WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 16, 2017) — Cruiserweight sensation Sam “The Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed of Greenbelt, Maryland, was triumphant in his first fight back on July, 15, 2017, after breaking his right hand in his last bout in October 2016. Crossed won by fourth round knockout over his most experienced opponent to date, 14-fight veteran James Jones of Nashville, who was on a two-fight win streak. With the win Crossed improves his record to 6-0 with 4 knockouts.

“I felt very relaxed in there and the hand felt great,” Crossed said. “I have been training with Ernesto for the last year and I have learned more in that time than I have learned since I started boxing.” Ernesto Rodriguez in also the trainer of IBF Jr. Middleweight World Champion Jarrett Hurd.

Crossed’s team hopes to get him back in the ring as soon as possible after his eight-month layoff.

“I would like to get him three more fights this year,” Crossed’s manager Mike Walters said. “He’s basically learning on the job. He’s also one of the biggest ticket sellers in the area so I don’t think it will be a problem.”

Crossed has a rabid fan base in the Washington, D.C., area, which was evident on Saturday night as he received arguably the loudest cheers of any boxer on the card and by the number of fans in attendance wearing Vanilla Gorilla logo T-shirts and his signature “Make Boxing Great Again” hats. Dan Rafael of ESPN fame described the fighter as having a “cult like following” in an article he wrote in May 2016.

“I am really amazed by how many fans come out to see me fight,” Crossed said. “I think we would have sold even more tickets had they not been so expensive and in the middle of the summer. A lot of people who normally come out were on vacation.”

A feature on Crossed was on the front page of this past Saturday’s edition of The Washington Post sports page. The publication receives more than 90 million views per month. He also appeared on local television to help promote the event.

Budding women’s boxing superstar, community activist, role model and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Claressa Shields has been bestowed with another honor, as she has been announced as the winner of the 2017 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Award for “Biggest Powerhouse.”

In winning the prestigious award, which honors the heaviest hitters, strongest sluggers and unstoppable players in sports each year, Shields beat out a field of such well-known stars as Demarcus Cousins (New Orleans Pelicans), Von Miller (Denver Broncos), David Ortiz (Boston Red Sox) and Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels).

“It is a tremendous honor and great thrill to win the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Award because it comes from the kids,” said Claressa Shields. “I work hard every day to show all children that nothing in life is impossible if you believe in yourself. If this kid from Flint can win Olympic gold medals, boxing world championships, and succeed in life, then you can do it too!”

Shields’ promoter, Dmitriy Salita, says she deserves all the incredible accolades and honors she’s received.

“Claressa is a true champion of the people with her incredible story of overcoming adversity through her own self-belief and determination. Her accomplishments, inside and outside the ring, make Claressa a real-life American hero and an inspiration to every young person.”

22-year-old Shields (3-0, 1 KO), from Flint, Michigan, is currently in training for her first world-title shot on August 4 against German star and WBC Super Middleweight World Champion Nikki Adler (16-0, 9 KOs). The 10-round super-middleweight match-up, will be televised live on ShoBox: The New Generation (10 pm ET/PT), and held at MGM Grand Detroit.

The Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards are the only kid-oriented award show focusing on the world’s best athletes and each year’s greatest sports moments. Held at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, this year’s broadcast was once again hosted by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

The winners were chosen predominantly by children’s online voting.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, The WBO Lightweight title bout between Terry Flanagan and Felix Verdejo has been postponed due to a leg injury to Flanagan.

“They’re claiming that Flanagan has a leg injury. Frank sent an email to Bob (on Monday) morning,” Top Rank’s Carl Moretti said. “He said that Flanagan sustained a leg injury and that they will get back to us shortly on rescheduling the fight.

“I just spoke with (Verdejo manager) Ricky Marquez. They’re disappointed, but Verdejo will continue training hard and we’ll see what happens with the rescheduling of it, and plan accordingly.”

Popular Long Island light heavyweight contender JOE SMITH JR. (23-2-0, 19 KO’S), gritted his way through Saturday’s ten round battle with SULLIVAN BARRERA (20-1-0, 14 KO’s), after suffering a broken jaw early in the 2nd round. Even with a broken jaw, Smith Jr. dug deep to fire away at the skilled Barrera until the final bell, in which he ultimately fell short by scores of 96-93 and 97-92 twice.

In a fight that had the cheering crowd on their feet throughout, Smith and Barrera went to war from the opening bell. Prior to breaking his jaw, Smith wasted no time showing his sheer power as he drilled Barrera with a hard left hook to the forehead in the opening round sending Barrera sprawling to the canvas. Barrera, hurt from the knockdown, showed his proven grit and determination by rising and finishing the round.

Although having his jaw broken in the second round, Smith continued to fight hard throughout the fight which featured excellent two-way action. Smith showed a great chin and tons of heart as he tried his best to fight through a debilitating injury. Smith landed some heavy blows stunning Barrera on occasion but Sullivan outworked him to grab the decision on the judges scorecards.

“Joe knocked down Barrera hard in the first round but in the second round he sustained a broken jaw,” said JOE DEGUARDIA, CEO and President of STAR BOXING. “It’s a similar injury to the one he suffered five years ago and frankly it’s amazing that he continued to valiantly fight over the next eight rounds and finish the fight.”

In his only other previous loss, Smith also suffered a broken jaw against Eddie Caminero five years ago.

Continued DeGuardia, “After spending part of Saturday night at the UCLA Medical Center, Joe will have surgery later this week in New York and we’ll know more then about a time frame for his full recovery. We congratulate Sullivan Barrera on his victory.”

We at Star Boxing are extremely proud of Joe for fighting this fight under such extreme conditions as are all his fans who came to the fight last night from Long Island and those who watched on HBO. Joe Smith is a true warrior and epitomizes what a real fighter is supposed to be.

GILROY, CA (July 17, 2017) – After giving fans some of the most thrilling fights in boxing, which spanned over sixteen hard fought years, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero is announcing his retirement.

“First, I want to thank God for allowing me to have a wonderful career. I’m a kid from a small town in Gilroy, California, who made it to the mountain top of the boxing world. When I was a young kid growing up, I always believed in myself, but never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a small-town kid like myself, would be fighting in front of millions of fans.”

“I was blessed to win multiple world titles in four-divisions. A boxer’s career is a long and tough road. Many tears were shed, lots of blood, and tons of sweat. Many miles were traveled, thousands of rounds sparred, none were easy and nothing was ever given to me. I earned everything I got the old fashion way. I never ducked anyone and fought the best fighters in the world. I fought my way through every obstacle to make sure my fans enjoyed every second, of every round, of my fights.”

