FRESNO, Calif. (April 30, 2018) – Two of the world’s most dynamic 115-pound talents — on a collision course to a potential title unification bout — will take center stage at the Save Mart Center on the first Top Rank on ESPN world championship card on ESPN+, Saturday, May 26 at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Filipino standout Jerwin ‘Pretty Boy’ Ancajas will defend the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior bantamweight world title in the main event against countryman Jonas Sultan. It marks the first world title bout featuring two Filipino fighters in 93 years, when Pancho Villa defended the world flyweight title against Clever Sencio on May 2, 1925.

In the co-feature, Great Britain’s Kal Yafai will make the third defense of his World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight title against David Carmona. Soon-to-be announced undercard bouts, including appearances by welterweight contender Jose Benavidez and Central Valley products Bryan Lua and Isidro Ochoa, will be shown on ESPN+ starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The Ancajas vs. Sultan / Yafai vs. Carmona world championship doubleheader will be streamed live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ — the first-ever multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International group and ESPN. ESPN+ is available to all fans on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.

Fans can watch Ancajas vs. Sultan / Yafai vs. Carmona, hundreds of other boxing matches per year, other Top Rank on ESPN content and thousands of other live events by subscribing to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year). To subscribe, fans simply download or open the ESPN App or visit ESPNPlus.com and subscribe. Fans can stream on the ESPN App on mobile and TV-connected devices and on ESPN.com.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Big Al Presents, Joven Sports, and Matchroom Boxing USA, special ticket on-sale information will be announced soon.

“I am so glad and very grateful that I was given an opportunity to fight Jonas Sultan,” Ancajas said. “We are given a chance to display our talents on a world stage, two Filipinos fighting for a world title. This is history, and our names will be linked forever.”

“I can’t wait to make my U.S. debut. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I laced them up,” Yafai said. “This is the right time to do it. Everyone wants to fight in America at some stage in their career, and this is the right moment for me to announce myself in the States. I know people will talk about the Jerwin Ancajas fight, of course, but Carmona is the man in front of me, and he’s all I’m thinking about. I have to look good against Carmona, but I know that the Ancajas fight is something that can happen down the line in the States or in England.”

Ancajas (27-1-1,19 KOs), from Barangay Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite, Philippines, will be making the fifth defense of the world title he won on Sept. 3, 2016 in Taguig City, Philippines, when he knocked down the previously undefeated McJoe Arroyo in the eighth round en route to a unanimous decision. Ancajas made his U.S. and Top Rank debut as the co-feature to the Gilberto Ramirez vs. Habib Ahmed bout on a Top Rank on ESPN card, Feb. 3 in Corpus Christi, Texas. On that night, Ancajas steamrolled Israel Gonzalez, knocking him down three times and scoring a 10th-round TKO.

One of the most devastating punchers in the lighter weight classes, Ancajas is 15-0 with 14 knockouts since his only loss, a 10-round majority decision to Mark Geraldo on March 17, 2012. He has defended his title in Australia, Northern Ireland, and Macao, a world traveler intent on staking his claim as the top fighter in the loaded 115-pound weight class.

Sultan (14-3, 9 KOs), ranked No. 1 by the IBF, is coming off the biggest victory of his career, when he knocked out former two-division champion John Riel Casimero on Sept. 16, 2017 in Cebu City, Philippines. He has won five in a row, four by knockout, since a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Go Onaga on Nov. 15, 2015. A native of Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, Sultan lost two split decisions in his first six pro fights. Like Ancajas, he has won several fights in his opponents’ home countries, including a 2016 second-round TKO over Makazole Tete in East London, South Africa.

Yafai (23-0, 14 KOs), from Birmingham, England, turned pro in 2012 following an accomplished amateur career, winning eight fights in his first eight months in the paid ranks. On March 21, 2014, he stopped Yaqub Kareem in the third round to win the vacant Commonwealth super flyweight title. Yafai won the British super flyweight title in March 2016 and soon set his sights on a world crown.

On Dec. 10, 2016, Yafai dominated Luis Concepcion via unanimous decision, winning the WBA belt and becoming Birmingham’s first world champion in 109 years. In his most recent title defense, Yafai turned back a tough challenge from Sho Ishida, winning a unanimous decision by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 (2x).

Carmona (21-5-5, 9 KOs), from Mexico City, will be making his third attempt at a world title at 115 pounds. In 2013, he fell to longtime WBO champion Omar Narvaez via seventh-round TKO. And, in 2016, he dropped a unanimous decision to pound-for-pound elite Naoya Inoue, who’d knocked out Narvaez to win the title. On March 10, 2017, he lost a disputed unanimous decision to former WBC super flyweight champion Carlos Cuadras. In his last bout, on March 2 of this year, he scored a fourth-round TKO over Jesus Iribe in Mexico City.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing, watch.espnplus.com; Facebook :facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo @ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtags #AncajasSultan and #YafaiCarmona to join the conversation on social media.

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

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

About Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International
Comprised of Disney’s international media businesses and the Company’s various streaming services, the Direct-to-Consumer and International segment aligns technology, content and distribution platforms to expand the Company’s global footprint and deliver world-class, personalized entertainment experiences to consumers around the world. The recently announced segment is responsible for The Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer businesses globally, including the ESPN+ sports streaming service, programmed in partnership with ESPN; the upcoming Disney-branded direct-to-consumer streaming service; and the Company’s ownership stake in Hulu. As part of the Direct-to-Consumer and International segment, BAMTECH Media, developer of the ESPN+ and Disney-branded streaming platforms, oversees all consumer-facing digital technology and products across the Company.

VERONA, N.Y. (April 30, 2018): Jaime Munguia (28-0, 24 KOs), the dangerous undefeated 154-pound contender of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, will step in to challenge Sadam “World Kid” Ali (26-1, 14 KOs) of Brooklyn, N.Y. in a 12-round battle for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title on May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The co-main event will feature Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs) and Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) in a 12-round clash for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title.The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Munguia will replace Liam “Beefy” Smith, who was forced to pull out of the fight against Ali due to an illness. This dangerous 21-year-old puncher has ended 24 of his fights by stunning knockout and will look to take advantage of his first world title opportunity as he returns to the United States for only the second time in his career.

“I want to thank everyone involved, but above all I thank Sadam Ali for the opportunity,” said Jaime Munguia. “Though all the criticisms made about me have motivated me to be where I am, I will show that they were all wrong. I will crown myself as world champion on May 12.”

Ali, a 2008 U.S. Olympian, was unfazed by the change. The 29-year-old champion silenced all doubters by defeating Miguel Cotto via unanimous decision in Dec. 2017 to win the title he currently holds. Ali will look to defend his title in a dangerous battle against a young contender.

“I’m determined to defend my title for the first time on May 12,” said Sadam Ali. “It doesn’t matter who, and it doesn’t matter how. Jaime Munguia will have the opportunity of a lifetime when he fights me, but I’m walking away with my hand up in victory and the belt around my waist.”

Ali vs. Munguia is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions. Vargas vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET, and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. ET. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the May 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 25th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale and are available from $95 and $75 for ringside seats and all others priced at $55 and $45, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for Ali vs. Smith must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

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

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #AliMunguia.

FRISCO, TX (April 30, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas homecoming Saturday, June 16 live on SHOWTIME at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.

Spence, who will attempt to make the second defense of the world title he won last May from Kell Brook, combines explosive power with sublime boxing skill. In his last four fights, Spence has begun to assert himself as the best boxer in the deep and talented 147-pound weight division. Today, Spence is rated in the top-10 on boxing’s coveted pound-for-pound list. Ocampo, who had a highly rated amateur career in Mexico, is also undefeated but will be facing his toughest challenge to date as a professional in his first world title fight.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, go on sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

“Errol Spence, Jr. has emerged as one of the most exciting champions in the sport today with a combination of skills that he has crafted into a fan-friendly style,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is an opportunity for Errol to defend his title before the fans in his hometown at Ford Center at The Star and to continue to demonstrate why he is the top man in the 147-pound division. Carlos Ocampo, a young hungry contender, will certainly bring his A-game and that will bring out the best in Errol. It promises to be an entertaining show for boxing fans.”

“SHOWTIME has become home to the biggest stars in boxing and Errol Spence is one of its brightest,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “Spence made an emphatic statement one year ago when he traveled to Sheffield, England to wrest the title from the champion on his home turf. Now, a young and talented Carlos Ocampo has an opportunity to do the same. We are proud to team up with the Dallas Cowboys, Ford Center, TGB Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions to deliver yet another of boxing’s must-see, marquee events.”

