PHILADELPHIA – Nine area photographers will each exhibit one photo highlighting local boxing action from 2017 at the 11th Annual Briscoe Awards on March 25, 2018, at the VBA Clubhouse in Philadelphia. The photos will also be judged by those attending the event to determine the “2017 Photo of the Year”. All attendees of the event will be given a ballot and asked to vote for their favorite photo from the nine selections. The photo chosen as the best of the year will win its photographer a Briscoe Award.

“This is the second year we’ve shined a spotlight on the many ring photographers who cover our local fight scene,” said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards. “I really appreciate what the photographers do and the contribution they make to our boxing scene. Their photos capture the highs and lows of the sport we love, and it is important to acknowledge that.”

The Briscoe Awards commemorate the biggest and best accomplishments of the Philly-area boxing scene. In addition to the photography award, ten other prizes will be given out in a variety of categories, including “Philly Fighter of the Year”, “Philly Fight of the Year”, “Knockout of the Year”, “Amateur of the Year”, “Rookie of the Year”, “Prospect of the Year”, and others.

Advance tickets for the March 25, 2018 Briscoe Awards cost $20 and are currently available for sale at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The $20 admission includes food, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and a souvenir program and ticket. The Briscoe Awards will be held at the VBA Clubhouse, 2733 Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy of boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

Marc Abrams PR, 1229 Chestnut Street, Apt 217, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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NEW YORK (March 21, 2018) – In a battle of two of the world’s pound-for-pound best, JORGE “El Niño de Oro” LINARES will defend his World Boxing Association (WBA) and Ring Magazine Lightweight titles against VASILIY “Hi-Tech” LOMACHENKO on Saturday, May 12, at “The World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden. Linares vs. Lomachenko will be televised live and exclusively at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream live on the ESPN App at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Golden Boy Promotions, Teiken Promotions, and Madison Square Garden, tickets will go on sale to the general public at 12 p.m. EST on Friday, March 23. Priced at $506, $406, $306, $206, $106, and $56,including facility fees,tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at ticketmaster.com and MSG.com.

“Jorge has established himself as the world’s best lightweight by taking on any and all comers over his storied career, but a win on May 12 would put him on an entirely different level,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We fully understand that Lomachenko is universally seen as the best fighter on the planet, but he’s never faced anyone with the size and skill of Jorge, and I am confident that he will retain his WBA and Ring Magazine world championships. As this fight makes clear, I’m 100 percent committed to giving fans the fights they want to see and will work with anyone to accomplish that goal.”

“This is the fight that boxing fans wanted. This will be a super fight between two of the best champions,” Linares said. “Not only will I demonstrate why I’m the best lightweight in the world, but also that I’m one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I have the speed, skill and power to win this battle. This May 12, Vasiliy Lomachenko will bow down to ‘King’ Jorge.”

“This fight marks a significant step forward for one of the greatest fighters we’ve seen, Vasiliy Lomachenko, as he goes up in weight once again to fight the best lightweight in the world, Jorge Linares,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, founder and CEO of Top Rank. “I want to thank everyone involved for making this happen, particularly Peter Nelson of HBO and the Golden Boy team, whose cooperation made this fight possible. This demonstrates that promoters and networks, when they work together for the good of everyone, can accomplish so very much.”

“We are very excited about the fight. It should be a great one. Fans from around the world have been waiting for Jorge and me to fight,” Lomachenko said. “We appreciate the work Top Rank did to put this fight together, and thanks to the television networks that helped make it happen. I am looking forward to May 12 in New York to make my debut in the big arena at Madison Square Garden.”

“Linares and Lomachenko are two of the world’s best fighters,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN’s Executive Vice President of Programming and Scheduling. “This is a prime example of the highest quality fights that will air exclusively on ESPN’s platforms through the combination of Top Rank and ESPN.”

Linares (44-3, 27 KOs), a 15-year pro from Barinas, Venezuela, is a three-weight world champion who is riding a 13-bout unbeaten streak dating back to 2012. He captured his first world title in 2007, when he scored a 10th-round stoppage over Oscar Larios to win the vacant WBC Featherweight crown. He defended that title once before moving up in weight, winning the vacant WBA Super Featherweight title on November 28, 2008, with a fifth-round TKO over Whyber Garcia.

Three stoppage defeats from 2009-2012 halted Linares’ momentum, but he has since re-established his place among the sport’s very best. He is a boxing globetrotter, as he won the WBC Lightweight world title in 2014 against Javier Prieto in Japan, and defended it against Kevin Mitchell in England and Ivan Cano in Venezuela.

After vacating the WBC Lightweight title due to injury, Linares snatched the WBA Lightweight title by traveling to enemy territory in Manchester, England, and earning a unanimous decision over Anthony Crolla on September 24, 2016. Six months later, he returned to Manchester and won a near-shutout decision over Crolla in their rematch. He last fought on January 27, scoring a wide unanimous decision win over Mercito Gesta at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

Lomachenko has already conquered the featherweight and super featherweight divisions as a professional. Now, the two-time Olympic gold medalist is ready to put the lightweight division on notice. From Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, Ukraine, Lomachenko has won seven consecutive fights by stoppage, including four consecutive corner stoppages. Last December, he forced fellow two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux to bow out following the sixth round. After the fight, Lomachenko quipped that his new nickname should be ‘No Mas-chenko.’ The Rigondeaux fight capped a 2017 in which Lomachenko earned ‘Fighter of the Year’ honors from ESPN and the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He also scored TKO victories over Jason Sosa and Miguel Marriaga that year, forcing corner stoppages in fights he was dominating.

The ‘No Mas-chenko’ legend began on November 26, 2016, when the previously unbeaten Nicholas Walters stayed on his stool following the seventh round. Lomachenko captured the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Super Featherweight title earlier that year with a one-punch, fifth-round knockout of Roman Martinez.

Lomachenko, who went an astonishing 396-1 in the amateur ranks, tied a boxing record by winning a world title in his third pro bout. On June 21, 2014, he defeated Gary Russell, Jr. for the vacant WBO Featherweight title, equaling the mark set by Thailand’s Saensak Muangsurin, who won the WBC Super Lightweight crown on July 15, 1975, with a third-round knockout of Spain’s Perico Fernandez.

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

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

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event will see Erislandy Lara, the longest reigning world champion at 154-pounds, clash with undefeated champion Jarrett Hurd in a highly anticipated 154-pound world title unification bout. The three-fight telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features Caleb Truax making the first defense of his 168-pound title against James DeGale in a rematch of their exciting first bout in December.

Williams and Gallimore will look to put themselves into the mandatory position for the IBF Junior Middleweight World Title currently held by Hurd.

Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.

The epitome of a Philadelphia fighter, Williams (24-1-1, 15 KOs) has won his last two fights after suffering the first loss of his career to Jermall Charlo in his first world title fight in 2016 on SHOWTIME. The 27-year-old Williams rebounded by stopping Joshua Conley last June before picking up a victory over former champion Ishe Smith in his most recent fight in November.

