Dashon Johnson in six stanzas in his last bout on March 3. Co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc., Derevyanchenko is thrilled that his shot at coronation will take place in his debut at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing.

Jacobs and Derevyanchenko are familiar foes as they both hone their skills with trainer Andre Rozier, who will be in Jacobs’ corner and camp for the bout, but Brooklyn hero Jacobs doesn’t believe that will play a part in their clash – and predicts a triumphant return to World champion status in a tough fight. Gary Stark Sr. will take over head trainer responsibilities for Derevyanchenko as he prepares for his first world championship opportunity.

Jacobs vs. Derevyanchenko will top a stacked bill in New York as the main event of a world title double-header. In the co-main event, unbeaten Puerto Rican star Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado makes the second defense of his WBA World Super Featherweight title against Cleveland’s Yuandale Evans in a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and DiBella Entertainment.

Topping the non-televised bill is a rematch of the 2016 women’s fight of the year as Heather Hardy (21-0, 4 KOs) and Shelly Vincent (23-1, 1 KO) renew their rivalry, with the vacant WBO World Featherweight strap on the line after Hardy edged their fantastic first meeting.

“I’m excited to be back in New York City fighting in my hometown,” said Jacobs. “This opportunity for a world title is one I don’t take lightly and I’m preparing myself to be in an incredible fight with Sergey Derevyanchenko. I’ve always felt that I was the best middleweight in the world with this type of fight I’m that much closer to all the that glory and to proving to the world I am the best ”

“I’m a step away from my dream and I will not miss this chance,” said Derevyanchenko. “From my time in the amateurs to my pro career, this has been a long time coming for me. I’ve beaten everyone they’ve put in front of me to earn this shot. Having trained with Danny, I know him very well and we are friends. However, it will be strictly business in the ring. I will not be denied. The belt will be mine.”

“I feel excited to make the second defense of my title, but this time before all of my Puerto Rican brothers in New York,” said Machado. “I’m anxious to get to Los Angeles to start the strong stages of preparation and solidify myself as a champion for the second time with a convincing win for all of Puerto Rico. Thank you to HBO for believing in me. Thank you to Peter Nelson, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. Yuandale Evans is a great fighter who comes with a lot of hunger after years of rest. But this time I will go into the ring with extra motivation to reward all my people in person and those watching at home with a great victory.”

“I want to let Machado know that I am taking the belt home,” said Evans. “Training has been going great and I’ve been doing my homework. Machado is tall and strong, but he’s never fought a guy like me, who can hit like me. To fight for a world title at Madison Square Garden is a dream come true. I am going make the most out of this opportunity. This is my time to shine.”

“One of the saddest things is that in 2016, Shelly and I put on the fight of the year, and so many people missed it,” said Hardy. “We’ve been dying to do the rematch but under the right circumstances. This is a great time for women’s boxing and a great event to showcase the rematch – and I’m going to bring home that title, don’t worry about that.”

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to shoot hoops at MSG – now I’m going to get to beat Heather’s ass there,” said Vincent. “The first fight was close, I thought I won it, Heather thought she won it, some people thought I won, some thought she won, some thought it was a draw.

“This time, you are going to see the old ‘Shelito’ – I’ve got more than just three weeks to get ready, and I think it’ll be a repeat of the first fight, non-stop punching, and my hands are going to be all over Heather Hardy like she’s my woman and I’m not leaving without that title.”

“When we started working with Danny, the goal was always to become World Champion and now the time has come,” said Jacobs’ promoter Eddie Hearn. “This is brilliant match up but I strongly believe on October 27 at MSG Danny will be crowned champion and add another chapter to this Cinderella story.

“It’s a powerful triple-header with unbeaten WBA Super-Featherweight champion Alberto Machado defending his crown against Cleveland contender Yuandale ‘Money Shot’ Evans and New York’s own Heather Hardy meeting Shelly Vincent in a rematch of their 2016 Fight if the Year, with the WBO World Featherweight crown on the line. October 27 will be an electric night in New York.”

“With over 400 amateur bouts, a trip to the Olympics, and experience in the World Series of Boxing, Sergiy was adamant with me that he wanted to fight for a world title against the biggest name available,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.

“I’ve known Danny since he was a kid. He is a great fighter in and out of the ring. Stylistically, this is a can’t-miss action fight. Sergiy studies his opponents, finds their weaknesses, then breaks them down. That is why he has such a great chance to win this fight and become the IBF Middleweight Champion.

