WORCESTER, Mass. (July 31, 2018) – A dozen years after he captured his third world title in two different weight classes, seven since his last fight, “El Gallo” Jose Rivera returns to the ring August 17 to headline “Homecoming”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KOs) has already lost more than 30 pounds, now within four pounds of his contracted weight, since he started training earlier this year. He will headline against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KOs) in the eight-round main event.

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stopping Gilberto Flores in the second round. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, hometown favorite Michel Trabant (38-0) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

In front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera capped his boxing career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia (25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

“The idea to return to the ring started with my son. A.J., and I talking about chasing history,” Rivera explained. “We are not able to put that together right now (A.J. was born with Spina Bifida and he was unable to secure medical clearance in time for the Aug. 17th show.), but because of my hard work these last six months, I felt that it was only fitting to continue with my fight.

“Granite Chin Promotions has been very instrumental to make sure that this show is put together in the most professional manner possible. I won’t think our promotional company (Jos and A.J. own and operate RPE Promotions Entertainment) would have been able to pull this off. All the negotiations had to be done and me training the only way I know how, at a championship level, would have been too much for us to handle.”

Granite Chin Promotions’ co-promoter Chuck Shearns added, “When Jose and I started talking about his ring return, I was the last person to think he was crazy. We were friends during his championship days and I know how incredibly committed and disciplined Jose is. I fought at 49 years old, not to compare myself to the level Jose has been on, but I know that it can be done. What everyone should know is how well Jose has taken care of himself during his thirties and into his forties. Did I ever think that Chris (Traietti, GCP co-promoter) and I would be co-promoting Jose’s comeback? No, but I’m happy to be involved and I will support him as far as he wants to take this. He’s been training like he’s 25 and Jose’s going to surprise some people.”

During Rivera’s title reigns, unlike other world champions, he also held a full-time job as a court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court, a position in Worcester that he still holds 17 years later. Between working and training, never mind his family responsibilities, Jose somehow manages to balance everything in his extremely busy life.

“Let’s just say it makes for a busy schedule,” Rivera remarked. “I am committed to taking care of my family and will do whatever it takes. I usually run before work and train after work. Starting early and finishing late makes for busy days, but the job needs to get done. Right now, I’m in the middle of the hardest period of training. The week of the fight is more about preparing mentally and making weight. There’s nothing you can do the week of the fight to help you get into better shape.”

Rivera isn’t under any illusions that his comeback will lead to another major world title. The plan is for him to have two more fights to reach a total of 50 as a pro, but he’s taking things one fight at a time, and he still hopes his next fight, tentatively slated for later this year, will be on the same card as his son’s pro debut.

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. The battle-tested Galvan, his Aug. 17th opponent from Indiana, has fought other world champions, Including Zab Judah, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Jorge Paez and Paul Spadafora.

“I hear he comes to fight and that he likes to fool around a bit to try and get into his opponent’s head,” Rivera added. I’ve concentrated on me, my timing and focus on the game plan

“Training for this fight has been more mental than anything else. I have been able to reach peak performance at 45 training like I did in my prime. The most important thing is that, working with my trainer Sean Fitzgerald, I’ve been focused on making sure my timing gets better since it’s been seven years since I last fought.

“And, of course, it’s always a great feeling to box in front of my hometown fans. Their support is always appreciated.”

The name of the event is “Homecoming” because six fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

Middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KOs) and junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KOs), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball meets Demetrius Walker (8-21-2, 4 KOs) in the co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KOs) faces Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KOs), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA welterweight Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, and Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KOs).

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets, priced at $75.00 (ringside) and $45.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) or any of the fighters.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

New York, NY (July 31, 2018)–Two members of El Matador Management stable, middleweights Lamar Russ & DeVaun Lee will be featured on the upcoming season of The Contender.

The highly anticipated 12-episode season, from MGM Television and Paramount Television, will premiere on EPIX® on Aug. 24, 2018 at 10 PM ET/PT.

Russ of Wilmington, North Carolina has a record of 17-2 with eight knockouts, while Lee of Queens, New York has a record of 10-3-1 with five knockouts.

DeVaun “Unique” Lee, Age: 30, of Jamaica Queens, N.Y:
When one of his friends was shot and killed at 16, DeVaun “Unique” Lee knew he needed a way out from the mean streets of Queens. Boxing keeps him straight. So do long hours fueling airplanes and caring for his five year old daughter. The real love of his life. Fatherhood and the sport are the motivation to take this NY State Middleweight championship to the next level.

“The Contender will be a good experience for me, and I appreciated to being added to the cast. I will be able to allow the world to learn about who I am and learn about what I do. It will be great to meet new people and learn about their lifestyle as well” said Lee.

Lamar “Omega” Russ, Age: 31, of Wilmington, N.C:
One of four kids raised by a single mom and the first person in his family to graduate college, Lamar “Omega” Russ takes pride in being the underdog, and beneath the loud exterior is a boxer that needs to prove he can put his money where his mouth is. HBO, ESPN and a first round KO on Showtime do all the talking.

“This is an opportunity to create a legacy for my son, and my family. I am a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and we are tight family. I am looking to become the best and show the world that I am the best in the Contender. I am ready and willing to fight anybody they put in front of me. I want to thank my promoter Lou DiBella, my manager Felipe Gomez and The Contender for giving me this great opportunity in life.

“I am excited to have two of my guys on The Contender.” said their manager Felipe Gomez “Both of these fighters not only can fight, but they have an amazing life story to share with the world. This is a great opportunity and can be a life changer for both of my fighter’s career.”

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Filip Hrgovi? (5-0, 4 KOs) will face his biggest test on September 8 when he meets Scotland’s Gary Cornish (25-2, 13 KOs) for the WBC International Heavyweight Championship at the Arena Zagreb in Croatia.

The 2016 Rio Olympic Bronze Medallist has raced to 5-0 since turning pro in September 2017 with victories over Raphael Zumbano (TKO1), Pavel Sour (KO1), Tom Little (TKO4), Sean Turner (UD8) and Filiberto Tovar (TKO4).

The 26 year-old from Zagreb, who is currently in Miami training with renowned Cuban coach Pedro Diaz ahead of his hotly anticipated hometown debut, will now fight for his first major title with WBC’s International belt on the line.

Standing at 201cm, Cornish, the former IBO Intercontinental Champion from Iverness, will be the tallest opponent Hrgovi? has faced in the professional ranks. The ‘Highlander’ has also enjoyed considerable success against Croatian boxers having previously recorded knockout wins over Jakov Gospic, Ivica Perkovic, Hrvoje Kisicek and Marino Goles.

“It will be a great honour to fight for the WBC International Heavyweight title in front of my home fans in Zagreb,” said Hrgovi?. “Gary Cornish has had a very good career so far, fighting experienced boxers. As with all my opponents, I have a lot of respect for him, and being Scottish I am sure he will be a great warrior as all his fellow countrymen.

“He will be the tallest opponent I have faced and that will be a new style and a new challenge that I will have to unlock, but if you want to be a World Champion one day, you have to face fighters with all different styles and calibres.

“I believe it will be a tough fight between two true warriors that are willing to give their all. Heavyweight boxing is special, as you can’t predict what will happen. The only thing I can assure the fans is that I will be 120% ready to show my best boxing on September 8.”

Despite travelling away from home, the 31 year-old Cornish says he is confident of upsetting the local fighter and claiming another Croatian scalp at the Arena Zagreb.

“I was in Germany sparring with Kubrat Pulev when I first came across Hrgovi?,” he says. “I sat down and watched him spar and he seems a good fighter but I’m going to beat him.

“I don’t mind fighting in his hometown and in a hostile atmosphere. I will just block it out and focus on the job in hand. I’ve faced four Croatians before and stopped all of them so I’m confident going over to his back yard.

“I’m back with my old coach and I feel better than I ever have. It’s a good fight for me to take because it’s risk and reward. It’s a big risk because he’s so highly rated but there’s the huge reward of taking his ranking when I beat him.”

Nisse Sauerland, Promoter for Team Sauerland, says: “We’re delighted to confirm Gary Cornish as the opponent for Filip’s homecoming fight. It will be his toughest test to date and a great spectacle for fans at the Arena Zagreb as the Croatian Gladiator takes on a Celtic Warrior for the prestigious WBC International Heavyweight title.”

Zeljko Karajica, CEO of 7Sports, the sports unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group and Managing Director of the operating event agency MMP Event GmbH, adds: “This will be a fantastic contest between two top contenders in the heavyweight division. The Croatian audience can look forward an entertaining bout in Zagreb featuring their hometown hero Filip Hrgovi? against the ‘Highlander’ Gary Cornish.”

Tickets for the Zagreb Fight Night on September 8 featuring Filip Hrgovi? vs. Gary Cornish start at 110 KN and are available online via www.eventim.hr.

