SYDNEY – UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and AirAsia today announced that undefeated Australian prospect Jim “the Brute” Crute (7-0), will compete on an upcoming episode of the exciting UFC FIGHT PASS® original series “Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.”

The original series, now in its second season and available exclusively on Fight Pass, is focused on finding the next generation of athletes ready to compete on the global brand’s active roster. Crute’s journey to the United States has been made possible by UFC’s partnership with AirAsia, as he will also receive the opportunity to train at the UFC Performance Institute®, the world’s first mixed martial arts multi-disciplinary research, innovation and performance center.

Debuting on Episode 6 of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, Crute’s bout on Tuesday, July 24, will see the Bendigo born, now Melbourne local fight for his chance to potentially earn a contract with UFC.

“I have been training in MMA since I was four years old, with the intent to one day be a part of UFC,” says Crute. “Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series gets me another step closer to that lifelong dream. The support from AirAsia with flights and accommodations is amazing, as they have made this trip possible. My journey as a mixed martial artist is only at the very beginning, but this opportunity catapults my career. To fight on the world stage, in front of a global audience, it is what I’ve been asking for. I will do whatever is necessary to get the job done.”

AirAsia’s integrated partnership showcases how innovative brands can come together to create authentic life-changing opportunities for athletes around the world and at the same time giving audiences engaging content they can enjoy and Crute is the prime example.

With a #DaretoDream philosophy, the airline’s commitment to development and the future of MMA is sky high, showcased not only through this opportunity but the introduction of the UFC Scholarship program with the inaugural award going to Indonesian women’s strawweight, Linda Darrow last month.

Fans can tune in to watch the program on UFC Fight Pass®, the global brand’s digital subscription service.

For more information on AirAsia, please visit airasia.com or follow AirAsia on Facebook and YouTube (AirAsia), Twitter and Instagram (@airasia).

For more information on UFC, please visit UFC.com. Follow us on, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@ufc).

About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 400 events in 21 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 165 countries and territories to more than 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

About AirAsia

AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia by passengers carried, services an extensive network of more than 130 destinations. Since starting operations in 2001, AirAsia has carried more than 500 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to over 200. The airline is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines as well as India and Japan, servicing a network stretching across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and the US. AirAsia has been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards nine times in a row from 2009 to 2017. AirAsia was also awarded World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fourth consecutive year at the 2016 World Travel Awards, where it beat a field of full-service carriers to become the first ever low-cost carrier to win World’s Leading Inflight Service.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Junior Welterweight champion is expected to sign with Matchroom Boxing and have his fights on DAZN.

Hooker will still be co-promoted by Roc Nation Sports.

“If all goes according to plan, we’ll get this deal done before Tuesday,” Roc Nation’s Dino Duva said. “We’re waiting for a draft of the agreement to come in, but we would be doing a co-promotion between Roc Nation Sports and Matchroom, and Maurice would be on the DAZN shows.”

Duva had been talking to Bob Arum of Top Rank about making Hooker fight against mandatory contender Alex Saucedo.

“I’ve been talking to Bob, and I told him this deal with Eddie is for a lot more money than we were talking about for the deal with Top Rank,” Duva said. “Bob said, ‘If you’re getting that much more money, do the deal and we’ll still do the Saucedo fight.’ Bob was good about it. He understands.”

Anthony Joshua will face Alexander Povetkin for the IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight titles on September 22nd in London’s Wembley Stadium, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring; the end of March feels a long time ago now,” Joshua said in a news release. “Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree, and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.

“Training hasn’t stopped for me, but the next 10 weeks ahead will be intense both mentally and physically. I will push myself to breaking point to make sure I am in peak condition for another huge night for British boxing at Wembley Stadium.”

“The battle for the world title has always been my goal,” he said in the news release. “I fought for the moment to face the strongest in the world, and on Sept. 22, I get my opportunity. Anthony Joshua has [three major] belts, and I want them all. I’m glad that our fight will finally take place. The meeting of two Olympic champions in the ring is destined to be a breathtaking event.”

“I can’t wait to return to Wembley on Sept. 22 for what I believe will be one of the biggest tests of AJ’s career,” promoter Eddie Hearn said. “Last time he was there he produced one of the most dramatic fights and endings in the history of the sport, and I expect this fight to be full of energy and drama. Povetkin is a top-three heavyweight and extremely dangerous, but in AJ I see the best heavyweight in the world today and I think we will see a major statement.

“It will be another huge night for British boxing with major championship fights on the card and another one of those special nights and atmospheres that will be watched by millions all around the world.”

People were expecting an old Manny Pacquiao, but what they got was the Old Manny Pacquiao as he stopped Lucas Matthysse in seven one-sided rounds to capture the WBA Welterweight title at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia.

Pacquiao displayed handpeed and power that he has not displayed in at least half a decade which led him to land at will on Matthysse.

In round three, Pacquiao landed a perfect lead left uppercut to the chin that Sent Matthysse to the canvas.  In round five, it was a right hook to the head that momentarily wobbled and then Matthysse took a knee.

Pacquiao ended things in round seven, when it was another uppercut that sent Matthysse to the canvas.  Referee Kenny Bayless called a halt to the action at 2:43.

Pacquiao is now 60-7-2 with 39 knockouts.  Matthysse is 39-5.

“You have to love what you do in order to do what I still do as a
39-year-old fighter,” said Pacquiao, who trained hardest despite his
age, pushing himself to the limit.

“Do I look old,?” asked Pacquiao laughing in front of the members of
media at the post-fight press conference.

“Not today,” said Pacquiao, who was cheered on by Philip[pine
president Rodrigo Duterte who watched in the presidential suite with
new Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. “Of course, it was an
extra motivational tool for me to fight well and careful.”

“We will take a rest for now before we decide what to do next,” said
Pacquiao, who goes back to work this week as the Philippine Senate
opens its sessions.

Jhack Tepora won the vacant interim WBA Featherweight title with a 9th round stoppage over Edivaldo Ortega.

Tepora dominated the action, and landed a hard left uppercut that sent Ortega to the canvas,  Tepora opened up on Ortega, and the fight was stopped at 2:38.

Tepora is now 22-0 with 17 knockouts.  Ortega is now 26-2-1.

Carlos Canizales won the the WBA Light Flyweight title with a 12th round stoppage over Bin Lu.

Canizales dominated the fight as he peppered Lu with hard rights throughout the contest.  Canizales dropped Lu in round 11 and again at the end of round 12.  The bout was stopped at 2:59.

Canizales is 21-0-1 with 13 knockouts.  Lu is 1-1.

Moruti Mthalane won the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Muhammad Waseem.

Mthalane controlled the action until he was dropped with a combination in round 11.

Mthalane won by scores of 116-110 and 114-113 to raise his mark to 36-2.  Waseem is 8-1.

Follow all the action as Lucas Matthysse defends the WBA Welterweight championship against the legendary Manny Pacquiao in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The action starts at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT / 9 AM in Malaysia/Philippines and 10 PM in Argentina with 3 more world title bouts that will see Jhack Tepora vs Edivaldo Ortega for the Interim WBA Featherweight title; Moruti Mthalane vs Muhammad Waseem for the IBF Featherweight title and Carlos Canizalez vs Bin Lu for the WBA Light Flyweight title

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Round 1: Left from Pacquiao..Left to body..Right from Matthysse

Round 2 Overhand right from Matthysse..Good jab..double jab/straight left from Pacquiao..Right hook..Jab from Matthysse

Round 3 UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES MATTHYSSE…Hard straight left..

Round 4  Uppercut and left from Pacquiao..jab from Matthysse..Double jab from Pacquiao..Body shot from Matthysse…

Round 5 Right hook from Pacquiao…Left hook from Matthysse..Body shot from Pacquiao..Combination from Matthysse…SHOT TO TOP OF HEAD AND MATTHYSSE TAKE A KNEE

Round 6 Matthysse hits Pacquiao with a low blow..Hard left uppercut from Pacquiao..Right hook and body shot..Uppercut from Pacquiao…right hook/left hand…

Round 7 Lead left from Pacquiao..UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES MATTHYSSE..FIGHT S OVER

Round 1 Winginh shots..Left to body from Tepora…Right from Ortega

Round 2 Uppercut from Tepora..Left from Ortega..Left from Tepora..1-2 to the body..Right hook from Ortega..