“This is going to be a really good fight on April 7,” said Williams “Gallimore has been talking a big game, but I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder, and I’ve been training like it. I think he’s going to bring out something different in me. He’s going to find out that there are different levels to this game. He’s a bit of a stalker in the ring and he’s been knocking people out. He thinks he’s a puncher, but he hasn’t really fought the level of competition that I have. I don’t care if he’s training with Buddy McGirt now, because no one can save him when he’s in that ring.”

The 29-year-old Gallimore (20-1-1, 17 KOs) has stayed active while rising up the ranks at 154-pounds and picking up four knockout victories in 2017. The Jamaican fighter, who now trains in California with Buddy McGirt, impressively stopped previously unbeaten Jeison Rosario and then once-beaten Justin DeLoach in two performances that announced his arrival as 154-pound contender.

“This is going to be my coming out year,” said Gallimore. “This is a huge opportunity to present my skills and my abilities to the world. There’s no mistaking why I’m here, and I’ll make a statement starting with ‘J-Pebbles’ Williams. I call him ‘J-Pebbles’ because he’s not a ‘J-Rock.’ He’s an average fighter. There’s nothing special about him. The best way he can prepare is to do chin pushups, because I’m going to test his chin and that’s the only thing that can protect him. I’m going to dismantle him piece-by-piece, round-by-round, and when that time comes to seek and destroy, I’m going to take him out. I’m the one they should be worried about.”

# # #

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

Beverly Hills, Calif. (March. 20, 2018) – Independent movie The Debut Premiered last week to rave reviews at the renowned First Glance Film Festival in Los Angeles.

The film which chronicles 21 year-old Shane Shapiro, a cancer survivor, desire to become a boxing manager. The movie document’s Shapiro and the unique relationship with his first fighter, middleweight Cem Kilic, one week before their professional debut.

Cem Kilic and Shane Shapiro

The film performed in front of a sold out crowd of more than 300 people, which forced the festival to move the showing of the film to a larger theater which which was The Laemmle Theater in North Hollywood.

The film finished in the top four films out of 16 entered in the festival.

“This experience of having our film shown on a big screen is beyond words. This moment is much bigger than me, this is for every one who has been touched by Cancer in some way, with a dream a desire there is No Limit to one’s success. I want to thank my family who have always been by my side and my biggest inspiration in life, my grandfather David Wiener, a holocaust survivor who inspires me everyday.” – Shane Shapiro.

The Los Angeles premiere at Shapiro’s alma mater, Beverly Hills High School will be announced shortly.

Shapiro is the Executive Producer. Matt Conrad is the director.

For more information on the movie, access www.thedebut.life

Below is the official trailer for the film.

About the First Glance Film Festival

First Glance Film Festival 2018: http://firstglancefilms.com/

Since our inception in 1996, First Glance Film Festival’s have become one of the fastest growing truly independent film fests in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Named five times as one of the “Best Film Festival Investments” and “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by Movie Maker Magazine and “One of the Festivals for the Rest of Us” by Time Magazine, FirstGlance has become a leader in mid-sized film festivals.

NEW YORK, NY (March 20th, 2018) – This past Saturday night at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, featherweight prospect Braulio Rodriguez (19-3, 17 KOs) locked horns with undefeated prospect Christopher Diaz in a battle for the WBO-NABO Super Featherweight title.

Through the first two-plus rounds, Rodriguez was holding his own with Diaz, until Rodriguez hurt his right hand.

Unfortunately Rodriguez could not continue, and the bout was stopped 28 seconds into round four.

Rodriguez was diagnosed with a Metacarpal fracture on his right hand.

“Braulio proved that he can compete with the top 130 pound fighters out there,” said Rodriguez manager, Felipe Gomez of El Matador Management. “He suffered a freak injury before he could really get going. He was landing some good shots, and I feel he had a good chance of winning. When he heals, hopefully we can get a rematch or some big fight as I feel he should be in the mix for those opportunities.

Rodriguez is promoted by Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing.

WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders has suffered an injury to his hand that has scuppered his plans to defend his title against Martin Murray on Saturday 14th April at The 02 in London.

Saunders, who suffered his injury during a training session, is devastated that he will not be fit to box on April 14th as he was looking forward to producing another masterclass after his career-best performance against David Lemieux at the Place Bell in Laval, Canada in December.

He will now make the fourth defence of his WBO crown against Murray at The 02 on Saturday 23rd June, topping an action-packed card that features Anthony Yarde, Daniel Dubois, Ohara Davies and a host of other exciting match-ups.

“I’m gutted for Martin and I’m gutted for the fans,” said Saunders. “I felt my hand go during a session this week and sought medical advice immediately. Unfortunately I’ve been told that I can’t punch anything for four weeks so we’ve been left with no choice but to withdraw from the date.

“I’d like to thank my promoter Frank Warren for quickly sorting a new date for the fight. My trainer Dominic Ingle will make sure that I’m fit and prepared to put on another show on June 23rd.

“This is an extremely tough sport and these things can happen. It is vital that I’m firing on all cylinders heading into this fight but for now it’s all about recovering properly and focusing on the new June 23rd date.”

“It is extremely frustrating as tickets were going very well and we were all geared up for a fantastic evening of boxing on April 14th,” said promoter Frank warren. “I apologise to all of the fans that have bought tickets for the April 14th date but all original tickets will be valid for the new June 23rd date.

“We are also working on a new date for the WBO Super-Lightweight World Title fight between Terry Flanagan and Maurice Hooker. I am speaking with Hooker’s representative Dino Duva and we will be making an announcement this week on where and when this fight takes place.

“It is not straightforward as this is an ordered fight for a Vacant Title but we are working hard to get everything sorted and our priority is to secure Terry his chance to become a Two Weight World Champion”.

All original tickets will be valid for new Saturday 23rd June date. If you are unable to make the new date, fans can contact their point of purchase should they require a refund during the next 14 days.

London, UK (20 March 2018) Hughie Fury is hungrier than ever to become a World Champion and he starts on the road back against British Champion Sam Sexton on Saturday 12th May at the Macron Stadium, Premier Suite, in Bolton, exclusively live on Channel 5.

Although Fury was painfully denied the decision by the ringside judges’ in his first world title attempt against WBO World Champion Joseph Parker last September, the Manchester warrior has put the defeat behind him and now focuses on taking the British crown from Sexton.

“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” Said Fury.

“You can’t dwell on the past,”

“There are a lot of things you can look back at but if you are always looking back you will never move forward,”

“I’ve learned off that fight, I looked at the video a thousand times. Yes there is a lot I should have done more but you can’t turn back the hands of time,”

“Now it is moving forward and improving on what I’ve done,”

“What did the Parker fight do? It makes you hungrier to get back there. To me it is just a step back but no matter what I still believe I will be a world champion,”

“I believe I am a world level fighter.”

The 23-year-old has been avoided by his so called British rivals who have turned down challenges to face Fury in his ring return, but he respects Norwich puncher Sexton for stepping up to the plate.

“It’s like taking two steps back to take three steps forward,” said Fury. “I want to get the British title behind me and get back to the top,”

“Sam Sexton is just a stepping stone. It’s one step at a time, get him out of the way and move forward,”

“The British title is nice to have but I’ve not become a professional boxer to be a British level fighter,”

“If I got offered a world title fight now I’d take it because I believe I’ve learned from my mistakes.”

