TACOMA, Wash. (August 27, 2023) – A sold-out crowd of nearly 2,000 fans enjoyed a memorable night of boxing last night, presented by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, at the famed Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

“I will remember this show for a long, long time,” co-promoter Whit Haydon said. “It was a special night that I will have a hard time forgetting and that same sentiment was imparted to me as well by many others in the building”

Boxing spotlight back to the Great Northwest and rising super featherweight prospect Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), making his debut as a headliner in his first scheduled 10-round fight versus dangerous Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs) in the main event.

The 27-year-old Brooks, fighting out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, stepped up in class against Chavez, a 2015 USA National Championships bronze medalist as an amateur.

Brooks, who has already fought several times on the ESPN platform, cemented his reputation as a rising star with an electric knockout of Chavez in the sixth round, culminating an epic evening of boxing at Emerald Queen.

Brooks vs. Chavez was a strategic battle that abruptly ended in the sixth round, when Brooks connected trapped Chavez Chavez in a corner with his hands down. Brooks, a southpaw, cracked Chavez with a powerful left that sent Chavez to the canvas. He was able to beat the count, however, Brooks attacked his dazed opponent, unloading a barrage of unanswered punches until referee Joel Scobee waved off the fight.

The co-featured event couldn’t have been more evenly matched as Seattle featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs) and Roberto Negrete (4-2-1, 2 KOs) fought to a six-round split-draw. Cruz and Negrete traded blows from start to finish, throwing more than 1500 combined punches, according to a ringside statistician, in an immensely entertaining confrontation.

Undefeated Portland super lightweight prospect Lorenza Caldera (7-0, 4 KOs) responded in a positive manner in the stiffest test of his young pro career, stopping Filipino veteran boxer Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs), the former WBO Asia Pacific Youth Flyweight Champion, in the second round.

Fan favorite Joshua Cadena (2-0, 1 KO), a lightweight fighting out of nearby Auburn (WA), much to the delight of his many supporters on hand, took an impressive four-round unanimous decision from a gritty Dan Hernandez (2-3, 1 KO) in a war of attrition that was like an old fashioned “barn-burner.” The back-and-forth, action-packed fight was compelling for the pumped-up fans who were on their collective feet throughout the entire four rounds, in which Cadena showcased his tremendous skills, energetic style, and promising potential.

Undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight prospect Axl Melendez Salgado (7-0, 4 KOs) kept his unblemished pro record intact, although highly questionable work by referee Louis Jackvony tarnished the outcome versus Tulsa welterweight Lyle McFarlane (2-2, 1 KO).

The competitive match-up was marred by the referee’s overshadowing of the two boxers, ruling three dubious – at best – deductions against McFarlane. Salgado was leading fairly comfortably when Jackvony waved off the fight in the fourth round, unfairly declaring a win for Salgado by disqualification, resulting in a chorus of boos from fans.

Detroit super lightweight Wesley Rivers (1-3) pulled off a mild upset, winning three of four rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards for a four-round unanimous decision victory over Richard Ray Howell (4-3-2, 2 KOs), of San Antonio (TX). The evenly matched fight was clearly headed to being a draw when Rivers registered a late knockdown for the win.

Compton (CA) super lightweight Angel Rebollar (7-3, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Esteban Munoz (7-4, 4 KOs) set the pace and tone for the evening in the opening bout. Rebollar, who was a 2019 USA Western Regional Junior Open Champion as an amateur, and Chavez stood toe-to-toe, pounding each other from the opening bell to the end of this rare five-round match, which ended in a split decision for Rebollar.

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Complete results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENTS – SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs), Coeur d’Alene, ID

WTKO6 (2:43)

Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs), San Bernardino, CA

CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS

Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs), Seattle, WA

SD6 (58-56, 57-57, 56-58)

Roberto Negrete (4-1-2, 2 KOs), West Liberty, IA

WELTERWEIGHTS

Axl Melendez Salgado (7-0, 4 KOs), Ceiba, Puerto Rico

WDQ4 (1:46)

Ean Hernandez (2-3, 1 KO), Riverside, CA

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHTS

Lorenzo Caldera (7-0, 3 KOs), Portland, OR

WTKO2 (1:19)

Jake Bornea (14-6-1, 7 KOs), General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines

Wesley Rivers (2-3, 0 KOs), Detroit, MI

WUDEC4 (39-36, 39-36, 39-36)

Richard Ray Howell (4-4-2, 2 KOs), San Antonio, TX

Angel Rebollar (7-3, 3 KOs), Compton, CA

WSDEC5 (49-46, 49-46, 47-48)

Esteban Munoz (7-4, 4 KOs), San Bernardino, CA

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Josue Cadena (1-0, 1 KO), Auburn, WA

WUDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-36)

Dan Hernandez (2-2, 1 KO), Riverside, CA

Oleksandr Usyk defended the IBF/WBA/WBO Heavyweight titles with a ninth round stoppage over Daniel DuBois in Wroclaw, Poland.

The fight was tactical early with both guys holding back a little. In round five, DuBois landed a right hand on the belt that sent Usyk to the canvas. Referee Luis Pabon ruled that the fight was below the belt and gave Usyk several (extra) minutes to recuperate.

That proved to be pivotal as it allowed Usyk to regroup and begin to dominate at the fight. In round eight, Usyk floored DuBois with a combination to the head. Usyk had total control of the bout, and then landed a short right hook to the head that put DuBois down for a second time. Dubois looked at Pabon as he counted to 10 and the bout was over.

Usyk of Ukraine is now 21-0 with 14 knockouts. DuBois of England is 19-2.

ATLANTIC CITY–Shinard Bunch took out Abraham Afful in round two of their scheduled eight-round junior welterweight fight.

In round two, Bunch dropped Afful with a hard left hook. Affull rolled on his side and did not beat the 10-count at 13:25.

Bunch of Trenton, NJ is now 21-2-1 with 17 knockout. Afful of Accra, GHA is 12-6-1.

Devin Gantt remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Kevin Traynor in a six-round super bantamweight bout.

In round one, Gantt dropped Traynor with a hard flurry of punches. Gantt seemed one punch away from stopping Traynor on several occasions in the opening round.

In round four, Gantt started unloading hard shots to the body and head that forced Traynor to take a knee and the corner stopped the bout 1:18.

Gantt of Sicklerville, NJ is 5-0 with five knockouts. Traynor of Scotland is 1-5.

Nimal Farmer remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over durable Nelson Morales in a welterweight fight.

Farmer was dominant as he landed flurries for the better part of the fight and keeping Morales on the ropes. Morales did well to stay on his feet and he started to spit out blood towards the end of round five.

Farmer of Lindenwold, NJ won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 5-0. Morales of Scranton, PA is 4-9

Khalid Billings remained undefeated by stopping Aaron Newmones in the opening round of their four-round welterweight bout.

Billings dropped Newmones with a perfect left to the head. Newmones was badly hurt and Billings sensed it as he went right after Newmones and dropped him again, and the fight was stopped at 1:34.

Billings of Queens, NY is 3-0 with two knockouts. Newmones of Atlantic City is 1-4.

Jared Anderson remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Andriy Rudenko in a heavyweight bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Anderson was dominant, especially with his jab and he beat down the body of Rudenko. In round five, Anderson started to open up and land power shots until the fight was stopped at 1:40.

Anderson, 239.6 lbs of Toledo, OH is 16-0 with 15 knockouts. Rudenko, 244.3 lbs of Dnipro, UKR is 35-7.

“I’m enjoying the ride, enjoying the fights, and just doing my job,” Anderson said. “I was sending a statement to myself. I’m fighting for myself, and I’m fighting for my family. As much as people want to hate on me for it, I’m a realist. I’m going to stay real and be real. And I’m going to say what’s on my mind. Ya’ll can take it how ya’ll want. This is a business. This is a sport. I’m just doing my job. Take it how you want. You can’t force me to be somebody ya’ll want me to be. I’m going to be myself. And I’m going to be that till the end.”

