Kubrat Pulev (24-1, 13 KOs) and Kevin Johnson (30-7-1, 14 KOs) came face-to-face at a press conference today at the Hotel Marinela in Sofia ahead of their WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight title clash on Friday night at the Arena Armeec.

Pulev makes the first defence of the WBA strap he claimed with a third-round stoppage victory over former World Champion Samuel Peter in December, and also risks his IBF mandatory position, which would see him in line to face the winner of Saturday’s World title showdown between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko.

Johnson, the former World title challenger from New Jersey, USA, insists he is not there to make up the numbers, and is also targeting a second shot at World honours as he looks to upset the Bulgarian hero in front of his home fans.

‘’Kevin Johnson is a good boxer who will give everything, but he will not succeed,’’ said Pulev. ‘’My goal is to become World Champion. I know a loss will set me back a long way, but I’m confident in my abilities. My opponent is an experienced fighter, who will be difficult to break down, but we’ve prepared for that. On Friday, I want to put on another great show for the Bulgarian people, and then I want my shot at the World title.’’

‘’If Pulev thinks he’s in for an easy night, he’s got another thing coming,’’ said Johnson. ‘’I’m no Samuel Peter. I’m not here to lie down and collect a cheuque, I’m here to cause an upset. I’m going to take this boy to school and show the Bulgarians what a Jersey boy can do. I’m going to give him an ass whopping on Friday, the likes of which nobody has seen before. We’ve both been through the same obstacles and we’ve both fought for World titles before, but only one of us is going to get that second shot, and that’s going to me.’’

Having taken in the sights of Sofia, Johnson also revealed he plans to leave Bulgaria with two souvenirs. ‘’The women here are very beautiful,’’ he said. ‘’And I’m looking to get married. On Saturday, I’m going to be leaving with a new belt and a new wife!’’

Said promoter Nisse Sauerland: ‘’It’s a great weekend for heavyweight boxing. Kubrat is mandatory challenger to face the winner of Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF World title. Either they fight him or they vacate the belt. He’s fought hard to get back into this position, and he’s risking it all in this fight against a rejuvenated Kevin Johnson. Kevin also knows what’s at stake and what a win would mean for his career. Both men have been training hard, and are ready to give it their all in the ring on Friday night.’’

Tickets for the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight title fight between Kubrat Pulev and Kevin Johnson on Friday night in Sofia are available online via www.eventim.bg.

New York, NY (4/25/17) – It was an eventful weekend for DiBella Entertainment (DBE) that spanned two continents, and saw the beginning of one career and a career-best victory for another. In addition to promoting the Showtime Championship Boxing event, headlined by Shawn Porter vs. Andre Berto at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn, NY, DBE saw one of its fighters, 2016 United States Olympian Charles Conwell, make his pro debut and begin his journey toward a world title, while another, Avtandil Khurtsidze, capture the interim WBO world middleweight championship across the pond in Leicester, England.

Avtandil Khurtsidze (33-2-2, 22 KOs), who hails from Kutaisi, Georgia, but now lives in Brooklyn, traveled to England to face Tommy Langford (18-1, 6 KOs) in a 12-round affair. The contest ended early in the fifth round when Khurtsidze, who stalked his opponent mercilessly, landed a left hook that sent the previously unbeaten Langford to the canvas. He would not recover and Khurtsidze was crowned the interim WBO world middleweight champion. He is now first in line to challenge Billy Joe Saunders (24-0, 12 KOs) for the WBO world middleweight title in July.

“Whether you call him ‘Mini Tyson,’ ‘Homicide,’ or ‘Suicide,’ Avtandil Khurtsidze is a man with bad intentions by any name,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “He put British boxing on notice by knocking out Tommy Langford. I look forward to working with Frank Warren so that he can deliver the same message to Billy Joe Saunders.”

Stateside, in Miami, OK, one of DiBella Entertainment’s newest prospects Charles Conwell made his long awaited debut, sensationally ending his first professional bout inside of a minute with a knockout win versus Jeremiah Page, of Andover, KS. The super welterweight, who inked a co-promotional pact with DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions in March, ended the bout with a barrage of punches that left Page on the canvas and unable to continue.

“In 41 seconds, Charles Conwell sent the world a clear message that he won’t have any trouble adjusting from the amateur to professional ranks,” said DiBella. “Tony Holden and I hope to have him back in the ring in May and plan to make him one of the most active young prospects in boxing.”

Conwell’s half-brother, and fellow DBE stable mate, Isaiah Steen (7-0, 6 KOs) finished his super middleweight contest in four rounds, knocking down his foe three times en route to a stoppage. Also on the card, Cleveland’s Yuandale Evans (19-1, 14 KOs) was crowned the WBA-NABA-US junior lightweight champion, earning a unanimous decision over Billel Dib (21-2, 10 KOs).

American Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder hosted a media conference call to give his thoughts on Saturday’s heavyweight blockbuster between undefeated IBF Champion Anthony Joshua and long-reigning kingpin Wladimir Klitschko live on SHOWTIME® (4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT) from sold-out Wembley Stadium in London.

Wilder (38-0, 37 KOs), who won his WBC belt in January 2015 on SHOWTIME and has since made five defenses, will serve as an analyst for Sky Sports Box Office for Joshua vs. Klitschko.

The British sensation Joshua (18-0, 18 KOs) and Klitschko (64-4, 54 KOs) will unify the heavyweight division as they meet for Joshua’s IBF World Championship and the vacant WBA World Championship in front of record-setting 90,000 fans at Britain’s largest stadium.

Here is what Wilder had to say on the call on Monday:

DEONTAY WILDER:
“I love this fight for these guys. I love it for the sport of boxing. The fans seem to be well in-tune with it and I think this is a super fight for the heavyweight division.

“I can’t wait for it. I can’t wait to see what happens and hopefully those guys go in healthy and come out the same way. This is a very dangerous sport, especially when you’re trying to perform and put on a show.”

On what Wilder sees as vulnerabilities in Joshua…
“There’s a lot of flaws that Joshua has, but Joshua is still young in the game as well. A lot of people look at Joshua and they’re going off of his physique and they’re going off of the hype that their countryman has brought to them.

“If you really look deep down and soul search and look at his resume, with all of the guys he’s fought … that sometimes makes a person look busier than what he is. There’s a lot of flaws in all of us though, to be honest. Nobody will ever be perfect in the ring. We only try to be our best and that’s the only thing you should go off of.

“I am looking forward to this fight and I can’t wait. I want Klitschko to come in and fight. You can always be hyped for a big fight but it’s all going to boil down to what fighter is going to bring what to the fight. I think he’s ready and he’s going to show a lot of things. He’s going to teach Joshua a lot of different things in the ring, as well, and we’ll see if Joshua has any flaws or not.”

On potentially fighting the winner later this year…
“Hopefully. There are a lot of people that are involved in this. If it were just solely up to me then I’d be 1,000 percent confident, but it’s not just me. That’s what the fans want. I’ve been wanting to give the fans what they want my entire career. Unfortunately, I am one of those fighters that’s always getting the short end of the stick. I only can work with what I can work with.

“I am very confident that I am the best in this division. I am very confident that I will unify this division. I am very confident that I will retire on top, undefeated as well. I’m just waiting for my moment. I’ve been sitting patiently all of this time, even in the start of my career and I’m sitting patient now. I’m just looking forward to my turn.”

On why it’s important for him to be ringside in London…
“When you have guys that are competing against each other at the top, it’s only right for me to be there. I’m not just going out there to be on Sky Sports, I am for sure going there to scout. All the other heavyweights come to my fights. They’re not just there to be a fan. They’re there to scout and look for different openings and certain signs.