JOSH WARRINGTON HAS issued a warning to Carl Frampton and his loyal band of fans not to dismiss the threat presented by Luke Jackson when the pair come together at Windsor Park on August 18, live and exclusive on BT Sport.

The unbeaten Jackson (16-0) from Hobart challenges for Frampton’s WBO Interim world featherweight title at the national stadium, with the prize on the line for the winner being potentially a blockbuster match-up with the IBF champion Warrington later in the year. The victor would also be in line for a shot at the full WBO champion Oscar Valdez when he recovers from injury.

Jackson, 33, captained Australia at the 2012 London Olympics, competed twice in the World amateur Championships and won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Warrington believes Jackson represents a genuine force to be reckoned with and, being something of a student of his division, he is someone the Leeds Warrior has kept tabs on over recent times.

“Yeah I have watched a bit of Luke Jackson to be honest with you and have seen bits of him on social media and stuff,” revealed Warrington.

“He is very busy on his Instagram, he puts out sparring videos and things like that so it is always interesting to take a look at people who boast about themselves.

“Listen, I think he is being overlooked and I don’t think any fighter can afford to overlook an opponent. Look what happened on May 19 – I think Lee Selby and his team definitely overlooked us and looked ahead to bigger money fights with Frampton.

“Obviously we came in and spoiled the party. You would have thought that Carl and Jamie (trainer, Moore) wouldn’t be naive enough to make the same mistake.”

Warrington added that, in his opinion, Jackson offered up a statement of his own intent by being prepared to travel some ten thousand-odd miles to attend the press conference to promote an event that also features Tyson Fury taking on Francesco Pianeta in his second comeback fight, as well as Paddy Barnes bidding to win the WBC world flyweight title against the champion Cristofer Rosales.

“It seems like everyone thinks it is going to be a shutout for Carl, but they are up against a kid who is very hungry and is undefeated.

“He came across the world for the press conference and he wouldn’t do that if he was just going to turn up and be a knockover job.

“He is coming with intentions to win and, from his interviews, he is serious and it seems like he is up for it.”

Conrad Cummings, Luke Keeler, Sam Maxwell, Lewis Crocker and Marco McCullough also feature on the undercard.

Limited remaining tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie. priced at £80, £100, £120, £150, £250, £400 (includes hospitality). Buying tickets over the phone – 0844 847 2455. To purchase Accessible Seating – 0333 321 9996

https://www.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/videos/2034530216579679/

(July 30, 2018) — Philadelphia native Tevin Farmer will take his world title quest to Australia when he faces Sydney’s Billy Dib for the vacant IBF junior lightweight title on Friday, Aug. 3 at Technology Park in the Sydney suburb of Eveleigh.

Dib-Farmer and undercard action, including top prospect Tim Tszyu (9-0, 7 KOs) defending the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental super welterweight title against Stevie Ongen Ferdinandus (27-15-1, 14 KOs), will be streamed live in the United States beginning at 6:15 a.m. ET on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. The Dib-Farmer bout will start no earlier than 7:30 a.m. ET.

Farmer (25-4-1, 5 KOs), a defensive wizard with fleet feet, has authored one of the great career turnarounds in modern boxing history. He started his career 7-4-1, then reeled off 18 consecutive wins before earning a shot at the vacant IBF junior lightweight title on Dec. 9, 2017 against Kenichi Ogawa. Most ringside observers felt Farmer deserved the victory, but the judges awarded Ogawa a split decision. Ogawa, however, tested positive for a banned substance, and the result was changed to a no contest.

Dib (43-4, 24 KOs) is a former IBF featherweight champion who won the belt on July 29, 2011 with a unanimous decision over Jorge Lacierva. He made two successful title defenses before being dethroned by Evgeny Gradovich via split decision on March 1, 2013. Later that year, he took on Gradovich in a rematch and was knocked out in the ninth round. He challenged Takashi Miura for the WBC super featherweight title on May 1, 2015, with Miura defending the title via third-round TKO. Since the Miura defeat, Dib is 4-0 with a no contest. Against Farmer, he will have the home canvas advantage, as he is 35-0 when fighting in Australia.

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

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN. It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks.

The ESPN+ lineup includes 18 exclusive, live Top Rank events per year, dozens of fights from other Top Rank undercards, an unmatched library of the greatest fights in boxing history, and two exclusive, original boxing programs: The Boxing Beat with Dan Rafael (Tuesdays) and In This Corner (twice monthly).

It also features hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is an integrated part of the completely redesigned ESPN App. Already the leading sports app, the new ESPN App is the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans and is a showcase of the company’s culture of innovation. With a richer, increasingly more personalized experience, the new ESPN App curates all of ESPN’s incredible content into an experience unique to each fan’s individual tastes. ESPN+ is also available through ESPN.com.

NEW YORK (July 30, 2018) – Former world champions Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter went face-to-face Monday at a press conference to formally announce their showdown for the vacant WBC Welterweight World Championship Saturday, September 8 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® main event (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) will pit two of the division’s biggest names against each other in a marquee showdown of elite welterweights.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with DSG Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP

Here is what the press conference participants had to say Monday from the Dream Hotel Downtown in Manhattan:

DANNY GARCIA

“I’m excited for this fight because I’m a world championship-level fighter and this gives me the chance to be back where I’ve been for so long. It doesn’t matter who it is, I’m just happy to be back and fighting for the title.

“The loss against Keith Thurman hurt me for a little bit. I thought I finished the fight strong and won. At the end of the day though, I feel motivated again. I feel more motivated now than I did before the fight. There’s something different inside of me.

“There’s no pressure on me, I’m just going to come to fight. We can dance if he wants, but I guarantee I’m coming to bang with him in the middle of the ring. I feel I’m the stronger puncher, have the faster hands and and am the better all-around fighter.

“I’m so used to hearing my dad’s voice during a fight. Me and my dad are different than other people. We do a lot together outside of the ring. We’re friends first because of where we came from. We’re enjoying every moment and we’re hungry for me.

“At the end of the day, my mindset is fully focused on September 8. I have to go grab this title and then you can ask me to fight anyone. I’ve never turned down an opponent in my career. I’m a fighter and this is what I do.

“This wasn’t the first time someone has called me out and it won’t be the last. Come September 8, I will show the world once again why I am one of the best.

“At the end of the day, I have to go in there and make adjustments and do what I do best. I’ll set the tempo and the pace and take it one round at a time.

“The fans at Barclays Center love me. This is the ‘Danny Garcia Show.’ Whenever I fight here, all I hear is ‘DSG! DSG!.’ They are going to be there for me.”

SHAWN PORTER

“I think for a long time, watching Danny do what he does and hearing him say what he’d do to me, I got stirred up to the point where I really wanted this fight. I made that known after his fight against Brandon Rios and I think that’s why we’re here right now.

“This is a great opportunity to get the fight I wanted for my career. I’m thriving right now and you’ll see it all on fight night.

“I’m a very difficult fighter to prepare for. You never know what you’ll get with me. I’m used to being the underdog and I thrive on it. I’m the more intelligent fighter at the end of the day.

“Me and my dad are a little different than Angel and Danny. Boxing is our way of life and this is what he’s grown me into. Fight night is like Christmas or another birthday. That’s when we come together the most and make the best of every opportunity.

“Brooklyn doesn’t like me because of what I wear or what I say, they like me because I come to fight and I entertain. That’s all because of my dad and the tools he’s given me to be the very best that I could be.

“All of my abilities – power, quickness, the whole nine will help me get this victory. To beat Danny Garcia, you have to use your whole arsenal. Especially beating him in the fashion we want to beat him in. We want to look great.

“We have seen Danny in the ring with different fighters with different styles. You can be aggressive and beat him, you can use the ring and outbox him, we are going to use them all.

“At the end of the day, I learned a lesson in my last fight. My dad told me not to do anything for the crowd. You have to do what you have to do to win. September 8 isn’t going to be about making the crowd yell and winning them over. That is already done. It is a matter of going in there with whatever game plan we go with and making it happen.

“The belt is all I want. Winning a title is always special, but beating Danny Garcia for it will be icing on the cake. He’s been a top fighter for a long time and this win will help solidify me. Once I have the belt, the sky’s the limit.”

ANGEL GARCIA, Danny’s Father & Trainer

“I don’t see anything special in Shawn Porter. He comes with his head, he comes wild. We’re going to take care of him and we’re going to work on him. He’s not bringing anything to the table that I haven’t seen before. It’s Danny’s time.

“At the end of the day we got a fight. Words are just words. I’d give my life for Danny. I’d take a bullet for him, I love him.

“Listen, when Danny hits him on the right side he’s going to feel it on the left. My son’s power is like nothing he’s ever seen before.

