Philadelphia – March 30, 2017 – Weights for Friday night’s Victory Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

MAIN EVENT
6 Rounds – Welterweight

Jaron “Boots” Ennis (147.2) vs. James Winchester (147.2)

6 Rounds – Super Bantamweight
Manny “Major Pain” Folly (122) vs. Luis Hinijosa (126.2)

4 Rounds – Super Welterweight
Darren Goodall (168.3) vs. Juan Zapata (168.7)

4 Rounds – Super Lightweight
Brandun Lee (143.3) vs. Seth Basler (143.3)

4 Rounds – Lightweight
Joshua Jones (136.4) vs. Dustin Arnold (135)

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2017) — It took place on Monday, April 6, 1987 at Caesars Palace and it was promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank®. The SuperFight: Hagler vs. Leonard, with Marvin Hagler defending his middleweight title against Sugar Ray Leonard, making a return after a three-year absence from the ring and a big question mark about his surgically-repaired eye. It was one the biggest and most successful sporting events of that era. Caesars Palace was sold out with 15,000 spectators and an estimated 400 million more watching worldwide via closed-circuit or on pay-tv. The media credentialed for fight week was close to 1,1000. It was the quintessential promotion of that time and the foundation on which mega fights are now promoted. And the result? It is as hotly debated today as it was 30 years ago when the judges’ scores were read that night. Dave Moretti scored it 115-113 for Leonard. Lou Fillippo scored it 115-113 for Hagler. Jo Jo Guerra scored it 118-110 for Leonard, making him the new middleweight champion, and completing one of the greatest career comebacks in boxing .

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champions ÓSCAR VALDEZ, GILBERTO “Zurdo” RAMIREZ and JESSIE MAGDALENO, as well as 2016 Olympic silver medalist SHAKUR STEVENSON, are headlining an exciting world championship tripleheader, and Stevenson’s pro debut, which will take place on Saturday, April 22, under the stars at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. It will be produced and distributed live on pay-per-view. Each fighter and his respective trainer took a break from training to watch a clean tape of the fight, minus audio and graphics, and score it. Here is who they thought won.

Óscar Valdez
“Hagler was the aggressor and he wanted to fight. Leonard was moving a lot early but he would try to steal rounds with flurries at the end of every round. It was a good, tactical fight and both guys had their moments, but I felt that Hagler did enough to win the fight by a slight margin.”
Hagler 115-113

Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramírez
“It was a very close fight, but I saw Leonard winning it. He boxed for twelve rounds, but he also stood his ground and exchanged with Hagler. His speed beat Hagler to the punch. Hagler was very strong and had better punching power, but Leonard had more resources. It Is one of the best fights I have seen.”
Leonard 115-113

Jessie Magdaleno
“I felt that Leonard controlled the pace of the fight and stayed with his boxing plan for the full 12 rounds. He never let Hagler get into the fight the way he wanted to and even though Hagler was aggressive, he was never able to display his trademark power and ferocity. It was a boxing match and it favored Leonard. A good close fight but I saw it for Leonard.” Leonard 116-112

Shakur Stevenson
The rounds Leonard won were clear cut and without question. The rounds I scored for Hagler were more of a pick ’em type — very close. Leonard was boxing beautifully and it was a classic case of the boxer vs. the brawler. Leonard’s boxing ability was the difference in the fight.”
Leonard 115-113

Manny Robles, trainer for Valdez and Magdaleno
“The first four rounds were all Leonard. He dictated everything in those rounds while Hagler fought out of orthodox stance which I still don’t understand. I gave Hagler the fifth round and Leonard the sixth. Then Hagler started coming on sweeping the seventh and eighth rounds. The ninth round was even. Leonard won the tenth round. And Hagler won the last two rounds. Hagler just dug himself too deep a hole in the first four rounds.”
Leonard 115-114

Héctor Zapari, trainer for Ramírez
“It was a great fight of great physical strain where both fighters showed great physical condition. It was a very even fight, but I saw Leonard winning by a small margin. He took Hagler’s power well and had better combinations when they were exchanging. His speed and boxing skills gave him the win in one of the best fights in boxing history.”
Leonard 115-113

Kay Koroma, trainer for Stevenson
“It was a very close fight. I think if it was this era, Hagler would have won because he was the aggressor. There were times in the fight that Ray was boxing beautifully and then times that Hagler was teeing off on him. It was a great fight. I’ve watched it many, many times. Hagler was switching from southpaw to orthodox and the southpaw stance was working for him. It made it a little difficult for Ray because once Ray stopped using his legs, the southpaw stance started working better for Hagler. When Hagler started going to the body first, he was finding Ray a lot easier. I believe if Hagler had gone to the body earlier, he would have won because it would have taken Ray’s legs away.”
Leonard 115-113

Bob Arum
“I had the same score as Lou Fillippo. I thought Marvin won the fight.”
Hagler 115-113

***************************

Valdez (21-0, 19 KOs), from Nogales, México, will be making the second defense of his WBO featherweight title against No. 1 contender and NABO champion Miguel “Escorpión” Marriaga (25-1, 21 KOs), from Arjona, Colombia; Ramírez (34-0, 24 KOs), from Mazatlán, México, will be making his first defense of the WBO super middleweight title against Top-10 contender Max “Tiger” Bursak (33-4-1, 15 KOs), of Kiev, Ukraine; Magdaleno (24-0, 17 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nev., will be making the first defense of his WBO junior featherweight title against WBO Latino champion Adeilson “Dell” Dos Santos (18-2, 14 KOs), of São Paulo, Brasil, and Stevenson, the crown jewel of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team and the pride of Newark, NJ, will be making his eagerly-awaited professional debut in a six-round featherweight bout.

The six world championship warriors have a combined record of 155-7-1 (110 KOs) for a winning percentage of 95% with a victory by knockout ratio of 71%.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with All Star Boxing, Zapari Boxing Promotions and Antonio Leonard Productions, remaining tickets to this world championship tripleheader are priced at $128.50, $77.50, $52.00 and $36.70. They may be purchased online at AXS.com, by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX, or by visiting the StubHub Center box office.

Produced and distributed live by Top Rank Pay-Per-View, the telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. and will be available on all conventional platforms, including all major cable and satellite systems, as well as Top Rank’s digital distribution via www.TopRank.tv and mobile devices.

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, To join the conversation on Twitter, please use the hash tags #ValdezMarriaga, #ZurdoBursak and #MagdalenoDosSantos.

Lou DiBella
Thanks for joining us. This is our call to announce the co-feature for Andre Berto versus Shawn Porter, the WBC welterweight world title eliminator — that’s going to be on SHOWTIME live at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT from the Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 22. Tickets for the live event are on sale now. They can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, BarclaysCenter.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000, 1-800-745-3000.

The co-feature is a terrific bout for the WBC junior middleweight championship. Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo 28-0, 13 KOs from Houston, Texas against Charles Hatley, 26-1-1, with 18 KOs from Dallas, Texas. So we got a battle of Texas and Brooklyn on April 22. As most of you know Jermell’s brother is Jermall. They’re one minute apart. Jermell’s one minute younger.

They turned pro in 2007. Jermell had a great record of 56 and 8 as an amateur. Has held a number of small titles. Last year they became the first pair of twins to hold world titles simultaneously in the same weight class. Since Jermall has moved up to the 160-pound division. But Jermell will be defending his title in a very tough defense against Charles Hatley in Brooklyn at Barclays Center on April 22.

For those who don’t know Charles Hatley is promoted by the illustrious Mr. Don King. Charles, you want to say a couple of words to the press please?

Charles Hatley
Yes, I’m preparing very well for this fight and it’s going to be a great night for us.

L. DiBella
And so Charles’ trainer is his dad, Greg Hatley. Greg, would you like to say a few words?

Greg Hatley
We’re really looking forward to the fight. Looking forward to it. Glad for the opportunity for the fight and looking forward to it.

L. DiBella
Jermell, you want to talk to the press, champ?

Jermell Charlo
Yes, of course. Hello everybody that’s listening. I appreciate you guys for taking the time to just be involved and be active with me and my brother. I’m excited to be in the arena again and I hope Charles Hatley is excited to obviously get another chance to fight for his title.

I know he hasn’t fought in a while — and this is actually one of my longest layoffs — but this has been one of the best because I been able to prepare myself physically, mentally, spiritually. And I been able to adapt and get better. so I’m excited to see what I can bring to the table and bring a better performance than I have done all 28 fights that I’ve fought.

Mr. DiBella you’ve been doing a great job promoting our fights and doing what you can for the Charlos. And right now it’s all about us. It’s about being selfish and it’s about taking control of everything that the opportunities present.

I am the champion. I’ve been here before and I’ve stood my ground before. I’ve been in the ring where I had to put my liberty on my back and that’s what I’m doing right here and I’m doing it again. Y’all fighting a native from Texas but it’s two completely different worlds. I live nothing like these guys and those guys live nothing like me.

And it’s hard to walk in my shoes. Charles will see that when we get into the ring on the 22nd.

Q
Just a question for both fighters. You’re both from the Texas area. Have you guys ever fought in the amateurs or ever spar or do you guys know each other well before this fight?

J. Charlo
Yes, we never fought in the amateurs. We seen each other fight before. I was a little bit younger than him coming into amateurs and he was older obviously so maybe just one era difference. But no, we never fought in the amateurs but we did pay attention because closely to what we had in front of us.

Q
Does both of you guys being from Texas add a little extra to this fight?

Jermell Charlo
No. This is my life. This is another victim that’s coming to jeopardize my life and my lifestyle. And so it’s not about where he’s from and Texas, none of that. There’re no robberies, that doesn’t matter to me.

I can’t stand by myself and say, yes, I am the king of Texas but we all have some great champions in Texas so it’s not even about, it’s not about that. It’s deeper than that.

Q
Can you just tell me if there’s been any sense of anxiousness or frustration of finally finding out when you’d actually fight and finally knowing for sure it’s going to take place April 22?

J. Charlo
Well I’m very humbled to know that everything happens for a reason. I am happy to just to get a chance to get back in the ring, show my skills, knock off the ring rust and have fun. At the same time and do what I love to do. So that’s the anxiety, just being back in the ring and everything else falls in place.

I set myself up to where I can have a future outside of boxing as well. When things like this do take place you aim to still be comfortable. You know, something…

Q
Do you feel like because your title win was such a long time ago that the somewhat from momentum may be the wearing off?

J. Charlo
No, my focus still there. I’m still fired up, I’m still hungry. I’m hungrier now, obviously, because they made me wait so long. But other than that I’m still hungry, I’m still fired up. I can’t care about what these people think of me, judging me or how they feel or if I’m not relevant to them anymore.