“Yuandale Evans has a tremendous opportunity in the co-feature to capture his first world title against champion Alberto Machado. Coming off the biggest win of his career, Evans is highly motivated to seize the moment and perform at his best. Both Machado and Evans can bang and like to brawl, so this should make for a very entertaining opening bout on HBO.

“Finally, Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy and Shelly ‘Shelito’s Way’ Vincent will get the chance to rematch their 2016 Female Fight of the Year. The first fight was a barnburner, and this promises to be nothing less. The stakes are higher this time, as both women will compete for the WBO Featherweight Championship of the World. A World Championship in boxing has been a lifelong dream for both, and I am thrilled that they will get this opportunity on October 27.”

“Alberto Machado is determined to prove that he is the best super featherweight in the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “He beat a strong champion in Jezreel Corrales and defended his crown against a tough contender in Rafael Mensah. In both fight, he used his skills and power to obtain the victory, and I’m positive he will do the same against Evans before legion of Puerto Rican fans in New York. I have no doubts he will be recognized as one of the best champions that Puerto Rico has produced.”

“Alberto Machado is building his own legacy fight after fight,” said Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “He wants to be the best in his division and is hungry for the big challenges. He has the best opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his Puerto Rican brothers at The Garden in New York.”

Tickets are on sale NOW from TicketMaster.com priced from $46, $66, $106, $206 and $356 (ringside).




QUOTES: DONNIE NIETES, ASTON PALICTE HOST MEDIA WORKOUTS IN HOLLYWOOD

Los Angeles, CA (August 30, 2018) Three-division world champion and #1 world ranked Donnie ‘The Snake’ Nietes, (41-1-4, 23 KO’s) and #2 world ranked ‘Mighty’ Aston Palicte, (24-2-0, 20 KO’s) worked out for the Los Angeles area media on Wednesday afternoon at the Wild Card Boxing Club ahead of their Filipino rivalry showdown for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World Title on Saturday, September 8 at the “Fabulous” Forum and televised on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. They were joined at the media workout by Tom Loeffler, President of 360 Promotions.

Donnie Nietes
“I know Aston is taller and younger than me, but I know how to fight tall fighters and my experience will be a big factor in the fight. I am happy for this fight and the exposure that it will bring me. There are a lot of good fighters in the super flyweight division and I look forward to fighting Juan Francisco Estrada if we both win on Saturday Sept 8 at the Forum.”

Aston Palicte
“I am the stronger, faster fighter in this bout and I need to take advantage of my height and reach. I believe I can knockout Nietes and make a name for myself with this win. If not by knockout I will get a decision. This is a fantastic fight for all Filipino boxing fans and we will continue the great tradition of Filipino boxing into the ring on September 8 at the Forum.”

Tom Loeffler
“The fighters in the lower weight class divisions relish the opportunity to be on HBO and that’s why they are willing to fight world class opposition in tough matchups. That’s what makes the SUPERFLY series so great for the fans and why each event has been so successful. We’re expecting a huge crowd next Saturday night at the Forum to see this exciting HBO televised triple header along with a tremendous undercard.

———————————————————————————-

Emanating from the “Fabulous” Forum in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 8 and televised on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT, SUPERFLY 3 is headlined by a 12-round WBC Super Flyweight Final Elimination Bout between former world champion JUAN FRANCISCO ‘El Gallo’ ESTRADA, (36-3-0, 25 KO’s), of Sonora, Mexico and two-time world title challenger FELIPE ‘Gallito’ ORUCUTA, (36-4-0, 30 KO’s), of Nicolas Romero, Mexico. Estrada vs. Orucuta is promoted in association with Zanfer Promotions.

Co-featured over 12-rounds for the vacant WBO Super Flyweight World Title, three-division world champion DONNIE ‘The Snake’ NIETES, (41-1-4, 23 KO’s), of Bacolod City, Philippines, moves up one division to face rival countryman and #2 world ranked challenger ‘Mighty’ ASTON PALICTE, (24-2-0, 20 KO’s) of Bago City, Philippines.

Opening the telecast, three-division world champion KAZUTO IOKA, (22-1-0, 13 KO’s), of Osaka, Japan, battles WBC Super Flyweight Silver Champion MCWILLIAMS ARROYO, (17-3-0, 14 KO’s), of Fajardo, Puerto Rico in a

10-round title bout.

