FOLLOW MAYWEATHER – MCGREGOR LIVE!!

Follow all the action as undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather takes on UFC sensation Conor McGregor in a highly anticipated boxing match.  The show begins at 7 PM ET with a 5 fight undercard that will feature Gervonta Davis taking on Francisco Fonseca in a lightweight bout (Fonseca can win the IBF Jr. Lightweight title which Davis vacated at the scales.  Nathan Cleverly defends the WBA Light Heavyweight title against former super middleweight champion Badou Jack.  Undefeated Andrew Tabiti takes on former two-time world champion Steve Cunningham in a cruiserweight battle.

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12-ROUNDS–JR. MIDDLEWEIGHTS–FLOYD MAYWEATHER (49-0, 26 KOS) VS CONOR MCGREGOR (PD) 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 MAYWEATHER  9 10   9 10   10  10  10  9 10         87
 MCGREGOR 10   9  10  9 9  10   9  10  9        85

Round 1: McGregor lands a left…Uppercut

Round 2: Right from Mayweather..Right from Mayweather…Right from McGregor..Left to body..Right from Mayweather..

Round 3 Jab from McGregor..Jab..Right to body from Mayweather..

Round 4 McGregor lands a a left…2 rights from Mayweather..combination..Jab from McGregor..Right from Mayweather..Left from McGregor..Lead right from Mayweather..Left uppercut from McGregor..

Round 5 Right to body from McGregor..Left from Mayweather..right

Round 6 Jab from McGregor..Right to body fro Mayweather…lead right..right from Mayweather…Left to body from McGregor…good body work..left..Good counter right from Mayweather..

Round 7  Right from Mayweather..uppercut from McGregor..Combination and right from Mayweather,,2 rights..

Round 8 Good left from McGregor..2 rights from Mayweather..Combination from McGregor..Jab from Mayweather..

Round 9 Body shot from McGregor…hard combination…Right from Mayweather…hard right,,McGregor hurt..Hard right rocks McGregor.

Round 10 2 HUGE RIGHTS….MCgREGOR HURT…1 MORE SHOT…ROBERT BYRD STOPS THE FIGHT

 12-ROUNDS–IBF JR. LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE–GERVONTA DAVIS (18-0, 17 KOS) VS FRNACISCO FONSECA (19-0-1, 13 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 DAVIS  10  9 10   9  10  10 10             68
 FONSECA  9  10 9   10  9  9  9            65

Round 1: Left to body from Davis..Left uppercut..Right to body from Fonseca..Counter left Davis..Right to body from Fonseca

Round 2 Nice combination from F9nseca…Body shot from Davis…Left hook from Fonseca..Hard uppercut from Davis..

Round 3: Huge combination featuring uppercuts from Davis..Left from Davis…Good counter from Fonseca…

Round 4 Huge uppercut from Davis…Right and left from Fonseca..Good left..Body shot

Round 5  Fonseca lands a left to the body…Hard body shots from Davis..right to body…Counter from Fonseca…

Round 6 Lead left from Davis…Nice left

Round 7  Good right from Fonseca..Good right and left uppercut from Davis…Right to body from Fonseca..Left from Davis

Round 8 LEFT TO HEAD…FONSECA DOWN AND COUNT REACHES 10…FONSECA CLAIMING BEHIND THE HEAD

 12-ROUNDS–WBA LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP–NATHAN CLEVERLY (30-3, 16 KOS) VS BADOU JACK (20-1-3, 12 KOS) 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 Cleverly  9  9  9  9                 36
 Jack  10 10  10   10                  40

Round 1: Right from Jack..Body..2 rights..Right from Cleverly..Good right from Jack..Jab from Cleverly..left from body..uppercut from Cleverly…Nice right

Round 2 Body shot from Jack..2 rights from Cleverly..1-2 from Jack..Nice body shot..overhand right

Round 3 Body shots from Jack..Right hand..Good uppercut..Short body shot..Jab from Cleverly

Round 4 Hard shots from Jack..Nice left hook and right..Big left hook..Big 3 punch combo.Clecer;y bleeding from the nose

Round 5 Hard left from Jack..Jack landing big shots on ropes…Left from Cleverly..Jack pounding Cleverly on the ropes..BIG UPPERCUT FIGHT STOPPED–TKO FOR BADOU JACK

 10-ROUNDS–CRUISERWEIGHTS-ANDREW TABITI (15-0, 13 KOS) VS STEVE CUNNINGHAM (29-8-1, 13 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 TABITI 10   10 10  9   9 10   10 10   10  9     97
 CUNNINGHAM  9  9  9 10   10 9   9  9  9  10      93

Round 1 3 jabs from Tabiti..counter jab from Cunningham..Right from Tabiti..Jab..Jab from Cunningham..Lead right from Tabiti..Counter from Cunningham..

Round 2 Double jab..right hand from Tabiti..Nice counter right from Cunningham…Combination from Tabiti…Left hook for Cunningham..

Round 3 Combination from Tabiti..Right to body..Counter from Tabiti..Jab from Cunningham..

Round 4 Tabiti lands a right to the body..Jab from Cunningham..Jab..Right

Round 5  Right from Tabiti..2 jabs from Tabiti..Left from Cunningham..uppercut..Double jab

Round 6 Counter right from Tabiti..Right from Cunningham..short right from Tabiti

Round 7  Right to body from Tabiti..Jab..Nice exchange

Round 8  Right from Tabiti…right uppercut

Round 9 Combination from Tabiti..Counter right from Cunningham..

Round 10 Double jab from Cunningham…

Tabiti landed 112-315       Cunningham 89-329

97-93 twice and 100-90 for Tabiti

10 ROUNDS-WELTERWEIGHTS–THOMAS DULORME (24-2, 16 KOS) VS YORDENIS UGAS (19-3, 9 KOS) 
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 DULORME 9   7  9  10  9 10  9   10 10   8      91
 UGAS  10 10   10  9  10  10  8  9  9  10     95

Round 1 Right from Ugas…

Round 2:  Right from Dulorme….Uppercut..GOOD UPPERCUT AND DOWN GOES DULORME..Good body shot…HARD RIGHT AND DOWN GOES DULORME

Round 3:  Big flurry from Ugas.. Right from Ugas…Hard hook to the jaw..

Round 4:  Dulorme lands a straight right…

Round 5 Right from Ugas..Hard right..Trading uppercuts…Hook from Ugas..uppercut and right…

Round 6 Right from Ugas…Body shot from Dulorme…

Round 7:  DULORME DEDUCTED A POINT FOR A LOW BLOW…Uppercut from Ugas..BIG LEFT AND DOWN GOES UGAS

Round 8:  Hard uppercut from Dulorme…Left hook from Ugas..Left from Ugas..2 hooks from Dulorme..

Round 9:  Hard hooks from Dulorme

Round 10:  DULORME DOCKED A POINT FOR A LOW…Hook from Ugas..

94-91 and 93-92 TWICE FOR YORDENIS UGAS

 10-ROUNDS–MIDDLEWEIGHTS–JUAN HERALDEZ (12-0, 8 KOS) VS JOSE BORREGO (12-0, 11 KOS)
ROUND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 TOTAL
 HERALDEZ  10  9 10  9  10 10  10  10  8  10       96
 BORREGO  9  10 9   10  9  9  10  9 10   9     94

Round 1 Double jab and hook from Heraldez..Combination..

Round 2 Combination from Borrego..Body shot from Herladez

Round 3 Triple jab from Heraldez…Combination..Borrego bleeding…Hook from Heraldez

Round 4:  Borrego counters on ropes..

Round 5 Combination from Heraldez..

Round 6 Straight left from Borrego..Combination from Heraldez..

Round 7 Combination from Borrego..Right from Heraldez..Good left..

Round 8 3 jabs from Heraldez..Right…Left from Borrego…Borrego bleeding from his nose..Good combination from Heraldez…Body shot

Round 9  LEFT AND DOWN GOES HERALDEZ …Good body shot…Good left hook..

Round 10 Left from Borrego..Jab from Heraldez…Body shot..

96-93, 97-92 TWICE FOR JUAN HERALDEZ




LIVE BOXING: CES BOXING

https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/videos/683494598511216/




ESPN and Top Rank Announce Mega Comprehensive Multi-year Agreement for New Fight Series

ESPN and Top Rank today announced a vast and exclusive, multimedia agreement to make ESPN the home of Top Rank in the U.S. and Canada. Under the agreement, ESPN will televise live fights on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream them on the ESPN App, will stream fights and other Top Rank content on the recently announced ESPN-branded direct-to-consumer streaming service via BAMTech and deliver select pay-per-view (PPV) fight events. It will also air all Top Rank content in English and in French on Canadian sister networks TSN and RDS. The next Top Rank Boxing on ESPN fight card, scheduled for September 22 in Tucson, Arizona, features two WBO World Title Fights with Oscar Valdez (22-0, 19 KOs, Featherweight) and Gilberto Ramirez (35-0, 24 KOs, Super Middleweight) title defenses.