I know what I’m doing, I know how I’m living, and I know how I’m getting ready to fight. So it’s like nothing else that I can do other than just continue to try to be great in the ring and please these fans and be satisfying to my peers and my judges and my family.

Q
What did you make of him confronting your brother after his world title victory?

J. Charlo
See that’s once again somebody else’s decision. I don’t care about that what that guy is doing. That’s not something that’s on the back of my mind. I couldn’t care less about that.

You jump in the ring and you almost started something or caused something to be worse than what it is all because you trying to really just put on a front. Put that front on in front of someone else.

I’m glad nothing erupted and got even crazier because we got different type of people in our life that don’t allow stuff like that to happen. I’m glad that it didn’t get more dangerous or serious than that. But, he does have to eat a few jabs to the mouth for that.

Q
Did you and your brother ever kind of joke around about it a little bit?

J. Charlo
Well we laughed on the plane and that was it. We were like look at this guy. We’re so used to stuff like that. Different people they don’t know us apart. So I mean I’ve been dealing with that all my life.

So we kind of had a little laugh and were like okay you didn’t know us apart but at the same time why do you disrespect us. I could say that you’re wrong for it and you got problems. Or I’m going to make you pay. But I don’t take it that seriously.

Q
How has sparring with Errol Spence Jr. sharpened your skills and upped your game and increased your intensity for this fight?

J. Charlo
Well that’s what I got to come out and show you guys. I’ve been working out with Errol and he’s a great fighter. Errol is very dominant and I love everything he’s doing. We’re both around the same age and we both teach each other. There are so many fighters in the gym with so many talents. So I believe when it comes down to April 22 I’ll be able to show some of those same things that we taught each other.

Q
How anxious are you to put hands on him?

J. Charlo
I’m just as anxious as any fight. I’m calm, I’m a really patient person. And I’m happy about my opportunities. I’m taking every moment very seriously. Training with Errol brings a lot to my repertoire.

Q
Derrick could you weigh in on that too?

Derrick James
Well you know, it’s funny because I’ve been training Jermell for like almost two years and I like to give everybody their own personal private time when they train. So they never really trained together.

But for this fight I felt like I wanted Jermell to get to another level, be more focused, and be pushed to where when he’s in the ring with a guy like Charles Hatley, he won’t care about you him. Hopefully it’ll be a lot easier, a lot different, so. Two different levels of fighters. This being said they’re very anxious.

Not really anxious just waiting for the fight to happen. You have something you just lingering and kind of want to get it over with so you move forward and get ready for the next one or whatever. So that’s basically my focus and – but Jermell and Errol sparring raises him up to a whole other level.

It’s one thing to be a good fighter but to be one of the best fighters in the world, most technically sound fighter in the world and to help each other get ready is phenomenal.

Q
I understand that Errol has sparred Hatley. Can you characterize how that was?

D. James
Well the first time I saw them spar it was pretty decent. They’ve only sparred three times when I was training Errol. And the first time was pretty decent.

The last two times were…. Well…. you all know what Errol’s motto is. And that was it. We never sparred with him again because it was not so competitive.

C. Hatley
Yes, I heard everything that was being said which wasn’t true. I swear I sparred Errol many times and yes, we worked several times. And he down – he right, whatever he want to say man down, that’s definitely ain’t true. I got footage of us sparring.

And I have told Derek whenever they’d like to come back they welcome back. But no, they know where I’m at and I never seen them again.

I told him whenever he wants to come back, whenever you want to come back, come over. And I haven’t seen y’all since. So what does that mean?

D. James
It wasn’t worth the time, man. It wasn’t competitive, it’s not…

C. Hatley
Well I have that on tape as well.

D. James
All right, if you say so.

Q
Jermell, how do you rate Hatley as an opponent compared to the other opponents that you’ve had?

J. Charlo
I give everybody a chance. There is nothing overlooked. He has never fought near the competition I’ve fought as a professional. I’m a different individual, I’m a stronger fighter, smarter fighter, faster fighter.

He knows what he has in front of him. So it’s really about me getting in there, doing what I have to do, and being my best by doing it. I don’t care about who he fought, who he’s sparred, who he’s stopped, who stopped him. None of that matters to me. Every opponent, every victim, has a different way of coming at you. So we all got our different DNA.

Q
What do you see as your advantages over him?

J. Charlo
I might have several. I really don’t want to speak on the advantages that I have. I have several though.

Q
Okay, and a question for Charles. Could you talk a little bit about the layoff?

C. Hatley
Yes, well the layoff was good for me. I was so busy at the time and I actually needed the layoff. But I actually thought we were going to fight three months after he won the titles.

It just kept going back, pushing and pushing it back further and further. And I was busy training for it. So I was well prepared for it a while back. I never stopped training for it.

Q
How do you compare him with your other opponents that you’ve faced? You consider him to be the toughest fighter you’ve faced?

C. Hatley
No, I can’t say that. He’s a great fighter and he’s coming to win just like I am. But he’s never gotten a test like this. I’m sure he’s fought several fighters that they knew he was going to win against. But this fight here they don’t know that he’s going to win.

And I’m sure he’s pushing himself right now. I’m coming to the table to do what I got to do and that’s to bring the belt back to my city. I’m well prepared for it and I’m ready to fight. At the end of the day I’m really about getting in the ring and doing what I said I was going to do.

Q
Do either of you want to make a prediction for the fight? (Jermell) first?

J. Charlo
No, I’m not making any predictions. I’m coming to win.

C. Hatley
He said it clearly. I’m ready and I’m coming to win man. So may the best man win.

Q
Can you give me your perspective on what it was like for you to make that long trip to Australia to fight Mundine?

C. Hatley
Well I went to Australia with everything against me. The crowd and everything were all against me. I’m actually feeling like it’s another Australia fight, you know? I’m focused, I’m ready and I’m prepared for it. For whatever’s coming.

Q
When you went to Australia, what did it teach you about yourself as far as how you could deal with that kind of atmosphere?

C. Hatley
Well I made it really easy. I stuck to what we had been training for. I knew I was going overseas and I knew he was a great fighter. But I thought I kept everything in training, what we’d been training. I keep it in and I went in and dominated the fight the whole fight.

Q
Can you explain to me if you’ve had any sort of frustration about having to wait so long to get this fight settled?

C. Hatley
Yes, I don’t really know what the issue was with this fight. But I just know what the rumors were. But yes, I was prepared to fight mid-September and then March. But the whole time I know — it was September, February, then March. Then back to April which I didn’t care if it was next year, I wanted a fight and I was going to be ready.

Q
When you were at his brother’s fight not that long ago and you went into the ring after the fight, kind of a funny scene because you were confronting the wrong guy. Can you just take me through what happened with that?

C. Hatley
I’m sure Jermell could tell you as well that this the truth, they tried to make me look like the bad guy. I was in the ring to talk after he came and he looked over to me and he said “Well this cool”. This guy he pushed me first. And then when he pushed me I pushed him back. And that’s where everybody – they got most of the part when I was pushing him. Everybody felt like I pushed him and he didn’t push me but Jermell) I’m sure can tell you as well if he’s being honest, he’ll tell you that. His brother pushed me first and then I pushed him back.

They try to make me like the bad guy so I can be the bad guy for this fight. It doesn’t matter. It’s cool. I do whatever I got to do and beat whoever I have to beat. I’ll come back with that belt that’s what I’m going to do.

Q
Well why were you going into the ring? Were you just trying to kind of hype up your mandatory fight for the title?

C. Hatley
No, no. Everyone probably thought it was staged. But no, I was told to come in to do an interview after Jermell’s fight, but Don King wasn’t there and no one told me to come up and do the interview. They told me after his brother fought then go up in the ring and do my interview. And that’s where everything took place.

Q
Did you learn anything about Jermell from watching his fight with John Jackson?

C. Hatley
I learn from every fight no matter who’s fighting. I learn from every fight. I mean that’s what I’m here to do is learn, but far as watching what went on in that fight I really wasn’t paying much attention to it because I was just – I didn’t know who was going to win.

So it wasn’t I had to watch this and watch that on their fight. I’ll just have to be prepared to do what I have to do. I have to worry about me. No one else.

Q
Can you talk about your sparring sessions with Errol?

C. Hatley
When Errol came to spar, man we work. I’m not in there to beat anyone one up when I’m sparring. I’m in to get work.

There’s a lot of hate in these guys. Like I said I been beating Derrick James up since we was amateurs and he knows that. That’s probably why he’s having a fit right now and saying the thing that he’s saying. But none of it is true.

We come to help each other. Not to hurt each other. But I guess he probably was telling them hey, kill him, hurt him. Kill him, hurt him. When I’m in a ring sparring with the fighter that comes here I help them no matter who it is. When they come I help them.

Q
How far are you removed mentally from the knockout loss to Tyner

C. Hatley
Weight played a big part of it but I was actually injured. I shouldn’t have even fought. I had just come off from ACL surgery two months before the fight and the doctor told me not to fight for a whole year. But I knew he wasn’t on my level, so. I couldn’t wait to fight, you know, so I told my dad yes, let’s do it. And that’s what happen when you think you know everything.

I actually tried to fight him several times afterwards. I told my dad I was going to fight him again. I tried to fight him and he didn’t want to fight.

Q
Did you work with John Jackson befor this fight?

C. Hatley
For this fight? Yes, I worked with him a little bit. We did a little work. He’s a great fighter. We worked. It’s not how I’m prepared for this fight. It’s not that much.

Q
So are you concerned about having to move up in weight like your brother without cleaning up the division?

J. Charlo
No. So that was a major business move plus a career move. It was a massive move. I’m dominating at 54, I make 54 easy. I am getting bigger and I’m getting stronger, I’m getting wiser. I know a lot of people that seen videos of me training over in California. But everything is going great. I’ll be on-weight. It won’t be a struggle, it has never been a struggle.

So I don’t think it ever could be a struggle. Making 154 is easy. Moving up to 160 is what I want my brother to do right now to take the Charlo name and push it up to the top.

I’m glad he’s ranked number two down at WBC. And I’m going to try to unify at this weight-division before I decide to move up.

All I got to do is just train harder than I trained before. Lifting more, learn more, and be great. There’s nothing about anything to do with my brother. So my brother did what he had to do and it ended the way it did. He trained hard, we are gym rats. We work hard. It’s not just getting up, running in. It’s not the amateurs. You can’t just come in throwing punches like you want to. You pick all your mistakes up.