Featured on the outstanding live-streamed undercard, ‘Bang Bang Lulu’ Louisa Hawton, (8-1-0, 4 KO’s) of Perth, Australia will face Brenda Flores, (12-4-1, 2KO’s) of Tijuana, Mexico for the Interim World Boxing Council Women’s Atomweight World Title.

Advance tickets for SUPERFLY 3, priced at $150, $100, $75, $50 and $25 can be purchased HERE. The Forum is located at 3900 W. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood CA 90305. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#SUPERFLY3

Twitter

@GalloEstrafaOfi

@AstonPalicte

@HBOboxing

@theforum

@WBCBoxing

@Zanfernews

@ALAPromotions1

360 Boxing Promotions

Website, www.360promotions.us Facebook, @360BoxingPromos, Twitter, @360BoxingPromos

@TomLoeffler1, Instagram, @360BoxingPromotions




Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter | Full Fight

Courtesy / SHOWTIME




Video: Danny Garcia vs. Keith Thurman | Full Fight

Courtesy / SHOWTIME




“ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO RETURN’S TO THE PARAMOUNT ON SEPT 21ST FOR “ROCKIN’ FIGHTS”

New York, August 31, 2018

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing’s “Rockin’ Fights” 32 is already set to be a barnburner with a hometown, main event showdown, between two of The Paramount’s finest in, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (Woodhaven, NY 16-1-1 6KO’s) and JOHNNY “HITMAN” HERNANDEZ (Huntington, NY 9-3 1KO). With a combined 20 appearances at The Paramount, both Gonzalez and Hernandez are determined to leave with the ABO INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE on September 21st.

Star Boxing now announces the addition of top rated undefeated New England prospect, “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (East Hartford, CT 8-0 3KO’s) to the already exciting show. Laureano has been making a name for himself over the past year, earning honors such as the 2017 New England Prospect of the Year and also Star Boxing’s Prospect of the Year. Most recently, Laureano defeated Juan Rodriguez at Mohegan Sun Arena in dominating fashion, winning by unanimous decision. Laureano controlled the action from start to finish with his relentless and exciting style, showing rough, ‘old-school’ fighting on the inside, and cutting off the ring.

In April, Laureano traveled to Massachusetts to take on up-and-coming prospect Tobias Green of Florida. Laureano and Green went toe-to-toe over six rounds, where Laureano allowed his persistent fighting style to shine, as he dug in and earned the victory, in a terrific fight.

Anthony returns to the Paramount on September 21st for the second time in his career, the last almost exactly a year ago, when he defeated James Lester at “Rockin’ Fights 28”. After dictating the fight from the opening bell, and planting Lester on the canvas with a vicious right hand, Lester’s corner called off the fight, as Laureano earned the TKO win.

Laureano cannot wait to step back in the ring at The Paramount, “I’m super excited to be returning to the Paramount. The Paramount is known for its Boxing. It has an established fan base and following. I’m blessed to have this opportunity again and look forward to bringing some “Action” to the Paramount on Sept 21st!”

NATE TORRES, manager/trainer of Laureano, had this to say about his bout on September 21st, “We are very thankful for the opportunity Star Boxing has given us. Four wins, and one year later we are back, and want to show everyone in Long Island [Anthony’s] growth as a fighter. Anthony will be ready to display his skills and make the adjustments necessary to win this fight! His relentless pressure and counters will be the key to this win. Anthony comes to fight, no question about it; he will not disappoint The Paramount fans. You don’t want to miss this one!”

Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA stated: “Anthony is on a path up the rankings in the 140 lb. division. He has shown time and again the ability to dig deep and brings a relentless attitude every minute that he is in the ring. Boxing fans are in for a treat whenever Laureano steps into the ring.”
GET YOUR TICKETS TO ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 32 TODAY!
FIGHT: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2018
$50, $60, $100, $150, $200
BUY TICKETS HERE!
FACTS:
Rockin’ Fights 32 on September 21st pits two local warriors in, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ fighting at The Paramount for the ninth time, against, JOHNNY “THE HITMAN” HERNANDEZ who will be in his first main event and eleventh bout at The Paramount, for the ABO Intercontinental Title.