Round 3 Body shot from Tepora..Body

Round 4 Left to body from Tepora..

Round 5 Jabs from Tepora

Round 6  Hard left from Tepora.

Round 7 …2 lefts from Ortega

Round 8 Body shot from Tepora..

Round 9 HARD UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES ORTEGA…HARD RIGHTS AND LEFT..BIG COMBINATION AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 7: Nice right from Mthalane..Counter right

Round 9: Mthlane lands a right..Nice counter right

Round 10 Both land right hands…counter from Mthalane…Right..Right at the bell

Round 11 Waseem cut over the left eye..Left From Mthalane..HARD COMBINATION…DOWN GOES MTHALANE

Round 12 Left from from Mthalane…Jab…Good exchenge..Hard right from Mthalane..Left from Waseem

114-113 twice and 116-110 for MTHLANE

Round 1 Canizales lands a right..Left..Body..Left to body

Round 2 Right from Canizales…Right..Right

Round 3 Counter left and right from Canizales..Good body shot..Trading uppercut..Left from Lu

Round 4 Combination from Lu..Left to body from Canizales..

Round 5 Body and from Lu…Counter right from Canizales.Right..Straight left from Lu..Right from Canizales..Combination from Lu

Round 6:  Round to body from Canizales..1-2..Left to body..Combination

Round 7 Straight left from Canizales

Round 8 Good combination from Lu..Straight left..2 rights from Canizales..Good exchange..

Round 9 Hard right from Canizales…Hard right..3 punch combination..Hard right rocks Lu..

Round 10  Hard right from Canizales

Round 11:  Canizales lands a hard right..He is hurting Lu..Left and Right DOWN GOES LU

Round 12:  Big right hurts Lue..3 more rights and a jab...HUGE RIGHT AND DOWN GOES LU…FIGHT IS STOPPED

Rocky Fielding destroyed Tyron Zeuge inside five rounds to become the new WBA World Super-Middleweight champion in Germany.

After a fast start from the unbeaten champion, Fielding landed combinations and heavy shots in the third and fourth rounds to put himself in charge of the contest in the heat of Offenburg.

Fielding was in total control in the fifth round and when a left uppercut stunned Zeuge, the champion retreated to the ropes, where Fielding landed a sickening bodyshot that forced Zeuge’s trainer to throw in the towel.

“It feels amazing,” said Zeuge. “The fact I’ve come to his backyard and stopped him. I’ve been listening to my trainer Jamie Moore and everything he said was on point. I broke him down and Jamie said let’s see where he is after six.

“This was my night tonight, I knew that it was a long road back without winning this. I’ve come on a long way in the last few years, I have the fear-factor back and I need that to win, I had it big time tonight and produced the goods.

“I’ve had a lot of support back home and I can’t thank the fans that have come out enough. It’s been a great week and it’s just ended in great style.

“I saw he was tiring early and he wasn’t firing back at me. I countered him and made him miss, and I felt really fit in there.

“I’d love to defend it in Liverpool – there’s a rematch clause but I can’t see him wanting to fight me again. I’ll have a rest and get back to the family, we’ll sit down with the team and we’ll see what options are out there, but I’m really thrilled and can’t wait to build on this.”

Regis Prograis stopped Juan Jose Velasco in round eight of their scheduled 12-round junior welterweight bout at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

Prograis dropped Velasco in round’s five and seven with body shots and dumped him again in round eight, and the bout was stopped at 139.

Prograis of New Orleans is 22-0 with 19 knockouts.  Velasco of Argentina is 20-1.

Teofimo Lopez thrilled the crowd and catapulted himself into the thick of the lightweight division as he dominated and stopped William Silva in round six of their scheduled 10-round bout.

In round one, Lopez dumped Silva with a left hook.  Silva was bleeding from the nose,  In round five, Lopez landed several hard hooks to the bloodied Silva, and then dumped Silva to the canvas in the corner.

Lopez came out in round six by landing three left hooks and a right that dropped Silva and the bout was called at 15 seconds.

Lopez is now 10-0 with 8 knockouts.  Silva is 25-2.

Erick De Leon got off the deck to win a 10-round unanimous decision over Adrian Young in a super featherweight bout.

Young dropped De Leon in the 1st round with a left hook.  De Leon recovered well and boxed very will over the final nine rounds to get the victory by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice.

De Leon, 132 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 18-0-1.  Young, 133 1/4 lbs of Los Michis, MEX is 25-5-2.

2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell remained perfect with a 2nd round stoppage over Travis Scott in a scheduled eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Conwell came out in round by hurting Scott with a flurry of punches on the ropes.  Conwell ended things with a perfect left hook to the body that sent Scott to a knee for the ten count at 1:34.

Conwell, 153 1/4 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 8-0 with 6 knockouts.  Scott, 153 1/4 lbs of Baton Rouge, LA is 19-4.

Jean Carlos Rivera stopped Angel Luna in round one of their scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

Rivera rocked Luna with a hard left hook in round one. Then a body punch and another left hook later, the bout was stopped at 1:22.

Rivera, 125 3/4 lbs is now 14-0 with 9 knockouts. Luna, 126 3/4 lbs of Dominican Republic is now 11-5-1.

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, 2016 Olympic Gold Medal winner Fazliddin Gaibnazarov won a eight-round unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson.

Gaibnazarov, 138 lbs of Uzbekistan won by scores of 78-74 on all cards, and is now 5-0. Johnson, 137 1/4 lbs of Detroit is 5-1.

Jeremy Hill won a four-round unanimous decision over Charles Johnson in a super lightweight bout.

Hill of New Orleans won by scores of 40-35 on all cards, and is now 3-0.  Johnson is 0-1-3.

Los Angeles, CA (July 14, 2018) Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions has announced a huge night of world class professional boxing for the third installment of its highly praised ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ series returning on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the AVALON in Hollywood, CA.

Tickets for The VIP Boxing Experience, priced at $150 for VIP Seats on the Ring Apron, $125 for VIP Ringside Front Row, $100, $85, $75 and $60 are now on sale online at www.360Promotions.us and through the interactive seating chart by clicking HERE. VIP Booths are also available by inquiring at Info@360Promotions.US A fantastic highlight reel from the first two ‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ can be viewed HERE.

The seven-bout event will be headlined by a six-round light heavyweight clash between undefeated world ranked contender Ali Akhmedov, (11-0-0, 8 KO’s) of Almaty, Kazakhstan and San Diego’s Jorge ‘El Bandido’ Escalante, (9-1-1, 6 KO’s), of San Diego, CA.

The 22-year-old ruggedly handsome Akhmedov will be making his highly anticipated Southern California debut in addition to fighting for the first time under the tutelage of world-renowned trainer Abel Sanchez following a training camp in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Fighting in his hometown on December 30, 2017, Akhmedov scored a devastating second-round stoppage of Ismat Eynullayev.

Escalante will be looking to bounce back into the win column after starting off an undefeated run of four years following his professional debut. Most recently the 33-year-old lost a hard-fought majority decision to Isaias Ortega on December 16, 2017 in Tijuana, Mexico.

Undefeated 22-year-old welterweight prospect Brian Ceballo, (3-0-0, 1 KO), of Brooklyn, NY will battle southpaw Tavorus Teague, a local veteran of 29 fights in a scheduled six rounder.

The former amateur standout, Ceballo, thrilled the crowd at the AVALON on June 6 winning a four-round decision over Adan Ahumada on June 6. This will be Ceballo’s third straight star-building appearance at ‘Hollywood Fight Nights.’

Teague of Paramount, CA will be making his fifth start of 2018 including a decision win over prospect David Lopez on June 7 in Costa Mesa, CA. In his last bout on June 23, Teague fought to a draw with undefeated prospect Matthew Esquibel (10-0), in Laguna, NM.

Also in action-packed six-round welterweight clash between two highly regarded prospects, Rowland Heights, CA native Abraham Lopez, (9-1-1, 3 KO’s), will face undefeated Tustin, CA’s Gloferson Ortizo, (12-0-1, 6 KO’s) in a potential fight of the night.

Training out of the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, CA, the 22-year-old Lopez is undefeated in his last ten bouts since posting his only loss in his professional debut in 2015.

