Wilmington, DE (February 8, 2017)–Bare Knuckle Boxing Legend Bobby Gunn is ready for his opportunity of a lifetime, when he takes on all-time great Roy Jones, Jr in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds for the WBF Cruiserweight title that will take place on Friday night, February 17th at The Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware. The bout can be seen LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW.

Gunn of Hackensack, New Jersey has been preparing for this fight, and is ready for the biggest fight of his career. ”

I am fighting an all-time great, and styles make fights. It will be a hell of a fight,” said Gunn.

Gunn wanted to raise the stakes for the fight, but he doesn’t think that Jones has the confidence that he will come out victorious.

“I laid it out to him for a winner-take-all bout. I am a puncher, so I know I will win this fight.”

This will be Gunn’s 1st bout in 38 months, but the Bare-Knuckle Legend has been active fighting on the Bare-Knuckle circuit, and has a perfect record of 72-0 with 72 knockouts in those bouts.

“People can look, and think that I haven’t been active, but a fight is a fight and I have been fighting the Bare-Knuckle fights. Fighting is Fighting. The only difference in those fights is that the gloves protect the hands. Despite what it says on my boxing record, I have always been active. But the time out of the ring plus being against Roy Jones, Jr, the fans will see a different Bobby Gunn.”

Gunn, usually a mild-mannered fighter, has also been motivated by some “Trash-Talk”from Jones.

“He said that I don’t deserve to be in the same ring as him. I was already motivated for this, and he will find out otherwise on February 17th. After February 17th, he will remember me for the rest of his life. I am not coming to dance. I am coming to fight, and early on, Roy will know that he has a fight on his hands.”

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, world ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam (22-0, 18 KO’s) of Pahokee, FL takes on Robson Assis (16-3, 9 KO’s) of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Neeraj Goyat (8-2-2, 2 KO’s) will take on an opponent to be named in an eight-round bout for the WBF International Welterweight title.

Frank De Alba (20-2-2, 9 KO’s) of Reading, PA will take on Sergio Gomez (20-21, 16 KO’s) of Managua, Nicaragua in a 10-round bout for the WBF Junior Lightweight International title.

In a 6-round bout, Samuel Teah (9-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia battles Daniel Parales (10-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Monterrey, Mexico in a super lightweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Joey Tiberi (13-2, 6 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware will battle Bryan Timmons (5-8, 5 KO’s) of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Henry Stewart (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Toronto, Canada will take on an opponent to be named in a light heavyweight bout.

Dan Biddle (9-5, 5 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will face Lamont Singletary (7-1, 4 KO’s) of Dover, DE in a cruiserweight tussle.

Eddie Ortiz (3-0-1, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas will square off with pro debuting Jeff Chiffens of Wilmington, DE in a middleweight fight.

Scheduled to be in attendance are former Heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Michael Spinks and Tyson Fury

SKILL VS WILL will be distributed live throughout North America via cable and satellite in High Definition by New York-based MultiVision Media, Inc. The broadcast will premiere on Friday, February 17th at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be carried throughout the month on video-on-demand. Please consult your local guide for channels and encores in your area. The suggested retail price is $29.99. The event will also be available worldwide on home computers, laptops, Smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, AppleTV, and Android devices on FITE-TV, Flipps, and other OTT (over-the-top) streaming services.

Tickets are on sale now ranging from $75 – $300 and can be purchased by calling (484) 935-3378 & www.firststatefights.com

Roy Jones, Jr. vs Bobby Gunn, promoted by David Feldman Promotions and the Casino at Delaware Park.

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2017) – World ranked bantamweight Carlos Carlson (22-1, 13 KOs) weighed in at 128.7 lbs. (58.5 kg) last Friday during his 30-day weigh in in Tijuana, Mexico.

The Mexican native challenges WBC champion Shinsuke Yamanaka (26-0-2, 18 KOs) of Japan on March 2 from Ryogoku Sumo Arena in Tokyo.

The 12-round championship fight is promoted by Teiken Promotions, in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions.

Carlson faces an unbeaten southpaw with 11 straight successful title defenses. With Yamanaka holding a clear edge in primetime matches, Carlson, for his part, is training feverishly to dethrone one of boxing’s longest tenured world champions.

“This is my moment, this is my time,” Carlson, 26, said. “I’ve been doing everything that I need to do in training camp. My weight is right on schedule. I’m ready to travel to Japan and make history.”

In addition to fighting a far more experience foe, Carlson also tangles with the fact that Yamanaka will have the home court advantage. In fact, all of Yamanaka’s professional fights have occurred in Japan.

“Thompson Boxing fighters have traveled to hostile environments before and have succeeded,” said Carlson, referring to Tim Bradley and Jhonatan Romero’s first world championship wins coming outside of their native countries. “I know I can be the next one.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

TOLEDO, OH (February 8, 2017) – Unbeaten contender and Cleveland-native Terrell Gausha will face Puerto Rico’s Luis Hernandez while lightweight contender Jamel Herring enters the ring against Armenia’s Art Hovhannisyan in undercard action on Friday, February 10 from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio.

The event is headlined by unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter returning to his hometown for his first world title defense as he takes on Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce.

Televised coverage on Bounce begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features bantamweight world champion and three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren battling once-beaten contender Zhanat Zhakiyanov.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with TGB Promotions, are priced at $30, $50, $75, $100 and $200, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Gausha (19-0, 9 KOs) and Hernandez (15-3, 8 KOs) will compete in a 10-round middleweight bout while Herring (15-1, 8 KOs) meets Hovhannisyan (17-3, 9 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight fight.

Additional action features a pair of unbeaten prospects as Raynell Williams (11-0, 5 KOs) battles Justin Savi (29-9, 19 KOs) in a six-round junior lightweight bout while Tyler McCreary (12-0, 6 KOs) takes on Jonathan Perez (36-16, 28 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight attraction.

Rounding out the night of action is heavyweight Devin Vargas (18-4, 7 KOs) in a six-round bout against Tim Washington (6-4, 6 KOs), unbeaten lightweight Albert Bell (6-0, 2 KOs) against James Lester (11-11, 4 KOs) in a six-round bout and Adrian Wilson (3-1, 2 KOs) against unbeaten Rashad Scott (3-0, 1 KOs) in four-rounds of welterweight action.

The 29-year-old Gausha is undefeated since turning pro in 2012 after his exceptional amateur career that saw him win a U.S. National Amateur championship in addition to his Olympic experience. Gausha has picked up six victories in the last two years against increasingly experienced competition including triumphs over Orlando Lora and Steven Martinez in 2016. He looks to continue his march towards a world title when he takes on the Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico-native Hernandez who won five times in 2016.

Another amateur standout who won an Amateur National Championship the same year as his Olympic run, Herring fights out of Cincinnati and is originally from Coram, New York. The 31-year-old won his first 15 pro fights including triumphs over Luis Eduardo Florez, Yakubu Amidu and Hector Velasquez. A former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Herring will face the experienced contender Hovhannisyan who is originally from Armenia but trains now out of Glendale, California.

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @RobertEaster_Jr, @RauSheeWarren, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.

For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.

Josh Kelly has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Kelly follows his Team GB 2016 Olympic teammates Lawrence Okolie and Joe Cordina into the paid ranks with promoter Eddie Hearn, and the flash Sunderland talent will make his pro debut on April 15 at the SSE Arena in Glasgow on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ World Super-Lightweight unification clash with Julius Indongo live on Sky Sports.

The 22 year old will be promoted by boxed at Welterweight in Rio and saw off Egypt’s Walid Sedik Mohammed in the opening round before falling to eventual gold medal man Daniyar Yeleussinov in the last 16, and Kelly is confident he can translate his amateur success into the paid ranks and thrill the fans on the journey to the top.

“I want to get fans across the whole of Britain and beyond to want to watch me and come to my fights,” said Kelly. “I think they’ll see flash and flair, and there will be KOs too. I can mix it up and fight to different game plans. There’s going to be ups and downs because I’m a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but when I put my mind to it I know can do a lot in the sport. I’ve got the right people around me and all the boxes are ticked for success.

“I drew the eventual champion in the Olympics and I really think that there were just two or three punch difference in each of the rounds, it could’ve been a different story but that’s how it goes. I’ve moved on from that.

“I could’ve stayed amateur and I think I would’ve have got to the Commonwealth Games and the next Olympics. When I was switched on and focused I don’t think anyone in Britain or Europe could come close to me.

“I’m a mature 22 year old and I want to move my life on really, I’ve spared with tough pros and dealt with that well and I know I can box well too, so the pro game will suit me, I’m business like and I think I can sell myself and be someone the fans want to buy tickets and they see something different in me that they can get behind.”

