Undefeated Super-Welterweight machine James Metcalf has signed a long-term promotional deal with Frank Warren. The son of Liverpool fight legend Shea Neary has won all 14 of his professional bouts to date and is determined to follow in the footsteps of his father and win a World title of his own.

28-year-old Metcalf, known as ‘Kid Shamrock’, made his professional debut in 2011 and is itching to be thrown into title fights after building his reputation as one of the most exciting rising talents in the 154lb division.

Metcalf’s father, known as the ‘Shamrock Express’, held the WBU Super-Lightweight crown from 1996 to 2000 and was immortalised in celluloid thanks to his appearance in the Hollywood film The Fighter; starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale.

Trained by Georgie Vaughan at Derry Mathews’ gym in Liverpool, Metcalf is preparing to secure his own legacy.

“My dad was a huge inspiration growing up,” said Metcalf. “Watching him fight made me want to get into professional boxing and win titles of my own. It’s great having someone who has been there and done it giving me advice.

“He’s trained me in the past so that’s probably why a lot of people say our styles are very similar. He trained me for my first couple of pro fights before injuring himself and taking me to Georgie Vaughan who has trained me ever since.”

With a rich batch of Champions and contenders, boxing in Liverpool is booming. Metcalf is aiming to punch his way into the limelight and has big plans for 2017.

“The plan is to get a few wins under my belt and then push towards a title. I haven’t boxed since October so all I need is one or two fights to shake off the ring rust and then I’ll be ready take on anyone. I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on the British title in the next year or so.

“I’m over the moon to be teaming up with Frank. I grew up watching his shows and to now be fighting on them is massive for me. The extra exposure I’m going to get can only benefit me so it’s an exciting time to be teaming up with him.”

Warren stablemates Liam Smith and Liam Williams currently rule the roost in the domestic Super-Welter division. The fierce rivals face-off in at the Manchester Arena on April 8th and Metcalf is predicting a fight of the year barn burner.

“This fight has got the whole country buzzing. All fight fans have wanted to see them get it on for years and now it’s happening it’s impossible to predict a winner.

“Smith is the former World Champion and Williams is the rising star in the division; it has all the ingredients for an explosive clash. I want to be in their position soon.”

You can follow JJ’s journey on Twitter: @kidshamrock88 and Instagram: kidshamrock88

Glasgow Middleweight Aston Brown is delighted to have signed a long-term promotional deal with Hall of Famer Frank Warren. After a successful amateur career Brown is looking to be pushed quickly into title contention and is already targeting Tommy Langford’s Lord Lonsdale belt.

Brown, 25, is a former star of both the Scottish and British amateur scenes, boxing not only for Scotland in the Commonwealth Games, but for Great Britain and the Great Britain Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing.

“It all started when I was nine-years-old,” said Brown. “I soon realised that I loved boxing and it was something that I had a talent for. I progressed very quickly through the ranks and in 2010 I lost to Callum Smith at the Commonwealth Games. After that I secured a place on the Team GB Development Squad where I only spent around six months before progressing onto the Podium Squad.

“I travelled the World boxing some of the best fighters around, going to around three or four European and World Championships. I learnt a lot during my two seasons in the WSB with the British Lionhearts before deciding to turn pro in 2015.”

He made a winning start to life in the paid ranks, comfortably outpointing Georgi Vlevski in Edinburgh. However, injury during his pro debut resulted in surgery and a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“It was a very frustrating for me. I had to get an operation straight after my first fight and it took around a year for the injury to heal properly. During that time I’ve moved to Manchester and teamed up with Arnie Farnell. Things are looking really good now and I can’t wait to push on under the guidance of Frank and Arnie.

“I bonded straight away with Arnie and all of the boys in the gym are absolutely spot on. It’s the perfect gym for me and I’ve got a great relationship with everyone who trains there which is great for my development. We all have a laugh and get on really well.”

Tipped as one of the best amateurs to come out of Scotland in recent years, Brown is aiming to take his career onto the next level under Warren and is planning an assault on the domestic 160lbs division.

“I’ve had over 130 amateur fights and mixed it with the best in the WSB so it won’t take me many fights to be challenging for titles. I’m aiming to be taking on the best domestic Middleweight fighters within the next couple of years. I’m hungry for success and want to be pushed on quickly.

“I’m over the moon to be starting this new journey with Frank and BoxNation. I believe he is the best man out there to take me forward and I’m aiming to get Scottish boxing back under the spotlight. Me and Josh Taylor are probably the most successful amateurs to come out of Scotland in recent times and I want to fly the flag for Scottish boxing for years to come.”

You can follow Aston’s journey on Twitter: @astonbrown and Instagram: astonbrown1

PHILADELPHIA–Ray Robinson stopped Edwin Palcio in the 2nd round of their scheduled 8-round welterweight bout at the SugarHouse Casino.

Robibson dropped Palcio at the end of round one and finished him off with by dropping him for a 2nd time in round two.

Robinson is 22-2 with 11 knockouts. Palcio of Leon. Nicaragua is 12-5-1.

Christian Carto (7-0, 7 KO’s) stopped Sergio Najera (12-29-2) in round three of their bantamweight bout.

Brandon Pizarro (3-0, 2 KO’s) stopped Abdiel Padilla (1-1) at 2:42 of round of their lightweight bout.

Hairon Socarras (15-0-2) won a 6-round unanimous decision over German Meraz (55-41-1) in a super featherweight bout. Scores were 60-53 on all cards.

Joseph Adorno (2-0, 2 KO’s) stopped Jonathan Hernandez (0-4) in the 1st round of their super featherweight bout.

Victor Padilla (2-0, 2 KO’s) needed 30 seconds to take out Tony Wilson (0-2) of Virginia in a lightweight bout.

Harold Lopez made a successful pro debut as he took out fellow debuter Argenis Armando in 57 seconds of their super flyweight fight.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, lightweight’s Ryan Martin and Bryant Cruz will be the opening bout of the March 18th Gennady Golovkin – Daniel Jacobs PPV card at Madison Square Garden.

“Fighting at the Garden is a huge opportunity for my team and me, especially being on the undercard of the biggest fight of the year,” said the 23-year-old Martin, who was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and fights out of Cleveland. “On March 18 fans in attendance and viewers from around the globe will see why I’m among boxing’s best prospects.”

“I am hungry and excited to get back in the ring, especially on such a big card,” Cruz said. “Fighting an undefeated prospect shows that I’m willing to face anyone to get to the top and will take any opportunity that comes my way. I am bringing my A-game on March 18 and will get the win.”

“We’re thrilled to add this compelling fourth fight to the outstanding March 18 event,” Golovkin promoter Tom Loeffler said. “Ryan Martin and Bryant Cruz are two exciting, young lightweights and it’s the perfect action-packed fight to kick off the telecast and the main card at the Mecca of boxing, Madison Square Garden.”

Yvon Michel won a purse bid to stage on IBF Light Heavyweight title elimination bout between Artur Beterbiv and Sullivan Barrera, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“We have 15 days to decide the exact date and place,” Michel said. “We have to see where that will fit best, and we also need the time to properly advertise it because this match has all the ingredients for a great fight. Our wish is to bring that fight to the USA to enhance Artur Beterbiev’s exposure.”

“Barrera will no doubt be the strongest opponent of Beterbiev’s pro career so far,” Michel said. “The Cuban has an excellent amateur background, is always well conditioned, has a good sense of distance in the ring and a very dangerous right hand.

“Nobody so far has been strong enough to keep up with Beterbiev’s power but he has much more that that. He has great boxing IQ; he is very crafty; and Barrera’s opposition will give Artur the opportunity to show the world his real nature.”

“I think we have a good idea of what Sullivan can do in this fight. I feel very confident,” Main Events promoter Kathy Duva said. “The thing about Sullivan is his career is on an upswing. He has fought much tougher opposition that Beterbiev has. Styles make fights and I think he has the style to beat him. I know he’ll have the game plan to do it. He’s on a high now coming off a big win. When he heard about this fight he was like, ‘I’m doing it.’ We had other possibilities and talking to HBO but he said, ‘No, this fight is what I want. I want to get the shot at becoming the mandatory again.’ You have to love him. He’s a real fighter.”