Everything happens for a reason so. I’m excited for the fight. April 22. I’m excited to be in Brooklyn for the first time, fighting in Brooklyn, not even in the amateurs I fought in Brooklyn. This’ll be my first time at Barclays Center and I’m happy. I’m excited. It’s big to me. It’s actually in New York. So this is big to me. This is different. And me and my stablemates and my coaches, my trainers, we’re all working together. We’re planning to have an exciting night.

Q
Charles, are you little anxious in the sense there’s some expediency in your career being that you’re 31?

C. Hatley
Yes, not going to say none of the time hurt me or anything. I needed that break. I hadn’t even reached my prime yet.

I’m a hard worker. Jermell can tell you that. I’m strong. Not many guys could stand up to my power. I’m sure Derrick and Jermell will tell you that. But like he was saying, the fight is I think the 22nd. I like to do all my talking in the ring.

Q
When you turned pro was it just an easy transition?

C. Hatley
I couldn’t wait to turn pro to be honest. I couldn’t wait. But the guys I fought in the amateurs. The guys I fought in the amateurs can’t be overlooked. I fought all the top guys really. Right now I fought all them in amateurs. I fought them all. And they can tell you what I did. I’m sure he knows what he’s up against.

L. DiBella
Thank you both for joining us. This is a terrific co-feature on SHOWTIME. The show starts at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Saturday, April 22. Get your tickets now.

# # #

ABOUT BERTO vs. PORTER
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter is a WBC welterweight world title eliminator between former 147-pound world champions. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo battles top rated challenger Charles Hatley, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2017) Golden Boy Promotions fighters Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) and KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson (16-0-1, 7 KOs) are just one day away from their 10-round main event for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship, which will prove to be a defining moment in each of their careers. Golden Boy Promotions sat down with Orozco and Gibson recently to get their thoughts on the importance of this match up and what it means to them.

Orozco vs. Gibson is Saturday, April 1 live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN airing on ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

The fight spotlight video on Orozco vs. Gibson is available for viewing here.

ANTONIO “RELENTLESS” OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“There is a lot more excitement in a fight when you have two undefeated fighters going toe to toe.

“I’ve seen him fight a couple of times. I can’t overlook Keandre Gibson. I’ve been through some hard times but not all hard times are the same. I’m here, I’m ready, let’s fight and get this going.”

KEANDRE “THE TRUTH” GIBSON, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“Boxing critics sleep on me; they don’t realize I’m one of the top prospects in boxing right now. I’ve sparred a lot of guys with experience; I’ve sparred Canelo and Pacquaio. I know what I’ve got to do.

“It’s time to step up, if I’m not ready now then I’ll never be ready.”

Orozco vs. Gibson is a 10-round battle for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship on April 1 presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” Doors open at 4 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 4 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. ESPN3 and WatchESPN will livestream at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Orozco vs. Gibson start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link: http://bit.ly/OrozcoVsGibson. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video of Antonio Orozco or KeAndre Gibson.

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

BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 31, 2017) – Former title challenger Edner Cherry (35-7-2, 19 KOs) and once-beaten Omar Douglas (17-1, 12 KOs) made their final camp statements before engaging in a 10-round lightweight bout that headlines Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes, Tuesday, April 4 from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features an eight-round showdown between unbeaten featherweight prospects Stephen Fulton (10-0, 5 KOs) and Luis Rosario (8-0-1, 7 KOs) plus Bethlehem’s Frank DeAlba (21-2-2-, 9 KOs) taking on Massachusetts-native Ryan Kielczweski (26-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round super featherweight attraction.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available atwww.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Cherry of Wauchula, Florida has had a smooth camp while training in the Sunshine State and is ready for the 46th start of his professional start.

“Everything is good, and we will be prepared for everything on April 4th,” said the 34-year-old Cherry.

“On April 4th, whatever Douglas brings, we will be prepared for. This is not the first time, that I’ve been in this position. He is the guy who has to prove he can perform. I have been there before, so the pressure is on him.”

Cherry has been a top contender at both the 130 and 135 pound divisions, and he even challenged for a world title at 140 pounds. He believes there are many reasons that he has remained a viable contender who has only lost once in the last nine years and 13 fights.

“I am motivated and I believe in myself,” said Cherry. “Those are the reasons that I am still here at the top of the 130 and 135 divisions. My family gives me drive every day. April 4th will be another great fight. This is my job and I have to go out and do it well.”

Cherry believes a win should gain him another crack at a world title.

“A win definitely puts me ahead. It will open doors for better fights and better paydays. A title shot is what I want. But also a bigger money fight that will take care of my family.”

Douglas has been training at home in Delaware, has been working hard for this fight, which could be a breakthrough fight on the heels of his narrow defeat to former world champion Javier Fortuna last November.

“Everything is great. This has been a long camp. I have been getting great work,” said the 26- year-old Douglas.

“I am the better fighter. I have known about him for a long time. I watched him a lot when he fought on Friday Night Fights.”

That fight with Fortuna was a major step up, and Douglas had a lot of positive moments, as he dropped the former champion in the 1st round, only to lose by three points on two cards and one point on a third card.

“The Fortuna fight let me know and let the people know that Omar Douglas is a world class fighter. Even in a loss, people did not expect me to do well. I thought that I showed a lot that night and I will carry that confidence into this fight on April 4th.”

Douglas believes that a win over Cherry is his path to a world title.

“I think that it is time. I just happen to be crossing paths with Cherry. This fight makes sense for me. I will let people know that I am player at 130 pounds, and a win will earn me a title shot. I have shown that I will fight anyone. Look at the records of my previous opponents. Fortuna was 30-1 and one fight removed from being a world champion. Alexei Collado was 19-1; Frank De Alba was 17-1. So wins over those guys plus Cherry should have me right there, but I am focusing on Edner Cherry. He is a great veteran, but on Tuesday night I will be victorious.”

# # #

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

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

17,000 tickets have been sold on the first day of general sale for the IBF World Welterweight blockbuster between champion Kell Brook and Errol Spence at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office the UK and on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in the US.

Brook defends his title for the fourth time having dispatched Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and Kevin Bizier inside six rounds before stepping up to Middleweight to take on feared Kazakh star Gennady Golovkin in September – and now the Sheffield star faces another unbeaten machine in Spence.

The American travels to Yorkshire for his first World title fight having landed the mandatory position by blasting Leonard Bundu away inside six rounds in August, the eighth straight stoppage win for the Texas-based New Yorker who went into the fight after destroying Chris Algieri inside four rounds two months earlier.

Tickets for the night are still on general sale priced as follows: tiered seating at £40, £60 and £80 and pitch seats at £80, £100, £150 and £200 –VIP Packages are sold out.

Tickets are on sale from Sheffield United’s Box Office at http://www.sufc.co.uk/tickets/, on 0114 253 7200 and in person from the box office at Bramall Lane – all tickets purchased from Sheffield United are subject to a 10 per cent booking fee.

LAS VEGAS, NV (March 31, 2017) – This Saturday, April 1, 2017, undefeated flyweight prospect, Damien “Sugar” Vasquez (9-0, 4 KOs), will step in the ring against Lorenzo Trejo (35-32-1, 22 KOs), a veteran of sixty-eight fights. The 8-round main event, will take place at the Riverebend Sports Complex in Salt Lake City, UT.

Damien, the nephew of former two-time super-bantamweight world champion, Israel Vazquez, fights out of Las Vegas, NV, with trainer, Bones Adams. Adams, a former super-bantamweight champion himself, feels Damien Vasquez has all the talent to follow in the footsteps of his uncle Israel.

“Since I’ve been training with Damien, I’ve watched him grow as a fighter,” said Clarence “Bones” Adams. “He’s getting better with each fight and I really believe he can win a world title someday. He definitely has the talent and work ethic to do so. He reminds me of his uncle Israel in many ways.”

Facing a veteran like Trejo, is just the type of fight Damien is looking for. Vasquez wants to face fighters with a lot of experience.

“I’m sure Trejo has a lot of tricks up his sleeve with all his experience,” said Damien Vasquez. “These are the type of fights I look forward too, where a young fighter like myself can learn a few things. I’m going to set the pace early, and go from there. By no means am I taking him lightly.”

Vasquez’s father Oscar, has been in his sons corner from day one. He’s thrilled, knowing his son has progressed since his first pro fight.

“I’m very proud of my son because I know how hard he works, and I can see the improvement after every fight,” said Oscar Vasquez. “My brother and I always knew he had the talent to become a good professional boxer. I’m confident he’ll come out victorious against a tough veteran like Trejo.”

Robert Helenius (24-1, 15 KOs) and Dereck Chisora (26-7, 18 KOs) came face-to-face for the first time since their controversial December 2011 showdown today at the Hotel Kamp in Helsinki, Finland as they prepare to renew their rivalry on May 27.

Helenius was awarded a split decision victory in their first bout, despite many people believing the British boxer did enough to win. Chisora now has the chance to settle the score when they return to the Hartwall Arena to contest the WBC Silver World Heavyweight title in a hotly anticipated rematch.

Chisora is coming off the back of another contentious decision in a ‘fight of the year’ contender versus countryman Dillian Whyte, while Helenius has scored back-to-back knockout victories against Konstantin Airich and Gonzalo Omar Basile.

‘’I don’t think Robert took me seriously last time,’’ said Chisora. ‘’But this time he will need to train harder than ever. I’m going to take him to places he has never been before, and I’m going to stop him. I’m not playing around. This guy is in trouble. When I come back to Helsinki, I’m going to be in war mode.’’

‘’I’m looking forward to this fight,’’ said Helenius. ‘’Dereck is a tough fighter and I think we will put on a great show for the fans. My hand was raised after our first fight and I can’t see any other outcome this time. This is a big opportunity for me. A victory will bring me closer to a World title fight, and that is my goal.’’

‘’This is going to be the biggest fight on Finnish soil in recent history,’’ said promoter Nisse Sauerland. ‘’It’s a fight that’s been six years in the making, and we’re delighted to be back in Helsinki and back at the Hartwall Arena.’’

Tickets for the WBC Silver World Heavyweight Championship rematch between Robert Helenius and Dereck Chisora are available online via www.ticketmaster,fi or by calling the ticket hotline on (+358) 0600 10 800.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (March 31, 2017) – M-1 Global president Vadim Finkelchtein (pictured above) has announced five M-1 Challenge events to be held this May and June.

Below is a Q & A with the veteran MMA promoter:

Can you tell us about plans for upcoming M-1 Global events?