“I am definitely going over to scout. And maybe we can make a mega-unification bout.

“I want to go get [Joseph] Parker. Parker doesn’t have an opponent right now. I’m fresh. I’m ready and what would be better than me and Parker fighting for the unification and then have another unification where winner takes all at the end of the year? Then, 2018 you can start off the year with nothing but mandatories.

“The heavyweight division is getting exciting. This is the heavyweight division, and we’re already coming out of that dark place and we finally got light. Don’t take it back. Don’t go backwards when we’re moving so freshly forward. With that, I want to move it more forward. I want to give the fans what they want, and they want a unification. They want one champion and I’m trying to make that happen. So here I am Joseph Parker.”

On breaking down Joshua-Klitschko…
“With Klitschko I definitely feel that the teachings of Emanuel Steward are lacking a little bit, but he’s not to blame. Steward was a very, very smart trainer. The things that he could see and the things that he can get in the heads of the fighters, that was unbelievable. He wasn’t a great trainer for no reason and that’s when I thought Klitschko was the best when he had Emanuel in his corner. Not only when he’s inside of the ring but when he’s on the outside too. Now, I just feel since he’s gone, it’s more about what Wladimir wants to do, not what his trainers see.

“With Joshua, he’s got the height and he’s got the power. In the heavyweight division, you don’t need skills. As long as you have the power, that’s what makes up the heavyweight division. You’re in the game once you’ve got that power….They’re going to have to play a forward fight to feel a little bit of each other out.

“If Joshua wants to be successful, he’s definitely going to have to move and take angles and be smart with Klitschko. Because Klitschko is very smart, he’s been around the block, he’s got an excellent jab, and he’s going to set Joshua up. His smartness is going to play in a lot.

“Joshua is not as flexible. I don’t think he’s super athletic and doesn’t have that much coordination because of the stiffness. But he definitely has a great shot in this fight and I’d love to see what happens, and hopefully everything comes through with having a mega-fight at the end of the year.”

On Klitschko’s loss to Fury…
“Klitschko didn’t lose by not being able to compete with Tyson Fury, or do the things he had to do. He lost because he didn’t throw no damn punches. I want him to fight in this fight. I don’t want him to hold back, because Fury was bigger than him or this and that. Forget all of that. You got to go in there and fight. You’re the champ. You don’t care about nobody being bigger than you. You go in there and you forget all of that and defend your title because you’re the king and you’re not going to let nobody take it… And that’s how he should come in there.

“There’s a time and a place to be nice. You can’t always be nice. You’ve got to go in there and let them know ‘I’m still a monster, I’m still a beast, I’m still that lion and I’ll eat you up alive when I get you in there.’ And that’s just what he has to come to bring to the table.

“I’m so ready for this fight. I’m looking forward to what’s after this to come. I’m looking forward to unifying this division and bringing it back to America – where it once was and where it’s always going to remain once I bring all the belts. It’s going to be back, I promise you that.

“Age is only but a number and if you feel like you still have it in you and have confidence in yourself, then that’s what you’re going to do. The mind is a powerful thing to lose. And when you lose your mind, you lose your body.

“With Klitschko, he feels like he’s dedicated himself back to the sport and that’s why he says he’s obsessed. He’s obsessed with retaining his titles, he’s obsessed with rising in boxing again. He’s like a new fighter. He needed that loss to Tyson Fury because he forgot to be humble. He forgot about that.

“Now that he’s rebuilt himself, he’s got that hunger, that fire. At the end of the day, all that matters is on the night of the fight. He can come to us with another Tyson Fury fight, talking about height and weight, or he can bring that Klitschko like we’ve always seen with the jabs and setting up with the right hands… We’ll see what happens.”

On his prediction for the winner and why…
“I’m going to continue with my statement as I’ve been saying it. My heart is for Joshua, but my mind is for Klitschko. My heart is for Joshua because I would love to fight him – I think that would be a mega-fight. Even though Joshua is fighting Klitschko, people are still talking to this day about a Wilder and Joshua fight. It’s almost demanded. If this kid beats Klitschko it’s like the only fight he can have is me, because it’s been so demanded.

“My mind goes to Klitschko, because he’s very smart. People talk about age, but like I said, age can play an advantage too. Klitschko has seen every style there is…And when you see it again, you know how to handle it and adapt to it. You know what you got to do.

“He knew what he had to do against Fury, he just didn’t pull the trigger because he was scared of being punished. That was his fault. Now that’s a shame on him. Now he’s coming back for a second time for a title, so if he does it again, he’s going to need to give it up. For those reasons, my heart goes to Joshua but my mind goes to Klitschko.”

NEW YORK – April 25, 2017 – Combate Americas today announced a sensational, nine-bout Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight card that will take place at Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, Calif., in celebration of the “Cinco De Mayo” holiday, on Friday, May 5.

In the lightweight (155 pounds) main event of “Combate 14,” undefeated, heavy-handed rising star Jose “Froggy” Estrada (3-0) will square off with Emilio “The Ferocious Aztec” Chavez (11-9).

Priced from $35, tickets for “Combate 14” are available online at Ticketon.com.

The 5-foot-6, 26-year-old Estrada from Fillmore, Calif. has been on a tear since he made his professional debut with Combate Americas last April, stopping all three of his opponents to date inside of one round.

Chavez of Fullerton, Calif. is a flashy, 5-foot-9, 30-year-old competitor who will make the second start of his career in La Jaula, the Combate Americas cage. In his promotional debut on April 18, 2016, Chavez submitted Angel Cruz in the second round (4:21) of action with a rear-naked choke.

In the co-main event, which will also be contested at lightweight, Danny “The Realist” Ramirez (6-2) will return to action on the heels of a “Fight of the Night” performance in La Jaula, to battle Combate Americas newcomer and fellow knockout artist Chris “Taco” Padilla (7-2).

The 5-foot-9, 28-year-old Ramirez of North Hills, Calif. staged an incredible, relentless performance against Erick “Ghost Pepper” Gonzalez at “Combate 12” on February 16, earning a unanimous decision over Gonzalez in what was Ramirez’s second straight win.

Padilla of Gardena, Calif. has notched six of his seven professional career victories to date by way of (T)KO or submission. Prior to making his professional debut in 2014, “Taco” amassed a perfect, 6-0 record under amateur status, with all of his wins coming by way of (T)KO or submission.

In other action at “Combate 14,” bantamweight (135 pounds) star John “Sexy Mexy” Castaneda (11-2) will face off with Chris “The Real Deal” Beal (10-4).

Castaneda of Mankato, Minn. is riding a seven-fight win streak that dates back to May 16, 2015 when he secured a first-round submission (rear-naked choke) win over Pedro Velasco. The 5-foot-7, 25-year-old has been perfect in La Jaula, winning all five of his Combate Americas bouts.

The 5-foot-7, 31-year-old Beal of Ventura is an eight-year, battle-tested veteran of the sport who has competed on three different continents. In his first start with Combate Americas, he will look to end a recent, four-fight skid.

Elsewhere on the card, Alyssa “Tiny Tim” Garcia (3-2) of Whittier, Calif. will face Sheila Padilla (2-1) of Visalia, Calif. in an atomweight (105 pounds) matchup.

Submission ace Heinrich Wassmer (5-1) of Los Angeles, Calif. will take on hard-nosed scrapper Freddie “Lil’ Man” Arteaga (8-5) of Boise, Idaho in a flyweight (125 pounds) contest.