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (February 2, 2017) – Live underdog Oliver “Trombita” Flores has prepared to shock the boxing world tomorrow night (Friday, Feb. 3), albeit it in hostile territory. challenging undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) Latino lightweight champion Felix “El Diamente” Verdejo in the 10-round main event at Robrerto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A rising star in a universarlly recognized boxing hotbed, Verdejo (22-0, 15 KOs) represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympics, losing in the quarterfinals to two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko, who is the reigning WBO super feathereight world champion. The 23-year-old will be fighting in front of a passionate hometown crowd in San Jose, risking his WBO No. 1 contender status and impending world title shot against current champion Terry Flanagan. He’s also scheduled to fight June 10th on Top Rank’s major Puerto Rican Day card at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.

Havoc Boxing-promoted Flores (27-2-2, 17 KOs), however, is looking forward to spoiling Verdejo’s party and bringing joy back to his native Nicaragua.

“We accepted this challenge because we believe Oliver will rise to the occasion,” Flores’ promoter Rob Diaz (Havoc Boxing) said. “He hadn’t fought for more than a year because several fights we lined up fell through. So, we decided to move him up to lightweight to challenge a great prospect like Verdejo. This is a tremendous opportunity for Oliver. He’s not concerned about fighting Verdejo in Puerto Rico. Oliver has effectively fought on the road throughout his career because he’s a true warrior. He has a real chance to shock the boxing world tomorrow night and we’re confident that he will bring his best into the ring. Oliver is one of the best kept secrets in boxing but fans all over the world will know his name after tomorrow’s fight.”

In his last fight on New Year’s Eve of 2015, Flores unsuccessfully challenged then-World Boxing Association (WBA) Super world super featherweight champion Takashi Uchiyama (23-0-1) in Tokyo, getting stopped in the third round.

Flores’ only other pro loss was in 2012 to current WBC super featherweight world champion Miguel Berchelt, while his two draws were both on the road in Mexico and Costa Rica.

Flores (pictured to right on the scale) is a past WBA Fedebol lightweight title holder, as well as former World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX and International Boxing Federation (IBF) super featherweight champion. He has proven to be a dangerous, upset-minded opponent having defeated previously unbeaten boxers Marcos Mojica (12-0-2), by way of unanimous decision, and Gabriel Dorado (9-0) via a first-round knockout.

A victory over Verdejo should position Flores for another world title shot in the not too distant future.

NEW YORK, NY (February 2, 2017) – Roc Nation Sports today received notification from James Kirkland’s team that Kirkland has suffered an injury which will force him to withdraw from his match against Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto on Saturday, February 25, 2017. The reported injury is a fractured nose. Unfortunately, the entire HBO Pay-Per-View show at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas is cancelled.

For customers who purchased through Ticketmaster via phone, online or mobile channels, you will receive a credit to the method of payment used. If you purchased in person at Ford Center or AT&T Stadium ticket office, bring the tickets and method of payment used at time of purchase to the AT&T Stadium North Ticket Office, located adjacent to Entry A, to receive your refund. If you purchased tickets from any other source, you will need to contact that point of purchase for your refund.

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RocNation.

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New York, NY (2/2/17) – On Saturday, February 11, DiBella Entertainment’s popular “Broadway Boxing” series will make its debut in Biloxi, MS, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, with the highly anticipated ring return of rising junior welterweight contender Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (18-0, 15 KOs). He will be defending his NABF title for the first time against Colombian Wilfrido Buelvas (18-6, 12 KOs) in a 10-round bout. The card is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Rite Hook Promotions in association with Hard Rock Casino. The “Broadway Boxing” series is presented by Nissan of Queens, Azad Watches, OPTYX, and Christos Steak House.

A native of New Orleans, Prograis was forced to abandon his home in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He was enrolled in six different high schools while moving all around Texas before graduating and settling in Houston. Looking for an outlet to channel his frustration, Prograis embarked on an amateur boxing campaign that culminated with an 87-7 record over a four-year span, before turning pro in 2012. Given his relentless approach inside the ropes, Prograis’ father gave him the nickname “Rougarou”, which, in New Orleans folklore, is a mythical half-man/half-werewolf creature.

Trained by Bobby Benton out of Houston’s Main Street Gym, Prograis signed with DiBella Entertainment in late 2014 and saw his career soar the following year. In 2015, Prograis moved up to competing in eight- and 10-round bouts, was included among ESPN’s “Prospects to Watch”, and made his ShoBox debut on SHOWTIME. Three consecutive appearances on “ShoBox: The New Generation” included decisive victories over 11-0-1 Amos Cowart and 14-0-2 Abel Ramos as well as a crushing first-round stoppage of the experienced Aaron Herrera. Prograis made his New York debut in his last bout on June 25 at Barclays Center, stopping Luis Florez in four rounds to capture the NABF belt. Ranked no. 8 by the WBC, Prograis was sidelined for several months due to an injury suffered at the gym and is anxious to get back into the ring.

“I’m really excited to finally get back inside the ring,” said Prograis. “It’s been a while and I’ve been training since my last fight in New York. What makes this even better is that I’ll be fighting in front of my home crowd because Biloxi is about an hour drive from New Orleans. I’ve fought in Mississippi twice already and had excellent performances and I plan on making this my third.”

“With three impressive outings in front of a national audience and a high ranking, Regis Prograis is on the cusp of making his mark on the world stage,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Now that he is healthy, Prograis will pick up where he left off with another dominant performance in front of fans close to home. Broadway Boxing is a brand that continues to expand and I am thrilled to bring the series to Biloxi at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.”

Junior middleweight prospect Eric Walker (14-0, 7 KOs) will fight on the undercard in his DBE debut. The 33-year-old from Plaquemine, LA, turned pro in 2013, after serving 13 years in a Louisiana penitentiary on a conviction of armed robbery. It was in prison that Walker found his passion for boxing, compiling a record of 61-1 in the prison boxing system. Walker would like his story to be an inspiration to the youth not to make the same mistakes he did. It was in December 2015 when Walker faced unbeaten 13-0 southpaw favorite Christopher Pearson that the world took notice of his heart and talent. Fighting on a Premier Boxing Champions card on Spike TV, Walker handed Pearson his first defeat via eight-round unanimous decision in a “Fight of the Year” candidate. On June 25, 2016, Walker went the 10-round distance for the first time to seize the WBC Continental Americas 154lb. belt.

Returning to the ring for the first time since 2015, light heavyweight contender Cedric Agnew (28-2, 14 KOs) will also appear on the card in an eight-round bout. A former USBA and WBC-USNBC titlist, Agnew, who is a Chicago native that later relocated to Houston, challenged Sergey Kovalev for the WBO world light heavyweight championship in 2014.

“We are finally gaining momentum with professional boxing along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina that our company has worked very hard to achieve,” said William Hunter, President of Rite Hook Promotions. “There has always been a market for boxing in Biloxi, and a lot of great fighters have competed here including Regis Prograis. We are building a solid foundation with the Hard Rock Casino Biloxi and a partnership with DiBella Entertainment that will ensure more champions and future champions will be able to showcase their talents in Biloxi for the foreseeable future on a televised national platform.”

An announcement with the full card will be released soon.

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:O0pm CT, with the first fight scheduled for 6:00pm CT.

CASABLANCA, Morocco (February 2, 2017) – Former Interim cruiserweight world champion Youri “El Toro” Kalenga will provide chief support February 18 for pro-debuting Moroccan amateur boxing sensation Mohammad Rabii on the “Battle of Casablanca” card, presented by Nowhere2Hyde, at Complexe de Sportif Mohammed V Arena in Casablanca, Morocco.