“I competed at super-bantamweight (122 lbs.) and won world titles across multiple weight classes, closing my career at welterweight (147 lbs.), fighting the big guys 25 pounds heavier. A good friend always told me I was God’s warrior, born to fight. I enjoyed every minute of every war. I represented my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with the bible verse Acts 2:38 on my trunks. If I reached one person and brought that person closer to Christ, then it was all worth it.”

“I want to thank some very important people in my career starting with the most important person, my wife Casey, who has been with me every step of the way, my soul mate, my sweetheart, the one and only love of my life. My father/trainer Ruben Guerrero Sr. He’s the one who started it all and made me the man I am today, and the champion I was in the ring. He’s one of the best trainers in the world and I hope to be working side by side with him in the future. My mother Marcy Guerrero for being a great mother and supporter. My co-manager Bob Santos for all the sacrifices he made to get me to the top…I will always remember the early days when we made the most with very liitle. He always had my back and looked out for me like I was his brother. His wife Diane Santos who did a lot of secretarial work for me during my whole career. Both my grandparents on Martinez and Guerrero sides for believing in me. My brother’s Sammy, Ruben Jr., Victor, Randy and especially Eric, who has been with me my whole career, my shadow every step of the way, my right-hand man. My mother and father in-law, Shelly and Cary O’neal. My cutman Ruben Gomez. My good friends, Pastor Mark Wilson, Dave Castro, Pastor Chris Avila, John Mersho, and Albert Guarado. My uncle Russel Sr., Russel Jr., Uncle Ricky, Hector Catano and Greg Amundson. I want to thank my co-manager Luis Decubas Jr. for taking my career to the next level. Santos and Decubas Jr. are more than managers, they are family to me. My publicist Mario Serrano, who has also been with me the whole ride, he is also family to me. All the fans and the community who stuck by my side when my wife was battling cancer…I will never forget the love you showed. There are so many people who have helped me, if I leave anyone off, thank you for everything.”

“In closing, I want to thank the most special man I’ve ever met in my boxing career, and possibly lifetime, a man who always does what’s best for the fighter, a man who has changed the sport of boxing, a man who has helped bless me and my family with a great life, and that person is my advisor Al Haymon. Not only is Al Haymon a spectacular advisor, he is a wonderful human being as well, a great man, and someone who cares. In a sport where most managers, promoters, and trainers turn their back on a fighter, when they no longer can perform, or are no longer beneficial to their interest, Haymon stands tall. Love and loyalty is tough to find in the boxing game, but for any boxer looking for it, you don’t have to look far, reach out to Al Haymon. I want to thank everyone, the fans included. I hope you guys appreciated the guts and glory I left in the ring. God bless you all.” ~ Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero

LONDON (JULY 17, 2017)–WBO Middleweight World Champion Billy Joe Saunders will make the second defense of his crown against New York’s Willie Monroe Jr. on Saturday, September 16th at London’s Copper Box Arena, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Hatfield’s Saunders (24-0, 12 KOs) defeated Irish hero Andy Lee to take the WBO strap in a close and absorbing fight back in December 2015 that saw the undefeated star floor the former Champion twice in the third round and go on to claim a majority decision from the judges.

A series of injuries led to a frustrating 2016 for Saunders, but he eventually defended his belt last December against Artur Akavov in Glasgow. Saunders was not at his best, but outpointed the game Russian. He was due to take on Avtandil Khurtsidze before the Georgian’s arrest in June.

Monroe Jr (21-2, 6 KOs) has a second chance at winning a World Title after a sixth round stoppage loss against IBF, WBA and WBC Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin back in 2015. Since then the 30-year-old has won two decisions over John Thompson and Gabriel Rosado and holds a number five World ranking with the WBO.

“I am happy for this World Title opportunity,” said Monroe Jr. “I’m always in the gym and I’m ready to go now; I live the life. I can’t wait to show up and show out in London. Saunders is a good fighter and a worthy World Champion but I’m coming for that belt.”

“I gave a good account of myself against Golovkin, but I will admit that I got caught up in the moment. Billy Joe has had a lot of luxuries throughout his career that I haven’t had. All of his fights have been here in his own backyard, he hasn’t had to go into the Lion’s Den to prove himself. He calls me mentally weak but we’ll see on September 16th.”

“Willie is a good fighter and a good boxer,” said Saunders. “This is his big chance and he isn’t coming over here just to make up the numbers. He has been in with some of the best fighters in the World including Golovkin where he came up short.”

“I think it is going to be a very close fight but I already have the mental edge over him. He said he was done against Golovkin and that’s not what a warrior would do. I’d rather get knocked out cold than quit. I haven’t had the chance to show my true skill and talent as of yet as a pro. I can’t afford to overlook him and I’ll be in the best shape of my life on September 16th. I’m 100% going to get the win.”

Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions said: “I am very happy for Willie; this is a great opportunity. A lot of things had to fall into place for Willie to get this fight. Saunders is a great fighter, and this should be a terrific event. I want to thank tthe WBO as well as Frank Warren and Billy Joe Saunders for this opportunity.”

Press Conference Video Highlights courtesy of BT Sports

Saunders’ promoter Frank Warren said: “Bill will have to be at the very top of his game to get the win on September 16th. The winner of this fight will have the missing piece on the Middleweight jigsaw, Canelo and Golovkin both want that WBO belt.”

“If Bill comes through this fight we are pushing hard for the winner of Canelo vs. Golovkin. If Golovkin wins I hope we can do that fight in December, if Canelo wins it could be in the New Year. Bill has to go out there and prove a point, there is a lot on the line.”

Ilford Light-Heavyweight knockout king Anthony Yarde and teenage Heavyweight sensation Daniel Dubois will feature on an action-packed undercard. Yarde picked up the WBO European strap with a first round KO win over Richard Baranyi last time out at the Copper Box Arena while 19 year-old Dubois claimed the WBC World Youth Heavyweight belt in only his fourth contest.

Full undercard details will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Saunders v Monroe Jr priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150, £200 and £300 (VIP/Hospitality) are available from:

www.eventim.co.uk

www.seetickets.com

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (July 17, 2017) — Two of boxing’s most gifted voices, legendary Al Bernstein and rising star Crystina Poncher will serve as co-Masters of Ceremonies for the fifth annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction Dinner and Ceremony, Saturday, August 12. The Induction gala will be held for the third straight year at Caesars Palace, the Legendary Home of Champions.