“It’s known how energetic and exciting the sport of boxing is, but to be able to host IBF World Champion Errol Spence Jr. here at The Star to represent our city, and his home town, will be an unforgettable experience for all,” said Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones.

Spence (23-0, 20 KOs) returned home with the welterweight title last May after defeating champion Kell Brook in Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England. The 28-year-old southpaw from Desoto, Texas made his first defense against former two-division champion Lamont Peterson, stopping him via seventh round technical knockout on Jan. 20 in Brooklyn.

A 2012 U.S. Olympian at the London Games, Spence has knocked out 10 straight opponents to climb the ranks of the division. In the wake of Floyd Mayweather’s retirement from boxing, four of the top-five ranked welterweights-Danny Garcia of Philadelphia, Shawn Porter of Las Vegas, Keith Thurman of Clearwater, Fla., and Spence-are all vying for the top spot in one of history’s most popular weight classes.

“I’m honored to be fighting in Dallas before my hometown fans and the people who have supported me from the beginning,” said Spence, who last fought in Dallas in 2015, a knockout victory over Alejandro Barrera. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now. It’s going to be great to fight at The Star, and because I’m a big Dallas Cowboys fan, I’m looking forward to fighting on the campus of Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.

“I believe that I’m the number one fighter in the welterweight division and I’ll step into the ring on June 16 with that feeling. I’m going to draw from the energy of my fans. I’ve studied some of Ocampo and I can tell he likes to box but he’s willing to get into a fight. I know how he feels going into someone else’s hometown for his first shot at the title. This is his big opportunity and it’s going to make this a great event.”

The 22-year-old Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) will be taking a major step forward in his career with this mandatory title challenge against Spence. Ocampo, of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico will be making his U.S. debut and fighting professionally outside of Mexico for the first time. Ocampo is a two-time silver medalist at the Mexican Olympiad, an amateur national championship tournament. His holds significant professional victories over former world title challengers Jorge Paez, Jr. and Charlie Navarro while he most recently scored a seventh round stoppage of Dario Ferman in November.

“I’m training very hard for my fight against Errol Spence Jr.,” said Ocampo. “This is the opportunity that I’ve worked my whole life to get and I’m coming to take Spence’s belt on June 16. I will give the fans a very exciting fight and show once again what Mexican fighters are made of.”

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; and 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. For more information on The Star, visit: http://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.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 30th, 2018) — Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes and her head trainer, Wayne Lopes, have the kind of unique, unspoken bond few in boxing can relate to.

While father-son relationships are prevalent in the sport, couples working together aren’t nearly as common, even if it is a bit more widespread in female boxing.

For the Lopeses, it’s second nature. Aleksandra and Wayne will celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary in September.

They met through boxing, back when Aleksandra was a young amateur and needed a few rounds of sparring at Goodie Petronelli’s old gym in Brockton. She went toe-to-toe with Wayne’s son, former pro Manny Lopes, sparking a relationship that has spanned more than a decade.

The two have worked together for Aleksandra’s entire career, which has seen far more highs than lows, and the 38-year-old former world-title challenger will lean on her husband even more in the next two weeks as she prepares for her long-awaited rematch with Ontario’s Natasha Spence(8-3-2, 6 KOs) scheduled for six rounds Friday, May 11th, 2018 at Twin River Casino.

Tickets are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The event begins with preliminary bouts at 7 p.m. ET with the main card streaming on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE beginning at 8.

“Wayne and I are so close,” Lopes said. “We’re very in-tune with each other. If Wayne at one point didn’t have the energy for it anymore, I probably wouldn’t continue to train with anyone else.

“He’s the perfect fit for me. He knows me very well, and he knows how to get me to do certain things, how to manage me. We have so much fun with boxing, and you’ve got to really like it to stick with it. We make it a lot of fun and we still the most fun just going to the gym together and working on things.

“It never gets old, and he never runs out of things to teach me.”

Lopes may need to add a few new wrinkles to avoid another draw against the crafty Spence, who has reunited with former trainer and manager Brian Cohen in preparation for the May 11th rematch. The addition of Cohen, who also trains Providence native and former Lopes rival Kali Reis, to Spence’s camp adds a considerable buzz to next month’s fights (not that it needed one), but Lopes has effectively drowned out any and all distractions.

The Gliwice, Poland native, who works as an attorney at Babanikas, Ziedman & King in Brockton by day, is confident enough in her team and has little concern with who anyone else is working with. Why would she? Her and her husband have been working together from the start, an inseparable, sometimes indescribable, bond spanning close to a decade since Lopes made her professional debut in 2009.

“Honestly, and it’s not just with Natasha, I don’t think I’ve focused or concerned myself with the way people train or who they spar with. I’ve had 25 fights now. I feel like I have an excellent team here at home. We’ve been able to get ready for challenging fights against elite opponents in light of Wayne and I have two very demanding full-time jobs,” Lopes said of her husband, who owns Lopes Grading, a full-service excavation, construction and grading company.

“We have a system set up and a team in place that makes all of this seamless. Wayne and I are good at working on certain things and making adjustments when necessary. We’ve done this so many times. I would not change a single thing in my camp.”

The only thing Lopes hopes changes May 11th is the outcome as she tries to inch closer to her 20th win as a professional. In December, she earned a draw on two of the judges’ scorecards against Spence, but lost, 77-75, on Peter Hary’s card, so there is perhaps a need to be more decisive this time around.

“The first fight, it’s done with. The result was what it was,” Lopes said. “I’ve spent an enormous amount of time overanalyzing it, I think. It’s one of those things where I know what happened and now it’s done. We’re moving forward.

“I think we need to be a little crisper, sharper,” she added. “Without focusing too much on the past, we’ve had excellent sparring and put work into my conditioning. We did all the things we normally do to make sure we’re prepared to win.”

Though she turned 38 earlier this month, Lopes isn’t thinking much other than May 11th — “One thing at a time,” she said — but is confident the outcome will be much different this time around thanks to a few minor tweaks in camp.

For what it’s worth, the showdown with Spence will be the third rematch of her career. She won the first two, beating Reis in 2010 after losing to her in her pro debut and defeating Althea Saunders in 2015 after the two fought to a draw the previous year. Why worry what anyone else is doing? Lopes and her husband appear to have the right blueprint in place.

“I think we are much more prepared for this fight — certain things we did in training camp, we changed up some sparring,” Lopes said. “There are things we worked on that make me feel we are going to fight much more prepared. It’s not an easy fight, for sure, but this is one of the fights that makes this fun.

“We are ready to go. We did our work. We did our preparation. What we do works for us.”

Also on the May 11thcard, Rhode Island’s Rich Gingras (15-5-1, 9 KOs) fights for the first time since 2015 when he battles Atlantic City’s Antowyan Aikens (12-4-1, 1 KO) in a six-round super middleweight bout.

Undefeated super lightweight Anthony Marsella Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs) of Providence returns in his toughest to date, a six-round showdown against Arlington, Wash., native Ricardo Maldonado (8-7-1, 1 KO), and Sicilian heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano (14-1, 12 KOs) puts his 12-fight win streak on the line in a six-round bout against Bernardo Marquez (8-3-1, 5 KOs) of Riverside, Calif.

Also on the main card, unbeaten Worcester, Mass., native Jamaine Ortiz (8-0, 4 KOs) faces the dangerous Tyrone Luckey (9-8-3, 7 KOs) of Neptune, N.J., in a six-round lightweight bout and regional rivals Marqus Bates (3-2, 2 KOs) of Taunton, Mass., and Mohamad Allam (3-2, 1 KO) of Holyoke, Mass., battle one another in a six-round bout.

Featherweight Ricky Delossantos (4-0, 1 KO) of Pawtucket, R.I., puts his undefeated record on the line against Maryland’s James Early (3-2) in a four-round bout while cruiserweights Jake Paradise (0-1) of Worcester and Leandro Silva (0-1) of Sao Paolo, Brazil each search for their first career win when they face one another in a four-round preliminary bout.

Johnston, R.I. super lightweight Nicky DeQuattro (3-0, 1 KO) returns to Twin River to face Andy Aiello (0-1) of Bridgewater, Mass., in a four-round bout and Derrick Whitley (3-0) of Springfield, Mass., makes his Rhode Island debut in a separate four-round welterweight bout.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

WBO Junior Middleweight champion Sadam Ali will now take on Jaime Munguia on May 12th in Verona, New York, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com. Munguia replaces Liam Smith, who had to pull out due to an illness.

“Munguia is in,” Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez said. “We’re delighted to save the show. Sadam Ali is willing to fight any and all comers. Munguia is probably more dangerous [than Smith]. He’s undefeated, and he’s a huge puncher.”