Kalenga (22-3, 15 KOs), fighting out of France by way of The Congo, is currently rated No. 12 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 16 by the World Boxing Council (WBC). The knockout artist takes on Garrett “The Ultimate Warrior” Wilson (17-11-1, 9 KOs), of Philadelphia, who is a former United States Boxing Association (USBA) and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) champion.

In 2014, Kalenga captured the WBA Interim title with a 12-round split decision over 32-1 Mateusz Masternak in Monaco, followed with a successful title defense in Canada against 12-0 Denton Daley by way of a 12th round technical knockout.

Kalenga has never been in a dull fight. Two of his three career losses have been to current WBA Super cruiserweight champion Denis Lebedev (26-2), who Kalenga dropped in the fourth round, by way of a 12-round unanimous decision in Russia, and last June he was stopped for the first time in his seven-year pro career by 20-0 Yunier Dorticos in Paris for the Interim WBA strap.

The 23-year-old Rabii defeated 2016 Olympic gold medalist Daniyar Yeleussinov in the welterweight division championship finale of the 2015 AIBA World Amateur Championships to capture a gold for his native Morocco. Rabii won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, dropping a highly-disputed decision (0-3) in the semifinals to Uzebek boxer Shakhram Giyasov, the eventual silver medalist.

The ultra-charismatic Rabii has reached “rock star” status in Morocco, testament by an average of 6-million Moroccans viewing each of Rabbi’s Olympic matches on Arryadia Television. “We are very excited to work with our television partners, Arryadia, on our February 18th show as the first of five shows in 2017 featuring Mohammed Rabii,” promoter Gary Hyde said. “Rabii has the entire nation of Morocco behind him and he will be challenging for top welterweight honors in no time at all.”

Rabii will take on veteran Hungarian boxer Adam “Bad Boy” Mate (24-10, 17 KOs) in the six-round main event.

Also in action on “Battle of Casablanca” will be former World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Organization (IBO) world featherweight champion, Simpiwe Vetyeka (29-3, 17 KOs), who is world ranked No. 4 by the WBA, No. 6 by The Ring magazine, and No. 7 by the WBC. The gifted South African faces undefeated Hungarian prospect David Nerna (8-0, 8 KOs) in a 10-round bout.

Netherlands light middleweight Gevorg Khatchikian (24-2, 12 KOs) will also be in action against Ugandan Med “Kabona” Sebyala (16-8-1. 13 KOs) in another 10-rounder. Khatchikian, who will be fighting as a 154-pounder for the first time as a professional, has only lost twice as a pro, both to present super middleweight world champions, James Degale (IBF) and Gilberto Ramirez (WBO).

Hyde manages Rabii, Kalanga and Vetyeka.

Tickets are now on sale for the Feb. 18 show in Casablanca.

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 2, 2017) – Undefeated super-middleweight contender, Caleb “Sweet Hands” Plant (14-0, 10 KOs), will be making his 2017 debut on the Deontay Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) vs. Gerald Washington (18-0-1, 12 KOs) card, taking place at the Legacy Arena, in Birmingham, Alabama on February 25th. Plant will headline his own show on Fox Sports 1 against an opponent TBA on February 25th as part of a multiple telecast event.

Plant, talks about his upcoming fight, sparring with world title contender George Groves (25-3, 18 KOs), and his commentating debut.

“On February 25th, I’ll be making my ring return,” said Caleb Plant the IBF #15 contender. “I’m really pumped up to be headlining on Fox Sports 1. Nashville, Tennessee, my hometown, is only a few hours away from Alabama, so I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of my family and friends in attendance.”

“Last week I got great work sparring with George Groves when he was in town for the Frampton fight. He’s a class act and I learned a lot from being in the ring with him. I held my own and my confidence is at an all-time high. I know I can compete with anyone in the world. I’m just going to take it one fight at a time. I’ll be ready for whoever they put in front of me.”

In addition, Plant will be commentating side by side with Brian Custer during the Sammy Vasquez (21-1, 15 KOs) vs. Luis Collazo (36-7, 19 KOs) showdown tonight on Fox Sports 1.

“My career is headed in the right direction and I’m excited to be commentating tonight on Fox Sports 1,” Plant continued. “Commentating is something I’ve always wanted to do. Vasquez and Collazo are two fighters looking to make a statement and I believe it’s going to be a great fight for the fans. I have a great team around me and I’m very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I’m going to take full advantage of the situation.”

Katie Taylor will fight for the third time in the pros on the undercard of the Heavyweight blockbuster between David Haye and Tony Bellew at The O2 in London on March 4, live on Sky Sports.

The Irish amateur star made her pro debut in London in November with a third round stoppage win over Karina Kopinska and followed that two weeks later with a points win over Viviane Obenauf in Manchester, and the 30 year old is ready to kick off her 2017 with a big performance in Greenwich.
“It’s great to be on another big card in front of a huge crowd at an arena like The O2,” said Taylor. “I think people are really excited about the Haye-Bellew fight and the rivalry between those guys and as a boxer these are the kind of nights you want to be a part of. It’s a massive stage for me and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve been here in the US for the last few weeks in training camp for the fight and working hard. It’s the start of a very big year for me and I know there are big plans but I need to keep winning and keep performing so I’m not looking any further beyond March 4.”

Taylor is part of a packed bill in support of Haye vs. Bellew, with another London vs. Liverpool grudge match on the slate as Hackney’s Ohara Davies defends his WBC Silver Lightweight title against Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews, while popular Stourbridge Welterweight Sam Eggington faces a huge step-up in class against former two-weight World champion Paulie Malignaggi.

Tickets for Haye vs. Bellew sold out in record-breaking time when they went on sale in December.

Yorkshire hero Josh Warrington returns to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Saturday 13th May where he will make the third defence of his WBC International Featherweight belt, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

An offer has been made for undefeated Warrington to face former IBF World Champion Kiko Martinez. The Spaniard has mixed it with the likes of Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz and is a step-up in opponent for Warrington.

‘The Leeds Warrior’ is itching to get back under the lights after a lengthy layoff and is promising to make a statement in May before targeting a summer blockbuster clash with IBF Featherweight Champion Lee Selby at Elland Road.

“I can’t wait to get going again,” said Warrington. “I’m excited to get back in the ring and I’m looking forward to May 13th. An offer has been made to Kiko Martinez and it’s a great fight for me if it happens. He’s a former World Champion and he’s mixed it with the best. Carl Frampton openly stated that he was one of the hardest opponents he’s boxed.

“When I sat down with my team I asked them to get me the hardest opponent they could find for my return to the ring and then do what we can to get a World title after. I’m not looking past May 13th, he’s a very tough opponent, but I want to go out there and make a statement.”

On the same bill, women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE makes her long-awaited Leeds homecoming. The double Olympic Gold Medallist is aiming to emulate her hero Muhammad Ali by winning a World title in 2018.

“I would like to be ready for a World title fight next year and bring the belt home to Leeds,” said Adams OBE. “I think that’s quite realistic with all my experience. I’ve had over 200 amatuer fights, I just have to adapt a little more for the times of the rounds and we’ve been working hard on slowing down my feet, getting more power in my punches.

“This is what it’s all about for me! I can’t wait to fight in front of all of the Leeds fans. The atmosphere in the Arena is going to be unreal and I’m sure it will replicate the noise at the Games. I haven’t boxed in Leeds since I was 13-years-old so this really is a homecoming fight.”

Chief support on the card sees Liverpool’s Jazza Dickens defend his British Super-Bantamweight title against highly-rated County Durham slickster Thomas Patrick Ward. Dickens failed in his bid to de-thrown Cuban pound-for-pound star Guillermo Rigondeaux back in July and is itching to get back in the ring after recovering from a broken jaw. Recent Warren signing Ward boasts an impressive unblemished record of 19 wins from 19 fights and is described by many in the North East as British boxing’s best kept secret.