This will mark the second time around as co-MC’s for both Bernstein and Poncher. Bernstein took his spot alongside famed actress Rosie Perez at the 2015 Dinner, while Poncher shined in her role next to ESPN commentator Bernardo Osuna at last year’s spectacular.

The Class of 2017 will include Thomas Hearns, who was chosen in the non-Nevada resident boxer category, along with Michael Spinks, Erik Morales, Michael Carbajal, women’s boxing star Lucia Rijker and Salvador Sanchez. Elected in the Nevada resident boxer category was Ken Norton, Leon Spinks and Richie Sandoval.

Chosen in the non-boxer category were referee Davey Pearl, public relations specialist Debbie Munch, promoter Mel Greb, trainer/cut man Rafael Garcia and Nevada Athletic Commission chair Dr. Elias Ghanem.

Norton, Sanchez, Greb and Ghanem will be inducted posthumously.

Bernstein, in his 37th year of television work, is perhaps the most recognizable and respected commentator in boxing. He has called many of the most famous fights in boxing history, working first for ESPN and then with Showtime. He has also authored two boxing books, and appeared in several movies and TV shows. Bernstein has been honored with induction into both the International and Nevada Boxing Halls of Fame.

Poncher has rapidly been carving out her own niche in the sportscasting world. In recent years, her ascent up the TV ladder has included stints with NFL Network, FOX Sports West, Prime Ticket and TruTV. It is her role with Top Rank however, for which she is best known. She provides commentary on international telecasts, and hosts live streams of press conferences, weigh-ins and undercards as well as Top Rank’s new critically-acclaimed digital series Camp Life.

Fourteen members of the boxing fraternity will be inducted into the NVBHOF on August 12. The Ceremony/Dinner will culminate a fabulous weekend of activities for the boxing community. On Friday August 11, the NVBHOF will host a Meet and Greet for fans with champions and boxing celebrities, followed at night by the Inductee Party and Annual Awards Presentations. On Saturday morning, August 12, NVBHOF will present an amateur boxing program — “The WBC Green Belt challenge” — and then the Induction Gala that night. All of the events will take place at Caesars Palace.

Remaining tickets for all events of the two-day NVBHOF induction weekend, August 11-12, including the gala dinner on Aug. 12, may be purchased at nvbhof.com. They can be purchased separately or as part of a Super VIP ticket, which gains access to all weekend events.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2012 by sportscaster Rich Marotta. It is an IRS 501-c-3 charitable organization with proceeds going to boxing-related causes. Ticket purchases, raffle and silent auction purchases are tax-deductible.

Follow the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame on Twitter: @nvbhof

MIAMI, Okla. (July 15, 2017) – Ivan Baranchyk went the distance with Keenan Smith in front of Baranchyk’s adopted hometown in the main event of a quadrupleheader featuring eight returning fighters on Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation from Buffalo Run Casino & Resort.

In a battle of undefeated fighters, the hard-hitting Baranchyk (15-0, 10 KOs) took advantage of a one-point holding deduction against Sims in the fifth round to earn the decision in his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series and six consecutive fight out of Miami.

“I’m happy to be fighting back home in Miami, I love to fight here,” said Baranchyk, who was happy with his win but displeased with his overall performance. “I came out too hard and tried too hard to knock Smith out. I really wanted to knock him out which is why my punches were wild.”

Smith (11-1, 5 KOs) sealed his fate when he was deducted a point by officials after excessive holding throughout the first half of the fight. He became the 166th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

“They weren’t playing fair,” Smith said. “Anything that I did, the referee was on me. I was hitting him with clean body shots, and he kept telling me to keep them up, and then he took a point for holding. I don’t know what fight [the judges] were watching.”

The fight was a hard-hitting and physical affair from the beginning. Baranchyk came out swinging, landing just 21% of his jabs and 29% of total punches, edging out Smith who landed just 22% of his total punches.

“I came out too hard and tried to knock him out, which is why my punches were wild,” said Baranchyk.

In the co-feature, Rolando Chinea upset previously unbeaten former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. in a close majority decision.

“I was most confident after the second round of the fight, when I noticed he was sticking his tongue out and making certain gestures that showed he was tired,” Chinea said. “If I had to grade myself I would rate my overall performance as a B… I have a lot to improve on and my job here is never finished.”

Like Smith, Sims (12-1, 4 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career, becoming the 165th fighter to lose his undefeated record on the ShoBox series.

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

“My body just didn’t respond tonight,” Sims said. “I am done at 140 pounds. I just did not feel right from the opening bell. I am going to 147 pounds.”

In the sixth round, Chinea took control and was the busier fighter against a fading Sims. While both fighters exchanged numerous punches in the seventh and closed the fight out with a flurry of activity, Sims clearly struggled at 140 pounds.

In the wild final round, the pair combined for 291 punches and 85 connects, but Chinea’s surge earned him the majority decision win.

In the second fight of the night, Glenn Dezurn (9-0-1, 6 KOs) stepped up to the 121-pound super bantamweight division to go the distance with ShoBox veteran Adam Lopez (16-1-2, 8 KOs) in an action-packed eight-round slugfest that ended in a split draw. Both fighters were visibly disappointed by the judge’s decision.

“I thought I did enough to win,” said the still-undefeated Dezurn, who spars with his wife, women’s pro fighter Franchon Crews. “I’m just fortunate for this opportunity and hope [Lopez] and I can come back strong and fight again someday.”

The first round was a round of give-and-take where both Dezurn and Lopez landed and sustained an impressive amount of body punches. It was Lopez who originally appeared more subdued, foregoing the counterpunch as Dezurn worked the jab.

By the fifth round it was clear Dezurn was losing steam when Lopez began to break him down and force him against the ropes. Lopez went on to dominate the sixth and seventh rounds, when Dezurn, clearly out-fought, looked tired and began to lean over.

“After the first round, I dominated the action,” said Lopez, who has now fought on ShoBox a record-tying six times. Maybe [Dezurn] won the seventh, but I whipped him. I should have won the fight, this was a redemption for me. Once I got used to his speed, I feel I won rounds six to two. The whole fight, his back was against the ropes and I beat up his body.”

Trained by the famed Coach Barry Hunter, the still-undefeated Dezurn made a valiant comeback in the final round, where he came back to life.

“I thought it was fair,” Hunter said. “We came on in the middle rounds, and Glenn won the seventh and eighth to get us the draw. It all came down to the stretch and I thought we did enough to win those rounds.”

In the opening bout of the telecast, former knockdown-of-the-year candidate Joshua Greer Jr. (14-1-1, 6 KOs) stopped Leroy Davila (5-2, 3 KOs) after five rounds, when Davila’s corner called the fight at the conclusion of the fifth.