“ESPN is excited to announce this new relationship with Top Rank, the most comprehensive and innovative media agreement in the history of the sport,” Burke Magnus, executive vice president of programming & scheduling, ESPN said. “We believe in a new vision for boxing that will super-serve existing boxing fans and create legions of new fans through the highest quality boxing content across multiple ESPN platforms – 365 days a year. Together, ESPN and Top Rank will build the superstars of tomorrow through unrivaled exposure, original content and cutting edge technology.”

In the first year of the deal, ESPN will showcase 18 main events in the U.S. on multiple platforms, including television networks, the ESPN App, the direct-to-consumer service and PPV events, in both English and Spanish, and on Canada’s TSN in English and RDS in French. Top Rank on ESPN content will be widely accessible across multiple platforms, including the ESPN-branded multi-sport direct-to-consumer streaming service, and will feature all undercards, select main events, re-airs of all ESPN and PPV events, Top Rank archival fights and more.

“Top Rank is thrilled to enter into this relationship with ESPN, the top sports media brand in the world,” said Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank. “This unprecedented partnership offers a 360 approach to the entire boxing vertical, including live world class events, unparalleled coverage as well as access to historical moments in the sport.”

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) served as the media advisor to Top Rank on the landmark agreement with ESPN. Furthering its relationship with the leading sports and entertainment agency, Top Rank has retained CAA Sports to manage its official sponsorship sales efforts, working closely with ESPN.

“The deal puts Top Rank and its best-in-class stable of global fighters at the core of ESPN’s combat sports offering across television, PPV and OTT,” said Alan Gold, Head of CAA’s Sports Media Advisory practice. “Top Rank has consistently and successfully built many of their fighters into global brands, and now will benefit significantly from ESPN’s broad distribution, sales and marketing support and outstanding storytelling.”

The ESPN-branded multi-sport direct-to-consumer streaming service (being developed with BAMTech and debuting in early 2018) will be a key part of the Top Rank on ESPN multi-platform distribution. The service was announced earlier this month as part of The Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of majority ownership of BAMTech. It will join a wide array of sports programming on service, including approximately 10,000 live regional, national, and international games and events, including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, Grand Slam tennis, college sports and more.

The new ESPN service will be accessed through an enhanced version of the current ESPN app and from authorized MVPDs. In addition to the multi-sport service, the ESPN app will continue to include the news, highlights and scores that fans enjoy today, and consumers who are pay TV subscribers will also be able to access the ESPN television networks in the same app on an authenticated basis.

“Top Rank will be a great partner with high-quality live content, perfectly fit for the new ESPN-branded streaming service we’re building,” said Michael Paull, Chief Executive Officer of BAMTech. “It’s another exciting opportunity for our direct-to-consumer platform to bring sports fans widespread access to their favorite sporting events.

–30–

About ESPN
ESPN, Inc. is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Based in Bristol, Conn., ESPN Plaza includes 950,000 square feet in 16 buildings on 123 acres (116 contiguous), with additional office space (400,000 sq. ft.) rented nearby. The company is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. For more information, visit http://www.espn.com/boxing, @ESPN and @ESPNBoxeo.

About Top Rank
Innovation has been the mantra at Top Rank since it was established in 1966 by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. The boxing industry’s leading promotional company for half a century, Top Rank has shaped, developed and promoted the careers of top international pay-per-view superstars and Hall of Famers, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, Erik Morales, Terence Crawford, and Vasyl Lomachenko. Known for creating strategic collaborations between athletes, sponsors and television networks, Top Rank launched in 1980, Top Rank on ESPN which ran for a historic 16 years. Top Rank then launched another very popular televised boxing series in 1996 titled Solo Boxeo.

Some of the most legendary and spectacular events in boxing history were promoted by Top Rank, which include: 26 Muhammad Ali Events; Leonard vs. Hearns: Arguello vs Pryor; Duran vs. Leonard; Hagler vs. Hearns: Leonard vs. Hagler; Foreman vs. Holyfield; Morales vs. Barrera and De La Hoya vs. Trinidad as well as one of the largest sporting events ever, Mayweather v. Pacquiao. In addition to the previously mentioned super fights, Top Rank possesses one of the largest sports libraries, which includes nearly 10,000 fights and dates back over 50 years.

Top Rank has been an architect of the global growth of the sport by staging high profile events in landmark settings around the world, including every major arena in Las Vegas, The Venetian Macao, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, The “Fabulous” Forum and Cowboys Stadium to name a few. Top Rank has also been the leader within the boxing industry in creating unforgettable in-arena experiences for fans while also producing live telecasts which generate high ratings for our television partners.

About CAA Sports
A division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), CAA Sports represents more than 1,000 of the world’s best athletes, coaches, on-air broadcasters, and sports personalities, and leads all agencies in contract value under management exceeding $7.9 billion, according to Forbes. CAA Sports has completed more than $3.7 billion in new sponsorship business on behalf of its clients and orchestrated precedent-setting agreements for the new Yankee Stadium; the Marquee partnership deal at Madison Square Garden; the naming rights for the San Francisco 49ers Levi’s Stadium and Chase Center, the future home of the Golden State Warriors. CAA Sports Consulting advises, manages, and activates on more than $2.7 billion in sponsorship rights deals on behalf of leading global brands and includes an award-winning experiential marketing practice. Additionally, the agency’s media practice has structured and negotiated more than $37 billion in media rights deals. For more information about CAA Sports, visit sports.caa.com.




Santa Cruz and Mares to fight separate opponents on October 14


Featherweight titlists Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares will angling for an October 7th rematch, but instead they will be fighting separate opponents on October 14, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

If both win, they are supposed to meet in early 2018.

“Yeah, I am a little disappointed because for a second there I thought everything was 100 percent confirmed and I was excited to face him again, but it happens,” Mares said on Friday in the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor media center.

“Whatever comes my way, I’m ready. I was ready for Leo Oct. 7, so regardless, whoever they put in front of me, it’s a fight away from the Leo fight.”




LIVE BOXING: COTTO – KAMEGAI UNDERCARD FIGHTS




Mayweather to get $100 Million, McGregor to earn at least $30 Million


Floyd Mayweather will earn at least $100 million for his showdown with Conor McGregor, who himself will earn $30 Million according to Nevada State Athletic Commission as reported by Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Mayweather also earned a guaranteed $100 million for his 2015 megafight with Manny Pacquiao, though he made around $250 million because of his share of the enormous profits from the record-shattering event. The fight with McGregor, 29, is largely expected to break the Mayweather-Pacquiao records, which would give Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs), 40, another payday well in excess of $200 million.

McGregor’s minimum purse is $30 million, which dwarfs any he has made for his fights in the Octagon during his mixed martial arts career. But the Irishman will wind up making tens of millions of dollars more than his minimum because of his share of the promotion. His take is likely to exceed $100 million.

Gervonta Davis (18-0, 17 KOs), who was stripped of his junior lightweight world title for weighing in at 132 pounds, two more than the division limit, will make $600,000 for his co-featured bout against Francisco Fonseca (19-0-1, 13 KOs) because he was overweight. Fonseca will earn $35,000, though a portion of Davis’ purse is likely to go to him because Davis missed his weight.

Secondary light heavyweight titlist Nathan Cleverly (30-3, 16 KOs), of Wales, will make $100,000 for his defense against Badou Jack, though Cleverly is likely to earn more from British television. Jack (20-1-3, 12 KOs), fighting for the first time since vacating his super middleweight title to move up in weight, will earn $750,000.

Cruiserweights Andrew Tabiti (14-0, 12 KOs) and Steve Cunningham (29-8-1, 13 KOs), a former two-time world titleholder, will make $100,000 apiece for their pay-per-view opening bout. Welterweight Thomas Dulorme will make $75,000, and Yordenis Ugas will be paid $50,000 for their 10-round bout, which headlines the Fox-televised portion of the undercard.




LIVE BOXING: Thompson Boxing (Mitchell vs Bissett)




Derevyanchenko stops Johnson in 12; earns middleweight title shot


Sergiy Derevyanchenko stopped Taureano Johnson in the final round of their scheduled twelve round IBF Middleweight Elimination bout in Miami, Oklahoma.