*If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email us at TonyPalmieri@StarBoxing.com
TICKETS:
Tickets are on sale now at The Paramount Box Office (631) 673-7300 or Ticketmaster by clicking HERE, or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000 or Star Boxing (718) 823-2000 or www.starboxing.com. Tickets prices are $50, $60, $100, $150, $200.
PAST RELEASE:
Rockin Fights 32 Announcement
Main Event Announcement: Danny Gonzalez vs Johnny Hernandez

ABOUT THE ABO:
The American Boxing Organization is an American company based in Illinois. This grass root boxing organization is the only one in the world with former world champions that sit on the board of directors. The ABO’s mission is to be the stepping stone American Championship title for inspiring fighters in the America’s. Our vision is to provide our champions with information that will make our champions life after boxing fruitful and inspiring.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
For more information visit www.StarBoxing.com, follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/starboxing, follow along on Instagram at @StarBoxing, @TheParamountNY, or on Twitter @StarBoxing, or @TheParamountNY.




Rudy Puga (9-0, 8 KOs) Signs Managerial Contract with Prince Ranch Boxing

SALINAS, CA (August 30, 2018) – Prince Ranch Boxing (PRB) is thrilled to announce the signing of undefeated power-punching middleweight prospect, Rudy Puga (9-0, 8 KOs), who will be making his return to the ring on September 8, 2018, in San Antonio, TX. PRB will manage Puga with the vision of building his record and getting him into a big fight.

Puga, who last fought in April of 2017, was recently released from Roc Nation Sports, after a short stint with Top Rank early in his career. The hard-hitting middleweight is looking to get back on the fast track to a world title with a spectacular performance on September 8th.

“I’m very happy to be part of the Prince Ranch Boxing family,” said Rudy Puga, who will most likely fight above the middleweight limit of 160 lbs. in his first fight back. “I’m very excited to be making my return to the ring in September. I’m sure there will be some ring rust that I’ll need to shed, but everyone knows I’m always looking for the knockout. If I get my opponent hurt, I’m certainly going to try to take him out.”

“Rudy Puga has a tremendous amount of power in both hands and we are very eager to get him back on a world title run,” said Greg Hannley, CEO of Prince Ranch Boxing. “He’s a great kid with an excellent work ethic. The goal is to get him as many fights as possible in the next twelve months.”

In addition to training back home in Salinas, CA, with his father Rudy Puga Sr., Puga will also train with former world champion Bones Adams, and Brandon Woods who run the Prince Ranch Boxing facility in Las Vegas. Puga has arrived in Las Vegas to finish off his training camp.

“I’m looking forward to working with Bones Adams and Brandon Woods in Las Vegas,” Puga continued. “I know there’s going to be some good sparring up there and that’s what I need to take my career to the next level. I’m happy to start my next journey in boxing with Prince Ranch and Greg Hannley.”




Audio: UFC 228: Media Conference Call




IBF WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION ERROL SPENCE JR. CONFIRMED FOR 4TH ANNUAL BOX FAN EXPO, MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, IN LAS VEGAS


Las Vegas (August 30, 2018) – Current IBF Welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. has confirmed that that he will appear, have a booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 4th Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday September 15, 2018 from 10am to 5pm, during Mexican Independence Day weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the highly anticipated rematch between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Spence Jr. will make his 1st appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and also have merchandise for sale for fans to enjoy. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to also take pictures with this Boxing Superstar and one of the top Pound for Pound best Boxer in the world at his ERROL SPENCE JR. and MAN DOWN PROMOTIONS Booth. More info at: http://esjthetruth.com/

About Errol Spence Jr.
As an amateur Spence Jr. won three consecutive United States national championships and represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympics, where he reached the quarter-finals; all in the welterweight division. As a professional, Spence Jr. has held the IBF welterweight title since 2017. He traveled to Sheffield, England, in May 2017, where he dethroned Brook before 27,000 Brits. Spence Jr. scored 10th-and final-round knockdowns of Brook, who suffered a broken orbital bone in his severely swollen left eye. In Brook, Spence Jr. defeated a man who dethroned Porter and became the first American to earn a title from an English champion on foreign soil since 2008 when Tim Bradley upset Junior Witter in Nottingham for a 140-pound title.

As of Today, Spence Jr. is ranked as the world’s 8th best active boxer, pound for pound, by The Ring magazine; he is also ranked as the world’s best active welterweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, and second by The Ring and BoxRec.