With two dominant six round decisions over David Thomas and Evincil Dixon last year, the much talked about Lopez will be making the first start of his 2018 campaign.

Born in the Philippines, the busy Ortizo will be making his remarkable ninth start of 2018. Stopping his last three opponents inside the distance, Ortizo returns to battle following a fifth-round knockout of Horacio Perez Gomez on June 23 in Tijuana, MX.

In a women’s special attraction welterweight four-rounder, Elvina ‘The Warrior’ White, (2-0) of Los Angeles, CA will make her return to The VIP Boxing Experience against Bryanna Fissori, (1-0), of Topeka, KS.

Making her local debut, the eye-catching White, originally from Vilanch, Austria, won a four-round unanimous decision over Annette Pabello on June 6 at the AVALON. Earlier this year White worked as a sparring partner for Undisputed Women’s Welterweight World Champion and Women’s #1 Pound-for-Pounder Cecilia Braekhus.

Fissori was victorious in her pro debut on September 9, 2017, winning a four-round decision over Julie Murray in her hometown.

Over four rounds in the lightweight division, local favorite Adrian Corona of Los Angeles, CA will make his professional debut against fellow Angelino Teodoro Alonso, (0-1).

Former Armenian Olympian and amateur Vardges Vardanyan, (1-0), now training and residing in Los Angeles CA will seek his second professional victory against Camerson Christopher of Riverside, CA in a scheduled four-round junior middleweight clash.

Rounding out the card, cruiserweight charmer Marco Deckman of Los Angeles, CA, will make his much anticipated professional debut in a scheduled four rounder. Deckman trains under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Gym.

‘Hollywood Fight Nights’ will once again be streamed live on the 360 Promotions website, (www.360promotions.us) and by visiting their Facebook page HERE. Commentating on the fights will be the ‘dynamic duo’ of Doug Fischer and Steve Kim with on-site hosting duties handled once again handled by the beautiful Cynthia Conte.

The historic AVALON is located at 1735 Vine Street in Hollywood, CA adjacent to the iconic intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. on the night of the event with the first bell scheduled at 6:15 p.m. For more details on the AVALON, please visit their website, www.AvalonHollywood.com

——————————-

Tom Loeffler was recognized by ESPN in 2017 as being involved in the promotion of the three biggest events of the year including the Anthony Joshua/Wladimir Klitschko World Heavyweight Championship at Wembley Stadium in London, the Gennady Golovkin/Daniel Jacobs World Middleweight Championship at Madison Square Garden and the massive Canelo Alvarez/Gennady Golovkin event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

These three events totaled over 130,000 tickets sold in addition to their extraordinary numbers in pay-per-view sales and network viewership worldwide.

Social Media

#HollywoodFightNights

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@360BoxingPromos

@TomLoeffler1

Facebook

@360BoxingPromos

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@TomLoeffler1

Website

www.360Promotions.us

New York, NY (July 13, 2018)–Boxing’s deepest management stable, David McWater’s Split-T Management will be showcasing six talented fighters throughout the United States.

On Saturday at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, four members will appear on a a nationally televised event. In the televised co-feature on ESPN (7 PM ET), 2016 Olympian from Honduras, Teofimo Lopez (134.9 lbs) (9-0, 7 KOs) will take on William Silva (25-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout. This is a bout that will springboard Lopez into the mix with the top lightweights in the world.

Three fighters will be showcased on ESPN+ (4:30 PM ET) as 2016 U.S. Olympian, Charles Conwell (153.4 lbs) (7-0, 5 KOs) battles Travis Scott (19-3, 5 KOs) in a 6-round junior middleweight bout. Undefeated super featherweight Erick De Leon (132.5 lbs)(17-0-1, 10 KOs) of Detroit fights Mexican power puncher Adrian Young (25-4-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Also undefeated super middleweight Tyler Howard (164.9 lbs) (14-0, 9 KOs) battles Javier Frazier (8-3-1, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout.

Also on Saturday at San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel, undefeated middleweight Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (160 lbs) (6-0, 3 KOs) will fight 17 fight veteran Tiffany Woodard in a six-round bout.

The action kicks off on Friday night when undefeated super middleweight Anthony Barnes (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on Dwayne Williams in a six-round bout at The Motor City Casino in Detroit.

“I am excited about the continued success of our clients. They are all outstanding fighters and people. This shows the growth that they are all having as we have 6 terrific fighters being showcased throughout the country in the span of 24 hours,” said Split-T Management CEO, David McWater.

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

https://www.facebook.com/gmanews/videos/10156668063841977/?t=5

• Regis Prograis 139.8 lbs vs. Juan Jose Velasco 140 lbs
(WBC Super Lightweight Diamond Belt – 12 Rounds)

• Teofimo Lopez 134.9 lbs vs. William Silva 134 lbs
(WBC Continental Americas Lightweight Title – 10 Rounds)

• Erick De Leon 132.5 lbs vs. Adrian Young 133.1 lbs
(Super Featherweight – 10 Rounds)

• Jean Carlos Rivera 125.8 lbs vs. Angel Luna 126.8 lbs
(Featherweight – 10 Rounds)

• Fazliddin Gaibnazarov 138 lbs vs. Kevin Johnson 137.1 lbs
(Lightweight – 8 Rounds)

• Jonathan Guidry 235.3 lbs vs. Aaron Chavers 228.8 lbs
(Heavyweight – 6 Rounds)

• Charles Conwell 153.4 lbs vs. Travis Scott 155.3 lbs
(Middleweight – 6 Rounds)

• Tyler Howard 164.9 lbs vs. Javier Frazier 163.1 lbs
(Super Middleweight – 6 Rounds)

• Jeremy Hill 136.1 lbs vs. Charles Johnson 136 lbs
(Lightweight – 4 Rounds)

• Jonathan Montrel 137.7 lbs vs. Samuel Forjoe 140.6 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 4 Rounds)

Prograis vs. Velasco and Lopez vs. Silva will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET. The entire undercard will be streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets, priced at $200 (ringside), $125 (floor), $75, and $40, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Lakefront Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Discounts for military, students and New Orleans Police Department members ? $75 tickets for $50 and $40 seats for $25 – are available when presenting valid ID at the Lakefront Arena box office.

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 @RPrograis,@DiBellaEnt, @LouDibella @ESPNDeportes.

Use the hashtag #PrograisVelasco 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.

Plant City, FL (July 13, 2018) – Middleweight contender Yamaguchi Falcao looks to rise in the rankings when he meets WBO Latino champion Elias “Latin Kid” Espadas Saturday, July 21 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

Fighting out of Yucatan, Mexico, Espadas has an impressive 17-3 professional ledger and 12 wins by knockout. Rated 14th by the WBO, Espadas stopped his last six foes, most recently dispatching Felipe Santos Pedroso in three rounds.

Falcao, the WBC’s 9th ranked contender, was scheduled to meet Demetrius Andrade as part of an HBO tripleheader but Andrade withdrew after becoming a promotional free agent.

A bronze medalist for his native Brazil at the 2012 London Olympics, Falcao has a perfect 15-0 record with 7 victories via KO. On March 31, Falcao dominated veteran Richard Gutierrez on ESPN. The smooth-boxing 30-year-old is admittedly disappointed about the Andrade fight falling apart and plans to take out his frustrations on Espadas.

“I was looking forward to the Andrade fight because he’s one of the world’s best but Espadas is a respectable fighter in his own right,” said Falcao, who fights out of Plant City, FL. “I don’t know a ton about him but I lived in Mexico for six years and Mexico has produced many great fighters. I’m going to put on a great performance and show that I’m the much better fighter. My goal is to become middleweight world champion shortly.”

The Falcao-Espadas fight is scheduled for ten rounds and takes place prior to an HBO doubleheader featuring WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Mungia against former titlist Liam Smith and WBO 130 pound champion Alberto Machado defending his belt against unbeaten contender Rafael Mensah.

Tickets starting at $25 are available at the Hard Rock Hotel or by going to https://hardrockhotel.com/las-vegas-entertainment/joint-golden-boy-boxing-2018.php. Doors open at 4 pm local time and fans of all ages are welcome to attend.

Fans can follow Falcao on Instagram @yamaguchifalcao.