The fight had some solid two-way action in spots with Derevyanchenko getting the better of the exchanges. In round twelve, Derevyanchenko landed a left hook that sent the broken down Johnson to the canvas. The fight was stopped 40 seconds into the final stanza.

Derevyanchenko, 159 lbs of Brooklyn, NY now waits the winner of the September 16 Gennady Golovkin – Canelo Alvarez bout with a record of 11-0 with nine knockouts. Johnson, 159. lbs of Atlanta, GA is now 20-2.

“I’m very happy with my performance,” said Derevyanchenko. “I did exactly what we worked on in training and broke him down to get the knockout.”

“I’m very disappointed,” said Johnson. “But I give a lot of credit to Derevyanchenko and congratulate him on his performance tonight.”

“He was very tough and took a lot of punches,” said Derevyanchenko. “Maybe the fight could have been stopped earlier but I was always ready to go the distance.”

“I’m ready to fight the winner of Golovkin vs. Canelo for the title,” said Derevyanchenko. “I think that Golovkin will win and I look forward to fighting him next.”

Hugo Centeno, Jr scored a spectacular third round stoppage over Immanuwel Aleem in round three of their scheduled ten-round middleweight bout.

Centeno landed a perfect left hook that sent Aleem plummeting to the canvas, and the back of his head bounced off the mat and the bout was stopped at 2:27.

Centeno, 158.8 lbs of Oxnard, CA is now 26-1 with 14 knockouts. Aleem, 158.8 lbs of Richmond, VA is 17-1-1.

Austin Dulay remained undefeated by stopping Carlos Padilla after three rounds of their scheduled eight round lightweight bout.

In round three, Dulay dropped Padilla from a combination on the ropes.  After the round, the corner of Padilla waved off the contest.

Dulay, 132.8 lbs of Nashville, TN is 11-0 with eight knockouts.  Padilla, 131.2 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 16-6-1.




ESPN’s Telecast of the “Unification” Battle between Undefeated World Champions Terence Crawford and Julius Indongo was the Second Most-Watched Fight on Cable in 2017


ESPN’s English and Spanish-language live telecast of the Saturday, August 19, “Unification” fight between Terence Crawford and Julius Indongo was seen by an average live audience of 1.3 million viewers across ESPN and ESPN Deportes combined during the main event, making it the second-most watched fight on cable this year.

Crawford, (32-0, 23 KOs) the 2014 Fighter of the Year, risked his WBO, World Boxing Council (WBC) and Ring magazine world titles against undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Association (WBA) world champion Julius Indongo (22-1, 11 KOs). Crawford, after knocking Indongo out in the third round, became the first undisputed junior welterweight champion of the world to hold all 4 four major titles.

Crawford vs Indongo main event averaged 1.2 million viewers on ESPN, making it the second-largest audience for boxing on cable in 2017 (behind ESPN’s Pacquiao/Horn main event which delivered 3.7 million viewers on ESPN).




Weights from Las Vegas (Mayweather – McGregor)

Floyd Mayweather 149.5 – Conor McGregor 153




LIVE VIDEO: Mayweather vs. McGregor: Weigh-In 6 PM ET




Official Weights from Carson

Official Weights from Carson:

Miguel Cotto: 153.6 lbs.
Yoshihiro Kamegai:153.8 lbs.

Rey Vargas: 121.6 lbs.
Ronny Rios: 122 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #CottoKamegai




Two-Time world champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham to release comic book series this fall


Philadelphia, PA (August 25, 2015) – On the eve of his highly anticipated bout with undefeated Andrew Tabiti on Saturday’s Floyd Mayweather – Conor McGregor Pay-Per-View card in Las Vegas, two-time cruiserweight world champion, Steve “USS” Cunningham has announced that he will be releasing a series of comic books this Fall.

Cunningham of Philadelphia will combine his love of comics and his decorated boxing career into an entertaining comic book series that will also feature many of the opponents and personalities of his illustrious 17 year career.

The first strip will feature a fictional depiction of his epic battle with Amir “Hardcore” Mansour that took place in 2014. Below is a brief video with some of the illustrations that will be featured in the inaugural book.

“Drawing has always been a passion of mine, and people who are artists are inspired from their life experiences. I have been fortunate to be able to participate in the highest form of theater in professional sports, and that is boxing at the highest level. I have so many thoughts and ideas from those experiences and I hope to entertain not only boxing fans, but comic lovers from all over the world,” said Cunningham.




Danny Roman Arrives in Japan; Fights WBA Champion Shun Kubo on Sept. 3 in Kyoto


ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2017) – Top world title contender Danny Roman (22-2-1, 8 KOs) arrived in Japan earlier this week for his WBA Super Bantamweight Championship showdown with unbeaten champion Shun Kubo (12-0, 9 KOs).

The 12-round world championship fight is promoted by Shinsei Boxing Gym, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions and is set for Sunday, Sept. 3, from the Shimazu Arena in Kyoto.

Roman is currently conducting the final days of his training camp in Kobe, Japan, roughly 45 miles southwest of Kyoto.

“This is the fight that everyone wants,” said Roman, who is based in Los Angeles. “It’s a fight that you’ve trained your entire career for so I recognize that this opportunity is rare. At the end of the day, I have to prove to everyone that I’m championship material. I have to go out and deliver a beating to Kubo.”

“We’ve been watching Danny’s training camp very closely before he left for Japan,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing. “He looks ready to step up to the biggest challenge of his career. We have no doubt that he will return to Los Angeles as a world champion.”

“He’s been sparring 14 rounds in camp with enough left in the tank for three more,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager for Thompson Boxing. “Danny is in tremendous shape and his focus and motivation have never been better. He’s ready for his championship moment.”

Kubo, who is a tall southpaw, arrived at this point by dethroning Venezuela’s Nehomar Cermeno after ten rounds back in April. Roman, on the other hand, knocked out the highly ranked Adam Lopez in the ninth round in a WBA title eliminator in January.

Photo Credit: Jason Robles

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.




One of Ireland’s Most Celebrated Artists To Sing Irish National Anthem On Mayweather vs. McGregor SHOWTIME PPV®

LAS VEGAS (August 25, 2017) – Irish recording sensation Imelda May will perform the Irish National Anthem “Amhrán na bhFiann” prior to the main event which features fellow Irishman and Dubliner Conor McGregor taking on boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. May is currently supporting her top-5 album Life. Love. Flesh. Blood with hit singles “Call Me”, “Black Tears” and “Should’ve Been You.” Discovered by Jools Holland, May counts U2 front man Bono and Bob Dylan amongst her biggest supporters.

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in the main event of an unprecedented four-fight pay-per-view boxing event. Mayweather vs. McGregor will take place Saturday, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona.

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports and www.t-mobilearena.com, follow on Twitter @FloydMayweather, @TheNotoriousMMA, @MayweatherPromo, @UFC, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions, www.Facebook.com/SHOSports andwww.Facebook.com/UFC




LIVE VIDEO: Cotto – Kamegai Weigh In

https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/videos/10155074115460756/




LEGENDARY COTTO GETTING READY TO RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET BUT WANTS ONE LAST HURRAH STARTING AGAINST KAMEGAI


LONDON (25 August) – Legendary Miguel Cotto will be looking to overcome Yoshihiro Kamegai this Saturday night before he brings down the curtain on his illustrious boxing career.

The future Hall-of-Fame fighter has earmarked one last bout before the end of the year should he get past the big-punching Kamegai, exclusively live on BoxNation this weekend from the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Four-division world champion Cotto is putting his family first and is adamant that he will not be fighting beyond 2017.

“The decision is already made. I’m leaving on December 31st, no matter what happens with my career,” said Cotto.

“I think that 16 years is enough, and I have other things to do in my life. You know, I’m taking care of my family better, and that is the biggest and only reason that I have to stop boxing and quit and retire after December 31st this year,” he said.

“First of all, I have to just think about Kamegai, and then we are going to do what we always do. Then we’re going to pick and choose the best challenger out there, and we are going to face him,” Cotto said.

36-year-old Cotto will be looking to add another world title to his collection as he battles Kamegai for the vacant WBO light-middleweight belt.

Japan’s Kamegai is much respected after being involved in a number of wars throughout his career and having stopped 24 opponents in his 27 wins.

Cotto, trained by Freddie Roach, says he is ready for whatever Kamegai might bring to the ring.

“I’m going to do my fight. I’m going to do my fight that Freddie and I planned here to do on Saturday, and let’s see what Kamegai’s going to bring,” Cotto said.