New York, New York, April 29, 2018

To understand a fighter like Kali Reis, you must first understand the person, Kali Reis. Born on Aug 24, 1986 in Providence, Rhode Island, Kali’s roots stem well into American history with her Native American heritage.
The name “Mequinonoag”, which she carries into the ring with her for every fight, was bestowed on her as her Native American name. Kali explains that the name was, “given to me by my mother, she is the medicine woman of our Seaconke Wampanoag tribe. It means “May Feathers”, or “Many Talents.” Kali is a proud, mixed Native warrior women.
Carrying the Native Warrior blood of the Cherokee, Nipmuc, and Seaconke Wampanoag tribes, the Providence-born fighter started boxing at the age of 14 out of Manfredo’s Gym in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Prior to turning pro, Reis had a brief, but successful amateur career, securing a variety of achievements such as the 2007 Rocky Marciano Championship, the 2007 NYC Golden Gloves at 154 pounds, and the 2006 New England 154 Championship.
Professionally, Kali has already attained three world titles. In 2014, she TKO’d Teresa Perozzi to win the International Boxing Association Female Middleweight Championship. Two years later in 2016, Reis earned a vicious first-round TKO win over Victoria Cisneros for the Universal Boxing Federation World Female Middleweight title. In that same year, only two months later, the Rhode Island fighter went the full distance in a 10 round war with Maricela Cornejo, winning a clear unanimous decision victory to earn the WBC World Female Middleweight belt.
One of her most impressive performances came against a tough Tiffany Woodward in November. Entering the ring to a traditional Native American display, the Providence Warrior went toe-to-toe with Woodward, creating constant uproars from the packed crowd resulting in her earning a six-round unanimous decision victory at Mohegan Sun Casino, and easily the fight of the night. Catching the eye of renowned New York boxing promoter, Joe DeGuardia, Reis was immediately signed to Star Boxing Inc..

Joe DeGuardia had this to say about signing Reis, “After watching Kali put on a truly impressive performance at Mohegan Sun in November, I knew she deserved to be signed, and that a big fight would be on the horizon.” DeGuardia continued, “We are extremely happy to get Kali a fight of this magnitude, as the first ever female to be a feature fight on HBO, and we know that fans will gravitate to her style, and persona, in and out of the ring.”

On May 5th at the StubHub Center, Kali will enter the ring, just as she always does, in a traditional Native American display, literally carrying her Native American pride on her sleeve. However, with this entrance, history will be made. Kali aims to upset the apple cart, defeat Braekhus and secure the four most prestigious championships in the sport (IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC), which are all held by the women considered to be the best boxer in the world today, the undefeated, undisputed welterweight champion, Cecilia Braekhus. With a win, Kali will immediately establish herself as one of the greatest decorated female boxers of all time.
Braekhus vs Reis is the co-feature bout to the main event of Golovkin vs Martirosyan airing on HBO, May 5th, live from the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

ORANGE, Calif. (April 29, 2018) – Giovani Santillan (24-0, 14 KOs) made a compelling case for a world title shot opportunity by knocking out Alejandro Barboza (11-2, 7 KOs) in the second round Friday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

With the win, Santillan retains the WBO NABO welterweight title and could conceivably climb from his No. 5 ranking. It was Santillan’s second successful title defense – both by knockout – since winning the belt by second round stoppage over Sammy Valentin in Valentin’s hometown of Tampa, Fla. last July.

“I told everyone that I was going to finish this fight early and that’s what I did,” Santillan said. “I normally don’t predict knockouts, but I’m fighting with such confidence right now that I think I can beat anyone in the welterweight division.”

The shot that ended it all – a crushing left hook to the body in the second round that crippled Barboza (2:33 mark). Since moving up to welterweight for the Valentin fight, Santillan has three early knockout wins on his resume. The southpaw from San Diego, Calif. is settling in nicely in what is perhaps boxing’s most loaded division.

“My punches are definitely stronger at 147,” said Santillan, who has been with Thompson Boxing since the early days of his career. “After the first round I knew I would be able to knock out Barboza. I was able to push him around basically. When I saw the midsection open up in the second round, I went for it.”

In the “Locked n’ Loaded” co-feature, Saul Sanchez (8-0, 4 KOs) of Pacoima, Calif. delivered an excellent performance in picking apart Florida’s Sam Rodriguez (5-3, 3 KOs) through 6-rounds. Sanchez, trained by Joel Diaz, won by lopsided unanimous decision with scores: 59-55 x2, 60-54.

Sanchez, 20, put his entire skill set on display by fighting off his front foot for the majority of the fight, routinely connecting on two and three punch combinations.

“I felt like I could land a combination whenever I wanted,” said Sanchez, who signed with Thompson Boxing earlier this year. “I found the angles every round and I know I hurt him a few times. I could tell he was tired. He was just trying to finish the fight.”

In the early rounds, Sanchez found success going to the body with a strong left hook. In the fourth, Sanchez went on the offensive and punched Rodriguez onto the ropes numerous times. At the point, the fight had been decided in Sanchez’s favor.

Lightweight George Acosta (5-0, 1 KO) of South Whittier, Calif. registered the first knockout win of his career over Bryan Santiago Tovar (0-2) of Mexico. Acosta scored the stoppage victory at the 1:23 mark of the second round.

Acosta, who recently signed with Thompson Boxing, was credited with a knockdown in the first round, but it appeared more like a slip than a legitimate drop. Nevertheless, Acosta came out with fire in his eyes in the second. He pushed Tovar back with an active jab and uncorked a series of strong shots to the head that caused Tovar to take a knee.

Referee Raul Caiz, Jr. examined Tovar and made the right call in ending the fight at that moment.

Super bantamweight Jonah Flores (4-0) of Riverside, Calif. out boxed the slower Neri Garcia (1-1) to win by unanimous decision, 40-36 all around. Flores bounced in-and-out of the pocket throughout the four round fight, doubling up the left hook, while covering up nicely when Garcia tried to go on the attack.

Opening the “Locked n’ Loaded” event was middleweights Louie Lopez (2-0, 1 KO) of Corona, Calif. and Jared Ejigu (0-3) of Pasadena, Calif. Lopez, standing at 5’9″, had a distinct size disadvantage compared to Ejigu’s 6’4″ frame.

The height difference, however, didn’t play a role, as Lopez was able to cut the distance and land strong shots to the head and body. The knockout never materialized, but Lopez did score a sweep of the scorecards (40-36 x3) to win by unanimous decision.

Thompson Boxing Promotions returns for its 18th Year Anniversary show on Friday, May 11 from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. A formal announcement is coming soon.

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.

Louisville, KY (April 28, 2018) The highly anticipated Opening Round of the ‘Jose Sulaiman World Invitational Welterweight Tournament’ produced a night of fireworks as fans at the KFC YUM! Center and those watching around the world on the SportsLive OTT service, BoxNation, and other international outlets were treated to a sensational night of world-class boxing presented by Evander Holyfield’s The Real Deal Boxing.

“It was a memorable evening of boxing with four valiant fighters moving on to the second round and a terrific undercard to compliment the opening round of the tournament,” said Holyfield. “I can’t wait to see how the next round plays out.”

In a resounding upset, #1 seeded Felix Diaz, (19-3-0, 9 KO’s), was beaten by #8 seeded Francisco ‘Chia Santana, (27-6-1, 12 KO’s) by majority decision in their ten-round bout. Scores were 95-95, 96-94, 98-92, 98-92 and 98-92 as five judges were used per the initiatives set forth by the tournament organizers. Santana proved to be the aggressor throughout the fight as Diaz was in retreat and unable to mount a consistent office. Santana may have fate on his side as he actually began the tournament as an alternate, and was elevated into the first round when Derrieck Cuevas was forced to withdraw a few weeks earlier.

Seeded #2 in the tournament, South Africa’s Chris van Heerden, (26-2-1, 12 KO’s), returned to battle with a dominant ten round unanimous decision over #7 seeded Germany’s Timo Schwarzkopf, (18-2-0, 10 KO’s). Scores were 98-92, 98-92, 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93. Van Heerden was sharp and extremely active, showing no signs of ring rust despite 18 months of having fights fall out.

Fighting out of Ghana, #3 ranked Fredrick Lawson, (27-1-0, 21 KO’s), scored a convincing 10-round unanimous decision over #6 ranked Baishanbo Nasiywula, (13-1-1, 6 KO’s) of China. Scores from the five judges were 99-91, 96-94, 98-92, 97-93 and 97-93. Lawson pressed the action throughout and landed the cleaner shots, but credit is due to Nasiyiwula who didn’t arrive into the country until Thursday afternoon after a 14-hour flight because of visa issues.