“The game plan was to box and hit hard, and that’s what I did,” said Greer, who earned a memorable knockout against James Gordon Smith in his last ShoBox appearance. “I had to put on a good show. I will fight whoever has the belts. I want to fight for a world title.”

The 23-year old Greer landed a number of aggressive combinations that had Davila against the ropes from the onset. While Davila appeared to come alive in the second round, the 29-year old southpaw became stationary and had trouble recovering from a shot to the face that had him bleeding out of the left side of his nose and struggling for the second half of the fourth and the fifth. His corner called the fight just after the bell sounded, ending the fifth round.

The event was co-promoted by GH3 Promotions and Holden Productions.

Friday’s quadrupleheader will replay on Monday, July 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME on DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer was Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

# # #

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since 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 69 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, Omar Figueroa, 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 (July 14, 2017) – In a heart and soul performance, rugged warrior Rene “Gemelo” Alvarado (25-8, 17 KOs) from Managua, Nicaragua triumphed over Maracaibo, Venezuela’s Roger “The Kid” Gutierrez (15-1-1, 11 KOs) with a technical knockout victory that handed Gutierrez his first career loss as the main event on Boxeo Estelar. The fighters left nothing behind on the mat, Alvarado giving Gutierrez a hard time and a bloody right eye. Gutierrez’s corner waved the fight off at 1:34 in the seventh round of the super featherweight bout.

“This was a very meaningful win for me, and it is accomplishment that we trained very hard for,” said Rene Alvarado. “This puts me back on track to fight for a title. My eyes are looking to any of the winners of tomorrow’s Berchelt versus Miura bouts – I want any of the winning super featherweights next.”

Special VIP guests of the night included NABO Super Featherweight Champion Alberto Machado, NABA Super Featherweight Champion Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez, Abraham “El Chamaco” Lopez, and David Mijares.

In the co-main event slugfest, South Central Los Angeles featherweight Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (11-0, 6 KOs) went toe to toe with Torreon, Mexico’s Jairo Hernandez (18-12, 9 KOs) in a scheduled 8-round featherweight bout. The fighters went back and forth with their aggression, Valerio bringing Hernandez to the floor in the first round and Valerio tasting the mat in the second. The back and forth action had the crowd on their feet, however the judges declared Valerio the victor with scores of 80-71, 80-71 and 79-72.

“I couldn’t let him dictate the pace, I had to stand my ground,” said Edgar Valerio. “Even though I tasted the mat, I am proud of my performance. This was my first full eight round fight, and I know what I need to go back and improve. He’s gone through some tough competition, and some of the guys he’s fought are now fighting for titles.”

Moved up to be the televised opener for the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar telecast, WBC Youth Silver Flyweight Champion Joshua “The Professor” Franco (12-0, 6 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas improved his record in a six-round fight against Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez (8-16, 3 KOs) of Gomez Palacio, Mexico. The battle lasted all six rounds, Franco putting in work to the body and stunning Rodriguez through various points in the fight. The judges all unanimously decided Franco was the victor with scores of 60-54.

“I didn’t know much about my opponent, but he was a solid fighter. He could hang in there with me no matter how hard I tried to work him down,” said Joshua Franco. “I’m going to take some time off, and go back home to Texas to rest. When I come back, I know I will have to defend my title.”

Huntington Park’s Cristobal Ortiz (2-0, 1 KO) finished his business early in a scheduled four round super lightweight bout against Ronald Rodriguez (1-6, 1 KO). Rodriguez made Ortiz hit the mat once, but Ortiz came back even harder. At the 1:46 mark into the second round with a spectacular right hook to the jaw, Rodriguez collapsed as the crowd jumped in jubilation, adding the first knockout victory to Ortiz’s record.

“I’ve only been a professional for about three months, so I feel like my job right now is to capitalize on the skills that I have now – and build on speed and explosiveness,” said Cristobal Ortiz. “I feel like I tend to rely on my strength sometimes. Right now I just want to make noise, and have people learn my name little by little.”

Opening up the fights at LA FIGHT CLUB and RING TV livestreamed portion, Oxnard, California’s Meiirim Nursultanov (3-0, 2 KO) knocked out his opponent at the 1:47 mark of the first round in an originally scheduled six-round super middleweight bout against Houma, Louisiana’s Lanny Dardar (5-8-2, 3 KOs).

“I feel great! The faster the fights go, the better. It literally took me a minute to figure him out so I could knock him out,” said Meiirim Nursultanov. “I feel good enough to jump back into the ring right now.”

Gutierrez vs. Alvarado was an eight-round super featherweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD”, and Casa Mexico Tequila.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.belascous.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/TheBelascoLA, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @belascola and @EstrellaTV, follow the conversation using #LAFIGHTCLUB and #BoxeoEstelar.

Miami, Okla. (July 14, 2017)–Tonight at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma, two members of Dave McWater’s Split-T Management stable will be in action as 2016 United States Olympian Charles Conwell (3-0, 3 KOs), and his half-brother Isaiah Steen (7-0, 6 KOs) will see action on undercard bouts that will precede a ShoBox: The New Generation Quadrupleheader.

Both Conwell and Steen are co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

Conwell of Cleveland, Ohio will take on 22-fight veteran Rick Graham in a six-round super welterweight bout.

Steen also of Cleveland will battle Travis Nero in middleweight action in a bout scheduled for four rounds.

For Conwell, this will be his 4th fight in just three months, as the 19 year-old has breezed along with a perfect mark at 3-0 with three knockouts.

“Conwell is very special, and is developing into a seasoned professional at a rapid pace. At just 19 years-old, he has all the attributes of a complete fighter, and on top of that he is a very special young man,” said Tim Van Newhouse of Split-T Management.

“Charles Conwell was one of the great talents of the 2016 Olympic team, and I am happy that I co-promote him,” said Lou DiBella, of DiBella Entertainment.

“He was an 11-time national champion at 160-pounds, and now he is at 154 pounds, which suits him much better. He has the ability to become world champion. It’s a treat for the fans in Miami, Oklahoma to see him. He has a tremendous combination of poise and ring generalship for a fighter that is still under 20 years-old. He has tremendous speed, and his speed is power. The sky is the limit for his career.”

LOS ANGELES (July 14, 2017) — Top Rank® announced today that it signed 2016 U.S. Olympian MIKAELA MAYER to an exclusive promotional agreement. The Los Angeles native’s professional debut will double as her homecoming inasmuch as it will take place at Microsoft Theater at LA Live under the VASYL “Hi-Tech” LOMACHENKO – MIGUEL “Escorpión” MARRIAGA World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight world championship fight, Saturday, August 5. Mayer’s pro debut will be a four-round junior middleweight bout.