“I’m always here to bring my best, to do my best, to do whatever it takes to get the victory and make my family and the people around me and myself better. I’m coming with the same kind of mindset, and I’m going to do my best on August 26th.

“All I want to do is finish my career in the best way possible. That’s the reason that I’ve been working hard at this stage of my career. And all I want for me is to finish this in the best way possible,” said Cotto.

The live action starts on BoxNation on Saturday night from 1.30am, with undefeated Mexican super-bantamweight Rey Vargas defending his WBC world title against Ronny Rios in the co-main event.

BoxNation’s upcoming schedule also includes the blockbuster ‘Fight of the Year’ contest between middleweight kingpins Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin on September 16th.

BoxNation will be bringing that not-to-be-missed superfight exclusively live to UK and Irish fans, with further details set to be released soon.

Furthermore, as part of BoxNation’s exclusive output deal with promoters Top Rank, they will be bringing fight fans the exciting WBO featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez exclusively live on September 22nd when he takes on undefeated Filipino Genesis Servania.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) 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 Khan vs Canelo.
The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), 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




PROGRAMMING ALERT: CES BOXING, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE TO PARTNER FOR AUG. 26 PRE-MAYMAC CARD FREE ON FACEBOOK


NEW YORK (August 25, 2017) – Fight fans who want to whet their appetite prior to Mayweather-McGregor will be able to do so on Saturday, Aug. 26, thanks to a new partnership between veteran promoter Jimmy Burchfield Sr. and the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Facebook series. CES Boxing and the tech-forward, fan-friendly Facebook broadcast platform are set to deliver once again – this time from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut – from 6-9 p.m. ET this Saturday before action heats up in the desert later that night.

Highlighting the CES Boxing card at Foxwoods’ Premier Ballroom is New London, Conn., native Jimmy Williams (13-0-1, 5 KOs), as he defends his WBC-USNBC Welterweight Title against veteran Bronx N.Y. pugilist Issouf Kinda (18-4, 7 KOs). Also appearing on the card: New London’s Cristobal Marrero (4-0, 3 KOs), Hartford’s Richie Rivera (2-0, 2 KOs) and Jose Rivera (3-1, 3 KOs), Miguel Ortiz (2-0, 1 KO) of Springfield, Mass., and others.

“CES Boxing starts the fireworks with a live, action-packed card at Foxwoods Resort Casino leading up to the Mayweather-MacGregor PPV,” proudly states CES President Burchfield Sr. “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Linacre Media to broadcast this event worldwide on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Facebook page.”

Tickets are priced at $55, $90, $155 and $325 and can be purchased online at cesboxing.com, foxwoods.com, or ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 401-724-2253 or 800-200-2882. As an added bonus, all CES ticket holders receive a free, reserved seat to the exclusive Pay Per View showing of Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor in Foxwoods’ Grand Theater.

“We’re happy to be involved in what will be a great night for fight fans all over the globe,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “In addition to the great crowd that Jimmy Burchfield Sr. and Team CES is sure to deliver with a packed, local card and the May-Mac PPV following on the big screen at Foxwoods, we’re thrilled to deliver all of the action from coast-to-coast and around the world through our Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE channel. We hope a lot of boxing and MMA fans having fight parties will enjoy our free New England Facebook show on any device before turning their attention toward the desert and Showtime.”

The numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform. The July Roy Jones Jr. “Desert Showdown” from Phoenix, the May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun and the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago drew audiences of 65,000, 44,000 and 31,000, respectively, with more than 6,000 of hours of LIVE video consumed by Facebook users. In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 27,000 collective live post engagements, including more than 15,500 “likes” or “loves,” more than 9,000 comments and 1,600-plus shares.

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of corporate partners like Barbour One 9, Talent Management and Entertainment Production (www.barbourone9.com) and Northeastern Fine Jewelry (www.nefj.com).

On Saturday night, August 26, live from Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Conn., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Michael Woods of the TalkBox Podcast, NYFights.com and The Ring and analyst Xavier Porter of BrooklynFights.com, Notorious Boxing and the “Shoot the 5” radio show. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features multiple camera angles, graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.




TOP NORTH CAROLINA TALENT TO HEADLINE THURSDAY NIGHT FIGHTS IN DURHAM


DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – August 25, 2017 – Raging Babe and Hall of Fame Matchmaker Russell Peltz have assembled what could be the best card North Carolina has seen this year. When “Raging Babe” Michelle Rosado first stepped foot into North Carolina, she did so with intent and purpose. North Carolina has, for too long, been seen as a place where fighters can go pad their records. Rosado was committed to changing that, and the newly minted Promoter plans on delivering on that commitment when she presents Thursday Night Fights on October 19th at the Durham Armory.

The main event is a local match-up, thick with bad blood. Marko “The Bull City Bully” Bailey (5-0, 3KO) faces off against Charlotte’s Stevie “The Answer” Massey (4-1, 4KO). in a six-round bout that has been brewing since both fighters were in the amateur ranks. The behind-closed-doors trash talk that both fighters have partaken in over the past few years has spilled over onto social media, and will now culminate in North Carolina State Championship bout on October 19th. “He runs his mouth too much,” said Bailey of his opponent. “This is personal. I want to beat the s— out of him. I have waited a long time to get my hands on this guy, and I’m going to break him down over six rounds. I’m going to make him look bad.” This is Bailey’s first six round bout, and he enters camp with the words of Undisputed Super Lightweight Champion Terence Crawford in his mind. “I spent some time with Bud last weekend. He told me that even when you’re struggling, and times get hard, you gotta fight through it no matter what. No excuses.” Bailey is training three hours from home with his head coach Don Turner. “It’s not easy work, training hours each day on a farm with only work, rest and corn.” Said Rosado of Bailey’s camp. Bailey isn’t deterred. “You gotta fight through adversity. That’s what makes champions. That’s what shows what you’re made of,” said the young fighter.

Massey plans on letting his fists do the talking. “I don’t back down from nobody,” said Massey of the match-up. “We should have fought in the amateurs, but it didn’t happen, and now it’s time.” The 24-year old featherweight is moving up in weight to fight Bailey, and Bailey is moving down. They are meeting in the middle at 132 lbs. Massey is coming off his first loss, a tough unanimous decision to Reggie Barnett Jr. Many fighters would take an easier touch after a loss, but that’s not the way Massey is built. “The loss gave me that hunger back. He better strap up because October 19th, I’m coming.”

It is the kind of matchup that Rosado and Peltz like best. “Listen, Michelle is a go- getter, she’s aggressive,” said Peltz. “She buys into the local match-ups theory. There’s nothing wrong with boxing that good fights won’t help. Michelle understands that. You have to make competitive fights. If you can make them at the local level without TV, it’s only going to help boxing in the long run. We’re trying change culture in NC. Anytime you get two local kids to fight each other in the 21st century, it’s a big deal.”

In the co-main event, two undefeated, local Durham fighters step up to face each other in a six round bout at Junior Middleweight. Joseph Jackson (8-0, 6KO) squares off against Monreco “King Reek” Goldston (5-0-1, 3KO), with both fighters putting their ‘O’ on the line. It will be Goldston’s first bout in over a year, after having scored a majority draw with Virginia’s Robert Sweeney in May 2016. The bout will be Jackson’s fourth this year. He is coming off a knockout win over Darryol Humphrey last Saturday, August 19th.

Also on the card, Carlos Olmeda (2-0, 2KO) faces a very tough opponent in New York brawler Vinnie Denierio (1-2, 1KO). It isn’t the first time the 5’10” Southpaw Denierio has fought in the Bull City. He faced Marko Bailey there in April, before rematching him in June in Philadelphia. Both bouts earned standing ovations from the crowd. Olmeda isn’t the type to back down, despite being the smaller of the two fighters, plans to give the New Yorker all he can handle.

The remainder of the card is stacked with some of North Carolina’s most promising talent. Undefeated Junior Middleweight Donnie Marshall (5-0, 4KO) makes an appearance on the card, alongside Super Middleweight prospect Blake “The KO King” Mansfield (4-1-1, 2KO) , and Raleigh Heavyweight Nate Williams (1-0, 1KO). Also on the card, Hasim Rahman, Jr. makes his North Carolina debut. The heavyweight is following in his father’s footsteps, and has earned two wins, both by knockout, since his April debut.

The fight card fulfills Rosado’s promise to the fans of North Carolina. “These fighters are not messing around,” said Rosado. “It’s refreshing to work with guys that want to fight.” Rosado noted that, to the fighters’ credit, the aforementioned match-ups were an easy sell. “They wanted to come and fight for the fans. No outlandish press tours, no pay-per-view, no circus acts, no embarrassing match-ups. Just real boxers fighting real fights, Durham style.”