“Listen, at the end of the night September 8th, Danny will be champion again. That belt is coming home with us and back to Philadelphia.”

KENNY PORTER, Shawn’s Father & Trainer

“We really enjoy fighting at Barclays Center. The energy there is different than any other location. It is a comfortable location for us and it is going to be an exciting night.

“Training has been different in a lot of ways, but a very good different. We are doing a lot of things that we have never done before and we are excited about that. To do different things that create excitement and make you look forward to coming to train is always good.

“They will not be prepared for us on fight night. We will start to focus on some of the things that we will do for Danny and in that aspect, there are some things we will have to prepare for differently.

“The biggest thing is to make sure is that Shawn is ready. We’re going to have a solid game plan that Shawn will know how to implement. We’re going to make Danny adjust to us.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“These are two guys who have really made a name for themselves fighting in Brooklyn. They’ve been a part of the best fights in Brooklyn. They are two of the best fighters and most exciting fighters in the sport. This is as good as it gets style-wise, period. These guys get that this is entertainment. These are two guys that entertain.

“Shawn has come out on the short end a couple of times, and clearly those fights could have been scored differently. They were sensational fights as all of his bouts tend to be.

“Danny Garcia doesn’t get enough respect, he gets out there and wins. He’s a great fighter who does everything well, which makes him extremely dangerous.

“These guys have earned this opportunity and the winner deserves the belt. The winner will get one of the biggest fights in the sport after this. Both guys are professionals who know the stakes on September 8.

“This is going to be an electric fight. The fans will be on the edge of their seats this whole night and you’re not going to want to miss it.

“These are two guys who know how to fight and will entertain you. Make sure you get your tickets early.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of BSE Global

“As Lou said September 8th should be terrific. I am personally looking forward to it. It adds to our resume of BROOKLYN BOXING. It comes almost right at our 6th anniversary of Barclays Center.

“Both fighters are veterans in our ring. This is Danny’s seventh fight in Brooklyn and Shaw’s fifth and they have built fan bases here. Our presale in the first few days have been terrific.

“Danny opened the building for BROOKLYN BOXING almost six years ago and we thank you for that and we thank you for continuing to come back.

“Shawn’s last three fights have been in Brooklyn. I think you and your dad have been sitting ringside for every fight in Brooklyn and we are thrilled to have you back.

“We are thankful to be hosting the boxing industry time and time again and we are as committed as ever to bring the best of the best to Brooklyn and doing it consistently throughout the year. I look forward to seeing everyone on the 8th. It should be a spectacular night.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“Garcia vs. Porter will be the 12th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event of the year. That is just through September. Adding our other live boxing events, we have done 24 live boxing presentations this year. It is not just quantity; it is high quality.

“Eight times on SHOWTIME this year alone, there have been top five fighters fighting each other. Here we have two of the strongest resumes not just in the welterweight division, but in the sport overall.

“Danny Garcia has 12 fights against current or former world champions. There is no question that Danny Garcia has one of the strongest resumes in the sport. I don’t think he gets credit for it and it is time that he does. Of Shawn’s last 11 fights, eight have been against former world champions. He always wants to fight in the very best fights.

“Between the two of them, they have fought on SHOWTIME and/or CBS combined 20 times. The best fighters, the biggest most meaningful fights. That’s what we have been doing, and with fighters like Danny and Shawn, we are going to continue to do it.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Former heavyweight contender and noted author David “Nino” Rodriguez says he enjoyed his debut as a broadcaster on Friday night at Laredo Energy Arena in Laredo, Texas.

Rodriguez was honored to serve alongside play-by-play man Jim Grieshaber as color commentator for USA beIN Sports’ showing of Summer Brawl 2018, featuring Laredo-based lightweight journeyman Victor Rosas’ (10-8, 4 KOs) upset fourth-round stoppage victory over Las Vegas contender Randy Moreno (12-2, 10 KOs) and hometown KO artist Jorge Castaneda’s (10-1, 10 KOs) sixth-round stoppage of Carlos Villareal (9-3, 8 KOs) of Las Vegas.

The event was presented by Ivaylo Gotzev of Epic Sports and Entertainment, Keith Veltre of Roy Jones Jr Boxing Promotions and Triple A Promotions.

“It was exhilarating to be back around the bright lights and fight atmosphere once again,” said an excited Rodriguez. “Nothing will be as stimulating as getting inside the ring, but commentating a live television production was nothing short of the next best thing. I loved breaking down the fighters and introducing my knowledge to a live audience.”

Rodriguez says he wishes to thank the event promoters who took a chance on his abilities outside the ring and says the entire show turned out perfectly.

“beIN Sports did not let the fight fans down. We had an action-packed night of slugfests in Laredo and every single fighter fought their hearts out! It was a very inspirational night of action, sitting along side Jim Grieshaber, who was kind enough to coach me through the entire process.”

Currently in the process of opening El Paso’s first Weight loss Clinic and Spa (with partner Arturo Ortiz), Rodriguez, who went 37-2, 35 KOs and once held the WBA-NABA and NABU Heavyweight Championships as a fighter, says he’d love to return as commentator in the future.

“Even though I’m no longer a fighter, I still love the beautiful sport of boxing.”

Rodriguez is the author of his autobiography, When the Lights Go Out, available through amazon.com and priced at $17.95 (paperback) and $7.95 (Kindle).

EDMONTON, Canada (July 30, 2018) – Resilient Canadian boxer Steve “The Dragon” Claggett (27-5-1, 17 KOs) pulled off another impressive road victory last Saturday night, when he edged previously unbeaten defending champion Petros Ananyan (13-1-2, 6 KOs) to capture the International Boxing Federation (IBF) International super lightweight title.

Presented by Lee Baxter Promotions, Claggett vs. Ananyan headlined the second installment of “SUPERBOX LIVE: – “Rise Up” – that aired across Canada exclusively on Super Channel, live from Powerade Centre in Brampton, Canada. Live streamed worldwide on FITE.TV, the event will also air tomorrow (Tuesday, July 31) at 7 p.m. in the United Kingdom on BoxNation (visit www.boxnation.com for listings).

Claggett, fighting out of Calgary, Canada, bounced back from a loss by way of a 10-round decision this past St. Patrick’s Day to Danny O’Connor in Boston.

Armenia-native Ananya, now residing in Moscow, captured his IBF International title last October, when he upset 30-1 defending champion Luca Giacon, who was fighting at home in Spain, by way of a six-round technical decision.

Claggett, who overcame a flash opening-round knockdown, won a close 10-round unanimous decision by the three judges’ scores of 95-94.

A true road warrior, Claggett has now won four of his last five fights, highlighted by upsets of three previously unbeaten opponents, all on the road by way of 10-riound decisions, starting in 2016 against Emmanuel Robles (15-0-1) in Las Vegas for the North American Boxing Association (NABA) USA junior middleweight title, followed last October in Montreal versus highly-touted prospect Yves Ylyssee, Jr. (14-0) for the IBF North American crown, and the latest being Ananyan.

“It was very close,” Claggett said about his fight last Saturday evening. “It was another great fight, another blood-and-guts battle, which is the only way I’m apparently built. So be it. I’m happy to be a warrior in the ring. At the end of the day, fighters fight, period.

“I’m looking forward to fighting on Super Channel again. I think we are doing some great things to add to the cable television boxing business. The more exposure, the better. It’s always great to fight in Canada, my home country, and I can’t wait to prove to the world what an up-and-coming Canadian champ can really do. It’s my time now!”

In the co-featured event, Toronto’s only reigning world champion, Sandy “Lil Tyson” Tsagouris (17-2, 7 KOs), won every round for an eight-round unanimous decision over her Mexican opponent, Guadalupe Solis (5-3, 2 KOs).

Local favorite Nick Fantauzzi improved to 6-0 (4 KOs), taking a six-round unanimous decision from Nova Scotia light heavyweight Aaron Crawley (3-2).

Canadian featherweight prospect Ross Mylet (3-0), fighting out of Oakville, Ontario, remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision triumph over Francisco “Relempago” Ubiet (6-3, 2 KOs), of Mexico.

Canadian boxing fans may watch future “SUPERBOX LIVE” events, as well as more exciting boxing to come in 2018, by contacting their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.