Joet Gonzalez won a 10-round split decision over Rafael Rivera in a featherweight bout at The Novo at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.

Gonzalez took two cards by 97-93 and 96-94 tallies, while Rivera won a card 96-94.

Gonzalez, 125 lbs of Glendora, CA is 20-0. Rivera, 125.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-2-2.

“I felt like I dominated the majority of the fight, at least seven of the rounds,” said Joet Gonzalez.”This was definitely my toughest fight going all the 10 rounds. I’m satisfied with my performance, and I’m happy to have this new belt. I’ll fight anyone at 126 for a world title – that’s what I want! I feel great and it was a pretty exciting fight!”

“I felt I won the fight,” said Rafael Rivera. “He never hurt me, but this is boxing. I came from Tijuana, so I knew this would happen. This is what happens when you go into someone’s back yard. Utilizing my distance and landing counter punching were important keys in this fight. I’m happy with performance and my preparation, but like I said I feel I won this fight.”

Seniesa Estrada stopped Jhosep Vizcaino in round three of their scheduled eight-round flyweight bout.

In round one, Estrada decked Vicaino with a left hook. Estrada finsihed things in round three with a left hook to the body that sent Vizcaino down and the fight was stopped at 20 seconds.

Estrada, 108.8 lbs of East Los Angeles is 14-0 with 4 knockouts. Vizcaino, 108.2 lbs of Quito, ECU is 6-7.

“I had a great camp. I worked on sharpening and shortening up my punches,” said Seniesa Estrada.”As you can see, the hard work in camp paid off. I’m getting more comfortable in the ring because I’m now with a promoter. Golden Boy Promotions is keeping me busy, so I’m fighting more consistently. Having me stay busy is the most dangerous thing for my opponents.

Maricela Cornejo stopped previously undefeated Samantha Pill in round three of a scheduled six-round super middleweight bout.

The end was 21 seconds of round three. Cornejo, 164.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 12-2 with 5 knockouts. Pill, 164.4 lbs of Fairmont, WV is 3-1.

“I feel good. I’m very happy with the camp we had with my head trainer Antonio Diaz,” said Maricela Cornejo.”In this fight, I just had to adjust to her being six feet tall. Fighting Pill just showed only a little of what I’m capable of. I can’t wait to fight an even better opponent to show all of my capabilities.”

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. / ORANGE, Calif. (July 13, 2018) – Michael Dutchover (9-0, 6 KOs), who is among the brightest young talents in the junior lightweight division, takes the next step in his professional career when he headlines “Path to Glory” on Friday, July 20.

The marquee attraction is Dutchover’s first since turning professional nearly two years ago. The 20-year-old out of Midland, Tex. faces Mexico’s Sergio Ramirez (4-2, 4 KOs)from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

“It’s an incredible feeling to be in the main event,” said Dutchover, who signed with Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing in 2016. “Everything has moved really fast for me. It wasn’t too long ago that I was on undercards fighting four round fights.”

Indeed, Dutchover has exceeded expectations with the pace of his development. His first six fights were of the 4-round variety, followed by three 6-rounders, and next Friday’s clash, his tenth, is set for 8-rounds.

“It’s the next step up for me,” said Dutchover, who is trained and managed by Danny Zamora. “I feel comfortable going all eight rounds, but hopefully I can end it early.”

Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: Path to Glory via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

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

New York, NY (July 13, 2018)-On Saturday night, middleweight, Raquel “Pretty Beast” Miller (6-0, 3 KOs) scraps with 17 fight veteran Tiffany Woodard in a middleweight bout scheduled for six-rounds at the Fairmont Hotel in Miller’s native San Francisco.

“I am so excited to be back home, and back in the ring so quickly,” said Miller, who just scored her 6th victory just three weeks ago. “I thank my amazing team of Split-T Management and DiBella Entertainment as well as my manager, trainers and strength and conditioning coach for helping me make this happen, and I am looking forward to coming home and putting on a show for my people in San Francisco.”

Miller is managed by Split-T Management and 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

HAZARDS OF THE JOB. WBA welterweight challenger Manny Pacquiao is so
anxious to get into the ring on Sunday, July 15 (July 14 in the US)
against champion Lucas Matthysse of Argentina that a little flick of
his fist went a little, too much. That punch actually hurt trainer
Buboy Fernandez during mitts sessions at the Le Meridien Hotel boxing
gym. Fernandez ended up with a chipped tooth. On Saturday, Pacquiao
and Matthysse will tip the scales at the Malaysia International Trade
and Exhibition Center.
MITEC is located at 8 Jalan Dutamas 2, Kompleks Kerajaan.

Pacquiao Expected to Easily Hurdle Today’s Weigh-in Ahead of Matthysse

KUALA LUMPUR–Manny Pacquiao is expected to easily hurdle today’s
weigh-in ahead of WBA champion Lucas Matthysse at the Malaysia
International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) Saturday (July 14)
morning here.

Weigh-in starts at 8 A.M. and will be free to the public. “Fight of
Champions,” the biggest boxing event ever to be shown in Malaysia in
the last four decades, will have 10 more additional bouts in the
undercard three of which are for world titles.

Pacquiao has been one of the smallest welterweight champions in
history and has been tipping the scales three or four pounds lighter
than the 147-pound (66.68 Kg.) limit since he first fought in the
division 10 years ago.

Matthysse, the sledgehammer-fisted Argentine who has won 36 of his 39
victories by knockout (against 4 losses), will be fighting only for
the third time as a welterweight after winning the WBA crown early
this year.

For the 10th time, Kenny Bayless will be the referee starring
Pacquiao. Bayless, 68, first officiated the second meeting between the
Filipino and the legendary Erik Morales in 2006.

Derek Milham of Queensland, Australia will join 74-year-old Stanley
Christodoulou of Johannesburg, South Africa and Glenn Feldman of
Connecticut, USA in scoring the match should it last the full 12
rounds.

The “Golden Boy,” himself, Oscar Dela Hoya, will be on hand for the
weigh-in of Matthysse, a boxer promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.

Unbeaten Jhack Tepora of Cebu City, Philippines, (21-0, 16 KOs) will
vie for the vacant World Boxing Association featherweight title
against Edivaldo “Indio” Ortega (26-1-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in
the main supporting bout.

Carlos “CCC” Canizales of Venezuela (20-0-1, 16 KOs) will try to
prevent Lu Bin of China from becoming only the first boxer in history
to win a world title on his second bout. They will fight for
Canizales’ WBA light flyweight belt.

Veteran Moruti Mthalane of South Africa and Muhammad Waseem of
Pakistan will lock horns for the vacant International Boxing
Federation (IBF) flyweight title–the last of the four exciting world
championships offered by MP Promotions headed by Pacquiao, himself.

The explosive card will open with Thailand’s Ratchanon Sawangsoda
(12-2, 12 KOs) facing Juan Miguel “The Boss” Elorde, grandson of the
great Filipino “Flash” Elorde in a six-round junior featherweight
match.

Malaysia’s local hero Theena Thayalan (5-0, 2 KOs) will battle
Siddarth Ravindra Varma of India (4-1, 1 KO) in the second bout.

Right after the Pacquiao Vs Matthysse battle, five more exciting
matches spice up the star-studded event that is expected to be beamed
to 200 territories throughout the world including Japan’s Yuuki
Kobayashi (17-1, 8 KOs) battling flyweight Vincent Astrolabio of the
Philippines (10-1, 7 KOs) over 8 rounds.

Other matches include Australia’s shining lightweight George Kambosos
Jr. (14-0, 8 KOs) against Jay Ar Magboo, (17-1, 8 KOs); Eleftherios
Tzouramanis (19-3-3, 3 KOs) fighting Jayar Inson of the Philippines
(15-1, 10 KOs); Youngquiang Yang (10-0, 7 KOs) of China facing
Harmonito Dela Torre (19-1, 12 KOs); and Abdi of Indonesia (5-2, 2
KOs) facing Aiman Abu Bakar of Malaysia (7-0, 3 KOs).

(Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) is located
at 8 Jalan Dutamas 2, Kompleks Kerajaan.)