Thursday Night Fights is sponsored by Corona Extra. Tickets are on sale now ($75, 50, 40), and available at RagingBabe.com or by calling 919-584-4849.




KELLY CHALLENGES FOR WBO INTERCONTINENTAL CROWN ON FURY-PARKER SHOW

London (25 August 2017) Manchester star Jimmy ‘Kilrain’ Kelly will contest for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental Super-Welterweight Championship on a massive night of boxing at the Manchester Arena headlined by Hughie Fury’s challenge for the WBO World Heavyweight title against Joe Parker.

Kelly will feature as chief-support on an action-packed card that includes the British Bantamweight Championship showdown between Josh Wale and Don Broadhurst, a cracking British Lightweight Title Eliminator between Joe Murray and Matty Fagan.

The hugely popular Wythenshawe fighter faces hard Bulgarian Stiliyan Kostov over 12-rounds as he looks to reclaim the WBO Intercontinental title to get back into world title contention following his loss in his first attempt to the then WBO World Champion Liam Smith back in December 2015.

A former WBC Youth Champion, Kelly is on an unbeaten 6-fight run since the loss to Smith and a victory over big-hitting Kostov – who’s won 16 out 21 wins by KO – will put him back in pole position for a world title shot.

“It’s one of the biggest fight nights in British boxing this year and I’m thrilled in a title fight as chief support to Hughie’s challenge for the WBO World title,” Said Kelly.

“We’re both Manchester lads and trained in the same club as amateurs so I aim to make it a double on the night with him winning the world title and me capturing the WBO European belt,”

“Winning the title will get me into a great position in the WBO rankings and give me a clearer path towards my second shot at the world title which I believe that I’m ready for again,”

“I’m still only 24 and I’ve learnt plenty since the loss to Smith, it’s been hard work getting myself back up to this position, but I’ve gone six fights unbeaten since and I’m hungrier than ever to get back into world title contention,”

“Kostov can be a dangerous fighter, he can whack a bit and I know that I’ve got to keep on my game and watch that sharp right hand of his. Whilst Kostov has pushed Brian Rose the eight-round distance last year, I’ll be looking to make a strong statement by taking him out before the end.”

Tickets for Parker v Fury are priced at £40, £60, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £600 are available from www.eventim.co.uk

For more information on Parker v Fury www.hennessysports.com; you can follow on all social media @hennessysports and follow the conversation at #ParkerFury




MIGUEL COTTO AND YOSHIHIRO “EL MAESTRITO” KAMEGAI PLUS REY VARGAS AND RONNY RIOS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES


LOS ANGELES (Aug. 24, 2017): Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs), the only four-division world champion in Puerto Rico’s rich boxing history, and Japanese 154-pound contender Yoshihiro “El Maestrito” Kamegai (27-3-2, 24 KOs) hosted their final press conference today ahead of their 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight title in the main event of an exciting action-packed card this Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

In the co-main event of the HBO telecast, WBC Super Bantamweight champion Rey Vargas (29-0, 22 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico will make the first defense of his title against Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios (28-1, 13 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round fight. The card is fully stacked with Golden Boy talent, including Emilio Sanchez, Joet Gonzalez, Tenochtitlan “T-Dog” Nava, Alexis Rocha, among others.

Below is what participants of HBO World Championship Boxing® had to say.

MIGUEL COTTO, Four-Division World Champion:
“It’s a pleasure for me to be here. We’ve been enjoying every session at the gym. I’ve been doing my work as hard as I can. We’re ready. We are ready for the fight, and I’m happy to be back. Thank you everyone for being here. We’re going to do our best this Saturday, and the winners will be fans all over the world.”

FREDDIE ROACH, Trainer of Miguel Cotto:
“We had a really good training camp, a little longer than usual. He [Cotto] had a little bit of layoff previously, but camp went well. We watched a lot of film on our opponent [Kamegai]. We have a really great strategy, and it will be an action packed fight. Miguel is 100 percent ready. It was the best training camp we’ve had yet. We’ll see you Saturday. Thank you.”

YOSHIHIRO “MAESTRITO” KAMEGAI, Junior Middleweight Contender:
“Hello everyone I’m Yoshihiro Kamegai from Japan. I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy, Teiken Promotions, the WBO, Miguel Promotions-everyone who made this event possible. I’m extremely pleased to be back at StubHub, where a lot of legendary battles have been fought. I’m looking forward to it. I’m extremely pleased to be fighting for the WBO title belt held by great champions like Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera, and I’m looking forward to fighting a great legendary champion like Miguel Cotto.”

SENDAI TANAKA, Trainer to Yoshihiro Kamegai:
“I want to thank HBO, Golden Boy Promotions, and Teiken Promotions. Thank you especially to Miguel Cotto for accepting Kamegai as an opponent. Cotto is a legendary fighter, very complete, worldwide one of the best. Kamegai is very excited and happy to step into the ring with a fighter like Miguel Cotto. And you know his style. He likes to train, to punch and take punches. And he’s very excited to get in there and give you guys a great fight. That’s why he’ll throw punches until victory comes, always.

REY VARGAS, WBC Super Bantamweight Champion:
“One of the biggest fights that I got was when I got to go to England to win the title. For me, it was double the effort since I had to go over there to get it [the WBC title]. I got it. I won it. And now I’m defending it against a great fighter. I like great fights. I like great challenges, and I will prove that I am a great champion. I’m ready to fight the big fights in the big leagues, and I will do it against a great fighter.”

“That makes us happy and motivates us more because we’re at the big leagues and we want to show that we are champions. I’m happy to be on this card. I’d like to thank HBO for the opportunity to prove to people that I’m a good champion. I’m sure that you’re going to watch an exciting fight this Saturday, so please don’t miss it.”

RONNY RIOS, Super Bantamweight Contender:
“I want to thank Golden Boy for putting this event together. It means a great deal. I want to say something because everyone is bringing up the topic of real fights. I want to thank HBO for putting up a real card. If you want to watch real fights, tune in to HBO. Thank you to Rey Vargas for accepting this fight. I want to thank my coach, who has been there through thick and thin. We’re here and we’ll make the most of our opportunity. We’re ready for this. Tune in on Saturday night for a great night and a great night of boxing.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CEO & Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions:
“We are extremely happy and thrilled that Miguel Cotto will fighting for the WBO world title at the StubHub Center. Cotto has been and is an amazing champion in the sport of boxing. He is Puerto Rico’s first four-division champion. He will be fighting against someone who is exciting to watch and has been in several Fight of the Year candidates, one against Jesus Soto Karass.

“This fight has the makings to be another candidate for Fight of the Year. I want to thank our co-promoters, Miguel Cotto Promotions. It’s always a pleasure to be working with this team. We are on a vision to bring boxing back to Puerto Rico, so there is a tremendous opportunity for Miguel Cotto to crown himself the only world champion in Puerto Rico today, so this is obviously a huge deal.

“This is obviously a big deal for Yoshihiro Kamegai, who will be fighting for a world title against a legend like Miguel Cotto. It’s a great motivation for him, so I know that he’s in tremendous shape and ready to go, and we know for a fact that this main event will be one that you do not want to miss.

“We also have a tremendous co-main event which will be a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship. It’s Rey Vargas, who will be up against Ronny Rios, who is a tremendous fighter. We really are looking forward to this fight. It is a very important fight for not only Mexico, but also for here in the greater Los Angeles area.

“I want to also thank Teiken Promotions. Mr. Honda has been incredible working with us. It’s always a pleasure working with Teiken Promotions, where we do have several up and coming and ex world champions and current world champions that we have working with Honda. Also, Promociones Del Pueblo. Thank you for the opportunity. They are one of the best promoters in Mexico. I also want to thank HBO. They are the best in televising the bets boxing events. HBO has been a tremendous partner.”

TONY WALKER, Vice President at HBO Sports:
“We really appreciate you being here and talking about boxing, and really about what we are going to have Saturday night. Cotto will make his 23
rd appearance on HBO, and through his combination of skill and style he’s done well in every broadcast he’s been on. But Saturday night he’ll have to bring all those skills because Kamegai has put in his own work and has his own career aspirations.”

MARTHA SHEN-URQUIDEZ from California State Athletic Commission:
“I was so happy when I heard that this fight was scheduled for August 26 at StubHub, one of the great venues for boxing in California. It was a pleasure to hear that it was going to be this fight on this particular day, so that boxing aficionados and lovers like me have a great boxing match, a great undercard, and great main event to watch on Saturday, August 26.

