NEW YORK, NY (April 10, 2017) – On Monday at Le Parker Meridien in New York City, Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre “SOG” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) formally addressed the media on their highly-anticipated rematch on Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

TIDAL members will have access to a special presale beginning on Wednesday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. ET/ 10:00 a.m. PT. Members can find details for purchasing tickets by visiting TIDAL.com/WardKovalev or by logging in to their TIDAL accounts via web browser, desktop app or mobile app.

Fans already enrolled for email updates on MainEvents.com will receive an email with the presale information. Anyone interested in receiving the presale code can sign up for email updates at www.mainevents.com.

M life Rewards loyalty members, Ticketmaster and AXS/AEG customers will receive access to a pre-sale scheduled from Wednesday, April 12 at 10:00 a.m. PT to Friday, April 14 at 9:59 a.m. PT. To join the M life Rewards program, or for more information, visit mlife.com.

Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” go on sale to the public on Friday, April 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets priced at $1,255, $755, $505, $355, $255 and $105 not including applicable service charges will be available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office.

Below is what the fighters and dais guests had to say at the press conference:

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward – Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion

“I want to thank everybody for coming out today – the media, obviously, HBO, Peter Nelson and their whole team, these guys work tirelessly to get these kinds of things done. I appreciate my team, James Prince, Josh Dubin, Roc Nation and everyone at Roc Nation, JAY Z, Juan and Desiree Perez, Michael Yormark. It’s important to have a good team. We talk a lot about fighting, we talk all about matchups, but when we talk about support, it’s frowned upon. When we see fighters 10, 15, 20 years from now shuffling in a room, nothing to show what they fought for, that’s okay. By the grace of God and by way of my team, that’s not going to happen to me.

“Unfortunately, there’s perception and there’s reality. Perception is every one thing that’s written, every opinion but as you grow and learn this business, it’s not about perception. Nobody can point to a fight where I turned. Not one point. That’s not in my track record. So, I don’t mind the perception. I don’t care about Instagram. This is chess, not checkers. You can make all the rules you want to make, but it’s about the checkmate. That’s when the game is over.

“My team is working on life after boxing. Educating me on the ins and outs. A lot of people talk about money, but they don’t talk about the upside. They’re not talking about the personal sponsorships for the fight, and your obligations for the sponsorship. They’re not talking about the television rights and foreign rights, the merchandise. ‘Be tough, keep focus, destroy the fight’. I’m not with that man. I want the whole thing, I want to understand everything. The fight is not the end.

“They have to understand, there’s nothing scary about this man. You realize we just fought 12 rounds four months ago? Everyone wants to highlight the knockdown, that’s probably one of the most beautiful moments of my career. And did you guys see the other 10 rounds? Nobody’s talking about that. But that’s what makes us who we are. It’s hard concrete down there, we don’t want to fall. We’ve got another drive, we’ve got another gear we’ve got to tap into when we hit adversity and hit the cannons. You guys saw that, in the biggest moment of my career.

“I didn’t get to where I’m at because there’s something unique about me. I didn’t get to this point by happenstance. Some may not like it, but you got to respect it. You don’t have to, but we’ve earned the position that we have. We don’t mind being understated. The fight is academic. When my team green-lighted it, I said go ahead and announce it. The reality is, you’ve got to see me on June 17. That’s the reality of the situation. I love to talk, it’s all good. We knocked heads for 12 rounds, that’s the reality of the situation. He felt me, he knows. On June 17, that’s how we’re going to do. We’re going to get started a little early. Whether you’re with me, or whether you’re against me, tune in. Appreciate everybody’s time. Don’t miss this fight, June 17. You got what you asked for.”

Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev – Former Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion

“Hello everyone. I am thankful the fight will take place on June 17. Well, will take place on paper for now. I’m appreciative of my team and Team Ward that this fight will actually happen. I want to apologize to my fans for my performance the last time but we’re going to get this squared either way. We’re going to see who is the best fighter. I’m very excited for June 17. The only thing I hope is that a week or two before the fight, Andre Ward does not get injured and he has enough balls to come out and fight me on June 17.”

Michael Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

“Legacies are built on seminal moments. When the lights shine brightest, when the challenge seems insurmountable, when the eyes of the world are on you – that is when great athletes see the rarest of opportunities to shape their legacy, to ensure that their name lives on. Evander Holyfield said, ‘a champion shows who he is by what he does when he’s tested’. Back in November the two best pound-for-pound fighters in the world tested each other like they had never been tested before in their careers. On that night, World Champion Andre Ward faced a defining moment and countered with an epic comeback victory over Sergey Kovalev. After that showdown, there was a lot of talk, a lot of debate, a lot of speculation, a lot of excuses. But on June 17 we put all of that talk to bed, because Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” is officially on, and from this day forward there will be no excuses.

“Andre Ward is the best boxer in the world – there is simply no debate. He is undefeated, breathlessly talented, and has gladly taken on any fighter with the guts to face him. For Andre, this fight represents the final nail in the coffin for the rest of this division and his would-be competitors, and the latest feat in a career that can only be defined as flawless. For Sergey, he has a lot to prove, which may be why he’s been so, let’s call it active on social media. After falling short in November, Sergey has become his own personal hype machine. In one of his latest tweets he demanded Andre, ‘pray to me’. Sergey, I think what you were trying to say was ‘pray for me’, which we all will do before you get back into the ring with Andre on June 17.

“We return to Las Vegas where all big fights belong, live at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and on HBO Pay-Per-View. Roc Nation is proud to be the lead promoter of this global event, presented by Corona Extra and powered by Monster Products. This event would not have been possible without the support of Richard Sturm and Sid Greenfeig of MGM, and HBO’s Peter Nelson and Tony Walker – I’d like to take this opportunity to specifically thank them. MGM and HBO are synonymous with the biggest and best boxing events and Roc Nation is honored to be working in partnership with them for yet another historic fight. I’d also like to thank our chairman JAY Z and President of Roc Nation Sports Juan Perez for their support of this sure to be epic event. Additionally, a big thank you to our presenting partner Corona Extra, as well as Monster Products. I would also like to acknowledge Le Parker Meridien for their support and hosting us here today. Despite what you read in some corners of the boxing world, this rematch was always inevitable, both fighters wanted it, both promoters wanted it and I would be remiss if I did not sincerely thank Main Events and Kathy and Nicole Duva for their professionalism and class in negotiating and finalizing the June 17 fight. Last but certainly not least thank you to Team Ward – Andre, James Prince, Josh Dubin and Virgil Hunter – not only for once again putting your unblemished, championship record on the line under the bright lights of Sin City, but for being incredible partners throughout this process and the best ambassadors the sport of boxing could possibly ask for. Thank you.”