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – July 13, 2018- Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the upcoming slugfest between Former WBC International Light Heavyweight world champion Sullivan Barrera (21-2, 14 KOs) and Light Heavyweight Contender “Irish” Seanie Monaghan (29-1, 17 KOs) in the 10-round main event at the Sands Bethlehem Casino and Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Tickets, priced from $105 to $55 and will be available through Ticketmaster, the Sands Event Center box office and by emailing Main Events at boxing@mainevents.com.

The event is promoted by Main Events and World of Boxing and will be streamed live via Facebook Watch as part of the Golden Boy Fight Night series. Fans can catch all the action by clicking here.

About Barrera-Monaghan: This light heavyweight main event will headline the second live boxing card of the new Golden Boy Fight Night series on Facebook Watch, live from the Sands in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 18. The event is promoted by Main Events and World of Boxing.

Tickets, priced from $105 to $55, are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster, the Sands Event Center box office and by emailing Main Events at boxing@mainevents.com.

FOLLOW US:
#BarreraMonaghan
Twitter: @SullivanBarrera
Instagram: @SullivanBarrera
Twitter: @SeanieMono
Instagram: @SeanieMono
Facebook: facebook.com/IrishSeanieMonaghan
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Twitter: @main_events
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Danbury, CT (July 13, 2018) – A new boxing talk show is set to hit the internet. Ringsiders will feature hosts that are currently in the sport of boxing, including both professional and amateur boxers, trainers, managers, promoters and more. The goal of the show is to give viewers a true insider’s look between the ropes. Another major difference of the show is that it will be taped, and feature different visual effects for viewers enjoyment as well as other innovative concepts.

Ringsiders will be taped in Champs Boxing Club in Danbury, CT, which is owned by professional boxing manager A.J. Galante, who will also co-produce the show. He sees Ringsiders as a show that can help give everyone involved with boxing a voice, and a platform to elevate the sport. “Even though we will feature it, Ringsiders is not really about mainstream boxing news. Our main goal is to cover boxing’s other 99% and their perspectives. Boxing is made up of more blue collar individuals then millionaires. We want to do something different, we are looking to highlight the club shows, the club fighter, the up and coming trainer, amateurs trying to find their way, A-Side, B-Side, it doesn’t matter, if it is interesting we want to highlight it, and give people a true insiders look, and have a lot of fun in the process.”

Ringsiders is set to have a rotation of hosts and guests, all who are involved currently with boxing, but two mainstays will include Professional Boxer “Fly” Mike Marshall and amateur sensation Fernely Feliz Jr. Mike Marshall is currently 3(3 kos) – 1 as a professional and is also a licensed USA Boxing Amateur coach for Champs Boxing Club’s amateur team, the CBC Wolfpack. Fernely Feliz Jr. is a Danbury native and one of the top Super Heavyweight amateurs in the Nation. He is a 3 time Western New England and All New England Golden Gloves Champion. A.J. Galante says he couldn’t think of a better embodiment of Ringsiders, “I think both Mike and Fernely fit exactly what this show is about. Mike is a talented pro, who hasn’t always gotten the best opportunities in his career. He’s coming off a loss and in the process of making a comeback, but he is going to also be one of the best trainers in the game in time. He has a great personality and says a lot of things most just think. Fernely is one of the best kids in the world. He is super talented, and can give a lot of insight into the amateur scene, and can give insight into just how hard it is to train and compete, deal with high expectations and trying to prepare for a professional career.”

The shows director of production will be Danbury native Teyonte Best. “I don’t come from a boxing background, but that’s what A.J. and I like about my involvement, just bringing a different perspective.” Best stated, “We believe in different concepts, not telling the same stories, reporting the same news, and we are very much committed to providing an entertaining and informative product for viewers. We want fans and viewers to be involved, and we are working with a few interactive concepts we think will be awesome. As A.J. has stressed to everyone involved, this show is about bringing the whole boxing community together, and we will definitely succeed.”

Ringsiders is set to debut in August at a date to be announced. Have an idea for the show or want to have your voice heard? Contact the show at ringsidersboxingshow@gmail.com

TYSON FURY HAS vowed to abide by team orders and keep it strictly business when he turns to the second chapter of his comeback story against Francesco Pianeta in Belfast on August 18.

The lineal world heavyweight champion took showboating to a new level in the first of his return bouts against Sefer Seferi at the Manchester Arena in June, first setting the mood for the evening by planting a smacker on the equally game for a laugh Albanian.

Tyson now reveals that, for his duel with former world title challenger Pianeta, his trainer Ben Davison wants him to have his serious head on and not play to the expected sell-out crowd at Windsor Park, which also plays host to Carl Frampton defending his WBO world interim featherweight title against Luke Jackson as well as the WBC world flyweight title challenge of Paddy Barnes to the champion Cristofer Rosales.

“We saw the joker in the last camp, we saw the showman, the entertainer,” explained the 29-year-old.

“Ben wants a serious approach this time and that is what he’ll get.

“All business in Belfast!

“Everything is great, but if he wants me to be serious about this fight then I will be serious,” added Tyson, who reflected that he doesn’t have much of a track record when it comes to playing it straight.

“I’m not serious about anything in my whole life, everything is like fun and games – even Klitschko. I wasn’t serious – I was doing all dance moves, everything.

“But listen, if Ben wants serious, Ben will get serious. I’ll go in there and do my job and that’s it.

“I won’t even smile once!”

Frank Warren echoes the thoughts of trainer Davison and the Hall of Fame promoter believes Tyson is more likely to stick to the script because of the more perilous nature of the assignment this time around.

“I don’t believe we will have him playing up to the crowd on this occasion because he will need to be more business-like in a riskier fight and also because of his desire to start putting a marker down once again in the heavyweight division.”

Also featuring in undercard combat is a cracking Belfast v Dublin clash between Steven Ward and Steve Collins Jr. Lewis Crocker, WBO European middleweight champion Luke Keeler and Marco McCullough are also in action.

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

LIAM SMITH will be fired up by critics who have trashed his chances of taking the WBO super-welterweight title challenge from Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas on Saturday July 21.

The Liverpool boxer will be attempting to regain the title he lost against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in September 2016 when their clash drew 51,000 fans to the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Munguia, 21, has won all 29 professional fights with 25 wins coming by KO. He caused an upset in May when he ripped the title from Sadam Ali – stopping the defending champion in four rounds.

But Smith is ready to ruin the Mexican’s first defence at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and earn himself huge unification clashes that will set him up for life.

Smith, 29, said ahead of the fight that will be shown by BT Sport: “I will be gutted if I don’t win this fight.

“I am a little bit more hungry because a few people have written me off so I’m gonna make them eat their words.

“It has given me a little bit more fire. I want to become a world champion again.”

“Munguia is a good fighter. He is big for the weight and it doesn’t take a genius to see he can punch.

“He is one of those young, enthusiastic fighters who is trying to make a statement in every fight and he’s just getting better and better.

“It is winnable, but it is what a world title fight should be. I’m a challenger, on the road and it should be a tough fight.”

Smith whose only defeat in 28 fights came against Canelo is taking little notice of Munguia’s win against Ali.

He explained: “Sadam Ali was in the right place, right time when he beat Miguel Cotto to win the title, but I still thought he might have had too much nous for Munguia.

“I watched Munguia in February before there was talk of him fighting any of the names and classed him as a decent prospect who was coming through.

“Apart from Sadam he hasn’t fought any one of note. If you look at his record there is not one other person there where you’d say, ‘Look he has beaten, him’.

“The way the fight happened I wasn’t fully surprised because it was basically a middleweight against a welterweight.

“I am not small for a super-welterweight though and that is one reason why I am not fazed by this. I’m big enough myself and confident in my own size.”

If Smith wins he will become the first two-time world champion from Liverpool and is the first scouser to top the bill in the world’s fight capital.

He said: “For someone who didn’t want to box as a kid I’ve fought Canelo in Dallas, and now I am topping the bill in Las Vegas on BT Sport and HBO.”

PADDY BARNES believes his place in Irish boxing history depends on the outcome of his make-or-break world title challenge next month.

Barnes is one of his country’s greatest ever amateur boxers, but is willing to risk his reputation when he faces WBC flyweight champion Cristofer Rosales at Windsor Park, Belfast on Saturday August 18, live on BT Sport.

The Irishman’s amateur stash includes bronze medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, he struck gold at the Commonwealth games in 2010 and 2014, and was 2010 European amateur champion.