“I have seen Miguel Cotto and Yoshihiro Kamegai fight on separate occasions, and it is always a pleasure to see them fight, and it will be an even bigger pleasure to see the fight against each other. I am very grateful for Golden Boy, for Mr. Honda, for StubHub Center and for HBO for bringing this an event of this caliber to Southern California again. I’m always grateful for Eric Gomez, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins and his team. We wish everyone a safe and successful event.”

FRANCISCO VALCARCEL, President of the World Boxing Organization (WBO):
“It’s a great pleasure for me to be here. I remember when Oscar told me that he wanted to be the WBO 160-pound champion. Oscar was given the opportunity to be a champion in three different divisions, and now we will give Cotto the same opportunity, who won the WBO belts in the 140 and 147 divisions. Good luck to everybody. Congratulations to Oscar De La Hoy and his team. Con-gratulations on a big show.”

BOB YALEN, Technical Director at the World Boxing Council (WBC)
“Thank you everybody for coming today. One thing that hasn’t been said yet is that this is a fight fans’ fight card. This is real fight card. You’ve got a future hall of famer against one of the best fighters that Japan has ever produced. You’re going to have a WBC title fight that I think will steal the fight card.”

“You’ve got Rey Vargas against an undefeated challenger against a once-defeated challenger, and you’re going to see a great, great fighter for a WBC title. I want to thank Golden Boy, StubHub, and HBO. It will be a great night of boxing. Everyone is in store for a treat. Keep an eye on this fight card.”

BRENDAN HANNAN, Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Digital for Stub-Hub Center:
“We are thrilled on Saturday to welcome the Cotto-Kamegai fight. We are thrilled to work with HBO and Golden Boy Promotions to bring this fight to you. We truly believe that StubHub is the premiere outdoor boxing venue in the United States. Like Oscar said, we have very few tickets remaining. We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday. Enjoy the fights this Saturday.”

Cotto vs. Kamegai, a 12-round fight for the vacant WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Teiken Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “BORN BOLD” and Casa Mexico Tequila. Rey Vargas vs. Ronny Rios is a 12-round world championship fight for the WBC Super Bantamweight Title, and is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event will take place Saturday, August 26 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT. The livestream portion will begin at approximately 4:45 p.m. ET/1:45 p.m. PT through approximately 9:45 p.m. ET/ 6:45 p.m. PT on RingTV.com.

Tickets for Cotto vs. Kamegai are on sale and priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com, by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849), and at StubHub Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 6 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available by calling 877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, call 877-234-8425.

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

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




Heavyweight LaRon Mitchell & Featherweight Erick Ituarte Set to Defend Titles Friday Night

ORANGE, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight champion LaRon Mitchell (15-0, 13 KOs) defends his Jr. NABF title against Michael Bissett (14-9, 8 KOs) this Friday, Aug. 25, from Omega Products International in Corona, Calif.

The San Francisco-based Mitchell weighed in at 242 lbs., while Bissett checked in at 209 lbs. during Thursday’s weigh in. The “Path to Glory” main event is set for 8-rounds.

Tickets for “Path to Glory” sold out quickly, prompting Thompson Boxing to add an additional section of seating. Those tickets will be available for purchase at the door on the day of the event (this Friday) starting at 6:00 p.m. local time.

The second half of the championship doubleheader showcases featherweight champion Erick Ituarte (17-1-1, 2 KOs) defending his Jr. NABF title against Alberto Torres (10-0-2, 4 KOs).

To watch Thursday’s weigh in, which aired earlier today on our Facebook page, please click here.

WEIGHTS

Championship Doubleheader

LaRon Mitchell, 242 vs. Michael Bissett, 209
(8-rounds / Jr. NABF Heavyweight Championship)
Erick Ituarte, 125.9 vs. Alberto Torres, 125.7
(8-rounds / Jr. NABF Featherweight Championship)

Undercard

Roberto Meza, Jr. 129 vs. Giovanni Cabrera, 128.8 (6-rounds)
Saul Sanchez (weighing in Friday)
Ruben Torres, 135.6 vs. Jesse Cruz, 137 (4-rounds)

Watch the LIVESTREAM: TB Presents: Path to Glory on ThompsonBoxing.com or on the Thompson Boxing Facebook Page beginning at 8:00 p.m. PST / 11:00 p.m. EST.

The “Path to Glory” broadcast team features Beto Duran on play-by-play, with Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 8:00 p.m. The Omega Products International is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447.

“Path to Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #PathToGlory, #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

LaRon Mitchell, 242 vs. Michael Bissett, 209
(8-rounds / Jr. NABF Heavyweight Championship)

Erick Ituarte, 125.9 vs. Alberto Torres, 125.7
(8-rounds / Jr. NABF Featherweight Championship)

Roberto Meza, Jr. 129 vs. Giovanni Cabrera, 128.8 (6-rounds)

Ruben Torres, 135.6 vs. Jesse Cruz, 137 (4-rounds)




Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor Undercard Press Conference Quotes

LAS VEGAS (August 24, 2017) – Fighters competing on the Mayweather vs. McGregor undercard spoke to media and went face-to-face Thursday, one day before they weigh-in ahead of their Saturday, Aug. 26 showdowns at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The four-fight SHOWTIME PPV event, beginning live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, will feature undefeated rising star Gervonta “Tank” Davis making the second defense of his 130-pound title against undefeated challenger Francisco Fonseca plus light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly defending his belt against former super middleweight champion Badou Jack. The telecast begins with unbeaten Andrew Tabiti and former world champion Steve Cunningham meeting in a 10-round battle.

Coverage begins on FOX and FOX Deportes with a one-hour Prefight Show at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will see a battle between welterweight contenders Thomas Dulorme and Yordenis Ugas plus a showdown of unbeaten prospects as Juan Heraldez meets Jose Miguel Borrego in a 10-round bout.

Additional action inside the arena will see unbeaten Kevin Newman (7-0-1, 3 KOs) in super middleweight action and the pro debut of 2016 Savannah Marshall from London.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday from the David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand:

GERVONTA DAVIS

“Saturday night is going to be a great performance from me. I’m ready to take over this sport after Floyd passes me the torch.

“I had a great camp. I hope Fonseca’s camp was great because we have to put on a great performance for the fans. I want the fans to say that there is a new star in this sport.

“I feel like my career is very similar to Floyd’s so far. We started out at the same weight and we each got our first belt at 130-pounds. I just want to live up to what he’s accomplished and accomplish even more. I believe that I have the skills and the ability to be the big star in this sport.

“I just try to stay grounded because I know what I want to do in this sport. Because I have the belief in myself it’s easy for me to stay focused. I also think I have the best team in this sport and they help me every step of the way.

“Fonseca is a very good fighter. He’s very fast and sharp. He’s got a long reach but I know that he hasn’t fought anyone that has the skills that I have. I’m not overlooking him. I’m training really hard for this.

“I was in the position he’s in now. I know how him and his team are feeling. I know what I have to do to be victorious. I’m going to come out sharp and hopefully pick up even more fans than I have now.

“I want to unify this division and then move up in weight and keep adding titles. If I can’t get a unification bout next, then I’m going to move up for new challenges.

“This is a very important night for me. It’s important to me that I put on a great show. I want everyone to say that ‘there’s a new star in town.'”

FRANCISCO FONSECA

“The huge audience won’t intimidate me. I’ve dreamt my whole life to be in an event of this magnitude.

“I take this fight as a big responsibility. My dream has always been to fight in an event of this magnitude. My goal is to be a champion and come out of this with a belt on my waist.

“The preparation has been long. I’ve had five months of training in intense conditions. I feel strong mentally. On August 26, I aim to reach my goal as a champion for Costa Rica.

“This is an opportunity to start writing my legacy. Gervonta is tough because he is a champion, but I have the hunger and motivation to win and be a champion.

“All camps are different but in this one I had fivemonths to prepare. We were in Puerto Rico for the training and everything was smooth. I feel strong heading into this fight.

“We both have the pressure to win. I come to do my job. I’ve been keeping focused on the fight and the combat. He hasn’t experience an opponent with as much hunger as I have. It’s going to be a great fight and very competitive. He is the champion and I want to be the champion.”

NATHAN CLEVERLY

“I’m enjoying the experience of being in Las Vegas. I love fighting in this city. I’m looking forward to the fight and I’m going to embrace this moment.

“Ultimately, all that matters is the fight. I’m coming to win and that’s my sole focus. The fight is the pinnacle moment and I’m saving all my energy for that.