Kathy Duva – CEO of Main Events

“Thank you, HBO, thank you Le Parker Meridien, Mandalay Bay and of course our sponsors, Corona and Monster. I’ll make it short and sweet. My greatest hope for June 17 is that the winner wins this time. Sergey’s going to do everything in his power to make sure there’s no question on who that is.

“I expect he’s going to show us all how to get your titles back. And here he is, future light heavyweight champ of the world, Sergey Kovalev.”

James Prince – Manager of Andre Ward

“I’d like to thank God for this opportunity, HBO, Peter Nelson. I’d like to thank Roc Nation, who has stood by us 1000%, solid as a Roc. We’re looking forward to this fight coming up, David versus Goliath, part two. Like I said, the last time, and I reiterate the same thing because not much has changed, we’ve cracked the code. Sergey, your code has been cracked, we know who you are now. Come June 17, you will see one of the greatest fights ever. As I stated earlier in the interview with HBO, don’t be surprised if Kovalev gets knocked out this fight. Don’t you be surprised. So, we look forward to that moment and I notice that you’ve been real vocal about a lot of things, but you need to know, we don’t have no fear. So, understand that, once again, the United States will be victorious against Russia as always.”

Josh Dubin – Manager of Andre Ward

“This industry, unfortunately, has some nasty, ugly people in it that say and do nasty things and show their behind too much. A lot of the things you hear about our beautiful sport is true. I’m so fortunate to have been blessed by kings, that have enriched my life, to be able to grow and get to know these men. James Prince and Andre Ward have been all class and dignity and professional. They don’t need to tell you what you think might sell a fight, or what you think people might want to hear, but just what’s real. What a breath of fresh air. I thank both of you for enriching my life and allowing me to grow on this journey with you.

“We’re always hearing about role models, and why aren’t athletes role models – well look no further. You’ve got a family man who is spiritual, you can’t bait him and get him to say what you think he should say or want him to say because you curse him out on social media. We’re not into all that, these are kings over here. You can keep tweeting on your phone over there, but we won already. We won in life, we won in this sport, and we’re just going to continue winning. This is a formality at this point. A formality. So, you can cry and complain and all that, but that’s what bullies do when they don’t get their way. Bullies make excuses, bullies try to intimidate when they don’t get their way. Bullies of all sorts, in the ring and in business. Well, you didn’t get your way, you ain’t getting your way and you’re not going to get your way. Period. The reason that probably is, if we bring in spirituality, is the moral arc of the universe does bend towards good and greatness and kings. So, with that, I say this: you want to tune in to this one, because you’ll want to be able to say, ‘I got to see the best fighter to ever walk in the ring, fight again and conquer again’. Don’t miss it. Thank you.”

Daniel Bagdasarov – Egis Klimas’s Assistant

“I want to thank the media and MGM. He’s happy about the rematch and that it actually happened. We’re excited about it, we’re ready. Thank you to all the promotions that have gone into the fight, thank you HBO for making this happen. Thank you so much.”

Peter Nelson – Executive Vice President, HBO Sports

“I want to thank all the media for being here, this fight came together initially because of what you asked for. First and foremost, I want to thank the fighters, Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev. The two of them at the zenith of their careers and the apex of their undefeated records deciding to get in the ring against one another, and that’s exactly the expectation that fight fans should have. It’s something to be celebrated and we’re excited we are going to have the rematch on June 17.

“Again, these two men decided they want to step up and fight each other, the controversy of time when a lot of fighters walk the other way from one another. Some fights, they’re so good, the fighters earn each other’s respect. Some fights are so great that the fighters earn each other’s disrespect. I’ll let all of you decide which one this is.

“I think that what we’ve seen over the past few months is people arguing more and more about who actually won that fight. Again, the credit is to the fighters because every second of the first fight, they were there to compete. Every second of this rematch, they’re going to be there again. There is too much at stake, in terms of legacy and in terms of pound stature, in terms of this moment and the future. What we know to expect is that on June 17, the stuff of HBO PPV legend gets made. Sergey Kovalev and champion Andre Ward are going to do everything in their power to bring home the belt.”

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, and is sponsored by Monster Products and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

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LAS VEGAS, NEV. (April 10, 2017) — Add Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia to the list of venues on foreign soil that will play host to a MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO fight. Boxing’s only eight-division world champion and the reigning Fighter of the Decade, Pacquiao has accepted the challenge of undefeated No. 2 world-rated contender JEFF “The Hornet” HORN to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title, Saturday, July 1 (Sunday, July 2, in Australia). Promoted by Top Rank® and Duco Events, “The Battle of Brisbane” is expected to attract 55,000 fans and a record pay-per-view audience in Australia. It will also be seen live in the U.S. Look for details on the U.S. telecast in the following weeks.

“Manny has been a pioneer, bringing world title fights to Cowboys Stadium, The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena and now Suncorp Stadium. We’re boxing’s version of Lewis & Clark, discovering new markets,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. ” Manny knows who will be the crowd favorite on July 1, but he can’t wait to give Australia and the world a great performance. It’s going to be unbelievable event.”

Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KOs), from General Santos City, Philippines, is in his third reign as WBO welterweight champion. He regained the title on November 5, winning a dominant unanimous decision victory over defending champion Jessie Vargas.

Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs), from Bisbane, Queensland, Australia, enters this fight having won his last three fights — all in 2016 — against Ali Funeka, Rico Mueller and Randall Bailey inside the distance. They had a combined record of 105-14-4 when he fought them. Horn is world-rated No. 2 by the WBO and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, or facebook.com/trboxeo,and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, or twitter.com/trboxeo, Use the hashtag #PacVargas to join the conversation on Twitter.

BEVERLY, Mass. (April 10th, 2017) — Fight week fever has gripped the North Shore this week as CES MMA returns to Beverly featuring today’s premier fighters and tomorrow’s stars.

“CES MMA 43,” scheduled for Saturday, April 15th, 2017 at 7 p.m. ET at the historic North Shore Music Theatre, is CES MMA’s second show in a 15-day stretch, hectic pace that featured Chris Curtis retaining his CES MMA World Welterweight Title in March and could conclude Saturday with several regional standouts stating their case for a shot at a world title.