Kelly is training with Adam Booth in Surrey and will operate at Welterweight, and after just two weeks in the gym, he’s already excited about the improvements he’s made.

“Adam is top class,” said Kelly. “My style is perfect for him, he loves flair but he knows how to control it. He lets you express yourself but he doesn’t neglect the basics and keeps you focussed and he also keeps an eye on the whole thing, the nutrition and everything.

“I feel I can go all the way with Adam training me. We’re on the same wavelength even though we’ve only just started because I feel I’m learning every day. I’ve always been a quick puncher but thought I could punch hard too, but slight adjustments Adam has made has already got me punching much harder. He’s taking me from strength to strength and it’s only been a couple of weeks.”

“I’m delighted to welcome another Olympian to the team in Josh Kelly,” said Hearn. “Josh is an exceptional talent and looks a million dollars, I really feel that he can cross over and become a star in the sport. Fans are really going to enjoy following Josh’s journey on Sky Sports and I look forward to guiding him to a World title.”

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

LONDON (8 February) – To celebrate the launch of the ground-breaking deal between pioneering boxing channel BoxNation and BT Sport, the eagerly anticipated superfight between Mexican rivals Canelo Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be shown live on both BoxNation and BT Sport on Saturday May 6th, as part of a bumper night of boxing that kicks off Saturday evening at the Copper Box Arena in London.

The landmark deal between BT Sport and BoxNation will see Frank Warren promote up to 20 premium live boxing events a year that will be screened on both BoxNation and BT Sport.

BoxNation customers can also look forward to a further ten domestic events per year exclusively live on the channel, plus an unrivalled amount of exclusive live international events from the very best Promoters around the globe.

On May 6th, BoxNation and BT Sport will air one of the biggest international fights of the year as Canelo and Chavez Jr finally meet in the ring following years of bad blood between the pair.

Taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the showdown will rival the biggest fights in the history of Mexico’s proud boxing lineage, as pound-for-pound king and two-division world champion Canelo and former WBC middleweight world champion Chavez Jr go toe-to-toe in a 12-round battle, to be contested at a maximum 164.5 pounds.

In addition to this exciting match-up BoxNation customers can sit back and enjoy some quality live boxing over the coming months that will only be available on BoxNation. A bumper schedule with more to be added soon already includes Adrien Broner v Adrian Granados on February 18th and the mouth-watering dual between Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman on March 4th.

Residential BT Sport Pack customers can look forward to enjoying BoxNation, the UK’s first and only dedicated boxing channel, being made available to them from 1st March for free on the BT TV platform or the Sky digital satellite platform.

The Canelo-Chavez Jr match-up, however, is sure to generate huge interest as both men look to settle a long-standing score that will give the victor bragging rights throughout their home country of Mexico.

Canelo has taken the boxing world by storm since turning professional at the tender age of just 15, going on to become the world’s number one Super Welterweight boxer having run through a host of leading names in recent years including Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan and Liam Smith.

Chavez Jr, the son of Mexico’s greatest ever fighter Julio Cesar Chavez, is aware of what is on the line and will be looking to kick start his career following indiscipline away from the ring.

Both men are looking forward to producing an unforgettable night of boxing on May 6th, live on BoxNation and BT Sport.

“I’m excited to announce my fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and confirm that I will be prepared, like I’ve been throughout my career, to give a great fight,” said two-division world champion Canelo.

“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, especially during the Cinco de Mayo festivities.”

“Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day in September are important dates for us Mexicans, and I’m expecting a great night for boxing and the whole world,” Canelo added.

“I dedicate this fight to Mexico,” said Chavez Jr. “I’m going to win, but my country will too because this is the fight that boxing needs.”

Canelo’s last performance was his knockout of the previously undefeated WBO light-middleweight world champion Smith in front of more than 51,000 fans in Dallas, Texas last September.

Chavez was last in action in December when he secured a unanimous decision victory over highly regarded German fighter Dominik Britsch in Monterrey, Mexico.

George Warren, CEO of BoxNation, said: “We are delighted to announce that we have secured the live rights to the upcoming superfight between pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez and the ever-entertaining Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, that will be screened on BT Sport and BoxNation. This is an event and fight that will undoubtedly have fans on the edge-of-their-seats and we are very pleased to deliver it to our loyal BoxNation subscribers, and it is great to have BT Sport showcasing this great event too. BoxNation will continue to air exclusively live international and domestic fights on the channel, but partnering with BT Sport for this megafight not only ensures we are able to deliver the event to BoxNation customers but allows us to engage a new audience, growing boxing on BT Sport and in the UK as part of our wider agreement.”

For more information about BoxNation and how to watch Canelo vs Chavez Jr please visit boxnation.com or for BT Sport go to bt.com/sport.

– ENDS –

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated boxing channel. From £12* per month with no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Mayweather vs Maidana, Saunders vs Eubank Jr and Khan vs Canelo.
The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon, Apple TV). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.
Available on selected internet-connected Freeview products only, subject to coverage. Visit freeview.co.uk/availability.
BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.
For more information visit www.boxnation.com
*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2017) – Giovani Santillan (20-0, 11 KOs), a promising young southpaw in the junior welterweight division, makes his first start of the year this Friday against Mexico’s Omar Tienda (18-3, 11 KOs).

The 8-round main event, which takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif., matches Santillan against a fellow prospect eager to make his mark on the undefeated San Diego native.

“I plan to go in right away and make it known to him that I’m the one that is going to control this fight,” said Santillan, who turned 25 in December. “I’ll test him early with different things and see what he’s able to do. I’ll work the angles and study him and at the same time take control of the ring and the pace of the fight.”

At this point in his career, Santillan understands the importance of getting off to fast starts and not letting opponents find their comfort zone. Tienda, in particular, likes to apply pressure with an attacking style that relies on power punches.

“I’m expecting a tough fight from him. He likes to come forward,” Santillan said. “He’s kind of an awkward fighter. He moves his waist a lot and throws a lot of wide punches.”

“Giovani realizes what he needs to do this Friday night,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He’s among the hardest workers we’ve seen and we have no doubt he’ll be determined to get another win.”

Santillan is a versatile threat, known to work off the jab, but also inflict damage while working inside the pocket. He’s sparred against some of the game’s very best like Tim Bradley and Floyd Mayweather, among others.

“We have a game plan, but that can change from round to round,” Santillan continued. “I know I want to use my range a lot more and dictate where he moves with my footwork. Whatever way the fight plays out, I know I’ll keep my focus. I never lose focus on what we’re trying to do.”

In the 8-round co-feature, Erick Ituarte (15-1-1, 2 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif., winner of eight straight, meets Naciff Castillo (17-9-2, 5 KOs) of Mexico.

Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com, or by calling 714-935-0900.

Follow Giovani Santillan on social media: Twitter: @GiovaniSanti1, Instagram: giovan1santillan, & Facebook.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. local time with the first bell at approximately 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at (909) 937-0900.

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

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

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, find us on Google+ and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

New York, NY (2/7/17) – DiBella Entertainment has inked an exclusive promotional agreement with undefeated talent Eric “Babyface Assassin” Walker (14-0, 7 KOs). The junior middleweight sensation will make his DiBella Entertainment debut on “Broadway Boxing”, February 11, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Walker had an unconventional amateur boxing career, going 61-1 over 13 years in Dixon Correctional Institution near his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Entering the prison system at only 15 years old, with no boxing experience, Walker quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the captain of the institution’s boxing team. Fighting alongside professional boxers Brad Solomon and Demond Brock, among others, Walker was a titleholder every year, gaining respect from the prison warden, staff and fellow inmates for his leadership of the team and dedication to his craft. Upon his release in June 2013, he began a five-fight amateur run with USA boxing, but quickly realized that he was ready for the professional ranks.

Walker made his professional debut in December 2013, besting Phillip Lars in a swift first-round knockout win, and amassed a record of 11-0 before getting the call to face Mayweather Promotions prospect Chris Pearson in Las Vegas. In December 2015, Walker entered the ring an underdog against Pearson and exited the ring undefeated after eight rounds, handing Pearson his first loss, catching the attention of fight fans and media. It was an exciting time for Walker, who had become the father of twin boys just two weeks prior.

In his next bout, Walker won the WBC Continental Americas junior middleweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Mexico’s Josue Ovando. It was a win that would be a catalyst for the fighter’s chance meeting with Lou DiBella at the WBC Convention in Miami last December. DiBella, who had teamed up with Mississippi-based Rite Hook Promotions for a planned February 11 card in Biloxi, was excited to learn that Walker, a local attraction across the South, was free from promotional ties. The two, along with Walker’s manager, Al Ausbon, reached a deal, and DiBella Entertainment’s newest signee set about preparing for the February card.