Complete SUPERBOX LIVE: Rising Up” results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT –IBF INTERNATIONAL SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSIP
Steve Claggett (27-5-1, 17 KOs), Challenger, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
WDEC10 (95-94, 9-5, 94-, 95-94)
Petros Ananyan (13-1-2, 6 KOs), Champion, Moscow, Russia
(Claggett won IBF International super lightweight title)

CO-FEATURE – WIBA SUPER FEATHEREIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Sandy Tsagouris (17-2, 7 KOs), Champion, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
WDEC8 (80-70, 80-71, 80-71)
Guadalupe Solis (5-3, 2 KOs), Challenger, Cintalapa, Chiapas, Mexico
(Tsagouris retained WIBA super featherweight title)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Nick Fantauzzi (6-0, 4 KOs), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
WDEC6 (58-55, 58-55, 58-56)
Aaron Crawley (3-2, 0 KOs), Dartmouth, Nova scotia, Canada

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHTS
Ross Mylet (4-0, 0 KOs), Oakville, Ontario, Canada
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-26)
Francisco Ubieta (6-3, 2 KOs), Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico

About Super Channel

Super Channelis a national premium pay television network, offering subscribers exceptional entertainment value with four diverse channels – Super Channel Fuse, Super Channel Heart & Home, Super Channel Vault and GINX Esports TV Canada – plus, access to Super Channel On Demand where available by service provider.

Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience. With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.

Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.

Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.

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About Lee Baxter Promotions
“Lee Baxter Promotions is more than just a professional boxing promotional company. Founded in 2012, LBP was created to oversee all aspects of a professional boxer’s career. Committed to developing its fighters, mapping out their roads to success, negotiating contracts, ensuring their health, creating marketing and endorsement opportunities, giving financial advice and preparing clients for their careers after boxing.
Lee Baxter Promotions recruits, develops and guides elite fighters to the next level where they need to be while working with the athletes to achieve the best results for their boxing careers.”
www.leebaxterpromotions.com
Twitter: @LeeBaxterMgmt
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(Philadelphia, PA) – Karl Dargan’s first loss as a professional boxer in 2015 hit him hard. He ended up at a crossroads in life, considering his future in boxing. Meanwhile, he found success and love outside the ring in the music industry and on reality TV, eventually marrying “Love & Hip Hop” and “R&B Divas” star and recording artist Lil’ Mo.

It seems the self-imposed break was precisely what Dargan needed to reboot his career and regain his hunger for the ring. He resumed training in Philadelphia with his uncle, the respected trainer Brother Naazim Richardson. Dargan makes his return on Saturday, August 4, on the undercard of the Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev versus Eleider “Storm” Alvarez main event at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday, August 4. The fight card will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Dargan (17-1, 9 KOs) will face veteran Jonathan Perez (37-22, 29 Kos) of Colombia in a six round lightweight division contest.

Dargan chooses to look at his break from boxing as a benefit. “I’ve been in boxing 26 years,” said Dargan. “When you’re elite, you take things for granted. When something you love is taken from you, it gives you a whole different view.

“I don’t look at being off as a negative thing. I look at it as a positive thing. My body hadn’t had any rest in 26 years. With the time off I had, I enjoyed my family and rested up, and regained the hunger. When I was off, I didn’t follow boxing. I was keeping it off my mind. When I came back to the gym, it’s almost like it’s brand new again.”

Before Richardson agreed to train his nephew again, he assessed whether he was truly ready. “He checked off the physical, he had a great rest on his body. But I started checking his mental aspect, where his desire is. Does he want this?”

Richardson says Dargan proved to him that he does. “Sometimes, you’ve got to reboot. I feel as though he can beat the odds. But he’s got to understand, there is no time to waste.”

Dargan has rededicated himself, returning to his home town of Philadelphia to train. He credits his wife for taking on all the burdens at home to allow him to train without distractions. “My wife handles this so very well,” said Dargan.

Dargan’s fans and supporters are eager to see his return to boxing. “It’s dope! After all that long time, my fans and my friends are actually excited to see me get back in the ring. A lot have followed me since I was a kid. They’ve always shown me support. I’m appreciative.

“People come up to me and say, ‘we miss you in the ring!’ They don’t know how much I missed them. We all have adversity in life, it’s all how you deal with it and what you do afterward. I haven’t been this excited and hungry since I was a kid,” said Dargan.

Richardson said Dargan isn’t much different three years on as a fighter. “In a division like his, it’s all about timing, and you have to find that.

“Our top priority is to win. The second thing is to win without getting injuries. The third thing is to look good. But the top priority is the W. If he’s not cut or injured, we’ll put him right back in. I feel as though he can beat the odds.

“God makes his own plans,” said Richardson. “This could turn out to be the best thing for him. Since he was seven, he boxed consistently at the highest level. But I have no problem telling him the truth. In this sport, it can save you. In the streets, we have a saying. We’d rather get caught by the police with a gun than caught by my enemies without one. You’ll never have another chance to make another mistake.”

About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy’ Chilemba. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,100 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and the Howie Mandel Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and 24-Hour Access to Body Rock fitness. For more informatio

Puerto Rico (July 30, 2018) – Last Sunday (July 22nd) in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Boxing For The World staged a 5K run, which served as a fundraiser for The Make A Wish Foundation of Puerto Rico facility . The facility (home) houses children with Cancer and other terminal illnesses. The facility sustained major damages due to Hurricane Maria .

The main sponsor was the WBC and their WBC Cares program.

No less than 20 of the greatest fighters in Puerto Rico took part in the walk such as:

Tito Trinidad, Juanma Lopez, Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderón, Orlando “El fenomeno” Cruz, Alex ” El Nene” Sanchez, Daniel “Pipino” Alicea, Daniel Santos, Victor “Luvy” Calleja, Josue Dickie Camacho, Nelson ” El Fueguete” Dieppa, Mac Williams, Angel ” La Abispa” Chacon, Samuel Serrano, Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera, Angel “Cholo” Espada, Andy ” El Huracan” Agosto, Jesus Rojas, Manny Maldonado (olimpico), Aristides Gonzalez and John John Molina.

Also on hand was Trinidad’s mother, Dona Irma, who served over a 1000 bowls of her famous chicken broth.

Mercedes Simmons, who is a board member for Boxing For The World as well as the CEO of Pretty Girl Promotions was ecstatic about the turnout for the great event.

“We are so happy that the legends of Puerto Rico boxing came out to support this very important cause. The building is vital for those children in need, and we are on our way to rehabbing the facility after the terrible damage it sustained during the hurricane. The WBC really came through, and really was a huge help to this fundraiser.” said Simmons.

“WBC did a great thing. I informed them that Daniel Alicea’s WBC Continental belt and NABF belt were stolen from him house while he was undergoing chemotherapy. When I approached Mauricio Sulaiman and Jill Diamond from the WBC, without hesitation they agreed to redo the belts and also sponsor the 5k”

“The first edition of Boxing for the World 5k, a project of I am Working for the World Foundation exceeded our expectations,” said Abner DiSilva, President of I’m Working for the World Foundation. “For the first time in Puerto Rico’s history we were able to unite boxing legends under one roof for a great cause . These boxing icons changed their boxing gloves for sneakers and ran/walked to help those in need. This is the beginning of our new model, to maximize their reach to bring awareness to humanitarian needs not only in the island but in the entire world .
Everyone should do their part, not just with words but with actions. We’re grateful for overwhelming support and we hope more Athletes and people join our movement . We’ve already received calls inquiring about our next event and for that we are grateful.”

Follow all the action from Staples Center in Los Angeles as Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter, Jr meet in a Lightweight unification bout.  The action kicks off at 10 PM ET with a Junior Lightweight bout between Mario Barrios and Jose Roman.  Next up will be a battle of former Heavyweight world title challengers Luis Ortiz and Razvan Cojanu

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1 Easter coming out jabbing..Sharp jab from Garcia..Body from Easter..left..Right from Garcia..

Round 2 Easter works the body..Sharp Jab..another

Round 3 Right from Garcia..Jab from Easter..Good hook from Garcia..good right AND LEFT HOOK AND DOWN GOES EASTER..

Round 4 Jab from Garcia..Cuffing right..Left hook..Sharp Jab..Left to body and left to head..Easter lands a counter left.

Round 5 Right from Easter..Right to body..Jab..Left uppercut/Right from Garcia..Right uppercut on inside..Sharp jab from Easter

Round 6 Jab to body from Easter..Lead right.Jab..Lead left hook from Garcia..Combination…Right..

Round 7 Garcia lands a right…Jab from Easter..Good Jab and right from Garcia..Uppercut from Easter..Left hook from Garcia..

Round 8  Double jab and right from Easter..Counter jab..Garcia lands a left hook..Double left hook

Round 9 Combination from Garcia..Sharp jab..Good exchange..1-2 from Garcia..Counter from Easter..2 hard 1-2’s from Garcia..Lead left hook to the body..right to the body..Hard 1-2 backs Easter up..Big combination in the corner

Round 10 Garcia lands a body shot..Sharp jab..Hard left hook on the ropes..Combination to the head.