Tickets for “CES MMA 43” are priced at $45.00, $55.00 and $100.00 (VIP) and are available online at www.cesmma.com, www.nsmt.org, or www.cagetix.com/ces or by phone at 978-232-7200 or 401-724-2253/2254. Doors open at 6 p.m. ET and the first bout begins at 7. All fights and fighters are subject to change. The event features five professional bouts and six amateur fights on the preliminary portion of the card.

Gloucester, Mass., featherweight Pedro Gonzalez (11-5) ends a 12-month layoff when he faces Brazilian Bruno Dias (19-9) of Woburn, Mass., in Saturday’s main event.

Injuries forced Gonzalez to withdraw from his scheduled world title bout against Matt Bessette at “CES MMA 37” in August. Bessette went on to win the CES MMA World Featherweight Title against Joe Pingitore and will defend it for the first time against Jeremy Spoon at “CES MMA 44” in May, but a win by Gonzalez this weekend could set the stage for his long-awaited shot at the belt if both he and Bessette make it through the spring unscathed.

What about Diaz? The Brazilian submission specialists — a staggering 14 of his 19 wins have come by forcing his opponent to tap — is in desperate need of a win after dropping his last two on foreign soil in Russia, but dethroning Gonzalez, who has won his last four, in his own United States debut immediately puts him in the conversation among elite 145-pounders in the northeast.

Somerville, Mass., bantamweight Rico DiSciullo (6-1, 2 KOs) finds himself in a similar spot, needing a win after suffering his first career loss at “CES MMA 38” against David Garcia. The electrifying prospect faces former Bellator and CES MMA vet Matt Lozano (8-4, 1 KO) of Lancaster, Pa., on Saturday in an important fight for both sides. Lozano debuted with the promotion at “CES MMA 34,” earning an impressive unanimous decision win over Johnny Campbell.

The “CES MMA 43” main card also features unbeaten Massachusetts lightweight Connor Barry (3-0) of Holbrook making his third CES MMA appearance in a three-round bout against three-time CES MMA vet Andrew Osborne (7-10-1, 3 KOs) of Fayetteville, N.C.

Quincy, Mass., light heavyweight Mike Rodriguez (6-2, 4 KOs) returns following his record-setting 7-second knockout win over Hector Sanchez at “CES MMA 41” and Myrtle Beach middleweight Justin Sumter (2-1), now training in Milford, Conn., makes his CES MMA debut in a separate three-round bout against Pawtucket, R.I., vet Abe Pitrowski (6-2, 1 KO).

Similar to its North Shore debut in 2016, CES MMA will feature six amateur bouts on the preliminary card, a tremendous opportunity for the region’s up-and-coming future stars. Unbeaten bantamweight Marquis Brewster earned a promotional contract with CES MMA by winning his amateur finale a year ago at “CES MMA 35” and is now 2-0 since June.

On Saturday, featherweight Billy Keenan (6-2, 2 KOs) of Salem, Mass., faces Schenectady, N.Y., native Cody Dickershaid (7-7, 4 KOs) in the featured amateur bout while bantamweight Yarty Kim (1-0, 1 KO) of Boston battles Mike Kimbel (2-2, 1 KO) of Waterbury, Conn.

Also on the preliminary amateur card, lightweight Jurrell Laronal (1-1, 1 KO) of Dorchester, Mass., takes on Waterbury’s Jordan Riley (1-1), heavyweight Larry Perna (2-1, 2 KOs) from Bronx, N.Y., faces Ron Marshall (1-2) of Hampton, N.H., and Boston light heavyweight Zeal McGrew (2-1) faces Glen Falls, N.Y., vet Harold Ricketts (1-2). Rob Rios (0-4) of Cromwell, Conn., and Dylan Youngblood (0-2) of Pittsburgh, Pa., aim for their first amateur win when they face one another in a bantamweight bout.

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

New York, NY/Miami, OK (4/10/17) – The stakes are high for Australian junior lightweight contender Billel “Baby Face” Dib (21-1, 10 KOs), who takes the next step toward a world title shot on April 21, at Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, OK. He will be facing Cleveland power-hitter Yuandale Evans (18-1, 14 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout, with the vacant WBA-NABA junior lightweight title on the line. It will be the 27-year-old Dib’s third bout in the United States, all taking place in the past 12 months.

Training camp is underway for Dib, who left his wife and two young children behind in his hometown of Sydney, Australia, to train with German Caicedo, in Miami, FL. This is a new routine for Dib, who plans to hold all future US training camps in Miami with the respected veteran trainer Caicedo as well.

“The US is the Mecca of boxing,” said Dib. “The sparring is on a different level here and Caicedo has been in boxing for a long time having built many champions. I have to succeed at this. I miss so much of my kids growing up that it has to be worth it.”

Fighting in the US is both a necessity and a dream for Dib.

“Every professional fighter aspires to fight in the States,” said Dib. “I love fighting at home in front of my family and friends, but to be recognized as an elite fighter, I have to showcase my talent in the States. Every win is another step toward earning a world title shot. I am excited to be fighting for the NABA belt against a strong and experienced opponent like Evans.”

A pro since 2009, Yuandale Evans is a devastating puncher, with eight of his 14 knockouts coming in the first round. In May 2011, Evans won the interim WBC Youth Intercontinental junior lightweight title. He has impressive wins over former Filipino champion Adones Aguelo and former world title challenger Emmanuel Lucero. Following a three-year hiatus, Evans returned to the ring with two explosive knockout victories and is anxious to regain the career momentum he once built prior to his only defeat.

“I am very thankful that Lou DiBella has given me a chance to prove my talent and skill to the boxing world and to work with me on this fight,” said Evans. “I’ve waited five years for an opportunity like this and I am ready to demonstrate that I am the best at what I do.”

Dib comes from a fighting family, the most notable of whom is his first cousin, former world champion Billy Dib.

“For a long time, I was known as ‘Billy’s cousin’, but now I’m coming into my own,” said Dib.

The notoriety that he’s enjoyed in his home country has also opened unexpected doors for Dib, who was named an Ambassador for Islamic Relief Australia. Prior to beginning camp to prepare for Evans, Dib helped raise over $200,000 for the organization and spent three weeks in Lebanon working with Syrian and Pakistani refugees.

“This is something I want to continue to do as my career progresses,” said Dib. “I felt selfish walking away and returning to my life. I want to return as soon as possible, and help build houses for refugees in Lebanon.”