“Eric Walker is the best fighter you’ve never heard of,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “That’s going to change. We’re planning to keep him very busy and fast-track him to a title shot, and he’s going to win.”

For his part, Walker was thrilled to team up with a promoter of DiBella’s caliber. “I would like to thank God, because without Him, none of this would be possible,” said Walker. “I also want to thank my family, friends and fans, along with my manager Al Ausbon and DiBella Entertainment for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to show the world what I can do, and further my career under such a tremendous promotional team. There are many great things that I will bring to DiBella Entertainment, including my work ethic, my willingness to compete against anyone in boxing, and my unique fighting style. I look forward to our journey together.”

“I’m thankful that God has put us together with DiBella Entertainment,” said Walker’s long-time friend and manager Al Ausbon. “Eric Walker has great talents and, with Lou DiBella, those gifts will be showcased worldwide. I know that the future is bright for Team Walker.”

Tickets for the February 11 “Broadway Boxing” event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rite Hook Promotions in association with Hard Rock Casino, are priced at $75, $60, $50, $40 and standing room only for $20. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com (by clicking HERE) or by calling 800-745-3000. The “Broadway Boxing” series is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House. Doors open at 5:00pm CT, with the first fight scheduled for 6:00pm CT.

CHICAGO (February 7, 2017) – Hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados hosted Chicago media at the Garfield Park District Fieldhouse Tuesday as he prepares for his main event showdown with former four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati and live on SHOWTIME.

Televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown and also features WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan battling former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Granados has pledged to dedicate the fight to his friend and former training partner Ed Brown, who fell victim to the violence on Chicago’s West Side in December 2016.

Here is what Granados, along with his trainer George Hernandez, had to say Tuesday:

ADRIAN GRANADOS

“We finally have a huge opportunity. I feel I paid my dues. I know Amir Imam wasn’t a fluke. And the robberies on my record were just that – robberies. You get in the ring with Adrian Granados and you’re going to get a hell of a fight.

“I wasn’t intimated by Broner when we sparred and I’m not intimidated by him now. I know I belong in this fight, at this level.

“It’s a tough fight. People are saying I’m going to have to fight like Marcos Maidana. But I’m going to be Adrian Granados and I’m going to win my way.

“With our two styles it’s going to be a firefight. It can’t be anything but exciting. I have a great team behind me and I can’t wait to make everyone proud.

“Ed Brown was the heart of this neighborhood, and now I need to carry on his legacy. This is my opportunity to do something for my career, but also this community. I have to be twice as great, for me and him.

“Winning this fight not only changes my life, but it changes a lot of other lives. Beating Broner would change the sport in Chicago.

“It’s very motivating to know that I’m an inspirational figure for people in Chicago. It helps me get through those long days in the gym, when you don’t want to get up and train. I know what I’m fighting for and I use it as motivation.

“I started fighting in high school just shadowing my friends when they went to the gym. I asked my mom and dad if I could keep going and luckily they helped me get started and get on this path to where I am.”

GEORGE HERNANDEZ, Granados’ Trainer

“Broner puts his gloves on the same way we do. This is what we want. We want the big names. Beating Broner can get us to the next level.

“No one is going to give us anything. We need to earn it. We’re going to his backyard and we’re going to take it from him.

“This is one of the toughest areas to train in. If you can persevere through that you know you can make it in this sport. We could have gone away for camp but we wanted to stay here because it’s home. The only way to make this city better is by staying here and leading the charge and showing these kids that we can get away from that norm and bring better attention to this area.

“If Adrian can beat the hell out of this kid in his hometown that will send a message to all the kids in this community. It will let them know that you can succeed and do great things. Every kid that’s in here dreams of this opportunity. We’re ready and we’re not going to let it slip away.”

# # #

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

NEW YORK (Feb. 7, 2017) – Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields will make her professional television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation, a series that has sparked the careers of 67 future world champions, on Friday, March 10, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from MGM Grand Detroit Event Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Shields (1-0) is facing Hungary’s Szilvia “Sunset” Szabados (15-8, 6 KOs), a former world title challenger, in the first women’s boxing match to headline on premium television. The fight will take place down the road from Shield’s hometown of Flint, Mich.

Shields is the most accomplished amateur boxer in U.S. history – male or female – and the only American boxer to capture back-to-back gold medals at the Olympic Games.

“It is a dream come true to be the first woman to headline a boxing card on premium television,” said Shields. “March 10 will be a historic night for boxing and all of the women who give so much to advance our sport. I am proud to be fighting for the NABF title in my second pro bout. I want to thank SHOWTIME, MGM Grand Detroit and Salita Promotions for this opportunity, and I will do everything to give my home state fans and the viewers a night to remember.”

Szabados said, “Fighters always say their next fight is the most important one of their career, but you get an opportunity like this, and it really is. This is an unbelievable dream. I am very happy to be receiving this opportunity. I know this fight is important for Claressa also, and I don’t really know what will happen in the ring. We both want to win. Claressa has more amateur experience, but I have more experience as a professional. It’s going to be an exciting night.”

Tickets for the event promoted by Salita Promotions go on sale Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. est and are priced at $250, $150, $100 and $50. They will be available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Promoter Dmitriy Salita said, “I am honored to be putting on this event at the fantastic MGM Grand Detroit, featuring American hero Claressa Shields on ShoBox: The New Generation. Detroit is America’s greatest comeback city and I am thrilled that she has chosen MGM Grand Detroit as the site to fight for her first professional title on March 10. Although it is just her second professional fight, Claressa has chosen a former world title challenger for her opponent, a tough Hungarian named Szilvia Szabados, a woman who knows what’s at stake if she can win that night. We’ve got a terrific card from top to bottom in support of this fantastic main event as well, featuring some of Detroit’s brightest up-and-coming prospects, as well as some national and international flavor. Detroit deserves to have world-class events such as this and I’m very proud to be able to bring it here.”

Shields won her first Olympic Gold when she was 17 years old in the inaugural women’s boxing competition at the London Games in 2012. She defended her title at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, becoming the only American boxer to defend amateur sports’ premier championship.

The 21-year-old Shields cruised to a 77-1 amateur record before turning professional last November, winning her first bout via unanimous decision on a non-televised undercard in Las Vegas. She now returns home as a headliner to take on the veteran Szabados in a six-round middleweight bout.

ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood: “Women’s boxing in America has its best chance of revival because of the emergence of Claressa Shields. Women’s boxing is pretty big in certain countries, but it really hasn’t been a factor in the United States since Laila Ali and, before her, Christy Martin. Being the only U.S. boxer to win two gold medals, Claressa has instant credibility and star appeal and those two things are going to lead to wide exposure.

“She has a great back story, she’s an exciting fighter to watch and she’s instantly likeable.”

Simply put, Shields found solace in boxing to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges in her childhood. She’s become a vocal advocate for many social causes, including the ongoing water crisis in her hometown of Flint, women’s rights, and campaigning against sexual assault. An inspirational figure and motivational speaker, Shields represents a beacon of hope for a working-class city that struggles with violence, poverty, and everyday essentials.

In taking on a former world title challenger and fighting for the NABF middleweight championship in only her second fight, Shields continues to make immediate strides as a professional like fellow Flint native Floyd Mayweather, who won his first world title when he was 21.

Szabados challenged for a world title in July 2015 in her ninth professional fight, losing a decision to undefeated WBC Super Middleweight Champion Nikki Adler in Germany. The native of Miskolc, Hungary has faced two former world champions, Mikaela Lauren and Noni Tenge, and has won via knockout in three of her last five victories.

In her U.S. debut, Szabados lost a 10-round decision to then-undefeated prospect Alicia Napoleon on January 29, 2016, in Queens, N.Y. The 26-year-old has remained active since turning professional in 2014. She fought eight fights in 2016, and already has a win in 2017 via fifth round KO over Diana Marcz in January in Budapest, Hungary.

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ABOUT SHIELDS vs. SZABADOS
Claressa Shields vs. Szilvia Szabados is the professional television debut of two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields against former world title challenger Szilvia Szabados. The six-round women’s bout headlines a ShoBox: The New Generation telecast from MGM Grand Detroit in Detroit, Mich., and airs live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, go on sale on Feb. 10 and are available at Ticketmaster.com.