Complete “Combate Americas: Combate 14” Fight Card

Lightweight Main Event:
Jose Estrada vs. Emilio Chavez

Lightweight Co-Main Event:
Danny Ramirez vs. Chris Padilla

Bantamweight: John Castaneda vs. Chris Beal
Middleweight: Joseph Vidales vs. Joseph Henle
Flyweight: Heinrich Wassmer vs. Freddie Arteaga
Flyweight: Michael Reyes vs. Benji Gomez
Atomweight: Alyssa Garcia vs. Sheila Padilla
Catchweight (140 pounds): Ryan Lilley vs. Ralph Acosta
Lightweight: Bruno Machado vs. Austin Wilson

# # #

ABOUT COMBATE AMERICAS
Combate Americas, LLC. is the first U.S. Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports franchise in history, designed to build Latino fighting champions and serve Hispanic fans, one of the world’s most avid groups of prize fighting enthusiasts. The Combate Americas franchise includes reality TV programming, live events and mobile programming. The company’s CEO, Campbell McLaren, is universally recognized as the co-founder/co-creator of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). New York Magazine described McLaren as “the marketing genius behind the UFC” and Yahoo! Sports proclaimed that he “knows more about the sport than just about anyone in it today.” With an unprecedented product and a blue-chip ownership and management team, Combate Americas is poised to break new ground and bring about a new era in world championship level MMA competition.

ABOUT TV AZTECA
TV Azteca is one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world, operating two national television networks in Mexico, El trece and Azteca 7, through more than 300 owned and operated stations across the country. TV Azteca affiliates include Azteca US, a broadcast television network focused on the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic market, and Azteca Web, an Internet company for North American Spanish speakers.

ABOUT AZTECA AMERICA’S NETWORK
Azteca America engages Spanish-language viewers by creating unique, passionate and enlightening content that is relevant to the daily lives of our audience. Wholly owned by Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca, S.A.B. de C.V. one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language content in the world, Azteca America complements its Mexican programs with an innovative lineup of shows from third-party producers and distributors to ensure the finest programming for its audience. The company provides tailored, multi-platform advertising solutions for clients seeking to reach the most dynamic consumer group in the country.

TUNICA, MS (April 25, 2017) – Welterweight contender Yordenis Ugas (18-3, 8 KOs) will battle Nicaragua’s Nelson Lara (17-7-4, 9 KOs) in the 10-round match on Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes tonight, April 25 from the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel in Tunica, Mississippi.

In old school boxing tradition, Ugas steps in to fight on one day’s notice after Lara was overweight for his scheduled super lightweight bout with Mario Barrios, who declined to go forward with the match. The bout between Ugas and Lara will now be contested at the super welterweight limit.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features a 10-round matchup of exciting welterweights as once-beaten Oscar Molina (13-1-1, 10 KOs) takes on Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava (17-3-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round showdown.

Ugas returned from a two-year layoff last August and has looked sensational in defeating undefeated prospects Jamal James by decision and Bryant Perrella by fourth-round stoppage. Most recently, Ugas earned a decision in an exciting clash with Ghvamichava on FS1 and FOX Deportes in February. A highly-decorated Cuban amateur, Ugas picked up a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics and also owns gold medals from the 2005 World Amateur Championships and 2007 Pan American Games. Now fighting out of Miami, the 30-year-old looks to further establish his credentials for a world title shot.

Originally from Nicaragua but now fighting out of Costa Rica, Lara was unbeaten in 17 of his first 18 pro fights after turning pro in 2004. Lara enters this bout having won his last two contests by stoppage including his most recent triumph in March. Lara will fight in the U.S. for the third time as a pro in a career that has seen him enter the ring in six different countries.

# # #

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, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

With less than four weeks until the IBF World Super-Featherweight Title fight between Floyd Mayweather protege Gervonta Davis and challenger Liam Walsh, the tension is beginning to build.

On May 20th, ‘Tank’ Davis makes the first defence of his strap at the Copper Box Arena, where the Mayweather hype train will roll into London.

Mandatory challenger Liam Walsh is unbeaten in 21 contests, and will fancy his chances of upsetting the man billed as America’s next big star.

Ryan Walsh, brother of the Cromer hero, responded to a BoxNation tweet on Monday showing the immense speed of Davis, mocking the Baltimore man.

Walsh, who makes the third defence of his British Featherweight strap against Marco McCullough on the undercard, Tweeted: “The #speed he leaves England when my brother exposes him!!”

Davis, replied later that day, stating that he’ll beat Ryan after he becomes the first man to defeat Liam, Tweeting: “You can get in there next after I whip ya brother’s ass. Flat!”

“I’ll give you a comeback whooping if you’re still interested after Liam deals with you,” fired back 30-year-old Walsh, who also labelled the American as “chubby”.

An action-packed undercard features Light-Heavyweight knockout artist Anthony Yarde taking on Southern Area Champion Chris Hobbs for his first professional title; teenage Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois goes in search of another big knockout; plus Southampton’s Joe Pigford and Barking’s Aaron Morgan put their unbeaten records on the line in a potential barn burner.

Local talent including Harrow’s Mitchell Smith; Hornchurch Super-Welterweight ‘Hammer’ Sammy McNess; Sikh sensation Sanjeev Singh Sahota; Chingford Super-Featherweight Boy Jones Jnr; Ilford Super-Bantamweight Lucien Reid; New Malden Super-Middleweight Lerrone Richards; Welling Super-Featherweight Archie Sharp; Chelmsford Super-Middleweight Billy Long; Croydon Flyweight Sunny Edwards; and Wycombe Ben Smith complete an unmissable card.

All floor seating at the Copper Box Arena has SOLD OUT.

Remaining tickets priced £40 and £50 are available from www.seetickets.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

25 April 2017 – Singapore: Over the past three years, ONE Championship, the largest sports media property in Asian history, has seen incredible growth rates in both television viewership and social media engagement — a testament to the rapid rise of the promotion in worldwide households and the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) as a whole.

In data released by Nielsen, Facebook and Repucom, ONE Championship has shown exponential growth from 2014 to 2017.

The data shows that ONE has come from 352 million social media impressions to 4-billion, marking an increase of over 11 times the previous tally. With the rise of digital and online video, ONE has also catapulted their numbers from 312 thousand to a whopping 314 million. That’s more than a 1,000 times increase.

Established in 2011, ONE’s tireless efforts to bring Asian mixed martial arts to prominence has brought them from viewership in 60 countries to more than 118 countries globally. That’s double the number since 2014.

Furthermore, the annual TV broadcast per country and the peak TV ratings share numbers have increased dramatically based on the data. From an average of just 12-18 hours of TV broadcast in 2014, ONE has increased that number to 100-1800 hours. It has also seen its peak TV ratings share spike to 11-20% from 1-2% just three years ago.

The company has one of the largest engagements on both Facebook and Twitter and in a region where the platforms are still being adopted in some countries, that’s impactful. It has engaged fans online with a steady stream of digital content for the past six years, even partnering with Facebook itself to livestream the preliminary portion of its Pay-Per-View events on the platform.

By partnering with the largest television networks in the region and across the world, ONE Championship has also made sure that its content is readily available. Massive deals with networks like FOX Sports, and the like, has brought ONE Championship’s unique brand of MMA action to a wide audience.

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

About ONE Championship™
ONE Championship is the largest sports media property in Asian history. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the largest sports entertainment events across Asia featuring the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Championship is broadcast to over 1 billion viewers across 118+ countries around the world with some of the largest global broadcasters, including FOX Sports, Setanta, MNC, Astro, Thairath TV, ABS-CBN, TV5, MYTV, HTV, OSN and more.

Former Heavyweight Champion of the World Tyson Fury is targeting a sensational July ring return.