Guisborough Super-Lightweight Josh Leather will fight for his first professional title when he takes on Dublin’s Phillip Sutcliffe Jnr for the Vacant IBF Inter-Continental strap. Former England amateur captain Leather is undefeated in eleven and has stopped five of his opponents. Irish amateur standout Sutcliffe Jnr is firmly on the comeback trail after suffering his first career loss back in May 2016.

British Super-Lightweight Champion Tyrone Nurse fights over ten rounds. The Yorkshire star defends his Lord Lonsdale belt against Joe Hughes at the Leicester Arena on April 22nd and is eyeing a future showdown with Warren stablemate Jack Catterall.

A stacked undercard is completed by undefeated Bradford Welterweight Darren Tetley; rising Guildford Featherweight Thomas Kindon; power-punching Fulham Super-Middleweight Zak Chelli; Guisborough Super-Lightweight Kalam Leather and the professional debut of Team GB amateur standout Joe Maphosa.

Tickets priced at £30, £40, £60, £100 and £120 are available from:

Eventim
www.eventim.co.uk
0844 249 1000

BoxNation, the Channel of Champions, will televise this fight on Sky (SD Ch.437 and HD Ch.490), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon).

Go to www.boxnation.com to see how you can watch this fight and more live!

Vasyl Lomanchenko will defend his 130 pound world title against beltholder Jason Sosa on April 8 at the new MGM Casino outside of Baltimore, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.

“I don’t think anybody beats Lomachenko, but Sosa has a puncher’s chance,” Top Rank’s promoter Bob Arum said. “He’s certainly a respectable opponent.”

“Sosa beat two good fighters in Fortuna and Smith, and he wants to find out how good he is,” said Russell Peltz, who co-promotes Sosa with Top Rank. “He wants to test himself against the best and Lomachenko is one of the best. If there were more fighters with Sosa’s attitude, boxing would be in better shape.”

“Sosa wants the fight and his trainer [Raul ‘Chino’ Rivas] likes the fight,” Peltz said. “I don’t think Jason will get discouraged if he falls behind early. He didn’t lose focus in China against Fortuna, and he came from behind and won the fight. I think he’ll keep trying for every minute of every round against Lomachenko.

“I know Lomachenko was this great amateur with [close to] 400 fights, but that takes a toll on your body. There’s a point where it adds up and it takes its toll on the body. I’ve seen Lomachenko fight, and everybody is beatable. I saw Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston. On April 8, we are going to have the best chance of everybody to beat Lomachenko because we’re gonna be the one in the ring with him. Sosa is a world-class puncher and still learning to fight. He only had three amateur fights, but he’ll give it everything he has like he always does.”

Arum initially tried to make a unification fight for Lomachenko (7-1, 5 KOs) against Panama’s Jezreel Corrales (21-1, 8 KOs) but said the Corrales camp ultimately rejected the fight.

“He didn’t want the fight,” Arum said. “That’s one of the problems with Lomachenko — nobody’s got the balls to fight him except Sosa.”

Arum also said he attempted to make a rematch between Lomachenko, 28, and former titlist Orlando Salido (43-13-4, 30 KOs), who won a close decision over Lomachenko in 2014 in Lomachenko’s second professional fight. Lomachenko was attempting to win a vacant featherweight title — which had been stripped from Salido the previous day for failing to make weight — and thus set the record for winning a world title in the fewest bouts.

“With Salido, we were up to a crazy number,” Arum said. “He still wouldn’t take the fight and he has nothing going now. He won’t fight Lomachenko again.”

NEW YORK (Feb. 1, 2017) — Undefeated heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison suffered a cut over his left eye while sparring on Tuesday at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and is unavailable to fight on next Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast.

“I’m very disappointed for Trey because this is the best camp that we’ve had together,” said trainer Freddie Roach, who was in his sixth camp with the undefeated heavyweight. “Trey should be healed and back in the gym in three or four weeks to come back stronger than ever.”

Lippe Morrison (13-0, 13 KOs) was set to make his second ShoBox start in an eight-round heavyweight bout against Daniel Martz on Feb. 10 at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla., near his hometown of Vinita.

“This is a small setback for Trey,” said Tony Holden of Tony Holden Productions. “You can’t prevent these injuries, they are just part of the sport. I can’t wait to get him back in the gym with Freddie to continue his path toward becoming a world title contender.”

The Feb. 10 ShoBox will continue as a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT. In the 10-round main event, undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs) will face aggressive-minded once-beaten Abel Ramos (17-1-2, 12 KOs).

In the eight-round co-feature, former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joe “Mack” Williams (10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., clash in matchup of undefeated light heavyweights. In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, the eight-round super featherweight scrap.

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.
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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 67 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.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, unified 140-lb champion Terence Crawford will be back in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska on May 20th, possibly against Felix Diaz.

“I want to do the fight with Felix Diaz. That’s the best fight for us to make,” said Crawford promoter Bob Arum, who added that some of his closest advisers in the company are against it. “Lou DiBella (Diaz’s promoter) calls me every day about it. That’s the fight I want to make.”

“I’m about to call him again today,” DiBella told ESPN. “My guy is ready, willing and able to go May 20 and Omaha would be fine with us. I know there are people within Top Rank that like the fight very much and also I know there are people within Top Rank that don’t. That’s the way it usually is with a really good, competitive fight. I’ve been in this business a long time and I gave Bob a number that’s fair and he didn’t balk. I’m going to continue calling him every day until we hopefully close the deal.”

“I know how good Terence Crawford is and I don’t think for a second he is scared of anybody,” DiBella said. “But that being said, given his recent fight the fans want him to be challenged and there’s no question Felix Diaz brings a challenge. There are guys out there screaming for a fight with Manny Pacquiao or to get Floyd Mayweather out of retirement, but there aren’t guys screaming they want to fight Terence Crawford. But Felix Diaz wants Terence Crawford. He believes Crawford is his measuring stick to see how good he is. He thinks, ‘You’re good, the public thinks you’re good, so I want to fight you.'”

NEW YORK CITY (February 1, 2017) On Tuesday, January 31, IBF Heavyweight World Champion ANTHONY JOSHUA, (18-0, 18 KO’s) and long reigning Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO, (64-4-0, 53 KO’s) hit New York City for media appearances and to hold a press conference to discuss their April 29 massive international boxing clash set for London’s Wembley Stadium where a sold-out crowd of 90,000 will bear witness.

The press conference was held at Madison Square Garden, known as The Mecca of Boxing, where Klitschko was been victorious four times in his illustrious career.

ANTHONY JOSHUA
“This is all about the mind games now, but as we know I’m a man who likes to perform. The obsession has always been there for me and not just in boxing. It starts with self, boxing is a representation of who I am. I’m determined to become the best. That’s my obsession.”

“I’m a man who likes to perform and entertain and that’s away been there. I’ve always want to take on the best.”

“The questions are correct, is it too soon, have my opponents prepared me for this” God would never put me in a position I couldn’t handle, fighting Wladimir Klitschko in front of 90,000 people. But the objective still remains the same.”

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO
“I first fought here in 2000 on the undercard of Lennox Lewis vs. Michael Grant, Anthony was 10, it’s crazy to think about time and how fast it runs. When I fought Samuel Peter, his promoter called me dead-man walking, but that man kept walking for a very long time.”

“I understand and know why this press conference is here in New York City. I know a lot of fans will be watching on TV and in the arena. I’ve fought in front of huge crowds but 90,000 is my biggest arena.”

“I’m fighting a man that I was, is and will be a fan of since I watched Anthony Joshua win his Olympic Gold Medal in 2012. He was my sparring partner in 2014 when I trained for Kubrat Pulev.”

“I believe this man has a lot of skills, maybe yes, maybe not he will be the biggest star in boxing. I know there are plans to fight Wilder after me, it’s good to be young and ambitions, but I believe this fight has a lot of questions. Is it too early for him, too late for me?”

“All those questions will be answered on April 29, do I still got it or is it too late? I’m looking forward to his challenge, I have my goal to become three-time world champion and I’m obsessed with it.”