(BAY AREA, CA) February 7, 2017 – Light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (28-4, 16 KOs) is enjoying his time with new coach, BWAA 2012 trainer of the year, Virgil Hunter. The two have been working together at for the last few months and Fonfara says he’s learning new training methods with Hunter, that are helping him improve his game.

“Virgil is a great coach and I feel this was the right move to take my career to the next level.” said Andrzej Fonfara, the WBC #8 rated contender. “Right now, Hunter has me doing some crazy drills and I can see how its making me better in the ring.”

Fonfara is scheduled to return to the ring in March against an opponent TBA. This bout will be his first fight in 2017, a match he’s looking forward to, since losing his WBC International light heavyweight title to Joe Smith Jr.

“Against Smith, I got caught with a good punch.” Fonfara continued. “It can happen to anyone. I feel I’ve learned a lot since then and I’m confident that’ll I’ll be able to march forward to a world title opportunity. I’m going to take it one fight at a time. With Virgil in my corner, I feel I can beat anyone that is put in front of me. In march, everyone will see an improvement in my fighting style.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 7, 2017) – Former two-time world champion Lamont Peterson hosted a media workout in his hometown of Washington, D.C. as he prepares to take on WBA Welterweight Champion David Avanesyan in a 12-round matchup that serves as the co-main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING Saturday, February 18 from the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati.

Televised coverage on SHOWTIME begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with unbeaten light heavyweight contender Marcus Browne meeting hard-hitting former title challenger Thomas Williams Jr. in a 10-round showdown. The event is headlined by former four-division world champion Adrien Broner taking on hard-hitting contender Adrian Granados.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions and Mayweather Promotions in association with TGB Promotions and K1 Promotions, are priced at $250, $100, $75, $50 and $30, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Here is what Peterson and his longtime trainer Barry Hunter had to say Tuesday from the Bald Eagle Recreation Center:

LAMONT PETERSON

“I’m going through a full-blown training camp and I’ve had a lot of energy. I think the strength will be there too but I’m an energy fighter. I like to put pressure and use my energy. Look for an improved Lamont Peterson.

“People are going to talk a lot about my layoff but honestly that only affects people who aren’t always in the gym. I have been in the gym working hard this entire time. I’ve been working on my craft. I got better and you’ll see on February 18.

“Avanesyan is a good fighter. He keeps his hands up high, so even though he’s there to be hit, it doesn’t mean I’m going to get good clean shots. It should be a good entertaining fight and a good first step at welterweight for me.

“Big fights are what matters to me. When you’re coming up it’s all about winning a title. Having fought for 12 years, it doesn’t matter to me as much. The way I’m looking at is, if I get this win then I’m the No. 1 contender for the belt.

“I have no concern about ring rust. It’s not even a thought in my head. I would be shocked if that was a problem for me.

“You never know what the right time is to move up in weight, but the time is now for me to move up to welterweight and I’m happy about it. Making 140 pounds was getting tough. I think it hampered my performances a bit and that let us know it was time.

“I’ve been wanting to move up but it seemed like my opportunities were down in weight. Now I’m ready to mix it up with the best guys here.

“For me, it’s all about the joy of getting in the ring and competing. I want to do it at the highest level and I’m looking forward to getting big fights.”

BARRY HUNTER, Peterson’s Trainer

“Sometimes having time off like Lamont had is not a bad thing. It gives you space and time to work on your mental game, shore up some things you could be weak at and of course it lets you heal up. It’s served us well and I’m happy with what I see from Lamont so far.

“We always approach an opponent, no matter the record, like they are a world champion. We prepare for war. If anything less than that takes place, so be it. We’re going to be ready. To me Avanesyan is a guy who is an obstacle in our way. If we can’t go around him, we’ll go right through him.

“We want all of the top 147-pounders. I always thought Lamont and Danny Garcia was a fight that warranted a rematch. Because it was a great fight that had a little bit of controversy around it. I still would like to see the rematch.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @AdrienBroner, @ElTigreAG, @SHOSports, @ShowtimeBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @CintasCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

BROOKLYN (February 7, 2017) – Unbeaten brawler and Brooklyn-area favorite Heather “The Heat” Hardy (18-0, 4 KOs) will return to the ring to battle former title challenger Helen Joseph (9-3-1, 8 KOs) in a super bantamweight contest that highlights undercard action on Saturday, March 4 from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.

The March 4 event is headlined by the highly anticipated welterweight world title unification showdown between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on CBS, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, with prime time televised coverage beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, are priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $400, $300, $150, $100, and $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.

A popular Brooklyn fighter who competed in Barclays Center’s first-ever professional female boxing match, Hardy has become a staple at the arena ever since. On March 4, she will enter the ring at Barclays Center for the eighth time, and seventh time in her last eight fights. In Hardy’s most recent bout last August 21, at Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island, Hardy won a decision over previously unbeaten rival Shelly Vincent to capture the WBC International featherweight title. The entertaining slugfest was shown tape delayed on NBCSN and helped Heather increase her national profile.

By fight night, Hardy will have been out of the ring for six-and-a-half months, her longest stretch of inactivity, which was due to the new insurance regulations put in place by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC), in effect since September. All boxing action in the State came to a halt until last month’s Barclays Center event. Dependent on her boxing income to support her family, Hardy sought out other ways to make ends meet. On January 14, Hardy had planned to make her MMA debut for Invicta in Kansas City, MO, however her opponent suffered an injury in training and the event was cancelled. Returning her full focus to boxing, Hardy is determined to conquer another tough challenge on the way to her first world title opportunity.

“I’m grateful and excited to be back in the ring at Barclays Center next month,” said Hardy. “It will be my first fight since August. I’ve had to hustle extra hard these past few months since the insurance issue shut down the New York boxing scene for the last quarter of 2016. I even decided to take an MM fight in January to help supplement my income and pay some bills. However, my opponent dropped out the day before I was flying to Kansas City for the event. It’s been one disappointment after the next, so I am truly happy to be back at home where I belong, doing what I love.”

Born in Nigeria but fighting out of Ghana, Joseph will fight in the U.S. for the second time as a pro after dropping a decision in Texas against Jennifer Han in her most recent world title opportunity. The 27-year-old had previously challenged Dahiana Santana in the Dominican Republic for a world title in 2012 and had a successful run of victories after turning pro in 2004 that lasted until 2009, when she suffered her first defeat. She most recently scored a second round stoppage of Namely Emilia in November of last year.

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

Philadelphia, PA. (February 7, 2017) – Middleweight’s Tyrone Brunson and Brandon Quarles will square off in the eight-round main event on Saturday, March 11th as King’s Promotions will stage it’s first show at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.

Brunson of Philadelphia has a record of 23-6-2, with 22 knockouts.

The 32 year-old Brunson turned professional in 2005, and started his career with 19 consecutive 1st round knockouts. Included in that streak was a stoppage over James Morrow (8-1-2). In his last bout Brunson and Ismael Garcia fought to a 10-round draw on October 14, 2016 in Philadelphia.

Quarles of Alexandria, Virginia has a record of 18-3-1 with 9 knockouts.

The 30 year-old Quarles is a 7 year veteran, and has won 5 straight fights, with the latest being 6-round unanimous decision over Marcos Primera on June 25, 2016 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In six-round bouts:

David Gonzales (8-1-2, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia, PA takes on Juan Rodriguez (6-6-1, 5 KO’s) of Haymarket, Va. in a junior welterweight bout.

Carlos Rosario (6-1, 3 KO’s) of Pennsauken, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a lightweight bout.

Tyrone Crawley, Jr. (6-0) of Philadelphia battles Victor Vasquez (6-2, 2 KO’s) of Yonkers, NY in a lightweight bout.

In a four-round bout:

Daquan Johnson (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Cherry Hill, NJ will take on an opponent to be named in a 4-round super Welterweight bout

More exciting bouts will be announced shortly.

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHouseBoxing.eventbrite.com

New York, NY (2/6/17) – DiBella Entertainment (DBE) is thrilled to announce the signing of highly touted undefeated New Zealand heavyweight prospect Uaine Fa Jr., otherwise known as Junior Fa (9-0, 6 KOs). He will make his US debut on February 25, in Birmingham, AL, underneath Deontay Wilder’s world heavyweight title defense. This is the first signing since DBE has brought in Australian boxing agent Brendan Bourke to seek out the best talent from the Asia Pacific region.

Born Auckland and now living in Papakura, Fa is a hulking figure standing at 6’5″ and averaging 270 pounds, with exceptionally fast hands. At 16 years old, he was inspired to take up boxing by his father, a former amateur boxer himself. As an amateur, Fa was the 2009 New Zealand National super heavyweight champion, a gold and silver medalist at the Oceania Championships in 2010 and 2012 respectively, as well as a bronze medalist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He also owns two amateur wins over current WBO heavyweight champion and fellow New Zealander Joseph Parker.