The former linear, WBA Super, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine World Heavyweight Champion hasn’t fought since he dethroned long-reigning Heavyweight icon Wladimir Klitschko back in 2015.

But now the controversial Mancunian wants to begin his mission to reclaim all of his belts this summer. In a social media post, the ‘Gypsy King’ indicated he wanted to make his comeback on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ mandatory defence against Avtandil Khurtsize.

Promoter Frank Warren is currently finalising details for Saunders’ mandatory defence against newly-crowned WBO Interim Champion Khurtsidze; with a July date in London looking likely.

“Gypsy King reporting into the World. I can confirm that I will be accompanying the one and only Billy Joe Saunders when he fights ‘Danny De Vito’,” Fury said in an Instagram post.

“I’m coming back. Going over to Marbella [to train]. We are going to Marbella and I’m coming back to take on all bums. Bum of the month campaign, what you say Frank? So many bums out there that need cleaning up and wiping out.”

WBO World Middleweight Champion Saunders clashed with Khurtsidze in Leicester on Saturday night. Saunders had just seen the hard-hitting Georgian stop British Champion Tommy Langford in five rounds to win the WBO Interim belt.

At a post-fight press conference, the undefeated Hatfield star asked trainer Andre Rozier if Khurtsidze is ready for him.

Rozier, who also coaches Daniel Jacobs, responded: “Of course! He’s ready right now. Do you want to fight him tonight?”

“Would you want to go today?” replied Saunders. “You Americans come over here talking s**t. You’re irrelevant! Your man will get stopped in six rounds!”

“He’s the wrong one to do that with,” said Rozier. “Don’t shout at him, that’s suicide! We’ll settle this in the ring.”

Saunders lifted the WBO strap after outpointing Andy Lee in December 2015, the 24-0 southpaw had been hoping to secure a unification with Gennady Golovkin this summer but if the fight fails to materialise, he may be forced to look at other options.

WATCH SAUNDERS’ HEATED CLASH WITH KHURTSIDZE HERE

Las Vegas (April 24, 2017) – 3 Time World Champion Jessie Vargas has confirmed that he will appear to Meet & Greet his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Vargas will appear once again at this year’s Expo at the Supreme / Hykso and Box Fan Expo booth store to sign gloves, photos and merchandise. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with the Mexican American boxing star.

Vargas is a Mexican American professional boxer who is a former two-weight world champion, having held the WBA (Regular) and IBO super lightweight titles in 2014 and the WBO welterweight title in 2016.

Vargas joins, Mayweather Promotions, Marco Antonio Barrera, Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Al Bernstein, Thomas Hearns, Kronk Boxing, WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next couple of weeks leading up to the Event, there will be more announcements on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

INTRODUCTION

DiNardo Boxing Equipment is born from a historical experience in the field of Italian haute couture.

HISTORICAL NOTES

Filippo Leccese DiNardo, born inTurin,Italy in 1978, after having worked as a tailor in the family business, which was passed down from generation to generation,he decided to shift his attention and his skill for an artisan product.

After years of practice of the sport of boxing, and after obtaining the patents, which enable them to the teaching of the Noble Art,by analyzing constantly this industry and everything that surrounds it, began to devote himself to the creation of a line of boxing gloves made entirely by hand in Italy, only by Filippo.

Analyses with lot’s of attention, aspects that no manufacturer in the world consider,as for example the fact that the gloves after a short time of use, breakdown, and that there is no kind of support from the manufacturers of this product, and then those who buy a glove which breaks or has problems, has no other solution than to buy another pair,but not with Di Nardo.

PRODUCTION

DiNardo, Boxing Equipment, is a workshop, inTurin, Italy, specialized int he production of boxing gloves professional.

DiNardo gloves, is the only one of its kind, created by the hands of an expert craftsman, Filippo Leccese DiNardo, from which it takes its name,it is also important to indicate that he is the only one to touch the glove during the phases of production, up to the seal of the product itself.

All raw materials applied for the production of this product,are the result of a meticulous market research,whose aim is to transform this article into something superior, not just a boxing glove, but something long-lasting, indestructible,while maintaining unchanged the processes of craft production that distinguishes a product made by hand,from the municipalities and industrial articles, which now invade the world market, bringing in high with dignity and respect,the right value of Italian craftsmanship,100% pure made in Italy.

The boxing gloves are divided into two groups:

– Professional fighting gloves
– Professional training gloves

DiNardo training gloves are composed of a padding of moulded polyurethane foam and agglomeration of high-density, non-deformable,while the fighting boxing gloves,are made from a polyurethane foam padding and horsehair,which is very much appreciated by the sluggers boxers, as it is a padding very stiff and hard.

The outside of the glove is created of genuine cowhide leather of first choice, tanned and processed according to ancient traditions of italian tanning, which are considered the best in the world.

The inside of the glove is lined entirely with a fabric made from polyamide and silver thread warp- knitted,anti-static and ultra-resistant to abrasion, with high antibacterial and anti odor permanent, giving the glove a high-tech look and file.

The trivial liners of polyester, or cotton canvas, jeans, commonly applied to the glove by the vast majority of the manufacturers of these articles, cause, the inside of the glove, the occurrence of unpleasant odors caused by high-bacterial load, with the consequence of being able to contract warts and/or fungus on the hands of the one who wears it.

DiNardo gloves is sewn entirely of wire or kevlar-non-deformable, with the same weight, 5 times stronger than steel,indestructible, resistant to heat and flames, applied up to now for the production of vests, anti-bullet, equipment for extreme sports, and much more.

In the end, DiNardo boxing gloves,are not only of boxing, but rather, pieces of art and innovation in this sector,the products one at a time with meticulous attention to detail, internal and external, undergo a high quality control of end production, and are always guaranteed by a service,assistance to the consumer,that only an artisan company can offer.

DiNardo boxing is not just this,it also produces groin guard, head-guard, punching-bags, focus mitt,and many other accessories and equipment, allowing the customer to choose between65 different colors of leather, from the common pastel shades,rolled,gold, silver,bronze, etc…..

DiNardo Boxing allows its customers to customize their products to their image and likeness, and personality,thus eliminating any barrier tot he imagination, and the art that teach of us can express.

Ashley Theophane:
I’ve been using Di Nardo boxing equipment for just under a year now. I love the boxing gloves. They protect my hands, feel comfortable and look good. The hands wraps, head guard and leather bags are all of top quality.

Ashley “Treasure” Theophane, member of Mayweather Promotions.

Joe Cordina will open the blockbuster show at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

A draw to see where the three Team GB Rio Olympians would box on the bill was made a JD Sports in central London this evening by Cruiserweight king Tony Bellew and promoter Eddie Hearn, and the Welshman’s second pro fight takes the same slot that Anthony Joshua had as the first fight in the stadium on the night that Carl Froch knocked out George Groves.

Lawrence Okolie will be a live float in his third pro outing after two first round KOs under his belt so far and Sunderland ace Josh Kelly will also float on the night in his second fight in the paid ranks.

Cordina, Okolie and Kelly are part of a historic night of action on the sold-out blockbuster battle between IBF king Joshua and former lineal World ruler Klitschko, with the WBA and IBO straps also up for grabs, Scott Quigg faces Viorel Simion in an eliminator for the IBF World Featherweight title, Luke Campbell MBE and Darleys Perez clash for the number one spot in the WBA, Irish sensation Katie Taylor faces Nina Meinke for the WBA Inter-Continental Lightweight title and World title eliminator.