Efe Ajagba defeated Zhon Kossobutskiy via fourth round disqualification due to low blows.

In round three, Kossobutskiy was deducted a point for a low blow. Seconds later, he deducted another point for the same in fraction. In round four, Kossubutskiy landed a hard shot below the belt tat sent Ajjagba to the canvas and the fight was waved off at 33 seconds.

Ajgaba, 226.5 lbs of Ughleli, NIG is 18-1. Kossibsbutskiy, 234.4 of Atkalyk, KAZ is 19-1.

Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Angel Antonio Contreras in a featherweight bout.

Carrington, 126.7 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 9-0. Contreras, 126.8 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 13-7-2.

Jeremiah Milton remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Craig Lewis in a heavyweight bout.

Milton, 254.4 lbs of Tulsa won by scores of 80-72 and 79-72 twice and is now 11-0. Lewis, 260.4 lbs of Detroit is 15-7-1

Sona Akole scored a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Nico Ali Walsh in a middleweight bout.

Akole, 157.9 lbs of Saint Paul, MN won by scores of 58-56 twice and 57-57 and is now 8-1. Walsh, 159.1 lbs of Las Vegas, NV 8-1.

Abdullah Mason remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Cesar Villarrga in a lightweight bout.

Mason, 134.9 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 10-0. Villarraga, 134.7 lbs of Bogota, COL is 10-8-1.

Ablaikhan Zhussupov stopped Wiston Campos in round five of their six-round welterweight bout.

In round four, Zhussupov dropped Campos with a combination. Campos began to bleed from his nose. In round five, Zhussupov landed several hard jabs that was followed by a flush left. Zhusspupov continued to beat down Campos and the fight was stopped by the corner at 2:52.

Charly Suarez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Yohan Vazquez in a junior lightweight bout.

Suarez, 130.6 lbs of Davao del Norte PHL won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 16-0. Vazquez 129.6 lbs of Stroudberg, PA is 25-4.

Vladimir Hernandez scored an upset eight-round majority decision over previously undefeated Lorenzo Simpson in a middleweight bout at The OTX Arena in Atlanta.

Simpson got in some good shots in round two. In round three, Hernandez rocked Simpson with a hard right hook.

The battled it out in an entertaining scrap with the volume punching of Hernandez proving to be the difference over the heralded Simpson.

Hernandez landed 170 of 799 punches. Simpson was 110 of 399.

Hernandez, 156.8 lbs of Ciudad, Mexican won by scores of 79=73, 78-74 and 76-75 to raise his record to 14-5 with this being the sixth upset victory on his resume. Simpson, 159.2 lbs of Baltimore is 13-1.

Andreas Katzourakis came off the deck to score an eighth and final round stoppage over Raphael Igbokwe in a middleweight contest.

Just 30 seconds into the fight, Igbokwe dropped Katzourakis with a short left Katzourakis turned things around and started to take control of the fight as early as round two.

In round five, Katzourakis had a big round as he hurt Igbokwe several times with big flurries. In round eight, Katzourakis poured on the pressure and landed 11 unanswered and flush shots that forced a referee stoppage at 2:18.

Katzourakis, 160 lbs of Athens, GRE is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Igbokwe, 160 lbs of Houston, TX is 16-5.

Christian Barreto won a six-round unanimous decision over Luis Acosta in a lightweight bout.

In round six, Barreto was deducted a point for a headbutt which caused a nasty cut over the right eye of Acosta.

That did not matter as Barreto, 134.4 lbs of Arecibo, PR won by scores of 59-54 and 58-55 twice and is now 10-0. Acosta, 134.6 lbs of Houston is 13-2.

Barreto landed 166 of 411 punches. Acosta was 76 of 353.

In a fight featuring undefeated super middleweights, Abel Gonzalez won a six-round unanimous decision over Robert Magee.

Gonzalez, 168 lbs of Hialeah, FL won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 twice and is now 6-0. Magee, 168 lbs of Byrnes Mill, MO is 8-1-2.

Carisse Brown won a six-round split decision over Czarina McCoy in a lightweight bout.

In round one, McCoy began to bleed from her nose.

In round six, Brown landed a right hand to the head that put McCoy on the canvas. Replays showed that Brown stepped on the foot of McCoy.

The knockdown was the difference as Brown took two cards 59-54 and 57-56. McCoy was ahead 57-56 on the third card.

Brown landed 66 of 268 punches. McCoy was 42 of 169.

Brown, 133.2 lbs of Lakeland, FL is 10-6. McCoy, 137.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-2.

Donte Layne made a terrific pro debut by stopping Nathan Mitchell in the opening round of their four-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Layne dumped Mitchell on the canvas with a hard left hand. Seconds later, Layne landed another hard left hand hand to the head that put Mitchell down and out at 2:29.

Layne, 166.8 lbs of Elmhurst, NY is 1-0 with one knockout. Mitchell, 166 lbs of Tupelo, MS is 0-2-1.

LAS VEGAS – August 25, 2023 – Three matchups featuring rising stars, top contenders and former world champions from 147 to 160 pounds will highlight a robust pay-per-view undercard leading up to the Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo undisputed super middleweight championship clash on Saturday, September 30 live on SHOWTIME PPV from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Canelo Promotions will present the Premier Boxing Champions Pay-Per-View.

In the co-main event, undefeated sensation Jesus “Mono” Ramos Jr.,will take on hard-hitting top contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin in a 12-round super welterweight special attraction. The pay-per-view also includes former world champions Yordenis Ugas and Mario “El Azteca” Barrios going toe-to-toefor the Interim WBC Welterweight Title. Opening up the action at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT are rising middleweights Elijah Garcia and Armando Reséndiz squaring off in a 10-round attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Canelo Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through AXS.com. 

“These three matchups deliver everything boxing fans could hope for in a pay-per-view undercard and are worthy of the historic main event clash they will lead up to,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Each fighter stepping into the ring has an opportunity to catapult themselves to the top of their respective division with a win on September 30. Fans can expect to see all of these competitors give everything they have to emerge victorious on SHOWTIME PPV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.”

A strong southpaw who at 22 has yet to come close to hitting his ceiling as a fighter, Ramos (20-0, 16 KOs) blitzed then-unbeaten Joey Spencer in March, dropping him in round one before stopping him in round seven to earn the TKO in his sensational 2023 debut on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Caleb Plant on SHOWTIME PPV. A native of Casa Grande, Ariz., Ramos also owns back-to-back 10-round unanimous decisions over Brian Mendoza and Javier Molina in 2021, which he followed up by defeating Luke Santamaria and Vladimir Hernandez in 2022. Overall, the youthful Ramos has gained recognition with highlight-reel KOs, stopping seven of his last 10 opponents, showcasing his skills and ability to end his fights early. 

“I’m excited to be part of this huge card against a tough opponent on September 30,” said Ramos. “I know Lubin is training hard and coming to win, which will make for an entertaining fight. This whole card is stacked and we don’t want to disappoint, so the fans are in for a great night of boxing.”

The 27-year-old Lubin (25-2, 18 KOs) returned to the ring in June to deliver an impressive fifth-round stoppage of veteran Luis Arias, who had never been stopped previously. Lubin’s previous outing saw him go toe-to-toe in one of 2022’s best fights, as he traded knockdowns with fellow contender Sebastian Fundora on SHOWTIME in April 2022. Heading into the Fundora fight, Lubin had put together an impressive six-bout winning streak since a loss to then unified and now undisputed 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017, a run that included triumphs over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha and Ishe Smith. A native of Orlando, Fla., Lubin turned pro at 18 years old in 2013 and became one of the youngest prospects to ever appear on the developmental series SHOBOX: The New Generation^®,earning “Prospect Of The Year” honors from ESPN and Ring Magazine in 2016.