Connecting with manager Mark Keddell and trainer Henry Schuster, Fa made his professional debut in February 2016, winning nine fights last year. In his last bout on December 10, Fa scored an impressive third-round knockout over 17-1 Pablo Magrini on the same card that saw Parker win his world title. Fa feels that there is unfinished business between the two and is determined to face his former amateur rival again as a professional, after gaining more experience and international recognition.

Fa will make his US debut under the DBE banner on Saturday, February 25, as part of the undercard to Deontay Wilder’s world heavyweight title defense against Gerald Washington, at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC, in Birmingham Alabama. Fa will face off against Keith Barr, of Glenville, WV, in an eight-round contest.

“The physically imposing Junior Fa has the size and skills to make an impact in an era of heavyweight giants,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “His power and amateur pedigree, including two wins over Joseph Parker, have put him on the map in the Asia Pacific region; he now looks to make his mark on the US and the boxing world.”

“I would like to thank Lou DiBella for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent and love for boxing,” said Fa. “Lou has given me a stage to perform on to show the world what I can do. I will train hard, prove myself and not let Lou down.”

“It’s great to be able to work with and learn from one of boxing’s top promoters like Lou DiBella,” said Keddell. “Junior comes from a long line of New Zealand heavyweights and looks to continue in the tradition of David Tua and Joseph Parker.”

“I’m happy to have facilitated DiBella Entertainment’s signing of heavyweight prospect Junior Fa,” said Bourke. “Junior has everything you want in a heavyweight: height, reach, punching power and fast hands. America is going to love this guy.”

Tickets for the live Wilder-Washington event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting www.AlabamaTitleFight.com.

Fort Washington, MD (February 6, 2017)- Undefeated junior welterweight prospect, Mykal “The Professor” Fox will take on hard-punching Tre’Sean Wiggins in the eight-round main event of a big night of boxing on This Saturday night, February 11th at the Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland.

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Fox, 21 years old of Forestville, Maryland is coming off a good 2016, where he went 4-0 and became a main event fight in the Maryland area.

Mykal Fox

The 3-year pro is coming off a 7th round stoppage over Juan Rodriguez on November 5th in the same venue.

Fox is wrapping up training camp in the D.C. area, and he believes that Wiggins could be the toughest test of his young professional career.

“Training camp has been great. It has been another good camp,” said Fox.

“Wiggins is a dangerous opponent. I have fought opponents that may have had more experience, but Wiggins has a lot of power in both hands. He is left handed like I am.”

Fox has been progressing up the ladder, and now he is considered to be on some prospects lists on the East Coast. A win over the heavy handed Wiggins would solidify his status as 2017 progresses.

“I think fighting him is the next step in my progression. I wanted to be tested, and Wiggins is a guy who has power. I am not looking to take those punches, bit if I do, I will be ready for what he has.”

Fox doesn’t have to look far for motivation, as he brother, talented middleweight Alantez Fox has a bout on February 25th for the NABF title, and the two train side by side with each other under the guidance of their trainer, who also happens to be their father, Troy Fox,

“We are both very motivated. We are there for each other. We feed off each other in the gym and it is a great motivator to train next to him every day.”

A win over Wiggins will keep Fox moving towards his short term goal for 2017.

“I am looking to get in a few more eight-round bouts, and then be able to get some some television bouts. As long as I continue to stay busy, I see that happening.”

Wiggins of Newbergh, New York has a record of 7-2 with six knockouts.

The 26 year-old southpaw scored knockouts in his first three bouts by knockout which was highlighted by a 1st round destruction of current WBA Super Featherweight world champion Jason Sosa.

The 7-year professional is coming off a six-round split decision defeat to Benjamin Whitaker on April 15, 2016 in Verona, NY.

In 6-round bouts:

Luther Smith (6-1, 5 KO’s) of Bowie, Maryland will take on Darnell Pierce (5-0, 1 KO) of Austin, Texas in a cruiserweight bout.

Marcus Bates (5-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Washington, DC will take on Alec McGee (2-0) of Reno, Nevada in a super bantamweight bout.

In 4-round bouts:

Tyrek Irby (1-0, 1 KO) of Washington, D.C. battles Lamont White (0-5) of Washington, DC in a junior welterweight bout.

Patrick Rivera (2-0, 1 KO) of Edgewood, Maryland tangos with Gregory Clark (0-1) of Washington, DC in a super middleweight bout.

Justin Hurd (1-0) of Accokeek, Maryland boxes Dawond Pickney (1-3-1) of Hot Springs, Arkansas in a junior middleweight bout.

Greg Outlaw Jr. (1-0) of Bowie, Maryland takes on Kashon Hutchinson (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY in a junior middleweight bout.

Malik Jackson (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Accokeek, Maryland takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.

Tickets are on sale for $75, $60 and $40 at www.kpboxing.com or by calling 301-899-2430

NEW YORK CITY (February 6, 2017) – Nicaraguan lightweight Oliver “Trombita” Flores’ strong performance this past Friday evening against undefeated, No. 1 ranked Felix “El Diamente” Verdejo, fought in front of more than 7,000 fans in Verdejo’s hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico, truly embodied the spirit of Flores’ promoter, Havoc Boxing.

Known throughout boxing for its flashy, totally unique looking boxing “uniforms” – trunks and jackets – that are famously worn by present and past world champions such as Danny “Swift” Garcia, Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs, Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi and others, Havoc Boxing is also a boxing promotional company on the rise.

While Havoc Boxing may not be a major player, at least not right now, it does feature a growing stable of gifted boxers such as Flores, the former world super featherweight title challenger who many fell deserved a far better fate than his controversial 10-round decision loss (94-96, 91-99, 92-92), which was turned in by the three Puerto Rican judges at ringside.

Flores (27-3-2, 17 KOs) was a live underdog who gave prohibitive favorite Verdejo (23-0, 15 KOs) all he could handle and much more. Verdejo even drew the wrath of his hometown fans for not engaging Flores, who came on strong in the second half of the fight, bloodying the 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian’s nose in the eighth round and seriously hurting him in the 10th. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino lightweight champion left the ring at Roberto Clemente Coliseum to a chorus of boos.

Headlines describing the fight used phrases like “escaped with victory” and “struggles to win” to describe Verdejo’s tainted victory. One boxing writer had Flores winning six rounds to four, claiming Verdejo simply didn’t do enough to win any other rounds.

“We’re so proud of Oliver,” Havoc Boxing CEO Rob Diaz said. “We thought he won the fight but it’s tough fighting a national hero in his backyard with three of his countrymen as judges. Those who made excuses for Verdejo claiming he wasn’t at his best because of his eight-month layoff, we reminded that Oliver hadn’t fought in more than a year because a few fights we had lined up fell out. After the fight, so many Puerto Rican fans congratulated us, saying Oliver was robbed, and that he deserved a rematch. Verdejo is looking for an opponent for his Puerto Rican Day eve fight (June 10) at Madison Square Garden. We’re certainly open to a rematch but I doubt they’ll risk fighting Oliver again.

“Flores is what Havoc Boxing Promotions is all about. We’re still building our stable of fighters but people in the boxing industry should know by now that our fighters come to fight. They’re all willing to fight anybody, anytime, anywhere, as long as it’s a fair deal for us.”

In addition to Flores, Havoc also promotes 22-year-old Dominican Republic featherweight prospect Yohan “La Fiera” Vasquez (19-1, 16 KOs), who is ranked No. 14 by the World Boxing Association (WBA), as well as a pair of Colombian fighters, super bantamweight Wilner Soto (16-1, 8 KOs) and cruiserweight Santander “Cha Cha” Silgado (27-4, 21 KOs), who fought for the WBA world title in Russia and was ranked among the top 15 in the WBA and World Boxing Council (WBC) a few years ago.

“We’re rebuilding the Havoc Boxing brand to also showcase our promotional division,” Diaz continued. “We have some talented, hungry fighters who we keep as busy as possible, moving them into position for major fights, like Flores versus Verdejo, including two world title shots so far. We’re getting close to crowning our first world champion. Havoc Boxing is much more than boxing’s best design and merchandising company. The future is Havoc!”

ith the recent insurance and medical issues forcing NY fighter to to take travel to other states for boxing matches, Brooklyn’s Courtney Pennington is quickly establishing himself as a road warrior. Pennington went into the backyard of well-regarded local favorite Khiary Gray Pitts and pounded out the unanimous decision at the Twin River Casino’s Event Center in Lincoln, RI Saturday night. In doing so, Pennington captured Gray’s Universal Boxing Federation (UBF) International and Northeast Titles.