In the fourth quarterfinal matchup, Brad Solomon, of Douglasville, Georgia improved to 28-2-0, 9 KO’s), with a ten-round decision over Paddy Gallagher, (13-4-0, 8 KO’s) of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Gallagher scored a knockout in the first stanza, but Solomon was able to take control of the fight in the middle rounds enroute to a ten-round split decision with scores of 97-93, 97-94, 95-94, 95-94 and 96-93. Gallagher was winning the bout at the midway point as the scores were announced thanks to the tournament’s Open Scoring feature, and that was enough to push Solomon into an extra gear to mount an impressive comeback.

The semi-finals will feature Francisco Santana vs. Brad Solomon and Chris van Heerden vs. Fredrick Lawson. Real Deal Sports & Entertainment expects to formally announce the date and location in the next few weeks.

In a clash between tournament alternates, unbeaten Sergey Lubkovich (8-0, 6 KOs) won an ugly ten round majority decision over Karim Mayfield (21-5-1, 11 KOs). Four of the five judges scored it for Lubkovich.

Among the positive initiatives implemented in the tournament was the use of five judges for scoring which was a strong success in the tabulation for the victors. Additionally, the open scoring proved very beneficial to Brad Solomon who had suffered an earlier knockdown, leading to a surging come-from-behind victory. The use of instant replay also played a major factor to confirm that a cut suffered in the van Heerden/Schwarzkopf fight was due to a headbutt.

A wealth of undefeated and notable prospects fought on the undercard. Popular and undefeated female WBC International Super Featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner (6-0, 4 KO’s), won a six round split decision over Kirstie Simmons, (8-4, 2 KO’s). Scoring was 59-55, 58-55 and 56-58.

Heavy handed cruiserweight Joshua Temple, (6-0, 5 KO’s) scored a first round knockout of Muhammad Abdullah, (2-1-1, 1 KO). Temple looked extremely confident and looks to be on the fast-track to stardom.

Top junior middleweight prospect JaNelson Bocachica headed to double-digit wins (10-0-0, 7 KO’s) with a violent first-round knockout (2:49) over Pablo Sanchez, (10-3-0, 5 KO’s). Bocachica is expected to be on The Real Deal Boxing’s June 9th event in Brooklyn for Puerto Rican Day in New York City.

In his long awaited pro debut, popular, former local amateur standout Trevis Burgos stopped undefeated and local cross-town rival Yunior Valdez (3-1-0, 0 KO’s) in the fourth (2:55) and final stanza of their welterweight clash.

Also fighting out of Louisville, junior lightweight Carlos Dixon, (3-0-0, 1 KO) dropped Aaron Hollis, (5-5-0, 2 KO’s), in the second round enroute to a six round unanimous decision in the junior lightweight division. The fan-favorite Dixon took a big step-up in competition and had the hometown on their feet the entire bout, dropping a resilient Hollis in the second and never taking his foot off the gas.

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Websites: www.TheRealDealBoxing.com, www.WBCBoxing.com, www.KFCYumCenter.com

Follow all the action ringside from The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia as Jessie Magdaleno defends the WBO Super Bantamweight title against Isaac Dogboe.  The action kicks off at 7 PM ET with a heavyweight bout featuring Philadelphian’s Bryant Jennings and Joey Dawejko.  The co-feature will pit super middleweights Jesse Hart against Demond Nicholson

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Round 1 Dogboe working the body..Left to body from Magdaleno..counter left..LEFT AND BIG COMBINATION..DOWN GOES DOGBOE..Straight left drives Digboe back..Straight left wobbles Dogboe..Hard combination

Round 2 Right from Dogboe..Flush right..Body shot..

Round 3 Body shot from Dogboe..Left to body from Magdaleno..Combination..Body shot from Dogboe

Round 4 Left from Dogboe..Right..left to body..Hard combination..Jab from Magdaleno..Straight right..Right..Jab from Magdaleno

Round 5 HUGE COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES MAGDALENO,,Dogboe all over Magdaleno.. Magdaleno lands a hard right hook.  Dogboe swarming and landing all over the ring

Round 6 Straight right from Dogboe…Right hook from Magdaleno..Left from Dogboe..left from Magdaleno..Hard right from Dogboe

Round 7 Action heating up again..Magdaleno lands a left,,right from Dogboe,,another right..Straight right..Right..left and an uppercut..Good counter left from Magdaleno..Straight left

Round 8  Right from Dogboe..Counter left from Magdaleno..Left..right hook

Round 9 Body shot from Magdaleno..Right from Dogboe..Hard left from Magdaleno..Left from Digboe..Left from Magdaleno

Round 10 Right hook from Magdaleno..left..Hard right from Dogboe..Hard flurry on ropes..Another flush right..Right and right to body..Left from Magdaleno

Round 11 Left to body from Magdalwno.right from Dogboe…HARD BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES MAGDALENO…4 hard body shots from Dogboe…HUGE BODY SHOT AND DOWN GOES MAGDALENO…FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Left to body from Nicholason..right from Hart..Right from Nicholson..Jab..Jan from Hart..Uppercut..Huge right wobbles Hart at the bell

Round 2 Counter right from Nicholason..Hard jab..Uppercut from Hart..

Round 3  Uppercut from Hart..RIGHT HAND AND DOWN GOES NICHOLSON..Uppercut from Hart..Jab..2 left hooks..RIGHT OVER TOP AND DOWN GOES NICHOLSON..2 hard rights

Round 4  Hart land a left on the inside.  Straight right..Triple left hook..2 body shots..Right from Nicholson

Round 5 Jab from Nicholson..Right from Hart…Clipping right

Round 6 Left from Nicholson….2 Hard lefts from Hart..2 rights..Uppercut from Nicholson and another

Round 7 Jab from Hart…6 HUGE PUNCHES AND DOWN GOES NICHOLSON..THE FIGHT IS STOPPED

Round 1 Jennings jabbing..Right from Dawejko..Right to body from Jennings..Left to body from Dawejko..Right from Jennings..

Round 2 Jab from Jennings..Right …Right from Dawejko..Right to body from Jennings..Jab from Dawejko..Jab..Dawejko warned for low blow..Flush right from Jennings

Round 3 Jennings jabbing..Dawejko lands a left to body and a right..Uppercut..Left hook and combination from Jennings..Left to body from Dawejko..

Round 4 Right from Dawejko..Jab..Left hook from Jennings..Right to body from Dawejko..jab.2 body shots from Jennings….hard right..Left to body from Dawejko..Trading body shots..Jennings lands a low blow//2 lefts from Dawejko …Right from Jennings

Round 5 Jab from Jennings..Left from Dawejko..Body shot from Jennings..Combinaton..Left hook from Dawejko..3 jabs..Jab from Jennings..Body shot..Hard right

Round 6 Left to body from Dawejko..Quick combination from Jennings

Round 7 2 body shots from Dawejko..Body/Uppercut from Jennings..Right to body from Dawejko..Body work..Uppercut from Jennings..Straight to body

Round 8 3 Punch combination from Jennings..left to body from Dawejko..Blood from Nostril of Dawejko..

Round 9 Right to body from Dawejko..Left to body..Flush right from Jennings..2 body shots from Dawejko

Round 10 Left to body from Jennings..Left to body from Dawejko..3 hook from Jennings..Body work from Dawejko..Right from Jennings..Left hook..Combination

JENNINGS WINS 98-92 ON ALL CARDS

PHILADELPHIA–Isaac Dogboe got off the deck from a 1st round knockdown to comeback and score 3 knockdowns of his own and captured the WBO Super Bantamweight title with an 11th round stoppage over Jessie Magdaleno in a battle previously undefeated fighters at The Liacaouras Center.

Magdaleno struck 1st as in round one, he floored Dogboe with big combination that followed a flush straight left.  Dogboe steadied himself and began to win rounds and get back into the fight.  He drew even in round five, when he landed a perfect counter right that sent Magdaleno to the canvas.  Magdaleno took punishment throughout the balance of the round and the momentum was trending towards Dogboe.

The fight was close heading into the championship rounds, but Dogboe made sure no judges were needed as he dropped Magdaleno with a thudding body shot that sent Magdaleno to the canvas.  A left hook to the head ended things as Magdaleno went t the deck for a 3rd and final time, and the bout was waved off at 1:38.

Dogboe, 121.1 kbs of Accra, GHA is now 19-0 with 13 knockouts.  Magdaleno, 122 lbs of Las Vegas is 25-1.

Jesse Hart stopped Demond Nicholson in round seven of their scheduled 10 round super middleweight.