EDDIE HEARN, Matchroom Boxing
“A pleasure to be involved the biggest boxing event in British boxing history. It would be so easy for Anthony Joshua to continue selling out the biggest arenas in the UK while fighting less that world class competition and do what every other fighter has done, keep knocking out the easy targets, it’s not what Anthony Joshua is all about.”

“In his 19th fight, Anthony Joshua is stepping up to fight a true legend in Wladimir Klitschko and isn’t that what boxing’s all about? What’s sports is all about? Create nights and moments that people will never forget, 90,000 people in the biggest stadium in the UK.”

“Anthony Joshua has set a frightening pace but I believe on April 29 it will be the crowning of the new worldwide sensation n boxing.”

BERND BOENTE, KMG Management Group
“It’s great to be back here at the Garden with the success of Wladimir and Vitali in the past and now we have a bigger event in a bigger arena with Anthony Joshua. On April 29 at Wembley Stadium with 90,000 people, a true promoter’s dream fight.”

“We have the young, undefeated champion Anthony Joshua against the longtime ruler of the heavyweight division, Wladimir Klitschko. This will be Wladimir’s 29th world title fight which is a record for the heavyweight division.”

“We are looking forward to a fantastic fight with great TV partners, Sky in the UK, RTL in Germany and we will sort out the US TV partner shortly.”

ADAM SMITH, Sky Sports (Moderator)
“Wladimir’s back as he challenges the new generation, Anthony Joshua, the IBF Champion of the World. They lock horns in a battle for the ages in front of a record 90,000 people at our national stadium, Wembley in London on April 29. A multi unification and a fantastic fight. The buildup is going to be immense.”

JOSHUA vs. KLITSCHKO is presented by Matchroom Boxing, K2 Promotions and KMG Management Group.

TUNICA, MS (February 1, 2017) – Exciting welterweight contender Sammy Vasquez Jr. shared his final thoughts ahead of his main event showdown against former world champion Luis Collazo Thursday night on a special three-hour edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features fast-rising contender Yordenis Ugas against Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava in a 10-round matchup of hard-hitting welterweights plus Houston’s Ryan Karl taking on Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez in a 10-round battle of unbeaten super lightweights.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $150, $75 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Here is what Vasquez Jr. had to say about training, his matchup against Collazo and more:

On his upcoming opponent, Luis Collazo:
“This is a very challenging fight but one I believe I can win. Now that Collazo is one hundred percent healthy, I know he’s going to be at his best. We both are trying to get back on top so the fans can expect a great fight.”

On his recent training camp:
“It’s been a great training camp. We got a lot of good southpaw sparring and I feel sharp going into this fight. All the preparation has been done and now it’s time to fight. I’ll be at my best come fight night.”

On what he learned from his first defeat:
“It was a tough loss in my last fight with the late sub Felix Diaz. Although we fought another southpaw, our game plan was for Collazo, who is a totally different style. In this game, I must be prepared for any style that comes my way. I know that now and I’ll be fully prepared for anything that Collazo brings.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A win against Collazo will get me right back in the mix of things in the welterweight division. With only one loss on my record, I feel I still have a lot to give to this sport. A victory will open up a path to fight for a world title.”

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

Philadelphia, PA / Johannesburg, South Africa (February , 2017)–This past Friday night in Durban, South Africa, WBA number-3 ranked, WBC number-13 ranked, and WBO number-15 ranked lightweight contender Xolisani Ndongeni (22-0, 11 Ko’s) was named South African Fighter of the Year.

The ceremony took place in front of former South African world champions, and dignitaries such as Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula.

The 26 year-old Ndongeni won two big fights in 2016. His year started out on April 22nd with a 1st round stoppage over Emilio Norfat. He followed that up with a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Garcia Mendez on November 4th in Corona, California.

The bout was Ndongeni’s American debut.

“I’m very proud to have won,” said Ndongeni. “I have a lot of faith in my team of Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves, Banner Promotions and [trainer] Colin Nathan. The sky is the limit. I’m looking forward to fighting in the US very soon and showing them all what I’m capable of.”

“I was delighted for ‘Nomeva’ [Ndongeni], who made his US debut last year and won in style against a difficult opponent,” said Golden Gloves CEO, Rodney Berman. “I have high hopes from him and this endorsement merely underlines his international potential. He’s highly rated and will surely get his big chance before long.”

Said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo, “I want to congratulate Xolisani for winning this great award. He is a terrific fighter, and was very impressive in his American debut. 2017 will be a big year for him and we look to get him in some big fights.”

Olympian Joe Cordina has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The Welsh talent represented Team GB at Lightweight in Rio last summer and the former European champion and Commonwealth bronze medal man is set to become an exciting addition to the paid ranks.

Cordina will train in Essex with Tony Sims and begin life in the paid ranks at Super-Featherweight, and the 25 year old has wasted no time in setting his targets for his pro career – World title glory and setting up his young family for life.

“After the games I knew that I was going to turn pro and I’m itching to get going,” said Cordina, whose debut date will be announced soon. “I was training and looking to adapt my style, looking at different fighters and bringing things in that they have, take bits from them and take that step forward because I will be learning on the job really. It’s going to be different but I am used to fighting different styles every day at tournaments and i think I am good at adapting.

“I want my name up in lights in Las Vegas, that’s the dream. There’s pressure there but I don’t feel it from what people think, it comes from myself. That works for me, if I put pressure on myself it makes me perform. We talk to psychologists at Team GB and they teach you to turn pressure into a positive and that’s what I do, sometimes people say that you shouldn’t put pressure on yourself but I use it to get out there and do the business.

“It’s brilliant to be working with Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports. Anthony Joshua and Kal Yafai turned over with Eddie Hearn and became World champions and I believe that I can follow that same path to the top.

“I just want to put on a good show against anyone put in front of me, excite the fans and build up a profile. I want people to be talking about me and raving about my performances because in three years’ time I want to be fighting for a World title.

“There’s no better feeling in the world then having your hand raised at the end of a fight. It’s such a high that you can’t explain it, you have to do it to really know what it’s like, and it’s a feeling I want to keep experiencing.

“People in Wales have been asking when I’m going to turn pro for a while now as they want to follow my progression, Lee Selby has done great things, won a World title, Nathan Cleverly is a World champion again, but I think that people in Cardiff are waiting for someone to draw everybody in and I feel I can be the man to do that.

“I don’t want to fight for my first World title anywhere but Cardiff, and I think that the Welsh public will get right behind me. I’m a very proud Welshman, I’ve been around Team GB and English and Scottish boxers a lot so I don’t look into it too much but I want to be a guy that Welsh fans can call their own and be proud of.

“As time goes on you have different motivating factors and I have my 18 month old daughter and I’ve got another on the way. If this goes well, which it will, I can set them up for life. I have ambitions to win World titles of course, and when I keep winning those things will come naturally, but I want to set my family up for life and that’s what goes through my head in training and on those hard runs.”

“I’ve had my eye on Joe Cordina for some time – I believe he is an exceptional talent,” said Hearn. “I feel there is real potential for a star to flourish in Welsh boxing but the goal is to make him a global star as well. Fans are really going to enjoy his style and watching his career unfold on Sky Sports.”

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2017) – Top junior welterweight prospect Giovani Santillan (20-0, 11 KOs) and featherweight standout Erick Ituarte (15-1-1, 2 KOs) make their 2017 debuts on “Path to Glory,” Friday, Feb. 10 from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

In the 8-round main event, Santillan, 25, will face Mexico’s Omar Tienda (18-3, 11 KOs), while Ituarte squares off with Naciff Castillo (17-9-2, 5 KOs) in the 8-round co-feature.

Santillan, a southpaw from San Diego, uses a brilliant combination of speed and power to stifle opponents. He is coming off a pair of wins against veteran boxer-punchers Jose Macias and Miguel Angel Mendoza.

“The quality of opposition has gotten better over the years,” Santillan said. “I’m working toward fighting the best that the junior welterweight division has to offer. I’ve had competitive sparring sessions with Floyd Mayweather and Tim Bradley so I know I can compete with the world title holders.”

