(New York, NY) – Two-time Light Heavyweight Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev returns to The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, March 3 live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Kovalev (31-2-1, 26 KOs) will put his WBO Light Heavyweight World Title on the line against Igor Mikhalkin (21-1-0, 9 KOs) of Russia. Below is the scouting report for this battle of former amateur teammates:

Category
Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev
Igor Mikhalkin
Age
34
32
Record
31-2-1 (27 KOs)
21-1-0 (9 KOs)
Strength
“Krusher” Kovalev has a pair of the heaviest hands in the sport. Seventeen of his 27 career knockout wins have occurred in the first and second rounds. He has a sharp jab effective in keeping his opponents at bay, and he also has plenty of big-fight experience.
Mikhalkin is a disciplined and crafty southpaw fighter with a rangy jab and solid defense. He is an accurate puncher who uses his jab to perfection, and he is also an excellent counter-puncher as well.
Weakness
Kovalev tends to leave openings in his guard, which could be costly considering his opponent is such an effective counter-puncher.
Mikhalkin lacks significant punching power in either hand. He lacks quality opposition on his resume when compared to Kovalev.
Experience
Kovalev has more professional bouts under his belt and has faced off with the best the competitive light heavyweight division has to offer. His previous 12 bouts have been world title fights.
Although he was active in 2017 with three fights, Mikhalkin will be at a disadvantage, as he has not faced the same level of opposition as his opponent.
Power
The Krusher’s most notable strength is his power. He has bad intentions in every punch he throws, and can end the fight in an instant.
The challenger Mikhalkin will be at a disadvantage. He is not known to be a knockout artist. However, what he lacks in power, he makes up for in accuracy and timing.
Speed
Kovalev has average speed. The velocity of his punches turn up a notch when he senses the end is near for his opponents.
Mikhalkin will have a slight advantage here. He releases fast combinations and is quick on his feet.
Endurance
Kovalev could find himself at a disadvantage. He has taken his foot off of the gas in the past and cannot afford to do so here, as his opponent is well versed in going the distance.
Mikhalkin has the advantage over the champion. He is a technical boxer who takes his time picking apart his opponents in route to decision victories.
Accuracy
Kovalev has a pinpoint accurate jab and delivers rigorous shots to the body that have ended fights in the past.
One of Mikhalkin’s main strengths is his accuracy. He has a precise, active jab he keeps in his opponent’s face all night.
Defense
Throughout his career, Kovalev’s best defense has been his offense and the power that comes with it. The brute force behind his shots has been a complete game-changer in bouts, forcing opponents to adjust their original game plan if it’s not too late.

Mikhalkin is a solid defensive fighter who is agile in the ring. He is always on the move, and sits behind his jab consistently, making it difficult for his opposition to set up their shots.
Chin
Kovalev has proven throughout his career that his chin is more than durable.
The strength of Mikhalkin’s chin has yet to be determined, Kovalev will be the biggest puncher he has faced thus far in his career.
Style
Kovalev is an offense-minded fighter who prefers not to leave it in the hands of the judges. He wastes very little time in walking his opponents down and ending the night as early as possible.
Mikhalkin is a technically sound southpaw fighter with a rigorous jab. He is an effective counter-puncher and likes to throw punches-in-bunches rather than loading up for the big shot.

Crowd Support
The popular Krusher should have the advantage. He spent over three years as the champion at 175 pounds. He earned his title back just three months ago in the very same venue where he will defend it on March 3.
There will be a large contingent of Russian fans at MSG to see Kovalev, so Mikhalkin will have the chance to turn his fellow countrymen to his side if he can inflict some damage on the champion and turn this into a dogfight.
Intangibles
Unlike many titleholders in the sport today, Sergey Kovalev has managed to stay active and consistently compete in high level bouts. He seized the opportunity in November 2017 to re-capture his WBO title. Just three months later, the Krusher waits for nobody and will continue his reign as champion by defending the title against a challenger who has not tasted defeat in eight years and is currently riding a 10-fight win streak.
The window of opportunity for professional fighters can be very slim, and earning a shot at a world title is even slimmer. Igor Mikhalkin fully understands this, which is why he is embracing the underdog role and seizing this opportunity to fight for a world title on March 3. He acknowledges this may be his only opportunity. He firmly believes he has the ability to defeat Sergey Kovalev and become the newly crowned king of the light heavyweight division.
The Match-Up
Will Igor Mikhalkin be able to handle the power of Sergey Kovalev?
Will Sergey Kovalev be able to handle the southpaw style of Igor Mikhalkin?
Will Mikhalkin be able to handle Kovalev’s come forward style?
Will Kovalev be able to cut off the ring and attack Mikhalkin like he has done to opposition in the past?

According Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone, “The last southpaw Sergey Kovalev fought was in 2014. I can’t emphasize enough how it could give a boxer problems, but it is the fighter’s job to solve those problems.
“With Igor Mikhalkin, you have to give him all the credit for stepping up and challenging himself against one of the best light heavyweights in the world. You have a fight that is made to see, a guy in Sergey Kovalev who’s fighting his way back and a guy in Igor Mikhalkin who needs to rise to the occasion. Both guys want to fight the best, and you don’t get that very often these days. Mikhalkin should be applauded for his courage, and Kovalev should be applauded for wanting to fight the best, although he can only fight guys like Mikhalkin who will accept a challenge.”

About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available online at TicketMaster.com and at the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, is sponsored by Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

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COLUMBUS, OH (March 2, 2018) — Fast-rising heavyweight prospect JERMAINE FRANKLIN (15-0, 12 KOs), who hails from Saginaw, MI, will make his 2018 debut taking on Ed Fountain (12-3, 5 KOs), from St. Louis, MO, in a 10-round heavyweight bout Tomorrow, Saturday March 3, at the Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio. Franklin, 24, who won the 2014 Golden Gloves National Championship in the super heavyweight division, won all six of his fights in 2017, with four of them coming by way of knockout. In his most recent fight, on December 15, he blasted out Corey Phelps in the first round. Fountain, 29, enters this fight having won two of his last three bouts. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the first scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Promoter Troy Speakman has put together a seven-bout card, including two ten-round title fights. Brian Holstein (13-7-1, 7 KOs), from Columbus, colliding with Nick Kisner (19-4-1, 6 KOs), from Baltimore, for the vacant NABA cruiserweight title and Jamie Walker (8-0-1, 3 KOs), from Columbus, rumbling with Skender Halili (15-2-0, 13 KOs), from Bronx, NY, for the vacant NABA super welterweight title.

“This is one of the better shows I put together for the classic.” said Speakman, who also noted that the show sold out in advance.

Founded in 1989, The Arnold now features more than 18,000 athletes from 80 nations competing in 70 sports and events..The Arnold Classic is named after former California Governor and movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Morgan Jones has landed a golden chance to shine on the big stage as he meets Mose Auimatagi Jnr at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on March 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Unbeaten Welshman Jones moved to 12-0 in July with a fifth KO in the paid ranks at The O2, and now the 27 year old wants to make a name for himself with a win on the biggest stage possible.

Auimatagi Jnr is unbeaten in his last eight outings and the 22 year old Auckland man will be hoping to kick-off a famous night for New Zealand boxing with fellow Kiwi Joseph Parker meeting Anthony Joshua MBE in a Heavyweight unification blockbuster – but Jones says he’ll stay unbeaten and send the fans home with a new star on their minds.

“As a Welshman it’s a dream come true to box at the Principality Stadium,” said Jones. “I’ve done my apprenticeship on the small hall shows with twelve straight wins and now I’m ready for the biggest stage.

“I hear Team Parker have high hopes for Mose Auimatagi Jnr but he’s coming to the lion’s den in Cardiff and it’s my time to shine. I want to be boxing for major titles later in 2018 and this is the next big step towards that goal. Sure, the fans are there for AJ but I hope they go home remembering my name too!”

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I really appreciate the opportunity to fight on such a big stage this early in my career!” said Auimatagi Jr. “If fighting on such an iconic promotion isn’t exciting enough, the challenge of becoming the first opponent of 13 to date, to beat formidable top local prospect Morgan Jones, in his own backyard, in front of up to 90,000 fans supporting him, sure helps me find the motivation in training.”

Jones’ clash with Auimatagi Jnr is part of a colossal night of action in Cardiff as Anthony Joshua MBE faces Joseph Parker in a World Heavyweight unification battle.

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 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

Coach packages are on sale via www.seetickets.com with various pick up/drop off locations available throughout the 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

Saturday’s HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast begins at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening the telecast from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York is Dmitry Bivol defending his light heavyweight title against Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round showdown.

In the main event of the evening, titleholder Sergey Kovalev faces Igor Mikhalkin in a 12-round light heavyweight title bout.

Official Weights from New York:

Sergey Kovalev: 174.6 lbs.

Igor Mikhalkin: 172.6 lbs.

Dmitry Bivol: 174.4 lbs.

Sullivan Barrera: 173.6 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #KovalevMikhalkin & #BivolBarrera

Kell Brook is targeting World domination once again and a place in the history books as a two-weight World champion as he takes on Sergey Rabchenko for the WBC Silver Super-Lightweight title at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Brook has moved up from Welterweight to Super-Welterweight following his epic contest with Errol Spence Jr at Bramall Lane for his IBF Welterweight title last summer, and now ‘The Special One’ meets Sergey Rabchenko for the WBC Silver Super-Welterweight title, Brook believes it won’t be long until he has the chance to operate at the elite level he belongs.

“I want to be a two-weight World champion,” said Brook, who scaled 10st 13lbs 7oz – three ounces heavier than Rabchenko. “I’ve never been satisfied winning one World title. Even when I was a teenager, I always wanted to move up the weights and win belts as I grow. I want to win a belt at Super-Welterweight at least, I need to get the win and then we can start targeting the champions at 154lbs.

“I just want to be in the biggest fights that everyone is talking about. I love being in fights that grab the attention of the fans, like the Gennady Golovkin and Errol Spence Jr fights did. Proper boxing fans knew that Spence Jr was the next big thing in the States, no one believed that I would fight GGG then come back down to defend against him.

“I love beating the odds and getting in there and performing. The feeling I get from going out there, hearing ‘All of the Lights’ and doing my thing in front of all of the fans, it’s amazing for me, that’s my drug and I can’t wait to get back in there.