Managed by George Ruiz, CEO of Intelligent Arts & Artists, and trained by Al Mitchell and Coach Kay Karoma, the 5’9″ Mayer boasts a sterling amateur resume which includes being a 2016 champion in the USA Boxing Elite Nationals, the America Olympic Qualifiers and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. At the 2016 Summer Games in Rio De Janeiro, Mayer advanced to the women’s lightweight quarterfinal, one bout short of the medal round, before losing an extremely close majority decision to Anastasiia Beliakova of Russia. Two judges scored it 39-37 for the Russian while a third judge ruled it a draw.

“Mikaela’s talent and personality translates to unique marketability. Not only are we confident she will succeed as a professional fighter but she will elevate the women’s boxing category,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “Fighting at an elite level as an amateur has prepared her for transitioning to the professional ranks.”

“As much as I loved competing for Team USA, I am incredibly excited for this next step in my career. When I sat down with Top Rank, they were the first promotion company that truly made me feel like they shared my vision for how I could help grow the sport,” said Mayer. “Having the best promoter in the world supporting and believing in not just me, but in women’s boxing, is the fulfillment of a dream that began when I first put on boxing gloves. I am thrilled about our new partnership and the possibilities of what we can accomplish on this journey together. I can’t wait for my debut and look forward to the challenges of this transition. I’ve been very focused on the differences between fighting pro vs. amateur and I’m eager to get in there, test myself on this new stage and showcase my skills. I haven’t fought much in the United States in the last three years let alone in my hometown. In fact, I don’t think I have competed in LA since my first handful of fights back in 08′. It’s going to feel great to be back in my hometown where family and friends can watch me fight in person.”

“I had never trained a female boxer before I decided to train Mikaela, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my coaching career,” said Mitchell. “Mikaela came to me pretty green, and I immediately saw her determination, dedication, and attitude that doesn’t come along all that often in a young person. She had a goal in mind, a sense for how to manage her time, and dedicated herself to the plans she made to achieve those goals. She was always working hard, and listening to how she could make herself a better athlete, and a champion boxer. I truly believe that Mikaela is ready to become a professional boxer; she is greatly respected in her sport, not only in the U.S, but by boxers, coaches, fans, and the press as well. I believe that she can help grow the sport of women’s* boxing tremendously, because of her popularity in the sport, and her superior talent.”

Mikaela walked in to my office just after the 2012 Olympic Trials. I knew she was a star within five minutes of meeting her,” said Ruiz. “She promised me then she’d get to the top of her sport. We’ve worked closely all throughout her brilliant amateur career and the Rio Olympics, so when Mikaela decided to turn pro, I knew signing with Top Rank was the best way to showcase her skills and elevate the sport of women’s boxing. She’s a dazzling technical boxer, works harder than anyone I know, and is going to be a world champion.”

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The Lomachenko – Marriaga world title fight and the co-main event featuring three-time world title challenger and top-rated lightweight contender RAY “Sugar” BELTRAN defending his NABF and NABO lightweight titles against former two-time interim World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight world champion BRYAN VASQUEZ, will be televised live exclusively at 10 p.m. EDT on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and stream live on the ESPN app.

Remaining tickets to the Lomachenko vs. Marriaga / Beltran vs. Vasquez championship event are priced at $130, $105, $80, $55 and $30. They may be purchased at microsofttheater.com, AXS.com, by phone at 888-929-7849 or at the STAPLES Center Box Office.

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 #LomachenkoMarriaga and #BeltranVasquez to join the conversation on Twitter.

Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark® stacked tripleheader telecast begins at 9:50 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening up the telecast from the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, California is a 12-round light heavyweight attraction between Joe Smith Jr. and Sullivan Barrera.

In the co-main event, super featherweight world champion Jezreel Corrales makes his U.S. debut against Robinson Castellanos in a 12-round title bout.

The main event of the evening will be a 12-round super featherweight title matchup featuring Miguel Berchelt defending his title against former champion Takashi Miura.

Official Weights from Inglewood:

Joe Smith Jr.: 174.6 lbs.
Sullivan Barrera: 173.4 lbs.

Jezreel Corrales: 129.6 lbs.
Robinson Castellanos: 129.4 lbs.

Takashi Miura:129.2 lbs.
Miguel Berchelt: 129.2 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #MiuraBerchelt

PHOENIX (July 14, 2017) – What’s hotter than Phoenix in July? Roy Jones Jr. Boxing and the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Facebook series will answer that question this Saturday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. ET) when the tech-forward, fan-friendly broadcast platform delivers once again – this time with a stacked fight card featuring championship action live from the desert.

Promoted by Roy Jones Jr. and Keith Veltre, Saturday’s event will bring fans back-to-back championship action. The event will showcase a main attraction featuring NABA Super Welterweight Champion John “The Phenom” Vera Jr. (16-0, 10 KOs) as he takes on the former WBO Latino Champion Daniel Rosario (11-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round contest live from in Chandler, Ariz. Super bantamweight standout and former WBA World Champion Rico Ramos (25-5, 13 KOs) will go toe-to-toe with Tony Lopez (12-2, 4 KOs) for the vacant NABA Super Bantamweight title as part of a stacked fight card filled with Arizona-area heroes.

“Roy and I have always felt that live streaming would take the place of the old platforms of delivering fights,” stated Veltre, CEO and Co-Founder of Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions. “To partner up with Linacre Media and showcase our talent live with Facebook is years ahead of anyone else in the industry. This will give us the ability to reach millions of boxing fans around the world and enable us to deliver our sponsors triple the exposure we would normally get from traditional TV. Mark Fratto, the brains behind this envisioning series, is giving fighters the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world and gain a fan base. We are thrilled that his vision lines exactly where Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions wants to be.”

Vera, of Fort Worth, Texas, has a perfect mark of 16-0 with ten knockouts, and is ranked No. 7 by the WBA and No. 14 by the WBO.

The 28 year-old southpaw has built that mark on the strength of beating good competition. He has defeated Alberto Robles (3-0) and Radmir Akhmediyev (7-0). He won the NABA title with a sixth-round stoppage over Joey Rueles (10-1-1). He has defended the title successfully twice with a second-round stoppage over Milorad Zizc (12-1), and in his last bout when he won a 10-round split decision over Salim Larbi on January 27 in Phoenix.