Spence Jr. joins Andre Ward, Abner Mares, Mikey Garcia, James Toney, Mayweather Promotions, WBC, WBA, Thomas Hearns, David Benavidez, José Benavidez, Badou Jack, Mia St.John, Jessie Vargas, Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

About Box Fan Expo
Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet-and- greet boxing superstars of today, current and former world champions, legends of the sport and other boxing celebrities. Fans can expect to experience various interactions such as autograph and photos sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, pictures with the Ring Card Girls, Live DJ Music, chance to win prizes, purchase merchandise and memorabilia from different booths Exhibitors, “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”. You won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last three Expos such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Roy Jones Jr., Marcos Maidana, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Abner Mares, Jorge Linares, Brandon Rios and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipment’s, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
https://boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Throughout the next few weeks leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo. And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth,

Contact Us:
Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo




SHOWTIME SPORTS® AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS INK MULTI-YEAR BOXING PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT

NEW YORK – August 30, 2018 – SHOWTIME Sports and Premier Boxing Champions have entered into a three-year boxing programming agreement extending their long-term partnership. The deal calls for a monthly series of events presented by Premier Boxing Champions to air live on SHOWTIME, ensuring the network’s access to the deepest talent pool in boxing and its continued ability to deliver the industry’s leading programming. The agreement also calls for Premier Boxing Champions to deliver content for a significant expansion of live boxing programming from SHOWTIME Sports coming in 2019. The announcement was made today by Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks Inc.

Premier Boxing Champions, a live boxing series created by Haymon Sports, LLC, features more than 160 boxers from around the world. Founded in 2014, Premier Boxing Champions boasts the largest collection of world champions from bantamweight to heavyweight, 14 in total and far more than any other entity in the sport.

SHOWTIME and Premier Boxing Champions have collaborated to set the standard for live boxing where the brightest stars in the sport compete in the most compelling and competitive matchups on a consistent basis.

“Over the past seven-plus years, SHOWTIME has developed the most comprehensive slate of boxing programming in the world,” said Espinoza. “We have consistently been recognized for making the most significant contributions to the sport of boxing, both financially and editorially. Building off our industry-leading live event schedule, this long-term deal with Premier Boxing Champions ensures that SHOWTIME will remain the No. 1 destination for the world’s greatest fighters and their passionate and diverse fans.”

“Premier Boxing Champions is pleased to extend our relationship with SHOWTIME and continue our commitment to providing the best boxing events with the biggest stars across the most popular divisions in the sport,’’ said Tim Smith, Vice President of Communications for Haymon Boxing.

In 2018, SHOWTIME is delivering more live boxing than any other network—more than 30 presentations in total by the end of this year. In 2019, anchored largely by Premier Boxing Champions’ events and including content providers from around the world, SHOWTIME will present an even larger schedule with live boxing from virtually every level of the sport—prospects and contenders, to world championship bouts, world title unifications and pay-per-view tent pole attractions.

In addition, SHOWTIME Sports will continue to grow its burgeoning slate of shoulder programming in support of the sport and its athletes including the three-time Sports Emmy Award winning series ALL ACCESS, the cutting-edge talk show BELOW THE BELT WITH BRENDAN SCHAUB, and digital-only series such as SHO REPORT, FIGHT NIGHT and RING RESUME.

By the end of 2018, SHOWTIME will have presented more than 26-world championship fights this year, including four world title unification bouts and 10 bouts pitting top-five rated opponents from around the world. In all, SHOWTIME will have delivered more than 70 live bouts spanning ShoBox: The New Generation, SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN, SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and SHOWTIME PPV.

The 2018 lineup, hailed as the strongest in boxing, was revealed in January at the inaugural SHOWTIME BOXING UPFRONT, an event that established a top-flight boxing season and a level of organization never before seen in the sport. Planning for the 2019 SHOWTIME boxing schedule is underway, and the first slate of main event matchups will be revealed in January.

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




Video: ESPN Deportes Debuts new This is SportsCenter Commercial Featuring Canelo Álvarez and Gennady Golovkin (GGG)




Video: UFC 228: Montano vs Shevchenko – Championship Dreams




FRAMPTON WARNS WARRINGTON: IT’S ABOUT LEVELS

Boxing – Carl Frampton & Nonito Donaire Weigh-In – Europa Hotel, Belfast, Britain – April 20, 2018 Carl Frampton during the weigh in Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

CARL FRAMPTON has goaded IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington telling his arch rival that he isn’t in his league.

Warrington is set to make the first defence of his world title against Belfast’s Frampton later this year in what would be an epic encounter.

Frampton who hammered Aussie Luke Jackson earlier this month wrote in his Sunday Life column: “He (Warrington) is unbeaten and is full of confidence but I just feel — as I said going into the Jackson fight — that I am a level above Warrington.

“It has to be realised that Warrington’s best win has been against a weight-drained (Lee) Selby who has left featherweight and gone to lightweight for his return which tells you a lot.