Joshua vs. Klitschko is live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office. To book visit www.skysports.com/joshua

LAS VEGAS (April 24, 2017) – Former world champion Layla McCarter (38-13-5, 9 KOs) meets former title challenger Szilvia Szabados (15-9, 6 KOs) in a women’s welterweight showdown while super lightweight prospect Ladarius Miller (12-1, 3 KOs) takes on once-beaten Jesus Gutierrez (14-1-1, 4 KOs) in a special edition of Premier Boxing Champions prelimson FS2 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, April 29 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins on FS2 and FOX Deportes at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT before switching over to FS1 and FOX Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT for a show headlined by WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Carlos Zambrano (26-0, KOs) defending his title against once-beaten contender Claudio Marrero (21-1, 15 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, are priced at $75, $50 and $25, and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

One of the most accomplished female fighters in the sport, McCarter has fought at the highest level since turning pro in 1998. She has won titles at featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight and super welterweight. In 2008 she became the WBA Lightweight World Champion by defeating Jelena Mrdjenovich in Canada and successfully defended it against Fujin Raika in 2009. McCarter has won 15 fights in a row entering April 29 including a victory over Noni Tenge that earned her the vacant WBA Super Welterweight Championship.

The 26-year-old Szabados turned pro in 2014 and won her first five fights. Fighting out of Hungary, she challenged Nikki Adler for a 168-pound world title in 2015. She would go on to win her next four fights as she built her way up the ladder. Szabados has a pair of stoppage wins in 2017 sandwiched around a challenge of two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields in March.

A pro since 2014, Miller won his first nine pro fights as he used his speed and skills to out box opponents. Originally from Memphis but now living and training in Las Vegas, Miller has won three fights in a row including a stoppage victory over Carlos Castillo, a decision over previously unbeaten Maynard Allison and most recently a second-round TKO of Ronald Rivas last October in Las Vegas.

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Gutierrez was undefeated in his first 15 pro outings including a victory over Rashad Ganaway that earned him a regional lightweight title. The 28-year-old owns victories over previously unbeaten Mike Maldonado and veterans Roberto Acevedo and Pablo Becerra.

# # #

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, www.foxdeportes.com.and www.TGBPromotions.com Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports, www.facebook.com/foxdeportesand www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Quigg returns to the UK to fight for the first time under new trainer Freddie Roach, and his clash with the Romanian now takes on even more importance following the IBF’s move.

Simion is ranked at number four in the IBF, one place ahead of the Bury ace, and the winner would take the two spot, and if Selby’s mandatory challenger Jonathan Barros is unavailable to fight the Welshman, then Saturday’s winner will meet Selby next.

“It’s a great opportunity for Scott and with the uncertainty over Jonathan Barros it’s very likely that the winner in Saturday will have to fight Lee Selby next,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s a fight Scott is targeting and one he would jump at so Saturday’s win now becomes even more vital.”

Quigg’s clash with Simion is part of a historic night of action on the sold-out blockbuster battle between IBF king Joshua and former lineal World ruler Klitschko, with the WBA and IBO straps also up for grabs, Luke Campbell MBE and Darleys Perez clash for the number one spot in the WBA, Irish sensation Katie Taylor faces Nina Meinke for the WBA Inter-Continental Lightweight title and World title eliminator and Team GB Rio Olympians Lawrence Okolie, Joe Cordina and Josh Kelly will draw lots to see who kicks off the historic night.

Joshua vs. Klitschko is live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office. To book visit www.skysports.com/joshua

New Delhi, April 24, 2017: Boxing in India has for many years been one of the most popular sports and with the launch of Super Boxing League (SBL) with participation from top pugilists from India and abroad, the stage is set for some exciting ring action. This unique concept was born thanks to British businessman Bill Dosanjh, also the founder and promoter of successful Super Fight League held recently in New Delhi, India.

Super Boxing League with its tag line Hit Harder will also be promoted by none other than Olympic medalist and two time world champion boxer, Amir Khan. Scheduled to be staged from July 7-Aug 12, 2017, SBL is being launched in association with AIBA Pro Boxing (APB) who will provide the boxers the right platform to showcase their talent.

The franchise-based SBL is Bill Dosanjh’s yet another innovation after the Super Fight League. The Super Fight league – world’s leading mixed martial arts league — in only its inaugural season has attracted wide fan base in the country. Now the Super Boxing League is ready to woo Indian audiences with the best of action in boxing.

One of the features of the league will be its unique point scoring system which is being introduced for the first time in the history of professional boxing wherein a boxer can claim six points on winning a bout through knock-out.

The SBL will consist of 8 franchises. Each team will comprise of six players (five male boxers and one female boxer with six back up players per team). There will be competitions in six different weight categories with bouts of 4 rounds of 3 minutes each.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Bill Dosanjh, Founder-CEO of Super Boxing League, says SBL will give wings to India’s ever-growing talent pool in boxing.

“We have witnessed the excitement and appetite for contact sports in India which has seen phenomenal growth in the past few years. Boxing is one such sport, which is encouraging professional players to make it big in the ring through international leagues,” said Mr. Dosanjh.

“India has a huge talent potential for boxing and with Super Boxing League we intend to provide a middle ground for both the average everyday player and the professional boxer. A lot of aspiring athletes wish to go professional and they all just need the right platform. With Super Boxing League, we are looking to create an ecosystem to promote Indian boxing talent and bring back boxing to where we were — in the top-10 in the world or even top-five,” added Mr. Dosanjh.

AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu said India has a natural platform for the promotion of boxing.

“It is heartening to accompany the birth of this new competition. It will further enhance Indian boxing perception on the international stage and provide yet another career pathway for AIBA boxers. I am hopeful that this league will do justice to India’s vast potential in the sport,” said AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu.

Equally excited about the initiative is Amir Khan, promoter of SBL and two-time world boxing champion. “I am very happy to introduce this unique platform for Indian boxers. With Super Boxing League, we aim to provide the right training for potential boxers which will helps in producing more professional world champions. We want to create an exciting platform where talent can fight in front of their home fans in their own country. With such a talent filled nation, I believe India can produce aplenty boxing superstars in coming years.”

The fights in the league will be held over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will be live telecasted on SONY ESPN and SONY ESPN HD at prime time slot- 7-9pm. The fights will also be live streamed on SPN’s digital platform SONY LIV.

In an initiative to make the sport more accessible to fans, Super Boxing League will introduce a unique concept in fitness and training, 12 Rounds will be India’s first Pro Boxing Gym. Unlike other sports in India, the Franchise gym will enable fans and students to interact with SBL stars, train with them, learn from them. (The gyms will offer High Speed workouts of 25 minutes at 12 workstations).

Visit our website- www.superboxingleague.com

Birmingham’s Tommy Langford was beaten by Avtandil Khurtsidze with a fifth-round stoppage as the Brooklyn-based Georgian claimed the Interim WBO Middleweight belt to set up an intriguing bout against undefeated WBO World Champion Billy Joe Saunders.

Khurtsidze came out swinging, putting Langford under relentless pressure from the off. He caught Langford a couple of times with his vicious left hand and barely took a step back during the opening rounds.

British Champion Langford was drawn in to a slugfest at times, unable to keep the 5′ 4″ ‘mini Mike Tyson’ at bay. It was a huge left hand from Khurtsidze that finished the fight, Langford dropped his hands and was unable to avoid the shot.

Saunders was unimpressed with Khurtsidze’s win, stating: “No disrespect to him but I will show you what he is when I fight him. All he is to me is a puffed up Danny De Vito coming forward throwing punches.

“He will never beat me ever and I will make him look stupid. Tommy should have got on his feet and made him miss and made him pay.”