In round three, Hart scored two knockdowns.  The 1st coming from an overhand right.  The 2nd came from a right on top of the head.

In round seven, Hart landed six big punches while sending Nicholson across the ring and eventually on the canvas.  Nicholson argues with referee Shawn Clark.  Nicholson got yo his feet, but clark waved off the bout at 2:26.

Hart, 167.8 lbs of Philadelphia is 24-1 with 20 knockouts.  Nicholson, 167.6 lbs of Laurel, MD is now 18-3-1.

In a battle of Philadelphia based heavyweights, former world title challenger Bryant Jennings won a 10-round unanimous decision over Joey Dawejko.

Jennings, 225.6 lbs won by scores of 98-92 on all cards and is now 23-2.  Dawejko, 233 lbs is 19-5-4.

Shakur Stevenson stopped Patrick Riley in round two of their scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

Stevenson dropped Riley with a straight left in round two, and then finished him off with a flurry, and the bout was stopped at 1:35.

Stevenson, 125.7 lbs of Newark, NJ is 6-0 with 3 knockouts.  Riley, 124.6 lbs of Dallas, GA is 12-1.

Robson Conceicao won a six-round unanimous decision over Alex Rynn Torres in a super featherweight bout.

Conceicao, 130.5 lbs of Bahia, BRA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards is now 7-0.  Torres, 130.6 lbs of Calgary, CAN is 6-2.

Christian Carto remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Edwin Rodriguez in a bantamweight bout.

Carto, 118.7 lbs of Philadelphia win by scores of 78-74 and 77075 twice, and is now 15-0.  Rodriguez, 118 lbs of Ponce, PR is 8-5-1.

Kent Cruz and Mohamed Rodriguez fought to a split draw in a eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Veruz took a card 78-75.  Rofriguez took a card 77-75, and a 3rd card read event at 76-76.

Cruz, 141.7 lbs of St. Louis is now 14-0-1.  Rodriguez, 143.5 lbs of San Luis Potosi, MX is 11-4-1.

Joseph Adorno took out Jorge Padron in the 1st round of their scheduled six-round super featherweight bout.

Adorno landed a hard right to the body that sent Padron to a knee for the ten-count at 1:11 of round two.

Adorno, 132.6 lbs of Allentown, PA is 7-0 with 7 knockouts.  Padron, 131.8 lbs of Agua Prieta, MX is 3-2.

Marcel Rivers stopped Ronald Logan in the 2nd round of their scheduled four-round junior middleweight bout.

Rivers chased Logan around the ring, and the fighters got tangled.  Logan feel and seem to hurt his foot and he could not continue at 49 seconds.

Rivers, 150.1 lbs of Philadelphia is 5-0 with 4 knockouts.  Logan, 153.5 lbs of New York is 0-3.

BROOKLYN, NY (April 28th, 2018) – TONIGHT, undefeated junior welterweight prospect Julian Sosa (11-0-1, 4 KOs) will look for his 12th win without a loss when he takes on veteran Larry Ventus in a bout scheduled for six-round at Barclays Center.

The bout will be part of the non-televised undercard of an HBO World Championship Boxing® doubleheader that is headlined by former middleweight world champion Daniel Jacobs taking on Maciej Sulecki.

Sosa of Brooklyn is eager to perform in front of the hometown fans.

“Everything is good. Weight was not a problem for me. I am ready to put on a great performance,” said the 22 year-old Sosa, who checked in at a ready 142.2 pounds at Friday’s weigh in.

Sosa did his homework on Ventus, who is riding a three-bout winning streak, which includes a win over undefeated Giorgi Gelashvili (5-0).

“I have seen a few fights of him online. I studied him, and what I saw is that he is a boxer who stays on his toes. He is strong and reacts off of his feet. I am aware that he has a sneaky right hand, and this could be similar to my last fight (which was a 3rd round stoppage over 9-1 Wilmer Rodriguez on March 10). I will focus on the body, and capitalize off of his mistakes.”

Sosa continues to up his competition, and Sosa is preparing accordingly with each fight.

“My camp continues to push me to a higher level with each camp. I was looking to fight someone with a better record for this fight, but they did not want to take the fight. Ventus did, and I feel that I am ready for those who did not take the fight. But first I have to win on Saturday.”

Besides his undefeated record, Sosa is one of the biggest ticket draws in the boxing rich city of New York, Sosa appreciates all of his supporters, and on Saturday night, he will look to reward them with a great performance.

“I appreciate my fans. For this fight, I sold in upwards of 500 tickets, and It seems to grow for each fight. That motivates me. The support and the cheers that I hear when I win, means so much to me. It makes me proud that I can make my fans proud, and I want to keep on growing, and I feel that I am progressing with each fight. Saturday night will be another amazing night in my career. This will not be a fight that I don’t want my fans to miss.”

“I am looking forward to this fight for Julian” said his manager Felipe Gomez. “Julian is fighting a veteran who has fought just about everyone. He needs these types of fights to help build his experience and confidence in the ring. He has a huge following and support from his family and friends. He is what I call my “Canelo project”. There is no rush with him because he is young, still in school and if he is managed and promoted properly he can become a superstar and great fighter like Canelo.”

www.elmatadormanagement.com

Devis Caceres 167 vs. Bruno Sandoval 167
Damian Vazquez 113.5 vs. Luis Golindano 113.5
Maryan Salazar 108 vs. Joselyn Casilla 106
Kye Brooks 220 vs. Eduardo Vitela 249
Donovan Estrella 138 vs. Daniel Roman 142
Sebastian Diaz 132 vs. Juan Pineda 135
Brandon Jiménez 125 vs. Luis Diaz 125
José Luis Zúñiga vs. 154 vs. Jesus Morales 152
Pedro Hernandez 125 vs. Anthony de Jesús 125
Edwing Davila 125 vs. TBA
Issac Avelar 122 vs. TBA
Rogelio Flores 147 vs. TBA

Promoter: Sugar Promotions
Venue: Plaza de Toros San Marcos
Stadium View Network
Facebook Live Stream: Canal 26 en Vivo
Live Stream: Fite.tv
First Fight Starts at 8:00 p.m CT

Saturday’s World Champion Boxing® telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening the telecast from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York is undefeated Jarrell Miller taking on Johann Duhaupas in 12-round heavyweight tilt.

In the main event former middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs will face Maciej Sulecki in a 12-round bout.

Official Weights from Brooklyn:

Daniel Jacobs: 159.6 lbs.

Maciej Sulecki: 159.2 lbs

Jarrell Miller: 304.4 lbs

Johann Duhaupas: 244.2 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #JacobsSulecki

VERONA, N.Y. (April 27, 2018): Diego De La Hoya (20-0, 9 KOs), the quick-handed super bantamweight contender of Mexicali, Mexico, will defend his NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles against Jose “Sugar” Salgado (35-4-2, 28 KOs) of Cozumel, Mexico in the 10-round main event of the June 8 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The event will take place during the International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, where legendary fighters such as “Dr. Ironfist” Vitali Klitschko, Erik “El Terrible” Morales, and Ronald “Winky” Wright will be inducted, along with important figures in the sport of boxing such as Peter Kohl, Steve Albert, Jim Gray and Lorraine Chargin.

ESPN2 will air the fights at a delayed start time of 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights the following day at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will steam the fights live beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

De La Hoya is an undefeated contender who has built a stellar resume since turning professional in 2013. The 23-year-old will return after his most significant victory yet when he defeated former IBF Bantamweight World Champion Randy “El Matador” Caballeroon the HBO-televised undercard of Canelo vs. Golovkin in Sept. 2017. De La Hoya is eager to produce another exciting victory to demonstrate that he is ready for bigger and more lucrative fights.

“I’m delighted that Golden Boy Promotions and my manager Joel De La Hoya have given me the opportunity to return to the ring on June in Verona,” said Diego De La Hoya. “I’m enthusiastic because it will take place during Hall of Fame weekend where I hope to one day be inducted like my cousin and promoter Oscar De La Hoya. I promise an exciting fight and to walk away with my hand raised in victory because I’m ready for bigger things.”

Salgado is a former world title challenger who fought to a controversial technical draw against former WBC Super Flyweight Champion Carlos “Principe” Cuadras. The 28-year-old Mexican contender will move up to test the young fighter with an aggressive style that is backed by years of boxing experience.

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Jose Salgado. “I’m preparing for this fight with the clear goal of fighting for a world title after. I totally respect my opponent because he’s a great fighter who is very skilled. However, I’ll do my best to win so I can fulfill my dream of becoming a world champion.”

The undercard for this action-packed card will be announced shortly.