“Warrington still couldn’t get rid of him and I would also look back to the trouble he had with Kiko Martinez who was done.”

“I would say that some people see it as a more difficult fight than maybe they first thought a year ago — including myself, mainly because of the fact he has beaten Selby so I will have to be physically and mentally at the top of my game.

“It would be a huge moment for me to become world champion again having been written off by so many people after the loss to Leo Santa Cruz and everything else I’ve been through over the past couple of years.”




Video: Fight Preview – Thabiso Mchunu vs Thomas Oosthuizen




Heavyweight Factory Returns with “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

On Friday, Sept. 28, in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., promoter Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory return with “Rumble at the Rock 2,” another sensational night of world-class professional boxing. A treasure for Florida’s fans of live boxing, Heavyweight Factory’s shows at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino have become the nation’s strongest off-TV boxing series.

“Rumble at the Rock 2” is no exception. In the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against former WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight, WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight and WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Champion John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.

Blessed with cat-like reflexes, fast hands and substantial power, the promising 19-year-old Yoon is gaining fans and reputation with every impressive performance. In his last fight in July, he took a unanimous decision over Colombian veteran Luis E. Flores with scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 97-93. In March, Yoon overcame the determination and experience of former two-time world champion Juan Carlos Salgado, winning a unanimous 10-round decision (100-89, 97-92 and 98-91). Yoon is currently the WBO #11-rated contender.

“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to fight in my first professional main event,” said Yoon. “I’m not any more nervous than usual because I fought in the amateurs in main events before and I’m used to all eyes being on me. I know he’s got a body punch, so I’ll be watching out for that. Training is going well. I’m training two or three times a day, six days a week. The weight is good. I feel awesome physically and I’m very confident going in.”

Twenty-six-year-old Renteria, of Panama City, is a six-year professional. He won the WBA Fedecentro Super Lightweight Championship in March 2016, with a TKO 6 over then-undefeated (16-0) David Lobo Ramrez. Renteria picked up the WBA Fedecaribe Welterweight title the following April by ninth-round technical decision over Omir Rodriguez. He also grabbed the WBA Fedecentro Welterweight Championship with a TKO 5 over formerly undefeated Lesvy Maure.

“I am happy to be coming to Florida,” said Renteria. “I am representing Panama and I am coming to showcase my talent. My rival Logan Yoon is a very tough upcoming prospect who is very powerful, so I will bring my all.”

The evening’s 10-round co-main event will feature Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) defending his NABA-USA Featherweight Championship against undefeated Colombian Ruben Cervera (10-0, 9 KOs).

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

“We are very happy to be back at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, bringing live boxing to South Florida fans,” said Henry Rivalta, Director of Boxing Operations, The Heavyweight Factory. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of this. Boxing at the Seminole Hard Rock is always great, and the event center is a perfect place for it. The Hard Rock is filled with wonderful things to do, from fine dining to gambling and spectacular events – all in one place! The Heavyweight Factory wishes to send a special thanks to Jim Allen Larry Mullin and Dave Gold and their entire staff. Fight fans, please enjoy South Florida’s boxing at its best.”

On fight night, the Event Center doors open at 6 p.m. and the action starts at 7 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, Fla.

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

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

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




October 20: Ryota Murata Ready to Conquer Las Vegas Against Rob Brant


LAS VEGAS (Aug. 30, 2018) — Ryota Murata, the fighting pride of Japan, will take his world championship show on the road to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Murata will make the second defense of his WBA middleweight world title against Rob “Bravo” Brant on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Park Theater at Park MGM.

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

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Teiken Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions, ticket information for this world championship event will be announced shortly.

“We are delighted to have middleweight champion Ryota Murata fighting at the Park Theater,” said Top Rank CEO Bob Arum. “He is one of the leading sports figures in Japan, and his fans will be in for a treat when they watch him in Las Vegas.”

“It is the dream of all boxers to headline in Las Vegas, and for me, this is certainly a dream come true,” Murata said. “Rob Brant is an excellent opponent, and I will prepare my best to put on a great performance for all of the fans in Las Vegas and watching on ESPN+. I am only getting started as a world champion.”

“I am very excited about my upcoming bout with Ryota Murata. This fight has been on my mind since before he fought Hassan N’Dam,” Brant said. “Though I respect all of his accomplishments, I have always felt as though I have all of the tools to clearly defeat him. Not only has it been a life goal of mine to be a world champion, but also to headline a card in Las Vegas at a major venue. I take none of this lightly. This means the world to me, and that will reflect on October 20.”