Dib, who garnered the attention of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) when he captured the interim WBO Oriental junior lightweight title in 2015, is now ranked #7 by the sanctioning body. He is also rated #13 by the World Boxing Association (WBA).

“I’m thankful to Lou DiBella for the opportunity to fight in the States,” said Dib. “He’s an honorable man, and DiBella Entertainment is a great, reputable boxing promotional company. I will fight anyone that is put in front of me. Tell me the date and whom I’ll be fighting, and I’ll be ready. I want to fight the top guys in my division.”

His father, Mahamad Dib, is also grateful for the opportunity for his son to fight in the US under the DiBella banner.

“This is a stepping stone for a world title. He will not be deterred,” said the senior Dib.

“Billel Dib is a highly talented, world class junior lightweight contender,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “I’m thrilled to be able to keep him active in the US to increase his exposure in front of a stateside audience, as he works his way toward world title contention. He’ll have a chance to move another step closer on April 21, facing a very tough opponent in Yuandale Evans, with the NABA title at stake. I’m also happy to again work with Holden Productions on what will be a tremendous card at Buffalo Run Casino.”

Dib challenges Yuandale Evans for the WBA-NABA junior lightweight title on Friday, April 21, at Buffalo Run Casino, in Miami, OK. The event is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions. Tickets are $75, $65, $55 and $35, and are available at buffalorun.com. Doors open at 7:00pm CT, with the first bell set for 8:00pm CT.

Luke Campbell MBE will face Darleys Perez in an eliminator for the number one position for the WBA World Lightweight title at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Campbell defended his WBC Silver title for the second time in February with a second round demolition of Jairo Lopez in his hometown of Hull, following hot on the heels of his impressive stoppage win over Derry Mathews in October in Liverpool.

The London 2012 Olympic gold medal hero is gunning for his first World title shot at Jorge Linares who defended his crown in a rematch with Anthony Crolla in Manchester last month, but Perez will be hunting a clash with the Venezuelan himself.

Perez is no stranger to the UK having met Crolla twice in Manchester in defence of the WBA Lightweight crown, and Campbell is certain that the 33 year old will provide him with his stiffest test to date in the paid ranks.

“This is the fight of my career so far and I’m so excited to be boxing on this huge night at Wembley,” said Campbell. “I feel like I’ve been improving with every performance and believe now that I’m ready for a shot at the World title.

“Darleys Perez is by far my toughest fight yet but I need to come through this in order to face the champions. We have identified Linares as a fight we want and this win would put us number one in the WBA and in a great position to fight him. It’s going to be an incredible experience and I’m looking forward to shining on the big stage.”

Campbell’s clash with Perez is the latest fight to be added to the blockbuster show at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, topped by the huge Heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua MBE and Wladimir Klitschko.

Former World Super-Bantamweight king Scott Quigg continues his quest to become a two-weight champion by facing Viorel Simion at Featherweight and three GB Olympians are on the bill in the shape of Lawrence Okolie, Joe Cordina and Josh Kelly.

Josesito Lopez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Saul Corral in a welterweight bout at Novo at LA Live in Los Angeles.

In round ten. Lopez dropped Corral with a left hook.

Lopez, 148.4 lbs of Riverside, CA won by scores of 100-89 on all cards, and is now 35-7. Corral, 146.8 lbs of Huatabampo, MX is 21-9.

Alejandro Luna remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Andrey Klimov in a lightweight bout.

In round five, Klimov started to bleed from around the left eye.

Luna, 137 lobs of Belloflower, CA won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93, and is now 22-0. Klimov, 136.8 lbs of Klimovsk, RUS is 19-4.

2016 United States Olympian Karlos Balderas stopped Thomas Smith after the 1st round of their scheduled 6-round super featherweight bout.

Balderas, who was making his pro debut, battered Smith for the better part of the lone round. Smith had enough after round.

Balderas, 131.6 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 1-0 with 1 knockout. Smith, 131 lbs of Dallas, TX is 3-5-1.

JOSESITO LOPEZ

“Tonight was a result of all the work I put in over the last few months with Robert Garcia.

“I dropped him with a left hook, but he’s a gritty guy. He took some punishment. I was a little careful in there, though. It’s been a while since I fought some good rounds like that. There were a few times that I tried to go for the kill, but he’s tough guy and stayed alive.

“It felt good going the distance. My body felt good. More than anything, I was alert and my instincts were quick. I had good reflexes and I was sharp. I got hit with very few punches, so I think I did OK tonight.

“I’m coming along. This is my second fight coming back in two years. It’s a little process. I feel like for my next fight I’ll be that much better. I’m just focused on continuing to get better. I want to step it up for the next fight.

“We have a plan. Robert and I have only been training together for a short while, but the improvement is there and there’s more to come.

“I’m the Riverside Rocky and I want to be in exciting fights that friends and family members will remember for years. I definitely have the grit and the (guts) to get in there with the best of them. I’m a lot smarter inside the ring now.”

SAUL CORRAL

“I felt like my distance was off tonight. I think I need to spend more time sparring. I didn’t have a lot of sparring partners for this fight and I think that affected me.

“I thought when Lopez landed punches I came back strong, but I didn’t continue with the attacks because he was able to stop me.

“I just need to change some things up in training camp, and then I think I can get back to another big fight.”

ALEJANDRO LUNA

“Klimov is a very tough guy. We’ve seen him go the distance with Terrence Crawford. He’s fought the cream of the crop, so it’s an honor to get a win over him. He’s a top-level fighter, so this victory goes to show that we’re ready for any top-five lightweight.

“Our plan tonight was to work the body. We noticed he has a pretty high guard, so I wanted to go to the body to break him down little by little.

“I know that I hurt him with a couple body shots, but he recovered fast. Later on, I hit him with an overhand right that got to him, but he’s such a tough guy.

“My thing is always to please the crowd. I think this sport is as much about entertainment as it is skill and the fans want to see a show. That’s why I bring the action and do whatever I can to make it exciting for them.

“The last round wasn’t my best. He was outworking me a little, so as soon as the 10-second bell rang I wanted to close the fight out strong. Unfortunately, I opened up and we clashed heads, which caused the cut over my left eye.”

ANDREY KLIMOV

“I got staggered a little bit, but it wasn’t anything that I thought was going to turn my lights out.

“Luna is a very herky jerky fighter. The cut over my left eye came near the end of the fight when we clashed heads.