De La Hoya vs. Salgado is a 10-round super bantamweight fight for the NABF and NABO Super Bantamweight Titles presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Don Chargin & Paco Presents.The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, June 8, 2018 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. ESPN2 will air the fights at a delayed start time of 12:30 a.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights the following day at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. ESPN3 will steam the fights live beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend is packed with a series of events starting Thursday, June 7 until the induction ceremony on Sunday, June 10. The weekend kicks off on Thursday with the opening bell ringing and ringside lectures on the museum grounds. Friday, June 8 will feature another series of lectures preceding the celebrity fist casting, followed by the highly anticipated Fight Night, broadcasted live from Turning Stone. Saturday, June 9 will showcase a golf tournament, a 5K race, another series of lectures, a boxing autograph card show, a VIP “Gala” and the Banquet of Champions at 8:00p.m. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with the Parade of Champions and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 2:30p.m. Click here to see the full schedule.

Host of the June 8 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 26th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this matchup go on sale Tuesday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. ET, and are available from $34 and $85 for the first two rows ringside, $70 for remaining ringside seats and all others priced at $49, $45 and $39 plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for June 8 must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

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

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

Arthur Abraham (46-6, 30 KOs) and Patrick Nielsen (29-2, 14 KOs) both made weight today ahead of their crunch super middleweight clash for the WBO International title tomorrow night at the Baden Arena in Offenburg, Germany.

The former two-weight World Champion and his Danish stable-mate are both looking to revive their World title ambitions. The winner will be positioned for a World title eliminator, while the loser will be forced to reassess their career.

WBO International Super Middleweight Championship:
Arthur Abraham: 76.2 kg
Patrick Nielsen: 76.2 kg*

* Nielsen makes weight on second attempt

An action-packed undercard at the Baden Arena features German light heavyweight prospect Leon Bunn, professional debutant and hotly tipped amateur talent Abass Baraou, Dutch crossover star Nieky Holzken and Norwegian cruiserweight Kai Robin Havnaa.

Light Heavyweight – 8 Rounds:
Leon Bunn: 80.5 kg
Tomas Adamek: 80.5 kg

Super Middleweight – 8 Rounds:
Nieky Holzken: 76.8 kg
Bernard Donfack: 77.7 kg

Super Welterweight – 6 Rounds:
Abass Baraou: 69.5 kg
Artur Mueller: 67.6 kg

Cruiserweight – 8 Rounds:
Kai Robin Havnaa: 90.0 kg
Frank Bluemle: 91.0 kg

Super Lightweight – 6 Rounds:
Andranik Hakobyan: 67.6 kg
Zoltan Szabo: 64.2 kg

Super Middleweight – 6 Rounds:
James Kraft: 76.2 kg
Marco Miano: 73.5 kg

Super Featherweight – 4 Rounds:
Alshawa Abdulwahab: 57.8 kg
Rolan Petrovics: 59.8 kg

All the action will be available to watch live on Sport1 in Germany, TV3+ in Denmark and Viasport + in Norway. Limited tickets are still available online via www.eventime.de.

The IBF granted Gennady Golovkin an excpetion to defend his two other middleweight title on May 5th against Vanes Martirosyan, but he must face mandatory challenger Sergey Derevyanchenk in 90 days, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“A majority of the directors determined that the exception to regulations should be granted to Gennady Golovkin with the following conditions,” Peoples wrote.

And then he outlined the four terms under which the exception was granted.

Golovkin-Martirosyan must take place on or before May 5, 2018.

Golovkin must agree in writing before the fight that he will next fight the IBF middleweight mandatory within 90 days of the May 5 bout or by Friday, Aug. 3, 2018.

Golovkin must agree in writing before the May 5 fight “to indemnify, hold harmless and otherwise reimburse the IBF for any legal fees or other expenses related to the granting of this exception, including, but not limited to, the cost attendant to any resultant litigation.”

Golovkin must “comply with all of the conditions set forth in the granting of this exception” or formal sanction won’t be issued for the May 5 bout.

“We said all along that we didn’t care if Golovkin walked into the ring with IBF title on May 5. What was at issue was what happens after that,” DiBella told ESPN. “We made it clear that as long as GGG was ordered to fight Derevyanchenko immediately after the May 5 fight that was OK and that is what the IBF ruled.

“Golovkin isn’t defending his IBF belt against Vanes and they’re not sanctioning the fight with Vanes, but they are also not stripping Golovkin either. But GGG has to begin negotiations with us immediately thereafter and then fight Derevyanchenko within 90 days. There are no other exceptions. That’s what we wanted the IBF to say.”

Tom Loeffler said he was not sure what Golovkin would decide to do. “Gennady is training for a fight on May 5, so haven’t spoken to him about this approval of the exception yet,” Loeffler said. “So when I see him in fight week I’ll discuss it with him.”

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 27, 2018) – For the ninth year, B. Riley FBR, Inc. will present the annual “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night on Wednesday, May 23 at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Actor and comedian Bill Bellamy will return as host of the star-studded exclusive event that will feature first-class entertainment, four action-packed live fights presented by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, and a live & silent auction display featuring iconic memorabilia and one-of-a-kind items and experiences.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation and their mission to fund life-changing research, care and awareness for pediatric type 1 & 2 diabetes, and to help children live healthier lives through diet and exercise.

The live fights presented by Golden Boy Promotions will feature Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (7-0, 7 KOs) of Glendora, Calif. in a six-round super featherweight fight and Irish pugilist Aaron “Silencer” McKenna (3-0, 2 KOs) in a six-round welterweight fight. Rommel Caballero (0-0-1) will compete in a four-round clash in the 130-pound division, while Oscar Acevedo (2-0) will participate in a four-round super featherweight battle.

Additionally, the evening will honor multi-talented actor, comedian, and committed philanthropist, Cedric “The Entertainer” with the 2018 Golden Glove Award. The award in part will acknowledge his numerous charitable endeavors spanning more than 15 years, which have enhanced the lives of inner-city youth and their families nationally. More specifically, in-theme with the evening’s purpose, the Golden Glove Award will be presented in recognition of Cedric’s work with Step On Up™ – an educational program, developed by Pfizer Inc. in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, encouraging awareness, proactivity, and medical screenings among the 29 million people in the U.S. living with diabetes who also experience diabetic nerve pain (aka DPN – Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy). Diabetic nerve pain is a shooting, burning or stabbing pain in their feet or hands – a condition that affects one in five people living with diabetes.

Since 2014, the charismatic funnyman has been motivating Americans who suffer from these serious conditions to step up and talk to their doctors and medical professionals. “Tell them Cedric Sent You,” his effective rallying call, has found its way into American lexicon. Cedric’s inspiration for lending his voice to the worthy cause is personal in origin,ignited when his father,who is living with type 2 diabetes, began experiencing diabetic nerve pain.

The Ninth Annual “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night is presented by B. Riley FBR, Inc., a leading investment bank which provides corporate finance, research, and sales and trading to corporate, institutional and high net worth individual clients.

A media alert with further information on the fight card and attendees will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.sugarrayleonardfdn.org/ticket-sales.

About Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation
The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation was established in 2009 by boxing legend and six-time world champion Sugar Ray Leonard and his wife, Bernadette. The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation is committed to funding research and care for pediatric type 1 & 2 diabetes and creates awareness for both diseases. The Foundation also strives to help children live healthier lives through diet and exercise.

Type 1 diabetes strikes both children and adults at any age. It comes on suddenly, causes dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Type 2 diabetes in children is on the rise, fueled largely by the obesity epidemic.

Leonard draws from his personal experience and boxing career to provide inspiration for funding research to combat the disease. For more information, visit www.sugarrayleonardfdn.org, like and follow on twitter at @SugarRayLeonard and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SugarRayLeonard6.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo, Canelo vs. Golovkin and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Instagram and Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing and like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing.

About B. Riley FBR, Inc.
B. Riley FBR, Inc. is a leading investment bank which provides corporate finance, research and sales and trading to corporate, institutional and high net worth individual clients. Investment banking services include initial secondary and follow-on offerings, institutional private placements and merger and acquisitions advisory services. The firm is nationally recognized for its highly ranked proprietary equity research.

B. Riley Financial, Inc. is a publicly traded, diversified financial services company which takes a collaborative approach to the capital raising and financial advisory needs of public and private companies and high net worth individuals. The Company operates through several wholly-owned subsidiaries, including B. Riley FBR, Inc., Wunderlich Securities, Inc., Great American Group, LLC, B. Riley Capital Management, LLC (which includes B. Riley Asset Management, B. Riley Wealth Management, and Great American Capital Partners, LLC) and B. Riley Principal Investments, a group that makes proprietary investments in other businesses, such as the acquisition of United Online, Inc

An illness has forced Liam Smith to postpone his WBO Super-Welterweight World Title challenge against Sadam Ali, scheduled for May 12th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

WBO number one contender Smith, 29, is attempting to regain the 154lb crown that he lost against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in September 2016, and is hopeful that a new date can be scheduled as soon as possible.