Round 11 1-2 from Garcia…Stiff jab from Easter..1-2 from Garcia..Hard 1-2..Lead right from Easter

Round 12 Counter left hook from Easter…1-2 from Garcia..Left hook from Easter..Good left from Garcia

116-111; 117-110; 118-109 FOR MIKEY GARCIA

Round 1 2 right hooks from Ortiz..Right to bidy..straight left..Body shot from Cojanu..Body shot from Ortiz

Round 2  BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES COJANU AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

 

Round 1 Right to body by Barrios..Good exchange..Barrios cut around the left eye..Double jab and counter left from Barrios..Nice left hook..Cut from a punch

Round 2 Roman lands an over hand right..Left from Barrios..Right to body..left ..Counter left..2 Jabs from Roman..1-2..Body from Barrios..Left from Roman

Round 3 Left hook from Roman..2 left hooks from Barrios….Nice Jab from Roman

Round 4 Barrios lands a right..2 lefts from Roman..Right uppercut lead..Body from Barrios..Counter from Roman..Rights rocks Roman…CoMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ROMAN..Body shot from Barrios…Big left

Round 5 Combination from Barrios..Sharp counter right..Body..Right to head

Round 6 Barrios working on inside

Round 7 Combination from Barrios..1-2 down the middle..Body and hard left hook..right cross

Round 8 Lead right from Barrios..COMBINATION AND DOWN GOES ROMAN>.Hard right..Barrage of body punches..Nice sweeping left…..FIGHT STOPPED AFTER ROUND 8…BARRIOS WINS VIA TKO

Follow all the action as Christopher Diaz and Myasuki Ito vie for the vacant WBO Junior Lightweight title.  The action begins at 9:30 PM ET with a welterweight contest between Artemio Reyes and Gabriel Bracero

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: Left to body from Diaz..Ito lands a nice body shot

Round 2 Nice body shot from Ito..Body shot

Round 3  Left hook from Diaz..Good right..Hard left uppercut..Nice body shot from Ito..Body and head shot from Ito..

Round 4 Mouse under left eye of Diaz..Combination from Diaz…HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES DIAZ..Big right from Diaz..Nice body work from Ito

Round 5  Nice left and hard left from Diaz..Hard body shot from Diaz..left and combination

Round 6  Big right counter from Diaz..Right to body from Ito..Short uppercut

Round 7 Nice combination from Diaz..Blood from Right eye of Diaz..

Round 8 Nice left hook from Diaz..Jab from Ito..Nice right..Diaz left eye swelling

Round 9 Right from Ito..Right from Diaz..Nice left hook..Nice left hook staggers Ito..Left hook..Combination from Ito..Jab from Diaz

Round 10  Big right from Diaz and another…Right from Ito

Round 11 Accidental headbutt..Ito lands a uppercut..Good right..3 punch combination..Diaz hsving trouble seeing..Left shakes Ito

Round 12 Short uppercut..Nice combination…Hard uppercut..Nice combination from Diaz

118-109, 117-110 AND 116-11 FOR ITO

 

Round 1 Bracero boxing well..Jabbing

Round 2 Uppercut from Bracero

Round 3  Nice right from Bracero..Nice right..Big counter right

Round 4 Bracero lands a right and body punches..Moving well

Round 5 Bracero lands a big right and a jab…Nice uppercut and a short left hook..BODY AND HEAD SHOT AND REYES TAKES A KNEE…FIGHT IS OVER

 

Masayuki Ito won the vacant WBO Junior Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Christopher Diaz in Kissimmee, Florida.

Ito got the better of Diaz in the action filled fight that saw some solid and furious exchanges.  In round four, a big right hand sent Diaz to the canvas.

Diaz left began to swell and by round eleven, Diaz had difficulty seeing, which gave Ito a clearer way to land his right.  That was the punch of choice for Ito, who had to starve off eating a few wicked left hooks, but it was not enough as the visitor from Japan won going away by tallies if 118-109, 117-110 and 116-111.

Ito, 129.6 lbs of Tokyo, JPN is 24-1-1.  Diaz, 129.2 lbs of Barranquitas, PR is 23-1.

“I believe in myself. I knew I was going to become a world champion, and that is exactly what happened,” Ito said. “Since the beginning of the fight, I knew I had more power and I dropped him. In my mind, I kept saying that it was a close fight and that is why I kept going for the knockout.

“I knew that this was going to be a good fight, and I respect Diaz for coming ready to fight. He is a warrior. This is a dream come true for me. Now, I want bigger fights.”

Said Diaz: “This does not end here. I am going to return with more strength and with more hunger. I have a promise to fulfill. I am going to be a world champion. I promise you that.”

Gabriel Bracero stopped Artemio Reyes in round five of a scheduled ten-round welterweight bout.

Bracero dominated the action, and in round five he landed a body shot that was followed by a right to the head and Reyes took a knee and did not get up.

Bracero, 148 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is now 25-3-1 with 6 knockouts.  Reyes, 149.6 lbs of Colton, CA is 25-3.

“Even though I came in as a last-minute replacement, I told you guys I was ready,” Bracero said. “I was in camp working hard and helping Robert Easter Jr. for his fight {against Mikey Garcia}. This felt like a sparring session to me. I feel great! I’m hungry! I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible. Thanks to Top Rank for the opportunity.

Antonio Vargas was solid in winning a six-round unanimous decision over Aaron Echeveste in a bantamweight bout.

Vargas, 118.2 lbs of Kissimmee, FLA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 7-0.  Echeveste, 117.8 lbs of Leon. MEX is 5-3.

Yomar Alamo stopped Wilfredo Buelvas in round four of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

In round one, Alamo dropped Buelvas with a left hook.  Seconds later it was another left that dropped Buelvas down on his face.

In round four, Alamo dropped Buelvas with a left hook, and he did not beat the ten count at

Alamo, 141.2 lbs of Aguas Buenas, PR is 15-0 with 12 knockouts.  Buelvas, 141.8 lbs of Barranquita, COL is 18-10.

Henry Lebron remained perfect by stopping Luis Diaz in the final round of their scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

In round three, Lebron dropped Diaz with a body shot,

In round six, Lebron landed some hard lefts that had Diaz in trouble, and the fight was stopped at 2:43.

Lebron, 131 lbs of Agudailla, PR is now 5-0 with 4 knockouts.  Diaz, 129.6 lbs of Ponce, PR is 2-6.

“This fight really helped me a lot,” Lebron said. “I needed a fight like this where I could display all my boxing skills. On this fight, I worked on my striking, power punching, footwork, lateral movement, and at the end, I got the knockout.”

Luis Melendez made an explosive pro debut by destroying Vicente Loredo in the 1st round of their scheduled four-round featherweight bout.

Melendez landed some booing shots that snapped the head of Loredo back until he finally plummeted to the canvas at 1:19.

Melendez, 126.4 lbs of Bayamon, PR is 1-0 with 1 knocout.  Loredo, 125.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 1-2.

2016 Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Vladimir Nikitin won a six-round unanimous decision over Edward Kakembo in a featherweight bout.

In round four, Nikitin dropped Kakembo with an inside shot to the body.  With 20 seconds to go in the fight Niitin dropped Kakembo for a 2nd time with a body shot.

Nikitin, 125.2 lbs of Oxnard, CA via Russia won by scores of  60-52 twice and 60-51 , and is now 1-0.  Kakembo, 126.2 lbs of Silver Spring, MD is 10-5.

“This was my first professional fight, but it was also my first fight in a year,” Nikitin said. “I took a long break from boxing. I was just relaxing for a whole year, and that is why this was a great experience for me. I was in control and dropped my opponent a couple of times, but we went the distance. I needed to get in good rounds of work.

“I want Conlan. That is the plan, and he is the main reason why I signed with Top Rank. I want to fight him as a pro. The judges won’t be necessary this time around.”

Jose Lopez stopped Jorge Rodriguez in round two of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

Lopez dropped Rodriguez in round two with a left to the body, and he could not get up 39 seconds into round two.

Lopez, 145 lbs of Humacao, PR is 11-0 with nine knockouts.  Rodriguez, 149.2 lbs of Tepic, MEX is 10-3.

ELEIDER ‘STORM’ ALVAREZ, WBC Silver Light Heavyweight Champion and WBO Light Heavyweight World Title Challenger

“I am well prepared for the biggest challenge of my career. I suffered in training and I am at my peak right now.”

“I think it will be a difficult fight for me, but also for Kovalev. I am excited, and I can’t wait to fight. I am ready for everything that he is bringing. It is my chance, it is my time!”

“I can’t stop smiling right now because next week, the whole world will know who is Eleider Alvarez.”

MARC RAMSAY, Trainer of Eleider Alvarez

“This training camp in high altitude in Bogota was hard, but really useful. In summer, with no other of my fighters in competition, I could concentrate at 100% on Eleider for his important world championship bout.”

“Eleider is at the top of his abilities and capacities right now.”

“We understand the extent of the challenge and we come to Atlantic City really confident. We have the recipe to beat Kovalev.”