Bill Hornbuckle, President of MGM Resorts International, said, “It is an honor to welcome Ryota Murata to Park MGM as he returns to the boxing capital of the world for another international championship event. We look forward to delivering fight fans worldwide a great night of boxing at Park Theater, highlighted by these two talented fighters.”

Murata (14-1, 11 KOs) is one of Japan’s most popular sporting stars, a crossover figure who captured Olympic gold at the 2012 Olympics in London. Following the Olympic gold medal and an amateur career that also included five Japanese national titles, Murata turned pro with great fanfare and graduated to scheduled 10-rounders by his fourth pro bout. He made his Las Vegas debut at the Thomas & Mack Center on Nov. 7, 2015, winning a clear 10-round unanimous decision against Gunnar Jackson. Murata appeared on the on the Terence Crawford-Viktor Postol undercard at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 23, 2016, knocking out George Tahdooahnippah in the opening round.

Murata’s lone loss was a highly controversial one. In front of his home fans at Tokyo’s Ariake Colosseum in May 2017, he dropped a 12-round split decision against Hassan N’Dam for the vacant WBA middleweight title. The WBA ordered an immediate rematch, and five months later, Murata stopped N’Dam in the seventh round, becoming only the second Japanese-born middleweight world champion in boxing history. He made his first title defense on April 15 in Yokohama, Japan, knocking out former European middleweight champion Emanuele Blandamura in the eighth round. The Blandamura fight drew a peak rating of 17 million viewers on Japanese television.

Brant (23-1, 16 KOs), from St. Paul, Minnesota, turned pro in 2012 following an amateur career that included a U.S. National Golden Gloves title in 2010. He captured the vacant NABA middleweight title on Jan. 22, 2016 with a one-punch knockout against DeCarlo Perez. Brant defended the belt two times before moving up to the super middleweight division to take part in a single-elimination tournament. In the quarterfinals of the tournament, he was outboxed by former two-time light heavyweight world champion Jürgen Brähmer, losing a unanimous decision. In his most recent fight, March 9 in Hinckley, Minnesota, Brant returned to middleweight and knocked out Colby Courter in the first round.

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

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

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

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN. ESPN+ offers fans two exclusive, original boxing programs The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays, weekly) and In This Corner (twice monthly). In addition to exclusive Top Rank boxing content, programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), UFC (beginning in 2019), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

About Park Theater
The 5,200-seat Park Theater, with its cutting-edge audio and visual technology, provides artists of diverse talents with a dynamic space to create one-of-a-kind productions where every seat allows guests to feel up close and personal. From comedy shows and live concerts, to sporting events and award shows, the theater is specially designed to transform seamlessly for any occasion. For more Park Theater show and ticket information, visit ParkTheaterLV.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Park MGM
Park MGM is the newest destination on the Las Vegas Strip, offering an intimate resort experience on a grand scale.?A partnership between MGM Resorts International and New York-based Sydell Group, Park MGM features 2,700 guest rooms and suites, casually elegant design and a remarkable culinary program including Hogsalt Hospitality’s renowned Bavette’s Steakhouse; Juniper Cocktail Lounge; and South-of-France inspired restaurant Primrose. Park Theater, the resort’s entertainment destination, is a 5,200-seat venue home to special engagements by Bruno Mars, Cher and Lady Gaga, making her debut at the end of 2018. Park MGM is located in the heart of The Strip, next to the entertainment and dining neighborhood created by The Park and the 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena. Additional developments at Park MGM will be announced as the resort experience unfolds throughout 2018. Park MGM is owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit ParkMGM.com, call toll-free at 888-529-4828 or follow on Facebook or Twitter.




ARCHIE SHARP CONFIDENT HE’LL BEAT ‘ONE DIMENSIONAL’ WOODSTOCK

Archie Sharp is full of confidence going into his clash with Lyon Woodstock and states that his opponent’s downfall will be because of his ‘one dimensional’ boxing ability.

Sharp (13-0) had the opportunity to do some homework on Woodstock (11-0) when he witnessed the fight in which Lyon beat Craig Poxton to claim the WBO European title; the belt he will be defending when they step into the ring on October 6th.

“It was a good fight.” admitted Sharp.

“Regarding Lyon’s performance, I thought he boxed the same as he did in his first fight, his second fight, third fight and so on…

“he’s a one-dimensional fighter, there is no change in his game, he has shown me nothing different. Poxton sat in the pocket the whole fight and it worked out well for Lyon, and to be honest with you I still thought it was a very close fight.”