Rosario, of Caguas, Puerto Rico, has a record of 11-2 with 10 knockouts. Like Vera, the 29 year-old Rosario has built his record with impressive victories over Carlos Ramos (1-0), Jordan Wisenfeld (4-0-2), Alphonso Black (8-1-1), and won the WBO Latino Super Welterweight title with a second-round stoppage over Aaron Garcia (14-3-1). Rosario is coming off an eight-round split decision loss to Norberto Gonzalez on November 18, 2016, in Las Vegas.

Ramos, of Watts, Calif., has a record of 27-5 with 13 knockouts. The 30 year-old won the WBA Super Bantamweight title with a seventh-round stoppage over Akifumi Shimoda in 2011. After losing the title, he fought for the world championship again, but lost to Jesus Cuellar. Ramos is on a three-fight win streak with his latest victory coming via a 10-round unanimous decision over Erik Ruiz on March 11 in Las Vegas.

Lopez, of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 12-2 with four knockouts. Lopez has defeated three undefeated fighters; included in that is a win over highly regarded Jerren Cochran (11-0). Lopez is coming off a fifth-round technical decision over Ranel Suco this past April 27 in Dallas.

The stacked undercard includes an eight-round welterweight clash between Abel Ramos (17-2, 12 KOs) of Phoenix battling Emmanuel Robles (15-2, 4 KOs). Four more undercard fights will start the bill off with fights featuring undefeated bantamweight Max Ornelas (8-0-1, 3 KOs) rematching fellow undefeated warrior, Leopoldo Martinez (6-0-1, 3 KOs) – their last bout ended in a technical draw following a headbutt. Super featherweight Randy Moreno (8-1, 7 KOs) takes on local favorite Ivan De La Madrid (3-1) and welterweight Vernon Brown (4-0, 3 KOs) of Chicago puts his undefeated slate on the line against fellow unbeaten battler Daniel Castro Jr. (2-0, 2 KOs) of Durango, Mexico.

Fights and fighters are subject to change; limited tickets are still available at www.WinGilaRiver.com. A tape-delayed version of the live show will air on BeIN Sports one week after the live show on Facebook.

Supporters of the Sweet Science can take advantage of the multi-camera FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcast on Facebook – completely free wherever Facebook is available – and also check out all of the action in ULTRACAST 360? or ULTRACAST VR by downloading the ULTRACAST app and subscribing to the PPV feed for only $.99. Available for IOS and Android, fans simply need to download the ULTRACAST app in the App store or by visiting www.ultracast.com/app.

“We’re excited to be able to capitalize on cutting-edge technology to give the Roy Jones Jr. Boxing audience a ringside seat, live from the greater Phoenix area,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “Our Facebook Live series continues to keep fight fans at the forefront, now with not just one – but three – high-quality viewing experiences available.”

The numbers on the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform. The May “Slugfest at the Sun” from Mohegan Sun and the June “Rosemont Rumble” from Chicago drew audiences of 44,000 and 31,000, respectively, with more than 3,000 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 15,000 collective live post engagements, including more than 9,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 5,000 comments and 800-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, July 15, live from Wild Horse Pass Casino in Chandler, Ariz., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience – now also available in ULTRACAST 360? and ULTRACAST VR – complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Miguel Flores of Premier Boxing Champions and analyst Michael Woods of the TalkBox Podcast, NYFights.com and The Ring. Joining the broadcast team once again will be world-ranked light heavyweight Mike Lee. University of Notre Dame alum Lee (19-0, 10 KOs) is ranked No. 12 by the WBO, No. 12 by the IBF, No. 13 by the WBA and No. 14 by the WBC, and will be ringside with Flores and Woods to provide expert analysis. 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.

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE strap season continues on Saturday, July 29, in Raleigh, N.C., as Tar Heel State undefeated super flyweight Dewayne Beamon competes for the IBO Inter-Continental and UBF World Junior Bantamweight titles. 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. Follow Roy Jones Jr. Boxing on Instagram at @RoyJonesJrBoxing and on Twitter at @RoyJonesJrFA.

HOUSTON (July 14, 2017) – Featherweight prospect Miguel Flores returns to the ring looking to show that he still has what it takes to be a contender in the featherweight division when he battles former title challenger Chris Avalos in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes July 18 from Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features undefeated Ahmed Elbiali (15-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round showdown against light heavyweight prospect Leo Hall (8-2, 7 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Keep Punching Entertainment, are priced at $150, $80, $50, $30 and $22, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000 or at the Rapides Parish Coliseum Box Office.

Here is what Flores had to say about training camp, his matchup and more:

On his recent training camp:
“I’ve had a tough training camp with a lot of hard, but smart training. I stepped up my strength and conditioning, in addition to going back to the basics. My coach, Aaron Navarro and I, agreed that it would be best to focus on the fundamentals of boxing. I’m in great shape and plan on performing at a high level.”

On his matchup with Chris Avalos…
“At this level in my career there are no easy fights. Chris Avalos has been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world and I’m expecting a grueling fight. I know he’s coming to win, but I believe I have the skills to come out on top. It’s going to be one of those hard-fought fights that the fans can appreciate.”

On returning to FS1 and FOX Deportes in another tough fight after suffering his first defeat:
“Fighting in the main event on FS1 and FOX Deportes is exactly what I need right now. It was definitely a hard learning experience suffering my first loss, but one that I took in stride. No fighter ever wants to suffer defeat, but it’s what that fighter does to get back on top that matters. Looking back, I know what I must improve on and everyone will see that improvement against Avalos. It’s very important for me to be fighting in front of a nationally televised audience, because I want to show the world that I have what it takes to get back into world title contention. This type of fight brings out the best in me and my warrior spirit will be shinning on fight night”

# # #

Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

LONDON (July 14, 2017) – Four days of a contentious international world tour came to a fitting close on Friday when global superstars Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor faced off for the final time on their three-country excursion at London’s Wembley Arena.

After 98 hours, over 14,000 totaled miles traveled, four sold-out venues, and more than 50,000 raucous fans in attendance, the Mayweather vs. McGregor World Tour has concluded.

What follows next before the boxing legend and UFC superstar meet Saturday, Aug. 26 on SHOWTIME PPV live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas? Forty-three days of grueling preparation, speculation and pundit analysis as the world’s best combat fighters continue their collision course toward an event that has become a global phenomenon.

In front of a capacity crowd at a famed venue that has hosted acts ranging from The Beatles to the Olympic Games, Mayweather and McGregor capped off nearly a week of intense gamesmanship that grew with each tension-filled face off.