Tickets for Sexton V Fury are priced at £40, £60 and £80 are available from https://www.eticketing.co.uk/bwfc VIP and Hospitality packages priced at £159 are available from 01204 673 619 and mgraham@boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk

Deerfield Beach, FLA, March 19, 2018 — World Boxing Association (WBA) Mandatory challenger Isaac Ekpo (32-3, 25 KOs) from Abuja, Nigeria, and Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) from Accra Ghana both recently arrived to the U.S. with a new manager, new direction and first full training camps with trainer Stacy McKinley, to prepare for their upcoming world title fights.

Ekpo arrived in Germany Sunday for a world title rematch against WBA Super Middleweight Champion Tyron Zeuge. Their first bout, almost a year ago to the day on March 25, 2017, ended in controversial fashion and a loss for Ekpo.

Mensah has been in serious negotiations to challenge WBA Super Featherweight Champion Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs).

Both Ekpo and Mensah arrived in the U.S. having made little to no money while fighting in Africa. Both fighters have a new manager. Stacy McKinley is training both for the first time.

“My old manager and promoter in Ghana, Anthony Karmah, (of Landmark Boxing), did good by taking me to where I am but he cheated me and is cheating all the boxers.” Explained Ekpo, also a 2004 Olympian. “He never paid me for the fights. He told me the fights, all of my fights, were for building my career. He prefers to have the money all to himself and the boxers are suffering, which is very bad. I was the mandatory challenger to (WBO Super Middleweight Champion Robert) Stieglitz in 2013. I was No. 7. We fought 12-rounds and was paid only $12K – for a world title fight! I argued with him but it didn’t matter. After the fight I went back to Africa, and signed with Don King. When I came to America in December, Don King told me to put the past behind and move forward. My coach is there beside me taking good care of me. He and Don King don’t treat me like a boxer they treat me like I am their blood.”

“In Ghana I was the champion, but no, I didn’t get any money,” said Mensah, who as an amateur was the Captain of the Ghana National Team. “The promoter there signed me and I don’t get money. Why? Somebody chopped my money. Every time I fight he told me he was building my record for me. I don’t know why. I fought thirty-one fights, big fights. I won the African title twice and the African Boxing Union title. I fight in front of huge crowds in Ghana – it is like the Las Vegas of Africa, it is the Mecca. Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey, Azumah Nelson, Agbeko – they all fought there.”

Ekpo went further: “I would fight under Don King Productions and Don would send the money to my manager and I would never see the money – my manger keeps saying, still, he is building my record and I never see the money. When I fought Zeuge my manager got the money from Don King but he took two months to pay me – he said Don King never paid him. My manger was trying to destroy the man’s (Don King’s) name and it’s not like that. When my wife passed, I was looking for some money to help my family and Don King sent my former manager $10,000 to give to me. I only received $2000 of it – my manager kept the rest.” Ekpo lived on his marginal soldier’s salary. “When I came to train in America in December, Don King told me to put the past behind and move forward. My coach is there beside me taking good care of me. He and Don King don’t treat me like a boxer they treat me like I am their blood. Don King gave me money and I shared it and said this money is going to change a lot of things in my life.”

Mensah on his arrival to the U.S.: “I was in Ghana and I was told I got this opportunity to fight Machado and I may not get this opportunity again so I said OK, I will come to the America to see Don King for the first time. I signed with Don King three years ago with my old manager and never net him. My old manager would not let me meet Don King. My contract with my old manager was up in November and my new manager told me to come to the US to get better training – he convinced me to move here. I came to US a month ago and Don King said, “Rafael, now that you are here, how can I help you?” I said ‘yes, I will take this title to give to you. Don’t worry about that.’ I am here in the USA training and it will not be a problem. I am the man, I am Sweet Pea.”

Ekpo wants this message sent across to Zeuge regarding the rematch – “Train hard because I am coming. My name is ‘Grenade’ and when I explode no living thing will be left near me – everything will fall, and he is going to fall. I promise him and by the grace of God he is going to fall.”

In the first Zeuge-Ekpo fight, in front of a Zeuge hometown crowd at MBS Arena in Pottsdam, Germany, Zeuge (21-0-1, 11 KOs) from Berlin, was cut in round three from an Ekpo left hook.. “I gave him a left hook and it caught him but they changed it to a head-butt. It wasn’t a head-butt like they called it. It was a left hook. I watch the fight every day,” said Ekpo. The decision would go to the judges’ scorecards, whom all had Zeuge ahead at the time (48-47, 49-47, 49-46). “In round 5 he was very tired, but he survived the round. When the round was over he called the doctor to stop the fight. When they stopped the fight my coach and I were celebrating, but next the referee said ‘no, it is a technical decision.’ Why technical decision? The guy said he can’t fight. I’m not tired. I didn’t give up. If he stopped the fight that means I am the winner because I never give up but the champion said he is not going to fight anymore.”

Ekpo had gone into the fight with extreme adversity, having lost his wife (a 32-year-old Nigerian National soccer star) during childbirth on March 9, just two weeks before the fight. “After my wife delivered she started bleeding and from there she passed away,” explained Ekpo. “She left the baby behind. I gave her the mommy’s name and she is living right now with her grandmother. ” Ekpo trained only one week with his new trainer and five weeks total for the fight. Ekpo thought long and hard before deciding to go through with the fight. “I needed the money to take care of my family. Coach Stacy McKinley said to me ‘you’re good, you can beat this kid.’ I fought Zeuge with pains in my heart.”

“This time my hands are my referee and my judges. I am going to fight Tyron Zeuge as if he is the one that killed my wife,” said Ekpo. “Last time I took all of his best punches. Now I am stronger and I’m going to hit him hard – harder than before, like a sledgehammer. This time I am going to knock him out in his hometown, right in front of his people. He is not going 12-rounds with me. I promised my wife before she died that I would bring the title back to my baby. I love her so much. Every time I think about her I shed tears.”

Machado on his immediate future: “My next fight will be against Machado. I know Machado and I know I can beat Machado. There is no doubt that Mensah can beat him. When I saw Machado I said ‘yes, I can beat you.’ You are not somebody that can beat me. You cannot beat Rafael Mensah. I will come and maybe not knock you out but I will beat you in boxing. I will teach you boxing very well. If I don’t knock you out I will teach you a boxing lesson.”

“I came to America and signed with a new manager and he exposed everything,” explained Ekpo, who moved to the United States on December 27. “When I first learned what had happened, I wanted to go back to Africa and fight him but Don King said no. He knows he can’t even call me any more and he’s scared. Everything is exposed. The last time I was at his office and he hid then ran out the back door. Don King gave me money and immediately I told my new manager to send it to my family and he said ‘why are you crying?’ The amount of money Don King gave me will change a lot of things and that makes me happy. Now I’m going to give him the title. That’s the thing I’m going to use to pay him back.”

“Now I am ranked #2 in the WBA and now I am waiting for Machado,” said Machado. “I came here to train and listen to my new manager. I left my 4-month old child and my wife to come to America because of Machado. When I arrived Don King said, ‘Rafael, now that you are here, how can I help you?’ I said ‘yes, I will take this title to give to you. Don’t worry about that. I am now focused about the business of being in the ring. I don’t see anybody coming to beat me. My new manager is here to help me. God has done everything for me and now I listen to Don King and my manager. So now everything will be all right for me in America.”