Iturte, 22, is riding an eight fight winning streak dating back to the second half of 2014. Ituarte, who is from Santa Ana, Calif., has three wins in each of the last two years. He is a volume puncher with a fearless attitude.

“I make for exciting fights,” Ituarte said. “I’m not in there to dance with Castillo. I’m there to put the pressure on and get a win.”

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.

In other action, blue chip featherweight prospect Ruben Villa (3-0, 2 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. looks to improve his record against Francisco Camacho (2-6-1, 1 KO) of Tamaulipas, Mexico in a scheduled 4-rounder.

Villa, 19, began his career last year with back-to-back knockout victories. The southpaw swept all three scorecards in his last outing, a 4-round unanimous decision win over the previously unbeaten Aaron Lopez in November.

“The goal is to improve with every fight,” said Villa, who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions. “We’ve been in camp since late last year and we’re ready for another win.”

Additionally on “Path to Glory,” Michael Dutchover (2-0, 2 KOs) of Midland, Tex., who is also a highly regarded prospect, fights an opponent to be named later (4-rounds/junior lightweights).

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.

To connect with Giovani Santillan on social media: Twitter: @GiovaniSanti1, Instagram: giovan1santillan, & Facebook.

To connect with Ruben Villa: Twitter: @ruben_villa4, Instagram: rubenv4, & Facebook.

To connect with Michael Dutchover: Twitter: @angelodutch7, Instagram: michaeld_00, Facebook.

“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, #SoCal, #SoCalBoxing, 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.

LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2017) – The World Boxing Association (WBA) has notified WBA cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov and WBA Interim cruiserweight title-holder Yunier Dorticos, as well as their representatives, that Caribe Promotions has lost its rights to promote the WBA mandated Shumenov vs. Dorticos title fight.

Dorticos’ promoter, Caribe Promotions, originally won the Shumenov vs. Dorticos title fight rights last November with a winning purse bid of $350,001, which required a fight date within 90 days. Although rumored to be held in mid-February in either Miami or Las Vegas, Caribe’s ability and willingness to actually promote the fight came into question in January, 2017. The WBA demanded that Caribe confirm its intentions and even granted Caribe additional time to respond, but Caribe failed to file confirmation of a fight date with the WBA. Because Caribe was unable to confirm its intentions, the WBA had little choice but to award rights to the second-highest purse bidder, Tom Brown’s TGB Promotions.

“I last fought May 21st and I have been in the gym since June because I was supposed to fight Lebedev in September,” said a terribly frustrated Shumenov. “But he backed out of the fight with me once again and I have been ready to fight since then. I signed a bout agreement to fight Dorticos on February 11th in Miami, but Dorticos and his promoter disappeared after I signed. They’re full of it; all they do is talk. I can’t wait to knock him out. I am waiting on my manager to call me right now to tell me the new fight date with TGB.”

Caribe Promotions has been forced to also forfeit its $35,000 purse bid deposit with 10-percent off the top going to the WBA and remainder ($31,500) distributed to Shumenov and Dorticos, respectively, on a 75-25 percent basis due to its failure to promote the fight.

Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas by way of Kazakhstan, fought last May 21, when he stopped 15-1-1 Junior Wright in the 10th round of their Las Vegas fight for the vacant WBA World cruiserweight title. The WBA had ruled that the Shumenov-Wright winner would be the mandatory challenger for its “Super” champion, Lebedev, within 90 days, however, it later allowed unified cruiserweight titlist Lebedev (against Shumenov’s strong objections) to fight his International Boxing Federation (IBF) mandatory defense against challenger Murat Gassiev, effectively mandating an eliminator between Shumenov and Dorticos with that winner to fight the winner of Lebedev-Gassiev. Only days prior to the Lebedev-Gassiev title fight, Lebedev was inexplicably allowed to fight Gassiev without defending his WBA title, as only his IBF belt was on the line. Gassiev (24-0) defeated Lebedev (29-3) by way of a 12-round split decision in Moscow to become the IBF cruiserweight world champion and Lebedev remains the WBA Super cruiserweight world champion, at least for now. The WBA is expected to rule on Shumenov’s objections to Lebedev’s fight against Gassiev, Lebedev’s status and whether Lebedev will remain champion having lost his last fight.

Dorticos has made false claims in the media that Shumenov, who had been waiting for the WBA to rule on his petitions to force Lebedev to fight him without further delay, had been avoiding him. It is ironic now that Dorticos’ own promoter first sought to delay and has now defaulted on the long-awaited confrontation by failing to promote the Shumenov-Dorticos title fight within the WBA deadline.

A former WBA Super light heavyweight world champion, the 33-year-old Shumenov is the first two-division world champion from a Soviet-bloc country.

Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

TUNICA, MS (January 31, 2017) – Exciting contender Sammy Vasquez Jr. and former world champion Luis Collazo went face-to-face Tuesday ahead of their welterweight showdown that headlines a special three-hour edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Thursday, February 2 from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.

Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a pair of exciting matchups. Fast-rising contender Yordenis Ugas will meet Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava in a 10-round matchup of hard-hitting welterweights while Houston’s Ryan Karl takes on Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez in a 10-round battle of unbeaten super lightweights.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $150, $75 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:

SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.

“Luis Collazo is a really tough opponent. He’s always game. It doesn’t matter who he fights. I always enjoyed watching him growing up because he’s quick, strong and savvy.

“This is a fight I’ve been looking forward to. Collazo has fought everyone and he always gives a great fight. I couldn’t have thought of anybody better to have a great fight on television against. Everyone who knows the two of us, knows we’re going to come to fight.

“He’s never really been knocked out, just the mishap in the Thurman fight. Collazo hurt Thurman, and that’s a guy in his prime. Collazo isn’t in his prime, but age is just a number in this sport.

“We’re prepared. We know he’s a southpaw just like my last opponent. We were originally supposed to face him before Felix Diaz stepped in. The game plan is for me to dictate how this fight goes. I have to set the pace and control it.

“As long as I can control the fight, it’s smooth-sailing for me. I know he’s got a hard head and he’s going to come forward, so I think it’s going to be an exciting fight.”

LUIS COLLAZO

“Sammy is a tough fighter. He’s been moving up in the ranks and faced some decent opposition. We’re both lefties and I think it’s going to be an explosive fight.

“This is another tough fight for me. I’ve been in there with the top guys and everyone knows I’m going to give it my all. I’m grateful to be back in this position. There are great fight fans here in Mississippi and I’m going to give them something to cheer about.

“I’m blessed to be able to do what I love to do and I do it with passion and drive. I hope everyone enjoys what happens on Thursday night, because I know I will.

“I’ve been in this game for 17 years as a pro. I’ve seen every type of fighter. We’ll find out Thursday night how much I have left. Sometimes fighters can get counted out, but people don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes. My preparation for this fight was great and we’ll find out Thursday if it translates to the ring.”

YORDENIS UGAS

“I’m looking forward to this fight. I hope to give a great performance and continue on my way toward a world title.

“I’ve had a perfect training camp and I’m prepared to get a victory. This is my time to make another statement to all of the top fighters in the division. I’m ready for any challenge.”

LEVAN GHVAMICHAVA

“I’ve worked very hard in training camp to prepare for this fight. I’m excited to be here and have this opportunity to give the fans a great show.

“I’m going to give it my all in the ring and make sure I walk out of there with the victory. I know that I have a tough opponent, but I’m confident in my training and my skills.”

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

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is issuing a challenge to the world’s top super middleweights: Help his fighter, David “El Bandera Roja/Red Flag” Benavidez, become the youngest 168-lb champion in boxing history by fighting him.

“He is on a course to smash the old record,” said Lewkowicz of Benavidez, but I need a top-10 contender or a world champion to fight him. He’ll take on anyone in the world.”