“You’re the student and I’m the teacher,” said Mayweather, a once-in-generation talent who has dispatched at least five future Hall of Famers en route to an unblemished 49-0 professional record. “On August 26, I’m going to take you to school.”

McGregor, an unrivaled figure in mixed martial arts who has transcended his sport to become a must-see attraction, answered, “In six weeks, I’m going to sleep this fool. And when I sleep him, I’m going to bounce his head off the canvas as well.”

The World Tour may be over, but the show has just begun.

# # #

MAYWEATHER vs. MCGREGOR
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is a 12-round super welterweight matchup pitting the legendary boxer Mayweather against the all-time MMA great McGregor in an unprecedented event that takes place Saturday, Aug. 26 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event telecast is produced and distributed by SHOWTIME PPV.

Atlantic City, NJ (July 14, 2017)–Welterweight contender, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will take on George Sosa for the WBC Silver Latino Welterweight championship in the ten-round main event that will headline a great night of championship boxing on Saturday, August 19th at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show is expected to be the 9th sold-out show at the Claridge promoted by Rising Promotions.

“Rising Promotions is looking forward to ending the Summer with another great show here at the Claridge. We have a good line up on the card so we are hoping for a packed house, and we are looking forward to staging our first championship bout,” said Debbie LaManna of Rising Promotions.

The championship bout is the first major sanctioning body championship bout in Atlantic City in almost three years. (Kovalev vs Hopkins, November 8, 2014).

LaManna will be looking to win his first belt in the welterweight division. A win will propel him into the rankings as he looks for a high profile bout later this year.

The 25 year-old LaManna has a record of 23-2 with nine knockouts, and he is currently riding a two fight win streak, and is undefeated in 2017.

The six-year professional is 4-1 as a Welterweight and has credible wins over Kendal Mena, and Ayi Bruce as well as his last two victories, which have come over Eduardo Flores and Carlos Winston Velasquez, who stepped into the ring with 52 and 54 fights under their belt.

LaManna dropped a ten-round unanimous decision to undefeated Dusty Hernandez-Harrison (30-0-1 16 KO’s) on September 15th, 2016 in a very high intense battle that was contested for the USBA Title. The LaManna/Harrison fight is a candidate for Fight of the Year for local Philadelphia boxing award “Briscoe Award”

This will be LaManna’s 6th fight at The Claridge, and his 16th fight in Atlantic City.

“This is a great blessing for me. I get another shot at a meaningful title that will place me in the right spots with a victory. I have seen Sosa fight on our last card and he is very game, durable and strong so I cannot take him lightly. Training camp is intense, we know what we are gunning for so come August 19th, it’s going to be dark places for George Sosa,” Said Thomas LaManna.

Sosa of Philadelphia, PA has a record of 15-9 with all victories coming by way of knockout.

The 30 year-old Sosa is a high energy fighter, who has fought the likes of Emmanuel Taylor, Sammy Vasquez, Wilkens Santiago, Javontae Starks, Terrell Gausha and Ray Robinson.

Like LaManna, Sosa is a six-year professional, and is coming off a grueling eight-round unanimous decision defeat to Anthony Young on June 10th at The Claridge.

In the eight-round co-feature, former world cruiserweight champion, Imamu Mayfield will take on upset minded Lamont Capers.

Mayfield of Freehold, New Jersey has a record of 26-10-2 with 19 knockouts. At a young 45 years-old, Mayfield is making the 3rd start since taking an eight-year hiatus from the sport.

In 1997, Mayfield captured the IBF Cruiserweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Uriah Grant. He made one defense of the crown with an 11th round stoppage over previously undefeated Terry Dunston (17-0).

Over his 23 year-career, Mayfield has racked up wins over Rayco Saunders (Twice), Okello Peter (11-2), Gary Wilcox (15-2-1), Ernest Mateen (23-5-1), Ismael Gneco (3-0) & Lew Chester (1-0).

Mayfield is coming off a sixth-round stoppage over Anthony Caputo Smith on November 12, 2016 at The Claridge.

Capers of Hawley, PA has a deceiving record of 7-10-2.

The 26 year-old is a five-year pro, and already has produced upset victories over Nick Kisner (16-2-1), Josh Himes (3-0), Dave Valykeo (4-0) & Earl Platt (4-1). Capers also has a draw with previously unblemished Alvin Vermall, Jr. (6-0).

Capers is coming off a four-round unanimous decsion defeat to Garrett Wilson on June 9th in Tannersville, PA.

In six-round bouts:

Anthony “Juice” Young (17-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ takes on Carlos Winston Velasquez (25-29-2, 14 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua in a welterweight bout.

Yurik Mamedov (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Taiwo Ali Sulaimon (21-5-1, 16 KO’s) of Lagos, Nigeria in a welterweight fight.

Frederick Julan (5-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on an opponent to be announced in a light heavyweight bout.

Alvin Vermall, Jr. (11-0-1, 9 KO’s) will see action in a cruiserweight bout against an opponent to be named.

In four-round bouts:

Joshafat Ortiz (1-0) of Reading, PA will square off with Sidell Blocker (1-8-1) of Pleasantville, NJ in a lightweight fight.

Emmanuel Rodriguez (1-0) of Newark, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight affair.

Tomas Romain (3-1) of Brooklyn, NY will take on pro debuting Marcos Lugo of Vineland, NJ in a lightweight bout.

Malik Jackson (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on Edward Kakembo (10-2, 3 KO’s) of Lugogo, Uganda in a super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $150, $125, $100, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.rspboxing.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (July 14th, 2017) — Returning to its home base of Twin River Casino for the first time in nearly three months, CES MMA is bringing out the heavy artillery for its next AXS TV showcase.

“CES MMA 45,” scheduled for Friday, Aug. 11th, 2017, live on AXS TV Fights, features two world-title bouts, including the long-awaited return of reigning CES MMA Heavyweight Champion Ashley Gooch (10-5, 7 KOs) defending the strap against fan-favorite Juliano Coutinho (7-3, 3 KOs), plus longtime regional stalwarts Saul Almeida (19-8, 1 KO) of Framingham, Mass., and Pedro Gonzalez (11-5) of nearby Gloucester battling for the promotion’s Interim Featherweight World Title.

The two five-round championship bouts headline another stacked card for the region’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, including six televised bouts on AXS TV, beginning at 9 p.m. ET. The five-fight preliminary card, which begins at 7, features four action-packed bouts, including the long-awaited professional debuts of regional featherweights John Douma of Providence, R.I., and Billy Keenan of Salem, Mass., who earned a promotional contract with CES MMA by way of victory in his amateur finale at “CES MMA 43.”