YVON MICHEL, President of GYM

“Eleider Alvarez did two of his best performances on the road, in Monaco and Chicago, where he won by KO both times.”

“Eleider always raised his level and step his game up when the challenge was big. The bigger the challenge, the better he is.”

“We are convinced that Eleider has all the tools and everything it takes to comeback to Montreal with the WBO world title in his luggage.”

BERNARD BARRÉ, Vice President of GYM

“We decided to follow and sign Eleider in 2007 after the amateur world championship. He just had won the gold medal at the Pan-Am Games with a big KO over a Cuban champion. By seeing where he is right now, we can gladly say we did bet on the right guy!”

About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy’ Chilemba. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,100 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and the Howie Mandel Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and 24-Hour Access to Body Rock fitness. For more information and to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.

NEW YORK (JULY 27, 2018)–Four highly regarded and undefeated prospects from Boxing’s deepest management stable, David McWater’s Split-T Management will be in action on Saturday night at The Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky.

Janelson Bocachica (10-0, 7 KOs) of Detroit, Michigan battles Noel Esqueda (8-5-2, 6 KOs) of Wichita, Kansas in a six-round welterweight bout.

Bocachica, just 19 years-old continues his rapid ascent as he will be making his 3rd start of 2018.

Joshua Temple (6-0, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, Missouri battles Alexander Brunson (2-1, 1 KO) of Tallahassee, Florida in a six-round cruierweight bout.

Temple, 25 years-old is a 6’4″ prospect who will be making his 2nd appearance of the year, and is coming off two consecutive wins over undefeated opponents.

Isaiah Steen on the left

Isaiah Steen (10-0, 8 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio battles Cameron Burroughs (4-4, 3 KOs) of Friendswood, Texas in a super middleweight bout.

Steen, who is the half-brother of fellow undefeated prospect and 2016 U.S, Olympian, (and fellow Split-T Management fighter) Charles Conwell. Steen is just 21 years-old and, he will be making his 2018 debut.

Marquis Moore (7-0, 4 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will take on 30-fight veteran Demetrius Walker in a six-round super middleweight bout.

Moore will be making his 2nd appearance of 2018, and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Troy Artis on May 18th.

Bocachica, Temple and Moore are promoted by Real Deal Boxing. Steen is promoted by DiBella Entertainment

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones, Anthony Barnes, Tyler Howard

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

• Christopher Diaz 129.2 lbs vs. Masayuki Ito 129.6 lbs
(WBO Junior Lightweight Title – 12 Rounds)

• Artemio Reyes 149.6 lbs vs. Gabriel Bracero 148 lbs
(Welterweight – 10 Rounds)

• Esquiva Falcao 161.8 lbs vs. Jonathan Tavira 161.2 lbs
(Middleweight – 10 Rounds)

• Antonio Vargas 118.2 lbs vs. Aaron Echeveste 117.8 lbs
(Bantamweight – 6 Rounds)

• Yomar Alamo 141.2 lbs vs. Wilfrido Buelvas 141.8 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 6 Rounds)

• Henry Lebron 131 lbs vs. Luis Diaz 129.6 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

• Jose Lopez 145 lbs vs. Jorge Rodriguez 149.2 lbs
(Welterweight – 6 Rounds)

• Luis Melendez 126.4 lbs vs. Vicente Loredo 125.8 lbs
(Featherweight – 4 Rounds)

• Vladimir Nikitin 125.2 lbs vs. Edward Kakembo 126.2 lbs
(Featherweight – 6 Rounds)

Diaz-Ito and Reyes-Bracero will stream live and exclusively in the United States at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with undercard action set for 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with All Star Boxing, remaining tickets to this world championship event, priced at $100 (red carpet ringside), $50 (lower bowl), and $30 (general admission), may be purchased at the Kissimmee Civic Center box office, online at ticketerapr.com, or charge by phone at (787) 305-3600.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter:twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo,@ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtag #DiazIto to join the conversation on social media.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International 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 boxing content, fans can watch thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks. This includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, Grand Slam tennis, Top Rank boxing, PGA TOUR golf, college sports, international rugby, cricket, the full library of ESPN Films (including 30 for 30) and more. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

WBC & IBF LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION – 12 Rounds

Mikey Garcia – 135 lbs.

Robert Easter Jr. – 134 ½ lbs.

Referee: Jack Reiss (Calif.); Judges: Larry Hazzard Jr. (N.J.), Edward Hernandez Sr. (Calif.), Steve Weisfeld (N.J.)

HEAVYWEIGHT CO-MAIN EVENT – 10 Rounds

Luis Ortiz – 241 lbs.

Razvan Cujanu – 269 lbs.

Referee Jerry Cantu (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 Rounds

Mario Barrios – 141 ½ lbs.

Jose Roman – 142 lbs.

Referee Gerard White (Calif.). Judges: Max DeLuca (Calif.), Dr. Lou Moret (Calif.), Zachary Young (Calif.)

FLASH QUOTES

Mikey Garcia

“All the work is done; the talking is done. Now it’s time to settle this thing in the ring.”

Robert Easter Jr.

“I told Mikey there ain’t no more talking. I’m coming in shape. It’s going to be an exciting fight for all the fans that are here from my side and from his side. We’re just ready to fight and put on a great performance for LA.

“This fight is champion vs. champion. It’s going to determine who’s the best, for real. Tomorrow is going to be the best of the best and you’re going to see the best out of me.”

Luis Ortiz

“I’m going to do what I’ve always done in my career and even in the amateurs, and that’s just fight. It’s going to be no different. I’m going to come out punching.

“Every fight is an important fight and tomorrow night I will show what I can do. I’m going to show why I’m known as the most avoided fighter.”

Razvan Cojanu

“I’m in very good shape. Tomorrow night it’s SHOWTIME. We’re going to bring the pain.

“The secret to beating Luis Ortiz is two things. One, I cannot say because I’m in front of the cameras but the other one is the heart.”

Mario Barrios

“Everything about fighting on SHOWITME excites me. I’ve been working for this and dreaming about this day since I was a little kid. Now it’s here and I want to take full advantage of it.

“I hope the fans can expect a lot. I’m here to showcase my talents and they are going to see fireworks. I always get a lot of love from the fans when I fight in L.A.”

Jose Roman

“I have a special motivation for this fight. My cousin’s son is battling leukemia so I dedicate this fight to him. He’s only three years old. It’s really hard because I’m a father and just imagining that breaks my heart.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.staplescenter.com follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @MikeyGarcia, @RobertEaster_Jr, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

(Oxnard, Calif.) – WBO and IBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev of Russia hosted a media workout at The Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California on Thursday, July 26, in preparation for his title defense against undefeated light heavyweight contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez of Colombia at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday, August 4. The fight card will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:0 p.m. ET/PT.

Promoter Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events, Manager of the Year Egis Klimas, and trainer Abror Tursunpulatov also attended and spoke with boxing media.

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, WBO and IBA Light Heavyweight World Champion:

About his opponent, Eleider Alvarez: “It’s a big test for me. He is very motivated. He’s hungry for this fight and for a victory. He’s undefeated. It’s not an easy fight and I must be ready for what he will bring.”

“He’s dangerous. I cannot say whether I can knock him out or get a victory by points. It’s a good fight for the boxing fans. I never said that I don’t want to fight this guy because he’s very strong. I’m ready for everybody. As a champion, as a boxer, I’m ready for anybody.”

About the importance of this fight: “It’s not the biggest fight in my life, but it’s a big for me because it’s the next chapter in my boxing career. Next time, it will be a harder opponent. He’s undefeated, he’s motivated, he’s hungry. I should be ready for whatever he can bring.”

About his desire to unify the division: “I’m building right now in my mind, my head, my personal championship in my division. In this division, it’s tough. We don’t have the opportunity to make a Super Series (tournament) like Oleksandr Usyk. My congratulations to him and to his team. He’s motivated me.

“We don’t have a tournament series in this division. But in my head, I have a schedule of my tournament, my championship. I am driven to win this championship. I have a picture in my head, I see my goals and my championship win.”

“It’s already started unofficially, between us. Because everybody wants to make unification fights I hope. Everyone who is a champion in the light heavyweight division wants to get all the belts together. We want to see who is first between us.”

About his preparation to face Eleider Alvarez: “I should prove I deserve to be champion. He is a good test for me. I saw a couple rounds in a couple of fights. I don’t spend a long time on this. I see enough to get the style he has. But he will be fighting different because right now, he is getting in shape to fight me. I have a plan, what to do in my head. I have completed my strategy, I will be ready for everything he can bring and inside the ring, after the first or second round, I will make adaptations because I’ll understand what I need to do.”

About his preparation for all his opponents: “If you come inside the ring, you should be ready for everything. For any situation, for any of his tactics. If you have only one plan for the fight, you will be losing, Be ready for an inside fight, outside fight, long distance, short distance, counter attack, anything.”