Phoenix, Arizona’s Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), who did his usual steamroll over opponents last Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (this time over Uzbekistan’s Shareli Mamajonov in less than two brutal rounds), is only 20 years old. The youngest super middleweight champion in history was Darin Van Horn, who was 22 years, 8 months and 11 days old when he beat Lindell Holmes by KO 11 for the IBF Super Middleweight Championship on May 18, 1991.

“Promoters don’t want their fighters to fight him,” continued Lewkowicz. “He can’t move up the ratings or make boxing history if promoters are too worried about their investments to let their fighters face him. I need the promoters behind the top 10 contenders in the division to step up and see if their fighters can stop his rise. They can’t. But I need them to try.”

Benavidez is currently rated WBC #14, WBA #7, IBF #13.

“If you are reading this and you promote any super middleweight fighter who has a top-10 ranking or is world champion, call me. We will fight. We hear from opponents looking to get paid for getting knocked out, but never anyone with a top-10 rating. This is your challenge. Call me and let’s get it on. Help my fighter become part of boxing history.”
About Sampson Boxing
After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 31, 2017) – Things will heat up at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles this winter, as Golden Boy Promotions puts on three sizzling fight cards featuring up-and-coming prospects from throughout the Southland region and beyond.

First, on February 3, Golden Boy has loaded up its opening card of the season adding dynamite prospects to the previously announced appearances of Texas sensations Joshua “The Professor” Franco and Hector “El Finito” Tanajara, Jr.

Topping the list of prospects is Victorville’s Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (7-0, 6 KOs), who will continue his rapid pace of taking on all comers this Friday. After fighting seven times in the last seven months, Garcia will make his TV debut on Estrella against an opponent to be announced soon.

Just two weeks later on Feb. 17, growing Mexican legend and super lightweight knockout artist, Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (33-1, 27 KOs),will make his statewide debut and step right into a firefight, as he takes on Gamaliel “El Platano” Diaz (40-15-3, 19 KOs).

Manzanarez is already a star in his native Mexico, and will look to bolster his growing popularity as he steps into the ring for the first time in America.

In Diaz, Manzanarez will be in with a longtime, wily contender who has faced a who’s who of champions across multiple weight divisions including Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla, Takahshi Miura, Takahiro Ao, Humberto “La Zorrita” Soto, Jorge “El Nino de Oro” Linares and Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.

Then, on March 10, Belasco fan favorite Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez (16-0, 14 KOs) will face his toughest test to date as he battles for the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight Championship against Romero “Ruthless” Duno (12-1, 11 KOs).

With a victory, the popular Chimpa will be ready to step up into 10-round bouts on a wide array of platforms and locations.

Full cards for all three shows are below:

February 3 LA FIGHT CLUB:

Joshua Franco vs. Victor Pasillas, Super Flyweights, 8 rounds
Hector Tanajara Jr. vs. Baltazar Ramirez, Lightweights, 6 rounds
Ryan Garcia vs. TBA, Lightweights, 6 rounds
David Mijares vs. Evincii Dixon, Super Lightweights, 6 rounds
Jonathan Navarro vs. Angel Rodriguez, Super Lightweights, 6 rounds

February 17 LA FIGHT CLUB:

Roberto Manzanarez vs. Gamaliel Diaz, Lightweights, 8 rounds
Genaro Gamez vs. Alejandro Ochoa, Lightweights, 6 rounds
Luis Feliciano vs. TBA, Super Lightweights, 6 rounds
Tenochtitlan Nava vs. Oscar Quezada, Super Featherweights, 4 rounds
Jousce Gonzalez vs. Emmanuel Valadez, Super Featherweights, 4 rounds
Javier Martinez vs. Miguel A. Barajas, Featherweights, 6 rounds

March 10 LA FIGHT CLUB:

Christian Gonzalez vs. Romero Duno, WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight Championship, 8 rounds
Alexis Rocha vs. TBA, Super Welterweights, 6 rounds
Niko Valdes vs. TBA, Super Middleweights, 6 rounds
Marvin Cabrera vs. TBA, Super Welterweights, 4 rounds
Franicsco Esparza vs. Emmanuel Castro, Featherweights, 6 rounds

*Events/Schedule Subject To Change*

Tickets for LA FIGHT CLUB are starting at only $20 with Flex Passes for multiple fight packages; group tickets and “Knockout Experience” upgrade are available for purchase now at www.goldenboypromotions.com, Golden Boy Promotions Facebook page, or by calling 213-233-2957.

LA FIGHT CLUB is presented by Golden Boy Promotions at Downtown Los Angeles’ Belasco Theater and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate ‘BORN BOLD’ and Casa Mexico Tequila. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m. Mark your calendars and buy your tickets for the upcoming shows on February 17, March 10, April 14, June 2, and July 14.

Applications for media credentials can be found here. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval for a credential. You cannot transfer your credentials to someone else. Media will not be credentialed on-site, no exceptions.

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.

It was a sensational year for Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing in 2016. The year brought many thrills and breakout performances, including the two dramatic knockouts by Light Heavyweight Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr on NBC and HBO respectively. Cruiserweight Constantin Bejenaru had 2 nice upset wins on Showtime and rising Jr. Welterweight Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin continued his winning ways at the Paramount.

JOE SMITH JR. KO’S BERNARD HOPKINS

Sadly, the year also saw the passing of the legendary Patriarch of the DeGuardia family on March 8, 2016. The Father of our CEO, Joe DeGuardia Sr., was a former professional boxer in the 40’s and 50’s who fought in many of the famous arenas in the Tri State area and ultimately became a legend and pillar of his native Morris Park area of the Bronx and a treasured throwback of the boxing community.

JOE DEGUARDIA SR.

The brightest news of 2016 came in the meteoric rise by Joe Smith Jr. “The Beast” burst onto the scene with a spectacular 1st round KO of the #1 rated Light Heavyweight in the world Andrezj Fonfara in Fonfara’s back yard of Chicago, IL, on June 18th. The bout was nationally broadcast prime-time as main event on the NBC network. Smith Jr. was a 20-1 underdog.

JOE SMITH JR. & JOE DEGUARDIA

Smith Jr. followed that victory with another electrifying KO of future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins on December 17th in a fight televised live on HBO Championship Boxing. Smith knocked Hopkins clear out of the ring in the 8th round in Bernard’s farewell fight and by doing so placed himself on the ballots of numerous Boxing sites including the highly prestigious ESPN.com and the Boxing Writers Association for Fighter of the Year honors. Smith also won Breakout Fighter of the Year and Knockout of the Year from various highly recognizable boxing publications and websites, as well as numerous other awards in boxing. It was certainly a storybook year for the Long Islander, who is also the WBC International Light Heavyweight champion.

CLETUS SELDIN_ ANOTHER KO WIN
CLETUS SELDIN**HEBREW HAMMER** KO’S ANOTHER

Constantin Bejenaru made the most of his two
ShoBox appearances by defeating two highly touted undefeated Cruiserweights in Alexy Zubov and Stivens Bujaj. Constantin earned the WBC International and Continental Americas Cruiserweight Championships with his big wins in 2016.

CONSTANTIN BEJENARU

Undefeated and highly rated Jr. Welterweight Cletus “Hebrew Hammer” Seldin, #6 WBC in the World, ran his KO streak to 7 as he defended his WBC International Silver title two times in 2016 and is on the verge of landing a major bout in 2017.

Former WBO Super Welterweight champion Demetrius Andrade returned in 2016 with an impressive KO victory over the tough perineal contender Willie Nelson. The talented undefeated Andrade will be challenging Jack Culcay for the WBA world title early in 2017.

Undefeated Super Middleweight Zac Dunn had a big 2016 winning all 4 of his bouts while capturing the WBC International Silver title and the British Empire Commonwealth title. Zac is currently rated highly in all 4 organizations world rankings and Star Boxing has high hopes for him in 2017.