But the 5ft 4in all-action star insists: “This is the night that defines my boxing career.

“There were great achievements as an amateur including Olympic bronze medals, but that is only third place in the world which is great.

“To be the best in the world at your weight, WBC world champion is definitely the one to win.

“I did great as an amateur, and people will remember me for what I achieved but a world professional title is what I really want.

“I ticked the boxes as an amateur and I want to do the same as a professional.

“I would swap everything I did as an amateur to win this fight.”

Unbeaten Barnes, 31, will only be having his sixth professional fight when he challenges Nicaraguan Rosales (27-3) in front of more than 20,000 fans.

No stone will be left unturned and Barnes has moved from the family home in Belfast to Glasgow for a training camp under Danny Vaughan ahead of the biggest night of his fighting life.

He added: “Even now I am away from home preparing, but it makes no difference. When I was an amateur my training camps were in Dublin.

“I have been doing this since I was 16 years old. It is a bit harder now because I have two kids, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end.”

Barnes is bringing in sparring partners from Mexico and the United States, after initial plans to spar with IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington fell through.

Warrington is lined up to face Windsor Park headline act, Carl Frampton later this year and Barnes says: “Josh would have been ideal sparring.

“That would have been a great spar, but he is probably be a bit too heavy at the minute because he is a featherweight and will be weighing over that right now.

“I would have loved to spar him because he is such a great fighter.”

WBO ‘interim’ featherweight champion Frampton faces Australian challenger Luke Jackson on the huge night of action on Hall of Fame promoter, Frank Warren’s show.

Lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is back for his second fight on the comeback trail and faces former two-time world title challenger Francesco Pianeta.

Among the undercard action is a cracking Belfast v Dublin clash between Steven Ward and Steve Collins Jr. Lewis Crocker, WBO European middleweight champion Luke Keeler and Marco McCullough are also in action.

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

13 July 2018 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the complete card for ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, set for the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila this 27 July. The absolute best in local and international martial arts talent are ready to showcase their incredible skills on the largest global stage of martial arts competition.

Once again, ONE Championship’s finest athletes will electrify the Mall of Asia Arena with explosive, action-packed contests. In the main event, hometown hero Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of Baguio City, Philippines will take on two-division ONE World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia.

Ticket information for ONE: REIGN OF KINGS is available at www.onefc.com.

Filipino Flyweight Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of Team Lakay hails from Kiangan, Ifugao province. He made his professional cage debut in 2007, winning his first nine bouts while capturing a local flyweight title. After joining ONE Championship in 2012, Belingon put together a series of tremendous performances, including several highlight-reel finishes, to earn a shot at ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes in early 2016. Although Belingon failed to capture the title, he has since been on a warpath back to world title contention, putting together a sensational win streak which includes huge knockout wins over several former world title challengers. In the main event of ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, Belingon will compete against Martin Nguyen for the ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship.

ONE Featherweight & Lightweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2012. He quickly took the featherweight circuit by storm, winning an eight-man tournament to be crowned Australia’s BRACE MMA Featherweight Champion. Shortly after, he signed with ONE Championship in 2014 and has since put together a string of stunning finishes. Nguyen became the first-ever two-division titleholder in ONE Championship history, having knocked out both Marat Gafurov and Eduard Folayang to become the very best featherweight and lightweight mixed martial artist in the world. At ONE: REIGN OF KINGS, he hopes to become the world’s first three-division mixed martial arts world champion when he takes on Kevin Belingon for the ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship.

Naksu Champion Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai is Thailand’s top lightweight, and has provided plenty of drama in all his ONE Championship bouts to date. Coupled with his elite martial arts skills, his highly-entertaining walkouts to the ONE cage have also made him a fan favorite. Wiratchai’s explosive power makes him exciting to watch, and he has never been stopped by submission or by strikes in his career. With a background in judo, Wiratchai is highly-effective with trips and throws, but it is his ability to stop opponents in a variety of ways that has stood out in the cage. With his very own “OneShin Striking System” that utilizes creative combinations, Wiratchai has proven to be a well-rounded competitor. Next up, he faces the legendary Shinya Aoki.

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

A true martial arts legend and 6th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Renzo Gracie of the famed Gracie family will resume his legendary martial arts career in ONE Championship after eight years since his last professional bout. Grandson of the famed Gracie Jiu-Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie, and son of 9th Dan BJJ black belt Robson Gracie, Renzo started training in BJJ as a toddler, like most in his family. Over a storied career, he has won multiple competitions, the most prestigious being the ADCC Championship, which he captured twice. A mixed martial artist with a 13-7 record, Gracie has faced the biggest names in the cage, and is a skilled grappler with decades of competition experience under his belt. He makes his way back into the spotlight for the last time to face the veteran Yuki Kondo.

Mixed martial arts veteran Yuki “Sora” Kondo of Japan has more than 100 professional bouts on his resume, lending his talents to famed Japanese mixed martial arts promotion Pancrase for the greater part of the last two decades, where he became a two-division champion. Beginning his professional career in 1996, Kondo has amassed an incredible 60-34-9 record, which includes 19 knockouts and 17 submissions. After years of showcasing his skills, Kondo now marches toward his farewell bout against the legendary Renzo Gracie.

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of Baguio City, Philippines is an alumni of the Philippine Wushu Team, winning 11 medals including three golds at the SEA Games to become a national hero. Not long after his amateur martial arts career, the Team Lakay veteran took up mixed martial arts and became a professional athlete under the guidance of Filipino martial arts pioneer Mark Sangiao. Folayang captured a Filipino Welterweight Championship in his 2007 debut, and helped ONE Championship kick off its inaugural show in 2011. Five years later, he took on then-lightweight titleholder Shinya Aoki, shocking the Japanese legend with a third round knockout to capture the title. Folayang’s childhood hero Manny Pacquiao called him “one of the legends of mixed martial arts in the Philippines,” elevating the Filipino to superstar status. He returns to action at home in Manila to take on Aziz Pahrudinov.

NAGA Champion Aziz Pahrudinov is an undefeated professional mixed martial artist who hails from Buynaksk, Russia. The 29-year-old who represents the K-Dojo Warrior Tribe is an exciting lightweight proponent that has now joined ONE Championship’s elite lightweight ranks. An extremely high-level grappler and explosive striker, Pahrudinov has built a reputation as a bonafide finisher, featuring close to a 95% finishing rate in competition, whether by submission or by knockout. Now on the biggest global stage of martial arts competition, Pahrudinov is looking to test his skills against the world’s best. He makes his ONE debut against former lightweight titleholder Eduard Folayang.

Multiple-time No Gi BJJ World Champion Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon of New Jersey, USA began his martial arts career as a wrestler, competing extensively throughout grade school. He was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 14, enrolling at Tom DeBlass’ Ocean County BJJ and became one of DeBlass’ most dedicated students. He won his first BJJ world title in 2008 in the juvenile blue belt division. Today, he is one of the world’s most decorated grapplers, having won multiple tournaments across the globe. He is a former IBJJF World Champion, two-time IBJJF World No-Gi Champion, and four-time Eddie Bravo Invitational Champion. He made his professional mixed martial arts debut in early 2018, stopping Filipino Richard Corminal by second-round TKO. Tonon now makes his way back to face Rahul Raju.

Ultimate Satira Champion Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju is originally from Kerala, India, but moved to Singapore in 2011 to further his studies. He began training in Chinese kung fu at age 14 after losing in a schoolyard scuffle, which triggered a lifelong passion for martial arts. In Singapore, Raju began training at Juggernaut Fight Club in 2013, and soon competed in various combat sports as an amateur before switching focus to competing professionally in the cage. He made his debut in February 2016 with a submission win and has not looked back, running up an impressive record along the way by competing in the Singapore Fighting Championships. After signing with ONE in 2018, Raju vowed to make his mark on the global stage of martial arts competition. He faces dangerous grappler Garry Tonon next.

WMTA World Super Welterweight Champion Armen Petrosyan is a kickboxer from Milan, Italy and is the brother of world-renowned kickboxing legend Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan. Known as an aggressive fighter, Petrosyan is a former two-time Italian Kickboxing Champion and a former European Kickboxing Champion. In 2013, Petrosyan took part in an eight-man tournament, emerging as the overall winner to be crowned the WMTA World Super Welterweight Champion. With a professional kickboxing record of 69-17-1, Petrosyan makes his ONE Super Series debut against Chris Ngimbi in a kickboxing contest.