About his fifth camp training in Oxnard: “Here, there are a lot of guys who can help me with sparring sessions, It’s close to the ocean with a fresh breeze. It’s just your coach, your training. For me it is difficult to make training camp with family living at home. You always need to go somewhere, or my son wants me to play with him. Here it’s training, nap, training, rest. I train on time, lay down on time, nap on time, and keep working.”

About working with trainer Abror Tursunpulatov: “we’ve been working together, we understand each other. He gives me the same boxing study since I was 11 years old. It’s very comfortable. We speak I the same language, it’s easy. I follow his exact instructions. Before this, I did it with all of my amateur experience to the pros. Before, it was enough. But I spent all that amateur baggage. Right now, I need the help of a coach, and Abror helps me.”

About what he’s thinking during a fight: “In the ring, usually I don’t hear anybody. I am focused on the fight and the plans from what we’re doing right now in the gym with my coach. They are already inside of me. Sometimes, if you’re in trouble, you can hear something. Sometimes you even hear advice from the public, the fans! Really. Maybe only three or four times in my experience, not here in America, but in Russia when I was an amateur. I understand myself, whether it was a good round or a bad round.”

About his future opponents: “I am fighting everybody who is ready to fight me, who is available at this point. I never had a choice; do I want this fight or this other guy to fight. Egis (Klimas) or Kathy (Duva) inform me, ‘your next opponent is Eleider Alvarez.’ OK. It’s new, I keep my head and prepare for this guy, because I should be better than him.”

“I don’t think about this, who is next. Because I’m thinking right now about Alvarez. I don’t want to spend time looking behind at this (watching his past fights). He’s busy making plans for me.”

About opponents unwilling to face him: “It means they are not real champions. They are businessmen. Remember in the past, fighters like Mike Tyson or Evander Holyfield, Diego Corrales, I respect these guys. It’s sport. Guys, if you will fight like a real fighter, against everybody, everywhere, if you do your job, this is real boxing.”

About his desire to keep improving: “Some fights, I like myself. Some fights, I don’t like myself – I mean my fights. I didn’t like my last fight. I didn’t like my performance. Right now, I am trying to delete these mistakes and do better every fight. Every fight, something happens. I thought I knew a lot, but something always happens new. I get a new experience from each fight and each preparation.”

About who he would like to face next: “I don’t want speak about anybody except Alvarez. Right now, I have a fight with him and I respect this guy. I’m very happy God gave me this opportunity to get in with this guy to see who I am right now at this point. Who am I, me, myself. I don’t go back. I only look forward. Maybe the one step back and two steps forward. I already did the one step back (laughs), and now only step forward.”

About his life changing visit to the Greek monastery one year ago: “I should visit there every year, for recharging mentally. Every man and every woman should be alone with his Spirit, his God, for two or three days a year. I mean, you should be with God always. But I went there four nights. It recharged me. I cleaned up my mind and body. You follow the prayers. It is a saintly place. I already miss it. Maybe if I have the opportunity this year, I will go again.”

About what the sport means to him: “It’s not be my goal to be famous. I do this boxing not to be famous, not to be a star. I do this for myself. I love this, competing. I still live my life with interest. I travel a lot, I’m meeting people worldwide, I love it. I dreamed about this when I was young.”

About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy’ Chilemba. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

FOLLOW US:
#KovalevAlvarez
www.kovalboxer.com
Twitter: @krusherkovalev
Facebook: facebook.com/shopkrusher
Instagram: @SergeyKrusherKovalev
Twitter: @eleideralvarez
Facebook: facebook.com/eleiderstormalvarez
Instagram: @eleiderstormalvarez
Twitter: @Bivol_D
Instagram: @Bivol_D
Twitter: @Isaac_Chilemba
Instagram: @Isaac_Chilemba
www.mainevents.com
Twitter: @main_events
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www.groupeyvonmichel.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/groupeyvonmichel
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www.vsenabox.ru
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Twitter: @HardRockHCAC
Facebook: facebook.com/HardRockHCAC/
Instagram: @hardrockhcac
www.hbo.com/boxing
Twitter: @HBOBoxing
Facebook: facebook.com/HBOBoxing
Instagram: @hboboxing

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Set on 17 acres, with the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City will be Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination, boasting 2,100 slots, 120 table games, more than 20 first-class restaurants and lounges, and world-class entertainment, including Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, the beachside Sound Waves and the Howie Mandel Comedy Club. The hotel and casino also features the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, overlooking the Atlantic City Boardwalk, showcasing a brand new elevated menu and state-of-the-art stage, allowing for an amplified level of service and entertainment. Along with an endless array of upscale amenities, including world-class shopping and the brand’s signature full-service Rock Spa and Salon, featuring 31 treatment rooms, the new, music-inspired property offers lavish guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. From family vacations and business trips to weddings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City offers an unparalleled experience. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites radiates a contemporary style, including Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, which allows guests to set the mood with complimentary vinyl records or jam out on a Fender guitar in the privacy of their own room. Hotel guests can enjoy high speed, property-wide Wi-Fi, 24-Hour In-Room Dining, towel and chair service at Hard Rock Beach or at the indoor pool, and 24-Hour Access to Body Rock fitness. For more information and to book your stay, please visit hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com.
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NEW YORK (JULY 27, 2018)– Antonio Nieves returns to action on Saturday night when he takes on Christian Esquivel in a scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout at The Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio.

Nieves (17-2-2, 9 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio will be making his 1st appearance since dropping his last bout to WBO Super Flyweight champion Naoya Inoue on September 9, 2017 in a bout that was broadcast live on HBO.

In Esquivel, Nieves is taking on an a veteran opponent who sports a record of 30-14-1 with 23 knockouts.

This will be a good test for Nieves, as Esquivel is a tough veteran who has fought countless world champions and undefeated fighters.

“I am 110% ready for this fight on Saturday. I am excited to get back in the ring and make my way back to the top. I fought one of the most feared Super Flyweight’s in the world. It my first trip to the weight class, and I didn’t get the victory. But being there only made me more hungry, and I’m coming back with a vengeance,” said Nieves

ABOUT SPLIT-T MANAGEMENT

Headed by David McWater, Split-T Management has amassed one of the top stables in boxing.

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware, Isiah Jones, Anthony Barnes, Tyler Howard

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

Junior Middleweights: Ardreal Holmes, Hurshidbek Normatov, Fred Wilson, Jr.

Welterweight’s Janelson Bocachica, Poindexter Knight, Mark Dawson, Boubacar Sylla, Brian Ceballo

Junior Lightweight: Erick De Leon

27 July 2018 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), electrified the packed Mall of Asia Arena with another evening of authentic world-class martial arts action. The state-of-the-art showground played host to ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, featuring the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent. In the main event, hometown hero Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of Baguio City, Philippines overcame a stiff challenge from two-division ONE World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen, winning by unanimous decision to claim the ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship.

Visit the official ONE: REIGN OF KINGS photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos

In the main event of ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, Filipino dynamo Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon derailed Martin Nguyen’s goal to become a three-division world champion by outclassing the ONE Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion with his striking superiority. With his hometown crowd cheering behind him, Belingon effortlessly picked Nguyen apart in the stand-up, jolting the two-division titleholder with stunning left hooks and perfectly-executed spinning back kicks. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Belingon to win by unanimous decision after an intense five-round affair, bringing home the ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship.

Kevin Belingon, ONE Interim Bantamweight World Champion, stated: “I can’t explain this feeling, I’m the happiest athlete tonight. Thank you to all the people who came out to support me, and of course to ONE Championship, my team, my coaches and trainers, and my teammates. To Martin [Nguyen], it was an honor fighting you. You’re such a great athlete and champion. I trained very hard for this fight, just to get this belt. I’m proud to be a champion representing the Philippines. My friend Bibiano [Fernandes], I respect him as a champion, but we’re in the same weight class and I’m the top contender. So there is no escape in facing me. I hope you recover fast and we can make the fight this year.”

In the co-main event of the evening, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Japan smoothly steered to a first-round stoppage victory over Thai martial arts superstar Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai. It quickly became the beginning of the end for Wiratchai just minutes into the first round, as he was effortlessly taken down by Aoki. On the mat, Aoki barely gave Wiratchai room to breathe, raining down a torrent of punishing elbows that compelled the referee to step in and call a halt to the contest. The victory earned Aoki GoDaddy Knockout of the Night honors.

Brazilian legend Renzo Gracie made a triumphant return to mixed martial arts competition after eight long years, having his hand raised in victory at the expense of Japanese martial arts pioneer Yuki Kondo. Following a lengthy feeling-out process between the two grizzled veterans in the first round, Gracie shifted gears in the second frame and immediately drove his foe to the mat. Taking Kondo’s back, Gracie fastened a wrenching rear naked choke with no hesitation, which left his opponent no choice but to tap.