“I know the world will be watching on September 30 and I plan on winning in a big way,” said Lubin. “We’ve got a young and talented fighter in front of us, but I’m young and talented as well. The difference is that I’ve fought the cream of the crop of the 154-pound division. Doesn’t matter if it’s Olympians, top prospects, contenders or champions, I’ve taken them on. I have a big chip on my shoulder and I know that with this win, I’ll be in a mega fight. I’m training extremely hard and the whole world will see it pay off.”

Ugas (27-5, 12 KOs) will step back into action on September 30 for the first time since an April 2022 unification bout defeat to Errol Spence Jr. on SHOWTIME PPV. He established himself as an elite welterweight after returning from a more than two-year layoff in 2016 following back-to-back losses in 2014. He punched his ticket as a world champion in January 2021 after winning a WBA belt by defeating Abel Ramos in September 2020. He solidified his world-championship status in August 2021, when he stepped in for an injured Spence to defeat legendary future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision. Hailing from Santiago, Cuba and now living in Miami, Florida, the Olympic bronze medalist trains in Las Vegas with renowned coach Ismael Salas and owns victories over then undefeated fighters Jamal James, Omar Figueroa Jr. and Bryant Perrella, plus veteran contenders Thomas Dulorme and Ray Robinson.

“Both me and Mario Barrios have a lot to gain with a victory on September 30, so I know that this fight is going to be one to remember,” said Ugas. “I have tremendous respect for Barrios. He’s a true warrior who’s been in the ring with the best of them, but I have confidence that I’ll be victorious. I have a lot of fight left in me and my best skills will be on display in this fight. Patria y Vida, I fight for my people.”

The 28-year-old Barrios (27-2, 18 KOs) most recently scored a sensational knockout of Jovanie Santiago in February stopping Santiago in the eighth-round. Barrios’ previous fight was his welterweight debut as he dropped a hard-fought decision to former unified champion Keith Thurman in February 2022. The San Antonio-product, who now trains with top coach Bob Santos in Las Vegas, became a 140-pound world champion in September 2019, using his aggressive style to edge out Batyr Akhmedov and earn a unanimous decision. Barrios lost the super lightweight title in another action packed, highly competitive bout, as he was defeated by three-division and five-time world champion Gervonta Davis in June 2021.

“This fight is going to be a war, because we both fight with a lot of heart and neither of us ever backs down,” said Barrios. “I can’t wait to compete in a matchup like this on one of the biggest cards of the year. This is going to be a great night of boxing from start to finish and the Mexican fans can expect to see an explosive performance from ‘El Azteca’!”

Fighting out of Phoenix, Arizona, Garcia (15-0, 12 KOs) is one of 2023’s biggest breakout stars He burst onto the scene in March by blasting out the previously unbeaten Amilcar Vidal in the fourth-round to announce his presence at 160-pounds. The 20-year-old followed up that performance by dominating veteran Kevin Salgado on his way to a unanimous decision in April on the SHOWTIME PPV undercard of Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia. The precocious Garcia has moved fast since turning pro in 2020 and has knocked out six of his last eight opponents.

“This is my second fight this year on a huge pay-per-view card and I’m super excited and even more prepared than the first time,” said Garcia. “Reséndiz is a hungry fighter just like myself, so I have no doubt that we are going to put on a hell of a show for all the fans watching.”

The 24-year-old Reséndiz (14-1, 10 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his last outing as he stopped former unified champion Jarrett Hurd in the 10^th and final round of their March showdown on SHOWTIME. Reséndiz led on all three cards when the bout was stopped due to a severe laceration on Hurd’s lip. A native of Nayarit, Mexico, he now fights out of Los Angeles and will look to make it three-straight wins since a close decision loss to Marcos Hernandez in September 2021. Reséndiz turned pro in February 2018 and made a successful U.S. debut in April 2021 with a decision victory over Quilisto Madera.

“I’m very happy to have this great opportunity to compete on such an important fight card,” said Reséndiz. “I’m excited to realize my dream of fighting in Las Vegas, just like my boxing idols that I watched on TV. I’ve had an amazing training camp that will help me look my best on September 30 and put on a performance worthy of the boxing legends who inspire me.”

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For more information visit sho.com/ppv and www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #CaneloCharlo, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing and www.Facebook.com/premierboxingchampions/.

NEW YORK (August 23, 2023) – Tonight in Atlanta, Four Split-T Management fighters will be featured on week for of the OTX Boxing Series that will be streamed live on DAZN beginning at 8:30 PM ET.

In an eight-round middleweight bout, undefeated Andreas Katzourakis will take on Raphael Igbokwe.

Katzourakis of Athens, Greece and now makes Los Angeles home, is 10-0 with eight knockouts. The 25 year-old has wins over Edward Brown (7-1) and Rodrigo Octavio Gonzalez (5-1-2). Katzourakis is coming off a fifth round stoppage over Marcelo Fabian Bzowski on June 17th in Houston.

Igbokwe of Houston is 16-4 with seven knockouts. The 30 year-old has two wins over Genc Plana as well as victories over Juan Carlos Rodriguez (18-2).

In a six-round lightweight fight, Luis Acosta will fight Christian Barreto Gonzalez.

Acosta of Houston is 13-1 with 12 knockouts. The heavy-handed 27 year-old Acosta won his first 12 bouts and is coming off a fourth round stoppage over Abdel Sauceda (11-1) on August 13, 2022 in Houston.

Gonzalez of Arecibo, Puerto Rico is 9-0 with seven knockouts. The 26 year-old Gonzalez is coming off a fifth round stoppage over Willy Morrillo Sanchez on August 5, 2022 in The Dominican Republic.

In a six-round lightweight contest, Czarina McCoy will be making her Split-T debut when she takes on Carisse Brown.

McCoy of Las Vegas is 11-1 with three knockouts. The 22 year-old McCoy is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Monica Henao on December 17, 2022 in Mexico.

Brown of Lakeland, Florida is 9-6 with six knockouts. The 36 year-old Brown has a win over previously undefeated Alicia Amaro (3-0)

In a four-round super middleweight fight, Donte Layne will make his pro debut against Nathan Mitchell.

The 20 year-old Layne is a native of Elmont, New York.

Layne began boxing at the age of eight after his family would have backyard fights, and young Donte wanted to go to the gym.

Layne had an 85 fight amateur career that saw him go 74-11. He won the 2015 and 2017 Junior Olympics as well as a 2017 Silver Gloves title. Layne also won four U.S. National titles, which included the 2021 Elite National Championship and the 2022 Elite National Golden Gloves and National Championship.

He competed at 165 pounds and will campaign as a super middleweight in the professional ranks.

The 6’1″ Layne is trained by Anthony Santiago and Kenyatta Harris.

Mitchell of Senatobia, Mississippi is 0-1-1.

Saturday night at The Showboat in Atlantic City, in a 10-round bout featuring Christopher Pearson taking on Derrick Webster for the NBA Super Middleweight championship.

Pearson of Selma, Texas is 17-3 with 12 knockouts. The 32- year-old Pearson won his first 13 bouts with wins over Arturo Crespin (10-2-1), Acaclo Jose Fereira (13-0-1), Steven Martinez (15-1), Siad El Harrak (12-2) and Janks Trotter (9-1-1). Pearson also has wins over Joshua Okine (28-6-1) and world title challenger Yamaguchi Falcao (16-0).

Webster of Glassboro, New Jersey has a record of 29-4 with 14 knockouts. The 41 year-old Webster is a 14 year-professional who has defeated Obodai Sai (23-1), Thomas Awimbono (25-5), Frankie Filippone (22-5-1), Francisco Cordero (38-9) and his last outing when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Christian Thomas on April 29th in Philadelphia.