Unimpressed by Woodstock’s efforts in his encounter with Poxton, Sharp continued by taking a punt on how their fight will pan out on October 6th:

“Lyon is going to come out at the first bell and try and put the pressure on me and try and sit on my chest for the ten rounds.

“I’ll be too clever for that and my boxing abilities are too cute for that to happen.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Lyon is going to just make sure he’s super fit for this fight because that is all he’s got; boxing skill and boxing ability wise, he isn’t on my level.”

Along with having the ‘challenger’ status, Sharp will be in Woodstock territory on fight night when he travels up from London to fight in Woodstock’s native Leicester.

However, it is a factor undaunting to Sharp who believes it could feel quite the opposite when making the journey up the M1 from London and into the Midlands.

“It might be in his back garden but at the end of the day it will just be me and him in that ring.

“I’m coming up with a big army of supporters so it wouldn’t surprise me if it sounds like we’re in London on October 6th.”

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

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




VICTORY BOXING PROMOTIONS INKS NATIONAL GOLDEN GLOVES CHAMPION KIANTE IRVING

PITTSBURGH – August 29, 2018 – Chris Middendorf’s Victory Boxing Promotions has signed under-the-radar amateur Kiante Irving to a promotional deal. The 24 year-old middleweight is set to make his professional debut this Sunday in West Virginia.

A 6’3″ middleweight, Irving heads into Sunday’s debut with a National Golden Gloves Championship under his belt, having topped the 165-pound division in the 2018 tournament. Despite a slew of state and national titles under his belt, Irving began boxing late, compared to his peers.

He was 16 when he walked into Tom Yankello’s gym, having been drawn to the squared circle after being unable to find his niche in other sports. Raised by a single mom, boxing was an outlet for Irving, and served as an escape from the poverty and stress that ensconced his home life. It soon became clear that boxing would long be a part of his future.

A humble spirit, Irving kept his head down and his eye on the ball through various family traumas that included an eviction and his brother’s near-fatal battle with Chrohn’s Disease. His younger brother, whom he credits as an inspiration and role model, survived the brush with death to become a firefighter. Irving hopes to use his time in the ring to boost awareness of the disease, and to seize the opportunity to live out his dreams, much like his brother has done in recent years.
After his Golden Gloves Victory, Irving’s trainer Tom Yankello, and his brother and co-manager Mark Yankello, along with Irving, came to the decision that it was time to join the professional ranks. The two managers, operating under the banner Tom Yankello Boxing, Inc., connected with boxing promoter Chris Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions. Middendorf, who has helped build the careers of many of today’s world champions, seized the opportunity to work with Irving and the Yankellos.

“I am very excited to add Kiante to Victory Boxing’s stable,” said Middendorf. I had the pleasure of doing a series of shows in Pittsburgh with welterweight Sammy Vasquez, culminating in an ESPN and then a ShowBox show, and a series of events at Consol Energy Center [now the PPG Arena.] I can’t wait to be back in Pittsburgh, promoting another top prospect. It really is a tremendous sports town, and they really come out to support their local athletes.”

Middendorf was complimentary of the Yankello Brothers. “I have known his trainer and co-manager, Tom and Mark Yankello, respectively, by reputation for many years, and have enjoyed working with them. When Mark first spoke to me about Kiante, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with the Yankellos and promote Kiante Irving. With his stellar amateur career, he is ready to be a pro.”

The future looks bright (and busy) for Irving. “I plan to build and move Kiante the same way that I moved Ed Brown and Jaron Ennis. I have promised him a minimum of eight fights in his first year, and I know we will do more. He is a gifted athlete and it is going to be something to watch him develop into one of the top middleweights.”

For his part, Tom Yankello is excited about the young pugilist’s future with Middendorf and Victory Boxing Promotions. “I am very pleased with Victory Boxing Promotions. I have known Chris for many years, and he has a great resume and has been involved with building the careers of elite boxers such as Terence Crawford, Leo Santa Cruz, and Nonito Donaire. We know we’re in good hands, and that Chris knows how to move and develop Kiante.”

“I’m just excited to get my pro career moving,” said Irving of the signing. “My managers are confident, and I’m confident that we’re going to be successful under the Victory Boxing banner, and we will be getting right to work.”

Irivng makes his professional debut this Sunday at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort, versus Philadelphia’s Vincent Burkhalter. Tickets are available at www.mademenboxing.com.