VF: “In the next 2-3 months we will promote an extremely full schedule of events. Through the middle of June, we will promote five – I’m not afraid to use these words – grandiose tournaments. April 22nd there’s an event being held in Nazran, which was arranged with the support of the local government, and dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Ingushetia. On May 19th, in collaboration with Rostec and Rosoboronexport corporations, we will hold a truly spectacular event in Sochi. Our traditional tournament in Orenburg is set for May 26th, which regularly takes place at the highest level with a crowded venue. On June 1st, we will hold another event in St. Petersburg as part of the International Economic Forum program. And already on June 15 – A major tournament will be held June 15th in Harbin, China, during the program of the Russian-Chinese Expo. Both in St. Petersburg and China, we are included in the official program, so we will be participating in truly large-scale events.”

Fans are interested in fighters whose performances will decorate these tournaments. Can you reveal some of the competing fighters?

VF: “We will really surprise the audience at these events. A lot of negotiations are ongoing, including those with fighters who are the TopP-20 ranked fighters in the world. There will also be fights involving new fighters. Of course, we intend to make fights that fans have been waiting for a long time. One is the is the Idrisov vs. Buchinger rematch and, of course, probably the most anticipated fight in Russian MMA today, Shlemenko vs Emeev.”

The fight between Alexander Shlemenko and Ramazan Emeev had already been postponed twice. What prevents this fight from being canceled for the third time?

VF: “The desire of the two fighters can play the major role here. Everything has been done on our side. Alexander Shlemenko is ready for this fight. We’re waiting word back from Ramazan Emeev. This fight is interesting for fans and we will try to make it happen. People are starting to understand more and more about MMA and we are making fights that our fans want to happen. Not only does this apply to Shlemenko and Emeev. but for other popular fighters as well, including undefeated M-1 welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko, top lightweight Artiom Damkovsky, Damir Ismagulov, Sergey Romanov and many others. We try to sign contracts with only fighters who want to be in spectacular fights. Look at the last events in Moscow. Were any of the 11 fights boring? No! Even in undercard matches we have fighters who deliver exciting fights and often early finishes. This is the hallmark of our promotion. We do not hold uninteresting events or boring fights.”

Today, many promotions sign fighters who were fired from UFC. Why are you not doing this?

VF: “Certainly in that way. If fighters are interesting to the Russian public and well known, we will sign him. Otherwise, I believe that it is wrong to sign, so to speak, cast-off fighters. This will not add credibility and strengthen our organization in the MMA world. We do that a different way. We build stars that UFC chases. It may be more difficult but M-1 is more respected by the West for doing it this way. Look, those fighters who leave M-1 for the UFC leave because they’ve been developed through serious schooling, as we do not feed them “tomato cans” opponents. We do not make easy fights for anybody. Marcin Tybura, Rashid Magomedov, Mairbek Taisumov, Alexey Oleinik, Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkov, etc. All of them are our former fighters. They were not known at the beginning of their careers but now they are all doing excellent. Fighters of the other promoters who moved in UFC are often fired after a while because, here in Russia, they did not face tough opposition.”

How do you fight the departure of your fighters to the West?

VF: “Here, I disagree with you. It used to be that way. Now, to the contrary, many fighters want to perform in M-1 because it is no less prestigious than performing for Bellator, where the emphasis is on the show. Example of this are Alexander Shlemenko, Sergei Kharitonov, and others. These warriors gladly come to us and agree to fight here because the opposition in M-1 is not weak. Of course, regarding the departure of the fighters to the West, money plays a great role. But there are fighters who are grateful to M-1 for fame they gained. We paved the road to a greatness for them and, consequently, they do not rush to leave M-1 anywhere.”

INFORMATION:

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

Twitter & Instagram:

@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews
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 more than 160 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. 2016 was been 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.

ABOUT M-1GLOBAL.TV: Enjoy MMA action now in high definition brought to you by M-1Global.tv, offering only the best fights from M-1 Global and other MMA organizations. M-1Global.tv is a great platform developed specifically to bring together the most exhaustive fight video database. It also provides an easy and intuitive interface, helping everyone to start using the platform in no time while avoiding any spoilers. Besides watching the past fights on demand at any time convenient to the customer, viewers are able to enjoy the action LIVE, all available to M-1Global.tv users through a low-priced month to month digital subscription. Your world of action. Anytime!

Women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE will make her highly anticipated professional debut against Argentina’s Virginia Noemi Carcamo at the Manchester Arena next Saturday, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

During what can be considered one of the most successful ever amateur careers for any female or male boxer, Adams secured a clean sweep of amateur titles winning every available accolade.

After a breath-taking amateur career, the hugely popular Double Olympic Gold Medallist will now embark on the next chapter of her remarkable story under the guidance of Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren; starting with a four round Flyweight contest against Carcamo on Saturday 8th April.

Carcamo, 32, has won four of her seven bouts, losing two and drawing one. Nicknamed ‘La Tigresa’, she has racked up 32 rounds under her belt since making her professional debut against Silvia Moreno in 2015. This will be her first time fighting outside of her homeland.

“Now that my first opponent has been announced, all I want to do is get in the ring – I’m so excited for my first fight,” said Adams. “Training with Virgil Hunter has been amazing, he’s taught me some great new things for my professional debut.

“All my focus is on Saturday 8th April and the road to becoming a World Champion. Together with Frank Warren, BT Sport and BoxNation we’re going to take women’s boxing to the next level”

Nicola Adam’s professional debut lands on the undercard of undefeated Terry Flanagan’s fifth WBO World Lightweight Title defence against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; fierce Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams clash for the WBO Interim Super-Welterweight crown and former Team GB Heavyweight monster ‘Dangerous’ Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut

Tickets for April 8 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.

BROOKLYN (March 30, 2017) – Unbeaten heavyweight contender Luis “The Real King Kong” Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs) will return to the ring to take on Long Island’s Derric Rossy (31-12, 15 KOs) in a 10-round showdown Saturday, April 22 in a Premier Boxing Champions event live from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

Also competing in undercard action is four-division world champion Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (31-1-1, 23 KOs) who will look to make history by becoming the first woman and the first Puerto Rican fighter to win a fifth world title in five different weight classes. Both the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts were announced at a press conference in New York City on Thursday.

SHOWTIME Boxing coverage of the Ortiz vs. Rossy and Serrano bouts will be announced in the coming days.

The April 22 event is headlined by former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter battling in a welterweight world title eliminator. Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on SHOWTIME and also features unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending against top contender Charles Hatley.

Additional undercard attractions feature a group of unbeaten prospects as Mexico’s Jose Miguel Borrego (11-0, 10 KOs) battles 2012 Spanish Olympian Jonathan Alonso (12-0, 4 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight showdown, Julian Sosa (7-0-1, 2 KOs) entering the ring in a six-round welterweight fight and 2016 Haitian Olympian Richardson Hitchins (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round junior welterweight bout.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Hatley fight is co-promoted by TGB Promotions and Don King Promotions.

One of the most feared heavyweights in the world, Ortiz has worked his way into the WBA’s mandatory position to fight the winner of the Anthony Joshua-Wladimir Klitschko, who fight for Joshua’s IBF and the vacant WBA Super World Championship. The Cuban-born fighter had previously picked up the interim title in 2015 with a stoppage of Matias Ariel Vidondo and defended the title with a dominant knockout of former title challenger Bryant Jennings later that year. Last year saw Ortiz continue to run through heavyweight contenders as he earned TKO victories over Tony Thompson and David Allen plus a victory over Malik Scott.

Fighting out of Medford, New York, Rossy was a 2004 Golden Gloves champion and a defensive end for Boston College before turning pro in October 2004. Rossy owns victories over Axror Muralimov, Ray Mercer and Carl Drumond in addition to challenges top heavyweights Eddie Chambers, Vyacheslav Glazkov and Bermane Stiverne. This will be the ninth undefeated fighter that Rossy faces in his pro career.

Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, Serrano gravitated toward boxing from watching her older sister Cindy, also a professional fighter. She picked the sport up quickly, amassing a 9-1 record during a brief amateur career in which she won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2008. The 28-year-old would go on to fight all over the world, seizing her first world title in 2011 when she defeated Kimberly Connor to grab a super featherweight belt. In 2014, she went to Argentina and defeated Maria Elena Maderna to become a world champion at lightweight. Her world title climb continued in 2016 as she stopped Olivia Gerula in the first round to capture her featherweight championship and followed that up with a victory over Alexandra Lazar to add a super bantamweight title to her collection. She most recently put on a show at Barclays Center in January when she defeated two-division champion Yazmin Rivas by unanimous decision.

Here is what the participants had to say Thursday from Gallagher’s Steakhouse in Manhattan:

LUIS ORTIZ

“I’m not a man of many words, but yesterday was my birthday, so with that extra year of experience, I’ll speak a little bit more.

“I’m ready to fight right now. I’m waiting for the opportunity to fight the winner of Anthony Joshua vs. Wladimir Klitschko. They better get ready, because ‘King Kong’ will be waiting for them.

“I work very hard to stay in shape. All year round I am in the gym and staying ready. When the time comes and I have a fight offered, I will always be ready.

“My plan is to become the heavyweight champion of the world. I feel like I’m with the right team now that will open those doors for me. Whoever they put in front of me, I will take care of them.

“I love fighting in New York because there are such smart fans here who really love boxing. They love the knockout and I’m excited to be here to do my job.

“I’ve been working hard and waiting to get a victory on April 22. Once I get past this bout, it’s on to bigger and better things. I’ll find out everything about Rossy that I need to know on April 22 and put on a great show.

“Age is nothing to me. So many fighters have competed into their late age. I still have a lot left in the tank.

“I would love to fight Deontay Wilder. We’re both big, tough fighters. These are the kind of fights that people want to see. I know that my time will come.

“We’re looking forward to this new relationship and this first fight on April 22. I can’t wait to get out there in front of the fans and show my skills. I believe it will finally be time for ‘King Kong’ to come out of the jungle.”

DERRIC ROSSY

“When they brought the fight to me, I said let’s do it. We’re doing it right by fighting at Barclays Center.

“This is a real fight. I’m always ready. The fans are who pays us and they want to see a legitimate fight. This is going to be a quality matchup on April 22.

“I think our styles will match up well. He throws his hands well and I think I do the same. I sometimes try to be more evasive and I’m anticipating him bringing it. There might be some bull in a China shop, but then it could turn. We both adapt well in the ring.

“You can’t ask for anything better than this kind of fight. We’re both top-notch heavyweights and we’re going to go at it. It’s a thrill for me to be there regardless, but I think the fans are really going to be the winners.

“I’ve fought a lot of really good heavyweights. I won’t know how he stacks up until I get in there with him. All I know is that he’s tough, rugged and good.

“My situation is that I always have to stay ready in the gym. I happened to be ready when the call came and I said yes as soon as I could.