Nelson Aiyelabowo, current manager of both Ekpo and Mensah: “We are very grateful for how Don King has welcomed us. Isaac is having a great camp and we are ready to add to a stable of champions Don King has promoted over the past decades.”

PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March 19, 2018)–Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (8-0, 5 KOs) delivered an impressive performance in his main event debut Saturday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Orange, Calif.

Dutchover, 20, thoroughly out boxed and outmaneuvered solid prospect Ricardo Lopez (7-2-2, 6 KOs) to the tune of a one-side, unanimous decision win (scores: 59-55 all around).

“I felt like I controlled the entire fight from beginning to end,” remarked Dutchover, who is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. “He tried to come on late in the fight, but it was too late for him. I had already figured him out.”

Indeed, Dutchover put his stamp on the fight from the outset. The first three rounds consisted of the Texas native firing shots from a variety of angles. Lopez, who is based in Tijuana, Mex., tried to get back in the game in the fourth and fifth rounds, but Dutchover used his counter punching ability to stymie the attack.

Prior to the fight, Dutchover promised to show off a more polished skill set after recently working as the chief sparring partner to world champion Oscar Valdez. He certainly looked like the high-end prospect that many predicted he would become once his impressive amateur run came to a close.

“I wanted to be smart out there,” said Dutchover after the fight. “You can’t overwhelm everyone with natural ability. At some point you’re going to have to think your way out of a tough situation. I think I showed off my ring IQ tonight [Saturday].”

This past Saturday, March 17, the “Argentinean Lomachenko,” two-time Olympian Alberto “Impacto” Melian, fought for and won his first professional title in only his second professional fight.

Fighting at the Club Social y Deportivo Comercio in his hometown of Villa Dolores, Cordoba, Argentina, Melian (2-0, 2 KOs) captured the Argentine Super Bantamweight Championship with an eighth-round TKO over countryman Julian Aristule (32-9, 16 KOs).

Fighting on a show entitled “Night of the Olympians,” televised live on TyC Sports and VTV Uruguay and presented by Sampson Boxing in partnership with Tello Box and JEB Boxing, Melian was down for the first time in his young career in the first round, but came back to floor Aristule in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds before his corner threw the towel at 0:15 of the eighth.

The victory was a history-making first for the respected Argentina (FAB), as no fighter had ever taken one of their titles in just his second fight as a professional.

“Alberto was sensational in going eight rounds for the first time,” said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “After a flash knockdown in the first, he took over and showed excellent stamina while pounding his opponent the entire fight. He will be back on May 26 and I will have a big announcement coming soon.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Las Vegas (March 19, 2018) – Five-Time World Champion Zab Judah has confirmed that he will appear at the “Barrett VIP Group” booth and hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 4th edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 5, 2018 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo fight weekend.

Judah will once again appear at this year’s Expo, where he will be will be signing gloves, photos and have merchandise for fans to enjoy. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as “Super”.

About Zab Judah
Judah is an American professional boxer and future hall of famer in the sport of boxing. He is a Five-Time former world champion in two weight classes, having held the IBF and WBO junior welterweight titles between 2000 and 2004; the IBF junior welterweight title again in 2011 and the undisputed welterweight title in 2005, which included a reign as the lineal champion from 2005 to 2006.

About Barrett VIP Group
Barrett VIP Group also known as BVG was co-founded in 2018 by former world heavyweight champion Monte Barrett. BVG is a unique concierge services that specializes in providing fight night experiences, catered to the needs of their clients that are looking to get close to the action and get the ultimate adventure with customized or pre-selected sports packages. BVG has close relationships with prominent fighters from past and present, which allows to provide their clients the best possible treatment, in an up close, personal and action-packed setting. BVG is based in Manhattan, New York. For more info go to http://BarrettVipGroup.com.

Judah joins, Shannon Briggs, Badou Jack, Kelly Pavlik, Erik Morales and Fernando Vargas among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

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

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

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

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

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

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

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

PHILADELPHIA – After ten years of celebrating the biggest and best achievements of the Philadelphia-area boxing scene, the Briscoe Awards will change the timing of their annual event, from October to March.

“For a few years now, I’ve considered moving the awards up to the first part of the year,” said John DiSanto, founder of the Briscoe Awards. “The original Fall time slot caused a lot of confusion, because by the time we gave out the awards, the fights were old news. Moving to March will allow us to give out the awards shortly after the fight year ends. I’m a little nervous about making a change, but in the long run, the move will only make the Briscoe Awards better.”

The Briscoe Awards honor the key fights and fighters of the Philly area every year. A total of eleven awards will be give out THIS SUNDAY MARCH 25TH AT 1 PM ET,which includes prizes for the “Philly Fight of the Year”, the “Philly Fight of the Year”, the “Knockout of the Year”, “Amateur of the Year”, “Rookie of the Year”, “Prospect of the Year”, “Performance of the Year”, “Photo of the Year”, and more.

The fighters being honored this year include Tyrone Brunson, Jaron Ennis, Kermit Cintron, Dylan Price, Avery Sparrow, Marcel Rivers, Raymond Ford, Jerome Conquest, and others.

Advance tickets for the March 25, 2018 Briscoe Awards cost $20 and are currently available for sale at BriscoeAwards.com, or by calling 609-377-6413. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The $20 admission includes food, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, and a souvenir program and ticket. The Briscoe Awards will be held at the VBA Clubhouse, 2733 Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19134.

The Briscoe Awards are presented by Philly Boxing History Inc., a 501c3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and honoring the great legacy boxing in and around the city of Philadelphia. For more information, call John DiSanto at 609-377-6413.

Sadam “World Kid” Ali (26-1, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship against hard-hitting former world champion and No.1 contender Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The event will take place Saturday, May 12 and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10.00 p.m. ET/PT and BT Sport and BoxNation in the UK.

Ali, a 2008 U.S. Olympian, has always displayed the skills of a future world champion. The 29-year-old pride of Brooklyn, N.Y. held multiple regional titles and scored important wins against the likes of Francisco “Chia” Santana, Luis Carlos “El Potro” Abregu and former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Johan “El Terrible” Perez. Though suffering a setback in a welterweight title fight against Jessie Vargas, Ali silenced his doubters by moving up to 154 pounds to defeat future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in Dec. 2017. The newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight Champion will face a tough challenge in Smith, a former holder the same 154-pound title.

“It felt great to accomplish my dream of becoming world champion,” said Sadam Ali. “I’m excited to defend my title and to demonstrate that it is not up for grabs. Liam Smith is a great fighter and I’m sure he’ll be ready, but so will I.”

Smith, the first of an impressive stable of brothers to win a world title, is a 29-year-old native of Liverpool, England. After scoring 20 impressive victories as a professional, Smith defeated John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson via seventh-round technical knockout to capture the WBO 154-pound title that Ali currently holds. Smith then faced Canelo Alvarez in front of over 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Smith lost the title in an impressive show of heart and determination, and after three consecutive victories, he is ready to regain the title that was once his.