LONG BEACH, CA (August 17, 2023) – Camponovo Sports is proud to announce a newly established alliance in the world of sports entertainment with the launch of an electrifying new boxing series titled “New Blood.“ This groundbreaking series is set to debut with its first event on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the prestigious Infinite Reality Studios in Long Beach, California, formerly known as Thunder Studios.

The inaugural event, showcasing a plethora of rising talent looking to become the next super star in boxing, will be broadcast live on FOX Deportes, captivating audiences with an unforgettable night of intense action. In addition, the series will air tape delayed on Estrella TV and beIN SPORTS, reaching a combined total of 98-million homes in the United States.

The 8-round main event will feature featherweight Rigoberto Hermosillo (13-4-1, 9 KOs), from Los Angeles, CA, vs. Alexis De Luna (10-1, 5 KOs) from Bakersfield, CA. Undefeated super lightweight and Long Beach’s own Emiliano Moreno (6-0, 4 KOs), will square off against Levy Garcia Benitez (3-0-1, 2 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico in the 8-round co-main event.

Doors open at 4:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 5:30 pm PT. Televised fights start at 7:00 pm PT. Tickets priced $60 – $150 (Plus applicable fees), are available for purchase by calling 800-283-8699 or online at www.cbnpromotions.com.

“We are excited to unveil the restart of ‘New Blood,’ a series that for over two decades aligned perfectly with our commitment to promoting and nurturing emerging talents in the boxing world,” said Alex Camponovo, Founder and CEO of Camponovo Sports. “We built something special during our time with Thompson Boxing that was equally beneficial for both boxers and fans. Using that tremendous track record and thanks to our new partnership with Infinite Reality Studios, we will be able to create a dynamic atmosphere that will resonate with everyone involved. Thanks to our success in the past, we now look into the future by creating a media distribution strategy that will give our fighters tremendous exposure.”

“Words can’t describe how thrilled we are to be hosting the ‘New Blood’ series at our studios,” said Rolando Nichols, President of Infinite Reality Studios. “The combination of our state-of-the-art production facilities and the energy of live boxing will create an unforgettable experience for both the fighters and the fans.”

“We’re delighted to collaborate with respected partners like FOX Deportes, Estrella TV, and beIN SPORTS to bring the ‘New Blood’ Boxing Series to a diverse and passionate audience,” added Andrew Bocanegra, CEO of Cali Sports. “Together, we’re elevating the sport and giving these emerging athletes a stage to shine.”

“This series is set to be an incredible display of skill, determination, and passion, providing a platform for these rising stars to showcase their abilities on a grand stage.” concluded Jessie Sanchez of Cali Sports.

UNDERCARD BOUTS:

Middleweight Nelson Oliva (8-0, 7 KOs), from Los Angeles, Calif., will face an Selim Martinez 6-6, 2 KOs, from Matamoros, Mexico. (6-rounds)

Welterweight Kevin Salgado (3-1, 1 KO) from Murrieta, CA, will battle Roberto Patron (2-0, 1 KO) from Turlock, CA. (4-rounds)

Welterweight Juan Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) from Buena Park, CA, will square off Osvaldo Negrete (6-5-1, 1 KO) from Matamoros, Mexico. (6-rounds)

Opening the card will be lightweight Tayden Beltran (6-0-1, 4 KOs) from Huntington Beach, CA, facing an Francisco Duque (2-2, 1 KO) from Guadalupe, Mexico. (6-rounds)

This event is sponsored by, Bud Light, HUSTLER Casino, LA’s only luxury Casino and Shoe Palace.

TULSA, OK (Aug. 24, 2023) — Roughly 1,000 pounds of heavyweight muscle will roll into the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa on Saturday evening for an action-packed doubleheader.

In the 10-round main event, Toledo native Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) looks to notch his second victory in as many months against Andriy Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs). Anderson thrilled his hometown crowd on July 1 with a 10-round decision over former world champion Charles Martin.

The 10-round co-feature will see Nigerian knockout artist Efe Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs) seek to end the unbeaten run of southpaw puncher Zhan Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs).

Anderson-Rudenko, and Ajagba-Kossobutskiy will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

The ESPN+-streamed undercard (6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT) features Brooklyn-born featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder, Tulsa-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Craig Lewis (15-6-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (8-0, 5 KOs) against Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now at www.hardrockcasinotulsa.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Jared Anderson
 
“It was easy to get back into things after my last fight. We never stop, really. We might have taken a week off, but then we went right back to it. We took our time by sharpening our skills before sparring. But everything was great. We’re ready to go to work.”

“My coaches have been training me like a little guy since I was eight years old. So, it kind of comes naturally to just move like I’m at a lighter weight. That’s what I do every time I step in there.”
 
“This Saturday you will see me sticking to my plan. I’ll be using my jab, my speed. I’m always willing to do whatever I need to do in order to win. And I will continue being who I am because I am great.”

Andriy Rudenko
 
“Today is Ukrainian Independence Day, and we are here thanks to our Ukrainian army, thanks to our Ukrainian soldiers who defend our country. It fills us with glory to represent the bravest country in the world.”
 
“I’m very happy to be in the United States. It’s been my dream to have a professional fight in the U.S. When I started my career, I dreamed of having a fight at the mecca of professional boxing, so I am very happy.”
 
“I know that my opponent is one of the best heavyweight prospects right now. I will show you what my plans are for stopping him this Saturday in the ring.”

Efe Ajagba
 
“I know this is a big fight. I made sure to prepare hard and get everything done in training camp. I know he is a good fighter, but I will do everything possible to win the fight.”
 
“I want to thank him for accepting the fight. I’ve been training hard for this fight because I know who he is. I will get things done on Saturday night.”

Zhan Kossobutskiy
 
“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. This is a great opportunity for me to debut on ESPN.”
 
“I’m very happy to have this fight. I have faced very strong opposition. It’s been a lot better for my career to have fought strong opposition. I believe the same is the case with my opponent for this Saturday.”

Nico Ali Walsh
 
“We were working on a lot of different things in this camp. Head movement was a big part of it. Defense was a big part of it. I’m no stranger to taking a punch. Everyone knows I can take a punch. But that’s not what is important to me. What is important is not taking the punch and still being able to come back. This camp has been completely different, and I can’t wait to show that improvement.”

Jeremiah Milton
 
“I’ve been staying busy and learning from each fight. I’ve been progressing and climbing up the rankings. I’ve been making an impact on the heavyweight division. It’s been amazing.”
 
“This is my city. We got all these heavyweights out here. So, it’s going to be nothing but knockouts. Tulsa loves knockouts. They love big performances. And that’s what they are in for.”
 

Saturday, August 26

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT)

Jared Anderson vs. Andriy Rudenko, 10 rounds, Heavyweight

Efe Ajagba vs. Zhan Kossobutskiy, 10 rounds, Heavyweight

ESPN+ (6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Angel Antonio Contreras, 8 rounds, Featherweights 

Jeremiah Milton vs. Craig Lewis, 8 rounds, Heavyweights

Nico Ali Walsh vs. Sona Akale, 6 rounds, Middleweights

Ablaikhan Zhussupov vs. Wiston Campos, 8/6 rounds, Welterweights
 
Charly Suarez vs. Yohan Vasquez, 10 rounds, Junior Lightweight

Top Rank YouTube (6:15 p.m. ET/3:15 p.m. PT)

Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Onoriode Ehwarieme, 8 rounds, Heavyweight

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (August 24, 2023) – The WBO Mini Flyweight World Champion Oscar “El Pupilo” Collazo (7-0, 5 KOs) hosted a press conference today ahead of his historic title defense against Filipino fighter Garen “Hellboy” Diagan (10-3, 5 KOs) in his native Puerto Rico. The 12-round fight will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN and is presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment. The event will take place on Saturday, August 26 at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A handful of fighters of the Collazo vs. Diagan undercard were also present at the press conference. Juan Carlos “El Indio” Camacho Jr. (15-1 7 KOs) will face Jorge Luis Orozco (17-3-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round, 115-pound bout for the NABF title. Former world champion Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta (23-4, 22 KOs) will fight former world contender Carlos ‘El Chocorroncito’ Buitrago (37-9-1, 21 KOs) in a 10-round flyweight fight.