“I’m going to win this fight and it’s going to set up some big things. I’m in this business to get a world title. I have to go through Luis Ortiz to get there.”

AMANDA SERRANO

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and put on a show in front of the fans. That’s what I love to do and it’ll be great to do it at Barclays Center.

“I’m motivated to make history. This would be my sixth world title in five weight divisions. This is a goal that my whole team has had. We want me to be the first Puerto Rican fighter to conquer five divisions. I want to be known as the girl who made history.

“I think every fighter wants to be known as the best in the world. If I’m not the best, I want to be one of the best. I want to be remembered and open the door for girls around the world.

“I’m very thankful for everyone who came out here today. This is a great opportunity for me on April 22. I’m going for history. I want this so badly. I train hard and I have a great team taking care of me.

“What better place to make history than at Barclays Center in Brooklyn? No matter who they put in front of me, it’s going to be a night of fireworks. I’m doing this for female boxing. I’m going to show how much talent we have. This is the one that I want more than anything. I always put on a show for my fans in Brooklyn and my eyes are on the prize.”

LOU DIBELLA, President of DiBella Entertainment

“I’m really happy today to announce some great additions to a terrific card on April 22 in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME. Everyone knows the main event is a great fight in the welterweight division. We also announced a 154-pound matchup as the co-main event with Jermell Charlo vs. Charles Hatley.

“The biggest announcement is that a very big man, is going to be on this card. All Luis Ortiz has done as a professional fighter is knock guys out. He’s one of the most feared and avoided men in the heavyweight division. Ortiz and his team want the biggest fights out there. He knows that being seen on a card of this magnitude is a tremendous opportunity.

“I know that Luis Ortiz has a big victory in mind on April 22 that will propel him to a bigger fight and eventually to the biggest fights in the world. This guy deserves the opportunity.

“Amanda Serrano is a great champion. She’s one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters I the world today. No female fighter in history has ever won five titles in five weight classes. But it’s even more amazing, given the long history of the sport on the island, that no Puerto Rican fighter has ever become a five-division world champion. On April 22 Amanda Serrano will attempt to make history.

“Amanda has won titles as heavy as 135-pounds and now she’ll be fighting at 118-pounds. That’s an amazing achievement. She’s always fought the best out there and she’s always proven that she is the best. She deserves the attention she’s getting. She may be the best fighter I promote, period. This woman stands should-to-shoulder with any of them.”

“I know that Derric Rossy is going to give a test to Ortiz. But he’s never been predicted to win. Every time I watch his fight against Bermane Stiverne, I saw him winning the fight. This guy is a real professional and he deserves this opportunity.

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“We’re thrilled to be here announcing such a fantastic undercard from top to bottom. Amanda Serrano is looking to become the first woman and Puerto Rican to win world titles in five weight classes. A card this deep, you know that it is a SHOWTIME card.

“These are the kind of cards that SHOWTIME, Lou DiBella and Barclays Center are working on every day. This was a good event and now it is a great event.”

BRETT YORMARK, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment

“It’s been a special start to the year for Brooklyn Boxing. You think about January 14 and March 4 and what great nights those were. Now we have April 22 and it has become a special card. We’re excited about what we’re building in Brooklyn. We’re making great strides.

“I want to welcome Luis Ortiz to Barclays Center for the first time. I’m sure it will be a special night. We’re thrilled to welcome back Amanda Serrano as well for what should be a historic night.

“We’re going to continue to put on the biggest and best events we can. It’s been a great start to the year and we’re looking forward to more to come.”

# # #

ABOUT BERTO vs. PORTER
Andre Berto vs. Shawn Porter is a WBC welterweight world title eliminator between former 147-pound world champions. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, Saturday April 22 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™. In the co-main event, undefeated super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo battles top rated challenger Charles Hatley, with televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

NEW YORK (March 30, 2017) – Undefeated super bantamweight prospect Glenn Dezurn will meet unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila in the eight-round telecast opener of ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, April 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from MGM National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C.

The ShoBox tripleheader features undefeated former Russian amateur standout Dmitry Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight Title against Samuel Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs)in the main event and a matchup of undefeated welterweights in the co-feature, Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) squaring off in an eight-round bout.

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000.

Dezurn,(8-0, 6 KOs), a high school three-sport star athlete from Baltimore, Md. feels ready for his sternest test.

“I am really focused,” Dezum said. “I don’t put much thought on who I’m fighting. I just concentrate on being the best I can be on fight night. I go into the fight feeling that I am the underdog because nobody knows me. I see that as an advantage. April 14th will be a big step up for me.”

The 29 year-old will be facing his second consecutive undefeated opponent, is ready for the exposure that comes along with fighting on a nationally televised card.

“This is a very prestigious stage, I’m usually on the other side, watching, wanting to be there. Opening ShoBox for me it’s a great honor. I’m not going to disappoint. I’ve been staying focused because nothing is given. If you want results you have to work hard.”

A win over Davila, it will not only raise Dezurn’s profile, but it will also make him put him on a short list of super bantamweight prospects to watch.

“A win does a lot. It puts me at a different level, to face even better competition. It also shows me where I’m at-not only to myself but also to the boxing fans. I am not a guy who talks much. I am quiet guy who speaks in the ring, with actions and a good performance. I just look at the task at hand, and get it done.”

Davila (5-0, 3 KO’s), of New Brunswick, N.J., is a 2016 U.S. Olympic alternate who is stepping up in weight and opposition.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me. I’m fighting a fellow undefeated fighter and on television,” said the 28 year-old Davila.

Despite not knowing much about his opponent, Davila has a good idea of what he needs to do on fight night.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t know too much about Dezurn. I have seen him fight once. He’s a good fighter. He can pressure, he can step back and I noticed he’s a pretty good puncher. He’s a solid opponent.”

Like Dezurn, Davila will be taking in his second consecutive undefeated foe, and he knows that this could be a springboard to big things.

“I think this is a great opportunity. I just can’t get too caught up on the big stage-on this being on television, because at the end of the day, I step in that ring alone. After April 14, the boxing world will know who Leroy Davila is.”

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

# # #

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 68 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

About MGM National Harbor
The newest addition to the MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) portfolio, MGM National Harbor has an unrivaled setting offering stunning panoramic views of the eastern shore of the Potomac River in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED® Gold Certified resort, which opened December 8, 2016, sits a short distance from Washington, D.C. to the north and historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate across the river in Virginia. The 24-story, 308-room resort features premier amenities and experiences for locals as well as visitors from around the world including a dynamic casino with over 125,000 square feet of space that includes slots, table games and poker; a world-class spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; high-end branded retail; 50,000 square feet of meeting space; and restaurants from renowned local, national and international chefs. For more information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com or follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Nominees for the 38th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards were announced today.

HBO® received 12 nominations.

Four nominations were for HBO Sports programming linked to Boxing.

The Boxing-related HBO programming nominated includes:

OUTSTANDING SHORT SPORTS DOCUMENTARY – (2)
TERENCE CRAWFORD: MY FIGHT
STATE OF PLAY: FIGHTING CHANCE- Raymundo Beltran [FILM 45]

OUTSTANDING EDITING – LONG FORM
24/7 CANELO/KHAN

THE DICK SCHAAP OUTSTANDING WRITING AWARD
HBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING – MUHAMMAD ALI: ONLY ONE (special seven-minute feature)

For a complete list of all the nominations, go to: www.emmyonline.org/sports

The 38th Sports Emmy Award winners will be announced May 9, 2017, in New York City at the Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center.

LOS ANGELES (March 30, 2017) Before Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs) and KeAndre “The Truth” Gibson (16-0-1, 7 KOs) square off in a 10-round super lightweight main event for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Lightweight Championship on Saturday, April 1 live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and broadcast live on Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN, the two fighters discussed their upcoming fight.

Below is what the fighters had to say about their showdown:

ANTONIO OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“For me, this fight is very important, I did not take it lightly as I know it is against KeAndre Gibson, a good fighter in this division. Gibson and I have fought on the same cards before. He’s a tremendous fighter, a quick guy and real good counterpuncher. Our styles are going to give fans a great fight.

“I have a sports nutritionist with me in this training camp, and I’m ready to come back better than ever. My focus at this point is April 1, from there we will see what is next. Right now, I want to give the fans an entertaining fight. Fans want to see a little bit of everything, and I want to give them what they want.”

KEANDRE GIBSON, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

“My goal is a WBC world championship title, but right now my focus is on defeating Antonio Orozco. Obviously the hope is to knockout him out in the first round and get it done early, but I’m fully prepared to go to war and put on a good fight.

“I’ve been studying Orozco for a while now because I knew he was one of the top guys in my division. I feel like I’m more prepared for him than he is for me. He hasn’t really fought slick, quick boxing guys like me, so I feel like I’m more prepared to fight a guy with his style than he is to fight a guy with my style.”

Living up to its promise to bring the best fights to the fans, Golden Boy Promotions has upped the ante once again in putting together an action packed undercard to support Orozco vs. Gibson.

Hoping to make air time before the co-main event between Mercito “No Mercy”Gesta (29-1-2, 16 KOs) and Gilberto “El Flaco” Gonzalez (27-3, 22 KOs), Los Angeles’ Edgar Valerio (9-0, 5 KOs) will participate in the televised swing bout of the night in a featherweight fight scheduled against a soon to be announced opponent. Valerio comes back off a spectacular knockout victory from last December over Guadalupe Leon at the Belasco Theater and is looking to do the same in this upcoming bout.

Up and coming Glendora native Joet Gonzalez (15-0, 7 KOs) will face his toughest challenge yet in highly touted Derrick Murray (13-1-1, 5 KOs) of St. Louis, MO in an eight round featherweight fight. Known for his power punching abilities and impressive reach, the 23-year-old Gonzalez was last seen defeating Jairo Ochoa via fourth round knockout on the undercard of Bernard Hopkins’ final fight last December.

One of Los Angeles’ rising prospects, Emilio Sanchez (14-0, 9 KOs) will appear on this undercard to take on rugged Mexican fighter Jose “Flash” Bustos (11-7-3, 7 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez in a super bantamweight battle scheduled to go eight rounds. With famed trainer Manny Robles in his corner, Sanchez has been a force to be reckoned with since turning professional in 2013 and comes off a unanimous decision victory over Diuhl Olguin last November under the LA FIGHT CLUB banner.

Kicking off the fights, the pride of Palmdale, CA, Cesar Diaz (4-0, 4 KOs) is sure to begin fight night with a bang in a bantamweight bout scheduled for four rounds against Felipe “Panterita” Rivas (17-18-4, 11 KOs) of Nogales, Mexico. Fighting for the second time in 2017, none of Diaz’s opponent have lasted past the third round in the ring against this talented, young fighter and his fists.