“I’m very happy that we’ve got this fight,” said Liam Smith. “I’m looking forward to pitting myself against a good fighter in Sadam Ali, a former Olympian and now world champion who is coming off the back of a good win against Miguel Cotto. I’m confident going into this fight. I know I’m naturally the bigger man, and that will come into play, especially in the type of fight that I think it will be.”

“Sadam Ali climbed onto the world championship stage with one of the biggest upsets in boxing history when he snatched the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title from Four-Division, Six Time World Champion, and Future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Being in the ring with a hungry fighter with a world championship belt on his resume like Liam Smith will be nothing new to Ali. Sadam will prove yet again he’s someone to watch out for in the division.”

“This is Liam’s chance to reclaim his world title,” said Frank Warren. “He’s come through two hard fights against Liam Williams to earn his shot, and he’s done what he set out to do. When he lost his belt against Canelo Alvarez, Liam said he would be a world champion again, and on May 12 he will deliver on that promise.”

Ali vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The fight will take place Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and 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 go on sale Tuesday, March 20 at 10:00 am ET 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/SadamAliLiamSmith 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 #AliSmith.

Crolla is back in action following his win over three-weight king Ricky Burns in Manchester in October and now the 31 year old faces Mexican Ramirez, unbeaten in 18 fights, as he takes the first steps on a path he hopes leads to a shot at a belt at 135lbs.

“Eddie and I met recently and we outlined a plan to get back to World titles and Cardiff is the first fight in that plan,” said Crolla. “I need to get out there and get another win and then we can look for a big fight in the summer. It’s a great platform, there’s no bigger event to be on and I’m really excited to go to Cardiff. I’m always mixing at the top level so I want a test and Ramirez will be well up for it.

“We’ve had rough talks about a lot of fights. Luke Campbell and I both want to fight for World titles and I don’t think either of us would have a problem in fighting the other, but the ultimate goal for us both is to win a World title. We’re one and two in Britain so it makes sense so we’ll see what happens down the line.

“I’m not targeting anyone in particular, I just want a World title shot – I’ll take on any of the champions and go anywhere to do it.

“Ricky is a great fighter, he’s achieved so much in the sport so it was a big win for me to prove that I’ve still got a lot left to give. I knew if I’d lost to Ricky it would have been a long way back so winning was huge for me and it’s given me a boost ahead of a really important year.”

Crolla’s clash with Ramirez is part of a huge night of action in Cardiff as Anthony Joshua MBE and Joseph Parker meet in a World Heavyweight unification blockbuster.

Ryan Burnett defends his WBA World Bantamweight crown against Yonfrez Parejo and Alexander Povetkin puts his WBA Inter-Continental and WBO International titles against Liverpool favourite David Price, Josh Kelly also goes for his first belt against former IBF World champion Carlos Molina for the WBA International Welterweight title and Welshman Joe Cordina fights for his first pro title with the WBA International Lightweight belt on the line against Andy Townend.

Limited tickets remain on sale for the event priced at £40, £60, £80, £300 and £600 from www.stubhub.co.uk

For accessibility and wheelchair tickets – please contact the Principality Stadium via 02920 822432.

Official hospitality packages are available to purchase directly from Principality Stadium Experience. Both private suite and premium lounge packages are available to purchase, with prices starting from £450 per person + VAT. For further information please call the team on 02920 822 413.

Official Hospitality packages are also available via Sportsworld via www.sportsworld.co.uk or by calling 0208 9712966

Authorities are strongly advising fans to allow plenty of time to get into both Cardiff and Principality Stadium and to plan their travel before purchasing a ticket. Details can be found via the Information tab at: http://www.principalitystadium.wales/events/v/joshua-v-parker-2018-03-31

Brooklyn, NY (March 19, 2018) MATCHROOM BOXING USA has announced a stellar international undercard for the highly anticipated ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’ world class professional boxing event set for Saturday April 28 at Barclays Center.

“As I said in the press conference – this brilliant show at Barclays Center on April 28 is international boxing porn!’ said EDDIE HEARN. “We have great fighting countries represented from top to bottom, with the main event featuring Brooklyn vs. Poland, the Heavyweight clash with another Brooklyn favorite against a Frenchman.”

“Katie Taylor is the pride of Ireland and she takes on a great Argentinean champion in Victoria Bustos in a unification blockbuster, while Kazakhstan’s Olympic hero Daniyar Yeleussinov makes his highly-anticipated pro debut on the bill, and he’ll be joined by fellow countryman and Brooklyn police officer Dimash Niyazov.”

“Uzbekistan’s Shohjahon Ergashev is making big noises at Super-Lightweight with 11 KOs in 11 fights and is going to be a real player on the world scene. Above that, the welterweight division is buzzing and Brooklyn-based Mexican Julian Sosa can add his name to the mix in 2018.”

“Also representing Ireland we’ve just added undefeated super lightweight prospect Larry Fryers who is excited to be fighting for the first time at Barclays Center in front of his legion of Irish boxing fans.”

Advance tickets starting at $42 may be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or calling 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. For information on group sales, call 844.255.9647.

Previously announced in an outstanding women’s world title unification bout, WBA Lightweight World Champion KATIE TAYLOR, (8-0-0, 4 KO’s) of Bray, Ireland returns to Barclays Center battling over 10-rounds against IBF Lightweight Women’s Champion VICTORIA ‘La Leona’ BUSTOS, (18-4-0), of Rosario, Argentina.

A 2012 Gold Medalist at the Olympic Games in London, Taylor made a huge impression on the Brooklyn boxing fans with a third-round stoppage of Jasmine Clarkson on July 29, 2017 at Barclays Center in her first professional bout in the United States.

From the boxing rich country of Kazakhstan, the sport’s next big star, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist, welterweight DANIYAR YELEUSSINOV will compete in a six-round bout in his can’t miss pro debut.

Winning every round on his way to Gold Medal glory, the 26-year-old Yeleussinov swept the welterweight division at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero. A two-time Olympian for Kazakhstan, Yeleussinov also won the Gold Medal at the 2013 World Championships and the Silver Medal at the World Championships in 2015.

Additionally, fighting in a scheduled 10-rounder on the undercard, fast-rising unbeaten knockout artist SHOHJAHON ERGASHEV, (11-0-0, 11 KO’s), a native of Uzbekistan, now fighting out of Brooklyn, NY will face China’s ZHIMIN WANG, (10-2-0, 3 KO’s).

The 26-year-old Ergashev made a massive statement in the boxing world, scoring a sensational third-round knockout of then undefeated Sonny Fredrickson on January 12, 2018 in his nationally televised debut.

Wang will be looking to stay in the win column returning to action following a dominant 10-round decision over Anthony Sabalde on December 10, 2017 in Guangzhou, China. The victory capped a four-fight campaign for Wang last year which included two additional decision victories.

Newly added to the ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’ event, undefeated lightweight prospect DIMASH ‘Lightning’ NIYAZOV will be making his Barclays Center debut in a six-round bout.

Following a knockout victory over Ramon Guevara on June 16, 2017 in Detroit, MI, Niyazov would next fight as a professional for the first time in his native Kazakhstan. Facing the toughest opponent of his career, Eduardo Pereira dos Reis on September 9, 2017, Niyazov would win a dominant six-round decision in Astana, Kazakhstan in front of a huge homecoming crowd.