Hometown hero Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of Baguio City, Philippines turned in another complete performance, earning a unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Aziz Pahrudinov of Russia. Folayang operated behind a relentless stream of leg kicks that left Pahrudinov hampered throughout the three-round contest. Connecting on his combinations with laser-like precision, Folayang dominated the bout as the three judges sitting cageside awarded him the victory.

International grappling superstar Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon of the United States was successful in his second appearance in the ONE Championship cage, defeating Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju of India via submission in round three. After testing his striking abilities for the majority of the first two rounds, Tonon went back to his strengths in the third, taking the action to the canvas where he fastened a deep rear naked choke to seal the deal.

After falling short in his ONE Super Series debut two months ago, two-time Muay Thai World Champion Chris Ngimbi sought the redemption that he desired, edging out Armen Petrosyan via split decision in their three-round catch weight kickboxing showdown. Although Petrosyan kept himself aggressive all throughout the contest, Ngimbi landed the more telling blows from bell to bell, which was enough to persuade two of three cageside judges to score in his favor.

In a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest, former ONE Warrior Series entrant Panicos Yusuf of Cyprus earned a unanimous decision victory over Han Zi Hao of China after a gruelling three-round affair. Operating behind a sound game plan and well-placed strikes, Yusuf countered Han consistently with a myriad of combinations off the back foot. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Yusuf.

Former ONE World Title challenger Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of the Philippines notched his third-straight victory, authoring a spectacular submission victory over rising Thai superstar Pongsiri Mitsatit in the first round. After an emphatic slam to the canvas, Pacio finished the job with a straining armlock, leaving Mitsatit with no other choice but to tap.

Former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium World Champion Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai of Thailand showcased his world-class striking skills, defeating challenger Brown Pinas of the Netherlands via unanimous decision. Making his ONE Super Series debut, Chamuaktong dazzled, putting his treacherous Muay Thai clinch game on full display, while connecting on a plethora of elbows and knees from close quarters. All three judges scored the bout in favor of Chamuaktong after three rounds.

Filipino martial arts veteran Rene Catalan emerged as an early crowd favorite, bringing the Mall of Asia Arena crowd to their feet with a rousing performance. Over the course of three rounds, Catalan exhibited dynamic striking, feints, sweeping low leg kicks, and a powerful left hook that had highly-regarded opponent Stefer Rahardian of Indonesia in trouble on multiple occasions. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Catalan to win by unanimous decision.

Kicking off ONE: REIGN OF KINGS was Chinese featherweight sensation “The Stalker” Xie Bin. After a brief grappling exchange on the mat, Xie made quick work of Cambodia’s Sor Sey, finishing with a deep guillotine choke that put his opponent to sleep early in the first round.

Official results for ONE: REIGN OF KINGS

ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship bout: Kevin Belingon defeats Martin Nguyen by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 5 rounds

Lightweight bout: Shinya Aoki defeats Shannon Wiratchai by TKO (Strikes) at 2:16 minutes of round 1

Welterweight bout: Renzo Gracie defeats Yuki Kondo by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 1:40 minutes of round 2

Lightweight bout: Eduard Folayang defeats Aziz Pahrudinov by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Lightweight bout: Garry Tonon defeats Rahul Raju by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:27 minutes of round 3

ONE Super Series (Muay Thai) Catch Weight (72.5kg) bout: Chris Ngimbi defeats Armen Petrosyan by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

ONE Super Series (Muay Thai) Bantamweight bout: Panicos Yusuf defeats Han Zi Hao by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Strawweight bout: Joshua Pacio defeats Pongsiri Mitstatit by Submission (Armlock) at 3:37 minutes of round 1

ONE Super Series (Muay Thai) Catch Weight (68.0kg) bout: Chamuaktong Fightermuaythai defeats Brown Pinas by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Strawweight bout: Rene Catalan defeats Stefer Rahardian by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Featherweight bout: Xie Bin defeats Sor Sey by Submission (Guillotine) at 1:55 minutes of round 1

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 136 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.

https://www.facebook.com/MatchroomBoxing/videos/1651426154979671/

OCEANPORT, N.J. – WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will make an appearance at Monmouth Park on Sunday, July 29, to take in the betfair.com Haskell Invitational in advance of his title defense against Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Aug. 4 at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Atlantic City. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Kovalev will visit the Monmouth Park Sports Book by William Hill and will meet with jockeys and trainers before appearing in the winner’s circle.

Monmouth Park will offer wagering on the outcome of Kovalev’s fight with Alvarez, along with the rest of the bouts on the card, in the Sports Book. The card is the first at the newly-opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba.

The $1 million Haskell Invitational, Monmouth Park’s showcase race, will go as the 12th race on a stakes-filled 14-race card. NBC-TV will televise the Haskell live from 5-to-6 p.m. with post time for the Grade 1 race set for approximately 5:47 p.m.

Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and parking lots at 6:30 a.m. for Haskell Day. First race post is noon.

About Kovalev-Alvarez: In the first boxing event at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev will defend his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title against undefeated contender Eleider “Storm” Alvarez on Saturday, August 4, 2018. In the co-main event, WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Isaac “Golden Boy’ Chilemba. Tickets range between $50 and $200 and are on sale now through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions in association with Groupe Yvon Michel and World of Boxing and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

FOLLOW US:
#KovalevAlvarez
www.kovalboxer.com
Twitter: @krusherkovalev
Facebook: facebook.com/shopkrusher
Instagram: @SergeyKrusherKovalev
Twitter: @eleideralvarez
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Queens, N.Y. (July 27, 2018) – Ronson Frank’s Uprising Promotions is pleased to host another exciting night of boxing that is coming to Club Amazura in Jamaica, Queens, on Friday, August 10. The card will once again be presented in association with The New Mexican Promotions.

“We are excited to be back to business as usual in New York, and we have another action lineup planned for August 10,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “We had a great turnout at our last show, and we hope that the local boxing community continues to support us so we can keep providing opportunities to these young fighters. We are very pleased with how the show is coming together, and fans can expect another great night of boxing.”

In a middleweight showcase, undefeated prospect Edgar Berlanga (8-0, 8 KOs) will put his perfect record on the line when he meets 41-bout veteran Gogi Knezevic (33-7-1, 14 KOs). The Brooklyn-born Berlanga turned professional just a little over two years ago, and the eight-time Amateur National Champion has stopped all eight opponents he has faced during his pro campaign. The battle-tested Knezevic brings 14 years of ring experience to the contest, and he will almost certainly give Berlanga his toughest professional test to date.

Undefeated super bantamweight Ariel Lopez (9-0, 6 KOs) will return to action on the August 10 card, taking on 10-fight veteran Tim Ibarra. A native of Puebla, Mexico, the hard-hitting Lopez will be looking to keep his perfect record intact as he returns the ring for the first time since defeating Rudolph Hedge on an Uprising Promotions show this past May at Club Amazura.

A former International WBF World Super Featherweight and interim IBA World Super Featherweight titleholder, once-beaten Ronica Jeffrey (15-1, 1 KO) will end a two-plus year absence from the ring when she returns on August 18. A highly-popular and well-accomplished Brooklyn native, Jeffrey last fought in 2016 when she traveled to New Zealand and defeated Gentiane Lupi for the vacant WBC Silver Female Featherweight Championship. She will face 26-bout veteran Gabriella Mezei of Romania in her return.

Another unbeaten super bantamweight will be on this card, as Jose Gonzalez (9-0-2, 2 KOs) meets Hungarian pugilist Jeno Tonte (8-2, 7 KOs). Gonzalez returns to action after a pair of bouts against Adam Gonzales at Madison Square Garden, and he fights on an Uprising Promotions show for the first time since his first two professional bouts. Tonte is making his American debut in the contest.

Irish super lightweight Lawrence Gleeson (7-1, 2 KOs) will be making his third start of 2018 when he steps into Club Amazura to battle Mike Szoros. In super featherweight action, Harrison Barba will return to the ring when he meets Deron Smith in a four-frame bout, while super lightweight Paul Anthony (1-0, 0 KOs) will make his sophomore appearance against Demetrius Williams.

Club Amazura is located at 91-12 144th Place in Jamaica, Queens. Sponsorship opportunities for this exciting night are available now for any companies or local businesses who are interested in showcasing themselves. To inquire about becoming a sponsor, call (516) 939-7861.

This Uprising Promotions card will continue the initiative to KO Autism, with proceeds from the night being donated to The School For Language and Communication Development (SLCD) in Glen Cove, New York. For ticket information, call us today at (516) 939-7861.

Keep it locked to UprisingPromotions.com and @UprisingNYC for all of the latest information from Uprising Promotions.