Orozco vs. Gibson is a 10-round super lightweight battle set for April 1 presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “Born BOLD.” Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN Deportes will transmit the fights live from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT with ESPN2 airing it at 11 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT. The ESPN3 and WatchESPN will livestream at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Orozco vs. Gibson start at $20 and are on sale now. Tickets are available online at: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Videos and images are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link:http://bit.ly/OrozcoVsGibson. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for any photos/video of Antonio Orozco or KeAndre Gibson.

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

Philadelphia, PA / Manchester, UK (March 30, 2017)–Legendary Philadelphia fight face Artie Pelullo lands in the UK early next week confident of adding a 45th world champion to his stellar CV.

The 61 year old Italian-American’s highly regarded lightweight Petr Petrov (38-4-2) makes a mandatory challenge to home hero ‘Turbo Terry’ Flanagan, the undefeated WBO king, at Manchester Arena on Saturday week and he looks like being frantic. BT Sport and BoxNation screen live in the UK.

Last Wednesday, Glynn Evans spoke to the Philly-based promoter.

It’s been extremely difficult to find any background info regarding Petrov’s personality. Can you enlighten us?

I’ve been promoting fighters for almost 30 years now, including 44 world champions and I have to say that Petr is one of the nicer individuals I’ve come across; the type you’d have over your house. He’s just married the girl he’d been dating for a very long time. He’s a gentleman, a pleasure to work with.

Psychologically, how will he cope performing before thousands of baying Brits?

I’ve consistently gone on record as saying that the British fight fans are terrific. You’ll recall I had dealings with Ricky Hatton. They support their heroes like no other. But I guarantee that the crowd will not adversely affect Petrov.

Being on the road is actually like being at home for him because he’s never ever fought in Russia and hasn’t featured in his adopted homeland of Spain for five years. He’s won all six of his fights in the US and, before that, he competed in Germany, Argentina and Montenegro. I guarantee that facing a partisan crowd in Manchester will not affect his job. In fact, it will energize him, excite him.

And I’ve no problem whatsoever with the officials in the UK. Matter of fact, I won my first world title in Britain when Otis Grant outpointed Ryan Rhodes in his hometown of Sheffield for the vacant WBO Middleweight title way back in (December) 1997.

Before that, my fighter Tyrell Biggs was officially ahead on the referee’s card before Gary Mason knocked him out on a Mickey Duff show at the Royal Albert Hall (October 1989) and John Thompson was up on the cards before Liam Smith put him to bed at this very venue 18 months back. You always get a fair shake with the Brits.

What are Petrov’s qualities as a fighter?

I discovered him during his involvement in the ESPN Boxcino Lightweight tournament in early 2014 and, trust me, between the ropes, he’s the real deal. You only have to watch his tapes to appreciate that he’s relentless, smart, can box or punch and he’s blessed with a very good eye. Petr has a real understanding of what is going on in the ring at any given moment and he can adopt accordingly. He gives a 110% effort every time.

What is your assessment of champion Flanagan? What does Petrov need to be mindful of?

I was ringside the night Terry Flanagan hammered Diego Magdaleno in two rounds because John Thompson challenged Liam Smith that night and what I saw was a very, very good fighter. Terry’s a smart southpaw who’s very tough and keeps coming. No doubt, he’ll be looking to extend his very impressive unbeaten streak.

What course did you see the fight taking? What key factor will determine the winner?

This fight steals the show and could well be Fight of the Year, seriously. It’s that good a match up. Both Terry and Petr are TV friendly and fan friendly. It’s gonna be great theatre.

There’s no main factor that distinguishes one over the other. It’ll be about how two fighters at the very top of their games handle the pressure and stay with their game plan.

Tickets for April 8 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.

Philadelphia – March 30, 2017 – Tomorrow night at 2300 Arena, two of Philadelphia’s most promising prospects top “Philly Strong,” a nine-bout card, and both are expecting their toughest fights to date.

In the main event, Jaron “Boots” Ennis (9-0, 8KO) will seek his tenth victory when he faces veteran James “Shotgun” Winchester (20-12, 8KO) of Reidsville, North Carolina. The six round, welterweight matchup will be Ennis’ toughest to date. Winchester is coming off three consecutive wins, and steps into the ring having faced world class competition throughout his career. Winchester went the distance with Matt Korobov (27-1, 14KO), Glen Tapia (23-4, 15KO), Eddie Gomez (19-2, 11KO), and Terrell Gausha (20-0, 9KO) and others. Ennis was victorious in his last outing at 2300 Arena, knocking out Elvin Perez in under a minute.

In the co-main event, Manny “Major Pain” Folly (9-0, 7KO) takes on Dominican Republic’s Luis Hinijosa (30-10, 17KO) in a six round bout at super bantamweight. Hinijosa enters the ring the more experienced fighter, and fought Claudio Marrero (21-1, 15KO) prior to his last two fights, which were both decision wins. Folly had an impressive showing in his last fight, knocking out Mexico’s Carlos Morgan (13-5, 6KO) in the first round in January.

Local Philadelphia fighters Keenan Smith (10-0, 4KO) and Joshua Jones (3-0-1, 2KO) will be featured in separate bouts on Friday, along with New Jersey’s Darren Goodall (4-0, 3KO) and Coachella welterweight sensation Brandun Lee (1-0, 1KO), who made his debut at Victory Boxing’s January card in Philadelphia.

Tickets for Philly Strong start at $40, and are available at 2300Arena.com or by calling (267) 273-0945. Doors at 2300 Arena open at 6:00 p.m. and first bell is at 7:00.

Pre-sale tickets on Matchroom Fight Pass for Kell Brook’s IBF World Welterweight defence against Errol Spence sold out today ahead of their mouth-watering clash at Bramall Lane on May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office the UK and on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING in the US.

Tickets went on sale at 10am to Fight Pass members and have already sold out as fans flock to see the two best 147lbers on the planet go head to head at the home of Sheffield United FC – and the general sale will commence at 10am tomorrow (Friday March 31).

Brook makes the fourth defence of his beloved IBF strap he landed in the States in August 2014 with a career-best win over Shawn Porter, and blitzed Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and Kevin Bizier before stepping up to Middleweight to face fearsome Kazakh Gennady Golovkin at The O2 in September – and now the Sheffield star welcomes another unbeaten superstar into the ring.

Undefeated Spence became the mandatory challenger for Brook’s belt when he blasted Leonard Bundu inside six rounds in August, the eighth straight stoppage win for the Texas-based New Yorker who went into the fight after destroying Chris Algieri inside four rounds two months earlier.

A packed undercard is expected in support of the main event, and tickets for the night are priced as follows: tiered seating at £40, £60 and £80 and pitch seats at £100, £150 and £200.

The £400 VIP Package includes – Inner Ringside Seating (Rows 5-10), Access to VIP Bar from 17:00 – 20:00 including Complimentary Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks and Canapés

The £600 VIP Package Includes – Inner Ringside Seating (Rows 3 and 4), Champagne Reception, access to VIP Bar from 17:00 – 21:00 including Complimentary Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks and Buffet. Plus souvenir event programme.

Tickets then go on general sale at 10am on Friday from Sheffield United’s Box Office at http://www.sufc.co.uk/tickets/, on 0114 253 7200 and in person from the box office at Bramall Lane – all tickets purchased from Sheffield United are subject to a 10 per cent booking fee.

VIP tickets are exclusively available from Matchroom Boxing at www.matchroomboxing.com

Thousand Palms, CA (March 29, 2017) — The much anticipated showdown between rising Liveco boxer Max “The General” Becerra and Washington’s Ricardo Maldonado will have to wait a little longer.

Santa Ana’s Becerra (11-2-2 7KOs) has been diagnosed with a minor hand injury that has interrupted his training for the scheduled April 22 bout that was the featured fight of the Palm Springs Boxing Gala at the Renaissance Hotel. The event will now take place on Saturday, May 20 with the same fight card.

The postponement also gives Liveco stablemate Pomona’s David “Left Hook” Lopez (4-0 3KOs) more time to heal while nursing a hand injury also sustained in training.

Liveco Boxing founder Ron Sanderson said, “In light of these injuries, we thought it would be best for our boxers and our fans to postpone the Gala rather than scramble together fights at the last minute or drop a fighter from the card. Injuries are a part of boxing. These boxers are significant players in the Liveco family and we want them to be healthy and uncompromised for their fights.”

Sanderson said Lopez and Becerra’s hand issues are not considered major injuries, but after further medical evaluation, their trainers decided it would be better for them to fully heal and train appropriately rather than put their fighters at risk.

The May 20 event is the second of a series of Boxing Galas planned by Liveco Boxing featuring its fighters in Palm Springs. Also scheduled to fight on the undercard that evening are the Bay Area’s Eric “El Gallo de Oro” (9-0 6KOs) and Daniel “El Pantera” Andujo (3-1-0 1KO) from Murrieta along with other California talent.

Becerra and Lopez dispatched their opponents at the first Palm Springs Boxing Gala with tremendous showings in front of a packed house. Both are looking to continue their streak in the Coachella Valley as is Andujo who also collected a win at the Gala in February before signing with Liveco.

Becerra said he was anxious and ready for his first fight as a headliner, especially in his home state. “This is going to be a huge night for me and my team. But I know I need to be patient and get my hand back in shape before I can continue chasing my dream.”

Tickets starting at $60 are available at www.livecoboxing.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/livecoboxing; and follow on Twitter and Instagram at @livecoboxing.

About Liveco Boxing:
Liveco Boxing is a boxing promoter and event producer founded by Ron Sanderson in 2016 who was looking to bring back a high standard of ethics to the industry. Liveco’s “Fighter First” philosophy makes them the company of choice for professional fighters looking for a hands-on, personal approach to promotion. For more information, visit,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 29th, 2017) — Wilfredo Santiago is brimming with confidence less than 72 hours before challenging Chris Curtis for the CES MMA World Welterweight Title Friday night on AXS TV.

That’s fine, says Curtis, before warning his opponent he should perhaps err on the side of caution.

“I’m glad he’s motivated for this, but, remember, every corpse on Mount Everest was once an extremely motivated person, too,” Curtis said.

“I will never look past anyone. I’ve been in this sport for more than 10 years and have long since learned that lesson, but I’m 100 percent confident in myself and have every intention of stopping him.”