Being a WKA Muay Thai World Champion, It’s Showtime 70MAX World Champion, and SUPERKOMBAT Champion, Chris “The African Warrior” Ngimbi is one of the very best strikers to have emerged from Africa. Born in Zaire, which is now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ngimbi changed his life when he moved to the Netherlands at age 17, taking up kickboxing shortly after. Following just three months of training, Ngimbi was already stepping into the ring to compete. Ngimbi has faced some of the biggest names in kickboxing, such as Giorgio Petrosyan. He returns to action in Manila to face Armen Petrosyan in a ONE Super Series kickboxing bout.

Two-time Muay Thai World Champion Panicos Yusuf is originally from Limassol, the second-largest city in the island nation of Cyprus. He briefly studied Shotokan Karate as a child, but didn’t seriously train in martial arts until he discovered Muay Thai when he was just 15 years old. Two months after he began training, Yusuf competed in his first Muay Thai bout, and eventually joined the Cyprus national Muay Thai team, traveling to Russia and Lebanon to test his skills in the ring. In 2005, Yusuf relocated to Manchester, England, opening up his own gym named All Powers. He has since compiled almost 40 wins in a sterling professional career, becoming ranked as the United Kingdom’s very best Muay Thai competitor for his weight class. He will take on Han Zi Hao in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai bout.

Top King Muay Thai World Champion Han Zi Hao of China is a Muay Thai practitioner who is based out of Bangkok, Thailand. The 23-year-old already owns an impressive professional Muay Thai record of 57-14 early in his career. A representative of Mad Muay Thai Gym, Han Zi Hao now finds himself looking to showcase his incredible striking skills on the biggest global stage of martial arts competition, joining elite athletes in the world of striking martial arts as part of ONE Super Series. Han Zi Hao’s first appearance for the promotion will be a tough one however, as the Chinese stalwart takes on Panicos Yusuf in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai bout.

Former ONE Strawweight World Title challenger Joshua “The Passion” Pacio of Baguio City, Philippines was inspired to take up martial arts ever since he was 12 years old. After an undefeated amateur career, Pacio soon made his professional debut, where he went 6-0 before making it to the global stage of ONE Championship. He is inspired by former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang, whom he trains with every day at Team Lakay. In 2016, he got his chance against reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito, falling just short of victory. Despite the setback, Pacio continues to chase his dream of becoming a world champion and has put together three solid victories in his last four outings. Next up, Pacio takes on surging Thai superstar Pongsiri Mitsatit.

Chiang Mai Muay Thai Champion Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit hails from the North East of Thailand and was raised in humble surroundings. After repeated encounters with childhood bullying, Mitsatit decided to pick up Muay Thai to learn how to protect himself. Through his hard work and talent, he soon ran up an impressive 72-17 record, and even won a Muay Thai championship in the process. Mitsatit then made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2014, and has since rapidly emerged as one of Thailand’s most exciting talents. At just 22 years of age, Mitsatit already holds a perfect professional record, including several TKO wins in ONE Championship. Now training at the prestigious Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Mitstatit will see action in Manila against Joshua Pacio.

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

ONE Indonesia Flyweight Tournament Champion Stefer Rahardian has been on a tear ever since he debuted on the global stage of ONE Championship, and quickly became Indonesia’s foremost martial arts star with a perfect professional record. An elite BJJ specialist under the lineage of the legendary Carlson Gracie, Rahardian has claimed gold in various BJJ tournaments around the region. He has utilized his grappling wizardry to sterling success in the ONE cage, running up an impressive professional record with the majority of his victories coming by way of submission. Rahardian is now set to face Rene Catalan in his next contest.

After over 145 wins in the ancient striking art of Kun Khmer, Sor Sey sought a greater challenge and has set his sights on the ONE cage. He decided to add other martial arts disciplines to his arsenal, under the tutelage of famed coach Chan Reach and BJJ black belt Fernando Salvador. Driven by the desire to forge a better future for his family, Sor Sey wants nothing more than to succeed on the global stage of martial arts competition, under the bright lights of ONE Championship. Today one of Cambodia’s best martial artists, Sor Sey continues his search for glory when he takes on Xie Bin.

ONE Hefei Bantamweight Tournament Finalist “The Stalker” Xie Bin grew up in Hunan, China, and trains alongside ONE Championship veterans Li Kai Wen and Ma Jia Wen at Tianjin Top Team. He is part of a new breed of Chinese athletes who have been training in mixed martial arts since the beginning of their careers. At just 20 years old, Xie has tremendous potential to make an impact on ONE Championship’s bantamweight division. With skills in boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, Xie is determined to become China’s first-ever male mixed martial arts world champion. He faces Sor Sey in his next outing.

ONE: REIGN OF KINGS

Friday, 27 July

Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines

Main Event

ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship

Martin Nguyen vs Kevin Belingon

Mixed Martial Arts: 65.8kg (Bantamweight)

Shannon Wiratchai vs Shinya Aoki

Mixed Martial Arts: 77.1kg (Lightweight)

Renzo Gracie vs Yuki Kondo

Mixed Martial Arts: 83.9kg (Welterweight)

Eduard Folayang vs Aziz Pahrudinov

Mixed Martial Arts: 77.1kg (Lightweight)

Garry Tonon vs Rahul Raju

Mixed Martial Arts: 77.1kg (Lightweight)

Armen Petrosyan vs Chris Ngimbi

ONE Super Series Kickboxing: 72.5kg (Catch Weight)

Panicos Yusuf vs Han Zi Hao

ONE Super Series Muay Thai: 65.8kg (Bantamweight)

Joshua Pacio vs Pongsiri Mitsatit

Mixed Martial Arts: 56.7kg (Strawweight)

Rene Catalan vs Stefer Rahardian

Mixed Martial Arts: 56.7kg (Strawweight)

Sor Sey vs Xie Bin

Mixed Martial Arts: 70.3kg (Featherweight)

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.

New York, NY (July 12, 2018)-Friday night at The Motor City Casino in Detroit, undefeated super middleweight Anthony Barnes (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on Dwayne Williams (6-8-1, 3 KOs) in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

“I can’t wait for Friday because this will be my best fight yet,” said Barnes. “I have never felt so strong in my career, and I am ready to put on a great performance in front of the great fans in Detroit.”

Barnes is managed by Split-T Management.

Barnes weighed in at 171.9 lbs at Thursday’s weigh in

New York, NY (July 12, 2018)–Undefeated super featherweight contender, Erick De Leon will fight Adrian Young in a 10-round bout this Saturday at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

De Leon, 26 years-old of Detroit, Michigan is a three-time National Golden Gloves Champion, has a professional record of 17-0-1 with 9 knockouts, and will face a tough veteran in Young of Los Mochis, Mexico. Young has a record of 25-4-2 with 19 knockouts.

“I worked so hard, and I am excited to hear the bell ring so I can put on a great show for all of my friends and fans in New Orleans,’ said De Leon.

The bout can been seen live on ESPN+ beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

DeLeon, is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank.

Newly crowned WBO Junior Welterweight champion Maurice Hooker was arrested for Dunk Driving and Handgun possession in his hometown of Dallas, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com

“We’re checking the facts, but Maurice has his attorney in Dallas trying to sort through the police paperwork to see exactly what happened,” Dino Duva of Roc Nation Sports, which promotes Hooker, told ESPN on Thursday. “I don’t want to say too much but Maurice disputes whether he was even intoxicated. They are still doing an investigation and he did a blood test.”

There have been rumors of a title defense against Alex Saucedo.

“Maurice is completely ready, willing and able to do the Saucedo fight,” Duva said. “Bob Arum and I have exchanged paperwork on the contracts but we’re not there yet.”

NEW ORLEANS (July 12, 2018) – Regis “Rougarou” Prograis asked to fight in his hometown of New Orleans for a long time. After 21 bouts and more than six years as a pro, his wish is finally coming true.