A slugfest; a Fight of the Year contender; and huge knockouts – bringing boxing back to Leicester delivered! Catch up with the results from the Leicester Arena below.

Fight # 1
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Middleweight Contest
CHRIS BLANEY WPTS6 (58-56) V CHRISTIAN HOSKIN GOMEZ

Ricky Hatton’s Super-Middleweight charge Chris Blaney opened the evening’s action with a hard-fought points win over Plymouth’s Christian Hoskin Gomez. The ‘Ginja Ninja’ from Navan, Ireland was made to work for his win, with Gomez pushing him throughout.

Fight # 2
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Lightweight Contest
TOM STALKER WPTS6 (60-55) V CHRIS ADAWAY

Former WBO European Lightweight Champion Tom Stalker made a winning return against Chris Adaway. Stalker, 32, put the disappointment of losing his European title to Craig Evans behind him with a comfortable 60-55 decision over Plymouth’s Adaway.

Fight # 3
6 X 3 Minute Rounds International Super-Bantamweight Contest
RAZA HAMZA WPTS6 (59-55) V RAFAEL CASTILLO

Birmingham’s Raza Hamza improved his unbeaten record to 8-0-1 with a gutsy win over tough South American journeyman Rafael Castillo. Hamza, 24, put Castillo down in the first round but was unable to force the stoppage, despite landing some impressive combos.

Fight # 4
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
SAM MAXWELL WTKO6 (0:55) V GEORGIE WRIGHT

Commonwealth Bronze Medallist Sam Maxwell moved to 2-0 with his first professional TKO win over Loughton’s Georgie Wright. Maxwell, trained by legendary Liverpool coach George Vaughan, produced an eye-catching performance, making Wright miss throughout. The stoppage came 55 seconds into the fifth round.

Fight # 5
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Welterweight Contest
EKOW ESSUMAN WTKO3 (0:26) V CASEY BLAIR

Nottingham Welterweight talent Ekow Essuman moved to 3-0 with an explosive stoppage win over Northern Ireland’s Casey Blair. Essuman, trained by Barrington Brown, was too strong for Blair, forcing the stoppage 26 seconds into the third.

Fight # 6 – 18:30 hrs
THE INTERIM WBO WORLD BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
ZOLANI TETE WUD12 (119-108, 119-108, 120-107) V ARTHUR VILLANUEVA

Slick South African Zolani Tete picked up the Vacant Interim WBO World Bantamweight crown after outclassing Arthur Villanueva at the Leicester Arena, live on BoxNation.

The fight, originally scheduled to be an elimination bout to determine the mandatory challenger for the WBO Bantamweight Title, was elevated to an Interim Title status after Marlon Tapales was stripped of the Championship for missing weight prior to his defence against Shohei Omori in Japan.

Tete (25-3, 20 KO’s) was well on top for the majority of the fight as Villanueva struggled to deal with his impressive timing and speed. ‘Last Born’, a former IBF Super-Flyweight Champion, landed several punishing shots on the Philippine and dropped him in the eleventh round.

Fight # 7
THE ENGLISH SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
JAHMAINE SMYLE WSD12 (97-95, 96-95, 98-93) V DARRYLL WILLIAMS

‘Ferocious’ Darryll Williams and Jahmaine ‘Smasher’ Smyle fought a tremendous battle for the English Super-Middleweight title, with many describing the all-out war as an early contender for Fight of the Year.

Williams travelled to Leicester to take Smyle on in his own back yard and dragged him into a thrilling confrontation, seizing the belt on a split decision.

There was no love lost in the build up to their eagerly-anticipated clash, and the fight certainly didn’t fail to deliver. South London’s Williams moves to 15-0 with a career best win.

Fight # 8
6 X 3 Minute Rounds Light-Heavyweight Contest
ANTHONY YARDE WTKO1 (2:17) V DARREN SNOW

Ilford’s Light-Heavyweight ‘Beast’ Anthony Yarde finished Sheffield’s Darren Snow with a sickening body shot in the opening round.

Yarde unloaded a punishing combination and a brutal right hand body shot to drop Snow heavily to the canvas. It was the sixth first-round knockout win of his 10-0. 9 KO’s career.

Next up for Yarde is a shot at the Southern Arena title against Chris Hobbs at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 20th May.

Fight # 9
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Heavyweight Contest
DANIEL DUBOIS WTKO2 (0:48) V BLAISE MENDOUO

Dynamite Daniel Dubois blasted out former Olympian and Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist Blaise Mendouo (3-2) in the second round of his second professional fight.

Early in the second round a huge right cross and heavy left hook dropped Mendouo in the ropes to earn 19-year-old Dubois another impressive knockout win.

Fight # 10
THE BRITISH SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
TYRONE NURSE V JOE HUGHES D12 (116-113, 113-115, 115-115)

Huddersfields Tyrone Nurse retained his British Super-Lightweight title after tough Malmesbury man Joe Hughes held him to a majority draw.

Hughes dug deep and took the fight to his much-fancied opponent in the early rounds. With Nurse boasting a superior reach, Hughes had to box clever on the inside and did well to wrap up his opponent, who had been out of action since September last year,

The contest continued to ebb and flow between the two contrasting styles in the closing rounds. After the fight, both fighters expressed a desire to settle the draw with a rematch.

Fight # 11
THE VACANT MIDLANDS AREA SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
10 X 3 Minute Rounds
LYON WOODSTOCK WTKO3 (2:45) V PAUL HOLT

Exciting Leicester Super-Featherweight talent Lyon Woodstock forced an impressive third round TKO over Birmingham’s Paul Holt to pick up the Vacant Midlands Area strap – his first professional Title.

Holt came out all guns blazing and appeared to have Woodstock in trouble during the first round, attempting to bully him into submission.

Woodstock steamed into Holt in the third, forcing Holt to cover up and protect himself from a punishing barrage of well-timed combos. The Leicester man got his stoppage win 2:45 into the third round, finishing the fight with a big left hand followed by a brutal right before the referee jumped in.

Fight # 12
THE WBO INTERIM WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
12 X 3 Minute Rounds
TOMMY LANGFORD V AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE WTKO5 (0:27)

Birmingham’s Tommy Langford was beaten by Avtandil Khurtsidze with a fifth-round stoppage as the Brooklyn-based Georgian set up a bout against WBO World Champion Billy Joe Saunders.

Khurtsidze came out swinging, putting Langford under relentless pressure from the off. He caught Langford a couple of times with his vicious left hand and barely took a step back during the opening rounds.

British Champion Langford was drawn in to a slugfest at times, unable to keep the 5′ 4″ ‘mini Mike Tyson’ at bay. It was a huge left hand from Khurtsidze that finished the fight, Langford dropped his hands and was unable to avoid the shot.

The stoppage came 27 seconds into the fifth round.

Unbeaten WBO boss Saunders was unimpressed with Khurtsidze’s win, stating: “No disrespect to him but I will show you what he is when I fight him. All he is to me is a puffed up Danny De Vito coming forward throwing punches.

“He will never beat me ever and I will make him look stupid. Tommy should have got on his feet and made him miss and made him pay.”

Fight # 13
8 X 3 Minute Rounds International Middleweight Contest
ALEX HUGHES WTKO1 V DANIEL URBANSKI

Maerdy Middleweight Alex Hughes took his unbeaten record into double figures with an impressive first round demolition of Poland’s Daniel Urbanski.

Fight # 14
4 X 3 Minute Rounds Super-Welterweight Contest
C.J CHALLENGER WTKO1 V DANNY LITTLE

In the final fight of the evening, Leicester Super-Welterweight CJ Challenger moved to 3-0 with a first-round TKO of Driffield’s Danny Little.