Friday’s five-round championship main event, the headliner of “CES MMA 42” at Twin River Casino, has garnered considerable media attention thanks in large part to Curtis (14-5, 5 KOs) dominating G

BAY AREA, CA (March 29, 2017) – WBC #7 light-heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (29-4, 17 KOs), is back in the Bay Area, CA, training with Virgil Hunter. After scoring a technical knockout in his last fight against former world champion, Chad Dawson (34-5, 19 KOs), Fonfara is ready for the next challenge as he looks to get back into a world title fight.

“I took a few weeks off to rest my body, but now I’m ready to get back in the gym training with Virgil Hunter,” said Fonfara. “I’m making the proper sacrifices, coming to California with no fight date, because I know in this sport your name can be called at any time.”

With a possible date looming, Fonfara feels he’s back on track to fight all top contenders in the light-heavyweight division.

“I’m in a great position being ranked in number seven by the WBC.” Fonfara continued. “I just want to stay sharp and be ready for any fight that might come my way. Training with Virgil now is only going to make me a better fighter. I’ll be ready for anyone that my team puts in front of me.”

NEW YORK (March 29, 2017) – Light heavyweight title challenger Samuel Clarkson says he’s in the shape of his life for his shot at Interim WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Dmitry Bivol on Friday, April 14, live on SHOWTIME.

Clarkson (19-3, 12 KOs) will face the undefeated Bivol (9-0, 7 KOs, 2-0 WSB) in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT) at MGM National Harbor in National Harbor, Md., just outside of Washington, D.C. In the co-feature, undefeated welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz (18-0, 11 KOs) and Malik Hawkins (10-0, 7 KOs) will square off in an eight-round bout.

NOTE: In a matchup that was confirmed on Wednesday as the opening bout of the ShoBox telecast, Baltimore’s undefeated Glenn Dezurn (8-0, 6 KOs) will face unbeaten two-time national amateur champion Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KOs), of New Brunswick, N.J., in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.

“I upped intensity 1000 times for this camp,” said Clarkson. “I had better sparring, did more miles running and way more rounds doing bag work. Everything I’ve done has been intense and we added a lot more into it.”

Clarkson did half his training in his home state of Texas and the second half in Brooklyn, where he has sparred with some well-known names.

“I’ve been working with guys like Sean Monaghan and Joe Smith Jr. I’ve had over 110 rounds of sparring since coming to Brooklyn. I wanted to push my sparring to the max. I’m not saying there isn’t competition in Dallas, but I wanted different looks and to be out of my comfort zone. I got what I was looking for here.”

Clarkson says he can tell he’s in the shape of his life for this fight.

“I’m seeing new muscles,” said Clarkson, who has won nine straight fights. “The power was already there, but my speed is great now too. I will most definitely come in under weight. We’ve put a lot of focus on weight this time. The goal is to eat breakfast before weighing in. I have kept on a very strict diet – my dad cooks everything and we’re eating right.

“I’m ready for war. I’m not afraid of this guy. I’m ready to fight.”

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

# # #

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

About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 68 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

Olympian Josh Kelly will face Jay Byrne on his professional debut at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on April 15, live on Sky Sports.

Kelly joins the paid ranks after reaching the last 16 in the Welterweight competition of the Rio games last summer, and the Sunderland talent now starts his journey to pro success on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ World Super-Lightweight unification clash with Julius Indongo.

Byrne jumped up two weights at York Hall earlier in the months to take Middleweight Felix Cash the distance, and the Irishman will be the first to test the talented 22 year old Welterweight who is training with Adam Booth, a man he believes can finesse his exciting style into a winning one in the pros.

“I used to be a good fighter but not a boxer,” said Kelly. “I was a chubby kid and I didn’t have much movement but I used to just stand there and bomb them over. I was fat but fit, and that helped me lose the weight.

“I did well playing football too playing for Hartlepool and Sunderland but the turning point was when I won the junior ABAs the first time i was in them, I got to the final the year after and lost on a dodgy decision and then won them again. I won the seniors and got picked up by Team GB and never looked back.

“I was unlucky to run into the eventual gold medal winner in Rio but I think that I’ll prove that turning pro is the right move for me. I’m learning every day with Adam and I’m buzzing to be making my debut on such a huge night.”

Kelly’s debut is part of a huge night of action in Glasgow as WBA World Super-Lightweight champion Ricky Burns looks to unify against IBF king Julius Indongo.

Scotty Cardle looks to land the British Lightweight title outright when he faces Robbie Barrett, Cardle’s gym-mate Callum Johnson defends his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight title against Schiller Hyppolite and Charlie Edwards and Iain Butcher clash for the vacant British Super-Flyweight title.

Kelly’s Team GB teammate Lawrence Okolie boxes for the second time in the pros, Charlie Flynn fights for his first pro title as he faces Ryan Collins for the Celtic Lightweight title and Joe Ham takes on Scott McCormack for the Scottish Super-Bantamweight title.

Tickets for April 15 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.thessehydro.com and £200 VIP exclusively at

DENVER – March 29, 2017 – Cinemas across the U.S. will play host to a Cinco de Mayo weekend mega-fight with a pulse-pounding live broadcast event featuring two of Mexico’s finest boxers: “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” in a historic showdown that will rival the biggest fights in Mexico’s rich boxing history. Two-division world champion Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) will square off against former WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) in a 12-round battle.

Presented by Fathom Events, Golden Boy Promotions and HBO Pay Per View, the one-day cinema broadcast is set for Saturday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. CT / 9:00 p.m. ET, live from the sold-out T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In addition to catching all the in-ring action up close and personal, event attendees will receive an exclusive commemorative fight mini-poster. Fighters for the undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets for “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” can be purchased beginning Friday, April 7, 2017 online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). A complete list of theater locations will be available April 7 on the Fathom Event’s website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

On May 5, 2016, Álvarez celebrated T-Mobile Arena’s first boxing event with a knockout of Amir “King” Khan. Álvarez last fought on September 17, 2016, knocking out the previously undefeated WBO junior middleweight champion Liam Smith. Chávez, Jr. was last in action on December 10, 2016, when he secured a unanimous decision victory over highly-regarded German fighter Dominik Britsch.

Álvarez says, “Julio César Chávez, Sr. is one of the best, if not the best fighter in history. I grew up watching him and learned a lot from him, but that won’t have any influence when I fight his son… I want to remind you that when two Mexican fighters face-off, a spectacular show is guaranteed, and I can assure you that May 6 will be no exception.”

“This is going to be a tough fight. Every fight is important, and this one especially because it is between two Mexicans fighting each other for the glory,” Julio César Chávez, Jr. said. “I’m going to win, but my country will too, because this is the fight that boxing needs.”

Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions said, “Mexican boxing is the best, and when you have these two top boxers who want to give the best to the fans, we couldn’t pass it up. Canelo, the biggest boxing star, will take on not only a former world champion in Julio César Chávez, Jr., but the son of the biggest star in the history of boxing in Mexico.”

“There’s nothing like seeing these warriors – Canelo Álvarez and Julio César Chávez, Jr. – do battle, larger than life, on the big screen,” John Rubey, CEO of Fathom Events said. “It’s like having a real ring-side experience in your local cinema surrounded by other fans!”

For artwork/photos related to “Canelo Álvarez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.” visit the Fathom Events press site.

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event will take place on Saturday, May 6 at T-Mobile Arena and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is recognized as the leading domestic distributor of event cinema with participating affiliate theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events such as live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, dance and theatre productions like the Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre Live, sporting events like Copa America Centenario, concerts with artists like Michael Bublé, Rush and Mötley Crüe, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics film series and inspirational events such as To Joey With Love and Kirk Cameron’s Revive US. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes and offers unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 896 locations and 1,383 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. The company has also promoted some of the top boxing events in the history of the sport including De La Hoya vs. Mayweather, Mayweather vs. Canelo and other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan-favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley. For more information, visit www.GoldenBoyPromotions.com, or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @GoldenBoyBoxing.

Dynamite-punching Light-Heavyweight talent Anthony Yarde will fight for his first professional title when he takes on Chris Hobbs for the Southern Area Light-Heavyweight strap at London’s Copper Box Arena on Saturday 20th May, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The Ilford demolition man has made an explosive start to life in the paid ranks, blasting out eight of his nine opponents via devastating knockouts – five of those coming inside the opening round.

Hackney-born knockout menace Yarde is fast emerging as one of the most exciting Light-Heavyweight prospects in the UK and is promising to impress on the undercard of Gervonta Davis’ blockbuster IBF Super-Featherweight World Title showdown with Liam Walsh.

“I am delighted to be fighting for my first pro title on the undercard of such a huge show,” said Yarde. “Everything is timing and things always fall into place. I grew up in Stratford so it is fitting that I’ll be returning there to win my first belt. I’ve heard tickets are flying out for this one so the atmosphere should be something special.

“I don’t look at any of my opponents; that’s my trainer’s job. I hit people clean and when you’re boxing at this weight you’re usually going to knock them out or drop them if you catch them well. Getting that first belt around my waist is the main priority and if the knockout comes, it comes.

“Like most boxers my main aspiration is to become a World Champion so if you’re in my weight class then eventually I’m going to beat you to get to where I want to be. The Southern Arena belt is going to be the first of many on my journey to the top.”

Hobbs said: “I don’t believe in taking easy fights, especially easy title defences! I’m in this game to fight the best and Anthony Yarde is highly-rated by a lot of people in boxing. Beating him will give me a huge boost and put me in line for a British title shot.”

Remaining tickets for May 20 priced £40 and £50 are available from See Tickets at www.seetickets.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (March 29th, 2017) –Kendrick Ball Jr. can’t quite explain why he feels the way he does about his upcoming opponent, Zachary Christy, but the fact Christy signed his name on the dotted line for April 7th has sent the 6-foot-2 Ball to a dark place most of his opponents haven’t lived to talk about.

Ball, in his own words, considers it “disrespectful,” as if Christy’s willingness to stand toe-to-toe with him next Friday coming off a two-year absence is some sort of backhanded compliment, a sign Christy thinks there’s a weakness he can exploit on fight night.

“I’m going to go out there and try to end it early,” said Ball, the 24-year-old Worcester, Mass., middleweight who boasts a 5-0-2 record with four knockouts entering April 7th. “I’ve got a little more motivation to go out there and give a good show.”

Ball and Christy (1-0-1) face off Friday, April 7th, 2017 in a six-round super middleweight bout on the undercard of CES Boxing’s second show of the year at Twin River Casino, headlined by the 10-round World Boxing Council (WBC) USNBC Welterweight Championship between Nick DeLomba (11-1, 2 KOs) and Jimmy Williams (12-0-1, 5 KOs).