“I’ve persisted throughout my career. Any setbacks I just got right back to training and stayed consistent. If you keep working hard then the opportunities will arrive. I stayed patient and allowed the opportunities to come.

“I have no regrets in my career. I like taking risks in this sport. I fought Kovalev when I was 26, I fought Bellew at cruiserweight, I fought Fonfara in Chicago, Braehmer in Germany and now I’m fighting Badou Jack, who’s on the rise. I love the big fights.

“It’s a high-risk high reward fight. The winner of this is in line for Andre Ward and the super WBA title. This is a solid world title fight between two guys who want to be at the top of the division.”

BADOU JACK

“I’ve got great stamina in there. I’m never going to get tired. I train hard for this. Every punch in a fight is important. We have a great game plan and we’re going to execute it.

“I want to fight the best. I have the skills to beat anyone. If they say I can’t beat someone, that’s the fight I want the most.

“I’m not overlooking Nathan Cleverly. I’m just getting comfortable at this weight and I’m going to be focused on performing on fight night. If all goes well though, I could see myself finishing my career at cruiserweight someday.

“I’ve been fighting big, strong guys since Cleverly was a teenager. Well see who is the stronger man when we’re in the ring on Saturday.

“I feel better at this weight than at super middleweight. I’m looking forward to this fight. There happens to be a lot of UK fighters at my weight and I’ve enjoyed experiencing a little bit of the UK fans.”

ANDREW TABITI

“I began boxing because I was being bullied so my stepfather put me in the ring and I would get beat up every day. I learned a lot from those experiences. I just kept coming back every day and I never gave up. Now I’m here.

“This sport is about proving people wrong. People said Floyd wouldn’t beat a lot of guys in his career, I’m not saying I’m Floyd, but this is a sport where you have to prove yourself. We’ll see on Saturday.

“Being in the gym with Floyd gives me the drive to keep working. Seeing how hard he works, it shows me what I want to be.

“I have to use my legs and keep boxing. I need to use my speed in there. It’s different watching me on TV than actually being in there with me. I could see it going the distance but if I catch him, I’m going to finish him.

“One of my favorite fighters growing up was James Toney. That’s where I picked up some of my style. He used to hit combos off the shoulder roll and that’s what I like to do.

“This is a great undercard with Gervonta Davis and Badou Jack. I’m here trying to make a name for myself in the cruiserweight division and become a face of this weight class.”

STEVE CUNNINGHAM

“I actually commentated on one of Tabiti’s fights about a year and a half ago. He’s a good up-and-coming fighter. He emulates Floyd and he’s trained by Floyd’s dad so that’s expected. I think I’m going to overwhelm him mentally and physically.

“I don’t think Tabiti is at the top level yet. He has flaws and strengths but at the end of the day, he has a fight Saturday. He’s in there with a two-time world champion so he’s going to have to fight Saturday.

“Every fight on this level is a huge fight. I’ve been in the ring with some monsters. Some of the best cruiserweights and heavyweights in the world. I don’t think that I look 41 but you’ll have to let me know on Saturday.

“I think this is what Tabiti has been waiting for. I will be nice and calm and be right in his face and right in his chest.

“When these guys hang around Floyd they want to be like him and they’ve been around these events, so I don’t think the atmosphere will affect him. But once we’re in the ring, it’s just me and him.”

THOMAS DULORME

“I’m so happy to have this big fight on Saturday night. My team has done a great job to get me to this position.

“Having an opponent change is part of boxing. I was already training very hard for Shawn Porter so when the opponent changed, nothing changed in camp. I continued to work hard and on Saturday night I will show why I worked so hard.

“I want all of my Puerto Ricans to tune-in on Saturday night because I’m going out there to steal the show and put on the fight of the night.

“I’m going to bring an exciting fight for the fans and prove that I am a world championship level fighter. I fight for the fans and I can’t wait to get in there and perform.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I feel great. I’m ready for Saturday and I’m excited to put on a great fight. I feel very blessed to be here and be a part of such a historic event.

“To my Cuban fans, I’m so proud to be representing my country here in Las Vegas and Saturday night it’s going to be a great fight.

“It is an honor to step in to face Dulorme. He’s a tremendous fighter. I’m here and I feel a blessed and happy to have been called. I won’t let my fans down.”

JUAN HERALDEZ

“My weight is great right now. I feel comfortable and hydrated. Everything has gone perfectly. I’m looking to make a mark in the junior welterweight division. Terrence Crawford is the dream fight and I just want to keep working up to that level.

“My career has progressed well and I think this fight is going to make me a contender. From here I just want to keep improving and getting in there with tougher opponents.

“I’ve been training out in Las Vegas since 1998 but the last two years in the Mayweather Boxing Club has been amazing. Everyone in the gym is so motivated right now. We all push each other by just working harder and trying to match each other.

“I didn’t watch much of Borrego in the beginning of camp, but I saw his record so I knew I had to train as hard as I ever have. But when I watched him I thought he was kind of limited. I think I have advantages and I think I’m the better all-around fighter.”

JOSE MIGUEL BORREGO

“I feel excited and motivated. Training has been tough but we’re sure we’re ready for Saturday.

“The motivation for this kind of card has been tremendous. I can’t wait to put on a show for all the Mexican fans who tune-in.

“I’m so proud to be the only Mexican on this card. We’re going to give it our all. We’re ready for this fight. I’m the new breed of Mexican fighters and I’m going to show it to the world.”

KEVIN NEWMAN

“I’ve had a great camp. I’m in top shape. I was really pushed in sparring working with Chris Eubank Jr. and some other guys. I’ve been up running at 5 a.m. four to five miles every day. I’m ready.

“I’ve improved a lot mentally. I’ve focused in more. Listening is key for me. I feel like I’m at a stage where I’m listening to my corner and we’re bonding and meshing together great.

“I just have to continue to stay focus and work hard. If I’m dedicated and disciplined to my craft, then everything else will fall into place.

“I’m happy to be here. I’m in a very blessed position. I can’t wait to go out there and put on a dominant performance. I plan on starting out strong and taking advantage of everything that I can.

“I just take my time and relax in the ring. I’m going to make my opponent fight my pace. He usually starts pretty quick but then he starts to fade. I’m going to dictate the pace from round and not let him get comfortable.”

# # #

MAYWEATHER vs. McGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup that pits the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in the main event of an unprecedented four-fight pay-per-view boxing event. Mayweather vs. McGregor will take place Saturday, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV, promoted by Mayweather Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Coverage of the Prelims will begin on FOX and FOX Deportes at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

ABOUT CONSTELLATION BRANDS
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a Fortune 500® company, is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, New Zealand and Italy. Constellation is the No. 3 beer company in the U.S. with high-end, iconic imported brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra and Pacifico. The company’s beer portfolio also includes Ballast Point, one of the most awarded craft brewers in the U.S. In addition, Constellation is the world’s leader in premium wine, selling great brands that people love, including Robert Mondavi, Clos du Bois, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, Mark West, Franciscan Estate, Ruffino and The Prisoner. The company’s premium spirits brands include SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila, and High West Whiskey.

Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to brand building, our trade partners, the environment, our investors and to consumers around the world who choose our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become a significant player in the beverage alcohol industry with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, about 40 facilities and approximately 8,000 talented employees. We express our company vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com.




Sullivan Barrera wants to cap off banner 2017 with a bang


Top rated light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera has been on a roll since losing a decision to pound-for-pound king Andre Ward in the spring of 2015.

Since his only professional loss, Barrera has rebounded in a major way, stopping the then unbeaten Slava Shabranskyy, Paul “Pay-Per-View” Parker, and in his most recent performance he dominated the red hot Joe Smith Jr. on HBO.

Barrera is now in a position where only the big fights make sense and he wants to finish out the year with a title shot or eliminator.

“I want the Jack-Cleverly winner for the WBA title or Kovalev next. Kovalev is a big name and I would beat him so bad he would retire. If I can’t fight them I want someone like Marcus Browne in an eliminator,” said Barrera.

“With the way I have fought I think I deserve the big fights. Now the question is which fighter will step up and actually fight me.”

The 35 year old Barrera wants to strike while the iron is fight and with his #3 WBC, #2 WBA and #5 WBO rankings, it shouldn’t be hard for him to get a fight versus any fighter looking to make a move in the light heavyweight division.