“I’m 35 years old. We’re going to go home and take some time to think about what’s next. I’ve been fortunate to do a lot of things in this sport. Now it’s time to talk with my family and decide my future.”

KARLOS BALDERAS

“We spent a lot of time sparring with great fighters to get ready for this fight. I think all the practice paid off and my speed was my biggest asset tonight.

“I think their corner stopped the fight because he was taking so many shots, but I’m not sure.

“I’m happy and excited to be a pro. I have so many people here tonight supporting me coming in from Oklahoma and Texas, so it’s an honor. I felt like a win wasn’t enough. I needed to make a statement.

“I’m going to try to stay busy. I’d like to fight every two months, so I hope to be back in June fighting again.”

THOMAS SMITH

“I really had a bad headache. After the first two punches, I thought I could take it. I know he has a good body shot, but it didn’t really affect me. But after the fourth and fifth good one, I knew it was too much. I didn’t want to go out there in the second round just to get hurt.”

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the promoter for Jeff Horn, DUCO Events says a bout with Manny Pacquiao is agreed to for July 2nd in Australia.

“We are extremely close to the deal being finalized, but Manny has signed,” Top Rank vice president Carl Moretti told ESPN on Saturday night at the Vasyl Lomachenko-Jason Sosa card the company was promoting in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Horn said he believed the fight with Pacquiao would happen, telling Australian media outlets, “Finally this rocky road about announcing this fight is finally over. We can say it’s finally happening on July 2. I’d never actually thought Pacquiao would still be around when I was going to get my shot at the world title. I’m still young, still under 30, so I’m ready to take this shot.”

Follow all the action as Vasyl Lomachenko defends the WBO Junior Lightweight title against Jason Sosa.  The action begins at 10 PM ET with the WBO Cruiserweight title bout with Aleksandr Osyk taking on Michael Hunter.  Oleksander Gvozdyk will take on Yunieski Gonzalez in a Light Heavyweight bout.

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Left from Lomanchenko..

Round 2 Straight left from Lomachenko..Body shot..Combinations

Round 3 Combination from Lomachenko..Hard right to body from Sosa..Left uppercut..

Round 4 Sosa left eye beginning to swell..Body shots from Lomanchenko…4 punch combination..Straight left..

Round 5 Straight left from Lomachenko..Hard body shot…

Round 6 Sosa gets in a right…Left from Lomaachenko..Hard body shot…Lomachenko outlanding Sosa 156-41

Round 7 Body shot from Lomachenko..Combination on the ropes..

Round 8 Lomachenko lands a body shot…hard flurry on the ropes..Sosa in trouble

Round 9 Lomachenko lands hard body shots…..FIGHT STOPPED AFTER ROUND…LOMACHENKO TKO END 9

Round 1 4 Punch combination from Gonzalez..Left hook from Gvozdyk

Round 2 Uppercut from Gvozdyk..Good right hand

Round 3 Left hook to body from Gonzalez..COUNTER RIGHT AND DOWN GOES GONZALEZ..Gvozdyk laning hard shots..Gonzalez hurt..Gonzalez nose bleeding..RIGHT HAND AND DOWN GOES GONZALEZ..GONZALEZ CORNER STOPS THE BOUT

Round 1 Hard left by Usyk..  Hunter out threw Usyk 50-27

Round 2 Hunter being scrappy

Round 3 Counter right from Hunter..Hunter hitting and moving ..Hard left from Usyk..

Round 4 Usyk working the body…Good left hook from Hunter

Round 5 Hard left from Usyk..Right from Hunter..

Round 6 Usyk lands 3 punches to the head..2 hard straight lefts..Right Hook

Round 7 Good uppercut from Usyk..

Round 8 Hard combinations from Usyk.. straight left..

Round 9 Body shots from Usyk

Round 10 Left to body from Usyk..3 more hard body shots..Hard right hook..Barrage of punches..Hunter taking a lot of punches..Good right from Hunter

Round 11 Left to body from Usyk..4 punches to the head..

Round 12 Big left hurts Hunter,,Hunter getting with relentless shots…HUNTER GETS AN 8 COUNT…Usyk all over Hunter,,Usyk gets in 10 more big shots…Hunter struggles to make the final bell

Punches:  Usyk 321-905   Hunter 190-794

117-110 ON ALL CARDS FOR USYK

Myles Jury stopped Mike de la Torre in the 1st round of their featherweight bout.

Jury pounded de la Torre with punches and elbows and split open his forehead and the bout was stopped at 3:30.

Jury is now 16-2.  de la Torre is 14-7-1.

Kamaru Usman won a unanimous decision over Sean Strickland in a welterweight bout.

Usman won by scores of 30-27 and 30-26 twice and is now 10-1.  Strickland is 18-2.

Shane Burgos remained undefeated with a 3rd round stoppage over Charles Rosa in a featherweight bout.

Burgos landed a hard right hand that hurt Rosa.  Burgis finished him off with a hard right and the fight was topped at 1:59.

Burgos is 9-0.  Rosa is 11-3.

Patrick Cummins won a majority decision over Jan Blachwicz in a light heavyweight bout.

Cummins won by scores of 29-28 twice and 28-28 and is now 9-4.  Blachowicz is 19-7.

Vasyl Lomanchenko defended the WBO Junior Lightweight title with a systematic stoppage after nine rounds over Jason Sosa at the MGM National Harbor in Nation Harbor, Maryland.

Lomachenko displayed his incredible ability, landing punches from every angle imaginable using terrific footwoork.  Sosa was extremely game and tried for every second of the fight, but he was outmatched as he went up against what some are calling the best Pound for Pound fighter in the world.

Sosa’s left eye began to swell as early s round three, and it did not get any better as Lomachenko landed quick combinations to the head and solid body shots.  In round seven, it started to look like that a stoppage was imminent as Sosa began to wilt under the enormous velocity of the punches.  Finally after round nine, trainer Raul Rivas made    the right call by saving his fighter, Sosa from any more damage and the fight was halted.

Lomachenko is 8-1 with six knockouts.  Sosa is now 20-2-4.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk stopped Yunieski Gonzalez in round three of their scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round three, Gvozdyk landed a counter left that put Gonzalez on the deck.  Gvozdyk landed a barrage of hard shits that kept snapping the head of Gonzalez back.   Gonzalez was trying to fight back and was on weary legs until he was dumped on the canvas for a 2nd time.  His corner stopped the bout simultaneously at 2:55.