The Star Boxing Jr. Middleweight improved to 10-3-1 5KO’S while opponent Pitts dropped to 14-2 11KO’s. Pennington started out slow in bout getting a feel for his opponent and may have dropped two of the first three rounds. However, Pennington picked up the pace in the 4th round, chasing Pitts around the ring and finally was able to corner Pitts against the ropes unleashing a vicious combination which dropped the local fighter.

Pennington seized the momentum and kept the pressure on Gray utilizing a strong inside attack and seemingly knocked Gray down twice more in the 7th round but both knockdowns were called slips by the referee. Gray was on very wobbly legs as the round ended and the 8th round saw both fighters trade big shots but Pennington’s blows were having a much greater effect on Gray as the bell sounded ending the hotly contested bout.

In the end, Pennington prevailed with a unanimous 78-73, 77-74, and 76-75 score earning the well-deserved unanimous decision win.

Star Boxing head Joe DeGuardia had this to say about Pennington’s victory “I proud of him. For the second consecutive time he went on the road as the underdog and came away with victories, both quality wins over quality opposition”.

The bout took place at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island and was co-promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Jimmy Burchfield’s CES.

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 6, 2016 Star Boxing chief Joe DeGuardia is fighting the unprecedented situation of no boxing club shows in the state of New York by pairing Hicksville, NY native Anthony Karperis (13-2 4KO’S) defending his New York State Jr. Welterweight title against Brooklyn, NY prospect Scott Burrell (12-2 8KO’S) in a 10 round contest at The Paramount in Huntington, NY on Saturday, March 24, 2017.

DeGuardia has gone on record with his fellow New York promoters vehemently objecting to the new rules put in place by the state commission on Sept. 1, 2016, which includes a $1,000,000 traumatic brain injury clause for each fighter. The new regulation eliminated all pro boxing in the entire state of NY from September 1, thru December 31. Up until January, the policy didn’t even exist, so nobody could promote any boxing events in the entire state. You would have to go back to the 1800’s to find a time where there was no pro boxing in NY for the months of September and October, and yet, this new law saw us all with no pro boxing for 4 months! Now, while a policy has been approved, the cost of that policy (as well as other recent NY regulatory added costs) has been so significant that anything other than major international shows are fiscally impossible.

DeGuardia has always been a strong proponent of the club level type of shows which traditionally have been the heartbeat of the sport, and lead to the major international events, both of which have been a part of NY’s rich boxing history. DeGuardia knows that these shows are vital to keep the sport alive and provide such outlets for boxers, fans and venues. While DeGuardia is facing a huge financial loss, he is moving forward for his boxers, venue partners and, perhaps most significantly, to bring more attention to this issue, which is crucial to so many.

DeGuardia had this to say about his upcoming event, “for the first time in my career I am promoting a boxing event where there is such a dual focus. This is a fight that will shine the light on new rule changes and havoc that these new rules have caused to boxers, fans, venues, local towns and numerous others. It is the ultimate dichotomy – we are doing a club show and making it a point to show that we can’t do them anymore if this new regulation isn’t changed. This may well be the last club-type pro boxing show in state of NY. We fully understand the consequences of doing a show like this with the exorbitant proportionate cost of the new insurance and other regulations. We are doing this show under the worst of conditions and it’s a damn shame because we have an unbelievable lineup of fights planned. Our main event is what boxing used to be like in New York, two local kids, both fine fighters in their own right, battling it out for the state title. And instead of looking forward to a great night of Boxing we have this dark cloud hanging over all of our heads, as numerous other promotions in various places throughout NY have been completely shut down. Hopefully by doing this event it will bring to light the dire situation in New York, and a call to action to change the regulation”.

A sensational undercard, in keeping with tradition, featuring many local fighters doing battle with each other has been lined up and will be announced shortly.

Tickets may be purchased by calling Star Boxing 718 823-2000 or at www.starboxing.com, The Paramount box office 631 673-7300, or TICKETMASTER at ticketmaster.com 1 800 745-3000. Tickets are priced at $50 and up.

After a 4-year layoff, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung knocked out number-9 rated Dennis Bermudez in the 1st round of their featherweight bout at The Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Jung landed a perfect uppercut on Bermudez’s chin who then folden to the ground and the bout was stopped at 2:49.

Jung, 145.5 lbs of Seoul, South Korea is now 15-4. Bermudez, 145 lbs of Lindenhurst, NY is 16-6.

Felice Herrig scored a mild upset as she won a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Alexa Grasso in a strawweight bout.

Herrig, 115.5 lbs of Crystal Lake, IL won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice and is now 12-6. Grasso, 116 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 9-1.

James Vick submitted Abel Trujillo in the 3rd round of their lightweight bout.

Vick made Trujillo tap with a front choke at 49 seconds of round three.

Vick, 155.5 lbs of Fort Worth, TX is 10-1. Trujillo, 156 lbs of Boca Raton, FL is 15-7-1.

Volkan Oezdemir won a split decision over 6-ranked and former world title challenger Ovince Saint Preux in a light heavyweight bout.

Oezdemir, 206 lbs of Fridbourg, SWI took two cards by 29-28 tallies. Sain Preux took a card 29-28.

Oezdemir is now 13-1. Sain Preux, 205 lbs is 19-10.

Despite being cut badly over his right eye, Marcel Fortuna scored a stunning 1st round knockout over Anthony Hamilton in a heavyweight bout.

Fortuna was cut by an accidental headbutt. Later in the round, he landed a hard overhand right that knocked out Hamilton at 3:10.

Fortuna, 210.5 lbs of Brazil is 9-1. Hamilton, 258.5 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 15-7.

Number-5 contender Jessica Andrade battered a game Angela Hill, and gained a unanimous decision in a strawweight fight.

Andrade was cut under her right eye in the 2nd round, while Hill had swelling under her left eye in the 3rd.

Andrade, 115.5 lbs of Brazil won by scores of 30-27 on all cards and is now 16-5. Hill, 116 lbs of San Diego, CA is 6-3.

Curtis Blaydes stopped Adam Milstead in the 2nd round of their heavyweight bout.

Blaydes dominated the fight by taking down Milstead at least seven times. Finally, in round two, Blaydes took out Milstead’s leg, and his knee gave way, and the fight was stopped at 59 seconds.

Blaydes, 264.5 lbs of Chicago, IL is 7-1. Milstead, 233.5 lbs of Pittsburgh, PA is 8-2.

Chas Skelly choked out Chris Gruetzmacher in the 2nd round of their featherweight bout.

Skelly made Gruetzmacher tap from a rear-naked choke at 2:01 of round two.

Skelly, 146 lbs of Arlington, TX is 17-2. Gruetzmacher, 145 lbs of Surprise, AZ is 13-2.

Ricardo Ramos won a unanimous decision over Michinori Tanaka in a bantamweight bout.

Ramos, 135 lbs of Sao Paulo, BRA won by scores of 30-27 and 29-28 twice and is now 10-1. Tanaka, 135 lbs of Kanagawa, JAP is 11-3.

Tecia Torres won a unanimous decision over Bec Rawlings in a strawweight bout.

Torres, 115.5 lbs of Coconut Creek, FL won on all cards via 30-27 scores and is now 8-1.

Khalil Rountree knocked out Doug Jolly in the 1st round of their light heavyweight bout.

Rountree landed a hard knee to the head and a 2nd knee followed up and knocked out Jolly at 52 seconds.

Rountree is 5-2. Jolly is also now 5-2.

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing takes to the road as Jr. Middleweight Courtney Pennington swings back into action tonight (February 4th) in Rhode Island to take on the highly regarded Khiary Gray Pitts in the main event at The Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI.

Pennington and Pitts are no strangers having met in the amateurs with Pennington holding a victory over Pitts in the unpaid ranks. Interestingly, Pennington didn’t realize that he and Gray had met in the amateurs until after the match was made. That bout took place in 2012 in NY as part of the Long Island Amateur Boxing championships.

Pennington is confident he can repeat his feat of 2012 even though he is now fighting in Pitts’ backyard. Fighting as a road warrior doesn’t concern Pennington, which he proved that in his last fight when he traveled to Foxwoods Casino in November and stopped heavily favored and highly regarded Boyd Melson in the 7th round. That was a career best, and defining win for Pennington. The Melson-Pennington fight was also a defining example of the shame of the new regulations passed in New York where local fighters are now prevented from competing in pro matches in New York. Both Melson and Pennington are local New York fighters with followings yet their matchup against each other had to take place in a neighboring state due to New York’s new regulations.