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ALL FIGHTERS MAKE WEIGHT – SOME TIX LEFT FOR FIGHT CLUB OC

BOUT 6 – BOXING
KEITH BERRY 180lbs VS JORDAN DAVIS 176lbs

BOUT 5 – MMA
GILBERT GUARDADO 154.6lbs VS ALEX REYES 155lbs

BOUT 4 – BOXING
BRIAN BRUNS 167lbs VS JUAN BARAJAS 166.6lbs

BOUT 3 – MMA
MIGUEL NETO 170lbs VS KRIS CALMES 171lbs

BOUT 2 – BOXING
ADAN OCHOA 124lbs VS LUPE ARROYO 124.1lbs

BOUT 1 – BOXING
TAIF HARRIS 152.4lbs VS NATHAN WESTON 154lbs




UNDEFEATED WORLD CHAMPIONS ÓSCAR VALDEZ and GILBERTO RAMIREZ TO DEFEND TITLES IN ALL-ACTION BATTLES


TUCSON, AZ (August 24, 2017) — Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champions ÓSCAR VALDEZ and GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ will headline and exciting world championship event on Friday, September 22, at Tucson Arena (260 South Church Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701.) Valdez (22-0, 19 KOs), a two-time Mexican Olympian with strong roots in Tucson, will be defending his WBO featherweight title against the WBO’s No. 4 world-rated contender GENESIS SERVANIA (29-0, 12 KOs), of Bacolod City, Philippines. WBO super middleweight champion Ramirez (35-0, 24 KOs), from Mazatlan Mexico, will take on No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger JESSE “Hard Work” HART (22-0, 18 KOs), of Philadelphia, PA. The four warriors boast a perfect combined record of 108-0 (73 KOs) with nearly 70% of their victories coming by way of knockout.

The undercard will feature undefeated Puerto Rico sensation and No. 1 lightweight contender FELIX “El Diamante” VERDEJO, Irish Olympic hero MICHAEL “MICK” CONLAN and undefeated junior welterweight contender ALEX SAUCEDO in separate bouts.

Both world championship fights will be televised live and exclusively at 10:30 p.m. EDT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream live on the ESPN app.

Promoted by Top Rank® and Peltz Boxing, tickets to this world championship doubleheader are on sale Now! Priced at $102, $77, $52 and $27, tickets may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, online at www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, or by visiting the Tucson Convention Center ticket office.

“Fighting in Tucson is special to me because I know a lot of people there and I’m very happy to defend my world title in that great city. It’s a special treat for me and hopefully it will be a special treat for the fans.” said Valdez. “This will be my third title defense and God willing there will be many more. I want to represent my people of Mexico like all the legendary warriors from the past. My opponent is extremely tough and undefeated, which is a dangerous combination. I’m not underestimating him at all. I’ll be ready for his best. I prepare like I’m fighting the best of the best every time out. Fighting on ESPN is a big honor for me. Being able to reach a huge audience and to showcase my boxing skills is extremely important for my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I love Tucson. I grew up here, have family here and some of my best friends are here. I am proud to be a world champion. But I am facing a fighter who wants to take it all away from me in my hometown. That is why I am running longer, training harder to win and keep my world title. The greatest thing of being on ESPN is that they will show the world what all of us on this card are all about.”

“I am very excited about this bout because I have waited so long — several
years as a highly-ranked contender — for this chance at the world title. Thank you so much. to Top Rank for giving me this chance, and to the champion for accepting my challenge,” said Servania. “I respect Oscar Valdez. He has a great Olympic background, and has proven his ability as a professional. However, I am ready for this fight and I will do my best on September 22. I am training hard now in Japan to bring the belt back to Kashimi Boxing Gym in Kanazawa. Many thanks to all my family and friends in the Philippines and around the world for your love and support. I want to give a special thanks too to all the people in Japan supporting me and inspiring me to realize my dream of becoming world champion.”

“I was waiting for this fight way before I became a champion, but they said he wasn’t ready for me. It is ok that he has been talking a lot. I just hope that he is prepared to fight the same way he has been talking. I hope he is ready to fight and not to run, and to just try to survive,” said Ramirez. “I want to give the fans a great fight and I hope Hart comes with the same mentality, so we can make it happen. I ’m happy to be back in action and make my second world title defense. This is the first time that I will fight in Tucson and I’m really excited to fight in this great city. There will be a lot of Mexican fans in attendance and I want to give them a great show. I’m very excited to fight on ESPN. All the boxing fans will have the chance to watch the fight. This is a great opportunity on a very big platform where I can show the whole world why I’m the best champion in the super middleweight division. Jesse Hart made it personal, saying very bad things about me. He is going to pay for talking like this. I am going to hit him hard and drive him straight down to the canvas. You don’t talk about a champion the way he is talking about me. I worked hard starting in street fights in Mexico years ago. Then came professional boxing and now I am a world champion. This is my biggest fight and it’s on ESPN for all to really see what being a champion is all about.”

“I am going to be pitching some heat onto Ramirez. I am going to throw so much he will have to think for himself and not look to his corner for help like he does a lot during a fight. Either he’s going to quit in the ring or I am going to knock him out,” said Hart. “This is the big fight I’ve always wanted. My father ‘Cyclone’ is with me. Don’t tell me how tough Ramirez is. He hasn’t had a knockout in years. All of the pressure is on him, not me. This is my fight.”

“From top to bottom this is a card that will feature the stars of boxing’s new era,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “Oscar Valdez and Gilberto Ramirez, young world champions, risk their world titles in battles of the undefeated, plus rising stars Michael Conlan, Felix Verdejo and Alex Saucedo will give the fans in Tucson, and those tuning into ESPN, ESPN Deportes and the ESPN app, a night of exciting fights.”

“I’m happy have my hand in an outstanding promotion in Tucson, given its rich boxing history. It will be my first time promoting in the Old Pueblo,” said Russell Peltz. “It is an entire card of good fights and the fans are going to enjoy the show. I’m looking forward to seeing another Philadelphian (Jesse Hart) having the chance to win a world title.”

Valdez (22-0, 19 KOs), from Nogales, México, and who represented México in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, was the first Méxican fighter to qualify for two Olympic games. He is considered one of the bright lights of the featherweight division and a new face for boxing’s next generation. He will be making the third defense of the world title he won on July 23, 2016 via a second-round knockout of undefeated No. 2 rated Matías Rueda. Rueda entered that fight having won his previous 10 bouts by stoppage. In his first defense, which took place, on November 5, he blasted out No. 1 contender Hiroshige Osawa via a seventh-round TKO. In his 2017 debut, his first pay-per-view event that featured him in the main event, Valdez, 26, went toe-to toe for 12 rounds with No. 1 contender Miguel Marriaga, winning a unanimous decision. Marriaga, a three-time world title challenger, went into that fight having won 15 of his previous 19 bouts by way of knockout.

Servania (29-0, 12 KOs), who hails from Bacolod City, Philippines and fights out of Kanazawa, Japan, will be making his U.S. debut. Known for his aggressive style and good skills and movement, Servania is always in top condition. He returns to the ring in his first bid for a world title fresh from a second-round TKO victory of Ralph Lulu on April 29, for the vacant WBO Asia Pacific featherweight title. He is currently world-rated No. 4 by the WBO and No. 7 by the IBF.

Ramírez (35-0, 24 KOs), a two-fisted super middleweight wrecking machine who hails from Mazatlán, México, made history in the co-main event to the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley welterweight pay-per-view on April 9, 2016, when he became México’s first fighter to win a super middleweight world title. Entering the fight as the top world-rated contender, Ramirez gave a virtuoso performance over the defending WBO champion Arthur Abraham. All three judges scored it as a 120-108 blitzkrieg. “I took him to Méxican boxing school,” a jubilant Ramírez boasted as he put on the world championship belt . A sensational young champion, Ramírez, 26, had been scheduled to make his first title defense in July 2016, but a training camp injury to his right hand followed by surgery and rest sidelined him for the remainder of the year. He returned to on April 22, winning a unanimous decision over Top-10 contender and one-time world title challenger Max “Tiger” Bursak.

Hart (22-0, 18 KOs), the son of Philadelphia boxing legend Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, has transformed from a sensational prospect into a hot contender. Trained by his father, the highly-rated middleweight contender of the late ’60s and early ’70s, the younger Hart, at age 28, enters this fight having won nine of his last 10 bouts by way of knockout. He captured the NABO and USBA super middleweight titles in 2015, knocking out Mike Jimenez in the sixth-round. He successfully defended those titles four times during his two-year reign, including a fifth-round stoppage of Alan Campa on April 8, en route to his No. 1 world ranking by the WBO.

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 the hashtags #ValdezServania and #RamirezHart to join the conversation on Twitter.




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Live Video: Thompson Boxing Weigh In–Mitchell vs Bissett

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