ZAC DUNN

Talented Jr. Welterweight Emanuel Taylor scored 2 impressive KO victories this year and Star Boxing’s younger prospects Anthony Karperis, Johnny Hernandez, Tyrone James, Danny Gonzalez, and Terell Bostic had banner years in 2016, as all going undefeated for the year.

Star Boxing also continued its highly successful “Rockin Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. The series has produced the likes of Joe Smith Jr., Chris Algieri, and Cletus Seldin as well as many others and have continually sold out while producing exciting, competitive fights.

The PARAMOUNT

2016 also saw Star Boxing President and CEO Joe DeGuardia receive the honor of induction into the NY Boxing Hall of Fame and we have learned that his legendary matchmaker Ron Katz will join Joe in the Hall of Fame in 2017.

The end of the calendar year wasn’t that great for New York boxing as there was no boxing in the entire state of New York from Sept 1, 2016 to Dec 31, 2016 due to a change in the law that set new insurance requirements that no insurance company was authorized to underwrite. While the policy exists in 2017, it is a major issue for the sport that has all but crippled New York boxing. In 2017, Star Boxing intends to take an active role in amending to this ill-conceived legislation.

To sum it up 2016 will be a year to remember for Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. Joe’s late Dad Joe Sr., surely is looking down from above with pride in his eyes and heart as his son’s Star Boxing company continues to be one of the industry leaders, in it’s 25th year of promoting.boxing!

Philadelphia, PA—Fred Jenkins, Jr., who has labored in anonymity for six years as a pro, and Roque

? Zapata , a virtual unknown who upset the apple cart two months ago in Philadelphia, collide March 10 at the 2300 Arena in a six-round junior middleweight fight with career implications for each man.
Topping the nine-bout card is an eight-round all-Philadelphia lightweight contest between Anthony Burgin and Avery Sparrow. First fight begins at 7.30 pm.
Jenkins, 30, turned pro in early in 2011. He has compiled a 10-3 record with 3 K0s. His biggest win came in 2014 when he knocked out Jeremy Trussell, of Baltimore, MD, in two rounds at the 2300 Arena. Trussell was 8-1-1 at the time.
In his last fight Oct. 14 in the same ring, Jenkins outpointed Ibrihim Shabazz, of Newark, NJ, over four rounds. He also has beaten James Robinson, of York, PA, and he lost to undefeated fighters: Jeff Lentz, of Lanoka Harbor, NJ, and Ismael Garcia, of Vineland, NJ. He has been stopped once.
“I had about 50 amateur fights,” said Jenkins (left), who is 5-foot-7. “The heaviest I ever was in the amateurs was 215 pounds, but there were times around 2008 or 2009 when I was not training that I went up to 275.”
When he turned pro in 2011, Jenkins was as heavy as 174.
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“I was working back then and I didn’t have a lot of time to train,” Jenkins said. “I worked for a railroad company in King of Prussia (PA) and my job was to drive people to and from work. I also worked for a paratransit company, driving elderly people and disabled people. Sometimes I was in the gym and sometimes not. I was taking fights at heavier weights “
Jenkins was in the house Dec. 2 when Zapata out-pointed
? ? Isaiah Wise ?.
“Zapata throws a lot of punches and he simply tries to outwork you,” Jenkins said. “But when I start banging him in the body and going to his ribs, I don’t think he’ll be throwing that many punches afterward. He’s also smaller than I am (5-foot-6 compared to 5-foot-7) and that doesn’t happen too often with me. I’m coming to win and I’m going to do everything I can to get there.”
Jenkins is managed and trained by his dad, Fred Jenkins, Sr., a member of the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame.
Zapata (right), 21, of Culpeper, VA, traveled to the 2300 Arena on Dec. 2 and upset previously unbeaten (3-0)
? ? Wise, of Philadelphia, in what could have been the most action-packed four rounds of 2016 locally. ?
? A pro less than one year, Zapata squeezed all six fights (2-1-3 record) into 2016, fighting opponents with good records, mostly in their backyards. He has boxed once in Virginia, five times in Pennsylvania and he also upset then-unbeaten (5-0) Dan Karpency, of Adah, PA, over four rounds last April in Washington, PA.
Zapata’s only setback was via six-round decision to unbeaten (6-0) Amonte Eberhardt, also in Washington, PA.
“I came into Philly on December 2 as an outcast and that night all I wanted was the respect of the Philly fans,” Zapata said. “I knew I had to prove to myself and to the Philly fans that I belong there with the hometown guys. I’m going to bring it every time. I feel I have not got the respect of the Philly fans, so that being said, on March 10 I am going to fight Fred Jenkins and I’m gonna do my absolute best to show the fans that I’m not a bum looking for paycheck but that I was born to do this and be the best at it.
“My career progress I would say is good even though I have one loss and three draws. All my fights were tough. Amonte Eberhardt is the only guy who beat me and I took that fight on one day’s notice and I had to cut 13 pounds and I fought six hard rounds even though I was dehydrated. This is no excuse but I believe if I had an eight-week camp (it would have been different). I was robbed in those three draws. I have watched them over and over and I cannot believe how the judges scored the way they did but that’s what happens when you fight hometown guys sometimes, but life goes on.
“Returning to Philadelphia to fight on a great card with good upcoming prospects is amazing.”

?

ABOUT MARCH 10

The Burgin-Sparrow and Jenkins-Zapata fights top a nine-bout card at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia. First fight is 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at $40, $50 and $75 and they are on sale at the offices of Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and at www.2300Arena.com. The card is being promoted by Peltz Boxing Promotions, Inc., BAM Boxing and Joe Hand Promotions. It will be streamed live by www.gfl.com and televised on delay by Comcast SportsNet.

ORANGE, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2017) – World ranked bantamweight contender Carlos Carlson (22-1, 13 KOs) is getting what all boxers dream of, but very few actually realize, a shot at a world title.

Carlson, who is based in Tijuana, Mex., will travel to Tokyo, Japan to fight WBC Champion Shinsuke Yamanaka (26-0-2, 18 KOs) on Thursday, March 2.

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

Carlson, 26, will face a talented southpaw in Yamanaka that has fought all of his professional fights in his native Japan. He has made 11 successful title defenses since winning the championship against Christian Esquivel (vacant) in Nov. 2011.

“It’s without question the toughest fight of my career,” said Carlson, who is currently ranked No. 9 by the WBC. “All the hard work and sacrifices have built up to this moment and I’m going to seize this opportunity. I’ll be coming home a world champion.”

“Carlson is ready to do whatever it takes to become a world champion,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “We’ve seen him up close for the last several years and we’re confident in his abilities. He’s paid his dues; he’s made the sacrifices. The world title is within his reach.”

Since the second half of 2013, Carlson has honed his craft by fighting in Southern California’s highly competitive Inland Empire. In Feb. 2014, he defeated the hard charging Javier Gallo by unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBC Latino Championship.

In his latest win last September, Carlson knocked out Alex Rangel in the third to win the vacant NABF Bantamweight Title.

“I’m definitely ready to become Mexico’s next world champion,” said Carlson, who signed with Thompson Boxing in 2013. “I know there’s a lot of work to do to prepare for someone like Yamanaka. I’m looking forward to every minute of training camp.”

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.

An encore presentation of Saturday’s explosive rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton, as well as Mikey Garcia’s breakthrough return to boxing’s elite, will air tonight/Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

Santa Cruz exacted revenge on his rival to win back his WBA Featherweight Crown at MGM Grand in Las Vegas in an early Fight of the Year candidate that has fans, media and the fighters themselves clamoring for a rubber match. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2jDj48u

In Saturday’s co-main event, Garcia, who languished in boxing exile for 30 months before returning last July, stamped his return to boxing’s elite with a definitive knockout of defending WBC Lightweight Champ Dejan Zlaticanin. The rousing victory over the universally avoided and previously unbeaten Zlaticanin crowned Garcia a three-division titlist, and perhaps a pound-for-pound great. VIDEO: http://s.sho.com/2kGcUC9

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast is also available via SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

The event was promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions and was sponsored by Corona La Cerveza Mas Fina.