New York, NY (June 14, 2018) DiBella Entertainment has announced a sensational fight card for the next Broadway Boxing event on Thursday, June 21, at the beautiful Melrose Ballroom in Astoria, Queens, NY.

Tickets for the first Broadway Boxing event at Melrose Ballroom, starting at $50, may be purchased online at www.MelroseBallroomNYC.com or by clicking HERE. Melrose Ballroom is located at 36-08 33rd Street, Astoria, NY 11106. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with the first bell at 7:00 p.m. Broadway Boxing is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, Christos Steak House and Gagliardi Insurance.

Boxing fans worldwide can also catch all the nonstop action on the new DiBella Entertainment streaming home, LIVE.DBE1.com, at a cost of $6.95.

In the 10-round welterweight main event, undefeated Brooklyn fan favorite Mikkel LesPierre (19-0-1, 8 KOs) takes on Argentina’s Gustavo Vittori (20-3-1, 11 KOs). In his last outing, LesPierre won the WBC USNBC Super Lightweight belt in a brilliant performance earning a 10-round unanimous decision against Noel Murphy on February 7, in New York City. Winner of seven of his last nine bouts, including one draw, the 28-year-old upset-minded Vittori will look to bounce back into the win column following a clash with world ranked Alex Saucedo on November 11, 2017.

Making her highly anticipated return to action is newly crowned WBA World Female Super Middleweight Champion Alicia “The Empress” Napoleon (9-1, 5 KOs), in an eight-round fight against former world title challenger Vashon “Lady V” Living (6-3, 1 KO), of Houston, TX. Making her first start since winning the world title, Napoleon, the highly popular Lindenhurst, NY resident took the belt home on March 3, with a 10-round unanimous decision versus then-undefeated Femke Hermans (who now holds the WBO 168lb. strap) at Barclays Center. Living has faced world class opposition throughout her career with hard-fought 10-round decision losses to world champions Christina Hammer and Tori Nelson. Most recently, Living won a six-round decision against Latashia Burton.

Former WBC Lightweight World Champion “Dynamite” Dejan Zlaticanin (23-1, 16 KOs), of Podgorica, Montenegro, will continue on his path toward regaining the world title with a scheduled 10-round bout against heavy-handed Mexican veteran Roberto “The Rifle” Ramirez (17-2-1, 12 KOs), of Tijuana. Zlaticanin is coming off his show-stopping New York City debut as the hard-hitting southpaw stunned fans with a first-round knockout of Hevinson Herrera on December 14, 2017. The 25-year-old Ramirez is riding a four-bout winning streak and will be fighting for the first time in New York City. Two of his most recent victories were by knockout.

Undefeated junior lightweight prospect Jude “King Zar” Franklin (7-0, 6 KOs) will return to the ring in a scheduled six-round bout against Enrique “Maikol” Aguilar
(8-14, 1 KO), of Mexico City, Mexico. The all-action Franklin is coming off his career-best victory; a second-round knockout of Floriano Pagliara on February 7, in New York City. Aguilar’s last three fights took place in the Los Angeles area in hotly contested distance bouts against highly regarded and undefeated prospects. Despite his losses, Aguilar has never been knocked out.

In a six-round women’s bout, undefeated middleweight prospect Raquel Miller (5-0, 3 KOs), of San Francisco, CA, will make her DBE and New York City debut in a clash against Hungarian veteran Szilvia Szabados (17-11, 8 KOs). Since turning professional two years ago, Miller has built a legion of fans in the Northern California area, with two of her wins coming by first-round knockout. Szabados has battled numerous world class fighters, including Claressa Shields, Mikaela Lauren, Alicia Napoleon and Aleksandra Lopes.

Junior middleweights will see action as all-action Puerto Rican native Jose “Cheito” Roman (5-0, 3 KOs) makes his New York City debut in a scheduled six-rounder against Marcus Beckford (5-8-3, 1 KO), of Patchogue, NY. The 24-year-old Roman hits the ring following a six-round decision versus Jonathan Garcia on March 3, in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Also 24 years old, Beckford has won his last two fights, including a six-round decision against previously undefeated prospect Yurik Mamedov.

Competing in the junior lightweight division and making his long-awaited professional debut will be Elnur Abduraimov in a four-rounder. A native of Chirchiq, Uzbekistan, the 24-year-old Abduraimov had an extraordinary amateur career compiling a record of 195-20. A five-time National champion, Abduraimov was a gold medalist at the 2017 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships and a bronze medalist at the 2015 World Championships. Abduraimov is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc.

WHAT: “La Batalla” PPV professional boxing event

MAIN EVENT – WBO JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)
Tito Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), Champion, San Juan, Puerto Rico
vs.
Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), Challenger, Managua, Nicaragua

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)
Kevin Nieves (12-1-1, 5 KOs), Comerio, Puerto Tico
vs.
Jean C. “Lobo” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)
Bryan Chevalier (9-1-1, 8 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico
vs.
Ricardo Rodriguez (10-2-1, 6 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

SUPER FEATHERIGHTS (6)
Edwin “Chin” Valentin (4-0, 4 KOs), Salinas, Puerto Rico
vs.
Pedro Vincente (5-1, 2 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

(all fights & fighters subject to change).

WHEN: Saturday, June 16, 2018

WHERE: Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

PROMOTER: Miguel Cotto Promotions, and H2 Entertainment, in association with
DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

PROMO VIDEO:

ENGLISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8RaZf6ncdk&feature=youtu.be

SPANISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6ksMNm_S7g&feature=youtu.be

INFORMATION:

www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

OHARA DAVIES will now face WBC international super-lightweight champion Paul Kamanga at o2 Arena on June 23.

The controversial Londoner now faces the African after Josh Leather pulled out of their ?ght claiming he was taking break from boxing.

Davies said: “I feel quiet gutted that Leather pulled out and said he was taking a break from boxing. “He did interviews saying what he was going to do and I wanted to see if he could ?ght as well as he talks.

“He said a few things I wasn’t too happy with, but these things happen and hopefully he will decided he wants ?ght again eventually and we can meet.”

Congolese Kamanga has won 21 of his 22 ?ghts and con?dent of causing an upset, but Davies doesn’t intend on ?nding out too much about him before their BT Sport televised clash.

He added: “As always Frank Warren delivers and has come with Paul Kamanga. I have only just heard the name and I am going to have a look. “Kamanga’s record is good and he looks a real test for a ?ghter like myself who is all about winning world titles. “I will watch a bit of him, but I don’t think I need to because I am a smart ?ghter in that ring.

“With the new team that I have, I can adjust to any circumstances. I am in such good shape that I don’t see anyone being a threat to me, right now.”

Davies could face the winner of the Belfast clash between Jack Catterall and Tyrone McKenna, but wants the bigger prize, WBO champion Maurice Hooker who shocked Terry Flanagan last weekend.

Ohara, 26, added: “Hooker is someone I want because he is a world champion. I think he would be easier to beat than Terry Flanagan. “I was ringside and Terry should have got the decision. I thought he won and I know what I saw. “Styles make ?ghts and Terry would be tougher to beat than Hooker who will be easier.”

Lewis Ritson is right on schedule to land the British Lightweight title for keeps before moving onto European honours – but knows Paul Hyland Jnr is the biggest test of his career as they clash at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Ritson has enjoyed a whirlwind eight months after stopping Robbie Barrett in seven rounds in Manchester to land the British title. Eddie Hearn quickly sealed the signature of the Newcastle ace to a five-fight deal and Ritson paid that faith back with two blistering wins earlier in the year, drilling Joe Murray in the opening round of their February showdown in Manchester and then getting rid of Scotty Cardle in the second round of their London shootout a month later.

The 24 year old can claim the title for keeps with a win over Hyland Jnr, but the unbeaten Belfast man is confident of taking the title home, so Ritson’s optimism over his win and future European exploits has an edge of cautiousness to it.

“It’s been a rollercoaster from the Barrett fight to here,” said Ritson. “I’ve put in three good performances and hopefully we can keep that going in front of my home fans.

“It’s been a mad eight months and to be here now looking to hold the Lord Lonsdale belt outright inside that time is crazy. If I can do that, I’ll have a bit of a holiday and then look to get back in the gym and aim for another belt. It’s been a fast year but I am in the gym six days a week whatever happens so there’s no reason why I can’t win this and get two more in before the end of the year.

“I haven’t seen much of Paul, I leave all that to the team, they have come up with the gameplan and it’s down to me to put it into action. He’s very confident that he’s going to win and so am I, we’ve got similar styles so it should be a really exciting fight with fireworks.

“I’ve always wanted the British title for keeps – it’s the dream of every British fighter. Eddie has mentioned the European title and that’s something I would love to win too. We signed a five-fight deal with Matchroom and the plan was to win it outright and then move to that Euro belt and defend that, so he’s sticking to his word and I need to back that up and keep winning.”

Ritson’s clash with Hyland Jnr is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle as Josh Kelly challenges Kris George for the Commonwealth Welterweight title.

Gavin McDonnell defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight title against Stuart Hall in a must-win clash for both men, Charlie Edwards and Anthony Nelson meet for the vacant WBA Continental Super-Flyweight title, Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily and Ricky Burns fights for the 50th time in the paid ranks.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 are on sale now from the Metro Arena at http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk, on 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply. VIP tickets are on sale priced at £200 from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/tickets

Face value tickets for June 16 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Charlie Edwards finally gets his hands on Anthony Nelson on Saturday night at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle for the WBA Continental Super-Flyweight title, live on Sky Sports – and the Super-Flyweight talent believes a big win can put him back in the World title mix.

Former World title challenger Edwards has been chasing a showdown with Nelson for some time, with the local man returning to the ring in April following his epic battle with Belfast star Jamie Conlan in April 2016 for the Commonwealth Super-Flyweight title.

The Surrey star thinks Nelson is made for his style and he’ll impress in front of the Sky Sports cameras once again as he targets world honours – and a possible domestic blockbuster with WBA king Kal Yafai – by the end of the year.

“I’ve been away and silenced the home supporters before so it’s nothing new to me,” said Edwards. “That gives me that little bit of added motivation. It’s sure to be a great atmosphere in the arena but I’ll be coming out on top.

“I’ve wanted to fight Anthony for a while. We tried to get it on the last Matchroom Newcastle show just after I won the British but it didn’t come off. It looked like he might have retired but now he’s back with a win and it’s locked in – I’m more than ready.

“I’ve been in the gym the whole year so with the experience I’ve picked up in that time, you’ll see the progress.

“Nelson is made for me, I think I’ll break him down. He’s slow on his feet, he’ll try plod on getting close but I’ll keep him on the end of my jab. I’ll make him miss then make him pay – I’m a more spiteful fighter now which is something I have been working on.

“He showed how tough he can be with that fight of the year war with Jamie Conlan a while back so it’s sure to be a great fight for the fans.”

Edwards has already challenged for a World title when he met John Riel Casimero for the IBF Flyweight crown, gamely taking the talented Filipino ten rounds in London in September 2016. The 25 year old has been hunting a showdown with WBA champion Kal Yafai, who made a third defence of his crown in LA last month, and believes he can pin down the Birmingham man by moving up the WBA rankings, starting on Saturday .

“Yafai retained his World title the other week and it seems he’ll fight out in America again but it’s time to focus on my own path,” said Edwards. “It doesn’t look like he wants to fight me, so if I want that shot I’m going to have to force the issue and winning this WBA ranking title gets me on that ladder. I want the fight but I can’t let it hold me up. I have to back him in to a corner, he might even get beat before I get to him.

“I had a first round blow over in my last fight back in February which was a bit of a waste of time, it’s been a frustrating year but you’ve got to move on. I was chasing Kal and then something else didn’t come off so it was a bit of a late period.

“I need to make a statement, when you break it down it’s been a year since my last meaningful fight so it’s time to pick up and push on. I’ve been sparring Ryan Burnett and Paul Butler a lot over the past year so I’m mixing it at the highest level.”

Edwards’ clash with Nelson is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle as Lewis Ritson defends his British Lightweight title against Paul Hyland Jnr and Josh Kelly challenges Kris George for the Commonwealth Welterweight title.

Gavin McDonnell defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight title against Stuart Hall in a must-win clash for both men, Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily and Ricky Burns fights for the 50th time in the paid ranks.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 are on sale now from the Metro Arena at http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk, on 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply. VIP tickets are on sale priced at £200 from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/tickets

Face value tickets for June 16 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 14th, 2018) — Andre Ewell is fully aware the entire crowd at Twin River Casino will be rooting for hometown favorite Dinis Paiva when the two face one another Friday for the vacant CES MMA Bantamweight World Title.