“I’m bitterly disappointed that I have been forced to postpone my fight with Sadam Ali to a later date,” said Smith. “A recent illness has severely impacted on my training schedule, leaving me with no choice but to postponed the May 12th date.

“I’ve been out of training for eight days. We’re not sure exactly what was wrong with me but it appears to be some sort of allergic reaction. I’m not injured and I’m hoping that the fight can be rescheduled quickly.

“I’m gutted for Ali and all of the fans that were looking forward to watching the fight. I’d like to thank Golden Boy promotions and my promoter Frank Warren for working on a new date for the fight.

“Ali is a World class fighter and I need to be fully prepared for when I step in the ring with him. I want to give the fans a fight to remember.”

Further details on a rescheduled date for Ali v Smith will be announced in due course.

Long Island, New York, April 27, 2018

There was a time when the club boxing scene flourished in the state of New York. Dating back to the golden age of boxing, these club shows built fighters in the same weight division to eventually meet in the ultimate showdown for “Bragging Rights.”

On Friday, June 8, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing turns back the clock, with the 31st edition of Rockin’ Fights at The Paramount. Headlining the event in a junior welterweight tilt, will be local hero’s, Long Island’s own, ANTHONY “SHOWTIME” KARPERIS (15-3 5KO’s) against Queens native, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (15-1-1 6KO’s) in a “Battle For The Paramount”.

Both Karperis and Gonzalez are no strangers to the Rockin’ Fights series at The Paramount. Karperis returns for his fifth consecutive Rockin’ Fights main event, coming out victorious in his last opportunity, against tough Nicaraguan, Nelson Lara. This will be Karperis’ seventeenth fight at The Paramount going back to 2012. During his tenure at the great Long Island venue, Karperis earned himself the New York State Super Lightweight Title in 2016.

Gonzalez will step into the ring in June, looking to remain undefeated at his home away from home. A victory would make it eight consecutive wins at The Paramount, the last coming in March against Juan de la cruz Rodriguez by way of TKO. This will be the first headliner for Gonzalez.

Karperis is known for his agility and hand speed, creating angles to break down his opponents. “Showtime” has proven to use this agility to his advantage, taking down the likes of prospects Scott Burrell, Ariel Duran and fellow Long Islander, Alan Gotay.

Gonzalez is a true New York boxer, who is not afraid to slug it out. Continuing his busy year, this will be Gonzalez’s fourth fight in as much time, previously taking out the likes of Samuel Amoako and Jerome Rodriguez. “El Gallo” knows a win at The Paramount will help him take the next step in his career.

Karperis had these comments about the importance of this fight,”I’m very excited to be celebrating my 30th birthday on the same night as my 20th professional fight. My preparation and skill will be well on display on June 8th, as I secure a victory on this special night and take the next step in my career.”

Gonzalez, himself, had this to say of the upcoming bout, “I am very excited for this oppurtunity. You will see the best Danny Gonzalez you have ever seen on June 8th. I want to thank my coaching and management team for getting me this opportunity.”

“Rockin’ Fights 31” brings together two New York based fighters, in a “Battle For The Paramount.” The arena in which both men have gone to war, time and time again. However this time, on June 8th, only one can be crowned the true king of The Paramount.

Star Boxing President, Joe DeGuardia had these remarks on the main event, “Both Anthony Karperis and Danny Gonzalez have grown large followings at The Paramount, and I know this is a fight that Long Island fans want to see. There is nothing like a good, old-fashioned neighborhood brawl to kick the summer off. Karperis impressed in his last main event in March, and Danny, fighting in his first main event, has shown that he does not shy away from the bright lights. This is a true, gritty, Long Island fight, and one you will not want to miss.”
GET YOUR TICKETS TO ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 31 TODAY!
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Long Island’s own, ANTHONY “SHOWTIME” KARPERIS returns to The Paramount for his fifth consecutive main event, against Queens native, DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ looking for his eighth consecutive win at The Paramount. On June 8th, both men will enter the ring, but only one can win the battle for The Paramount.

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For a quarter century, Star Boxing keeps on swinging! Star Boxing has consistently delivered boxing events of the highest caliber and attracts loyal fans from all corners of the globe. From the Antonio Tarver – Roy Jones trilogy to the meteoric rise of Chris Algieri and Joe Smith Jr. from the Rockin’ Fights Paramount Series, Star Boxing continues to work with and develop world rated contenders and red hot prospects into future world champions. Star Boxing is revered worldwide throughout the industry for its credibility, integrity, and exciting fights.

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Since Opening in September 2011, The Paramount has become a top live entertainment venue. Located in Huntington, Long Island, New York; The Paramount – in concert with TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® – hosts a variety of concerts, comedy, boxing and other special events. Booked by Live Nation and utilizing Ticketmaster ticketing; The Paramount hosts an average of 200 events per year. In less than 5 years since opening, The Paramount has quickly established itself as the premier live venue on Long Island – the 20th largest U.S. media market (*2.5M HH-Arbitron: Nassau/Suffolk MSA). Pollstar Magazine ranked The Paramount as the #11 club venue worldwide (*Att. Q3 ’15). With almost 70k+ Facebook fans & 10k+ Twitter followers, the venue was also ranked by Billboard Magazine as the “23rd Hottest Club” in 2014.
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (April 27th, 2018) — Unsatisfied with her performance following a majority draw against Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes in December, Natasha Spence reached the kind of “go big, or go home” moment that usually occurs when a fighter hits a crossroad in his or her career.

The Ontario-born welterweight needed a change of scenery, so she called upon her former trainer / manager, Philadelphia’s Brian Cohen, a well-known boxing lifer lauded for his work with some of the world’s most successful female fighters, among them Ronica Jeffrey, Alicia Napolean and Rhode Island native Kali Reis, who fights for the undisputed female welterweight world title in May.

After training at home for the first Lopes fight, well within her comfort zone, “The Nightmare” Spence (8-3-2, 6 KOs) has instead spent the last three and a half weeks in Philadelphia alongside Cohen — doing things his way — as she prepares for her Friday, May 11th, 2018 rematch with Lopes (18-4-3, 1 KO), scheduled for eight rounds at Twin River Casino in the second installment of CES Boxing’s 2018 Twin River Fight Series.

Tickets are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The event begins with preliminary bouts at 7 p.m. ET with the main card streaming on Facebook via FIGHTNIGHT LIVE beginning at 8.

Cohen had given Spence a little more leeway in the past, but that came back to haunt them following Spence’s self-described listless performance in a unanimous decision loss to Hanna Gabriels for the WBA world welterweight title in May of 2017.

“I sat down with him afterward and he said, ‘You know what? If we’re going to work together moving forward, your camp is going to have to be different,'” Spence said. “He wasn’t pleased with my performance and the stuff I was doing or not doing, so we just decided in the future if we worked together then he’d take the reins and take full control.

“I trust his opinion. I know he knows his shit just like you know he knows his shit. That’s why I’m here.”

Spence’s experience in this camp compared to her last is like night and day. Aside from being synonymous with boxing royalty, boasting legendary champions from Bernard Hopkins to Sonny Liston to Joe Frazier, the City of Brotherly Love is also notorious for the wars behind closed doors in some of the city’s most revered gyms, whether it’s the Front Street Gym or the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in South Philly, home of CES Boxing’s “Hammerin'” Hank Lundy.

“The sparring I get here is unreal,” Spence said. “I’m used to being the top dog in Canada wherever I go in terms of sparring. When I came here, I realized I was on the same level, or if not below some of the people around me, so I had to work my ass off to get up to their level.

“I feel like I’m good now, but it was a very, very rude awakening and it was necessary, very humbling. It made me up my level. I feel I stood stagnant for so many years and then I came over and was like, ‘Wow, these girls can bang. They can fight!’ It’s awesome. It’s amazing.”

Spence has even gotten in a few round with Reis, usually finishing to a “standing ovation” in the gym. She’s also had the opportunity to pick Reis’ brain on what else to expect from Lopes since Reis fought her twice in 2009 and 2010. Spence expects her month-long pilgrimage to Philadelphia to add up to a much sharper, more decisive performance the second time around on May 11th.

“What you saw in December wasn’t at all even a fraction of what you’ll see come May 11th, and I promise you that,” Spence said.