“I’ve had six months off so there was no way I was going to box at 147 anyway but I think that 154 is really going to suit me. I’m looking forward to having plenty in the tank at the weight and I’m excited to see how I perform at Super-Welterweight with the extra weight.”

Brook and Rabchenko clash on a huge night of action in the Steel City with the chief support provided by a crunch showdown between world-rated Super-Bantamweights Gamal Yafai and Gavin McDonnell.

David Allen is hunting revenge in his rematch with Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Lenroy Thomas, Rotherham Lightweight rivals Lee Appleyard and Atif Shafiq lock horns while Kid Galahad aims to get into the title mix at Featherweight after a meeting with Irving Berry – Leigh Wood and Rocky Fielding complete the line-up.

Tickets Brook’s clash with Rabchenko are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP and are available from the FlyDSA Arena at www.flydsaarena.co.uk and on 0114 2565656. VIP tickets are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for March 3 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

Gamal Yafai and Gavin McDonnell meet in a huge Super-Bantamweight battle at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports.

Yafai puts his WBC International Super-Bantamweight strap is on the line but both men acknowledge that the bigger picture is the winner going on to potentially fight for World titles in 2018 while the loser will need to rebuild.

McDonnell boxed Rey Vargas for the WBC title a year ago in February and harbours dreams of going for the famous green belt again, but Yafai says that this is his time to shine and feels his skillset will shine through in a tough night – while McDonnell says his experience will be the key.

“This is a good fight,” said Yafai. “We were offered the fight and accepted it straight away. He’s fought for a World title, so this is a good yardstick to see where I’m at in this stage. A good win puts me onto the World scene. If I get the win, it’ll prove I’m there or thereabouts.

“I’m taking it one fight at a time but that’s the plan. I’m not overlooking Gavin, he has the experience but I know I’ve got the tools to do a number on him.

“Gavin’s solid. He’s better than he looks. I made my debut on one of his undercards. He’s won the British, European so has proved people wrong and showed his calibre but it’s my time now. This is a big test now, on the big stage but I’m ready for it.”

“It’s a brilliant fight for my profile as Sky Sports have got right behind this kid and I’m going to show everyone that I’m at a level above him,” said McDonnell. “I’m someone who always says that experience is a big thing in this sport, arguably the most important thing, and for his entire amateur background with Team GB, I’m here to show everyone that I’m better than Gamal.

“This fight is the fight of the night if you ask me and I think we’ll prove that when the bell goes, and the reward for the winner is set to be a massive one because there’s no doubt that whoever wins will be worthy of another big fight.”

“I’ve been in the gym from the moment this fight was announced and I can’t have any complaints about the camp. I feel good, my diet is good, my fitness work is all good, and I’ve looked good in the gym.

“I’m so happy with the way things have played out in the build up to this, and now it’s just about getting in there and putting together everything that we’ve been working on. If I do that then I don’t think there’s any way that Yafai can live with me.”

Yafai and McDonnell clash on a huge night of action in the Steel City topped by the return of Sheffield hero Kell Brook in his debut at Super-Welterweight against Sergey Rabchenko.

David Allen is hunting revenge in his rematch with Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Lenroy Thomas, Rotherham Lightweight rivals Lee Appleyard and Atif Shafiq lock horns while Kid Galahad aims to get into the title mix at Featherweight after a meeting with Irving Berry – Leigh Wood and Rocky Fielding complete the line-up.

Tickets Brook’s clash with Rabchenko are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP and are available from the FlyDSA Arena at www.flydsaarena.co.uk and on 0114 2565656. VIP tickets are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for March 3 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN./ORANGE, Calif. (March. 1, 2018)- Undefeated and world ranked welterweight contender Taras Shelestyuk is ready to go big game hunting in 2018.

The 2012 Olympic Bronze medal winner from Sumy, Ukraine, who now fights out of Los Angeles, California, has won the major regional titles, and he feels he has been overlooked by the perceived elite of the 147 pound division.

Shelestyuk, 16-0 with 10 knockouts, continues to work on his craft while he waits for a major fight to materialize.

“I want to fight Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Shawn Porter, Errol Spence or the winner of the Jeff Horn – Terence Crawford fight,” said Shelestyuk.

“I know that I have the skills and pedigree to beat those guys. I just need my opportunity, and I know that will be coming soon. I have been working hard in the gym, and I sparred with Viktor Ortiz for his bout with Devon Alexander, as well as WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castano.”

Shelestyuk also has been helping with the career of his wife Alina. Alina is a runway model, who has done numerous photo shoots in Los Angeles.

Shelestyuk is co-promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

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

LOS ANGELES (March 1, 2018) – World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (23-0, 19 KOs) met the media Thursday afternoon at Legendz Boxing Gym, where he worked out in preparation for his fourth title defense against veteran Scott Quigg, Saturday, March 10, at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

He recently returned to California following training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he trained at more 5,000 feet above sea level and lived in a room above the gym. Along with manager Frank Espinoza and his stablemates, Valdez enjoyed the training camp calm before the storm.

“It was a perfect training camp. I’m already close to weight, so I’m ready to go,” Valdez said. “At training camp in Guadalajara, we were pretty much living in the gym. I didn’t have to stay here in California, where I had an hour or more drive to the gym. We put in the extra hours in the gym.”

Also appearing at the media day was Quigg’s trainer, Freddie Roach, and the pride of Central California, Jose Ramirez, who will be fighting Amir Imam for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Lightweight title on Saturday, March 17, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, remaining tickets for the Valdez vs. Quigg world championship event are priced at $206, $104, $53 and 27.50, including facility fees, and can be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

The Valdez vs. Quigg world championship event will be televised live and exclusively at 10:30 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and streaming live on the ESPN App.

The Ramirez vs. Imam world championship event will be televised live and exclusively at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

This is what the fighters and their trainers had to say.

Oscar Valdez

“I’m ready. I’m more anxious than anything. I’ve been ready for a long time.”

“When I was a kid, I used to watch fighters like Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. I looked up to them. When I hear people say I’m an action fighter or a fighter they like to see, it makes me feel great. I want to carry the Mexican flag and be considered a warrior inside the ring that gives the fans great fights.”

“I’m going to keep working hard and give the people what they want, which are great fights.”

Freddie Roach (Trainer, Scott Quigg)

“Oscar Valdez is a good young fighter, but I think Quigg is better.”

“This is a perfect stepping stone for Scott to get a rematch with Carl Frampton and become world champion once again. Carl got lucky and broke Scott’s jaw in the first round. That won’t happen again. But right now, we’re not concerned with Frampton. We’re focusing on beating Oscar.”

“Scott is one of the best-conditioned fighters I have worked with, and it’s great working with fighters like him and Pacquiao.”

“Oscar says he’ll knock Scott out. I hope he believes that because if he comes forward and tries to knock Scott out, then Scott is going to put him on his ass.”

Manny Robles (Trainer, Oscar Valdez)

“Oscar is trying to be the best fighter out there, be remembered like Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and have his name go down in history.”

“Oscar is a crowd-pleaser. He likes to give the people what they want. He’s trying so hard to be one of the premier Mexican champions.”

“Oscar is happier than ever. He’s more relaxed and focused than he has ever been.”

“We found ourselves in a great situation with training camp in Guadalajara, Mexico. I couldn’t have asked for a better camp We had altitude training at more than 5,000 feet above sea level, and private facilities. We lived there, we trained there, and we had great sparring.”

“We have Scott Quigg in front of us, and that’s the only thing we’re thinking about right now.”

Jose Ramirez

“I had a tremendous training camp, sparring with very good fighters, some undefeated Russian guys who helped get me in great condition.”

“Imam has a good right hand. He’s a skillful fighter with a good jab, but I’m focused on what I’m able to do. “

“For me as a fighter, I’m always focused on the fight at hand and not worrying about the future. I think, after this fight, the sky is the limit. It will be possible to get 30,000 or 40,000 people in the stands at the football stadium in Fresno, California.”

“The fans in Central California see a little bit of me in them, the way I stand up with them and fight for the {California Latino Water Coalition} and immigration. I travel to the capital and talk to assembly members to try and get a reservoir built so we can have a better future for farming and water. I can be a voice for the people.”

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing,facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo @ESPNDeportes. Use the hashtags #ValdezQuigg and #DeLeonVences to join the conversation on Twitter.

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CHICAGO – March 1, 2018 – Hitz Boxing Entertainment, the Midwest’s longest-running boxing promoter, begins the year with a bang with a stacked card at the Belvedere Events Center in Elk Grove Village tomorrow night. The card is co-headlined by popular Chicago super middleweight Tommy “White Lightning” Hughes (5-0, 3KO), and Olympian Tervel Pulev (7-0, 7KO).

Hughes, who won a decision over Emmanuel Sanchez in Hitz Boxing’s last event in October, lived up to his moniker, White Lightening, in his fifth fight, with his lightning fast, powerful bodywork. He traded with Sanchez over six rounds, keeping the sellout crowd on its feet throughout the fight.

Pulev, who is the younger brother of Kubrat Pulev (25-1, 13KO), is fighting for the first time in the United States since making his professional debut in December, 2013. The younger Pulev won the bronze medal for his home country of Bulgaria in the 2012 Olympics. “I’m very impressed how the Bulgarian community has come out and responded to the Pulev brothers being here in Chicago,” said Bobby Hitz, the promotion’s owner and namesake. “To me they’ve reached rock star status. We’re close to selling out the venue.”

Local fighters Matt Cameron, Oscar Ortiz and Gorjan Slaveski round out the card.

“We’ve got a great night of fights to kick off the new year,” said Hitz. “We are looking forward to continuing to showcase Tommy – he draws a great crowd and has a ton of support from the local Irish community.”

2018 promises to be a busy year for the Illinois Hall of Fame Promoter. “We’re looking at going back to Rosemont five more times this year with the return of Mike “Hollywood” Jimenez, and his recently signed stablemates, middleweight Vitali Kopylenko (27-1, 15KO), Detroit’s Taylor Duerr (5-0-1, 5KO) and Milwaukee’s Andre Sherard (4-1, 3KO).” Hitz returned to its roots last year, promoting two events in the Village of Rosemont, where Hitz got his start as a promoter in 1991.

Tickets for Fight Night at the Belvedere are priced at $150 and $50, and are available at hitzboxing.com. Doors to the Belvedere open at 7:00, and the first fight is at 7:30.

Christian Carto 118.9 – James Smith 118.9

Christopher Brooker 169 – Jamaal Davis 167.3
Tyrone Crawley, Jr. 140.8 – Anthony Mercado 143
Dominique Mayfield 229.1 – Ronny Hale 264.1
David Gonzales 143.1 – Victor Vazquez 139.8
Jerrod Miner 116.7 – Rondarrius Hunter 111.7
Rasheed Johnson 146.6 – Vincent Floyd 154.4******

***Floyd over weight, Bout cancelled

Promoter: King’s Promotions
Venue: SugarHouse Casino
1st bell: 7 pm ET
TV: Eleven Sports (Delay)

Tickets are Sold Out!!!

About ELEVEN SPORTS:

ELEVEN SPORTS is available in 70 million homes worldwide in Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan and the United States. Launched in the US in March 2017, ELEVEN SPORTS is dedicated to delivering world-class domestic and international sports and lifestyle entertainment ‘For The Fans’. Sports fans will be treated to a unique mix of emerging and established sports combined to provide engaging and compelling LIVE entertainment, placing the viewer at the very heart of the action.

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SANTA ANA, CALIF. (March 1, 2018): Local hometown hero and former world title challenger Ronny Rios (29-2, 13 KOs) and explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (13-2, 10 KOs) hosted a media workout at TKO Boxing Club in Santa Ana, CA ahead of their 10-round super bantamweight clash on the March 9 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN at the Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif.

ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:00 ET/6:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN2 at midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT. ESPN 3 will live stream the fights beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 PT.

Younger sibling to Ronny Rios and hot welterweight prospect, Alexis “Lex” Rocha (10-0, 7 KOs) also participated in the workout, and will be featured in an eight-round welterweight co-main event against Miguel “La Amenaza” Dumas (10-1, 7 KOs). Mexico City’s L.A. transplant Marvin Cabrera (6-0, 5 KOs) will be facing Tamaulipas, Mexico’s Sergio “Marino” Gonzalez (6-4, 2 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight that will open the card.

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:
“After fighting for a world title, it feels a little different. I feel stronger and more motivated to get even further than what I accomplished and to become a world champion.

“Azat [Hovhannisyan] has a lot of heart. He comes forward a lot. We’ve seen a lot of strengths and weaknesses on tape. I can’t reveal too much, but we have a lot of different game plans. There’s no added pressure being the main event. I feel the determination to go in there and execute.

“I think this event will sell out. This is a fight city. After this fight I want anyone with a belt.”

AZAT HOVHANNISYAN, WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Champion:
“I’m switching things up a bit. I just started to train with Freddie Roach, and I’ve noticed a change.

“Ronny Rios is a great fighter, but I know what I need to do in the ring to win. I’m going to continue training hard and we’ll see what the future holds.”

ALEXIS ROCHA, Welterweight Prospect:
“It’s the first time I get to fight like this in my hometown. It’s an honor to be fighting with my brother as the co-main event and even fighting for the same title. I thank Golden Boy Promotions for this opportunity.

“I’ve seen footage of Miguel Dumas. He’s a tough, durable guy. I know he’ll stay right in front of me. That could be dangerous-for him. After this I’d like to grab two more regional belts and then a world title the following year.”

MARVIN CABRERA, Super Welterweight Prospect:
“I came to this country to do what I love – and that’s boxing. I’m training hard, and with former world champion [Daniel] Ponce De Leon in my corner, I feel confident to take on any challenge.

“We’ve studied Sergio [Gonzalez] and we are more than ready to make sure we win against him. I’m just focused on building myself up, and taking on people who are going to challenge me in the ring. That will make me a great fighter.”

Televised fighters from the March 16 return of LA FIGHT CLUB on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar also participated in the workout. Recently signed prospect Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (11-0, 2 KOs) will make her debut under the Golden Boy banner in an eight-round flyweight bout against Sonia Osorio (8-5-1, 1 KO) at the Belasco Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, Calif. Opening up the telecast will be Jousce “Tito” Gonzalez (6-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round super featherweight fight. Gonzalez was also recently signed to Golden Boy Promotions and is managed by Grammy Award-winning artist Lupillo Rivera.

(ABOVE: Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada hitting mitts before her main event on EstrellaTV’s Boxeo Estelar.)

SENIESA “SUPER BAD” ESTRADA, Super Flyweight Prospect:
“I’m really excited to be returning to LA FIGHT CLUB. This is home. I’m from East LA, so we’re in my territory. I also hope to gain new fans – I’m reppin’ all the female boxers, and hope I get to leave behind a mark. My goal is to always be in exciting fights.”

JOUSCE “TITO” GONZALEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:
“I’m glad LA FIGHT CLUB is back on. It’s close to home and my people, so it should be an exciting night.

“Since signing to Golden Boy, it’s been good. Lupillo [Rivera] and I talk on the phone and we’re building our relationship. I’m ready for anything. I’ll fight anybody and anywhere. We’ll see where it goes in the coming months, and maybe I can get a regional title.”

###

March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
Rios vs. Hovhannisyan is a 10-round fight for the WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The event will take place on Friday, March 9, 2018 at The Hangar at The OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT. The first fight and the ESPN3 live stream begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 PT. ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 9:00 ET/6:00 p.m. PT and on ESPN2 at midnight ET/9:00 p.m. PT.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
Estrada vs. Osorio is 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 Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on EstrellaTV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on April 6, June 1, July 6, Aug. 10, and Oct. 12.

TICKETS: March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
Tickets for Rios vs. Hovhannisyan are now on sale and start at $50. Tickets are available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com, https://apps.vendini.com/u/dce97456af, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, or by calling 213-233-2957.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB start at the fan-friendly price of $25 and are available for purchase now at www.goldenboytickets.com, the Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, or by calling 213-233-2957.

SOCIAL
MEDIA: March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GBPonESPN.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
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.

MEDIA
ASSETS: March 9 Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/RiosHovhannisyan into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

March 16 LA FIGHT CLUB:
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.

Super Middleweight champion George Groves will seek a 2nd opinion on his injured shoulder to see when he can face Callum Smith in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“Comosa AG has advised George Groves that Comosa AG will arrange a second medical opinion — as soon as reasonably possible — to ensure proper evaluation of George’s physical condition. A high level of medical scrutiny is in line with Comosa AG’s corporate policy, to respect the athlete’s health at all times, the World Boxing Super Series tournament rules and the principles of fair competition,” the company said in a statement.

“Comosa AG needs to protect the integrity of the athlete’s long-term health. It also has a responsibility to its partners and boxing fans around the globe to ensure a competitive final for the Muhammad Ali Trophy with two boxers that are fully fit. Once Comosa AG has received the full medical advice in regards to George Groves’ fitness it will then make the decision as to the date and location of the final. Comosa AG wishes George a complete and swift recovery and looks forward to him being able to take his place in the final of the Ali Trophy.”

Kathy Duva, CEO of Main Events
“Hello everyone. It has been a very long, cold winter, but don’t worry. Main Events is now here to heat things up. You can count on us to bring you plenty of hot boxing action this weekend at the greatest venue for boxing in the world, Madison Square Garden.”

“Every single one of the fighters in our lineup for Saturday’s fight has sweated through harder workouts and tougher training than ever in their careers. Many will fight at the Mecca of Boxing for the very first time. Some of them are returning, and that is a big deal, whether you’re a champion, or just starting in a four rounder.”

“In our televised fights, four light heavyweights know that the eyes of the world will be on them and they want to make a big impression. You will want to be part of this.”

“Tickets starting at $50 are still available through Ticketmaster and at the Madison Square Garden box office. Although if you want to sit up in ringside, you can’t, because those are gone. You could also watch it live on HBO World Championship Boxing® starting at 10:05 PM Eastern and Pacific.”

“At the top of our card we have a pair of exciting fights in the red-hot light heavyweight division, which I think is the perhaps most competitive division in this sport. First, we have Sullivan Barrera and Dmitry Bivol. In our main event, two-time Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey Kovalev will face his tough Siberian countryman and former amateur teammate Igor Mikhalkin.”

“On our non-televised under card, three talented and undefeated Eastern Europeans out of Egis Klimas’ Boxing Laboratory in Oxnard, California, promise to light up the arena. We have Bakhram Murtazaliev of Grozny, who is co-promoted by Main Events and Krusher Promotions, facing Keith McNeil of Birmingham, Alabama in a 10-round super welterweight bout. We have two young gentlemen from Kazakhstan. One, a middleweight named Meiirim Nursultanov, who will be in a battle with Alejandro Torres of Mexico. Rounding out this trio is Madiyar Ashkeyev, also of Kazakhstan, who is making his Garden debut versus tough Dominican, Jose Antonio Abreu in a welterweight showdown.”

“As if that wasn’t enough, how about the return of Vaughn Alexander of St. Louis to New York? Vaughn fought here as a rising star in 2004 and now he’s back 14 years later after getting his life together. What an amazing story. He’s going to be fighting a new opponent because apparently the guy he had been scheduled to fight thought better of it yesterday, and so Jolene [Mizzone, Main Events’ matchmaker], as usual, comes through with a miracle…We may have actually ended up with an even better and more competitive fight.”

“You can expect a big, big show from our heavyweights on this card. Cassius Chaney, clearly, was born to box with that name or at least his father decided he was. First, he was an NCAA scholarship basketball player at the University of New Haven. He graduated, switched sports and now we’ve got him.”

“We never forget our New York fans and we are going to take good care of you on Saturday with the three born and bred local fighters who promise some smoking hot performances. They include Brooklyn’s Frank Galarza, who’s going to return to Madison Square Garden after his big win in November. Frank, when you get to the ring it’s sort of like the main event because it seems like everybody in the arena is there to see him. We’re going to hear a lot of noise.”

“We also have Long Island native LeShawn ‘Lightning’ Rodriguez. He’s generating a lot of buzz and electricity.”

“Back after winning in his professional debut, also from New York, will be Ismael Villarreal of the Bronx.”

“We would like to thank our sponsors, Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru. For this card, we are working with Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing, in association with EC Box Promotions. We have Vadim Kornilov, Dmitry Bivol’s manager, and Erol Ceylan of EC Box with us today and I am so happy to see you. Thank you. I also want to thank HBO and especially Peter Nelson, Tony Walker and Ray Stallone for their support. They always have our back, and we will prove worthy of the opportunity.”

Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports
“I want to thank all the members of the press for being here. I want to thank the fans for continuing to put together the pressure on these fighters to take great fights. I want to thank Madison Square Garden, Joel Fisher, you, your team, Sal Federico, everyone, and your continued support of the sport of boxing”

“Sergey Kovalev and Dmitry Bivol are two of the brightest lights in the light heavyweight division. Bivol is one of the most exciting new entrants at HBO. His career has been nothing short of meteoric in recent days. We’re excited to see what he does on Saturday night against a great opponent.”

“Sullivan Barrera and Igor Mikhalkin stand a shot at creating one of the biggest upsets this year. We’re excited to see what kind of fireworks fly on Saturday night. As Kathy mentioned, they’re going to be great fights the show underneath, so if you can make it into the arena and get a ticket, absolutely do that and set your DVR for HBO. Our start time is 10:05 Eastern. We look forward to seeing you all there Saturday night. Thanks very much.”

Duva
“I want to thank everyone here at the mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden. Especially Sal Federico, Larry Torres and of course last, but certainly first, Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President of Madison Square Garden Marquee Events.”

Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President of Madison Square Garden Marquee Events
“First of all, it’s a great couple of weeks here at the Garden. We’ve got the Big 10 Tournament starting tonight, followed up by the Big East Tournament next week. Come Saturday night, we’ve got an incredible boxing match. Two world titles will be on the line Saturday night and it’s going to be a great start to what will be another great boxing season here at Madison Square Garden. Kathy and Jolene, it’s great to work with you again. You put together a great card, and the boxing fans will definitely have a great night here.”

“I’d like to welcome back Sergey Kovalev to The Garden. His performance in November was tremendous. It was a clear message that ‘The Krusher’ is back. We look forward to your resurgence continuing in the light heavyweight division. Igor Mikhalkin is a former European Light Heavyweight Champion and currently on a 10-fight winning streak. That will absolutely prove to be a great, great fight and an exciting night.”

“As Kathy and Peter mentioned, what a great co-main event. WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol, who we have gotten to know some. He’s an undefeated hot, young fighter, who some say, will be the future in this division. He makes his Garden debut here against his mandatory challenger Sullivan Barrera, who also was here recently and beat Felix Valera last November in a great fight.”

“Both of these fights are fights that you don’t want to miss. We’re thrilled to host this great event, to have another great night of boxing in front of the best boxing fans in the world. It’s a great card, top to bottom. As Kathy mentioned, we’re just thrilled to work with her. All of our friends at Main Events, and of course, Peter Nelson and HBO, and the great job they do. We look forward to seeing everybody Saturday night, which will definitely be a great night of boxing.”

Duva
“To the media present and watching live at home, thank you for your time. You have a lot of things competing for your attention. We know that. I say with confidence, you made the right choice coming here today to join us and you will make the right choice when you join us on Saturday.”

“I don’t have to tell anyone in this room that the light heavyweight division is on fire right now. We should invite the FDNY to be here on standby Saturday for the televised fights. Cuban Sullivan Barrera is currently 21-1, 14 KOs and he steps up to challenge WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol of Russia. Bivol has 10 knockouts in 12 fights and is undefeated.”

“Both Sullivan and Dmitry had distinguished amateur careers. Sullivan is a former member of the Cuban National Team. He defected from Cuba in 2009 and quickly made a name for himself in the light heavyweight division, winning his first 17 bouts, with 12 of those coming by way of knockout. He’s won four fights since his only loss. That includes a victory in 2017 over the very hot Joe Smith Jr. He is managed by Luis Molina, who tells me he will let trainer Derik Santos and Sullivan do the talking for him. First, I’m going to bring up Derik Santos.”

Derik Santos, Trainer of Sullivan Barrera
“Thank you everybody for being here. I would like to thank first of all, our manager Luis Molina, who allows us to make everything happen, to Main Events and Kathy for having us here. Peter, HBO, our home gym of Boca PAL, because they really support us and let us do what we need to do back at home. Mike Horner, Gil Gastelum, Ben Lira, Chris Algieri, who we brought into this camp. They’ve all been very supportive and helped us. Finally, to Sullivan Barrera who is absolutely as dedicated as you would want an athlete to be, as a coach.”

“We are here to do, once again, what we’ve been doing since we got together. Walking through the fire together. I’m going to keep it short. I know Bivol’s a talented young man, but we’re going to do what we’ve been doing, we are going to attempt to flip the picnic table right over and stop the party. That’s what we’re going to do here. That’s what we came to do here. Thank you.”

Sullivan Barrera
“Good afternoon, everyone. First, I want to say thank you, and my promoter Kathy Duva and Main Events, Peter Nelson, HBO, Bivol team, Bivol for taking the fight, for this opportunity. This is the dream for me. Fighting for a title fight. I hope Saturday night we can put great show for the boxing fans. Thank you.”

Duva
“This is truly a 50/50 fight, and Sullivan knows what he’s up against. Dmitry Bivol is the definition of a knockout artist. This is Dmitry’s first professional fight at Madison Square Garden. His English is really impressive after training in Los Angeles, and we also have Dmitry’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, who would like to say a few words.”

Vadim Kornilov, Manager of Dmitry Bivol
“It is a pleasure to have a fight at such a legendary arena. We appreciate the support of Madison Square Garden. It has been kind of a dream to have one of our fighters fight here one day and it’s coming true. We appreciate team Barrera. It’s going to be a great night. It’s definitely a 50/50 fight, like Kathy said, and anything can happen. It’s the first opponent of this magnitude that Bivol is fighting. It is this type of fight that we are very nervous about as well. I would expect fireworks from both of the main and the co-main event Saturday night.”

“Just wanted to say thank you to HBO and Peter Nelson for always having a great eye for talent and always bringing on these types of fights onto the network. I want to say thank you to Main Events. The whole team, it’s been a pleasure working with you, as well as World of Boxing, the co-promoter for Dmitry Bivol. Andrey Ryabinsky has actually asked to pass on a message to the press and everybody. He is not going to be able to be here. He wanted to make sure that we mention that it is a great pleasure for him to have one of his fighters fight on a TV network as large as HBO and he appreciates that opportunity. He appreciates the business with Main Events and how great that has been going. It’s been a very, very pleasant experience for all of us. Thank you to everybody, and I would like to bring up WBA World Champion in the light heavyweight division, Dmitry Bivol.”

Dmitry Bivol – WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion
“Hello everyone. I wanted to say thank you for coming, and thank you my promotion, World of Boxing, and promotion of Main Events, and I wanted to say thank you Madison Square Garden. I really glad to be here. Of course, thank you HBO for this chance for me and especially Peter Nelson. Thank you, Sullivan for taking this fight. I hope we will make good fight and people will be glad after. Thank you.”

Duva
“I also would like to thank Andrey Ryabinsky and all the people at World of Boxing. It has been a pleasure working with them and we look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

“Now for the main event. Sergey Kovalev is back. He’s back on top as the WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion but his opponent is not intimidated. He’s not intimidated by appearing here at Madison Square Garden for the first time, not by facing an old friend, someone he’s known since they were young boxers training as amateurs in Russia many years ago. Igor Mikhalkin says that now he looks back and he believes he was destined to fight Sergey Kovalev from the start and that day is Saturday.”

“Igor may not be familiar to you but one thing I can tell you, he’s hungry. He wants to introduce himself to the American fans by making a very big impression on Saturday. Igor is going to come up here now, but first I’m going to bring up his promoter Erol Ceylan, who will introduce the team.”

Erol Ceylan, Promoter EC Box Promotions
“First of all, I want thanks Kathy Duva for the opportunity to take this fight and also I want to thank HBO. What I want to say about Igor Mikhalkin, he has a lot of courage to take the fight against Sergey Kovalev. We want to thank Sergey for this opportunity and it is a pleasure to take the fight. I hope it will be a very great fight because Mikhalkin is a good worker and he proved himself in Europe, but there are not enough opponents who can move more. He thinks here in US, are the best of this division and he want to show a big fight. After that, he hopes to make a great career in the States. Thank you.”

Igor Mikhalkin
“Thank you very much for Madison Square Garden, for HBO, and Kathy Duva, to Sergey Kovalev for taking the fight. I am very happy to be in New York and fight in Madison Square Garden and I hope that on Saturday the third, we will have a wonderful, exciting fight for all of you to see.”

Duva
“If life is all about lessons learned, and I promise you it is, I am here to tell you Sergey Kovalev has earned his PhD and graduated with honors. To lose after being world champion, such a dominant world champion, it’s a bitter blow. Some guys never recover from that but a rare few take an honest look at the way they are doing things. They change what needs to be changed. No matter how difficult, no matter what you have to give up to do it, this is hard. Sergey is not afraid of hard, as we all know. Sergey was honest with himself about his travel and lifestyle. He brought in a new trainer, Abror Tursunpulatov, and he has handed over control to him.”

“Sergey is the most focused and probably in the best shape I’ve ever seen him. People who had seen Sergey in recent months keep telling us the same thing. How fresh and fit he looks and how happy. The truth is, Sergey has not just changed his attitude. He’s changed his life. Don’t get me wrong. He’s happy to keep crushing his opponents in the ring. For those of you who are as old as me, and know about this reference, as The Who say, ‘Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.’ Sergey is here with his manager, and my dear friend, Egis Klimas.”

Egis Klimas, Manager of Sergey Kovalev
“Good afternoon, everybody. Happy to be here back again at New York City. I wanted to thank the media, Madison Square Garden, HBO, Mikhalkin for giving this opportunity to Sergey to show up.”

“I wanted to talk a little bit about undercard, what there is going to be. Many people come just for the main event, or co-main event, televised fights, because fights are getting boring nowadays. Take my word, we have four undercard guys, which are represented by me. They are very, very excited. Don’t count just on the co-main event and the main event. If you have a chance, come over right from the beginning. You are going to see very, very excited fights. I don’t know whose mission was this for the main event, but as right now, all the things going on in the world, probably they wanted to put two Russians in the ring and looking at beating each other, just to represent American fans. Just a joke.”

“I don’t remember when we saw on the main event, Showtime, HBO, two Russians coming into the fight and trying to fight. I think it’s going to be a very good night, Saturday night. Don’t miss it!”

Duva
“Actually, to echo Egis’ comments, I think based on the looks of the light heavyweight division at the moment, two Russians fighting for the title is going to become pretty normal. Without further ado, as always, my deepest pleasure to be able to introduce to you the light heavyweight champion of the world, Sergey Kovalev.”

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev, Two-Time Light Heavyweight World Champion
“I am really happy back to in New York at Madison Square Garden. This is right now my favorite place to fight. Really appreciate it, Joel Fisher, and also thanks to HBO to show this fight on TV, to my promoter, Kathy Duva. Also, to thanks to team of Igor Mikhalkin who came from Russia. Right now, I can say that we met with Igor since amateur, when I was maybe 17 years old. We were like friends, but only friends can beat each other and won’t be upset on each other, you know? I can say that, and be sure that Saturday night will be interesting fight because we will beat each other very, very hard and my goal to defend the title. His goal, to get this title. It will be very interesting fight. Thank you for your support, and I love you, boxing fans. God bless you. Thanks.”

Duva
“Thank you, Sergey. I think that about says it all. As far as we are concerned here at Main Events, the boxing winter is over. I think that we know there are two world champions on this card. Those of you who come early enough to see the undercard, I think you will be able to someday say that you saw more than two world champions on Saturday night because they are all terrific, young fighters. I think that quite a few of the guys in that position are going to make it someday.”

“Once again, tickets starting at $50 still available through Ticketmaster and at the Madison Square Garden box office. You can watch live on HBO World Championship Boxing® starting at 10:05 PM Eastern and Pacific. My thanks to all the talented and dedicated people working hard to put on this impressive show on Saturday. People you have no idea about working in the background, especially our 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone. The guys have to do the work, but Jolene makes the magic happen. Did it again this morning by finding a better replacement of pulling it out of her who knows what, better than the one we had in the first place. Will you please give Jolene and the rest of my staff an applause? They really are the best. Jolene is still making matches as we speak.”

About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available online at TicketMaster.com and at the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, is sponsored by Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

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BROOKLYN (March 1, 2018) – Unbeaten WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten contender Luis Ortiz exchanged words and went face to face at the final press conference in Manhattan Thursday ahead of their main event showdown this Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also participating in Thursday’s press conference and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui, who meet in a rematch of their May 2017 matchup on SHOWTIME as they fight for an interim 168-pound world title in the co-feature.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday:

DEONTAY WILDER

“The reason I wanted this fight is not only do I think Ortiz is one of the best technical fighters in the division, but he’s the boogeyman that everyone is running from. Champions have avoided him and I’ve always said I was the best and this is my chance to prove it.

“This result isn’t up to anyone but myself. Every time I get under the bright lights, I give the fans what they want to see. This is the best versus the best and that’s what boxing deserves.

“I had all the excuses in the world to run away from this fight after he failed the test. There are a lot of good, up-and-coming heavyweights out there, but I wasn’t interested in them. This fight is how I prove that I’m the baddest man on the planet.

“On March 3, with all the personal things put aside, it’s going to be an honor to fight Luis Ortiz, man to man and father to father. I know that family is his motivation, just like it is for me, and that’s why I blessed him with this opportunity.

“The exciting thing about Saturday night is for everyone to see what I’m capable of doing. Luis Ortiz is determined to get my WBC belt. This is my seventh defense of my title and I’ve enjoyed every one. It’s a lot of responsibility and I take it seriously. You’ll all see on Saturday night why I’ve said the things I’ve said.

“Everyone knows what I’m expecting Saturday night. I can’t say it enough. I have knocked every opponent out for a reason. I plan on continuing my knockout streak. That’s what I do and that’s what I’m best at.

“This is the best fight right here in boxing that can be made. It doesn’t get any better than this on Saturday night. You have to be here in person, because you won’t want to miss anything. You never know what you’ll see, but Saturday night will be bombs away.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I never say anything bad about fighters because inside the ring, anything can happen. I respect everyone who steps into the ring. This is my opportunity. This is my time. Deontay is a great champion but this is my chance.

“Like I always say, this is my time and it’s going to be a great triumph. This is big for all of Cuban boxing and I will make my country proud.

“This is going to be like two trains on the same track about to collide. I’m going to win and I’m going to take his belt.

“This is not a video game. This is not using controllers. You have to actually step into the ring with me on Saturday night.

“Deontay is scared. He’s talking a lot of nonsense. He’s worried about what I’m going to do. This is my time. I’m going to show everyone.

“I’m 100 percent ready to go. Sparring has been amazing and I’m totally prepared for Deontay Wilder. Deontay’s biggest mistake is that he talks too much.

“I looked into his eyes and I knew that I’m not going to lose this opportunity. I’m going to be the first Cuban and the first Latino born outside the country to win a title. Saturday night will be historic.

“The public gave me this opportunity to fight for the title and beat you for your belt. I’m going to make the most of my chance and knock Deontay Wilder out.”

ANDRE DIRRELL

“It was a rocky start for me in our first fight. He caught me with a good shot in the early rounds, but I was able to fight through it. I started to dominate the second half of the fight but he had definitely thrown my game off. I still weathered the storm and made good things happen. This fight is very deserving of a rematch and I’m looking forward to it.

“This fight right here is one of the beautiful moments we have in boxing. There were two wrongs that night in the last fight. I’m really happy with everyone who has made this rematch and gave the sport what it deserves.

“Now Jose Uzcategui and myself both have chances to prove ourselves again. This is going to be the worst opportunity of Uzcategui’s life. But it will be the best opportunity for me.

“This is my opportunity to prove all of the critics wrong this time. I’m not the favorite, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’m going to change every single mind on Saturday night. I’m stepping up to the plate, and I’m preparing to hit a home run.

“Virgil Hunter has definitely helped me with my mental game. We’ve worked on a masterful game plan. Virgil is tough to work with but we did all of the necessary things we had to in order to accomplish what we have to on Saturday.

“The next two years or more will be the best years of my career. I’ve been blessed with an illustrious career. This is a new look for me and I feel good. I have a very tough, hungry fighter in front of me and I can’t wait to prove myself.”

JOSE UZCATEGUI

“We’re not doing anything differently heading into this fight. I’ve put the time in at the gym every day to make sure that the fight ends conclusively this time.

“Before I even got to the ring in the first fight I felt some animosity from the referee towards me and it kind of led to what happened in the fight.

“Saturday night you’re not just going to see that I’m a boxer-puncher, but you’ll see my full power on display.

“I’m happy to be in this rematch. I hope that Dirrell brings action like he’s talking about on Saturday. I don’t want to chase him around the ring all night.

“I’m ready to accomplish my dreams, and that involves beating Andre Dirrell more decisively than last night and leaving no doubt at all who the better fighter is.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“Deontay Wilder put everything aside to face one of the greatest amateur heavyweights in the history of boxing. This fight is happening because Deontay is that good and he’s that proud. Deontay is ready to prove that he’s the baddest man on the planet.

“There is a sensational off-television undercard beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Barclays Center that includes a group of top contenders and prospects. It’s really a loaded undercard from top to bottom.

“That great undercard includes a woman’s title fight involving Alicia Napoleon. Everyone involved in this fight has made an effort to have women’s boxing represented on our cards and I’m proud to be able to deliver that for fans.

“This will be Deontay’s third defense of his title in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. He successfully defended against Artur Szpilka and Bermane Stiverne, with two frightening knockouts. I’m proud to work with Barclays Center and promote boxing in Brooklyn. This is certainly one of the best venues for boxing in the world and certainly a venue that is dedicated to bringing the fans consistently excellent programming inside the arena.

“This fight is getting the kind of reception that it deserves. If you want to get tickets for Saturday night, I would call now because they’re moving fast.”

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, President Sports & Events Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.

“When we have a fight card like this, the network gets a lot of credit but these fights truly don’t happen unless fighters like Wilder and Ortiz are ready to take the fights.

“When we announced our schedule back in January, there was one fight that jumped out to everyone, and it was Wilder vs. Ortiz. They have 67 fights between them, 67 wins, 0 losses and 62 knockouts. This is part of what we’re calling ‘March Madness’ on SHOWTIME. All four heavyweight titles, the top four heavyweights in the world, including Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker on March 31, facing each other this month on SHOWTIME. There hasn’t been a lineup like that put together by any network in the history of the sport.

“The titles are great but these fights are about something else. They’re about legacy. When people look back and ask, ‘what kind of fighter was Deontay Wilder?’ This is the fight that they will talk about. More important than knockouts and unbeaten records, this is why fighters are remembered.

“Dirrell vs. Uzcategui 2 is good enough to be a main event and they deserve to have a great stage for this rematch. These are the kind of cards that people look back and say, were you there that night? If you’re not watching this card, you’re not a boxing fan. Because this is the best that the sport has to offer.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“I can’t tell you how excited I am for Saturday night. People are starting to realize how viable this sport is and that boxing is a sport on the rise. We’re thrilled to be a part of it

“Events like Saturday in Brooklyn are why this sport is thriving. It features a deep card from top to bottom, 50-50 fights and great fighters with magnetic personalities

“Deontay, even though you weren’t born in Brooklyn, we do consider you our own. We’re excited to have Luis Ortiz as well, for the first time, on Saturday night. This is a card from top to bottom that’s incredible and I’m thrilled to welcome Andre and Jose to Brooklyn.

“The seats are moving really quickly and this should be one of the biggest fights we’ve had at Barclays Center. We’re very excited for this show and look forward to seeing everyone there.”

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.com,

follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @LouDiBella, @TGBPromotions, @BarclaysCenter, @Brooklyn_Boxing and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter,
and www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

SAN ANTONIO, TX. (March 1, 2018) – An exciting night of undercard action comes to Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio on Saturday, March 10 featuring 2016 Olympians and rising prospects entering the ring for the Premier Boxing Champions event.

The night is headlined by a showdown between three-division world champion Mikey Garcia and unbeaten IBF 140-pound champion Sergey Lipinets live on SHOWTIME. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast also features two-division world champion Rances Barthelemy taking on Kiryl Relikh in a rematch of their thrilling fight last May, this time for the vacant WBA 140-pound world title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions in association with Leija-Battah Promotions, are priced at $250, $150, $75, $50 and $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000 or 210 556-7390.

Additional action will feature 19-year-old featherweight prospect Luis Coria (6-1, 4 KOs), 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis (4-0, 3 KOs) in a six-round welterweight bout, 2016 Nigerian Olympian Efe Ajagba (3-0, 3 KOs) taking on Antonio Woods (6-2, 4 KOs) in a six-round heavyweight affair, Efetobor Apochi (2-0, 2 KOs) entering the ring for a six-round cruiserweight fight and unbeaten welterweight Yulian Tembotov (5-0, 4 KOs) in a six-round attraction.

Rounding out the undercard arelightweight prospect Alejandro Guerrero (6-0, 5 KOs) in a six-round fight, San Antonio’s Robert Rodriguez making his pro debut in a four-round super flyweight bout against Mexico’s Giovanni Noriega (1-1, 1 KO), San Antonio’s Joseph Rodriguez (13-0-1, 2 KOs) taking on Ramsey Luna (13-5, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight showdown and four-rounds of super featherweight action between unbeaten Xavier Wilson (7-0, 1 KO) and John Vanmeter (1-3, 1 KO).

The night also features a SHOWTIME BOXING on SHO EXTREME telecast beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT that will see undefeated 140-pound contender and San Antonio-native Mario Barrios face Eudy Bernardo in a 10-round bout and undefeated Alejandro Luna taking on former world title challenger Richard Commey in a 12-round IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator. Also in undercard action at Freeman Coliseum, unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa takes on Mexico’s Giovanni Delgado in an eight-round super bantamweight bout that, time permitting, will round out the SHO EXTREME telecast.

# # #

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

New York, NY) – The upcoming Saturday, March 3 Kovalev vs. Mikhalkin HBO World Championship Boxing® telecast opens with a blockbuster battle of two top light heavyweights as WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol (12-0, 10 KOs) faces Sullivan Barrera (21-1, 14 KOs) at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Below is the scouting report for this action-packed match-up:

Category
Dmitry Bivol
Sullivan Barrera
Age
27
36
Record
12-0-0 (10 KOs)
21-1-0 (14 KOs)
Strength
Bivol is a strong, hard-hitting light heavyweight. He has knockout power in both hands and has been successful overwhelming his opposition with his in-your-face attack.
Barrera has a strong jab he uses well, and has shown numerous times he can overcome the adversity that takes place in the squared circle, thanks to solid endurance and a granite chin.
Weakness
Although he had an extensive amateur career, Bivol is still only 12 fights deep into his professional career. His inexperience as a pro may come into play if his opponent takes him into deep waters.
Sullivan has great technical boxing skills, but also has a tendency to get into wild slugfests with his opponents. He needs to keep his composure and stay sharp in order to avoid one of Bivol’s thundering blows.
Experience
There is no question Bivol has been through the gauntlet for his first 12 professional bouts. However, he does not have the experience nor has he faced the level of opposition Barrera has faced thus far.
Although this is his first world title fight, Barrera has been in the ring with some of the best the division has to offer: Andre Ward, Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, and Joe Smith Jr. He has overcome adversity in prior bouts, making him a stronger fighter to this point.
Power
Bivol’s power is one of his greatest assets. He throws vicious combinations and possesses significant power in both hands.
Barrera has a powerful jab and a devastating right hand, both of which have played roles in the majority of his stoppage wins.
Speed
The champion has solid speed, quick hands and is fast on his feet as well.
The challenger has average speed, and maintains a steady pace throughout the fight.
Endurance
Due to the way he has steamrolled through his opposition thus far, Bivol has only gone a full 12 rounds once, when he defeated Felix Valera in 2016.

Barrera proved he could go 12 rounds in a decision loss to former titleholder Andre Ward. He earned 10-round decision wins over ranked contenders Joe Smith Jr and Felix Valera.
Accuracy
Bivol’s style allows him to be an accurate puncher. He likes to close in on his opponents, leaving them with little room to run.
Barrera’s is very accurate when he gets his jab going and puts his punches together behind it.
Defense
Bivol’s best defense has been his offensive aggressiveness thus far in his short career.

If Barrera commits to the jab, it can be very effective in taking any fighter out of his element, making it that much more difficult to get anything going offensively.
Chin
We have yet to see a big puncher have any offensive success with Bivol, so his chin is still a question mark.

Barrera has a granite chin. He has been knocked down, but has never been stopped, and he hass risen to the occasion to finish strong.
Style
Bivol is an aggressive, in-your-face fighter who immediately enters attack mode from the start of the bout. He is heavy-handed and is making a name for himself in the division as a knockout artist.

Barrera is an extremely tough and technical fighter who likes to stick his jab and set up his shots. He also has a brawling style that inevitably comes out when his opponents show they are willing to engage.
Intangibles
Bivol makes his first WBA title defense against one of the hottest light heavyweights in the world in Sullivan Barrera. This is no surprise, however, as Dmitry has faced off against a who’s who of opposition in his short career. Although his Cuban opponent believes Bivol is in over his head taking on the WBA’s #1 ranked Barrera, Bivol thinks otherwise. He has full confidence in his abilities, and is well aware that if he has his way with Barrera, the sky is the limit for what he can do in the sport.

Barrera has been petitioning for a title shot for years. He has stepped up and faced off against the division’s best light heavyweights. After years of hard work and victories over the likes of Joe Smith Jr, Karo Murat, and Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, he has been offered his long-awaited opportunity. Barrera opted to face the less experienced Dmitry Bivol. Barrera feels his route to a title shot was much more grueling than that of the champion, and believes Bivol will not be prepared for such a seasoned and gritty challenger as Sullivan Barrera.
Crowd Support
Dmitry Bivol is one of the sport’s top prospects, but he lacks the television exposure of Barrera. Despite a loyal Russian following, he may be at a disadvantage here. If he can comfortably handle the challenger in this match, expect his crowd support to increase significantly.

Over the years, Sullivan Barrera has established himself as a crowd-pleasing fighter. He competed at Madison Square Garden in his last bout in which he earned a win over ranked contender Felix Valera. He can expect significant crowd support coming into this bout.
The Match-Up
Will Barrera be able to handle the power and speed of Bivol?
Will Bivol be able to handle the non-stop jab in his face and be able to make adjustments?
Will Barrera be able to focus on Bivol and not overlook him thinking about future opportunities?
Will Bivol be able to handle Barrera down getting up off the canvas after a knockdown and coming back stronger when he does?

According Main Events’ matchmaker and 2015 NABF Matchmaker of the Year, Jolene Mizzone, “This is the kind of fight more top light heavyweights should be taking. Here you have a young guy in Dmitry Bivol who is ready to take the challenge with a much more experienced Sullivan Barrera. You have Sullivan Barrera taking on the youngest light heavyweight champion in the division to prove he belongs there at the top too, belt or not. Both have a lot to prove, and I believe the real winners are the fans, who will get a real show in the ring from both come March 3.”

About March 3: The Saturday, March 3 main event between Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev and Igor Mikhalkin is a 12-round match-up for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-main event features WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Dmitry Bivol versus Sullivan Barrera in a 12-round title fight. Tickets range from $50 to $300 and are available online at TicketMaster.com and at the Madison Square Garden box office. The event is promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, is sponsored by Medoff Vodka and Leon.ru and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.

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Lewis Pettitt has promised to inflict a first career defeat on Raza Hamza when the Featherweights square off over eight rounds on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO Middleweight World Title defence against Martin Murray at The 02 on April 14th.

The former WBA Intercontinental and WBO European Super-Bantamweight Champion is determined to get his career back on track after an inactive 2017 and knows that a win over highly-rated Frank Warren stablemate Hamza will fire him back into title contention.

“This fight has come too soon for Raza and on April 14th he’ll taste defeat for the first time,” said Pettitt. “My experience and superior boxing ability will be too much for him on the night. Whichever way he choses to box I’ll find a way to win.

“I’m not sure what kind of fight to expect from him but I will be fully prepared to get the win. Raza is big and tall but he doesn’t use his best attributes to his advantage. He likes to come forward and have a fight but that will play into my hands.

“This is the perfect fight for me at this stage of my career. If I want to get back on track and kick on then I need to be beating these kind of opponents convincingly to prove the level that I’m at.

“In the past I’ve found it hard to get up for fights against opponents that have come over with losing records. I need a fight with someone who poses a real threat and in Raza I have that. I’m fully motivated and I’ve been training like a man possessed.

“I think Raza will bring out the best in me. I’ve been guilty of dropping my level against lesser opponents but that won’t happen against him. You’re going to see a different fighter when I’ve got someone in front of me that wants to win and has a proper camp under their belt.”

Pettitt v Hamza is part of a huge night of boxing at The 02 topped by Billy Joe Saunders’ fourth defence of his WBO Middleweight World Title against Martin Murray and Terry Flanagan’s challenge for the vacant WBO Super-Lightweight World Title against undefeated American Maurice Hooker.

An unmissable card also features rising Light-Heavyweight star Anthony ‘The Beast’ Yarde and Heavyweight sensation ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois, plus Darryll Williams defending his English Super-Middleweight title against Lennox Clarke while Hackney Super-Lightweight talent Ohara Davies makes his highly-anticipated comeback, with further exciting additions to the undercard to come.

General sale tickets for April 14th priced from £40 (Tier) to £300 (Hospitality) are available to purchase via www.axs.com.

Kell Brook admits his loss to Errol Spence Jr was the lowest point in his career – but he’s back in love with boxing again and ready to take the Super-Welterweight division by storm as he faces Sergey Rabchenko for the WBC Silver Heavyweight title at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.

Brook surrendered his IBF Welterweight crown against talented American Spence Jr at Bramall Lane in May, and the Steel City hero found life tough after losing his status as a world ruler.

‘The Special One’ fractured his left eye in the bout to match the same injury to the once Gennady Golovkin inflicted on his right eye in their encounter in September 2016. While doctors gave him the all-clear to fight again, Brook himself doubted if he still had the desire to get in the ring – but after a full camp in the buzzing Ingle Gym, he’s ready to put the defeats behind him and become a force at 154lbs.

“I’m not used losing but I’ve had two in a row,” said Brook. “The first one I jumped up to Middleweight from Welterweight against the most feared man in world boxing in GGG so you can’t really take that as a loss really as it wasn’t my natural weight and it was a risk. Losing to Spence is a different kettle of fish as it was at Welterweight and the other eye got smashed in and I lost my World title.

“That really hurt me badly, it took me a long time to get over that. I know that I’ve got a lot left in me, people are right to question what I’ve got left and how I am going to be after the injuries and the defeats, but I believe I am going to be the same fighter, I’ll be better in fact with the bigger weight which will bring the best out of me, but we can only see Rabchenko. I’m up for the challenge at the new weight though.

“I do regret the Spence fight looking back. I was in Sheffield, we’d sold a load of tickets and we were in a football stadium – but going from Middleweight down to Welterweight was too much and it just drained me. But I was a proud champion and I never duck anyone, Errol is a class act and will dominate at 147lbs – hopefully I can get the rematch at Super-Welterweight though.

“I’m built to box. I’ll be fresher at Super-Welterweight and I won’t be drained like I was at 147lbs. Being IBF champion also meant I was having to weigh-in again the next morning with the ten-pound limit, so it was like I was fighting the scales twice and then fighting my opponent.

“I didn’t want an easy fight back, if I had done, I could’ve fallen out of love with it, cut corners and not reached the heights in training that I need to reach to be the best Kell Brook. Rabchenko is a dangerous guy, he’s no mug and he can really bang. I’ve sparred with him and if you were to go on the sparring, it’s going to be one hell of a fight.

“I’m loving boxing again and things can change, and I still feel that I’ve got big fights left in me before I call it a day. I’d love to win a World title at Super-Welterweight.

“The eye has healed very well. It’s held up in sparring and I don’t think about the eye injuries at all. I wouldn’t be boxing if I wasn’t given the all clear by the doctors, I wouldn’t put my family or myself through that.”

Brook and Rabchenko clash on a huge night of action in the Steel City with the chief support provided by a crunch showdown between world-rated Super-Bantamweights Gamal Yafai and Gavin McDonnell.

David Allen is hunting revenge in his rematch with Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Lenroy Thomas, Rotherham Lightweight rivals Lee Appleyard and Atif Shafiq lock horns while Kid Galahad aims to get into the title mix at Featherweight after a meeting with Irving Berry – Leigh Wood and Rocky Fielding complete the line-up.

Tickets Brook’s clash with Rabchenko are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150 and £250 VIP and are available from the FlyDSA Arena at www.flydsaarena.co.uk and on 0114 2565656. VIP tickets are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for March 3 are available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 1st, 2018) — When Khiary Gray officially became a professional boxer in 2014, he never imagined he’d make it this far, so he kept a bucket list just in case he failed to reach his ultimate goal.

One of the many items? Fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the same venue where the late Arturo Gatti won his first title defense as the IBF World Super Featherweight Champion, where Roy Jones Jr., Hector Camacho and Larry Holmes once roamed, and where fellow Worcester, Mass., native Edwin Rodriguez captured the USBA Super Middleweight Title in 2012.

Check.

Adjacent to the historic Madison Square Garden, a 20,000-seat encyclopedia of modern-day boxing history, The Theater will share the spotlight Saturday night with the highly anticipated Deontay Wilder-Luis Ortiz heavyweight title bout at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Showtime, but as far as Worcester is concerned, all eyes are on New York’s capital city as Gray (15-3, 11 KOs) tangles with Russian welterweight Alexey Evchenko (15-10-1, 6 KOs)

The eight-round Gray-Evchenko bout is one of 11 scheduled on Saturday’s telecast of HBO’s World Championship Boxing, headlined by the 12-round WBO World Light Heavyweight Championship showdown between reigning title-holder Sergey Kovalev and challenger Igor Mikhalkin.

Promoted by Main Events, Krusher Promotions and World of Boxing in association with EC Box Promotions, Saturday’s card also features the return of unbeaten New London, Conn., heavyweight Cassius Chaney, plus a WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship co-feature bout between champion Dmitry Bivol and challenger Sullivan Barrera.

Gray’s fight won’t be televised, but it’s a major step in the right direction as he continues his campaign at 147 pounds following a successful welterweight debut in December via a majority decision win over Greg Jackson at Twin River Casino.

“Next is Vegas,” Gray said. “I have to take advantage of this opportunity to go even farther.”

Per usual, Gray’s camp didn’t hesitate when offered the chance of a lifetime to fight in New York City on the undercard of an HBO event. Gray enjoyed a brief taste of the network television spotlight in July of 2016 when he faced Ian Green on the opening bout of Showtime’s ShoBox: The Next Generation telecast at Foxwoods Resort Casino, but the thrill was short-lived when Green handed Gray his first career loss via second-round knockout.

That’s when things changed.

Friends became distant and Gray’s inner-circle shrunk rapidly. At first, the 25-year-old struggled to deal with the ebbs and flows of being a professional athlete. He lost two of his next three after the setback against Green and faced a major career crossroad entering his December bout against Jackson.

“That fight was a do-or-die fight for me. I had to prove that I could still make it,” Gray said.

Had he lost, he admits he and his team would’ve had to think long and hard about his future in the sport, whether that meant moving back up to 154 pounds or quitting altogether. Instead, Gray rediscovered some of the magic that guided him to a 13-0 start and out-boxed the slick, rangy Jackson, doing just enough to get the nod on two of three judges’ scorecards.

Not only did the win restore his confidence, but the relatively easy weight-cut that accompanied his training camp gave him peace of mind knowing he can fight at welterweight without sacrificing power or stamina.

“We actually focused more on training and the weight came off easily,” Gray said. “I had no trouble making the weight.”

Outside of the ring, Gray learned to accept that not everyone who was initially along for the ride had his best interests in mind. With help from his trainers, including former pro Sean Fitzgerald of Worcester, Gray prioritized the people who’ve been the most loyal and focused 100 percent on his craft, even quitting his overnight job to devote more time to boxing.

“I actually blocked a lot of people off,” Gray said. “I cut a lot of people out of my circle, so it was actually just me and the people in the gym just focused on fighting.

“I had a lot of distractions and I just realized I can’t do it anymore, so I had to cut people off. That’s what happens. They’re only with you when you’re up. When you’re down, then people start to stay away. I realized that.”

As he enters Saturday’s bout, Gray might be the most content both in and out of the ring as he’s been since he initially turned pro four years ago. He’s learned to deal with the setbacks – “Things happen for a reason,” he said – and focus on those who truly want to see him succeed. A win on Saturday on one of the sport’s most historic stages will go a long way toward ensuring his campaign in the welterweight division is the right move for his future in boxing.

“This is perfect timing. This is exactly where I want to be at,” Gray said.

Tickets range from $50.00 to $300.00 and are available through www.ticketmaster.com or the Madison Square Garden box office. The live HBO telecast begins at 10:05 p.m. ET.

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

Atlantic City, New Jersey (March 1, 2018)–Heavyweight Chazz “The Gentleman” Witherspoon will take on veteran Mike Sheppard in in the eight-round main event on Saturday, March 10th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The bout will headline a nine bout card dubbed “Ring Redemption” is promoted by Mis Downing Promotions in association with Silver Spoon Promotions.

Witherspoon of Paulsboro, New Jersey has a record of 36-3 with 28 knockouts.

The 36 year-old Witherspoon is a 14 year-veteran who has wins over Michael Alexander (11-0), Talmidge Giffiths (24-6-3), Jonathan Haggler (18-1), Adam Richards (21-1), Ty Cobb (14-2), Nick Guivas (11-2-2) & Michael Marrone (21-5.

Witherspoon is on a six-fight knockout streak, with the latest being a 4th round stoppage over Jonathan Sandoval on October 1, 2016 in Trenton, New Jersey.

Sheppard of Palestine, West Virginia has a record of 25-22-2 with 11 knockouts.

Sheppard is a 21 year-professional who has fought a whose-who of fighters that include former world champions Ruslan Chagaev, Antonio Tarver and James Toney: as well as world title challenger Gerald Washington.

Sheppard is coming off a loss to undefeated Simon Kean on December 16, 2017 in Laval, Quebec, Canada.

Seeing action in the eight-round co-feature will be welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young of Atlantic City, NJ taking on Fidel Monterrosa Munoz.

The 29 year-old Atlantic City native and seven year veteran will be making his 11th start on the boardwalk.

Young has won seven fights in a row, which includes his last outing, when he took a six-round unanimous decision over Carlos Winston Velasquez on August 19, 2017 at The Claridge. This will be Young’s fifth fight at The Claridge and fourth in a row.

Munoz of Ecatapec, Mexico has a record of 38-16-1 with 30 knockouts.

The 29 year-old Munoz is a 12 year veteran, and is the former Colombian lightweight champion. Munoz has a win over Oscar Cuero (8-0) and has been in the ring with world champions Humberto Soto & Antonio Demarco as well world title challengers Pablo Cesar Cano and Lenny Zappavigna.

In six-round bouts, Mike Hilton (8-0, 7 KOs) of Trenton, NJ will take on Hector Perez (3-1, 2 KOs) of Pleasantville, NJ in a cruiserweight bout.

Prince Badi Ajamu (28-3-1, 15 KOs) of Camden, NJ faces Willis Lockett (15-22-6, 5 KOs) of Takoma Park, Maryland in a cruiserweight fight.

Gabriel Pham (9-1, 4 KOs) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Blake Mansfield (6-1-1, 4 KOs) of Burlington, NC in a super middleweight showdown.

In a six-round bout, John Bauza (8-0, 5 KOs) will take on an opponent to be named in a super lightweight contest.

In four-round bouts:

Kevin Asmat (3-1, 2 KOs) of North Bergen, New Jersey will fight Edgar Cortes (5-4) of Vineland, New Jersey in a featherweight bout.

Alejandro Jimenez of New Jersey will make his pro debut against Derrick Pitts (0-1) in bantamweight bout.

Dan Murray (3-1) of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey battles Anthony Smith (1-2, 1 KO) of Fresno, California in a junior welterweight bout.

Ticket prices are : $150 for VIP Ringside; $120 for stage seating; $85 for premium and $60 for General Admission, and can be purchased by calling Michelle at 609-712-3854 or mrgeglus12@aol.com

Mis Downing Promotions would like to thank their sponsors which includes The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame, The Claridge Hotel, Fantasea Resorts, AEI Insurance, Urgent Response, HairX, Buy Smart Motors & New Vision Property Management.

English Super-Middleweight Champion Darryll Williams will make the second defence of his title against undefeated Halesowen talent Lennox Clarke at The 02 on Saturday 14th April.

Williams (16-0, 6 KO’s) seized the English 168lbs title from Jahmaine Smyle in a Fight of the Year contender at the Leicester Arena in April 2017.

The all-out war went the South Londoner’s way on a split points decision after 10 tremendous rounds of gruelling, back-and-forth action that had fans on their feet throughout.

‘Ferocious’ then inflicted another defeat on his bitter foe when the rivals rematched at London’s Copper Box Arena. All-action Williams won a majority decision against Smyle as the pair served up another belter of a contest.