“Sweetbread” Paiva (11-6, 6 KOs) practically owns the arena, having fought there 17 times, more than any fighter in CES MMA history.

The cage? Ewell (12-4) says that still belongs to him.

“When I’m on that stage, I don’t get nervous,” Ewell said. “I’m at home.”

“Even though I’m coming out to his hometown, it’s more like, hey, you’re actually visiting my house.”

The Riverside, Calif., native is beaming with confidence as he prepares for the fight of his life against the red-hot Paiva, the East Providence, R.I., bantamweight who has won four in a row and eight of his last nine entering Friday.

Their five-round title bout headlines “CES MMA 50” on AXS TV, the promotion’s 50thshow since its inception in 2010. Paiva earning top billing is fitting considering he debuted at “CES MMA 6” in 2011 and has remained with the promotion ever since, regardless of losing streaks, coaching changes or the typical ebbs and flows that come with being a professional fighter.

Paiva considered walking away after losing five of his first eight fights, but reworked his inner circle and is now on the precipice of winning a world title, an unlikely storybook ending for a fighter who has sacrificed in and out of the gym to get to where he is today.

While Ewell is impressed with Paiva’s rise to stardom — “He definitely has heart and determination,” he said — the 30-year-old former professional boxer is intent on writing his own fairytale finish on the sport’s biggest stage. Winning a world title on AXS TV against the fan-favorite could provide the boost he needs to get to the next level.

“I already know he’s the superhero of Rhode Island,” Ewell said. “I’ve got to come into his territory and do what I do best. Coming into someone else’s backyard and proving you are the top dog is the best feeling in the world.

“I know I’m the best fighter out there. This is going to be my doorway to the UFC. The next fight is definitely the most important fight. All I’ve got to do is do my job and perform.”

Tickets for “CES MMA 50” start at $40 and are available to purchase online at www.cesmma.com, www.twinriver.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or at the Twin River Box Office. The preliminary card begins at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the televised main card at 9.

Ewell is used to being out of his comfort zone, whether it’s in life or mixed martial arts. Growing up as the oldest in a family of nine, he and his siblings moved frequently from California to Texas and back again — four times, to be exact. Being the new kid at every school also forced him to keep his guard up.

“I was always fighting,” he said.

“Me being the oldest, I had to take on a bigger role in the family. I had to grow up a lot faster than most kids. Everything ended up molding me into an adult.”

Ewell wrestled as a youth, then transitioned to taekwondo and boxing. He eventually began his professional fighting career in the boxing ring at the age of 23 in 2011, but the “politics” of the sport drove him away. He was merely fodder for up-and-coming prospects supported financially by well-established promotors. He felt used and walked away from the sport in 2013.

Two years later, following the birth of his son, Eli, he switched to MMA and immediately felt at home.

“I pick things up fast, especially when I have people preaching to me,” Ewell said. “I ended up grasping it quickly.”

With no amateur bouts under his belt, Ewell won his first three fights as a pro before losing three of his next five. Since a split-decision loss to Ryan Lilley in February of 2017, he’s gone on a Paiva-like stretch with wins in seven of his last eight, including three in a row entering Friday.

The bright lights of AXS TV won’t be a factor; he recently fought on the network at Legacy Fighting Alliance 36, defeating Trent Meaux by first-round knockout.

Aside from being the visitor in Paiva’s hometown Friday, Ewell draws motivation from his upbringing, reminiscing about watching his parents put in long hours to provide for his family. He has also had custody issues with his son, now five years old, which motivates him even more to be the best he can be Friday night in what will be the biggest fight of his life.

“Growing up, watching my mom work, my pops always pushing me, I automatically see that grind,” he said. “We didn’t have everything, so that automatically makes you want to push and have something. When it comes to my son, everything, all the emotion, comes out in that moment.

“I know my whole background, how I was raised, where I come from. This is me. I want to be something better than I was yesterday.”

Having been through so much himself, Ewell respects Paiva for battling back despite his early struggles, but the camaraderie goes out the window once the bell rings Friday. This is the opportunity of a lifetime for both fighters and the winner moves one step closer toward achieving his goals.

“To take his record from being not so good and pushing it in the right direction, that’s a product of hard work and positivity, but now he’s meeting someone who works harder and is more dedicated,” Ewell said. “Everything will show inside that cage. He’s a cool cat. I especially like his nickname, but now it’s my lunchtime, because I’m hungry.”

Also highlighting “CES MMA 50,” Ludlow, Mass., welterweight Jon Manley (11-4, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Wells (4-1, 2 KOs) and Woonsocket, R.I., flyweight Jose Lugo (2-0, 1 KO) makes his network television debut in a rematch against Cortland, N.Y., native Michael Taylor (1-1, 1 KO).

Middleweight Pat McCrohan (3-1, 2 KOs) of Berkley, Mass., returns to face red-hot Worcester, Mass., prospect Reginaldo Felix (5-3, 2 KOs). Bantamweight John Douma (3-0, 2 KOs) of Providence also debuts on the AXS TV platform in a highly-anticipated showdown against Nevada’s Adam Acquaviva (5-3, 1 KO). Also on the main card, female flyweight sensation Maria Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) of Framingham, Mass., puts her unbeaten record on the line against Mallory Martin (3-2, 1 KO) of Denver.

The preliminary card features a welterweight scrap between veteran Toby Oden (2-2, 1 KO) of Milford, Mass., and newcomer Jeremy Puglia of Long Island, who makes his professional debut. Decorated light heavyweight Fabio Cherant (1-0) returns to face Mansfield, Ohio, native Marquis Allen (1-0, 1 KO) and featherweight Brandon Marotte (1-0, 1 KO) of Hempstead, N.H., battles debut Arslan Otchiyev of West Haven, Conn.

Also on the preliminary card, Milford, Mass., bantamweight Kris Moutinho (4-1, 2 KOs) makes his long-awaited return against New York’s Alfred Jones (3-3, 1 KO) and light heavyweight Yorgan De Castro (1-0) of Fall River, Mass., faces David White (0-2) of Cumberland, Md. Flyweights Hilarie Rose (0-1) of Norfolk, Mass., and Thais Sousa (0-2) of Miami search for their first career victories against one another in a special female attraction.

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

Amateur phenom James Branch is driven by the dream of lifting a barrow load of professional titles that eluded his father (also James).

Senior, a mercurially gifted junior at the Repton conveyor belt of champions in Bethnal Green, east London, was touted to shine on the world stage when he vaulted to the pro sphere under promoter Frank Warren back in the mid 1990s.

However, personal circumstances resulted in his immense potential remaining unfulfilled and he withdrew from the profession in his early 20s, after just four paid starts.

‘I’ve got to finish off the job Dad started,’ states the 22 year old southpaw who lifted seven All-England amateur titles including the 2017 Senior ABA Cruiserweight crown.

‘Dad was one of the best amateurs of his generation, a nine-time national (junior) champion who, like me, just missed out on the (1996) Olympics due to an injury. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for him as a pro. I came along and brought added pressure.

‘But he ‘made’ me. With mum, he’s my rock for every situation, a life coach as well as a boxing coach. He’s steered me through all the shit side, the injuries and amateur politics.

‘Stylewise, we’re very similar though I’m probably a bit more flash and confident and, as a southpaw, even trickier. I’m quite ‘flairy’. I use my reactions, work off my opponents.
‘Though I started training aged eight, I couldn’t get any bouts in the UK because, one, I was James Branch’s son and, two, I was very big. I finally had my first bouts at a tournament in Denmark when I was 13 and I destroyed the Danish and Polish national champions. They complained afterwards that it couldn’t possibly have been my debut.

‘Initially, there were added pressures. It was always: ‘That’s ‘Special Branch’s’ Boy’. But, winning seven times in two and a half weeks to reach the (2014) Senior ABA final, aged just 17, helped me step out of the ‘old man’s’ shadow.

‘As a kid, I actually wanted to be a weatherman but, once winning became a habit, boxing became my life. There’s no better feeling than having your hand raised inside a boxing ring. I only lost three of my 50 amateur fights and I’m still fuming about them!

‘(Current Commonwealth cruiser king) Lawrence Okolie narrowly outpointed me in one of our two bouts, Warren Baister beat me in that ABA final when I was just 17 and the other loss was years ago against a kid I couldn’t name or even recognise now.’

When a back injury extinguished his goal of participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics, the ‘Special’ one continued in a singlet for a further season – finally adding that elusive Senior ABA title to the impressive family horde – before opting to punch for his lunch under Martin Bowers at The Peacock facility in Canning Town.

‘Twenty-two is very young to turn pro, especially for a cruiserweight but I’d already won all the national titles and couldn’t really work with the GB coaches in Sheffield. They did their best but had this ‘one-style suits all’ mentality and mine didn’t fit,’ says the Hainault born and based ex carpenter.

‘Working with Martin has been a blessing. Another mentor and a proper gent. He’s taken my strength and fitness to new levels.

‘It’d be nice to have three or four fights before the year is out but I’m in no rush. I intend to have a very long and successful career so I’ll take my time to adapt, settle into the profession and improve.’

After a false start at April’s aborted O2 bill, the evasive Branch kickstarts his professional innings in a four rounder on the parade of prospects at the Arena on June 23rd.

‘It’s a brilliant stage, a dream. Fans will see, I am the future,’ warns Jamie.
‘I know professional boxing is more a business and fans will be looking for me to spark people out in style. In the amateurs, you only have three rounds but I still stopped quite a few and plenty more were ‘broke’ by the final bell, didn’t know what was going on. With one more round, I’d have finished them.

‘I think my style will actually be very marketable for the pros. I’ve got excellent reflexes and natural awkwardness, and I can open opponents up with my movement.
‘Often in top amateur matches, fans were on the edge of their seats as a fired back with my hands down. I’m a very cool, relaxed customer who intends breaking opponents down, then stopping them.

‘Of course, it’s good to look a million dollars but next weekend I just intend to win, no matter what. If you keep winning, you won’t go wrong in this game!’

LONDON (14
June, 2018) – Two-division WBA world champion Beibut Shumenov’s ring return following a two-year hiatus will be screened live and exclusive on BoxNation.

The 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian retired last June due to an eye injury that required surgery, forcing him to relinquish his WBA cruiserweight world title, but now he feels ready to claim yet another belt when he faces German born Hizni Altunkaya on July 7th.

Not known for taking soft touches, Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs) challenges a game contender in Altunkaya (30-1, 17 KOs), a youthful cruiserweight who has beaten solid opposition in the past but will now be in with the best fighter that he has ever faced.

Taking place from the Barys Arena in Astana, next month’s event will be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the Kazakhstan capital with many political dignitaries expected to attend Shumenov’s comeback fight.

“I’m happy to fight for my belt,” Shumenov said from his training camp in Kazakhstan. “My eye is 100-percent and I’m excited about fighting again. I’m honoured to fight on the 20th anniversary celebration of Astana as my country’s capital. After this fight, I want interim cruiserweight champion, Arsen Goulamirian.”

In only his 10th pro fight, Shumenov established the fewest-fights record for a light-heavyweight world champion, when he decisioned Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas.

Shumenov became the only two-division world champion from Kazakhstan in his last fight, when he stopped Junior Wright in the tenth round of their May 21st, 2016 title fight, capturing the WBA cruiserweight world championship.

During the 34-year-old Shumenov’s professional career, he has defeated four world champions – Campillo, Byron Mitchell, William Joppy and Montell Griffin – as well as seven world title challengers: Epifanio Mendoza, Vlacheslav Uzelkov, Danny Santiago, Enrique Ornelas, Tamas Kovacs, BJ Flores and Wright.

Against Altunkaya he steps in against a younger fighter who is looking to bounce back following his only career loss, that being against former world champion Krzysztof Glowacki last year, to claim his first world title.

“I’m thankful for the chance to fight Beibut Shumenov,” Altunkaya said. “He’s a great fighter, but I will give him my best. We have optimum time to be fully prepared for the fight. It’s going to be a good fight. I’m coming to Kazakhstan to win!”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “Beibut Shumenov is always involved in exciting fights and it will be great to see him back in the ring. The cruiserweight division is on a real high at the moment with a host of top names looking to stake their claim as the best in the division. Shumenov and Hizni Altunkaya will be out to prove that they are part of the mix by winning in style on July 7th as part of a fantastic fight card live and exclusive on BoxNation.”

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com, via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) and TV Player for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Canelo vs Golovkin.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.427), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), TV Player, online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 13, 2018) – The final “La Batalla” press conference was held today in advance of this Saturday’s pay-per-view card, headlined by the 12-round main event between World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs) and challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), airing live on PPV from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico,

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

Integrated Sports Media is distributing the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico.on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Tito Acosta: “I am very excited about this Saturday night’s fight. I’ve been training really hard to get a big win over Buitrago. I only have one thing to tell him about Saturday: he will fail to capture the title and I will remain as a world champion in front of all my fans in Puerto Rico.”

Carlos Buitrago: “I feel healthy and strong. I had a very intense camp I came here with my mind clear and focus with my dream of becoming a world champion this victory is for my country of Nicaragua”

PPV BOUT SHEET

MAIN EVENT – WBO JUNIOR FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (12)
Tito Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), Champion, San Juan, Puerto Rico
vs.
Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), Challenger, Managua, Nicaragua

CO-FEATURE – JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS (8)
Kevin Nieves (12-1-1, 5 KOs), Comerio, Puerto Tico
vs.
Jean C. “Lobo” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs), Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico

FEATHERWEIGHTS (8)
Bryan Chevalier (9-1-1, 8 KOs), Bayamon, Puerto Rico
vs.
Ricardo Rodriguez (10-2-1, 6 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

SUPER FEATHERIGHTS (6)
Edwin “Chin” Valentin (4-0, 4 KOs), Salinas, Puerto Rico
vs.
Pedro Vincente (5-1, 2 KOs), Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

(all fights & fighters subject to change).

PROMO VIDEO:

ENGLISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8RaZf6ncdk&feature=youtu.be

SPANISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6ksMNm_S7g&feature=youtu.be

INFORMATION:

www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

According to Fan Rafael of espn.com, Gennady Golovkin accepted terms for a September 15th rematch with Canelo Alvarez a couple hours after the Golden Boy Promotions deadline of noon Pacific Time.

“I’m happy to inform that we have a fight September 15!!!!,” Golden Boy Promotions’ Oscar De La Hoya tweeted.

“It was a dead deal at noon. We were going to proceed with a Billy Joe Saunders fight. We had a deal in place to fight Billy Joe Saunders at the end of August,” Golovkin promoter Tom Loeffler told ESPN of a match with world titleholder Saunders. “We definitely had an agreement in place with Billy Joe Saunders. I was up front with them and told them if there’s a way to get the Canelo deal that was a priority, but Gennady had no hesitation fighting Billy Joe Saunders because he felt it was a challenging fight to fight an undefeated champion.”

“Still working on it,” Loeffler texted to ESPN 20 minutes after the deadline as he scrambled to see if Golovkin, who is in Moscow as a guest of one of his sponsors for the World Cup, was interested in the newest proposal.

Golden Boy President Eric Gomez said he was trying to reach De La Hoya during his interview with ESPN and he was frustrated because he wasn’t answering his phone. But ultimately, Gomez said, “We threw a Hail Mary and it was caught. The fight’s done.”

“Gennady stuck to his guns,” Loeffler said. “He always wanted the Canelo rematch, but at the same time, he wanted the respect as the champion, especially with what happened with the May 5 cancellation. We figured out a way to get it done. After the fight was dead, we figured out a way to resuscitate it. They were moving on and we were moving on. I can’t go into the details, but Gennady is satisfied with the deal. Both fighters were stuck and we needed one of our partners to get involved and the MGM did. That’s how the deal was saved. We came up with the solution.

“Gennady is happy he is getting the respect, and I’m happy we’re able to participate in the biggest fight in the sport of boxing. This goes to Gennady’s legacy. It’s a huge fight for both guys. I think it’s going to be a much bigger promotion than first time out.”

When it appeared that the fight was dead on Wednesday afternoon, De La Hoya told ESPN, “We want the fight, Tom Loeffler wants the fight. Clearly, the only person here who doesn’t want the fight is GGG. The fans want the fight. We bent over backwards. GGG says he’s a fighter, not a businessman, and he’s right. He’s no businessman because he doesn’t understand numbers. It’s 100 percent over. We’ve been trying to make the numbers work and Canelo finally said, ‘Screw this guy.’ We’ve come off our 35 percent. We’ve come off our contract that we had signed a couple of months ago and we still moved our percentage to make Golovkin happy, but clearly he doesn’t want the fight.

“Tom and Eric have been on the phone until right now and Eric just told me we have no deal — 100 percent there is no fight. We’ve come up on our offer and there’s no budge from him, so there’s no fight. That’s it. There’s no fight. We’re moving on. We have deadlines.”

ORANGE, Calif. (June 13, 2018) – WBA Super Bantamweight champion Danny Roman (24-2-1. 9 KOs) arrived in Dallas, Texas on Wednesday in advance of his showdown against unbeaten and No. 1 challenger Moises Flores (25-0, 17 KOs) set for this Saturday, June 16.

The 12-round world championship fight originates from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Tex., and will be televised on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

“I’m ready for battle,” said Roman, who’s youthful appearance earned him the nickname “Baby Faced Assassin.” “I know what I need to do against Flores. I’ll be going back home to Los Angeles with my WBA belt.”

Roman, 28, will defend his world title for the second time. He won the championship in knockout fashion over Shun Kubo last September. He followed that performance with a resounding decision win over Ryo Matsumoto in February. Both those fights took place in Japan.

“I’m glad I’m back in the U.S. fighting in familiar territory,” said Roman, who is trained and managed by Eddie Gonzalez. “The three-hour flight from L.A. to Dallas was a breeze. I can’t wait to give the fans in attendance and those watching on Showtime a tremendous show.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155742643195756/

DALLAS (June 13, 2018) – Unbeaten welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr. spent time giving back in his hometown Wednesday, as he handed out meals at the Salvation Army in Dallas ahead of his homecoming world title defense live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, June 16 from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“I’m excited to be back at Salvation Army again,” said Spence, who has spent time at the charity ahead of previous fights and during the holidays. “We’ve done events like these before and it’s always one of my favorite ways to give back. I’m glad to be able to come back and do something a little extra for my hometown fans that support me during this fight week.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

“I can’t wait to step into that ring and feel the love from the people in my city,” said Spence. “The least I could do was give something back this week. On Saturday night, I’m giving everyone in the city a great show and a memorable night of action.”

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features super bantamweight world champion Daniel Roman defending his belt against unbeaten Moises “Chucky” Flores and former world champion Javier Fortuna clashing with Adrian Granados in a 10-round 140-pound special attraction.

# # #

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Ray Flores
We are very excited. We want to thank the media for joining us. So this is going to be a very historic event in Dallas, Texas as we are very excited to be at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco for a big night of action, the return of Errol Spence Jr. making his homecoming as he defends his IBF welterweight crown against Carlos Ocampo.

We have a terrific undercard as well as we go ahead and have Daniel Roman defending his super bantamweight championship against Moises “Chucky” Flores. Also to open up SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING we have Javier Fortuna matching up with Adrian Granados.

We go live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, that’s local time there in Frisco. And on Saturday night the card is being brought to you by TGB Promotions and Man Down Promotions, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions and sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Right now I will turn it over to the Vice President of TGB Promotions, Brittany Goossen Brown. TGB Promotions has been promoting quality and world class matchups for years upon years and they’re excited to bring this world title matchup.

Brittany Goossen Brown
Thank you Ray and thank you all for joining us today as we kickoff the Spence vs. Ocampo Fight Week. We are thrilled to be promoting the homecoming of the IBF Welterweight World Champion, Errol Spence Jr. as he faces his mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo.

It has been a privilege for our family to promote countless home title defenses over the years but none of those compare to what we are about to witness this Saturday night in front a nearly sold-out crowd at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

It has been a pleasure to work alongside Errol’s Man Down Promotions, the Dallas Cowboys organization and our friends at SHOWTIME to bring this fight to the fans in Dallas and all of those fans watching at home.

Errol’s a special fighter, he’s a good friend and Saturday will certainly be a special night of fights not to be missed. I’m going to send it back to Ray and I’ll see ya’ll in Texas.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Brittany. Well you know what, it’s no secret that the leader when it comes to televised boxing has been SHOWTIME. They have done an amazing job starting off with Errol’s title defense back in January over Lamont Peterson at Barclays Center. They followed it up, and it’s been a tremendous year where we’re coming off of a riveting night of action with Leo Santa Cruz-Abner Mares the rematch.

Now I will turn it over to the President of Sports & Events Programming, for Showtime Network Inc., who works extremely hard and does a fabulous job, here is Mr. Stephen Espinoza.

Stephen Espinoza
Thanks very much Ray. SHOWTIME has distinguished itself as the leader in boxing by televising the brightest stars in their most important fights on a regular basis, of course live on SHOWTIME.

This Saturday will be the 10th SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast just during the first half of this year. We are the home of the biggest stars in boxing and Errol Spence Jr. is certainly one of those.

So far this year in just the first half of ’18 we’ve seen four of the top ten welterweights fighting on SHOWTIME from Danny Garcia to Yordenis Ugas to Jessie Vargas and now of course Errol Spence. Spence is leading a dynamic crop of young stars who are regularly appearing on SHOWTIME. He is a top ten pound-for-pound ranked fighter.

He has not fought in Dallas since 2015 when he was 18-0 and not yet champion. He won the title last year in Sheffield, he defended it earlier this year in Brooklyn and now obviously he is bringing it back home to Dallas. Errol has knocked out ten straight opponents as his level of competition has steadily risen which is something you rarely see in the sport. To continue that kind of knockout streak at the highest caliber level is something to be recognized.

As for Carlos Ocampo I was asked if I could describe him in one word and the one word I would use is unimpressed. He gives the appearance of a veteran well beyond his 22 years of age. He’s certainly, in my conversations with him has said he respects Errol Spence but he is unimpressed with the champion, unimpressed with the Cowboys. He’s here to win a fight and he is going to do whatever it takes to do that.

With the Super Bantamweight World Championship and the Fortuna vs. Granados opening fight we are expecting an action-packed very entertaining card. It all starts 9:00 pm ET/6:00 pm PT on SHOWTIME. Thank you.

R. Flores
Thank you very much Stephen, greatly appreciate it. TGB Promotions has to thank the Dallas Cowboys. What a wonderful organization. They are America’s team here in the NFL. They have been tremendous to work with on this promotion. They’re a world class organization led by Jerry Jones and we’re so excited for Fight Week.

This is going to be an amazing atmosphere on Saturday night with the return of Errol Spence Jr., a fighter from Dallas, now defending his world title.

With that being said I want to introduce the IBF Welterweight Champion of the World as Saturday night’s card is brought to you by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

This young man has really set the bar extremely high as Stephen has mentioned. When you talk about guys that are the future, they are the superstars in boxing, Errol Spence Jr. is one of those superstars; 23-0, 20 knockouts as he makes his second defense of his IBF welterweight crown, ladies and gentlemen, it’s a great honor and pleasure to introduce Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr.

Errol Spence Jr.
I’m happy to be working with TGB Promotions and to be back on SHOWTIME. It’s going to be a great event. I can’t wait to be fighting in front of my hometown crowd in front of 15,000 fans and you know it’s going to be great.

My hope is Carlos Ocampo comes to fight, and gives the crowd a fan-friendly fight. I’m in shape and I’m ready and training very hard for this fight and I can’t wait to put on a great performance.

Q
What are you expecting from the rest of division after Saturday night? And are you thinking about other fights yet or you’re very focused on this Saturday night?

E. Spence Jr.
I’m focused on my opponent right now, that’s Carlos Ocampo,. I might have to worry about other opponents later, but they’re going to play their self out and I’m going to fight. Shawn Porter’s supposed to be fighting Danny Garcia so hopefully I can get the winner out of that. We can unify.

We’re both with the same management, both fight on the same network. So I don’t see why that fight can’t happen but right now I have to get past Carlos Ocampo to even think about that unifying fight.

Q
When you were first presented with Ocampo what were your initial thoughts?

E. Spence Jr.
I didn’t know who he was to tell you the truth. I didn’t know who he was. And I don’t really look at the rankings. So I think, like, two days after my fight, the IBF had ordered me to fight my mandatory then they said it was Carlos Ocampo. My original thought was just, let’s do it. I’d rather get it out of the way now so it’s not a bump in the road later on when I’m trying to get bigger and better fights. So I’d rather get my mandatory out the way right now.

Q
Have you been able to find anything on him to be able to prepare for him or do you really just leave that up to the training camp or what are your thoughts on Carlos Ocampo as a fighter?

E. Spence Jr.
I found tapes on him. There’s nothing that you just see that’s special but I mean the guy comes to fight. He’s young, he’s undefeated and he’s fighting for a world title. Mexican fighters are known to be tough, they’re known to be durable and they’re known to come to fight.

So that’s what I’m expecting out of him to give it his all, come to fight and try to take my belt from me in my hometown. There’s not much that I’ve seen that just sticks out to me but he looks like a durable fighter who kind of thinks in the ring a little bit.

Q
How do you stay focused on the task at hand and not look forward to what everyone’s already predicting for you later on in 2018 and beyond?

E. Spence Jr.
Because I can’t give myself a false sense of security, because once you’re in the ring, there’s no turning back. So he’s been training hard and he’s going to show up on the night. And I just know he’s hungry. He’s 22 years old, he’s undefeated. He’s hungry and this is his dream to win a world title and make a lot of money so he can help his family.

I know what’s in the future for me. I know there’s big fights in the future so I can’t let someone like Carlos Ocampo detour my route of becoming a unified champion and soon, to become undisputed welterweight champion of world. So I have to get past him to reach those goals and those dreams.

Q
I just wanted to get your quick thoughts on what did you think of Terence Crawford’s performance and do you feel like that is the fight to be considering where your stature is at in the welterweight division?

E. Spence Jr.
I think he did what he was supposed to do. So even a week before their fight I said Terence Crawford stops him. I wasn’t surprised about what he did in there to Jeff Horn. I feel like Jeff Horn has limited ability and he basically tried to come there and just bully you. I think he lacks a lot of fundamentals but he did what he’s supposed to do.

I think there is definitely a future fight. He holds one of the belts and like I said I want to be undefeated welterweight champion of the world so I’m going to have to come over there and snatch the belt from him. It’s a fight that’s going to happen definitely in the future.

R. Flores
So right now I want to go ahead and bring on a man who is 22-0 with 13 knockouts. He is the number one contender for Errol Spence’s IBF welterweight championship of the world. From Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, I will turn it over to Carlos Ocampo.

Carlos Ocampo
Hi everyone, hope everything is going well. I’m ready for this fight. I’m looking forward to fighting in Dallas. Everything is going well with the weight, with my training and I just can’t wait to be there.

Q
Errol, do you kind of feel that you have any extra pressure for this particular fight because you’re fighting your hometown?

E. Spence Jr.
No I always have pressure to perform and look good. Since I turned pro I’ve been in the spotlight. All of my fights have been on TV. I’m always pressured to look good and perform all day. I’ve been dealing with pressure since I’ve been fighting and this is just another fight for me.

Q
How do you predict the atmosphere’s going to be this Saturday compared to the last two venues?

E. Spence Jr.
I think this is going to be electrifying. There’s going to be a great atmosphere. It’s going to be a very lively crowd and it’s going to be a great event. I’m a hometown guy and they get to see one of their hometown guys and not just somebody out of state. But I think it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be a great crowd and great atmosphere and great energy all around.

Q
Carlos, how do you prepare for someone with the power that Errol Spence has?

Carlos Ocampo
We did tons of training. We know about the power of Spence. We respect Spence but we prepared like never before and we are ready to go for that belt and bring it to Mexico.

Q
Do you kind of enjoy the fact that you’re going to be such a big underdog?

C. Ocampo
I think it’s good for me, I have nothing to lose. I have a lot of motivation and everything to prove and I’m going to come down and I’m going to go and enjoy it.

Q
Errol I just wanted to clarify something you said earlier, had you literally never heard of Carlos Ocampo before you were ordered to fight him?

E. Spence Jr.
No I never heard of him, which doesn’t mean anything. I mean there’s a lot of fighters that, you know, pop up out of the blue that could fight that you never heard of. They just don’t have the management or the promotion team for the spotlight to be seen. Those are the guys you have to watch out for.

Q
How gratifying has the excitement for your fight in Dallas been for you because I know you’ve wanted a hometown fight for a while now?

E. Spence Jr.
Very satisfied because, this is my my home, this is where I started. To see my core fans appreciate me enough to come out and spend their time and their money to come watch me fight, that’s great.

It shows that a lot of my hard work, blood, sweat and tears paid off and I feel like that’s the ultimate justification to be at home and to feel that at home and have people come out and support you. It’ll be a great event.

Q
Errol you mentioned earlier that you would like to fight the winner of the Danny Garcia/Shawn Porter fight. Who do you think will win that fight and why?

E. Spence Jr
I don’t know. I think Danny Garcia could pull it out. He doesn’t do anything spectacular but he has great timing, good fundamentals and mostly really good timing. He just pulls it out. Whenever we think he’s going to lose the fight, he ends up winning the fight so I’ll go with Danny Garcia on that one, by decision.

Q
Carlos a lot of people obviously think that Errol is a very special fighter for a variety of reasons. What do you think of him overall?

C. Ocampo
I consider him a great fighter. He has been destroying all his opponents. He’s a well-respected fighter and a fast fighter with power. As I said before, I’m ready for it. I’m mentally ready to overcome everything Spence brings and make my name.

Q
Carlos, which advantages do you feel you have over Errol Spence that will enable you to beat him?

C. Ocampo
My advantages are my height, distance and I’m going to take advantage of that on Saturday night.

Q
First of all, in order to prepare for Ocampo have you watched any of video on him in order to prepare?

E. Spence Jr.
I watched a couple videos of him when I first got the name. That’s about it. My coach has been watching. But I definitely watched them when we first got his name.

Q
When you watched his video what were some of the tendencies that he does that you think you can exploit in the ring?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh you’ll find out Saturday night.

Q
Some people are making a big deal about Terence Crawford’s performance against Jeff Horn, do you think that your performances against guys like Lamont Peterson and Kell Brook were just as noteworthy if not more impressive?

E. Spence Jr.
To tell you the truth I haven’t thought about it. It was a good performance. Jeff Horn was the champion and he did what he was supposed to do. I don’t know if he’s better or not.

Q
Do you think that you deserve more respect as a pound for pound fighter?

E. Spence Jr.
As soon as I get the top five welterweight in my weight class in the ring with me, I’m going to get what I deserve. I’m not worried it. A lot of timing is in it. Timing is everything and I will soon get there.

Q
Out of all the different names that have been thrown around, who do you think would give you the best fight out of that group of fighters?

E. Spence Jr.
It’s hard to say because Shawn Porter will give anybody a tough fight, just with his style and how he just comes forward and how he rolls in, so he’ll give anybody a tougher fight, doesn’t mean you’re going to lose but he just hits with his style, he’s tough. Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, Terence Crawford too, so any one of those guys would give you a tough fight. It’s hard to say who would be my toughest fight.

Q
Wouldn’t it make more sense to fight and still pursue a fight with Keith Thurman? Are you more interested in that fight than you would be in fighting Terence Crawford right now?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh I definitely would be interested in that but I think that’s a fight, that it’ll be easier to make because we have the same management and we fight on the same network so we deal with the same people businesswise.

So I feel like that fight is easier to make. That’s a definite fight that I’ve been wanting to fight that I still want. I just have to see how he comes back and how long it takes him to feel the same.

Q
You usually prepare hard for fights but did you train just as hard for this fight and as focused for this fight as you would be any other?

E. Spence Jr.
Oh definitely, I’m already on weight. I trained like I am facing a top five welterweight. And I’m already on weight. We’ve been training for about ten weeks for this fight. Been in camp with Jermell Charlo. We had the same camp together so I’ve been getting grade A sparring and everything. So we’ve been training hard and taking notes.

Q
Carlos, this is your first appearance in the United States on a really, really big stage against one of the best welterweights in the world, how are you prepared for this fight and what makes you think that you can win this fight?

C. Ocampo
As I said before I think Spence is a great fighter but I stay always in my sight so I just focus on the guy in front of me. I don’t focus on what the press said or the people said. I’m just focused on doing my best and doing this one fight. I just don’t care about what’s happening outside. And I’m just doing my work as I always do. I’m ready for it.

Q
When you were hanging out with the Dallas Cowboys at their facility, who are they saying they would like to see you fight when you run into them or talk to them? Derrick James and Errol if you could answer that.

E. Spence Jr.
At first everybody saw us and talked about Keith Thurman, “when you going to fight Keith Thurman? Man, I want to see you fight Keith Thurman.” But as of recently everybody’s in the moment. Terence Crawford just had his win against Jeff Horn. So now everybody wants to see me fight Terence Crawford.

Derrick James
I think that everybody for the longest time was thinking about Keith Thurman. They want to see the fight. They think that’s a big fight, a mega fight.

But now since Terence Crawford moved up everybody started to talk about Terence Crawford. I think those are the people that they really think that, really will give us a challenge or be a more competitive fight than fighting Danny Garcia or Shawn Porter or any of the other guys. So that’s really what the guys have been talking about.

Q
What would be the most meaningful definitive fight to have in this position for you guys?

E. Spence Jr.
Right now when we are in the gym when we’re talking about fights, we’re talking about Carlos Ocampo.
We haven’t been talking about any other welterweights or anybody else or who we’re going to fight next. The way everything plays itself out after this fight, we’re not going to think about that yet.

This could be the toughest fight of my career. We’re going to give Carlos Ocampo his respect as a fighter and an undefeated fighter and just focus on him right now.

Q
What would be a fight that you would find most challenging to you as a trainer and you think would be a definitive victory among those guys for Errol?

D. James
I think that what’s funny about it is he’s in one the most challenging fights, that I would say is the fight we have right now and only because it’s right in front of us and there’s not a lot of footage and there’s not a lot you can watch video of him. But you can really tell how deep his desire is, how great his skills are, and his will.

This is the fight that’s right in front of me, this is the fight that causes a little bit more difficultly because he’s not one of the guys that you see, not one of the guys that you know, so he can come in and be whoever he wants to be.

Like Errol said regardless we don’t talk about who he’s going to fight other than this guy in particular because there’s no other conversation.

I’ve never asked him about fighting Terence Crawford. I’ve never, ever asked him about fighting Keith Thurman. We might be required to answer other people’s questions but we’re so content about what’s in front of us, this guy right here, that’s the key element to success. Keeping your eye on the prize.

R. Flores
I wanted to thank the media again for joining us. We’ll see you guys down in Dallas for Fight Week. I want to thank Errol, Carlos, Brittany, Stephen and everyone involved. Looking forward to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday. We’ll see you guys down in Dallas for Fight Week later on this week. Thank you.

About The Star
The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options as part of the Entertainment District. For more information on The Star, visit www.TheStarInFrisco.com.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LAS VEGAS (June 13, 2018) — One of the United States’ top amateur boxers, Chris “The Boy” Zavala, has signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum announced today.

Zavala, an 18-year-old native of Long Beach, California, had a sterling amateur record of 125-9, traveling around the globe as one of the nation’s best young boxers and winning a 2015 National Golden Gloves title at 125 pounds.

He will compete in the featherweight division and make his pro debut June 30 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on the undercard of Gilberto Ramirez’s ESPN-televised WBO super middleweight title defense against Alexis Angulo. Zavala’s fight is scheduled to be shown on ESPN+, which will broadcast the entire undercard starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

“As a fighter, signing with Top Rank is a dream come true,” Zavala said. “And to have Richard Anthony as a manager, I could say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. My family and I together, we’ve all worked hard to get exactly to this point. They are the reason why I fight and why I get up every day morning and train as hard as I do. Thanks to Richard and my family, but also Top Rank for giving me a shot at greatness, which I will never take for granted.”

“Chris is a great guy with a high IQ both inside and outside the ring,” Anthony said. “His extensive amateur record speaks for itself, and I am very excited to start the professional journey with him and his family. We are thrilled to join Bob Arum and the Top Rank family and look forward to years of prosperity.”

Zavala has been trained by Manny Robles since he was 9 years old and will make his professional home at Legendz Boxing in Norwalk, California. As an amateur, he sparred the likes of Oscar Valdez, Jessie Magdaleno, and Michael Conlan.

New York, NY (June 13, 2018) – 2016 United States Olympian and undefeated middleweight prospect Charles Conwell (7-0, 5 KOs), of Cleveland, will face popular Baton Rouge, Louisiana, veteran Travis Scott (19-3, 5 KOs) in an eight-round clash on Saturday, July 14
at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

Presented by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment, Conwell vs. Scott will be a featured undercard fight to the highly anticipated main event between Regis “Rougarou” Prograis, of New Orleans, and undefeated challenger Juan Jose Velasco, of Argentina, with the WBC Diamond super lightweight championship at stake. Prograis vs. Velasco and Teofimo Lopez vs. William Silva will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 7 p.m. ET, while the undercard, including Conwell vs. Scott, will be broadcast on ESPN+ beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.

“A local Louisiana boxer will get a chance to test himself against a US Olympian when the popular Travis Scott, of Baton Rouge, takes on Cleveland’s Charles Conwell, as part of the excellent undercard to Prograis-Velasco at Lakefront Arena, in New Orleans, on July 14,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Fans from Baton Rouge have even more of a reason to join us in New Orleans for a great night of world championship boxing.”

Tickets, priced at $200 (ringside), $125 (floor), $75 and $40, can be purchased at the Lakefront Arena box office, Ticketmaster.com and charge by phone at 800-745-3000. Discounts for military, students and the New Orleans Police Department members – $75 tickets for $50 and $40 seats for $25 – are available when presenting valid ID at the UNO box office.

Following an outstanding amateur career, the 20-year-old Conwell has quickly impressed boxing fans across the country with his world-class skills matched by his concussive power in both hands. On November 10, 2017, he made his triumphant professional return to Cleveland with a sensational performance, winning a nationally televised six-round unanimous decision against Roque Zapata, dropping the valiant Panamanian four times.

Most recently, Conwell stayed busy with a six-round unanimous decision versus Juan Jesus Rivera on March 9, 2018, in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, the upset-minded Scott looks to jump back into the win column following a hard-fought clash with Mark DeLuca on March 18, 2017, in Boston.

Scott began his boxing career in the amateur ranks under the renowned Frank James and Frankie Caruso. While competing in over 100 amateur bouts, Scott won the Southern Boxing Association’s “Boxer of the Year” award in 1995 and 1996. During his tenure in the United States Marine Corps, Scott became a member of the All-Marine Boxing Team. Scott is well known in Baton Rouge boxing circles for his contributions as a pioneer to the local boxing scene and is a staple in reviving the sport in his hometown.

Ricky Burns laces them up for the 50th time on Saturday night at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, live on Sky Sports – and the Scottish boxing hero says that there are plenty more great nights left in the tank.

Burns created history by becoming Scotland’s first three-weight World champion in May 2016 when he added Super-Lightweight glory to his Super-Featherweight and Lightweight titles by stopping Michele Di Rocco for the WBA title in Glasgow.

The ‘Rickster’ still harbours dreams of fighting for World titles again and as he prepares to fight in the North East, a rematch with Anthony Crolla is top of a list of fights he wants as he writes new chapters in his fantastic journey.

“The Ricky Burns story is not finished just yet,” said Burns. “I’ve got no regrets in my career, I’ve lived it. I’m proud to say I’m a three weight World Champion and still think there’s a couple of big fights in me.

“That being said, I have a job to do on Saturday night for those to come to fruition. I’ve never boxed in Newcastle before so am looking forward to the atmosphere. Lewis Ritson is doing wonderfully well, I’ve enjoyed watching his recent rise. We had him in for sparring a while ago and I remember telling Eddie he should sign him.

“If I had to pick one fight to have next it would be the Crolla rematch. I’ve watched it back a couple of times and think it was a draw in all honesty. Whether it can be made or not is another matter. He needs to get his finger out.”

BURNS ON THE EARLY YEARS:

When I started off I didn’t really have any burning desires, it was just taking things one fight at a time. I remember the blonde hair on my debut in particular and waiting by the entrance ready to walk to fight Woody Greenway. I just wanted to establish my jab and get the first one out of the way. Audley Harrison just turned over from the Olympics and was on the card so there was quite a bit of media attention.

I boxed on quite a few Scott Harrison and Alex Arthur undercards from there, then I got a late call to fight Graham Earl in my 10th fight, I was originally down to fight someone called Stevie Murray I think it was and didn’t bat an eye lid when they offered me that fight on two weeks’ notice. I was there as a bit of a stepping stone for Earl but I was confident in my own ability and showed I can box off the back foot effectively. He was the reigning British Champion at the time and despite it only being an eight rounder it catapulted me to that next level.

The Arthur fight was brewing by this point. I had sparred with Alex before, so sort of knew what to expect. Did it come too soon? Perhaps, but on the bigger picture it was a good learning fight for me. It was my first twelve rounder for starters and my first title fight, it was all experience. There was some talk of a rematch but we never got around to agreeing it with the weight.

The Carl Johanneson fight was a bit of a nightmare all round. I had ate something that didn’t agree with me in the 24 hours or so leading up to the fight, that’s not an excuse but it had a huge bearing on the fight. I remember someone from the board suggesting I shouldn’t take the fight, but there was too much riding on it and I had large support. He obviously got to me with some body shots, I was struggling in there and it was just one to forget all together.

After that I switched trainers from Rab Bannen to Billy Nelson. I had some time off in between then was quite busy, boxing on the small halls to get back into contention and build some momentum.

We won and defended the Commonwealth title then it was the Michael Gomez fight. He was the first fight I had where my opponent really played up with some pre-fight antics. He was in my face at the weigh-in and said some unsavoury things so I really, really wanted to do a number on him. If the ref hadn’t have jumped in to stop the fight when he did, I’d have still been there drilling him on the ropes. That one meant a lot, it was a great atmosphere in there.

BURNS ON THE FIRST WORLD TITLE:

The Roman Martinez fight was one that had been in the pipeline for some time. There was talks and it didn’t get over the line, but then it was on so we had studied him quite a bit knowing it was likely to eventually happen. We knew Martinez was a bit of a banger and it showed in the first round, but I got back to the gameplan, the longer it went I got into my grove and it was truly a night to remember. I was the underdog going in and was overwhelmed after.

There was a bit of talk before the Nicky Cook fight that he was struggling with some form of injury, so the game plan was to test him to the body early. It was a strange one how it all unfolded and I felt a bit bad for the fans who had paid their hard earned cash to see a proper fight but what can you do?

BURNS ON BECOMING TWO-WEIGHT KING:

I was done at the weight after the Cook fight, I said to Billy I wanted to move up. The Michael Katsidis fight was a war of attrition. I proved a lot of people wrong that night. Marquez I think was the full Champion and I ended up getting elevated after winning the Interim title in that fight. That one did not disappoint, Michael is a true warrior.

The Kevin Mitchell fight was talked about for a long time. We had sparred and got on and since obviously become pals in Tony Sims’ gym but at the time I really wanted to do a number on him. I was almost dismissed in the fight and felt like I had a real point to prove. It was another top night in Glasgow and a conclusive victory for me.

I switched promoters and had some issues outside the ring that definitely affected me mentally and that showed in the next couple of fights because I was below par. I still get reminded of the broken jaw in the Ray Beltran fight to this day, I can’t believe looking back how I got through that. I’d say my toughness is one of my biggest traits and it showed there. It’s a cliché you’ve got to bite down on your gumshield at times and grit it out, that was one of those moments.

BURNS ON LOSING THE BELT:

Terence Crawford is a class act, he was confident all week and now you can see why. He’s just gone on to win his third World title after becoming the first undisputed Champion in a long while. The angles, his timing, his footwork, you’ve just got to take your hat off to him and say he’s a real talent. I’d love to see him fight Spence, that’s one of the best fights out there to be made.

The Dejan Zlaticanin defeat probably hurt more than losing my World title. We had a lot going on out of the ring, Amanda went into labour just before the fight, we were just moving house and everything else that was well publicised. I got caught cold in the first round and totally went against my trainer’s instructions. It just slipped away in the end and I remember being really upset in the changing room after.

BURNS ON HIS AMERICAN REVIVAL:

The Omar Figueroa fight in Texas was an experience, it’s my only fight out in the States to date and with Matchroom’s new U.S venture I’d like to get back out there if the right fight came up. Figueroa obviously failed the weight and I remember being in the hotel afterwards and some bloke came up to me, I thought it was his brother at first but it was Omar – He looked like a different bloke after he rehydrated, I’ve never seen anyone transform as much as that. He apologised for missing the weight and we agreed to carry on, it was a remarkable turnaround because he looked dead at the weight. He really hurt me in the 11th but I had some success in the last round, he said after the fight another minute or two and he would have struggled to see the fight out but there you go.

BURNS ON MAKING HISTORY:

We made history with the Di Rocco win, that was a proud moment. I wasn’t to be denied on that night. People were writing me off, saying I should retire but again I showed people otherwise. I think he was struggling at the weight to be honest and I got to him eventually. The scenes that followed will stay with me for a while and it was a proud moment.

Burns’ 50th fight is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle as Lewis Ritson defends his British Lightweight title against Paul Hyland Jnr and Josh Kelly challenges Kris George for the Commonwealth Welterweight title.

Gavin McDonnell defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight title against Stuart Hall in a must-win clash for both men, Charlie Edwards and Anthony Nelson meet for the vacant WBA Continental Super-Flyweight title and Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 are on sale now from the Metro Arena at http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk, on 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply. VIP tickets are on sale priced at £200 from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/tickets

Face value tickets for June 16 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Jack Catterall has dismissed the notion Tyrone McKenna presents the most thorough examination of his world title credentials.

The unbeaten super-lightweights are preparing to collide in a mouth-watering clash on the undercard of Michael Conlan’s homecoming on June 30 – with many viewing the bout as impossible to predict.

World-ranked Catterall (21-0-KO12), however, is supremely confident of retaining his WBO strap against ‘The Mighty Celt’ (16-0-1-KO6).

Catterall said: “Tyrone is not my toughest test to date. I’ve been in tougher fights than this one will be.

“Nathan Brough was a tough amateur and I knocked him out. Tyrone Nurse achieved more than McKenna. Nurse had some good wins and lots of momentum before I fought him.

“I’ve also sparred McKenna myself. I sparred him before my British title fight once or twice. He’s a southpaw and very tall but the way he fights is fine for me.

“The way Tyrone fights, it looks like he’s not shy in coming forward to have a go and that suits me down to the ground. He’s there to be taken out.

“I believe there’s only one winner but I do respect him. I was actually talking to him a couple of weeks before the fight got announced. I hope Belfast gets behind him – they seem to love him.

“I’ll bring some good support with me too. I didn’t get to showcase my improvements at Elland Road but hopefully I will this time round. It’s a huge event coming up in Belfast.”

Michael Conlan headlines in his homecoming show on June 30th at the SSE Arena, Belfast. Catterall v McKenna is just one of a host of huge fights on the night, with Jono Carroll’s long-awaited rematch with Declan Geraghty and Paddy Gallagher v Gary Corcoran, Tyrone McCullagh v Joe Ham and Johnny Coyle v Lewis Benson all competing for limelight. Tickets are available on this link

After years of ambivalence and apathy, the small men of British boxing have become sexy again and ‘Horny’ Harvey Horn intends to be in the thick of the orgy.

Ex-European Under 22 king ‘Triple H’ joins former internationally decorated flies Andrew Selby, Paddy Barnes and Sunny Edwards in the paid brigade where the prizes and props will far exceed precious metal.

The 22 year old native cockney dazzled on his December debut, chopping up Czech Republic’s Denis Bartos in three, then bamboozled Bartos’ brother Patrik over four rounds in his second start last February.
Glynn Evans caught up with him ahead of his return to duty against 16-8-1 Hungarian Gyula Dodu at the O2 Arena on Saturday week.

After being overlooked for Rio 2016, weren’t you tempted to stay amateur and try to hit the podium at this year’s Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast or the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
I was very tempted – two potentially great trips. I’d always thought there was no point us fighters in the lighter weights turning pro unless we had an Olympic medal but the smallest divisions have been generating far more interest lately and it’s only going to get better. Fights like Roman Gonzalez against (Srisaket Sor) Rungvisai are generating big bucks.
Also, I really enjoy the thought of becoming involved in the pundit side of the sport after I’ve retired and a successful pro career would heighten my profile. I always look good in front of a camera and I feel I’m quite knowledgeable.

Given you’re 5ft 7in tall, what weight range do you believe you’ll operate at, throughout your career?
When I develop my man strength it’s possible I could move up to super-fly. But right now, I could still make light flyweight (108lbs) once I get to international level – perhaps even straw weight or ‘Rizla weight’ as dad calls it (!) – but how much interest would there be? I’ve a big following already and would prefer to clean up the domestic (flyweight) rivals first.

And who might they be?!
Already me and Sunny (Edwards) are causing a stir on social media. Up in Sheffield, he was only on the GB Development Squad – the second string, the reserves – and he’s a bit resentful of being in the shadow of Podium Squad guys like myself and Galal Yafai. Sunny only won the ABAs when I didn’t enter! Though he’s quite slick and clever, he was always found wanting when given a chance to step up in the international tournaments. I’m not losing sleep.
Then there’s (Barry’s British champ) Andrew Selby and (Belfast’s Triple Olympian) Paddy Barnes. Fighters like (Commonwealth champ) Jay Harris lack the pedigree we’ve got. Paddy certainly shows no signs of slowing down unfortunately (laughs) but Selby is the main one; a very, very good boxer and a seriously hard bloke. Once, as a punishment for misbehaving in Thailand, he was forced to spar 10 consecutive rounds with Jack Bateson, Joe Maphosa and me…and he absolutely pissed it!

Which attributes specifically will help you advance in the pros and what changes have you needed to make to acclimatize?
My main assets will always be my speed and boxing brain. My heroes as a kid were the slick types like Pernell Whittaker and Roy Jones Jr. I’m adaptable and can usually find a way to win.
But I know I need to be more exciting, more explosive for the pros so I’ve made a few changes. I throw a lot more body punches now. On my debut I took the guy out with a body shot.

To what extent will you’re WSB experience accelerate your progression through the pros?
Massively. I couldn’t have had better preparation. Those four bouts were like mini world title fights against world class opponents….and I won three of them. The refs were very slack, forced you to fight your way out of clinches rather than call ‘break’.
The best I fought was the Mexican (Joselito) Velasquez. I was only 19 and it was a man against a boy. I started well but couldn’t keep him off. He nutted me, hit me with rabbit punches and in the kidneys. It’d be a different story if we met now.

What are your plans for the rest of 2018?
I intend to have a fight every two months. After one more four rounder, I’ll be up to six rounders. Mark (Tibbs, his coach) will decide when I’m ready for more but rounds ain’t the problem. The longer I’ve got to work opponents out, the more trouble they’re in.
I’m not seeking titles this year but if I’m gifted a chance at, say, The Southern Area, I’ll jump at it. I just want to get my name up.

…and beyond?
I intend to take every domestic title I can before dominating the international scene. I’ve already been fighting at world level for three years, and without vests, with small gloves in the WSB. Most British pro prospects around my weight haven’t boxed at that level.

What can the punters and TV fans expect to see from ‘Triple H’ at The O2 on June 23rd?
A performance just as exciting as my first two; two midgets really going at each other! I like to be economical and calculated – nothing messy –but I’ll definitely be looking to take the guy out. I’ve only got four rounds to achieve that so I guarantee there’ll be plenty of action.

NEW YORK (June 13, 2018) – Light Heavyweight prospects Umar Salamov and Brian Howard will meet in a 10-round matchup that will open the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader Friday, June 22 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Masonic Temple in Detroit.

In the main event, unified champions from different divisions will meet in the middle. Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Unified Super Middleweight World Champion Claressa Shields will face Unified Jr. Middleweight World Champion Hanna Gabriels for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships. Both fighters have a lot at stake when they meet as Shields will look to become a two-division champion and Gabriels will seek to win titles on a third weight class. In the co-feature bout, women’s unified WBC and WBO Middleweight World Champion Christina Hammer will defend against former world champion Tori Nelson as all four women’s middleweight world titles will be at stake.

Salamov (20-1, 15 KOs), of Alkhan-Kala, Russia, will be making his United States debut and is currently in training at Kronk Gym in Detroit with famed Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward. In his six-year career, the 23-year-old has already won the IBO Youth and World Light Heavyweight, WBO Youth World, European and International, and the IBF East/West Europe Light Heavyweight Championships.

Howard (13-1, 10 KOs) of Bartow Fla., currently resides in Loganville, Ga., outside of Atlanta. He started boxing 12 years ago at the age of 26, after playing three years in minor league football for the Polk County War Eagles. Despite being 38, Howard has shown natural talent and has knocked out previously undefeated fighters in two of his last three appearances.

“I waited a long time to make my U.S. debut and I am thrilled that it’s going to be on SHOWTIME,” said Salamov. “Training at the Kronk Gym in Detroit has been a phenomenal experience. I look forward to putting my skills and experience together to make a powerful statement. Howard is an accomplished and skilled boxer. I am coming in ready and know that it will be an exciting fight for the fans at Masonic Temple. This is my opportunity to show that I belong at the top of the light heavyweight division.”

Howard is also excited to be making his SHOWTIME debut. “It’s one of the opportunities that every fighter hopes to get,” he said. “I want to thank team Salamov for giving me the chance to take part in this event. I look forward to future opportunities and putting on a great show on fight night. I know he’s a champion, which I respect. He’s a skilled fighter who handles himself well in the ring, but I predict I will get him out of there between the fifth and 10th round.”

“I believe Umar has the skills, experience and hunger to be the best light heavyweight in the world,” said event promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions. “Umar will have a chance to prove a point against a big puncher and spoiler in Brian Howard. It will be an exciting fight with both fighters needing a win to get into world title contention.”

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.

Kell Brook will face Brandon Cook in a World Super-Welterweight title eliminator at The O2 in London as part of a stellar undercard for the Heavyweight blockbuster between Dillian Whyte and Joseph Parker on Saturday July 28, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Brook made his bow at Super-Lightweight with a destructive second round win over Sergey Rabchenko in Sheffield in March – with the Steel City favourite landing the WBC International crown to start his march to two-weight world glory.

‘The Special One’ has been called out by all the big-guns at 154lbs after crashing into the rankings with that win, and will arrow in on a World title crack if he can see off the dangerous Cook. The Canadian – who turns 32 today – will be desperate to hijack Brook’s dreams of landing another World title, and ‘Bad Boy’ Cook, rated number four with the WBO, nine in the WBA and 11 with the IBF, enters the fight on the wave of back-to-back early KO wins.

Irish sensation Katie Taylor is straight back into a big fight after unifying the Lightweight division in Brooklyn in April, wrestling the IBF strap from Victoria Bustos in a thrilling encounter in the Big Apple. Taylor now meets IBF mandatory Kimberly Connor in London with her WBA belt also on the line, and Texan Connor has her second crack at World honours having tackled Argentine Bustos for the vacant strap in March 2017.

Conor Benn and Cedric Peynaud served up one of the fights of the year in 2017 when they clashed at York Hall in December, and the rematch will take place under the dome. Benn looked in serious trouble of tasting defeat for the first time as a pro after hitting the deck twice in the opening session, but the son of British legend Nigel rallied to floor the Frenchman in the fifth and sixth rounds to edge a stunning contest – the return has added spice with a title on the line in Benn’s 13th pro outing.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi faces a real step-up on the bill in his seventh pro outing since turning pro at The O2 last July, taking on former British title challenger Ricky Summers in his first ten round contest.

“July 28 is a huge night of boxing with a brilliant 50-50 Heavyweight match up and a stacked card beneath it,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Kell returns to the scene of his epic shootout with GGG to face highly ranked Canadian Brandon Cook in a World title eliminator that will put him in pole position for a shot at all the World champions.

“Irish sensation Katie Taylor returns to The O2 to defend her WBA and IBF World titles against mandatory challenger Kimberley Connor, Conor Benn rematches Cedric Peynaud for his first title after their 2017 fight of the year contender and Joshua Buatsi makes a huge step up to face Birmingham’s Ricky Summers in his first ten round fight. There is still plenty more to be added this week including one major title fight – roll on July 28!”

Tickets are on sale now to O2 Priority members at www.theO2.co.uk.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday June 14 at 10am to Matchroom Fight Pass members via www.StubHub.com and the venue and AXS pre-sale before tickets go on general sale at www.theO2.co.uk.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday June 15 at 10am from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200. Inner Ringside VIP tickets are priced at £500.

ANTHONY YARDE is back in title action when he faces Dariusz Sek at London’s o2 on June 23.

Unbeaten Yarde has been in a hurry winning 14 of his 15 ?ghts inside the distance during a short, but explosive career.

Yarde is already ranked number two by the WBO but faces a long night when he defends the WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight title against his Polish rival, live on BT Sport.

Sek, 31, has lost just three times in 33 contests and never been stopped in a nine year professional career.

It is the sort of experience 26-year-old Yarde needs according to his trainer Tunde Ajayi, who hopes this test will give his man valuable rounds.

Ajayi said: “100 per-cent, this is the type of ?ght that Anthony needs at this stage of his career.

“Sek is a credible opponent and lost a close ?ght to Robin Krasniqi who won the European title earlier this year.

“Hopefully we will get some rounds, but we don’t know whether we will the way Anthony has been performing.

“People say Anthony needs to step up, but this is one. Hosea Burton is mentioned as an opponent for Anthony, but Sek is ranked higher than Hosea on Boxrec.

“I know people want to see that jump, but there is no rush. Angelo Dundee said the same thing about not rushing Sugar Ray Leonard and that has stuck with me.”

Sek is the ?rst southpaw that Yarde has faced in his amateur or professional career.

Tunde added: “I have been asking for a southpaw for a few months and this ticks that box before we move on and eventually ?ght for and win a world title.”

Yarde v Sek is part of a talent stacked card headlined by Martin Murray who challenges Mexico’s WBC silver middleweight champion Roberto Garcia. In a battle for the vacant English heavyweight championship KO King Daniel Dubois meets trash talking Tom Little.

Others stars on the bill include Ohara Davies, Darryl Williams, Johnny Garton, Raza Hamza, Archie Sharp, Umar Sadiq and Harvey Horn.

Tickets for Garcia v Murray are available to purchase via www.axs.com
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LOS ANGELES (June 12, 2018): Vergil Ortiz Jr. (9-0, 9 KOs), the rising knockout artist and pride of Dallas, Texas, hosted a media workout at Westside Boxing Club ahead of his fight against former world champion Juan Carlos Salgado (27-8-1, 16 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight fight in the main event of the June 23 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Calif.

In the co-main event, Hector “Finito” Tanajara Jr. (13-0, 5 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas will clash against previously undefeated Roger Gutierrez (18-1-1, 15 KOs) of Maracaibo, Venezuela in an eight-round lightweight battle. Ferdinand Kerobyan (8-0, 4 KOs), of North Hollywood, Calif., will battle across a scheduled six rounds of super welterweight action in the night’s swing bout.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:

VERGIL ORTIZ JR, NABF Jr. Super Lightweight Champion:

“This will be a dangerous fight if I don’t go in with the right mentality. Salgado is a very experienced fighter, but I’m also very experienced. Though I don’t have a lot of fights as a professional, I had a lot as an amateur, and I’ve been sparring with a lot of world champions. He can’t show me anything I haven’t already seen. This main event opportunity will get my name out there more, and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show.”

“I’m training with Robert Garcia now, and I’ve been working on using my head more and keeping my composure. I only have a few pounds to make, and I don’t fight until next week. I can make weight tomorrow if I wanted to. I’m going to stay at 140 pounds for a while. Hopefully, I can have all of my future fights as main event.”

HECTOR “EL FINITO” TANAJARA, JR., Lightweight Prospect:

“This is my first televised fight on ESPN, so I’m very excited about that. I know my opponent Roger Gutierrez is coming to win, so he’s going to bring the best of me. I saw his fight against Rene Alvarado, and I know what I have to do. I know I pose more of a threat to him than Alvarado did. I think I have more experience than him because his record was built in Venezuela. He wasn’t used to the competition here. I’m looking to capitalize on that.”

FERDINAND KEROBYAN, Welterweight Prospect:

“This is my first official fight with Golden Boy Promotions. I don’t feel any added pressure now that I’m signed. I know what I’m capable of, and I know what I have to do in there. I’ll be fighting and staying at 154 pounds, but you never know what the future holds. If the opportunity presents itself to fight at 147 pounds for a belt, then I’ll drop down to welterweight. I’m happy to be with Golden Boy Promotions because they share the same vision as me: to move forward. Hopefully I can fight for a championship title within a year or two.”

(ABOVE: Seneisa Estrada, Oscar Negrete and Raul Curiel pose for the media ahead of the July 6 edition of
LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater in Downtown, Los Angeles, Calif.)

Click HERE for Photos/Videos
Photos Credit: Lina Baker/SeeYouRingside Photography
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

Fighters from the July 6 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB also participated in the workout. NABF Bantamweight Champion Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete (17-1, 7 KOs) will return in an eight-round bantamweight fight against Dhiul Olguin (13-9-3, 9 KOs) in the main event. The fight will take place at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. and will televised live on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar.

Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (13-0, 3 KOs) will return in the co-main event in an eight-round flyweight fight against a soon-to-be announced opponent. Former Olympian Raul “Cougar” Curiel (3-0, 2 KOs) will participate in the first televised fight in a six-round welterweight clash. Opponents for both will be announced shortly.

Here’s what the fighters had to say at today’s workout:

OSCAR “EL JAGUAR” NEGRETE, NABF Bantamweight Champion:

“Obviously, I’m more comfortable at my natural weight of 118 pounds. What happened in December [against Rey Vargas] was a great opportunity in a new division. I couldn’t say no to a world championship fight. Now I’m back at 118 pounds where I’ll be looking for a world title shot. My last fight gave me a lot of confidence because I did so well, and I didn’t even get hurt. Olguin is a great fighter. I saw him fight Emilio Sanchez, and he surprised me. He made it a tough fight. This kind of battle motivates me because he’s such a tough fighter. He’s going to come with everything to test me. Plus, he really wants to win, and when two people want the victory, it always makes for a great fight. I want fans to know that they can’t miss this fight.”

SENIESA “SUPER BAD” ESTRADA, Light Flyweight Prospect:

“It feels great to be active and staying busy this year with Golden Boy promotion. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the years to come. I was very happy that I got the opportunity to fight on ESPN and win my last fight with a TKO victory. This upcoming fight people will see another exciting performance. I’m always working towards an even better performance than the one before and improving on different things so that my fans see the best of me.”

RAUL “COUGAR” CURIEL, Welterweight Prospect:

“I feel good. People know me, and they know how I fight. I’m with Freddie Roach now and I feel great. I’m really happy to work under a legend like him. Freddie is a trainer who has a lot to teach. He always notices details that can help me get better. We make a great team, and we’re working on a new style. We’re moving a lot in the ring, and people will see a new Raul Curiel on July 6”

Ortiz Jr. vs Salgado is a 10-round super lightweight fight presented by
Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Belsaco Theater in Downtown, Los Angeles, Calif. Doors for the event open at 3:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 3:30 p.m. PT. ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will live stream undercards beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Ortiz Jr. vs Salgado start at $25 and are available for purchase now at www.goldenboytickets.com and the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page.

Negrete vs. Olguin is an eight-round bantamweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The fights take place Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on EstrellaTV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on Aug. 10, and Oct. 12.

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at the fan-friendly price of $25 and are available for purchase now at http://www.goldenboytickets.com/ and the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page.

LA FIGHT CLUB on July 6:
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.thebelasco.com and www.estrellatv.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA and
www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork.
Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV. Follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

GBP on ESPN on June 23:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or by copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/OrtizSalgado into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LA FIGHT CLUB on July 6:
Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/NegreteOlguin. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video

Golden Boy Promotions has issued a noon Pacific Time deadline on Wednesday for Gennady Golovkin to sign on for the rematch with Canelo Alvarez, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Golden Boy has offered 42.5 % of the revenue to Golovkin.

“This is final,” Golden Boy President Eric Gomez said. “We’ve been through everything. We’ve been through the hoops, the monkey bars, the slides. No more playing games. He has until noon (PT) to accept or walk away. If he walks away, good luck to him.

“We’ve gone above and beyond to make this fight happen. Canelo really wants to make this fight happen for the fans. (Golden Boy CEO) Oscar (De La Hoya) really wants to make it for the fans and everyone involved and we’re meeting him halfway.”

“Our original deal in May for the rematch was 35 percent to Golovkin. Then they wanted 50-50, which was ridiculous to begin with,” Gomez said. “But in consideration we’re willing to meet them halfway. I got off the phone (on Tuesday afternoon) with Tom Loeffler and told him you have 24 hours to accept or we are fighting Danny Jacobs.”

“Gennady was very clear when he made the concession to come off 50-50. He really feels in his heart it should be an even split,” Loeffler said “He made the concession at 55-45. Gennady is the one who will make the final decision, so I will give him an update on it and see what he wants to do. My opinion is it’s the biggest fight in boxing and both sides should figure out a way to make it work.”

“Tom said he will talk to Gennady and see if we can get him to budge. He’s trying,” Gomez said. “He’s been a gentleman to me through all of this. Basically, it’s an ungodly amount of money being offered to Golovkin that he will never see again if he walks away. He could make maybe 10 times more money for this fight than any other fight he decides to take. (Top Rank chairman) Bob Arum once said, ‘You can’t spend a percentage’ and he is right. Oscar and I have discussed it. He’s discussed it with Canelo and it’s been long enough. We’ve waited since early April to get everything back on track. We’ve had countless conversations. I think Canelo is being very reasonable, above and beyond reasonable, as well as Oscar. You can lead a donkey to water but you can’t make him drink.”

Gomez said he has remained in touch with Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Jacobs, and has kept him up to date on the situation.

“Eddie Hearn is anxious to get the fight done for Jacobs,” Gomez said. “I have made him aware there is a possibility of a Golovkin fight because I don’t want to mislead him. But we’re within striking distance of being able to make the Canelo fight with Jacobs if Golovkin walks away.”

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (June 12, 2018) – The full pay-per-view card for this Saturday’s “La Batalla” event, headlined by the 12-round main event between World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta and Nicaraguan challenger and four-time world title challenger, Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago, has been announced.

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago, airing live on PPV from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico,is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

Integrated Sports Media is distributing the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico.on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs) will make his first world title defense at home, after capturing the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out Juan Alejo (24-4-1), of Mexico, in the 10th round.

WBO #12-rated Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs) has had four unsuccessful title challenges, losing three times, along with one draw. He was stopped for the first time in his last fight this past December, by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0), in the eighth round of their title fight in Japan.

In the eight-round co-featured event, Kevin Nieves (12-1-1, 5 KOs) and undefeated prospect Jean “Lobo” Torres (10-0, 7 KOs) battle in an eight-round battle of Puerto Rican junior welterweights.

Puerto Rican featherweight Bryan Chevalier (9-1-1, 8 KOs) meets fellow countryman Ricardo Rodriguez (10-2-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round match, while Puerto Rican super featherweights Edwin “Chin” Valentin (4-0, 4 KOs) and Pedro Vincente (5-1, 2 KOs), open the PPV in a six-round bout.

PROMO VIDEO:

ENGLISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8RaZf6ncdk&feature=youtu.be

SPANISH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6ksMNm_S7g&feature=youtu.be

INFORMATION:

www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 12, 2018) – Undefeated super-welterweight prospect Mekhrubon Sanginov (5-0 3 KOs), from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, has moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to continue his dream of becoming a world champion. The highly decorated amateur returns to action June 23, 2018 in Tijuana, Mexico.

“I am excited to take my training to a new level working in Las Vegas,” said Sanginov. “Las Vegas is the fight capital of the world and I feel that training in Las Vegas will take my career to the next level.”

Sanginov, who captured the WBC Youth Middleweight title in his last bout, has begun training with Justin Gamber, the well-respected trainer of undefeated super middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (17-0, 10 KOs). Mekhrubon is looking forward to taking his career to new heights, as he will campaign at super-welterweight moving forward. Sanginov is currently a promotional free agent.

“I am excited to be training with Justin Gamber,” Sanginov continued. “He is an experienced coach, who is making me into a world champion. The sparring I am getting is top notch sparring as well. I’ll be looking to be signing with a credible promoter in the near future.”

Sanginov was an outstanding amateur, amassing a record of 105-14, which made him a heavy fan favorite in his native country of Tajikistan. His hometown fans are wanting to see how he progresses as a professional.

“I am going to make a statement in the world of boxing, especially in the super-welterweight division, and the world will know my name after my upcoming performances.” Mekhrubon concluded.

Las Vegas – UFC® will return to Los Angeles with a blockbuster bantamweight championship rematch that will see T.J. Dillashaw defend against former champ and No.1 contender Cody Garbrandt. In the co-main event, UFC flyweight champion and No.1 pound-for-pound fighter Demetrious Johnson will run it back with No.2-ranked contender Henry Cejudo. UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2 goes down Saturday, August 4 at STAPLES Center and will air live on Pay-Per-View.

Among the most heated rivals in UFC history, Dillashaw (16-3, fighting out of Angels Camp, Calif.) and Garbrandt (11-1, fighting out of Sacramento, Calif.) first locked horns last November. Following a series of exciting back-and-forth exchanges, Dillashaw delivered a spectacular second-round KO to recapture the 135-pound title.

Dillashaw now looks to get the last laugh over his former teammate. A diverse striker and talented grappler, he’s earned victories over a who’s who in the bantamweight division. Over the course of his UFC career, he’s bested Renan Barao (twice), Raphael Assuncao and John Lineker. Another impressive victory will allow him to close the book on his feud with Garbrandt.

As for Garbrandt, the former titleholder aims for a measure of revenge. Known for his highlight-reel knockouts, he tore a path of destruction through the division en route to dethroning Dominick Cruz in 2016. During his UFC stint, the heavy-handed striker has stopped Takeya Mizugaki, Thomas Almeida and Augusto Mendes. Garbrandt now aims to even the score and reclaim the bantamweight championship.

Also, at UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2, flyweight champion Johnson (27-2-1, fighting out of Parkland, Wash.) will see a familiar face in Cejudo (12-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.), as he goes for his record 12th consecutive title defense. The two originally met two years ago, with Johnson defending his title via impressive TKO.

Since then, Johnson has picked up three more sensational wins, including highlight-reel submissions against Wilson Reis and Ray Borg. The latter set a new record for UFC title defenses. Johnson has also bested Joseph Benavidez (twice), John Dodson (twice) and Kyoji Horiguchi. He now plans to notch another defense and continue building his already impressive legacy.

An Olympic gold medalist wrestler, Cejudo is gunning for his first UFC championship. A decorated grappler with heavy hands, he’s topped Sergio Pettis, Henry Cejudo and Jussier Formiga during his climb up the flyweight ranks. With the 125-pound title in his sights, Cejudo not only plans to reach his destiny, but also plans to hand Johnson his first loss in almost seven years.

Additional bouts on the card include:

In a clash of featherweight contenders, No.5-ranked Cub Swanson (25-8, fighting out of Palm Springs, Calif.) faces No.9 Renato Moicano (12-1-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil).
No.6-ranked middleweight contender Derek Brunson (18-6, fighting out of Wilmington, N.C.) looks to turn back surging No.12 Antonio Carlos Junior (11-2 1NC, fighting out of Coconut Creek, Fla. by way of Joao Pessoa, Brazil)
Former women’s bantamweight title challenger and No.10-ranked contender Bethe Correia (10-3-1, fighting out of Campina Grande, Brazil) locks horns with No.12 Irene Aldana (7-4, fighting out of Culiacan, Mexico)
Polyana Viana (10-1, fighting out of Sao Geraldo do Araguaia, Brazil) looks to keep the momentum going when she meets rising star JJ Aldrich (6-2, fighting out of Westminster, Colo.)
Ricardo Ramos (11-1, fighting out of Campinas, Brazil) goes for another highlight-reel KO against streaking Kyung Ho Kang (13-7 1NC, fighting out of Busan, South Korea)
Danielle Taylor (9-3, fighting out of Van Nuys, Calif.) aims to get back in the win column against debuting Weili Zhang (16-1, fighting out of Hebei, China)
Buren Wuliji (10-5, fighting out of Beijing, China) takes on fellow prospect Bharat Khandare (5-3, fighting out of Mumbai, India)
In a battle of exciting prospects, Benito Lopez (9-0, fighting out of Oroville, Calif.) meets Ricky Simon (10-1, fighting out of Vancouver, Wash.)

For the latest information on additional bouts for this event, please visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

Visit the UFC® Press Portal for information and content to support your UFC coverage.

UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2 will air live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday, August 4, with the prelims kicking off the evening on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and on UFC FIGHT PASS® at 6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. ET/2:15 p.m. PT.

Tickets for UFC® 227: DILLASHAW vs. GARBRANDT 2 go on sale Friday, June 15 at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $362.25, $284.60, $232.90, $196.65, $165.60, $134.55, $103.50, $82.80 and $62.10 (does not include fees). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.axs.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.

UFC Fight Club® members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets Wednesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. PT via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, June 14 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.

###

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.

Anthony Nelson has branded Charlie Edwards as ‘full of himself’ and vows to punish the over-confident Surrey man when they clash for the WBA Continental Flyweight title at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

Nelson has previously held the Commonwealth and English Super-Flyweight titles but took two years out of the game in April 2016 after surrendering the Commonwealth crown in an epic battle with Jamie Conlan in London that was awarded Fight of the Year by the British Boxing Board of Control.

‘Babyface’ returned to action in April with a six round win and now wants to get on the road back to winning honours, starting with strap he meets former World title challenger Edwards for on Saturday – a man he believes has talent but not enough to stop his return to the big-stage from being triumphant.

“Charlie is full of himself,” said Nelson. “He’s a good technician and he’s got some skills but he hasn’t been in with me yet. He won’t be able to keep me off, I’ll be too strong for him.

“I’ll let him think otherwise and be over-confident because he’ll be in for a real shock. He’ll have to bring every tool because he has a big job to do.

“The gym is buzzing, especially with title fights on the horizon. It brings everyone else on and inspires them to push on which obviously comes full circle and spurs me on even more.

“It’s a big night for Newcastle, it really feels like big time boxing is back and with Lewis and Josh spearheading that it opens the doors for the fighters who are either just starting out or who are knocking on the door.

“I’m buzzing to be back on the comeback trail. I got back to winning ways recently and we continue to keep things rolling.

“It was six rounds under my belt at the end of April, I dropped him in the first but in all honesty if I had got him out of there right away it wouldn’t have really served it’s purpose.

“I got the ring rust off and now we’re back in to title contention. I’ve served myself on the small hall shows and I’ve got to push on now starting on Saturday.”

Nelson’s clash with Edwards is part of a huge night of action in Newcastle where local star Lewis Ritson can win the British Lightweight title outright against unbeaten Belfast man Paul Hyland Jnr. and Sunderland’s talented Rio Olympian Josh Kelly challenges Commonwealth Welterweight champion Kris George.

Gavin McDonnell defends his WBC International Super-Bantamweight title against Stuart Hall in a must-win clash for both men, Arfan Iqbal defends his English Cruiserweight belt against Simon Vallily and former three-weight World champion Ricky Burns fights for the 50th time as a pro.

Tickets priced £40, £60, £80 and £100 are on sale now from the Metro Arena at http://www.metroradioarena.co.uk, on 0844 493 6666 or in person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office. Please note venue facility and booking fees will apply. VIP tickets are on sale priced at £200 from http://www.matchroomboxing.com/tickets

Face value tickets for June 16 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

ENDS

TUCSON, Ariz. (June 12, 2018) – Michelle Rosado’s Raging Babe has built a reputation for quality, sold out events across the country, and she returns to Tucson’s Casino Del Sol on Saturday evening, July 21, with Guerra De Gallos, a fight card that is quickly living up to its name.

The scheduled eight-round main event features a hometown battle between two fighters who have earned their stripes fighting tough competition on the road. After competing in other fighters’ backyards and dealing with their opponents’ home crowds and officials, junior welterweights Alfonso Olvera (10-4-1, 4 KOs) and Wilberth Lopez (21-9, 15 KOs) will have a chance to showcase their incredible tenacity and talent in front of their own families, friends and Tucson fans.

Olvera, who has had trouble finding opponents, has faced top competition since turning pro. In his second fight, he went the distance with Ivan Baranchyk, currently unbeaten at 19-0. Olvera’s trail of upsets includes a 2005 unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Ryan “Cowboy” Karl and another over Chicago’s Genaro Mendez.

Lopez, who knocked out Phoenix’s Keenan Carbajal in his professional debut in 2013, has gone on to fight stiff competition across the country. He was the first to take World Super Bantamweight Champion Isaac Dogboe the distance when they met in 2014. Three years later, Lopez upset Jose Roman (24-2-1, 16 KOs), via unanimous decision in Roman’s backyard. Lopez’s southpaw style and reach kept Roman at bay and earned him the win.

“This is a fight between two highly skilled, local fighters who have never had the benefit of hand-picked opponents and hometown decisions,” said Rosado. “This fight will be one of the best Arizona has seen in years. I’m excited to give Tucson fans what could be Fight of the Year, and to bring back the pride that comes with competing to be the best in the state.”

The card is stacked with Tucson talent. Junior lightweight Jensen Ramirez (5-2-3, 1 KO) makes returns against Jesus Arevalo (2-3), and Tucson junior welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (2-0) will make his return to the Old Pueblo after securing his second win in Phoenix earlier this year. Mike Martinez, Emmanuel Guajardo, Nicholas Rhoads, Judas Estrada and Breenan Macias round out the eight-bout card.

Casino Del Sol has hosted boxing events since 2003, and has become a premier destination for boxing in Southern Arizona. Fernando Vargas, Mia St. John and Yori Boy Campas are just a few boxing legends to have graced the casino’s ring. “We are excited to bring boxing back to Tucson once again,” said Kimberly Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol. “Our goal is always to provide the best entertainment in Southern Arizona, and Guerra De Gallos will definitely deliver.”

Tickets for “Guerra De Gallos” start at $25, and will be available online at www.casinodelsol.com, by phone at (520) 333-5150 or at the Casino Del Sol Gift Shop beginning Friday, June 15. A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Paradiso Lounge inside Casino Del Sol. The public is invited.

The July 21 card begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The card is promoted by Raging Babe and Peltz Boxing. For more information, visit www.RagingBabe.com.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 12th, 2018) — A decade removed from her last professional fight on the worldwide taekwondo circuit, then 25-year-old Maria Rivera never thought she’d get the chance to showcase her talents on national television.

“Life happens very fast,” said the unbeaten female flyweight from Framingham, Mass., “It’s very interesting to see the path it takes you on.”

With only three mixed martial arts fights (one amateur and two as a pro) under her belt, Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) now finds herself in the enviable position of fighting in front of a much larger audience Friday night on AXS TV as she makes her network television debut on the main card of “CES MMA 50” at Twin River Casino.

Rivera, born in Puerto Rico, but now living and training in Framingham, faces Mallory Martin (3-2, 1 KO) of Colorado, a two-time Invicta Fighting Championships vet, in what could be a breakthrough for both fighters.

Women’s MMA has grown exponentially over the years with female fighters headlining major Pay Per View cards and gaining worldwide notoriety. CES MMA president Jimmy Burchfield Sr., one of many pioneers for female boxers through the years, has aided the cause in mixed martial arts by showcasing some of the region’s top female talent through the AXS TV platform.

On a night in which it celebrates its 50th event, CES MMA achieves another first Friday with two female fights on its 12-fight card. Flyweight Hilarie Rose (0-1) from Norfolk, Mass., faces Thais Sousa (0-2) of Miami on the preliminary card.

The televised main card of “CES MMA 50” airs live on AXS TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET with prelims beginning at 7.

Rivera, a mother of three, turns 31 at the end of the month, but women’s MMA does not discriminate against late bloomers. In fact, Rivera has more opportunities now than she would’ve had she peaked in her early 20s, making Friday’s television debut even more impactful as she looks to take her career to the next level.

“I’m very grateful to CES for giving me this opportunity,” Rivera said. “My preparation doesn’t change because I’ll be on TV. I just have to be aware. You’ll feel a little more pressure because it’s on TV and you want to perform well, but I’ve been in tournaments all over the world and that’s pretty much the feeling I always get.”

Tickets for “CES MMA 50” start at $40 and are available to purchase online at www.cesmma.com, www.twinriver.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253 or at the Twin River Box Office.

Friday will be Rivera’s first fight since March of 2017, but not by choice. She was scheduled to fight on the preliminary card of “CES MMA 44” last May, but her opponent suffered an injury a week before the event. The cancellation may have been a blessing in disguise. Rivera was dealing with a nagging leg injury at the time, but didn’t think much of it.

“I just thought it was tightness in my calf,” she said.

The day her fight got cancelled, Rivera went to the gym for a routine training session. Later that night, she could barely walk. As it turned out, Rivera needed surgery on her right knee, so she went under the knife in September. The recovery went smoothly, but she wasn’t out of the woods yet. Just as she was ready to begin training again later that month, she fell down at home and broke her pinky finger. Doctors inserted a pin to stabilize the injury, forcing her to sit out for another five weeks.

“It was so frustrating, especially because neither injury had anything to do with my training, just everyday life, ironically,” Rivera said. “In all my years of fighting and training, I had never injured myself. The knee injury was my first injury. I had never gotten injured in any of my camps or in practice.”

“That part was frustrating. I didn’t want to rush in and take a fight just because I felt anxious. I wanted to give my body that time to heal. It took a long time, but everything happens for a reason.”

As fate would have it, Rivera’s long-awaited comeback happens to be her toughest test to date in front of a much larger audience than usual. Having fought since she was a child, Rivera is past the point of needing a tune-up fight at this point in her career. She competed in taekwondo tournaments throughout the world, from Mexico to Puerto Rico, until she was 15 years old. When she moved from the United States back to Puerto Rico, she stopped fighting for the next 10 years.

She eventually found her way back into the gym when her children wanted to learn martial arts. Fighting was never part of the plan — “I figured I could use the workout,” she said — but things changed quickly. Rivera began losing weight and soon rediscovered her love for competing.

Within three years, she transitioned to MMA and fought her first and only amateur bout in New Hampshire before making her professional debut shortly thereafter on the preliminary card of “CES MMA 41,” knocking out Sarah Click in the opening round of their scheduled three-round bout.

Aside from the potential payout and the unlimited exposure, MMA offers Rivera more opportunities than taekwondo, especially for a fighter her age. Former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm, a professional boxer who transitioned to MMA at a later age, was 33 when she defeated Ronda Rousey three years ago for her first world title and recently starred at UFC 225 with a win over 28-year-old Megan Anderson. Cristiane Justino — a.k.a. “Cyborg” — is the reigning UFC featherweight world champion at 32.

The time is now for female fighters in their 30s, making Rivera’s leap from the CES MMA prelims to the bright lights of AXS TV the most important move in her young career.

“I think I’m still at a good age for this,” she said. “With everything going on in women’s MMA, this is the time to do this. I have a lot to bring to the table.”

East Providence, R.I., native Dinis Paiva (11-6, 6 KOs) faces California’s Andre Ewell (12-4, 7 KOs) for the vacant CES MMA Bantamweight World Title in Friday’s five-round main event.

Also highlighting “CES MMA 50,” Ludlow, Mass., welterweight Jon Manley (11-4, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Jeremiah Wells (4-1, 2 KOs) and Woonsocket, R.I., flyweight Jose Lugo (2-0, 1 KO) makes his network television debut in a rematch against Cortland, N.Y., native Michael Taylor (1-1, 1 KO).

Middleweight Pat McCrohan (3-1, 2 KOs) of Berkley, Mass., returns to face red-hot Worcester, Mass., prospect Reginaldo Felix (5-3, 2 KOs). Bantamweight John Douma (3-0, 2 KOs) of Providence also debuts on the AXS TV platform in a highly-anticipated showdown against Nevada’s Adam Acquaviva (5-3, 1 KO).

The preliminary card features a welterweight scrap between veteran Toby Oden (2-2, 1 KO) of Milford, Mass., and newcomer Jeremy Puglia of Long Island, who makes his professional debut. Decorated light heavyweight Fabio Cherant (1-0) returns to face Mansfield, Ohio, native Marquis Allen (1-0, 1 KO) and featherweight Brandon Marotte (1-0, 1 KO) of Hempstead, N.H., battles debut Arslan Otchiyev of West Haven, Conn.

Also on the preliminary card, Milford, Mass., bantamweight Kris Moutinho (4-2, 1 KO) makes his long-awaited return against New York’s Alfred Jones (3-3, 1 KO) and light heavyweight Yorgan De Castro (1-0) of Fall River, Mass., faces David White (0-2) of Cumberland, Md.

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