The Prograis homecoming will occur Saturday evening at the Lakefront Arena, where he will defend the WBC super lightweight diamond belt against fellow unbeaten Juan Jose Velasco. And, in the co-feature, Brooklyn-bred Teofimo Lopez (9-0, 7 KOs) will take on William Silva (25-1, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBC Continental Americas lightweight title.

Prograis vs. Velasco and Lopez vs. Silva will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET.

The undercard will be streamed on ESPN+ beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET. Several young standouts will see action, including 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell (7-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round middleweight bout against Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native Travis Scott (19-3, 5 KOs), 2016 Olympic gold medalist Fazliddin Gaibnazarov (4-0, 2 KOs) versus fellow unbeaten Kevin Johnson (5-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout; unbeaten 130-pound contender Erick De Leon (17-0-1, 10 KOs) against Adrian Young (25-4-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder; and featherweight prospect Jean Carlos Rivera (13-0, 8 KOs) versus Angel Luna (12-4-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round contest.

At Neyow’s Palace, located only a couple miles from the French Quarter, the fighters gathered for the final press conference. Prograis and Lopez, as always, exhibited their gift of gab. This is what they, and many of the other combatants on Saturday’s card, had to say.

Regis Prograis

“It’s a dream to come here. The Lakefront Arena, I grew up right around the corner from there. Like, in the car, you’d get there literally in two minutes. Just to be headlining there, that’s super important to me. I’m honored for it. I have to hide my excitement because I still have to fight. {Velasco} is going to try and knock me out, you know what I mean? So I gotta go out there and do my thing. I’m super excited. I might not show it, but I’m really excited to be fighting in my hometown, and not only that, my whole goal is to bring big-time boxing back to New Orleans. Not only a Regis Prograis fight, but one day we may get {Terence Crawford, who was seated in the audience} up here to fight. You know, one day, maybe me and {Crawford} might fight here at ’47.”

“I’m focused. There are no distractions for me. This is normal. This is a part of the game.”

Teofimo Lopez

“It’s about time {I stepped up the competition}. It’s about time. I definitely want to showcase more of what I’m capable of doing. People have yet to see everything of me. Top Rank’s matchmakers – Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler – they’re doing a hell of a job with me. This is a good step up. Definitely. Fighting a guy whose only defeat was with Felix Verdejo {in 2016}, and he went the distance with him. At the end of the day, I’m no Felix Verdejo.”

Juan Jose Velasco

“I’ve had a tremendous training camp, and I am thankful for this opportunity. I am going to take advantage of it.”

“Regis is a great fighter. To be a great champion, you need to fight the best fighters. And I want to prove that Saturday night, that I’m elite like him.”

William Silva

“I’m ready for the fight. It’s a real important fight. I had a real good training camp, and I’m ready to go.”

Erick De Leon

“I can’t wait to see all my fans. You guys are in for a really special treat. I can’t wait to display my talent and everything I got, everything I worked for in camp. It’s going to show Saturday, so make sure you’re there early.”

“I make adjustments. I can do it all in the ring. I’m available to capitalize and make adjustments, and that’s what it’s all about. Saturday, you are going to see a more complete fighter. You’re going to see a more exciting fighter.”

Jean Carlos Rivera

“I’m ready for the 10 rounds. We were supposed to fight Jose Haro for the USBA title and unfortunately he pulled out. Then, we were supposed to fight Viorel Simion, who has fought Scott Quigg and Lee Selby, in a 12-rounder, and unfortunately, he also pulled out. Now I’m fighting Angel Luna, and we’re ready for whatever he brings.”

Charles Conwell

“I feel as if my pro career is going real well. I’ve been active. I’ve been up against good, tough opponents, and I’m just growing and getting better as each fight goes on.”

# # #
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, tickets, priced at $200 (ringside), $125 (floor), $75, and $40, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Lakefront Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Discounts for military, students and New Orleans Police Department members ? $75 tickets for $50 and $40 seats for $25 – are available when presenting valid ID at the Lakefront Arena box office.

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 @RPrograis,@DiBellaEnt, @LouDibella @ESPNDeportes.

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

New York, NY (July 12, 2018)–This Saturday, undefeated and 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell (7-0, 5 KOs) takes on his toughest opponent to date when he takes on Travis Scott (19-3, 5 KOs) in a super welterweight bout scheduled for six-rounds at The Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

Conwell, 20 years-old out of Cleveland will look to continue his winning ways against Scott, who will be facing his 3rd straight undefeated opponent.

“I have never been more excited to put on a show, and I am looking to gain new fans in New Orleans,” said Conwell.

The bout can been seen live on ESPN+ beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Conwell is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by DiBella Entertainment & Holden Productions.

(Bronx, New York) – Two-time New York Golden Gloves champion Ismael Villarreal has passed plenty of tough tests in his life. They include the recent final exams the 21-year-old Bronx native passed as a full-time student majoring in physical education at Brooklyn Community College. But Villarreal is also a champion at time management, and now he’s putting his summer “vacation” to good use, training in Puerto Rico ahead of his return to the ring in Atlantic City on Saturday, August 4 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino’s Etess Arena.

Villarreal (2-0) will face Kieron Hooks (2-0-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a battle of unbeaten junior middleweight prospects.

Just one week after completing his coursework for the spring semester, the boxer traveled to Puerto Rico so he can concentrate on training with Jose Santiago far from the distractions of home. With the ability to train full time during his summer break, Villarreal admitted training has been “rougher” this time.

“Now I’m training three times in a day,” he said. “In New York, I’m so busy with school. Now it’s just boxing, eating, sleeping and resting. I think I made a good decision, I will come back here whenever I have the time.”

During his rare breaks in preparation, Villarreal has been able to explore the island, both the beautiful beaches and scenery along with the destruction still remaining from Hurricane Maria in 2017. “It’s beautiful and new to me, but I passed by areas really destroyed. Near the gym, there is a church and homes destroyed. The hurricane is still there.” He even enjoyed a training session for the first time on the beach last week, and said he enjoyed it.

For his upcoming bout, Villarreal says he’s working more on his defensive skills.
“My goal is to win and try not to get hit. If I win, that’s what I want. I want to take as few hits as possible.” But the ultimate goal of winning by knockout is something the New Yorker always craves.

As Villarreal begins to rise up in the division, his college classmates and his school have become more aware of his activities outside of class, with his college posting supportive comments on Instagram. “It’s cool, they are really nice people,” he said, adding that it’s made him aware how important it is to provide a positive example for other people. “I have to be careful. I’m in the position where people are looking at me. The kids that look up to me, I have to set an example. If they want to get somewhere, it takes hard work and belief,” explained Villarreal. He says he refrains from posting too much about himself on social media, but admitted there are a few “funny videos” of himself goofing around that his close friends and family know about.

One thing the former amateur champion never goofs around about is his dedication to a goal, whether to become a world champion in the ring or earn his bachelor’s degree in secondary education so that he can teach high school in the future. “With time management, once you apply yourself, you start finding time. We have been doing this quite a while. We know how to play the game,” he explained.

After an exceptionally tough spring semester, Villarreal says he’s glad to focus full time on boxing through his August 4 bout. Then he’ll be back for his final semester at Brooklyn Community College starting August 20, and then transfer to a four-year university in 2019. In the meantime, he plans to fight three to four times a year.

Even someone as driven as Villarreal needs support and inspiration. He credits his father, his family and his friends for providing all that he needs. “There are times I think, maybe I’m not cut out for this? Everyone has their moments. People around you can motivate you. This is more about life, not boxing … When it comes to life, people all have their experiences you can learn from,”
he emphasized.

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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New York, NY (July 12, 2018)–Undefeated lightweight prospect Teofimo Lopez takes on his toughest test when he battles William Silva in a scheduled ten-round bout this Saturday night in New Orleans.

The 20 year-old Lopez (9-0, 7 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York, who was a 2016 Olympian representing Honduras, now fights out of Las Vegas. Lopez is the hottest prospect in boxing, and is coming off a sensational 1st round stoppage over Vitor Jones Freitas in Madison Square Garden. Lopez battles Silva in a bout that will take place at The Lakefront Arena, and will be the co-feature on the ESPN and ESPN Deportes broadcast that begins at 7 p.m. ET.

“Time to bring #TheTakeover to the big city,” said Lopez.

Lopez, is managed by Split-T Management and promoted by Top Rank.

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155806226940756/