“I’m not taking anything away from Aleksandra, but I just know that wasn’t me in there and I didn’t perform to even a fraction of my ability. Even without the change I made in terms of camp and without the amazing sparring I’ve been getting, even without all of that, I still underperformed.”

Spence’s biggest regret from the first fight in December is not starting faster, which she partly attributes to mixed messages from previous training camps.

“That’s where I feel like the old ‘Nightmare,’ with the knockouts I had earlier in my career, the old ‘Nightmare’ would’ve gotten the job done,” she said. “I’ve been molded lately the past few years to get out of those habits and box and move, but I think that was a bad approach for that style of fight. I didn’t expect her to run as much and as quickly as she did, so I think starting right away, with no respect, that’s the one thing I would’ve changed and that’s one thing I will change.”

In the past, real life always collided with boxing, preventing Spence from getting the most out of her camps and realizing her full potential. Now there are no more excuses. Once the calendar flips to May, she’ll have spent nearly an entire month in Philadelphia, a long way from all the distractions, just her and her coach focusing on what she needs to do in order to change the outcome the second time around.

“I was going through some stuff in my personal life, a breakup and some family stuff, and it was one of those moments where I knew it wasn’t going to be possible, but I’m past all of that,” she said. “I’m at an amazing point in my life and I’m happy and healthy. This time, it worked out. I’m just looking forward to being the best ‘Nightmare’ anyone has ever seen, myself included.”

Also on the May 11th card, Rhode Island’s Rich Gingras (15-5-1, 9 KOs) fights for the first time since 2015 when he battles Atlantic City’s Antowyan Aikens (12-4-1, 1 KO) in a six-round super middleweight bout.

Undefeated super lightweight Anthony Marsella Jr. (8-0, 4 KOs) of Providence returns in his toughest to date, a six-round showdown against Arlington, Wash., native Ricardo Maldonado (8-7-1, 1 KO), and Sicilian heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano (14-1, 12 KOs) puts his 12-fight win streak on the line in a six-round bout against Bernardo Marquez (8-3-1, 5 KOs) of Riverside, Calif.

Also on the main card, unbeaten Worcester, Mass., native Jamaine Ortiz (8-0, 4 KOs) faces the dangerous Tyrone Luckey (9-8-3, 7 KOs) of Neptune, N.J., in a six-round lightweight bout and regional rivals Marqus Bates (3-2, 2 KOs) of Taunton, Mass., and Mohamad Allam (3-2, 1 KO) of Holyoke, Mass., battle one another in a six-round bout.

Featherweight Ricky Delossantos (4-0, 1 KO) of Pawtucket, R.I., puts his undefeated record on the line against Maryland’s James Early (3-2) in a four-round bout while cruiserweights Jake Paradise (0-1) of Worcester and Leandro Silva (0-1) of Sao Paolo, Brazil each search for their first career win when they face one another in a four-round preliminary bout.

Johnston, R.I. super lightweight Nicky DeQuattro (3-0, 1 KO) returns to Twin River to face Andy Aiello (0-1) of Bridgewater, Mass., in a four-round bout and Derrick Whitley (3-0) of Springfield, Mass., makes his Rhode Island debut in a separate four-round welterweight bout.

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

Ohara Davies makes his long-awaited return to the ring when he takes on Frenchman Christopher Sebire over ten rounds at Elland Road on May 19th.

Davies, 25, has won 16 of his 17 professional contest and will be aiming to fight his way into World Title contention after a frustrating few months. The talented Londoner has been out of the ring since his explosive sixth-round stoppage victory over Tom Farell in September.

A former English Lightweight Champion, Davies has also claimed WBC Silver and WBA International Super-Lightweight titles, and is determined to get his promising career back on track with a solid performance on the undercard of the blockbuster IBF Featherweight World Title showdown between Lee Selby and Leeds hero Josh Warrington.

“I’m itching to get back in the ring and do what I do best,” said Davies. “My last fight seems a long time ago and I’m excited to start entertaining the fans again. Selby v Warrington is a huge event and I’m grateful to my team for getting me on there.

“There’s some massive fights out there for me in the Super-Lightweight division. I’m fully focused on becoming a World Champion and that opportunity could come sooner than expected if Terry Flanagan beats Maurice Hooker for the WBO belt in Manchester on June 9th.”

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Leeds, double Olympic Champion Nicola Adams OBE fights for the fourth time as a professional as she continues to work towards a World Title shot and undefeated Super-Welterweight rivals Darren Tetley and Mason Cartwright clash for the Vacant WBO European title.

Further exciting undercard additions will be announced soon.

General admission tickets for Selby v Warrington are available from just £40 per person.

Tickets are available to purchase online via the club’s official website www.leedsunited.com and via the Leeds United Ticket Office on 0371 334 1992

Canelo Alavrez tested negative for any performance enhancing drugs on a test of his hair, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“From the beginning, Canelo has insisted that he accidentally ingested clenbuterol from eating tainted meat,” Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy Promotions, Alvarez’s promoter, told ESPN. “The fact this NSAC-required hair follicle test came back entirely negative for any traces of clenbuterol should lay to rest any suspicion that he was intentionally taking a banned substance. Canelo is looking forward to getting back into training and returning to the ring in September. He thanks all of his fans for sticking by him and believes this test proves once and for all that he is a clean fighter.”

“They found traces of clenbuterol in his system and if he was using it (to dope) there would probably still be enough in his system that it would show up in his hair,” Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya told ESPN. “We did the hair test to prove this was accidental. Canelo is telling the truth about the meat contamination and he went far and beyond what he had to do by agreeing to have this hair test done so he can keep on proving that he is an innocent fighter.

“Meat contamination is a problem in Mexico. It happened with the national soccer team and it has happened with several athletes in Mexico. I believe what Canelo wants to do now is keep proving until his career is over, 10 or 15 years from now, that he is a clean fighter and an innocent fighter and that he did not do this purposely whatsoever.”

“We initiated the test to be as comprehensive as possible but knowing it’s very difficult, according to the experts,” Bennett said. “It’s a difficult process to be able to confirm whether there is clenbuterol in the hair follicles, but I talked to (SMRTL president and laboratory director) Dr. (Michael) Eichner and he said they’d run the test even though it is even more difficult to run on light-colored hair. But we sent them the samples and the tests came back negative.”

“He will fight in September and he will continue to test and continue to abide by all the rules and regulations,” De La Hoya said.

“Canelo is ready and willing and able to do whatever the commission asks. We’re waiting to hear back from VADA on when he can start testing again. Canelo is willing to pay for the program. He is willing to do whatever it takes to clear his name, including take a lie detector test. We’re going to do one. He wants to prove he is a clean fighter.

“We first have to see what happens with Golovkin on May 5 and then we’ll take it from there, but Canelo will definitely fight in September,” De La Hoya said. “Golovkin is the priority, but we don’t know what will happen on May 5. But on our side, Canelo will fight in September.”

Atlantic City, N.J. – April 26th, 2018 – As part of the 2nd annual induction weekend, the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame presents the “ACBHOF Fight Fan Experience” which will take place on Saturday, June 2nd at The Claridge Hotel.

“The Fight Fan Experience” is a bonus for boxing fans to an already action-packed weekend that will include a Meet-And-Greet, two professional fight cards, and induction ceremonies.

“The Fight Fan Experience” includes the opportunity to rub shoulders and meet some of the legends of boxing, as well as view the Jack Johnson Exhibit, “Smokin” Joe Frazier Legacy Exist Exhibit, the great sculptures of James O’Neal and Philly Boxing History Exhibit. Fans will experience music by DJ Young Hitta, interactive activities, participation in a Pop-Up Boxing Gym, an opportunity to view and buy Icons of Boxing Memorabilia, and back by popular demand our pop-up barbershop styled by A True Gentleman’s Barber Shop Polo’s Lounge plus much more.

“The Fight Fan Experience will begin at 12 pm and run to 4 PM. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $25 for the Souvenir Package.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.acbhof.com and rooms can be booked by visiting www.claridge.com. A discounted room rate is available until April 30th by using promo code: ACBHOF.

“Last year the Fight Fan Experience was a major hit, and this year we have many more activities and displays for the great boxing fans who come through on Saturday, June 2nd,” said Ray McCline, President of the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.

“The Induction weekend is a full-plate for everyone who attends, and the “Fight Fan Experience” will deliver a great time with so many different things that it is sure to satisfy their boxing palate.

All interested sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors who would like to reserve a booth, contact the ACBHOF at (609) 318 -3188 or info@acbhof.com or acbhof@gmail.com.
The Claridge: A Raddison Hotel is a cooperate Sponsor and host venue.
A big thank you to our Sponsors: