Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of undefeated super welterweight prospect Sebastian ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora to a promotional contract.

The 6′ 7″, 20-year-old southpaw Fundora, from Coachella, California, is the tallest fighter in his division in the world. Lewkowicz was, at first, reluctant to sign a virtually unknown commodity in Fundora, whose tall statue and low weight make him look deceptively emaciated.

So, always having been a great eye for talent, Lewkowicz put the young fighter in some tough match-ups and was very impressed by the results.

In September of last year, Fundora took on then undefeated Victor Toney and dominated him over six rounds. Looking to evaluate him further, Lewkowicz then put Fundora in a couple tough tests in South America and he won both by near shutout.

“I thought he would be too frail against better competition,” said Lewkowicz, “but he barely lost a round in his last four fights. Sebastian is nearly impossible to fight at this weight, with his reach and southpaw stance. And he took enough shots for me to see that he also has a world-class chin. He is going to be a major factor in the division very soon and I’m happy to have signed him to my stable.”

“I am fortunate to have met and signed with a great boxing promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, who has exciting plans for my future and who will guide me to conquer the dream of becoming world champion,” said Sebastian Fundora. “I have trained all my life to become a world champion, step by step and day by day. I am looking forward to seeing what the future awaits.”

Fundora has worked as a sparring partner for the world’s youngest super middleweight world champion in history, David Benavidez… also a Sampson Boxing fighter. It was members of Benavidez’ camp who initially directed Lewkowicz to the fighter.

“I now have boxing’s youngest super middleweight champion in history and the tallest junior middleweight in history,” said a proud Lewkowicz of his promotional stable.
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

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

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 29, 2017) – Dream fulfilled for Ancajas! World champion Jerwin ‘Pretty Boy’ Ancajas — a protege of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao — just scratched another item off his bucket list, as he fulfilled his dream of training at the legendary Wild Card Boxing Club, the same place where his idol and now co-promoter has trained for his most famous battles.

Ancajas (26-1-1, 18 KOs), of Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines, is getting ready to make the fourth defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Bantamweight World Title against Top-10 contender Israel Gonzalez (20-1, 8 KOs), of Cabo San Lucas, México. The fighter who says he would like to follow in the footsteps of Manny Pacquiao will make his US debut in a world title event that will take place this Saturday, February 3, at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX.

“I am here! My dream just came true. At last, I am at the Wild Card Boxing Club,“ said Ancajas after walking into the gym. As he kept walking around the gym while reviewing all the historic Pacquiao memorabilia on the walls, he specifically stopped in front of one. “What a warrior Manny was in this fight against Barrera. I never forget when I saw that fight,” added the Jr. Bantamweight champ that first saw a ‘Pacman’ fight when he was 11-years-old.

The Ancajas – Gonzalez world championship fight will be the co-main event to the GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMÍREZ -HABIB “Wild Hurricane” AHMED World Boxing Organization (WBO) super middleweight world title rumble. Both fights will be televised live and exclusively at 10:15 p.m. EST on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream live on the ESPN App.

“Israel Gonzalez holds his gloves high and is very good defensively. I will have to figure him out in Corpus Christi next Saturday night on ESPN,” said the power puncher, who like Pacquiao plans to fight in multiple weight divisions.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum said, “Jerwin is an action fighter who has Knockout power. I am anxious to see him perform in front of the fans at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi and those that will be watching on ESPN.”

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zapari Boxing Promotions and MP Promotions. Remaining tickets to the Ramírez vs. Ahmed / Ancajas vs. Gonzalez world championship event priced at $152, $102, $62, $42, and $27, including facility fees, may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, at the American Bank Center Box Office, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

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

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 29, 2018): A sequel to the most anticipated boxing event in years will arrive on Cinco De Mayo as Lineal and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) and WBC/WBA/IBF/IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs) will clash in a historic and highly anticipated 12-round rematch Saturday, May 5. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Details regarding venue and tickets will be announced shortly.

In September of 2017, Canelo and GGG met in a battle of the world’s two top middleweights, battling toe-to-toe over 12 rounds of high drama that ended in split draw. The fight drew a record crowd for an indoor boxing event in Las Vegas, selling out the T-Mobile Arena in less than two weeks and bringing legions of fans from Mexico to Kazakhstan and everywhere in between.

Alvarez, the 27-year-old native of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is the veritable face of boxing. After capturing two world titles and the lineal championship in the super welterweight division, Alvarez moved up to 160 pounds to capture the WBC, Lineal and Ring Magazine World Titles with a Nov. 2015 victory against Miguel Cotto. Alvarez has maintained his status as the lineal champion ever since, and in a historic Sept. 16 showdown last year, Alvarez fought to a 12-round split draw against Golovkin. Alvarez is eager to erase all doubts regarding his status as the best middleweight in the world on May 5.

“I’m delighted to once again participate in one of the most important boxing events in history,” said Canelo Alvarez. “This second fight is for the benefit and pleasure of all fans who desire to see the best fight the best. This time, [Gennady] Golovkin won’t have any excuses regarding the judges because I’m coming to knock him out.”

Golovkin, the 35-year-old wrecking ball of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, was a dominant amateur standout and Olympic Silver Medalist before turning professional in 2006. Since then, Golovkin has been on an historic trajectory, knocking out one opponent after another to unify the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO World Middleweight Titles. During this run, Golovkin maintained an unblemished record that included a 23-fight knockout streak, which ended with a unanimous decision victory against Danny Jacobs in March 2017. In September of the same year, Golovkin went the distance in a historic split draw against Alvarez, which has merited a much-desired rematch in the eyes of boxing fans.

“I am ready to battle Canelo again and am happy he took this fight again,” said Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. “This is the fight the world wants. This is the fight boxing deserves. I didn’t agree with some of the judges’ decisions in the first fight. This time there will be no doubt. I am leaving the ring as THE middleweight champion of the world.”

“Canelo vs. Golovkin 2 will be boxing’s biggest and best event of 2018 as these two elite fighters once again go head-to-head to determine who is the best middleweight in the world,” said Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “I expect we will see even more fireworks in the rematch as both fighters know there more is at stake now than before.”

“This is the fight boxing fans have been waiting for since the controversial outcome of last September, and the ONLY fight Gennady has wanted since that decision,” said Tom Loeffler, promoter of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. “Gennady is ready for this historic record-tying 20th title defense where he will demonstrate his superiority over Canelo. Gennady is on a mission to prove he is still the best middleweight in the world today and one of the best fighters of his era.”

“It’s a special moment for the sport when two of boxing’s most accomplished competitors-both in their prime- agree to meet again in the ring to settle who is the man in the middleweight division,” said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “Canelo vs. GGG2 is the boxing event of the first half of 2018 and we are pleased to present it live on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

Canelo vs. Golovkin 2 is a 12-round fight for the middleweight championship of the world presented by Golden Boy Promotions and GGG Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate,“THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” Fred Loyal Insurance, Tsesnabank and Capital Holdings. The event will take place Saturday, May 5 and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comand www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing and @TomLoeffler1; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/gggboxing, and www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @gggboxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; and follow the conversation using #CaneloGGG2.

Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloGolovkin2 into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (January 29, 2018) – Two-division World Boxing Association (WBA) World Champion Beibut Shumenov announced his comeback today at a press conference held in his native Kazakhstan.

“I thought a very long time before making this decision,” Shumenov explained. “Having weighed all the pros and cons, in addition to consulting with my family and team, I have firmly decided to return to professional boxing. Ahead is a lot of work but our goal is obvious. I want to express my thanks to all those who’ve supported me. I will keep everyone up to date with more news and details of my return to the ring.”

The Las Vegas-based Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs), a 2004 Kazakhstan Olympian, retired last June due to an eye injury., forcing him to relinquish his WBA cruiserweight world title.

“I want to tell you why I decided to interrupt my career.” Shumenov announced at today’s presser conference. “The trauma of my eye affected my decision. Fatigue and emotional tension accumulated. I just needed a break. Now, I have recovered, and I am going to resume my boxing career. Negotiations are now underway for my next fight.”

Shumenov also revealed that he is working with a Kazakh group to develop a domestic pro boxing program in Kazakhstan for young children in Kazakhstan to help them reach their heights.

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

Shumenov became the only two-division world champion from Kazakhstan in his last fight, when he stopped Junior Wright in the 10th round of their May 2, 2016 title fight, capturing the WBA Cruiserweight World Championship.

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

SOCIAL MEDIA:Twitter @Beibut_Shumenov, Instagram – @BeightShumenov, Facebook – BeibutShumenov/fanpage.

Rising female star, Elena Gradinar of Saint Petersburg, Russia, will compete for the first championship belt of her professional career when she takes on former world champion Olivia “The Predator” Gerula for the IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Championship.

The 10-round Gradinar vs. Gerula battle will take place on Saturday, March 24, at the Energia Sport Hall in Narva, Estonia.

The undefeated 27-year-old Gradinar (8-0, 2 KOs) went 73-8 as an amateur, winning numerous national and international amateur tournaments. Gradinar has also attained the designation of Sport Master of Russia.

A well-respected and accomplished professional, Gerula, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, is the former WBC World Female Super Featherweight Champion and made two successful defenses. She has also held the well-respected WIBA World Championship.

“I am very glad to fight for IBF Intercontinental belt against former WBC World Champion Olivia Gerula,” said Gradinar. “We will bring for boxing fans a dramatic and exiting clash between us. I am very proud that I will represent my country Russia and I hope that IBF Intercontinental belt will find residence in the glorious Russian city of St. Petersburg!”

“I am very excited about what’s to come. I look forward to visiting Estonia and soaking up some of its culture while proudly representing Canada,” said Olivia Gerula. “I know Elena has an impressive amateur record and an undefeated professional record, but I don’t believe she has ever been in the ring with a fighter of my quality and experience, so I expect to shake things up.”

Gerula’s co-promoter Dmitriy Salita, along with Russian-based Alexander Nevskiy Promotion Group, says the Gerula fight will prove a lot about Gradinar’s transition to the professional ranks.

“This will be the toughest test of Elena’s young career,” said Salita. “Olivia Gerula has fought and beaten many top-level female fighters in the division. I am looking forward to a great fight and, with a victory, the continued development of our future world champion.”

About Salita Promotions
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including Showtime, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe. For more information, visit salitapromotions.com.

Conor Benn will be back in action on the undercard of Amir Khan’s return to the ring at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 21, live on Sky Sports.

Benn’s last action was an incredible six round roller coaster against Cedrick Peynaud at York Hall in December where Benn hit the canvas twice in the opening round before flooring the Frenchman in the fifth and sixth rounds to edge an east London classic.

‘The Destroyer’ fights on Merseyside for the first time in the paid ranks as he aims to get to 12-0, and the 21 year old is excited to show the improvements he’s made since that electric night in Bethnal Green.

“The fans enjoyed my last fight but that’s not the way I should’ve been fighting,” said Benn. “I got the win and showed heart to come back from the first round. The support in York Hall was amazing and it really drove me on. I’m 21 and I’ve come into the game as a kid, but I’ve been tested a couple of times already.

“This is a tough, tough sport and I was scared that I was going to lose but it says a lot about me that I came back and won. I know I’ve got a lot to learn but I’m working hard in the gym with Tony Sims and I’m looking forward to showing improvements on my debut in Liverpool, a city that loves it’s boxing – I can’t wait.”

Benn’s return is part of a huge night of action in Liverpool as Khan fights for the first time since May 2016 against Canadian Phil Lo Greco.

Birkenhead’s Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle, and former Team GB Olympians Natasha Jonas and Anthony Fowler and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 VIP and go on sale at midday tomorrow (Tuesday January 30) to Matchroom Fight Pass members from www.stubhub.co.uk and on general sale at midday Wednesday January 31 at midday via the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.

Ohara Davies has signed an exclusive promotional deal with Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren and will make his BT Sport and BoxNation debut at The 02 on Saturday 14th April.

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

A former English Lightweight Champion, Davies has also claimed WBC Silver and WBA International Super-Lightweight titles, and is determined to get his promising career back on track after teaming up with Warren.

“I’m so glad to be on-board with Frank and the team at BT Sport and BoxNation,” said Davies. “I’d like to thank Frank for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. Frank has been in the game for years and knows the sport inside out, I know I’m in safe hands with him.

“I’ve had a hard few months and I needed a fresh start, I’m in the best place for that now. It’s been a while since I last fought and I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I do best.

“I wasn’t fully focused last year. My mind was in a bad place and I was focusing on things that weren’t important. This year is all about keeping my head down, focusing on my boxing and getting to where I want to be in this game.

“I want to win a World Title as soon as I can and with Frank and MTK Global behind me I can achieve my dream. I believe that I have the potential in me to do big things in this sport. As long as I keep my head down and stay focused, there’s no limit to what I can achieve in this game.

“BT Sport and BoxNation viewers can expect excitement, entertainment, knockouts and good fights. The real Ohara Davies is back and I can’t wait to show the World what I can do.”

Promoter Frank Warren is excited to welcome Davies to his growing stable that includes Super-Lightweight talents such as Terry Flanagan and Jack Catterall.

“Ohara is a quality fighter and one of the best out there,” said Warren. “I’m delighted to welcome him to the team and we’re looking forward to him making his debut with us at The 02 on April 14th.”

“The Super-Lightweight division is one of the most exciting weight classes in British boxing, there’s no doubt about that. In our stable alone we have the likes of Terry Flanagan, Jack Catterall, Josh Leather and Jeff Saunders. There’s a lot of good fights to be made in the next year or so and it’s great for the fans because we are going to make sure these fights happen.”

Tickets for Davies’ next fight at The 02 on Saturday 14th April ranging from £40 (Tier) to £300 (Hospitalitly) are available to purchase now via www.axs.com.

BENSALEM, PA—John Joe Nevin, who won a silver medal for Ireland in the 2012 Olympics, returns to Philadelphia for the second time when he boxes four- time Canadian national amateur champion Alex Torres Rynn in the eight-round lightweight semifinal on Friday, March 9, as part of Xcite Fight Night at Parx Casino®.

The seven-bout card is headlined by junior lightweights Avery Sparrow, of Philadelphia, and Jesus Serrano, of Nogales, Mexico, in another eight-round contest.

Nevin, 28, of Mullingar, Ireland, has compiled his 9-0, 4 K0s, record in eight different cities: Boston, MA; Winston-Salem, NC; Dublin, Ireland; Brooklyn, NY (twice); Springfield, VA; Hammond, IN; London, England, and Philadelphia.

Rynn, 31, a Mexican native residing in Calgary, Canada, is 6-0, 4 K0s, and will be fighting for the first time in the United States. He has boxed four times in Canada, twice in Mexico.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to fight at Parx Casino®,” Nevin said.. “Philly has been my second home where we always get a great Irish following. We expect a great atmosphere and a great fight. This guy is talking trash already. We have two unbeaten fighters but I intend to ruin his record. This will be a great show to kick off St. Patrick’s season. I appreciate Joe Hand Promotions giving us the opportunity to bring out the Irish and fight on the fight Parx show.”

When Nevin fought in Philadelphia in August, 2016, he was well-received by the crowd. With Bensalem just a short distance away from where he stays, another great turnout is expected from the Irishman’s fan base the week before St. Patrick’s Day.

As for Rynn, he is not worried about fighting Nevin on the road.

“I’m excited to fight in the historic fighting city of Philadelphia,” Rynn said. ‘Don’t be surprised if my fight with John Joe is the Fight of the Night. And don’t be surprised if he tastes the canvas.”

The underard is packed with local talent: Lightweight Jerome Conquest; junior middleweight Isaiah Wise; welterweight Marcel Rivers; junior welterweight Nahir Albright; lightweight Gerardo Martinez.

ABOUT MARCH 9

The March 9 card will consist of seven fights beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The card is promoted by Joe Hand Promotions. This event is only for adults age 21 and older. Tickets priced at $50, $75 and $100 are on sale at Joe Hand Promotions (215-364-9000) and also online at www.joehandpromotions.com. You can also purchase tickets from the Hold My Ticket Call Center at (1-877-466-3404) and at www.parxcasino.com

ABOUT PARX CASINO®

Parx Casino® is owned and operated by Greenwood Racing, Inc. Parx Casino® is conveniently located 20 minutes north of center city Philadelphia, I-95 exit 37 or PA Turnpike exit 351 (westbound), exit 352 (eastbound) onto Street Road in Bensalem. Parx features over 200,000 square feet of gaming; over 3,300 slot machines and 133 live table games; a private poker enclave with over 80 poker tables; live racing & simulcast action; Parxgrill, an upscale signature restaurant; Liberty Bell Gastropub, farm-to-fork inspired menu; Foodies quick service dining; Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar; 360 bar and live music venue; Jax sports bar; Circle Bar; Bambu Noodle House; Earl of Sandwich®; Xlounge, ultramodern luxury lounge; the Xcite Center, over 1,500 seat live entertainment venue and complimentary parking for 5,000 cars. For more information on Parx Casino®, visit www.parxcasino.com.

Amir Khan will face Phil Lo Greco on his return to the ring at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 21, live on Sky Sports.

Former unified Light-Welterweight ruler Khan is back in action for the first time since May 2016 where he stepped up to Middleweight to face Mexican star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and now the 31 year old is determined to get back on the road to World title glory in his first fight of a three-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Lo Greco has mixed in great company having been in with Errol Spence and Shawn Porter, and ‘The Italian Sensation’ will come face-to-face with Khan at a press conference in Liverpool tomorrow – and both men are predicting an exciting fight, with ‘King’ Khan promising to show that he’s back to his best, but Lo Greco coming to KO the Brit star.

“I can’t wait to get back into the ring on April 21 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool,” said Khan. “Phil Lo Greco will be coming with everything to win this fight and I’m not going to give him an inch. He’s an aggressive fighter who is always looking to press the fight and come forward. That makes for a very exciting and action-packed fight for the fans.

“He’s shared the ring with the likes of Spence Jr and Porter, so he’s operated at the highest level. I respect him as a fighter and know he will be coming with big ambitions but I’m going to put on a great performance and prove to the boxing world that the ‘King’ is well and truly back.”

“Being my first fight in the UK, I’m excited about the crowd,” said Lo Greco. “I can’t wait to feel that energy. As much as UK fans love their fighters, they love great fights and I promise just that. This night will go down as one of the best fights ever in the UK.

“I’d like to thank, Eddie, Sam, Al Haymon, and of course, the entire Khandashian family for letting your daughter come out and play.

“I’m happy Amir decided to yank up his skirt and end his long-going tea party. It was time he manned up. I’ve got a full training camp this time around, there will be no room for error. Amir Khan will be knocked out.

“I’ve noticed Amir loves going more to Dubai, so I’ll send him to Du-bai, and he’ll go bub-bye, #AmirGONE.

“Boxing teaches us, history repeats itself. Once your knocked out cold, it only gets worse.”

Khan’s clash with Lo Greco is part of a huge night of action on Merseyside as Birkenhead’s Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle, and former Team GB Olympians Natasha Jonas and Anthony Fowler and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 VIP and go on sale at midday tomorrow (Tuesday January 30) to Matchroom Fight Pass members from www.stubhub.co.uk and on general sale at midday Wednesday January 31 at midday via the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.

Tickets are now on sale for Frank Warren’s blockbuster double World Title card at The 02 on Saturday 14th April.

Hatfield star Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO World Middleweight Championship against domestic rival Martin Murray on home soil after his career-best performance against David Lemieux in Canada.

Terry Flanagan bids to become a two-weight World Champion when he challenges for the vacant WBO World Super-Lightweight title against unbeaten American Maurice Hooker.

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

Full ticket prices:

£40 – Tier
£50 -Tier
£75 -Tier
£100 – Floor/Tier
£150 – Floor
£200 – Ringside
£300 – Hospitality

Lucas Matthysse stopped Tewa Kiram to win the WBA Welterweight title at the Forum in Inglewood, California.

Matthysse suffered an abrasion over his left eye in round five of a fight that lacked action over the first seven rounds.

In round eight, Matthysse dropped Kiram with a hard left hand,  It was another left hand that sent Kiram on his back for a second and final time and the bout was stopped at 1:21.

Matthysse, 147 lbs of Chubut, ARG is now 39-4 with 36 knockouts.  Kiram, 146.4 lbs of Buriram, THA is now 37-1.

“I’m really happy,” said Lucas Matthysse. “He [Kiram] moved really well, and he was really big. That’s why it was hard to cut the distance. I didn’t feel his power, but he felt mine, so that’s why I was able to find him later and stop him. I’m here for the best and biggest names. I want the rematch with Danny Garcia or Manny Pacquiao. Those are the big fights I want, though of course that will be up to Mario Arano and Golden Boy Promotions to figure that out.”

Jorge Linares retained the WBA Lightweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Mercito Gesta.

In round eight, Linares was cut over his right eye.

Linares outlanded Gesta 171-120.

Linares, 135 lbs of Barinas, VEN won by scores of 118-110 twice and 117-111, and is now 44-3.  Gesta, 134.8 lbs of San Diego is now 31-2-2.

“I didn’t really feel his [Gesta’s] power, though I hurt my hand in the fourth or fifth round,” said Jorge Linares. “I threw my right hand without really putting too much power into it. I was just touching him. There wasn’t a knockout because he was well prepared. Like I said to Oscar De La Hoya, I don’t want to mention names for my next opponent. You know what’s nice? That people mention my name [as a possible opponent]. That’s fine that they mention my name, but let’s get them in the ring. Let them get in the ring with me.”

“I fought against a world champion, and that was a great privilege,” said Mercito Gesta. “He [Linares] adjusted well to my style after the first couple of rounds. Overall, I am proud of myself for taking this tough fight, and I know me and coach Freddie Roach came in with the best game plan. We just fell a little short.”

Follow all the action as Lucas Matthysse and Tewa Kiram vie for the vacant WBA Welterweight title.  the action begins at 10:30 PM ET / 7 :30 PM PT/12:30 AM in Argentina and 10:30 AM in Thailand with the WBA Lightweight title bout between Jorge Linares and Mercito Gesta

THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY.  NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED

Round 1: 

Round 2 Right from Matthysse…Body shot..Kiram jabbing..Matthysse lands a right..Jab from Kiram..

Round 3 Matthysse lands a right..Kiram jabbing..Mouse under the left eye of Matthysse..Good body shot from Matthysse

Round 4

Round 5 Matthysse has an abrasion over his left eye

Round 6 

Round 7 Kiram holding..

Round 8 BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES KIRAM….RIGHT AND DOWN GOES KIRAM AND THE FIGHT IS OVER

Round 1 Gesta lands a left..Lefts and right from Linares..Left from Gesta

Round 2 Linares lands 3 right hands..Right hook from Gesta..Right…

Round 3 Right and body from Linares..Good left hook

Round 4 Combination from Linares..

Round 5 Good straight right hand a combination to the body..

Round 6 Hard right from Linares..

Round 7 Great body shot..6 punch combination..

Round 8 Left from Gesta..Linares cut over his right eye…Good straight right

Round 9 Gesta lands a combination..Good left and right from Linares…

Round 10 Trading shots..Linares lands a right to the body and another right..Right hook from Gesta..

Round 11 Left hook from Linares..Good body shot

Round 12 Counter left from Gesta,..

https://www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions/videos/10156182248764444/

Jacare Souza stopped Derrick Brunson in the first round of the middleweight rematch at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Souza landed a booming head kick that sent Brunson sprawling down.  Souza landed three left hands and the fight was stopped by referee Dan Mergliota at 3:50.

Souza, 186 lbs of Rio di Janeiro, BRA is 25-5-1.  Brunson, 185 lbs of Wilmington, NC is 18-6.

Andre Fili won a split decision over Dennis Bermudez in a featherweight bout.

Fili, 146 lbs of Sacramento, CA won two cards 29-28, while Bermudez took a card 30-27.

Fili is now 18-5.  Bermudez, 145 lbs of Lindenhurst, NY is 16-8.

Gregor Gillespe stopped Jordan Rinaldi in the 1st round of their lightweight bout.

Gillespe mounted Rinaldi and got him on a back mount where he landed a barrage of punches, and the fight was stopped at 4:46.

Gillespe, 155 lbs of Long Island, NY is 11-0.  Rinaldi, 155 lbs of Charlotte, NC is 13-6.

In a bloody battle, Drew Dober won a unanimous decision over Frank Camacho in a welterweight bout.

Dober, 170 lbs of Denver, CO won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice to raise his mark to 19-8-1.  Camacho, 169 lbs of Sapan, Marien Islands is now 21-6.

Huntington, New York, January 27, 2018

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing presented the latest edition of the ‘Rockin fights’ series last night at the Paramount in Huntington, NY before a completely sold out crowd.

The main event saw Hicksville, NY native Anthony “Showtime” Karperis, improve to 15-3 5KO with an impressive 10 round unanimous win over the ever so tough and game Nicaraguan, Nelson Lara, who falls to 17-10-4 9KO by scores of 100-90, and 99-91 on the other two judge’s scorecards. The bout was contested in the jr. welterweight division.

It was a fast-paced action fight as Karperis, displayed great hand speed and impressive combinations throughout the 10 round bout. Lara, to his credit never stopped coming forward as he was more than willing to exchange punches with Karperis. Both fighters gave it their all, but it was Karperis in the end coming away with a hard fought and well-earned victory.

Tyrone “Pretty Boy” James improved to 7-0 3KO as he dispatched Brazilian, Alex Duarte DeJesus at 1:45 in the 3rd round of a scheduled 6 round jr. welterweight match up. Both fighters exchanged freely to the delight of the crowd.

It was close affair after 2 rounds with each fighter scoring significant punches. James was the flashier of the two combatants and put together a beautiful three punch combination that had DeJesus attempting to hold on and survive. James, to his credit, wouldn’t allow any time for survival as he closed the show with a vicious onslaught as referee Al LoBianco Jr. stepped in and called a halt to the action.

42 year-old Scottish born cruiserweight Shaun Kennedy made his pro debut against 1-5 Darius Flowers in a scheduled 4 round cruiserweight bout. The Huntington based entrepreneur Kennedy had a huge and loud following cheering him on as entered a professional ring for the first time. Kennedy started out well by dominating the action, until he ran into a straight right hand thrown by Flowers which dropped him. The game Scotsman beat the count, but was then caught by a sharp left uppercut causing referee Tony Chiarantano to put an end to things at the 2:42 mark of the 1st round. Flowers improves to 2-5 2KO while Kennedy goes to 0-1.

Huntington based Jr. Welterweight Wendy Toussaint, 8-0 3KO, continued to impress as he stopped Rochester’s Saadiq Muhammad, 4-2, at 1:12 of the 1st round of a scheduled 6 round jr. middleweight fight. Both guys started well engaging each until a beautiful straight right hand by Toussaint caught Muhammad flush on the temple. Muhammad slumped into the ropes and referee Danny Schiavon stepped in and stopped the fight as he was dazed and hurt.

The opening bout of the evening saw Coram, NY featherweight Michael Stoute improve to 3-0 as he won a unanimous 4 round decision over Rochester native Sequan Felton who drops to 2-3. Scores were 40-36 on 2 cards and 39-37 on the third

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had these thoughts on the night’s affair “This was our 29th event at the Paramount and once again the fighters performed to a sold out crowd. The atmosphere was electric all night and once again Long Island Boxing fans show why they are among the best. Congratulations to all the fighters who participated on the show and we look forward to our next event here at the Paramount on March 16th”.

The entire show aired live on Facebook. If you missed the action you can still watch the entire night of fights on the Star Boxing facebook page HERE.

Credit: Star Boxing/ Sal Aquista

INFO:
ANTHONY “SHOWTIME” KARPERIS makes his return to The Paramount, in Huntington, Long Island for his fourth consecutive main event in the popular Star Boxing Rockin’ Fights series against the tough veteran NELSON LARA, hailing from Nicaragua by way of Costa Rica. The main event bout is a scheduled 10-round jr. welterweight showdown.

For more information visit www.StarBoxing.com, follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/starboxing, follow along on Instagram at @StarBoxing, @Showtime_AK, @TheParamountNY or on Twitter @StarBoxing, @Showtime_AK or @TheParamountNY.
BOUT SHEET:
View the complete Rockin’ Fights 29 Bout Sheet HERE.
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FACTS:
Karperis vs. Lara is a 10-round jr. welterweight bout presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. “Rockin Fights” is sponsored by Modell’s Sporting Goods, Montauk Iced Tea, The Inn at Fox Hollow, Camelot Limousine and 102.3 WBAB.

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ABOUT THE PARAMOUNT:
Since Opening in September 2011, The Paramount has become a top live entertainment venue. Located in Huntington, Long Island, New York; The Paramount – in concert with TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank® – hosts a variety of concerts, comedy, boxing and other special events. Booked by Live Nation and utilizing Ticketmaster ticketing; The Paramount hosts an average of 200 events per year. In less than 5 years since opening, The Paramount has quickly established itself as the premier live venue on Long Island – the 20th largest U.S. media market (*2.5M HH-Arbitron: Nassau/Suffolk MSA). Pollstar Magazine ranked The Paramount as the #11 club venue worldwide (*Att. Q3 ’15). With almost 70k+ Facebook fans & 10k+ Twitter followers, the venue was also ranked by Billboard Magazine as the “23rd Hottest Club” in 2014.

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Founded in 1889, Modell’s Sporting Goods is the local family sporting goods destination that provides a convenient and compelling shopping experience for the athlete and fan in all of us. Modell’s offers customers an assortment of top brands in sporting goods equipment, footwear and active apparel for every level of play year round. The retailer operates 153 stores located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. In addition towww.Modells.com, which services customers all over the country.
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Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark® telecast begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening the telecast from The Forum in Inglewood, CA is Jorge Linares defending his title against Mercito Gesta in a 12-round lightweight championship fight.

In the main event of the evening, Lucas Matthysse battles undefeated challenger Tewa Kiram for a vacant welterweight title in a scheduled 12-round bout.

Official Weights from Inglewood:

Lucas Matthysse: 147.0 lbs.

Tewa Kiram: 146.4 lbs.

Jorge Linares: 135.0 lbs.

Mercito Gesta: 134.8 lbs.

NEW YORK (Jan. 26, 2018) – Undefeated super middleweight Ronald Ellis is preparing in Los Angeles for his main event matchup against fellow undefeated Junior Younan that headlines a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Feb. 2, live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT from WinnaVegas Casino in Sloan, Iowa.

Ellis (14-0-1, 10 KOs), of Lynn, Mass., and Brooklyn’s Younan (13-0, 9 KOs) will clash in the 10-round main event of a four-fight telecast that features eight fighters with a combined record of 113-3-3.

Ellis, who now calls Los Angeles home, has been working hard at the Iron Gym under the watchful eye of Jerry Rosenberg and his father Ronald Ellis Sr.

“My camp has been solid. I have been getting good sparring. We have been training for Younan like he is any other opponent,” Ellis said.

In Younan, Ellis has an idea on what his foe will bring to the ring on Feb. 2.

“I know he is a young and undefeated fighter,” he said. “I have been reading some things where he says he is going to bring the fight to me. He seems like he likes to talk a lot, but that doesn’t do anything come fight night.”

This will be the third ShoBox appearance for Ellis, as he is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Christopher Brooker last January. Ellis feels that his big fight resume will be the key against Younan.

“My experience will definitely be an advantage,” Ellis said. “I have been here on ShoBox two times before. I will be relaxed and comfortable as we approach the fight. This is his first time. I expect him to be real hyper.”

“This is a natural progression for me. I went from fighting on the undercard of ShoBox, and now I am the main event. A win will get me world ranked and hopefully catapult me into the Saturday night fights on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING. I know I can’t look ahead. I need to win first.”

The event is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Roc Nation Sports in association with Victory Promotions and Ringside Ticket. Tickets are just $10 general admission prior to the event and $20 on Feb. 2. For more information call: 1.800.HOT.WINN ext. 7117.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New GenerationSince its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 74 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 26, 2018): World class boxing will return to the Orange County area as local hero Ronny Rios (29-2, 13 KOs), one of Golden Boy Promotions’ outstanding talents, heads home to take on the explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (13-2, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event of 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 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 PT.

Rios, 29, is a long-time staple of the Golden Boy Promotions stable who has scored wins against the likes of Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez, Efrain Esquivias and Andrew “El Chango” Cancio. The pride of Santa Ana, Calif. earned his first world title opportunity against Rey Vargas for the WBC Super Bantamweight Championship in the HBO-televised co-main event to Cotto vs. Kamegai in Aug. 2017. Though unsuccessful in what was a spirited effort, Rios will use his hometown advantage to remind fans why he is one of the best contenders of 122-pound division.

Hovhannisyan is a fiery contender who is hungry for title glory. In his last fight, Hovhannisyan fought with an injured right hand across 10 rounds of grueling action to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title on the undercard of Linares vs. Campbell in Sept. 2017. This all-action fighter will without a doubt have the support of the Armenian community as he invades the home turf of the local favorite.

In the televised co-main event, a family affair will be in full effect as Rios’ younger brother, power-punching prospect Alexis Rocha (10-0, 7 KOs), returns in an eight-round welterweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. Rocha will return after his devastating performance against Pascual Salgado on the Nov. 16 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN in Cancun, Mexico. Rocha defeated Salgado via first-round knockout with a left hook to the liver, a shot that landed with the calculated help of a composed but dangerous style.

Marvin Cabrera (6-0, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. will participate in an eight-round super welterweight bout, and Joseph Aguirre (19-0, 10 KOs) of Cancun, Mexico will compete in an eight-round lightweight affair. Opponents for both pugilists will be announced shortly.

Ticket and door information, along with a complete undercard of action, will be announced shortly.

Rios vs. Hovhannisyan is a 10-round super bantamweight fight 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.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 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 PT.

Media interested in attending Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN: Rios vs. Hovhannisyan must be pre-approved for credentials. Credential applications are due Monday, March 5, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. Click here to apply for a media credential. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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

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.

LONDON (26 January, 2018) – Lucas Matthysse is ready to throw his name into the mix at welterweight when he takes on undefeated Tiwa Kiram for the vacant WBA welterweight world title.

The pair clash this Saturday night exclusively live on BoxNation from the Forum in Inglewood, California, with Argentine Matthysse moving up from light-welterweight to take on the relatively unknown and untested 25-year-old Kiram.

Hard-hitting Matthysse, who has 35 knockouts in his 38 wins, has promised a return to his best in order to capture the 147-pound title.

“I’m excited at this opportunity to fight for a world title. I’ve prepared for this fight really well. We prepared in Argentina, and then finished in Indio,” he said.

“This Saturday, I will walk away with a world title. I know that he manages his distance well and that he has a good jab, but I am prepared for that. I learned a few things, but I assure the fans that they will once again see the “Machine” this Saturday,” said Matthysse.

Thai ace Kiram, who is yet to taste defeat, with a highly impressive record of 38 wins with 28 knockouts, is ready to make his mark and upset Matthysse when they meet.

“I’m very thankful that I’m fighting for a world title this Saturday against Lucas Matthysse. I’m looking forward to winning a world title and taking the belt back to Thailand. I’m ready to show the world who I am and put on a great fight,” said Kiram.

Also on the BoxNation bill this weekend will be lightweight star Jorge Linares who defends his WBA world title against the Philippines Mercito Gesta.

32-year-old Linares is a familiar face with British fights fans after having faced and beaten both Luke Campbell and Anthony Crolla in his previous fights.

He is now looking to continue that momentum when he takes on Gesta, who is being trained by Hall-of-Famer Freddie Roach, and says his mind is only on this fight despite being linked with a potential bout against the talented Mikey Garcia.

“I’m not thinking about any other fight right now,” said Linares. “Gesta is a tough fighter. He’s a quick southpaw who is dangerous. It’s very important to be victorious this Saturday. Bigger and better things will come with a victory this Saturday. I’m ready to do the business.”

30-year-old Gesta, who has lost just once in his career, that being on points against Miguel Vazquez when he challenged for the IBF lightweight title, says he is going to knockout Linares to claim his first world title.

“This Saturday I’ll be coming to take home the title. I’ve been training hard for this fight. This is my second shot at a title, and I’ll make the most of it with a knockout victory. I’m going to give everything to win this fight,” said Gesta.

BoxNation’s exclusively live coverage will start from 2.30am this Saturday night.

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

– ENDS –

About BoxNation

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

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

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), TV Player, online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

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

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

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

26 January 2018 – Manila, Philippines: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), sent the Mall of Asia Arena crowd into a frenzy last Friday night in Manila, with another thrilling evening of authentic martial arts action. The absolute best in local and international martial arts talent took to the ONE Championship cage at ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES to showcase their incredible skills. In the main event, Geje Eustaquio walked out of the arena to a roar of adulation and with the ONE Interim Flyweight World Championship around his waist, defeating former world champion Kairat Akhmetov.

Visit the official ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES photo gallery by clicking: http://bit.ly/onephotos

In the main event of ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio of Baguio City, Philippines clinched the ONE Interim Flyweight World Championship, edging Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov by unanimous decision in an exhilarating five-round title tilt. Although Akhmetov managed to showcase his wrestling, it was largely ineffective against Eustaquio, who was far superior in the striking department for the majority of the bout. Eustaquio repeatedly connected on Akhmetov with crisp, clean combinations throughout the championship contest. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of Eustaquio to win by unanimous decision.

Geje Eustaquio, ONE Interim Flyweight World Champion, stated: “I don’t know what to say. This belt is not mine to take, it’s ours. Thank you to my family who was always there from the start, coach Mark Sangiao, and the entire Team Lakay who never doubted me and always believed that one day I would stand here holding this belt. I am proud to represent this flag all throughout the world. Here is your world champion from the Philippines. Adriano [Moraes] I know you’re there. I got a belt! Give me one more try and I hope to give you a better challenge this time.”

In the co-main event of the evening, 22-year-old Joshua “The Passion” Pacio unveiled an improved grappling game, submitting China’s Lan Ming Qiang via rear naked choke in the very first round. Pacio started off with his world-class wushu, operating from range with fast and powerful kicks. After taking the action to the mat, Pacio effortlessly took mount and pounded on his foe who soon gave up the back. With the body triangle locked in, Pacio sunk his forearm underneath Lan’s neck and secured the bout-ending maneuver.

Rafael “Indio” Nunes of Brazil made a triumphant return to the ONE Championship cage after two years away from competition to defeat Filipino featherweight veteran Eric “The Natural” Kelly by second-round submission. The 30-year-old Muay Thai specialist kept Kelly on the defensive with his striking before taking matters to the ground and sinking in a deep d’arce choke to score the finish.

In the first ever traditional Muay Thai bout inside the ONE Championship cage, multi-division Lumpinee World Champion Sam-A Gaiyanghadao emerged triumphant against WBC Muay Thai Super Bantamweight World Champion Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri. Gaiyanghadao showcased his trademark power to dominate from start to finish, winning by technical knockout.

A grueling flyweight showdown between “The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin of China and Sotir Kichukov of Bulgaria transpired inside the ONE Championship cage. Neither of the two would give each other any quarter for three whole rounds, as they traded their best offense all throughout. Although Kichukov would have his moments on the feet, most of the action took place on the ground where Ma enjoyed a tremendous advantage. In the end, Ma turned in another well-rounded performance to claim victory via unanimous decision.

Japanese grappling prodigy Hayato Suzuki placed himself back on the winning track, pulling off a first-round submission victory over former world title contender Yago Bryan of Brazil. With 57 seconds remaining in the opening period of the strawweight contest, Suzuki latched onto a wrenching rear naked choke to force the tap, notching his eighth submission win as a professional.

Emilio “The Honey Badger” Urrutia of the United States continued his impressive run in ONE Championship, knocking out Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Bruno Pucci in the first round. Urrutia stifled Pucci with crisp boxing combinations, making it difficult for the Brazilian to bring the action to the mat. Urrutia secured the statement-making finish by connecting on a sensational left hook past the midway point, sending Pucci crashing to the canvas.

Filipino featherweight standout Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly delivered a sensational first-round knockout of opponent Meas Meul, dropping the Cambodian with a high kick merely seconds into the bout. At the opening bell, Kelly engaged Meul at the center of the cage and connected on a quick three-punch combination before delivering the final blow that sent Meul face first into the canvas.

Jomary Torres of Manila, Philippines scored the most impressive win of her young career, authoring a swift knockout finish over Team Lakay atomweight ace April Osenio. Torres left a lasting impression in her third trip to the ONE Championship cage, driving Osenio to the mat with a high-impact slam before putting the final touches with follow-up ground strikes to claim the knockout.

Rajinder Singh Meena of India captured his first victory inside the ONE Championship cage, defeating highly-touted Chinese lightweight prospect Zhang Ze Hao by way of first-round submission. Determined to break into the winner’s column, Meena needed just 42 seconds in the opening round to put Zhang to sleep with a guillotine choke.

Kicking off ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES was a riveting strawweight encounter as Indonesian dynamo Adrian Matheis squared off against the debuting Eddey Kalai of Malaysia. Matheis weathered a gutsy opening sequence from Eddey, who effortlessly pummeled the ONE Strawweight Indonesia Tournament Champion with his superb boxing. The complexion of the contest took a drastic turn when Matheis gained leverage on the mat, catching Kalai with a rear naked choke to force the tap.

Official results for ONE: GLOBAL SUPERHEROES

ONE Interim Flyweight World Championship bout: Geje Eustaquio defeats Kairat Akhmetov by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 5 rounds

Strawweight bout: Joshua Pacio defeats Lan Ming Qiang by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:01 minutes of round 1

Featherweight bout: Rafael Nunes defeats Eric Kelly by Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 1:31 minutes of round 2

Muay Thai bout: Sam-A Gaiyanghadao defeats Joseph “The Hurricane” Lasiri by TKO (Strikes) at 2:30 minutes of round 2

Flyweight bout: Ma Hao Bin defeats Sotir Kichukov by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Strawweight bout: Hayato Suzuki defeats Yago Bryan by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:03 minutes of round 1

Featherweight bout: Emilio Urrutia defeats Bruno Pucci by Knockout (KO) at 3:33 minutes of round 1

Featherweight bout: Edward Kelly defeats Meas Meul by Knockout (KO) at 0:21 minutes of round 1

Women’s strawweight bout: Jomary Torres defeats April Osenio by Knockout (KO) at 0:40 minutes of round 1

Lightweight bout: Rajinder Singh Meena defeats Zhang Ze Hao by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:42 minutes of round 1

Strawweight bout: Adrian Matheis defeats Eddey Kalai by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:15 minutes of round 1

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

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

About ONE Championship™

ONE Championship is the largest global sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE Championship is the home of martial arts. The world’s most exciting martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world’s best martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 1.7-billion potential viewers across 128+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Bandsports, Startimes, Premier Sports, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, OSN, and more.

Seven undefeated prospects have been added to an already-stacked undercard for Carl Frampton’s April 21 headline bout against Nonito Donaire in Belfast.

Frampton and Donaire will clash in a much-anticipated Featherweight battle on a Frank Warren-promoted bill at the SSE Arena, live in UK and Ireland on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Frank Warren and MTK Global last week revealed that the support bill will also feature three tasty all-Ireland battles – and another batch of up-and-coming talent has been now added to the card!

Four Irishmen – including two Belfast natives – and three English fighters are among the fighters unveiled today, with Lewis Crocker, David Oliver Joyce, Tyrone McCullagh and Steven Ward making up the home contingent while Troy Williamson, Sam Maxwell and Alex Dickinson will also feature on a bill brimming with up-and-coming stars.

Lewis Crocker, David Oliver Joyce, Steven Ward and Alex Dickinson all featured on last November’s ‘Frampton Reborn’ card with the trio set to return to the SSE Arena on April 21.

Hard-hitting hometown Welterweight Lewis Crocker (4-0, 4KOs) will be looking to maintain his knockout streak following his first-round stoppage win over Hungarian Gyula Rozsas two months ago, fellow Belfast native Steven Ward (6-0, 2KOs) is coming off the back of a six-round points win over Przemyslaw Binienda of Poland, while Rio Olympian David Oliver Joyce (5-0, 4KOs) delivered one of his most impressive pro performances so far last November when the Mullingar man halted Barcelona-based Nicaraguan Reynaldo Cajina.

Derry Super-Bantamweight Tyrone McCullagh (9-0, 5KOs) is the fourth Irish fighter to be added to the card and he will be aiming to follow up an impressive win over previously-undefeated German Tom Tran in Belfast last month.

Former Team GB amateur star Sam Maxwell (5-0, 4KOs) is one of three English fighters set to cross the Irish Sea and the Commonwealth Games medallist could be looking to record his seventh victory on April 21 as he was this week added to MTK Global’s March 16 ‘Mersey Beat-Down’ bill in Liverpool following his third-round stoppage victory in Germany last November.

Heavyweight Alex Dickinson (3-0, 2KOs) is also scheduled to box in Liverpool in March before fighting in Belfast where he recorded his last win on the ‘Frampton Reborn’ card, while Darlington Middleweight Troy Williamson (5-0, 3KOs) makes up the undefeated prospects added to the bill.

The April 21 fight night will also feature three tasty all-Irish fights as Dubliner Jono Carroll (15-0, 2KOs) clashes with Belfast’s Marco McCullough (18-4, 11KOs) for the IBF European Super-Featherweight title, Tyrone McKenna (15-0-1, 6KOs) meets Light-Welterweight rival Philip Sutcliffe Jr (14-2, 9KOs), while WBO European Champion Conrad Cummings (12-1-1) and Irish champion Luke Keeler (13-2, 5KO) will do battle at Middleweight.

*A limited number of tickets for Frampton v Donaire are available to purchase from the SSE Arena Belfast Box Office, www.ssearenabelfast.com and 0044(0)28 9073 9074. Prices range from £40 (tier) to £400 (inner-ring hospitality).

Oleksandr Gvozdyk will meet Mehdi Amar for the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight title on March 17th at the Theater at Madison Square Garden and televised on ESPN, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We are trading paperwork with Amar’s management, but the fight is agreed to,” Carl Moretti, vice president of Gvozdyk promoter Top Rank, told ESPN on Thursday. “Gvozdyk relishes the opportunity to fight for the interim belt and he’s more locked in than a CPA on April 14.”

“I can’t explain my excitement of how happy I am seeing some bright light at the end of tunnel,” he said. “It means I am getting one more step to a world title shot. Fighting for the interim title and mandatory position in the WBC will bring me in position to fight the champion, whoever it will be at that time. I would like to thank the WBC for giving me this opportunity, my promoter Top Rank, my manager, Egis Klimas, all my team who is working hard to get me in this position.

My dream is slowly coming true. I also am excited to fight in Madison Square Garden, New York, the mecca of boxing. As far as my opponent, I don’t know much about him, but I’ll be ready to find out on March 17th at MSG.”

Said Klimas, the 2016 and 2017 Boxing Writers Association of America manager of the year: “I’m very happy for Oleksandr, getting him into this WBC interim/mandatory position and getting in position in the next fight [after March 17] to fight a champion and to become one. He is a hard-working and smart boxer and he deserves to be where he is now.”

“This guy [Amar] has experience and he fought Stieglitz in a good fight,” Moretti said. “If Gvozdyk takes care of business, which we expect him to, he’ll fight the winner of a sensational fight between Adonis Stevenson and Badou Jack, which is a true 50-50 fight. We look forward to making that fight.”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2018): Fighters on the special double main event of
Matthysse vs. Kiram and Linares vs. Gesta held a final press conference today ahead of the explosive Golden Boy Promotions card that will take place this Jan. 27 at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, Calif. In the first part of this spectacular main event, former interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (38-4, 35 KOs) of Chubut, Argentina will take on undefeated Thai superstar Tewa Kiram (38-0, 28 KOs) in a 12-round battle for the vacant WBA Welterweight World Championship. In the second main event, Jorge “El Nino De Oro” Linares (43-3, 27 KOs) will face Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (31-1-2, 17 KOs) in a 12-round defense of his WBA and Ring Magazine Lightweight Titles. The event will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Here’s what today’s participants said at today’s press conference:

LUCAS “LA MAQUINA” MATTHYSSE, FORMER INTERIM WBC SUPERLIGHTWEIGHT:
“I’m excited this opportunity to fight for a world title. We prepared for this fight really well. We prepared in Argentina, and then finished in Indio. This Saturday, we will walk away with a world title. We know that he manages his distance well and that he has a good jab, but we prepared for that. We learned a few things, but I assure the fans that they will once again see the “Machine” this Saturday.”

TEWA KIRAM, PABA WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I’m very thankful that I’m fighting for a world title this Saturday against Lucas Matthysse. I’m looking forward to winning a world and taking the belt back to Thailand. Don’t miss out on this great show.”

JORGE “EL NIÑO DE ORO” LINARES, WBA AND RING MAGAZINE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“Thank you for this opportunity, Mercito Gesta. I’m ready. I’m here to give a good fight. I trained in Japan, and I trained here in the states. I’m not thinking about any other fight right now. Gesta is a tough fighter. He’a a quick southpaw who is dangerous. It’s very important to be victorious this Saturday. Bigger and better things will come with a victory this Saturday.”

MERCITO “NO MERCY” GESTA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I just want to say thank you to the media and to HBO. This Saturday I’ll be coming to take home the title. I’ve been training hard for this fight. This is my second shot at a title, and I’ll make the most of it with a knockout victory.”

JOEL DIAZ, TRAINER TO LUCAS MATTHYSSE:
“Lucas Matthysse is the type of fighter I like to train. He’s aggressive. He has heavy hands. I’m committed to taking advantage of this opportunity–the opportunity that he has to win a world title. This Saturday you will see a new Lucas Matthysse.”

MARIO ARANO, MANAGER TO LUCAS MATTHYSSE:
“The time has come for Lucas Matthysse. He is the face of Golden Boy Promotions and Arano Box. I’m confident that Argentina will come to a standstill this Saturday night. The world will celebrate and applaud Matthysse’s victory.”

TERRY LAOSUWANWAT, PROMOTER OF TEWA KIRAM:
“Tewa [Kiram] is number one. He didn’t get there by luck. He worked hard for this opportunity. Tewa is taller and stronger. We are definitely not the underdog, and you will see that this Saturday.”

FREDDIE ROACH, HALL OF FAME TRAINER TO MERCITO GESTA:
“It’s been a really good training camp. He’s worked hard in training camp. I just want to wish the best of luck to our opponent.”

ERIC GOMEZ, PRESIDENT OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS
“This Saturday will be important because it is the first boxing event of international proportions. I want to thank our partners at HBO working with us to make yet another great card, and the Forum for one again hosting another Golden Boy fight. This Saturday we will have some of our most exciting fighters in tough fights on our undercard, and it will be headline by two spectacular matchups.”

Matthysse vs. Kiram is a 12-round fight for the vacant WBA Welterweight World Championship and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Box and Galaxy Promotions. Linares vs. Gesta, a 12-round fight for the WBA and Ring Magazine Lightweight World Championships, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop, Never Settle,” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the ‘Fabulous’ Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. The non-televised undercard action will be streamed live on RingTV.com beginning at 3:05 p.m. PT/ 6:05 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Matthysse vs. Kiram are currently on sale and are priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the Forum Box Office (Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. PST to 7:00 p.m. PST) at (310) 330-7300. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.fabulousforum.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and
www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow the conversation using #MatthysseKiram.

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

LAS VEGAS (January 25, 2018) — KO Night Boxing LLC announced it has signed popular Canadian junior welterweight Steve “The Dragon” Claggett to an exclusive promotional contract.

The Las Vegas-based company also has 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and undefeated Wichita flyweight, Nico Hernandez (3-0), 2 KOs), among its growing stable of professional boxers.

The 28-year-old Claggett (26-4-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of Calgary, is a fan-favorite because of his aggressive, non-stop style. Since the ultra-aggressive Claggett moved back down one division to junior welterweight, Claggett is a perfect 3-0 (1 KO), including a pair of title-winning 10-round decisions over previously unbeaten opponents, Yves Ulysse, Jr. (14-0) for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American super lightweight title, as well as Emmanuel Robles (15-0-1) for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) NABA USA super lightweight crown.

“I’m excited to be signed by John Andersen and KO Night Boxing,” Claggett said. “There were no guarantees (without a promoter). I’ve always had the talent but never the structure. I’ll have that now, though. It was always difficult making fights with long layoffs, dates falling through, and offers on short notice. I’ve only been able to show a little of what I’m capable. All I’ve ever wanted is a fair shake and this opportunity will allow me to show what I can do. This year is going to be big for me and KO Night Boxing.

“I’m just approaching my prime. I’ve only been working with my trainer, Vlad Goldenstein, for a little more than a year, but I’m 3-0 with him and have won two belts. I’m an old-school fighter, action-packed and who brings the pace. This is a great for me and my boxing career.”

“We’re taking a big step in the right direction by signing Steve,” Claggett’s new promoter Andersen commented. “I’m excited. Steve deserves this opportunity and we’re going to deliver for him.

“Steve is an action fighter, always coming forward, and he hasn’t been in a bad fight during the three years I’ve known him. He took a risk but really opened some eyes with his performance against Ulysse. What an accomplishment fighting an undefeated fighter in his backyard. He took a big risk and got a big win. And now he’s beaten the man (Ulysse) who has beaten the man (21-0 Cletus Seldin, WDEC10, Dec. 16, 2017 on HBO). Steve’s undefeated on this run as a junior welterweight, beating two previously unbeaten opponents, and he deserves more recognition and a shot at a big fight.”

“Steve’s an animal in the squared circle and the farthest thing from it outside the ring,” Claggett’s manager Max Matheny added. “He has all the attributes of a champion. His boxing IQ and ability to adapt under pressure makes Claggett a serious challenge. He can beat anybody in the division on any given night. We’ve had a multitude of promotional offers to consider at the end of a strong 2017 and are very excited to align with KO Night Boxing. They are going to give us the opportunities to show the world how good ‘The Dragon’ really is. His signature is turning into an autograph in 2018, mark my words.”

The boxing irony is that Ulysse, not Claggett, is now world ranked. Considering the half-Chinese, half-European Claggett beat Ulysse in his Montreal hometown, Steve proved that he’ll fight anybody, anywhere, unlike many fighters who make that claim but don’t back it up. “Me and my team aren’t afraid to fight anybody,” he spoke about his most significant fight to date. “Bring it on! I’m willing to fight in hostile territory against an A-side fighter. We don’t pick and choose. Too many fighters pad their records, but that only upsets fans, and delays fights. I’m looking for tough fights to judge how much I’ve grown. I’d love to fight the top guys.

“My fight with Ulysse was my biggest but not best fight. I thought I boxed a little robotic and fell back into some old habits. I’d give myself a B- for that fight. I got the win and put on a great show that was fast paced. Ulysse and Robles box, run and move. I’d like an opponent who comes to me, stays in the pocket, and fights. I know it’ll be a helluva fight.”

Maybe Claggett’s next fight will be on a higher platform, perhaps, against a legitimate fighter’s fighter like Steve.

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @KONightBoxing

Facebook: /NeonStar, /SteveClaggett

Follow Steve Claggett on Twitter and Instagram @SDragonC
About KO Night Boxing LLC
KO Night Boxing is an emerging combat sports promotional company whose core value is “Fighters First!” KO Night Boxing produces live events for CBS Sports Network. Follow us on Twitter @KONightBoxing.

WBO World Champion Aleksandr Usyk (13-0, 11 KOs) and WBC World Champion Mairis Briedis (23-0, 18 KOs) exchanged words in Riga at the last press conference before the Ali Trophy semi-final bout in the Latvian capital on Saturday.

“I am going to entertain the crowd at the Arena Riga – that I can promise,” said Usyk.

“I have worked on some new things and Saturday you will see what I am talking about.”

10.000 fans are expected at the Arena Riga for the biggest unification fight in many years in the cruiserweight division; a semi-final in the World Boxing Super Series with a final in May in Jeddah, Saudi-Arabia and the Muhammad Ali Trophy at stake.

But hometown hero Briedis insists he doesn’t feel any pressure.

“My team is doing everything to take the pressure is off my shoulders. We are just concentrating on the fight. My dream is to deliver a fight that can go into the Boxing Hall of Fame.”

Said Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer, Kalle Sauerland: “We are delighted to be in Riga. We have an absolute cracker. We have a fight between two world champions, two of the very, very best. We have a great arena and a country which seems captured by boxing and the fact that Muhammad Ali Trophy is coming to Latvia. We have a big showdown, Saturday night is all that boxing is about. Legacy is at stake.”

Tickets for the Usyk vs. Briedis, a semi-final in the cruiserweight division of the World Boxing Super Series, are on sale via bilesuserviss.lv.

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