Now trained by David John in Swansea, Williams is aiming to dispatch Clarke in style on April 14th before targeting a shot at the British Super-Middleweight title later in the year.

Fast-rising Midlands standout Clarke (16-0-1, 6 KO’s) has been waiting patiently for his shot at Williams’ title. The 26-year-old also holds a win over Smyle, having floored the Leicester man on the way to a ten round decision in December.

“I’m chomping at the bit to get back in the ring,” said Williams. “I’m quite surprised at how quickly I’ve been able to get back to full fitness and get my mind back in the game. I’ve been training harder than ever and I’m ready to go again.

“Ive watched Clarke’s win over Smyle and all I took from it is that he beat an already defeated man. By the time Clarke fought Smyle, he was already a well defeated fighter mentally. He had two all-out wars with me and some tough fights before that.

“Up until he scored a knockdown in round nine I actually had Clarke losing the fight. Smyle was pressuring Clarke and pushing him back, if he can’t handle Smyle then what am I going to do to him?

“I’d love to fight for the British title this year. I want to move on from the English title after this defence because I know that I can go further than this level. I’ve won Southern Area and English titles, the next step on my journey is to win the British title.”

“This is a fight that I have wanted for a long time,” said Clarke. “Darryll is a very dangerous opponent and it’s going to be a tough fight but I’m very confident of getting the win. We’ve both boxed Jahmaine Smyle in our last fights and I beat him comfortably while Darryll went life and death with him twice.”

Williams v Clarke lands on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO Middleweight World Title defence against domestic rival Martin Murray and Terry Flanagan’s challenge for the vacant WBO Super-Lightweight World Title against undefeated American Maurice Hooker.

An unmissable card also features rising Light-Heavyweight star Anthony ‘The Beast’ Yarde and Heavyweight sensation ‘Dynamite’ Daniel Dubois while Hackney Super-Lightweight talent Ohara Davies makes his highly-anticipated comeback, with further exciting additions to the undercard to come.

General sale tickets for April 14th priced from £40 (Tier) to £300 (Hospitality) are available to purchase via www.axs.com.

Boxing fans around the world have seen four great fights in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series over the first two months of 2018, and now COMOSA AG is in the middle of preparing for the Cruiserweight and Super Middleweight Finals.

George Groves informed COMOSA AG on Monday 26th February that it was necessary for him to undergo surgery on his shoulder after it was dislocated during his semi-final win over Chris Eubank Jr.

COMOSA AG has advised George Groves that COMOSA AG will arrange a second medical opinion – as soon as reasonably possible – to ensure proper evaluation of George’s physical condition.

A high level of medical scrutiny is In line with COMOSA AG’s corporate policy, to respect the athlete’s health at all times, the World Boxing Super Series Tournament rules and the principles of fair competition.

COMOSA AG needs to protect the integrity of the athlete’s long-term health. It also has a responsibility to its partners and boxing fans around the globe to ensure a competitive Final for the Muhammad Ali Trophy with two boxers that are fully fit.

Once COMOSA AG has received the full medical advice in regards to George Groves’ fitness it will then make the decision as to the date and location of the Final.

The decision will be in line with COMOSA AG strategic planning and the international event calendar. The timeframe of George Groves injury will be taken into account. However, it will only be a part of the decision process.

COMOSA AG wishes George a complete and swift recovery and looks forward to him being able to take his place in the final of the Ali Trophy. The World Boxing Super Series expects another fantastic and unprecedented event which will assign the iconic Ali Trophy.

COMOSA AG will provide an update on the all the details regarding the Super Middleweight and Cruiserweight Finals in due course.

BROOKLYN (February 28, 2018) – Heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder and unbeaten contender Luis Ortiz participated in an open to the public media workout Wednesday as they near their main event showdown this Saturday, March 3 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

Also participating in Wednesday’s workout and opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT were super middleweight contenders Andre Dirrell and Jose Uzcategui, who meet in a rematch for an interim 168-pound world title in the co-feature.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or call 800-745-3000. Tickets for the event can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center.

Undercard fighters participating in Wednesday’s workout were Long Island’s Alicia Napoleon, who fights for a women’s super middleweight world title on Saturday night, and Brooklyn’s Richardson Hitchins, who enters the ring for a welterweight fight.

Wilder was joined for his portion of the workout by “The Young Jamaican Trainer” Demarjay Smith, known for his motivational Instagram videos and appearances on “The Ellen Degeneres Show”. Smith had some words of inspiration for Wilder before he began his workout.

“You are the real deal,” said Smith. “You are strength no weakness. You are the shark of the ocean. You believed every day, you achieved and you became it.”

The event also featured unbeaten star Marcus Browne from Staten Island, who gave a boxing tutorial for local children from Gleason’s Give a Kid a Dream, BOXER Inc., Children of Promise and the Atlas Cops and Kids Foundation.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from Barclays Center:

DEONTAY WILDER

“I’ve prepared myself for this moment for a long time now. I’m going to prove it to the world that I’m the best. That’s why I gave this opportunity to Ortiz again. He says he’s the ‘Real King Kong’, but ‘King Kong’ knows what happens when he comes to New York.

“I don’t need anything to motivate me. Luis Ortiz doesn’t need to say anything to motivate me. I have a killer instinct. No matter what people say they’re going to do, I always do what I say. I speak it, I believe it and I receive it.

“My family is even more motivation that I need. This gives me more motivation than I’ll ever need to beat any man who is willing to meet me in the ring.

“I mean what I say, I mean what I feel and I’m ready for whoever. Anthony Joshua will barely even mention my name. Well, I’m here and I’m ready for him.

“I am the best in the world. I’ve been saying it for years. Here is a big test. This is the fight that the fans have been waiting for. I’m going to pass this test with flying colors.

“I don’t have any worries about Ortiz at all. When I look at Ortiz, he doesn’t look powerful. I know he has nice skills like all Cuban fighters. That’s nothing to me. It’s going to be up to him to prove me wrong.

“I don’t want anybody to change their prediction about me versus Joshua after what they see on Saturday night. I’m going to keep proving people wrong just like I’ve always done. I love proving people wrong.

“This is the fight game and everybody knows that you need to have confidence to be in it. I’ve had to fight all of my life because people said I wouldn’t amount to anything. Here I am standing tall, because of that confidence I have in myself and my abilities. I don’t believe any man can beat me.

“When I think about Luis Ortiz, I see threes. It’s a magical number. I see a third round knockout. I’ve done what I’ve said so far, and I haven’t let anybody down. I will knock him out and then I will unify the division. I’m on a mission. There will be one champion, one face and one name. Deontay Wilder.”

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m psyched and I’m ready for Saturday night. I have no worries at all about being the underdog. I will knock Deontay Wilder out.

“I’m anxious. I’m ready to get in the ring. It’s been a long wait but it is almost time to fight and I just can’t wait.

“I’m here for my world title. I’m here to win the heavyweight championship of the world. Winning the belt is the only thing on my mind.

“It’s going to be big for me to get this win on Saturday for myself and for Cuban boxing. This is what makes me happy and gives me thrills. It will all be worth it on Saturday night.

“I am the champ. Saturday night, I show everyone why.”

ANDRE DIRRELL

“What happened last fight is in the past. I’m ready to move forward with Virgil Hunter and get this win on Saturday night. Virgil is a tough coach who gives you exactly what you need in the gym.

“Efficiency has been our thing throughout camp. If I execute on fight night, I’ll walk out of there with the victory I’ve been working for.

“He’s a tough fighter but at the end of the day he’s there for me. It’s all about my execution so I just need to be as sharp as possible on Saturday.

“I was a B- last fight at best. I was really closer to a C+. I was starting to come on later in the fight. I’ve watched the fight a million times and I know what I need to do to improve on the performance.

“I’ve worked hard enough box at my best for 12 or more rounds if I needed to. I’ve been through a lot and I believe we’re going to steal the show and be the fight of the night on Saturday.

“My biggest improvements have been mental. Virgil Hunter is a coach who really helps you with that side of the sport. He always stayed on me to make sure I’m ready and focused on the task at hand.

“I’m very excited for this fight. Everyone knows it’s going to be a great fight. I know this won’t be easy and I’ve never wanted it easy. We’re going to put on a great show.”

JOSE UZCATEGUI

“I’m very focused on this rematch and thankful to be in this position. I thought that the win was taken from me the first time, but now is the time to move forward and get the victory on Saturday night.

“This time I really want to prove my skills and show off my power. Andre Dirrell better be ready because I’m coming to knock him out.

“This time I feel faster, stronger and ready to make this outcome more decisive and more clear in my favor. I have everything it takes.

“I’m not going to give the judges any opportunity in this fight. They won’t have an impact on this fight whatsoever because I’m going to knock him out earlier rather than later.

“The only thing that matters to me is having Andre Dirrell in front of me on Saturday night and knocking him out to prove I’m the better man.

“Last time I threw a combination and everyone saw it was before the bell. I’ll just have to go prove it again on Saturday.

“I’m in the best shape possible right now. I’m happy to be here doing what I love. There have been no struggled in camp and I can’t wait for Saturday.”

ALICIA NAPOLEON

“I’m grateful to have this opportunity fighting on this big card. It’s amazing to have this new challenge in my professional career. I’m going to set the tone Saturday night.

“I’m a big believer in making dreams come true and doing whatever it takes to get to the top. I have a great team that I’m so grateful for and they’ve elevated my skill to get to this level.

“At the end of the day I have to be the best that I can be. Camp was gruesome. It was a lot of hard work. I’m going to be ready for anyone on Saturday night.

“I’m definitely ready to fight Claressa Shields. That’s something I want. She’s not the only fighter with skills, there are a lot of us out there and it takes all of us to create an empire for women’s boxing.

“I’m ready for whatever my opponent has. She has a respectable record but no matter what, I’m going to prepare myself to be at my very best on fight night.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“I expect my opponent to be real aggressive. I definitely hope he comes to fight and give the fans a good show. I haven’t studied him too much but I’ll be ready for anything he brings.

“I’m going to show all of the improvements that I’ve made in the gym. I’m becoming more of a professional fighter. I’m going to be sharper, smarter and more patient than I have in the past.

“This is another day in the office for me. I’m ready to go out there and perform and give my hometown fans the show they deserve.

“It feels good to be on a great card like this that’s really meaningful for the sport. I can’t wait to go in and do my thing then watch Deontay and Luis on Saturday.”

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