Gvozdyk is now 13-0 with 11 knockouts.  Gonzalez is 18-3.

Aleksandr Usyk retained the WBO Cruiserweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Michael Hunter.

Usyk got off to a slow start as Hunter was able to use his movement and quickness to win a couple rounds.  Usyk started to get on track and land some solid combinations in each round.

Usyk pounded the body hard in round ten, and he started to break the 2016 United States Olympian.  Usyk had a big round eleven and a bigger round twelve as he relentlessly pounded Hunter all over the ring, and was credited with a knockdown after one of those barrages forced Hunter to be held up by the ropes.  The fight could have been stopped at any point in the last minute, but Hunter was able to make it to the final bell.

Usyk, 199 1/2 lbs of Ukraine won by scores of 117-110 on all cards and is now 12-0.  Hunterm 198 lbs is 12-1.

Usyk
“I’m very happy with my performance, I did what I wanted to do, he
took a lot of punches, I thought maybe they would stop
the fight at the end”

“The low blows didn’t really both me, it was annoying however.”

“He was trying to hold and I knew he would do that so I worked in
the gym on keeping him off me and keeping my distance to extend my arms.”

“I’d love to fight any of the title holders, anytime, anyplace.”

Hunter
“No excuses, I lost the fight, no issue with the scorecards.”

“I need to stay more active, I give myself a 6.”

“I’d love to fight him again, it was a great fight and he’s a
great champion.

Tom Loeffler/K2 Promotions
“It was a great TV fight truly showcasing the how talented the
cruiserweight division is.”

“Both are world class fighters and that showed tonight in their
performances.”

“We’re very happy with Aleksandr’s performance and look forward to
his return on HBO.”

Mike Reed won a 10-round unanimous decision over Reyes Sanchez in a welterweight bout.

Reed is now 22-0.  Sanchez is 26-10-2.

Jesse Hart stopped Alan Campa in round five of their scheduled 10-round super middleweight bout.

Campa’s corner called a halt to the action at 1:49 of round five.

Hart of Philadelphia is now 22-0.  Campa is 16-3.

Egidijus Kavaliauskas stopped Ramses Agaton in round 4 of their scheduled 8-round welterweight bout.

Kavaliauskas dropped Agaton twice in round three and hammered out with a right hand for the ten count at 2:58 of round 4.

Lavaliuskas is now 16-0.  Agaton is 18-6-3.

Light Heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson will defend his title in a rematch against Andrzej Fonfara, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“It’s now official,” Stevenson wrote on social media. “June 3rd rematch against Andrzej Fonfara in Canada. The undercard will be interesting as well.”

Yvon Michel, Stevenson’s promoter, told ESPN that Stevenson’s next fight will indeed come against Fonfara, though he was noncommittal on the date or which television network would carry it.

“The fight with Fonfara is agreed upon, but still contracts (need) to be signed,” Michel said. “Place and dates still in negotiations. (We) will have confirmation about the network early next week. I am expecting a terrific fight. Last time there was a lot of drama in the course of the 12 rounds.”

Seanie Monaghan was not pleased to hear that Stevenson was not going to fight him.

“Well it seems I got jerked again. Fight with Stevenson is off,” he said. “I honestly always kinda doubted it was gonna happen. Was he gonna fight an undefeated guy? No, he fights a guy he beat already who just got KO’d in one round. No wonder nobody respects this punk (expletive). Whoever I get next is in trouble.”

Deerfield Beach, Fla. (April 7, 2017) – Hall of Fame boxing promoter Don King thought he had seen it all in this sport, but this is a first for the legendary sports figure.

King found himself being sued by his own fighter, super welterweight number one challenger Charles Hatley two weeks before his title shot on April 22 against the WBC Super Welterweight Champion Jermell Charlo.

“I don’t think this has ever happened to me in all the years I’ve been in boxing,” said King. “Charles Hatley comes to me with his lawyer, manager and father and asks me to help him get a title shot. He signs a promoter’s contract and I turn around and land him a mandatory championship fight against Charlo.

“Charles is the same fighter that couldn’t get a title shot from his previous promoter and I turn around after he comes to me to help him and I deliver a title shot in his first fight back. Here’s a fighter who has won nine straight fights and has a great lifetime record of 26-1-1. I deliver him a title shot and he delivers me papers.”

King made a deal with co-promoter/manager Al Haymon after Hatley signed a promotional agreement and then followed that up by signing bout agreement.

“This is the craziest thing I have ever seen. Charles is getting ready for the fight and he changes lawyers and this guy has Charles sue me after all that I have done for him and his father.”

Said Hatley’s manager Lee Holliday of Holliday Boxing: “Don King has been very transparent in his negotiations with Charles Hatley. I was and am very disappointed, to say the least, regarding the lawsuit. This is an unprecedented situation two weeks before the fight. It’s certainly totally unfair to a promoter who has work very hard to get us this world title shot. It’s totally unfair to a fighter who should be thinking about nothing but the fight of his life.”

Hatley’s former attorney, La Coulton J. Walls, praised King as a legendary promoter. “Unfortunately, it is easy to get caught up in the caricature and not appreciate the greatness he has achieved,” Walls said. “The Hatleys are hardworking people who have a certain mistrust of boxing institutions.”

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD. (April 7, 2017) – WBC Featherweight World Champion Gary Russell Jr. will make the second defense of his title when he faces top challenger Oscar Escandon Saturday, May 20 in themain event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING from the recently opened MGM National Harbor in Maryland live on SHOWTIME.

The Maryland-native Russell Jr. (27-1, 16 KOs) and the WBC Interim Featherweight Champion Escandon (25-2, 17 KOs) will battle in one of boxing’s most talented divisions that continues to deliver exciting action fight after fight. A lineup of exciting co-featured attractions will be announced next week.

“I’m a gladiator getting ready for a tough battle,” said Russell Jr. “This is going to be a huge night for my family and I’m glad that the time is here. This will be the first time as pros that I get to fight on the same card as both of my little brothers, (unbeaten bantamweight) Gary Antonio and (2016 U.S. Olympian) Gary Antuanne, plus my brother Gary Allan will work all of our corners. We’re excited to get in the ring and show the fans what we’re capable of doing in the ring.”

“I’ve had to wait for this opportunity to face Gary Russell Jr. and I’m going to take full advantage of it,” said Escandon. “It’s going to be a great fight and I know the fans are going to get their money’s worth. I feel 100 percent healthy and now that the fight is here I am ready to knock him out.”