Returning to the United States on November 11, 2017, Niyazov stopped Agustine Maurus in the fifth round at NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on the undercard of the Daniel Jacobs/Luis Arias middleweight clash.

When not training, Niyazov works as a police officer in South Brooklyn.

Additionally, fighting in a six-round bout on the undercard, exciting welterweight prospect JULIAN SOSA, (11-0-1, 4 KO’s), originally from Mexico, now fighting out of Brooklyn, NY, will fight for the fifth time at Barclays Center.

Sosa returns to action following a third-round knockout on March 10, 2018 against Wilmer Rodriguez. He capped off his 2017 campaign with his fourth straight win coming at Barclays Center, a unanimous decision over Erick Martinez on October 14, 2017.

A native of the boxing rich Clones, Ireland, ‘Lethel’ Larry Fryers, (6-0-0, 2 KO’s), is coming off an outstanding 2017 campaign which saw him post five big wins from California to New York.

Most recently, the 27-year-old Fryers brought his Irish boxing fans to their feet with a dominant unanimous decision over then undefeated prospect Charles Natai on December 14, 2017 in New York City.

Fryers will be competing in a six-round clash at ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn.’

Further details on these bouts will be announced shortly.

Headlining ‘Straight Outta Brooklyn’, former Middleweight World Champion and BROOKLYN BOXING Ambassador DANIEL JACOBS, (33-2-0, 29 KO’s), returns for a 12-round middleweight showdown against undefeated world ranked Polish contender MACIEJ SULECKI, (26-0-0, 10 KO’s) televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening the HBO telecast, undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight contender JARRELL ‘Big Baby MILLER, (20-0-1, 18 KO’s) faces former world title challenger, JOHANN “The Reptile” DUHAUPAS, (37-4-0, 24 KO’s), of Abbeville, France, over 12-rounds in a WBA World Heavyweight Title Eliminator.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#JacobsSulecki

Twitter

@DanielJacobsTKO

@BigBabyMiller

@SuleckiMaciej

@KatieTaylor

@MatchroomBoxing

@EddieHearn

@HBOboxing

@BarclaysCenter

@Brooklyn_Boxing

New York, NY (March 19, 2018)–Split-T Management is proud to announce the signing of 5-time New York Golden Gloves champion and 2017 United States Amateur champion Brian Ceballo to a management contract.

The 24 year-old is a native of Brooklyn, New York had a stellar amateur career that saw him win 17 National championships.beginning at 11 years old when he won the National Silver Gloves championship.

Ceballo, who began boxing at 8 years-old won 11 National titles as a junior and 6 National titles as a senior which includes the 2016 National Golden Gloves title, 2017 United States National Title.

Ceballo also captured the 2014 World Series of Boxing Team Trials, and was a Olympic trials semifinalist.

Besides boxing, Ceballo is a well rounded individual as he plays the piano, guitar, and has been singing since he was 15 years-old.

“Brian has been the top amateur welterweight in New York, as well as the United States for the past several years. He has proven time and time again that he is an elite fighter and I’m glad he decided to have Split-T Management guide his professional career to the top of the welterweight division,” said Split-T Management CEO David McWater.

“I first met (CEO of Split-T Management) David McWater at the 2016 National Golden Gloves, which I won. I wasn’t ready to turn professional, but we talked. I told him when I do turn professional, you will be the first I talk to,” said Ceballo. “After that, we kept in touch and after I won the US Nationals Championships in 2017, I reached out to him and said that I wanted to turn professional. I would talk to other managers, some who appeared to offer me better deals, but I decided to sign with him because I had a great relationship with him, and I liked him as a person. I felt that he would do the best for my career.”

Ceballo sees himself as a player in the competitive 147-pound division.

“The welterweight division has always been a glamour division where the best fighters are at. In a few years, I will be up there with best and become a world champion!”

The 5’10” Ceballo has a diverse style which he feels will help him excel to the top of the division.

“I can box, and I can punch, but what separates me from the others is that I am a very smart fighter and can adapt to any opponent. You will never see me fight the same way!”

Said Tim VanNewhouse of Split-Management, “Brian is an exceptional talent. He is a well-rounded exciting fighter who has won over two hundred amateur bouts and several national titles. With his accomplishments and maturity I think we will see him move quickly and successfully through the pro ranks.”

Ceballo, whose parents are from the Dominican Republic, is trained by Robert Pagan.

Brian is signed to promoter, Tom Loeffler’s 360 Promotions and makes pro debut on March 27 at The Avalon Theater in Hollywood, CA.

ABOUT SPLIT-TMANAGEMENT

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

Their impressive roster includes:

World Rated Contenders

IBF Super Lightweight Mandatory Title Challenger Ivan Baranchyk

Welterweight “The New” Ray Robinson

Former Bantamweight Title Challenger Antonio Nieves

2016 Olympians

Lightweight Teofimo Lopez

Junior Middleweight Charles Conwell, Vikas Krishan

Bantamweight Antonio Vargas

Undefeated Prospects

Heavyweights: Stephen Shaw, Marcus Carter, Yegor Plevako

Cruiserweights: Joshua Temple, “Mighty” Joe Jones

Light Heavyweights: Joseph Williams, Bortirali Mamajonov

Super Middleweights: Isiah Steen, DeAndre Ware

Middleweights: Marquis Moore, Raquel Miller

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

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

Former two-time World Champion Arthur Abraham (46-6, 30 KOs) will meet Denmark’s Patrick Nielsen (29-2, 14 KOs) in a make or break Super Middleweight showdown on April 28 at the Baden Arena in Offenburg, Germany.

Abraham returns to the ring having dropped a points decision to Chris Eubank Jr. in an IBO World title contest on July 15 at The SSE Arena, Wembley, while Nielsen is back in action after a knockout loss to John Ryder at the same London venue on October 14.

Following these defeats, both men are now eager to re-establish their World title credentials in this crunch Super Middleweight clash.

Having consulted his long-term coach and mentor, Abraham, the former IBF Middleweight and WBO Super Middleweight World Champion, says he is ready to get back on the World title trail in an attempt to reclaim his 168 lbs crown.

“After my last fight, I spoke to my coach Ulli Wegner and he helped me reach a decision,” said ‘King Arthur’. “I am not ready to retire! There is still more I want to achieve in boxing, and most of all I want to become World Champion again.

“I’m looking forward to fighting Patrick Nielsen, and putting on a good performance for my fans. I know Patrick is a good boxer. This will be a good test for me and a chance to prove I’m ready to challenge for World titles again.”

Nielsen, the former WBC Silver Middleweight and WBA International Super Middleweight Champion, says he is looking forward to facing Abraham in Offenburg, and having learnt a lesson from the Ryder loss, believes he has what it takes to defeat the German boxing icon and get his career back on track.

“I can’t wait for this fight,” said the 26 year-old from Albertslund. “My last fight really put things into perspective. I have made some changes in my training and my personal life, and now, I’m 100% focused on boxing. People will see the real Patrick Nielsen on April 28.

“Abraham is still a big name in boxing and a very tough guy. If I can beat him, it shows I can beat a lot of the top guys, and hopefully that will lead to bigger fights. I believe I can beat him. I’ve got age and speed on my side, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to win.”