Pennington understands the hardships many of his fellow New York fighters are facing now because of the implementation of the new insurance law and medical costs involved when promoting a show in New York. New York had been without boxing in the entire state from September thru December, marking the first time in known history that NY had been without pro boxing events and surpassed even the time in the 1800’s when NY was without boxing for the months of September and October. Sadly as a result of NY’s unfortunate new insurance regulation, New York boxers must travel out of the state to compete and NY fans and local economies are likewise suffering. New York’s loss is Rhode Island’s gain and this fight figures to be a real boost for fans in Rhode Island and the Twin River Casino.

Pitts is coming off a 7th round TKO in his last fight over tough veteran Chris Chatman in October at the Twin River Casino Events Center, where Pitts has become a local favorite.

Pennington brings a record of 9-4-1 5KO’S and resides in Brooklyn, NY while Pitts has a 14-1 11KO’S record and hails from Worcester, MA.

Promoter Joe DeGuardia had these thoughts on the bout “I’m looking forward to a great fight. Courtney had a great performance a few months ago and is confident going into this fight. Twin River Casino will have a great night of boxing and I am pleased to be co-promoting this fight with Jimmy Burchfield’s CES, which always does a great job in promoting at Twin River”.

at www.StarBoxing.com follow them on Twitter at @Star Boxing, Instagram at StarBoxing, and
Facebook.com/StarBoxing.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 3, 2017) With his talents on full display for the entire Belasco Theater to witness, San Antonio, TX native Joshua “The Professor” Franco (8-0, 4 KOs) gave opponent Victor Pasillas (8-6-2, 5 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico a lesson in their super flyweight main event fight with a technical knockout in the third round before a roaring crowd.

“I was definitely expecting a tougher fight,” said Franco. “I had watched a lot of his fights online, and I expected the knockout later in the fight.”

“I felt like I could have continued to fight,” said Pasillas. “It’s been two years since I’ve been in the ring, so this was the first step to rebuilding my career.”

The fans arrived in droves for the first LA FIGHT CLUB of 2017 to cheer on their hometown favorites and enjoy a night of action-packed fights. VIPs for the night included Golden Boy fighters Jesus “Renuente” Soto Karass, Oscar “Jaguar” Negrete, Jason “El Animal” Quigley, Roy “Pitbull” Tapia, Hector Tanajara, Jr., Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez, Miguel Gonzalez and Carlos “The Solution” Morales all sitting ringside cheering on the fighters.

Fighting on the co-main event, East L.A. local Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs) worked opponent Houston, TX’s Angel Rodriguez (5-7-3, 4 KOs) in a scheduled six-round super lightweight bout. During the fight, Navarro threw series of combinations gradually putting more pressure on his opponent displaying his strength and stamina. In the final round, both fighters put on a show for the fans with aggressive shots to the body and face, ending with Navarro adding another victory via unanimous decision to his record.

“This fight shows that I can rumble with tough opponents,” said Navarro. “My opponent fought against Diego Magdaleno and Adrien Broner, so I knew he had to be tough, and he was. I came into the ring slowly, trying to figure him out, and Rodriguez came forward aggressively. He was a tough opponent, and I am definitely thankful for the experience. I’ll be back in the ring soon, hopefully increasing my rounds.”

As the televised opener on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar, Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (8-0, 7 KOs) of Victorville, CA went straight to work utilizing his long reach and heavy-handed hits to knock down Alexandria, Louisiana’s Devon Jones (2-2, 1 KO) twice in the first round. In the second round, “Kingry” knocked Jones down again, and at the: 55 second mark Garcia sent his opponent straight to the mat with a thud earning him his fifth consecutive knockout win.

“You heard the crowd tonight, I think they enjoyed the fight,” said Garcia. “I give myself a B- for my performance since I got cobbled in my head a couple of times. I had to adjust because I didn’t know that my opponent was a southpaw. But we got the knockout and that’s what makes champions.”

On the RingTV livestream and opening up the first LA FIGHT CLUB of 2017, David “Junebug” Mijares (5-0, 3 KOs) represented Santa Monica, CA in a six round super lightweight bout against Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s Evincii Dixon (7-16-2, 2 KOs). During round one, Mijares had Dixon up against the ropes exchanging a series of hits and jabs. Throughout the next rounds, both fighters kept at it throwing blocks and blows with Mijares suffering a nosebleed in round four by way of uppercut. In round six, Mijares stumbled backward but rebounded with a vengeance throwing enough punches to capture the unanimous decision victory.

“This was a great learning experience for me. It was the first time I went all six rounds with someone who has the experience and patience inside the ring,” said David Mijares. “I definitely want to work on being more aware throughout the fight – he got me with a couple of punches high up on the head that threw me off. I want to pursue more experienced opponents like this and build myself up as a fighter for this year, and get used to fighting at six rounds.”

Joshua Franco vs. Victor Pasillas was an eight-round super flyweight fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate Cerveza “BORN BOLD” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast aired live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on February 17, March 10, April 14, June 2, and July 14.

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

Los Angeles – Feb. 3, 2017 – Lion Fight Super Middleweight Champion Regian Eersel (45-4) capped off Lion Fight Muay Thai’s first event of the year with a flying knee and punch combination to knock out challenger D.C. Pratt (20-4) in the main event tonight on AXS TV FIGHTS: LION FIGHT 34.

In the co-main event, Iman Barlow (87-5-3) defended her super bantamweight title in a rematch against Maryem Usul (62-12-1) with a unanimous decision victory highlighted by multiple powerful kicks to the face including this one in round two.

Other top moments from tonight’s broadcast include:

Kronphet Phetrachapat’s (75-18-5) spinning back elbow against Keven Burmester (70-8-1) highlighted their back-and-forth majority draw match.

Nick Chasteen (6-4) landed a barrage of strikes against Gabriel Mazzetti (14-2) and later knocked off his cup, but Mazzetti ultimately won via unanimous decision.

Full highlights from the event are available to embed via YouTube here: http://bit.ly/LionFight34_Highlights

AXS TV FIGHTS: LION FIGHT 34 was presented by commentators Pat Miletich and “The Voice” Michael Schiavello, along with ringside reporter Ron Kruck, live from the Tropicana Resort Casino in Las Vegas.

Official results from Lion Fight 34 are as follows:

Super Middleweight Title Fight – Regian Eersel (45-4) defeated D.C. Pratt (20-4) via knockout (punch) at 2:29 in round one.

Women’s Super Bantamweight Title Fight – Iman Barlow (87-5-3) defeated Maryem Uslu (62-12-1) via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Middleweight Fight – Anthony Njokuani (23-0) defeated Chris Harrington (21-3) via TKO (strikes) at 2:44 in round three.

Super Welterweight Fight – Gabriel Mazzetti (14-2) defeated Nick Chasteen (6-4) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47).

Welterweight Fight – Kronphet Phetrachapat (75-18-5) vs. Kevin Burmester (70-8-1) resulted in a majority draw (48-46, 47-47, 47-47).

Super Lightweight Fight – River Daz (13-0-1) defeated Diego Llamas (8-3) via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45, 49-45).

ABOUT AXS TV FIGHTS

AXS TV Fights presents more LIVE mixed martial arts and kickboxing events than any other television network with 45 scheduled LIVE world-class fight cards in 2017. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich call all the action and Ron Kruck reports from cageside as champions, challengers, and top prospects take center stage every Friday night at 9pE/6pP. AXS TV Fights can be found online, on Facebook and on Twitter. AXS TV is widely distributed in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Sling TV, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite, telco and streaming providers. The network is also carried in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Felix Verdejo remained undefeated by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Oliver Flores in a lightweight bout.

Verdejo, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 96-94, and is now 23-0.  Flores, 134 lbs of Managua, NIC is 27-3-2.

Christopher Diaz remained undefeated by stopping Efrain Esquivias in round seven of their scheduled eight round super featherweight bout.

In round three, Diaz dropped Esquvias with a left hook.  In round four, it was a right hand that sent Esquivias on his back.

Diaz finished off Esquivias in round seven, when he pummeled him all over the ring and the bout was stopped at 2:18.

Diaz, 127 lbs of Barranquitas, PR is 20-0 with 12 knockouts.  Esquivias, 130 lbs of Carson, CA is 17-6-1.

Jose Miguel Borrego stopped Tomas Mendez in the first round of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Borrego dropped Mendez with a body shot and the fight was over at 2:25.