Here is what the participants had to say:

OSCAR “EL PUPILO” COLLAZO, WBO MINI FLYWEIGHT:

“I’m very excited and happy. Two more days to come and we will make our first title defense in front of my people at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. I am very grateful that Golden Boy and DAZN together with Miguel Cotto Promotions had made my dream come true. I know that Diagan is ready to fight and will come in hungry, but I am ready for him and the World Championship belt will stay in my island of Puerto Rico.”

GAREN “HELLBOY” DIAGAN, MINI FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHALLENGER:

“I am very happy to be in Puerto Rico, and thank you to Miguel Cotto Promotions for the opportunity. I give a lot of respect to Collazo. He is a great fighter. I have done all my job in my training camp to become a champion. I am ready to give my all this Saturday night for my family and the Philippines.”

JUAN CARLOS “EL INDIO” CAMACHO JR., SUPER FLYWEIGHT FIGHTER:

“I am ready to take Orozco and defend my title. This is the fight that I was pursuing that will take me to the other level. Having the opportunity to be part of the classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battles motivates me because this one will be for the ages.”

ANGEL “TITO” ACOSTA, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:

“I know Buitrago very well and I will beat him again even easier than our first fight. I hope he is ready because I am coming after him to get my title shot.”

Tickets are still available at PRTicket.com for $55 and $25.

###

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with Miguel Cotto Promotions. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in a credential for the fight can email Giancarlo Oquendo of Miguel Cotto Promotions at goquendo@cottopromotions.com. 

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight

WROC?AW, Poland (Aug. 24, 2023) —  Ukraine’s unified WBA/WBO/IBF world champion, Oleksandr Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs), puts his heavyweight hardware on the line against London’s Daniel Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) this Saturday, Aug. 26 at Tarczy?ski Arena Wroc?aw in Wroclaw, Poland.

Usyk will make the second defense of his unified crown after moving up to heavyweight in 2019 following a historic run to the undisputed cruiserweight championship. Usyk defeated reigning champion Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision in September 2021 and prevailed by split decision last August in their rematch. Dubois has won four fights by stoppage since a TKO loss to countryman Joe Joyce in 2020.

Usyk-Dubois will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ as a special one-fight broadcast starting at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Ring walks are expected shortly thereafter.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say:

Oleksandr Usyk

“My preparation is all good. We did a lot of work with swimming. We played football. We danced.” 
 
“I’m grateful to my team, my family, my wife. I’m grateful to my country and to Ukrainian soldiers.”

Daniel Dubois

“I’m ready. I’ve suffered through training camp. I’ve done all of that. I’m ready now. I’ve prepared. I’ve left no stone unturned. I’m ready. I’m confident. I’m ready to go right now.”

Saturday, August 26

ESPN+ (5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT)

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois, 12 rounds, Usyk’s WBA/WBO/IBF Heavyweight World Titles 

PHILADELPHIA (August 24, 2023)–Banner Promotions has signed junior lightweight contender Destiny Jones.

Jones, 24 years-old of Georgetown, Texas, has a record of 5-1 with two knockouts.

Jones who is known for her all-action and aggressive style who looks for knockouts, is the first female fighter signed to Banner Promotions.

“It is an honor to have Destiny signed to Banner Promotions. My good friend David Watson brought her to us, and she is a very aggressive fighter who makes good fights. She has the talent and ability to become a world champion, and we plan to make that happen for her,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.

“Being the first female fighter to sign with Banner makes me grateful, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent them. My goal is to not only become world champion, but undisputed champion,” said Jones.

Jones started boxing at the age of 13 as he uncle, Nelson Trevino was an amateur boxer. Jones began training in a shed in the backyard. “My uncle was actually trying to get my younger brother to start training, but I wanted to try. I punched my uncle once in the face, and made his nose bleed,” continued Jones.

Destiny had over 100 amateur fights and won tournaments such The National Junior Open Championship, USA Boxing Eastern Elite, and National Women’s Golden Gloves.

Jones turned professional with a four-round unanimous decision over Janina Lopez on September 25, 2021. In Destiny’s most recent outing, she captured the ABF Inter-Continental Junior Lightweight champion with a first round stoppage over Brittany Ordonez on May 5th in San Antonio.

Nicknamed, “Too Sweet”, Jones was a cheerleader before she took up boxing. She is trained and managed by Dave Watson.

Jones has a brother who a a wide receiver for Kansas Sate University.

 On September 8th, Davontae Kirk returns to the ring against an opponent to be announced in the near future in his hometown of Detroit at the Motor City Casino. The card is promoted by the well respected Carlos Llinas.  

The imposing 5’11” boxer-puncher possesses power in both fists and is looking to put on a show for the local fans in his second fight of 2023. 

“I always look to give the fans their money’s worth,” said Kirk. “Whoever they put in front of me, the goal is to knock them out and that’s exactly what I will do on September 8th.”

Kirk’s advisor, former multi-division title challenger, Benjamin “BJ “Flores, says he sees potential in the up and coming athlete, and an impressive work ethic. 

“Boxing is a learning process, and true growth doesn’t happen overnight. Davontae will have plenty of opportunities over the next twelve months to find out exactly how far he wants to take his journey,” said Flores.

“It’s a real treat for Davontae to be featured in his hometown. Promoter Carlos Llinas has a long-standing presence in the city of Detroit. Over the last 15 years, Carlos has continued to bring exciting fights to the fans in the “Motor City.”

In addition to advising Davontae Kirk, Flores manages 205 pound world Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship champion Lorenzo Hunt, and top BKFC middleweight prospect, Brutal Jake Bostwick. Flores is looking forward to helping create opportunities for these young fighters in their journeys to become champions. 

“This is something I take very serious. I’m in a different phase of my life now and nothing makes me happier than creating opportunities and building up the people on my team. Giving back to the sport of boxing is one of my passions. We are just getting started,” said Flores with a smile. 

Lorenzo Hunt will defend his BKFC 205 pound world title against Chris Cammozi on September 22 in Denver, Colorado. 

Flores is also a member of the “Small Council”  for Misfits Celebrity Boxing that has steadily gained in  popularity.  Flores is on the board of advisors that determines fighter rankings, future matchups, and potential locations for events. 

He will be in Manchester for the KSI versus Tommy Fury fight on October 14.

Long Island, NY (August 24, 2023) – Star Boxing is pleased to announce that it has signed 22-year-old, undefeated super featherweight out of New Jersey, ERICK “EL CANETE” PEREZ (1-0 1KO, Passaic, NJ) to a long-term promotional agreement.

It was just a few months ago when Vincente Fernandez’s song “El Rey” rang out across the Paramount in Huntington, NY, as Erick Perez decked out in Mexican flag colored robe and trunks, made his ring walk for his pro debut. Mexican flags were waving throughout the crowd, as the fans roared for Erick. The noise only continued to grow as the bout began and Erick roared forward with his relentless and exciting Mexican styled aggression.

Erick’s thrilling fan-friendly style and convincing third-round TKO victory caught the eye of Hall of Fame promoter, JOE DEGUARDIA, “When Erick came into the ring the Paramount came alive. His bout was a fire fight from the moment the first bell rang. The fans that knew Erick made themselves known, and by the end of the fight, the entire Paramount crowd was asking about the new Mexican dynamo.”

“I have been working for this for so long,” said Perez. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I am excited to begin my journey with Star Boxing. I’d like to thank Joe DeGuardia and Tony Palmieri for welcoming me to the team.”