Having started his professional career in Germany, Nielsen says he has no concerns leaving Denmark to meet Abraham in his home country. “Germany is like a second home to me,” he said. “I used to fight there when I started so I can’t wait to get back there again.”

Promoter Nisse Sauerland has highlighted the importance of this fight for both men. “This is a fight neither man can afford to lose,” said Sauerland. “Both men want to get back into World title contention – but only one can come out on top! The winner can be challenging for World titles, while the loser will have a long road back. There is a lot on the line and that guarantees excitement. Fans can look forward to a great night of action in Offenburg.”

Tickets for Arthur Abraham vs. Patrick Nielsen on April 28 in Offenburg will go on sale tomorrow and are available online via www.evetim.de or calling 01806-570044.

Former NABO Champion and #2-rated WBO bantamweight contender Nikolai Potapov returned to action last Saturday night with a TKO 3 over his Russian countryman, Alexander Saltykov.

Fighting at the Floyd Mayweather Boxing Academy in Zhukovka, Russia, Potapov looked sharp while forcing Saltykov to stay on his stool after two rounds of pounding.

The 28-year-old Potapov holds a victory over former world title challenger Antonio Nieves and fought to a draw with Stephen Young, who is fighting for WBA Interim title this weekend.

“I am excited to get the win and look forward to challenging the best bantamweights in the world,” said Potapov, post-fight. “Every experience is a lesson and I keep improving with each fight and training camp. Training in Detroit at the Kronk Boxing Gym with Javan SugarHill Steward has taken my game to the next level. I am grateful to my promoters Salita Promotions and PBL. I know this is going to be a big year for me.”

Potapov’s co-promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says his Russian bantamweight is a force at 118 lbs. “Nikolai is one of the best bantamweights in the world. His dedication, discipline in training and constant improvement make him a real threat in his exciting division.”

19 March 2018 – Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the inaugural event of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series, which will be held in Singapore on 31 March. The live spectacle features prospects signed on during the show who will compete in professional bouts to earn a contract with ONE Championship exceeding US $100,000+ based on performance.

Rich Franklin, Vice President of ONE Championship and CEO of ONE Warrior Series, stated: “It is my honor to announce the first ONE Warrior Series event to be held in Singapore. We’ve visited many great Asian nations over the past few months and now have a solid group of competitors ready to earn their time in the spotlight. Asia is the hotbed of the industry’s top martial arts prospects. I have enjoyed taking in all that Asia has to offer, while discovering some of the most promising young talent on this side of the world. ONE Championship and ONE Warrior Series will continue to search for the region’s best martial artists and give them a platform to showcase their skills to the world.”

Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series is a new travel series talent search which runs in 30-minute episodes. The show aims to discover new martial arts talent across Asia, providing promising young athletes with the platform to unleash their martial arts greatness. Franklin, who serves as the show’s host, travels across the Asian continent with co-host Jonathan Fong, searching for talent, experiencing local cultures and testing their boundaries.

The screening and tryouts process consists of pad sessions, grappling demonstrations, conditioning exams, and an interview process, among others. Once selected, athletes will compete in professional bouts with a chance at earning a contract with ONE Championship exceeding US $100,000+ based on performance. The episodes of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series are available on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel athttps://www.youtube.com/user/OneFCMMA

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

About ONE Championship™

ONE Championship is the largest global sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE Championship is the home of martial arts and is the world’s largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. The world’s most exciting martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7-billion potential viewers across 136 countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, and more.

The sources declined to speak on the record because the fight is not yet signed, but the HBO-televised bout is likely to take place as soon as June 23 but not later than the end of the July. It is expected to take place at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, site of Kovalev’s most recent two fights.

Boston, Massachusetts, March 18, 2018-After coming off a of a great KO win, earning the vacant WBC Silver Intercontinental Title against rising Queens prospect and previously undefeated, DANNY GONZALEZ, (then, 14-0 5KO’s) at STAR BOXING’S Slugfest at the Sun, at Mohegan Sun Arena, in November, DANNY O’CONNOR (now, 30-3, 11KO’s) put his title on the line at the against an extremely tough Canadian in STEVE CLAGGETT (now, 26-5-1, 17 KO’s).

Claggett came into last nights title bout, just off of a hard fought win against previously unbeaten, and fellow highly touted Canadian prospect, YVES ULYSSE JR. (then, 14-0 9KO’s).

O’Connor vs. Claggett was seen live on PPV, and was the main event bout of a great night of boxing on St. Patricks day, from the House of Blues Boston.

For the opening two rounds, O’Connor and Claggett maintained a fast, competitive pace, with give and take action by both fighters. However, in the third round, O’Connor began to find his rhythm, landing strong combinations while alluding the attempted offense of Claggett.

O’Connor continued to use his combinations to score, while keeping his foot on the outside of Claggett, dodging most attempts the Canadian threw. However, in the seventh round, Claggett threw a perfect counter right, that sent O’Connor to the canvas. O’Connor managed to shake off the knockdown, got his legs under him, and finished the final two rounds strong, earning a unanimous decision vicory, and successfully defending his WBC belt.

Promoter JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about O’Connor’s strong outing, “Danny O’Connor showed true guts, putting his title on the line against a very tough fighter in Steve Claggett. Danny used his skill and more importantly, great resilience, getting up from a late round knockdown to defend his title. This was a very solid victory for Danny against a tough opponent, and we look forward to what is to come.”

O’Connor vs. Claggett was promoted by Murphy’s Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

Last night, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presented the 30th edition of the popular “Rockin Fights” series at the Paramount in Huntington, NY, and number 30 will go down as one of the most memorable events in the recent history of club shows.

From top to bottom every fight had the enthusiastic crowd on their feet and produced fireworks all night.
The main event 8 round Jr. Middleweight contest saw the streaking Courtney Pennington of Brooklyn, NY, pull off his 4th consecutive upset as he squeaked out a unanimous decision over the Bronx’s Steven Martinez in an absolutely savage fight that could easily be a fight of the year candidate for fights on this level.

The two warriors went at it from the opening to the closing bell bringing the fans to a frenzy as they stood toe to toe for the last 30 seconds of round 8. There was little to separate from the 2 combatants and in the end it was Pennington who won by scores of 77-75 on two cards, and 78-74 on the third. Pennington improves to 12-3-2 5KO’s while Martinez drops to 18-4 13 KO’s.

Equally as exciting was the 6 round Jr. Lightweight match between Puerto Rico’s Angel Suarez (7-2 3KO) and Elmont, NY native Titus Williams (7-2 2KO). The action was fast and furious throughout. Suarez dropped Williams with a straight right hand in round 1 but Williams fought himself back into the round by landing hard shots of his own. The fighters stood toe to toe for almost the entire fight as both took turns landing vicious punches. Suarez pulled off the upset as he walked away with a unanimous decision.

Danny Gonzalez (15-1-1 6KO Woodhaven, NY) bounced back nicely from his last fight, a shocking TKO loss at the hands of Danny O’Connor, stopping the very tough Juan Rodriguez (8-8-1 7KO Haymarket, VA) in the 5th of a scheduled 8 round Jr. Welterweight fight. Keeping with the pattern of the evening the two fighters stood toe to toe for much of the fight with both landing hard shots. The 5th and final round saw Gonzalez hurt Rodriguez with a left right combination and finish him off with a flurry of punches forcing referee Tony Chiarantano to bring a halt to the action against the game Rodriquez.