Asked if Christy (1-0-1) may be overlooking him, Ball shrugged and said, “Maybe. I think so. Maybe a little bit,” his own uncertainty adding a whole other level of intrigue to next Friday’s bout.

Christy himself is as resilient as he is enigmatic, a 32-year-old U.S. Air Force vet who recently returned home to Warwick, R.I., following his sixth deployment to Afghanistan and 10th overall. He hasn’t fought since 2014 and is at a six-inch height disadvantage against the lean, lanky Ball, but cites his own experiences in and out of the ring, from sparring with world welterweight champion Keith Thurman to jumping out of airplanes on active duty, as the motivation that keeps him going despite the odds.

“I have had the privilege to see, do, and run toward things that would make many of the young men of today piss in their pants,” Christy said. “It’s true I’ve been deployed 10 times. I’ve jumped out of planes and helicopters, and strapped 100 pounds to my back and run for miles. I haven’t lost a fight in ten years. I’m 5-foot-6 and I’ve won amateur titles at heavyweight. I’ve run Olympic distance triathlons directly after returning from Afghanistan.

“I love disadvantages.”

The ultimate underdog, Christy makes it clear his limited number of professional fights does not reflect his true experience.

“I am the veteran in this fight,” Christy said. “Disadvantages are always perceived, never proven. Anyone who thinks any perceived disadvantage will prevent me from pouring my heart out, in victory or defeat, will have a big surprise come fight night. Be prepared for the quintessential boxing match.”

The undefeated Ball will be Christy’s toughest test to date. While Christy’s Air Force duties have interrupted his progress through the years, both as an amateur and a pro, Ball has carved an undeterred path to the top of his weight class in New England with seven fights in the first nine months of his career since his debut in May.

“It feels good,” he said. “I like being active because I feel loose when I go out there.”

Staying in the gym, and in shape, has kept Ball busy. So, too, has his willingness to fight anyone at any given time, whether it was facing unbeaten David Wilson just six days after fighting at Twin River or stepping up in weight on a week’s notice to fight undefeated super middleweight Nathan Millier. Both of those fights ended in a draw, an important teaching tool for his father and head trainer, Kendrick Ball Sr., after the younger Ball opened his career with three knockouts in his first four fights.

The draw against Millier, who entered 9-0-1, was arguably his most impressive accomplishment considering he trailed on all three scorecards midway through the scheduled six-round fight and finished strong to keep his unbeaten record intact.

“I learned you need to be busy nonstop. I think I got the draw because I fell back a little and wasn’t too busy, so I’ve got to keep working more and more,” Ball said.

“I’m a slow starter. I don’t get warmed up until the later rounds, so I think that’s what it was. [CES president] Jimmy [Burchfield] came up to the corner and was like, ‘You’ve got to show me something. Show me you really want this!’ and my dad was yelling at me so I had to go out there and turn it up a little bit.”

There won’t be any need for pep talks in either corner next Friday. Both Ball and Christy enter with high hopes, fueled by different sources, but both chasing the same dream.

Tickets for April 7th are priced at $47.00, $102.00, $127.00 (VIP) and $152.00 (VIP) and can be purchased online at www.cesboxing.com, www.twinriver.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 401-724-2253/2254 or at the Twin River Casino Players Club. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

The event also airs live in its entirety on FITE TV Pay Per View for $14.99 beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. Fight fans can stream the event live on their television by downloading the FITE app free from iTunes or Google Play and using the instant stream-to-TV function for full-screen viewing, or watch online from any device at www.fite.tv. The FITE app also works with any Wi-Fi connected TV, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Replays will be available for those unable to watch live.

In addition to the highly-anticipated championship main event, April 7th features an eight-round female welterweight showdown between Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (16-4-2, 1 KO) of Marshfield, Mass., and Mexican challenger Paty Ramirez (11-3, 5 KOs), plus a New England Lightweight Title bout between Springfield, Mass., vet Zack Ramsey (7-1, 3 KOs) and unbeaten Augusta, Ga., native Divante Jones (9-0, 6 KOs).

Unbeaten New Bedford, Mass., junior middleweight Ray Oliveira Jr. (7-0, 1 KO) faces his toughest test to date in the six-round co-feature bout against Portland, Maine native Casey Kramlich (6-0-1, 3 KOs) in Kramlich’s Twin River debut.

Joining Aleksandra Lopes on April 7th is her stepson, Arturo Lopes (1-0), who ends an eight-year layoff in his return bout against Taunton, Mass., welterweight Marqus Bates (1-1, 1 KO). The Lopeses fight April 7th in honor of the late Manny Lopes, a former CES standout who passed away in December and will be inducted into the CES Ring of Honor.

Worcester, Mass., lightweight Jamaine Ortiz (3-0, 2 KOs), fresh off a hard-fought win over unbeaten Canton Miller in February, faces another undefeated challenger in a four-round bout against Glenn Mitchell (2-0, 2 KOs) of Steubenville, Ohio, and Lynn, Mass., welterweight Khiry Todd (2-0, 2 KOs) battles Philadelphia’s Vincent Floyd (2-2-1) in a four-round bout.

Junior welterweight Jonathan Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO) of Hartford, Conn., returns to Twin River to face Springfield’s Miguel Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round showdown between two rising New England prospects and amateur standouts Ricky Delossantos of Providence, R.I., and Philip Davis of Worcester make their professional debuts against one another in a four-round super featherweight bout.

Junior welterweight Cristobal Marrero (3-0, 2 KOs) of New London, Conn., by way of Worcester, returns for the first time since December in a four-round bout against New York’s Sidney Maccow (4-4, 3 KOs).

Visit www.cesboxing.com, www.twitter.com/cesboxing or www.facebook.com/cesboxing for more information, or follow CES Boxing on Instagram at @CESBOXING.

Olympian Joe Cordina will make his professional debut at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 22, live on Sky Sports.

The Welshman represented Team GB at Lightweight in Rio last summer and the former European champion and Commonwealth bronze medal man will step throught the ropes in the paid ranks for the first time on the undercard of Martin Murray’s clash with Gabriel Rosado.

Cordina kicks-off at Super-Featherweight under new trainer Tony Sims, and the 25 year old believes the switch from Wales to Essex with Sims is going to pay off in the ring.

“It’s all new to me but I’m enjoying it,” said Cordina. “I wanted to have a change and learn something new, Tony Sims is one of the best trainers out there and I wanted to be with him and in that gym. Tony is well respected in boxing and such a great guy, it was a big decision to make but I think I’ve made the right one.

“I’m living with Ricky Burns in Essex, he’s doing the same thing as me, home at the weekends but miles from home during the week, and he’s a three-weight World champion, I want to be where he is and that’s what I am trying to replicate.

“I miss my daughter, she’s only young and I want to see her grow up every day, but you have to make sacrifices in this sport. It’s the hardest thing for me to do but I’ve spent a lot of time away as part of the GB squad so I am used to it.

“Being a part of Tony Borg’s stable for many years and we still get on great. I’ve seen how far Lee Selby has gone on and learnt a lot training by the side of him. Lee has gone on to do great things for Welsh boxing and that’s a massive target that I’ve set myself, to achieve great things just like Lee has done.”

Cordina’s debut is part of a huge night of action on Merseyside as Murray and Rosado promise fireworks.

Rocky Fielding welcomes Islington’s John Ryder to his backyard where they clash for the vacant British Super-Middleweight title and there’s an all-Liverpool battle between Tom Farrell and Tommy Carus for the WBA International Super-Lightweight title.

Popular Birkenhead man Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd is in action along with Scott Fitzgerald, Paul Economides and Craig Glover.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £40, £60, £80 and £100 from the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com/whats-on/a-night-of-championship-boxing and on 0844 8000 400.

VIP tickets are priced at £200 and are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com

Face value tickets for April 22 will also be available from http://www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxing-tickets/ . StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.

This Saturday’s Cruiserweight bout between Mairis Briedis and Marco Huck has been elevated to to a fight for the full WBC Cruiserweight title bout, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

Reigning champion Tony Bellew has been named Champion Emeritus.

“Tony Bellew has become a major attraction in the heavyweight division and is at this moment uncertain of his next steps following his life-changing victory,” the WBC said. “Tony Bellew has expressed his absolute honor and pride to be the WBC cruiserweight champion of the world and has represented the WBC in the best way possible during his reigning as a champion.

“This scenario might keep him from defending his cruiserweight title in some time, reason for which the WBC Board of Governors unanimously voted to designate (Bellew) as emeritus champion of the world, which grants him the right to fight for the cruiserweight championship at any given time with full support from the WBC while maintaining his rights as world champion.”

World Super Welterweight champion Terence Crawford’s May 20th title defense against Felix Diaz will now take place on May 20th at Madison Square Garden instead of The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“When we were in town for the Conlan fight they asked us why we were going to the Prudential Center,” Top Rank president Todd duBoef told ESPN. “We know how hard it is to get a Saturday night at the Garden at that time of year. We assumed the Garden was off limits because they always have so many dates they have to hold for the NBA and NHL playoffs. But they said, ‘Listen, there may be an opportunity. Would you be open to shifting the fight to the Garden? I said, ‘We love going to the Garden.’ They said, ‘Are you interested? We think we can pull it off.'”

Top Rank looked to Newark in part because featherweight Shakur Stevenson, the 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, is from Newark and will have his second professional fight on the card and figured to bring a crowd.

“But for Crawford there was no magic to fighting in Newark,” duBoef said. “We want Shakur to fight in Newark and we expect to have him fight there, but it will be bigger when he’s a more developed fighter. I think going to Madison Square Garden is a great platform for Crawford as well as for Shakur.

“I think it’s the best of both worlds for the event. The fans from Newark who want to come out and see Shakur fight can easily come into New York. It’s about a 15-minute train ride. And Terence has fans throughout the area and whether he was going to fight in Newark or New York or Las Vegas his fans are great about traveling from his hometown (Omaha, Nebraska).”

“Felix Diaz has Dominican roots and there is a strong Dominican presence in New York,” he said. “The Garden said they will be very aggressive in marketing the fight and we were able to work something out.”

“I think he’s had a terrific last couple of years, including getting fighter of the year in 2014 and he has a wonderful fan base that travels,” he said. “I think the timing is right. It all came together nicely. We know he did terrific fighting in Omaha and Las Vegas. A lot of his fans traveled to Las Vegas for the Viktor Postol (unification) fight in July. It’s a natural progression to build his brand by bringing him to the most prestigious arena in the world.

“It just makes a lot of sense. At the end of the day, we were able to come together and get creative in the structure of the deal with Madison Square Garden. They were proactive and they worked with us. The Garden came in kind of at the 11th hour, but we’re thrilled.”