Erick was born in Cuautla Morelos, Mexico on May 20, 2001. In storybook fashion, his father (and head trainer) Fredy Cañete was literally boxing in an amateur bout of his own when Erick was born. A few hours late to the hospital, a victorious Fredy rushed to the maternity ward to welcome his first-born son into the world.  

In searching for a better life, Erick’s parents made the difficult decision to emigrate to America, leaving a 4-month-old Erick behind to live with his maternal grandparents. The decision was not made lightly, but there was hope that they could return to Erick with a greater opportunity for his life ahead in America. Four years later that hopeful day arrived. Fredy returned for Erick and carried him on his shoulders for a near 10-hour journey back to the States. Just two years later, at the age of 7, Erick began boxing.  

In America the passion of the father turned into the passion of the son. Making a name for himself in the local New Jersey gyms, Erick began accumulating valuable experience in fighting some elite amateurs such as Xander Zayas, Keith Colon and Rashiem Jefferson. Around the gym Erick became known as “El Cañete,” paying homage to his father’s last name.  

Perez will return to the ring on October 28 for his second professional fight at super featherweight and looks to shine on the undercard of the highly anticipated main event between, ALEX “EL TORO” VARGAS (13-0 6KO’s) vs MATT “SWEET CHILD” CONWAY (23-3 9KO’s) at The Paramount. Tickets to Rockin’ Fights 45 are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Jai Opetaia will make the first defence of his IBF and Ring Magazine Cruiserweight World Titles against Jordan Thompson on a huge night of World Championship boxing at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday September 30 that also sees IBF Super-Bantamweight ruler Ellie Scotney make the maiden defence of her World Title against Laura Soledad Griffa, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Opetaia (22-0 17 KOs) wrestled the IBF and Ring Magazine World Cruiserweight Titles away from Mairis Briedis on home turf with an outstanding display in Queensland, Australia in July 2022, outboxing the Latvian with a show of skill mixed with guts after breaking his jaw in both the second and final rounds.

The 28-year-old extended his unbeaten slate to 22 fights in the paid ranks on that famous night, landing World Title honours at the first attempt in a professional career that began in August 2015 after the imposing southpaw said goodbye to a glittering amateur stint that yielded gold in the World Junior Championships in 2011 and saw him become the youngest ever Australian Olympian fighter when he represented his country in at the 2012 Games in London.

He returns to London next month, putting his red and gold hardware on the line against Manchester’s undefeated contender Thompson (15-0, 12 KOs), who heads into his first shot at world honours on the back of a dominating sixth-round TKO win over Swindon’s Luke Watkins at the Cardiff International Arena back in Cardiff.

The 6′ 7″ powerhouse, who is trained by Tony Sims at the Matchroom Boxing Elite Gym in Essex, has won all five of his fights under the Matchroom Boxing banner since putting pen to paper on a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in June 2021, picking up the IBF European Title but outpointing Vasil Ducar at the Sheffield Arena in August 2022.

Catford’s 122lbs queen Scotney (7-0) returns to the arena where she was crowned IBF World Champion in June, comfortably outpointing Australia’s former champion Cherneka Johnson on the undercard of Sunny Edwards’ shutout points win over Andres Campos.

Argentina’s Griffa (20-8, 1 KO) gets her second shot at the IBF Super-Bantamweight after falling short in her challenge against Marcela Eliana Acuna in August 2018. ‘La Joya’, who fights out of Pehuajo in Buenos Aires, has also challenged for the IBO Super-Bantamweight and Featherweight Titles and has won both of her fights in 2023.

Dangerous Gravesend Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (6-0, 5 KOs) gets his first title shot – taking on former Chris Billam-Smith and Jordan Thompson opponent Vasil Ducar (14-6-2, 10 KOs) for the vacant IBF International Title and Warrington’s Rhiannon Dixon (8-0, 1 KO) meets Norway’s World Title challenger Katherina Thanderz (16-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant EBU European Lightweight crown.  

Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (4-0, 3 KOs) and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney (4-0) have a quick turnaround after picking up wins on the Joshua vs. Helenius undercard at The O2 in London earlier this month, Watford Super-Flyweight Shannon Ryan (5-0) fights for the sixth time as a pro and Tony Sims-trained Middleweight Jimmy Sains makes his professional debut.

“I have been waiting too long for someone to challenge me and now we finally have a fight,” said Opetaia. “Thank you Jordan for stepping up but I hope you are ready!”

“Opetaia is the recognised number one in the division and the best guy out there and that’s why he’s the one I want,” said Thompson. “This is my time now and the world will see that on September 30th. I ain’t never been one to just take part, I’m a winner, I’m going to win.

“Winning a World Title is every fighter’s dream but now I want more,” said Scotney. “I want to prove myself the best Super-Bantamweight in the world, but a true champion also has to be willing to defend her title. I wanted to stay active and getting to defend the belt in the same venue I was crowned World Champion gives me the ideal opportunity to show that there are levels to this sport On September 30 I will show just that.”

“I am very excited to be fighting for the World Title for a second time,” said Griffa. “Ellie Scotney is a very good and skilful boxer, but she doesn’t have the heart and toughness that I do. I am a true warrior and will bring war to London September. I will break her down bring the World Title back home to Argentina.”

“A huge World Title double-header at the OVO Arena Wembley on September 30 topped by IBF Cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia defending his crown against Manchester’s Jordan Thompson and Catford’s Ellie Scotney putting her IBF Super-Bantamweight crown on the line against Laura Soledad Griffa,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Jai’s win over Briedis was an historic moment for Australian boxing and solidified him as the number one in the Cruiserweight division. Jordan is showing huge courage by bypassing the domestic scene and jumping in with the best in his division for a shot at glory – he should get massive credit for grabbing this opportunity with both hands when others have avoided it. 

“Ellie has plans on unifying the Super-Bantamweight division and becoming a multi-weight World Champion but first she must get her first World Title defence under her belt. There’s plenty more title action on the undercard as Cruiserweight powerhouse Chev Clarke goes for the IBF International Title against the tricky Vasil Ducar and Anthony Crolla’s charge Rhiannon Dixon meets former Terri Harper opponent Katherina Thanderz for the EBU European Lightweight Title. Watch all of the action live worldwide on DAZN.”

“It’s great to have Jai debut on DAZN on September 30 in London,” said Alfie Sharman VP, DAZN. “Jai is one of the best in the division and with Jordan being tipped for a big future in the sport, this is going to be a cracker. Watch it live and exclusive on DAZN.”

Ticket information will be announced soon. 

NEW YORK (August 23, 2023) – Split-T Management is pleased to announce the signing of Donte Layne to an exclusive management contract.

The 20 year-old Layne is a native of Elmont, New York.

Layne began boxing at the age of eight after his family would have backyard fights, and young Donte wanted to go to the gym.

Layne had an 85 fight amateur career that saw him go 74-11. He won the 2015 and 2017 Junior Olympics as well as a 2017 Silver Gloves title. Layne also won four U.S. National titles, which included the 2021 Elite National Championship and the 2022 Elite National Golden Gloves and National Championship.

He competed at 165 pounds and will campaign as a super middleweight in the professional ranks.

“I am excited to sign with Split-T Management. I am ready to show the world who I am, I was an elite amateur and now I am going to show my skills as a professional,” said Layne.

Layne is already preparing for his pro debut, which is slated for August 25th.

“I have been getting a steady flow in camp. I have been working on distance and head movement. I am ready to put on a show on August 25th,”

The 6’1″ Layne is trained by Anthony Santiago and Kenyatta Harris.

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Anderson vs. Rudenko will be presented live this Saturday, August 26, at 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT, on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In the 10-round main event, Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson, fighting pride of Toledo, Ohio, will take on Ukrainian contender Andriy Rudenko.

Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) debuted as a pro in 2019 and has developed into a top contender. He ended his first 14 fights in six rounds or less. The 23-year-old will make his third 2023 appearance less than two months after defeating former world champion Charles Martin in front of 7,234 hometown fans in his hometown.

Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) is a 39-year-old with more than 16 years of pro experience. He was 24-0 before losses to then-undefeated contenders Lucas Browne and Hughie Fury. In recent years, he has provided stern tests to some of the sport’s top big men.

In the 10 round co-feature, heavy-hitting Nigerian contender Efe Ajagba will take on unbeaten Kazakh southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy. Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs), a 2016 Olympian, has solidified himself as one of the division’s fiercest punchers. Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs) is a 34-year-old southpaw from Kostanay, Kazakhstan. He has only gone the distance once in his career, a six-round decision win over Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko in September 2018.

The undercard streams exclusively on ESPN+ at 6:50 p.m. ET / 3:50 p.m. PT.

ESPN’s Joe Tessitore will call the action with Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr. Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna?will serve as reporters.

Digital, On Demand and Exclusive to ESPN+

ESPN.com 

Out Friday: Lapsed Fan’s Guide to the Heavyweight Division 

ESPN+: On Demand Shows, Archives & Premium Articles

• Top Rank: Real Time– All-access with top fighters throughout fight week as they work their way to fight night. 
• Who Do U Fight 4?– Learn what drivesthe next generation of Top Rank stars. 
• State of Boxing– Post-show coverage of the biggest fights on ESPN and ESPN+. 
• Best of Boxing Spotlight – An archive of the all-time best Top Rank fights. 

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NEW YORK (August 23, 2023) – Split-T Management has signed former Interim world champion Elhem Mekhaled to a managerial contract.

Mekhaled, 32 years-old of Lyon, France has a record of 16-2 with three knockouts.

“I am very excited to sign with Split-T Management because they are a great management team. They have a lot of boxers who are at a high level and world champions like Teofimo Lopez. I look forward to getting good fights and big opportunities. I hope to fight again for the world title. Not only is my goal to become a world champion, but an undisputed champion,” said Mekhaled.

Mekhaled began boxing at the age of 20 as there was a boxing coach at school, and Elhem saw the ring and wanted to try her hand at the sweet science. Mekhaled then had a 40-fight amateur career that saw her make the Algerian National team.

Mekhaled turned professional on November 12, 2016 with a four-round unanimous decision over Jacinthe Berenguer. Mekhaled won her first 15 fights that saw her defeat Pauline Leconte (1-0-1).

On March 16, 2019, Mekhaled won the WBC Interim Super Featherweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Danila Ramos (7-0) in Barcelona. On February 4th, Mekhaled fought unified world champion Alycia Baumgardner for the Undisputed 130-lb title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Elhem fought a valiant fight but came up just short in a gritty effort. Mekhaled is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Yuliya Kutsenko on May 28th in France.

The signing of Mekhaled is a collaboration and team effort between Split-T Management employees Sarah Fina and Brian Cohen.

Elhem trains in Paris under Joseph Germain.

Leonardo Ruiz won a 10-round split decision over Raul Garcia in a junior middleweight bout at the Whitesands Event Center in Plant City, Florida.

Ruiz, 156.4 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR won by scores of 98-91 and 96-93, while Garcia won a card 95-94.

Ruiz is 13-0. Garcia, 156.4 lbs of San Benadino, CA 13-1.

Justin Pauldo won a 10-round unanimous decision over Eduardo Estela in a lightweight bout.

In round seven, Pauldo was deducted a point for pushing Estela to the canvas. In round 10, Estela was bleeding over is left eye.

Pauldo, 137 lbs of Orlando, FL won by scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 95-94 and is now 16-1. Estela, 137 lbs of Uruguay is 14-3.

Johan Gonzalez stopped Ricardo Villalba in round five of their eight-round super welterweight fight.

Gonzalez dropped Villalba twice in round five, and the bout was stopped at 1:57.

Gonzalez, 156.2 lbs of Panama City, PAN is 33-2 with all wins coming by knockout. Villalba, 155 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 20-10-1.

Mandeep Jangra stopped Markus Bowles in round four of their six-round lightweight bout.

Jangra dominated the action and beat Bowles down until the fight was stopped at 2:41.

Jangra, 134.4 lbs of Khiaman, IND is 6-0 with four knockouts. Bowles, 135.2 lbs of Roxboro, NC is 2-2.

OTX – Overtime’s boxing platform – is back in action for this month’s final slate of matches featuring some of the most promising next generation fighters, SOLD OUT Friday, August 25th at OTE Arena in Atlanta and live on DAZN around the world.

In the main event, the undefeated Truck Simpson (13-0-0) from Baltimore will face off against Vladimir “24k” Hernandez (13-5-0). Team USA veteran, Truck, aims to maintain his unbeaten record, while Hernandez seeks to pull off an upset against a formidable opponent in the Super Welterweight Division. 

The co-main event features Andreas Katzourakis (10-0-0), a Houston transplant originally from Athens, Greece, squaring off against fellow Houston resident Raphael Igbowke (15-4-0). These two talented middleweights enter Friday’s match with distinct goals: Katzourakis continues his pursuit to become the first Greek World Champion since 1941, while Igbowke aims to enhance his impressive KO percentage. 

In the Lightweight Division, Luis Acosta (12-1-0) from Houston, Texas, will compete against Puerto Rican fighter Christian Barreto (9-0-0). Both fighters are eager to strengthen their already notable early professional records.

In the Super Middleweight division, Abel “El Jefe” Gonzalez (5-0-0) from Miami is set to face Olympic Qualifier Robert “Irish” Magee (8-0-2) of Byrnes Mill, Missouri. Each fighter is determined to hand the other their first professional defeat. 

Czarina Mccoy (11-1-0) from Las Vegas will challenge Carisse Brown (9-6-0) of Lakeland, FL in an all action bout in the women’s Lightweight division with Brown boasting a 5-inch height advantage over her opponent.

In the Middleweight Division, Donte Layne (5-3-0), who was named “one to watch” after the annual National Golden Gloves Tournament and hails from Elmont, NY, will take on Nathan Mitchel (2-5-0) from Holly Springs, Mississippi.

OTX is implementing an Overtime Round. If there is a draw on the judges’ scorecards after the regularly scheduled rounds, there will be an additional “winner takes all” round. This allows the fighter to take their fate into their own hands and for the victory.

To incentivize the fighters, OTX is also offering a unique KO Bonus for every fight on the card. A KO in any round is rewarded, but there is a multiplier effect if the KO is in the first or last round to create a more compelling fight for fans from start to finish. On top of the KO bonuses OTX is opting for an 18×18 ft ring versus the standard 20-22 square foot sizes which means extra action.

All the fights will air exclusively on DAZN. For more information, visit https://otboxing.com/

.**OTX General Manager and Fighters are available for interviews as requested in addition to media availability listed below**

Fight Week Schedule

Thursday, August 24th

11am-12pm Weigh-Ins

11:30am-1pm Ceremonial Weigh-Ins     

*Media Welcome*

1pm – 2pm Media Availability

**All fighters and OTX GM Brandon Rhodes available for interviews**

Friday, August 12th

7:30 pm                     Doors Open

Donte Layne vs. Nathan Mitchel

Weight – 165 lbs / 4 Rounds / 2 min each

Czarina Mccoy vs. Carisse Brown

Weight – 135 lbs / 6 Rounds / 3 min each

Abel Gonzalez vs. Robert Magee

Weight – 165 lbs / 6 Rounds / 3 min each

Javon Woodard Jr. vs. Lorenzo Parra

Weight – 125 lbs / 6 Rounds / 3 min each

Luis Acosta vs. Christian Barreto

Weight – 135 lbs / 8 Rounds / 3 min each

Lorenzo “Truck” Simpson vs. Vladimir Hernandez

Weight – 160 lbs / 8 Rounds / 3 min each

(Aug. 23, 2023) — Ukraine’s WBO/WBA/IBF heavyweight world champion, Oleksandr Usyk, will defend his collection of belts against England’s Daniel Dubois this Saturday, Aug. 26 at Tarczy?ski Arena Wroc?aw in Wroclaw, Poland.
 