Valerio Nocera, (4-1-1 Roma, IT) won a hard fought 6 round decision over Alexander Picot ( 2-5-1 Hartford, CT) in a Lightweight fight.

Johnathan Arroyo (3-0 1KO Brentwood, NY) survived a 4th round knockdown to win a majority 4 round decision over debuting Derron Lawson (0-1 Philadelphia, PA) in a Welterweight fight.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had these thoughts on the evening “These fights reminded me of the golden age of boxing when club shows flourished throughout the state of NY. These were really great, fan-friendly fights and much respect to all 10 warriors who fought their hearts out and put it all on the line out there tonight”. Added Matchmaker Ron Katz “Pennington-Martinez was the closest thing I’ve seen to the legendary battle I put together many years ago between Merqui Sosa and Prince Charles Williams, and Suarez-Williams wasn’t far behind”.

The next scheduled date at the Paramount is set for Friday, June 8th.

Kingston, Jamaica (Friday, March 16, 2018) – In the first event of a boxing series being presented by Uprising Promotions, Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing and Wray & Nephew Rum, A Real Deal Uprising in Jamaica was headlined on Friday by Junior NABF middleweight champion Kemahl “Hitman” Russell (13-1, 11 KOs), who dismantled crafty veteran Michi Munoz (26-8, 18 KOs) in the second round of the night’s feature bout.

Before the main event pairing at the National Arena in Kingston, Jamaica, Russell had a short piece of advice for his hometown supporters.

“Don’t blink.”

In the first frame of the contest, Russell utilized his range early while working behind the jab and walking Munoz down. Late in the opening round, he started laying the foundation of some good body work in case the fight traveled into deep waters, but that would not be the case.

After some back-and-forth action in the opening minute of the second frame, Russell started changing levels and pounding on Munoz as he backpedaled to the ropes. Russell then unleashed a sharp uppercut that snapped back the head of his opponent, following it up with a brutal body shot before pummeling Munoz with a two-piece that dropped him.

Munoz returned to his feet after tasting the canvas, but Russell would not let him off the hook as the Jamaican power-puncher immediately jumped on him and provided no time to recover. After unloading a flurry that touched the body and head with both hands, Russell saw Munoz quickly return to the canvas shortly after the first knockdown. This time, he would be unable to recover, and the referee was forced to wave off the fight.

The official time of the stoppage came at 2:05 of the second round.

“I have power in both hands,” Russell said after the knockout victory. “I had a long training camp and a successful one. I could not have prepared any better in this training camp.”

The rising star of Russell has been on a steady trajectory since winning Wray & Nephew’s Contender Boxing Series in 2015, and Uprising Promotions President Ronson Frank feels he is the perfect candidate to headline the new Jamaican boxing series that his promotion is launching alongside Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing.

“Evander and I are scouting for talent, and we are looking for fighters we can develop into homegrown champions,” Frank stated. “Our goal is to develop Jamaican boxers. We are starting from the ground up to establish a foundation, and we are looking to get these guys the training they need to compete against the top contenders in boxing.”

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

LOS ANGELES (March 16, 2018): Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (12-0, 2 KOs) successfully made her debut under the Golden Boy Promotions banner with an impressive eight-round unanimous decision victory against Mexico City, Mexico’s Sonia Osorio (8-6-1, 1 KO) in the exciting main event of the March 16 edition of LA FIGHT CLUB at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. and televised nationally on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar. After eight rounds of action, the pride of East Los Angeles, Calif. won with three scores of 80-72.

“It’s an honor to be the first woman to headline a Golden Boy Promotions event,” said
Seniesa Estrada. “I hope this is the first of better and even bigger events. I had a bit of ring rust because I hadn’t fought since September, so I look forward to getting back in the gym and coming back soon.”

VIP guests for tonight’s event included Lupillo Rivera, Niko Valdes, Pablo Rubio, Jr., Alexis Rocha Joet Gonzalez, Vadhir Derbez, Rafael Gramajo, Tenoctitlan Nava, Raul Curiel, Oscar Negrete, Hasim Rahman and Alfonso Gomez.

In tonight’s co-main event, Oscar Duarte (13-0, 9 KOs) of Parral, Mexico fought an intelligent and aggressive fight before stopping Jose Rodriguez (10-2, 10 KOs) of Tepic, Mexico at 1:53 of the fifth round. Duarte scored two knockdowns: one by a right hand in round four and a body shot that ended the bout in the first round.

“We knew we had a tough opponent,” said Oscar Duarte. “So, we had to work off the jab to get inside. Once we accomplished that, I was able to punish and finish him with shots to the body.Coach Joel & Antonio guided me to victory the entire way.I know I have some a long road ahead of me, but I’m improving each fight and getting closer to a world title opportunity.”

Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (7-0, 7 KOs) opened the televised portion of the card with a first-round TKO victory against veteran Mexican pugilist Jose Martinez (10-12, 6 KOs) in a bout initially scheduled for six rounds in the lightweight division. Gonzalez stopped Martinez at 2:48 of the first round.

“Seeing all these prospects go the distance against Jose Martinez really made me want to make a statement,” said Jousce Gonzalez. “I wanted to show that I’m on a different level. I wanted to establish myself in the division.”

Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (27-0, 17 KOs) of San Diego, Calif. successfully returned to 140 pounds with an eight-round unanimous decision victory against the durable Mexico City, Mexico native Martin Honorio (33-13-1, 16 KOs). All judges scored the fight 79-73 for Orozco.
“I wanted to change my style a bit,” said Antonio Orozco. “So, I boxed more. People aren’t used to seeing me do that. Having Manny Robles as my new trainer has helped a lot, and I demonstrated that by making 140 easy.”
South Central’s Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (13-0, 8 KOs) scored a first-round technical knockout win against Giovanni Caro (26-21-4, 21 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in what was a scheduled eight featherweight battle.
“I started off like jelly: smooth but a little slow,” said Edgar Valerio. “The moment came for the knockout and I took it, but at the beginning I was overthinking. Overall, I’m humble and thank I’m thankful to God for the victory. I also thank my entire team for doing a great job helping me develop as a prospect.”
Blair Cobbs (7-0-1, 5 KOs) of Las Vegas made his Golden Boy Promotions debut by fighting to a controversial fourth-round technical draw against Mario Esparza (4-0-1, 1 KO) in the first bout of the evening, which was scheduled for four rounds in the super lightweight division. An accidental headbutt caused the cut on Esparza that forced the fight to be halted at :19 of the fourth round.

“I’m happy to have made my Golden Boy Promotions debut,” said Blair Cobbs. “But it was unfortunate that the fight ended in a technical draw. I felt I was winning the fight and wanted to close out strong. All I can do now is be ready for the next fight and give the fans a great performance.”
Estrada vs. Osorio was an eight-round flyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will take place on Friday, March 16 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, Calif. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on April 6, June 1, July 6, Aug. 10, and Oct. 12.

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.

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