NAZRAN, Ingushetia, Russia (April 23, 2017) – Undefeated Movsar Evloev captured the Interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight title in last night’s M-1 Challenge 76 main event at Nazran, Ingushetia, Russia.

Evloev improved his professional MMA record to 7-0-0, all in M-1 Challenge events, by knocking out Russian Alexey Nevzorov (12-3-0, M-1: 6-2-0) in the second round.

Evloev, who was coming off an impressive three-round decision over American Lee Morrison, took advantage of his opportunity to fight for the interim title, due to a long-term injury to reigning M-1 Challenge bantamweight champion Pavel Vitruk.

The judges were busy as seven of the other nine fights on the M-1 Challenge 76 card went the full distance. Fighters represented six different countries on this highly-competitive card.

Russian featherweight Timur Nagibin (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0) and Kazakhstan bantamweight Sergey Morozov (7-2-0, M-1: 4-2-0) were both winners by way of three-round unanimous decision, respectively, over their Brazilian opponents Diego Davella (18-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0) and Fabricio “Bill” Sarraff (22-10-0 (M-1: 0-1-0).

German light heavyweight Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0) extended his unbeaten streak to seven in a row, taking a three-round majority decision over previously undefeated Ike Bochkov (2-1-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Russia.

Russian light heavyweight Abubakar Mestoev improved to 5-0-0 with his fifth straight win overall and in M-1 Challenge events with a three-round decision over Ukrainian Anatoly Lyagu (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0).

Russian bantamweight Emil Abasov (6-7-0, M-1: 3-0-0), who filled in at the weigh in due to the original opponent being too overweight, pulled off the upset of the night with a first-round technical knockout (punches) against Heliton Davella (15-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), of Brazil.

Fighting on the preliminary card, Russian Zalimbeg Omarov (8-2-1, M-1: 5-1-1), Russian welterweight Khamzat Sakalov (6-1-0, M-1: 5-0-0) and Russian heavyweight Evgeni Gioncharov (6-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0) were all winners by three-round decision, respectively, against Ukrainian Elnur Valiev (6-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0), Spaniard Javier Fuentas (9-5-0, M-1: 2-2-0) and Russian Daniil Arepyev (7-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0).

Russian welterweight Ingishkhan Ozdoev (3-3-0, M-1 3-3-0) stopped Alexey Valivakhin (8-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0) on punches in the second round.

Complete results & photo gallery below:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – INTERIM M-1 CHALLENGE BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Movsar Evloev (7-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), Russia
WKO2 (Head Kick – 2:15)
Alexey Nevzorov (12-3-0, M-1: 6-2-0), Russia
(Evloev won interim M-1 Challenge bantamweight title)

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Rene Hoppe (7-0-0, M-1: 2-0-0), Germany
WDEC3
Ike Bochkov (2-1-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Timur Nagibin (9-2-0, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia
WDEC3
Diego Davella (18-6-0, M-1: 1-1-0,) Brazil

Emil Abasov (6-7-0, M-1: 3-0-0), Russia
WTKO1 (Punches – (2:39)
Heliton Davella (18-5-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Brazil

BANTAMWEIGHTS
Sergey Morozov (7-2-0, M-1: 4-2-0), Kazakhstan
WDEC3
Fabricio Sarraf (22-10-0, M-1: 0-0-0), Brazil

PRELIMINARY CARD

HEAVYWEIGHTS
Evgeni Goncharov (6-3-0, M-1: 1-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Daniil Arepyev (7-2-0, M-1: 0-2-0,), Russia

WELTERWEIGHTS
Khamzat Sakalov (6-1-0, M-1: 5-0-0), Russia
WDEC3
Javier Fuentas (9-5-0, M-1: 2-2-0), Spain

Ingiskhan Ozdoev (3-3-0, M-1: 3-3-0), Russia
WTKO1 (Punches – 3:22)
Alexey Valivakhin (8-6-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Zalimbeg Omarov (8-2-1, M-1: 5-1-0), Russia
WDEC3
Elnur Valiev (6-1-1, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

LIGHTWEIGHTS
Abubakar Mestoev (5-0-0, M-1: 5-0-0)
WDEC3
Anatoly Lyagu (5-2-0, M-1: 0-1-0), Ukraine

INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv
www.mixfight.ru
www.wmmaa.org

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:

M-1 Challenge 77: Nemkov vs. Markes – May 19, 2017 Sochi, Russia
M-1 Challenge 78: Divnich vs. Ismagulov – May 26, 2017 in Orenburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 79: Shlemenko vs. Halsey – June 1, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 80: Kharitonov vs/ Lopes – June 15, 2017 in Habin, China

ABOUT M-1 GLOBAL: Founded in 1997, M-1 Global has established itself in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as the premier entity for discovering and developing the world’s next-generation of superstar fighters. With its office in St Petersburg, Russia, the M-1 brand has staged nearly 200 events worldwide, including M-1 Selection, M-1 Challenge, M-1 Global and M-1 Global HWGP events, in addition to co-promoting Strikeforce events and M-1 Global on the U.S. network, Showtime. Captivating live, television and broadband audiences with its superior production values and match-ups, M-1 Global events have featured some of the sport’s top names, including legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko, Andrei Arlovski, Gegard Mousasi, Alistair Overeem, Keith Jardine, Ben Rothwell, Melvin Manhoef, Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Roman Zentsov, Yushin Okami, Mike Pyle, Denis Kang, Martin Kampmann, Amar Suloev, Chalid Arrab and Stephan Struve. 2017 promises to be another sensational year of world-class competition, featuring a full calendar of Challenge events, fueled by a talent-rich contention system ranking M-1 Global Champions among the greatest fighters in the sport.

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London (23rd April 2017) It is with our deepest regret that we have to announce that the WBO World Heavyweight Championship between the Champion, Joseph Parker, and mandatory challenger, Hughie Fury, scheduled for Saturday 6th May 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand, has been postponed.

Hughie has been declared medically unfit to box following a medical assessment. He has suffered an injury to his lower back which has been a serious issue for the last three weeks that has left him unable to train to his full capacity.

Despite receiving intense physiotherapy treatment and his desire to fight for the WBO World title, after seeing his physiotherapist last Friday he has been advised to rest for 3-4 weeks before resuming training.

Understandably, Hughie is devastated by the injury which has temporarily halted his dream of fighting for the World Heavyweight Title, but the fight will be rescheduled and a new date will be announced shortly.

Hughie and Team Fury wish to express their sincerest apologies to Joseph Parker, the WBO, the fans and public in New Zealand and to all the boxing fans around the world who had been looking forward to the highly anticipated fight.

Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions will be making a further detailed statement shortly.

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Keenan Smith stopped Edgar Gabejan in round seven of their scheduled eight round super lightweight bout that headlined a six bout card at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show was promoted by GH3 Promotions and D and D Management.

Smith dominated the action, as Gabejan was reduced to lunging holding and even went to the canvas several times for slips. Smith was able to score a knockdown in round seven from a flurry of punches. Smith was fully in control and stepped on the gas in the seventh, as he dropped Gabejan for a second time from a flurry of body punches. Gabejan got to his feet, but he had taken enough punishment and the fight was stopped at 1:43.

Smith of Philadelphia is now 11-0 with five knockouts. Gabejan of the Philippines is 27-34-7.

Kenneth Sims, Jr. remained undefeated by stopping Israel Villela in round three of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

Sims battered a tough Villela, and then in round two cut him around the right eye. In round three, Sims landed three flush blows, and the bout was stopped at 1:03.