This is the second title defense for pound-for-pound great Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs), who moved up to heavyweight in 2019 following a historic run to the undisputed cruiserweight championship. Usyk toppled reigning champion Anthony Joshua by unanimous decision in September 2021, then prevailed by split decision last August in their highly anticipated rematch. Dubois (19-1, 18 KOs) has won four fights by stoppage since a 2020 TKO defeat to countryman Joe Joyce.
 
Usyk-Dubois will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ as a special one-fight broadcast starting at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. Ring walks are expected shortly thereafter.
 
Usyk-Dubois kicks off a marathon fight day on the ESPN family of networks. The action then turns to Oklahoma for the undercard of the Jared Anderson-Andriy Rudenko heavyweight main event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. ESPN+ will stream undercard bouts beginning at 6:50 p.m. ET/3:50 p.m. PT. A slew of undefeated prospects will be in action, including Brooklyn-born featherweight phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (8-0, 5 KOs) in an eight-rounder, Tulsa-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (10-0, 7 KOs) taking on Craig Lewis (15-6-1, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder, and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (8-0-1, 5 KOs) against Sona Akale (7-1, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder.
 
The action moves to ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT for a heavyweight doubleheader, as Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) returns less than two months removed from his triumphant Toledo homecoming to fight Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) in a 10-round clash. In the 10-round co-feature, top contender Efe Ajagba (17-1, 13 KOs) looks to topple unbeaten southpaw Zhan Kossobutskiy (19-0, 18 KOs).

LONDON, ENGLAND – (August 22nd, 2023) – Hotly-tipped prospect Francesca Hennessy was today unveiled as the latest addition to the BOXXER ranks, joining her brother Michael on the roster and becoming part of the world’s strongest stable of female boxers.

Entering the professional ranks following an accomplished amateur career which saw her win two national championships, the Women’s Winter Box Cup and Sweden’s Golden Girls Box Cup, the talented 18-year-old hopes to follow in the world championship footsteps of stablemates Savannah Marshall and Natasha Jonas.

Daughter of veteran boxing manager and promoter Mick Hennessy, head of Hennessy Sports, the young Hennessy has never been short of inspiration. Her childhood years were populated by some of boxing’s biggest names – including heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury, who was long part of her father’s stable – and she has all but grown up in the ring.

“I’m turning professional now, signing with the best platform, best promotion – I’m more than ready, I’m ready to shake up boxing. My style is very unique. I like to move and groove. I’m a bit of a show-woman. You’re going to see some excitement for sure,” said Hennessy.

“I saw the way my dad and Peter Fury were looking after Savannah Marshall and I thought ‘This is something I can do and go to the top at’. It really inspired me, seeing Savannah, I have always looked up to her. Savannah’s such a massive role model.

“Women’s boxing has got massive recently. I was at the Savannah Marshall-Claressa Shields fight and obviously as a young girl who loves boxing standing in that arena, it was amazing. I never thought I’d see the day when an arena would be packed out like that with two women fighting. It’s so exciting for all us young girls who are coming on up.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO, said, “BOXXER and the Hennessy family have worked together for a long time, so we’ve watched Fran blaze a trail through the amateur ranks and now we’re delighted she will make her professional debut under the BOXXER banner. She’s grown up in the game – she was practically raised in the ring – and she’s got enormous potential, so we’re excited to start that journey with her on September 30th.”

In signing with BOXXER, Hennessy joins the world’s strongest stable of female boxers, lining up alongside world champions Marshall and Jonas plus Olympic medalists Lauren Price and Karriss Artingstall and the prodigious Caroline Dubois.

She will make her debut BOXXER and professional debut on Saturday, September 30th as part of the undercard for the BOXXER: Breakthrough event taking place at London’s historic York Hall.

Three centrepiece bouts were announced for that card yesterday, showcasing the top tier of British boxing’s rising stars and new talent. 

Caroline Dubois challenges for the IBO World Lightweight Championship, undefeated cruiserweights Viddal Riley and Nathan Quarless contest the English Cruiserweight Title and super-middleweight standout Callum Simpson heads into a firefight with the always-aggressive Germaine ‘G-Man’ Brown. 

The event airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (August 22, 2023) — “IT’S AMATEUR HOUR!” Eumir Felix Marcial, the Philippines’ 2020 middleweight Olympic bronze medalist, declared today. Marcial, 27, announced that he would be putting his burgeoning professional career on temporary hold to join the Philippine National Boxing Team training camp in Canberra, Australia and focus fulltime on pursuing his dream of winning a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.  A native of Zamboanga City, Marcial (4-0, 2 KOs) plans to compete in the Hangzhou Asian Games, a Paris Olympics qualifier, Sept. 23 through Oct. 8.  It’s going to be a challenge since he’ll be fighting at light heavyweight because the middleweight division, where he won the bronze in Tokyo, was eliminated from the Hangzhou competition.  Marcial will also have to reach the final now that only the finalists in Hangzhou will qualify for the Paris games — a departure from the traditional semifinals cutoff.  

“I’ve made a decision to realign my focus, announcing my withdrawal from my upcoming professional fight here in the United States.  My decision has been driven by my commitment to represent the Philippines in the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics.  I am currently undergoing rigorous training here in Las Vegas, and I am set to participate in the upcoming Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games in the People’s Republic of China with the full support of my promoters, MP Promotions and TGB Promotions.  I am very grateful to my promoters Mr. Manny Pacquiao, Mr. Al Haymon, and MP Promotions President Mr. Sean Gibbons for allowing me to pursue my Olympic dream despite having a contractual obligation in the professionals.

“In preparation for the forthcoming Asian Games, scheduled this September, I am presented with a new challenge brought by my transition to a higher weight division for the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games.  Moving from my familiar 75kg middleweight division to the 80kg light heavyweight category demonstrates my determination to conquer new heights in my amateur boxing journey.”

“Eumir has the blessing of Manny Pacquiao and everyone involved with his professional boxing career to pursue his Olympic dream,” said Gibbons.  “During his 2021 training camp in Hollywood, California, Manny would stay up to watch Eumir’s Olympic bouts.  Manny was so excited for his success as were the Philippines and Filipinos around the world.  We admire Eumir’s resolve and look forward to Eumir bringing Olympic glory to the Philippines and his countrymen.”   

Since making his professional debut in 2020, Marcial has run the table, defeating Andrew Whitfield and Steven Pichardo by unanimous decision and stopping Isiah Hart and Ricardo Ruben Villalba in the fourth and second round, respectively, balancing those fights with his amateur career, which has included training for numerous tournaments and the Tokyo Olympics.  In the Hart battle, which was Marcial’s second professional bout, the Filipino warrior displayed the composure of a seasoned veteran to score a TKO of Hart (6-3-1, 4 KOs), at the 47-second mark of the fourth-round despite getting knocked down three times himself, once in the first round and twice in the second round, in a firefight bout scheduled for six rounds.  That’s a lot of experience to get for a fighter in only his second professional fight.  Whitfield, Hart, Pichardo, and Villalba boasted a combined record of 37-12-2, 16 KOs, when they fought Marcial.    

After winning his pro debut — a four-round unanimous decision over Andrew Whitfield in Los Angeles on Dec. 16, 2020 — Marcial turned his attention to getting prepared for the Olympics in Tokyo, which took place during the summer of 2021.  In one of the most exciting bouts of the summer games, Marcial and top-seeded Oleksandr Khyzhniak, of Ukraine, battled tooth and nail in their semifinal battle.  Khyzhniak, who would move on to win the Silver medal, pulled it out in the third and final round by the narrowest of margins.  Marcial won the Bronze.  Another high-water mark in Marcial’s amateur career was capturing a Silver medal at the 2019 World Boxing Championships.