Tickets for the live event promoted by TGB Promotions are priced at $200, $150, $100 and $50, and are now on sale. To purchase tickets go to http://mgmnationalharbor.com/. The main event is co-promoted by Sampson Boxing. This bout was originally scheduled to take place on March 11 but was rescheduled after Escandon suffered a back injury in training camp. Fans who bought tickets for the March 11 show will have their tickets honored on May 20.

“This is going to be a great night of boxing,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “The featherweight division is very hot right now with the recent wins by Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares. There is something very special going on in the division and this will be another memorable fight. Escandon is a tough warrior who has proven time and again that he doesn’t care about going on the road or where he fights. There are great boxing fans in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region and they are in-store for an exciting night on May 20.”

A speedy and supremely talented boxer, Russell Jr., was impressive in his fourth-round stoppage of the battle-tested Jhonny Gonzalez that earned him the title in March 2015. The 2008 U.S. Olympian had scored important victories over Vyacheslav Gusev, Juan Ruiz and Miguel Tamayo before losing a majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO 126-pound title in June 2014. The southpaw, of Capitol Heights, Md., most recently scored a dominant second-round TKO victory over Patrick Hyland in his first title defense in April 2016.

Fighting out of Ibague, Colombia, Escandon turned pro in 2008 and was undefeated in his first 22 professional bouts. Escandon won an interim world title at super bantamweight in 2014 when he defeated Tyson Cave in his U.S. debut. He earned his shot at Russell Jr. last March when he survived an early knockdown to score a knockout victory over Robinson Castellanos in the seventh round of their showdown in Washington, D.C.

For more information, follow on Twitter @MrGaryRussellJr, @TGBPromotions, @MGMNatlHarbor and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/MGMNationalHarbor. The event is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Saturday’s HBO World Championship Boxing® tripleheader telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Opening up the telecast from The Theater at MGM National Harbor, Aleksandr Usyk battles Mike Hunter in a 12-round cruiserweight title match-up.

The evening’s middle bout is a 10-round light heavyweight attraction between Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Yuniesky Gonzalez.

The main event of the evening will be a 12-round junior lightweight title fight between Vasyl Lomachenko and Jason Sosa.

Official Weights from MGM National Harbor:

Aleksandr Usyk: 199.4
Mike Hunter: 198.0

Oleksandr Gvozdyk: 174.2
Yuniesky Gonzalez: 174.8

Vasyl Lomachenko: 129.6
Jason Sosa: 130.0

Mike Reed 141.2 – Reyes Sanchez 141.4
Jesse Hart 168 – Alan Campa 165.2
Edidijus Kavaliauskas 148.2 – Ramsas Agaton 147
Patrick Harris 136 – Omar Garcia 136.6

WBO Lightweight world champion Terry Flanagan weighed in at 134.5 lbs while number-2 ranked Petr Petrov checked in at 134.6 lbs for Saturday’s WBO Lightweight world title fight in Manchester, England.

The live stream of Saturday’s Championship fight will be available for free to logged-in and logged-out users exclusively on Twitter and connected devices in the United States. Access to the live stream will be available Saturday night at boxing.twitter.com and on @BannerBoxing at 5 PM ET.

The mouth-watering showdown between former WBO Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith and the undefeated British and WBO European Champion Liam Williams will go ahead tomorrow evening at the Manchester Arena, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Liverpool’s Smith narrowly missed the Championship Weight and therefore the WBO Interim title will only be on the line for Williams.

Should Smith win the contest, the title will remain vacant.

The unbeaten Welshman Williams weighed-in at 10st 12lbs 8oz and will become the WBO Interim Super-Welterweight World Champion if he beats Smith in what is sure to be a Fight of the Year contender.

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight standout Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut.

Tickets priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

LOS ANGELES (April 7, 2017) Unified light heavyweight champion Andre “S.O.G” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) and former titleholder Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs) will fight for the vacant RING Magazine light heavyweight championship title when they meet for a second time on June 17, THE RING announced today.

Ward and Kovalev are rated Nos. 1 and 2 in THE RING’s 175-pound ratings, which meets the magazine’s criteria for a championship fight. The title has been vacant since former champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson was stripped in November 2015 for lack of top-level opposition.

The fight also has pound-for-pound implications, as Ward and Kovalev are ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, on THE RING’s pound-for-pound list.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than this. The winner of this fight certainly will be worthy of being a RING champion,” said Michael Rosenthal, editor-in-chief of THE RING Magazine.

Ward defeated Kovalev by a controversial unanimous decision – 114-113 on all three cards – on Nov. 19, 2016 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, prompting many to call for an immediate rematch.

The fight will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

LAS VEGAS (April 7, 2017) – Cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs) will meet interim cruiserweight champion Yunier Dorticos (21-0, 20 KOs) in the main event and WBA Interim Featherweight Champion Carlos Zambrano (26-0, 11 KOs) defends his title against once-beaten contender Claudio Marrero (21-1, 15 KOs) in a special Saturday night edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes, April 29 from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT as Shumenov and Dorticos will meet to unify their WBA titles in a long-awaited showdown between the former light heavyweight champion, Shumenov, and the unbeaten knockout artist, Dorticos.

“I’ve been in the gym working hard since my last fight,” said Shumenov. “I have been ready this entire time to defend my belt against anyone who is willing to step up. Denis Lebedev wanted to fight anyone but me and Dorticos disappeared after I signed the bout agreement to fight him February 11th in Miami. I am glad that, after many fight date changes, the fight is finally here on April 29. ”

“I have been waiting a long time to reach this level and I’m very excited for this opportunity,” said Dorticos. “I want to thank my team at Caribe Promotions and Warriors Boxing for making this happen. I can’t wait for the whole world to see me in action. I’ve had a great training camp and my whole team has been working very hard. Shumenov is a great champion and I thank him for stepping in the ring with me. I can’t wait for that bell to ring so I can start fighting.”

“Training to defend my title has been intense,” said Zambrano. “We have a great team who put together a plan for me and I am giving everything I have to them. I have to get in the ring and show what I am capable of. There is only one result of this fight, I am going to win. Whether it’s by knockout or points, I will leave the ring a champion.”

“I think the fans have been wanting to see this fight for a while, and I am prepared to give the fans an exciting fight,” said Marrero. “I am focused and ready. I’ve been training hard with my team and I only see this fight going one way, and that’s me leaving with the win.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $75, $50 and $25, and are on sale Monday, April 10 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets are available online at www.samstownlv.com/entertain.

“We can’t wait to bring another thrilling night of fights to the great fans in Las Vegas at Sam’s Town Live,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “This main event is going to be a scintillating cruiserweight title fight on FS1 and FOX Deportes and we are also looking forward to Carlos Zambrano making his Mayweather Promotions debut against a very tough challenger in Claudio Marrero. There will be an action packed undercard featuring a slew of Mayweather Promotions fighters, so you will want to get there early to enjoy the whole show!”

“This is a true boxing fans show,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Beibut Shumenov and Yunier Dorticos are two of the best cruiserweights in the sport and they’re stepping into the ring to prove it. Carlos Zambrano and Claudio Marrero have been circling each other for a while now, which has heightened the anticipation of their finally meeting in the ring. The intensity in both matches means excitement for the fans.”

A native of Shymkent, Kazakhstan and fighting out of Las Vegas, Shumenov looks to build on a strong start to his campaign at cruiserweight after picking up a title against B.J. Flores in July 2015 and defending the belt with a TKO victory over Junior Wright last year. The 2004 Olympian for Kazakhstan won a world title at light heavyweight by defeating Gabriel Campillo in Las Vegas in 2010.

Fighting out of Miami by way of Havana, Cuba, Dorticos is unbeaten since turning pro in 2009 after a decorated amateur career. Dorticos won a regional cruiserweight title over previously unbeaten Hamilton Ventura in 2014 and continued his ascent to a world title with victories over Edison Miranda, Galen Brown and Fulgencio Zuniga. He won his interim title with a stoppage victory over Youri Kalenga in one of the most exciting fights of 2016.

An unbeaten fighter from Lima, Peru, Zambrano turned pro in 2008 and fought nine of his first 12 bouts in the U.S. He won a South American regional title in 2012 and began moving up the featherweight rankings with a knockout victory over Devis Perez in 2014. He picked up his interim title with a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Ramirez in 2015 and defended the belt successfully against Jose Sanmartin later that year.

A former title challenger who lost a narrow decision to Jesus Cuellar in 2013, Marrero has won seven-straight bouts since then. Most recently, the 28-year-old knocked down Luis Hinojosa four times before stopping him in the fourth round in August 2016. A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marrero was an accomplished amateur who will be fighting in Las Vegas for the second time in his pro career.

# # #

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.

LONDON (7 April) – Double Olympic champion Nicola Adams is out to emulate her hero Muhammad Ali when she makes her debut this Saturday night.

The British star enters the professional ranks as part of a stacked card live on BoxNation headlined by world champion Terry Flanagan defending his lightweight world title against Petr Petrov, plus a thrilling clash between Liam Smith and the undefeated Liam Williams.

34-year-old Adams has already taken a leaf out of Ali’s book by breaking down barriers, in her case around women’s boxing, and she is keen to follow the cultural icon by going from an Olympic champion to a world champion.

“To become a world champion would mean everything to me. My hero is Muhammad Ali and he went from being an Olympic champion to a world champion as a professional and that’s exactly what I want to do as well,” said Adams.

“I’m hoping to become a world champion next year. I’m coming for every title. If I stay in the flyweight division I’ll be going for Ava Knight, she’s got all the titles at the moment, so she’s the one I’m aiming for,” she said.

Adams has always been very driven and clear in her ambitions.

As an amateur she won countless accolades and in 2012 became the first ever women’s Olympic champion when she won flyweight gold.

There were calls for her to turn professional right after London 2012 but she was determined to win even more and set new records that had never been achieved before.

“After 2012 I said I wanted to become a Commonwealth Games champion and then win a World Championship and complete the full set of titles,” Adams said.

“We’ve never had anyone do that in amateur boxing – male or female – and I wanted to be able to achieve that, as well as becoming a double Olympic champion by winning again in 2016.

“After achieving my goals in amateur boxing I want to make some new ones and become a world champion as a professional,” she said.

An impressive win this weekend against Argentina’s Virginia Noemi Carcamo will set her well on the way to attaining that goal as she looks to steal the show on a fantastic night of boxing.

BoxNation will broadcast the brilliant bill from the Manchester Arena from 5.30pm, with the full undercard action exclusively live as part of the brand new ‘Premium Pass’.

Attention will then switch to the main events at 8.30pm which will be topped by Flanagan’s defence of his WBO crown against the rugged Russian Petrov.

He hopes to look good in his outing before trying to unify the 135-pound division later this year.

The standout fight on the card, however, which is set to produce fireworks, is the impending battle between former super-welterweight world champion Smith and Welshman Williams.

The clash is for the interim WBO World super-welterweight title, with the winner eyeing the chance of world title glory.

28-year-old Smith carries the experience and has fought some leading names including Canelo Alvarez but Williams is forming a reputation as a big puncher having stopped 11 of his opponents in his 16 wins.

As the younger man at 24-years-old Williams will be looking to grab his opportunity against Smith and emerge as one of Britain’s finest talents.

Also set to feature on the card is another debutant in 19-year-old heavyweight sensation ‘Dangerous’ Daniel Dubois who will be aiming to devastate his opponent Marcus Kelly.

From Manchester, BoxNation will then move Stateside when one of the world’s elite fighters Vasyl Lomachenko defends his WBO super-featherweight world title against the tough 29-year-old Jason Sosa.

Pound-for-pound star Lomachenko knows Sosa will be looking to cause the upset and has also humbly dismissed claims made by many that he is the best fighter on the planet.

“Jason Sosa is very strong, is motivated, wants to win and he can fight all of the twelve rounds. It will be a hard fight. That I know,” said Lomachenko.

“My top three pound for pound list is; GGG, Sergey Kovalev and Terence Crawford. I don’t want to be number one until I deserve it. That means fighting and winning against two or three world champions. After that I may be number one but for sure not now,” he said.

Top unbeaten cruiserweight Oleksandr Usyk is also on the card and faces a tough test against the undefeated American Michael Hunter.

New BoxNation subscribers on the Sky platform will also be able to join the channel without a registration fee (normally £8) until Saturday midnight by entering promo code FREEBOXING.

Not only will subscribers be able to enjoy this weekend’s marathon night of live boxing but the first month will also include the scintillating showdown between Mexican rivals Canelo and Julio Cesar Chavez on May 6th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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