Tickets for “CES MMA 45” are priced at $40.00, $55.00, $100.00 and $125.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com, www.ticketmaster.com or www.cagetix.com/ces by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The heavyweight championship main event features a contrast of styles with the heavy-handed Gooch locking horns with the submission specialist Coutinho, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt fighting out of Wareham, Mass., making his third appearance with CES MMA.

Gooch captured the then-vacant title at “CES MMA 33” in August, knocking out Greg Rebello in the third round and snapping the Providence native’s four-fight win streak. Aug. 11th will be his third appearance at Twin River, where he is currently 2-0 following wins over Rebello and Connecticut’s Josh Diekmann in January of 2016.

The Almeida-Gonzalez title bout is a long time coming for both fighters. One of the most polarizing figures in regional MMA, Almeida makes his 11th appearance with CES MMA, the only fighter on the Aug. 11th card with the distinction of having fought on CES MMA’s inaugural event in September of 2010.

Coming off a big win over Josh LaBerge at “CES MMA 42,” Almeida now gets his long-awaited title shot against the resurgent Gonzalez, who earned his opportunity with a submission win over Bruno Dias at “CES MMA 43.” Amidst a myriad of last-minute cancellations and injuries that limited him to just two bouts during a 16-month stretch, the Gloucester native carries a five-fight win streak into next month’s title bout and hasn’t lost since 2012.

In a highly-anticipated regional showdown that could steal the spotlight Aug. 11th, rising lightweight star Nate Andrews (10-1, 5 KOs) of East Providence, R.I., puts his four-fight win streak on the line against Maine native Bruce Boyington (14-10, 8 KOs), a veteran of 24 professional fights and a three-time World Series of Fighting (WSOF) vet.

Also on the main card, Cranston, R.I., welterweight Gary Balletto Jr. (3-1, 1 KO) makes his television debut against Hooksett, N.H., vet Nick Alley (3-1, 1 KO). Balletto carries a three-fight win streak into next month’s bout, most recently dismantling Chris Torres by first-round submission on the preliminary card of “CES MMA 42.”

Unbeaten Milford, Mass., bantamweight Kris Moutinho (4-0, 1 KO) battles Erie, Pa., native Brandon Seyler (6-5-1, 1 KO), who makes his second appearance with CES MMA, and undefeated female flyweight Maria Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) of Framingham makes her network television debut and third appearance with CES MMA, facing 29-year-old Mandy Polk (3-3) of Germantown, Tenn. Moutinho is off to a flying start as a pro with wins in all four of his bouts under the guidance of CES MMA, including an impressive unanimous decision win over seven-fight vet Lloyd Reyes at “CES MMA 42.”

Highlighting the preliminary card, Salem’s Keenan faces fellow debut Timothy Tyler of Pennsauken, N.J. Keenan earned his spot at “CES MMA 43,” submitting Cody Dickershaid in the first round of his final amateur bout. The 20-year-old Douma turns pro against Jason Rine (0-2) of Danville, Ohio, following wins in each of his last three amateur bouts.

Also on the preliminary card, bantamweight Richie Santiago (4-0, 1 KO) puts his unbeaten record on the line against Queens, N.Y., vet Miguel Restrepo (4-3-1, 2 KOs). The 4-0 Santiago, 24, finished each of his four fights by submission, most recently at “CES MMA 43” against Chad Kelly. Restrepo returns to Rhode Island after challenging unbeaten bantamweight Carlos Candelario at “CES MMA 41.”

Ludlow, Mass., lightweight Leon Davis (8-3, 1 KO) returns to face Andrew Osborne (7-10, 2 KOs), the two-time CES MMA vet and North Carolina native who now lives and trains in North Providence, R.I. Osborne comes off an upset win over previously-unbeaten Connor Barry by unanimous decision at “CES MMA 43” while Davis, a winner in his last four fights, makes his seventh appearance with CES MMA.

Also on the preliminary card, unbeaten featherweight Dylan Lockhard (3-0) of Hollis, N.H., faces Cortland, N.Y., vet Ahsan Abdullah (7-7, 3 KOs). Lockhard earned his first two wins as a pro under the guidance of CES MMA, including a first-round submission win over Russell Campbell at “CES MMA 40” in November.

Visit www.cesmma.com, www.twitter.com/cesmma or www.facebook.com/cesmma for more information, or follow CES MMA on Instagram at @CESMMA.

WBC International Light Heavyweight Champion JOE SMITH JR., (23-1-0, 19 KO’s) met with a group of his labor union brotherhood following today’s final press conference at The Fabulous Forum for his showdown this Saturday night, July 15 against highly ranked contender SULLIVAN BARRERA, (19-1-0, 14 KO’s), telecast live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark (9:50 p.m. ET/PT).

“It’s great to have the support of the local chapter of LIUNA (Labor International Union of North America) while they’re on the job here building the new football stadium across from the Forum.” said the 27-year-old Smith, himself a long-standing, full time member of LIUNA on Long Island, New York. “LIUNA has been great to me and I’m proud to represent them this Saturday night.”

“The national support of LIUNA for Joe is outstanding as we’ve seen in New York City and now in Los Angeles,” said JOE DEGUARDIA, CEO and President of STAR BOXING.

At the press conference Smith Jr. met with a large gallery of Los Angeles media and posed for photos with Barrera before being interviewed by HBO’s KIERAN MULVANEY.

Known as “The Common Man”, Irish-American Joe Smith Jr. burst onto the international boxing scene last June, knocking out the highly favored, former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara in the first round of a nationally televised contest (NBC) from the Pole’s hometown of Chicago.

Six months later Smith challenged future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins at the Fabulous Forum and live on HBO. Dominating the legend on December 17 through the first seven rounds, the construction union laborer Smith drilled Hopkins to the canvas and out of the ring earning the knockout in the eighth round.

Sullivan Barrera is riding a two bout knockout streak with victories over Paul Parker on April 15 and Vyacheslav Shabaranskyy on December 16, 2016. His only loss was to light heavyweight champion Andre Ward in March 2016, and Barrera is considered one of the top fighters in the stacked divsion.

Smith vs. Barrera is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Main Events. This fight is part of a sensational triple header featuring Miguel Berchelt vs. Takashi Miura, a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship and the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship with Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales defending his title against Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos. Berchelt-Miura is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Teiken Promotions.

The event is sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila and will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Los Angeles’ “Fabulous” Forum and televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark at 9:50 P.M EST/PST.
Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75 and $125, 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.