Sims of Chicago is 12-0 with 4 knocouts. Villela of Cancun, MX is 6-5-2.

Heavyweight’s Tyrell Wright and Dan Pasciolla fought to a 6-round draw.

Both fighter’s took a card 58-56, and a third card read even at 57-57.

Wright of Jersey City, NJ is 9-0-2. Pasciolla of Brick, NJ is 9-2-2.

John Bauza needed just 17 seconds to destroy Francis Gakpetor in the scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

Bauza decked Gakpetor with a hard 1-2 and and the fight was over soon as he hit the gorund.

Bauza of North Bergen, NJ is 6-0 with three knockouts. Gakpetor of Ghana is 2-4-1.

iDylan Price stopped Chris Nelson in round three of their scheduled four round super flyweight bout.

Price started to beatdown Nelson in round two, and in round three battered Nelson until putting him down with a body shot, and the fight was stopped at 2:37.

sPrice of Sicklerville, NJ is 2-0 with two knockouts. Nelson of Kentucky is 1-4.

Emmanuel Rodriguez made a successful pro debut with a four-round split decision over Jaxel Marrero in a bantamweight bout.

Rodriguez of Newark, NJ took two cards by 39-37 tallies, while Marrero took a card 39-37.

Marrero of Puerto Rico falls to 1-8-2.

Jamie Cox has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The Commonwealth Games winner and former Commonwealth Light-Middleweight champion is gunning for major titles and the 30 year old penned the deal in Liverpool at the Echo Arena where he’s a keen ringside observer tonight.

The unbeaten Swindon banger is mandatory challenger for the winner of the clash between Rocky Fielding and John Ryder for the vacant British Super-Middleweight title, and Cox is relishing a clash with the winner as he begins a new chapter in his career.

“I’m excited to be working with Eddie Hearn and boxing on Sky Sports,” said Cox. “It’s a massive platform for me to showcase my skills. Eddie is putting the biggest shows on, especially at Wembley next week, and I want to be part of these huge nights.

“I’ll be boxing in the Super-Middleweight division, I feel strong, fit and explosive at that weight – I’m ready to rip my way through the 168lbers out there. I want to fight a big profile name ASAP, so the public can see what I’m all about. We will then push towards that World title shot in the next year to 18 months.

“I love training. We work under the butchers shop and I go up to the lab with Des Witter in Birmingham, I’m sure that if I play my part right and work hard, I will fulfil my potential with Eddie and Matchroom.

“I’ve been made mandatory to fight the winner of the British Super-Middleweight title fight between John Ryder and Rocky Fielding. I will fight anyone and of course that would be an honour to win that belt. I just can’t wait to get going and get back in the ring doing what I do best!”

“I’m delighted to welcome Jamie to the team and I’m very excited about his future,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Jamie is one of the hardest hitting 168-pounders in World boxing and is ready to go in all the big fights.

“He is mandatory for the winner of Fielding vs. Ryder tonight but we are also looking at some major names moving forward. He is brilliant to watch and Sky Sports fans are going to enjoy following his journey over the coming years.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, Hughie Fury has withdrawn from his May 6th WBO World Heavyweight title fight with Joseph Parker.

“Duco Events was today notified by the World Boxing Organization that mandatory No. 1 challenger Hughie Fury has an injury and will be unable to challenge champion Joseph Parker for the heavyweight title on May 6th in Auckland,” Duco Events spokesman Craig Stanaway said. “The World Boxing Organization has, therefore, advised Duco Events to investigate the possibility of Joseph Parker making a voluntary defense of his heavyweight title against an opponent ranked in the top 15 of the (WBO) world rankings. Duco Events is currently investigating all options.”

“It’s disappointing to say the least,” Carl Moretti, vice president of Parker’s co-promoter Top Rank, told ESPN. “Have to really wonder if Fury really wanted the opportunity in the first place.”

New York, NY/Miami, OK (4/21/17) – Boxing fans will be able to watch the exciting action from tonight’s sensational card, held at Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, OK, and promoted by Holden Productions and DiBella Entertainment, via Ustream.tv at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aEtCnzeM7nJ

The first bout is scheduled for 8PM CT/9PM ET.

Australian Billel “Baby Face” Dib (21-1, 10 KOs) faces off against Cleveland power puncher Yuandale Evans (18-1, 14 KOs) in the 10-round main event with the vacant WBA-NABA junior lightweight title on the line. US Olympian Charles Conwell, from Cleveland, OH, makes his highly anticipated pro debut in a four-round junior middleweight bout, and his half-brother Isaiah Steen (6-0, 5 KOs) will see action as well. Click on this Ustream link to watch all of tonight’s fights: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aEtCnzeM7nJ.

Rated #7 by the WBO and #13 by the WBA, Dib is making his third stateside appearance in the last 12 months. He has also won 12 in a row since his only defeat in 2012. In the opposite corner tonight, Evans is a devastating puncher, with eight of his 14 knockouts coming in the first round.

Trained by his father Charles Sr., the 19-year-old Conwell was an accomplished amateur who represented the United States in the 2016 Olympics in Rio, in addition to accumulating an impressive 132-14 record while becoming an 11-time National champion. Both Conwell and Steen are co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions, and managed by David McWater’s Split-T Management.

Live from Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, OK, and promoted by Holden Productions and DiBella Entertainment, click this link to watch tonight’s thrilling event (beginning at 8PM CT/9PM ET): http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aEtCnzeM7nJ.

ABOUT DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT
In May of 2000, Lou DiBella launched DiBella Entertainment (DBE), a full-service sports and entertainment company, which has become one of the most successful promotional entities in boxing. Serving as matchmaker, television distributor, marketing advisor, and promoter, DiBella has developed an exciting stable of championship caliber, world-class fighters. DBE clearly established itself as an industry leader with the successful launch of its monthly-televised “Broadway Boxing” series in April 2004. Prior to becoming a promoter, DiBella held an 11-year tenure as the Senior Vice President of HBO Sports. He is also a well-known fixture in the film industry, having worked as an Executive Producer for the film “Love Ranch”, as an Associate Producer on “The Fighter”, and making his acting debut in “Rocky Balboa”. The President and Managing General Partner for the Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball team, DiBella proudly wears his 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series rings, as his team is the class AA affiliate to the San Francisco Giants. In 2014, DiBella was inducted into the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

ABOUT HOLDEN PRODUCTIONS
Tony Holden, a former television producer, started in boxing in 1990 when he formed Holden Productions. Holden has promoted numerous world champions and stars, some of whom started their careers under his wing. They’ve fought on all of the major television outlets, both domestically and internationally. Currently, Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise” is a major draw at the Buffalo Run Casino and their cards are always sold out. Current and former fighters include boxing greats Tommy Morrison, Johnny Tapia and Prince Naseem Hamed, Joe Mesi, Olympian Zahir Raheem as well as Trey Lippe-Morrison, and Ivan Baranchyk, among others.

Keenan Smith 140 – Edgar Gabejan 137.9
Kenneth Sims, Jr. 141.5 – Israel Villela 142.3
Elijah Vines 153 – James Robinson TBA
Tyrell Wright 240.8 – Dan Pasciolla 249
John Bauza 141.5 – Francis Gakpetor 145
Dylan Price 116.8 – Chris Nelson TBA
Emmanuel Rodriguez 120.9 – Jaxel Marrero 121.6

Promoters: GH3 Promotions & D and D Promotions
Venue: The Claridge Hotel
1st Bell: 7:00 PM

Robinson and Nelson will weigh in on Saturday

Photo by Marc Abrams of GH3 Promotions and D and D Promotions

Tickets range from $50 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577