Borrego of Aguas Caliantes, MX is now 11-0 with 10 knockouts. Mendez of Santo Domingo, DR is now 23-9.

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 3, 2017) – On Saturday, May 6, Las Vegas will play host to the kind of massive boxing event the city is known for when two-division world champion Canelo Álvarez (48-1-1, 34 KOs) squares off at the new T-Mobile Arena. In 2017’s first true mega fight, Alvarez will take on former WBC World Middleweight Champion Julio César Chávez, Jr. (50-2-1, 32 KOs) during the Cinco de Mayo weekend on Saturday, May 6. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Information on a press tour and tickets will be announced soon.

Nearly one year ago to the day before Canelo and Chávez, Jr. go head-to-head, Canelo celebrated T-Mobile Arena’s first boxing event with a thunderous knockout of Amir “King” Khan before a crowd of 16,540 in the brand new event center.

I love fighting in Las Vegas where the most important fights have historically been, and I’m very happy to be back at the T-Mobile Arena for this huge event on Cinco de Mayo weekend,” Canelo said. “I know that people from all over the world, America, obviously Mexico and everywhere else will attend to witness a great show.”

“I’m happy to return to Las Vegas where I’ve had many important battles in the ring. Las Vegas is the home of boxing,” Chávez, Jr. said.

Álvarez was last seen in September of 2016, knocking out the previously undefeated WBO junior middleweight champion Liam Smith in front of more than 51,000 fans in Dallas, Texas. Chávez, Jr. was last in action in December, when he won via unanimous decision over the highly regarded Dominik Britsch in Monterrey, Mexico.

“When my team and I talked about where to hold what will be the biggest fight of the first half of the year – we kept coming back to Las Vegas,” Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya said. “The biggest fights of the last 30-plus years have taken place in Vegas, and it is a natural home for this enormous event.”

Canelo vs. Chávez, Jr. is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Tecate, BORN BOLD. 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® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information, visitwww.goldenboypromotions.com and www.hbo.com/boxing; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @hboboxing; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.Facebook.com/HBOboxing; follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing and @OscarDeLaHoya; follow the conversation using #CaneloChavezJr.

Tyron Zeuge (19-0-1, 11 KOs) will defend his WBA World Super Middleweight title against Isaac Ekpo (31-2, 24 KOs) on March 25 at the MBS Arena in Potsdam, Germany.

The undefeated 24 year-old claimed the coveted WBA strap with a stunning twelfth-round knockout victory over Giovanni De Carolis at the MBS Arena in November, and now returns to Potsdam for his maiden defence.

He will face his mandatory challenger Ekpo, the Don King promoted Nigerian, who is known as the ‘Grenade’ due to his devastating punching power.

‘’I’ve been in the gym preparing for this fight since December,’’ said Zeuge, who is trained by former two-time World Champion Juergen Braehmer.

‘’I’m already in great shape and I will be ready for my first title defence. On March 25, I will defuse the ‘Grenade’. The only thing exploding will be my fists on Ekpo’s chin!’’

The challenger, who holds a 73% knockout ratio and has stopped his last seven opponents, has issued some words of warning for the young champion.

“I will cause a big bang with my fists that Zeuge will not recognise until the referee reaches the count of ten and crowns me being the new champion,” he says.

A sentiment shared with the 34 year-old’s legendary promoter Don King.

‘’Zeuge can prepare a plan A, B and C but he is not going to figure out the combination to defuse my KO grenade. After the dust has settled, there will be a new World Champion and his name is Isaac Ekpo,” said King.

Zeuge’s promoter Kalle Sauerland says his fighter should be prepared for intimidation tactics from King as well as his physical battle with Ekpo.

‘’Since becoming champion, Tyron has gone from the hunter to the hunted. He will face a tough test in his first defence,” says Sauerland. ‘’Against Ekpo, he must not only be prepared for the physical hardships of a twelve round title fight, but also, for Don King’s psychological warfare, which can not be underestimated.’’

Tickets for the WBA World Super Middleweight Championship contest between Tyron Zeuge and Isaac Ekpo on March 25 at the MBS Arena will be available online via www.eventim.de or by calling the ticket hotline on 01806-570044.

Only 1,000 coach packages are left on sale for the blockbuster World Heavyweight title clash between Anthony Joshua MBE and Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium Connected by EE on Saturday April 29, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Joshua puts his IBF crown on the line for the third time against former lineal Heavyweight ruler Klitschko, with the vacant WBA Super and IBO Heavyweight crowns up for grabs.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently announced that 90,000 fans will be able to attend the historic event and now just 1,000 seats remain via coach packages via this link: http://www.seetickets.com/event/joshua-v-klitschko-ticket-and-coach-package/wembley-stadium/1057044/?src=Seesocial

The coaches will depart from the following locations: Chelmsford, Colchester, Hull, Luton, Maidstone, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Reading and Stoke on Trent.

Please select the same amount of coach tickets as you have fight tickets.

Includes Return coach travel from your chosen departure town to Wembley Stadium on Saturday April 29.

Fight tickets will only be distributed on the coach. If you do not travel to Wembley Stadium on the coach then you will not receive your fight ticket.

Exact times of departure and your pick up point will be confirmed no later than 30 days prior to the event. Confirmation of your journey will be printed on physical coach tickets and delivered to you no later than 2 weeks before the event.

Responding to WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder’s recent public statements, former WBA Interim Heavyweight Champion Luis Ortiz would like to let him know: “I signed up for the WBC/VADA Clean Boxing Program last September. Stop using that excuse to avoid fighting me!”

The undefeated Ortiz (27-0, 23 KOs), of Camaguey, Cuba, now living in Miami, has been trying to get Wilder into a boxing ring for quite a while, as Wilder has chosen to face a string of what many would label second-tier opponents to defend against.

“He’s scared!” said Ortiz of Wilder. “The more he can use my failed test against me he will. He and (promoter Lou) DiBella are saying he won’t fight me because of that. That was years ago, and since that unfortunate incident, for which I was punished, I have tested a dozen times clean. Now he’s trying to say I haven’t signed up for VADA Clean Boxing… guess what Wilder? I signed up last September when I was notified that all WBC contenders need to be part of their new Clean Boxing Program. I filled out the paperwork and my trainer submitted it to the WBC. He can stop using that excuse to avoid me. I have nothing to hide and do not have to prove any longer to anyone that I am clean. Wilder is nothing but a paper champion who happened to be at the right place at the right time against the right opponent with, most importantly, the right promoter. That’s all he is.”

Ortiz’s trainer, Herman Caicedo of Caicedo Sports Training Center of Miami, Florida, also says Ortiz’s failed drug test in 2014 is no longer a factor.

“Since failing his test years ago, Luis has been tested over a dozen times, voluntarily and mandatorily in fights. He has made it very clear that he never wants that to happen again and I wouldn’t work with a fighter I even suspected wasn’t clean. There’s too much involved in how I train fighters. We all put a lot of blood sweat and tears into training for a failed drug test to derail the entire process. I do my own drug panels and steroid checks before I take fighters. And those that do not wish to willingly participate, I will not train.”

Ortiz says sooner or later, Wilder will run out of excuses to avoid him or be run out of boxing.

“My mentality was always to beat whoever was the best fighter in my division, period. I don’t handpick my opponents. This is all weird and new to me. He can’t run for much longer though. I assume he will try to unify or vacate before he has to fight me. He can’t unify with the Joshua/Klitschko winner because I am the mandatory above any unification fight, and I will not be jumped over. So, he can try to beat up (New Zealand-based contender Joseph) Parker after his next fight. Then retire the paper champion he is.”

“I am very confident about the outcome if Ortiz and Wilder ever do fight,” continued Caicedo. “Ortiz will knock him out within 10 rounds. Luis has a level to his approach that I haven’t seen in quite some time. He is a throwback, old-school heavyweight boxer. He has incredible poise, precision, and ring generalship. He’s accurate with this punches and defensively very sound. If they ever do fight, Wilder will be exposed. But, he will probably retire a legend in his own mind without ever fighting anybody.”

Ortiz says no matter what happens with Deontay Wilder, he is happy and comfortable with his life.

“I would like to thank my team: Jay, Javier and my trainer Herman for the support they give me throughout all this uncertainty, as well as my fans and, most important to me, my wife and three children. I never thought I would be fighting to make a living. Boxing was always what I did because I loved it. I fought for pride. I fought for bragging rights!! I have already achieved one dream and that was to be here in the United States with my family. I am a United States citizen and very proud. Now to be able to box for a living, make money and potentially become world champion… that, to me, is priceless.”